How to Dress for a Wedding {{Fashion}}

Friday, August 31, 2012


A lot of people write in with a question about what to wear to a wedding, or just a few basic rules.  So I decided to list a few of the main points to remember.  If you follow these small guidelines, the options for wedding attire should be very easy for you!

1. Black is Okay - White is Not!
White is for the wedding party and the bride of course, not anyone else.  Sometimes it's a major faux pas, and sometimes people say they don't care.  Do yourself a favor and avoid any kind of issues with white and select any other color, even black!  Black is very much acceptable, just as long as it doesn't look like funeral attire with a veil or hat!

2. Don't Bare Skin
Follow the rule of making sure your dress comes no less than a hand length above your knee.   And when it comes to cleavage, be very reasonable.  Make sure you are NOT falling out of your dress and make sure that you do not have a plunging neckline.  They do make dresses that are classy still, just shop at the right places.

3. Make Sure You Can Stand
Make sure that you wear something that you can stand in and more importantly, dance in!  This means no killer stilettos.  Sure, they might look good but you will be miserable within a few minutes.  Choose some cute flats if they go with your dress, or some reasonable wedge shoes. 

Fashion's Night Out 2012 - 9.6.12 - Are You Participating?

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Do you know what Fashion's Night Out is?  Well if you don't, allow me to explain. 

What:
Fashion's Night Out is basically a worldwide event where everyone can celebrate their love for the world of fashion no matter where they live. 

When:
Thursday, September 6, 2012 

How and Where:
You can participate by going to a retailer closest to you that is having special deals, events, and promotions and making a purchase.  In most cases, you'll be able to get your hands on some samples, discounted items, or even gift bags.   You can find a local retailer here.

If you can't participate by actually going somewhere, have no fear, you can totally check out the list of online retailers and find one to make a purchase from.

How Ask Away is participating:
Since I'm in PA, I found that the Tanger Outlets in Hershey, PA are actually having a special where you make a purchase on September 6th then from 6-9 pm you can bring your receipt to the Customer Service area to get a free fashion tote! How cool is that!!

And guess what else!!!  I purchased an official Fashion's Night Out 2012 shirt!!  It was hard to find a website that sold it but luckily for me, Bloomingdale's has them here

I decided to order a medium in the hopes that it will be a bit longer and then I'll pair it with some black leggings and some cute pumps.  I can not wait to wait it next Thursday!!!!

I'll be sure to have photographs and a blog post about my Fashion's Night Out!

So hurry up and go order your official shirt and look up where you can shop to score some great deals in the name of fashion!

Now...how do YOU plan to celebrate?

Dress Like Your Fav Celeb: Rihanna

Recently I posted about how to look for a new style to help define yourself when it comes to fashion.  I asked you to let me know if there is a celeb you really like and I would blog about how you can dress like them.  One suggestion was Rihanna.


Here are some tips for dressing like Rihanna based on her unique and uber-expressive style.

1. She Loves Black Leather Pants
And when she wears them she wears them very well.  She often completes her look with something black on top.


How to get this look:
Obviously, purchase a pair of black leather pants if you don't already have one.  Finish your look without looking totally crazy, by simply wearing a white printed tee and a black leather jacket or denim jacket over it.  This way it's a subtle change from what you might wear but it isn't too crazy.

2. She likes bright colors and she knows how to colorblock
She often wears neon colors like orange, pink, purple, and green.  She also isn't afraid to do some colorblocking. 


How to get this look:
If you aren't comfortable with 2 bright colors, you can't go wrong with a black top and bright bottoms, or a bright top and black bottoms, like Rihanna shows us above.

3. She loves strappy pumps
Rihanna wears a lot of black strappy heels.  Some look pretty scary to walk in but others are a bit more subtle.  She wears them with dresses, leggings, shorts, and almost anything else that will go with the shoes.

How to get this look:
Wear your most strappy heels whenever you can and embrace how much they accentuate your entire look!

