Happy Halloween!

Vintage Halloween/Google

Haunted houses, Halloween Parties, and of course scary movies were all on the agenda this past weekend!

HappyHour Readers: How did you spend your Halloween weekend?

Fleeting Gypsy

She wanted to place blame, but she was the product of her own actions. She had made the decisions that led her away from everything she could have ever wanted. Her life was that of a fleeting gypsy, and unorganized suitcase, a splatter of her victims blood upon dirty clothing. Silently, she watched him sleep. He remained peaceful; his mind no longer fostering the "What's next" he had continually asked her since leaving the motel. A part of her, she hated to admit, wished he didn't love her; wished he hadn't searched for her. Their hearts, however, remained as one despite the miles that had seemingly threatened their love. 

Angrily, she pulled the blood splattered clothing from her suitcase and fetched the lighter that grazed the bottom of her pocket. She had to get rid of the clothing, she thought as she tiptoed to the door. Although the sun peeked above the building, she knew most of the motel was still asleep, dreaming. I still have time, she whispered to herself as she zipped her leather jacket and tightened her scarf. 

Abruptly, he awoke. 

As his tired eyes scanned the deteriorated wallpaper that hung lifelessly from the walls, he tried to remember where he was. Like a movie, the events of his evening flickered wildly throughout his imagination. Her embrace, her full breasts, the gun, the dead body, the journey to...he couldn't remember. He, no they, were on the run. He had found Anna.

Who was she now? He wondered silently as he stumbled into the fluorescent lit bathroom. Why hadn't she told him what they were running from? Who was the man she killed? When did she learn how to shot? To kill? The questions left him dizzy; his temples throbbing. Upon relieving himself, he made his way back into the bedroom. Her suitcase laid open revealing more weapons and a passport. Curiously he began rummaging through her belongings. But as he opened the passport, Anna barged through the door.

"What the hell are you doing in my stuff Damien?" she nearly screamed as she ripped the document from his hands. "I-I'm sorry. I was just curious." he replied bashfully. "Let's get one thing straight Damien", she started as she grabbed his face, "DO NOT go through my stuff. Understand?" she demanded. "Anna, what the hell is going on? I am tired of following your ass throughout the fucking desert!" "No one asked you to find me Damien. Why couldn't you just let things be?" she bellowed as she kicked the suitcase aside. "I WAS FINE ALONE! Then you fucking came along, and now I don't know what the fuck to do."

Instead of fighting back, he sat in silence. Words would only make the situation worse. "Well Damien? Aren't you going to say anything? He nodded his head. "No? She huffed. "You aren't going to say a damn word?" Again he nodded and walked towards the bed stand retrieving a cigarette and a lighter; slamming the door behind him.

Pinterest

Country Boy's World

It might have been his deep, sexy, southern drawl.

Or his undeniable charm.

Whatever it was, I knew the moment he called me "Sweetheart",

I had fallen head over heels for a country boy.  

If there is one song that reminds me of Chris, it is "Country Boy's World" by Mr. Jason Aldean. 

XoXoXoXo

Lessonsfromcoutry.tumblr.com

DIY: How to Wear COLOR!

Want to add a bit of color to your make-up routine? Follow these simple tips from People Style Watch Magazine and expert make-up artist Mai Quynh:

Mai's Tips: 

1. Go for deep hues!

For cooler months, use rich, jewel-toned shades. 

(Think amethyst or emerald for eyes)  && (Ruby for lips)

Try it: Red Lips

If you have medium-dark skin: try deep burgundies, think of red wine.

If you have fair skin: try a shade of cranberry

*Need your shade to stay put? Dust a bit of face powder to help lipstick last*

Try it: Plum Smokey Eyes

To achieve this pretty look: Layer dark gray or brown over plum shadow, then blend outward to create a sultry look. Make sure to line those beauties with a dark, thick liner!

.OwWw Kitty.

*Remember to play up ONE feature. You do not need extra colorful eyes and lips! And always remember to soften your look up a bit. Blend shadows and blot lips.*

Pics: Pinterest Makeup Board

Another fun tip is to try BLUE eyeliner! Try either a cobalt blue or a navy blue. Line upper lashes and apply two coats of mascara.

