The Classy Woman

Some speak because they feel they have something truly valuable to add to the conversation while others share their personal experiences, opinions and advice when they are with someone they feel they can relate to or help, then there are th ose who don't know when to stop talking and feel everything requires their personal commentary, leaving little mystery and lacking discretion.  As we grow and mature over time, we will realize that there is great value in remaining silent sometimes and just taking things in whether we are a student in class, on our first date, interviewing for a promising job opportunity or mingling with others at a dinner party. I don't know about you, but sometimes I find it interesting to just 'people watch'. See how people interact, react, initiate conversation, etc. I also learn a lot from the people who always feel the need to comment, it says a lot about who they are. Although their intentions may be good, it can reveal their insecurity, pride...

I've been thinking a lot about traveling lately. Maybe it's the influx of visitors from out of state and out of the country who flock to Florida during springtime for relaxing beach days and fun filled theme-parks or perhaps it's the fact that I'm long overdue for a vacation! ;) The last time I traveled was when I was 5 weeks pregnant which was Christmas of 2012. We got so busy with work, saving money and planning for baby that we hadn't even planned a weekend getaway nor recently before hubby left for China. I find myself daydreaming about some of the fabulous places we've visited over the past few years. I feel very fortunate to have traveled to nearly 30 countries. I know some of you travel quite a bit also-whether it be for work or pleasure but there are some of you who rarely get the chance, so I thought I'd share some of my personal travel tips with you to make for a smoother trip. For those who travel often, today's post will be a refresher. 1.  W...

I'm a huge proponent of self improvement and personal growth. I started this very blog and my Facebook Community page for this very reason, with the intention of being a resource to others who are looking to work on becoming more ladylike, elegant and classy.  Unlike other things we may spend t ime on or invest money in, we will never go wrong when we invest in ourselves! Education is key, whether it's taking a class or course, doing some reading on our own to gain new knowledge and then applying the principles, taking the time to work hands-on or practice (such as cooking, baking, a particular sport or hobby, getting a new business off the ground), our lives will be so much richer for it!  Don't miss out on opportunities to work on yourself, even when it's painful, uncomfortable or time consuming. Look at Olympic athletes, I know for sure they have pushed through pain, self-doubt, fatigue and more to reach their greatest goals. We need to consider ourselves like diamo...

Many months ago when I was pregnant with Lily, I started a baby registry like many moms-to-be. Upon choosing the store I wanted to register at (which was BuyBuyBaby) I had a few criteria: helpful and very knowledgeable staff, clean/organized store that's easy for me and those buying from the registry to shop in and they offered all of the types of products I was most interested in, it was an easy decision. What I loved most was the free perks that other stores didn't offer, and in life that often helps us decide when going with one company vs. another or one product compares with a competing one. I loved that the store offered complimentary gift wrapping/ tissue paper and gift giving bags (with the store's name on it) to those buying gifts in the store. They also offered the ability to use coupons from their own store or their parent company (Bed Bath & Beyond) which were typically 20% off. In addition, they also offer price matching to assure you are getting the best p...

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! This is my all-time favorite scripture (and I know it is for many others too), it always sees me through. We must remember that there is an emphasis on the world "ALL", the scripture does not say 'some' things, this is His promise. Sometimes we forget this but there is a reason why the word 'all' was chosen, to give us hope that we may conquer anything that stands before us, like our most challenging days. On a personal note I've been fee ling a bit weary and alone lately hence my lack of posts.  I'm 2 months into caring for Lily on my own from sun up to sun down and I can say that I'm admittedly exhausted many days and honestly overwhelmed at times as I'm juggling a lot (I know many of you can relate and even may be in the same position). I do know that His strength will keep me going when my own fades and I become weak.  Wishing you all a fabulous and productive week ahead.  Let's stay strong!  Than...

Today we're talking about prom, more specifically classy dresses options for prom. Okay, clearly I'm not in high school anymore and haven't been for some time,  and most of our readers here aren't either (although we do a have a few). However, I do receive an array of e-mails daily in my inbox from readers all over the globe with various questions regarding being a classy woman, many of them from women how have inquiries which pertain to the upbringing of their own daughters. As many of you do have daughters of the high school age, I thought I'd share with you some beautiful options from the upcoming prom season. The best part is these dresses are so gorgeous they could be worn for a variety of other formal occasions as they don't look too prom-specific. As mothers we want to both allow our children certain freedoms and independence while also using opportunities to help prepare them for the future as they make decisions all on their own. How one dresses, especi...