GUEST POST: How To Give Your Friends A Total Bra Makeover

Submitted by Cindy Prosser

You know the feeling you get from a perfectly fitted bra? One that keeps you comfortable all day long – even into the late hours of the night. Or, one that makes you feel so confident that you can do anything?

Don’t you think your friends deserve to feel this way too? Giving your friend a total bra makeover will help boost their self-esteem, improve their health, and make them look and feel good wherever they go.

If you have a friend who would benefit from a makeover – whether their bra doesn’t look natural, doesn’t fit their style, or is the wrong size – it’s time to give them the makeover they deserve.

When you approach your friend, make sure to do it tactfully, without insult. Compliment them and tell them you want them to feel confident and empowered – and bra that is tailored for their body type may be just the ticket.

Once you have them on board, it’s time to get started.

Tips To Prepare for an Exceptional Shopping Experience

• Find the latest styles – Flip through a magazine, browse online or go window-shopping to find the latest styles, what body type they’re right for, etc. Then, narrow down your choices to 3-4 styles to make the shopping trip a bit easier. Here are a few of the top styles:

o Backless or adhesive – This type of bra is great for a backless dress or top, and is secured to your skin with adhesive, provide good support and can be reused.

o Balconette – A balconette bra or shelf bra has little coverage but is great for wearing with low-cut tops because it enhances cleavage.

o Convertible – This type of bra is extremely popular because it can be worn with so many different outfits. Straps can be removed to be worn on one shoulder, criss-crossed, halter, strapless and much more.

o Demi-cup – A demi-cup bra enhances cleavage and covers about ¾ of the breast, so is also great for low-cut tops.

o Push-up – Push-up bras create increasing cleavage so your friend can choose the level of lift she wants.

o Racerback – A racerback or t-back bra is perfect underneath a tank top, as the straps come together in the back so aren’t visible.

o Seamless – Created without seams, a seamless bra is great underneath knit or lightweight fabrics because it’s nearly invisible under clothing.

o T-shirt bra – A t-shirt bra offers a smooth, seamless look under thin fabrics and clingy tops.

• Set a budget – Perhaps even before narrowing down choices, decide how much your friend can spend. Specialty lingerie stores and online retailers tend to be more expensive, but they also offer high-quality bras that will last much longer than cheaply made ones.

• Wear a non-padded bra – It’s almost time to start shopping, but before you set out, make sure your friend wears a non-padded bra so she can be more accurately measured.

Tips for A Great Bra Makeover

Now that you have the basics covered it’s time to go shop! Shop online or take your friend to a local specialty store,in search of the perfect fitting bra. Here are some things to keep in mind during your day on the town:

• Get second opinions on size – Although it’s possible for you or your friend to measure, having a professional opinion can help. Most large department and specialty stores have someone on staff who can take care of this – though the experts are wrong sometimes!

o Band size: Band size is measured by wrapping the tape measure around the middle of the chest. If the measurement is an odd number, it will be rounded up to the next even number.

o Cup size: The measurement starts with wrapping tape around the fullest part of the bust. Then, the band size is subtracted which leaves the cup size. For example, if the band measurement was 34 inches and cup was 36, this indicates a B cup.

• Experiment with a variety of styles – Have your friend choose a couple bras from each style so she can decide what fits her best.

• Check the signs of a great bra – If your friend has found the perfect bra, she will:

o Feel comfortable – The perfect bra should feel extremely comfortable so she can wear it for an entire day without feeling discomfort.

o Look great in a t-shirt – While in the dressing room, have her slip on a t-shirt to make sure she likes the silhouette.

o Not have spillover – When wearing the perfect bra, there shouldn’t be spillover on the sides or at the top.

o Not have gaps – The underwire should lie flat against the chest. If it doesn’t, perhaps a larger band size is in order.

o Not have extra fabric – Finally, the bra should fit well without having extra fabric or wrinkly cups. If it does have one of these things, she should consider going one size down.

• Have fun! Most of all, make sure you’re having fun on your shopping trip – purchasing a bra should be a bonding experience; not something that’s stressful!

And there you have it – the ticket to a perfect bra. Keep in mind these tips, or print off this checklist and take it with you next time you and your friend go bra shopping.

