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Everything Southern & So Cotton Pickin Cute

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Tuesdays Style After 30 On Wednesday

Do you ever look at magazines and wonder how your favorite celebrities look seem to always look so put together, even when they're just out getting their latte fix and dragging their perfect children behind them?

Well it's not magic and they certainly weren't born perfect.  They have something we less famous women have.  They have access to stylists.  Yes someone gets paid to make people look totally in trend and beautiful.

Even though most of us can't afford our own stylist, I don't know anyone who can, we can still learn a few simple rules that will help us become our own stylist.

Shape:  Colors and the design of the fabric always catch our eye but shape is really should be your first focus when shopping.  You should spend time learning what your shape is.  Once you figure that out and yes come to terms with what it is, not what you wish it was, then you can learn how to enhance it.  Most women wear clothes that are sized too small hoping that this will make them appear smaller or too big hoping to hide something.  Neither is flattering.  You clothes shouldn't pull or cling to you, nor look like you borrowed them  from someone twice your size.  Take the dress above which has been drawn in at the waist making a nice waistline.  I normally don't like chevron patterns, I know I'm probably the only one who doesn't, but I love this dress!!  My first chevron like.


Shoes:  Wear a shoe with a heel - even if it's a small one.  The higher the heel, the slimmer (and taller-lol) you'll look.  A heel elongates your legs and forces you to wall with your shoulders back, which creates a much more pleasing posture as you walk.  If you don't feel comfortable in heels look for a platform style instead.  Even a loafer with a slight heel looks more polished than one without.

Of course you can't wear heels with everything.  I just think these tennis' are adorable.  Lovin' that color!

More Shape Tips: If you have wide shoulders look for a V-neck shirt.  The deeper, careful girls, the V the more narrow your shoulders will look.  It's a trick of the eye.  By exposing a bit of skin below your neck, it draws the eye downward giving the illusion of a more vertical silhouette, instead of focusing on the width of your shoulders.

Source: polyvore.com via Tracy on Pinterest


For a petite person, remember shorter tops will give you a longer look over all.  The last thing a petite figure wants to wear is a mid-thigh lenght top.

Color:  When shopping try to get out of your comfort zone with color.  We all tend to get in a bit of a rut.  I bet if you look in your closet you'll find an overwhelming number of pieces in the same color family.  That doesn't mean you have to buy a color that just doesn't work with your skin tone, maybe you could add a pop of color in your shoes or hand bag.

Do try to look for brighter colors for your shirts and dresses that will brighten your face. You'll be surprized by the compliments and how much younger you'll appear.  Something that compliments your skin tone of course.  Sales people can be very helpful if you explain what that you're looking for something to compliment you skin.

Mix it up.  The old rules of your shoes and your handbag must match have been thrown out the window.  There are no steadfast rules anymore.  Pops of unexpected color, as in the orange loafers with the blue and white outfit above, are like a breath of fresh air.  It's says you're comfortable with change ( a youthful symbol).

As I said above there are no steadfast rules which means just because you have new options it doesn't mean that the old rules are passe'.  Classic never goes out of style. Pulling everything together with the same color family always gives provides a chic, elegant look like the one below.

I hope some of these tips help you next time you head out the door.  Spend a little time in your closet and see what you can switch around.  Mix and match and create new outfits with what you already have.

Do you have some tips you'd like to share?  I'd love to hear your idea's.

Dixie Crystal Sugar Prize Pack Giveaway

Dixie Crystal sugar is a staple in Southern kitchens. It's the only sugar I remember in my mama's house and even my grandma's house.  That familiar red, white and blue label is unmistakable.  I wouldn't think of using anything else. 
That's why I was excited to see that Dixie Crystals and Imperial Sugar is sponsoring Julie @ Mamawj's Moment Away's newest giveaway.  The winner will receive a Bake It Forward tin, a copy of 'My First Cookbook', an Imperial sugar sack apron, a cute fabric flower clip pin, another pin, a magnet and 1 FREE coupon for a bag of Dixie or Imperial sugar.  

What a nice giveaway prize pack! But keep reading because there's more.

As you can see from the picture below, Julie was busy in her kitchen making some yummy peanut butter cookies! I just wish I was there to eat a few myself.  Julie's so sweet I know she'd have a cup of coffee and plate of cookies waiting for me.  She'd do the same for you too.  That's just the kinda person she is.  I bet she's never met a stranger.

As I was saying that was only the grand prize.  There will be 4 other winners too!  4 winners will each receive 1 coupon for a FREE bag of sugar.
So hurry on over to Julie's now for your chance to win.  You can enter HERE. Don't wait long the giveaway ends 7/25/13.


Good luck y'all!!
♥ Tracy

Monday, July 8, 2013

Kernel Season's Review - It's For More Than Just Popcorn

Is your popcorn naked?  No one wants to see naked popcorn and I'm on a mission to stamp it out!!  That is, me and Kernel Season's are.
If you've been around here very long you already know our love for popcorn.  Until now I've pretty much stuck with one seasoning that I mix up myself.  Those days are gone now.
Thanks to Kernel Season's I've got a whole array of popcorn seasonings to try.  This was the first time I've ever tried their seasonings and their popcorn.  I was so surprised to get such a cute popcorn basket.  It was filled with microwave popcorn and "8", that's right "8" jars of popcorn seasonings and a Recipe Booklet in this cute popcorn bucket.  I never knew there were so many choices.  They even have more that I didn't try.  They sell 15 flavors in all.

