Casual Military

Jeans: F21 Thrifted $4, Shoes: Banana Republic $10 (2011), Shirt: Old Navy(2010), Jacket:Denim & Co Thrifted $4.50 (2010), Belt: Thrifted $2.50 (2010), Bracelet: H&M Gifted (2011), Earrings: Soooo old!

As you can see I am indoors...I have been so freaking busy, I barely had time to take pictures...I know most of the 30x30 crew are about done, but I will still be posting...ahh well...

Weekend Wrap Up:

• Friday night was spent finishing up some amazing crafts and gifts we made for our dear friends baby shower's. Yes, I meant to make that plural..we had two baby showers this weekend! These are the baskets we made! I will do another DIY post on how you can make a diaper basket filled with amazing finds and necessities for under $50! So many amazing babies in our lives

 

• One of my best friends had her baby on Friday, and I have been so busy I haven't even met her!! I can't wait...her mama makes pretty babies..that would be 4 babies that have entered my life in the past year...a total of 10 babies amongst all of my friends...is the universe trying to send me a message?
• Body By Ken was amazing again..he really has stepped it up since we started. He had us doing some crazy chest tracks..but I must say I busted out 10 MEN push ups at an incline after a 30 minute interval on the stair followed by some super sets! I can't wait to show you guys some of the moves we have been doing..I promise I will post soon...you are gonna love what these do to those body parts you want to look good in your swimsuit, dress, or just tank top!
• Husband and I had a date night and were invited by some great friends to check out the UNLV Rebel game...Vegas isn't exactly well known for any sports teams, but our REBEL'S have been kicking some butt and the game was awesome! I was reminded how old I was though after seeing all of the fraternity and sorority girls walking by...I was in Delta Zeta and we just loved going to the games! After the game we went to this amazing Thai restaurant we stumbled upon, there was a wedding inside, a bar fight, and husband almost vomited from his spicy curry dish. He asked for a 7 (1-10) haha he then followed that up by a stop at Krispy Kremes for 3 doughnuts...let's just say..on our way home..he threw up in his mouth, it was super sexy haha :O)

Don't forget to link up any secrets you may have to helping all of us save some money and get creative! Remember it doesn''t have to be clothing and it doesn't have to be from a thrift store, it just needs to be on SALE, or possibly a secret to saving a few dollars!

LINK HERE

LINK HERE

Inspiring Minds Want To Know

Shoes: Joey Thrifted $10 (2010), Tights: Marshalls $1 (2010), Skirt: Vintage (80's)Thrifted $2.50 (2010), Shirt: H&M $7 (2010), Cardigan: H&M Thrifted $2.50 (2009), Necklace: Kohls $2 (2010), Belt: Bettie Page (2008), Purse: Vintage Thrifted $3 (2009), Jacket: Diane Von Furstenberg $125 Originally $525 (2008)

Well folks..I am inspired...I am inspired that you are inspired, which in turn inspires me..See, after my mom passed away, I think a little piece of me passed away with her. I know, I know, she is here with me, my sister, my dad..but honestly. She's not...she isn't here to see how much my sister has grown into this intelligent women, or my dad become this successfully, handsome radio host..which by the way...you must check out his radio show Community Speaks if you are here in LV..and if you are not you can listen RIGHT HERE. Anyway, about a year and half ago I promised myself I would only do things that inspired me. I thought it would be easy since I knew what inspired me already..until I realized that there are so many things that can affect how you live your life. So I thought I would share with you what I have learned about myself and what inspires me..here are just a few...

