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?

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?

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

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!

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Vet Depot

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?

Instagram #PhotoADaySeptember Challenge

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!

Footminders Review

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}}

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

 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.

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. 

The History of Athletic Shoes

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!

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

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

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!

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Louis Vuitton POLKA DOTS?!?!

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

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!)

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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?

Why I Love Fringe

I fell in love with the look of the Melie Bianco Katelyn Fringed Handbag from Silvia's Handbags because I just love how much the fringe can make this bag stick out, without making it tacky.  I love the grey color because it goes with so much and I think that no matter what the occassion, the fringe on this handbag will look great with any outfit.  The slouchy look at the top is perfect for a relaxed and casual feel, but of course, like any Melie Bianco bag, there is plenty of room to fit all of your items!! 

Alicia Klein Taxi Wallet Review & *Giveaway* Ends 8/16

I just love Alicia Klein!  They have such fashionable travel wallets and bags so that you can stay in style while you are on the go!  I especially love their Taxi Wallet!  This is the perfect thing to slip in your pocket so you don’t have to root through your luggage or purse.  Keep some cash, a license, a credit card, and a passport handy in it.  It’s a convenient thin size but it’s still big enough to hold all of your stuff. 

I received a Taxi Wallet from Alicia Klein and I am in love with the snap pouch for my change.  I am notorious for having change spill out when I am in a rush.  This keeps it from doing so.  I also love the interior security pocket which is where I keep my credit cards and drivers license.  The outside pocket is for receipts, tickets, and business cards.  It’s great because it’s a very organized wallet but it still keeps everything very simple!  And it is so soft and beautifully designed!

One winner will receive a Taxi Wallet of their own!!

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I am SOOOO into Neon Colors {{Fashion}}

I've been seeing neon colors everywhere lately.  From shoes and bikinis to glasses and leggings.  Not only are they being worn at concerts, but on the street as an everyday trend.  I just think it's so bright and happy and it really can make you look more youthful when it comes to how you dress.  No one wants to look "frumpy", so even if you are wearing leggings and a plain tee, you can throw a neon headband, glasses, or even a neon tshirt on. 

Personally I love orange and pink neon.  Green and yellow can be a bit too much and can't go with everything.  Orange is more subtle.  And pink is just..well, pink! 

A lot of neon colors go hand in hand when it comes to color blocking as well.  You can show off two fashion trends in one!

What's your favorite neon color?

On/Off Relationships

Either you know someone who has been in one, or you are in one yourself.  On/Off Relationships are those relationships that seem to be up and down every other day.  You break up, get back together, break up, and then get back together.  But why do people do this?  Can we really not make up or minds?  Or do we just like the excitement?

When they can be okay...
Sometimes, two people are really serious about each other but they have some issues.  They take time apart in order to work on those issues, and then eventually get back together.  Sure, some people can work on things without breaking up, but a lot of people NEED  to have something missing from their life, in order for them to work at getting it back. 

When they aren't okay...
When your friends start telling you that they no longer want to hear about it, or when they know that you will be back with So and So in a matter of days, you know your behavior is getting out of control..make up your mind.  Stay with him and work through everything, or hti the road and move on.

A lot of times people are too used to something and can't imagine life without it.  So it's hard to make that final decision where you permanently walk away from someone.  If that sounds like you then just try and make your final decision and stick to it.  Don't get in the habit of forming on/off relationships because honestly, it's a hard habit to break, and you'll end up doing it again and again even if it's with a different partner!

How can you prevent your relationship from being like this?
In the beginning, discuss it and make an agreement with your partner that you will always work through stuff, and if you can't you can go your separate ways, but it won't be acceptable to throw around the terms "It's over" and "We're back on" like they aren't anything.

Do you know someone in an on/off relationship?  How do you deal with it?

And remember, if you have any relationship advice that you are in need of feel free to fill out this form!  You can remain anonymous and be as vague or specific as you want!

LS Mens Clothing

LS Mens Clothing is a great place to go for men's clothing especially custom suits. You can keep your guy looking shiny, classy, and fabulous by sporting a beautiful custom tailored suit that will fit him perfectly.  There's a two week delivery deal and prices begin as low as $645! CBS even voted them one of the top 5 places for suits in New York!

If you have a wedding coming up that your guy will be in, whether he's the best man or the groom, he will be dressed to impressed.  And if he needs to snag that huge business deal, have him dress fancy to the meeting in a suit from LS Mens Clothing.  What you wear says a lot about yourself! Guys don’t have as much to do to their looks as women do.  They don’t wear makeup, a lot of jewelry, and they don’t have crazy hair styles, so their suit has to be the thing about their look that wins everyone over!

Quite an Eventful Weekend...

Lately, I kind of sort of put the Bucket List on hold just to get some projects around the house and yard done.  This weekend was quite eventful.  My boyfriend has been working on the shed which was atrocious before.  Well, not really, but it was quite dilapidated.  It was this ugly blue color and parts of it had rotted away.  So it took him a whole week of working away at it and finally yesterday he painted it and is finished for the most part.  One huge project off our checklist. 

On Saturday, we went to a Chihuahua birthday party for a friend.  I brought all 4 pups which was very fun.



So many chihuahuas!



Grace

Me and my babies!



Rocky making friends




Stella after being rained on

 Oh and Pixie had ANOTHER health scare...you remember, like the one where she had hair stuck in her butt! YEP! I blogged about it before and you can read that here.  Well, Saturday evening around 7 pm, I noticed Pixie was coughing a lot.  I always worry about Kennel Cough because she has had that a few times and she is also susceptible to upper respiratory illnesses.  So I figured maybe she had inhaled something as she usually does.  After all, when she was out in the yard that day I saw her face covered in cobwebs so she was up to no good at some point.  Well, I arrived home from a friends house around midnight only to find that Pixie had been coughing so much that there were little frothy piles of her spit all over the sofa cover. Poor girl!  I called the emergency vet and after informing it would be $100 to get her in, I took her in.  We were there till 2:30 am.  She has an upper respiratory issue, almost bronchitis so they gave her meds, and they also gave me her xrays on a disk which is pretty cool.  I'm so glad she's on meds!  She should be better in a few days, but shes's already doing great.  Poor little girl.  So $250 later...Pixie was okay, and I was exhausted.  I was like a walking zombie yesterday since I barely got any sleep.

Poor Little Pixie

My Birthday is coming up (August 13th) and I'm taking a half day Friday to get my hair cut and then I have Monday off.  Have no clue what all will go on over the weekend but I'll update you guys next week.

Oh and.. on a side note... Voting ends tomorrow for me to win a week long date with the Chevy Volt! Please if you haven't already, vote for me!!!  It only takes one second! I really appreciate it and will be able to blog about my date and all the things I do with the car.  I will be completing more bucket list items for sure!

How was your weekend and what are you up to for the rest of Summer?