Mirror Reflection

"Power and beauty come from a very deep place. You can look at a supermodel and yes she is beautiful, but then you meet a woman who just has something special about her, who becomes more attractive as you get to know her. The older a woman gets, the more she can tap into that--It's about owning who you are."- Brooke Burke

Old fashion magazines and dried tubes of mascara cover her floor. Her pink mirror stands slightly at an angle to make her appear thinner; more ideal. She sighs as she stares at the girl in the mirror. She begins to wonder when her straight, narrow, body began to form womanly curves. She flips carelessly through her Cosmopolitan. The women before her are anomalies, she concludes. How can one be so...so perfect. Again she stares at her reflection begrudgingly as she applies the last coat of mascara. "When will I be beautiful like them? she whispers as if the girl before her will answer. 

It wasn't until 25, I started to appreciate the girl I saw before the mirror, and I know that I am not the only one. Many women I know and do not know, experience the same feelings and the same insecurities. Since a very young age we are taught that we must be a picture of perfection as we are continually subjected to culturally unattainable ideals. Unfortunately, we are all not as genetically blessed as Heidi Klum! But, we should never let this hinder our confidence!

Beauty, has and always will be, in the eye of the beholder. It is in our hearts and our soul that true beauty can be revealed. The clothes, the makeup, the plastic surgery merely accent the woman; these entities do not DEFINE the woman. My intention of writing this post is to commemorate women of all ages, shapes, and sizes and the beauty within. My goal, although hefty, is to grow with my readers and create that inner confidence that exudes true, breathtaking beauty. So please, put down that foundation, and take a look at the person that lies underneath the makeup. 

And remember:

Pinterest

A Thing Called Love: Keep Walking

Tumblr

"If he doesn't chase you after you walk away...keep walking."

As women it is VERY hard to do this. 

We walk away hoping that he will chase us, fall to his knees, and proclaim undying love and affection. More often than not, this is not the case. 

A few years ago I made a decision to break up with the man I thought I had a future with. Although he was pushing me away I refused to believe it. I continued being the loyal, (naive) girlfriend who adored the ground he walked on. But as phone calls became that of the distant past and "I Love You's" were no longer spoken, I knew I had to end the relationship.

As I dialed the number I had memorized within days of meeting him, I took a breath, and held back the tears. The conversation? It remains a blur that I have seemingly chosen to forget.  It marked an end; an end that I had hoped wouldn't be so resolute.

Sadly, he never did chase me or ask me to go on one more date. 

I'd like to tell you that I was that strong woman that refused to fall victim to the random texts, the late night phone calls at 12:30 am. But I wasn't that woman. A text gave me hope; hope that he would want me back. 

I should have just walked away instead of being the pawn in his tortuous game. 

Ladies, I repeat: 

If he want's you in his life...he will make it happen. You are strong! You are beautiful! And there is a man out there who is HAPPY THAT EX LET YOU WALK AWAY! 

Never lose sight. Love is out there...

The First

"The first to help you up, are the ones who knows how it feels to fall down."

Unknown

{Pinterest}

We all need a little help getting up after we fall...

World Pasta Day!

Thanks to Facebook and Ecco Domani, I was informed that today is World Pasta Day! In honor of this special day I am writing a post with this delicious recipe:

Lemon Pepper Spaghetti with Shrimp Alfredo Florentine

Pic: dineanddish.net

HOW GOOD DOES THIS LOOK AND SOUND?

What you need:

2 cups heavy whipping cream

6 tablespoons sweet cream butter

shrimp (I will leave the amount up to you, I love the shrimp, but others not so much)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh spinach, julienned* (cut into thin strips)

1 1/2 cups of fresh mushrooms sliced

1 teaspoon garlic minced

3/4 cups shredded Parmesan cheese

1 12 ounce package of lemon pepper pasta* 

*OR if you can't find lemon pepper pasta you can get 1 package of regular and squeeze fresh lemon over cooked pasta and season with salt and pepper.

What you need to do:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.

2. In a large skillet, heat cream and butter. Add mushrooms, garlic, salt and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. 

3. Add shrimp to skillet and blend in Parmesan cheese. 

4. Continue to cook sauce to medium-thin consistency. Blend in hot al dente pasta and spinach and serve.

*If you would like to drink a glass of wine with this dish, a glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay is a great pairing.

Thank you to Ecco Domani for this tasty recipe.

