Blogger Thank You & A Spring Sale

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Happy Friday Ladies! I wanted to remind everyone that today is the last day to enter our current healthy giveaway. It will close tonight at 11pm. Today is also the last day for anyone wanting to add their definition of a classy woman into my new book in the form of a quote. I have enjoyed reading every one so far and look forward to adding them.

I wanted to take a moment to thank a couple of my blogger friends. I have met some wonderful people here in the blogosphere. I love reading everyone's comments, your reader request e-mails, your kind words and I am so taken back when another blogger decides to include me in some way on their blog whether it be adding me to their blog roll or adding me to a post, or adding my blog button to their sidebar.

You might remember that Kristin of My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia was the winner of our Clinique Spring Giveaway last month. She is also a super sweet, positive woman that I've come to know over the past few months. She also regularly has a kind comment to leave on my blog and she is so warm and genuine. She is a Classy Woman all the way!

Not only did she say thank you but she wrote a super sweet e-mail to me and even included me in a post on her blog! She was so excited that she included me in  THIS post after the mailman delivered her package. She also added me to her blogroll months ago so others could find me. :)  I wanted to thank Kristin as her links to my blog brought in more new visitors this past month of April than any other source which I was amazed to learn. Her blog has been very successful in the few short months that she's been blogging about beautiful decor and home transformations on a budget. She recently hit the 500 follower mark and her kitchen has even landed a spot in Better Homes and Gardens' upcoming Kitchens & Bath issue. Good things come to good people. :)

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When I started this blog my intention was to provide a positve message, help other women to become who they truly wanted to be and their best self. Kristin thank you for helping me to reach more women to hopefully do just that.

Last month I came across Kirsten's blog titled Gobs of Giveaways. She is also a lovely lady who is a successful blogger that features all kinds of giveaways on her blog. She reviews a lot of great products too. I was so excited when I learned that she offered ad space on her blog for just $5! It fits perfectly into my budget and is super affordable for anyone, this is my second month advertising with her. I hope you'll pop on over and check it out, it could help you drive traffic to your next giveaway. She also wrote a post about this month's giveaway. Thank you Kirsten!

Kirsten has inspired me to implement the same model. I want advertising to be affordable for everyone. If you are interested in a monthly spot  here at Classy & Fabulous, I'll be offering a spring sale here for the next 2 months. If it goes really well, I'll extend it indefinitely. Ad spots will be payable via Paypal at just $5 for a 30-day spot. Check out our Sponsors page for more details.

I also want to thank each and every one of YOU who have blogged, tweeted, or added my blog button to your sidebar. I really appreciate it-love you guys!

Have an amazing weekend!

Thank YOU!

Ah, using the words 'please' and 'thank you', sort of a Kindergarten 101, no? I'm simply amazed at the lack of manners that many people in our society display. Everything from the person who is oblivious to someone holding the door for them, not saying please while shopping in a store and asking for help to completely forgetting to thank a friend or family member for something sweet that they have gone out of their way to do.

Classy women remember to thank others, in fact they make it a priority. Especially when it comes to family, friends, colleagues, business partners and neighbors it is always a great idea to either send a personal hand written note after an event, verbally acknowledge the particular person in question as soon as you can or go out of your way to return a favor for someone who has done something unexpected, helpful or special.

I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you-my readers. Thank you for your comments which always brighten my day and make me smile and sometimes laugh out loud. I really love reading what is on your mind, hearing your opinion and knowing that you care enough to leave me a little note. I enjoy your reader requests too. For all of you who have e-mailed me with requests or questions, thank you. It is my pleasure to answer them with the intention of helping you as well as many other women that come across the very post that you inspired.

