As we usher in the new year, we take a look back at the Best and Worst of 2008, along with a look ahead to 2009. From all the Splendicity bloggers, here are some of our favorite (and not so favorite) things from the world of beauty and fashion.

Tracy at Hot Mama Daily tells you about the top5 Hot Mama moments of 2008 and her top 5 favorites beauty products too. She also clues you in on the worst hot messes of the year.

Dexie rounds out the year with her round-up lists at Style It Less, including under $100 looks, celebrity looks for less and her own personal bargain looks.

Aly gives you the beauty ingredient forecast and what’s in and what’s out in hair for 2009 at eBeautyDaily. She also chimes in with Lemon Drop’s worst fashion trends of 2008 at Shopaholics Daily along with hair trends for 2009 and worst celebrity hairstyles of 2008 at Style Her Hair.

Liberty provides her top 5 beauty finds and top 10 beauty tips of 2008 at Teen Style Lounge.

Chloe talks about her favorite jewelry of 2008 at Gleaming Things and favorite fashion picks at Her Accessories.

Julie points out the worst dresses celebrities of 2008 at Snarkstress.

Ashley discusses her top 10 most luxurious items of 2008 at The Latest Luxe.

Mary Jo makes her top 10 beauty & style resolutions for 2009 at The List Maven.

Beth tells you the top 10 must-have beauty products of the year at Aging Fabulous.

Shannon provides her list of top 10 best makeup products of 2008 at Makeup Minute.

Rachel talks about her 2009 New Year’s skin resolutions at Skin Principles.

Kori shows you the worst shoe trends of 2008 at Shoe Blitz and the best and worst fashion Trends of 2008 at Shopaholics Daily.

Photo credit: sxc.hu

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Here are a few more stocking stuffer ideas or gift hints to throw your Santa baby’s way: 

Soak is a premium wash for all delicates, including but not limited to: knits, cashmere, silk, linen, wool, lingerie and hosiery, swimwear, and baby clothes. Soak’s no-rinse formulation is perfect for hand-washing (takes approximately 15 minutes), won’t leave any soap residue due to the low-suds formula, and leaves your washables clean, soft and smelling great.  

Just in time for the holidays, Soak is available at www.soakwash.com in four fresh scents (Aquae, Citrus, Flora and Celebration), and Scentless for friends and family members sensitive to fragrance. The product’s three size options, Full (425mL), Bullet (130mL) and Mini (6mL), fit any budget at $1.25 for a single in the Mini size to $16 for the Full-sized bottle. 

Get frisky with Flingz, the thong for the woman on the go.  Convenient, comfortable, and travel-ready, Flingz thongs are made of 95% natural cotton and lie flat on the hip to protect against dreaded VPL (visible panty line).  Simple yet sexy, Flingz is perfect whenever and wherever a hot mama needs a fresh pair. Individually folded and wrapped in small, re-sealable plastic bags, each pair discreetly tucks into your evening clutch, gym bag, or coat pocket.
 Sized S-L, Flingz come in nude and black (new colors in the works), and are available individually or in a Weekender 3-pack; $7.50 each or $18.00 for the 3-pack at www.flingwear.com.
  

I absolutely adore comfy socks.  If I could, I’d wear them instead of shoes –although that would get pretty messy in New York City.  So I’m all over these Airplus for Her Aloe-Infused socks, available in a 3-pack at Target for only $14.99.  They’re the perfect way to soothe your tired feet after a marathon shopping spree or a night of dirty dancing.  

And make sure to start the New Year on a naughty but nice note with The Overnighter Set by Hanky Panky & Benefit (available at www.barenecessities.com).

This $38 kit includes mini versions of the makeup essentials you need to look marvelous before and after.  

The Overnighter Set includes:

 A Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong; Benetint Rose-Tinted Lip & Cheek Stain; Some Kind-A-Gorgeous Foundation Faker; California Kissin’ Smile Brightening Lip Shine; and Eyecon Brightening Eye Cream.  