More Bra Fit Resources

The Ultimate Bra Fit Checklist

A Bra Fit Guide for New Brides

Bra Fit Q/A

Video: Charla’s Guide to The Ultimate Bra Wardrobe

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About the Author:
Cindy Prosser is an underwear model, a freelance writer and a mom. Not necessarily in that order anymore though 🙂 She believes that good fitting Bras can change the world – well, your world at least 😉 She’s working to spread the “good-fit = happiness gospel” for Bare Necessities.
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I would like to thank Cindy for her article submission!! 🙂 I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

"Skyscaper" by Demi Lovato

I really like this song “Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato. It’s part of her 2011 album ‘Unbroken‘. I think that some of the “not so great” things that Demi Lovato has been through when she was younger have played a major part in the lyrics of the song.

I hope you enjoy the song as much as I do.

Aviva

Interview with Arizona Model Micki Le

Micki Le is a beautiful, 16-year-old model from Arizona. She has been modeling for almost 4 years. Micki is agency represented, and specializes in fashion, commercial print and runway modeling. It was my pleasure to interview her about her career.

AVIVA: How long have you been modeling?
MICKI LE: This will be my fourth year. The first year was like a warm up with small jobs and agency searching. I started to get really serious about it probably two years ago when I was contacted by some agencies in larger markets such as Los Angeles (Hollywood), Scottsdale, and New York City. Since then, I’ve been busting my butt trying to keep up with it all. This year so far has been really hectic, I’m going to castings and doing shoots and shows almost every week. I love them (my specific agencies) so much and am so grateful that they believe in me, even though I’m short of the 5’9″ mark so many agencies are obsessed with.

AVIVA: What inspired you to become a model?
ML: My mom. She inspires me to do everything. It started in sixth or seventh grade, she kept bringing up the idea of modeling to me. I finally took her advice, sent my photos and measurements to some agencies and BAM! Here I am! I think when I was younger, somewhere in the back of my mind I think I always wanted to be a model. When I was really young I remember sneaking into my moms bathroom and sitting on the counter putting on her makeup and walking around in her heels. As I got older, I took pictures all the time always trying to showcase my clothes and makeup.

AVIVA: What would describe your ideal shoot?
ML: My ideal shoot would probably consist of very dramatic makeup and hair, something out of the ordinary to wear, along the lines of something you’d see on vogue. Most importantly though, a beautiful location and a team of awesome dedicated people to make it all happen.

AVIVA: What accomplishment as a model are you most proud of?
ML: I’m really proud of the publications I’ve been able to be in. The magazine opportunities have contributed so much to my success and exposure as a model. But every opportunity I’ve been given has been a privilege and something I’m proud of. I’m currently planning a project for my International Baccalaureate project in High school that will be a huge fashion show to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation. It will be a very big event sponsored by many well know people, organizations and companies. Along with the high fashion models from my agencies, I will be having terminally ill cancer girls, with a dream of modeling, walk in the show so that that may fulfill that one dream. A large amount, if not all the proceeds will go to the charity. If I can perfectly execute this, that will be my greatest and proudest achievement not just as a model but as a person.

AVIVA: What advice do you have for other young girls who would like to become models?
ML: There’s so much someone needs to know about this topic. 1.You need to have the dedication for this. Modeling is so much more than being pretty. Dedication is vital for success as a model. 2.You got to make yourself known. Agencies, designers, and others of the fashion industry aren’t going to find you out of the blue. Send yourself out to agencies and industry people. And 3. Avoid the scams and fakes! I can’t stress this enough. I’ve worked with so many talented and legit people in the industry to know that if ANYONE asks you to pay for something that you don’t feel is completely necessary you need to walk away. If you have what it takes to be a model you’re agency or industry professionals will teach you what you need to know if necessary. A lot of “agencies” make you pay for classes and upon completion will “sign” you. Don’t be fooled. Top agencies around the world don’t force you to take classes, they will automatically sign you, even with no experience at all if you have what they’re looking for. I’ve never paid for anything while modeling except the gas to travel and a portfolio book to keep my images in and my agencies have never asked me for any sort of payment. They get me GREAT jobs for designers and publications and the only money from me that they get is their 10% agency cut. I know so many girls who have been scammed and tricked into spending a lot of money just to be signed to a petty agency that gets them small jobs with little to no pay and I truly feel bad.

