Welcome!

This blog is to written because frankly we can't do everything all by our selves...we need help, encouragement, tips, guidance. Recently diagnosed with border line type two diabetes I have changed how I live, how I eat and how I exercise. I want to help you along with myself to stay motivated. Lets motivate each other...lets give tips for healthier eating and living and lets grow together!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Sad News...

My Idra Skirted Pea Coat was not meant to be. It came...I tried it on, it looked terrible!  Idra apparently runs large so my size 2 was a tent.  What girl wants to look like a tent. I have relisted it on Ebay with much sadness.  If you are 4 and are interested, let me know...I will send you to the ebay link:(  Just goes to show that sometimes Ebay isn't the best deal...Have a good Night!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

One more for the Similar???


This is the Naya Sandal currently on sale at 6pm.  Naya is one of my new favorite brands as I bought a pair of heels from Anthropologie earlier this year by Naya and they were the most comfortable heels I have EVER had on my feet!  They were amazing and sold out fast.  Saying that...I feel like a schmuck because I paid Anthro's price and here they are at 6pm now for $84.00.  What's a girl to do?!?  I wore them for our 11 year anniversary dinner so I don't feel too bad but I really hate paying more than I have to.  Ok so back to this Naya sandal.  Currently at 6pm for $55-.  Comes in Brown, Green and this Yellow, which I love.  What struck me was that Anthropologie is carrying a similar shoe by quite a bit more.


Now granted they aren't the same shoe BUT, this little number is running $388- at Anthropologie right now.  Sooo the question is, is it $333- more comfortable than the Naya's?  Uh no...unless they are massaging my back and telling me I am beautiful all day and possibly even giving me a pedicure at the same time...no shoe is worth $388-.   Especially when you can find something similar in looks and uber comfortable somewhere else!

Fitness and Faith

So...I totally believe that our bodies are gifts from God and need to be cared for as such.  Meaning we shouldn't neglect our health and we should be good stewards of what God has given us.  That being said, I know I feel more awake, vibrant, energetic when I exercise.  But I have gotten into a bit of a rut lately with exercise.  I can't run outside on the pavement so I stick to my treadmill which was really great up until last summer...then I kind of fell off that bandwagon. I got bored.  So I am trying to mix up my fitness routine with some other options.  I have to say one of my new favorite things to do is dance.  We got a Wii for a Christmas gift this year for our family, thank you Grandma;)  And I bought a dance game to play on it.  It has a fitness routine where it will continue in it's routines for 30 minutes and I have to say...I don't even know I am exercising!  It is really fun.  I know that a lot of us get in these ruts where going to the gym or hitting the trails may not be the first thing on our lists. I know that it isn't for me at times.  I would just suggest finding something you really think is fun...that you don't consider exercise and do that.  Or...if watching a show...run up and down your stairs during commercials, crunches and push ups during the show.  30 minutes down and you are done.  That was what I was doing before the Dance game;)  If you have a Wii, it is called Just Dance 2.  Very Fun and so are the broadway versions....although not as good of a work out.  Zumba will be here next week...I hear that is great as well:)  Have a great Wednesday!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Similar????

So I have been hunting around trying to help those of you who are on a budget at this time of year.  I know what that is like being a fairly new stay at home mom and the wife of a fairly new business owner...we are on a budget is kind of an understatement:)  Sooo...Like all good girls I like to shop around to get the best prices. So today I was shopping around for two of Anthropologie's newer dresses to see if I couldn't find a less expensive option for you.   Here is what I came up with...

Irresistible Maxi Dress
$178 - anthropologie.com
Maxi dresses »


Long - Dresses - Anthropologie.com
$138 - anthropologie.com


30 GBP - asos.com


The Honor Gold Dress link isn't working correctly...so here is one I embedded myself... Honor Gold Dress

The Michael Stars Christy dress is currently being sold at 6pm for $54.40 Link here. If like myself I love the new colors, fabrics etc that are coming out during the spring and summer, especially the teals and pinks...I don't know what it is about those colors that make me feel happy but they do!  Anyway...if you can't afford some of the new trends, email me and I will see if I can't find something similar for you.  

