Friday, January 27, 2012

Happening Hoisery

This blog is a three step process.
First See These:




Then Watch This:
Hot Legs by Rod Stewart
See those fishnets in the music video? That is right, my friends. Rod Stewart knows about women's tights and he's not afraid to tell us all about it.

Then Read This:

A dear friend posed a question to me over the past weekend. Are funky tights professional for work? My answer: ABSOLUTELY YES!
What better way for a woman to show off than with stylish stockings? I took these very pictures for you this morning before work at 5:30 a.m., if that isn't love, I don't know what is. Please understand that you can do this, too! You might still be thinking, "I'd never be able to wear that to my job," or "I won't look good in that." Read this: NO! You CAN and you WILL! My outfit is a mere example of all the possibilities. I wore a blue polka-dot dress, black fishnets with polka-dots, a black cardigan, and brown/gray toned booties. Forget "matching," it doesn't work like that anymore. Make things "go" together instead.
Many might still be wondering how can this be accomplished yet still work appropriate? With the right color combinations, of course. Pick solid tights in work appropriate colors or or neutral prints like polka dots or fishnet.
If the tights are a neutral color with a design, for example, fishnet, wear anything you wish with them.
If they are a subtle colored print, like argyle, try a neutral skirt or dress. Choose the least obvious color in the tight print and pair a cardigan or top with the dress or skirt. See what I mean? It is all about making the not so obvious come to life.
Choosing to be bold and take on this fashion staple will ensure a super-de-dooper pulled together look at ANY budget. You can wear tights at any age because these days, there are way too many options for you to be making excuses.
And, before I let you go, I want to see those tights with whatever you've got to strut. Boots, booties, heels, mary janes, flats, anything goes. The work world has got to get away from the blah blah blah business get-up. Make your look reflect you. You're happening, so show it off! If any naysayer starts harping on you, send them to me. I'll be happy to defend you, hot legs.

Check out another tights blog HERE

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Five Foodie Faves








Lately, I've been on a roll of trying new foods. New healthy foods to be exact. I am easing slowly into this trend and venturing where I have not been before. Hummus? No. Greek yougurt? Yes. I am hooked on a few things especially, which must be discussed in detail:
1.) Naked Fruit Smoothies: Totally worth the expense. Fruit in a bottle and out of this world. My favorite Naked smoothies are Berry Blast and Reduced Calorie Tropical. I find myself drinking these for a meal and they are excellent. So far, no luck buying them at Wal-Mart, only Super Target and Whole Foods. So, us locals need not go searching, unless we wander to Huntsville or Birmingham. Oh, the perks of small town loveliness.
2.) Greek Yogurt: I am endearing to my new best friend greek yogurt. I love OIKOS Honey, OIKOS Vanilla, and Fage. Straight from the doctor's mouth, Dr. K is endorsing my consumption of this. It has great protein which keeps you full. It is thick, flavorful, and low on calories. Located in every yogurt section I've seen. I'm hooked.
3.) Annie's Chocolate and Vanilla Bunnies: If you know me, you know that cereal is my thing. These little gems are excellent and make me feel like I'm five every morning. Now might be a good time to mention that I debated on whether or not to take a picture of ALL of these items in the store, but I opted for internet ones, because you never know what crazies are going to stop you for whatever the reason. And...by the time I got home, well, I had already snacked on some. Whoops! Get some skim milk while your at it. Buy them where you please.
4.) Horizon Milk: Don't even get me started on my love for organic milk. Their skim brand is thick, creamy, and overall divine. Worth the money and lasts MUCH longer than regular. Kroger often has their little boxes 10 for $10. You better believe I'm tracking those down.
5.) Justin's Almond Butter: This stuff is great, yet pricey. Many places have sample packs and I usually get two servings out of one of those. There are many flavors and so far, I like plain almond butter best. Less cholesterol and good for your skin. Can't we all agree that these are great?

Please try new things, for your own sake! I hope you enjoy some of my foodie faves! Let me know yours, too!

