 Fashion posts are so much fun for me, and this one is no exception. As a mother and a woman of a certain age, we are often told how to dress and act, but your age shouldn’t be a factor when developing your style. A lot of the brands I wear more often are considered to be for only younger women, such as Free People. So, one of my goals for this blog is to encourage women my age to wear what they feel good in and not what we are told to wear! Of course, personal style is something that you’re constantly developing and changing. that’s why I love finding new brands to share with you guys!When I started this blog I made a promise to myself and all of you to never promote a product or brand that I do not believe in 100%, and this is very true regarding Adrianna Papell. I am so excited to share with you my experience with Adrianna Papell, a beautiful and well-made clothing line that is affordable. First, one of the more important aspects that stuck out to me was that we found out it is a family run business. As many of you may already know, my blog is a family venture with both of my daughters helping me out with social media and now collaborating with brands. When my daughter talked to one of their representatives, she did mention their business was family-run similar to us. With me, this garners my trust right away. It doesn’t say much about this on their About Page, so I thought it would be a nice tidbit for you all to know. Adrianna Papell has a company motto of wanting to dress you from Prom to Mom. They want to be able to dress you for any special occasion, no matter your age. This rings true with their designs and classic looks. Finally, their size inclusivity is a huge win in my book. Their sizes range from Petite 00, up to Size 26 Wide or 30 Regular! Now most companies don’t offer so many size choices. Each woman is unique and has their body type and all of them are beautiful. Even though this should be the norm, it’s not, and that’s one of the reasons why Adrianna Papell stands out among the rest. Adrianna Papell sent me three outfits of my choice to try and give my honest opinion. So let's get right to it! Sleeveless Mikado Fit & Flare Midi Dress My first choice was this beautiful fit and flare dress. I love this silhouette and tend to purchase this look often. I always feel so lady-like in this style. Who doesn’t love to twirl around in a beautiful dress!   This dress fit like a glove! No alterations were needed, which for me is a big deal. Since I am on the shorter side, I often have to have to alter the length of most items.   This Adrianna Papell dress has a boat neckline with a beautiful tea-length skirt. The fabric is stunning and well-made. The pleating on the skirt is so flattering. I normally take a size 8 in almost everything, but during quarantine, I have put on a few pounds! I ordered the 10 since I could see that it was fitted at the waist, and it was a perfect fit.  As if that wasn’t enough to sell me on this dress, it also has pockets! There is nothing I love more on a dress than pockets. This dress also comes in Ivory and a Pale Blue. Now to the price... This dress sells for $160! I could not believe the quality and beauty of the dress for this price. This is for sure going to be my NYE dress this year. While we’re all staying home more often right now due to this pandemic, I’m still planning on wearing this dress for a fun night at home. Every so often my husband and I still dress up for each just to have a romantic night and to feel fancy. Sleeveless Asymmetrical Jumpsuit Next up was this sleeveless asymmetrical jumpsuit. It is a bit hard to tell from the photos, but it crosses over in the front and one leg has a beautiful split that just adds a great bit of style. The fabric is a comfortable stretch knit with a back zipper.  I paired this Adrianna Papell jumpsuit with a short “Chanel” type jacket that added a dressier feel. This is an item that you could wear during any season. I did have to have the length shortened, but that is always the case for me with pants.   The fit was perfection. Again, I ordered a size 10 since I did see the waist was fitted. Also, it was unbelievably comfortable! This is a piece that you could dress up or down just by changing jewelry, shoes, or tossing on a casual jacket. The price is $199 and again I am blown away by the quality for such an affordable price. Little White Dress Last but not least is this beautiful white dress with black detailing. This dress is actually sold out. If you are looking for a little white dress, Adrianna Papell has a great selection to choose from for any event or occasion. The fabric is a stretch knit with a flutter sleeve and a black waistband that is very figure flattering.   I love that it gives the effect of a two-piece without the fuss. This was another shocker to find that the dress, right out of the box, fit perfectly. I did not have to have the length altered or any other alterations. This is a perfect dress to wear either formal or semi-casual with just the change of shoes, bag, and jewelry.   I paired this with a hot pink heel to give it a pop of color. I love that it covers the top of the arms, which for me can be an area that I’m not crazy about. Incredibly comfortable and just beautiful. The price of this dress is $149. So that is my honest review. Would I purchase these dresses on my own? YES! A funny little story, when I was going through my closet after receiving theses outfits I found that I already owned an Adrianna Papell dress that I purchased last holiday season. So there you have it. Wonderful selection of beautifully made dresses at an incredibly affordable price. Get 15% off your first order |
 BEFORE USING GLO SCIENCE TEETH WHITENING DEVICE |  AFTER USING GLO SCIENCE TEETH WHITENING DEVICE |
Can you see now why I love this device?! The results are no joke so there is a reason you keep seeing influencers posting about this amazing device.
eXPERT DENTAL ADVICE FROM Glo SciENCE
Now, this does not replace your annual visits to the dentist for oral hygiene care. So, with that in mind, we wanted to deliver some expert advice from the specialist on the GLO Science team to answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you keep a healthy, glowing smile.
