Name: Kristen Blake

Kids: Madeline (16) Makaela (14 when she passed in 2004)

Occupation: Image Concierge/Fashion Stylist/Founder of Novella Style Group

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

H&H Interview with Kristen:

1.  What are your top 5 wardrobe essentials?

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes… oops, wait that is 3 things. Truly there are traditional essentials that should be in every wardrobe. One great fitting pair of jeans is always better than several that fit you so-so. A little black dress, though these days we are seeing a lot of variations to the LBD such as red, navy etc. A crisp and well fitting white button down dress shirt. The best quality in a black pump you can afford. And don’t forget a versatile handbag that can move from day to night, and without a doubt accessorize!

2.  What style advice do you have for new moms stuck in a fashion rut?

Spend an afternoon with me… seriously, I have found through my years in the business that making a small change that is just for you, such as a new haircut or a trip to the cosmetic counter can boost your self confidence and ultimately your outlook on your appearance. The smallest change can give you the boost you need to take your authentic style to the next level.

3.  What is the oldest thing in your closet?

Traditionally in my family the youngest daughter will receive a wedding set that has been passed down for over 200 years. Madeline cannot wait for them to be hers.

4.  What do you think was the all-time worst fashion trend?

Hands down any type of overall that is worn by someone over the age of 1. They are simply not flattering, regardless of your physique.

5.  What would we be surprised to find in your purse?

Food! I always have food in my purse. I think it comes from being the parent of a diabetic child. Makaela had to eat often and it is a habit that stuck with me. A healthy snack is just the thing to keep me going during a long day!

6.  What is your favorite reality TV show?

I have to admit I am a total “Housewives” junkie, that is until “All on the Line” premiered with Joe Zee from Elle Magazine. It portrays the fast paced and often cruel fashion industry for young and up and coming designers. They are given one day, one chance to impress one of the most influential men in fashion. I’m obsessed.

7.  What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?

Madeline is getting close to heading off to college. One day while we were discussing her future plans she looked at me completely defeated wanting to know what she was supposed to do with me. Is it to early to put you in a home? She asked. I laugh every time I think of that.

8.  What is your favorite quotation?

“Fashion Fades, Style is Eternal.” Yves St. Laurent. To me that quote embodies the entire reason I do what I do for a living. Watching my clients tap into their inner beauty and authentic self is so fulfilling.

9.  What is your guilty pleasure when you get a little coveted ‘me’ time?

I am an avid reader. I can escape to another world, another time and completely lose myself in the story. And what little girl didn’t love Cinderella, profound effect on my career choice. Cinderella is liberated from the wicked stepmother by designer footwear. Priceless.

10.  Who is your favorite celebrity mom style icon and why?

Gwen Stephani is a complete inspiration. Besides being a mother she is also a singer, songwriter and designer of L.A.M.B (Love, Angel, Music,Baby). She is not afraid to be herself and express herself with her style and her music.

11.  What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

I was born with a 3” difference in my legs and wore hip to toe casts beginning at age one until almost 3. I am very fortunate that the condition was caught at an early age.

12.  What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?

Laughter is truly the best medicine. And of course high heels!

*Thanks, Kristen!*

Written by Lea Barlow • 7 Comments

Name: Susie Romans

Kids: Noella Faye (4 months)

Occupation: Business Development, Marketing & Shaklee Enthusiast!

Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL

H&H Interview with Susie:

1.  What are the top 3 items in your grocery cart?

Apples, Coffee, Ground Turkey

2.  What are you reading (honestly)?

BLOGS! Mark’s Daily Apple is a health favorite! Also reading Copyblogger for blogging insight.

3.  What is your guilty pleasure when you get a break from the grind?

Watching Parenthood or having a Starbucks Frappucino.

4.  What would we be surprised to find in your purse?

Prayer cards.

5.  What is your favorite reality TV show?

The Bachelor and X Factor.

6.  What is your cocktail of choice?

Any fun flavored martini’s…last week I went out with some girlfriends and I had an amazing Key Lime Martini. Yum!

7.  What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?

Noella is trying to put anything in sight into her mouth, she is 4 months old. Today she tried to eat the dog!

8.  What is your favorite quotation?

“God writes well on crooked lines”- Father Godwin

9.  What is your most dreaded household chore?

LAUNDRY, It’s a tiny laundry room in the basement and I just can’t seem to stay on top of the hundreds of loads! Note to self: Buy next house with laundry room UPSTAIRS!

10.  Who is your favorite celebrity mom and why?

Natalie Grant. She is a famous Contemporary Christian artist. Her most recent song is “Your Great Name”. She stays grounded, has faith and a beautiful, loving family.

11.  What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

I am very family oriented, I love big families and staying close, Sunday church and brunch is a weekly must!

12.  What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?

Smiling, Being Positive, ZUMBA and yes, I indulge in sweet treats once in a while…I don’t completely deprive myself of favorite foods. All things in moderation!