I also had some trouble finding a quality kimono dress that wasn't more than $100-.  Target always has their cotton, cinched waisted dresses but that wasn't what I was looking for.  A friend wore a beautiful pink kimono dress, belted with jeans and it was just stunning.  So I immediately inquired where she got the number.  Well...I have to say...it was beautiful but on sale for over $300-. I can't do that.  But I looked around and found that these dresses seem to be limited either to high end shops or to low end cotton numbers.  Odd...where is the middle range?  Where are the sales?  So here is what I found that was similar...not the same but the look was...ehhh well...not exactly but sort of;)  




So that is it for today...Hope you have a great Tuesday!!!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

New Page!!!

I have always had this asperation to have a high end consignment shop. Meaning not old navy etc...but Nordstroms, Macy's, Anthropologie, Jcrew and the like. Kind of weird I know but I thought that getting the nicer cloths to those that maybe couldn't afford it new would be a nice way to help others.  I added a page where I am going to resell some of my unused or slightly used clothing.  Rather than using Ebay I thought this might benefit our community more?  We will see.  If you have something to sell...let me know:)  Check out my first listing under the "for sale" tab up top. I will try to go through my stuff a bit more and see what I have!

Friday, January 21, 2011

Style on a Budget?

Glee is one of the new hit shows and people are looking to Emma Pillsbury's style for inspiration.  I was happy to learn that most of her styling choices are actually on a teachers budget!  Anthropologie was selling the Seychelles Yellow Glad Rags T-Strap heals this winter, unfortunatley I can't find them anywhere else right now...If you know where, I would LOVE to know!  The yellow sold out fast but the teal is on sale for $50-!  
The skirt and sweater were from JCREW.  JCrew is have an additional 40% off sale right now and it's ending  the 26th of January.




Shoes Here
Update...I have been told that Emma's shoes were also from JCrew and they were called the Penelope Heels
Now...I am sorry to say...I do like the Seychelles ones better...I love the ruffle in back...that is if we can ever find them again. It is weird, usually Seychelles is carried by quite a few different stores, but this particular shoe was an enigma.  Existing for a short while...then disappearing!


Skirt and Cardigan Here
 and Here






Jewery was from Target (sold out of the flower necklace) and like items from Anthropologie!




I agree with one of my readers who suggested looking at Emma's wardrobe...it's beautiful and classic.  And affordable. I will continue to look for bargains for you but if you see any deals that you would like to pass alone, email me at jen.fashionfamilyfitnessfaith@gmail.com!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Patience....

Ok for a piece of clothing that I love, I am usually not that patient.  But for the Idra Skirted Pea Coat that appeared at Anthropologie 2 years ago...I was.  I loved it but HATED the price.  Since then, I have seen it pop up on Ebay for well over $100-.  Note this is not a winter coat. It is just a cute pea coat...plain and simple.  Today...I was looking around on ebay and stumbled across it again...in the brown which I do so love and someone had a low starting bid.  Could it be?!?!?!  Yes...I won, first bid!  That goes to show that patience does prevail sometimes!  I will say a trick to ebay that I learned from a reader is that bids ending mid week and during work hours tend to go for less money than those items closing when more people are home. Makes sense but I never had thought of it that way.  I saved over 50% by being patient and now my dream coat is on it's way to me!  Just in time for my date coming up with my husband:)  If any of you know me, I adore my husband. He makes me laugh, calms the storms, and is genuinely the most caring, loving man.  We go out to dinner every month or so and I like to look my best when we do get to go out alone.  Since the holidays and all of these trips my husband has been making for work, our dates are running around 2 months apart.  Soon...we will remedy that;)  Looking forward to my favorite food (thai), my favorite person, and a night out on the town!!!

