The End of the Year Post...2013

I truly can't believe its the last and final day of 2013. I feel like so much as happened yet at the same time I feel like nothing outstanding has happened either. I can't complain. It has been a pretty good year.

I had my makeover in March, I've bought a ton of summer clothes that chic and stylish. I've found out what kind of friends I don't want, I've been writing in my diary since March 1st. I've started personal Bible reading December 1 and I'm really glad that I did. I wished I would've done it sooner and stuck with it, but now I feel like I'm in a place in my life that I can just really enjoy it and grasp things better.

Instead of making new year's resolution that are easier to break than a blind date, I've made a list of goals and accomplishments for the new year such as going to Chicago, renewing that gym membership (haven't worked out at eh gym since February....2013), to be a morning person again. I have a nasty habit of staying up late, like high school kid like, until 1 or 2am, but when you're snowed in it doesn't really matter, at least to me it doesn't if you don't go have to go anywhere the next day, to eat more healthy, and that's just some of what's on my list.

I plan on making the new year a much more memorable year, filled with everything that didn't happen this year.

First Day of Winter

Today's the first day of winter, even if its already snowed where you live. It has where I live and today we are under an ice storm warning. How nice!

I personally would love it if it snowed me in a few times in January and February. It gives me a chance to catch up those DVDs and reading. Plus its the season for it.

I hope everyone enjoy the first day of winter. Be happy, be safe and enjoy the day.

7 Ways to Make 2014 the Best Year You've Ever Had!!!!!!!!

These are some tips and ideas I plan on doing and making 2014 the best year I've ever had!!! I hope this helps everyone to have the best and wonderful year.

Why shouldn't 2014 be your best year yet? It's a new start. Sure there will be challenges, but all in all things are moving along well enough for any smart person to take on the world, and achieve success and happiness.
 

Don't wait until the parties are done and the relatives have left to start readying for the joy and adventure that awaits you in less than 30 days. With a few simple actions you'll be ready to march into the New Year with purpose and resolve. Here is a list of things you can do right now to help make 2014 your greatest year ever.

 

 

1. Resolve any unfinished personal issues this month. If 2014 is going to be amazing you'll need to drive it forward in a focused manner. Unresolved issues sap energy and create distraction. Take action to resolve conflicts with people who support you. Look inward to determine where you are conflicted with yourself. Set time aside to consider, commit and be accountable for your real desires and the preferred future you deserve.


2. Take stock of all your opportunities. As soon as the year starts you'll likely get right into daily work patterns that went on hiatus during the holidays. If you are buried in the day to day you may gloss over great opportunities only visible from a high level. Use the holiday down time to reflect, and to make a list of every potential opportunity that can improve your life and business. You don't have to pursue every one and you may miss one or two, but the exercise will help you be alert when any on the list come your way.


And for the other 5 ways to make 2014 the Best Year You've Ever Had, go here,  http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/advisor/7-ways-to-make-2014-the-best-year-you-ve-ever-had-174239411.html

New Year, New You!

We have less than 3 weeks left of 2013 then it’s time to start a brand new year. I can't believe it!!!

 I like to think of the new year as a good time to think about a new me. A time to set reasonable goals to reach and accomplish, plan that much needed summer vacation, a new hairdo', renewing that membership at the gym, etc.

Why not start thinking about the new year. This isn't like it’s just another Monday, and you'll start fresh and new, this is a brand new year, and a wonderful time to be thinking about what you want to improve about yourself.

 Now would be a good time to sit and think what you want to accomplish and do in the new year. Make a plan and start working on it now. One thing I'm going to start working is becoming a morning person...again. I've just simply got out of the habit because it’s so much easier to turn over and push snooze a few dozen times or even turn the alarm off.

 Make a list of all the things you want to change about yourself, accomplish and start working on.  Don’t worry if it’s a long list. After you make your list, look it over well and then pick out 3-5 things you see you need/want to work on and then go from there. Don’t overwhelm yourself or you’ll be back where you started.

 A good place to start when I went inspiration for a new me, I like to page through magazines such as InStyle, Harper's Bazaar, Lucky, Elle, Vogue and the other tons of fashion, beauty and hair magazines. Right now most to all magazines have their January issues out now and this would be a great time to pick a few copies up for ideas. My favorite hair magazine is Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide. I've been a long time reader of SHG and I wouldn't buy any other hair magazine.

 As you make improvements, also make visible improvements such as make a hair appointment and while you're at it, make an appointment at a department store makeup counter such as MAC, Bobbi Brown or even Sephora. And then also think about your wardrobe. Spend a day going through your wardrobe, both fall/winter spring/summer because sometimes you can get double use out of your spring/summer tops in the winter. You can wear light weight tops under your suit jackets, cardigans and so forth.

