Something New for the New Season

How about this Fall weather? This is a joke for anybody living in the south. LOL I am hoping for some cooler nights soon, but I will admit that stepping outside in the mornings (even here in The Sunshine State) sometimes has that electric feeling that Fall might be approaching.

Lots of changes for me this past summer and I am looking forward to the new season and the holidays. I have recently opened an online boutique with Hello Pink. You can visit by clicking here or below.

I am sad to report that I am not a big fan of pumpkin spice. LOL Do I even belong in the Fall season?? I do not get excited about Dunkin’s pumpkin spice latte’s. There must be other’s like me?? Look what I found for the pumpkin naysayers-

My motto for this year has become “sorry not sorry”. A little cliche- but has been more true with each passing month. The more I serve my own needs and my own intentions, the more I have found myself being unapologetic for my choices and decisions. But.. to ensure I’ve not offended any pumpkin spice princesses- I’ll share another cute shirt:

Anybody else consider buying a Cricut this year and then decide to just buy local? A few more graphic tee’s below that fit the season (and me!)

Seriously.. some of us work best under pressure. Call it procrastinating if you’d like 🤣

Happy Fall, Ya’all!

He wonders why I take so long to get ready…

My husband can’t figure out what takes me so long to get ready. For date night. For dinner with his family. For drinks with friends. He is convinced I take forever, on purpose, for no reason, no matter where we go! The other day it occurred to me that he probably doesn’t know what all gets accomplished while he waits (dressed & ready to go) for about 45 minutes. In an effort to defend myself… I’ve put together some pictures (and a few words) of what goes down prior to date night. 

So I usually look something like this before I get started….

It’s been a rough day at work. & I live in Florida. So the humidity has either made my naturally curley hair less curley & more crazy.. OR it has made my perfectly straightened hair crazy. Shower time….

Skin So Soft Radiant Moisture Body Wash

Anew Clean Purifying Gel Cleanser … to start with a clean slate (face).

Skin So Soft Shower Gel (I use to shave. Leaves skin super hydrated!)

Shampoo AND conditioner (Advance Techniques Argan Oil Conditioner) … because I’ll turna year older before getting a brush through this hair without conditioner! Lol

Moroccan Argan Oil … because the season will change (even with the extra time spent on conditioning) before I can get a brush through this hair (STILL!!)

Anew Clean Micellar Cleansing Water .. to remove any additional dirt from my face and ensure pores are clean. 

Anew Vitamin C Brightening Serum … makes my skin glow! Too good to skip!!

Anew Vitale Eye Gel Cream … to avoid puffy eyes.

Anew Vitale Day Lotion … got to take care of the skin! Also has SPF 25. 

SSS Radiant Moiature Gelled Body Oil … to keep skin on arms, chest, & legs hydrated.

SSS Signature Silk Perfecting Oil … I use this oil on old scars or stretch marks to reduce the appearance. 

Back with the hair. Lol I’ve been blessed (cursed) with natural curls. & I straighten… often. There are products on the market today to protect from heat.. & defrizz.. silky & shiny. I have some of these at home; however, the best straighten job I do is when ONLY Moroccan Argan Oil has been used. No other straightening products. So I either straighten with a straightener or with brush/blow dryer (I’m still perfecting the brush/blow dryer.. but the volume & body left in your hair are incredible… & cannot be achieved with the flat iron).

Advance Techniques Large Barrel Brush 
Clothes. Choosing clothes is a headache & Hubby knows I usually have to change 3 times minimum.. before I find what I’m feeling that day. Here are some of my favorites:

Click here to view more!
Now that I’m dressed (we are usually already in the truck in our way out).. it’s time for makeup. I start with MagiX Face Perfector. This evens out skin tone.

Then some Extra Lasting Liquid Foundation.

Extra Lasting Concealer

Perfect Eyebrow Kit 

Always On Point Eye Liner

Extra Lasting Eyeshadow

Eyelash Curler

Pro Precision Tweezer

True Color Wide Awake Mascara

mark. Powder Buff

Smooth Minerals Powder

mark. Touch & Glow Shimmer Cubes

Ultra Color Lipstick

Annnndddd finally… I’m ready!! Even with his fancy beard care oils he is using these days… He was ready much, much sooner than I was! Lol But no worries… it was worth it! I look fabulous! 

