Goal Setting

It's about time I did a Growth Post. I've been focusing too much on style on this blog....Actually it's the easiest thing to post. I don't really have to put much thought into it.
As 2012 approaches many of us want to do better and do new things. It's not enough to think them and wish them. You have to set the goals to achieve your wishes for 2012. I call them wishes because they will not get fulfilled without a plan. So here are some tips on successful Goal Setting. I'm sure you've heard of SMART Goals. If your goals are SMART they will be easily fulfilled. Be Specific, make sure your goals are Measureable and Achievable, and are they Relevant and Time Bound?When you follow this simple rule you'll find yourself reaching your goal easily. But another determining factor is that you must really want the goal achieved. Many goals are not achieved because we don't really want it deep down. For me it's weight loss. The only thing that has kept me from losing the weight I've wanted to lose for the past 5 years is me. If I really wanted to lose weight it would have happened. So you must want it really bad for it to happen.
Other things to do - 1. Write it down (See my post on The Power of Writing it Down here) 2. Tell others so you can be accountable - the more people know about what you're trying to achieve the more accountable you will be to keeping to your goals 3. Don't tell others ( I know) - Don't tell those you know are nay sayers. You need the support 4. Re evaluate and make adjustments as needed. 5. Tie a reward to achieving a milestone or achieving the goal.

One of my goals for 2012 is to lose 5 to 7 inches in my mid section ( I really don't want to lose that much weight just want to lose the mid section).
S-Specifics - Lose 5 to 7 inches
M - measure with a tape measure weekly
A - Yes it's very attainable by exercising, cutting carbs, and doing crunches. I have all the exercises downloaded on my ipad. I honestly do not have time to go to the gym.
R - It's relevant ( I read that those who are xx inches or more around their mid section have a higher risk of disease. I also want to look nicer and that's my husbands only complaint about my body)
T- Time bound. Need to lose 5 inches by June and the rest by December

I'm also sharing it on this blog to be accountable. :) and my reward is better health and I'm sure I will be buying those outfits that are not currently forgiving to my current mid section.
That's goal number one set.

Any of you setting goals for 2012?


Successful people are always setting goals.

Casual Days

I'm on vacation like many others in the world. Yeah! I've just been home with the kids and hubby, running errands, shopping and going to bed late and waking up late. Wish this could go on forever. My casual go to outfit is a sweater + Jeans or Shirt + Jeans. I could have layered the first outfit with a Cardi, but I really wanted to be comfy. I usually don't like too much going on with my outfits sometimes. But you can see how Audrey of Putting Me Together did a good job styling the Gingham Shirt here

The Famous blog world Gingham Shirt - Old Navy, Jeans - Kohls

Cardi - Banana Republic, Jeans- Old Navy, Boots - Nine West via Macy's

I'm loving my Nine West Protege Boots. When did I start paying attention to names of shoes???When I start stalking them to see when they go on sale. I bought these on Black Friday and went back to get a price adjustment when the price went even lower. They are really comfortable.

Red and Black

Every Christmas season, the entire world goes red, white, black, green and gold. Our choir uniform this past Sunday was red and black.

Let's not forget that Jesus is the reason .....

For Wearing Red....For all the shopping craze....For all the presents....For all the carols....For all the kindness and goodness that goes around this time of the year...Many don't want to admit it or have forgotten that He's the reason for the season.....Let's not forget that. The entire world celebrates Christmas in one form or the other - commercially or spiritually to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This proves to me that He is real. What will you do with Jesus?

Here's moi in my version of red and black. I chose comfort over style in the second picture. I wore the boots because we were standing for the most part during church service



Hat - Old Navy, Necklace - Avon, Dress and Shoes (heels) - Macy's. 



Sweater -Macy's, Belt - Nine West via Macy's, Boots - Nine West

Outfit Inspiration-Linen Pants

Fot the longest time I would just go shopping and purchase anything I like without thinking of how I would style it or if it would fit and flatter my body. I started looking for inspiration on the internet to style my outfits because they were just sitting in the closet and I had no clue how to style them. Thanks to the many style blogs I found and I'm now obsessed with, the clothes in my closet are now getting worn. Hence, the style section of this blog. I copied Olivia P to style these Linen Pants from Macy's. Next time though, I think a more fitted top will go better with the pants to balance me out better.

