Life...."What inspires you?"

A couple days ago at work I was asked the question "What inspires you?". My answer was simple "Not one person inspires me. I am inspired by peoples actions."

This has had me thinking all weekend about what has "inspired" me this week. I think it is so easy to get caught up in everyday that we forget to STOP what we are doing and find at least one thing that is positive or inspiring for that day. I challenge you this week to find your "inspiration".

Here are mine from last week....

- My husband. I have NEVER met someone who will ALWAYS put others before themselves as much as my husband does. Call me biased but its true. He is always the guy to stop when someone needs help ( as long as he feels its safe). Every night we talk about what went on throughout our days. He is SO aware of how he comes across to others. He tries to treat everyone fairly regardless of the situation. Even though I don't always agree with how he handles situations (I'm a VERY bold personality), I am always inspired to be a better person because of his actions.

- I currently work in a women's retail store and I had the pleasure of helping an elderly couple this week. As some of you know I have a weakness for elderly. LOVE THEM! In the beginning I had a hard time. The women wouldn't decide if she liked something or not until her husband did. At first I was super livid. I'm the type where I don't care if my husband "approves" or not. If I want it and I like it then I'm getting it regardless. After helping and getting to know this couple for over an hour I found out that the women refused to go shopping. Her husband ALWAYS had to bring home new clothes for her because she never wanted to spend the money on herself. She ended up finding about 5 complete outfits. She told me to take them to the front and that her husband would decide which ones they were going to buy. As I was up at the cash register the husband told me that he had a lot of room on his credit card and they were going home with EVERYTHING that she liked. Their total was over $400 which I knew from talking with them that they couldn't afford that much today. He was so cute....knowing that they were going to have to budget to pay off the card he still wanted to spoil his wife. I am still thinking about them almost 4 days later. I am inspired.

- If you keep up with the blog at all you know that I am a newly converted hockey fan. My husband and I attended the last 3 games of the season this past week. We always have so much fun. For those of you who know me personally know that I have taken a liking to EVAN STOFLET. Its been fun being a "super fan"...tagging him in photos and being the equivalent of a "Bieber fever fan" (hopefully not quite as extreme). I don't know Evan personally...not one bit. But I have to say that by observing him play he has INSPIRED ME. After attending 9 games this season I have noticed that Evan is the "cheerleader". Always cheering up his teammates. During period breaks Evan always goes out and meets the goalie and they go to the locker room together. The 

Grizzlies are always getting new players and it seems that Evan makes an effort to make them feel apart of the team. He is always one of the last ones off the ice. For professional sports I think this is amazing. I can tell that he is a great team leader and leads by example. It reminded and inspired me to be more of the "cheerleader" and create more team unity in my professional life. 

I consider my husband and I to be very fortunate. I think we do well financially and lead a pretty great life style. We try to "pay if forward" when we can. Our favorite thing is to buy a family their dinner. It doesn't happen often but we love doing it. 

So I ask you now..."WHAT INSPIRES YOU?" OR WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO INSPIRE OTHERS?

1,000 views!

Makeup....The Chapstick Collection.

You know you have a million different chap stick brands

just laying around your house.

Some you bought because it was the newest thing...

others you bought just because.

I have a million and one

I have tried many brands over the years.

BUT I think I have narrowed it down to my favorites.

My Reviews:

MAYBELLINE "BABY LIPS" - NOT WORTH THE HYPE

I bought "BABY LIPS" because so many people were raving about it. It does NOT soften your lips over time. I find it only lasts maybe through the hour. It was not worth the money spent to ever get this again. It is offered in different "tints" which I haven't tried...I'm not a fan of tinted chap stick.

NIVEA " A KISS OF SMOOTHNESS"- MY NIGHTTIME TREATMENT

Nivea is so much better then "BABY LIPS".
I use Nivea before I go to bed and wake up with silky soft lips!
Its non greasy, super light, silky smooth. Its the absolute best!

