HELLO DECEMBER: Tiffany’s In Texas!

hello_decemeber

Howdy Sistas! 

A quick hello and wishing you all a Wonderfully Fabulous December! We made it safely to Texas and a big wish of mine has come true. I’ve been longing to move back to Texas for the past few years to be closer to my family and besties. We thrive in the “atmosphere” that is best suited for us and I am thrilled to see what is in store for us here. My hubby is already loving it too! Aussie turned Texan! Yeehaw G’day Mate.

Remember, the holidays can easily turn into a stressful, rush rush rush and exhausting experience if you allow it. It is ok to decline that 19th cocktail party invite and choose to stay at home with a cup of hot cocoa and an old movie instead. Gift giving can become an expensive exchange if you aren’t diligent to stay in your budget. Sometimes a real snail mail card or phone call to connect is the best give ever! Take some time to enjoy and be grateful for the “reason of the season” and begin thinking of the intentions you want to set for 2014. The holidays are a time of celebration, reflection and taking time for the things that matter most in life. We can get pulled in too many directions then we end up starting the New Year frazzled. JUST SAY NO SISTA!

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EXCITING NEWS! The popular SOS Stocking Stuffer Giveaway will be back this holiday! Make sure to check in here or on the Facebook Page  for details and dates.

*If you have a product or service that is a “fit” with SOS [fashion, beauty products,health/wellness, fitness] and would like to be included in the giveaway- please fill out the form on the COLLABORATION PAGE for pricing & details. Deadline is Dec 11th to participate.

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Again, thank you all for you prayers, patience and support during this big transition!

I would love to hear your holiday tradition… please share!

Love, Tiff

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SOS IS TEXAS BOUND! {Candid Vlog}

HAPPY SATURDAY SISTAS! 

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend. Here’s a quick message from my messy closet… 

Reminder, if you are interested in working with me privately- I will be taking new clients again in January and offering complimentary 15 minute consultations via skype.

SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY.

Check the SERVICES PAGE for more info! 

Yeehaw, we are Texas bound!

Love, Tiff 

A DAUGHTER REMEMBERS

On Father’s Day today, memories of my Daddy flood my mind.  He was a cool cat who drove a Corvette and sported 501’s, wire rimmed shades, funky belts and leather jackets…hmmm, my sister and I not only picked up style tips from our Mom, but it seems like our Dad had just as much to do with our eclectic personal styles.  I’m pretty sure my sister actually rocks some of Daddy’s old T-shirts and belts to this day!  Remember, he is half Japanese so his “Americana” fashion sense made him even more special.  Picture James Dean, but with jet black hair,  almond eyes and a strong Southern drawl.

Mama_Daddy_Prom{Parents at Prom}

 

Glen D. Bolton was born in Japan on April 4, 1949.  His Dad, Aubrey Dale Bolton, was an American Soldier in WWII and my beautiful Memaw, Hannah Hanazawa, became his war bride. They all moved to the states, to Texas, when my Dad was about 5.  Papaw was a car and motorcycle lover who played guitar in a country band.  He passed those passions down to his son.  My Dad would probably have been considered a “hipster” today.  I remember he was either outside tinkering on his motorcycles or he was in the game room  jammin’ to the Beach Boys, Elvis or the BeeGee’s with these massive white headphones on, no shirt and cut offs.  He loves music, he loves cars + motorcycles and still collects cool T-shirts.  It brings a smile to my face when I think how creative and passionate he was and still is.  He is a very talented artist and painter as well.  I’m grateful he passed his passionate spirit and creativity on to my sister and me. 

Memaw_Papa{Grandparents Wedding}

 

There were a lot of hard times with my Dad, but for the rest of my life– I choose to remember the wonderful times.  As I work with orphans now who have never even seen their Father’s face and never will, I am deeply grateful I had a Dad who was very present in my life. He was a super stern disciplinarian and I was often afraid of him, but at the end of the day, he was and is a great Father. He had a stellar work ethic and I never saw a drink in his hand. Daddy never hesitated to do fun things with us like sliding down the steepest slides at WaterWorld or taking us for Sunday drives in one of his cool cars. At Christmas, when I was 8– he stayed up all night on Christmas Eve to put together a massive new swingset complete with monkey bars and a slide.  As we were opening gifts that morning, he casually opened the drapes overlooking the backyard.  Talk about two little girls squealing at the top of their lungs!  