Top - Inc via Macys, Pants- Macy's, Bracelt - F21, Clutch - Nine West, Shoes-Aldo

Where do you get your daily outfit inspiration? I get my inspiration mostly from from blogs, In style, Mrs O and the Limited

Karen Kane Giveaway by The Weekend File

Head on Over to The Weekend File to Enter this Giveway. Also Check out her Blog.

Nine West Mariola Boots

I've been stalking these boots forever at Nine West and I finally purchased them with my Avon Points. I ordered them on Cyber Monday and cancelled the order and reordered the day after because the price went down. So much for Cyber Monday Sales. I've seen better sales after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Well these boots are so comfy and soft and cute. I could wear them everyday. Also worn here

Nine West Mariola Boots 

Boots- Nine West, Jacket, Sweater, Pants - Style and Co Via Macy's, Bracelet - F21, Necklace- Avon

A Line

In my continuous quest to dress my body shape, here's a skirt for those who have no hips. This skirt is literally A Shaped and it creates the needed balance for the inverted triangle shaped woman. The black crew neck creates a slimming effect on top. Now my goal is to have a more defined waist without wearing a belt. Time to lose some weight in my mid section.

T-Shirt - Macys, Skirt - Macy's ??(old) Boots - Madden Girl via TJ Maxx

Necklace- Avon

It's Christmas at AVON.....Gifts Under $10 and More

Here are some lovely picks from the latest Avon Catalogs. You can shop my website and get Free shipping on orders over $30. At Avon you'll find a lot of stucking stuffers 99cents and under and great gifts under $10. See more here

Foot Works Set - $9.99

Faux Pearl 3 piece set $9.99

Memory Foam Clogs - $9.99 each

Shop Here

Ethnic Print Dress Remix

Head on over to H and K Style Journey to see how they styled the AVON Ethnic Print Dress they won from my giveway last month.  I wouldn't have thought of the different styles they came up with. Get yours here

Get Back up Again

I had been feeling so tired for the past few weeks and just down for no real reason at all. Just as with the seasons, we go through phases and seasons in life. It's okay to be down and tired --I think it's a way of our bodies telling us to slow down (as in the case of physical tiredness) and our minds telling us to regroup and refresh. I was going to bed early, not doing much with anything except going to work and doing my normal duties. Even my kitchen floor and my face suffered the brunt of my tiredness. I wasn't washing my makeup off at night - a beauty no no! I was here but not really here. But I refused to stay down. Today I mopped my kitchen floor and I'm springing back into action. I need to start washing my face again at night lest I start aging :). Isn't that what they say....For everyday you don't wash your face at night you age how many years?? Well I don't mind that though because I look too young for my age.
If you're going through stuff or feel down for any reason, know that it's just for a season and there is an end and then a new beginning. Weeping may endure for a night but Joy Comes in the Morning.....just be sure to recognize when morning comes and GET UP!  This too shall Pass ;) There's too much at stake when you stay down too long. Here's one of them...Introducing my daughter.

Covered From Top to Bottom

I finally gave in to wearing sweaters since I couldn't bear the cold any longer. My sweaters are all still tucked away in storage and I keep pulling one to wear each day as the temps are falling. Fall is officially here!
I love this old Navy 3" belt. It does a good job of cinching my waist and wearing it a little higher creates some non existent curves. 

Sweater, Skirt and Belt - Old Navy



Sunday Makeup - Purple Lips

I tried purple lipstick for the first time this past Sunday.  I always like to match my lipstick and eyeshadow to my outfit but I always apply as subtly as possible. My husband and kids don't like too much makeup on my face. Less is still better as far as makeup goes. Do you match your makeup to your outfit?

All Makeup by Avon
I'm wearing ULTRA COLOR RICH Moisture Seduction Lipstick SPF 15 in Plum Gorgeous.
Eyeliner - Glimmersticks eyeliner in Blackest Black 
Blush - True Color Blush in Mocha Latte
Foundation- Min-a-real Cream to Powder mineral foundation in Mocha
Necklace and earrings- Avon
Hair - Long again! Yeah

Avon Fall Fashion Giveaway Winner

There weren't too many entries in my first giveaway. I'm still a new blogger so I guess it takes time to build followers but No 2 and No 7 commenters are winners. Please email me at kemiavon@hotmail.com so I can mail you your goodies.
Check out what they won here

 

Hazel said...