For more recipes and wine pairings take a look: Here

Pinterest Addict

I have a confession: I am a Pinterest Addict. 

For those of you who do not know what Pinterest is, it is a Virtual Pin Board where you can literally "pin" anything and everything you would like for the world wide web. Whether you are planning a wedding, building a home, planning a party, or need a recipe, Pinterest keeps you organized.

My Pinterest Boards

How? 

You can create boards where you can easily categorize photos. Some examples of boards I have are: Inspiration, Quotes, My Style, Open Canvas (for tattoo ideas), Yum (for recipes) etc. 

Pinterest can get highly addicting but if you are interested in trying it out:

1. Request an invite at Pinterest

2. Once Pinterest accepts, you can start creating your boards! 

&& Remember you can always follow me: My Pinterest Boards

Tricks of the Trade: For the Love of Wine

{theimprovisedlife.com}

If you are anything like me, I'm sure you would agree that white wine is better served chilled. 

What better way to cool down that white with a bit of frozen grapes?!

You can use green grapes for white wine and red grapes for red or vice versa! 

*This brilliant idea I retrieved from The Improvised Life

HappyHour Readers: Will you be having a glass of wine tonight?

Real Advice for Real Girls #2

My Pinterest Board: Quotes

Much of my life, I have believed this to be true. In fact, I find myself daydreaming of endless possibilities while I "work". I envision my beach front home, a wrap around porch, a big dog at my feet, and my laptop. I would love to be a writer; the kind of writer that rolls out of bed, brews a cup of coffee, and hops onto the computer. Sure, if the book deal ever became a reality, I would welcome the book signings, the nights away from home, and little to no sleep. But...the process is what I desire; the process is what fuels my inspiration.

I guess if I do what I love, I will never have to work a day in my life.

HappyHour Readers: Do you love your job? Or is it a means in which you pay the bills?

*Want to know where I get my pics? Follow this link: Quotes

Fit Friday: Detox Smoothies

I decided recently that I am going to start changing the way I eat and view food. The first step? Rich, protein packed, healthy, nutritious smoothies in the A.M to start my day: 

2nd Step: Detox...

Want a flat tummy?  Whip up these delish smoothies when you wake up! 

They are rich in digestion supporting ingredients which will prevent bloating and digestive stress. 

What you need: 

Blender

3/4 cup papaya

3/4 cup sliced peaches

1/2 pear sliced

1 tsp. fresh ginger

2 mint leaves

water to thin

{HappyHour Tip: Want a little protein? Add some Greek Yogurt!}

Mix all ingredients together in blender. Enjoy!

{Photo retrieved: Livewithnature.com}

DIY Beauty: Trick or Treat Manicure

thebeautydepartment.com

How cute and festive are these Halloween nails?

And believe it or not they are super simple! 

What you need:

1 bottle Orange Nail Polish

1 Bottle White Nail Polish

1 Bottle Yellow Nail Polish

Tape

Scissors

Clear top coat

{HappyHour Tip: Walgreen's carries a brand of nail polish called "Sinful Colors" that is cheap, fun, and comes in a variety of colors, especially around the holidays. It is only 1.99 a bottle!}

What you need to do: 

Apply two coats of orange nail polish on nails. 

According to Lauren Conrad from the Beauty department, you want to make sure that the orange is completely dry. In fact, you may want to rock the orange nails for a day to make sure. 

THEN, 

 1. Cut tape into strips that are 1/3 the length of your nails.

2. Place a strip horizontally on the center of each nail.

3. Apply 2 coats of white to the bottom portion of the exposed nail.

4. Apply two coats of yellow to the top portion of the exposed nail. 

5. Wait 5 minutes before carefully removing the tape from each nail and VOILA! A candy Coated Manicure!

Enjoy!

This fun idea was adapted from: thebeautydepartment.com!

Happy Hour Mixology: Berry Scary Martini

I love Halloween and couldn't pass on the opportunity to post some Halloween Cocktail recipes!

I loved the simplicity of the {Berry Scary Martini} so here it is! 

What you need:

1 cup ice

1.5 ounces of vodka

Black food coloring

2 ounces cherry juice

A handful of fresh raspberries and blueberries.

What you need to do:

Combine ice, vodka, and cherry juice in a cocktail shaker and SHAKE BABY SHAKE!

Then...

Pour into a martini glass and add a few drops of black food coloring to add a dark, Halloween, flair...

