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My Happiness Project for the month of September was to Pursue a Passion.

Ways I did this were:
1. Make Time
2.Start Writing a Book
3.Embrace a New Hobby

photo by 1541	via PhotoRee

1. Make Time

I now write my hobbies: meditating, reading, watching my tv shows, crafting, etc. into my agenda on a daily basis. I schedule them in so that I never neglect them. It made me realize that it's important to make myself happy in life more than relying on anything else to make me happy... so if I ensure I am always making time for happiness, it will always be present in my life!

2.  Start Writing a Book
I did start to write a book, but then I also started keeping a journal of thoughts. Maybe someday you guys will get to see it ;)

3. Embrace a New Hobby
The hobby I chose was meditation. Sure it might not seem like a hobby to some but recently I went through so much stuff that I certainly think that if meditating is what is good for my mental, spiritual, and emotional well being , then it's a GREAT HOBBY! I also have started little odds and ends type projects around the house so we will see how that goes! !

Check back tomorrow for October's Happiness Project which is to Pay Attention!

How to Change Your Closet over for Fall

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Once the weather is adjusted enough (usually late September or early October for me) you can start storing away your summer pieces and integrating new Fall wardrobe pieces so your closet is ready for the Autumn Fashion Showcase aka your everyday life! 

Here are a few guidelines to follow when you start the process of changing your closet over for Fall:

1.     Make sure you keep your summer tops (for layering) out.   These  can be paired with a cute jacket in the Fall.

2.     Store shorts, sandals, and summer dresses away for the next few months.

3.     Make sure you take an inventory and when you go shopping for any new additions look  for your core colors, secondary colors, and keep record of what you already have in your closet.

4.     Pull out all your heavy weight cardigans and sweaters as well as any pencil skirts (you can layer these with leggings.

5.     Make sure you have a wide selection of tights which look great under skirts and even shorts!

6.     Pull out all your boots and make sure you have at least 1 pair of flats, booties, knee high boots, and riding boots!

So, how many new things do you “NEED” to buy now that you’ve integrated your fall pieces back into your closet? ;-)

BARKCODE Review

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BARKCODE is the technology-friendly way to keep track of your pets! Years ago I actually had Pixie stolen for a few days after a home break-in. Luckily we got her back but if I had given her a BARKCODE tag, I very well may have found her immediately. You see.... BARKCODE is a little tag for a dog collar that contains a QR Code. When the QR code is scanned with a cell phone it will bring up a link to a website that contains the most updated information on the pet's owners. You can easily update your information on the website and there's no online activation fee or annual fee! And BARKCODE donates a portion of it's tag proceeds to charities that support NO KILL ANIMAL FACILITIES! BARKCODE tags come in different colors and designs, so whether you have a male or female dog, you can ensure you pick out a stylish tag for your pet to show off!

My dogs received some tags from BARKCODE. It was super easy to get on the website and register them. I entered their VET info and any medical information that someone who finds them would need to know. And the best part is, if they runaway and someone finds them and they scan the code, it will send me a notification that someone has them! If the person doesn't have a camera phone they can still get on the website and enter the ID number from the tag. The site is also password protected so I'm the only one who can get on and update info. I am so happy that I have a bit more security when it comes to the possibility of my pets going missing. This is such a great idea for anyone that has a dog with anxiety that may wander off outside, or for anyone in a new neighborhood where people may not know you or your pet yet.
I highly recommend everyone get a BARKCODE tag because it's just another way to ensure the safety of your animal!!!!

Stay Safe in Style with ila Security

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ila Security is a line of personal security products and accessories to help females stay safe in style. I know we live in a society where we tend to have the mindset that "It won't happen to me", but that's the wrong mindset. If you run errands and park in a parking lot, you never know if someone could follow you to your car one day, even in broad day light. And if you park in a parking garage, it's still a risk. Even having your purse stolen when you are eating at a restaurant is a possibility for practically all of us! So when ila Security launched in 2008 they wanted to give women a sense of security that they could pretty much accessorize into their everyday life. Whether it's something for the home or something to carry around in a purse, there are a variety of useful and versatile products to choose from.

I received an ila Hook for my purse and an ila Pebble for my keychain. The hook allows me to keep my purse stores right next to me wherever I am so that I can keep an eye on it. Thieves can ruin your life by stealing hte contents of your handbag and I just can't take that risk. This hook folds up and can be easily stored in my purse when not in use. It holds even the heaviest of my handbags!! It has a nice rubber grip to hold on to tables and desks. The ila Pebble is a neat and compact little device that can let out an ear-piercing alarm at the push of a button. The second you feel threatened, you can draw attention to yourself and scare off a thief or attacker with this piercing sound. It comes in two fashionable designs so no one will know what it is. It's so lightweight on my keychain but it makes me feel so much safer now that I know I have it.

