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Photo Facial

I got a Photo facial. Sounds fancy; huh? That’s what I thought. The more I read about it, though, the more I was horrified. Probably not the best way to intro into this blog. Honestly, though…that’s the truth! I would imagine that that’s how most women would feel reading about it. That is if you are anything like me, which is usually a complete freak out for the tiniest appearance on my face, feeling in my body, or in my mind, for that matter. Why am I like this? Okay, ladies; I’m not here to scare you, so let’s get to this. I’m continuing to share my journey BACK to clear skin with you!

I recently discovered that I had been having allergic reactions to some hair products and I haven’t been experiencing “acne” breakouts after all. That’s for another blog or possibly vlog to come. However, I have been left with tiny red bumps that just aren’t going away on their own. As most of you saw on an Instagram post, I visited ENLIGHTEN MD  for a “Tiffany Facial” to try and clean my face up. Not only did it visibly freshen and leave me with glowing skin, it was probably the best 90 minutes of my life…shhh; don’t tell Greg that. LOL. My skin was softer and glowing, but I still had these tiny red bumps and from all of the stress and occasionally trying to extract those annoying bumps on my own, I did have some tiny broken blood vessels. That was when the girls at ENLIGHTEN suggested a photo facial. Now, again, I have never done anything to my face, ever. This was only my third facial in my 30 years here! Which also brings me to another reason for doing the photo facial. I am not getting any younger and I have spent a few hours or more in tanning beds and outside in the sun. I know, I know; but I grew up in the 90s…tanning was like a thing; so some minor sun spots have appeared. Burnt bacon one day to Casper with freckles the next. Awesome. Now, before I continue, I am not saying my face was a mess. In fact, the girls at Enlighten said I had GREAT skin, but that this was a good preventative so none of the spots get worse and it would even out this leftover redness. Which the main goal was to get rid of these damn red dots; so if I can get rid of the other stuff too, sign me up!

So, what the heck is it? What does a photo facial do? Well, I’ll leave it up to the experts to tell you that. Click HERE for more details. Summed up, it is a skin-specific light that helps you grow new collagen to improve spots and sun damage and even out your skin tone. Basically, it’s an eraser that cleans up all of the damage you have done to your face over the years. Brilliant. Though it sounds amazing and I was ready to do whatever to get my face back to normal, I was so nervous and so scared. I thought about this for a long time, had consultations with the girls at Enlighten, and after months of my face not clearing up, I decided there was no better time to do this than now. Here’s what also sold me. They offer almost everything in the book at Enlighten. From lips, Botox, micro-needling, derma planning, permanent makeup…the list goes on. They did not suggest or try to push one more thing on me other than exactly what I NEEDED. That right there spoke a lot to me.

I went in about 30 minutes before my appointment. They put a numbing cream on your face to help with the sensitivity. Boy, does that stuff work. I literally could not feel my face. Then it was time and I went into a room where I met Abby who was my Photo facial tech. I like Abby…she’s like me. Keeps it real and honest, but was kind and funny, which helped the nerves. I laid on a super comfy bed, with an extra soft blanket and some sexy eye gear. That’s to help protect your eyes from the light. Then she put an ice-cold roller on a section of my face and away she zapped. Zapped is just a cute way to say this; again, it’s not a laser. It did feel like it does when you do get laser hair removal. Almost like a tiny rubber band popping you. Unbearable? No. Annoying and hurts? Yes. Level four on a scale from one to ten. The pain is for like a second and then immediately goes away. It’s a quick zap and then done. It’s not one continued zap like getting a tattoo would be. They let you take a break if you need, but I just thought knock it out and be done. About 15 minutes later, we were finished. After that, she told me about the healing process, how to take care of my skin, and when to come back. Here is the best part. As she was telling me all of this, she started to put on basically a B.B. Cream foundation with SPF. Yeah, that means you can put makeup on immediately after and continue your day. Which I did! I didn’t walk out of there with glowing skin. It was obvious that I had something done to my face. Nothing major and there was no pain. They told me about the healing process and that in about ten days, I would come back for my final check up! There would be redness, there might be itching, there would be tightness, and there would be swelling. There were definitely phases to this “healing process” and I documented the entire thing for you guys!

Getting a photo facial was the best thing I could have done. I not only have my normal skin back, but I have better skin! I don’t really know what else to say or how to describe it. I think the before and afters take care of that. I just want to thank everyone at Enlighten MD for taking care of me and for helping me get my skin back and my confidence back. For making me feel like ME again. I am beyond happy with my results and have my clear skin back!

Train for Her Cover Girl

Is this real? Someone, pinch me! I’m on the COVER of Train for Her Magazine!?