Check these out:
http://www.nakedjuice.com/
http://www.annies.com/products/Cereal
http://www.horizondairy.com/
http://www.justinsnutbutter.com/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/233450-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-greek-yogurt/


Image:
http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvuzm9Fkru1r0b39fo1_500.jpg
http://www.chocablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/IMG_2435.jpg
http://img1.targetimg1.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/45/13453573.jpg
http://www.packitgourmet.com/images/D/JustinsAlmondButter_lg.jpg
http://www.minimus.biz/images/F06-0158513-1000bg.jpg

Monday, January 16, 2012

The Sweet and Salty Cupcake


I love baking new cupcake recipes. I combined two internet finds with a little bit of modification and was quite pleased with the results. I started out Saturday morning with twenty-four cupcakes, and now, only one is left. I did give plenty away, but my long ride on the elliptical was well worth it. Hope all of you have a great week. Bake these as soon as your oven preheats!

Peanut Butter Cupcakes: (Original Recipe Betty Crocker Website)
Ingredients:
1 Box Betty Crocker Super Moist Yellow Cake Mix
1 and 1/4 cups skim milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
3/4 cups JIF Creamy Peanut Butter

Directions:
1.) Heat oven to 350.
2.) Beat all ingredients on medium for two minutes.
3.) Divide cupcake batter evenly among 24 cupcake liners with an ice cream scoop.
4.) Bake until golden brown, around 18 minutes, and allow to cool before frosting.

Homemade Chocolate Frosting: (Courtesy of the Fat Bottomed Girl Blog and Hershey's Can)
THE BEST I'VE EVER HAD
Click Here for Blog: ICING
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
2/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Drake State Technical College

Life, being the whirlwind that it is, has led my etiquette, image, and protocol consulting business down a new path. In the next few weeks, I will begin adjunct teaching for Drake State Technical College in Huntsville, Alabama. This is truly a promising place, and I cannot wait to begin my classes there. Luckily, a wonderful caring lady read my Protocol BLOG (click BLOG to view it)and directed me onto a connection she had at this school. I am overwhelmed at this chance! I can now put my skills to the test, and begin to grow my own business in Huntsville. As Drake State is a technical school, ANYONE can come to these classes. The school will be advertising for me and signing people up for classes. SO, if YOU would like to be added to the list to know my course availability, please send me a Facebook inbox message with your email address or, email me at fjlanders9@gmail.com
Then, I will forward all of your emails on to the school so you can be a part of their constant contact list. This will also help you learn about numerous other classes they offer. If you know others who might be interested, have them contact me as well. Thanks again readers, without you, where would I be?

Visit Drake State here:http://www.drakestate.edu/home.aspx

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave When First We Practice to Offend

"Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive." Said best by Sir Walter Scott, a wise old chap, indeed.

Bless their hearts. They don't always know what they are doing, though, sometimes they do. Where are their manners? Where is their dignity? Do they even realize the value of their raisin'? I am an etiquette expert, examining and instructing on this is where I thrive, after all. Just as you are an expert in your field of medicine, education, or accounting, I am a manners guru. I know when people are offending others, thus, I am easily annoyed. It was a running joke in protocol school that etiquette experts shall not be offended, the second time. Why is this? It is much similar to a passer-by telling a lawyer who to defend in his practice. If that passer-by is not an attorney, where does he base his evidence? Let's not get too deep into whether or not that passer-by studied law as a hobby, etc. The fact of the matter is, as days go by, people are wandering farther and farther into a land called Nomanners. I do not prefer Nomanners. I visit it often as upon this, some of my work depends.

I see the people of Nomanners everywhere I go. On the sidewalk, in grocery stores, and in high-up positions, they lurk around as if entitled. Some of these Nomanners are excellent at fooling other people. They might be kind to one and mean to another. They are never the same person all the time. Many Nomanners fear me because I can often see right though them. When I tell them what I do, many say, "I don't like people like you." Of course not, because I instruct what they live to destruct. Other Nomanners are always bad, they are mean at work, at play, and even on their best day. Most all people, Nomanners and not, can see through these "pitifuls" as well. Nomanners creep about as they neglect to respond to emails, say a kind word on the phone, or bake cookies for their pitiful spouses. They often say too much and wind up getting themselves in to trouble. Their trouble might not come today, but eventually, it will creep back up on them. Some say this is, "What thou sew, that ye shall also reap." Nomanners know of this prediction, but they live as though it does not apply to them. Surely, not to a Nomanners, of course. These silly people cannot understand why they are nomads, many never will.