I WANT the tulip wrap dress!!!!!! And the ethnic dress, i would wear it belted but maybe with a skinnier belt!

Style Journey said...

I am a big fan of Avon! I keep my rep busy monthly :) The ethnic dress is gorgeous! I would also belt it and add boots and tights. I would also wear the dress as a skirt or as a shirt with a skirt over top.

Heather

Everyday Skincare

Here are Four quick easy steps to Great Skincare. This season is a great time to get your skin back on track after being hit with the summer's rays that may have caused age spots, acne and maybe aged your skin a little....

1. Cleanse - Wash your face morning and night with a cleanser suited to your skin type. Washing at night removes makeup, dirt and oil accumulated on your face throughout the day.

2. Tone/Exfoliate - Toning helps to remove excess oil, remaining dirt and provides clarity. You can use a toner suited to your skin type, or an astringent containing salycic or Glycolic acid if you have oily skin or if you want to fight acne. You should also exfoliate with a facial scrub once or twice a week.

3. Moisturize - Protect your skin and prevent aging by using a moisturizer with SPF in it during the day and a night cream to rejuvenate your skin while you sleep.

4. Treat - Everyone's skin is degrading everyday- wrinkles, age spots, loss of firmness and elasticity. If you have any of these problems you should treat with a suitable product. And don't forget your eyes. Even if you do not have under eye wrinkles and dark spots or droopy eyelids, use an eye cream to prevent these from happening in the future.

And we have all the products here at AVON. There is something for everyone and for every budget

Anew Genics is a night treatment cream that helps fight wrinkles and age spots and provides smoother, younger looking skin. I'm offering it at $15 OFF plus you get a day cream of your choice for only $10

The AVON Solutions line is also great and easy to use, and is an ideal for anyone who is new to using skincare products. It's great for sensitive and provides clearer skin. The whole set is just about $30

1. Cleanser, 2. Day Cream, 3. Eye Cream, 4. Night Cream 5. Thermal cleanser (optional)

Here's my Day and Night Regimen- I have normal/oily skin

Face Cleansers by Avon
Face Toners by Clinique

Day: 1. Anew Rejuvenate 2 in 1 Cleanser 2. Clinique toner 3. Anew Reversalist Day Cream 4. Anew Clinical Pro Eyelift and 4. Min-a- real cream to powder mineral foundation
Night: 1. Avon solutions Cleanser (gives a clean feel) 2. Clinique Toner 3. ANEWGenics Treatment night cream (just trying this out in lieu of my revesalist night Cream) 4. Reversalist Eye Cream

AVON Fall Fashion and a Giveaway

AVON fall fashion is here and I would love to give away one of the items shown below. Just leave a comment below and let me know which item you like and you will be entered into a drawing to receive it for free. If you are a fashion blogger, you may select an item to feature on your blog provided you let your readers know where they can get it (I'm giving away up to 2 items). All items can be purchased here

Giveaway Ends on September 30 at midnight.

Ethnic Print Dress

Tulip Wrap Dress

Mark Play with Prints Top and Party Lines Skirt

Sparks Fly Necklace

Available soon

Top and Slim Corduroy Pants - Available soon

mark Foxy Fedora

Moi in the Ethnic Print Dress.

Belted - Belt from Macy's (I think this is now my go to belt). 

You can also wear the dress with tights, boots, a skinny belt or a jacket. 

How would you style this dress?

Wear it 3 ways

The day I wore this outfit, I started out wearing it as a skirt but it didn't work with the top I wanted to wear with it. I've always worn it as a skirt; Then I remembered it was a "wear it 3 ways" kinda outfit so I wore it as a tube dress; and for modesty I added the cardi.

Dress/skirt - Avon (mark), Cardi and belt- Target, Shoes - Old Navy, Necklace - F21

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Everytime I'm feeling uncomfortable where I am or becoming tired of my situation, I get spurred into action to do the things I need to do to get me out of the situation. Many of us get tired and are not doing what we need to be doing. And that's because we're not keeping our eyes on the prize. Stay focused on the end point and you will be surprised how energized you'll become to keep going. Jesus Christ, for the Joy that was set before Him endured the Cross. Are you enduring the pain today knowing what it will result in? The pain of exercise, staying one more day in that marriage, calling more prospects, studying for exams, praying about that situation and so on...you name it. One of the points in Franklin Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Successful People is to "Begin with the end in Mind". Keep the prize or end result in front of you and you'll get there soon enough.