Photo credits: Google images, Soak, Flingz, Benefit, Airplus for Her

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

In keeping with the celebrity trend of the moment, the first challenge was simple… to wear and/or buy a scarf.  So below is a photo of me wearing a black “Pashmina” scarf (and a cute black and white stripped turtle neck I scooped up at Forever 21 for only $8.50) during my dizzying four-day stay in Las Vegas.

The photo was taken by my hubby during a yummy brunch at the hip, new Sushi Samba restaurant in the uber-chic Palazzo Hotel & Casino on the Strip.

Next week, I’m hosting “The Hot Mama Challenge.”  Here’s where you come in. If you want to take the challenge, send me a photo of yourself wearing your fave, funky winter hat (or a photo of you in your fave hat and fab earrings or outfit to match).  Remember to think a ‘lil outside the box, but keep it fashion forward.  I have a thing for slouchy, bohemian knit hats (Nicole Richie’s vibe). What’s your hat style?  

On Tuesday, I will post the best photos that are emailed to me by noon EST on Saturday, Dec. 13.  

Along with your emailed photo, please include the following info:

Your name?

Age?  City?  Why your hat rocks? Where you found it? 

And as in incentive, the best three photos/descriptions will win a pair of groovy fake eyelashes or makeup from Black Radiance.

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Let’s go shopping!

Beth at Aging Fabulous offers a selection of terrific beauty gifts.

SP shows you some terrific handbags at Banging Bags, fabulous stocking stuffers at Shopaholics Daily, and even more holiday gifts at Style Her Hair.

Nikki shows us some wonderful little black dresses at Celeb Look.

Gayla features some adorable gifts for your pets at Couture Critters.

Aly offers beauty products for holidays at eBeautyDaily.

Star shows us a selection of fabulous gifts for him and her at Glamour Gift Guide.

Chloe features jewelry gifts for family and friends at Gleaming Things, and offers The Twelve Days of Shopping Christmas Guide at Her Accessories.

Tracy has a not so secret wish list and her holiday gift guide at Hot Mama Daily.

Dexie’s jewelry gift guide for her lights up She Knows Best. And don’t miss out on her Under $100 Holiday Looks at Style It Less.

Kori offers fabulous shoes for every woman in your life at ShoeBlitz.

Colleen features wonderful spa and beauty gifts at Spa Beautifully.

Ashley invites you to indulge in luxury at The Latest Luxe.

Lara provides 8 top 8 lists of holiday gifts for everyone at The List Maven.

Happy Shopping!!

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

First of all, I’m giving away a pair of Naughty Monkey shoes over at Shoe Blitz – so be sure to enter!

You can also find giveaways for:

• Silver color heart earrings
• Coach Bag!
• Hope bracelet from Twisted Silver
• Basket of Indulgence
• More b5 Bloggy Giveaways
  

Photo credit: Heels.com

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

It’s with a sad and heavy heart that I announce that today is my last day as blogger for Hot Mama Daily.    Yes, I know, I know.. this comes as a shock to most of you, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news…

As I’m sure all my frequent readers have noticed, since the summer, my posting has been very, very sporatic.  This is because I returned to a full-time job a few months ago (boo-hoo!) and have been trying to keep up blogging, work-life, family-life, and extra-curricular-life (if that makes any sense! LOL!) and my decision to continue blogging on HMD is something I’ve been struggling with for weeks now…To blog?  Or not to blog?

So… with that said, I am hanging up my blogging hat here at Hot Mama Daily.  However, the good news is that b5media will keep Hot Mama Daily as a blog on the Beauty & Style Channel and will have another writer or 2 (who have not been announced yet) to take over writing duties starting tomorrow, October 1st 2008.

Thanks to b5media–who have been absolutely fantastic to me during my year and a half as HMD’s blogger (and have left the door open for me to come back whenever I want, which I love them for!  Thanks Kori!)

Thanks to Christina Jones for taking a chance on me, a new mommy who had very little blogging experience, and for allowing me to have a voice and be a part of thee best Channel on b5media!  Miss you much CJ!