NEOSPORIN " DAILY HYDRATION THERAPY"- MY GO TO DEEP THERAPY

Its commonly known that if you have chapped lips or cracked lips that your are dehydrated. So if that is the case then drink more water. I use this once a week to give my lips a "spa day". I layer it on before I get in the shower. Between the steam and "Neosporin Hydration Treatment" the dead skin on my lips is completely soft. When I get out I just rub my lips on my towel and any dead skin just comes right off. My lips are renewed and ready for a week full of lipstick!

 "EOS"- MY VERY FAVORITE OVERALL TREATMENT!

You can get "EOS" when your checking out at "Walmart".  I stumbled upon this gem a year ago and  its been love ever since. "EOS" was actually featured in ELLE last year as one of the best lip treatments out there. It lasts a good 4-6 hours during the day. The peppermint is soothing and tingling. Its the best well round treatment I have ever had. I would recommend this to ANYONE and have actually gone as far as giving as a small quick gift!

Fashion...Thrifty, Thrifty!

Lets talk about shopping on a budget!

I think sometimes we feel like its hard to do.

Where do I go?

What is a good deal?

I asked for some help on this post

Let me introduce

JENNIE MERBACK LEWIS

Jennie and I were collage roommates.

She always had the best closet!

Jennie was the one who's closet we went to 

when we needed a new look.

Jennie has ALWAYS prided herself on shopping 

"Thrifty"

 as she likes to call it.

I say she shops extremely smart.

Not only does she save a

 TON

of money

 she looks trendy while doing it.

Jennie supplied me with 9 outfits

 and 

a list of where she shopped with the price point she paid.

I think you will be shocked.

I love that Jennie restyled a lot of her pieces

to create different looks and outfits.

Before I get much further I have to give a

 SHOUT OUT

 to Jennie's husband 

BRANDON

for being the photographer 

and letting us use an insane about of texts back and fourth on his phone....

BRANDON YOUR THE BEST!

TOTAL COST: $60

Top- Forever 21 $14.80,  Maxi Skirt- Ross $16.99, Long Gold Necklace- Forever 21 $3.80,
Turquoise Pendent Necklace- Forever 21 $4.80,  Boots- TJ Max $20

TOTAL COST: $28

Blouse- JCPenny $12, Skirt- JC Penny $8,
Necklace- Rue 21 $2,  Flats- Fallas $5.99

TOTAL COST: $25

Top- TJ Max $12.99, Pants- Forever21 $3.99
 Earrings- Homemade rocks from hobby lobby $3, Flats- Fallas $5.99

TOTAL COST: $56

Blouse- Forever21 $17.80, Pants- JC Penny $4, Bracelet- Kmart $3.79,
 Earrings- Homemade rocks from Hobby Lobby,  Shoes- Payless $7

TOTAL COST: $50

Blouse- Downeast $10,  Pants- Walmart $15.88,  Flats- Fallas $5.99,
 Earrings- Charlotte Russe $5,  Bracelete- Target $12.99

 TOTAL COST: $47

Top- JC Penny $12, Pants- TJ Max $15,
Statement Necklace- Plunder Design $8
Flats- Forever 21 Shoes $12

TOTAL COST: $44

Top- Forever21 $10.80, Pants- Walmart $15.88, Belt- Forever21 $6.80,
Long Necklace- Forever21 $2.80, Short Necklace- Forever21 3.80,
Earrings- Forever21 $3.80

TOTAL COST: $52

Blouse- Forever21 $17.80, Cheeta Cardi- H & M $10, Pants- Forever21 $15.80,
 Earrings- Forever 21 $1.50, Flats- Payless $7

TOTAL COST: $45

Blouse- JC Penny $12, Pants- Forever21 $15.80,
 Collar Necklace- Rue 21 $2,  Cheeta Flats- Target $14.99

Jennie, Thank You so much for participating!

 It was so exciting to get a picture a day and see what you were wearing! 