Snoozer Pet Products Orthotic Cozy Cave Pet Bed Review & *Givewaway* Ends 9/5

Wednesday, August 29, 2012


Snoozer Pet Products offers a line of products to keep your pet comfortable as much as possible.  Some of these products include car seats, beds, and other accessories.  I wanted to highlight why I love their selection of pet beds and car seats.  Safety and comfort go hand in hand and any pet owner understands how stressful it can be when traveling in the car with your dog.  The fact that I can find safe and reliable car seats means a lot to me.  The pet beds are awesome.  Sure, you can get one for a few bucks at some stores in person, but you won’t get great quality like you will at Snoozer.  They have durable beds so that your dog can enjoy sleeping for years to come.

I received a Snoozer Orthopedic Cozy Cave Pet Bed in Blue.  First of all, my dogs LOVE THIS!!!  Sometimes I catch just one in there and sometimes I even catch two in their together.  They love to be comfortable and warm when they sleep and since they are tiny dogs it’s easier for them to get chilly from the drafts in the summer from the air conditioning.  This bed has a nice little cover so that they don’t catch all the drafts.  What a great idea.  I love the color and I love that it’s round.  For some reason it just seems cozier that way.  Pixie is very picky about where she lays so I was elated to see her climb right into this immediately.  That tells me it must be very comfortable!  I also love the craftsmanship.  You can tell this bed was made carefully and is durable and won’t tear or rip easily.
I love their Facebook page.   It’s a great way to keep up with product news and updates.

One winner will receive an Orthopedic Cozy Cave for their own pooch!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Vet Depot

Tuesday, August 28, 2012


It's always important to properly care for your pets, but we all know it can be expensive.  That's why purchasing medicine and supplies from  http://www.vetdepot.com is such a good idea.  You can get the medicine you need delivered to your door for low prices!  This is also a good way to stock up on flea and tick prevention treatments as well as heartworm medications.

I like the idea that you don’t have to make a trip to the vets just to purchase and pick up the stuff you need.  Plus, if you order a certain amount, you can get free shipping.   That is quite a deal.

With 4 dogs, it can be very expensive for me to purchase medications and treatments for them so much so if I can get something on a discount I am all for it!

I honestly can save so much money when it comes to my budget if I cut costs and spend in a more frugal manner whenever I can, so this is the perfect opportunity to save money on things that I really do need.  I hope anyone else who owns a pet will check out this website and see if they can save money by getting some of their regular pet medications and treatments for a cheaper price!

Fall Trend: Boots and Skirts {{Fashion}}


A hot trend this Fall is Boots with Skirts.  Whether it's above the knee or below, this can be a great look and perfectly fitting for the weather when paired with the right pair of boots.  You can even wear knee high socks underneath. 

Not only is this on the runways during fashion shows but a lot of celebs have been spotted in this combination.  The beauty of it is that most of us can make an outfit out of a skirt and a pair of boots that we already have.

This trend is very practical because you aren't showing too much skin and you are covering enough that you appear reasonably dressed for cooler weather. 

Are you going to wear boots with a skirt this fall?


Keep Your Kids Dry for School


School has started almost everywhere by now, and it's also the time for the rain storms to stay strong.  Don't you want your precious little ones to stay dry in their nice new back to school clothes?  Then you definitely need to invest in an Umbrella like the ones at The Trendy Boutique.  They are so cute and stylish! Not only can they be personalized, but you can select the pattern on them as well.  So cute!

Instagram #PhotoADaySeptember Challenge

Monday, August 27, 2012


I am going to participate in this.  I tried July and August but didn't keep up so I'm hoping to do it EVERYDAY in September.  It's easy.. all you do is take a picture that relates to which ever day's topic it is.  When I do mine, I generally make the caption read:  #PhotoADayAugust  Day 25 #Dream. 

Are you going to participate?  Do you have Instagram?
I do - it's EllenR886.  So request to follow me and then I'll follow you!  Good luck!

Looking For A New Style? {{Fashion}}

You aren't alone if you are one of those people that doesn't really have a specific style.  Some people just wear what is comfortable and what they have in their closet.  Some people wear what they can afford.  Some people are always looking for a new style and I have a great way for you to find one. 

