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If you haven't heard, 191Unlimited just launched 1 Voice, a winter beanie and wireless Bluetooth headphones combined.   No more tangled, dangling wires while you exercise, snowboard, etc. while you listen to music.   

Yep, you can actually listen to music while staying warm, comfy, and stylish!    Your ear buds won't be obnoxiously falling out of your ears, or having your ears freeze off during a run in cold weather, because this tightly knitted double layered yarn beanie will keep you nice and toasty. 

And if you donate $40 to the Kickstarter Campaign you will be rewarded with 1 Voice Bluetooth Beanie which saves you $29.99 off the normal $69.99 price.  They will even make sure it's delivered by the holidays! 

Own the #TopoftheMantel with Cardstore

I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Cardstore. I received complimentary cards and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

So I finally began sending out my Christmas cards this week and my friends and family have been super impressed.  They love how I took a photo from the summer and gave it a wintery holiday look!   Cardstore did a great job in their sturdy and high quality card stock.   Everyone said the cards looked so professional that they "had to be so expensive!"   But they weren't...   they are very affordable and you get exactly what you pay for...a high quality card. 

But why would I even want to send cards still when the internet makes it so much easier to just email a greeting, right?   Well, whether you are making everyone's favorite recipe, picking the best "Secret Santa" gift, or choosing the holiday card everyone looks forward to receiving, there is always a little bit of friendly competition during the holiday season.  For me, it's having a card that everyone makes a big deal out of... a personalized card that only I could send out.   So I used a photo of myself with my signature "4 chihuahuas" and I made an elegant classy card.   I want it to be front and center on everyone's mantel this year!! 

It already is front and center at my parent's house!

Isn't it so pretty up close?

So what are you waiting for? Take a few minutes to make a personalized card at Cardstore!  It's so easy and it takes the hassle out of mailing out cards yourself since you can choose the option to have Cardstore do that for you once you provide them with addresses.  And you can personalize your picture, message, and signature however you please...you have all the control and unlimited options! 

Ready to make your holiday cards? 

Well Cardstore is offering 50% off Holiday cards from through 12/1.  

And on Cyber Monday 12/2 they are offering .99 cent flat cards! 

If you want to have your cards arrive by Christmas Eve this year, make sure you place your order by December 16th! 

It's Okay to Be Angry Young & Poor

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Punk fashion is always hip. It shows a counter-culture awareness and a lack of shame with oneself, which makes it great. Best of all, it's almost impossible to do wrong. The following are some of the staples of punk fashion, and they integrate cleanly into almost any pre-existing wardrobe. If someone tells you you're doing it wrong, that's not very punk rock, is it?

Patches are first up. Patches are great to show off your favorite bands, slogans, quotes, images and more. A patched-up jacket can communicate as much or as little of your identity as you want cleanly and in a hurry, making it a great little conversation starter.

Studded belts are a go-to. You can check out the coolest studded belts at AngryYoungandPoor.com for an idea of what they look like in the 21st century. Cheaper manufacturing and greater resources for do-it-yourselfing have made more stylish belts much easier to get.

Boots are always a good option. However, it's important to pick what kind carefully. A lot of people just think heavy boots mean punk, but what you really want is something practical for any situation. The best way to communicate self-reliance is through utility.

Punk fashion changes day-to-day and doesn't have any cleanly defined standard. It's nothing you can do wrong. That would defeat the point of punk! The internet makes for a great resource for looking at what others are doing and getting the tools you need to do what you want to do with your punk wardrobe.

Embracing Your Military Background

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Do you come from a military family? Perhaps your grandfather served in one of the World Wars, or maybe your father served after that. Maybe you did a stint in the armed forces yourself, serving your country and making sure that everyone else can be free. If so, your military heritage is probably very special to you, and you do not want to let that go just because you are no longer in the military. 

A great way to hold onto it is to incorporate little aspects of it into your everyday life. For example, you could go to a store like Landing Zone and get military-style leather jackets. These are stylish, warm and durable, so they are great for civilian life, but they also have the military cut and fit that you have grown accustomed to. Everyone who sees you wearing it is going to know right away that the military has formed an important part of your life, and they will probably guess that you are a veteran. 

