This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

I love dressing everyday pieces up so that's what I decided to do with this polka dot top.

This Dots Print Loose Chiffon Tank from BlackFive is fantastic for dressing up.   I just tucked it in under my skirt and VOILA!

And this Bejeweled Multi-Layered Chains Necklace from BlackFive was the perfect statement piece to complete the look.

So What I Wore:
Dots Print Loose Chiffon Tank - BlackFive; Bejeweled Multi-Layered Chains Necklace - BlackFive; Beau Bag - Kate Spade; Skirt - Marshalls; Shoes - Just Fab.

Be sure to follow Ask Away on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', Pinterest, and Instagram!

Yes, I Wear A Mask // Here's Why

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

I don't mean a scary mask, or a way of hiding my natural self.... I mean an illuMask.   Actually it's an Anti-Aging Mask to be more specific. 

Let me explain.. The illuMask uses Phototerapy which is a safe and effective skin care technology with wavelengths of non-UV light that treat skin conditions.   Dermatologists and spa clinics have been using light therapy for years.  IlluMask's design uses a very similar technology but for a more affordable price.

illuMask uses red light to even the appearance of skin tone and reduce roughness while infrared light reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Together these lights fight the signs of aging. They bring you younger looking skin, a reduction in appearance of lines and wrinkles, firmer skin, and a brighter and clearer more radiant complexion.

It's so easy to use and gives me a good reason to relax and tune everything else out everyday. It's like putting on a pair of glasses.  I cleanse my skin like normal then slide the mask on my face.  After I push the ON Button on the wired remote controller the light teurns on.  After 15 minutes the mask turns itself on.  I choose to gently open my eyes a bit here and there during the 15 minutes, but you can also keep them shut.   The mask comes with 30 15-minute sessions so I've made it a habit to use for a month.

I feel like my complexion is brighter already!! And the illuMask is so easy to use that it sure beats having to go to the skincare specialist every week!  It's way more affordable too! 

Would you use an illuMask?

Be sure to follow Ask Away on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', Pinterest, and Instagram!

3 Key Pieces for My Fall Wardrobe

So I went on a shopping trip recently to Rockvale Outlets Lancaster.  It was actually my first time there (that I can remember) and I was so impressed with the sales I found.  There are so many shops at Rockvale Outlets that it’s hard to shop just one at a time but I decided to start with a fun shop to add some energy to my wardrobe. .  

One of my favorite online stores is deb so of course I was excited to scout out some key pieces to make my Fall wardrobe more fun. 

1. A Denim Jacket - $35
This not only helps keep me warm but it's great for layering so I can still wear my warm weather pieces like tees and tanks.
 

2. Palazzo Pants - $22
I love these. They are super comfortable and perfect for Fall beacuse they are lightweight and not bulky.  I also love that they cover my legs so even if it's a cooler day, I'm still going to be comfortable. 

3. Patterned Leggings - $10
These are a must have for me because they are so transitional.  I can wear them with a tunic top and add some fun patterns to my outfit and I can always have my legs covered.   Leggings are the best part of Fall, at least for me!
 

These were all priced so affordably that it made it so worth it. These 3 items will get a lot of wear! All of these will be featured very soon in outfit photos! Can't wait to show you how I style them!

 

Are these items in your closet for Fall? How do you style them?

 

Be sure to follow Ask Away on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', Pinterest, and Instagram!

A Fitness Update + Rubberbanditz

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

I am still so stoked that I completed my first ever 5k and can cross it off my 30 Before I'm 30 Bucket List but I am super excited that I still have motivation to run and work out on a regular basis even though I don't really have any other races planned yet.  I placed 52 out of 148 timed runners and was 7th in my age group and 11th in my gender!  SO FRIGGIN STOKED! My time was 27:14 with an 8:46 minute mile!!!  I will post more about this later as it's a huge deal to me!!!

Only one problem, I'm not a big fan of the gym or workout machines, so how am I supposed to get my strength training in? Well, that's no longer an issue because I use Rubberbanditz.

Rubberbanditz are so cool.  They are basically resistance bands that help you workout without having to leave your home to go to the gym.   I love them because they don't take up much space and they are so easy to use! They even came with an instruction booklet and a DVD. 

Not only are they affordable but they are perfect for fitness AND rehab training exercises.

You just attach them to something sturdy (I use my bedframe because trust me, that thing ain't moving while my mattress is on it) and you can gradually increase your reps. 

The seamless latex bands are made through a layering process to prevent breakage.  You can use them for stretching, toning, powerlifting, pullups, Pilates, and Yoga.  

So basically these Mobile Gym Kits will really help you get the most from your daily workouts without having to actually go to the gym! And if you are travelling, you can obviously bring these wherever you go!

So what are you waiting for?! 

Be sure to follow Ask Away on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', Pinterest, and Instagram!

Leopard + Mint // A Giveaway

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.
While I wear heels a lot for outfit photos, I am excited for Fall because I get to wear flats.   And we all know what pattern is my favorite (leopard) so it's no surprise that I'm wearing leopard flats today!

Put a statement accessory like leopard print shoes with an awesome color like mint and you have the perfect look. 

I love love love these Marseille Leather Espadrilles with a patent toe cap from  Kaanas.  They are so comfortable and make a great fashion statement.   They really go with a lot in my closet and I love that they are versatile so I can dress them up or down.

So What I Wore:
 Marseille Leather Espadrilles with a patent toe cap -  Kaanas; Pants - New York & Company; Shirt - Romwe.

And guess what else!  One winner will get a pair of shoes of their choice from Kaanas!!
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to follow Ask Away on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', Pinterest, and Instagram!

Am I the Only Blogger that ALWAYS Takes Their Own Outfit Photos?! // + The Reason I Just Upgrade My Canon T3 to a T3i in Less Than 2 Months

So back in June, I purchased a Canon T3 for myself as my first big time camera.  I was using a canon elph before which was okay but it wasn't giving me crisp clear DSLR type photos. 

I did do research before buying it and I thought I was making the right choice.  On forums, people said you could use a wireless remote with it which is the real reason I was interested in.

You see, I take my outfit photos all by myself.  I have a tripod and I have to stage them and run over and hit the button then run back and get into place, and then do it all over again several times. 

So when the T3 arrived I was ecstatic, but I quickly learned (through some more intense googling) that you can't use a wireless remote with the T3.  Figures, the model I got isn't compatible.  There's no infrared in it, so in order to make it work I had to purchase a transmitter/receiver device which plus into the camera and then I use the little transmitter remote. 

One problem... it's only worked a few times.  After some more googling I learned that it's very hard to get the wireless remote to connect some times.  Figures, every time I've went to use it there was an issue.  So I figured I would just keep trying.  I began to feel more stressed and on edge about taking photos and it became a hassle.   So the breaking point was on a Friday afternoon two weeks ago.

I got home from work early, changed into an outfit, put my extensions in, and did my makeup.  I took my tripod into the backyard, and was all ready to take photos.  Of course, the remote wouldn't work. I tried disconnecting the whole system and reconnecting, but for 20 minutes no matter what I did it wouldn't work.  I literally was ready to burst into tears.  

I marched my ass right inside and purchased a Canon T3i on Amazon.  I know there are a lot of other differences between the T3 and the T3i but the main one that I care about is the ease of being able to take photos of myself.  That's basically what I do 85% of the time.   I am going to sell my current camera on ebay.  It's literally in perfect condition and has barely been used. 

I also am shocked because as much as I ask around, most bloggers have someone who can take their photos for them.   I thought there was going to be more bloggers in my situation. Just my luck that between my work schedule, and everyone around me not being comfortable with taking good photos - it comes down to me having to do it myself.  

Does ANYONE else there take their own outfit photos on a REGULAR basis?    

Be sure to follow Ask Away on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', Pinterest, and Instagram!

A Chihuahua Favorite // Dog Cookies

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

Another healthy treat for your pups? Look no further! Chewy.com has some Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Treats in the form of some Pumpkin & Apple flavored cookies! Pumpkin is a great way to keep your dog's system regular and I always feed it to my little wolf pack.

They seriously love these cookies and they beg for them every night now! They are oven-baked and made in the USA! Of course there is real pumpkin and apple used and other all natural ingredients.  I am so mindful of what I put into my dog's bodies so I am proud to have found a healthy and delicious treat for them to enjoy this Fall!

Be sure to follow Ask Away on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', Pinterest, and Instagram!

Turkey Hill All Natural Ice Cream Taste Test Event Recap

 

So earlier this month I received my 3rd mission from Turkey Hill as a Fan-Bassador.   It was to hold an outdoor taste test of the All Natural Ice Cream Line.

I immediately asked around and lucky me, a coworker had a contact that was organizing a free movie night in the park at a local church.  They have a huge playground outside called Adventure Park! On Saturday, August 2nd there was a free movie night (The Lego Movie) with free dinner and a bouncy house.

I was able to set up a table there and hand out ice cream samples as well as giveaway tshirts and a prize pack to random winners.  The kids LOVED the ice cream and the parents were very interested in learning more. I handed out coupons to everyone and explained how delicious I thought the All Natural line was!

It was perfect as a dessert after the kids finished their hot dogs, macaroni salad, and meatballs.   And it was a nice cool refreshing treat after they ran around in the park.

I bought $70 worth of dry ice and $20 worth of 4 oz sample cups and lids.  I ended up being able to give away 200 samples of Turkey Hill All Natural Vanilla Ice Cream.  There was at least 400 people at the Free Family Movie Night so I didn't stay the entire time.   I wish I could have given ice cream to everyone but I really didn't have the money to get more dry ice and I didn't have the space to store any more ice cream samples. I literally stuffed them all into my parent's freezer!!

The event was a huge hit and people came looking specifically for the ice cream samples.  The random winners of the prizes were so happy when they found a sticker on their sample cup and learned that it meant they were a winner!

Funny story after this whole event, I saw a guy using his coupon at the local grocery store the very next day. He recognized me as well and told me he appreciated me enlightening him about the All Natural Line and that he plans to buy it for his family each week!


All in all this was a very successful event!

So make sure you try the Turkey Hill All Natural ice cream line at your local grocer and let me know what you think!

Be sure to follow Ask Away on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', Pinterest, and Instagram!

Pretty in Polka Dots

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.
I love polka dots but I tend to wear them in the same colors...black and white!    So this time I switched it up with a Peach Bodycon Dress from AMIclubwear.

And to top it off...or bottom it off I guess you could say, these Taupe Strappy Wedges from AMIclubwear were perfect.

While they look initimidating, these shoes were actually comfy.

So What I Wore:
Peach White Bodycon Dress - AMIclubwear; Taupe Strappy Wedges - AMIclubwear;

Be sure to follow Ask Away on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', Pinterest, and Instagram!

5 Shopping Tips For Fall

The time has come, and the season is pretty much here.   I recently was able to add some amazing pieces to my Fall work wardrobe and I decided that not only will I show you how I did it but I'll give you some tips. 

I recently went shopping at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster which has AMAZING deals.  I couldn't resist taking advantage of the New York & Company sale.  Everything in the store is 20-70% off until August 27th.  Get there ASAP!!

So here are my tips:

1. Take Inventory

Go through your closet and see what you already have and what you don't wear.  If there's anything that doesn't fit but you still like the style, maybe you can look for similar styles in a more current size when you shop.  I take inventory by taking everything out of my closet and then putting it back in one by one. Before I put it back in I ask myself if it fits, if I wear it, and if I think it's stylish anymore.

2. Make A List

One of the big items on my list were work blouses.  The thing about my job is that it's an office job so I like to dress comfortable yet fashionable.  I really needed more blouses so that was a huge thing. I love the style above from New York & Company at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster.  I got this for $15 each. And I really scored big because this sleeve length is perfect for Spring, Fall, and Winter! And even summer if it's not too humid out!  

3. Buy Multiples

As you can see above, I decided to take advantage of the sale and get 3 of the same style shirt for $15 each.  I just chose some fun colors like the turquoise and pink and one classy color like black.   It makes it so much easier to shop when you just embrace the styles you like in different patterns, prints, and colors.

4. Choose Fun Colors

I found an adorable cardigan on clearance and of all the colors I had to pick a fun one so I chose a mint!  A lot of times I can't find a huge selection of colors but this New York & Company store at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster had nothing but beautiful colors and prints in tops and pants!  

5. Check The Clearance Rack

This shirt which is similar to the ones I already picked out, but has some different embellishments with the buttons, was on the clearance rack for just $9.99. This top has a more casual look to it so it will be perfect even when I'm not in the office.

Also, be sure to take advantage of any preferred shopper deals and discounts.  I signed up for the Preferred Shopper Card at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster and it allows me to get exclusive discounts and some of the major stores there!   You can sign up for the one I have at the management office of Rockvale Outlets Lancaster or any participating store.  You can also sign up here. You can see participating stores and register for your card and then just pick it up in person! 

Check with the main office of your favorite outlets to see if they offer something similar! 

The sale at New York & Company at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster is going on till the 27th like I said earlier so seriously take advantage of it!!   I got all you see above for around $75! Can't beat that!

What is something that you really need in your wardrobe this Fall?

Be sure to follow Ask Away on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', Pinterest, and Instagram!

A Date at Bonefish Grill // #HelloNewMenu

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.
Over the weekend me and James celebrated our anniversary (one year and 5 months to be exact) at Bonefish Grill.  They actually have a new menu out and it has something for everyone!  They have delicious Rib-Eye Steaks or NY Strips with topping choices that include White Truffle Butter or Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Sauce.

And if you love seafood like I do you will love the new selections which include Spicy Tuna Bowl that comes with super fluffy jasmine rice!

For appetizers, I mean for drinks, We started off with a Raspberry Martini and James had Sam Adams Oktoberfest.

 Our server was so awesome. He was the friendliest person ever and was making hilarious jokes with us which is perfect because we are both big jokesters!

For our appetizer we tried the new Cold Snap Fresh Ceviche.  It literally came in a frozen glass made of ice.  Inside were chilled bay scallops, shrimp, fresh fish, vegetables, avocado, jalapeno, citrus, cilantro, and it was served with a side of warm tortilla chips.  This was seriously delicious! It was just enough to hold us over but not too much to take away from our dinner appetite. 

 
For dinner, James had the Sirloin + Crab Cake Dinner.  It was a 6 oz. steak, a Maryland Style Crab Cake and came with some fresh veggies. He was absolutely satisfied after this meal. 

 

And of course for me I had Lily's Salmon.  It was salmon served with goat cheese, spinach, artichoke hearts, lemon basil sauce, and broccoli and jasmine rice.  Seriously this was delicious.  The goat cheese melted in my mouth and I mixed it all up so I could have some with every bite of salmon and rice!  I loved how this was presented also.

If you haven't been out to Bonefish Grill yet since they started their new menu make sure you go soon!    This is one of my favorite restaurants of all time and I've never had a bad experience!

 

 

Be sure to follow Ask Away on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', Pinterest, and Instagram!