Don't Forget the Pink Lemonade

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

Over the weekend, we had "steak night"!  It was an amazing combination of excellent food, excellent wine and excellent company!  We finished off the meal with two desserts for our guests.  We had a homemade dark chocolate cake and a pink lemonade bundt cake.  We had to share the recipe for this pink lemondae cake!  It was a great summer option for these warms evenings and it looks incredibly enticing! 

If you are having company over for dinner, always have options.  Not everyone prefers chocolate cake, however, who in their right mind would turn it down.  Enjoy this recipe!  It was absolutely amazing!


 www.sugarbabyaprons.com: recipe credit


Pink Lemonade Cake Ingredients
1 cup homemade unsalted butter, softened 2 cups white sugar 4 eggs, room temperature 2-3/4 cups flour 2-1/4 tsp baking powder 3/4 tsp salt 1 cup frozen pink lemonade 1 TBS Lemon Zest Pink food colouring

Frosting: 1 cup butter, softened 7 to 8 cups powdered sugar, sifted 1/2 cup thawed pink lemonade Lemon zest to taste Pink food colouring

Directions Preheat oven to 350

Sift the dry ingredients together and set aside. Beat the butter for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the sugar and beat another 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat thoroughly after each addition. Start adding the flour mixture one cup at a time, and alternate with the lemonade; ending with the flour mixture, mix well and pour into prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or when a knife comes out clean Let cool completely. FROSTING: Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl and beat with 1/2 of the powdered sugar. Add the lemonade and mix well. Add another cup of powdered sugar 1 cup at a time until you reach the desired consistency to spread; you may not need all of the sugar specified. Beat until light and fluffy. put icing into a good sized sauce pan and heat until icing is quite runny Spread on the cooled cake.

sugarbabyaprons.com: photo credit and recipe

Sweet Pea Scarves Giveaway!

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie) and Va Va Voom (Katrina)

We have our newest raffle item up for grabs!  It's a hand-dyed scarf from "Sweet Pea Scarves".  Check out the etsy page!  http://www.etsy.com/shop/abbeyfinn  Each scarf is hand-dyed with natural ingredients!


I recently bought one and it compliments so many of my outfits! It's an easy accesory to add a bit of color to any dress or shirt. My scarf was dyed with blueberries, cranberries and tea! Look how amazing the colors turned out on the silk.

"Sweet Pea Scarves are 100% silk hand dyed scarves created by Abbey Finn in Wauwatosa, WI. I use a unique natural dyeing process on 100% Habotai silk. My dye materials include natural "ingredients" like flower petals, vegetable trimmings, herbs, spices, coffee grounds, tea, wine, dirt, berries and more! The materials are arranged on the scarf and then wrapped into a cocoon-like shape and are tied with copper or steel wire. The scarves “ferment” for 1-2 weeks in glass canning jars. I r...euse the jars instead of dyeing the scarves in plastic bags. Much less waste! Each is labeled with the various dye ingredients. After they ferment, I open the scarves and allow them to air dry for about two weeks. The color is then heat-set and the scarves are then washed and ironed. The patterns and colors are unique to each scarf and unpredictable!" ~ Sweet Pea Scarves


 Here is the Scarf for Giveaway! Read the rules below to enter and win this beautiful scarf!

Giveaway Rules & Guidelines

The Sweet Pea Scarf Giveaway will begin Monday, July 30th.  You may enter the Giveaway until the winner is announced on Friday, August 3rd at 9:00 a.m. central time.


Follow these Steps to Enter the Scarf Giveaway!

1. Enter a comment under this post and tell us how much you would like to win this scarf! (Required)

2. If you are on Facebook, click on the links below and "like" the Provocative Manners page and "like" the Sweet Pea Scarves page.

https://www.facebook.com/SweetPeaScarves

https://www.facebook.com/provocativemannersblog


But in order to enter this Giveaway, you must write a comment below telling us how much you would like to win this scarf! 

Thanks for entering and Good Luck!

The Beach, Of Course!

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

Ok Ladies, this one is for you!  It's summertime, those warm days and hot nights are upon us with that 100 degree weather lasting for weeks and no sign of rain.  So where do we go to beat the heat?  The beach of course!

While enjoying that beach air and cool water, we get the opportunity to wear a saucy print swimsuit and fun cover-up.  But what is appropriate for the beach may not be appropriate for the grocery store, a drink night out with the girls or your daughter's dance recital!

    Victoria's Secret Cover-Up (www.victoriassecret.com)

The terricloth cover-up dresses are cute for the beach, but not for the store or any other public place.  They look sloppy, and resemble a "baby doll" dress (something a toddler wears). 






Little girl's ruffled cover-up at www.oldnavy.com


If you have a chance to change before running errands, spend that 10 minutes to put on a jean skirt and fitted shirt. Make yourself look like a woman again, not a child!  You will feel better about yourself, and ooze with femininity by wearing the right clothing for the right place!

Sauce of Life Tip: "Play it saucy on the beach with a cover-up, but play it even saucier at dinner in a black wiggle skirt and a little bit of rouge lip gloss!"


Do you want to add a little edge to your beach wear?  Accessorize your swimsuit and cover-up with a cute hat and saucy beach bag!  Find this cover-up at http://usa.tommy.com

Fine Wine

Are you celebrating the start of the Olympics?  What better way to cheer on our teams than with an amazing glass of wine!

~ This is what we picked out tonight to enjoy with our guests. ~

Drinking wine isn't a race, it's an art.  Listen to that cork pop, enjoy the aroma as you pour the glass, breathe in the warm, full body and appreciate that first sip.  Remember, every sip gets better with an excellent glass of wine!  Take after the French, the lovers of life, and enjoy good food and excellent wine.   There's no need to rush, there's more to a glass of wine than just the flavor!



"Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used." ~William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
Othello, II. iii. (315)

House or Home?

Written By: Va Va Voom (Katrina)

Do you have a house or home?  Do you feel relaxed and comfortable in your house or is it just a place to stay until the next big event?

Do you entertain and have people come over?  Or are you embarrassed and ashamed of your house? If so, it's definitely not a home.

In this crazy world we live and everything is rush rush rush...but we shouldn't feel rushed to leave our house, right?

Remember those knickknacks your Granny use to having around her home?  Believe it or not, that made her house a home.  Those were little precious memories surrounding her throughout the day.

No matter what the size of your house it's easy to make it a home!  Want to know the secret?  The perfect recipe to make a house a home is one part cheerful colors, one part memorable knick knacks with picture frames and stir it with load and loads of laughter of loved ones!

Make your house a home today!

(Pillows from Bed Bath and Beyond.  Leopard fleece throw: fabric from JoAnn Fabrics)

 ~ Add a leopard print throw with your decorative pillows for warm feel with a saucy edge! ~

~ Display a vase of flowers on your dining room table for a warm summer touch. ~

Banana Bread Recipe!

Here is the requested Banana Bread Recipe from our blog post earlier this morning!  Bon Appetit!

1/2 c. oil
1 c. sugar
2 eggs, beaten
3 ripe bananas, smashed
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
4 T. milk
2 tsp. vanilla
Nuts & Chocolate Chips (optional)

Beat oil and sugar.  Add eggs and bananas, beat.  Add dry ingredients, milk and vanilla.  Pour into a greased bread pan and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean.

Enjoy!

Pretty in Pink with Crystals

~ What's better than pink roses and fuchsia alstromeria accented with crystals?  It can only get better if they are received from a loved one! Surprise your lover and bring them flowers today! ~

Neighborly Neighbors and Banana Bread

We are starting something new here at Provocative Manners!  Twice a week we will post "inspiration" photos.  Find out how we live, how we love and what inspires us as writers.

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)
~ We made an extra small loaf of banana bread for our neighbor who just had major heart surgery.  Do you know your neighbors? Show them you care! ~

Here's the Recipe!

~ The Rooster is a national symbol of Portugal. "Galo de Barcelos".  It represents good luck (honesty, faith, and justice).  You will probably find one of these in every Portuguese house. ~


If you're interested...the story behind the rooster!

http://pigletinportugal.com/2011/04/03/what-is-the-galo-de-barcelos/

"A pilgrim from the Spanish Province of Galiza was passing through the town of Barcelos when a crime was committed. The authorities, not having any other suspects arrested the pilgrim and sentenced him to be hanged. The pilgrim asked to see the magistrate who had condemned him in order to plead his innocence. An audience was granted and the pilgrim was taken to the magistrate’s house while he was having a banquet. However, despite the pilgrim’s desperate please the magistrate remained unconvinced as to his innocence.In a desperate attempt the pilgrim pleaded again and then pointed to a magnificent roasted rooster on a silver platter waiting to be served to the guests.
“Lord God” said the pilgrim “as Peter, your servant denied you at the cock’s crow, would that you show my innocence as your humble servant by this cock’s crow?”
Much to everyone’s amazement the cock came to life and started to crow and the pilgrim was immediately released.
An alternative ending….
In desperation the pilgrim pointed to the roasted rooster on the banquet table and said
“As surely as I am innocent will that rooster crow if l am hanged!”
The guests and the magistrates roared with laughter at the pilgrims claims and he was led away to be hanged. The guests, however, lost their appetite for the rooster and it remained untouched on the platter. The hangman applied the noose and as the pilgrim was being hanged the rooster stood up and began to crow. Realising he had made a grave error the magistrate rushed from the table to stop the hanging. Luckily the noose was faulty and the pilgrim survived and was released." ~pigeltinportugal.com

Drinky Drinky Drunk...Bride?

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

Are you the bride?  Is it your wedding day? 

 http://davidtuteraformoncheri.com/

Is everything exactly as you dreamed it would be?  You have the perfect dress, the over-the-top exotic floral arrangements and the most amazing future husband in the whole world!  With all that planning, time and money, who doesn't want to remember every second of every hour of that amazing day?

Here's a word to the wise:  Watch What You Drink!  A drunk bride is completely classless.  You will ruin the night not only for yourself, your husband and your close family but it will leave a nasty effect on anyone who comes in contact with you after that 5th shot of whiskey!

Present yourself with an air of dignity and leave the drinking for your honeymoon.  You are obliged to act as a hostess, after all, you did invite all those people and are paying for their meals! 

So, give your guests a night to remember with excellent food and great entertainment, but keep your drinks at a minimum.  You don't want to embarrass your family (who may have paid for the majority of your wedding) and most of all you don't want to create a scene and embarrass yourself and your husband!  Don't forget: you will have to see these people again...

Sauce of Life Tip for the Bride:  Not sure what to drink on your wedding day?  Sip on a glass of champagne or wine.  If you prefer beer, then always have it put in a pilsner glass.  Never drink your beer out of bottle or can as the bride, stick with a glass, it's much classier!

Sauce of Life Tip for the Groom:  Men, it is just as bad for a guest to witness a drunk bride as it is a drunk groom.  You don't want to be the entertainment, do you?

Drink to me only with thine eyes,
And I will pledge with mine;
Or leave a kiss within the cup,
And I'll not look for wine.
~Ben Jonson To Celia.

Flowers By DMH Custom Floral Designs www.dmhcustomfloraldesigns.com

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Schliesman Photography
www.aj-photography.net

 

"Today is a new day!" ~ Chicken Little

Written By: Va Va Voom (Katrina)

If you wake up every morning and and scream with jazz hands (of course), "today is a new day!", it will do wonders for your morale!

I think everyone should have a new affirmation for each day!

Here are a few to get you started.....
"Today is a new day" ~Chicken Little

"Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake." ~Henry David Thoreau

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” ~Milton Berle

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” ~George Eliot

"That which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger." ~ Friedrich Nietzsche

“If not us, who? If not now, when?” ~ John F. Kennedy

If affirmations aren't your thing, then have a theme song for each day!!!!
Whether it's silly,inspirational or motivating, play it in your head or blast in on your iPod all through the day!