As for makeup and hair, when you see a hairstyle you like, don't be embarrassed to ask where she had it done. Its compliment to her and the hair dresser. A new hair style can be the biggest change all you need to make for the new year!

Think of it this way: New Year, New You and 2014 could be the best year yet!!!

December 2013

I can't believe we are in the final month of 2013. This year has gone be so fast, I need to stop and catch my breath before the new year starts...in 30 days! I can't believe its that far away.

This month I'm going to use to work on myself and improve my life and just make it more enriched. Not that I don't live one already, I just want to work on it more, and stay focused on the more important things in my life, such as my loved ones, planning my summer trip to Chicago and the list goes on...

I'm also going to use this month to gear up for the new year so then I know what I want to accomplish and goals to reach next year. I want to capture and savior every moment that be on film with a camera or the words in my diary. I don't want next year to fill like its flying by like this year has, but its been a good year.

I've done some learning this year that as I go through my life I won't let happen again and hopefully I'll see the warning signs before I'm in over my head with it. Don't let friends take advantage because when they do, its no longer a joyful friendship, its just something convenient for them and you get hurt in the end, I've learned from my own experience this past summer.

So I'm going to make this the best last month of 2013 and think about what I want to accomplish and goals to reach in the new year.

50 Things

So sorry I've not blogged in quite sometime. But here are 50 things you might not know about me.

1.      I’m older than I look.

2.      I don’t like long hair on me. I like chic bobs like Katie Holmes.

3.      I only wear MAC makeup.

4.      I LOVE Starbucks way too much.

5.      I’m in a wheelchair.

6.      I rarely if ever flat iron or curl my hair.

7.      I have 2 younger sisters.

8.      I’m 5 & 8 years older than my sisters.

9.      I keep a diary.

10.   I’m close with my mom.

11.   I’m one of those people who actually enjoys shopping…on Black Friday!

12.   I have heart racing every now and then that can last up to 24 hours, but I’ve found ways to control it and not race for so long.

13.   I rarely drink pop.

14.   It’s my dream to live near Chicago.

15.   I’m a fan of Christina Aguilera.

16.   I love jazz music.

17.   I consider Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra 2 of my favorite artists followed by Michael Buble, Christina Aguilera just to name a few.

18.   I wear the smoky all the time.

19.   I’ve never smoked nor ever would.

20.   I don’t drink alcohol often.

21.   I volunteer once a week.

22.   I’ve owned a cat or dog since I was 5 years old.

23.   I was 13 when I got my ears pierced.

24.   Orchids are my favorite flower followed by peonies, and roses.

25.   I love Godiva and Hershey chocolate.

26.   Key lime truffles are my favorite from Godiva.

27.   I love cranberry cheese.

28.   I love Utica Square. It’s one of Tulsa’s many wonderful many places for people watching!

29.   I’m a night owl, but I would like to be a morning person again.

30.   I used to not like my green eyes because everyone else had blue eyes, but now they are my favorite accessory!

31.   I’ve only had 2 perms my whole life. I embrace my pin straight hair.

32.   I’ve had a Barbie calendar for 2012 & 2013.

33.   I like short nails that are well painted.

34.   I’ve broken 5 bones and I plan on keeping it that way.

35.   In 2009 I broke my leg and my arm. So I attended the assemblies and convention that year in some kind of cast.

36.   I have a high tolerance for pain. I went to the assembly with an unset broken leg.

37.   The Devil Wears Prada is one of my favorite movies!

38.   I took art classes as a young teenager.

39.   I took 2 years of ballet and tap when I was kid.

40.   I’ve never worn contacts nor ever plan to.

41.   I actually enjoy taking naps…as an adult.

42.   Fall and winter are my favorite seasons…because sweating in your clothes is just repulsing.

43.   I have a horrible sweet tooth!!!

44.   Purple, fuchsia and black are my signature colors in my wardrobe.

45.   I love egg nog.

46.   I love watching chick flicks.

47.   Mary Kay Andrews in one of my favorite authors.

48.   I don’t like my house to be too warm in the winter. I sleep with a fan on year around, even on the of coldest nights.

49.   Hearing about animal cruelty breaks my heart. I’m an animal lover!

50.   I do my best to find something positive even in the most negative situation.

Hosiery

Hosiery for some is a luxury, while for others its essential to wear every day. I find it to be essential with different outfits such as wearing them with skirts and dresses, or under slacks and pants on extra cold days, plus if the shoes I'm wearing requires it I don't mind at all. I when I want a certain look, I'll wear black or nude fishnets, or just the traditional stockings/hosiery in tan or black. I do like the tights with polka dots, criss-cross designs and much.



Traditional fishnets

Polka dot and lace

Fishnets

French panty hoses

French panty hoses with bows

Polka dot panty hoses. I have a pair
and I truly love them.