Copy your favorite celeb!  Most celebs have a specific style like grunge, goth, glam, boho, chic, etc.

Say that you love Rachel Bilson... I did a post on her here.

Rachel Bilson's style can be described is simple and laid back.  Simple doesn't mean boring, by the way.

She wears shirts that tend to have stripes or designs on them and she almost always has a jacket whether she's wearing it or not.  You can easily get her style by getting a few blazers and jackets and when you shop for shirts look for prints on them.



Rachel Bilson also is known for her gorgeous collection of boots, which she loves to show off.  Go get some boots for the fall and winter and definitely go after a hot embellished bag!  I love her taste in purses!
Blazers can be worn with jeans, which Racel often does. She also knows how to rock the rolled up jeans look!  Great fall trend ((Hint hint!))

All you need to do is look for photos of your favorite celeb, NOT on the red carpet but walking down the street.  If you see them wearing something atleast twice, you know it's probably part of their regular style.  Rachel is seen in MANY photos wearing rolled up jeans.  Then keep it in mind for when you go shopping for clothes for the upcoming season.

Do you have a specific celeb you want to dress like?  Leave their name in a comment below and I can do a post on it!!

Amy Cornwell Designs *Giveaway* Ends 9/3


Amy Cornwell is a brand of jewelry that is so elegent and beautiful but most importantly, you can get it customized with your name or initials.  Jewelry like this means so much more to a person because it is especially for them and there’s no denying that.

Jewelry like this would be a great gift for any occasion.  I love the different rings and necklaces that Amy Cornwell Designs offers. 

One winner will receive a $25 Gift Certificate!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Footminders Review

Saturday, August 25, 2012



Footminders is a company that offers a line of amazing inserts and orthotics to help relieve your pain depending on what specific condition you may have.  They work with everything from misalignment and imbalance caused by flat feet or low arches and plantar fasciitis, heel pain, knee pain, and more.  Their orthotics offer a comfortable cushion that will make your feet pampered so that you aren't writhing in pain at the end of the night with every step you take.  Insoles are great for people who exercise by walking and jogging long distances or for people that stand for an extended period of time.



I received the Catwalk Orthotic Insert and it worked wonders for me when I recently used it for a night out on the town.    I got used to them for about an hour and after that I totally forgot they were even there!  They really made my feet more relaxed and there was hardly any tension when I got home at the end of the night.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

BarkBox Review


You have heard of those websites that send you a box of samples for a small fee every month right? Well, BarkBox is like that, except they send dog supplies in their special box!

Inside our BarkBox was….
A rubber squeaky steak!! It even came in an adorable package like at the grocery store.  Grace immediately grabbed it and ran off with it.  She loves the challenge of it being such a big toy.  Also inside were bubbles!!!  How cool is that! I play with them with the pups whenever we are outside.  Such a cool idea! I think it will also make great photo ops! We also received Mini Yumzies which are healthy treats for dogs that can be used for training or as  a regular snack.  I love them because they are the perfect size!!  The dogs love them because they taste and smell delicious! And finally, we received a little chewy dental toy called a Spinz.  Pixie grabbed it and ran off. She needs to chew on things like that more anyways so I didn’t mind.  It has taken her quite a while to chew this thing down so I’m happy because I know it’s a challenge and she can’t destroy it or choke on it!
Oh and for me there were some doggy poo clean up bags which is great because I definitely could use some more!

Love The One You're With...right? {{Relationships}}

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Sometimes, a girl can just get bored in a relationship (guys can too) and her mind starts to wonder.  Some people stop it right there, but some can even go as far as making contact with other guys or girls, and even going on secret dates, and sleeping with them.  Did you ever notice, those things rarely last with those "other" people?   So why do people start to go astray?  Are we looking for something more or do we just need proof that what we have is enough?