Q: What is your background & what do you do for the GLO team?
A: | My name is Jennifer Vasquez RDHBS and I am the Director of Sales Acceleration and Training for GLO Science Professional. As a part of the Corporate and Sales Teams, I provide direction for Clinical Support and Sales Training to all our GLO Science Professional Partners. |
Q: What does my oral health have to do with the rest of my health?
A: | Good oral health is essential to overall health and wellness. As the gateway to the rest of your body, the health of your mouth, including your teeth and gums, can be an important indicator of overall health and can also determine how susceptible you are to other illnesses or chronic conditions. Just as food, drink, and medications enter your body through your mouth, so can bacteria and viruses. If your gums and teeth aren’t healthy, it becomes easier for these bacteria and viruses to then enter your bloodstream and impact the rest of your body. In fact, there have been numerous studies linking poor oral health to numerous inflammatory diseases including endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, and pneumonia. Regular dental visits, as well as routine home care including brushing twice a day and flossing, are essential to keeping the mouth free of germs that can spread to the rest of the body. |
Q: What are your tips for better oral hygiene at home for women over 60?
A: | In addition to regular dental visits, maintaining your oral health at home by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing your mouth are key. Self-care plays an important role here as well. Hydrate frequently with water, make time to do things you enjoy and make sure to smile frequently. Better self-care routines can help improve your mental state and can even help fight depression and anxiety. Plus, the simple act of smiling can immediately boost your mood, reduce stress, and strengthen your social connections with others. When you take good care of your teeth, you naturally smile more. A healthy diet and vitamin supplement support are also critical to your oral health and overall health. In fact, there is increasing evidence indicating that malnutrition and lack of vitamins and minerals are underlying causes of periodontal disease, which increases in those over 60. |
Q: According to the CDC and Prevention, half of adults age 30 and older suffer from some form of gum disease. What are the warning signs of gum disease? What can adults do to prevent the disease?
A: | Gum disease and tooth loss is one of the most common diseases in adults. The warning signs could be halitosis, bleeding gums, gum pockets, tooth mobility, pus, food getting stuck, gum recession, and pain in the gums. One of the most important ways to prevent gum disease is to get regular dental check-ups and cleanings with your hygienist including gum pocket measurements. These measurements can assess the health of your gum tissue. Deeper pockets can collect bacteria, cause detachment of the gums around each tooth, which can lead to tooth loss. To prevent this, your dentist will recommend simple oral hygiene instructions with products and treatments to reduce bacteria and increase the healing of the gum tissue. |
Q: What is teeth sensitivity and what can I do to improve the strength of my teeth?
A: | Teeth sensitivity may occur when enamel wears away from the outer layer of the teeth, exposing the inner dentin tooth structure. Exposed dentin, also known as recession, is an open channel which leads directly to the nerve of the tooth. This exposure causes tooth sensitivity and may occur due to normal maturation and can also be exacerbated with acidic foods and drinks like soda. To improve the strength of your teeth, stay away from foods and drinks that have acidic pH levels like colas and seltzers. |
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Welcome to the Mrs. Stafford Community where no topic is off limits! I want this blog to be a forum for women my age to be able to discuss everything beauty and fashion, as well as the more sensitive subjects such as menopause and healthy aging. I’m starting my sixties and I feel the best I have in years, and I want to help other women feel the same way. As a community, I think we can come together and start the conversation. This is all about women supporting other women, and trying to have some fun in the meantime.
Attention Ladies: We’d love to hear from you! Your questions are driving the discussions. Don’t hesitate to comment, especially on the “Real Talk” series as well as “Glowing with Mrs. Stafford”. Without you there is no discussion, so don’t be shy!
Attention Ladies: We’d love to hear from you! Your questions are driving the discussions. Don’t hesitate to comment, especially on the “Real Talk” series as well as “Glowing with Mrs. Stafford”. Without you there is no discussion, so don’t be shy!
I Scream for Great Jewelry!
Ice cream and fine jewelry, what more could a woman ask for?
I always have fun when doing a photoshoot, but this was my number one favorite. I got to eat yummy Ben and Jerry's while dripping in beautiful Gumuchian gemstones in the form of their various Ice Cream Cone Rings. This shoot initiated a week-long ice cream bender, which I have no regrets about!