Today my theme song was, " Baby Workout" by Jackie Wilson, it's a great song!

So what is your theme song or affirmation for today?

Pick one, you'll love it!

Hello Monday!

What better way to start the week than with an amazing glass of wine?

It's a Two-Way Street!

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

www.retroclipart.com

Where have all the friendships gone?  Weird question, right?  Not really.  Our world of over-communication via internet has somehow lost those good old-fashioned friendships.  What's the reason?  Why have so many friendships gone amiss?  Well no one wants to go out of their way anymore.  If you want a good friendship, you have to be an amazing friend and work at it.  Don't expect the other person to do all the work.  Why is it so hard to be a good friend? Has our world become so self-centered?



What makes a good friend?  Need a few Sauce of Life Tips?

Call, text, email or stop over at a friend's house just to see how they are doing.  You may be needed more than you think or more than they will admit!

Once in awhile, send a funny or sentimental card in the mail.  Everyone loves to receive snail mail (that isn't junk) and this shows you were thinking about them.

Don't forget the flowers!  All women love flowers, so bring your bestie a small bouquet of tulips or wildflowers just to show you care.  It may make her day more than you realize.  (Hey, we need to pick up where men may slack.)

Listen.  This one is difficult for all of us.  Everyone wants to talk, but no one wants to listen.  And be careful not to force your opinions on others, wait for them to ask for advice.

If you are invited to several "outings", "playdates", "girls nights" try to attend a few of them, even if you are exhausted.  Just making an appearance at such events will have more impact than you may think.



We have only touched the surface for what it takes to be a good friend, but we all need a place to start, right?  Stay tuned for more. 

Do you have any creative ideas for showing your best friends you care?

What's Your Drink of Choice?

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

We all have that "signature" drink.  One that we go to in times of need, in times of sorrow, times of joy or times of relaxation.  The funny thing is that we usually don't change our drink based on our mood.  If you're a champagne person, well, you go for champagne all the time!  Maybe Mimosas in the morning, a French 75 (see recipe below) with lunch and a pink champagne cocktail with dinner.  Whatever your drink, we can guarantee that it has evolved with you overtime, but it is always "your drink". 

Did you ever think that your "preferred" drink might say something about you?  Don't panic here, it isn't a bad thing.  There may just be a common denominator between your temperament and your choice of drink. 

Sauce of Life Tip: Most people are a combination of 2 of the 4 temperaments. 

Which two temperaments do you relate to? 

Choleric: these people are usually drawn to be leaders with ambition, passion and energy.

Melancholic: these are the perfectionists who are typically introverted, but are very thoughtful.

Phlegmatic: these people are content with stability and don't stray far from what's comfortable.

Sanguine: these are the social, fun-loving people who want to enjoy life and rarely lack confidence.

WHAT'S YOUR DRINK OF CHOICE? 

http://www.dailyclipart.net/clipart/red-wine-clip-art/

Margarita: Sanguine (can't miss out on a party!)

Corona Beer: Melancholic or Phlegmatic (not likely to take a risk)

Champagne: Choleric or Sanguine (Choleric drinks this for position and Sanguine drinks this for pleasure)

Scotch: Choleric (drinks to portray leadership or power at a business dinner)

Red Wine: Choleric or Phlegmatic (Choleric drinks red wine for prestige and Phlegmatic drinks red wine for consistency)

White Wine: Sanguine or Melancholic (Sanguine drinks white wine to taste the sweetness of life and the Melancholic drinks white wine for the taste of perfection)

Martini: All 4 temperaments will drink from the many varities of Martinis, but which temperament will use this as their "go-to" drink?  It's the Sanguine!  That "kick" from a Dirty Martini helps the party get started!