 

Daddy, thank you for the memories. I love you.

daddy_nat_myfoot{I’m on Daddy’s shoulders, my sis by the fence w/ our 1st fam dog- Scooter}

 

Daddy_toys{Boys and their Toys}

 

Are you a Goldfish?

confidence_bluefish

HAPPY FRIDAY GOLDFISH!

This simple yet profound photo impacted many on the Facebook Page so I had to share it here as well.  I LOVE IT!  Does it speak to you the way it did to me?  One of the primary messages of SOS is to be Bold + Confident and this photo represents just that.  Do you battle with your confidence?  Do you feel like that goldfish on the inside, but for some reason you find it difficult to truly own it?  Do you shrink back with all the other little blue fish for fear of being too different or being considered a ‘show off’ among your peers? 

From childhood, we are trying to ‘fit in’ and find our group.  I hung around the cheerleaders and jocks for a while, but I was really more eclectic and artsy.  The dark, outcast, artistic types were who I felt most comfortable with.  You know the guys in art class who wore Doc Martin’s and concert T’s with buzzed hair except for that one long bang that hung down over one eye.  They were my fave peeps, yet I dated one of the cutest, most popular basketball players in school.  I also played the piano in my youth group services at church.  Oh yea– and I was modeling quite a bit by my senior year.  Whoa, there were a few crazy years in high school and had to switch schools too.  AHHHH!  I was all over the place and always walked to the beat of my own drum.  Where was I suppose to fit in?  I never really knew and I am sure many of you felt the same way.

Finally, as we grow and learn to love ourselves– we realize what a waste of time and energy it is trying to fit in.  The most freeing thing in the world is to feel comfortable in your own skin.  That statement deserves a great big…….. HOLLA!!!

If you walk to the beat of your own drum, never ever apologize for it. 

If you love to wear giant earrings, bright shirts or funky hats, never apologize for it.

If you are more art class than sorority or drill team, never apologize for it.

Be confident in who you are and stop comparing yourself to your friends or the images you see in the media.  Yes, I know easier said than done.  I’ve worked in the media industry my entire life so I know how much it can devastate your confidence….if you let it.  Oh how I wish our teen girls and young women could understand this!  I wasted so many years battling low self-esteem– an entire decade in my 20’s– and I want to see our next generation of women self- assured during those fun years instead of either hiding behind a mask or shrinking back in fear.   I really want to see ALL women living a confident life!  Period.

Wishing you all a weekend full of your favorite things!  Make sure to take some time for YOU.

I realize we are being bombarded with the news coverage of the horrible recent events (luckily I don’t have cable), but I feel in my heart to give you all a simple reminder to pray. Pray for Boston. Pray for Texas. Pray for the World.  In these uncertain times, one thing I do know is certain… God hears our prayers.

Love, Tiff

STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE {Plus Sunday Eve Affirmations}

Hey Style + Spirit Sisters!

How was your week?  Are you gearing up for Halloween costumes and Trick or Treating with your lil monsters?  I am sending lots of love from my home state of  Texas.  I was a lucky duck and got to take a MUCH needed last minute vacay due to a delay in my hubby’s tour.  Getting some QT with my BFF’s complete with– a spa day, girlie lunches, shopping , speaking to a group of lovely pageant contestants, seeing Madonna in concert and cuddling with the most presh 2 year old triplets you’ve ever seen– was just what the doc ordered and the yummy TexMex is a major added bonus!   My love tank is full (so is my belly) and I have been truly blessed by all the  Southern hospitality!