Sometimes, it gives them a reminder of why they are with their significant other.  Sure the handsome gardener guy was fun to flirt with in the garden, but you also caught him making eyes at another neighbor....something that your current man has never done (or that you saw at least).  Sometimes that's all a person needs to realize "Wow, I am with a great guy, and I am going to stay with him."

Now, I'm not at all condoning cheating, but there are some couples out there that have "free passes" to get things out of their system and in the end they come running back to either.  I guess something can be said for that...basically...if you can't be with the one you lust or love, love the one you're with, right?   Or in other words,  the grass isn't always greener.  So next time you feel the need to start letting your mind wonder...ask yourself... of all the guys before your current one,  wasn't there a good reason you let them go?  And clearly, you haven't let your current man go. 

If you start to feel bored in a relationship, try spicing things up by going away on a vacation, a romantic date, or just trying something new that the two of you have never done.  Go skiing, horseback riding, hiking, etc.  Something that will allow you to bond more.  It can really do wonders for a relationship and bring you two closer again.

Have you ever let your mind wander?

Perky Plus Stain Remover Review

Wednesday, August 22, 2012


 Perky™ PLUS Stain Remover is my new favorite product! It was designed by professional carpet cleaners and can clean up all types of everyday spills and messes.  It's great for everyone that has an active life and busy family and a home that is always full of laughter and fun.  I have 4 chihuahuas so it's very common that accidents happen, whether it's a potty accident, mud tracked in, or they get into some food they shouldn't, I'm always cleaning up random messes.  The beauty of Perky PLUS is that it fights the source of the stain which dissolves it and neutralizes the odor. 

I received a bottle and I absolutely love it.  It's so easy to use and very very effective.  I have yet to find a stain it can't clean up.  I cleaned up a potty accident and an upset tummy accident as well as some mud marks from my birthday party.  I must say,  this stuff didn't smell terrible and it wasn't messy to use.  I loved the little Whiz Groom Brush they included because my furniture ALWAYS has pet hair on it.  This is great for brushing it off and even brushing off crumbs from the dogs chewing their toys!


And guess what! You can get 50% OFF at www.groomindustries.com for the Perky Plus stain remover! 

                                                                COUPON CODE:    50OFFGRM
  
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Distancing Yourself From a Toxic Friend {{Advice}}

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

How do I stop being friends with someone who is toxic in my life. She criticizes me and belittles me but the minute I say anything negative at her she seems like her life is perfect and I have no right to condemn her. Problem is we are best friends and have been for 18 yrs.Thank you in advance..please help
Kiki

Dear Kiki:
Sometimes people grow apart.  Often times though, it's hard to move forward with your life knowing someone may not be in it.  Maybe instead of cutting her out completely, you can distance yourself.  See her less and less and when you do see her, make sure it's in a group situation like a party, etc.  This way there's less pressure and oppurtunity for her to criticize you and belittle you.   If she asks why you are distant, be honest and tell her that you feel very hurt by her to the point that you don't even feel comfortable hanging around with her because of how she puts you down.  Tell her how much it hurts.  Maybe, that's enough to have her watch what she says.  If not, then you have to just move on without her.  Give her a notice that If she can't stop her criticizing and demeaning ways you will have to cease all contact with her.
Good luck!

Milanoo Review


Milanoo was reviewed before on my blog and I absolutely loved the top they sent me, so much so that when they asked me to do another review, I was ecstatic!  Milanoo has so many trendy and unique styles that are great for both casual and formal affairs, which is why I love them so much!

I received the Orange Puff Sleeve Blouse and I absolutely love this blouse! I wear it to work and I have worn it around casually when running errands or out to dinner.  My favorite thing about this blouse is the two different fabrics.  Some is sheer and the rest is more of a lighter sweater type material.  This makes it easier to wear through different seasons.  I also loved the fit and how comfortable it was and allowed me to move while wearing it.  The orange color was beautiful and bright enough to lighten up my whole look.  And I love the flower pattern on the sleeves. 

Great Sale for Readers!