Let me know if you have scored any new exciting deals! I will model the coat for you when it comes in!  Hope it is gorgeous on me:)

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Products I LOVE!

Ok so I had some questions about what products I use for makeup.  First I have tried a ton of stuff...a ton, recommendations from friends, relatives but I have combination, very sensitive skin.  Apparently my eyelids sweat as well. Who knew that could happen!!!  Well this girl didn't!  My best friend clued me in on that when she mentioned that when your eye shadow cakes in the crease of your eye, that is caused by moisture.  So I tried some different products to stop the moisture so my eye shadow would stay in place.  I swear it took years to find something I love and now I want to share that bit of information with you.  I have a drawer full of beautiful make up that doesn't last all day, cakes up, dries up, gunks up;)  You get the picture.  Well sometimes we find what we were looking for in the most obvious of places.  Here is what I love...




The eye shadow's by Revlon last all day...not a hoax, because I have seriously been fooled before on this claim.  They have about a million color's to choose from and I get the most complements when I wear the plums on my green eyes.  The eye liners (liquid)  are equally as good and come in fewer colors than I would like but they work.  I am still holding my breath for a dark plum.  *hint*hint* Revlon!!!
Their color stay lip stick is great however I really like the Cover Girl ones better because of the top coat. I have been wearing these lipsticks for 2 years now and I used to hate lipstick.  I am a pretty simple girl and if make up takes a lot of maintenance, then it is not for me.  The lip color lasts all day, no need to reapply and it won't get all over your cups, tooth brush or husband;)  I always hated the makeup transfer issue...especially on clothing because sometimes...it doesn't come out in the wash.  The mascara...ahhh so great!  Lasts all day, doesn't flake, comes off easily with makeup remover or SOAP:)  Gosh so nice! I have contacts and stuff that flakes off into your eye is SO painful!  So there you have it...makeup that can be done once and then forgotten about for the rest of the day.  I love the simplicity of it and face it...who wants to spend your time in the bathroom retouching your make up all day...or have it flake off and you not know that one eye is still done up and the other is a mess?  Not me. I have enough pictures of me like that to fill a few photo albums because I, yes I...don't like to fiddle with makeup:)  I hope this helps you!  If you have any favorites, let me know. I am still looking for a good concealer that won't cause break outs. If you have one, let me know.  I have yet to find one that works for me and it gets expensive trying new ones out.  Thanks Everyone and have a good Wednesday!!!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Outfit 1/18/2011

Outfit 1/18/2011
Outfit 1/18/2011 by JENNIFER HILDERBRAND featuring a corset t shirt

The Ever-Present Tee was white, paired over a black cami.


Pictures?

So I am new to blogging and it occurred to me what I love about so many other peoples blogs is their contributor's pictures.   Outfit's they have created, recipes they have tried etc... so every week I would LOVE it if you would send your pictures in of what you are wearing!  It will give me inspiration since I am on a very small clothing budget and must make new outfits out of what I currently have residing in my closet. I will do my best to do some pairings as to help to inspire you as well!  I can't promise greatness...but maybe we can find close if we help each other!!!

Lots of deal's!!!

So my in box was over flowing with emails for 40% here and there...so I will pass on these beauties to you!

First JCrew...40% off is not a normal occurance...plus free shipping...a girls heart has begun to go pitter patter;)



Next up is The Loft...

Up Next...Bare Necessities
Clearance Event: up to 60% OFF

Happy Sale shopping!!!!  Have a great Tuesday!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Shopping Tip...