So which temperament will be showing itself tonight?  Can we guess your temperament by your drink?

www.freeclipartnow.com

French 75 *
2 ounces gin
1 ounce lemon juice
1 teaspoon simple syrup
Champagne

Shake gin, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice, and strain into a champagne flute. Top with champagne, and garnish with a long, thin lemon spiral.
*http://cocktailenthusiast.com/2009/12/15/mixology-monday-the-french-75/

And the Winner is...

Drum Roll... Congratulations to Hester Worthey, you are the winner of the $50 gift card for Allure Beautique!

Thanks to everyone for participating. Stay tuned for more upcoming raffles and prizes in the following weeks!

Be Vivacious and Allure the Men!

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie) & Va Va Voom (Katrina)

Well, what do men admire most?  You guessed right, a well-dressed woman!  Let's be real, men are visual beings so keep it easy on the eyes!  It's not only a well-dressed woman that will move every man's head in her direction.  What about her passion, her drive, her love for life?  All in all, men want women to have it all!  So women, be it all!  Where to start?



BE VIVACIOUS!  Vivacious is to be full of an animated-spirit, to have that inner passion!  Passion, what's that?  Unfortunately, men oftentimes refer to women as dull, boring, uninteresting...uggh...let's stop there.  Who wants to be given these titles?  Most men complain that women are more like girls.  Where have all the women gone?  Women like Sophia Loren, Rita Hayworth, Grace Kelly, Catherine Zeta Jones, etc?  The females that are the definition of vivacious: they walk, talk and ooze femininity.  Femininity is what real men desire, those gallant, chivalrous and bold men (we've all dreamed of them).


ALLURE THE MEN!  How can this be accomplished?  Well, as we said men are visual beings, so dress your part.  Use your curves, your style and colors to ooze your femininity!  But be real!



To help you ladies along, we have a fun start to the week!  Who would like to do some shopping?  We have discovered a really cute, absolutely adorable, fun and trendy women's boutique where everything is bought and sold via facebook!   Yes, ladies, this has become our latest addiction!  It's named, ALLURE BEAUTIQUE.

"Keeping it Sassy and Classy" ~ Allure Beautique https://www.facebook.com/allurebeautique

This dress is $36 at Allure Beautique!

So you may be wondering how this post applies to Provocative Manners?  Well since we (Danielle Marie and Katrina) thrive on shopping and amazingly beautiful clothes that are well-priced, we wanted to spread the love to our readers!  So now is the fun part!



WIN A $50 GIFT CARD FOR ALLURE BEAUTIQUE! 

There are only 2 rules.

1.  You must "like" the Facebook page for "Provocative Manners" and comment about the raffle
http://www.facebook.com/provocativemannersblog

and

2. You must "like" the Facebook page for "Allure Beautique" and comment about the raffle

https://www.facebook.com/allurebeautique

By "liking" both pages you will be entered into the drawing for the $50 gift card!  We will be drawing the winners on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. central time.  The winner will be posted on both pages (PROVOCATIVE MANNERS and ALLURE BEAUTIQUE).  The $50 gift card can be applied after placing an order at Allure Beautique via Facebook.

Spread the word so your friends can take part in this fun raffle!  Thanks for participating!

These scarves are $12 at Allure Beautique

Great for your Fall Wardrobe!

Leopard Print? Classy or Trashy? You Decide!

Written By: Va Va Voom (Katrina)

So, leopard print is one of those tricky trends that goes in and out of style faster than the weather changes.  From leopard platform shoes to leopard pashminas to leopard print nail polish, we've seen it all!  Now how do we apply this to our wardrobe?


Photo credit: Jeff Daly/WENN.com  Giulianna Rancic ~ Spiegel

The key word here is "moderation."  Leopard print should be done only once a week (unless it's something as simple as a scarf) and only one item of clothing or accessory.  For example, plain black dress, jazz it up with leopard platform shoes.  Or jeans and a crisp white fitted-blouse, throw on a leopard print scarf.  My dear Ladies, let's never, ever load on the leopard print unless you want to look like the cougar type!  You better be prepared to ooze of confidence with such daring attire!

