Style Inspiration: Lana Del Rey

Lana Lana Lana....having no idea as to who this woman was probably a detriment to my style (okay I'm being dramatic, but that's how much I admire her style).  Some people adore her and some people hate her but one things for sure...you're going to notice her.  She's so retro and bold.  Her music is equally just as trendsetting as her style.  

For a little treat I've uploaded one of my favorite songs by her.  Hope you enjoy and thanks for reading.

My Active Prepared Life: Making the Best of It

Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.

Nido Qubein

There are things in life that we don't like but may still have to do, for example, I have to wake up early in the morning to go to work.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a morning person but I have to work in order to pay bills. So why not make the best of it?  I come in and even though I am pooped, I just make my way to the break room, get a cup of coffee, and smile.  If you have to do it make at least some aspect of it enjoyable.

Focus on the big picture but don't forget these baby steps.
Sometimes you just have to pull out the old 'I doing what I have to do' trick.  Right now you don't like it but it's going to pay off in the long run.  For instance, I am not fond of being an administrative assistant (that's not what I went to college for) but the pay is okay and it's a job. Do you know how many of my peers graduated with me and still haven't found a job.  So why would I gripe about not liking my job when it's helping me to pay bills?

Be appreciative of all the good things and quite a few of the bad things.
Sometimes it help to sit down, pull out a piece of paper, and write down what is going good/great/okay in your life.  It's not all bad, for starters you get to see another day and try for dreams.  There are a good many people who didn't wake up or they don't get to pursue their dreams.  So be thankful that you get to try again.  Also be thankful for the bad things.  Like I've stated before, you have to look for the lesson.  Take something from that pain, hell you went through it!  You came out and sure it shook you up but you're here.

Try your best.
I'd like to add that you should put in as much effort as possible when faced with any task.  I always try to put my best work out even for the most menial of tasks because my name is on it.  If I'm contributing then I want it to be the best that it can be.  You never know who is watching.

Each one has to find his peace from within.  And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances.

Mahatma Gandhi

Not to compromise the importance of happiness but let's be honest sometimes the issue is not the situation it's the person.  You choose to be happy regardless of your situation.  Your dream job is not going to make you happy suddenly because it never was the issue.  This is not to say that you should not pursue your dreams.  By all means go after them but until you've met them please make the best of your current situation.   What are choosing to let upset you?  Are you in control of the situation or is the situation in control of you?

Goals
This post sums up my goals for this week.  Never one to be deterred, I will have a great week this week and I hope that you all will do the same as well.

Arden B Sale!!

Okay, I have a shopping bug and today I found out that Arden B. is having one ridiculous sale.  For starters online only, they are taking 60% off of clearance.

They're also offering 40% off of dresses, signature denim, maxi skirts, shorts, and tops both in stores and online.  I love their clothing and their sales.  So get going...it's only for a limited time. 

All pictures courtesy of www.ardenb.com. 

A Mini Haul: Target & Ulta

Okay so in true Dee fashion, this past weekend I decided to treat myself to a little retail therapy.  I've had such a rough week so I thought maybe a day to myself that included some shopping and dessert at one of my favorite cafes would brighten my mood.  It did and I also found some new very girly things.  

 A friend of mine had recently divulged to me that Target had a few Sonya Kashuk brush sets on sale so I decided to stop by Target and pick up a set.  Luckily enough for me there was one more left. 

Absolutely cute, it comes with a case too.  All for $8.48. 

Then it was on to Ulta where I found a few things to appease this spending bug. 

Eye makeup removers for only $1.50.

Absolutely love these things. They make blending so easy.

This set came with a lipstick (color: Honey), a lip gloss, a mascara,
and a bronzer all for a mere $25.  You just can't beat that.

Just a stippling brush because I've clearly misplaced mine.
These are very good quality for a great price.

So there you have it my little mini haul.  Well there was a bit more.  I also purchased a tube of Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel but not for the obvious reasons.  I actually use it as primer.  Yep, it's an old trick but it works.  My makeup goes on smoothly and it keeps the oil at bay.  Some say that it's comparable to Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer and I can honestly agree.  I love Smashbox's primer but it's pretty pricey, it retails at about $36.  The Monistat gel powder only cost about $7 and it definitely gets the job done.   I'll be doing more hauls and attempting to post everyday.

Thank you for reading.

Be Happy

"Happiness is not something ready made.  It comes from your own actions."

-Dalai Lama

When I made the decision to change the way that I live I chose to move towards happiness.  However, this proverbial pursuit of whatever happiness is has shown me that even though the word happiness can be defined, the feeling is an entity all its own and its definition depends purely on the seeker/possessor.  I don't believe that we stumble upon happiness or that what causes our despair now once fixed will result in immediate happiness (sure it will but its longevity is questionable).  No you can't just fall into happiness...it's a choice.  What you do determines whether or not you'll be happy.  You have to want happiness.  If you're broke today and about to lose your home winning the lottery may subdue your misery for some time but where there is light there is also darkness and distress is unfortunately always around the corner. You have to make an effort.  I am a believer in doing what's right, though I may not do right all the time.  You should strive to be good to yourself and to others.  Your happiness depends on you.  If you change, it will prompt change in your lifestyle, your friends, and your surroundings.  