I am incredibly honored to be the February Cover Model. It fills me with so many emotions. From being a little girl looking at magazines, telling my parents THIS, this is what I want to be, to watching those dreams come true, it’s just a surreal feeling! Though I always knew I wanted to be in magazines and be a fitness model, I now know the true reason and why I love what I do. Of course, being on the cover is totally rad; but it’s so much more than just a “look at me” moment. Do you know how many women all over the world will look at this magazine? That many more women that I get to reach, empower, and try to make an impact on, to share some of my tips on training, supplements, and how to be your best self! Which, to me, goes beyond the way you look. Health and Fitness has been one of the most positive things in my life. It enhances all areas of my life. Achieving my own results is a wonderful feeling, but being able to help, inspire, and touch other people’s lives in a positive way is the best reward.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the support from my amazing team, KAGED MUSCLE. Their continued belief in me as an athlete, coach, and person is more than I could have imagined. I am beyond grateful to be a part of a company with not only the best supplements around, but being surrounded by a likeminded, inspirational group of people. Thank you guys so much for everything! Love you guys, the dream team!

If you haven’t already, you are going to want to check this out. There is an entire month’s day-by-day workout plan with nutrition tips! So go out and grab you a copy! It’s available at newsstands, airports, and bookstores! I got mine at Barnes and Noble.

Xoxo, Tawna


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Growing Older but Never Growing Up

Holy shit; I’m 30?!

I have dreaded this day for as long as I’ve known it was coming. LOL. Leaving my 20s? Noooooooooooo!

Growing up, I just remember hearing when people said they were thirty-something. I thought oh gosh, they are “old.” True story: A few weeks back, I was at a show watching some of my posing clients. One of my girls told me someone asked her, “Hey, do you know that lady hollering for you?” Lady…LADY?! I was legit offended and instantly knew…I was officially old. Ha-ha, unfortunately I just think that’s the nature of the beast when you’re young. Now, being in my 30’s, I realize I still feel like I’m sometimes not old enough to own a house, a car, run a business, or hell, even be allowed to work the stove. I mean, let’s be real. I’m still calling my mom on a regular basis asking how to scrape plastic off my hot stove. No joke; I just recently did this.

As the day has gotten closer, I have learned to accept this dreadful number and just OWN IT, BABY!!!! I honestly have never been more sure of and happy with myself, where I’m at, and where I’m going in my entire life!

LIFE LESSONS:

I have learned so much in these 30 years already. Through many life lessons, both good and bad. Self-experiences have taught me more than any education. They have also taught me a lot about myself, who I really am, and who I don’t want to be. I’ve had dark days, sad days, I’ve had high days, and days I’ll never forget. I’ve had to make some tough decisions that I thought I’d never make it through and some decisions that would turn my life around for the better! Lost some friends, family, and a love of my life, Beast. Found the other love my life and my soul mate, Greg, built beautiful friendships, and deeper relationships with my family.
Followed my dreams, my passion, and made it into a career. Saw a little bit of the world and what it has to offer. I’ve done more than I even imagined possible for myself.

WHAT I KNOW:

I know these ups and downs will continue. If there’s one thing I have learned, it’s called LIFE and shit happens!
All kinds of it. You take each day as it comes and make the most out of it. I know that life is what YOU make it. Want to be happy? BE! Want to be positive? BE! Want to be a doctor? BE! Want to have a fit life? BE! You get the point.
I know I may not enjoy getting older, but I am going to enjoy each day I get in this world. I know those days are not always promised. I’m going to live this life to the fullest, love my people, work hard, and keep on keeping on! I’d be lying if I said I knew everything or had even half of this stuff figured out… I KNOW that I don’t. For now, 30 years in, I’d say I’m doing pretty darn good and I’m pretty proud to be turning that big THREE ZERO!

There have been many situations I’ve regretted in the moment. Times I swore I’d never look back. Now, I can’t say I regret one thing! It has made me into the woman and person I am today. This 30-year-old lady (cringe) is exactly where she is supposed to be.
Now, looking back on it…I’ve truly created a life I love to LIVE!

So now I’ll make my wish, blow out my candles, and get dirty for my thirty…with cake that is!

Tawna

Photos by: Matt Blum


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Trespassing…in heels and a skirt

Maybe the purple hair has me feeling some type of way. Maybe I just like the idea of being a rebel. Either way, I’m feeling all sorts of edgy with my new do and this look. Winter is com…winter is here! Sometimes wearing sweaters is hard. Like, do I tuck it all in, half in, front in, let it all hang out? It’s a bit confusing. Really…just like anything, there are no set rules. It’s up to you and your personal style! For me, sometimes wearing it all out makes me feel fluffy or slouchy; so I usually like to tuck a side in or all in.

Today on the blog I’m showing you one of my favorite and simple ways to style a sweater for the winter!

