Sur La Table Cooking Class

another girl's night out :) // yippee!

Last Thursday 2 girl friends and I headed down to The Westchester Mall to take a cooking class at Sur La Table. I really had no idea what to expect but we were all so excited to be kid-free and had a couple glasses of wine before and showed up to class ready to Bobby Flay it up!

Once we got there we were greeted by Chef Ali Banks and her staff. They were incredibly friendly and showed up to our individual chairs that had our own aprons and name tags.

Pretty soon the room was filled with women and we were ready to cook! There was a beautiful array of cutlery, cookware, gadgets and food. There were moments when we would just look at each other and laugh because the chef would tell us to grab a utensil and we had no idea what it was... mandolin? LOL. Well now we know. 

We made Zucchini Fritters with Lemon Basil Cream, Moroccan Chicken Skewers with Herb Sauce, White Bean and Pancetta Bruschetta with Rosemary but my favorite was the  Butternut Squash and Stilton Tart. It was INSANELY DELICIOUS. We had a night of laughter, met new women and learned new recipes to bring home and impress the boys with. 

Chef Ali made everything really easy to learn as well as fun. She is such a sweet person and I cannot recommend her classes enough. You also get 15% off your purchase for taking the class and we made the most of that during our break. Check out the pictures attached (my friends and I can't take serious pictures sorry!).

The next GNO is October 3rd, so grab some girlfriends, your mom and/or sister and sign up! 

Girl's Night Out Recap //

Last Thursday was one of the best Girl's Night Out's I've been at. So many people came out to The Westchester to celebrate and enjoy the delicious food and drinks being offered by our amazing vendors and sponsors... And of course, the fantastic spa services offered as well! 

It was so fun to meet all of you and chat with so many of you ladies that came out. The night ended with Kendra Porter of Honor You and me unveiling the 3 ladies that she made over for this special event. They all looked beautiful and you could tell by the looks on their faces, they felt beautiful. Check out more of the highlights of the night below:

Peter Kelly (x20) and Slovenia Vodka

Rachele Rose Spa

Iron Shaker

  

Store Manager Amanda from Rebecca Taylor

Good Life Gourmet

 Brooke, Noel & Jackie before they got their makeovers, 

Kendra and I, MCing the fashion part of the show.

 Our fantastic ladies!

 The big reveal! Brooke feeling and looking HOT!

 Kendra with the gorgeous models.

 Meryl Lefkowitz of M Boutique Group

 Kendra Porter and I

My sweet friend and client, Mary, 

Thank you for coming out! xx

Check out my next post on the clothing the 3 ladies wore for their big reveal!

Mad for Plaid //

I am crazy about plaid! Especially because there are so many ways to wear it. You can be preppy, grungy, a little bit rock n roll, or just classic and cool. Below are some of my favorite pieces that are available right now.

dress // shirt // skirt // scarf // messenger bag // iphone case // flats // bikini // pants // coat

Back to School //

It's that time of the year again! We are a month away from the beginning of the school year and stores are packing in the newest and cutest styles for our kiddies to prance around in.

New backpacks, lunch bags, leggings and shoes are always the items that I tend to buy because their old ones are normally worn out from the previous season. Since i have girls, I transition their summer dresses into fall by adding some fun leggings underneath. I also stock up on Palladium Hi Leather boots for all 3 kids (I've been buying them for 4 years now!) They are comfortable, durable and look adorable with scrunched socks over leggings or shorts. Check out the tank by Of One Sea they are a surf apparel line from Hawaii and an IG friend of mine :) They make some really cute basics not only for the kids but for you as well! A basic anorak or light jacket is a must and will get them through the cooler months before it really gets cold. 



I think i get more excited about the beginning of the school year because it reminds me of when i was in elementary. Here on the East Coast, you get to really experience the fall season and the change of color in nature is beyond words. 

I hope that you get excited as well! It does mean that we get some of our sanity back after a long summer of trying to find things to keep them entertained :) I would never change things but yes, a little space while they are in school does bring a wicked smile to my face.

xx

Boho Mama

Happy Saturday!

A new client of mine is a breastfeeding momma to a 5 month old baby girl. She wants to try doing a bohemian look without sacrificing comfort. Below is one of the looks i put together for her. Whether you are a momma or not, this can definitely be something any woman can wear that can carry over into the fall. What do you think?

Boho Mama by maritzabernard featuring a tassel bracelet

Simon Mall Gift Card Giveaway

Happy Fourth of July Eve! I hope that everyone has an awesome day planned for tomorrow. We are excited to spend the day outdoors and hopefully catching some fireworks later on.

I have an exciting little giveaway!!! A $25 Simon Mall Giftcard! All you have to do is go to THE WESTCHESTER on Facebook and LIKE their page for a chance to win it. 

Thanks for all the support and love. Have a great holiday and be safe! 
xx


           

Simon Mall gift card by maritzabernard on Polyvore

Athletic Wear //

I love working out. I t is a necessity for me in order to be able to have enough energy to work, keep up with the kids and have a smile on my face for my hubby at the end of the day. And since summer is around the corner AND we have a vacation to Italy coming up so I am desperate to get into shape.

