Happy New Year

You've made your new year's resolution, 

you have some bubbly,

your friends and family have gathered,

and of course you have your sparkle,

 now let's go into 2012 

being safe, happy and joyful!

 See you all in the new year!

Source

Wednesday Fashion Item: Sparkle in the New Year

Have you thought about what you are wearing while bringing in the New Year?

Of course fabulous ladies in our 30s...

something that sparkles is always ideal! 

Don't forget to sparkle this New Year's Eve Ladies!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

This Year

TC30s hopes 

that your dreams 

and wishes come true.

Have a Merry Christmas and 

a Happy New Year with your family

and friends.  We hope your day is spent in a

cozy warm environment with eating delicious meals and drinking

eggnog! We hope you received all the gifts you wanted and gave the gifts others

wanted too.  We hope you didn't spend too much time cleaning up all the paper from the gifts.  

But instead spend good quality time relaxing.

We continue to encourage and 

inspire you always!

Peace, love 

& Joy!

Wednesday Fashion Items: Christmas Day Fashion

What are you wearing this Christmas Day? 

Red or white or green or hint of sparkle?

Or perhaps a combination of all four?

Confess ladies...what are you wearing on Christmas Day?

Be Inspired Monday: Catch the Holiday Spirit

How are you catching the holiday spirit?

Source

Source

Be Inspired this Monday to catch the holiday spirit!

Wednesday Fashion Items: The Ugly Christmas Sweaters...

I am sure back in the day...they were the thing to wear..

Right? 

Maybe not...

Confess ladies...do you have an ugly Christmas sweaters?

Be Inspired Monday:

Happy Monday....be inspired Today

Be inspired and confess Ladies, what are you blocking your heart from?

Wednesday Fashion Items: Noir on Noir

I thought this Wednesday... 

we would enjoy a little noir on noir...

what do you think?

Which noir item would you want?

Dress, heels, leather coat?

Inspire Me Monday; Reason for the Season

Let's remember the reason for the season.

It's not our birthday...it's Christ's birthday!

Be Inspired Monday to remember the reason for the season!

Wednesday Fashion Items: Princess Fashions

Which Princess are you? 

Pick your fashions!

I am definitely a combination of  Belle, Pocahontas & Tiana...fierce princess!

Be Inspired Monday: Find, Do Happy!

Sometimes in life we have to find what makes us happy....

Then we have do what makes us happy...

Then just do more of what makes you happy!

Via

Confess ladies, where are you finding your happiness lately?

Celebrating Our 30s: Monica

Ladies, have a great shopping day this Black Friday ..be safe out there!

I know we have been MIA for some time however we are back in action today celebrating Monica of So Family Online.  Ms. Monica is definitely one busy and inspiring lady and she makes it look easy.  Her blog is filled with great information on children, families and much much more! 

It is such a pleasure to know someone like Monica.

_____________________________________________________________

1.  First Name (including blog name and url)  

Monica J 

So family Website - http://www.sofamilyonline.com

So family Blog & Reviews - http://www.sofamilyonline.blogspot.com

2.   Age 

 33

3.  What Have You Changed Since Turning 30 

Wow, so much has changed since I've turned 30, but I’m still a big kid at heart. 

As far as relationships go, I've had to let some go, that I considered toxic, but I've replaced them with new, meaningful ones that I cherish.  I have learned a great deal about relationships, both romantic and friendships, since turning 30.

  Physically, I've learned that the weight just doesn't drop the way it used to.  I had to make lifestyle changes in that area to maintain my health.  I'm more responsible with my finances now than I was in my 20's.   Wish I knew then what I know now.  Socially, I don't hang out as much as I’d like, but I enjoy dinners with my girlfriends, attending conferences and great events.  What I love the most is a quiet evening in, snuggled up with a good movie and my ipad.

4.  Make a Confession about being 30something?

 Once I hit 30 I felt this new found womanhood that I didn't feel in my 20's. 

I swear I felt more empowered and wise once I hit the big 30.  It may all be mental, but hey, it works for me.

5.  Are you in the career you always wanted to be in?

I have definitely found my calling in blogging about everything family and sharing articles, information and resources with parents.  I enjoy working as a Special Education Preschool Teacher by day, but I'm in love with my blogging career that continues to grow.  I've always loved kids, toys and everything family, so everything I'm doing with Sofamilyonline.com comes so naturally. So family is my baby.  

6.  How are you balancing work, family and friends?

I ask myself every day how I balance it all.  It just happens, but I have created a schedule for myself and I'm trying so hard to stick to it.  Every day is a challenge for me, because my day job requires so much time and paperwork.  I just tell myself to do the best you can do.  My mom and dad always tell me, "take it one day at a time."  I definitely listen to my parents.  I always call them for support when I'm feeling overwhelmed.  

