LUNCHPAILS AND LIPSTICK

I “met” Monika of The Doctors Closet through instagram. The photo feed from this Vancouver blogger is captivating with bright, clean, strong images. Monika’s home is insanely beautiful and was featured in the April issue of Style at Home magazine! Not only is Monika a fantastic blogger and real mom, she also owns Shop by Monika.

See below for your chance to win a $100 credit to this online shop filled with FUN stuff!

Meet our Real Mom, Monika Hibbs…

Tell us about The Doctor’s Closet and how it came to be:

When I was in the medical field, I found my whole life revolved around my job. I truly wasn’t happy, beyond stressed and at the end of it all, far too tired to do anything that I really enjoyed. My husband suggested I take one hour of my day and focus on something completely non-medical related. He said, “Why don’t you start a website?”….he meant a “blog”, and the rest is HISTORY. Literally!

What was it like to see your home featured in Style at Home magazine?

So exciting and completely surreal when it actually came out on stands! The whole process took about a year, including NOT sharing any of the photos and keeping my house a bit of a secret, till the magazine was finally out! What a waiting game that was! Steph, (Designer at Stephaniejeandesign.com) and I were holding back all sorts of excitement untill the big day!

First thing you do in the morning:

Coffee! Get a hold of a big cup of coffee! Cuddles and kisses from my husband and sweet Liam are obviously included.

Describe your personal style:

I’m pretty relaxed. I love a comfy pair of jeans; dressed up with a blouse or paired with a graphic sweatshirt! That being said, I love to dress up, when the occasion is there I’m excited to bring out my favourite heels and bring it up a notch! I like to be done up!

How you stay fit:

I’m all over the map with this one, since having Liam. Before becoming a mom I was working out 3-5 times a week, including 1-2 hour runs. Now, that’s significantly changed! Simply due to nap times, getting work done whenever I do get a free chance and then at the end of the day just wanting to unwind. I definitely crave exercise, and I’ve missed my structured routine! 1-2 times a week doesn’t really cut it for me. But now that Liam is one, I feel like being a mommy is becoming easier and I finally have a good routine going on again. (All you moms are probably laughing at me… knowing this might change) That being said, I love everything from yoga, running, crossfit, and bare method. My fitness coach Rachel of Daily Routine Fitness has me on a portion controlled meal plan, and motivates me daily! She’s all online so it makes working out as a mom and business owner easy again!

Number one beauty item:

Mascara! Or lash extensions. I use Suzanna from The Studio! (www.suzannachun.com)

Favorite healthy snack:

Grapefruit, hummus, popcorn with coconut oil drizzle!

Guilty pleasure:

chocolate!

Children’s item you can’t live without:

Any Honest products- I’m hooked! Statement pieces to make a great outfit- hat and shoes!

How you spend your “me”time:

I love diving into a great book, or some low key time with my girlfriends. A bath is pretty great too!

How you balance life:

Organizing my life helps it be balanced for me! I like to see everything going on, and written down in front of me. I have a list going at all times (with my agenda opened), ready to jot something down and check what’s happening that day/week/month!

Favorite Quote:

Work hard, and be nice to people.

Photo credits: Tracey Ayton & Jamie Lauren

Home design: Stephanie Jean

Enter to win $100 towards Monika’s shop in the post below!

xxo

Lisa

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Every girl has a favorite T-shirt. Mine just got a little better and I love it even more. Now it comes in a shorter length. I can tuck it in if I want or leave it out. It comes in so many great colors and did I mention how soft it is?

Tee Shirt / Lace Jacket / Denim / Tassel Necklace / Booties / Stela 9 Bag / Sunglasses

Stand with feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes out, hands on hips. Squat until thighs are parallel to floor, then lift both heels (as shown). Lower heels for 1 rep. Repeat Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, hands on hips. Squat, then stand and forcefully bring right leg across and in front of body, leading with heel, as if kicking a ball, left arm swinging in front, right arm behind (as shown). Return to start. Switch sides to complete 1 rep. Repeat. Stand with feet hip-width apart. Squat deeply, extending arms behind torso. Stand, then raise left leg and lower chest until parallel to floor, extending arms forward (as shown). Hold for 1 count, then return to start. Switch sides to complete 1 rep. Repeat. Squat with back to wall, feet together, thighs parallel to floor, hands on hips. Maintain back and butt contact with wall as you lift left knee toward chest (as shown). Return to start. Switch leg to complete 1 rep. Repeat. Go low: Drive butt back (as though sitting on a chair), keeping thighs parallel to floor and knees over toes. Get grounded: Position feet shoulder-width apart and slightly turned out with your weight on heels. You should be able to wiggle toes. Open up: Place hands behind head. Lift chest, and draw shoulders back and down. Stay in line: Keep a neutral spine without arching your back; engage your stomach.

All of these moves can easily be done in your home. Try and do 15 reps each and repeat the cycle for 3 rounds. Have fun and good luck!

xxo

Lisa

Lots of fun things online right now! Here are my top 25 this week.

xxo

Lisa

Get ready for Earth Day this year (tomorrow April 22nd) by checking out our favorite brands that help make our earth a better place.