Thigh highs with bows

Whimsical

November 2013

Awww....its November!!! I can't believe its already a new month. I remember October 1st like it was  yesterday!!! Time flies by so fast that we sometimes just have to stop, sit down, have some coffee and just simply regroup to get our baring's straight, collect our thoughts and just breath! We all need to do that, even if it takes the whole weekend to do. Before we know it'll be the new year.

This month I'm looking forward to the different get togethers at my place with loved ones, and of course, Black Friday shopping!!! That's one day I don't mind spending a little extra because it only comes once a year, and its a good thing that it does!!! LOL!!!

Nail Polish for Fall

So this afternoon I went to Ulta to get some new nail polish for fall. I was wearing Lady Like, a very neutral by Essie, but I wanted something a little darker as fall gets under way.

I found 3 shades that I really like and I'll wear a lot. At Ulta this week, until Saturday, October 5, they have buy 2 get one free on their Essie nail polish, among other sales.

Merino Cool: a sensuous autumn mulberry. Cutting edge glamour. Relentless beauty. This sensuous autumn mulberry nail polish is the very essence of style and the epitome of chic.

Bahama Mama: a warm, rich, creamy deep plum. Anytime is the right time for warm deep plum polish. Creamy and rich this tropical beauty works winter, spring, summer or fall – gorgeous is always in fashion.

Bond with Whomever: a posh lilac. London’s calling. Pick it up in this posh lilac nail polish and click with the cultured clique - here, there and everywhere.

Hello October!!!

Oh how I love October... The temperatures are dropping as fast as the leaves on the trees. The days are getting shorter. I have all my fall wardrobe pulled out and hanging neatly in my closet. I have just a few tops and pants to put away from my summer wardrobe.

 

 

Like the past few months, I have high expectations for October. By the end of the month I'll be a year older, so I want to make some really worth while changes in my life. I want a new out look on life and see things differently than I have in the past. I'm in my 30s. I'll be 32 at the end of the month, so I want a more mature look at things than someone in their 20s. But I think that's something that's just given when you get older with age. In my personal opinion, I feel that when you're in your 30s you have life more figured out, you have your stuff together and your more settled into life, that be either single or married, children or no children, while one who is in there 20s is starting and finishing college and thinking about marriage, a family and even just simply still figuring out who they are and who they want to be.

 

 

On a superficial side, I want my fashion, beauty and décor style to reflect a more mature side of me. So I think October 1st is a good time to start. I have to say this fall my wardrobe is more mature. I have richer hues of my favorite color, fuchsia and pinks, as well as black and I trade my summer whites for winter whites and creams. For beauty, I want to add a few golds and browns to my eye shadow collection for fall. Its something different for me. As for my hair, I have my signature hair style down, a nice chic bob with long bangs and just the right amount of layers. For decorating, I want more plush pillows on my bed and finish decorating my bathroom. I need to put my a shower curtain and some floor mats to then its soft and warmer on my feet than just the cold tile, especially in the winter, as that will be here before we know it.

 

 

So to kick off this new month, I'm going to breakfast with a long time friend, and off to the state fair with my mom. Its something the two of us have done together for years. Its always fun to see what's a the fair and I always get my staple at the fair, funnel cake, along with a few other goodies you can always find at the fair that I just can't live without and you can only find them at the fair.

Cold Days, Warm Drinks

Its that time of year again...to start stalking up on our favorite coffee and hot chocolate when we are snowed in but want a warm drink as we read our favorite books and magazines.

I love seasonal drinks like hot chocolate because its a nice warm treat on a cold, rainy, even snowy day or night. I love the seasonal drinks at Starbucks as well. Sometimes its okay that good things come once a year, and this is one of them. This season I'd like to try Mexican hot chocolate. I think it would be nice and its something different.

Today is a good day to have a cup of hot chocolate. Its rainy, chilly and at times I can hear thunder! All I need is to pick out a good book and its a relaxing Saturday afternoon...

First day of Fall......

I truly love this time of year, incase anyone didn't catch that I truly love fall!!! Its a season of renewal after a long, hot summer.

 

When I think of fall, I think of a new wardrobe (even if its updating what you already have), a new hair cut/style/color, rich hues both in style and nature, cooler, shorter days. And then of course, the seasonal stuff like hot chocolate, the seasonal coffees at Starbucks, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, egg nog, candy corn, comfy sweaters, tights, boots, the rainy days, see all the beautiful colors of fall that the leaves turn, Black Friday, watching You've Got Mail because its set in the fall, in New York...

 

So the list can just go on and on. Its just a really nice season in many ways. Its truly a welcome change after a long, hot, blistering summer. I hope every enjoys falls and the activities as much as I do.

 

 

Fall Fashion

Its starting to feel like fall...or at least its starting to look like fall in stores with all the sweaters, tweed pants, skirts, the seasonal coffees at Starbucks, and don't get me started on all those fall candles at Bath & Body Works! We'll talk about the candles another time!