If you would like to add a {garnish}: Thread raspberries and blueberries onto a cocktail skewer and place in the drink. ENJOY!

Berry Scary Martini Is Drink on the Right!

Drink pic and recipe: Martha Stewart.com

Just one of those days...

Today, I admit, is truly just "one of those days". You know the kind of day where bed is seriously the only other option? What about work? Work? HA. Work is a mythological entity designed for the motivated; something I have no desire to be. Honestly, I want to be the lazy lump of exhausted that I am. I want blankets, comforters, big sweatshirts, hot coffee, hot food, and a good movie. I want sleep. Pure, uninterrupted, sleep. Possibly a nap that will change my perspective on life. 

Today, is "one of those days" I find it impossible to be in my work clothes, stilettos and remain "professional". I want to slouch in my chair, hide behind my desk, and tell people what I truly feel as they call. No, today is not a "great day to dance," "today-is-let-me-go-home-for-the-love-of-god-day." "Please do not call me again, and yes, the AD on Craiglist? IT SAYS EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED TO DO. WHEN IT SAYS NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED, MUST YOU ASK: 'SO, UMMM WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE DO YOU NEED." Of course at this juncture, I have to resist the urge to hang up. Although I would like to.

Today is one of those days, where I just want my bed.... Is it 8 o'clock yet? Sigh.

pinterest

How to: Add a Bit of Sexy to a Basic

Sometimes our go-to basics need a little spice; a little flair; a little bit of sexy. 

The best part? You don't actually have to sew!

First,

Grab your favorite basic V-neck tee (the color doesn't really matter because you can experiment)

&& If you are feeling really adventurous, grab that favorite black pencil skirt you wear to work.

Next, 

Grab a friend and hit up your local Michaels or Walmart.

What's on your list? 

Fabric Glue && 2 Spools of lace (1 with a scalloped edge and 1 with a straight edge)

To Sex Up that basic tee:

Cut enough straight-edge lace to trim the entire neck line and then use fabric glue to attach it to the inside of the collar. You want about an inch or so of the lace to peek out.

To Sex Up that Skirt: 

Cut enough of the scalloped lace to line the bottom of the skirt. Apply fabric glue to the straight edge of the lace, and press along the inside of the hem. Again you want about an 1 to 1 1/2 inches of lace to show.

Easy Right?

{google}

Real Advice for Real Girls #1

{Pinterest}

Because sometimes lemonade just doesn't cut it.

Are you scared?

Pic Found Here

 HappyHour Readers: Do your dreams scare you? Are you fearful of failure, or not making it to the top? 

Confession: I am scared everyday. Each day I do not hear from my editor, I buckle in defeat. But that see-saw of emotion is what keeps me motivated. It allows me to tap into my creativity and WRITE MORE. 

baby.steps.baby.

Mermaid or a Whale?

"A while back, at the entrance of a gym, there was a picture of a very thin and beautiful woman. The caption was “This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?” The story goes, a woman (of clothing size unknown) answered the following way: 

“Dear people, whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, seals, curious humans), they are sexually active and raise their children with great tenderness. They entertain like crazy with dolphins and eat lots of prawns. They swim all day and travel to fantastic places like Patagonia, the Barents Sea or the coral reefs of Polynesia. They sing incredibly well and sometimes even are on cds. They are impressive and dearly loved animals, which everyone defend and admires. Mermaids do not exist. But if they existed, they would line up to see a psychologist because of a problem of split personality: woman or fish? They would have no sex life and could not bear children. Yes, they would be lovely, but lonely and sad. And, who wants a girl that smells like fish by his side? Without a doubt, I’d rather be a whale."

{Source: Here}

I came across this story and smiled. I too, would like to be the whale. 

Moral of the story? Thou shall not service the ideal. Be your own beautiful.

weheartit.com

 

Universals Truths & Other Things I Believe

So, I am finally snapping out of that perma-exhaustion state of mind {and body} and starting to get back to my sassy-sparky self. With that being said here are a few things I {believe}....

I believe...

Cake should go directly to my boobs:

Thanks to genetics and God's good will, I already have enough junk in my trunk to make the world go round. My prayers for bigger boobs however, are still in God's "To Do" basket. Yes, Jesus, I am still waiting and because I'm sad, I want cake. So please...make the cake calories boob injecting calories. 