This was yet another bargain find at FOREVER21 . Again, sleeves. Just look at them! HUGE, oversized, belled sleeves always for this win. I really love the texture of this sweater; it’s not a heavy material, so you won’t get too hot and it’s so soft, not an itchy wool texture. White in winter? Actually, it makes perfect sense if you really think about it! I’ve never followed the no white after Labor Day “rule.” Rules…ha! Who says???

I paired the sweater with one of my favorite leather skirts ever from GENUINE PEOPLE. I’ve blogged about this fringed skirt before and I’ll blog about it again. You are probably thinking, a skirt in the winter? Well, yes, that can be a bit sketchy but that’s kind of the point with this whole “trespassing, bad girl” vibe. Honestly, it’s hard to always dress for the winter and look cute. Layers, bulky coats, scarves, pants. The skirt is a great way to spiff up the sweater! Add some ankle, knee, or even thigh-high boots and you’ll be fine, girl. Besides, you are more than likely just hopping from your Uber to your destination, so really you are only cold for about 2.5 seconds, to be exact. Lol.

I knew I wanted a boot and as I mentioned, you could totally get away with any length for this look. I had these fringe ankle boots from HAUTE AND REBELLIOUS  though and I mean, fringe on fringe? YASS!!

This time of year is tough to dress for. Sometimes it doesn’t even feel worth the hassle of dressing for the weather. That doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up. Get out there, make some bad decisions (wisely please), and live a little. I know this look is a bit against the “fashion rulebook.” Remember in my book, there are no rules, and if you want to be a bit of a rule breaker…this is such an easy, stylish, and semi weather friendly outfit. You are a big girl, you make your own decisions, and I say OWN IT!

Photos by: @mikelam_

 


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Get the Bikini Olympia Look!

Now I may not BE Ms. Bikini Olympia but I damn sure feel like it, girls! I have never been so happy with my complete show day look until this one. There really is just no feeling like stepping out on stage, much less the Superbowl, and feeling like a million bucks. Everything is on point, the audience is huge, stage lights are on, and you are there, ready to shine and show all that hard work off. Chills. There was no placing for me at this Olympia but I just couldn’t help but walk away feeling like a winner. Everything was just perfect.

Of course, competing in the NPC/IFBB Bikini division, it’s all about the physique. However, there is far more that goes into creating that “total package” look. I have competed over 100 times in eight years, seven years as a pro, four pro wins, and five Olympias…that’s a lot of looks! Ha-ha. I feel like I’m telling my age here too, which AH, makes me want to cry. Okay, moving on! That’s a lot of trial and error and trust me, that’s exactly what it took. Did you know that when I first started competing, I did my own makeup? YIKES! It wasn’t bad per se but it wasn’t the glam I get these days. It was also a major pain in the ass. I’ll never go back to that.

The bikini division is forever growing and evolving. It has changed drastically since I first started to compete in 2010 when the division was only a year old. Back in the day, we could wear suits from Target. Yeah, Amanda Latona Kuclo can vouch for me on that one. Not just the suits, the hairstyles, the makeup, the jewelry, the posing, and obviously the physiques. Just like anything though, right? It’s like when you are excited about a new outfit and your mom gets just as excited because “I wore that exact outfit back in my heyday.” (insert eye roll here) The bikini division is about bringing a complete total package and a look that’s unique for YOU! It’s tough trying to find your mojo though. It will take time and it will take some errors. That’s okay. Look at me; eight years competing and I finally found the perfect package and placed the worst! Who woulda thunk?! Ha-ha. You must learn to evolve with it and that’s what I’ve done and how I’ve been able to keep my longevity in this sport.

I want to take you through my complete show day look for this year’s Olympia. I’ve always wanted to do this and thought why not start with my favorite complete look to date? Plus, if it can be any help to you girls just starting out or who need some help nailing down that perfect show day glam, I’ll be a happy girl.

Here are all of my (not so) secrets!

THE SUIT:

Let’s just start with that because duh, it’s our favorite part. Ooo, sparkles. Women are like squirrels and nuts. We see sparkles and lose it. It seems like there are a million suit companies these days. What I do know is I’ve been using SWEET REVENGE BIKINI for over ten years. That’s two more years than I’ve been competing, though. Yeah, that’s right; I used to do bikini competitions before there was even the fitness kind, ha-ha, and she was making my suits for them. Ultimate Bling Bikinis before they were even a thing. I basically trust her with my life. Major sarcasm there but really, what I mean is when you are spending anywhere from $200-$600 on a suit, you’d better trust the designer. That’s exactly why I use Karen. She handmakes, cuts, sews, stones, and designs all of her suits with love. She only uses the best Swarovski crystals to make that suit bedazzled. I have always worn blue; it has become my signature color. Don’t fix what’s not broken, right? We have always stuck to blue but always change it up each year. For the most part, that has been going to a darker shade of blue. This year I wanted much darker and was even playing with the idea of navy or purple. GASP. I just knew I wanted it to be noticeably different but still in the blue-ish family. One of my posing clients came in one day and was wearing a suit with color changing stones. I had never seen them before and immediately sent Karen on the hunt!  My girl, never letting me down, found these new color changing Swarovski stones and we knew exactly what we wanted to create! Fast forward to me coming to pick the suit up and it was even more incredible than I had imagined. It was like a rainbow!! From one viewpoint it was blue, another angle it was purple, then yellow, pink, sometimes red. Altogether it looked like my classic “Tawna Blue” but with some sauce. There is a color fabric from Sweet Revenge named that now, by the way! Hands down, my favorite suit we’ve ever made. I always go with a single row connector, which looks best on my body because my hips are so big and upper body is smaller so the bigger the connector, the more it covers on me. I like to keep it simple with a small circle connector on the back and in the front on the top. With the rainbow effect, these color changing stones have, I had every color suit in one! It was perfect and I was happy. That’s what I tell girls when choosing a suit: do what makes you feel good because you are the only one rocking it, hunny.

