The Perfect Work Space

I have been without a desk for about 8 months...so studying or doing anything online meant the couch, coffee table, the bed, or even the kitchen counter...I kid you not! I decided with the New Year, I needed a new work space!  Nothing over-the-top fancy, just a place that is inviting, pretty, contains gold, holds my laptop, and a few other essentials!  I have always wanted a space that exudes who I am and my personality, goals, dreams, and my life.  So I created it. I had almost everything I needed, minus the desk, and in one day...it was all put together!

Here are my list of must-haves!

1. Pens, pencils, sharpies of all colors and highlighters are a must...and make sure you store them in a pretty holder too!

2. A good candle...this new Bella by Illume in Island Moonlight is a soy candle, super affordable and smells delicious.  Target, of course.

3. A coaster...whether it's for a coffee or something a little stronger, we do not wants rings on that new desk. Glam Gals KC had these cute cork coasters in their grab bags at their last event...score!

4. Scratch paper...now I don't mean an ugly pad laying around...something colorful or to your taste is what I like to see.  Better yet, make it personalized.

5. A mechanical pencil...lucky for me I just received one as a gift, inside joke...but it lays neatly on a book of postcards (also a gift) just in case I make a mistake, I can erase it.  Let's be real, it was the perfect gift so of course I want it where I can see it at all times.

6. Personalized prints...for the wall behind the desk.  My two favorites are hung eye level so I can see them while pondering what to write and to remind me of two things. One - Adventure Awaits, and I can't wait to see where it takes me. Two - a Gold Foil Print of the State of Kansas made by Jennifer at The Farm House in Excelsior Springs, MO.  Kansas will always be home no matter where I end up. Postcards by Hammerpress, a local KC company and a canvas print of a beach photo I took while in Gulf Shores...someday I will live at the beach. #goals

7. Stationary or Note cards...mine of course are adorned with anchors.  I love to send people hand written notes, it's so personal and let's be real, with technology these days, it's beginning to become a thing of the past.  I keep a small notepad to jot ideas down in and it's perfectly fine sitting out because let's be real, it's gold and black and perfect.  Oh ya, don't forget the laptop for everything else... :) This desk also has a neat little hideaway for the laptop/phone cord and came with the adapter which contains a USB as well. Ya, you guessed it, Target.

It's all about arrangement for me too. Everything has to have a place and it has to be organized.  Use your style to create a space that you love! I know my style isn't for everyone, but it can give you an idea to get started! Before I forget, that chair...made in Italy...at first I wanted to paint it, but I left the original dark green color, it works! 

Xoxo,
Shona

Fox 4 Appearance with Jana Meister

When I had to opportunity to be on the Fox 4 Morning Show with Jana Meister for Spring Trends recently, I took it!  She is awesome to work with and plus I knew I would get to wear some fabulous clothes!  And, hair and makeup...sign me up!  We arrived early one morning about 7:30 to get started. We were taken to the infamous "green room", and yes they do exist. I was familiar with this room from my previous appearance wearing Nani Nalu Swimwear.  Fox 4 is just like what you would picture...busy, busy, busy...people everywhere getting ready for segments all throughout the day.  We were scheduled in the 9 o'clock hour so that gave us plenty of time to get primped.

My outfit was perfection...dark ripped skinny jeans, pointy flats, a soft shear cream-colored blouse, an amazing navy blue bomber jacket and a cute Guess handbag.  The outfit was from The Buckle, and although I never shop there for some reason, it was spot on. I actually went and ordered the jeans as soon as I left the show.  Hey, when a girl finds a pair of jeans that fit perfect, she buys them! This outfit is great for transitioning into the Springtime when you still need a light-weight jacket for those chilly mornings.

I love working with Jana!  And another great surprise is that Dani Jo and Roxana, who I had the pleasure of meeting on my birthday at the Glam Gals KC event, was there to make us all beautiful. They are great to work with and even though I was super concerned about my "eyebrows", Dani Jo is a professional...why did I even question that?  My hair was fixed in a way I would never do, but it turned out super cute, Roxana did an awesome job.  They will definitely be my go-to girls if I ever need to look and feel glam!

Here is the link!!
http://fox4kc.com/2015/12/18/2016-spring-fashion-trends/

Hair by Roxana, IG @roxstarstyle
Makeup by Dani Jo, IG @danijobellmakeup
Jana Meister, Spring Trends Stylist, @jana_meister

Xoxo,
Shona

Don't Give Up The Ship

Many, many times I have felt like just giving up...not with life, but rather my dreams, goals, school, and the new career path that I chose earlier in 2015.  It would just be easier to go back to the job I had for 10 years, making decent money, working four days per week, and being "comfortable".  Starting over with a new career at my young age of 35...34 when I made that scary decision...was not going to be easy.  I hadn't actually had to study in years, I was used to being an "A" student always, and just had a routine.  Work, work-out, travel some, family time...it was just starting to get too repetitive for me. With the life changes in 2015, if you don't know already, go back a few blog posts and read "Goodbye #2015, Hello #2016" and that will fill you in, I was starting over.  By starting over, I mean completely.  Did I like it? Hell no. Was it scary? Hell yes.  Was it the best thing that could have happened to me? Double hell yes.

I was encouraged by many people during the change in my life. Friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers.  My Beachbody family was amazing and I have made some amazing new friends just by coaching!  My friends wanted me to be happy, to keep pushing.  Be you, take time for yourself, stay busy, don't sit at home, do what makes you feel good about yourself and don't give up.  Many times I heard, you have too much going for you to quit now.  You were being held back, and for whatever reason why, they were right.