As you can see, you do not have to make a career our of being in the Army, Navy, or Air Force for it to be a part of your life. You can do whatever you desire - starting your own business or going back to school, for example - and still keep the military as part of the way that you dress and the way that you live. You can help to pass this heritage and respect on to your children.

3 Tips to Care for Your Watercraft

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If you get a new boat lift, you need to make sure that you install it correctly so that it is fully functional and useful for your watercraft. Of course, the first step toward doing this is making sure that you get one that is large enough for your boat, that is rated for the right amount of weight. After you get it in place, though, these tips will help you install it. 

1. Put it close to the dock. 
You still want the lift to be close to your dock so that it is easy to get out to it. This also gives you a solid platform to stand on when you are manually raising or lowering the boat. 

2. Assume that it will settle. 
The lift is going to settle down into the soft bottom of the lake or river over time. Do not put it out so deep that it will be underwater, even when raised, after it settles. Always ere on the side of being in shallower water than you think is necessary. 

3. Use cushions on the posts. 
Just like you would on dock posts, you should use cushions or bumpers on the posts for the lift. This is most helpful when driving the boat back up unto it, as it can keep you from scratching the craft if you strike the lift. 

If you would like to learn more about lifts in general or to read more tips, please visit this site right now.

Outfit of the Day: Fall Colors and a Scarf

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If there's one thing I love about this cold weather it's the ability to wear a scarf and feel cozy. Oh, okay if there's two things than the second would be the colors. Just like this outfit, I love wearing two fall colors...like a royal purple cardigan with a yellow/gold skinny jeans. And a scarf just adds to the already cozy look.





So What I Wore:
Necklace- That's Mine Boutique, Boots - JustFab, Cardigan- Old Navy, Skinny Jeans - Old Navy, Scarf - Gorjana Griffin Which I won from NYC Recessionista!

Introducing the 2014 Mazda CX-9

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Meet the beautiful, classy, and versatile 2014 Mazda CX-9. When this shiny blue SUV showed up I was already impressed.

On the outside the CX-9 has 20-inch Aluminum Alloy wheels, a power open/close lift gate, and heated power mirrors. Modern and sleek, the front end grins with Xenon headlights, fog lights, and LED daytime running lights.

With the size of an SUV, it's still got a more compact look, almost as if the 2014 Mazda CX-9 is crouching down to stay out of the way!

Inside the 2014 Mazda CX-9 there's 7 passenger seating, that's right..7! Plenty of space for a road trip with friends, a family vacation, or just everyday use for a big family that likes to stay on the go. Storage wise, the 3rd row seats fold down and so do the 2nd row. Plenty of space left for hauling a Christmas tree, furniture, moving boxes, and luggage! There's also a Climate Control Command Center for the passengers in the 2nd row, and both rows fold down easy. The second row even slides forward with such ease, no more frustrating grunts as you break nails trying to get the seats to slide so you can let the kids in!

Getting into more specifics, the 2014 Mazda CX-9 has some other great details inside that offer space, convenience, and comfort. There's power front and rear windows of course as well as power lumbar with 3 position memory so you can drive in comvfort and luxury. Also, the front seats are heated which is fantastic in the winter. The mirror is auto-dimming and there's a 3 zone climate control in the 2014 Mazda CX-9.

This SUV is great when it comes to technology.... with a USB audio input, bluetooth capabilities, 6 speakers to enjoy your favorite music, and a 5.8" color display. There's also a rear camera so you don't have to crane your neck when parking and of course there is keyless entry and a start up system that just needs a knob turned. Keep your keys in your purse ladies!

So what's under the hood? Plenty of power and a 3.2 Liter V6 DOHC 24-valve Engine. For handling, there is independent front Macpherson struts with rear multi-link suspension. Can I also tell you how cool the 6 speed sport feature is! And the active torque AWD split AWD! That's right, you don't have to worry about bad weather because you will grip the road and endure the conditions.

And of course...the safety features. Well, let's see where to start... how about ABS with Brake Assist and blind spot monitoring system so you have an extra set of eyes to look out for you. There are 3-row side air curtains with roll-over protection which is essential for SUVs. There's also rear cross-traffic alerts and roll stability control as well as a Traction Control System. For added safety of course there are dual front and side impact air bags as well as side-impact door beams. The front and rear have crumple zones and this vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft engine immobilizer and an anti-theft alarm. The 2014 Mazda CX-9 comes with a 36 month/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty as well as a 60 month/ 60,000 mile powertrain warranty.