How often do I get calls, "Faith, what can I do about this problem at work?" "What is the appropriate thing to say?" "What is a personal gift for my in-laws?" "What should my dinner party menu be?" I love those calls and conversations. I sit back in my office and soak them up. Those high-esteemed "conversationers" are members of a calm and more sophisticated place called Politeness. The people of Politeness, among solid manners, understand one KEY difference between their land and Nomanners. They KNOW without a doubt people must always be on the lookout for the secrets of life. Politeners are sure in themselves, yet, not overly confident. They lead efficiently, strike while the iron is hot, and are the hunter, not the hunted. All the while, the citizens of Politeness are filled with glorious emotions. They saunter to numerous social occasions, have dinner parties, and RSVP for events. Politeners understand that they have to be both firm and gentle, the iron fist in the velvet glove. These gentle souls are known throughout Politeness as aspiring individuals. They find their way to the top by helping others and not giving up. Make no mistake that the people of Politeness prove a very slim group. They often search far and wide to find fellow town members. Once they do, they are not afraid to join up and be merry. Of course, they stop and ask for directions along the way. They even have a nickname, a low-maintenance friend.

You see, the unfortunate people of Nomanners appear to be stuck. Some might want to come over to Politeness, but they do not believe they can afford the trip. Time and time again the citizens of Politeness cannot make the Nomanners understand that they must change their unkempt ways. No matter how much the Politeners encourage the Nomanners with kindness, the majority of attempts fail. As nomad Nomanners never smile, have a pleasing phone voice, or send out handwritten notes, they neglect that which could easily pay for their trip. They scramble around thinking, "Humph...I'll show those hoity toity Politeners just how things are done." "I'll shun them without inclusion, rack them with gossip, and tell them their services are not needed." "Who cares if they can offer me a great deal, I'll never go over to Politeness." In reality, the Nomanners are miserable. They scoff at the please and thank-you constitution of Politeness. Why are they never asked to parties, offered gifts, or wanted in photographs? These are the self-loathing woes of the Nomanners, always ho-hum because they do not know their priorities.

While the Politeners live a life of contentment, happiness, and joy, they are resolute in their routine. They wake each day and find time to lend a helping hand. Politeners help others grow and hastily do so without hesitation. They pay well, although, not just with money. Their kind nature is a lasting contribution to the world. They do not hide behind a curtain of self-loathing. They are popular.

We all know citizens of Nomanners and Politeness, but which town are we in? An aspiring Politener once said, "There is a better way to be." Well, that's right.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Targthropologie





I would argue that there are few women in the world that love Anthropologie as much as I do. Someone once asked my friend Sarabeth, "What kind of wedding do you think Faith will have?" Her response, "You know, an Anthropologie one!" I L.O.V.E. that answer! Anthropologie has a vintage mod design, which many of you know is right up my alley. I am obsessed with trips there. Many times, I don't buy anything. There's just something extra special about looking at their pretty things. I can momentarily let go of life and focus solely on the three things I love: cooking, fashion, and home design. Are we ringing any bells here? :) Maybe it's the knowing that they have all three of those things under one roof, cookbooks, clothes, and curtains galore. Although I am quite fond of this establishment, I don't want to pay the price on some of their items, being bargain savvy, of course. Recently, I found these lovely glass and brass combo jars for $24, a little to steep for me considering their small size. So, how about this beautiful and PRACTICALLY IDENTICAL copy from Target Shabby Chic for $14? A more reasonable price and very few differences, indeed. Although I haven't bought these Target jars, yet, I am considering spending my Christmas giftcard on them. A little looking around and creativity is all it takes. Can you decorate your home with an Anthropologie look for less? YES! Can you also buy beautiful Anthropologie items on sale? YES! After Christmas, I scored four of these latte bowls for $1.50 each with a giftcard! Most thrift stores don't even sell bowls for $1.50! You can also sign up for free catalogs from them and other great home stores such as Crate and Barrel, West Elm, Arhaus, and Ballard Designs. Use your eyes, God didn't give you sight to overlook the overwhelming bounty of design!
Quick Recap: Don't shy away from a more expensive store because you think your home decor budget cannot afford it. Plenty of sales and inspiration can be had. YOUR creativity is FREE!