1. Family:The obvious choice right? well, I am always asked why I haven't left Las Vegas, why I never really pushed to move away for college..I usually joke and say my mom wouldn't let me live across the street let alone in another state. But it took me 30 years to realize that I didn't want to leave, because my family inspires me. I see my dad everyday at work..and I can't imagine it any other way..I see my sister at least once a week if not 4 or 5...They are my air...I feel like I can exhale after I am with them..husband is my family too..but I see him more...though our date nights make it even more special. I need my family for everything...maybe it isn't always good since I can't even make a decision without consulting my dad...but honestly I wouldn't have it any other way...
2. Clothes:I never thought to push my wardrobe, since I put myself in a "You have a big feet, too tall, olive skin, muscular thighs, business appropriate" category. Why have I been telling myself I can't do things for so long? It's like I have been putting myself down for most of my life. I found out that it wasn't others who said I was too big to wear something, it was ME. So I told myself to take a hike, and VOILA! I like the new Shana, she let's me wear anything I want..even if someone else told me not too :O) ok I will stop talking in third person. haha
3. Fitness:Who would have thought dressing up to feel sexy could change your life in so many ways! I never wanted to seem better than anyone, but when I changed #2, I was able to realize #3 that working out was a part of my life, and I wanted to be healthy, but not only from the inside, I wanted to look as strong as I am..you know what I mean..I'm not back to my old ballet self..but I have never felt better..WHY? because I stopped telling myself that I needed to be a certain way..I just started living everyday telling myself, I am this way. It made it a lot easier...because if I was happy with who I was..I knew that I wasn't trying to be something I could never be! Voila! My goal was much more realistic and attainable...haha I mean..If my goal is to be me..then I have already won! #2 makes me want to eat better and workout..which in turn is what I like doing, who would have thunk it!
4. Dinner:Growing up, we always had dinner together. ALWAYS! It didn't matter what we were doing...we had to be home at 6pm and eat dinner together. Talk about our dreams, life, whatever..well then I moved out..went to college..and what the heck happened to dinner? It became..."I'm too tired to cook, let's just make a sandwich and watch t.v." I never realized how much it affected me...until I got married and realized how important it was to sit down together at the end of the day..no tv..and eat dinner. Husband inspires me...we talk about our dreams, life...and then I go and watch t.v. (you didn't think I was gonna give up everything did you?)
5. Music:Ok so my family has always inspired me, but together we are pretty talented, I'm not gonna lie. I started playing piano with my sister at age 7 and started playing the viola at age 11. I played for many years even playing in the youth symphony...and then..I stopped...WHY!!!! I get so angry when I think about how great I could be...or just how much I miss playing. Music inspires me in a way that I can not even explain. Playing music, dancing to music, working out to music. I didn't realize I needed music in my life until I stopped playing it. Music is literally theme music for your life, and if I am not performing I am not complete. So my dad started a band...haha yep...he is pretty serious about it...he told me I had to audition...after I laughed, I then rushed to the music store to get my strings checked out on my viola...I haven't been this excited in a long time. We are looking to record our first song this summer...haven't thought of a name for the band..but definitely keep a look out hahaha

Have a wonderful weekend! and thank you to all who have inspired me..I hope that I can do the same for you :O)

Don't forget to link up any secrets you may have to helping all of us save some money and get creative! Remember it doesn''t have to be clothing and it doesn't have to be from a thrift store, it just needs to be on SALE, or possibly a secret to saving a few dollars!

LINK HERE

LINK HERE

I bless the rains down in Africa...

Boots: Tahari (2003), Tights: Betsy Johnson $3 Marshalls (2004), Dress: H&M $3 (2011), Bag: H&M $12 (2005), Necklace: Savers $1 (2010), Belt: Savers $1 (2009)

"Gonna take some time to do the things we never have, HAAAAVE , aaaaaaaaveeeee..DUH DUH DUH DUH DUH DUH DUHHHHHH" Ok are you singing yet? Seriously sang this song all day yesterday while wearing this...haha I LOVE this dress by the way...and yes..it was $3....haha I decided to put the year of when I got these items...some are really old...some are new...some are new old...I thought that would help..in case you wanted to go out and buy them...If you catch H&M when they are clearing seasons...they seriously try and get rid of everything..I never liked H&M because they were a little over priced..but $3...It is 2 sizes too big, but with the belt, I felt really comfortable in it... Size is not important if you look good and feel good..that is another reason why I love thrifting by the way.

So, yesterday I had another great workout with my good friend. It is truly amazing the kind of workout you can get when you are with someone who pushes you..I must say I push her too, but that is the best part. I am not sure if it is just because I am super competitive and like to win..or I truly want to push myself..Either way we got the best compliment while we were doing our crazy super sets. There is a trainer at the gym that is also a martial artist and he walked by us yesterday when we were doing a unique exercise working our quads, calves, obliques, AND Shoulders...and he said "That one is great ladies! Nice work!" I was so excited that I might have pulled my neck muscle showing off in front of him..but that is also a plus of working out at a gym or in a class. People are watching you which in turn makes you hold your stomach in, smile, and hit every move with perfection...or at least I speak for myself haha We proceeded to hula hoop, which by the way is a great workout for your abs and it makes you happy! Anyway, my friend and I will have our pictures of our exercises as promised and will be posting them soon so that you can get the googly eyes in the gym and outside of the gym this summer!

On a side note..I made the best Cajun Trout salad last night...seriously...it was delicious...You are not gonna believe what I did though. I sat down with husband to eat our salad's and I stuck my fork in the salad and the juices from the jalapeno, shot right into my eye...literally and I was wearing glasses!!! It shot right into my eye under my glasses...haha I couldn't stop laughing for like 5 minutes...it was burning..anyway...I only tell you this because if you make it beware!!! haha I should have taken a pic of it...maybe next time.