THE JEWELRY:

I used to wear just whatever jewelry for the stage. I thought, why spend a lot on jewelry? That was until I started wearing ELIZABETH DWELLE. She handmakes with extra love, using sterling silver and real Swarovski Crystals! Speaking of “oo, sparkle.” Now, this jewelry really shines on stage, girls! My favorite part is that you can make it customized! How neat is that? You know me; I’m not a cookie cutter kind of girl. Anything to be different, I like! I sat down with Elizabeth and we designed the perfect stage set for me. We also made a matching ring. I like to have dangle earrings, with one bigger bracelet and one smaller bracelet, and then a ring. Nothing too crazy or too big because I have a small frame and don’t want them to be too distracting.

I know competing can be costly and you are wondering why spend a lot on something when no one will know how much it is? However, what I found was the cheap jewelry was good for about one show then I’d have to throw it away and buy more! You get what you pay for, right? The tan gets everywhere including the fake silver and stones, making it impossible to clean or look new. The silver WILL turn and not to mention makes my ears itchy! By the time I was done buying new jewelry for each show, I could have had this entire set just once! In the end, I was paying more and not to mention it was more of a hassle trying to find the same jewelry or new jewelry that I even liked. I’m completely obsessed with my TAWNA SET, the way it shines on stage, the uniqueness, and the quality!

THE TAN:

The tan can be such a sketchy ordeal. I’ve had some horrible experiences and seen some horrible experiences. What I know is that the tan will be different for everyone. I have found that LIQUID SUN RAYZ is THE best for my skin. My skin takes the color well. I do follow all of the skin prep instructions to a T, which is always helpful. The color is by far the best for stage. Other tans I have had before were either too red or orange…and sometimes pulled a green tone. Which, yes, it’s very possible to turn green. LSR has the darkest and gives that rich golden-brown tone. What you think of when you think TAN. Off stage, the tan can feel like overkill and too dark. However, put that same body on a stage and it can be not dark enough, which can be to your detriment! This has happened to me before and my physique just didn’t have the same pop or definition. It’s incredible how much the tan really matters. I have been using LSR since I turned pro at Team Universe in 2011! Once I used them, I never looked back. Not only is the product amazing but the team, the family, is even more amazing. Everyone knows everyone and treats everybody the same. The LSR family is so accommodating and always wants the competitor to look and feel their best.

THE HAIR AND MAKEUP:

When I first started to compete, I would do my own hair and makeup for the shows. I had always done beauty pageants growing up and always practiced doing my own makeup so I felt comfortable enough to do it. I also was trying to save a few extra dollars where I could. That was until I had my makeup done for the first time at a show and from then on, I promised myself I would never do my own again. First and foremost, it was so amazing to just wake up and have someone else basically pamper me. There is so much going on that day, the last thing I want to worry about is nailing my makeup. Which brings me to my next point. Just because I was good at doing my own makeup doesn’t mean that I knew professional stage makeup. What’s the difference? EVERYTHING! The color matching to the tan, a Smokey eye without being too much, a little color on the lip but not too nude. The list goes on and again too much for this prep brain to think about on game day. After looking at pictures on stage from when I did it myself or had it professionally done, it was clear as day! I’ve worked with many makeup artists for my shows. What I have found is that you need to be sure and do your research. Don’t always just go with who “everyone” is using. See who they are using. Example being: I am light skinned, blue-eyed, with blonde hair. If I went to someone who has great makeup work but works a lot with girls who are dark complected, dark features, brown eyes, etc. they may not look the best on me. Not to say they don’t do amazing work but, it just wouldn’t look the same on me. Also, testing out with someone is super important, if that’s possible. You can play with colors and ideas so you both are on the same page for the special day. My favorite artists I have worked with are AMY PETERS and NANCY J. AND KRYSTAL MELTON from Tan Masters. In the past, Nancy has always done my makeup. However, this Olympia she was booked up in a flash. That’s what happens when you’re the best in the biz. She suggested I use Krystal. I had never used her before and at first, I was hesitant, but I knew if Nancy was recommending her, she’d be great. Well, turns out this was my favorite makeup look to date…sorry Nancy, you’re still my girl. Ha-ha! Krystal matched my suit perfectly with a little copper/gold tones and purple to bring out the colors in my eyes. I wanted glam but not a heavy smoke, I wanted pop on the lip but not bubblegum pink, I wanted glitter but not to look like a stripper. She nailed it because when I looked in the mirror I said, “Okurrrr, I’m feelin’ myself, girl!”