7.   Do you think you will still be using facebook/twitter/blogger/wordpress after your thirties? 

Oh, for sure.  If Facebook, Twitter, Blogger & Wordpress maintain popularity, then of course I'll be using it.  The exciting thing about this on-line world is that it's continuously changing, so I just adapt to the change.  Sometimes it can be difficult to keep up.  I feel as though I can't take a break or else I'll miss something. 

8.  Did you think you would be married with children by 30?

I honestly thought out of all of my friends that I would have kids first. 

I thought we would all get married around the same time, but I just knew I would have kids first.  So, neither has happened for me and soon I'll be the last one.  Growing up I was always the one babysitting someone's child or playing with all the kids at family functions.  Everyone said I would be a great mom, but it hasn't happened yet.  Motherhood and marriage are two things I definitely want and hope for, but it will happen when the times right.  I feel like I'm supposed to be a mother, it's a part of me.  For now I'll continue learning from others, researching new information and preparing for that day.  I'll definitely be ready when it comes. 

  

9.  How do you keep fit?

Well, I wouldn't say I'm as fit as I want to be, but I do maintain my weight and eat healthier. 

 I love to dance, so my two go to fitness routines are Zumba and African Dance Class.  OMG, everyone knows I love to dance.  I dance in the store, in the aisles, while cooking, it doesn't matter if the music comes on I'm moving.  I haven't been taking as many dance classes as I used to, but I will get back on target soon.  Dancing relieves all the stress!

10.  What have you learned the first 3 years of your 30’s?

My favorite quote will sum up the most important thing I've learned the first 3 years of my 30's.

  This quote is so true when it comes to your life.  

Think about it. 

"Put on Your Mask First, then Help Others"

    -From All Airlines

_____________________________________________________________

Thank you Monica for celebrating your 30s with us! 

And i LOVE the quote: Put on Your Mask First, then Help Others!

Because it's so true we have to help ourselves before we can help others!

Ladies, quick click here to check out Monica's blog!

(sidenote: Monica's met Cookie Monster..i mean he is my favorite ever...C is for cookies ladies!)

ThanksGiving!

There are many things to be thankful for this year including:

 our family, friends, blog readers but especially the birth of TOI's daughter!

TC30s would like to wish TOI and her family many blessings!

Celebrating Our 30s: Natalie!

We couldn't wait to interview Natalie because when we initially got in contact with her, she had just turned 30 and pregnant with her first little man and due any moment.  We are happy to annouce she had a beautiful little boy whom she blogs about on her website along with life as a wife to her Dallas Boy (handsome hubby)!  Plus she refers to herself as Miss Bright Side and who wouldn't want to know someone with that disposition?

We are pleased to introduce the new mama to you all, Natalie!

____________________________________________________

First Name

Natalie

 http://natalie-missbrightside.blogspot.com

Age
30

1. What have you changed about the following areas since turning 30?

Physical

* I am a new mom to a 6 week old baby boy so my body is definitely different! It is
not as scary as I thought it would be though, I am hoping watching what I eat and exercising (30 Day Shred, woot!) will help me get back to my pre-baby weight.

Social

  Compared to my twenties my social life in my thirties is SO tame. I frequented bars and clubs in my twenties, now I really look forward to a cozy night in with my husband and son.

Money

 I am a stay-at-home mom so my household is a one income family. I do my best to stay on top of our budget and find ways to make our dollars stretch. My son is my number one priority so I focus on making sure his needs are met. That is more important to me now than buying a trendy pair of shoes (although, I do miss my shoe shopping!).

Relationships As I transitioned from my twenties to my thirties I started to evaluate my friendships. I am choosing to only spend my time and energy on people that are positive for me. No more drama!

Children   

 My son, Max, the cutest little baby boy ever!

He was born September 7, 2011, 3 weeks before my due date!

1. Make a Confession about being a 30something?     

I confess that I really enjoy being thirty! I feel like my twenties were such a time of exploration, growth, and drama; I am glad that phase of my life is over. I feel like I am really becoming comfortable in my own skin and don’t need to please everyone. I am truly starting to live for myself!

Go Wild!

2. What would you tell your 20-something self?  
 You will struggle, quite often. You will lose friendships, only to gain lifelong ones. You will end that toxic relationship and lose everything, but you WILL get your life back and it is 100 times better. That list of traits you made in what you were looking for in a man? You will find him and he will exceed all your expectations and will change your life for the better. The career you always thought you wanted? Turns out you truly want to just be happy and that doesn’t include a fancy job title. Becoming a mom will change you forever and you will finally feel like you are doing what you are meant to do. You are the woman you are today because of the decisions you made in your twenties and although they weren’t always the best choices, you are a good person, inside and out.