Speaking of Southern hospitality, can I just say how refreshing it is!  The women here take the time to chat and acknowledge others whether it’s in pilates class, in the check out line at the grocery store or at the hair salon.  People in LA are so rushed and in their own little bubbles, that you rarely have a chat in the grocery line.  I make it a point to speak to people and usually get a raised eyebrow like I’m some foreign weirdo.  I am proud to be a TEXAS GIRL,  so if that means I’m a bit weird in other parts of the world- so be it.  Mama raised me right!  It also brought to my attention how special you can make someone feel just by asking the three little words, “How are you?”    Think about it, how often do you walk away from a convo and realize that the other person was so busy telling you all about themselves (usually without even taking a breath) that they never asked how YOU were doing?  Can we say NARCISSIST?  Not a fan!   Women of Excellence are the opposite.  They slow down and take the time to genuinely show interest in others and their lives.  I think a woman is at her most beautiful when she is striving to live a life of excellence and  showers love + compassion on others.  Don’t get me wrong, we are all a work-in-progress and the demands of life can have us leaning towards mediocrity more than excellence somedays.  The key is to always STRIVE!   Let’s go into the week ahead with this in mind!

THIS WEEK I WILL…..

  1. Turn my back on mediocrity.
  2. Be fabulous not frazzled.
  3. Slow down and sit to enjoy my meals and not eat over the sink.
  4. Call (not email) an old friend and ask “How are you? How have you been?”
  5. Not base my identity on how I look, what I wear or what I own. I am a Child of God!
  6. Book a spa day + massage because I deserve it.
  7. Check something fun off my bucketlist.
  8. Rock a leopard shoe, scarf, handbag or hat.
  9. Focus on being healthy instead of the number on the scale.
  10. Surround myself with other women of excellence.
  11. STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE IN ALL THAT I DO + SAY!

HOWDY FROM TX….

A FEW PICS FROM MY TRIP…..

{Rock Leopard}

{Girls Night Out at Marquee}

{Dinner with LeeAnne}

{Madonna in Concert- check it off the bucketlist}

{Spa Day}

{Shoe Shopping with Heidi }

Is there an area in your life where you tend to be more mediocre?  Cheers to coming up higher + striving this week.  I would love to hear your thoughts on this week’s topic.

Comment, share, tweet and like it!  I really appreciate it.

Remember what you put out into the world comes back to you a hundred fold.

Love, Tiff

P.S. To all you mamas out there…YOU ROCK SISTAS!    I typed up this post while three toddlers were running around giggling and playing along with four adults and a doggie.  I have a whole new respect for the multi-tasking mothers of the world.  God Bless You Wonder Women!  May you all get a good catnap or two this week.

I also want to wish Mila Grace, Liam + Blake Leigh a very Happy 2nd Birthday today!  Auntie TT loves you!

LAYER IT UP! Summer to Fall Wardrobe Tips

Hi Pretty Peacock!

Is it still summer-like temps where you live?  It has been ridiculously HOT HOT HOT here in LA so I’m sure you sisters down in my home state of Texas are still rockin’ the flip flops and sundresses too.  Hopefully, in the next few weeks we will all get a break from this heat and be able to wear a pair of slouchy boots at least.  My leather jacket has been sweetly calling my name for the past few weeks, “Yoo Hoo Tiffany….Hey, Tiff….I miss you. I’m lonely. Come out and play!”  I admit- I do have separation anxiety from it, but it will have to keep hanging there all alone for now.  Luckily, there are a few simple tips for transitioning our wardrobes as the temps do slowly begin to drop.  LAYERING is the first option to think about and I  show you a few simple tweaks in this week’s webisode:

 

{Slouchy Boot + Heavier Belts}

{Darker Nail Color + A Great Scarf}

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Ready to switch gears……

Every once in a while, a book affects you so profoundly that it must be shared! I love it when that happens, don’t you? (Thanks LG!)   “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” is an inspiring, fun and thought-provoking MUST READ!  There are a ton of A-ha’s and words of wisdom that will feed your mind + spirit and get you on the path to living a more RADIANT LIFE.  I know you will love it as much as I do.  Here are a few great excerpts:

  • “But it is a perfect world, and you have a perfect life. You do have the power to control your day. You do have the power to think good thoughts. You do have the power to live your dreams!”
  • “Do not just read anything. You must be very selective about what you put into the lush garden of your mind. It must be immensely nourishing. Make it something that will improve both you and the quality of your life.”
  • “When you erase fear from your mind, you start to look younger and your health becomes more vibrant.”