Beauty for a Purpose

The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade was started in 1992 and as of 2015 had contributed over $800 million to breast cancer programs around the world!  Avon does as little as featuring items in brochures that if purchased provide a donation to the breast cancer cause and does as big as The Avon 39, which is a walk to end breast cancer and takes place in seven U.S. cities and covers 39.3 miles in two days. Click here to see all of the programs organized by Avon to support the breast cancer cause and see how you can get involved.

Avon features products that can be purchased through independent sales representatives, such as me, that donate a portion to this cause. Some of the items include bracelets, watches, key chains, and other seasonal items. Some of these items available now are pictured below with links:

Breast Cancer Crusade Hope Charm Bracelet

Breast Cancer Crusade Shaky Necklace

Avon Pink Pride Scarf

Breast Cancer Crusade Silver Can’t Stop Me Ring

Breast Cancer Illusions Necklace

Breast Cancer Illusions Bracelet

Breast Cancer Pink Fleece Jacket

Breast Cancer Crusade Sterling Silver Necklace

Breast Cancer Crusade Heart Ribbon Necklace

Pink Pride Color-Changing Crusade Umbrella

Breast Cancer Crusade Ribbon Cuff Watch

Pink Pride Crusade Sneaker

Support the Breast Cancer Crusade today.

Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend…

I love it when MY style finally hits the fashion scene. I think most women, except for models of course, are like me. They don’t spend money on products because they are “in”. They spend money on products they LOVE! So how great is it when the products you LOVE are finally “in”??

This season has so many things I love that I’m having trouble pacing myself. For me… there is something about dangling earrings and clinky bangle bracelets that make my mood better. They make me feel like a girl. The kind of girl that feels pretty and feels confident. The kind of girl that makes everyone around her happy, just with her smile. The kind of girl whose laugh is contagious. We all know girls. And there are thousands of words we (both men and women) use to describe girls. But let’s be clear… there is something about diamonds and jewelry that make me feel like the kind of girl that everyone wants to be. Or be with.

*****MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS POST*****

*If you have not found what makes you feel this way and what brings out this part of you, as a girl, then please begin your search immediately! Life is too short not to feel fabulous. We will all (especially girls) have days where we choose bad mood. Or negative thoughts. But life really is too short to spend most of your days this way. So begin your search. Or do what makes you feel fabulous as often as possible.

With that being said… I want to share some of the things that make me feel fabulous.

The Fireworks Collection is new. & I’m already in Love! This Fireworks Cocktail Ring has finally come around, to fit my style. Click here to view more info on the ring and pricing. & if you Love this ring as much as I do, make sure to check out the matching necklace, bracelet, & earrings here. Now… I definitely realize how flashy this ring is. & it is either going to be a love or hate relationship; however, if you have not tried flashy, costume jewelry before I definitely recommend trying it at some point! Again… it’s all about how it makes you feel. Feeling wonderful & fabulous cannot be duplicated or fake, but it does not have to be expensive.

Another trend I noticed has come back around lately to fit my style is the teardrop shaped earrings. There are only a couple reviews posted on these earrings, but I noticed more than one review mentions how these earrings are great for daytime working or hanging out OR for night out / date night. Click here to see the latest teardrop shaped earrings available. And if you Love teardrops make sure to check out the Sunrise Collection.

The sterling silver line of jewelry is still what I would consider costume jewelry; however, the prices are a bit higher and the silver is sterling. I have several of these rings from this line that I wear daily.

My necklaces, earrings, & even watches vary each day depending on my mood; however, I have grown fond of the sterling silver collection and have several pieces I wear each day, in addition to my wedding set of course.

I, personally, love black onyx and dark-colored jewelry, which brings me to my last “feel-fabulous” jewelry collection.

The mark. Back Up Plan Necklace is gorgeous & can be worn three ways, to fit right in with your look. I love long, dangly necklaces especially in the winter when I get to wear sweaters and long-sleeve shirts (occasionally in Florida). Click here to see all of the jewelry by mark. And again… how convenient that this new line is out just in time to fit my style! 2017 is off to a great start, thanks to the designers (wherever they are) that are miraculously reading my mind!!

Be sure to check back, as there are some fabulous new pieces coming out soon. & I will say again: life is too short to not feel fabulous. & if you have never tried to feel fabulous with simple jewelry then I definitely think it is time you gave it a shot! It is cheaper than massages and lasts longer than pedicures.

Fashionista: a devoted follower of Fashion.

I love being a woman… most of the time. & I love this little controller I have, so-to-speak. My house and my life generally feel like a train that has derailed and I have zero control over the direction it is heading or how bad the destruction is going to be, once the dust has settled. Between a full-time job and four full-time children (all under 10 years old)… things get pretty chaotic.