I always have fun when doing a photoshoot, but this was my number one favorite. I got to eat yummy Ben and Jerry's while dripping in beautiful Gumuchian gemstones in the form of their various Ice Cream Cone Rings. This shoot initiated a week-long ice cream bender, which I have no regrets about!
Ice Cream Cone Rings by Gumuchian
Gumuchian designed four cocktail rings inspired by ice cream flavors including Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate, and Pistachio Ice Cream Rings. The line wasn't directly influenced by a specific ice cream brand, but I thought a cute concept for this post would be to compare each ring to Ben and Jerry's ice cream flavors.
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream & Gumuchian "Ice Cream Cone" Rings
Ben and Jerry's has some of the most interesting and unique flavors and combinations out there. They even have a specific department of people who's only job is to come up with names for new flavors, aka dream job. Also, being from Vermont, I had to represent since it's one of the things we are most known for.
Ben and Jerry's factory is the next town over from where we live, and I pass it often. I have personally never been on a tour but my husband, Vince has. He must have gone over 15 years ago, but if you ask him about his experience to this day he is still very upset about the amount of ice cream he got at the end of the tour.
So, just to give you some background, with each tour you are promised free ice cream at the end. Well, according to Vince they give you the smallest baby scoop amount in a tiny little cup. Vince has a sweet tooth and was expecting a full waffle ice cream cone at the end, so his disappointment is still apparent today. Who knows, it was so long ago they might be giving out a more substantial amount, but I digress.
Ben and Jerry's factory is the next town over from where we live, and I pass it often. I have personally never been on a tour but my husband, Vince has. He must have gone over 15 years ago, but if you ask him about his experience to this day he is still very upset about the amount of ice cream he got at the end of the tour.
So, just to give you some background, with each tour you are promised free ice cream at the end. Well, according to Vince they give you the smallest baby scoop amount in a tiny little cup. Vince has a sweet tooth and was expecting a full waffle ice cream cone at the end, so his disappointment is still apparent today. Who knows, it was so long ago they might be giving out a more substantial amount, but I digress.
Ben & Jerry's & Gumuchian Rings
Gumuchian is one of my favorite luxury jewelry brands because of their beautiful designs as well as the company’s philosophy of women supporting women. It is a family business run by women, including the founder Anita Gumuchian, and her daughters Myriam and Patricia. Gumuchian's slogan is "Designed by Women for Women."
Each Gumuchian collection is diverse with one of a kind concepts, and a perfect example of this is their Ice Cream Cone Rings. This line is one of the most charming designs I've seen out there and was eloquently executed by their master jewelers. It's a great cocktail ring that can be worn anywhere and is guaranteed to get plenty of attention.
Now for this post, I went out and bought the closest Ben and Jerry flavors I could find to match each ring. What I want to do is see if the Ben and Jerry flavors can compare to these gemstones and if Gumuchian got the names for each right.
Each Gumuchian collection is diverse with one of a kind concepts, and a perfect example of this is their Ice Cream Cone Rings. This line is one of the most charming designs I've seen out there and was eloquently executed by their master jewelers. It's a great cocktail ring that can be worn anywhere and is guaranteed to get plenty of attention.
Now for this post, I went out and bought the closest Ben and Jerry flavors I could find to match each ring. What I want to do is see if the Ben and Jerry flavors can compare to these gemstones and if Gumuchian got the names for each right.
1. GUMUCHIAN 18K YELLOW GOLD VANILLA ICE CREAM CONE RING VS. BEN AND JERRY VANILLA
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Okay, so this is the easiest one to start with of course the ring matches the Ben and Jerry vanilla-flavored ice Crean because it's just white. So, yes Gumuchian nailed this one right on the head!
Based on ice cream alone vanilla is one of the dullest flavors you can choose. To each their own I guess, but with all the other options out there it seems like a boring choice. Unless it's on top of a brownie or covered in chocolate syrup vanilla is not my first pick for ice cream flavors.
Based on ice cream alone vanilla is one of the dullest flavors you can choose. To each their own I guess, but with all the other options out there it seems like a boring choice. Unless it's on top of a brownie or covered in chocolate syrup vanilla is not my first pick for ice cream flavors.
But as far as the Gumuchian Vanilla Ice Cream Cone Ring, this one was my favorite out of all of them. The pictures do not do it justice! It's simple yet still flirty and fun enough to stand out.
The "Vanilla" ice cream ring in 18 karat yellow gold with cacholong center and diamond details. The vanilla cacholong center is 18.85 approximate total carat weight. And has 92 round brilliant cut diamonds, 0.91 approximate total carat weight set in white gold.
The "Vanilla" ice cream ring in 18 karat yellow gold with cacholong center and diamond details. The vanilla cacholong center is 18.85 approximate total carat weight. And has 92 round brilliant cut diamonds, 0.91 approximate total carat weight set in white gold.