*Follow Susie at StayatHomeSusie.com*

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

Name: Lynne Austin

Kids: Zac,21 Anna Rose,13 Sarah Jayne,11 Audra Grace, 9

Occupation:

Hooters Spokesperson and Original Hooters Girl

On air personality for CBS sports 1010am Hooters Nation Morning Show

Stylist for Stella & Dot Jewelry

Partner in Calender Girl Wines, LLC

Owner of Austintatious,  All things bling

Hometown:

Born in Plant City, FL. Raised in Odessa, FL.

H&H Interview with Lynne:

1.  What are the top 3 items in your grocery cart?

Organic milk, lemons, tostidos and salsa

2.  What are you reading (honestly)?

Pinterest

3.  What is your guilty pleasure when you get a break from the grind?

GUILTY pleasure?  Um, that’s TMI for your article!

4.  What would we be surprised to find in your purse?

My well used Hooters VIP card.

5.  What is your favorite reality TV show?

I have NEVER seen a reality show!

6.  What is your cocktail of choice?

Fireball cinnamon whiskey over ice.

7.  What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?

“You can’t eat an elephant in 1 bite, but, you can eat him 1 bite at a time.” – My dad.

9.  What is your most dreaded household chore?

Putting away clean laundry.

10.  Who is your favorite celebrity mom and why?

Kate Beckinsale. She’s so stinkin’ cute and has such fun with her daughter.

11.  What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

I can do the splits.

12.  What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?

My kids energy and auras, dirty jokes, sweet kisses , the music on my ipod and the love of baseball.

*Thanks, Lynne!*

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment

Name: Shannon Blaeske

Kids: 3 year old twins, Gavin & Breiden, and a one year old princess Fiona

Occupation: mom, former hair-stylist turned sham, blogger

Hometown: Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA to Naples, FL

H&H Interview with Shannon:

1.  What are the top 3 items in your grocery cart?

Milk, fruit and cheese

2.  What are you reading (honestly)?

A Tree  Grows In Brooklyn, except, honestly, I haven’t picked it up in almost two weeks.

3.  What is your guilty pleasure when you get a break from the kids?

I am slightly blog-world obsessed. After learning of my daughter’s Down Syndrome diagnosis, I found hope and refuge in the community of special needs mom bloggers and have formed friendships and support through keeping up with them. When I am not reading or writing my own, I look forward to girls night out, a good glass of wine and just a chance to put my feet up.

4.  What would we be surprised to find in your purse?

I didn’t use a purse for the longest time. Until I misplaced my wallet for the hundredth time. And now that I do use one, all that is in it is my wallet, receipts and gum. And occasionally and extra diaper.

5.  What is your favorite reality TV show?

I could live without ever seeing another one again.

6.  What is your cocktail of choice?

Beer or wine mostly. Depends on the meal and the night… or day.

7.  What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?

The Distraction is always a funny thing in our house. Breiden has mastered the “O Gavin, look at this cool toy” move to take the toy Gavin is currently playing with. Hey, as long as there is no screaming and fighting over toys, I’m cool with this little bit of manipulation.

8.  What is your favorite quotation?

It’s a verse. Jeremiah 29:11 – ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’

It’s what I hold on to whenever something doesn’t go the way I planned or dreamed. It’s what allows me to go with the flow, find the positive in the terrible, and be thankful for every blessing given to me. And it is the source of my daughter’s middle name, Hope.

9.  What songs are top on your iPod playlist right now?

iPod just passed away after a good four year run. If she were still going, it would probably be Adele, Jack Johnson and James Taylor.

10.  Who is your favorite celebrity mom and why?

I’d like to say Kelly Rippa, because she seems super involved in her kids lives… but what do we really know about celebrities? It’s too hard to tell the truth from the fabricated from the exaggerated. So I kinda of try to avoid it all.

11.  What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

My life is pretty much an open book. Not much to hide when you write your daily doings and what is on your heart for the world to see. Top three weird things about me, I am very much afraid of balloons, I jump into bed because Sixth Sense scarred me for life when the hand grabs his leg from under the bed, and I am not enjoying life unless I have a million things on my plate.

12.  What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?

Mostly a naturally good metabolism that comes from 25 years of being active. That might have something to do with the fact I never stop moving, I play with my kids more like a babysitter then a mom, and with twins and a special needs baby, it takes a lot to stress me out. I’ve come to realize don’t sweat the small stuff. Perfection is not worth it. And, most importantly, being content is more important then being happy. Post-twins and pre- baby number 3 I ran a lot. I love to run. And I swear by Pilates. But I have yet to find the time to do either consistently since having Fiona, so I am just thanking God for that natural metabolism and dreading the day I can’t lean on it anymore :)

* While Shannon doesn’t actually play hockey she does love wearing heels and wielding the stick. *

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment