Teen Dating Violence & Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness month.  I know, it's a topic we all love to discuss and hear about, right? And February may be over as a Domestic Violence Awareness month but it is topic and cause that is never far from my heart because it is part of my story. Did you know that nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year? In cases like those, there's child sexual assault, too. What’s even more alarming is that 81% of parents believe teen-dating violence is not an issue or admit they don’t know if it’s an issue.  I know my parents didn't. No one talked about it then and they still aren't talking about it enough today. I believe that it’s important to educate adolescents about abuse from partners, but it’s just … [Read more...]

Olive Green: The New Neutral

Spring, means revitalization and pops of punched up color.  Using olive green a new neutral just makes sense.  Seeing olive green as a neutral creates a new way to use those items in your closet and makes it move beyond drab and into a more wardrobe maximizing staple.     Olive Green as a Neutral by  Jojobride featuring slip-on shoes SHOP THE LOOK Olive Green Blouses (similar/similar/similar)/Pink Ankle Pants/Olive Green Flats (similar)/Yellow Pleated Skirt/Steve Madden Carrson Yellow Heels/Red Palazzo Pants/Tan Mules I put together this olive green look earlier this week when the temperatures finally reached above 50 degrees. Hello, spring! I have had these olive green pants from Old Navy for a few years. I bought the pink blouse (similar) last spring and loved … [Read more...]

5 Reasons Rent the Runway is Worth Trying

I've been a fan of Rent the Runway (RTR) for a long time.  So much so that I have come to rely on it for business dinners, galas, special events and even a meeting or two. My love for it and its convenience goes beyond pretty dresses. Just look at this tuxedo-style jumpsuit that I wore to a gala I attended with H last Friday. Badgley Mischka 'Emma' Jumpsuit I loved this jumpsuit for a lot of reasons. It has pockets.  It's a jumpsuit and not a dress and it shined on its own and didn't require me adding more accessories to it.  I felt like I could throw it on and go.  The next day I just bagged it up and sent it on its way.  It was worn to a real estate gala but it wasn't going to take up any real estate in my closet. BOOM!  It's fast and convenient.  But you already … [Read more...]

2017 Hyundai Ioniq-One Car, Three Choices

Last week I headed down to Durham, NC to check out the latest that Hyundai has to offer, the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq. I love getting the chance to head out on the road with a new vehicle.  To study it, hear its story from the manufacturer and really get to know it in an environment that isn't my own backyard. The Ioniq while focused on attracting eco-focused buyers (it comes in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric models) is a real deal five passenger sedan.  I may need to say that again to get my point across.  There is no bulky battery to get in the way of anyone's leg room or hog the trunk space with the Ioniq.  Why? It's because the battery pack is located under the passenger seats. Simply put it is the first dedicated green vehicle that comes with a lifetime warranty for … [Read more...]

Whatcha Wearing Wednesday: Stripes and Leopard for Spring

Stripes and leopard. It's all about mixing prints and patterns and it isn't as hard as you think. Spring is a great time to experiment. Think about matching a floral pencil skirt with a stripe shirt. Still not sure? Here's an easier way. Start with neutral colors like black, white and navy if you are feeling skittish and work from there. I took my neutral leopard heels and paired them with my tried and true black ankle pants and a new striped shirt I picked up from J.Crew Factory. The stripe shirt gets and update with the ruffle added to the sleeve. Ruffles are really big this spring. Wearing a navy blue multi-strand necklace adds a hint of color while also staying in the neutral zone. I felt like this look was both fresh and classic.  It's updated with the ruffles and has an … [Read more...]

How to Stop Fear and Doubt from Ruling Your Life

Fear and Doubt.  Two of our worst enemies.  Are they ruling your life?  I know that if I don't watch myself and stay vigilant they begin to creep in and start their own podcasting duo in my brain that I do not want on my playlist. No, really. How do we stop fear and doubt from running their crappy commentary in our life and sucking up our energy and brain power?   Here's what happened with me and how I'm dealing with it. Subscribe to my channel for more from me on cars, fitness, fashion and more. So daily, I'm using my mind, body and soul to kick ass and kick fear and doubt to the curb.  I listen to lots of podcasts each day and read a lot while I work to combat them.  I have practically wall papered my office with quotes and images that assist with this ass kicking … [Read more...]

Useful Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Your home’s plumbing is an intricate system that brings in fresh water, heats it up for washing and distributes it around the house. Easy access to fresh water and sanitation is so commonplace that it’s easy to take for granted, at least until something goes wrong with it. Fortunately, it’s not too difficult to take care of your plumbing and avoid most common issues, like leaks, broken and rusted pipes, and clogs. Most fixtures will last a long time — sinks and toilets can last for decades. Regular maintenance and repairs like drain cleaning, septic pumping, etc. should be considered for your fixtures and plumbing system. These plumbing tips will help you keep your system in good shape, so you can avoid the headaches and inconvenience of unexpected problems. The plumbing system in … [Read more...]

Fabletics March Picks: Brights

Fabletics made my activewear dreams come true this month. Fabletics March Pick of Brights was spot on for me.  I love green leggings.  I don't know why but I can't deny it.  I have a dark green pair but I wanted that bright bit of color for spring.  They did not do me wrong! Fabletics Albury: Salar Capri/Eunice Tank/Amna Sports Bra Perfect for running, yoga or any other type of workout the Salar Capri pants are flattering and wear well after repeated use.  I love that the weather will soon be warm enough to wear capri leggings again too. I own two other pairs of Salar capris and I always reach for them when I work out.  I love the fine mesh on this white 'Eunice' tank and the green detail in the back.  The Amna sports bra has black mesh in the straps and molded cups for a good fit … [Read more...]

Beauty and the Beast Review

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of taking in a matinée for an advanced screening of Beauty and the Beast. I've been dying to share my thoughts about this film starring Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast ever since. The magic of Beauty and the Beast begins right away when we are whisked into the world of Prince Adam before he became the Beast.  I loved seeing this aspect come to life in all its gorgeous detail with the set and costumes. From there we are taken to Belle and her provincial village. Here we find our heroine yearning to break free from her life in a small town.  It's also where the audience gets its first look at how much more independent and multi-dimensional our characters are versus their one-note animated predecessors.  To me, this made the film even … [Read more...]

Trend Alert: Graphic Tees & Skirts

This trend of graphic tees & skirts doesn't seem new, does it? Except for this change.   Graphic Tees with Skirt by victoriamason featuring a pleated midi skirt Beach Pineapple Tee/Black A-Line Midi Skirt/Miss Selfridge Accordian Pleated Skirt (Under $25!)/Re/Done Denim Skirt (similar) MORE GRAPHIC TEES     Graphic Tees by victoriamason featuring a white cotton tee Black Skull/Tiger/Blondie Cold Shoulder/Circus Tee/Couture Tee Feminist AF/Rose/Unicorn/Coconut/Ciao/Fangirl/Anchor/Pineapple MORE SKIRTS TO WEAR WITH THEM   Skirts for Spring by victoriamason featuring coucouhair Denim Buttons (similar)/Black & White/Vinyl/Pleated/Embroidered/Blush/Denim Button/Stripe Lavender Lace (SALE!)/Polka Dot(similar)/Stripe Are you excited … [Read more...]