I saved the hair for last. I feel like for as long as I can remember, you girls have been always asking me about my hair! I do and have always done it myself. Styling that is. Blondes tend to have a hard time on the stage. Not because we’re bimbos, but because that bright white hair with those harsh lights tends to just wash you out. You end up looking like a cotton ball up there! I’ve always been platinum blonde. In the most recent years, I went on trend and did a more rooty blonde. I’ve been seeing balayage specialist VIVIANA DEAN at Peachy Keen Studio to create this look. This year, I wanted to tone down the blonde on the top and bring a brighter blonde out on the ends. Of course, the queen worked her magic and it turned out perfect. I do wear clip-in extensions for more length and volume for stage and she helped me color match to get that flawless look. Back to the “Tawna Hair,” as I’ve heard it called. Ha-ha. I am not claiming these curls but have been styling my hair like this for years now. This time I added a little spice to it. I feel like I always look like the cute bubbly one on stage and I wanted a little edge. I did a hard part so that I could tuck one side behind the ear and give the bangs some heavy volume. Keeping my classic light loose waves, it was just so perfect for all of my transitions and staying out of my face and getting that little bit of sex appeal to it that I wanted.

CLOSING:

There was no placing for me at this year’s Olympia. It was the worst I’ve ever placed at a show. However, this is by far the happiest I have ever walked away from a show. You could say it’s age, maturing, and being in this sport for such a long time, you get used to how things go. I think it was finally being truly, deeply in my heart, proud of what I brought to the stage altogether. The best physique I’ve ever had and absolutely loving my entire glam equals all the feels. Meh, who am I kidding? Being there at the Olympia regardless is an honor and I no doubt was on a high from that! I’m sharing this for you girls in hopes that it helps you remember the FUN in competing. Remember why you started. It is so easy to get caught up in the competition part and lose sight of well, everything. I did once. I promised myself I’d come back and come back stronger. Maybe not in placings but as a person and athlete…and that’s exactly what I did.

A special thank you to my entire team for making show day possible. For putting the time and effort into making me look and feel my best. I truly felt like a million bucks and I appreciate you all more than you know!


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SWEET TOOTH HOTEL

You may or may not have heard all of the ranting about a SWEET TOOTH HOTEL. I know when I first did, I asked…what is it? Where is it? Can I LIVE there, please? Call me a sweets freak! I love anything sweet. If I could, (by which I mean if I could without society looking at me like a complete psycho) eat an entire tub of buttercream I would. Oh, and I could. I grew up infatuated with the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I literally looked at every chocolate bar I ever ate waiting on that damn golden ticket. Then years down the road, the new version Charlie and the Chocolate Factory came out and it was like I was ten all over again. It doesn’t help that I’m a huge fan of Tim Burton Movies and anything with Johnny Depp in it.

The Golden Ticket never came…until NOW! Fortunately, I have the greatest photographer/friend in the whole wide world and he had an extra ticket to go and offered it to me! Now, let me tell you that was legit a “Golden Ticket” because getting one to the Sweet Tooth Hotel was merely impossible. They hold only a few spots for each hour so that it’s not too congested and you can really take in and digest (pun intended), everything it has to offer. Well, that results in months of trying to get a ticket and every time I tried, it was too late. When Mike sent me the text, it was just like that scene when Charlie Bucket sees that little sliver of golden paper. I knew I needed to rush home and…pick my outfits! Ha-ha.

I never thought my life could be
Anything but catastrophe
But suddenly I begin to see
A bit of good luck for me
‘Cause I’ve got a golden ticket

The Hotel:

Check-in is at noon and checkout is at one. You are greeted at the door by a bellman who checks you in and gives you a key to enter the Sweet Tooth Hotel. Standing alone in the front entrance are jars, plates, and bowls filled with candy, lollipops, chocolates, and brightly colored edibles! I was already on sensory overload. Then you enter a door and end up in a grand hallway leading you to five different rooms, one of which is behind a secret door, which turned out to be the refrigerator door. I’ll explain. I’m not going to lie either, walking down that hall I was waiting at any moment for an oompa loompa to grab my hand and lead the way! Mike and I were running around like the five-year-olds that were in there. “Which room do we go to first? Oh wow, look at this! OMG, giant donuts! What are these lights? Look at all the rainbows!” Finally, our plan of attack started with the first room.