Do you have a topic you would like to see a video on? Comment and share….You have my ear sista!

How are you doing so far with this week’s affirmations?

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On the 11th anniversary of 9/11, let us all stop and say a prayer for our great nation and the brave heroes who fight for our safety.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

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Wishing you a week full of yummy kale salads, fun jewel tone tops, magical moments and red lipstick!

Love, Tiff

POSITIVE ENERGY + how to not absord the negative!

Hey My Fabulous Fashionista Friends!

Who is feeling that magical transition to Pre-Fall? As much as I completely Love (I mean seriously L O V E) summer, I equally love that change in the air as the seasons begin to change.  For me, it is always a fun time of year because my birthday is always that final summer celebration and let me tell you– I had an AWESOME birthday and was royally spoiled by family and friends complete with a quick jaunt to Vegas.  This leads me to this week’s topic= ENERGY + INTUITION.  Now, I truly love getting out of town for a sec no matter where it is, but Vegas is a whole other cup of tea.  It’s not my fave place on the planet, but I can seem to find fun wherever! There are people, people and more people in Sin City and I often leave feeling an “energy drain” from the crowds. Do you relate to what I’m talking about?  It’s as if someone took a vacuum hose to my gut and sucked out all my positive energy. So I’ve spent the past few days refueling.  If you are like me and “feel” other people’s energy and vibes to the point that it drains you- here’s a few tips on transforming the “energy drain” back into a positive feeling and get your vibrancy back!  If you are overly “empathetic”, you probably deal with this issue because you are like a SPONGE and absorb people’s energy:

  1. PROTECT YOURSELF.  Before heading into the masses, stop- say a prayer and ask to be shielded with white light from the top of your head down to your tippy toes.  Ok, this may sound corny, but God will protect you!
  2. BE AWARE. Take notice of how you feel in a certain environment and around certain people.  Do you crave your “comfort foods” after being exposed to negative people or do you feel like drinking more? This is important to be aware of because we are physically trying to correct an emotional issue. (I have a touch of social anxiety and “feel” peoples energy very quickly so I tend to grab for that extra glass of wine to deal. I don’t recommend it- just being honest)
  3. RINSE IT OFF. Believe it or not, a hot bath or shower can “cleanse” you of negative energy.  Washing away negative energy will release you from “carrying” that energy and keep you sane.  Let all the negative energy go right down the drain!

PLEASE comment and let me know if you deal with this and if you have found a great remedy that works for you!

Switching Gears to a Fun Fashion Topic!

I will be taping a few Fall inspired webisodes this week to give you the 411 on the “must have’s” and also the things you can skip! As a self-proclaimed Texas “boot girl”,  my fave fave fave thing about Fall is a GREAT BOOT! Just about any style of boot is hot this season.  What is YOUR fave type of boot? Wedge, Bootie, Motorcycle, Over-the-Knee?

Remember to join us on the Facebook Page for some fun convo’s!

Here are a few great affirmations for the week ahead posted by our Style Sisters:

  • I WILL not put up w/ ANY NEGATIVITY! -Teri
  • Feeling like the little engine that could…I WILL be a light. I will be productive. I will give and receive beautiful energy. I will be a blessing. I will honor the divinity within me.-Teia
  • I WILL begin each day by being grateful for my many blessings.-Dianna
  •  I WILL flirt!-Diane
  • I WILL never give up and dream big!-Kay
  • I WILL start to wake up earlier and give my time to God before I go on with my day as I lack in that area sometimes as well as do something nice for my self at least once a day.-Christina
  • I WILL wake up every morning with the thought that something fabulous is about to happen!-Cheryl
  • I WILL spend time daily in prayer and turn to God when I need peace instead of distracting myself with things that ultimately don’t matter. -Kari
  • I WILL spend more time on me!-Jo

I know too well what it’s like to live a life of low self-esteem and even a shame-based life….this is why I started SOS.  ALL women deserve to live the life of their dreams no matter where they started in life…..we can all end up someplace beautiful, successful, powerful, positive and abundant!  It doesn’t matter where you start, but with belief + effort we can all end up someplace totally fabulous!  Make sure to share SOS with your girlfriends.  