Hey readers! Here's a gift code for The Trendy Boutique ! The code is ASKAWAYGIFT (enter in coupon code field at checkout). It is for $5.00 toward any purchase from www.thetrendyboutique.com, including their Geneva Buy 1 Get 1 Free watches. There is no expiration date at this point!

The History of Athletic Shoes

Monday, August 20, 2012

History Of Athletic Shoes brought to you by Schuler Shoes and New Balance Twin Cities

The above infographic shows the comfort shoes for men and women history.Basically, you can see how they have transformed over the decades, but you can also see how comfort and well being for your body has always been a priority.  They also have obviously found ways to make athletic shoes more fashionable. 

I think it's such a huge deal to purchase the correct shoes when you are exercising.  If you start to feel pain then you obviously won't want to continue to work out so the important thing is to have the right gear and apparel.  I even wear sneakers into the office sometimes just because I sometimes have to walk downtown and I don't like doing it in heels.  My feet will be sore for days.

When I run, the way my feet fills is the difference between how far I go and how much I despise exercise.  I have come to enjoy it much more after finding the correct shoes for running and I know you will too!

Arenus Pet Assure Review & *Giveaway* Ends 8/27


Arenus Pet makes quality supplements for pets that are extremely important in promoting good health.  Sometimes dogs can’t get the nutrients they need from their regular food so it’s important to give it to them as a supplement.  
With my Chihuahuas, their digestive health is the most important thing.  Pixie has had issues with this in the past, and I have found that many times, since they are all so tiny, the slightest amount of food that they sneak from the table, can mess up their digestive system for a day or two.  

I received some samples from Arenus from the Assure line.  I got Adult & Weight control and Puppy & Performance blend.   If you feed 25% protein or less, you can use Adult & Weight Control for your dog.  If you feed more than 25%, you can feed Puppy & Performance.  Well, my dogs are split down the middle. Two have a limited diet and the other 2 can use all the protein they can get.  Assure Canine is a blend of prebiotics and enzymes that help your dog absorb nutrients and improve immune function.  It also aids in digestion so your dog can properly digest and get rid of waste. 
After using this product on my dogs for several weeks I noticed a steady change in how much of a routine they got on with using the bathroom regularly.  It was no mess, and I also noticed they were less gassy. Pixie gets really bloated sometimes and it makes her look a little chubby.  She looked great thanks to Assure and Grace wasn’t gassy at all anymore! It was so easy to use, I just scooped some out and put it on their food.  They ate it with no problems and didn’t seem to even notice it was there. 



One winner will receive Assure Digestive Supplement for their dog!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Keeping Your Purse Clean


You bring your purse everywhere with you, right? Well, think of all the germs that get on it especially when you are in a public place for a meal.  Gross, huh?  Well, If you get a purse hanger from Silvia's Handbags you can actually keep it in your purse, and then just take it out, clasp it on the side of the table or bar, and hang your purse from it.  It works great and it looks great and it keeps your purse clean so it will prolong the life of it!

Zazzle Review

Saturday, August 18, 2012


Zazzle  is a website that has all kinds of items for yourself and for gift ideas.  From clothing to school supplies, to home décor!  Everything is so reasonably priced and their website is very organized and easy to browse through.  I felt impressed by the selection but not overwhelmed, which was a huge relief.  Online shopping should always be simple and easy.


I received a Funky Pink Zebra Binder from Zazzle.  It actually has my name on the front and the side and it is absolutely perfect for couponing.  I switched all of my coupon stuff over to this binder and now I am even more proud to show it off.  It’s very sturdy and durable and the binder rings open and close smoothly.  This would be a great item for kids going back to school or teens going to college!

Vizardz Review & *Giveaway* Ends 8/24

Friday, August 17, 2012


Vizardz is a company that makes light boxes, night lights, ornaments, and more than can be customized to light up with a photograph of your choice inside.  It can be in color or black and white.  Items like these make GREAT gifts no matter what the occasion!

It’s amazing how much one of these items can literally light up a room.  It’s better than a traditional photograph decoration, and it’s still classy. 


