Fashion & Style: Fashionable Goals To Set for 2016

fashionable goals

The start of a new year brings with it resolutions. Most people want to change something. They may want to improve their finances, read more, get in shape, take up a hobby, you name it everyone sets their mind to do something. Whether they accomplish it or not, is another story, but I want to focus on a different type of goal. This year I was exposed to a different side of fashion. I must say it sparked something in me and my inner Fashionista wants to come out. I’ve never thought about setting fashion related goals, but it’s a new year so I’m doing something new. These are goals that anyone can do to change their look and impression about fashion.
So here they are Fashionable Goals for 2016:

Attend a Fashion Show
I’ve always heard about NYFW. When I was hooked on Sex in the City I imagined what it would be like to attend. The fashion, makeup, models, food, and other events! It might be a bit of a stretch to attend this particular fashion show, but I also learned there are local fashion events. From local designers and even store events. This year add attending a fashion event to your list of goals. I would love to see the behind the scenes action and really start to understand what it takes to put on a fashion event, and of course enjoy the fashions.

Get a style consultation
That’s right be ‘rich and famous’ for a day and get styled! A stylist or image consultant can help bring out your best in fashion. It may be time for a change. My job requires a professional look, and it’s starting to be a bit boring. I want to still be glam at the office without overdoing it. An image consultant can help me revamp my wardrobe.

Clean out your closet!!!
This is a huge one for me. I have clothes that I have not worn or can’t fit. It’s time for them to go. Out with the old and in with the new. Revamp your style, while doing a good deed. Donate your article of clothing to a local charity or give them to someone in need.

Catalog your closet
There are fashion apps available that can digitally store your wardrobe. This will save time when getting ready, you can create a style from anywhere. Having your closet with you while shopping can help you build up your wardrobe and prevent you from buying duplicate or similar pieces. The best part, you won’t wear the same thing twice!

Take pictures
I rarely have pictures taken of myself, other than the occasional selfie. When you get photographed you have a better idea of what you look like and it can give you some direction. Having professional pictures taken forces you to get glam and is a good boost for your self-esteem. On regular days it gives you a honest look at what others see. You may decide your current style choices aren’t working or maybe they are peftect and you can help another lady bring out her inner Fashionista.

Choose a style icon (or two)
Find someone who’s style you really like. Use your style icon as inspiration. Create a fashion board. It’s like a vision board for clothes.

Treat yourself!

Commit to buying yourself at least 1 new outfit a month or whatever works for your budget. This should be a complete outfit, including accessories.




Entertainment: Why Yandy's Story Matters

yandy smith


Recently, celebrity couple Yandy and Mendeecees have been in the spotlight for his legal troubles. The end result is he will be sentenced to 8 years in prison. Many people lashed out at her for sticking with him, marrying him, and having a child. As I read through some comments, my mouth hung open.

Yandy was described as a “babymamma with a marriage certificate, making stupid decisions, and having low self-esteem”, all because she chose to love a troubled man. So much judgement, but not all of the feedback was negative. Many gave encouragement and support for Yandy's decision.
XONecole.com had an article about Yandy written from a different perspective. One that was understanding, sympathetic, and applauding of Yandy's decision to stick beside her husband. I can understand their situation. When you love someone truly, it is unconditional. You love them, forever, through thick and thin, for better and for worse, sick, poor, rich, healthy...all of it. It's a package deal.
Seeing Yandy and Mendeecees family struggle and hearing their story helped me realize there are millions of families in the same situation. Every year millions of people go through America’s correctional system. The Bureau of Justice Statistics estimated that 1,561,500 inmates were in state or federal prisons in 2014. These people leave behind children, partners, family, and friends. The cost of dealing with legal issues, taking up their responsibilities at home, and the emotional costs are great.
I remembered watching a clip of Divorce Court and Judge Lynn Toler had this to say:

It was so moving and highlights a big issue that is affecting our community. Time is something that you cannot get back. I think it is one of our most valuable resources. In fact Psychology Today, says it’s more valuable than money.
yandy smith


I can understand the relief that Yandy has knowing her husband will be home in 8 years. It's a lot of time to miss someone you love, but there is closure knowing the outcome. I wish nothing but the best for Mendeecees and his family. Yandy has all my respect for being a strong woman and good wife, to stand by her family. Too many families are broken by the justice department. I applaud Yandy for setting an example.


