Holiday Entertaining Inspiration @Momtrends #LuxHoliday

 

I had an incredible time at this year's MomTrends Holiday Entertaining Event, featuring dazzling party inspirations by the two lovelies behind Party Blu Print Blog.  While we mingled, delighted ourselves in festive party foods and a drink or two, these ladies gave us a few tips for planning our holiday decor.  My biggest take home tip was to always start with a holiday inspiration board with imagery and color swatches and things that inspire the look and feel you are going for.  So, here it is...my holiday inspiration board for this year...

via BaxtronLife on Polyvore

I originally was inspired by silver and winter white, from the first table setting that was modeled at the party, but opted to go for gold and white at home instead.  I loved decorating my home this year, especially since I will be out of town for the next three weeks and had no reason to do it.  And that may have been one of my secret motivations for throwing my first annual Ladies Christmas Social at my apartment.

A few other amazing brands were showcased at the MomTrends event, and I can't wait to tell you more about them in the coming months.  You can check out a few below!  I also had the honor of meeting the lovely Courtney of The Chirping Moms and Divina of The Dancing Hotdogs.

       

The New Traditionalists // Bensimon // Catimini // Sweet Loren's // TypeCrush

Thank you to MomTrends for the invitation!  And to the many lovely sponsors of the event!

There was no requirement of me to post about this event, I received some great swag while attending, learned great holiday entertaining tips and mingled with both brands and peers.  Truly enjoyed this event!

Warming up with Panera Bread Soups

Every time my husband and I drive back toward Ohio we hope that we'll find a Panera Bread along the drive to stop in and visit!  Panera Bread is this amazing Cafeteria-Bakery that offers an assortment of gourmet baked goods, yumtastic sandwiches and salads - and delicious homestyle soups!

For the past couple of visits we didn't know where to look for Panera Bread close to the trip route - but this time around we actually planned our stops around where Panera Bread was located.  And even more exciting was the discovery that Panera has several locations now in NYC...and I didn't even know it!!  But even more exciting is the fact that Panera even has locations in Washington state, where I'm headed this week!!  You could say I have an infatuation with Panera Bread!

I'm a sucker for a good soup and sandwich, and Panera Bread definitely knows how to do it right.  I've been there three times in the last month sampling a variety of different soups and sandwiches and I'm going to share a bit about my latest experience and what menu items I recommend you try!

Sierra Turkey Sandwich & French Onion Soup

I most recently visited a Panera Bread in Norwalk, CT this week and chose the French Onion soup and Sierra Turkey Sandwich.  The French Onion soup comes topped with savory croutons and asiago-parmesan cheese shavings.  It is rich in sweet onion flavor with just the right amount of herbs and seasonings to appeal to both the sweet and savory crowd!  I loved it.

Panera Bread French Onion Soup

I paired the soup with the Sierra Turkey sandwich which comes on fresh-baked asiago cheese focaccia!    I love the flavors of the red onion, smoked turkey and chipotle mayo as they come together on this bread.

Panera Bread Sierra Turkey Sandwich

Like I said, this was my third trip to Panera Bread this month!  During my previous visits I tried the Baked Potato Soup and the Cheddar Broccoli soup - both very satisfying on a cold Fall day!  Funny enough, I still haven't visited a Panera in NYC!  But I'm delighted that I will be able to any time I want to now!  And I was just searching to find out where the closest cafe is for my month hiatus home to Seattle...and there is one just a couple of miles from where I'll be staying!  I am sitting here practically drooling as I think about sampling their New England Clam Chowder (next on my list!)

While I was visiting the website to see what day they make their Clam Chowder...I found out they have a great partnership with Feeding America.  While you are dining at one of their lovely cafe's you can give back to the community by dropping a donation in one of the Panera Cares Community Breadboxes which will go toward ending hunger in America!

Have you been to Panera Bread?  What is your favorite soup??  Or which one of these delicious soups do you want to try!?

I received compensation for my food and time for this review through DailyBuzz Food, however; the opinions and views expressed are unsolicited and authentically mine.