Share the Beauty, Style + Inspiration.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING ME!

Love ,Tiff

KILL THAT SUMMERTIME SHINY FACE……it’s just not sexy!

Happy Saturday Sparkly Stars!

What have you got planned for the weekend?  I sure hope it includes some “ME” time to refuel and refresh your soul.  Women give, give, give all week long- to your kids, your hubby/boyfriend/signifcant other, boss, girlfriends and family members so by the weekend, it’s time to give to yourself a bit and replenish your energy so your tank is on FULL by Sunday evening and you have the ability to do it all over again starting Monday morning.   You know I’m a firm believer in this and probably sound like a broken record because I bring it up so often, but I will keep reminding, nudging and encouraging you to pamper and love yourself.  No Doormats… No Martyrs… No putting yourself last allowed in SOS!  Ya heard!

Who is excited for Summer?  ME!!!  I thrive in the summer, in the sunshine and just love the energy that it brings.  In the next few webisodes, I give you several ways to look your most beautiful during summer.  Growing up in Texas and starting my modeling career in Mexico and the Caribbean, I have learned great tips for mastering the the art of KILLING THE SHINE!   The “grease pit” look that we can get from the combo of heat, sweat and oily skin is just not sexy!  Please share and comment if you have a great tip for killing the shine!

A few of you have asked who makes the dress I’m wearing in the video.  It’s by the line MYNE and that specific dress is called the “Heidi Dress”.   Which is totally random since this dress was a gift from my BFF, Heidi. How crazy!   Kim Kardashian has been photographed wearing it lots.  I’m not a big fan, but here’s a photo of it full length.  The bottom is cut so beautifully.  It’s so feminine and a perfect ‘day dress’ for summer:

There’s your helping of beauty, a bit of style, some ‘tough love’ and inspiration! 

I’m loving INSTAGRAM (if you couldn’t tell). I am a wanna’be photographer so follow me + I’ll follow YOU!

Make sure to PIN with me too.

Have a glorious weekend girls!

 

Fanning your flame + holding your hand,

Tiff

EAT YOUR WAY TO GLOWING SKIN

HEY GLAM GIRLS!

After a much needed vacay and short hiatus- SOS is back with a fresh batch of beauty & style love!   I take an annual trip to Texas to refuel, connect with my BFF’s  and spend QT with my folks.  This ALWAYS helps me recharge and refocus!  Thank God my skinny jeans still fit after 10 days of TexMex, Mom’s biscuits and gravy and many decadent meals in Dallas! 

I am SO excited about the new webisodes and I’m busy editing them as we speak.  This week’s topic is all about the key foods we should be eating to keep our skin healthy & glowing.  I’ve introduced you to my stunning girlfriend, professional model- Julianna Geldien in previous blogs (remember she took an awesome missionary trip to Peru and then shared a yummy recipe for kale salad) and I’m thrilled she stopped by to share her tips for keeping her gorgeous glow! 

WATCH WEBISODE:

REMEMBER!  There’s one more day to enter to win my new find- Voluminous False Lash Mascara.  I’m giving 2 fashionistas a tube!   ENDS WED, NOVEMBER 16th.

WATCH THE MASCARA SHOWDOWN FOR MORE:

LAST THING:

I’m reading an amazing book by Iyanla Vanzant called “One Day My Soul Just Opened Up” and I highly recommend it!  I’ve been watching her on Oprah’s Life Class and her insight is life changing…

“Everything that happens to you is a reflection of what you believe about yourself. We cannot outperform our level of self-esteem. We cannot draw to ourselves more than we think we are worth.”
― Iyanla Vanzant

Sharing the beauty, style + inspiration,

xoTiff

What is your PMS like? Not the kind you’re thinking…

Hello Kindred Spirits!

My head is spinning with the idea that November is around the corner.  I do hope you all have had an Outstanding October! 

  • Have you been running on fumes in over-drive all year?
  • What have you been chasing?  Money….A Guy….Your 2 Year Old….Your Dream….Your Tail?
  • Are you focused and living with purpose?  Or are you all over the place with little direction?

