AFFORDABLE FASHION REVIEW: CLASSIC COLLECTION BY NICKI MINAJ

Happy Monday, Everyone!
Popular recording artist, Nicki Minaj, recently came out with a classic and couture clothing line.  
Her team reached out to me and introduced me to her Classic Collection, which offers a variety of dresses, tops and skirts, all under $25.  The affordable prices made it a perfect fit form my blog, and one I wanted to share with each of you.
The line offers a way to "look fashionable and feel confident in your curves," something I like, since I've always had fuller hips.  Each piece in the collection is "created with easy-to-wear fabrics including versatile rib knits, soft ultrasuede, and comfortable jersey cotton blends."
They kindly sent me the Rib Zip Front Midi Dress in black, seen below on the model and then on me, to review.  It offers a versatile, classic black dress look, which can be dressed up with some heels or down with a some chic sandals or even flip flops on the go.
I'm someone who doesn't love having things fitted around my hips, but the dress they sent is super soft and with quality stretch that gives added comfort and movement.  Although the dress is lightweight, it is not see-through, which is often a problem with lighter fabrics, so, this was an unexpected positive factor.
Overall, the knee length cut and sleeves, seen on most of her tops, dresses and skirts, make many appropriate for the work place and will transition seamlessly into happy hour or dinner after work.  
Also, there are a number of more club worthy, fitted, low cut and backless options, which fit Nicki Minaj's overall persona and style, but with a balance of some more conservative options, which fit my style, it does offer options for a wider range of tastes and styles.

1. Textured Flannel Neck Crop Top $19.99 (Available Colors: Red & Black)
2. Rib Knit Zip Front Midi Dress $19.99 (Available Colors: Black & Gray)
3. Mock Neck Ultrasuede Dress $24.99 (Available Colors: Camel & Black)

Dress: Nicki Minaj Classic Collection = $19.99  /  Black Heels: Steve Madden - TJ Maxx = $34.99  /  Bronze Clutch: Target = $6.00 (on christmas sale - available in 4 additional colors)  / Chain Bracelet: Miss A = $1.00

•  CURRENT GIVEAWAY:  A Pair of Givenche Designer Sunglasses  •

SATURDAY SAYINGS: A REMINDER, REFLECTION, LIFE, DIRECTION AND HOPE

Happy Saturday, Blogland!

This morning, I had a number of comments left on a Saturday Sayings post I did this past summer titled, Life, Direction, Decisions and Finding True Happiness.  

Reading them remind me that there are people out there who stumble upon my little space in blogland and onto posts, from months or even years ago, to which they relate, find a little inspiration or comfort. 

Those moments remind me why it is I started my blog in the first place.  If you can reach or touch one person through something you write or share, I think that's enough reason to make it all worthwhile.  

That particular Saturday, I hadn't just posted quotes, but written an intro, did some reflecting, shared some words and thoughts along with my usual quotes.  

I re-read it this morning, after reading and responding to the new comments. A lot of what I wrote still pertains to where I am in my life today, exactly 8 months after I wrote the post, and transparency is still a key element.

I'm now in my mid-thirties and truth is, I'm still finding myself, what I'm supposed to be doing and where I'm supposed to be.  It is often said that "you live and you learn."  I believe this is true, but also think that with this notion we sometimes find ourselves confused or lost with what it teaches and reveals.

That said, not everything is supposed to make sense, but one thing to which you should always listen is your heart.  If something feels right or makes you happy, stay with that, follow that and do your best not to look too far down the line, over-think or question it . . . just be.

Speaking of, I stumbled upon an article that asks, What does it mean to just be?  It references a quote by the philosopher Freidrich Nietzsche who said . . .

"Man has no ears for that to which experience has given him no access."  

It goes on to explain how "sometimes you just can’t process an idea, because you don’t have the mental tools or reference points to make sense of it."

Ultimately, we need to trust in the process and remember that we are all human.  It's not all supposed to be clear and that's okay, it's part of the adventure and life's journey.

Something I hold today as I write this, which I'm not sure I fully had 8 months ago, is a better understanding of why things happened in the past as they did and, most important, hope.  

It's a small word, but holds a lot of power, strength and inspiration.  It can come in the form of a person, a place, a word, a thing, but in whatever form it appears, be thankful and feel the comfort it brings.

For now, I'll leave you with those thoughts and these inspirational quotes.  Enjoy, and here's to hope! ❤

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•  CURRENT GIVEAWAY:  A Pair of Givenche Designer Sunglasses  •

PICTURE SHOW: CHILDHOOD MEMORIES, WEEKEND FUN, HOLIDAYS AND MORE

Childhood Patrick the Pub from FAO, love him! My old school cassette tapes found while going through things from childhood. 🎶 Divine bottle of wine shared amongst friends for a long overdue catchup in the city. 🍷

Green bagel for St, Patty's Day!