I hate to limit them by calling them popcorn seasonings because they can flavor so much more than just popcorn.  Like the chicken nuggets I made for dinner.  They were so good.  The ranch really made them pop! (no pun intended) 
The popcorn nuggets were so easy to make.  Here's my simple recipe:

Ingredients:
2 Chicken Breasts (use how many you need)
1 egg
1/2 cap Kernel Season's Ranch Flavor (or to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Potato Chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 380 degrees.  Crush potato chips (I just guessed on how much) in a zip lock bag and set aside.  Cut chicken breast in bite size pieces.  Beat egg & Kernel Seasons Ranch Flavor. Dip chicken nuggets in egg mixture then roll in crushed potato chips.  Place on foil lined cookie sheet or jelly roll pan. Cook for 20 minutes.

*TIPS:  I loosely crumple my aluminum foil and then straighten out on cookie sheet, this helps them to brown more evenly.  I also found that it was easier to coat the chicken if the chips or on a plate or in a bowl.

Each of the jars lids have suggestions on what you can use them on.  But don't let that limit you, experiment and find your own favorites.  Best of all these are all 100% Natural and Gluten Free!  They have Zero fat and between 2 - 5 calories each.
I can't wait to experiment with all the different flavors I received like Nacho Cheddar, Butter, Caramel, Sour Cream Onion, Kettle Corn, Parmesan & Garlic, and White Cheddar.
So next time you're in the store look for Kernel Season's face...
and pick up your own.  It's like having movie theater popcorn at home. Remember No More Naked Popcorn!!!

To learn more about kernel Season's visit:

Try these other Kernel Season's items too!
Disclosure: We received products from Kernel Seasonings in order to do a honest review. All opinions are solely our own.


BIG ANNOUCEMENT - A Week Of Giveaways Is Coming

I know how you like giveaways and I thought it was time we celebrated summer.  What could be better than a week of giveaways?  Not much!   So that's just what we'll have thanks to some wonderful sponsors.
I'm so excited to hold my first ever 
Celebrate Summer Giveaway Week!

Yep, I'm going to have a new giveaway start everyday next week. 
Monday you ask?  Yep!
What about Tuesday?  Yep!
Seriously Wednesday?  Yep!
Thursday too?  Yep!
Even Friday?  Yep!

Now you get it?  That's right 5 days - 5 new giveaways!!!!! A giveaway a day!  You can enter 1 or all 5, it's totally up to you.  Who knows if the moon and the sun are aligned just right you might win all 5.  If you do - be sure and enter the lottery too, cause you've got some major luck on your side!


Just look at the wonderful sponsors that are lined up.  This is a huge week of giveaways worth $450.00!  So here's what's coming up:
  • Racinne Ultimate Youth Power Series - Enter HERE
  • Mohzy Zoo Cable Ties - Enter HERE
  • RevitaShape Anti-Cellulite Skin Toning Formula - Enter Here
  • Dial Body Wash - Enter HERE
  • Feosol Bifera Iron Supplements

Are you as excited as I am?  I can't wait for the fun to begin!

So help me spread the word.  You can pin it, tweet it, post it on facebook, share it on google+, bloglovin' and anywhere else you can think of.  The best place of all would be right on your own blog!  Share it with all everyone you know.  Come back here and leave me a comment telling me where you shared it and I will keep track and give you and extra bonus of 5 entries in each giveaway.

But if you need to get your giveaway cravin' satisfied today, you can enter these giveaways.  Hurry Olay ends tonight at midnight 7/9/13. Sorry but this giveaway has ended.
Just click HERE to enter.

Borax is ending Tuesday night at midnight 7/11/13.
Sorry but this giveaway has ended.
 You can enter the Borax giveaway HERE. 


Have a great day y'all!
♥Tracy 

#Racinne, #RevitaShape, #Dial Body Wash, #Feosol, #Mohzy, #PurexInsiders

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Why Not Win Something Before The Festivities Start

Boy do I have some giveaways to share today.  My dear friend Julie @ Mamawj's Moment Away is having several and I knew you'd all want to hear about them.  So lets get right to it.

First up you can enter to win 6 Months of EquityLock Protector and a $15 Home Maintenance Cash Gift Card - good for use at any home improvement store.


This giveaway ends on 7/8 so hurry and enter You can enter her giveaway HERE.

Her next giveaway:

She's going to be choosing 2 winners for a FREE #Dial Body Wash Coupon.  I love Dial's fresh scents and you will too.  Go enter HERE.  This giveaway ends on 8/5.

How about a 3rd giveaway from Miss Julie?


Well it's your lucky day. She's also giving away a Jack The Giant Slayer Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet).  Click HERE and go enter. Hurry this one ends tomorrow on 7/5

While you're there you have to take a peek at Julie's sweet sunflower laundry clothespin bag.  It's so cute it'll even put a smile on your face while hanging your clothes out to dry.