2. GUMUCHIAN STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM RING VS. BEN AND JERRY STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE
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So when I went shopping for these four flavors of Ben and Jerry's ice cream I could only find Strawberry Cheesecake instead of the plain strawberry. Honestly, I didn't even think they sold simple strawberry flavor until I looked it up online because I could not find it in one store.
Based purely on appearance I would say that it's more or less a match. Strawberry ice cream on in general is a lighter tone pink than the gemstone, but Ben and Jerry's adds the strawberry chunks. If you compare the strawberry chunks and the rhodochrosite center of the ring you get almost an exact match!
Based purely on appearance I would say that it's more or less a match. Strawberry ice cream on in general is a lighter tone pink than the gemstone, but Ben and Jerry's adds the strawberry chunks. If you compare the strawberry chunks and the rhodochrosite center of the ring you get almost an exact match!
The Gumuchian Strawberry Ice Cream Ring reminds me the most of an actual ice cream cone. The playful pink and the waffle cone band gives the impression of a real ice cream cone without being literal.
3. GUMUCHIAN CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM RING VS. BEN AND JERRY CHOCOLATE FUDGE BROWNIE
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This was another one I had to make a substitute for because I could not find straight-up chocolate at the grocery store, but it worked out perfectly. I think the chocolate fudge brownie was a better match for this gemstone. The obsidian gem is brown mixed with darker spots, so it is a great match.
I would consider Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie to be one of the best flavors. It is made for the chocolate lovers out there because it is so densely made. Two bites and your sweet tooth will be completely satisfied.
I would consider Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie to be one of the best flavors. It is made for the chocolate lovers out there because it is so densely made. Two bites and your sweet tooth will be completely satisfied.
The Gumuchian Chocolate Ice Cream Ring is a beautiful piece of jewelry! I love the details in the obsidian stone and the deep chocolate color feels rich and warm.
4. GUMUCHIAN PISTACHIO ICE CREAM RING VS BEN AND JERRY PISTACHIO PISTACHIO
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While writing this post I realized I have not tried nearly as many flavors as I originally thought, so I want to retract my statement saying vanilla is a boring choice!
I have never tried pistachio ice cream and I don't have the urge to do so anytime soon. I just asked my husband if he's ever tried it and he said yes. When I asked him what it tastes like he said "Pistachio."
Based on a comparison of the I think it pretty much on point. Pistachio ice cream is green and the chrysoprase gemstone is green.
Gumuchian's Pistachio Ice Cream Ring is a stunning green stone that pops with any outfit! The Pistachio ice cream ring is 18 karat yellow gold with a chrysoprase center and with 82 round brilliant cut green tsavorite details. Set in 18 karat yellow gold with black rhodium detail.
I have never tried pistachio ice cream and I don't have the urge to do so anytime soon. I just asked my husband if he's ever tried it and he said yes. When I asked him what it tastes like he said "Pistachio."
Based on a comparison of the I think it pretty much on point. Pistachio ice cream is green and the chrysoprase gemstone is green.
Gumuchian's Pistachio Ice Cream Ring is a stunning green stone that pops with any outfit! The Pistachio ice cream ring is 18 karat yellow gold with a chrysoprase center and with 82 round brilliant cut green tsavorite details. Set in 18 karat yellow gold with black rhodium detail.
Layers of Ice Cream & Rings
Now, this was a fun and silly post which hopefully brightened your day. I'm not being serious when I compare ice cream to beautiful gemstones, and I'm being painfully scrupulous but it's all in good fun. I thought this would be an entertaining twist on a jewelry post and maybe give you a hankering for some ice cream at the same time.
With brighter & longer days, warmer weather, and hopefully some happier times ahead of us we can start enjoying ourselves again.
With brighter & longer days, warmer weather, and hopefully some happier times ahead of us we can start enjoying ourselves again.
Welcome to the Mrs. Stafford Community where no topic is off limits! I want this blog to be a forum for women my age to be able to discuss everything beauty and fashion, as well as the more sensitive subjects such as menopause and healthy aging. I’m starting my sixties and I feel the best I have in years, and I want to help other women feel the same way. As a community, I think we can come together and start the conversation. This is all about women supporting other women, and trying to have some fun in the meantime.
Attention Ladies: We’d love to hear from you! Your questions are driving the discussions. Don’t hesitate to comment, especially on the “Real Talk” series as well as “Glowing with Mrs. Stafford”. Without you there is no discussion, so don’t be shy!
Attention Ladies: We’d love to hear from you! Your questions are driving the discussions. Don’t hesitate to comment, especially on the “Real Talk” series as well as “Glowing with Mrs. Stafford”. Without you there is no discussion, so don’t be shy!