Great Winter Reads

The cold weather and unusually long series of cloud-filled days has driven us all inside this month. That means we are finding more time to take a seat and find some great winter reads.  Here's what we're reading in our house right now. Do you have a kid obsessed with Stampy Cat in your house?  I have three of them! They spent more than one day of winter break watching his videos. Stampy's Lovely Book by Joseph Garrett (aka Stampy Cat) shares the essence of Stampy’s engaging personality and contagious enthusiasm. Kids are invited to join Stampy on his adventures which includes games, activities, tips, jokes and exclusive information about Stampy and his friends. Litsee has fun interactive stories for kids. It's the perfect way to keep them reading while fighting the winter doldrums … [Read more...]

2016 Work and Life Balance

I'm not one to make resolutions when the clock strikes twelve on New Year's Eve.  No, I prefer to step back a week or so later and reassess what I'm doing, think about where I want to go and try not to freak myself out too much. It's creating a work and life balance and knowing that sometimes things get lopsided but you can always come back to middle ground. What I want from 2016 and for 2016 has a lot to do with turning forty. I have to come clean and admit it.  My focus on fitness is all about facing a new decade of life stronger than the last and keeping stress low.  So easy when you are starting a new business venture with your spouse and raising a family.  It's all about finding the joy in the chaos, right?   I feel like I'm already on the right track too.  This week I … [Read more...]

Winter Running Style

One of my goals for 2016 is to not just continue to focus on my own personal fitness but to create fashionable looks within fitness wear. I plan on testing out new fitness styles and brands and post-gym looks as well as beauty tips for looking your best after a workout.  Today's look is one of my favorite ways to create true winter running style.  Here's to a new year and even better you! Don't forget to check me out on Periscope (@VictoriaEMason)now too! I love the softness of this warm, wicking fabric shirt by Lucy.  It feels like your favorite t-shirt but keeps me warm on runs and inside.  It's cute enough for day wear as well.  The Kyodan running tights were a find at Marshall's just before Christmas.  I love how they fit with compression while being really warm. SHOP THE … [Read more...]

Tech Tips for Your Car this Winter

The busiest travel time of the year may be over but now is when rough road conditions begin.  Be prepared for all that winter throws you and the roadways this season with these tech tips and more. Did You Know?  The Federal Highway Commission estimates that more than 116,000 Americans are injured and over 1,300 are killed on snowy, slushy or icy pavement every winter. So be ready before you head out the door and fight the wintry roads.  New car technology can help!   In addition to proactive prep, make sure you’re always connected so help is just a button-push away when you need it most this winter. Check out the self-installed solution like Hum by Verizon which provides drivers with access to information, experts and pinpoint roadside. With Hum, drivers can talk to live Mechanic … [Read more...]

6 Tips to Lose Weight in 2016

There are those people who really want to enjoy the holidays in a unique style i.e. weight loss. This day means something different to others who exploit the diet rule. Eating indulgent meals just because it is Christmas and New Year’s and then later struggle with weight loss after the holidays. The best decision is to lose the excess weight before the holidays begin so you will not have to struggle afterwards. That didn't happen this year, did it? Dr. Rhys Branman, serving Little Rock, AR, offers effective solutions for those looking to address weight concerns before or after the holiday season. In this case, you need to be determined in order to achieve this goal, and lipo cavitation is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses ultrasound technology to break down and remove stubborn … [Read more...]

Sharp & Chic NYE

Are you ready to start 2016? I am! Don't get me wrong, 2015 is going to be real hard to beat. We found our home and made it our own, had lots of fun and there was that whole long-awaited movie I can't shut up about. To kick off 2016 right I'm going sharp and chic NYE! What about you? What do you love to do on New Year's Eve? What's your latest resolution? SHOP THE LOOK Hawthorne White Blouse with Black Lace via Stitch Fix (similar/similar)/Forever 21 Liquid Leggings (old) (similar)/Sam Edelman Petty Suede Black Booties/Jet & Green Bracelet (old-similar)/Leopard Clutch (old-similar) Linking up with Mix It Mondays /The Pleated Poppy/Style Elixir/Beauty101byLisa/Style Nudge/Classy Monday Blog Link Up/Pink Sole/Hello Monday Link Up/Sydney Fashion Forum An InLinkz Link-up … [Read more...]

Get Ready for New Year’s Eve

When it comes to New Year's Eve we go fairly casual.  We ring in the new year with friends and I like to keep my dress simple.   New Year's Eve Style by victoriamason featuring an essie nail polish SHOP THE LOOK J.CrewFactory Striped Shirt/Rag & Bone Tomboy Jeans/J.Crew Factory Lace Hem Tee/Pup Tart Handmade Gold Pouch (similar)/Pup Tart Handmade Silver Pouch (similar)/Essie New Year's Eve Metallics Collection 'Steel-ing'/J.Crew Factory Gabby Leopard Heel/J.Crew Factory Patent High Heel Sandal/Essie New Year's Eve Metallics Collection 'Sexy Divide' When it comes to prepping for the night. That's a whole other story.   I'm all about doing my nails, putting on a face mask, a set of Lost Baggage eye patches by BioRepublic and nixing my daily scent for … [Read more...]

Deck the Halls with Darth Vader

H and I had an Ugly Christmas Sweater party to go to last weekend.  It was our first neighborhood party and the first time either one of us has actually had to go out and buy one of these ugly sweater things. In keeping with the spirit of the holiday and the fact that it was the opening weekend for the latest Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, which we saw earlier in the day, I went for it. Deck the Halls with Darth Vader and all that, right? Post-movie bliss. We ALL loved it!   I found just the right mix of holiday festive ugliness mixed with Star Wars awesome. The cashier at Target said to me, "You look like the actress from 'Gone Girl'! 'Gone Girl' buying an ugly Christmas sweater."  To be fair, the sweater was actually labeled that way.  I laughed and said to her, "It isn't … [Read more...]

Top 5 Acne Removal Face Masks Every Woman Should Know

Acne is a serious skin issue and it can negatively affect our health, our appearance, and even our self-confidence. Nowadays, there is a variety of treatments, medicines, and creams that can help to remove acne and prevent the reoccurence of this skin concern. That's why my guest post today has the top 5 acne removal face masks for us. Let's kick off 2016 fresh-faced the natural way. How to Get Rid of Acne Naturally – Best Home Treatments   In addition, you should also avoid consuming some kinds of foods that trigger acne such as bacon, cheese, caffeine drinks,etc Cinnamon And Honey Acne Face Mask You can apply this acne face mask every day until your condition is improved. In ddition, the combination of honey and cinnamon is also one of the great solutions for health … [Read more...]

2016 Chevy Tahoe 4WD LTZ

Source: Victoria Mason It seems fitting that the last car I review for 2015 is one that we have actually considered buying, the 2016 Chevy Tahoe 4WD LTZ.  It is agreed that we are still a few years out from making the actual purchase but getting a feel for what the market has to offer in large SUV's or any other car purchase can take time.  It is a big buy and one not to be taken lightly. Our next vehicle has to be large, in charge (yeah, I said it) and able to haul the whole family with supplies for a week-long road trip and maybe even carry our beast of a Doberman.  That is not an easy find and I like to do more than just kick the tires. Driving the 2016 Chevy Tahoe LTZ for a week gave me the opportunity to think about what my family really needs for the future and that is always … [Read more...]