amushro

How a HydraFacial From NOVA Plastic Surgery Helped My Winter Skin

February 1, 2016 by amushro

Winter is great for a lot of things: Sitting next to the fire and drinking lots of hot coco, snow days with your kids (maybe just a few snow days since I’m coming off a week of school being canceled), and warm comfy pajamas. All these pleasant winter feelings aside, winter hasn’t been so great for my skin. This winter I don’t have the typical dry and itchy skin from the dry heat of the furnace and the frigid weather outside, but because I’ve been sick, stressed, and drinking way too much coffee and not enough water, my face is really feeling all the pain of winter. The first place I can tell is my forehead.

I call this pic “Where did all these lines come from and holy cow, I have so many freckles.”

I’ve been trying to reverse the winter damage on my own with moisturizers and cleansers, but I wasn’t seeing a difference. So last week I visited NOVA Plastic Surgery for my first HydraFacial, and spoiler alert, I’m madly in love.

Before I got to NOVA Plastic Surgery, I did a little homework on the HydraFacial

The HydraFacial does four things:

Cleanses
Exfoliates dead skin cells
Extracts impurities
Replenishes vital nutrients including Antioxidants, Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid.
Takes about 20 minutes
Painless
No recovery (except some redness that goes away)
Can be tailored to make it address your unique needs
Best results are seen in few days
Procedure can be repeated weekly or monthly
Can be safely combined with other cosmetic procedures

The staff at NOVA Plastic Surgery were so kind and so helpful. Michelle, the Physician Assistant that administered my HydraFacial, gave me all the details of how the facial works and told me that on day three I would see the most difference. She was right! She asked if I had any concerns about my skin so I told her the long, sad story about my dry winter skin, pointed out the lines on my forehead and all the dry spots on my nose and cheeks. She suggested the Derma Builder add on for my fine lines and wrinkles.

Now, I LOVE a good facial, but rarely ever go to a spa to get one unless it’s a special occasion. Trying to find a few hours out of my day to head to the spa sounds lovely, but come on, not happening. But the HydraFacial is different, it only takes about 20 minutes or less. I actually had a sitter for the afternoon so after my HydraFacial I spent the rest of the afternoon ALL BY MYSELF– glorious.

I went to dinner this weekend with one of my favorite gal pals and she commented that my skin looked “amazing.” That’s right, friends, AMAZING. Then if that wasn’t fabulous enough, my husband (who wouldn’t notice if I dyed my hair green and shaved it into a mo-hawk) told me my skin was glowing and that I looked younger— without being prompted. Basically he’s become my favorite person.

Bye-bye sad winter skin. Hello, HydraFacial. I think I love you.

So for all my MD, DC, and VA friends, swing over the NOVA Plastic Surgery site and on Facebook to find out details and learn about their specials. The staff was so nice and made the process so easy. Next month I’m headed back and this time I’m taking my mom because after me sending her countless selfies and going on and on about the HydraFacial, she wants one too.

For this post I’ve partnered with NOVA Plastic Surgery to tell you all about my new found love for HydraFacials. All opinions are my own

Things to do with kids in Washington DC in the Winter

January 31, 2016 by amushro

Since we are coming off a week full of snow days due to Snowmageddon 2016, you can be sure every single parent will be searching for things to do with their kids to break this cabin fever. While Washington, DC seems like the perfect place to visit during the spring or summer, there are tons of awesome family activities to keep you and your little ones entertained in the winter. To see my list of things to do with kids in DC during the winter, click right here!

How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

January 30, 2016 by amushro

If you live on the east coast and you are still digging yourself out from the latest snowstorm, I’m right there with you! But it seems like we have some time before another round of snowstorms hit us, so now is a good time to take a look at your car to make sure it’s ready to handle the wear and tear that winter can have on your car. Click right here to find out my list for the best ways to prepare your car for winter.

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Winter Driving Tips for Teens

January 22, 2016 by amushro

Growing up in South Western PA meant that when it was time for me to get my driver’s license, I needed to learn how to drive in snow and ice because I could expect months of frigid temps and Mother Nature’s harsh winters every year. Even before your teens leave the driveway, there is a lot they should know and inspect. Before you hand your teen the keys to the car during the winter, make sure they know all of these important tips. Click right here to be magically transported to the article.

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Winter Car Life Hacks

January 20, 2016 by amushro

Brrrrrrrrrr……. when it’s cold outside the LAST thing I want to do is get into the car and drive anywhere. However, staying inside until spring just isn’t an option around here. However, I’ve got a few easy and effective car life hacks that are perfect for winter. I’ll show you how to clear up foggy winters for good, a quick way to get inside a car that has a lock or door frozen, and an easy DIY de-icer for your windshield. So until winter is over, let’s just stay inside and drink lots of hot coco and if you do have to leave, try out these hacks! Click right here to be magically transported to the article!