AVIVA: In your time as a model, what has been the biggest lesson (about the industry, etc) that you have learned?
ML: This industry is tough, you’ll be told things you don’t want to hear. They will reject and criticize you but that’s how the modeling and fashion world works. I’ve learned that having the pretty face and figure isn’t everything when being a model. You need tough skin, dedication, and discipline. I’ve been told to lose weight even being under 110 pounds, the prettier, taller girls have been chosen over me and I’ve faced a lot of rejection, but I don’t let that get to my head and affect how I am as a model.

AVIVA: Do you have a funny/crazy/weird shoot story that you would like to share?
ML: I did a shoot a while back in an area with walls heavily spray painted and vandalized. Everything was going great so we decided to extend the shooting time to get a couple more shots. The area was pretty bad so police made a few trips around nightly. They pulled up and started telling me that destruction of state property was illegal and that the photographer should not support my “illegal actions” by photographing. I spent over 15 minutes trying to prove my innocence. The empty cans of spray paint near by didn’t help my case.

AVIVA: Do you have any models that you admire and that you feel inspired by, and if yes who?
ML: I have so many but one of the more well known is Devon Aoki. She’s beautiful and for being only 5’5, her success is amazing! You won’t find any shorter girls like her who can be represented by top agencies around the world and be on the cover of publications like Vogue and Numero. She gives shorter models hope in breaking the strict high fashion modeling rules. I also admire Gemma Ward. She has such a unique look like Devon Aoki. Her list of clients is unbelievable like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Miu Miu, and my favorite, Hermes. I especially admire how she was the youngest girl to be featured in Vogue.

AVIVA: Do you have any additional comments?
ML: Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be interviewed. Its been great being able to share my experience and thoughts on modeling. And for all the girls trying to make it in this industry, good luck!
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I would like to thank Micki for her interview and I wish her all the best for many years to come.

NOTE: Images were submitted by Micki Le, and are copyright of the photographers who took them.

Interview with Fashion Model Katlin Sumners

Katlin Sumners is a beautiful and talented runway fashion model with over 3 years of industry experience. Throughout her career, she has worked with hundreds of photographers, designers, make-up artists and stylists. It is not a surprise that she has been published multiple times and I am sure that she will continue to thrive in the fashion world. In her spare time, Katlin enjoys doing yoga, making her a huge asset at photoshoots which call for unique posing, requiring flexibility. In addition, she is great at hair styling and doing her own make-up, so that means that having Katlin at a shoot is like having a whole team of talented individuals.

Above Image credits: Photo by Lotus Josephine, Makeup by Morgan Panter, and Wardrobe by Karen (Art Farm)

AVIVA: How did you get started in modeling?
KATLIN SUMNERS: I began modeling in November 2007 not too long after I turned 18 and was inspired by a friend’s modeling pictures. Although her photos were taken by an amateur photographer and were not all that professional, it was enough to inspire me to get really serious and begin networking and building up a small portfolio, and after that there was no where to go but up.

AVIVA: What excites/inspires you the most about your job?
KS: The people. Its such a wonderful experience to be able to meet and work with so many talented individuals from all over the world and with so many different backgrounds and personalities. I’ve really enjoyed meeting all the people from all over, and many of those I’ve worked with have become friends. Each one of them has such a different story, its really an amazing experience and an honor to be able to meet so many diverse individuals. Where else would I be able to meet such a variety of people except in the modeling field?

Above Image Credits: Photo by Mickle Design Werks, Collar by Sintillations, Dress by Empress Mess Makeup/hair by Nicole Lamedica

AVIVA: What achievement(s) in your career are you most proud of (publications etc)?
KS: Though I am always proud and excited for any publication I receive, I am most proud of my recent work that came out in Giuseppina’s “Pride” issue this July 2011… This is because aside from some featured photos, I also had the chance to write a piece about my life and what it was like growing up with lesbian parents in the 1990s. Its really a special experience to get to share with the world, and supporting awareness and Pride for the gay community which I grew up close to is wonderful.