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.

-Aristotle Onassis

Be grateful for what you have even if it is very little not because it could always be worse but because you know it will get better.  Make your thoughts positive thoughts.  Everyday won't be a good day, it's just not possible or plausible but if even on those bad days you force yourself to focus on the positive things that are taking place in your life you'll be all the better for it.  Trust me, I was a very angry/sad person and though I will not dwell on my situation I have come a long way in this last year. Your despair, anger, or whatever you want to call it will hold you back if you let it.

"Seeing is deceiving,

Dreaming is believing,

It's okay not to be okay."

-Jessie J (Who You Are)

It's okay not to be okay.  You can not possibly be happy all the time unless there's some magical entity I don't know about.  It's not going to happen.  You could fake happiness but you're only hurting yourself.  When you feel angry, upset, sad, or miserable take the time to actually feel those feelings.  You do not have to dwell in them. Let them go after you've dealt with them.  Pain shouldn't last forever.  If you can't cope with what you feel then it's time to go seek professional help.  I say this with all the sincerity in my heart.  I don't think that depression or any feeling that may cause you to harm yourself or others is a laughing matter.  If you can't pull yourself up there are people who can help.  

Our happiness can't be found through any other means than ourselves.  Why not choose to be happy?  

Cuckoo for Floral

Flower Power Madness by djfrasier featuring sole society

Floral dress
delias.com

Full tilt
tillys.com

High-waisted denim shorts
etsy.com

Boohoo flower print skirt
boohoo.com

Forever 21 skinny jeans
canada.forever21.com

Flat shoes
modcloth.com

Charlotte Russe drawstring backpack
charlotterusse.com

Raxevsky turquoise bracelet
$13 - pret-a-beaute.com

Sole society
solesociety.com

My Active Prepared Life: I'm Back

"Today and for a lifetime discouragement will follow you and keep you company if you allow it to do so.  "

Discouragement and negativity are no strangers to any of us.  It is offered on a daily and regular basis it is up to each and every one of us to accept or reject it.  Don't quit because it seems to hard.  Don't give up because someone said it's impossible.  Don't retreat because you're scared.  If you fail you should fail trying.  

Life/General:
Focus on the positive, reject the negative.
Focus on my goals.
No more potty mouth. Yep, I say bad words.

Health/Fitness:
Drink water all week.
Work out 5 days this week.

Finance:
No more spending.

It's going to be a great week with many accomplishments.  It does not matter who told you that your dream is impossible.  Do not dwell in negativity and discouragement.  Be happy even if trouble is around the corner...it sure beats being down.

And the winner is........

So today is the big day *drum roll please*  the winner of the mini polishes is............

lilliandougherty88 

Yep, just one winner  so that means she get all 11 polishes along with a $30 Visa gift card.  I enjoyed having this giveaway and look forward to doing more.  

lilliandougherty88 please e-mail me at djfrasier@outlook.com so that I may send you your winnings and congratulations.  

ADIDAS

Another day to daydream.....and doodle!

Don't forget about the giveaway it ends tomorrow.

 Check it out:  It's Giveaway Time!

Dealing with Tragedy

So this post is simply to offer some words of encouragement.  Today I received some devastating news.  After years of battling cancer my friend, Aliyah Howard, passed away.  It's always hard losing someone and this situation wasn't any easier.  She was an awesome person and being around her was always enjoyable.  She had been through a lot but she was the same unrelenting and fun person to the end.   She will be missed greatly but my memories of her will be cherished.  My prayers and thoughts go out to her family and friends as we all try to cope with this tragic loss.  

Sometimes life deals some pretty powerful blows whether it be death, poverty, or any other event and/or circumstance.  Resistance to the struggle is futile, there's no way around it you just have to go through it.  It's gonna be alright.  Allow yourself to feel however it is that you are feeling but don't dwell.  If you're angry be angry, if you're sad be sad, and if you're utterly devastated then you have every right to be.  Just go ahead and feel it then when the time is right (and trust me it's different for everyone) allow yourself time to heal.  Wounds heal slowly especially emotional wounds.  Take your time there's no rush.  People should understand and if they don't then you should evaluate your relationship with those people.  If you don't allow yourself to heal you'll never be as close to the former you that you were before (I say as close, because every tragedy changes us no matter how small it's a change and sometimes you just can't go back).  It's like breaking a bone, if that bone doesn't heal properly then you'll have some serious complications later.  So take your time....


I know that I haven't posted anything pertaining to 'My Active Prepared Life' but this week has been a very tough one for thus far.  I promise I will get back to those posts as soon as possible.

Thank you for reading.

