10 tips for weaving the hottest runway trends into your day-to-day looks

I LOVE fashion. I have been watching Project Runway since the show started, and I can't get enough of "Say Yes To The Dress", so when I saw that we had a chance to provide tips for adding in the hottest trends into our wardrobe, I was very excited.

I follow designers like Michael Kors, DKNY, D&G, Milly and more. With the start of Facebook, twitter and blogs it is so much easier to find out what designers are up to. I don't have to make it to all the runway shows, I can simply look them up online. It really is amazing how far we have come.

This year it seems to be animal prints, furs and more leggings. I must admit I was not a fan of any of these trends when they first came out, but I am slowly warming to them.

Here are my Ten Tips:
1. Mix Scarves into your wardrobe. I think that scarves are a great way to add color, or add texture to a look. You can add sequin scarves, striped, polka dot etc. It's fun, and easy!
2. Add Bling - Try some chunky jewelry. I am enjoying checking out costume jewelry online and am really enjoying the large rings. They add some flare!
3. Don't be afraid of print. If you want to stay professional at work, try a cheeta print cardigan, but stick with a solid top and solid pants. It is still professional, and not overkill on the pattern.
4. Fur (faux of course) is your friend - A vest or sweater with a faux fur collar can look very classy when paired with a sleek skirt or slacks. It's cute, and also warm.
5. Leggings - This is a trend that I have finally succumbed to. Under a bouncy skirt or shorter skirt leggings are the perfect solution for immodest skirts, or for outfits that need a bit more visual interest. Try solid and patterned leggings.
6. Skinns Pants - Not everyone can work the skinny pant, but they look wonderful with a pair of high heel boots, and a tunic style top. I personally like to cover some of my "bedonkidonk" with a tunic, since skinny pants tend to be very fitted, so it's a great look.
7. Sequins - Too many of these can look gaudy or like a vegas show girl, but in moderation they are good. I like to mix a sequin top with a cardigan or blazer and jeans. It's ok in moderation.
8. Cardigans - They are everywhere. I LOVE these, and have one in almost every color, but they can get boring, so try adding a skinny belt to the look, or add a scarf!
9. Wide belts - I love the look of having a tunic top or dress paired with a wide belt to accentuate the waise or umpire waist. It looks classy, and flatters the figure.
10. Argyle - I am not preppy, nor do I pretend to be, but I enjoy argyle. It's a classy pattern that is appropriate for work, church, an evening out etc. It's versatile and timeless.

I think I could ramble on and on about fashion, and the places I love to shop. Recently I've found wonderful deals at places like WetSeal and Charlotte Russe, where they arent NYC Fashion labels, but they are just as cute and stylish. I'm really into the faux fur and cardigan looks right now, and love pairing them with larger jewelry, but I have to admit that my pet peeve is jewelry that makes noise. I hate walking into the office jingling or clanging as I walk, so I make sure to avoid "noisy" jewelry at al costs.

I hope you enjoyed my tips, and I can't wait to hear yours!

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Kenmore blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link to http://SearsKenmore.twittermoms.com/about)

Kenmore EliteInnovative Top Load Washer

14 ways to have a fresh and festive holiday

I am not normally the sentimental type, but around the holidays I turn into mush at every commercial, every light filled neighborhood, and love surrounding myself with holiday cheer. This is why I like to keep things fresh and festive in our home. There are so many ways that you can keep you decor fresh and inviting during the holiday season, and in this post I intend to share some ideas with you:

1. Centerpiece ideas - take plastic fruit and spray paint it gold or silver. Arrange in a deep bowl, and you have a classy centerpiece
2. Candle Arrangements - take a glass vase and fill it with coffee beans. In the center of coffee beans place a large round candle for a fun and delicious smelling decoration
3. Aroma - try reed diffusers or wax melting tools to release wonderful aromas into your home
4. Beverage - dump a carton of cider into a large pot on the stove. Turn on low until heated. Add a bag of frozen raspberries for a delicious beverage! Easy and festive
5. Wreath - Go classic (leaves and berries) or go modern (fruits and pine cones with hints of razzle dazzle). I know places like AC Moore will make a wreath for you, if you pick out what you want on it. . . we did, and love our festive wreath
6. Bake - try new recipes. One of my favories are pumpkin muffins. You simply take any boxed cake mix, add a can of pumpkin and pop the cupcakes/muffins in the oven and you have a tasty treat!
7. Cards- Make your own holiday cards. It adds the extra personal touch, and shows that thought and care went into this.
8. Photos - Place new photo around your home prior to having company over. Not only does it add personality, but they can also be conversation starters.
9. Runners - One way to add a festive touch is with seasonal table runners. I personally love fall leaf themed runners, but anything would work.
10. Dishes - If you have seasonal dishes bring them out. If not, there are plenty of cute and affordable paper products that are fit for a holiday get-together. I'm not one for doing a ton of dishes, so this is the easy way out, but also the festive way out.
11. Artwork - some people change their artwork with each season. If you have the time and ability to do this, it's a fun idea. It keeps the variety in your life.
12. Magazines/books - When you have company over, try to have issues of Real Simple or Better Homes and gardens magazine sitting on the table for guests to browse. Coffee Table books are also a good idea. I love books that feature artists local to that area who happen to have a "Fall" book full of beautiful Fall foliage photos.
13. Dress Up Pets - Yes, I am one of those parents that enjoys embarrasing her pets by dressing them up for the holidays. Try a cute collar, or even a little festive sweater. Your guests are sure to get a kick out of it, even if your pets don't
14. Go Organic - One way to keep things fresh is to use fresh vegetables and fruits in cooking. We go to Produce Junction to get farm raised produce, and it tastes fantastic. I will never go backed to canned vegetables.
15. Towels - Change out your kitchen and bathroom hand towels with festive ones. I love going to places like Walmart, Kohls, Target or Kmart to find some affordable and festive holiday towels. It adds color without hurting the budget.