Many, many opportunities have come to me in the last 8 months.  I was fortunate enough to be on television twice. Once for a Nani Nalu Swimwear segment and the second time just recently for Spring Trends with Jana Meister, both segments on Fox 4 Morning Show and both so much fun! I also did a Fashion Show last June with Jana for Summit Fair.  These events were amazing and led me to meet even more people and open doors for more opportunities. I attended my first Go Blog Social Event to learn more about blogging, and I was a nervous wreck! I had never attended any event like that, was going alone, and didn't know what to expect. I met the most friendly and amazing people there and I can't wait to see them all again!  Definitely out of my comfort zone, but I sucked it up and loved every minute of it!  I attended two KC Fashion Week Shows, Spring and Fall.  The designers were amazing and it is now a must attend event for me yearly! You may even see me on the media side of it :)

I traveled, ran my first half marathon (well, only 9 miles of it) but I just signed up for my second one in June in Colorado and this time, all 13 miles will be mine!  I had the best summer with friends, family, and prepared myself for Nursing school! I was crazy scared to get started but I did it! First semester under my belt!

The point of this blog is that no matter what life throws your way, dig deeper, work harder, play harder, get out and be happy with yourself and have fun! Did I cry alot? You bet your ass I did...Did I feel down and unhappy? Yes, yes, yes! But, I picked myself up, finally...with help from those who love me, and pushed through the hard times!  Therapy wasn't for me, but I found ways to cope, to succeed, to keep going! And I did...and I am here to say HELLO 2016! I can't wait to show you what I've got! Adventure awaits....Remember, don't give up the ship!

Xoxo,
Shona

One of my Favorite Sweatshirts,

 My Favorite Quote. 

New Years Day Outfit Deets!

Simple but perfect! I spent New Years Day...morning...having brunch at one of my local fav's, Succotash.  The people, the food, the fresh pressed juices, and that day the company was just what I needed to start the New Year off right.  This outfit though...ahhhh!  So I maybe picked out the hat for myself and it may have been given to me by my Dad for Christmas, but hey it works! However, the long sleeveless, hooded sweater he did all himself and it is perfect! Purchased from Audacious Boutique, this cute store never disappoints. One of my favorite looks for this season!

Hat by Kohls. Sweater by Audacious Boutique. Black T-shirt by VS Pink. Sunglasses by Ray-Ban. Skinny Jeans by Hudson @ VonMaur. Fringe booties by Steve Madden. 

Happy Shopping!

Xoxo, Shona

Happy New Year #2016

If you read my last blog post, you will relate to this one!  What got me through the year of #2015! My favorite things, people, places, life and Kansas City events!  I seriously could not have made it otherwise.  So here we go!

1. Friends, and I mean a lot of them! Each offering me something different that made me realize I can handle anything thrown my way.  Whether they were handing me a sandwich to make me eat, tucking me into bed to make sure I had sleep, offering advice, throwing one back with me, or just sitting with me in silence...the #1 life saver.

2. Family, it's a different kind of help and support. Family is there for you and it's just expected I guess.  Some were, some weren't, but those that were...their love and support didn't go unrecognized. From helping me move, to letting me live with them (thanks Mom and Phil), to letting my dog out, running errands for me, listening, just being there whenever I needed something.  Offering advice, opening ways for me to see life in a different perspective, these people were there too.

3. Vacations, just getting away is something that always helps me to cope.  I may have over did it a tad in Vegas...oops, but hey, I get a freaking pass for that one!  Colorado twice, Iowa, Lake trips and pool time...although still in KC...I imagined I was at the beach with the salt water pool, it was just what I needed.  Lots of sonic drinks during Happy Hour for sure! I am blaming Shannon for that addiction.

4. Patios, yes, it's true. Nothing better then a warm summer night, a cold beer, fire pits, and good company! I just love Coaches, Brewtop, Maloneys...and a few others! Whether it was watching the Royals...hollaaaa or just relaxing, it's one of my favorite things to do! 

5. Coffee shops or just coffee on my couch, it's one of the ways I like to start my day! It either meant long talks or just being able to stay up to study. I love a good cup of joe!

6. Vodka, yep, it's there.  Shannon and I definitely made some adjustments...we all want fewer calories, right?  Leave it to us, we know what we are doing...and already planning #summa2016 #bereadypool #summashorts

7. The ROYALS!!!!!   I am so excited for Opening Day 2016 and it all started last year with Opening Day 2015...tailgating with friends! Going to the game, watching them on the best patios in the city...there are a few that I am partial to, or just tailgating in the parking lot...I love baseball! These pics could go on for days!!!  #crowntown #countingdownthedays

8. My New Apartment, at first I was upset about having to move into a one bedroom apartment...I have a lot of stuff..I mean, clothes and shoes and apparently an addiction to kitchen glasses...but I made it my own.  Some people would love to be where I am at, so I am thankful for my place! It's all mine...well sort of!

9. Nursing School, getting accepted was one of the best things that has happened to me. New career in the works, new friends, new connections...nursing is where I was meant to be! One semester down, three to go!

10. Alone time..I have to admit, at first, I wasn't a fan. But I have learned to love just sitting in my apartment, reading a book, having that cup of coffee, catching up on some tv, working out or just doing normal household chores...all of that is ok!

So here's to #2016!  It is going to be awesome!
Xoxo,
Shona