My Looks:

I will say, I had pre-gawked at the Sweet Tooth Hotel’s Instagram photos, tagged photos, and stalked other bloggers who had been already, so I had an idea of what was going on in there. I had a few different fun outfits I had in the closet waiting for the perfect moment. Now, babes, with that being said, I don’t think any of these items are still available but these stores are my go-to for online shopping! I knew exactly which outfits I wanted to bring. I just didn’t know how many I would be able to shoot. What I did know is that I wanted looks that were bright, fun, colorful, and as unique as possible. I packed a backpack with four outfits, one of which was a swimsuit. It was honestly pure luck how much each outfit matched each room perfectly. It just made for a picture-perfect day! Here’s how I strategized my looks.

The Sweet Dreams:

There was a bed with blow up candy and neon lighting, and an entire wall of button lights. Perfect for someone like me who likes to press buttons. A bedroom with a Back to the Future, outer space vibe going on. This room was the inspiration of my TIGERMIST white Outer space fit. Humongous bell sleeves with a zip up front pleather.  Just call it Futuristic Retro Fashionista. Totally made up, but totally perfect; right?!

The Rainbows:

This room was my favorite of them all. Vibrant neons, clouds, and rainbows. How could you not be happy!? I’m just a girl livin’ in a rainbow world! Fun story. I got to meet the artist of this room, SHAMSY. She was just as wonderful and colorful as her wall. It was so neat to get to hear her inspiration behind creating it. She was totally diggin’ these photos, BTW. Well, I had THE perfect bright neon set from HOT MIAMI STYLES. This two-piece set is a stretchy lace material. The top is completely see through, so I wore a little silver bralette (in the next room) underneath. The skirt is a skin-tight pencil skirt with a mini slip underneath. Bringing that whole rainbow bright editorial vibe to life!

The 달콤한 꿈 sign:

What do you mean you don’t know what it says? Kidding. It says Sweet Dreams in Korean! Now, the tricky part is pronouncing it. Ha-ha! The only reason I know this is because Mike’s girlfriend is Korean and told him while he was editing the photos. How rad though; right? This neon sign made you feel like you were in another country…possibly Korea, had we known it said that in the beginning. For this look, the little silver bralette from FOREVER21 with TIGERMIST white pleather skirt was the only way to go. It reflected the lights, making it look extra neon. My MVMT LOVELESS Sunnies were the icing to this cake.

The Donut:

BRB (wipes slobber from mouth). I’ll always be daydreaming of donuts. Which by the way, can I just ask why are there two ways of spelling donuts? Is it doughnuts or donuts? The world may never know. Regardless, you know EXACTLY what I’m talking about. I believe this room was built for all of woman kind. Feed me donuts and put me in a bubble bath any day! I did not know there would be a bathroom or bathtub. I just knew I had a super cute handmade one-piece sent to me from SIAN MARIE and it looked like it was made for the room. A holographic, baby pink, sparkly one piece. DUH! The fit and cut of this with the wraparound belt made it feel not so much like a swimsuit but an outfit for a donut bathroom!

Come with me, and you’ll be
In a world of pure imagination
Take a look and you’ll see into your imagination

Of course, writing this blog made for some epic pictures and I can be a bit of a jokester. However, I really believe holding onto our imagination is one of the best things we can do as humans. I think it helps us to be creative, appreciate the differences in everyone, and just remember to enjoy life! Well my sweet things, that is all for today. Hopefully, you enjoyed reading this fun little blog as much as I did writing it and doing it. I hope you leave here today inspired to do something you enjoy, something that makes you happy and smile because it’s contagious!


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My $8 Outfit

Yes, hunny…you read that right. EIGHT DOL-LARS!!! When ROSS says “Dress for Less,” they mean it and I LOVE IT! Not everything cute has to be expensive. I’ve preached this forever but ladies, it’s true! I know some people say, “Ew, ROSS?” Why, though? I’ve never understood that. For example, the bartenders at the restaurant I wore this to did that exactly! Want to know the funny part? The GUY was the one who turned up his nose and the girl was all for it! HA!

Now I will say that I’m not a “regular” at ROSS. It is a bit overwhelming with the…well, mess, but sometimes if you are willing to take the time, you can find pure gold, baby! I needed to wear a blush outfit for my girl’s wedding shower. I did have a few items in my closet; however, they weren’t fitting the vibe. I didn’t have time to order anything online and I just didn’t want to go to the major malls around here in Dallas. Talk about overwhelming. I knew it was going to be a bargain buy! I popped in and out of a few of my go-to stores but NO blush. Ugh; so annoying when you need something and nowhere has it but all other times, it’s everywhere! My last stop was Ross. At this point, I was giving up hope and thought I’d be wearing long sleeves to a summer event. I was not about to show up in any other color because the BRIDE always comes first!  Then out of nowhere, right in front on the SALE rack. Yeah, a sale at Ross. There hung my eight-dollar, size small, perfect summer blush romper! I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t even try it on. I knew I loved it and knew it was my only choice.