You are amazing AND gorgeous!

Love ya!

WOW!

700

PAGE 

VIEWS!

AMAZING!

KEEP SHARING!

THIS REALLY IS SO FUN FOR ME,

 I LOVE SEEING THAT PEOPLE ARE

 ACTUALLY LOOKING AT THE BLOG!

THANKS ALL FOR THE SUPPORT!

Fashion...Mall walking

I did a quick run through of a couple of stores while making some returns today. 

I love to window shop and see whats out there.

These few pieces caught my eye as I did a quick run in and out of the stores:

Ann Taylor- Fringe Blouse

Famous Brand Shoes- Gladiator Sandals

Claire's  ( Park City Location)- Crossover Messenger bag

Claire's (Park City Location) - Multi Print Backpack (Fun as a diaper bag/or kids)

I love seeing the "younger" style. Even though I still think of myself as  "Young" I like taking the edgy elements and making them age appropriate for me. I loved her edge with print mixing and color blocking.

Calvin Klein- Button down Roll-up shirts

Calvin Klein- Colors

 PLUG: I promised I would give CLAIRE'S at Tanger Outlets in Park City a shout out! Clean and organized store with super cute, fun, trendy jewelry and accessories. ALSO, they have 10 for $10!!! Awesome!

Fashion...is What You Make It!

I'm a firm believer that FASHION is what you make it!

We do not walk off the pages of Vogue.

Most of us have a budget and an only afford so much...

So that being said, develop your own style 

according to what you can afford.

After only getting through 

HALF

of Elle

I noticed lots of print mixing.

" Um yeah...that has been the trend for a while now!"

OK, OK. So its been the trend for a while.

But lets start small.

Polka dots and stripes.

Two fundamentals that will be good to remember when mixing patterns.

Both can be used as your "solid".

Don't forget your color blocking

when mixing prints.

My saying is

 "if you feel confident enough to "rock it" then do it!"

The Outfits below are all from Old Navy and bought out of their Clearance section.  Buy off of Clearance and make it trendy to the current season.

Navy polka dot skinnies ($8.49), I rolled the cuff up. Yellow and Navy striped ruffled Henley ($5.99), sleeves are rolled up. Yellow and sea foam green skinny belts ( 2-pack $5.47) Medallion Necklace is from Claire's 4 years ago.

I "long cuffed" the legs first and then cuffed again.
 This gives a less structured effect to your outfit.

I laced the two belts together to make a statement piece.

Color blocking with Yellow and Sea-foam. Yellow skinnies ($8.49), Heather Grey Graphic T ( $8.99), Belt part of the 2 pack. Aztec multi colored wedges are from DRESSBARN ($34.99), Reused from spring is here post.

Multi String Statement Necklace ( Claire's, 4 years ago) dresses up a casual shirt. The word "Love" and skinny belt are the same hue. This is a very subtle way of color blocking. Great for beginners.

I do want to apologize, the mannequin I'm using has ZERO shape and so if the outfits come across as frumpy then that would be why. I also am NOT a photographer. I'll leave the lighting and angles to the professionals.

Life as my nail polish!

I got a manicure a couple weeks ago for my birthday. 

I normally DON'T get regular nail polish anymore.

 I stick with gel/shellac on my hands.

 I decided to get normal polish this time to cut back on time. 

Two weeks later it looks like that!

The point of this post is this....

Why haven't I removed the polish yet?

 I can't tell you why.

 We all have done it. 

We let it sit on our fingernails until we can pick every last bit of color off. 

Why? 

Its so weird. 

I have polish remover....

I'm very confused by the female nature. 

After I post this I'm marching my butt right into the bathroom and taking care of this immediately.

LIFE as a Hockey Girl!

I went to my very first hockey game in January 2013. Ever since then I have been OBSESSED! I'm not a sports girl...never have been. I am not one to watch or follow professional sports.

