"Put the WILD Back in Life"

After Eloise continually promising her little ones a trip to the John Ball Zoo, I finally got on her case as well, and off we went. Auntie Lola really pulled through for the group, plus our friend Annie got to join, as well as our new friend Brittany; we couldn't have had a better group! Right upon entrance there is a large sculpture of John Ball, the quintessential photo-opt location we wasted no time to climb at our own risk and pose!

Something about the zoo’s aura brought out the child deep within us, Eloise and I posed for hours! After our photo shoot, we immediately got distracted by the funky gift shop- we had yet to enter the zoo, and we were already having a ball! Check out our fun masks that made us instant friends with some youngsters and slightly embarrassed Eloise’s little ones…they were just jealous in my opinion!

Walking through the zoo I could not help but admire how amazing all the different fur coats were of all the different animals…and think how amazing they would be as a coat!! PETA would not be pleased with me, oh my!

Also, little did I know until I reviewed my photos that Eloise REALLY embraced the “Put the Wild Back in Life” motto, while I was off petting pygmy goats and taking a camel ride- take note following the rules! Eloise found herself in a much more “wild” position; just take a look at the pictures, they speak volumes more than I ever could.

Later on that day, Eloise mentioned she does not highly recommend any mothers or children follow in her footsteps and I am sure the John Ball Zoo employees would second that! She was simply inspired by the Louis Vuitton and Chanel ads; they have beautiful clothes, models, and elephants…so she went for it, somewhat regrettably.

All in all what a great day at the zoo, sporting such labels as Lilly Pulizter, Stuart Weitman, Valentino Red, Michael Stars, and Donald Pliner! A special thank you to all the helpful employees; what a great staff they have!

Bengtson Center Spring Skin Care Event

This past Thursday Lola invited me to join her at the Be A Glow Getter! Spring Skin Care Event at The Bengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery.  The annual event is a fun opportunity to socialize as well as check out the newest products and procedures available for achieving rejuvenated springtime skin.  We will be stepping out a lot this Spring and we want to be sure to put our best faces forward!

The Bengtson Center, which specializes in cosmetic surgery as well as skin care treatments, boasts beautiful and state-of-the-art facilities.  It recently relocated to the new Grand Rapids Women's Health Center on the Medical Mile and is apparently the place to be!  Everyone came out to see The Bengtson Center's top vendors show off their most popular products and services and take advantage of special pricing.

Lola (Right) and I photographed by Andidream Photography

We both had on pieces from our most recent Leigh's shopping spree.  I layered an Elie Tahari jacket over an orange Skinny Tees cami and completed the outfit with Vince pants and Donald Pliner cork wedges.  Lola had on a Trina Turk top and skirt, strappy Michael Kors sandals, and a Brighton necklace.

Some of my favorite vendors at the Be a Glow Getter! Event included Elina Organic Skin Care (which is made in Michigan!), Design 1 Salon Spa (whose fashion show we attended in December), and Aura cosmetics.  Our wine samples were provided by my favorite local wine shop- Martha's Vineyard- and gourmet pizzas and desserts were catered by Nantucket Baking Company. As if I wasn't already thoroughly impressed with The Bengtson Center, they had decided to use the event as an opportunity to give back.  They are partnering with local nonprofits to help local mothers in need.  Everyone was encouraged to donate a pack of diapers so I picked up a couple for Lola and I to bring.  I am a mother of two myself and think this is a great cause to support!  After learning about the latest and greatest solutions available for "getting our glow on" Lola and I determined that we both have similar skin care needs- our fair complexions make it difficult for us to maintain a healthy-looking tan.  We were suggested a self-tanner from Aura Cosmetics to achieve our desired radiant, springtime skin and we are absolutely in love with it.  (Lola had originally been set on a slightly more aggressive Spring skin care regiment of Botox, however after speaking with the representative it was determined that she really had no fine lines or wrinkles to worry about).  We can't wait for our next chance to visit The Bengtson Center!