Once November arrives, we will have just 60 days left in 2011 which gets me thinking about the New Year on the horizon.   Whoa- 2012 is almost here ladies!  The thought of this has put me in a reflective mode.  I am clearing the clutter of life and getting focused on my PMS to make sure I am in alignment with it and making the right choices to support it.   You’re probably wondering “what the heck is Tiff talking about, right”?  Of course, I’m not talking about that dreaded week every month when all hell breaks loose, your skinny jeans fit a bit too snug and our head seems to be detached from our body- I’m talking about my PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT!

DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT?

We should all be able to clearly verbalize our PMS in one sentence.  Whether you are a stay-at-home mom dedicated to raising healthy children or you are climbing the corporate ladder or volunteering your time to a non-profit organization close to your heart- living our lives with intention and knowing, without a doubt, what our mission in life is- gives us purpose and keeps us from just meandering through life.  Our PMS keeps us focused, brings us joy and gives us the guidance we need on those days when we feel unsure! 

WE WERE ALL PUT ON THIS EARTH FOR A PURPOSE!

A personal mission consists of 3 parts:

  1. What do I want to do?
  2. Who do I want to help?
  3. What is the result? What value will I create?

Do you know your PMS?  Awesome!  Please share it with us with a comment below.

If not,  here’s  a fun exercise to help you open your heart and mind before attempting to write your PMS:

Sit in a comfortable, quiet space.  Close your eyes and clear your mind.  Imagine you are 90 years old- healthy, fulfilled and content- sitting in a porch swing with the sound of birds chirping and the wind rustling the trees.  You look back on your life and list all the miraculous things you did, places you visited and people you blessed by living FULLY IN YOUR PURPOSE.  Is there anything you regret not doing?   What were the things that mattered most to you over your lifetime?  When did you feel most alive?  What were you doing when you were effectively helping others?  Remember, this is not about how much money you earned in your life either!

Write all these things down.  At 90, our life is nearly over- that is if we actually make it to 90!   Do you want to be able to look back on it and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you TRULY LIVED YOUR PURPOSE?   You may not be able to write your PMS just like that- SNAP- in one day.  Give yourself time and you may have to do some serious soul searching.

TIFF’S PMS  (Haha…my hubby, Aaron could give you an ear full about my “other” kind of pms:-)

I am going to make this story short and sweet.  There is really A LOT more to it which I will share another time!  In 2002, after booking plenty of TV shows and building a decent resume as an actress and TV host, I sensed something was missing.  I had come to LA and achieved what I “thought” would make me happy and fulfilled.  It didn’t.  I knew God had more for me to do on this Earth and I had felt that from the time I was a little girl, but I wasn’t quite sure what it was.  I always knew I loved to help people, but “people” is very broad.  

In June 2002, with some money in the bank after wrapping a show,  I left LA and went back to Texas for six months of serious soul searching.   I am so grateful I had the luxury to do this and not worry about working!  After 3 months of getting “still” and pretty much locking myself away from all the things that had always distracted me before- I received TOTAL CLARITY on what my PURPOSE was and wrote out my PMS.  I tear up as I write this now because that was such a profound time in my life.   I knew that I was here to “Empower, Educate and Inspire women- through my testimony and experiences- to live their most confident, fulfilled and powerful lives”.   I spent 3 more months in Texas writing my first treatment for a women’s talk show and taped a pilot!   This was the most amazing 6 months!  When we clear the clutter of life and get through the storms, follow the rainbow and look within at the beautiful loving nature’s God gave us all- we find our pot of gold!  We waste so much time looking everywhere else for the gold, but it’s within each of us.  Then when we share that gold with others- WE HAVE FOUND OUR PURPOSE!

“Writing or reviewing a mission statement changes you because it forces you to think through your priorities deeply, carefully, and to align your behaviour with your beliefs”
– Stephen Covey, ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective People’

PLEASE SHARE YOUR PMS WITH THE SOS FAMILY! 

We should all support one another on our mission in life.  Thank you for being part of mine!

Sharing the beauty, style + inspiration,

Tiff xoxo