The African Attire always Fits

I thought I would show you guys what I wore to church on Sunday. It was Interantional praise day at church and every one came to church in their African attire and we all praised God in every language. Yesterday was a tough day for me but I was able to praise Him through it all. Okay back to the outfit...They are always custom made, so they always fit perfectly. Hides what needs to be hidden and accentuates what needs to be accentuated. And a head tie almost always comes with every African attire. I wanted to take pictures of others in church so you can see other styles but couldn't so maybe next time......

Dress- Custom made Belt - Old Navy, All Jewelry - Avon

The Obi Belt

I finally get to wear my Obi Belt. It's adjustable and wide enough to cinch the waist. Love the skirt because it's A line - completes the figure 8 illusion.  I think I'm all balanced out :). P.S I'm still working on my pose. Jewelry is minimal because of the nature of my job and I really don't like necklaces (working on it though)

T-shirt - Lands End, Belt- Limited, Skirt - Macy's, Sandals - Another TJ Maxx find. Did I mention that almost every time I enter a TJ Maxx Store, I always leave with a pair of shoes that costs $29.99.

To Each Her Own Obsession

I was complaining about my sister who did her nails every two weeks and I remembered that I buy shoes too often.

How often do you we look at others and complain about what they’re doing when we are also doing the same thing (at least not in our own eyes but in God's eyes). One person might like something and just because you don’t doesn’t mean they are doing the wrong thing. Same goes with the way the other person does their thing. Just because the other person does not run her family the way you do, or praise God or pray to God the way you do doesn’t mean they’re not doing it right. Now there is a real line between doing it wrong or right but until that line is clearly drawn, you need to mind your own business. There are some things others do that make you cringe. What about the things you do that makes them wrench their fists. 

So in the case of the nail polish and shoes, to each woman her own obsession (Yes there's a point where it becomes too much).

I collect shoes.... you do your nails every two weeks- let’s stop complaining but admire each other instead. I think what the other person does or spends her money on is what makes them unique and different. Just because I can't pull off wearing red lipstick doesn't mean I should complain about the sistah who wears it (if it looks good on her).

Color Blocking

Color Blocking has been the trend lately. This dress is from Avon and I've had it for a few years now. So I guess this is not a new trend after all. The dress hides all my flaws -No Spanx required!

Okay this post is really about Avon wear. This is my first post featuring an Avon outfit. I'm shamelessly promoting Avon Style...Afterall my blog name was derived from my Avon business. We carry beauty products, Outfits and accessories, and we offer growth and income opportunities. Avon outfits are unique and reasonably priced. Some might shy away from purchasing them because it's Avon but they are pretty good quality. See another blogger from Chic on the Cheap  featured in one of my posts. She loves Avon Outfits. I will be posting a fall outfit sneak peak soon.....

Dress Avon (Sold years ago)

Shoes Piperlime (My first purchase from Piperlime. They were on sale and within my budget at 24.99)

Necklace and Earrings- Avon (As you can see from many of my outfit posts, I'm my best Avon Customer)

Less is More and bigger is not necessarily Better

This outfit doesn't look like much but I think I succeeded in balancing my shape today. There's something about the top that hides my tummy.The pants used to be so roomy at the hips but I had them taken in a few months ago. I actually did this to all my pants. Having a fitted look gives more definition. I used to buy large tops and over sized pants now I know better. If you think you're big, you do not necessarily need to buy large. You can buy clothes to fit the largest part of your body but alter the necessary parts to make them fit and give you a defined shape.

 Top - Macy's, Pants Anne Klein via Marshalls, Shoes Target, Bag (I have everything in there) - Tommy Hilfiger via TJ Maxx (I'm always scared to go into TJ Maxx...I leave with too much stuff) Hair - Mine

Colorful Nails are a Must

I've seen all kinds of nail polish colors on people's nails this summer. I was brave and ordered the Electric Green shade this past week. Here's what it looks like. Still deciding whether to do my finger nails in the same color.  Avon is having a Make up sale right now. Grab a few colors.

Nail Color- Avon Electric Green (There's a Jade Color that's not as bright). Shoes (Wedges) - Avon

Avon Nailwear Pro Nail Color -2.99 each. Order here. More colors available for 2012