Friday, March 8, 2013

The Simple Life: Balancing Stress and Priorities

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Silva Heckenkamp)




Every now and then we all have those days, or weeks, where everything feels like it's spinning out of control.  There are just too many things to check off the list, too many appointments in one week and of course this is all equaling to a boat load of stress and tension.  So how can we overcome and get pass this stress, this fast-paced uncontrollable lifestyle.  Well, there is one word to live by that will help organize, declutter and slow down this crazy world.  Simplify.

I have learned with life's experiences that it's time to simplify and choose priorities.  I know, I know, everyone talks about this, but do we ever actually take a step towards this process?  We are here to give you a few suggestions, steps that have worked for us!  Take what works for you and personalize it for your own lifestyle.


Simplify, Simplify, Simplify

1. Keep a Schedule.  Day to Day and Month to Month.  This will help you keep track of events, meetings, appointments and day to day tasks.

2. Each day write a small list of your goals.  Keep this list simple and reachable.  If you are able to cross off everything for that day, it will keep you motivated to continue with this the next day and the next day.
Looking for stylish but simple daily trackers/planners, check out this website!


3. Keep a cleaning monthly schedule.  This way you won't forget to wipe the blinds, clean the fans or wash the curtains.  Do one major task each week to spread it out.

4. Declutter and organize your material possessions.  Eliminate what you haven't used or worn in over a year.  It's not worth keeping and someone else may be able to use it.\



5. Keep the social events under control, including playdates, lunch dates with the girls, nights out, happy hours, fundraising events, etc.  Spend more quaality time with close friends and family.  Those are the people who matter the most!

6. Admit when your schedule is full and learn to say no.  You can't do everything and be fabulous at everything, so learn what will fit best into your life and your family's life.

7. Make family life a priority.  Yes, you may have passions outside of family life and that's great, but never let those take over your daily schedule.  Your children, husband and close family/friends come first!

8.  Make your husband feel like a man.  Keep him as your top priority and he will do the same for you!

9. Your children are important, as a parent they are your daily gifts and miracles, so take care of them: emotionally and physically.  Not only by clothing them and giving them the daily necessities but providing emotional and loving support.  You are their everything, you are their world!

Credit: Healing


10. Spend time on yourself.  Whether this means taking a weekly exercise class, fifteen minutes of daily reflection, a walk in the park or a monthly spa date.  Keep a healthy diet, exercise often and drink a lot of water, flush out those toxins.  You need to rejuvenate yourself, often.

Credit: Rejuvenate

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Blogger Crush Link Up

We are spreading the love!  
There is such a long list of bloggers we follow and we would love to share them all with you, 
but here is our list of top 6 fabulous, glamorous and out of this world fun blogs!














It's Calling Your Name...Tiramisu Cheesecake!

A friend of mine who was about to have her second baby requested a tiramisu cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory, so since I love to bake and I had never tried this type of cheesecake before it became a challenge for me.  A challenge to find the best recipe, closer to the scrumptious taste of the actual cheesecake she had in mind, and I didn't want to disappoint.  Well, I actually found a fabulous recipe, tweaked it a bit here and there and voilà...it turned out fantastic if I do say so myself.  I wanted to share the recipe here with all of you, just because your're all loved so much!    







Bon Appétit


Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Work It Out!

Here are a few of our favorite ways to workout, have fun and burn a few calories!
Truth is, it takes work to have a healthy body.

Credit: Well-Girl


Credit: Zumba

Credit: Marie Claire








Monday, March 4, 2013

March Right Up!

We are part of this fabulous giveaway through Going with the Flow!
Check out the fabulous prizes!



Hello ladies and gents. The time has arrived! I am so grateful for these wonderful ladies and their participation in the giveaway. 
I decided in February that since I was a little behind on things and MIA in the blogging world, that I wanted to do something big for March! And here we are. I can't believe this is the first day of March. I feel like this year just started! 
But anyways,
We all came together and are giving away several prizes!
First of which is... drum roll...
You read that right, $200 Target gift card!
 I can't believe it! 
Also, up for grabs,
A gorgeous silver double heart bracelet from 5th Ave boutique, from Kelly @ Sparkles and Shoes ($25 value)
Advocare Herbal Cleanse from Amy @ Living in Fast Forward ($30 value)
I've heard GREAT things about this cleanse. One of my FAVE bloggers, Mama Laughlin, has done one recently! 
$5.00 Starbucks gift card from Fotini @ Glamorous Bride
Set of Luxe Knotted Hair Ties from Leah @ Lovely Life of Leah
Kelsey @ Keeping up with Kelsey is giving away a Scentsy bar from her stash!
 Heather @ Spunky Real Deals is giving the winner a $10 Lush gift card. 
There is also some ad space up for grabs!
;Large Ad Space (220x220) for 60 days on Beauty Flawed
;30 day (200x200) ad space from Glamorous Affordable Life
;6 months of "Flippin' Fabulous" Ad Space (value: $60) on Danielle Marie and Katrina on Provocative Manners
;Small Ad Space ($12) on Wifessionals
>Emily @ My Uncharted Territory  is also giving away a Sponsored Post
That is a load of stuff, you guys! Now meet these lovely ladies!
Make sure you check out these blogs, and enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win ALL of these goodies! Winner will be varified.
GOOD LUCK! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, March 2, 2013

A New Take on Provocative Manners!

Katrina and I are so thrilled to launch our new logo for Provocative Manners!  We have transferred most of our social media sites to this logo and finally want to share it with our amazing readers!  
Enjoy!




Thank you to the wonderful Jill who designed this, you truly captured our personalities!

Friday, March 1, 2013

If I Could Style You For a Day....


If I could pick Ooh la la's clothes for a day.... 
she would wear....
To Work
To the Grocery shore! She loves Paris!

This is what she normal wears, and looks fabulous!
What I would want her to wear for bunch!

She could wear this to the Oscars!

She loves a good pedicure and these shoes would be fun!

For her Sassy date with her husband!

To wear after the date....tehetehe!

To wear to the church....just kidding, maybe shopping in Roma!



If I could pick VaVa Voom's clothes for a day...
she would wear...



To wear for work


Girls night out


Date Night!



Wear to a book signing, these shoes are just that fabulous!


Wear to a wedding, perfect dress for a guest



Perfect for a night at the Oscars! 


To wear everyday!  Lots and lots of color.

A trip to an art gallery

This fabulous hat for the beach

Of course something fabulous, yet provocative for Paris Fashion Week!





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