"AK-47 Nutrition" tee from LoadedShirts.com

Whether you like it or not, people use fashion to express their love of things and some people believe in responsibly ownership and use of firearms.   LoadedShirts.com understands that and that's why they offer a line of gun t-shirts for men and women.   Whether you want to browse by the type of gun, or just by the design, their website is set up so you can easily find exactly what you would want to wear to show off your support of the 2nd Amendment! 

I received a black AK-47 Nutrition tee from LoadedShirts.com and I absolutely in love with it.   Not only do I love how the information about it is  in the form of a nutritional fact table, but I love how comfortable it is.   Now I just need to find a .380 shirt ;)





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.

The One Thing You Need to Tell Yourself to Stop Worry in a Relationship

It’s completely normal to worry in the beginning stages of a relationship; however it can be very distracting and can put you on edge. Some people can’t handle that feeling and they will end a relationship simply out of fear. So here is one major concept you need to adapt in order to stop worrying obsessively in a relationship….
IT IS BEYOND YOUR CONTROL.
Seriously it’s a viable solution to all of the below thoughts:
What if they leave me?
What if they cheat?
What if we end up not working out?
No matter what, you need to learn to let it go. Unless it’s something that’s a huge issue that needs to be resolved (and has a solid solution), LET IT GO!!!!!!

4 Criteria to Look for in a Blazer

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A good blazer can be a key part of your wardrobe.  There are plenty of other reasons to back up why a good blazer is a must have but you also need to make sure you look for some criteria when choosing blazers.   

1.     Narrow Lapels.  

Narrow lapels give a blazer a feminine look so you won’t look bulky and boyish.

2.     Sharp Shoulders.

You always want shoulders that are smooth and not baggy.  Too much padding gives it a rough bulky look.

3.     2 Buttons.

Blazers with 2 buttons are slimming and always in style.   It’s very flattering to any body type.

4.     Fun lining.

Choose a blazer with a nice accent in the lining so if you fold over the sleeves you have some elegant prints or patterns peeking through!

Findables and Slickwraps

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Slickwraps offers a line of greta protective skins for your phone and now they have expanded their line to include customizable iPhone 5 cases with 90 different designs. Not only do you get a stylish look but also a protective case to hold your expensive technology! They are reusable and the inserts come in so many different colors. I love that it comes with a smooth glittery finish in the one I chose. The textured rubber sides give it a nice grip so you don't drop your phone when your hands are full! I received a white Slickwrap case for my iPhone 5 and I love it. It's so much easier to find my phone!

Findables are a different style of cell phone case that actually come in two versions: the FlexStand and the FlexWrap. They are very stylish and have a unique scannable code so it makes networking and meeting new people and connecting, so much easeier. You can scan each other's codes to get their information and store it in your phone! The FlexStand case folds into a stand so you can actually sit back and watch videos, movies, and check out pictures without having to hold your phone the whole time. There's an inner rubber part that acts as a shock absorber and the polycarbonate outer shell protects the phone from nicks and scratches. You can purchase one in a variety of colors from Findables! I love the bright green FlexStand case that I got. It makes it so easy to watch videos on my phone and I like having it standing on my desk while I'm at work so I can glance over instead of have to pick it up and check it each time. It's super smart to have this case too because I've already dropped my phone several times and I had no wear and tear! The FlexWrap

Outfit of the Day: Autumn Gold

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Fall is here and the colors are so beautiful when the leaves go from green to gold. I love that the marigold yellow color is so versatile, from summer to Fall! I decided to use that color and mix it with one of my favorite colors...magenta! dsfasdf

I love the fact that skinny jeans look great with boots, even a simple pair, which is why I chose the Bryce Boot from JustFab! It's got an aged texture but it's simple enough that it doesn't take away from my outfit at all!

So what I wore:
Boots - Bryce in Black from JustFab
Cardigan - TJ Maxx
Pants - Old Navy

Easy Way to Drink the Recommended Amount of Water Each Day (DIY)

It’s annoying to have to drink so much water but it’s what’s best for your body.  They recommend 64 oz. of water daily or anywhere from 4-6 glasses.  

I found a fun way to ensure I drink the right amount of water each day without having to guzzle it all at once.

All you need is a marker or some Washi Tape and you can do it too.

Give yourself different lines with different times of the day on it.  For instance:

You can put 3 lines of tape on a 32 oz. water bottle.

Mark the bottom line as 9 am, the middle as 10:30 AM, and the top as 12 PM.  Then turn the bottle around and label the other side of the bottom as 2:00 pm, the middle as 4 PM, and the top as 6 pm . There you go.  If you drink those amounts (and fill the 32 oz. bottle up again) at those times, you’ll find it’s easier to get the recommended amount of water.

KeepShape Review

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Fashion and organization go hand in hand especially when it comes to your closet.   As a handbag addict myself, I like to display my most prized possessions (purses) and sometimes it just looks sloppy when I have them sitting on a shelf.   That’s why KeepShape created PurseStuffers!     Thanks to PurseStuffers women can now keep their purses with their original shape and protect them from any damage.   It is great when it comes to keeping your closet tidy!  These are the only stuffers on the market that have a flat bottom to aid when it comes to upright storage!  

