Luminous White Teeth

This post is sponsored by Tom's of Maine.

To know me is to know that I'm obsessed with clean teeth. I love the dentist, and I look forward to getting my teeth cleaned twice a year. And during the time in between visits, well, I try to keep my pearly whites in tip-top shape at all times. The only thing is that I have very sensitive teeth, and a lot of the whitening toothpastes and products on the market exacerbate the sensitivity. 

I have been on the hunt for a gentle toothpaste that whitens, and I was so happy to hear that Tom's of Maine has released a new whitening toothpaste called Luminous White Toothpaste that is safe for every day use and safe on my enamel. It promises to give you whiter teeth in two weeks by removing surface stains vs. fluoride toothpaste. It also doesn't have any artificial flavors, colors or ingredients. 

I took their challenge to see if I would really have whiter teeth in two weeks. Though I couldn't tell a dramatic difference, what I have loved is that my teeth are staying bright white without any issues of increased sensitivity. Not to mention I feel good about using Tom's of Maine more than any other toothpaste out there because 10% of their profits goes to environmental and human goodness. That's super hero power toothpaste!

I'd love to see you take on Tom's of Maine's challenge of brighter teeth in two weeks, and report back your results. It's always great to hear if other people have had good experiences too. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

Fall Shoe Picks With Macy's

This post is sponsored by Macy’s.

Every fall and spring I select two pairs of shoes to update my wardrobe. This fall I was in need of a pair of classic black flats and new ankle boots. Macy’s has one of the best shoe departments around, and when I’m searching for multiple pairs of shoes it saves me so much time to find everything I need in one place.

Macy’s carries a variety of stylish shoe brands including one of my all-time favorite brands, Clarks. The durability of their leather and the comfort their shoes is unmatched. I have yet to meet a pair of shoes I didn’t like from Clarks. It’s like my feet thank me every time I slip on a pair. I don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort as you can see here. These Addiy Zoie brown leather booties are just the ticket this fall. I love that they are a very low cut ankle bootie, which makes it easy to wear any cut of denim or length of dress.

I also found some classic flats at Macy’s in a matter of seconds. Naturalizer has been a trusted brand of comfort and style for years, and I think every woman in my family owns a pair of Naturalizers at all times. We all have very narrow feet, and we can always count on Naturalizer to fit perfectly. Any pair of black flats is going to get a lot of foot traffic, so you want to be sure they are not only ones you love but shoes that will last. These are going to last me a long time, and I’ve already gotten so many compliments on them. I feel like Audrey Hepburn when I wear them with a clean white shirt and skinny jeans.

This post contains affiliate links. Photography by Rennai Hoefer

Introducing CALVIN KLEIN HOME

This post is sponsored by Calvin Klein.

Calvin Klein and the CK brand is known for understated elegance and high-end quality. I'm thrilled to tell you that they have released some new bedding collections that bring that CK cool and modern factor to the home. I partnered with Calvin Klein to create imagery that exemplifies this simplicity as part of the Pin Collective, and I'm happy to share it all with you today. 

Only Calvin Klein can make bedding look and feel just as beautiful as clothing. It's all in the details and quality. This Clone bedding with a tiny swiss dot pattern with black roses is unlike any other bedding I have seen before.  The pattern creates a trompe l'oeil effect, which is a French art technique that creates an optical illusion. Just more proof of the artistry and thought that goes into their products. 

Calvin Klein knows cotton. They are textile masters. The quality of these white sheets is on par with their clothing. It's as if you slipped on an elegant dress and went to a party in your dreams. Their loungewear is a perfect complement as well. 

This experience of the Calvin Klein Home product really brought out my love of minimalism. I painted this whole room black, and created a new guest room for our home. This used to be Elle's old room, and now it's a modern sanctuary for my visitors.

Be sure to check out the other beautiful white bedding choices Calvin Klein has. I'd love to hear what you think of my new guest room too!

Photos by Rennai Hoefer.

BLACK & GOLD

This post is sponsored by 7 Charming Sisters. 

When I saw this necklace I couldn't take my eyes off it. It looked so unique and classic at the same time. I'm not one for wearing jewelry daily, but I do love a great statement necklace. This black and gold necklace from 7 Charming Sisters was exactly what my jewelry collection had been missing. 

I love classic outfits such as a crisp white shirt and skinny jeans, and jazzing it up with something fun like a bib necklace. This necklace is only $27 too! 

7 Charming Sisters has a ton of accessories to choose from. I also scored some black and gold fringe earrings. When I really want to make a statement I wear both the necklace and earrings together. 

If you're in need of some unique WOW pieces, definitely check them out! 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

REAL TALK REAL MOMS ON TECHNOLOGY

Understanding how to use a computer, tablet and smartphone is imperative these days. You could argue it's a form of literacy. When you think about it from that perspective it doesn't sound as crazy to allow your kids to use devices at young ages. Technology is their world, whereas us parents born in the early 80s can remember technology as being just a part of our world. In this installment of the Real Mom Series we are exploring this idea of introducing technology to your kids, how we do it now and how others do it. 

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Elle and Levi have an iPad that they share and they play games on. There are also iPhone apps that I keep on my phone for them to play. I don't feel guilty at all about it because to me it's not the fact they use a device that is harmful it's the type of content they consume and how much of it they are consuming. So, put away shame for letting your kids watch T.V. and a movie in one day.

There are definitely age appropriate apps and shows, and I think it's up to us parents to use discretion and to watch the shows with our kids so we can understand what they are consuming. We have all of the usual apps like Amazon, Netflix, Hulu and even Disney Jr. and Nick Jr. Together we decide the show they are going to watch, and I make sure the kids either agree or take turns selecting. I am always in the room when they are watching a T.V. show or something on their iPad so I can monitor it. 

I think that's the key. Be proactive as a parent in knowing how they are spending their time, what they are spending it on and how they are being affected by it. If you don't like how they are speaking to you after they watch Paw Patrol, then don't let you kids watch it. 

That said, I've seen a lot of buzz about the kids YouTube app going around on parenting blogs, and I agree that it's an app you don't want your young kids interacting with. There's a lot of strange content on there that Elle would get obsessed with such as the unboxing channels. And we ended up deleting it and she returned to her normal self.

What are your feelings on technology and kids? Are you proactive in being involved in what they watch? 

Read other thoughts from real moms: The LIfe Styled, The Effortless Chic, Design for Mankind, The Fresh Exchange, Natalie Borton, Apartment 34