AVIVA: Have you always wanted to be a model or did you have other career aspirations when you were younger?
KS: I have always wanted to be a model, honestly. When I first began modeling I got really into the spirit and colorful concepts of Alternative modeling, and though I transitioned into fashion modeling where I feel most comfortable, I think you can still see a little bit of that initial influence in my more avant-garde photos now.

Above Image Credits: Photo by Echelon Photography, Makeup by Jasmine Vaughn, Tribal Necklace by One Sweet Peach Jewelry, Hair by Echerrie

AVIVA: If you could meet a famous person, who would it be and why?
KS: Honestly, this will sound cliche, but I can’t really think of a celebrity or famous person that I would want to meet- even in the music industry.

AVIVA: What do you feel has been your greatest challenge that you had to overcome as a model?
KS: My height and age. Though I am tall for a female at 5’8 and 3/4 and only 21 years old, most major fashion agencies start training girls for runway at 12-17 years old, and most major agencies want girls who are 5’9 and over. This means I end up doing a lot of commercial projects, but honestly, I enjoy that so it’s not so bad.

AVIVA: What piece of advice do you have for aspiring models?
KS: Network yourself early and network yourself well- really strive to put your work out there in every single way possible. Always be polite and professional, even when someone else is not doing so- be the bigger person. Knowing basic makeup and hair skills has come in handy more times than I can count, practice your skills as often as possible. Last but not least always, always leave an hour earlier than you need to for a photoshoot. Being early is never a bad thing!

Above Image Credits: Photo by Mickle Design Werks, Styling by Katlin Sumners herself.

AVIVA: What are your top 3 goals (career or personal) for the next 5 years of your life?
KS: I have a silly but fun personal project I’m working on for modeling, which is to shoot with as many farm animals and exotic animals as possible during my career! So far I have shot with several horses, cats, my puppy, a black German shepherd, a goat, a polish chicken, a peacock and a pigeon. To do a model tour of Europe, hopefully for a few months next year after I finish my associates degree. To finish my bachelors degree.

You can view more of Katlin’s work on her Model Mayhem; become a fan on Facebook; read her blog; and follow her on Twitter.

I hope you enjoyed this interview, and please come back for more!
Aviva 🙂

Win a $3,000 Exclusive Shopping Spree/Experience at The Bay

WOW! This is so amazing! The Bay Centre in Victoria is giving away a prize valued at $3000, which would be an unforgettable shopping experience for a few lucky ladies.

I usually don’t enter things like that, let alone take the time to share them on my blog, but this one is too good to pass up, especially if you are in Victoria. I just filled out my entry form, so fingers crossed 🙂 I know I could use a new wardrobe.

Directly from the The Bay Centre News Section, here is what the winners will receive:

“· $1,500 in Bay Centre Gift Cards

· A STYLIST for a day to shop with (style assessment & personal shopping with Stylist Shai Thompson)

· COMPLETE M.A.C ME OVER! from M.A.C Cosmetics in the Bay Downtown

· FACIALS at Eco Chic Aveda Salon & Spa

· DINNER FOR 3 at Earls

· LIMO SERVICE to The Bay Centre

· ONE NIGHT STAY at The Fairmont Empress

· VIP Shopping gift bags

· BONUS: Three 3-month GoodLife Fitness memberships”

You can check out The Bay Centre HERE.

***Note: I am not compensated in any way for sharing this contest here. I want to share it for the sake of sharing, as I’m sure I’m not the only one who needs a new wardrobe, and who may want to enter***.
Good Luck!

Aviva

Johnson Street Festival (August 27) 2011 in Victoria, BC (Part 1)

This past Saturday, I went to the Johnson Street Festival in Victoria. The Johnson Street Festival is a great event because it brings hundreds of people together for one common cause, which is to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In addition to contributing to such a wonderful cause, the event helps promote local business and ensures that everyone has a blast.

I really feel that it unites people in Victoria as they explore all the wonders of Johnson Street.

I arrived there at about 12:00pm and I stayed there until 5:00pm. I feel that the 5 hours I spent shooting both stills and video were definitely well spent. The sun was shining, and the temperature was just perfect for spending a nice day downtown.