You don't just get to see it, Julie even shows you how you can make one for yourself!  She's sweet that way.  Very talented too.  I don't think there's anything she won't tackle and do a darn tooten good job at it too!

Well I hope you'll get a chance to go over before your 4th of  July business takes hold this morning or at least bookmark it to get over there on this long weekend.  Remember you can't win if you don't enter.

Don't forget to go HERE to enter my Olay Regenerist giveaway.


And go HERE to enter my 20 Mule Team Borax Laundry Booster Giveaway.

Well that should keep you busy for awhile.

I hope everyone has a fun 4th of July and y'all remember to be safe!!!
Hugs...Tracy 

Monday, July 1, 2013

What's Better Than One Giveaway? What About Three Giveaways!

I thought y'all might be interested in seeing a few of the giveaways I've heard about lately.  So here's a rundown of them so you can hop on over there and get you winning on.
  
First up we've got Stephanie over at Three Loud Kids and she's been busy listing giveaways.  Let's talk about what she wants to giveaway to her readers starting with a 
$50 Gift Card for SophiasStyle.com - Ends 7/14/13, just click HERE to enter.


Stephanies 2nd giveaway will have not 1 but **3** WINNERS!

20 Mule Team Borax -Cleaning Ninja and More Giveaway - Ends 7/17/13 and you can enter HERE.

 

Last but not least is her Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme Cereal Giveaway - Ends 8/13/13 click HERE to enter.

But before you run off don't forget to enter the 2 giveaways that I have listed below.  You can always find my current giveaways listed on my right sidebar too.  Just click the photo and let it take you away (Oh' that's Calgon right?).

Olay Regenerist Giveaway - Ends 7/9/13 Just click HERE to enter.


20 Mule Team Borax Giveaway - Ends 7/11/13 Click HERE for your chance to win.

But don't think that's the end of the fun.  You'll want to come back tomorrow to find out just how MUCH fun is coming up!!!  

Seriously we're talking about Eww...I want that giveaways!!

Good Luck Y'all...

♥ Tracy

Thursday, June 27, 2013

See What You Can Do With Borax and WIN a FREE COUPON

The 20 Mule Team has been pulling it's weight this week.  I always have Borax in my laundry room but this week I put it to work in the rest of the house, including the craft/science room, aka...the kitchen. I thought it would be fun and helpful to share some of the many uses for Borax.  Best of all 3 of you will win a FREE box of Borax!!

DIY Crystal Snowflake Ornaments

Did you know you can make snowflake ornaments or pretty gift wrap decorations?  This is such an easy craft and great to do with children.


Can you believe this was the first time I ever made one?  I'll be posting a tutorial in July so you make your own while dreaming of Christmas and cooler weather.

Now lets talk cleaning tips:

Clean Windows and Mirrors

To get windows and mirrors spotless and streakless, just wash them with a clean sponge dipped in two tablespoons of borax dissolved in three cups of water.

Clear a Clogged Drain

Rather than use a caustic drain cleaner to unclog the clogged bath or kitchen drain, try this using Borax. Use a funnel to pour a ½ cup of borax into the drain, then slowly pour in 2 cups of boiling water. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. Repeat for stubborn clogs.

Rub Out Sink Stains

Get you sinks clean and remove those stubborn stains in your stainless-steel or porcelain sink. Make a paste of one cup of borax and ¼ cup of lemon juice. Using a cloth or sponge, rub it into the stain, then rinse with running warm water. Smile at your superb cleaning skills!

Clean Dirty Showerhead

 

Borax loosened up the hard water deposits that were clogging the small pin holes in the head.

See all the calcium and lime deposites from the hard water.  They're like little pieces of rock and can totally block the flow of water.

Clean

Clean and disinfect your toilet bowl with 1/4 cup of borax.  Just toss in the toilet and scrub after a few minutes.

Remove Mildew From Fabric

To remove mildew from upholstery and other fabrics, soak a sponge in a solution of a ½ cup of borax dissolved in two cups of hot water and rub it into the affected areas. Let it soak in for several hours until the stain disappears, then rinse well.

Rub Out Rug Stains

It's easy to remove stubborn stains from rugs and carpets.  First thoroughly dampen the area, then rub in some borax. After the area dries vacuum or blot it with a solution of equal parts of vinegar and soapy water and allow to dry. Repeat if necessary. 

*Be sure to test on an inconspicuous corner of the rug before applying it to the stain.

I hope you've enjoyed the cleaning tips I've talked about today and try using your Borax Laundry Booster in new ways.

You can connect with 20 Mule Team Borax by visiting them at the following locations:
Where can I get Borax
Facebook
Youtube
~*~*~*~*~*~

Now I bet you're wanting get busy with your own box of 20 Mule Team Borax!
 

Let's see if I can help a few of you out with that.  Are you ready for a giveaway?  That's what I thought.  It's as simple entering on the Rafflecopter below.  Good Luck Y'all!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  Borax provided a free sample of their product so I could review it.  However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.