Blogger Insight: How Will You Elevate Your Blog for 2016?

grow your blog

2016 is the year to set new standards for yourself, but more importantly, your blog.  We all have burning ideas in our heads on how to expand our babies, whether it's new content, more followers, or brand new opportunities, 2016 is the year to get it done.  So let's get a game plan going and get down to business for the new year and elevate our blogs!:



Brand

just bloggers no explanation
2016 needs to be the year that you have a clear idea of what you want your brand to be about and how you will convey that message in the months to come.  For us, our new brand launches January 20th and is definitely something we're aiming to stick with for years to come.  Just Bloggers: No Explanation is our attempt at a nicheless blog.   Because of the new year coming, we knew we had to identify what worked, and what didn't in order to grow as a brand and a blogging duo, and as much as we love Mind of a Fashionista, we knew we needed a change.  If you're feeling the same way as we did, 2016 is the year to shape your brand the way YOU want to and not how you think other people will like or take to it.  If you believe in your brand enough, which you should, other people will follow suit.

Writing

Since we are transitioning, more so opening up the gates of content heaven with our new brand, we want to explore different areas of writing and expand our content.  For 2016 challenge your writing.  Just because we're bloggers, don't forget we're also writers/journalists too.  Make sure to always deliver quality, AUTHENTIC content to your readers.  That's a must.  But also, challenge yourself to submit your writing to places you wouldn't have before, such as Huffington Post or Buzzfeed.  If you're looking to blog professionally as we are, whether that's offering writing services on your blog or become a freelance writer for companies or other bloggers, definitely make sure your posts are up to par.  It never hurts to go back, edit, and republish posts, you never know who's reading and what post they so happen to stumble upon.

Social Media

grow your social media

Social media is probably the hardest concept to master when it comes to getting a consistent following, but once achieved, it grows itself.  I've been experimenting with my personal Instagram account and tried new things including joining Instagram growth groups on Facebook, used relevant hashtags, etc.  So far, from October to December I've gained 422 new followers.  I know this number can definitely be higher once I start exploring Instagram more like I should.  With that being said, we've set our goal for all of our main social media accounts to 5000 by the end of the year.  I believe that having an attainable number is easier to input in your mind than a percentage or a general, broad goal.  Even more, breaking your big goal into smaller goals is less "daunting".  For us, we're aiming to achieve 1,000 likes/followers by April, and considering we're around the 500-800 mark for all of our accounts, this will be easy peasy.

Whatever your goals are for your social media accounts, don't get discouraged.  Social media and the people who participate in it are annoying as hell.  What I mean is, you'll have a lot of people who will unlike and unfollow for the most ignorant reasons.  So simply unfollow back and keep it pushing, your numbers will increase in due time.

Projects

I can't say this enough, diversify, diversify, diversify your blog!  If your blog is going to be a streamline of income for you, then use it as the foundation for other opportunities.  Speaking events, products, blog groups, etc., all of these things can be branded under your blog to help you earn extra income and build your blog portfolio.

I am geeked about the new for us and our new brand, but also for my fellow blogging buddies as well, I know we're gonna kick ass!!!

Let us know of some projects you have coming up, we would love to support and help a fellow blogger out!

Fashion & Style: What Cha' Wearing for NYE?

NYE 2016

Why the hell has this year flown by?  New Years Eve is THIS THURSDAY! And if you're like us, you're planning on getting fucked up, leaving the bs of 2015 behind and ready to open up that big book called 2016.  And of course, you have to make sure you're doing it in style.  So whether you're going for traditonal glitz and glam, or very classy with a bit of edge, our style guide will have you set either way you go, check it out!

Yoins Yoins Sequin Dress



Gianvito Rossi Elke Knee High Boots





Zarapack Women's Genuine Fluffy Feather Fur Round Clutch Shoulder Bag (Black): Handbags: Amazon.com


Dress


Brian Atwood Majoy Fox Fur & Colorblock Leather Booties



Valentino Studded metal clutch

Beauty: Scott, For The Boogies & Smokey Eyes

scott tissue dollar general

As a mother, and a young blogger constantly on the move, I juggle everything from juice spills and runny noses to lipstick stains and smudged foundation.  So I need a product that can get it done quick, and get it done mess free in both areas of my life, and SCOTT® is that product!