I did not dress up for the event because what I cared about the most was being able to take photos and videos. Certain clothing can restrict movement as well as make you sweat, so I wanted to avoid both of the aforementioned as much as possible. Therefore, I just wore short shorts and a tank top, no make-up, and tied my hair back. I felt very comfortable that way and was able to focus on the photos as opposed to worrying about whether or not the make up will run, how my hair looks, or if I sweat.
Here is what I brought with me that day: money for donating to the cause, a notebook to make notes about what to write in this post, Nikon D200 with a 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens, JVC Everio Video Camera , a water bottle, and a change of clothing.

The lighting situation was pretty tough because one side of the street was in the shade while the other was sunny. The light kept changing on me as soon as I thought I got the exposure, shutter speed, and f-stop correctly for the conditions. I also experimented with exposure compensation and ISO. I feel that it was a great learning experience for me, and I did my best. I believe that if I study photography and keep going to events like this, as well as experiment with lighting without fear of messing up the shoot-I will be good. When it comes to learning, one of the best ways to learn is to always try to challenge your own abilities.

I hope you enjoy the photos, and if you were at the event and I got you, then you are welcome to download the photos if you like them and use them for your Facebook, etc. I do ask that you credit AH Life and Style for the photos. 🙂

Above: Skateboarder getting ready to go down the ramp and charm us with his moves.

Above: Just outside of Devlish Damzels Boutique.

Above: Learn to hula with the Devlish Damzels ladies 🙂

Above: Makes me wonder what they are looking at. Well, I will leave that up to your imagination.

Above: Outside of American Apparel. I didn’t realize it was on Johnson Street…(man, I’m out of the loop)

Above: The $5 mystery. You could have won Rifflandia tickets, yoga passes, and other cool prizes.

Above: Super cool crowd of interesting people.

Above: Stylish young lady outside of her boutique.

Above: Absolutely gorgeous!

Above: At first, I thought it was a real person…then I got closer, and realized it was a mannequin. Just outside of SOHO Boutique.

Above: The owner of SOHO Boutique and the mannequin.

Above: Beautiful DJ just outside of Devlish Damzels Boutique

Above: Just outside of LeBlanc Boutique.

Above: The window of Paradise Boutique.

Above: Alex for Rifflandia Festival.

Above: Beautiful Yoga ladies 🙂

Above: Suasion Boutique Window

Above : There were so many people at the event. I tried to get images of people without appearing like a weirdo with a camera, so I was pointing the lens into the crowd as opposed to at certain people.

Above: This was actually the first photo I took that day and it was of a skateboarder in motion.

If you really liked these photos, come back again, as there will be more!! Videos too!!

What’s coming up: more boutique shots, street shots, firemen and police officers in the dunk tank and much more!!

I didn’t post all the photos here because I didn’t want to make you scroll any further than you already did. 🙂

Aviva

STYLEBOP Swimsuits by Melissa Odabash

I was browsing through STYLEBOP again, as I frequently do, since I really like the way the site works and the products that they offer. I wish I could afford some of their more high end stuff..well, that’s OK-I know one day I will (or at least a girl can dream, right?) 🙂

Melissa Odabash knows a thing or two about creating swimwear that makes your body look great by emphasizing curves in all the right places. It is not a surprise that her Zebra-print bikini had become the best selling item in the Victoria’s Secret catalogue a while ago. Another one of her items became the most popular swimsuit in America after it appeared on the cover of US Glamour. Her collections have been featured on several Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues and videos. She has also done a variety of projects with and for celebrities, which I think is very cool! For those of you who might find it interesting, she is a former model, so she adds a multi-faceted fashion industry experience to her designs.

I am very excited that Melissa Odabash’s collection is sold online at STYLEBOP!

Check out some of her suits that I like:

Above: Ecuador Purple Padded Bandeau Bikini
“Stylish bikini in a summery bright purple – in a polyamide-spandex blend – wonderfully resilient and comfortable material – the top is a bandeau bra: lightly padded, decoratively gathered in the center of the chest with a jewelry clasp – panties are slim cut, with comfortable high cut legs – looks absolutely feminine, modern and elegant – shows off a great figure – a hit for lightly tanned skin.”