 

 

As I've been reading the September issue of InStyle, Lucky and Harper's Bazaar, its made me really excited about all the new clothes this fall and its also inspired me even more so to do all I can to shed a few lbs.

 

 

While one should not lose weight to be a certain dress size, its inspiring to me because going to the gym and giving up some of my favorite foods and snacks just isn't appealing. Weight loss should be for living a healthier life and lifestyle, but shopping for a smaller dress size can also be the most motivation as well!

 

 

So as I was paging through InStyle, on page 652, I saw a sleek Michael Kors black turtle neck and I found a similar one at Ann Taylor for more than likely a fraction of the cost!! Now I just need to add a black belt, a pencil skirt and I've recreated the look with out spending a ton on one of the looks for this season.

 

 

I've added more darker fuchsias and mauves this season to my wardrobe, as you can see in the post, , and I just love those colors, especially for fall.

Ann Taylor and Loft both have those colors in right now and I can't get enough of them I love them so much, but I'm going to quit shopping for now so I can shop for something on Black Friday coming up.

 

Dress Up!

Dress up!!! While it may sound like extra work, in the long run its not. Dressing up sounds like it may take more time in the morning, pick out everything, and I mean everything. Everything from your outfit to what shoes, jewelry and makeup if you have to. You look more polished, put together, professional, if you have to wear a uniform at work. You’ll feel better about yourself, have more confidence, and it can improve your attitude and help you stand up straighter when you look your best by dressing up.

While it may sound sad, you'll get treated better at many places from the grocery store to Saks. If you think it sounds rude, think this way: If you were a saleswoman at Saks/Nordstrom/any upscale store, who would you go up to first: The woman in PJs and flip-flops or the woman in stylish blouse, slim black slacks and stilettoes.

 

If you still need a nudge to dress, think of it this way: You could run into your least favorite person from high school, like the popular girl from school or even your ex.  Because dressing up can show them you've moved on and you're doing well. Hopefully better than them.

 

Here are some pics for inspiration for dressing up, and you don't have to dress like you're going to a ball. Check out my posts from July  for more ideas. You just want to look your best!

 

 

                                           

In My Closet

So these last 2 weekends I've gone shopping for fall clothes. I've gotten some really nice stuff and pretty good deals. I got 2 pairs of pants, 2 skirts, and 4 tops. The pants will carry me through the cooler days of fall while the skirkts and 3 of my 4 tops will carry me through most to all of fall and winter. The other I can wear pretty much all year around. All the clothes I got goes with all the other clothes I already have, so basically I've updated my fall and winter clothes...for now and of course with Black Friday coming up in around 2 months, I'm good until then....

I really love shopping for fall, its my favorite season to shop for, more than spring and summer. I don't know what it is, but I just love it. The cooler days, lattes and hot chocolate, a warm fire, a good book, movie and magazine. Fall is just a really good season!

I got my clothes at www.AnnTaylor.com, www.Loft.com, and www.TheLimited.com.

 

September

Now that Labor Day weekend is drawing to a close, and the memories of summer fade away like a summer tan, its time we gear up and starting thinking about fall. I personally LOVE, LOVE, LOVE fall because of the new clothes that are still arriving in stores, the seasonal drinks at Starbucks, the seasonal candles, and of course, the cooler temps.

Fall officially begins on Sunday, September 22, but that hasn't stopped me from thinking about fall, especially with the September issues of my favorite fashion magazines, InStyle, Harper's Bazaar and Lucky to get ideas on what's in so then I know what I want to fill my closet with this season.

I love the beauty of a beautiful tree with bright red, orange, even purple and gold leaves. Its refreshing to see on a chilly, damp, gray day. Its nice to see those colors when the sky is gray from all the rain. Fall is just a really good time of year. 

Beautiful Beds

Since we spend a good part of our lives in bed, why not make it the most comfiest as possible. I like my bed to be welcoming and comfy as possible. I love my bedding. I've had for such a long time, even though every now and then I would like to change it, but when I look at it, I have some wonderful memories of my mom and I picking it out.

The foundation to a good bed is the mattress and box springs and then you build up by deciding on what size of bed you want from a twin to a California King.

Then after choosing what size of bed you want and can afford, get the best sheets you can afford. 500 count and above are the best. Macy's has the best 500 count sheets by Charter Club. They are on the pricy side, but so worth it.

Lastly, then comes the comforter and pillows galore!!! If you can't afford a new comforter/bed spread, why not make a duvet cover. Its usually cheaper than buying something totally new and you can have a one of a kind. You have better chance of having something no one else is going to have and its more your style and taste than what you'll find in stores.

I find the pictures below inspiring for my bed and I hope it inspires you as well.