Its hard to beat a hockey game....fast paced, loud mouthed, foul language, and fights. Not to mention the people watching! Oh man...its a good time!

Another BIG reason why I love it because its our home team (UTAH GRIZZLIES) and I can go see the games in person. None of this following on the t.v. crap!

The first game I went to I quickly became attached to a few players 

(Stoflet, Battani, Tuzzolino, Eddy, Vock, and Patterson). 

Some of it was because I thought they looked good in their uniforms (Stoflet, Eddy),

 I liked the way they moved on the ice

 ( Vock and Patterson...they look like twins in their uniforms and skating), 

others it was their name (Tuzzolino, we like to call him "Cousin Lino"), 

or that they were always fighting and in the penalty box (Battani). 

I know, I'm such a girl.

 It should be because of their stats and how they play,

 but at the time I didn't even know the game ( I am still learning).

For some reason I'm always get on edge when we are on our way to the game. 

Maybe its the excitement,

 but my husband can't drive fast enough, 

we will be late,

 too many people.

 I'm a basket case. LOL

So we went to the game on Wednesday ( March 6th) and it was by far the best game yet. 

We lost but it didn't matter. 

A few games ago we took a survey and got 4 free tickets. 

So we cashed them in! 

Yahoo! 

Free Game!

Because it was a Wednesday the arena was pretty empty. At the end of the second period I had noticed that the 1st row seats in our section haven't had anyone in them.

 After begging my husband for 5 min, convincing him that we wouldn't get in trouble, we moved down to row one. The only way to get closer to the ice was to be ON the ice. 

Of course, 1st row is where I belong. I fit right in, yelling, jumping up and down, throwing my hands up yelling " COME ON!", booing....basically being a loud mouth!

 My husband  on the other hand belongs in row 30. 

So there I was so into the game,

 its the last period, 

we are getting our asses kicked,

 then my favorite boys get on the ice.

 I have front row...if their wasn't glass in my way I would be pinching their bums!

Grizz Bee walked by and sat on our laps! That was awesome!

I love the way Battani runs his mouth! 

A couple elbow throws later and hes off the the ice.

 Now Stoflet is RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!

 I start snapping away with my phone and I'm now practically sitting on 3 guys laps who were to my left because I kept trying to get good shots. 

Stoflet skates around, makes eye contact with me, 

gives me 3 eyebrow raises...

I START FREAKING OUT LIKE A 13 YEAR OLD AT A JUSTIN BEIBER CONCERT.

 I'M WAVING LIKE A CRAZY AND THEN HE GIVE ME A SMILE! 

Ha Ha Ha Ha....I was an excited mess.

 My husband is just laughing and shaking his head at me the entire time while I'm flustered that I got a SMILE from Stoflet. 

 Well needless to say I'm trying not to approach stalker status because of my crush. 

I'm grateful that I am married and have an alibi. 

Going to another game on Saturday! Can't wait!

On my way to the game!

Grizz Bee sitting on my lap!

From active and retired Military night! Love this!

Stoflet

Battani, running his mouth.

Battani thowing a few elbows.

Morrison, our new goalie!

SHOUT OUT!!!

Just wanted to give a quick shout out to my good friend Chelsey Ann for helping me design the blog!! 

I can post all day long, but making it look good is a different story!

Chels, 

THANK YOU so much for putting in time and effort into something that wasn't your project! 

I truly appreciate it!

Love ya!

Make-up...Pinks and Corals!

Its that time to start incorporating corals and pinks into your make up!

 Go with bright cheeks and a bold lip!!

Try ombre on your lips. I put an orange coral as my base and then added a bright pink in the middle and blended. Mine is more subtle...I don't want to make TOO much of a statement! 

Bright pink cheeks with a bright pink lip! Fun and Flirty...makes me want spring to be here already!

Fashion.... at any age is fun!!

I got some help from my co-workers.

 Each of who have their very own unique style.

 I love going to work and seeing what looks they have put together.