Please feel free to leave comments with your ideas. I would love to hear them.

Happe Holidays!

Snuggle Blue Sparkle Ultra Fabric SoftenerLong-Lasting Freshness


I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Snuggle blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here - (make sure you link to http://snuggle.twittermoms.com/about )

five tips for making benefits planning simpler

In between the history of cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, anemia and other history in my family it is critical that our family has great coverage, but making those decisions can be difficult and confusing. Right now is open enrollment time, and time to take your insurance coverage more seriously. Consider what you need most, where you can cut costs (if anywhere), and what options to choose. Here are some tips to help with this process:

1. Prioritize - What is most important to you and your family?

2. Calculate- How much can you afford to spend on deductibles. Make a budget!

3. Predict- Look ahead to doctors’ visits or health screenings such as mammograms, annual physicals, immunizations etc.

4. Compare Plans! If you have a choice between health plans, find the plan that gives you the biggest bang for your buck.

5. Would mail-order help me? If you order prescriptions regularly, it may pay to get them through the mail. Many times this is cheaper and more convenient, so why not consider this as another option?

Insurance is great, but there are many things that you can do to keep your body in the best shape it can be, and to prevent needing all these tests, and doctor's appointments. Here are just some suggestions. The first is to eat a balanced diet. Every doctor will tell you that a balanced diet and good eating habits are key for keeping the body and brain running at optimal levels. the second thing you can do is exercise. Even if you can't exercise regulary or get to a gym I've heard that short 10-minute bursts of moderate-intensity exercise, adding up to a total of 30 minutes a day, works just as well for people with sedentary habits. The third is physical contact, in loving ways, such as hugs. It's been proven that hugging your partner can reduce heart rate and blood pressure, and so can owning a pet. I know that our cats definitely keep my blood pressue low. They have a calming effect on people :). The fourth thing you can do is take vitamin supplements, but don't go overboard. Many people don't get enough of certain vitamins and minerals, and vitamin supplements are a great way to fix this problem.

All of these things combined should help you to have a healthier body and lifestyle, and to be on the safe side, use the tips listed above (with asteriscs) to help decide on an insurance plan that is right for you and your family!

Health Benefits Planning

Health Care Reform Made Simple

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Aetna blogging program, making me eligible to get a $30 Target gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Vaseline Uses

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is celebrating its 140th Anniversary! Woo Hoo, and I decided to help celebrate by telling my readers about the many uses for this product. I love Vaseline Jelly because it's great for so many different things such as:

* Put a coat on your eyelashes before you go to bed. Lots of people swear by this – and say it will make your lashes grow longer and thicker over time.

* Put a coat of vaseline on your feet at night, cover them with socks and wake up to softer feet – every day!

* Put vaseline on your elbows every day – they will stay soft!

* Put Vaseline on your cuticles several times a day for softer and better looking cuticles every day.

* Put Vaseline on chapped lips

* Shaving: just put a very thin layer on the area that needs shaving and shave. Don’t use water. Also don’t apply too much product or it will plug up your razor. In addiction, vaseline can get a bit greasy, but it will leave your skin soft, smooth and moisturized.

* Softens elbows: apply some vaseline to elbows daily. It will soften them

* Maintains fragrance longer: apply a thin layer of vaseline on your wrist before spraying perfume on. It will make the scent last longer

* Seals in split ends: if you put some vaseline on your split ends, it will seal them in and make it look like they aren’t there. But don’t do this too often as it will take a couple of shampoos to remove vaseline from your hair

* Use it for diaper rash

* Moisturizes dry skin. It's really great in the cold, dry winter months that are fast approaching!

* Scrub: mix petrolatum jelly with sea salt to make your own scrub

Try some of these ideas for yourself!!!

Vaseline 140th Anniversary

Vaseline Contest

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Vaseline blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link to http://vaseline140.twittermoms.com/about