Louisiana Blackened Trout Spinach Salad ( I made it up..but I am sure there are variations out there)
Serves/Makes: 1

Ingredients:
1 Steel Head Trout Fillets (Costco Frozen)
2 tablespoons (30 mL) Blackened Seasoning Louisiana Fish Fry

3 tablespoons (45 mL) olive oil
Salad:
1 cup of fresh organic spinach (Costco)
1 cup fresh romaine lettuce
6 Large Green Olives (sliced)
1 tablespoons fresh sliced jalapeno
2 large white mushrooms (sliced)
1/2 red bell pepper
2 tablespoons Newman's Own Lighten Up Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
How to cook Cajun Trout:
Sprinkle trout fillets, on one side only, with Cajun spices, RUB IN
In a large pan, preheat olive oil.
Add trout fillets, sprinkled side down and cook, over low heat, for 4 minutes.
Turn trout fillets ( I usually sprinkle the other side now)
Cook for 4 more minutes, until trout flesh can easily broken-up with a fork.

Place fish on top of your salad and burn your eyes out!!! hahaa

Enjoy :O)

Don't forget to link up any secrets you may have to helping all of us save some money and get creative! Remember it doesn''t have to be clothing and it doesn't have to be from a thrift store, it just needs to be on SALE, or possibly a secret to saving a few dollars!

LINK HERE

LINK HERE

Don't Get It Twisted

 

Shoes:Tahari,Pants:Banana Republic,Jacket:H&M $7,Shirt:H&M, Necklace:Kohls $4, Ring:H&M Gifted

So I know I keep complaining about the cold, but seriously..I am actually starting to get pissed! haha Don't you guys love it when you have a Monday off, and you then only have 4 days to the week...I do...I also love a really good workout when you wanted nothing to do with working out! we had one of those tonight..it was a nice fat burning session...though we tried a 30 minuted AB crazyness and it was SILENT. That's right...no music...just an old school instructor telling us to "Lift, and Lower, now lift, lift lift lift, lift....and lower" I mean really? no music..and repetative words...it was a good ab cruncher but really lacked in the motivation arena. I can't move without music..literally..I need it ALL THE TIME. I need it loud..and I need it constant.

Anyway, I am wearing my Tahari boots! Why haven't I worn them yet you ask?..well...because the heels were broken..that's right..I chose an item for my 30x30 challenge that was broken..it was like I wanted to choose them so that I was forced to fix them..Not too long ago I discovered that instead of donating my favorite pair of shoes because the heel was broken or the leather was destroyed, or even if they were too big cuz my gigantor feet decided to shrink half a size, I would take them to a shoe repair! So I took them to the Shoe lab and got them fixed! $20 later I have new $200 boots! Honestly ladies..if you haven't done it before...really think about fixing your shoes...the heels, the leather, even if they are big on you they can fix it by adding a foam with leather cover. I mean if you paid enough for them..or you just can't imagine living without them, go and get them fixed it will save you some money and save you the loss of your favorite shoe, oh this goes for guys too...husband got his one and only pair fixed :O)

Don't forget to link up any secrets you may have to helping all of us save some money and get creative! Remember it doesn''t have to be clothing and it doesn't have to be from a thrift store, it just needs to be on SALE, or possibly a secret to saving a few dollars!

LINK UP HERE

Thanks!!!

Thrifters Anonymous Link Up! Week 1

So for years I have loved shopping, but not just regular, go into a store and shop...that was just too easy in my mom's eyes. We were not wealthy so we got creative. Most kids rejected thrift shopping, but for me, it was an adventure. Over the years I have really acquired a technique that I love sharing with all of my friends and this is my attempt to share it with all you lovely ladies...I also want you to share your steps, techniques, and secrets. Everyone has their own way of conquering a store and ALL ideas and techniques are needed when you venture off to your favorite one.

You can be an experienced shopper/thrifter or an amateur, the hope is we will help each other! I am going to make this a weekly series where I will share a step with you to help you in your quest for amazing finds. I named it Thrifters Anonymous, because it sometimes feels like I need to be around those who are as addicted. You know what I am talking about folks...have you ever tried going to a thrift store or any store for that matter with someone who has never been? It is soo hard and you then realize that there are certain types of people who really truly get it and together we form a unique club...If you are one of those individuals who feels overwhelmed, uncomfortable or wish you could find the things that everyone finds, than this is a perfect place for you, and if you are like me...let's share our tricks to help these folks out!

I can't wait to meet all of you and find out some new tricks to make thrifting more efficient, effective, and well let's face it... I just don't want to feel like the only crazy loony tune sweating and racing to the next rack, spending hours upon hours searching for that perfect treasure.