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The Best Snacks to Pack Your Kids for a Car Trip

January 18, 2016 by amushro

On the road again. Just can’t wait to get on the road again. Are you singing with me? Good, I knew I liked you! My kids are snackers. All day long they graze and snack and graze and snack. So when we are in the car, it’s the same thing: snacks, snacks, snacks. Unfortunately the easiest snacks for car trips aren’t always the healthiest. But with a little planning and extra care when packing, you’ll keep those tiny bellies full and you’ll feel better about their snack options too. So if you are headed out on a long car trip with the family or you have kids that like to have a snack while you travel here, there, and everywhere, here’s a few ideas for the best snacks to pack for your kids on car trips. Click right here to be magically transported to the article!

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11 Incredibility Easy Baking Life Hacks

January 13, 2016 by amushro

You know, genetics are a funny thing. My mom and I look so much alike, it actually shocks people. I haven’t lived in my hometown since I was 18, but when I visit my parents, a rando stranger will walk up to me and ask “Are you Kim’s daughter?” I open my mouth and let out one of those powerful mom yells, and it’s not my own voice that comes out, it’s my mother’s! However, while I may be twinning with my sweet Mamma, where genetics failed me is that my mom is an amazing and creative bakers, I am talentless and hopeless baker. Sigh. But I so want to be a good baker and my kids love to bake, so I have some simply clever life hacks to me less disastrous when baking and make

Sometimes a recipe calls for soften butter and usually I forget to take that stick out of the fridge before I start baking, but don’t fret and try this hack. To soften butter and bring it to room temperature in just a few minutes start by placing the amount of butter you need for the recipe on a dish (if you cut it up first it will work faster). Fill a glass with super, hot water and let it sit for a minute or two. Dump the water out, quickly wipe out the remaining water and place the glass over the butter you have on the dish. In about two-three minutes, your butter is room temperature, soft and ready for baking. This method is better than sticking it in the microwave because it doesn’t melt your butter and you won’t end up with hot spots.

If you want to create intricate designs or five cookies or cupcakes faces, don’t try to use the icing in a tube. Use a plastic syringe (the kind you use to give kids medicine) filled with icing to decorate cookies and cupcakes with precision! This is perfect for drawing faces and adding details even if you don’t have a steady hand and I love doing with kids because they can decorate and not squeeze the entire tube off icing on a cookie.

Decorate your desserts like a professional by using cookie cutters or PlayDoh cutters as stencils for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Gently place the cookie cutter on the dessert and add sprinkles inside the cutters. This is great for numbers and shapes likes stars.

Feeling fancy? Give your cookies and cupcakes a sophisticated look by putting a piece of lace over the dessert and shaking powdered sugar on top. It leaves a beautiful design.

Slice a cake perfectly by running the knife under hot water for a few seconds, wipe the knife off, and watch and it slides right through the cake!

Save money by buying white icing and use Jell-O to color and flavor regular frosting. Yummy!

Need sprinkles? Make your own by adding a scoop of granulated sugar into a bowl and add a few drops of food coloring. Place on a baking sheet and bake for ten minutes in a 350* oven.

If your cake is crumbling while you are trying to ice it, place your cake in the freezer for twenty minutes to create a sturdy cake that won’t crumble under the pressure of adding icing.

Need Buttermilk for your recipe but don’t have any? Here’s an easy fix! Stir one cup milk with one tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar and let it get to room temperature (around ten minutes) and there you go!

I have bags of brown sugar in my pantry and fridge and they are hard as a brick, but not anymore!

Add a slice of apple into an airtight container and in a few hours, the brown sugar will soften. Putting a wet paper towel in a bowl with the sugar in the microwave for 20-30 seconds works too. You can also store the brown sugar with a slice of white bread and it will keep the sugar soft, won’t affect the taste, and they bread won’t get moldy.

Have a recipe that calls for confectioner’s sugar but don’t have any? Put granulated sugar in a blender under it has a powdery consistency and you are ready to go!

The only rule to using these hacks, is if you bake something yummy, you HAVE to share with me, OK?

A Slumber Party with Kathie Lee, Hoda and Me! Amanda on The Today Show with KLG &Hoda

December 29, 2015 by amushro

When I was a little girl and I found myself home from school because I was sick, there was nothing that made me feel better than snuggling up on the couch next to my beloved grandma and watching Regis and Kathie Lee with her. My grandmother LOVED Kathie Lee– she loved her hair, her music, her jewelry, and because Kathie Lee had a dog named Chardonnay, my grandmother needed a dog named Chardonnay. Now my grandmother’s Chardonnay was a sheppard for the devil, but that’s a whole other story.