However, with that being said- there is one thing I can control and it, ultimately, controls my mood and my outlook on life (at least for a day). & that, my friends, is fashion. Laying around in sweat pants all weekend and curling up with a good movie or a good book is undoubtedly a perfect weekend in my mind sometimes. I would love to just be for a day or two. Just exist and have zero responsibilities; however, this obviously doesn’t happen very often. & let me tell you… it takes real talent to manage my home. It also takes a lot of time.

Weekdays are crazy. Most of the time I don’t feel that I have adequate time to breathe. Much less conquer the world. But I will tell you, & I feel that this may be true with most women, when I put time and effort into how I look for the day (not for anyone but myself)… I feel so good. I feel prettier and happier, & this makes for a prettier and happier day. My patience at work and home usually lasts a little longer and there’s a bit of peace inside, because I gave me some time today. A few extra minutes in the mirror or with the closet choosing something that will make me feel fabulous! I’ve noticed lately that I find myself “dressing up” more often… mostly to improve my mood. If you have not tried it… you definitely should.

 

Lace-Detail Asymmetrical Top

 

I usually wear this top with black and gray leggings. & the term I use to describe how I feel in this outfit is “Steven Tyler’s Girlfriend”. If it’s warm outside, I wear with sandals… cold I wear black boots. I love this shirt and have actually gotten a lot of compliments on it. It probably helps that it is an instant mood elevator for me (selfie below). To order this top now, click here.

I feel amazing in this top, if you can’t tell.

I also don’t know what it is about skirts or dresses… but they seem to instantly make me happier. I don’t wear them very often. But occasionally, a sun dress or skirt feels right and I’m almost never sorry for it. The skirt below is so cute and looks amazing with heels.

Who knew? We don’t need mood stabilizers or prescriptions or therapy. Of course, looking cute is not free. And not always cheap. But definitely worth it. Sometimes I feel like I am just existing, and not really living. I have a personal goal to start doing small things like taking more ‘Me’ time in the morning to ‘look’ better… but not for looks. But it’s that easy for me to change my whole mood. Too bad it doesn’t solve any of the other problems we have in our daily lives… like getting the laundry washed and dried and the dishes put away! LOL

For other ideas on Fashion, like and subscribe to my blog. Also… feel free to visit my web site and have a look around. You may find something that is worth so much more than money 🙂 Feel free also to comment with pics of the fashion that lifts your spirits or other ideas you use to improve your mood.

https://bbills.avonrepresentative.com

 

Avon gets you ready for Back to School!

Anybody live in a crazy house like me?! With four young boys in the house getting ready for back to school is just as crazy as getting everybody back in the routine of getting up early… and doing homework… and bedtime! Every parent knows that back to school is an endless checklist of tasks… and then an endless struggle to get back into a routine.

Well… Avon can help out with the upcoming struggles and help you get organized!

Kids (well… my kids) are usually very eager to help out and be more independent by doing things themselves. This color changing alarm clock will make your kids feel like they are more independent and will also make your life easier.

Whose got the superhero’s? My boys love Spiderman. & they love the idea of packing and bringing their own lunch to school. Check out this 3-piece backpack set which is available exclusively through Avon. The set comes with a backpack, a lunch bag, and a pencil case. Now I am partial to boys since I am the only girl that lives in my house.. but Avon has the Disney Princess backpack set, as well as the Frozen and Minnie Mouse sets (exclusively from Avon) available as well.

Got to love the rainy days! Everybody loves sunshine… but make sure you are ready for the clouds with these rainy day smile makers. The Superman rain boots and Disney Princess rain boots are available for $24.99 exclusively through Avon. And keeping your kids dry will be much easier with these color-changing umbrellas.

Getting and staying organized doesn’t have to be a headache. Avon has products you will love that will help you create a schedule that works for you and help get your kids into a routine that will make everybody’s day go smoother in your  home! This calendar chalkboard set will help you keep up with important dates and memo’s. Or this chalkboard corkboard set will provide additional space for tracking upcoming activities or posting incentives for your kids, such as a reward list or chore chart. Personally life would not be sustainable at my home if my kids were not provided with chore charts.