Traditional St. Patty's Day dinner complete with green horseradish cream, yum! ☘

This sweet girl, Bella, graduated from doggie school.  So proud of her! 🎓

Sharing a bottle of lovely wine and home cooked meal of brussel sprouts, scallops and sweet potatoes, followed by salmon, in great company. 🍴

Delish and oh so pretty pomegranate martinis.  🍸

Nothing says spring like a morning dusting of snow...hehe! ❄️

I really want this gold shoe tape dispenser by Scotch brand from Staples! 👠

Little Liesl clowning around when we lived in London for TBT.

There is something so peaceful and magical about listening to a heavy rainfall. ☔️

Spring is bringing to be in full bloom and it makes my heart happy, I love lilies! 🌸

My new roommate and buddy for the next few days. 🐶

Just getting some cuddle time...

...and a little love. 💕

Bella et Moi after a long walk...don't mind my hair and lack of much make-up. LOL! Easter Sunday walk to check out the Peacock Crossing. 🐰

The Easter Bunny stopped by, how lucky am I? 😉

Good Morning, Llamas.
All images by Liesl Ehardt via my iPhone 5s and Instagram.
•  CURRENT GIVEAWAY:  A Pair of Givenche Designer Sunglasses  •

GIVEAWAY: GIVENCHY DESIGNER SUNGLASSES FROM SMARTBUYGLASSES

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!
Spring has sprung, and before we know it Summer will be here, too.  
What better time to get yourself a new pair of classic, quality, designer sunglasses, from Burberry to Fendi, D&G, Kate Space, Marc Jacobs and so many more, at a more affordable price?
Well, today is you lucky day because SmartBuyGlasses is giving one lucky FF4SS reader a new pair of these chic GIVENCHY designer sunglasses!
I was impressed by the number of options, styles and designer sunglasses, glasses and sport glasses, both prescription and non, as well as contact lenses they offer.  It truly provides a more affordable one-stop shopping experience for all your eyewear needs.
This giveaway is open to everyone, international readers included, and will run through April 8th.  
On April 9th, I will pick one winner at random and inform you via the contact information you provide and announce the winner here on my blog.  Break-A-Leg, as we say in the theatre! :) a Rafflecopter giveaway 

LIFE: HUGS TO ALL AND THINKING OF THOSE AFFECTED BY TERROR

Good Afternoon, Bogland!

In the midst of everything that is happening in the world, and with the recent terror attack on Brussels, my heart is left feeling rather heavy, once again, and visions from being in NYC on 9/11 fill my mind. 

I have often found writing to be a therapeutic outlet, while offering a better way of expressing how I truly feel.  Especially, when voicing deep, inner feelings verbally doesn't always form so eloquently for me.

Today, I'll leave it to some words I recently came across, which I put into a simple layout, to offer support and let those in Brussels, and areas everywhere affected by terror, know I'm thinking of them.

Moments like these offer constant reminders that tomorrow is never guaranteed.  We must live as fully in today as we can, while never allowing moments to pass without telling those special in our lives that we care about and appreciate them. 

Sending hugs to all and well wishes for a better and brighter tomorrow! ❤

Quote Image and Layout by Liesl Ehardt

SATURDAY SAYINGS: GENEROSITY, CONNECTION, ENERGY AND LIFE INSPIRATION

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ALL Quote Images and Layouts Designed by Liesl Ehardt unless noted with an image credit link.

PICTURE SHOW: NEON FUN, BRUNCH, A NIGHT IN NYC, OBAMA AND LIFE HAPPINESS

Happy Monday, Everyone!
I must start by apologizing for not posting much last week.  Life has been a bit busy, but full of hope and happiness these days, for which I'm feeling thankful.
Here are some pictures from the past couple weeks.  Starting with one of my best friend's fun-filled, neon birthday celebration at Sona Thirteen in Morristown.  It was such a great night because it was surrounded by so many of my friends since childhood. 

Also, my nephew's class was invited to the Canadian Prime Minister's Opening Ceremony at The White House.  It was an exciting experience for him, and since they were allowed to take pictures, he shared a fantastic one of President Obama and Prime Minister Trudeau.
Overall, this past week was a really refreshing week for me. I met new people, enjoyed great conversation in good company, discovered some new feelings and layers of myself, all of which have left me feeling a sense of hopeful happiness. 
Ultimately, time will tell, but I continue to take things day by day, do my best to live in the moments and enjoy them as fully as possible.  To top it off, I'm beyond excited to be flying to New Mexico soon to visit my sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew...I truly can not wait!!! :)
I hope each one of you is discovering new things in life, and continuing to grow and learn as a person while finding your path to true happiness. ☀  

My new favorite wine! :)

 

President Obama and Prime Minister Trudeau Image by my nephew, Kyle Robinson. All other images by Liesl Ehardt and Friends via my iPhone 5s and Instagram.