It was flowy, made of a cool, light fabric, cut out sleeves, and looked more like $80! It was perfect! I showed up to the bridal shower at TOULOUSE adorable little brunch spot in the new LEGACY WEST, by the way, matched to a T and complimented at the door. I had no shame sharing where I bought this little hidden gem. I love being able to find a steal and not look like it! That just means more shopping for later. Ha-ha! Paired with my favorite Plexi heels from LOVECULTURE and a fuzzy clutch my mom gave me for Christmas, I felt like a million bucks!

If you think you have to break the bank to look stylish or even look expensive, think again. If you’re not quite bold enough to announce where you got it, remember this…no one has to know!

The bridal shower was so much fun and I had a blast hanging with all of my girls! Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Brianne Brown, as they are officially husband and wife now!


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PRETTY LITTLE THING

Dress it Up, Dress it Down

What’s up, all my pretty little thangs? I am so stoked to write to you today about my favorite online shop ever! I have been shopping at PRETTY LITTLE THING  for about four years now and have really loved watching this brand grow. With 6M followers on Instagram, I’d say they are taking over! When I first started shopping with them, it was usually for festival wear, which is how they started out, mainly selling festival clothes. They scream everything WOMAN, girl power, boss babe, femme vibes, and for the right price. Today’s mood was inspired by all of those things.  So, naturally I had to share with all of you babes. As women, we need options but not too many because then we just end up throwing clothes all over the closet floor screaming that we don’t have anything to wear. Yeah, we have all done that. Hold on, baby girl, I got choo!

I bought four different outfits, all for $180. Realistically you could wear these at least six or seven different ways mixing and matching the shorts and bodysuits. I purposefully bought colors that could be interchangeable for that reason. Today I’m showing you how you can dress up or dress down these looks! The biker shorts and bodysuit trend, it’s a thing, honey. It’s called “Fashion Brenda;” look it up!”  NICKY OTTAV You know by now that I’m down for the comfort so if that means just adding some heels to this, count me in! They are so versatile and perfect for wearing around town during the day and then heading out with the squad at night. Simplifying with solids and neutrals, the looks are easy to pair. So, here are my four different outfits with eight different looks dressed up and dressed down. I even put together an entire Look Book for you to get all the feels and vibes going. 😊 To see all the looks, be sure to check it out!

The Looks

Blue Set:

Top: DUSKY BLUE SLINKY CAMI CROP TOP
Bottom: DUSKY BLUE SLINKY HIGH WAISTED CYCLE SHORTS
Cropped Sweater: GREY MARL CROP OFF SHOULDER SWEATER

Leopard Set:

Top: PETITE GREY SLINKY LEOPARD SCOOP NECK THONG BODYSUIT
Bottom: TAUPE BASIC BIKE SHORTS

Nude Set:

Top: WHITE SECOND SKIN SQUARE NECK SLEEVELESS THONG BODYSUIT
Bottom:  SAND BASIC BIKE SHORTS

Pink Set:

Top: SHAPE ROSE SLINKY STRAIGHT NECK CROP TOP
Bottom: SHAPE ROSE SLINKY EXTREME HIGH WAIST DETAIL WIDE LEG TROUSERS

Photos by: @mikelam_
Hair by @hairbyviviana at @peachykeenstudio
Makeup by: @madelinecope

XOXO,
Tawna


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Guest post: Coffee Over Cardio

Good morning, Coffee Lovers!

My name is Abbey Scott and I am the founder of Coffee Over Cardio – an online coffee company!

I was living in NYC in early 2017, working at an investment bank, and spending WAY too much money on coffee when my boyfriend jokingly said to me, “You drink so much coffee, you should have your own.”

After laughing it off, we actually asked one another – wait, is that possible? Then we looked into the details.

Fast forward to November 2017 and we launched Coffee Over Cardio with four different flavors of ground coffee!

Designing the website and the bags, tasting the coffee, and making apparel was only one part of the process.

Not only did I want to create a coffee that tasted AH-MAZING, but I wanted to create a community that inspires others to chase after their dreams and passions just like I did. I like to ask people why they drink coffee. Are you staying up late studying for your diploma? Are you a mom of four and need a cup to get through the day? Are you working a full-time job and trying to launch your own passion project on the side?

Here at Coffee Over Cardio, we want to give you an affordable, quality cup of coffee with a side of inspiration and support for you to grow, prosper, and flourish!