Made of a soft light weight satin fabric,  each foam insert has an easy grip handle.  So not only does it look nice, but it’s easy to take in and out of a bag! They come in several different sizes, since most of us have a different size preference when it comes to our handbags!  With the price we pay for designer brands, we really can’t afford not to store them properly when we aren’t using them.

I received several PurseStuffers in different sizes.  These were amazing and soft.  I love how well they kept the shape of my bags and it makes them look much nicer when I have them on display.  Even if you store your bags in a plastic bin (like I do with some of mine) you can prevent them from being squished and flattened by simply inserting a PurseStuffer!

They are so silky no wonder it’s such a breeze to get them in and out of a bag.  I will certainly be investing in more of these as part of my regular closet organizing routine!!

Driving in the 2014 Kia Sorento EX

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After showing you the inside and the outside of the 2014 Kia Sorento EX, it's time to take it for a drive. I have to say that it's like riding in luxury.

 A quiet smooth ride with easy to use and understand safety features like a blind spot detector that lets you know when a car is in your blindspot. It was a much less anxious drive when I had to be on the highway, and I was really pleased with the back up camera to get out of parking spots.

This SUV handles curves and turns really well. I was really pleased at how easy it was to go on backroads in my area that curve and wind all around. I also liked that this thing stopped on a dime when I needed it to.
It may not get as good of gas mileage as a car, but it sure as heck can drive and handle like one.


It's very easy to get in and out of the Sorento, even though it's an elevated vehicle. It's also very convenient to be able to throw groceries and other shopping bags in the trunk. The seats are so comfortable for both the driver and any passengers and the navigation system was on point when I needed to find my way around over the week that I had this vehicle.

I found no issues with pulling in and out of even the most narrow parking spots.  Between the back up camera and the height, it's easy to see your surroundings!

There is plenty of room for my doggies.   Here is their carseats  and us hanging around in the trunk being goofy!
This car is great for anyone that likes to do outdoor things and needs a lot of cargo space, but still wants the luxury of a nice vehicle, or even for anyone with a family or a large dog :) ! I personally just love the look and style of this SUV and it's now on my list of vehicles I hope to own someday!!!

Inside and Under the Hood of the 2014 Kia Sorento EX

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  I already showed you the basic rundown of the sporty and luxurious 2014 Kia Sorento EX, but here's a deatiled look at the inside, the features, and what's under the hood!
The 2014 Kia Rio EX comes with Automatic Climate Control for the passenger side AND the driver's side. It's super easy to use and it seriously makes for a more comfortable drive for both the driver and the passenger. I love the Rear Camera display, it makes it so much easier to park and back out in such a large vehicle. The power driver's seat has lumbar support and it's so nice to be able to adjust it quickly and smoothly when you need your seat further up to the wheel or farther away. The push button start is AMAZING. For some reason it's such a luxurious to me. I also was impressed when I saw that this SUV comes with an interior accent illumination. It's a glowing red inside which makes it easier to see what's going on in your car while you are driving, but without turning on a bright light.  

  There are so many compartments in the front for drinks, phone storage, and anything else you can imagine. It's a very smart setup and allow everything to stay in reach. I also love the deep center console! The surround sound system is AMAZING!!!!!! and the panoramic roof with power sunshade is huge and is the perfect way to relax and enjoy your commute to and from work. I was so impressed. I absolutely adore the vehicle's interior features!  

  This is such a luxurious vehicle. It's so comfortable inside and it's easy to adjust practically ANYTHING!  

  It's easy to play an iPod in the 2014 Kia Sorento, as there's a USB port, an Aux jack, plenty of charging outlet space, and Sirius Satellite Radio. I also couldn't believe all the little controls for everything!! Did you know that there's a blind spot alert on the side mirrors that allows you to see if there's a car in your blind spot?! That came in SO HANDY!!! There are so many compartments in the front for drinks, phone storage, and anything else you can imagine. It's a very smart setup and allow everything to stay in reach. I also love the deep center console! The surround sound system is AMAZING!!!!!! and the panoramic roof with power sunshade is huge and is the perfect way to relax and enjoy your commute to and from work. I was so impressed. I absolutely adore the vehicle's interior features!  

  I love that you can use the steering wheel controls for the audio/navigation, or you can use the touch screen itself! It's nice to have options!  

  The 2014 Kia Sorento EX that I have right now is a 3.3L DOHC GDI V6 Engine, with Independent front and rear suspension. It's a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic. It's all wheel drive with a locking center differential. For an SUV this thing handles like a champ! And it's so quiet and smooth on the inside when driving. On the outside, it's still quiet and not at all a tank! Some SUV's can be so loud when they are just idling!

Check back next week when I let you know exactly how this beauty drives!