I believe...

I should embrace messy hair:

Or hair with white specs of paint. Because as of late, my hair is something that has a mind of its own. I guess I have to accept it and embrace that white could be a hot new hair style. 

I believe that...

Off days, Sick days, or Mental Health days should be obtained in Succession

I need all three. End of story do not ask me any more questions. 

Is everything ok? Yes of course.

I just need a day to live in my sweatpants and get delightfully drunk before 5pm. 

The second and third day? 

Recover from the wine flu, sleep, and prepare myself to go back to work.

 I believe....

There should be credit cards with no limits (for broke girls like me)

Ignore that credit score and just let me furnish my new home? Please? 

I believe...

There is not enough time in the day. Ever.

Ever find yourself laying in bed cursing at yourself because you forgot nearly everything on your 'to do' list?

Story of my life. Every day.

I believe...

I am done for now. But I am sure I will be posting more! 

Cupcake on a cupcake...double the cals...double the boob size?

Pinterest.

Lauren Conrad

She started out as an MTV socialite on the hit reality TV Show "The Hills", but now she is an author, a designer, a fashionista, and a blogger. I have to admit that Lauren Conrad is merely UNSTOPPABLE and she's Gorgeous to top it off.

I came across two of her website's today and I would love to share: 

The first is:

laurenconrad.com

A blog dedicated to all things girl-y. Such as what to wear, how to primp, how to decorate, how to cook, and how to throw the perfect party.

Click on the link above to browse her site.

The 2nd one:

thebeautydepartment.com

A website dedicated to all things that make you beautiful! This site includes tutorials on how to apply makeup, or achieve the perfect hair style.

Fit Friday: The Skinny on Diet Pills

I did what I vowed never to do: I purchased and started taking SlimQuick Razor Diet Pills and I regret it wholeheartedly. 

Sure, they promise that you will incinerate 25 lbs of fat in a few weeks.

But the dosage of two pills a day was enough for me to discontinue and bow my head down in defeat.

WHY? Why would I take them?

I started using them as a quick fix, something to accelerate my weight loss to fit in a very revealing Cha Cha dress for a ballroom dancing showcase. Sure, they decreased my appetite gave me energy and made me think I was just burning massive amounts of calories.

The reality?

Severe abdominal pain and swelling...

Severe headaches morning, day, and night

Loss of energy when I was not on the pill

Achy joints and muscles

Mood swings

Jittery heart and shaking, trembling hands

Feelings of being lightheaded.

&& FINALLY

nausea 

Sounds healthy right? NO. And I encourage those of you looking for a quick fix to reconsider. Your health is far more important than trying to be that extra skinny version of yourself. PLEASE, I REPEAT DO NOT TAKE DIET PILLS! Do it the old fashion way, diet, exercise, and drink plenty of water.

{Pinterest/Inspiration}

Lovely Advice

 I came across this advice today and fell in love.

 Change your perspective.

Health: Drink plenty of water. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants. Live with the 3 E’s - Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy Play more games. Read more books than you did in 2010. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Sleep for 7 hours. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile. 

Personality: Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. Don’t have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment. Don’t over do. Keep your limits. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip. Dream more while you are awake. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. Forget issues of the past. Don’t remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don’t hate others. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present. No one is in charge of your happiness except you. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime. Smile and laugh more. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. 

Society: Call your family often. Each day give something good to others. Forgive everyone for everything. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6. Try to make at least three people smile each day. What other people think of you is none of your business. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch. Life: Do the right thing! Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. The best is yet to come. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy. 

 Found HERE

found here

DIY Pumpkin Sugar Scrub

Maybe I am seriously craving a spa day...

Yesterday's post was about soaking that worn, tired, self in the bath and today I am writing about Sugar Scrubs. 

Do you think I need a little R & R?

Perhaps. 

But here is the recipe:

P.S I bet it smells fantastic...

1/2 cup pureed pumpkin

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

MIX together & Enjoy.

Recipe and photo retrieved: HERE

DIY: Common Cold Bath Remedy

The cold and flu season is among us. Yes, the runny nose, headaches, and achy joints. Want to get rid of it fast? Try this Do-It-Yourself Bath remedy to remove all those evil toxins from your bod. 

First, run a hot bath. 