*Tip: Since I have four young children (their ages are 8, 7, 7, and 6) I keep a chore chart for each child. The chores rotate monthly and stickers are earned each day for completion of their tasks which include things like behavior in school, homework, and chores done at home. One sticker per day may be earned and stickers may be ‘lost’ for any reason dependent on the information I have listed on the charts. At the end of the week each child earns $1 per sticker on his chart! This is only $5 per week (times four = $20 per week out of my pocket); however, the chores completed by my children save me at least $20 in time. And you would not believe how big of a motivator this is for my school-aged children.*

Now that you have some ideas about how to get organized and get into a routine with your children let’s talk about the kitchen. At my home, by the time homework and chores are done we (or I should say ‘I’) do not have much time to prepare dinner. That being said… diet or no diet.. healthy or not healthy.. we have all heard about meal-prep. I have not perfected this plan as of yet; however, it is a goal I am hoping to achieve this next school year. Sunday’s can provide some time in the afternoon’s and evenings to prep meals for up to 2-3 days! I strongly recommend meal prepping. I once read that a goal without a plan is just a dream. The more I think about this the more the words sink in. Goals are a good tool to get you going in the right direction but without a plan how can you reach your goals? So your dinner meals can be prepared on the weekend and either refrigerated or frozen for later use during the week. I, personally, like to bake chicken in the oven and prepare rice and store in containers, like the 8-piece food storage set with attached lids from Avon! These containers are available for just $19.99 and my favorite thing about them? The lids are attached! Who hasn’t spend hours in the kitchen looking for the lid that goes with this bowl? No more! Lids are attached and do not come off. And if that’s not enough… these handy containers are safe in your microwave, your freezer, AND in your dishwasher!

Along with meal prep, we do a lot of crock pot meals in my home. Prep time is usually about 30 minutes. We walk away from the crock pot for the day and come home to dinner. So easy. This Cuisinart Oval Slow Cooker is perfect for letting your dinner cook itself! And guess what? This fine piece of equipment that can literally give you 2 hours of your life back is safe in your dishwasher! No more standing at the stove preparing your family’s meal and then standing at the sink cleaning up your family’s meal! I think every home that has more than 2 people should have a slow cooker. This gives you more time with your family.

Next up let’s check out your laundry room. If I haven’t mentioned already… I have four children in my home! Add my husband and me and I (yes… mostly I) spend quite a bit of time in our laundry room. Again, let me mention the chore charts my children live by. Yes!! They absolutely have to fold and put away their own laundry. Remember the comment about life not being sustainable at my home without my chore charts? Well… imagine me washing, drying, folding, AND putting away laundry for 6 people?! It is certainly possible… but not if my family expects me to do anything else. So how can these Avon products (that I love so dearly) help you in your laundry room? Well let’s take some guesswork out of laundry for the other people that live in your home so that they are able to pitch in! These personalizable set of 3 printed laundry bags are so handy that my 6-year-old can sort laundry for me! You can use these bags how they are shown in the picture OR you can give each child a bag of his/her own to keep up with their dirty or clean laundry! Or feel free to delegate out some more of the responsibility by having the people (big or small) actually move some of the laundry. These stackable rolling bins can help get the job going. Or they are also great for storage.

Mark. is ready for Summer

Have you met Mark.? Mark. is ready for Summer!

Mark. is a line of products by Avon, including clothes, fragrances, makeup, and jewelry. Mark’s summer catalog will have you ready for the beach in no time!

Let’s start with the summer must-haves! Mark. has surf spray for your locks. Who doesn’t love the beach hair look? That’s Beachy texturizing surf spray will give you the beach hair look no matter where you spend your warm summer day. The Crushing on Coconut body mist will have you feeling like you’re on the islands. And one of my favorite things is the Touch & Glow shimmer cubes. Whether you have worked on your tan or not, these cubes will tell the world that you have!

Mark. style is like no other. The Fever Pitch Dress will be sure to keep you cool in the high temperatures and the flirty Orchid Show Maxi Skirt is perfect for summer nights.

Mark. has all the accessories to go along with their stylish clothing. I’m loving this Ray of Sunshine Beach Hat and the Mother of Pearl hair pins!

You won’t want to miss Mark. makeup. Mark. features hook-ups! These nifty little tools connect your favorite cream eye shadow with your favorite liquid eye liner or your favorite plumping lip gloss. Create the look you want and then keep your colors hooked up for convenient use in the future.

Want to see the full catalog? Click here to see the full line of summer products available now from Mark.

Place your order today and remember, shipping is always free on orders of $40 or more! & don’t forget to register your e-mail before purchasing so that you can receive special offers right in your inbox!