Thank you too for just being you and popping over to read my posts, for following my little blog and sharing some love by grabbing my blog button, visiting me on twitter or linking to me. I appreciate you spreading the word and allowing others find me too in this big blog world! :)

Last week when I wrote about Yard Sale Savvy, my blogger friend from Simply Luxurious was super sweet and linked to me in her weekly Sunday 'cups of tea' post. I wanted to take this opportunity to publicly thank her for including my post. Hop on over and check her out, she's got a fun blog worth visiting. I look forward to sharing one of her fashion posts this week that I think you'll all enjoy.

And for all of you who have been following me and are wondering what I actually found at the big yard sale, it's coming-I PROMISE. I'm going to share it with you very soon but first I'm busy getting ready for my own yard sale this weekend!

So, today's post is dedicated to you, my classy friends from the blog-o-sphere. Thank you for just being YOU!

Love you guys!

  xo


* Thank You image above compliments of this site.

Reader Request: Classy or Snooty?

 

Classy Woman Grace Kelly

Thank you to to all of those who keep sending me your reader request questions! If you haven't yet, you can find out more about it here on my previous reader request post. Our previous (and first) published reader request was titled 'bringing classy back'. Thanks to Kimberly for sending in her question.

Today's question is one that many of you may be able to relate to. Jacklyn writes in and asks this:

Hello,

I would like to know when a woman is conducting and displaying herself with Manners, Elegance and Class why she's labeled as being snooty?

Thank You,

Jacklyn M. of Ft. Lauderdale, FL

This is how I responded.....

 Hi Jacklyn,

Thank you for writing me, I'm happy to answer your question. I think this happens quite often actually. Many classy and elegant women exude a confidence and carry themselves in a way that other women simply cannot relate to. They are genuinely kind and aren't looking to 'impress' anyone or be someone who they are not. Instead, the outsiders see such a woman as trying to act better than others, aloof, or 'snooty' as you mentioned, simply by their actions and conduct.

Another common reason is because consciously or unconsciously, the person doing the accusing may in fact be envious. Being a classy woman takes work, effort, patience, grace and isn't without imperfections. Other women do realize it takes someone special to rise above the drama and nonsense in this world and show one's best possible self with dignity, and often it is easier for them to critique others than to change themselves.

For anyone that has been labeled 'snooty' my advice is to continue to do what you do best-rise above and continue to surround yourself with people that love you, respect you, celebrate you and are positive influences in your life. You cannot change someone's opinion of you but you can lead by example by continuing to be gracious and warm. In this world we will never please everyone, so we can only be the best possible version of ourselves.  :)

Warmly,

Karla

Has anyone ever received this type of label simply by being your classy self? How did you feel or respond?

Reader Request: Bringing Classy Back

As promised in Thursday's post, here is our first reader request, and it comes from Kimberly-thank you for your candid email!

Hello,

I love your Classy Woman blog. I just found it tonight through the "How to do Everything" website and I've been reading the website for hours already.

I believe in everything you wrote and want to find myself/reinvent myself again.

I was divorced 2 years ago and have really let me myself go, not really taking care of myself and just existing most days. But, your post sparked my interest and reminded me of the classy and elegant woman I used to be. I took out my Journal and began to write ways to find myself again.


Do you have any specific suggestions for me?


I've gained a tremendous amount of weight (for me) and I know this has to be dealt with first and foremost. Making time for myself and not saying yes to everyone else's requests is another biggie for me.


Thanks so much,

Kimberly

Here was my e-mail response to Kimberly and my suggestions are below.

Hi Kimberly,



Thank you so much for your e-mail. :) I'm so glad to hear that you've been enjoying my blog and that you found it!


I'm sorry to hear about the turn you took after the divorce. This is common for many women after such a transition, you are not alone. I even watched a similar type of shift occur after my mother and father divorced several years ago. It is truly a physically, mentally and emotionally draining time in one's life.


I am delighted to share some great ways for you to take charge of your life again and regain that powerful, classy and fabulous woman that you so dearly miss. Taking time for yourself is SO important and that is one areas that I'll be addressing in the post. When you are left with more responsibility, it is natural to take care of everyone else first but it is us women that suffer in the end. I used to be a Personal Trainer and managed a nutrition store several years ago and can provide some good information tips and fresh inspiration to help you lose the weight you've gained as well.