The hardest leopard prints to wear are the trench coats or cocktail dress that have the print in its interiority.  These can only and undoubtably be worn with confidence!   If you try on a solid leopard print dress and you can't shake it, take it off, you don't deserve to wear it.  Only the most confident are fashionably allowed to grace their bodies with this fabulous print.

But remember ladies only once a week and one item on that day; you don't want to be mistaken for a jersey girl, unless you are one and then work it! ;)


Steve Madden Lalo (leopard heels)

Is the Word "Sorry" in your Vocabulary? It Better Be!

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

We all have those crazy, over the top, outlandish days!  Wait, you may say that's pretty much everyday.  No, we mean those days where all you want to do is sit, have a glass of wine (actually make that two glasses) and zone-out or even have a good cry!  We've all been there and it's usually the cause of too much stress, over-booking ourselves, loss of control and thoughts of failure.  With all this being said, don't take out your problems on everyone else!  This all ends up creating ugly situations where we regret our actions and words.  So, what's the next step?  Time to apologize!  Why is it so hard to apologize when we are in the wrong?

Just remember, apologizing is stating you have done something wrong and asking for forgiveness. You may sometimes have to apologize even if you are not at complete fault, but be the better person and try to move on while helping others move on as well!

Seriously, this topic shouldn't be that hard to understand, now let's put it into practice!  If you bump into another shopper at the store, apologize or say "excuse me".  Don't give them the death stare, you aren't always right!  If you get in a car accident, ask how the other person is doing and apologize if you were at fault!  If you hurt another person with cruel words or actions, apologize!  This will make a world of difference to that other person, and add a smile too.

If it's your spouse, hurry up with that apology, don't take a week, a month or your whole life to remove your pride and bring out the words "I'm sorry".  All that waiting may result with you missing out on some amazing conversations, romantic dates or even those fabulous nights of love-making!

After the initial apology, it may take the other person time to accept it.  Be patient, show your kindness, concern and gratitude and life will be much easier and happier!  Don't keep these feelings built up, they will eat you alive!  In the end, IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON! 

Do you need a "smoozing gift" to help the apology get started?

Flowers: Pick a bouquet of wild flowers, A few hydrangeas from your garden or have your local florist design a custom bouquet!  www.dmhcustomfloraldesigns.com

Chocolates:  Who can go wrong with chocolates?
A Card with a Personal Message
Wine or A Favorite Beer:  So much to choose from!
A Massage:  This could be a personal massage or a gift card to a salon www.azanaspa.com
A Surprise Night out on the Town:  Have fun with this one and go crazy or keep it simple!

Champagne and Chocolates (or as Heather Dubrow says, "champs") LOVE!

Photo: www.heatherdubrow.com

Sauce of Life Quotes: "A stiff apology is a second insult.... The injured party does not want to be compensated because he has been wronged; he wants to be healed because he has been hurt." ~G.K. Chesterton

Bring Back the Old Traditions? Yes, Please!!

Written By: Va Va Voom (Katrina)

"Cultures grow on the vine of tradition." John Goldenberg

Remember when we were younger, and everything "seemed" better.  Well let's be honest here, it WAS better!  People practiced, enjoyed, and looked forward to traditions.  Whether it was traditions of faith, or mom's Christmas pies, those silly games we played as children, those ever obviously wonderful memories and continue to reminisce about.

Tradition
1. the handing down from generation to generation of the same customs, beliefs, etc.
2. the body of customs, thought, practices, etc., belonging to a particular country, people, family, or institution over a relatively long period
3. a specific custom or practice of long standing


Everyone always seems so busy today and they make a lot of excuses.  Yes, we must work to live, but what about creating those happy memories too!  Don't fill your days with lifeless memories and missed opportunities.

Traditions can be crazy, silly, meaningful or just plainly traditional.

Here are some great websites to help you get started on creating traditions.

http://www.cozi.com/live-simply/50-holiday-traditions

This is a free online family calendar!  "Bye bye chaos, hello coordinated!"