Thanks to Deborah Ng, (who I consider to be my blogging mentor of-sorts–but she doesn’t know it–LOL!) and who allowed me to pester her time and time again with a million+5 questions as a blogging noob even before I joined b5media.  Thanks so much for your patience and kindness to me (a complete stranger at the time!) when I had no clue of what I was doing! Ha!

To all my lovely fellow b5media Beauty & Style Channel bloggers (Dexie - muah!),  you girls and guys ROCK!!!  I’m so proud to have been a part of such a wonderful team.  Keep up the great work!

And last but absolutely, definitely, not least, YOU, the reader!  Thank YOU!!!!   Whether you found this blog via a Google search by accident (yes, even you Rihanna and Halle Berry fanatics), whether it was from a friend, or whether you know me personally and just wanted to support another one of Pascalle’s crazy “ventures” (ha!), I thank you and appreciate you for reading, for checking back occasionally, for leaving a comment, and for showing love & support.

I’ve met so, so many great people and new friends from writing this blog, it’s been nothing but wonderful–so wonderful that I can’t even begin to express my gratitude by typing alone.

My goal when I first approached b5media with the Hot Mama Daily ‘concept’, was to write a blog for the new mother, and to offer advice on how a new mother can stay looking, well, hot and fashionable (Hot Mama, hello?), even after becoming a new mother.  I was tired of seeing the same maternity outfits, and even the boring post-partum fashion all over the place.  It always surprised me how people kind of expected me to become ’soccer-mom’-like and live in Mom-jeans/attire after giving birth to my son (not dissing the soccer moms, but you get my drift, right?)

With Hot Mama Daily, I wanted to write something light and fun, in my own voice and personality, where I could pass along tips and advice on what I thought was cute and ’stylish’ for expecting moms, brand new moms, and even veteran moms.  I even tried to make you guys laugh a bit along the way.  The idea was to write a beauty & style blog that was non-intimidating.   Most importantly, I wanted to show women how to re-create great fashionble looks for LESS and without looking like a fashion victim.

As it turned out, I was writing for the everyday woman–you and me, mother or not, young and young-at-heart *wink*.  The response was phenomenal!  In less than a year Hot Mama Daily grew in leaps and bounds and that was GREAT to see.  I’m a mushy and sentimental chick therefore the growth in readership and positive response my heart tremendously

In closing (if I could ever finish this thing–lol!), I want to say a heartfelt thanks to every last one of you.  And, I want to let you all know this isn’t the end of my blog experience.  You WILL see me around blogging again one of these days.  Count on it.

Feel free to e-mail me every once in a while to check in, or just to say hi, or… whatever!  pascalle7 (at) gmail (dot) com

Since I don’t believe in goodbyes I won’t say goodbye.  I’ll just say…”later…for now!”

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

FASHION

Move over Serena Van Der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf. Eye4Style revisits the brash and bold style of Gossip Girl’s Chuck Bass . Don’t worry, ladies – there’s enough to go around.

Snarkstress implores you to help her figure out just what in the heck is going on with Brooke Hogan’s feet.

Teen Style Lounge wonders if you’ve seen the creepy pics of the immortal Miley Cyrus.

STYLEnosh starts a flip-flop debate by asking, Why do men hate flip-flops?

SHOPPING

Aging Fabulous asks if it is a good deal when the sale price of a $1,125 cream is just $900?

The Latest Luxe is stepping things up with the Gucci Babouska Sandal. It’s your golden ticket for showing of that tan this season!

Wardrobe Oxygen offers some tips on how to properly add camisoles to your wardrobe.

BEAUTY

A Touch of Blusher loves gold!

The Fragrance Fanatic recommends two great Estee Lauder sets for Summer.

Philosophy introduces five new ways to experience the cult classic fragrance Amazing Grace – and Beautiful Makeup Search has the exclusive information.

Beauty Banter reviews Make Up Forever’s new HD products… and it’s WELL WORTH THE WAIT!!!