Come Visit Me Elsewhere!

For a look at my inspiration behind LGC2013 featured on Big Apple Mami!  You'll hear what this is all about, and what to look forward to next month on BaxtronLife!

Then...learn a bit about what a day in my life looks like at Living Like the Kings!

And then finally...save the date...for a huge follow-fest for New Year's eve...

Your chance to share what your 2013 goals are plus meet other bloggers who share similar goals!  It is going to be AWESOME!  I can't wait to tell you more about it, but I'm still finalizing a few details!

Hope you are having a great start to your week!

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Have a coffeehouse that you love in NYC? Let me know in the comments below!

Laughter is the Best Cosmetic Bonding Over Beauty with Benefit

Benefit Cosmetics has opened shop in the SOHO area of New York City - and how did I not hear of this swanky boutique for all things beauty until now!!??  Zion and I recently had a Mother-Daughter date for Benefit's Bonding Over Beauty event, where we enjoyed pampering, sweet treats and spending special quality time together.

 

We started our day with a bit of hot coffee & hot chocolate - one of my most favorite things to do with my little lady.  Then we were off to the boutique - which is stunningly put together with pink accents, floral paper and fun vintage mannequins wearing bright and bold colors.

After oohing and ahhing over the gorgeous makeup and decor, it was time for a little pampering for the princess.

     

She loved getting a touch of satiny pink blush to her cheeks and frosty purple eyeshadow lightly dusted on her eyelids.  After she was all done - she was beaming - and glowing with joy!  I knew she'd love this event, as I catch her getting into my makeup at least once a week.

After Zion was done posing for pictures, we took some time to talk about what makes us really beautiful - its not about makeup or the clothes we wear, its about the condition of our hearts.  A joyful, thankful heart - one that is kind, compassionate and loving - is a beautiful thing.

   

We spent the rest of the time checking out all of the cosmetics displays, and mingling with other ladies at the event.  I think one of the best things about Benefit is that their products really aim to enhance and play off your natural beauty - nothing seemed heavy or over the top.  I love their free-spirited attitude and their signature quote, "Laughter is the best cosmetic, so grin and wear it."

At the end of the event I went home spoiled with some goodies that I am totally in love with and this little cutie pie...

Here are my absolute favorite products from Benefit:

Benefit Cosmetics by baxtronlife featuring a benefit mascara

1. Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW

2. Big Beautiful Eyes

3. PosieTint

4. They're Real Mascara

Have you used Benefit Cosmetics?  If so, do you have a favorite product?  How would you talk to your daughter about beauty?  Would you like to win Benefit products here on BaxtronLife?  Leave me a comment to let me know!

I was invited to attend this event by MamaDramaNY, and I received complimentary items as a thank-you for attending.  All opinions and recommendations are unsolicited and my own!

Energizer & Crayola Team-up to #PowerCreativity

Crayola Glow Book

Just before the holiday Zion and I had the opportunity to attend a special Power Creativity event in New York City.  For a couple of hours we had a good time checking out really cool new Energizer battery powered art products.  We played with some of Crayola's newest offerings - a wide array of different Energizer powered toys perfect for children of all ages.  We also learned about Energizer MAX Batteries - which hold their shelf life for 10 years!!  A great fact to know considering I've had to toss many dead batteries that did nothing but sit in their box for several months!

 

Crayola Wonder Light-Up Paint Pallette

 

If you are still looking for a few gift ideas for the kids, check out all of the recommendation on Crayola's gift guide!  They have great ideas sorted by age and type!

 

Crayola Digital Light Designer & Sketcher Projector

And while you are stocking up on creative toys for the kids, check out Energizer Flameless Wax Candles.  I love the authentic look, smell and flicker effect of these flameless candles.  I can't wait to use these for my holiday table and decor.  They have different settings as well so I can turn them on and they'll switch off automatically in 4 hours.  For Energizer deals and savings, visit them on Facebook.

Have you ever used flameless wax candles?  What did you think of them?  Have you finished your Christmas shopping?

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Energizer. I attended an event and received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.