Review: Ageless Derma Stem Cell and Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Cream

I'm generally very skeptical when it comes to trying new products.  I feel as though I've found a routine that works and I really dislike the idea of messing that up.  However, I decided to trust Ageless Derma and try out their Stem Cell and Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Cream.  Let me just say that this stuff is amazing! I love this product and will integrate it into my skincare routine.  Granted I've only been using it for about 7 days but the difference in my skin is that remarkable.  My skin is softer and for some reason when I wake up in the morning those horrible bags are no longer making their daily appearance. I don't recall ever using a product that has blown me away that quickly.

The Ageless Derma skincare line-up came about after Dr. Mostamand and a small group of scientist gathered to find a solution for maintaining a youthful appearance.  After rigorous testing they concocted an ingenious formula that utilizes PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica.  PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica is better known as swiss apple stem cell extract and is the main ingredient in their formula.  Swiss apple stem cell extract, according to many studies, stimulates growth and supplies nutrients to initiate the rejuvenation process in human skin.
  
Being that I'm in my mid-twenties I do not believe that I'd be to best candidate to review a purely anti-wrinkle cream but this product is so much more than just a anti-wrinkle cream.  I can leave my house without make-up and know that I look just fine.  I haven't been able to do that in years everyone tells me how great my skin has been looking as of recent.  A coworker even asked if I was trying new makeup (I did not have any makeup on).  I apply the cream twice a day (morning and night) for maximum effectiveness.  It does retail at $65 for a 1 fl oz. jar but in my opinion it is well worth it.  Kudos to Dr. Mostamand and the wonderful people who put their time and effort into creating such a fantastic product. 


If you're still skeptical stay tuned because I plan to post progress pictures after 30 days of using this product.  


Disclaimer:  All reviews posted on this blog are results of my personal experience and all products have been tested by me.  This was a free product intended for review. 

Book Review: Tuesdays With Morrie

tuesdays with Morrie

"The last class of my old professor's life took place once a week in his house, by a window in the study where he could watch a small hibiscus plant shed its pink leaves.  The class met on Tuesdays."

Mitch Albom sums it up well with the first sentence of the book.  Tuesdays with Morrie is a class, it's the most important class that any person can take.  For the last few months of Morrie Schwartz's life he received a visit every Tuesday from his faithful student Mitch Albom.  Each week they would cover a particular subject ranging from family to forgiveness and each week Morrie would provide Mitch with a little more knowledge than he had before.  They treated this time together in this 'class' as Mitch's final thesis.  It would be his final because Morrie was dying.  Morrie had ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) an incurable and  brutal disease.  Mitch had lost touch with his beloved professor but after seeing him on Nightline he began to visit him as he had promised.  This book is a a powerful account of courage and wisdom.  It's a loving and moving look at a man who as he is staring inevitable death in the eye somehow remains grateful and content with the situation.  This book is full of inspiration and I can't go too far into details because I want others to experience it for themselves.    Any summation that I type could not fully incorporate what this book does, what is teaches, or how it makes you feel.  Please if you haven't read it I urge you to go out and get a copy.  It is a classic, I just had to revisit this book. It is an oldie but a goodie as my mom used to say. 

It's Giveaway Time!!

There's nothing like a fresh manicure with bright cool colors.  Recently I had the extreme luck of acquiring a large amount of mini polishes from The Color Workshop so I have decided to host a small giveaway.  There is no need for me to keep the remaining polishes so I'm spreading the love.  The rules are simple and entering is even easier.  So here goes...

Entry:

1.  Must be following this blog.

2.  Leave a comment below.

3.  Just joking no third requirement, I want this to be easy.

First Place Winner

Six polishes and a $20 Visa gift card to use for whatever you'd like.  I'd use it for a manicure myself.

  

Second Place Winner

Five polishes and a $10 Visa gift card to also use for whatever you'd like.  

Both winners will be announced on July 12, 2013.  I wish everyone the best of luck and thank you for reading.

My Active Prepared Life #2: Goals This Week

Disclaimer:  Let me start out by saying that by posting these goals I am letting everyone who reads this into my life.  I like my privacy and doing this actually makes me very uncomfortable but it is what's best because by announcing my goals to my readers I am establishing some accountability as many of you pointed out in my initial post that summarized the plan (The Active Prepared Life). Thank you for reading and coming on this journey with me. 

Categories:
Life/General
Health/Fitness
Career
Financial


This week there are only four categories because after completing last weeks goals in the 'love' category.  My relationship with my significant other has improved tremendously thus leaving me feeling very secure.  So I removed that category because at the moment my love life is satisfactory.  If I begin to feel anything less than secure I'll definitely revisit that category.  Now onto this weeks goal.

Life/General
1.  Meditate/Pray daily
2.  Actively think positive thoughts

Health/Fitness
1.  Work out at least 5 days this week
2.  Eat Clean

Career
1.  Assist whenever needed
2. Ask for more responsibilities

Finance
1.  Create a budget
2.  No more spending