Above: Mexico Brown Sugar Snake Print Triangle Bikini
“Stylish bikini in printed synthetic stretch – sexy snake print in brown. Facts about the bikini: tight cut with classic, adjustable triangle bra and fine ties – slim slip, with ties to lace – ideal for sunbathing, because so little skin is covered (but, you still look dressed).”

Above: Black Snake Halter Neck Bikini

“Stylish bikini in printed rayon – sexy snake print in black and grey – bikini facts: tight fit with classic, adjustable triangle bra and slim straps – slim slip with side ties to adjust the width – ideal for tanning, you’re barely covered, but still look dressed.”

Above: Sicily Cheetah Padded Triangle Bikini

“Stylish bikini in printed rayon stretch – sexy animal print – bikini facts: tight fit with classic, adjustable triangle bra and slim straps – slimmer slip – perfect for tanning, you’re barely covered, but still look dressed.”

You can also check out what STYLEBOP has on Sale 🙂

**Images are from the STYLEBOP(a) Website**

Enter to Win a $1000 Shopping Spree at Ricky’s NYC

Hey Beauties!!

Ricky’s NYC is an ultra-hip beauty shop featuring unique fashion accessories, cosmetics, and beauty supplies.

Every month between now and December 2011, there will be a $1,000 Shopping Spree winner at Ricky’s.

My only regret is that I didn’t find out about it sooner to tell you!

Go to their WEBSITE and enter to win a $1,000 Shopping Spree. New Winner Every Month at Ricky’s NYC.

Check out this Ricky’s Promo Code:

You can also:
**Save Up to 75% on selected products (a)

PS…Share this with friends! 🙂

My Favorite 10 Inspiring Quotes for the Month of August

Hey everyone!!

Do you recall how starting in July, I told you that I will bring you 10 of my favorite inspiring quotes each month?
Here I am, staying true to my word, just like everyone should. 🙂

Below you will find 10 of my favorite quotes for this month. I will also let you know why I like them and what I think they represent to me. These quotes inspire me, and I am sure they will inspire YOU too.

1.It is better to fall short of a high mark than to reach a low one. – H. C. Payne
WHY? Think about it, if you aspire to just be a middle manager or to be published as a model in a local magazine that no one reads, then you are setting yourself up to be satisfied in a sub par position. Yeah, it’s easier than shooting high, and yes both of the aforementioned could be considered small “victories”.

What you need to do instead (considering the previous sentence as an example) is to aim to either be a CEO or to be published as a model in an internationally-renowned magazine.

That way, if you end up being an upper manager (instead of CEO) or published in a national publication (as opposed to an internationally renowned magazine), you will have succeeded further than if you had just aimed for a low mark to begin with.

2. Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle and a victory.-Mahatma Gandhi
WHY? Those who are willing to get what others don’t should be willing to put up with more struggles and drudgery than those who just want to be comfortable. Understand that if something is easy, then it’s most likely not worth doing and that everyone will be able to do it-which defeats the purpose of your competitive advantage.

3. Every single person I know who is successful at what they do is successful because they love doing it. -Joe Penna
WHY? Success takes time, and if you don’t love what you do, then you won’t stick at it long enough to be successful. I love doing this, and I will stick with it for quite a while.

4. When you know what you want, and you want it badly enough, you’ll find a way to get it.-Jim Rohn
WHY? Because you will try very hard to think of every possible way to get something, provided that it truly is something you want. So, I guess, the first step would be finding out what it is that you want.

5.Spend eighty percent of your time focusing on the opportunities of tomorrow rather than the problems of yesterday. – Brian Tracy
WHY? Because people spend far too much time worrying about what they should have done, or how things should have been, and why things did not turn out the way they had hoped (yes, at times I am guilty of it too). The thing is, you can’t change your past, but what you can do is create your future. How you handle what happened in your past plays a big part in the creation of your future.

6. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. – Lucius Annaeus Seneca
WHY? You must be well prepared to take an opportunity which can make you lucky; or you can also understand that the only thing you can do is prepare to the best of your ability and believe that you will soon find your opportunity.