Cybelesays.com is cleaning out the beauty closet and giving away some fantastic beauty products! Don’t you need some new ones?

Beautynomics shares her Singaporean beauty adventure!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic has the lowdown on the new NARS Fall 2008 Collection!

Steeping Beauty is introduced to Thevi Cometics!

The Scented Life is discussing Organic and Natural Perfumes

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

BEAUTY

Aging Fabulous tried out some anti-aging products from L’Oreal’s Skin Genesis Line. Stop by to see what they were and what she thought.

NY Spender pampers herself with two new products that won’t break the bank.

Beauty Bento Box tells us how important it is for us to give our bare legs a sleek, sexy and glowing look that’s perfect for this summer.

Beauty Secrets Revealed shares a Homemade Lip Plumper Recipe

See how Beauty and Fashion Tech made her own mineral makeup using a Bramble and Berry Mineral Makeup Kit complete with pictures and swatches!

Viva Woman takes a look at ingredients that can cause your skin to become more sun sensitive.

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog shows you how to create an orange, gold and teal eye look with Nars Cosmetics.

All That & a got a fresh new design and has a review of Not Just a Pretty Face, a book about the dangers in our makeup and skincare

Krizia from Beauty Match meets Candace Bushnell author of Sex and the City

FASHION

Style…a work in progress proves that hope springs eternal…and finally gets her sticky little fingers on Heimstone’s Perfecto jacket…

Tops 2 Bottoms lets you in on the latest swimwear trend.

Would you wear a red wedding dress? Just A Formality features this gorgeous Justin Alexander Red Bridal Gown.

Kim atIndie Style File needs to be more graceful to be a ballerina, but at least can look like one with a tutu tank dress by ouma

Her Accessories wonders why we need camouflage Louis Vuitton? Pardon me, it’s called “Monogramouflage” – for the urban jungle perhaps?

Style Manila talks about a current styling project.

SHOPPING

CelebLOOK found some hot zebra print bikini’s that will have you looking as hot as Lisa Rinna in hers.

Enter to win this M Z Wallace handbag valued at $335 at Glamour Gift Guide.

Shoe Blitz features an assortment of Prada boots that are perfect for fall.

Shopalicious is pining over these to-die-for python heels — and they’re on sale!

ShopDiary says you can pre-order Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives now before the sale officially begins on July 18.

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

I’d like to give a warm welcome to Gleaming Things, the newest blog to join our channel here at b5media.  And the blog is geared towards a girl’s faaaavorit-est thing: JEWELRY!  Who doesn’t love jewelry?  Even if you don’t wear a whole lot of it, admit it, you can’t help but looks twice and maybe sigh a little when passing a jewelry shop… right?  Tee hee..

Head on over to Gleaming Things and show my girl (and b5media writer) Chloe Findlay-Harder some love!  Pretty please with diamonds on top? Love ya forever!  Thanks!

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

The Latest Luxe is celebrating life on easy street with this Dolce and Gabbana tote.

Style It Less copied Reese Witherspoon’s blouse and skirt look for less with a minor change in the shoes department.

Style Tots was inspired by Kaiya Eve Rosette Tank & Petticoat Skirt to have a cotton candy birthday party theme.

Teen Style Lounge has found the one must-have item for summer you’ve probably never even thought about.

FASHION

The Well-Heeled Society asks you to answer the riddle What’s Black and White and Stylish All Over? in order to win a fabulous package!

She Knows Best wants you to meet the Diamond Studded $10K Jeans by Key Closet

Snarkstress takes a look at the goings-on of Jessica Simpson, whooping it up in NYC.

The Fashionable Kiffen lists her favorite summer beauty tips and products

BEAUTY

A Touch of Blusher adores this face wash!

Beauty Banter reviews the very wearable and gorgeous summer 2008 collection from Clinique… Back to Basics, Baby, and we’re loving it!

Steeping Beauty reports on Lavilin’s Bacteria Fighting Deodorant! Come back Wednesday for your chance to win!

Post from: Hot Mama Daily