December 31, 2016

What I Learned in 2016


Can you believe we only have a few more hours until we say goodbye to 2016 and hello to 2017?! It's crazy, right? 

With so many world events that have taken this year by the horns, I'm sure we've all had a few  personal experiences we'd wish never made a pit stop, but what is life without some downfalls? We can't have it all, and life is never perfect, but we can learn a lot through these ups and downs and make the best out of it, or perhaps even learn from them. 

Here's what I learned this year:

  • I'm a Go-Getter
This isn't something necessarily new to me, but it's definitely worth acknowledging. I can't sit still. I don't like wasting time and I definitely function at a higher speed than most. Whether it is about health, fitness, work or organizing my closet and then reorganizing it again, I must see things progress. Everything has an order; a place in this world, and in order to see these things fit into their proper space, I create a hands-on approach to make sure it gets done. I guess you can say I'm a type-A personality. Although mostly wonderful, this type of personality can be difficult to have at times because it can make me a perfectionist and allows for frazzled moments with others who are inactive to pursue their dreams or resolve health issues. This leads me into the second thing...

  • Accepting People As They Are
People show you who they are every day. Whether happy and make every situation positive, negative and dismissive or smile to your face and live a secret life behind your back (trust me it happens). People will show you who they are, the type of person they connect with and what you can expect from them. Don't make anyone be who you want them to be, but rather listen to what they are saying to you. You'll spend less time problem solving, and more time living your best self.
  • It's OK to Say "NO"
It's definitely ok to say no. Your life and your time is precious, and spending it with who and as you wish, is and SHOULD BE a definite priority. 
  • New Things Are Scary but Worth a Try If Your Heart Is In It
This one is pretty straightforward, but we all need a little reminder that stepping out of our comfort zone can be a bit scary, and that's normal. When I started my new job a year ago, I was pretty scared. It was something I had wanted to do for years, but never had the right opportunity. Then with a LOT of persistence (TYPE A), a lot of patience, learning from others and weaving in my own skills, I landed the job of managing a magazine for a large organization. A huge dream come true; and a huge goal accomplished. My heart was there and so was the fear, but if I let the fear outweigh my heart's desire, I would have never pursued this job, and I'm so glad I listened to my heart. 
  • God Has A Plan For You
Simply put, everyone's journey is their own. God intended yours to move just as fast (or slow) as needed. The route may change course and your abilities, function or outlook may change from time to time, but you are right where you need to be. Trust Your Journey.

Now that I've shared what I learned, it's time to set out some new goals for 2017! I'm very much ready to do this, and I hope you'll join me. Grab a pen and paper and write out a few goals of your own. There's no rush, take your time. Vision your goals. Let's go!

Goals for 2017:

1. Do Yoga 1 to 2xs a week. 
2. Drink More Water (with lemon)
3. Say "No" to Things You Don't Want To Do
4. Be OK with Your Fitness Journey and Progress 
5. Spend More Time Doing what You love
6. Get More Sleep
7. Do More Things Outdoors 

~ Now for a little fluff, here are some pictures to share my favorite IG posts of 2016 ~






















Happy New Year! May Your Blessings be Abundant!



December 27, 2016

Back at MAC: Selena Quintanilla


It's Here!

In just minutes, Selena fans everywhere will be logging onto the worldwide web to purchase the beloved relaunch of #MACSelena inspired collection.

The original launch was released on October 6, 2016 selling out almost immediately on the cosmetic brand's website. In store purchases were just as swift, with sets and individual pieces selling out in under three hours, making this the most in-demand-purchase of the year for MAC.

The Selena Quintanilla collection is said to mimic pieces found in Selena's personal makeup bag, an insight that us #makeup girls truly appreciate, because without the Quintanilla family consent, this collaboration wouldn't have been possible.

Now, are you ready to shop? The MAC Selena products will be available int he Unites States and Canada, first on the cosmetic brand's website starting Wednesday, December 28 and in stores on Thursday, December 29. All items from the original launch will be available except for the Liquid Eye Liner in Boot Black.

In addition to MAC's  own website and stores, the following retailers will also hold the collection for purchase: Macy's, Nordstrom, Hudson Bay Company, Dillard's, Belk, Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue.  
Online purchases will be limited to two skus per product and three skus per product in stores.



Photo by MACCosmetics Instagram


I was lucky enough to get this beauty for Christmas, courtesy of my beautiful sister. However, I too will be adding to my collection tonight! Good luck, beauties!

Anything for Selenas!


December 20, 2016

Inspiration Pieces: Cozy Christmas

Let the season inspire you! Whether you'll be snuggling by the fireside with your sweetheart, or going to a dinner with girlfriends, look chic and cozy in this ensemble. 
Cozy Christmas


December 13, 2016

Bella and Lulu Review Nature's Logic Dog Food


Thank you Nature's Logic  (NL) for sending Bella and Lulu your Canine Chicken Meal Feast dry kibble, to try. The girls are a bit prissy and rather particular, but they definitely appreciate a good dog food when they smell one.



Before we dive into the review, I wanted to share a brief history of Nature's Logic. The idea started in 2005, when owner of Nature's Logic Scott Freeman, developed a concept for pet food that focused on the benefits of whole food nutrition without using synthetics. Thanks to his veterinarian friend who had a similar approach to nutrition in the realm of supplements, the vision made a long-lasting impression on Freeman, and by late 2005 the first batch of NL was tested. And by early 2006,  the first products retailed in the USA.

Nature’s Logic's goal is to provide great nutrition to pets, and provide a safe product that pet owners can feel good about feeding to their fur babies.




In the Chicken kibbie, Bella and Lulu received, the top list of items stated this:

• Gluten Free
• Probiotics
• Enzymes
• 100% Natural
• No Synthetic Vitamins or Minerals

"Not bad, huh?" asks, Lulu.








The full list of ingredients, found here in the Chicken kibbies are pretty sophisticated, and for a dog owner who just adores her furbabies, I was highly impressed.

The only issue I had with the kibbies was their size. My pups are under the weight of 10 pounds and for some reason the concern I had for the size of the kibbies had me hesitant. As I watched the girls snack on a few pieces, the raise of concern heightened, as my ONLY recommendation would to be to ask Nature's Logic to create a smaller kibble that is little-pup-to-miniature-pup, friendly.

So as to not waste food, I reached out to our dear doggy friend, Abby's owner, Terri. Terri has shared that Abby is a "highly allergic to everything under the sun," type of dog, who might be worth the gamble on this health-cautious dog food. The 40 pounds of cuteness marched her way over to the bag and waited patiently for her dinner to be served.  
 





Success! Abby ate until her tummy was full.


If you have a medium to large dog, I would recommend the dry kibble. For a full list of products for dogs or cats, check them out here .  

Thank you Nature's Logic!