SCOTT® is a superior, no-frills, affordable and premium paper brand that wants to help you cut through the clutter when purchasing for your family, and is the simple and reliable choice that will always deliver on what you are expecting, perfect for your paper product needs.  SCOTT® 1000 Bath Tissue (featured here) gives you the quality you want in 1,000 septic-safe sheets. Performance and long-lasting toilet paper rolls with the value you expect.  On top of that, the only place I even consider going to pick up SCOTT® is at my local Dollar General.  Great place for name brands, but BIG SAVINGS, and with their digital coupons.  This is the easiest way to save on great products, such as SCOTT® with the digital coupons so you save twice as more and get more bang for your buck!!!  Not to mention SCOTT® bonus packs, which helps you save eeeeevveeeeen more!

Want to start saving and start experiencing SCOTT® for yourself?  Well this is what you need to do! first sign up at  or visit the DG App.  Two, create account and load which SCOTT® coupons you would like to use, three visit your local Dollar General to redeem coupons at checkout. Find a Dollar General near you by using the store locator.  Coupon offers include Save $1.00 off any (1) SCOTT® Paper Towels, Save $0.50 off any (1) SCOTT® Extra Soft Bath Tissue, Save $1.00 off any (1) SCOTT® 1000 Bath Tissue (Valid – December 6 to December 31).  Bonus Packs offers include find 3 special SCOTT® Bonus Packs in-store through the end of February 2016, SCOTT® 1000 Bath Tissue, 16 pack (2 Free Rolls), SCOTT® Choose-A-Sheet Paper Towels, Mega Roll 6 Pack (Bonus 15% Sheets), and SCOTT® Extra Soft Bath Tissue, Double Roll 16 pack (2 Free Rolls)

SCOTT® is definitely the brand I use for the boogies, and the smokey eyes in my life, and Dollar General is the only place I hit to get SCOTT® from.  So to save on tissue, and save on money SCOTT® and Dollar General are what you need to have in your life too!




Rants & Raves: Buy Yourself Christmas Gifts!

buy your own Christmas gifts

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, I know I did.  But during this day of giving thanks and spending time with my loved ones, I saw a lot of selfishness on social media.  Specifically, seeing grown ass people complain about the presents that they received.....bish what?!

Grown people, stop acting like kids and shit.  If you want presents, buy your own.  Technically Christmas isn't about gift giving, we've turned the real meaning behind Christmas into the ultimate cash cow, but nonetheless anyone over the age of 21 shouldn't be whining and acting like a piss pants over gifts from parents, grandparents, etc.  I stopped expected gifts a long time ago, especially since I have a 4 year old we're all concentrating on spoiling, so anything I get is just a nice bonus.  Instead, I buy my own presents and splurge on myself.  If you still do expect presents on Christmas as if Santa actually existed, you need to take your spoiled grown ass in the corner...NOW!

Every family is different, but that doesn't excuse the fact that 25, 30+ year olds are gripping, and litearally throwing temper tantrums because they didn't get what they wanted for Christmas.  And maybe I just have a different mind set, but I always by msyelf gifts so I don't end up disappointed and I get exactly what the hell I want.  Don't go broke spending money on everyone else and you can't even get yourself something nice, ok.

Let me know what you think.  Has the whole idea of Christmas been taken for granted?  What are your customs when it comes to gift giving for the holidays?

5PSG: Tis The Season

Tis The Season

MERRRRRRRYYYYY CHRISTTTTTMASSSSSSSSSSSS! WHOOOO!