Cozi — it’s great and it’s free

“It helps us keep organized calendar-wise, as well as shopping lists. For families that have older children, younger, or just a busy schedule, it helps to keep everybody on track.” - Michelle Duggar, 19 Kids and Counting





http://www.tipjunkie.com/24-creative-family-traditions/

24 Creative Family Traditions

So sit down today and make a list of traditions you want to incorporate in your life.  Remember, sometimes the best traditions are spontaneous, though othertimes they need a little push.

"A love of tradition has never weakened a nation, indeed it has strengthened nations in their hour of peril; but the new view must come, the world must roll forward." WINSTON CHURCHILL, speech, Nov. 29, 1944

Mirror Mirror on the Wall, Take a Look or Take a Fall

Written By: Danielle Marie Heckenkamp

It seems that everytime we go out, whether it's to the grocery store, the mall, the office, the park, a date or even a wedding, there's something missing!  You may ask, what's missing...?  Does anyone own a mirror?



Wait, maybe it's just a lack of common-sense.  We aren't talking about spending excessive amounts of time primping and prodding just to buy groceries!  No, we are talking about the basics here: 

Did you brush your hair and teeth this morning?

Did you take a minute to put on some mascara, eyeliner and a dab of lip gloss? (Come on ladies, you know what your face needs to look awake!)

Are you wearing matching socks?  (And men, brown socks and black shoes do not compliment!  Don't even get us started on the white socks and black shoes!)

Did you even get dressed?  And no, pajama pants that look like yoga pants do not count!

These questions might seem ridiculous and wreak of common-sense but for some reason common-sense is extremely lacking in today's society!  Why is it so hard for people to put themselves together in the morning?  We don't mean you have to leave the house looking like Kate Middleton (even though she always looks fabulous!) but give yourself 15-20 minutes to get ready and make a little more effort with a little less laziness.  You will be amazed at the results!

NO EXCUSES!



"Carelessness in dressing is moral suicide." ~Honoré de Balzac

You think there is no time to get ready for work in the morning?  Think again!  Here's your solution: wake up 20 minutes earlier!

You think that your children must look put together for school, and there is no time left for you?  Think again!  Here's your solution:  wake up 20 minutes earlier!  Get yourself dressed first and then wake up the family.  Children will lead by example.

You think, "this is my day off, why should I get dressed?"  Please reconsider this thought process...  If you plan on staying home, that's fine, wear the yoga pants but at least brush your hair and apply a small amount of makeup.  You may have an unwelcome guest sooner than you think.  If you do leave the house to run errands, most definitely PUT YOURSELF TOGETHER!  You might run into a client, future client, past co-worker, old highschool crush or future lover! 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS DO COUNT!

Unfortunately, the theory of "individuality" has been taken to an extreme!  An extreme of laziness, self-deprecation, lack of common-sense and in the end, just irresponsible as the next person.  You won't lose your personal style or values by dressing with style!  It has become abnornal to see a woman put together with clothing fitted properly, makeup complimenting her facial features and her feminine physique isn't hidden behind frumpy t-shirts.  Men, show your masculinity, be proud of it!  Don't wear baggy pants and t-shirts (enough said!).  Please get rid of the Hawaiian shirts or save them for Hawaii.  Why is it so hard for men to wear a polo and khaki pants?  Here's a tip:  Women love a well-dressed man!  Use that to your advantage!


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"Like every good man, I strive for perfection, and, like every ordinary man, I have found that perfection is out of reach - but not the perfect suit."   ~Edward Tivnan

Lesson learned? 

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."  ~ Coco Chanel

Honor Your Mother: There is a Reason to Her Rhythm!

Written By: Va Va Voom (Katrina)

With our culture the way it is today, mothers are under attack.  So much is expected of them and yet very few are able to live up to it.  In our opinion, it is lack of respect.  Where is the respect for our mamas?