Check us out at Coffeeovercardio.com or on our Instagram @CoffeeOverCardio.

Best,
Abbey Scott
Abbey Scott
Founder
@abbbeyscottt


Tawna with a cup of Coffee


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BAGGY SPOTS & OFF THE SHOULDER TOPS

Can we please just start this blog out with a moment of silence.

.

.

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AMEN! Ha-ha. I mean, but seriously this is one of those outfits that the longer you wear it, the better it gets. First the pattern, then the flow, omg; wait, there are slits?! Okay, before I give all the goods, let me tell you how I found it.  I got this little dime piece while Greg and I were in Maui as we were wasting time waiting on our flight back home. I know; perfect timing, right? (huge eye roll here) There was a cute little boutique store in the shopping mall down the street from where we were staying. As soon as I walked in, I walked directly back out and hollered at Greg… “I’m going to be in here for a minute,” …code for sit down, hold my bags, and give me the CC.

If you haven’t figured it out by now, I am a huge fan of anything flowy, pants, and if it’s a boutique where not many will have it…SOLD! This store had all of the above plus some. So many pant sets, crop tops, dresses, rompers, jumpsuits, and all FLOWY! I limited myself to trying on just four outfits; trust me, there were many more in mind, this set being the first pick. I originally tried it on with the matching print top. Now I do love some print on print action but something just wasn’t flowing right on me. So I chose four other solid black tops that I thought would pair just as well. After some major decision making (PS: I’m the absolute WORST at making decisions on anything), I then finally decided on this off-the-shoulder cropped, bell sleeved, little piece of heaven top! Oh, for the LOVE of Bell Sleeves. My dad swears I should have been raised in the 60s and 70s and sometimes I like to think that I was in another life. Ha-ha.

Okay, so I now had a complete set and I just knew I couldn’t go home without it! It didn’t help that there were now a group of girls also in the store shopping and rooting me on every time I stepped out of the dressing room. Women supporting women…I like that shit. Needless to say, I was in love and my cheerleaders persuaded me that it should be mine.

Now is where I give you all the goods. PS…I also had a very difficult time deciding on whether I should talk about the top or pants first. They are both so adorable and I just didn’t know. The bell sleeves and cropped, oh but, the print and yesss, yess the slits!  See. Too much back and forth has taken place, so we will start from top to bottom like a normal human being.

OFF THE SHOULDER TOP: Maui Crop Top

First, I am seriously considering asking my website designer to include a “touch” feature because this fabric is to die for! Made of 100% rayon, it’s the softest, lightest weight, most relaxed fabric, I’ve ever worn. Perfect material for keeping you cool on those hot summer days. Okay, you probably don’t care about the fabric, so let’s just get to these freaking amazing sleeves! Now, I have a lot of shirts with flowy or bell sleeves but these are on another level. They are massive and hang down below your hands, making twirling and arm movement even more fun. Not that I need any help moving my arms any more BUT hey, when your feelin’ sassy, just OWN IT! Now, who doesn’t love a good off the shoulder top?  Summer or not, the off the shoulder look is definitely on trend and looks good on anybody, in my opinion.  Speaking of Summer looks, the cropped top is the perfect way to get that vibe, paired with any high waisted bottoms. Which brings me to the best part of this outfit…the pants!

BAGGY SPOTS: Diamond Dot Pants

Maybe we should do another moment of silence for these bad boys. I mean, dang. These are what brought me into the store in the first place. I walked by and saw these on display and did one of those my body is still walking but my eyes and head have stayed behind things. That’s also the moment Greg knew he was screwed. Ha-ha! It wasn’t until the past two years that I really started to embrace “prints.” I think they have to be done the right way. These days, print is in and if you are brave, mixed print too! Dots however, have always been “in fashion.” It’s like Christian Dior says in his book The Little Dictionary of Fashion, “They are lovely, elegant, easy, and always in fashion. I never get tired of dots.” They are high waisted with a little zipper on the side and a waist band that you can tie in the front or the back, depending on your vibe. Made from the same cool, soft fabric as the top, these big ol’ flowy pants could easily be mistaken for a maxi skirt. It was at the moment I stepped foot out of the dressing room that I realized these pants were in fact pants and even more amazing than I was always already thinking. SPLITS!? The pants are completely split open from the ground to high thigh! Basically, what we have here is a hybrid of Pants / Shorts / Maxi Skirt. Insert shocked emoji face here. SOLD!

This outfit is by far the most fun outfit I’ve ever owned. It just makes me happy. PERIOD. The absolute perfect vacation, beach, travel getaway outfit for any woman. Though, I don’t live near any beaches, don’t doubt that I would rock this little number anywhere in the city! Hope you enjoy this look as much as I do and I hope you get to twirl in something similar too because every girl deserves that feeling!

Tawna_Baggy

Much love,
Tawna

Photos by: Mike Lam