I hope you all enjoy this day for family, friends, good food, and great laughter.  Just in case however, if you're still looking in the closet trying to figure out what to wear to your aunt's house for Christmas dinner, here's our special 5 Point Style Guide sure to bring style and flare to the holiday activities, enjoy :)

Chicwish Grid Turtleneck Sweater in Black



Pre-owned COMPTOIR DES COTONNIERS Jeans


Sergio Rossi Cutout suede pumps




Chloé Mini Hudson Crossbody Bag




Larsson & Jennings Läder | Black Watch


Rants & Raves: Goals for 2016!

goals for 2016

2015 is almost at an end, and looking back on this past year, I would say it's been pretty good for me.  Coming into the new year, a lot of people love to make resolutions (our version coming soon), but instead, I want to share some goals I have for 2016.  These goals range from personal to business, and these are goals that I am really going to work on for the development of a better me.  I think that should be the top goal everyone strives for the next year.

Here are some of my goals I'm aiming to achieve for 2016.  We'll be doing an extensive blogger goal list, but for now, check out my list that includes what I want to accomplish personal life wise, business wise, and for all around happiness!:

*make time for me
*have more fun days with my mini me
*maintain, grow, and invest in heather relationships with friends, family, my boyfriend, etc.
*learn how to say no
*travel more
*invest more (money wise)
*get outside more often
*expand my writing (hints our new brand)
*accept failure and that things won't always go how I envision them
*treat myself in more ways than just makeup and clothes
*create business plans for every idea I have thus far
*get back into shape
*SLEEP MORE
*get a pet and don't let it die (lol)
*talk more on the phone instead of communicating through Facebook, text messaging, and email
*build products for the Just Bloggers: No Explanation shop
*volunteer and give back more to the community
*have a happy grad year (I start back in January)
*continue to invest in myself besides formal education
*take a cooking class
*go mini golfing
*go go karting
*learn a second language (lost my love for French so maybe Japanese?)
*GET ORGANIZED!
*have a monthly brunch with friends and family
*visit my dad more
*get back into writing poetry
*go to the museum more often

What are a few goals you're going to get done for the new year?  Drop a comment and let us know!

Hands On: DIY Frozen Themed Birthday Party

frozen birthday party

I have been anticipating this post for a while, and a lot of you have asked me about this as well.  To make a long story short, my daughter turns 4 on Wednesday and she has been obsessed with Frozen ever since it came out.  Frozen this, Elsa that, blah blah blah (she's sleep right now with her Frozen blanket as we speak).  When her birthday party came about, of course, she begged for me to throw a Frozen inspired party.  I couldn't say no because well, she's my baby girl, and even though she might not remember the particular party, it's memories for us to create and have forever.  Also, she hasn't had a party since she was 1.  So I said what the hell and began planning.  Even though I give my daughter whatever her little heart desires, I also had to think realistically and didn't want to do over budget with this party.  I put my thinking cap on and said to myself, why not DIY this bad boy?!

Most of what you see for my baby's party was bought from the Dollar Tree or from Michael's during their Black Friday sale.  I did not spend more than $200, including the cake and refreshments, and 90% of these decorations can be used again.  My inspiration, from the decorations to the food recipes, even to the gift bag ideas came SOLELY from Pinterest which you can check out my board at the bottom that I used to make this happen!

You don't have to have a lot of money or an extensive budget to throw a nice themed party.  You just need a little imagination, creativity, and a lot of elbow grease to put everything together.

Check out our pics from the party, we had OODLES of fun, and drop a comment below and let us know what you think!


Menu
Frozen inspired birthday cake: The Cakery ($45)
Purple, blue, and pink cupcakes: Sam's Club ($15 per 30 count)
Frozen Inspired Chex Mix
Frozen Inspired Pretzel Sticks
Frozen Inspired Marshmallow Pops
Rock Candy Treats: Party City or make your own here
Blue & Purple Koolaid Jammers

Decorations

Michael's
Wood letters
Tulle decoration
Wooden Sticks
Snowflake Table Confetti
Spray Paint

Dollar Tree
Plates
Napkins
Cups
Utensils
Table clothes
Glow sticks for goody bags
Mason Jars
Round Glass Vases
Frozen branded candy
Frozen brandy plastic baggies
Frozen branded balloons
Confetti

Amazon
Frozen figurines
Frozen goody bag set

Walmart
Color changing crystal trees

Aliexpress
Elsa dress

frozen birthday

frozen birthday party frozen birthday party





 





 

frozen birthday party