Never Say Die with Los Goonies

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I just had to make a post out of this hoodie because it is literally my favorite! It's so comfy and it looks awesome! It says Never Say Die and it's from the Los Goonies online store!  Los Goonies is a fun page to follow on Facebook and Instagram as well, always showcasing great events like car shows and also showing off some really nice cars.   

I just paired it with some camo pants and combat boots.  And I layered underneath with a peach cami and a white tank.    

I love this hoodie and it was just $34.99! They keep selling out so hurry over and get one ASAP!

How to Budget for the Holidays

While I thoroughly enjoy the Holiday season, it can be chaotic and disruptive to my disciplined spending and to my budget, which is why I always plan ahead and set up a Christmas budget!! So I decided to share some tips with you and some instructions on setting up your very own spending plan!

Some Holiday Budget Tips:

*$* Gather all of the items you have that are new, unused and can be regifted. Put them all in a box (as you gather them or all at once) and make this your gift box where you can go to pick out gifts for people for almost any occassion.

*$* If you have a large family, suggest setting up a drawing so each member gets assigned just one person to buy for. And set a spending limit.

*$* Start saving a Christmas Spending fund a year in advance by adding $5 to an envelope every paycheck. It all adds up!!

*$* Home made gifts are a great way to save money and give a personal touch to any gift. I'll feature some next week so be sure to subscribe so you don't miss anything!

*$* Services can make a wonderful treat for family members. Get crafty and design a paper coupon voucher good for 1 car wash/lawn mowing/weed pulling, etc.
And here are some step by step instructions to create, plan, and execute your Holiday shopping and spending plan.


1. Make a List
Write down the name of every person you need to have a gift for.

2. Determine your spending limit.
Look at the amount you've saved up in your envelope and either divide it by the number of names on your list...or break down the amount per person on a one by one basis. If you want to budget more for your closer family or friends, now's the time to figure that out. Write the amount next to each person's name.

3. Decide on a gift for each person.
Does each person get a handmade item, a service coupon, or an actual monetary valued gift? Write down 2-3 gift ideas for each person if you can think of that many. Try to think of things they need. If you know your parents need a sofa cover, list that! Even regular everyday household goods make nice gifts. And..this is the important part..... go through your Gift box from the tip in the beginning of this post and shop it to see if there's anything you can regift to any family members or friends.... this is where the aunt of your boyfriend/husband/partner gets easier to shop for!

4. Plan out your shopping map.

This is the fun part for those of us that love planning and organizing EVERYTHING. First figure out what stores you are going to for each gift and write those down next to the gifts. If it's a crafty DIY item, write down the supplies you need and the stores you can get the supplies at.

5. Plan your actual shopping trips.
Decide what days you will do your online shopping and your in store shopping. Try to get it all done at once or in 2 -3 days. This way, you aren't rushed and you aren't stressed. If you can get multiple items at one store, that's a great idea for knocking out your list in one trip. If you want to take advantage of coupons or sales so you can make sure you get an item that your friends/family want, at the budget-approved cost..then this is the step you will do your research at!

6. Get some envelopes!
Place each persons cash in an envelope with their name on it. On the outside of the envelope write down the store and the item or items for them. When you end up shopping, make sure you group everything together by store and day.

7. SHOP!
Stick to what's on your list and what's in each envelope. When you get a receipt place it in each person's envelope. Take advantage of coupons and sales and DON'T use a credit card!

8. Plan a crafting and wrapping day.
This is when you will make some of your gifts and also when you will start the wrapping and packaging process. And if you're like me, you won't have to spend much on wrapping supplies because you stock up when it's on sale and you utilize gift bags, some of which you save from gifts you've received in the past!


Well, there you go... if you follow a budget, it will be a much smoother process.


But that's not all..... Here are some other items that cost money around the holidays and here's how you can save on them:

Food 

Make your own when you can, and try to make things from scratch using what you already have in your pantry. Plan out any meals or party contributions in advance so you don't have to rush all at once and buy everything. When the pressure is on, you don't make as wise of purchasing decisions. 