7. While we stop to think, we often miss our opportunity. – Publilius Syrus
WHY? Because I think that many people spend far too much time planning, analyzing, and thinking about “what if [fill in the blank with perceived problem]”. Too much thinking/planning/worrying/contemplating/etc and not enough doing causes them to miss opportunities.

8.You can’t hit a home run unless you step up to the plate. You can’t catch fish unless you put your line in the water. You can’t reach your goals if you don’t try. – Kathy Seligman
WHY? It’s great to have goals but if you don’t try to do anything and everything within your power to reach them, then you never will.

9. A goal is a dream with a deadline. – Steve Smith
WHY? A pipe dream is something that can come and go. A goal is a dream that is far more solid than that, with a plan and a deadline for reaching it. I have many goals, most of which I have spread into 5 year plans for the next 15 years.

10. Men do not succeed in business or in life, no matter how intelligent they may be, no matter how sharply their aptitudes are defined, no matter how brilliantly they may be educated unless they are oriented toward the proper goals and have the drive or motivating force to succeed. One has to want something mighty hard and keep on wanting things all his life.- Wallace H. Wulfeck
WHY? To succeed, you need to find out what keeps you motivated enough to keep going regardless of what circumstances you are faced with. You should also be motivated for the right reasons. There are so many amazingly intelligent people who are educated in top universities who are broke and generally unhappy with the rest of their lives, and the reason for that is because they have not clearly defined their ultimate life goals making it difficult to find out what motivates them.

So, what quotes inspire you? How do you stay motivated?

Laura Gibson at Reeds Jewelers

REEDS Jewelers is my newest affiliate partner. I am very excited about this partnership, which I hope will be beneficial for both of us.They offer a wide selection of diamonds, gemstones, pearl, gold, sterling silver, titanium and platinum jewelry, as well as charms, collectibles, and gifts.

When I first browsed through the REEDS Jewelers online catalog, I couldn’t help but notice Laura Gibson’s jewelry. I happy to say that I became an instant fan!

“With her mother a sculptor, her father a writer, and her grandmother a painter, it would seem natural for Laura Gibson to pursue a career in the arts. The fact is that Laura began her professional life as a sales and marketing specialist with IBM. A casual visit to the internationally renowned Tucson Gem Show resulted in Laura finding her true passion, designing hand crafted jewelry with rare and exotic gemstones. Working from her design studio in Tucson, Arizona, the demand created for her colorful jewelry soon led to the official launch of Laura Gibson in 1996. Each piece bears her special “LG” signature clasp as a guarantee of authenticity.”-directly from the REEDS Jewelers write up on Laura Gibson

Left: Laura Gibson Multi Gem Earrings

“From Laura Gibson, these 22k yellow gold drop earrings each feature aquamarine, smoky quartz, prehnite, and apatite gemstones in various shapes and sizes. Earrings are 1.18 inches long.”

Left: Laura Gibson Multi Gem Drop Earrings

“From Laura Gibson, these 22k yellow gold drop earrings each feature genuine chalcedony, apatite, rhodolite, idiocite, and tanzanite gemstones in various shapes and sizes. Earrings are 2 inches long.”

Left: Laura Gibson Multi Gem Drop Necklace

“From Laura Gibson, this 22k yellow gold drop necklace features genuine black and pink tourmaline, onyx, rubellite, and pink topaz gemstones in various shapes and sizes on a figaro style chain. Necklace is 17 inches long and the drop is 1 1/4 inch long. Toggle closure.”

Left: Laura Gibson Multi Gem Necklace

“From Laura Gibson, this 22k yellow gold necklace features genuine green and lemon topaz, lemon citrine, chrysoberyl and green apatite gemstones in various shapes and sizes. Necklace is 17 inches long with a toggle closure.”

Left: Laura Gibson Multi Gem Necklace

“From Laura Gibson, this 22k yellow gold necklace features genuine amethyst, prehnite, peridot, tanzanite, rhodolite, chrysoberyl and chrome diopside gemstones in various shapes and sizes. Necklace is 17 inches long with a toggle closure. ”

I will definitely have more Laura Gibson stuff to show you later on, as I continue my partnership with REEDS Jewelers

***PLEASE NOTE: Images as well as the text description of each piece are from the REEDS Jewelers website***