I really cherish those precious memories with my sweet grandmother and because she adored Kathie Lee so much, I have always had a special place in my heart for Kathie Lee as well. During my other Today Show appearances, I always hoped I would run into her in the halls and I even practiced what I would say to her. But every time I was lucky enough to be on the show, I would just see Kathie Lee as she came whisking in and out of the Orange Room and basically, I was a big chicken and afraid to present her with my practiced speech. So when I got the call from a producer that wanted me to tape a segment with Kathie Lee and Hoda, I couldn’t squeal YES fast enough!

When I finally met Kathie Lee, she was just as lovely, kind, and funny as I had hoped and I just know my grandmother was smiling down (OK probably more than just smiling down) from heaven during this segment. Pretty awesome, right?

So check me out on the Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda where I’m sharing the best ways to throw an amazing slumber party! This is my favorite Today segment yet!

Maybe it’s because I went to college in the late 90s and my entire dorm room was glow-in-the-dark but I was a little too excited over all the glow-in-the-dark activities. And those walking tacos? SO YUMMY!

What’s your favorite slumber party activity?

Mom Hacks to Help Survive Cabin Fever!

December 28, 2015 by amushro

When you were a kid, was there anything better than hearing the words “SNOW DAY!”? I still feel that way when I have a snow day with my kids, but then that snow day turns into more snow days, and icy cold days, and just plain yucky days where it takes so much effort to leave the house. And then it happens, Cabin Fever sets in, and, friends, it’s not pretty.

Even if you’ve played all the games, crafted all the crafts, snacked all the snacks, and logged more hours in front of the TV and iPad than you will ever admit in public, the only true cure for the dreaded Cabin Fever is to get outside! But with young kids, that’s not always easy. It’s cold, they need so many layers, and inevitably someone will have to pee the minute you’re outside. So here are some Mom Hacks to make everything from getting out the door to settling in with hot coco a breeze.

Before Heading Out

Ditch the basket and organize everyone’s scarfs, hats, gloves and mittens in an over the door shoe organizer. This way every piece has a place and everyone can quickly grab what they need and put their pieces away when they come home.

Does your little one need help putting on their jacket all by themselves? Here’s a kid hack perfect for them!

No snow gear for your kiddo? Make warm and cozy leg and arm warmers for kids out of adult, wool knee socks (no cotton!) Cut off the toe and slip them on their arms or legs for warm, snuggly kids ready to hit the snow.

We want our babies warm and we know they need layers, but no one wants our kids like this…

Instead think like a fireman! Place their rain or snow boots inside the bottom cuffs of their snow pants. Roll the top of the pants down past the boots. Once your kids are dressed in their long underwear and second layer of clothing, have them step into the boots and pull up the pants (we always get the kind with the suspenders to make it even easier). We pretend that we’re fireman and play “firedrill” to see who can get dressed the fastest.

Mittens keep tiny hands warmer than gloves and are easier to put on. Save yourself the headache and buy packs of the same color mittens in case one goes missing.

The Great Outdoors

Let your kids get creative by mixing water and food coloring in spray bottles. Take the kids outside and let them “paint” the snow.

Did you put away all the sand buckets and shovels until next summer? Get them back out! These are the perfect tools for snow forts and castles.

Bubbles aren’t just for summer fun! Bring them back out when the weather is below 32 degrees. The bubbles will actually freeze! A little frozen science fun.

Warm hands and feet can help the good times outside last! Easily make DIY warmers from kids socks (infant socks are perfect!). Fill them with rice, tie the end with a ribbon, and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. The heat will last for 20 minutes. If you’re kids aren’t playing close to home, you can toss them in a tiny cooler. They’ll stay warm until you need them.

Never worry about slippery steps or sidewalks with this homemade and natural deicer

1 teaspoon dish soap

1 Tablespoon of rubbing alcohol

½ Gallon of warm water

Mix and pour on sidewalks and steps for ice free days!

After All The Fun

Toss pajamas and blankets in the dryer before you head out to play in the snow. When you get back, everyone has warm, toasty clothes to put on!

Mittens and gloves stay wet and soggy if you just put them in a basket. So try placing them on an old curtain road with clothes pins to dry, or to speed drying time by placing a raised wire stacking shelf over a heating vent. Lay the mittens on top for a quick and easy dry.

Wet boots are no fun but will dry quickly if you put wads of newspaper inside the shoes. You might have to replace the newspaper if the boots are really soaked.

Cut down on the mess from those wet boots by leaving an old baking sheet by the door to set wet boots on.

Ouch! Chapped noses and lips are no fun. But a little bit of coconut oil on both soothes, heals and protects. Seriously, is there something coconut oil can’t do?

So when faced with Cabin Fever, don’t be scared or threaten to sell your kids to the highest bidder because every trip outside ends with hot chocolate for everyone, especially Mom. Plus chocolate fixes everything, and chocolate and Nutella REALLY fixes everything.