Cards

Take advantage of some discounts on popular sites such as SnapFish, Cardstore, or Walgreens where you can design your card, include a photo, customize text, and get a discount. They are always running specials! Try to keep your cards flat and simple so you don't have to break the bank on postage. Also, deliver cards when you can instead of mailing them. It's nice to get mail still so why not toss it in their mailbox when you know they aren't home!? 

Decorations 

Make your own or use Pinterest for inspiring ideas. Recycle what you already have by using it in different ways. Remember... decorations are only temporary so don't break the bank on them and AVOID the displays in stores or else you'll cave and buy a bunch of stuff you don't need. 

Hopefully, this post helps a lot of you with the next few weeks! Please let me know if you have any budgeting questions or any tips (comment below with your own tips!)

And be sure to check out my new book, Fixing Your Finances on Amazon!

By Hannah Design Jewelry Review

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By Hannah Design is a brand owned and run by Hannah Kim. She is a mother to a 6 year old boy and also a teacher for children with disabilities. She puts love and time into her jewelry and even offers personalization. Whether you want to buy a piece of jewelry to support raising awareness of autism or breast cancer, or you just want a personalized piece for yourself or as a gift to a loved one, you will be very pleased with the beauty and quality craftsmanship behind her products. Her Etsy store is here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/byHannahDesign .

You can select gem stone colors, font, and what you would like your jewelry to say, or you can choose from an already designed piece.

I received a hand stamped necklace with a pendant that has the dog's names on it! This means a lot to me obviously, because my dogs are my life! I love the dainty chain and the beautiful hand stamped font and how the dog's names go in a circle. Endless love!!  What a sweet gift idea for pretty much anyone, even yourself!!!    


What item would you get and what would you have it say? 

Outfit of the Day: Comfortable in Flannel

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This is by far my favorite look yet. And it's so simple and casual. I absolutely love love love love flannel and this flannel shirt from Paige Denim is my newest obsession. I sleep in it, I lounge in it, I dress it up, and I dress it down. And when I threw on my favorite pair of jeans, some chic boots, and my fav messenger bag...BOOM!

The great thing about flannel is that no matter what you do, it can always be worn in different ways and still be comfortable. I rolled up the sleeves so it didn't look too casual but also I wanted to leave it open so it DID look casual without making me look like I'm a country girl. Plus, throw on some sunglasses and now you just look super stylish.

The messenger bag from Galian looks so great whether it's dressed up or down and here it is literally THE perfect bag for this outfit. My watch is actually able to be modified, hence why it's from Modify Watches. I can actually remove the watch face and slip it easily into another silicone band. I like the grey band because it matches my cami. And my necklace is gorgeous and it's from Charming Charlie. I love how the gold looks with this comfortable ensemble.

So What I Wore:

Jeans - M2F Denim (similar); Messenger Bag - Galian (similar); Boots - Cobb Hill Shoes (and here); Cami - Express; Flannel Shirt - Paige Denim; Sunglasses - TJ Maxx; Watch - Modify Watches; Necklace - Charming Charlie.

3 Enjoyable Things I Did in the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE

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I've already given you 5 reasons why the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE is great for a twenty-something lifestyle. So I decided to utilize the stylish look on all of the wonderful features and do some fun things over the weekend.


 And they were:


 1. Took it for a day out on the town 

I got myself all dolled up and was ready to go run some errands.   It was very nice to have such a spacious vehicle and plus it looks pretty stylish just like I do!   

2. Went Thrift Shopping for Furniture

I can't show you a picture of it because it's a surprise, but I loved the ability to fit an actual piece of furniture into the trunk and backseats of the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. And it was so nice to not have to drive like a grandma because I was worried about furniture flying around. This vehicle handles great and drives smooth. Plus, I was super comfortable and relaxed all day running errands, enjoying the heated seats, the great sound system, and the nice open view.

3. Did some Thanksgiving dinner shopping

There are some vehicles that are a pain in the butt to drive around town for errands. This is not one of them. A fuel efficient mode of transportation whether it's long distance or around town, I have to tell you the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport was convenient and reliable. I decided to pick up some goodies for Thanksgiving dinner and I was pleased at how they stayed put in the trunk without flying back and forth. This further proves my point that this vehicle has a smooth ride for both driver and passengers.