3. What is the best/fun thing you’ve done since turning 30?
 Hands down, without a doubt, becoming a mom!

4. Any fashion and beauty you've learned since turning 30?   

 Less is more! I actually wear less make-up now than I ever have.

I am trying to let my natural beauty shine through more.

5. Do you have any favourite motto you go by?   

 Heal the past, Live the present, Dream the future!

6. Do you have one advice you would like to tell your children/future children?   

Be true to yourself … Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for being you!

7. Does you husband (family), ever read your blog?

    Yep! Dallas boy is one of my most faithful readers! My mom, sister and sister-in-law are also known to frequent my blog. I have to be careful about what I write though ;)

 

 

____________________________________________________

Thank you Natalie for reminding us to "Heal the past, Live the present, Dream the future!"

and i am so glad little ma couldn't wait to come out to meet you.

Ladies, when you get a minute, stop by Natalie's blog and say hello!

Wednesday Fashion Items: Hair Edition

We all love Sanaa Lathan and she seems to like variety in hairstyles...
so we wanted to ask...
Which Sanaa Lathan hairstyle suits her best?

A.

B.

C.

D.

Be Inspired Monday: Mental Fortitude!

Recently i have decided to run a half-marathon..i might be crazy and insane because the last time i ran a 10K was over four years ago.  However recently i started running again and i am committed to challenging my body to do something that it has never done before. 

 I think of TOI and what her body is prepping to go through with child labour and i am in awe of all the amazing things our bodies are capable of.  Child labour i know has NOTHING on running a half-marathon but what i believe are similar is the mental fortitude we need to go through these situations.

A lot of women take classes to prepare themselves mentally to deal with the pain that comes with labour and truth be told, running needs the same kind of mental preparedness.  Whether it's through music, a quote and or Bible verse...whatever method you use...it has to do with what you are thinking to remain strong.  Mental Fortitude.

This Be Inspired Monday, we want to challenge you to maintain your mental fortitude in all you do, whether it's training for a half-marathon and or prepping for child labour!

Practice mental fortitude...Be Inspired!

(excuse where the quote came from...vulgar website but awesome quote!)

Be Inspired Monday: Happy Halloween!

Source

TC30s would like to wish all of our readers a very happy and fun Halloween.

Halloween is for all ages and we hope you enjoy in some of the festivities!

Whether it's pumpkin carving, costuming and or trick 'o treating,

we hope you are inspired to have a great one!

Celebrating Our 30s: Trina

Trina has one of the most adorable blogs in blogland.  She chronicles the adventures of her and daughter Peyton.   Trina shares their adventures through fashion, fun and family.  

 Peyton seriously has one of the best closets around!

 We were excited when Trina agreed to share with us how she is celebrating being and living her thirties.  She is definitely Peyton's mom but also a woman who enjoys her family, friends,

fun and fabulous fashion finds.

But let Trina tell you in her own words how she is enjoying her thirties!

(Aren't they are adorable together!)

Source

________________________________________

Name:

Trina

Online Contacts:

www.thebabyshopaholic.com
facebook.com/thebabyshopaholic
twitter.com/babyshopa

 

Age:

33

What have you changed about the following areas since turning 30?

Physical

Since turning 30 it is not as easy to lose weight, but is it never easy to lose weight in the first place.

 Social 

I am still a social butterfly!  I love talking to people!  I have learned to think before I speak in some situations

Money

I thought I would be a millionaire on by my own merits by the time I turned 30.  That didn’t happen : (  So I just keep working and trying to save for my daughters future.

Relationships

I cherish my relationships with girlfriends.  I have the some of the same friends from high school, college and even grade school.  I am blessed to have such great friends in my 30’s.

Children

I had my first ( and only for now) child at 31.  I feel like I was late but all my friends where around 30 when they started having kids.

 

How are you balancing work, family and friends?

I try to balance by not sleeping to do things for myself.  Still working on that.

 

Any fashion and beauty you've learnt since turning 30?

Know what looks good on you! Don’t try to go with trends if they don’t work for you. 

How do you keep fit? 

I love doing Zumba!  Its hour long dance party, plus you learn “new” songs. 

Do you have one advice you would like to tell your children/future children? 

Love and be happy with yourself!  You are worthy of everything great!

Did you think you would be married with children by 30? 