Age 29: Melissa

I'm wearing one of the outfits in previous post. I love colors. I actually put a lavender button down card with this later on in the day. 

AGE: 40 - Heidi

Heidi has completely stepped out of her fashion " box". I love that she challenges herself to create new looks while still dressing appropriate for her age. Heidi has taken a bold print maxi skirt and pair it with a purple blouse and denim jacket. Heidi took an accent color in her skirt and made it more pronounced with her blouse thus changing the entire look.

AGE: 50 - Pam

Pam loves the classics! She pulls them off so well.  Pam has  on a classic black dress. It has pleats on the hips giving it a fun twist. She also put a statement necklace to finish it off. This is an every day look for Pam. It can also be worn for a night on the town.

Age: 60 - Shirley

I never know what Shirley is going to show up in. She can go from very tailored to "Flirty and Fun" like she is here. Shirley has on a pair of black skinnies with ankle boots. She has a paisley printed pheasant top. Pheasant tops are great because they fall straight off of the bust and fall loosely over the midsection. Because Shirley did large statement earrings she opted not to do a necklace.


I hear all the time " I can't wear that...people will think I'm trying to be 20 again!"
 Stores like Dressbarn, Ann Taylor, and Chico's are not targeted towards a 20 year old.
They buy keeping an average women age in mind (around 45).
They do make sure to buy items that are targeted younger and older then 45 but most of the items are based on a middle age.
 If they carry it, then you can wear it if you so choose!

If there is a subject you would like to see covered, then comment below!

FASHION...Spring is here.

Yes, I know. You still see snow on the ground. Technically it is STILL "Winter". 

Walk into any retail store and they have moved on to spring. 

HELLO, pretty floral prints,

 Soft Pinks, 

Purples, and Teals.

 Dresses , flip flops and swimwear are all hitting the shelves. 

What to buy you ask? 

I'll tell you...

CORE PIECES!

The key to any good wardrobe is stocking up on your basic core pieces.
Core pieces are easy...a good pair of jeans/Capri's, denim jacket, slacks, blazers, scarves, and belts. Invest your money in those types of items.
 A good denim jacket can cost you anywhere from $40 and up, but will last you years in your closet.

When I buy my "TRENDY" pieces I tend to go for a bargain.
I find stores like Forever 21, H&M, Old Navy and Target have cute items that are extremely affordable. I buy my "trend" pieces at low price point stores knowing that it may only last me through the current season.

I also love keeping my jewelry trendy.
 I can normally get complete sets (necklace, earrings, and bracelet) for under $20.
I seem to find the best deals at Charlotte Russe, and Forever 21.
Please keep in mind that these are cheap items that may break.
I tend to go through my jewelry trends faster then normal, so if your looking for quality that will last then pass on these stores.

Lets get back on track...

We are talking about basics. Here I'm using a core white denim jack,  tan and black striped cotton dress (Calvin Klein), Carmel colored braided belt. In my closet these are all core pieces. I added gold/black printed jewelry as my trend.

Necklace and Earrings are from Old Navy.

Hop into spring with a floral blouse and salmon colored ankle skinnies.  I added my core pieces (white denim jacket, teal scarf, Carmel braided belt) to finish off the look. 

 Add a statement necklace to any outfit to dress up your look.

I kept the trend pieces and  incorporated different core pieces. I have had this long denim jacket for 2 years...I still wear it on cool spring days. By adding a belt around your natural waist ( under the bust) you create an "hour glass" look.   Just by changing out your core pieces you create a completely different outfit.  

Necklace scarves are a quick easy accessory.

Night out! My basics are a pleated white blouse, black cotton sequin skirt and wide flower elastic belt.  Add any colored/printed blazer or cardigan with a statement necklace for the trend elements.

Sequins add a flirty and fun element to any outfit.

Use necklace extenders to add more length. I  added 2 extenders to this necklace to create longer lines.

Why not? Pair a bright bold print shoe with your outfit for a flirty and sexy look.