How often do we see a teenager on their cell while shopping with mom, or a son pulling away from his mother when she tries to fix his uncombed hair that will cause him to squirm when looking back at pictures.  Or when a mom is struggling at the grocery store with her toddler and onlookers seem annoyed rather then lending a kind word.

"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child." ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty

 

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In short, do you love your mother?  Show her with words, affection, or sweet gifts.  Mothers are the heart of the home, the living beat of the family.  Remember the old saying, "if mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy, if papa ain't happy ain't nobody care!"  So make mama happy!

We can all remember the days when our mothers were the most embarrassing thing in the world!  Now as adults, we realize how great their advice was, and it wasn't just to hear themselves talk!  There was a reason for all the comments and constructive criticism even though it seemed insane at the time.   There was reason to their rhythm!

"Mothers are all slightly insane." ~J.D. Salinger

Lastly mothers are the only ones who will forgive us immediately.  They have that continual and unconditional love! So if you love your mom, call her, write her, or send her your love today!  Order flowers!  Not for a specific date, but just because you love her and appreciate her!

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~Show your love!  Purchase your mom a bottle of Skinnygirl!  Not only will she love the taste but you can spend some much needed quality time together over a great drink!~

"The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness." ~Honoré de Balzac

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Respecting the Respected: Happy Independence Day!

HAPPY 4th of JULY!

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie) & VaVa Voom (Katrina)

          Ladies, why do we quiver with delight when we see a man in uniform?  Some of us actually become giddy as a school girl and start to blush!  Why, because men in uniform are real men, our knights in shining armor.  These men are real men and they deserve real women.  Don’t you wonder if a course on “How to be a Gentleman” is taught at boot camp or military school?  Soldiers are physically put together, they never fail to hold doors or look you in the eye.  Of course there are some bad apples, but most of the time they are just plain....hunks!  When you see a soldier in uniform, man or woman, young or old, thank them for the service. Forget the politics and battles, these are our Americans who fight to protect us.  They deserve respect!

         

          A Quote to Toast: “America's veterans embody the ideals upon which America was founded more than 229 years ago.” ~Steve Buyer

            How frequently do we go about our daily lives listening to the latest news but give little thought to the men and women offering themselves in the service of our county?  Not only should we remember our soldiers and their unselfish sacrifices for our freedom, but we as civilians need to show them respect.  These men and women are the true unsung heroes of our country.

·         When you meet a soldier in a public place, if it is an appropriate time, make an effort to thank them for their service.  Show courteous respect for their unselfish and heroic acts.

·         Attending services in honor of our service men and women is another way to show pride and appreciation.  There are many ceremonies in honor of our military on Armed Forces Day, Veteran’s Day and the Fourth of July.  Take the opportunity to participate in these parades, outdoor wreath presentations and speeches or military concerts.

·         Be an active and responsible American citizen.  Your right to vote is a serious responsibility, do not take it lightly.  Our leaders directly affect our military personnel.

·         Know your history and teach it to your children.  We shouldn’t be ignorant to major historical and currents events of our nation.  Honor the men and women who have died for our freedom by understanding what they fight for, starting with the founding of our country to present day foreign affairs.

            We can all contribute and honor our soldiers in different ways.  With the current conflicts, we have many returning soldiers in need of jobs, housing, relationship connections, schooling and treatments.  Become involved by volunteering at a veteran hospital, visit the ill soldiers, aid the staff or help in the healthcare area.  Out of respect, we must go out of our way to thank and support those who have put themselves in the line of fire to protect our freedoms for love of their country and their fellow-countrymen.

            A Quote to Toast:  “We can't all be Washingtons, but we can all be patriots.”                                                        ~Charles F. Browne

            Everyone deserves respect, especially the elderly, political officials, (no matter how much you disagree with them) clergyman, religious persons, law enforcement and educators.... You know what? Show everyone your respect!  It is a known fact that if you treat people with respect, you will receive it too.  And to those who disagree, well good luck being respected!  Muah!

"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent."  ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.