In my 20’s I was not sure I even wanted to have children.  I am so happy I did!  It’s everything worth it!

 

Does your husband (family) ever read your blog? 

My husband checks out the blog, he just looks at the photos I post.

 

Make a Confession about being a 30something?

I love when people assume that I am younger then I am and then I bust out and tell them I am 33!

Do you have any favorite motto you go by?

30 is the new 20!

 

________________________________________

Trina, TC30s definitely agrees with you that "30 is the new 20."

And you are making 33 look soo good!

Thank you Trina for sharing a little about the woman who is known as Peyton's mom.

Ladies, please stop by her blog when you get an opportunity.

You may find a few fashion finds and deals for you and the little one!

Wednesday Fashion Items: Bravoe Runaway Takeover

Can you be in-love with a blogger? Well here at TC30s, we are crushing on B from Bravoe Runaway! B is in finance by day and awesome fashionistta all day long! She inspires the average woman to dress with glitz and glamour daily with economical buys. We are excited to have her takeover our blog today and share some great advice on finding items for the Fall that are not only stylish but affordable.

Ladies, i am proud and excited to intoduce you to B of Bravoe Runaway as she takesover!

_____________________________________

I am super excited that Mrs. Pancakes reached out to me for guest post! She asked that I address key pieces for transitioning into Fall! I am sure your closet is packed with cardigans, blazers, jeans, slacks, and skirts. And I suspect that many of you are on a budget, yet you still want to look great! So let’s take a look at some ways to breathe new life into the existing pieces in your closet!

BELTS

Belts are a great and inexpensive way to add accent to any outfit! Check out my simple sweater and jeans and how the belt added accent to my outfit! If you have a garment that came with a belt, change it up and it’ll look and feel different! I suggest trying a variety of styles and thickness, such as, braided, fabric, embellishment, animal print, and patent over a dress, cardigan, a blouse, or with a skirt!

FAUX FUR

Faux fur is haute again for the 3^rd year in a row! These pieces add a luxurious factor and nowadays, you can get them for under $70! This particular jacket was purchased from Forever 21, it has a vintage 1960s feel, can you imagine all the pieces you can pair this with? Try a jacket, vest, or a piece with a fur embellishment. You can make it as casual or as fancy as you’d like!

SCARVES

I love a great scarf in any size, colour, and material! I’ve used them to create bracelets, belts, and even a ruffle collar! If belts aren’t your thing, scarves are another great way to revive an outfit. Tying scarves is a true art!

SHOES & BOOTIES

If you are trying to just keep your shoe purchases to a minimum for Fall I suggest a taupe pump and a short black bootie! The pump is from Joan & David, “Flipp,” with an embossed reptile print that adds a gorgeous accent to any simple outfit. Taupe matches everything and the round-toe style is versatile! The black short booties are from Bandolino, “Sarala,” with a back zip. They’re comfortable, with a slight platform and look great with a skirt, slacks, and even jeans!

Ladies, I hope you’ll put these ideas to good use when you go on your Fall shopping trip and will revamp your current closet pieces!

Thank you for having me, and please stop by and say “Hi,” at Bravoe Runway!

_____________________________________

Thank you B!

We are taking away many great ideas from your takeover today

for our next Fall shopping spree.

Ladies, please stop by and say "Hi"

and see what's walking down Bravoe Runaway.

Be Inspired Monday: Inspiring Words!

Source

Source



Source

Source



Fitness, Food & Fun Friday: H2O

Disclaimer: important information BUT don't read this if you are eating!

Recently i was advised by my personal trainer 

to drink a glass of water every morning (as soon as i wake up).

Why is this a good idea? you ask...

According to research, it's good for your digestive system, specifically for the bowel movement.

And i've tried it for the last several months and you know what it works! 

Every morning like clock works, i drink water and within minutes, i am in the bathroom!

My stomach doesn't hurt as much and i actually feel great in the mornings.

I am still drinking water throughout the day 

however there is nothing better than a glad of H2O in the morning.

Confess ladies, have you heard of this suggestion before?

And would you consider it this week?

Wednesday Fashion Item: Alexander McQueen - Thin Vs Curves

As much as we like Victoria Beckham for her style, we prefer Kim Kardashian for her curves. Both wore a dress by Alexander McQueen and we wanted to know which one wears it better.

Be Inspired Monday: Training

I am reading The Essence of Happiness by His Holiness The Dalai Lama.I read the following quote and I would like to share with you.

No matter what atticity or practice we are pursuing, there isn't anything that isn't made easier through constant familiarity and training. Through training, we can change; we can transform ourselves.

Hope this inspire all of us.

Have a great Monday!