So every Sunday we will meet back here and reveal our thrifting techniques, secrets, or even just a find you have discovered recently. It doesn't have to be a thrift store, I am just talking smart finds. Finding sales and knowing how to save money on items others are paying full price for. I know that there are so many out there who are doing something similar, so let's bring in some fresh ideas to really help each other out! I was thinking of doing some sort of link up but for now I will start small...just leave a comment with your advice, sales, favorite stores, where to find coupons, etc... you get the gist right? Make sure to leave the  link for your blog or name of your blog so that we can follow you on your journey. Ok well we will see how this goes and tweek it if we need to. Thanks for all of your support I have such great feedback and it only makes me want to continue to explore because this is a learning process for me too..I am no EXPERT...I could use some advice too :O)


CLICK HERE TO LINK UP AND SHARE YOUR SECRETS OR GET A FEW OF YOUR OWN

Here is the badge!!

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Feeling Pretty

Shoes: Guess Marshalls $24.99, Jeans: F21 Thrifted $4, Shirt: H&M $7, Cardigan: AnnTaaylor Loft Thrifted $3.50, Jacket: Steve and Barry's Thrifted $5, Purse: Prada Downtown LA $10, Belt: Thrifted $1, Pearls: F21 $1.50

YAY! It is Saturday, and I have officially done nothing all day...officially...I am a little under the weather so this 3 day weekend has really helped me get my energy back. We are going to a small concert tonight where 12 Volt Sex is reuniting for one night at The Beauty Bar. Most people don't know who they are but my friend Jennifer and I have been stalking following them since were 16 and this is pretty amazing, considering my friend jenn is 9 months prego...we are committed haha.

Isn't it weird how some days you wake up and you are just not feeling very pretty and things don't seem to be coming together. Your hair isn't working and you just want to start all over again? Let's not talk about those days. I love the days where your hair just works and your outfit comes together without even trying. The best part is everyone notices, and then you start to realize that when you feel pretty, you feel confident and it can change your day and your mood. I'm not gonna lie it definitely helps when husband says I look pretty too.

Our clothes, our hair, our shoes can really affect us. Just the right color combination and a pair of heels can make you feel sexy. It can take you from down in the dumps to happy and confident.

I think everyone should own a pair of heels, even if you don't always wear them, you should own at least one pair...I promise you will feel pretty...just don't wear them for too long or your toes will go numb.

I am sure you all have a pair of shoes that make you feel pretty or sexy, tell me what they are and then tell us where you got them? 

The ones I am wearing are Guess and are from Marshalls I heart them
CHECK OUT Lauren's new shoes at LuxLucy
I NEED THEM!!!no shopping for 30 days I know I know...crap

Have a wonderful Saturday, and as promised I will have my thrifting series up tomorrow to get you ready for SAVERS on Monday! or any other store you may be going to.

Belted Blazer



Shoes: Joey Thrifted $10, Tights: Marshalls: $1, Dress: H&M $7, Blazer: H&M, Shirt: Vintage Thrifted, Belt: Express Thrifted $1, Bow Tie Earrings Thrifted $.99, Ring: Diamond Bow Banana Republic



Well it is Friday, and I am pretty happy about it..I have been so tired this week. I am still a couple of days behind for this 30x30 but I will be going longer since I started late. Oh and sorry for the random pictures and dirt on my bumm...we thought we would try something different! aha One thing I am noticing is I am starting to run out of combinations and I am only on day 12, but it seems as though the more I run out of ideas the better combos I come up with! That is the best part about being forced to do something, you end up surprising yourself and doing better than you ever thought you could!

One thing that I have learned and I have mentioned this before, things are not always meant to be worn the way they came. For instance this dress did not come with a shirt underneath, but I went to the American Heart Association Luncheon and wanted to wear a pop of red so I put the shirt UNDER the dress! Voila! Sleeves! THEN, I wore this blazer which I love and have noticed other blogger's love as much as I do...but it kinda made me look big in the middle...so I grabbed a belt and BELTED my BLAZER! Who would have thought right? I mean...who puts a belt over their blazer? haha ok, I know what you are thinking " Shana, you are not the first person to belt their blazer" well here is my answer "right, but for me this is brand new information and with all of my friends being prego I wanted to be sure that it was clear...I AM NOT PREGNANT, and I know it is not a bad thing, but there are some mean people out there who just want to be mean..so they are mean..and unhappy and call women prego even if they are clearly not...ok sorry..I got a little upset. Anyway, belt your blazer and let me know what you think?

P.S. I am not one to push a causes, but The American Heart Association holds dear to me as my mother passed away from heart conditions, though it was not diet or cholesterol that killed her, Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in women, so take a moment and look below at my post about some of the risks, and symptoms...and then go on with your day and make sure you appreciate every moment...i.e belting your blazer :O) Happy Weekend.