You can tell I am starting to snoop around on the internet to see what kind of deals I can get for our summer needs.  Now that I have said that...I wanted to give you some tips.  Don't be afraid to ask someone what brand of clothing they are wearing if you truly love it.  Most people don't mind and are a little flattered if you do this appropriately.  Next...when searching on line for something...it can be OVER WHELMING!  If you have a brand and a style like...maxi dress or blazer, it can make searching that much easier.  Even with this, you can come up with tons of options.  Have patience.  You may not find what you are looking for the first time you sit down and shop.  If available, check into your local boutiques.  Typically they have really unique items that you might not find at your major retailer.  Also ask about coupons.  On line typically will be running a coupon because they have less overhead but at your boutique, they might be having a special too...or about ready to.  That might save you a ton of money just by asking a few questions.  Lastly...shop early for your seasons.  Right now everyone is clearancing all their last years summer stuff out to ready their stock rooms for this years shipments.  Great time to find a deal on last years sandal.  And if you are anything like me, last years black flat is just fine with me;)  Have fun getting what you need early or shopping the end of the year clearance sections for winter boots etc...for next year!!!  If you have any tips for me, be sure to email me at jen.fashionfamilyfitnessfaith@gmail.com

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Pitch forks and the angry mob!

So Anthropologie must have heard the growing growds gathering outside their offices with pictforks because to my utter chagrin...they have a coupon code for free shipping!  The catch? You have to spend $150- to get it BUT here is the kicker...return shipping is always $5.95!  To get it to you?  It starts at around $10- and goes up from there!  So my advice?  Buy more than one...get a small and a medium to try on if you are unsure then you can return one. If you already know your size...well...you know what I would do:)  But that is between you and me;)

Coupon Code: KEEPCOZY

Also...free returns on shoes until March 31st...so Free Shipping to you...free shipping back (only on shoes) how could you go wrong???;)  Have a good day readers!!!

Ohh and here is another deal for you!  Thought this was just right for this snowy, winter's day!

If you sign up with Netflix, you get a $10- off coupon to Papa Johns! So if you were going to sign up anyway...why not do it with dinner;)  Click on this link to get your coupon, it will take you right to the Netflix site with the coupon!  Have a great Wednesday!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Sale 1/11/2011

Every Tuesday Anthropologie has a sale...and today was no exception!  They have put some of the winter's most popular sweaters on sale.  Tip...if they don't have your size on-line...call.  They can check stock at in their store locations and see if they might have your size, if they do...then you are in luck.  My advice...if you love it and it is on sale...don't hesitate.  Anthro's stuff usually go quickly. One thing is...their shipping is back!!!  Such a bummer because it is expensive and based on the purchase price rather than weight.  So that spendy little top just got pricier.  I guess that is what we get for not living closer to a store location.  Enjoy the sale!


Sale 1/11/2011
Sale 1/11/2011 by JENNIFER HILDERBRAND featuring a layered skirt
A few of my favorites....


Sunday, January 9, 2011

75% off at 6pm for DKNY, Sam Edelman and More!

I am a HUGE fan of 6pm.com !  Unfortunatley I forget to shop there first for what I want sometimes.  I didn't this time.  We just booked a vacation for this summer and wanted to check out kids sandals to see what they had.  I did so well! I ended up with a pair of keen's for my daughters for $12- (normally $50)!  I was so thrilled I picked up a pair for my husband as well!
Check out these cute finds...
$17.50 (available in other colors too)
$22.69 Cole Haan Penny Thong 
 $37.00 Cole Haan Air Brianna Sling (normally $148-)
 $41.40 Cole Haan Air Rianna
$30.80 Swim top
$37.80 Smocked Solids Swimsuit
$75.63 in other stores for almost double by Scapegoat
Marmot - Women's PreCip JacketMarmot PreClip jacket $59.99
 $38.00 for Emu Wool Ularu Boots
$47.40 Gabrielle Rocha Winter Hit Boot 


And lastly...because I have to go to bed;) is...
$118.25 from $473-! Cordani Tommi Brown Suede Boot 


















7 for all Mankind Gwenevere Knit Legging $77.40 (59% off)


So many good deals to be had...I got my frye boots here last year for 75% off! I couldn't have been more thrilled seeing those.  A tip for 6pm...check often!  They usually get last season's mark downs...what they have is it...so if they have your size then you are in luck:)  Good Luck Shopping and Happy Monday!!!