1. I’m loving these glam gladiators for my girls. UMI Shoes are good for the environment and for your little loves. Umi uses drum-dyed leathers and non-toxic materials that are good for the environment. These shoes are shipped in 100% recyclable packaging. UMI cares about your little ones feet and our planet. I’m a big fan of these sturdy and super comfortable shoes. For baby, toddler and boys and girls. 

2. Zoe b organics is finally making it easier for us moms to protect our kids while eating. Everything is BPA free and organic, made with only biodegradable materials. I love the mug sets and the meal – time sets. They come in boy and girl colors. My kids love setting the table with their coordinated eco-friendly dishes. 

3. Skylar Luna pajamas are definitely our favorite pajamas. They are made with 100% organic – cotton and free of any fire retardant chemicals. These pajamas are chic and cozy. I love the seasonal prints they offer. Santa brought the festive prints last year and they have been our favorite jammies of all time.

4. Stokke products are designed with your child’s safety in mind. The Stokke design team is committed to keeping your kids safe as well as the place they live. Stokke products are made of all environmentally and biodegradeable materials. Not only do these products make the planet a better place, they sure make my kids happy. I’m in love with the innovative highchairs that allow the youngest of kids to sit at the dinner table with the rest of the family. These products encourage family bond which I LOVE!

5.  Zoe b organics is finally making it easier for us moms to protect our kids while at the beach. Everything is BPA free and organic, made with only biodegradable materials. I can’t think of a better place than the beach for eco-friendly toys. They come in boy and girl colors. 

We have been talking about Earth Day at home. We decided to head to our local nursery to learn how we can do our part. I hope everyone can take the day and do a few things to make our earth a cleaner and safer place for our kids.  xx – jenna

1. I really love the colors of this suit! Great coverage all around and so easy to move in. 

2. These jeans are a favorite of mine. Light and slightly acid washed. They are the best length for 5’5 and under like myself!

3. I was sold once I saw the striped heel. It adds such a fun element. These sandals were a good purchase! 

4. I think this bright top is so fun! Love the longer fluttered sleeve. Worn with jeans or tucked into a skirt this top is great! 

5. A few months ago we were able to test this Lancome product before it launched. I’m happy to say I used it up and purchased another one! I use it under my foundation and my skin looks so even and smooth! I’ve got a feeling I’ll be a fan for life. 

1. These floral pants are so great for spring. I wore mine with a plain tee shirt and sandals. I have plans to wear these with a fun blouse and heels for date night. 

2. I finally found aviator sunglasses that fit my face really well. I’ve wanted the mirrored lenses for awhile now and I’m so glad I waited for the perfect pair. These are also under $100 with the discount right now.

3. The sand color of these cool sandals will go with everything. These are going to be my go-to sandal all summer. 

4. Zella is now my favorite work-out legging. The capri length just came out and I can’t wait to wear these! This pattern comes in 3 colors. They also come in other patterns.

5.  This dress is even prettier in person. I’m in love with the detail. It will be a classic piece in my closet for years. I’m 5’4 and it hits right at mid calf. 

All clutches are 30 % off with Code – BIGSALE

1. This black and white clutch is a favorite. The summer raffia look also has a hidden chain to make this clutch easy to throw on your shoulder.

2. Cork clutches are everywhere this spring. We love the gold hardware at the top. The perfect size for all your essentials. 

3. This perforated clutch comes in this fun color and natural. It will make a statement with every outfit. It’s a classic clutch and you will have it for years. 

4. This clutch screams summer. It’s easy and effortless. Obsessed with the woven wicker and gold leather piece on top. 

5. We are loving shiny metallics right now. This envelope clutch is a must have. 

I love my SIL Maury for many reasons(see HERE and HERE)  and one of them is her ability to organize. Recently she moved into her new beautiful home and I have to say her pantry is really great! I love that even though it’s such a small space, it has charm and character. While I was over, she had a total of 16 kids walk through her front door and straight to her pantry for a snack. Easy to navigate and filled with a wide variety of foods this pantry offers simple, yet helpful ways to make the space more useful.

• First make sure you have plenty of baskets and bins. These white plastic bins from Ikea are so easy to wipe down and the perfect pantry size.
• Labels! I love Maury’s chalk stickers. I also love that because of her labels you know exactly what’s in the bins at the very top of her pantry.
• Another fun find in Maury’s pantry is the basket filled with movie candy. She’ll stock up at Target/Wal-Mart, store them in the basket (it’s out of kids reach). Instead of dreading a gas station stop or spending $5 per box at the theater she has them on hand. So smart!
• We are a family that believes in being prepared and keeping an emergency supply kit. Maury has made sure to stock a 6 month supply of essentials like Crystal Light Energy.:)
• Most of all I appreciate that everything has it’s place.

These are just a few simple ideas that anyone can implement into their own pantry.

What’s your favorite way to organize?

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xxo

Lisa

I have loved being apart of lunchpailsandlipstick. Helping run this blog has been such a rewarding experience with great memories. Heart felt thanks to all the companies I have worked with and to Lisa and Jenna and to all of the L&L readership for the opportunity.

Xoxo – Summer

It’s a strange feeling to lose a member of our team. This blog has been such a learning experience for us all and continues to be. When we started we had no idea how much time and work it would take to make lunch pails a success. Summer will be missed and we support her decision. Fully.

There are a lot of fun and great things ahead for L&L. Stay tuned.

xxo

Lisa & Jenna