{This will open your pores and prepare your body for cleansing.}

What you need:

3 pints of Hydrogen Peroxide (You can find it any local drug store. Try CVS, Walgreen's, or RiteAid) 

Why? It oxygenates the the body and helps rid your body of toxins. It also acts as a antibacterial and antiviral agent. 

Add 2 ounces of Ground Ginger:

Why? Ginger acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and increase blood circulation.

Soak for 30 minutes

*After getting out of the tub, make sure you drink plenty of water to replenish what has been pulled out of your system.*

I found this lovely, DIY, home remedy at : Beautybets.com

Follow the link above for more Beauty info.

Would love that tub! (pinterest)

Beauty Within

There is an inner beauty about a woman who believes in herself, who knows she is capable of anything she puts her mind to. 

There is a beauty in the strength and determination of a woman who follows her own path, who isn't thrown off by obstacles along the way. 

There is beauty about a woman where confidence comes from experiences, who knows she can fall, pick herself back up and move on.

Photo: HERE

Stress Detox

Something I definitely need to do is de-stress. In the past few days I have been on the go, go, go. Naturally, remodeling a home has its ups and downs but I must not forget how to R E L A X. 

Thanks to eyeslipface.com, here are some simple tips that will leave you blissfully at ease.  

1. Light Natural Aromatherapy Candles around your home.

2. Listen to calming music at night before you go to bed, or while you take your evening shower/bath.

3. Have a massage at least once a month. Trust me. It will feel amazing and will relieve that tension that you have bottled up within.

4. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day or take a 20 minute walk after dinner. 

5. Take natural vitamins daily. 

6. Smile.

Retrieved: Pinterest Board Beauty-ful

Amateur

Police arrived at the scene a little after midnight upon receiving a phone call from the owner of the motel. The deceased, a man about 45 years of age, 5'8, 185 lbs; a bullet wound through the chest. "Well Sergeant, who ever shot him had one hell of an aim," Detective Maston grunted as he swung open the door; a bullet hole clearly splintering the poorly constructed wood. "This isn't the work of an amateur Sir."

As he continued searching the scene, he came to the conclusion that whoever shot the man, was not a stranger to being on the run. The bed stripped, the shower wiped clean. The room in fact was impeccable; as if no one had ever reserved the room in the first place. Dumbfounded he ran his fingertips across the dresser searching for a spec of evidence. For a moment he sat scanning the room. Suddenly, he thought of the body.

"Sergent, let's get this body down to forensics for an autopsy." he muttered as he moved out of the hotel room into his cruiser, effortlessly switching it into gear. As he drove down the road he glanced at his watch. 12:45. Last call awaited him, perhaps a young twenty-something with no real desire to fall in love. 

Detective Matson was a man in his early thirties, a son of a retired cop. He was arrogant, cocky, and one hell of a detective. He spent the majority of his time at a local tavern sipping Johnny Walker Red Label pursuing the advances of attractive business women; women, who in fact, were far more successful than he would ever be. Although he wouldn't admit it to the guys at the station, he was growing weary of the drunken evenings, and the countless women who grazed their tender lips across his neck. But, he had nothing left. His wife had left him for a man with a doctorate from Harvard. "A family man", she had told him. "The kind of man I want raising my children." Despite his better efforts, she had left the next day, suitcase in hand, her wedding ring on his nightstand.

As he drove down the main street, he thought of that particular evening and the bottle of scotch that soon ensued upon throwing her ring out of the window on the interstate. He didn't understand, nor would he ever understand.

How to: Deal With That Messy Closet

Want to make looking for something to wear a WHOLE lot easier? Follow these simple tips:

1. Color Coordinate:

Yes, it may be tedious but it gives you a reasonable perspective of what you actually own! AND...it narrows down the space and time it would take trying to find a particular top! 

2. Use {accessories} as Art:

Those beautiful handbags you worked 3 jobs for? Put them on display! You can also fill them with newspaper so they keep their shape.

If your necklaces are in a heap: put hooks into your wall and display your lovely jewels. Again this will eliminate the time it takes to find that item. 

&& Get creative with hats, scarves, etc. Your clothes are an expression of your style and personality. Display them as such. 

3. Put jeans with jeans, Dresses with dresses... 

...and so on. By categorizing these items, you again, gain perspective of what you own and it makes it easier to find. 

{Pinterest for Iphone}