Do I workout every day? Nope. But there are weeks when you will think I do because you will see me in workout clothes everyday! Yes, I admit, I am that mom sometimes :). How much easier is it to throw on something super comfy and to aim to do some type of exercise like going for a walk, making that kickboxing class or maybe even doing some squats while you're on the phone. Sometimes I even believe i worked out because i was in those clothes all day! Lol.

The one thing that I did decide once i kept finding myself wearing my workout gear was at the very least, I had to look put together. There are so many choices out there for you to pick from so there is no reason why you can't  look  stylish and be comfy while you are running around doing errands.

One of my favorite pieces I wear are my Nike sneakers. I have been a devoted Nike running shoe lover for many years and they never disappoint with comfort and color selections. At this moment i am running a pair of neon pink kicks that I love! My favorite thing about them is they actually make your legs look tan! 

Here's what my workout wardrobe consists of:

Basic tanks and tees, an assortment of capri length pants and running shorts, sport bras, lightweight sweaters or sweat shirts, basic socks and cool head bands to keep my hair away from (hopefully) my sweaty face.

There's such a great selection of stores at The Westchester where you can find an assortment of different items to pull together for your own workout "look". Check out a few of the items I picked as my favorites... Now go and get your sweat on!

                                      

1. Zella Half Zip Running Top $58 // 2. Asics Headbands $18 // 3. Nike Dash Running Shorts $28 // 4. Under Armour Socks $12 // 5. Nike Air Max Running Shoe $80 // 6. Nike Running Capris $54 // 7. Nike Flow Tank Top $28 // 8. AERIE Racerback Bra $25 // 

                                     

1. Karma Debi Jacket $100 // 2. Adidas by Stella McCartney Tank $90 // 3. Sports Bra $46 // 4. Under Armour Capris $65 // 5. Thorlo Socks $15 // 6. Nike Shoe $110 //

        

1. Nike Tennis Dress $72 // 2. Nike Running Visor $20 // 3. Braided Headband $12 // 4. Tennis Tank Top $58 // 5. Tennis Skirt $46 // 6. Nike Tennis Shoe $115 // 7. American Apparel Duffle Bag $18 // 8. Champion Sports Bra $22 // 9. Asics Socks $10 // 10. Nike Court Shoe $80

Rock n Roll Mommy //

Gisele's Pregnancy Style //

This is a look i am creating for a client, I love Gisele's rock n roll pregnancy style. It is so effortless and so cool. Everything i posted besides the boots and the jacket are pregnancy friendly but i want to let you know that there are SO many things you can wear that are not "maternity". You just have to look a little harder :) More outfit ideas to come! 

xo.



1. Almost Famous Tank $30 // 2. David Bowie T-Shirt $42 // 3. Studded Moto Boot $50 // 4. Faux Leather Jacket $69 // 5. Black Skinny Pants $37 //

Rock n Roll Mommy by maritzabernard featuring asos maternity

Pregnancy // Style

what I am pinning

There is something so magical about seeing a woman with pregnancy glow. One of my friends who is 5 months pregnant came over to our house a few weekends ago and she was just radiating incredible beauty. I kept staring at her and telling her she looked gorgeous. She said thank you but I could tell she wasn't buying it. Later on after the party, my husband told me that all the men were talking about how beautiful she looked!!! So i texted her to tell her that it wasn't only me that noticed. I hope you believed that Elyse!

I wasn't one of those women that loved being pregnant but there is something amazing about carrying a baby, you feel empowered and strong. Even so, 40 weeks is a long time and I just focused on the weeks left to meet my Little's.  

Some of those weeks seemed to last forever and since I was working throughout all 3 of my pregnancies, I still had to get dressed and head out the door. It did make the time go a little faster and it helped me feel my best was when i was wearing something comfortable but cute.

Below, are a few outfits that I've been using as inspiration for one of my clients. Hope that this can inspire all you mamas-to-be to find something to wear that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful and compliment your gorgeous glow!

*** Stay tuned for my finds!!
xo,
Maritza 

Mom's Night Out at The Westchester Mall

May 9th 5-8pm

Calling all Moms! You are invited for a night out with The Westchester to participate in an evening filled with pampering, refreshments, entertainment, and fashion and beauty services. Focused on rewarding and recognizing mothers, National Mom's Night Out is an opportunity for mothers to treat themselves to a night of pampering shopping and prize giveaways from stores and other community organizations. Focusing on bringing together today's moms, Mom's Night Out will include in-store events, special offerings and prize drawings.

I am really looking forward to this night. It's a great excuse to get a blow dry, throw on something Carrie Bradshaw-ish (I've been wanting to wear this ridiculously fun skirt and since my husband isn't around I can finally get away with it without him making fun of me!) grab some dinner with friends and do some shopping without having to carry snacks in a diaper bag, wipe any boogers or rush home for nap time :) 

I'm especially excited to check out the excitement at Nordstroms, Steve Madden, Madewell, Urban Outfitters & Anthropologie.

So what do you say? Let's all meet up, do a little shopping and get a little "me" time!

xo,

Maritza