Failure. It doesn't exist. 'Failure' is just what happens when we lose perspective.
- Donna Brazile
A Long-Distance Relationship Two friends talk about the challenges of raising their pups from afar
Earlier this year, my close friend Katlyn's dog gave birth to three Chihuahua and Maltese mixed-breed puppies. Unfortunately, she couldn’t afford to keep them, but she still wanted to find forever homes for the puppies. As a possible solution, she asked if my two other close friends Jessica and Jada wanted to adopt the puppies.
When they visited Katlyn’s home in Fulton, the connection they had with the puppies was an unforgettable feeling, according to Jada and Jessica.
“It was like love in first sight, soon as she licked my face,” Jada said. At that moment, she decided to name her new puppy Lola, with the nickname Lolie Molie. Jessica chose the only boy of the group and named him Moe Clark — Moe for short. The last puppy was given to one of Katlyn’s family friends.
Because the adoptions happened so suddenly, Jessica and Jada were forced to send their puppies to stay with their parents until this fall. But distance doesn’t stop them; they both adjusted to the situation and found other ways to contribute in their pets’ lives while they are away.
Jessica usually sends her family money for food, grooming and other puppy essentials. She also makes executive decisions on certain things regarding Moe, such as his training and doctor visits. Even though Jessica is watching Moe grow from a distance, she still feels that she’s missing out on him growing into the great dog he will become.
Jada usually calls home to check on Lola whenever she has the time. When Jada visits home, she spends a lot of quality time with Lola. And whenever Jessica and Jada visit home, the bond that they share with their pets is as if they never left.
Summertime Fashion Summer has arrived! Check out the new fashion trends for the hottest season.
Summertime is here, and now it is time get out the sunglasses and dive into the new trends for the summer!
Here are four great fashion trends that are easy to incorporate and very simple to find wherever.
Bold Stripes: Stripes has always been a huge trend, and this summer, it’s all about the bigger, the better. Wear bold stripes in any style this season— horizontal, vertical or even the classic jailbird-inspired stripes. Bold stripes can look amazing anywhere and anytime.
Midi Skirts: Have you ever looked back at your mother and grandmother’s pictures and noticed women wear skirts that were right just below the knee to mid-calf? That’s a midi skirt! Midi’s were very popular in the 1940s, but the hype of the midi skirt died down when the infamous mini skirt arrived in the 1970s. But fashion has brought these skirts back once again. So push aside your mini skirt this summer, and grab a midi skirt to wear around the office or when you’re out with friends.
Not sure how to wear a midi in style? No worries! Here are a few tips to make sure you have an elegant look:
1. Always balance out the length of the skirt to create shape around your waist area. You can do that by having a high waist skirt or by using a belt.
2. Wearing shoes such as boots, oxfords or heels are great ways to make your outfit more distinct.
Pastels: The extremely feminine, girly look is back in affect this summer. Grab the next light, pastel yellow, orange, pink, green or blue accessory you see. Pastel colors aren’t only for the daytime either. These colors are perfect for elegant silk, or chiffon gowns, for evening wear. You can also find a variety of colors in shoes, accessories and make-up.
Power Clashing Patterns & Prints: Have you ever thought about putting on your polka dot shirt with your floral skirt or piecing together your striped shirt with your chevron pants? Well, that is a new trend for summer. Power clashing is a great way to bring out your fun, fresh and creative side and the summer is the perfect time to do so.
Here are a couple of tips to help you stand out from the crowd:
1. Mix bigger patterns with smaller ones. For instance, if you have a blouse with large plaid patterns, wear it with a skirt that has small stripe patterns.
2. Find a common color to repeat throughout your outfit. If you decide that yellow will be your color for today, make sure the color yellow is in each part of your outfit. For example, try wearing a shirt with yellow polka dots together with pants that have yellow floral designs imprinted on them.
6 Bargain shopping tips 6 bargain-spotting tips for your next shopping trip!
Just in time for Back to School shopping, Inside Columbia magazine has six tips to find the best bargains. Before you head to the boutiques, learn our bargain-spotting tips.
1. Do your homework! Always compare prices. A dress that you like at one store could be a cheaper price at another store. Don’t be afraid to ask customer service to match the competition’s price. It’s okay to ask for a price adjustment or a discount. And if your see something that you like but it’s not in your budget, ask the sale people when their next sale is coming up. It never hurt to search online for prices and sale before you go shopping.
2. Know what you want to buy and make a plan! Before you go shopping, look in your closet. Check to see on what needs to be replaced, or what needs to be added. Do you have your classic white tee? Is it time to get a new “little black dress”? This will help you avoid having repeatable things in your closet and also save you money.
3. Follow and befriend your favorite stores on social networks! Liking your favorite store on Facebook or signing up for on their email list gives you the chance to be aware of their latest sales and even give you a chance to receive free stuff! For instance, Sephora gives everyone on their email list a free (small) gift on his or her birthday.
4. Know when to shop! Everyone knows you save money, when you shop on tax-free weekend, but there are always those certain times in the year when stores are having sales. Do you know when? You guessed it! The holidays! Always watch out for great holiday and after holiday sales such as black Friday and after Christmas sales.
Stores also throw sales due to them closing, or having an overstock. Always look out for those sales to avoid paying for price for something you want.
Don’t forget; never be afraid to ask if there are sales coming soon.
5. Go to the back of the store! Stores usually place their full price items in the front and their discounted/clearance items in the back. While your checking out the clearance rack, don’t look past items that are not necessarily your size. As women, we vary in different sizes. At times you’ll fit a size six in jeans and other times a size eight. Also, check your clothes for rips or stains before you buy them. If you so happen to find a flaw, ask the sales people for a bigger discount.
ALWAYS REMEMBER: Don’t buy things just because they're on sale. Are you really going to wear it? Or do you just like it because it’s $5?
Get the Olivia pope look Tips on how to duplicate Olivia Pope "Scandal" style
The second season of “Scandal” is finished and as usual, the show has left their fans with yet another cliffhanger. But the series of events on the show aren’t the only thing that has America talking. A multitude of faithful fans became intrigued in the sophisticated style of the main character, Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington). If you feel the same, here are a few tips and examples on how you can obtain the Olivia Pope style.
Olivia’s color scheme is light, soft pastel colors, such as pinks, peach, creams, pale green, ice blue and white. On occasions Olivia could be found in navy blue or grey. According to Possessionista blog by Dana Weiss, “Scandal’s” current costume designer, Lyn Paolo, decided on the pastel and white color scheme for Olivia because Scandal is usually in a dark setting. These colors give Olivia the opportunity to glow in her male-dominated world.
How do you get the look? 1. Don’t be too feminine. For example, don’t wear a blouse with ruffles or bows. Olivia is about business; she’s a serious woman, and her wardrobe should be taken just as seriously.
2. Don’t wear anything that’s too busy or loose. Avoid oversized shirts and floral clothing. Olivia’s style is simple and refined.
3. Keep your look classic, be original; don’t go with current trends. This is why, Olivia stands out the most.