I will be posting a response to your 'reader request' tomorrow- Sunday, Dec. 20th. :) I'll email you once it's posted!



Have a blessed weekend.
 
Warmly,
Karla


One of the best ways to recover after an emotional event like a divorce is to take more "you" time. With children that may mean getting a babysitter for a few hours or asking a family member or friend if they'd mind watching them. The best thing is to schedule one weeknight or weekend time slot per week where you can get out and have coffee with your girlfriends, go to the gym, go see a movie or get a manicure. This time is important to release the stresses of your week and get connected with other women. It doesn't have to involve spending money, even taking a hot bath with specials oils, candles and soft music playing can be soothing and will calm your mind. Be sure to surround yourself with positive, uplifting, classy women.


The key is to use a dayplanner or calender to pen in these special days for yourself. Don't feel guilty that you are leaving your children for self-rejuvenation time. The truth is that you can't give what you don't have. If you're running on empty you won't be able to give others your best until your batteries are recharged.

Most women I know feel overwhelmed because they've said 'yes' and promised to do too many things for others, leaving no time for themselves. The best thing to answer in response to someone asking you to take on responsibility that you don't have time for or don't really want to do is to say with a smile, 'I'd love to but I just can't".  If they ask again in another way, just repeat the same phrase. If anyone continues to ask why you can't do it or why you won't they are simply being rude. No means no. Once you start saying 'no' instead of 'yes' you will feel freedom that you haven't felt in a while. You will have just opened up your schedule for a whole lot more 'you' and 'family' timend you'll feel a sense of control over you life that you probably haven't  felt in years.


If your budget allows, buy one new item for yourself each month. It doesn't have to be expensive but it does have to be something that will give you a lift. Maybe it's a new pair of shoes that go with much of your wardrobe and make you feel happy and sexy whenever you wear them. Perhaps it is a new shade of lipstick or a fun nailpolish to transform your toes. Whatever it is, it has to make you feel good about yourself.


Many women start to care less about their appearance and do not spend the same kind of time getting dressed for work or going out with friends. Often, older jeans and sweats become the norm and they forget what it's like to get dressed up or feel like a beautiful woman. While your goal might not be to attract a man or even look for someone at this moment, you'll feel more confident once you spend some time in this area.  Look at your closet wardrobe and separate it into two sections: one for work/nicer outfits and the other (hopefully smaller side) for relaxing in  your home and gym attire. Make a diligent effort to try to dress up even when going to purchase groceries for example. It may seem like extra work but you'll feel better about yourself. Women always stand taller and have their heads held high when dressed to make themselves feel beautiful vs. dressing to get the task done.


Love Yourself! We as women must speak nicely not only to others but most importantly to ourselves. What we tell ourselves everyday shapes how we see ourselves. Thoughts like 'I feel so fat today' or  'look at all these wrinkles!' only help to create a negative self image. We need to speak kind words to ourselves especially on those days when we feel anything but beautiful, and we all have those days. We need to love and be thankful for our health and what we do have.


Your Home- Make sure your home is also a true refuge, filled with things you love. When people reinvent themselves they often reinvent the space around them too. Sometimes a cluttered home, unhealthy fridge and pantry or jam-packed closets can be barriers to success. These areas often hold many people back but they don't realize it. It is very freeing to purge anything from your home that does not make you happy. The same is true for clothing. If you don't feel good about yourself in it, do not wear it and if it's fasionably outdated, pass it along by donating it so someone can get some use from it.