P.S. Thanks to my sweet Billy for helping me put Target and Anthropologie together! I've got a great one!

Images:
target.com
thisnext.com

Friday, January 6, 2012

Unkempt Undergarments

"Men want the same thing from their underwear that they want from women: a little bit of support, and a little bit of freedom. "
-Seinfeld


While we've been on the topic of self-improvement lately, let's keep it going for one more post. Are you taking as good a care of your undergarments as you are of your wardrobe? I have laughed and laughed over the Seinfeld episode about men's underwear. He mentions something about men wearing t-shirts and underwear until they banish into thin air. SO TRUE! Both men and women are common offenders of this fashion faux pas. We get in such a hurry and often forget about these wardrobe staples, socks included! Don't get so caught up with outer garment trends that you forget to budget a little money for some necessities. And...the excuse of no one seeing them will not work here. If you know that they look terrible, then you aren't treating yourself well. If it has been YEARS since you updated these gems, go out and do it in the new year! For your own sake, holes, no elastic, etc., are NOT to be had. Take a good long look at your collection and make the change if necessary. AND don't put underwire bras in the dryer, PLEASE! Your mama would just slap you silly! It's summed up by a quote a sweet little unnamed old lady once told me, "Always wear a good bra and panties because you never know when you'll make a trip to the hospital!" Haha! Have a wonderful weekend, clean drawers included.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

No More Sloppies

Today is a day for change. It's just a couple of days into the New Year, so if you start out to make a change and don't keep up, you won't feel so much like a failure. I've debated about doing a bold post like this for quite awhile. I am calling people out, because we can have this no more. I've already challenged you with an easy post in, New Year's Nails, so, today, I'm taking it one step further. While I was out and about over the Christmas holidays running my last minute errands, I saw some beautiful people in some awful outfits. Frankly, I'd like to forget about some that I've seen.

Why am I at this very moment still debating about this post? Because I want to instruct without offending. That is my business, constructive criticism. Thus, I'm sure you'll see me clearly through this.

There are an alarming number of sloppy sightings to be seen in our great state of Alabama. Come on people, we already have enough stereotyped problems. Get with the program. I am SICK of seeing BEAUTIFUL and FIT girls my age dressing like they are homeless. You don't need to go out in town with a 3x t-shirt, tights, uggs, and a super expensive handbag. If you love all of these things, find a way to do them in a BETTER way. How about a nice printed t-shirt under a cardigan? Uggs with skinny jeans, anyone? Have we ever heard of tights with a denim skirt? Who cares if you fix your hair and make-up? Nobody can see the whole you because you are hiding in your sloppiness. This makes me ill. Attention: THIS IS NOT THE TREND TO FOLLOW!!!! How many times do I have older people say, "Wear this while you are young," or, "Make sure to do this while you are young?" Well, let me assure you, young looks are wasted on some of the wrong people from what I have seen.

It strikes me odd that I often see mothers dressed to the nines with their college-age daughters trailing along the designer clothes section. How weird is this? You many have the money to buy your full-priced $178 cashmere sweater off the rack to wear it for New Year's, but heaven forbid you'll bring it out again for an 8 a.m. class. Ridiculous! Why will I forever be on a rant about this? I will be because I know that there is a better way to be. Why do young women insist on this "fad"? Who knows! These clothes are for hanging around in your apartment, cooking dinner, and watching movies. THAT IS ALL. You are not doing the best you can by jumping on the sloppy band wagon. You are not any cooler, any prettier, or any sexier in that 4X Hanes get-up. Are you going to look back at pictures of yourselves in your college years and say, "I am so glad I wore my t-shirt to that dinner party?" NO! Be yourself. Come out of the stereotyped t-shirt and legging trend and put on all those other beautiful garments that you own. I guarantee you that your best self isn't a sloppy self if you really thought about it. Have some pride and share it with the world. No more sloppies, I say!