I received a Light Box with Rocky’s photo in it.  I love it.  It looks great no matter where in my home I put it.  It does a great job of being a beautiful centerpiece and I love the craftsmanship that went into it.  The photo is so detailed on it!  And It was super easy to put the light bulb in and plug this in.  I seriously look at it all of the time.  What a great way to preserve memories.

You can also make your own box, but you can have them make the slide for it!

One reader will get a light box just like I did!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Louis Vuitton POLKA DOTS?!?!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Yep, you read that correctly...Louis Vuitton, known for it's gorgeous and super expensive handbags, now has a Polka Dot Collection.  Insane!!  

I'm a bit torn though, I mean.... it kind of seems tacky, for an everyday handbag, but I guess if you are loaded... you can switch your bag everyday so you could dress according to what bag you have.  But still..


What do you think?

Kuru Footwear Review & *Giveaway* Ends 8/22

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Kuru is a great brand of shoes for you if you are on a mission to find shoes for plantar fasciitis.  Plantar fasciitis is no fun.  I would know because I had it, and it took forever to go away and it always was a lot of work.  My feet hurt every single moment of every single day.  I can no longer wear fancy heels on a daily basis or super flat flip flops.  In fact, finding shoes that will prevent plantar fasciitis and give my feet comfort, is a daunting task.  I am so glad I discovered Kuru Footwear. They make shoes that cushion your heel so the impact of everyday walking doesn’t injure your foot.  The KuruSole provides a deep heel pocket that feels heavenly!  The liner also molds to the shape of your foot so you get proper arch support. 


It feels like I am walking on air and I am not just saying that.  Literally, it felt like heaven.  I felt no pressure on any part of my foot.  These are made of suede and are so super soft.  I didn’t even have to adjust to them and break them in.  I use them all the time for everyday walking.  It’s amazing how much better it makes my mood when I don’t have foot pain! 

I highly recommend these shoes to anyone that cares about comfort for their feet and long term benefits of proper heel and arch support!

One winner will receive a pair of their own! (Mens or Women!)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Those Family Stickers...

Tuesday, August 14, 2012


You see them everywhere...on the back of cars, trucks, and minivans.  A cute family with some kids and pets.  I used to hate them, but now I think it's a cute idea.  Why not show off your family.  You can get adorable Family Decals at The Trendy Boutique now too! Vinyl stickers for the back of your vehicle! There are so many different images to choose from that yours can be so unique.  I see a lot of the same ones but the selection at The Trendy Boutique is the most unique variety that I have seen yet!!  Check it out today!!

How to Own a Trend

Trends are great but sometimes they aren't totally "you" and if you try too hard, it defeats the whole purpose.  There's an easy way to make a trend more "you".  Use a part of the trend, and use some of YOUR original style...like what you are used to. 

Pencil skirts may be in but you are someone that totally doesn't dress that way...EVER.  So instead, find a pencil skirt with a crazy or unique design or pattern or even a bright color.  You are still rocking the pencil skirt, but when you choose a hot pink one, for your color blocking idea, everyone will think "That's totally her because she's alwasy rocking bright colors!"


Here are a couple examples of how you can make current trends more "you."

Color blocking
The look on the right can EASILY be pulled off

If you aren't someone who wears bright or neon colors, it might not be something you will look good in.  Maybe the tone of your skin is too pale or your hair won't go with it.  So instead... try just wearing ONE color that's bright. Maybe just bright blue jeans and then a white, black, or grey top. Play around without jumping right in and trying to wear green and orange!

Sequins

A lot of people have been rocking sequin pants and tops lately (not together of course!) but for some people, it just doesn't go with their personality.  Some people have even told me they are "too tomboyish" for sequins.  So next time you dress up, just wear a sequin accessory.  Maybe a headband with a sequined design on it, or a sequined clutch!!  Or you can be really bold and just try sequin shoes.  This way, you stick with your typical style and look, with just an accessory (shoes, hair, or bag) rocking the trend. 


With that being said...

How have you made current trends more "you" or how do you plan to?