You had mentioned that you 'let yourself go' and this is common for many women dealing with such transition. Just like it's important to schedule fun time for yourself, you'll also want to schedule several weekly gym days or walking days. Start small and move up as your body gets used to the level you're at. I don't recommend overwhelming yourself with 2-hour workouts. Begin by walking in your neighborhood or on a treadmill. Day after day increase your distance or the intensity/speed. Once you feel comfortable with that you could move to resistance training by using some light free weights and increase the weight slowly over time. Anything that involves too much sacrifice, too much time or too little food will drain you of your energy and desire to lose weight. Take things slowly watching both your food intake AND how much exercise you are getting in each week.


I could write you a whole book on health but I will share with you the essentials:


1. Exercise a minimum of 30 mins 4-5 days per week.
2. Drink plenty of water (your weight divided by 14 is how many 8oz glasses you require)
3. Take a solid multivitamin
4. Eat as many veggies and as much fruit as you can
5. Focus on whole grains, eliminating white bread, pasta, rice.
6. Eliminate sweets/sugar-filled foods (they will zap you of your energy!)
7. Eat protein with each meal (cottage cheese, cheese, peanut butter, meats, fish, etc.) as they will keep you feeling full longer and help with your muscle development
8. Make sure you're getting enough fiber to keep things moving (about 30-35 grams per day)
9. Eliminate alcohol and caffeine as they really wreak havoc with your metabolism and your organs.
10. Eat whole, raw foods like veggies, fruits as often as you can and try to avoid chemicals and preservatives which can interfere with the liver's optimal functioning.


*Disclaimer* Note that it is important to consult your doctor when implementing a new weight loss, fitness or diet regimen.


Be sure to set some attainable and realistic goals for yourself. Remember, it took some time to put  the weight on and it will take some time to take it off.  Spend more time at a local YMCA or your own backyard with the kids playing outdoors and incorporating more activity into your life so it feels less like work and more like fun! Another  great way to make working out more fun is to join with a friend where you'll have an instant  accountability parter who you need to 'show up' for.


Here are some additional articles on health that I have written that I hope you'll find helpful:


Lose Weight with Negative Calorie Foods
Exercise and the Mind-Body connection
Lose Weight and Keep it off for a Lifetime!
Eat Healthy with 10 Simple Tips
Lose Weight, Feel Great
7 Healthy Food Substitutions


If you are feeling as though the emotional burdens of the divorce are weighing heavy on you and friends and family are not enough to talk to, do seek out someone who can help you work through this time in your life.


Additionally, my husband is an Author and Life Coach and has a great book available on Amazon that might be helpful for your healing process. It's called Breakthrough for a Broken Heart which is a must read for anyone that has gone though a divorce, break up or loss of someone special.


As you probably read in one of my posts, I have a book for Classy Women due out shortly and I will share the details at that time if you are interested in picking up a copy so you can bring classy back. :)


Kimberly, once again thank you for sharing your question. I hope you will find these suggestions and resources helpful and I believe that by sharing your comments and questions in your reader request that both your words and this post will postively impact the lives of other women at a similar place in life. Please feel free to send me an e-mail and update me/us on your success.


Be Blessed,

Reader Requests

After almost a year of blogging about the ins and outs of being a Classy and Fabulous woman, I'm creating an open forum where you will be able to email me your post requests and questions and I will answer them specifically in the form of an upcoming blog post so other women can benefit as well. If you want your question(s) to remain private, just mention that in your message or subject header and I will be happy to respond to you only and will not publish your question. If you've wondered about how to dress classy for an upcoming date or what the etiquette is for a particular occassion, or even how I snag such great deals, I'm here to answer them all. :)


Simply look to the left hand side of this blog page and scroll down until you see the large cream-colored envelope. Click on it and then type and send your message along with a subject header named 'Reader Request'.


I want this blog to be an open community of women to grow, learn from one another and feel comfortable. So, with that said I'll be starting the 'Reader Requests' this month. You can always chime in too and leave your opinion and feedback in the comments' section. The amount of reader requests will be determined by how often you email me. As a matter of fact, I have received my first few requests recently and wanted to share them with you. Stay tuned for those upcoming posts!


I look forward to reading your emails soon!

Warmly,