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The Deplorable’s comedy tour, Make America Funny again!   Isn’t that what its all about? Our world seems to be too serious, rush to judgement and accuse and persecute before the real story unfolds. I feel pretty happy to be a part of this comedy tour in some little way. Keeping it light and not being so serious.   I got asked to design keychains, necklaces and leather bracelets. I love to create little wearable pieces of art that are very individual in their own way. NO two pieces are the same just like our opinions, thoughts and appearance. Each piece was hand crafted by me out of pure silver in my studio in the Denver, Colorado. I chose to use pure silver for its quality and strength and the created the aged copper for its hardiness. I hope that you love the piece that you bought, and when you wear it, remember to not take life so serious!    

Live the healthiest version of you!

Have you ever wondered what is the most flattering earrings for your face shape?Being a Pinterest junky I found this picture and thought to myself, "this is very helpful". So I needed to share. I am not sure of the origin of this info graph, but nonetheless it rocks with information.  I had to study my features in the mirror for a bit and even ask opinions of my family to come up with my shape. I am an oval, and as luck would have it, I can wear it all! What shape are you?? I hope that this helps in your decision making. Find some cool pieces in our earring section!

Every once in awhile I love to do a spotlight on a woman who is busting her ass and making things happen! I would love for you to meet this amazing woman Karine Husband! A mother of 4 beautiful girls, dedicated wife and budding entrepreneur. She loves to see people happy, beautiful and healthy on the inside as well the outside. She is an independent consultant for Arbonne. I have gone through the 30 day clean eating program with her and her coaching is empowering and outstanding. (She helped me muster through the program listening to all my gripes!) She deserves  medal! Anyways, I survived because of her and lost 4 lbs. Nough'said. Here is a blog post with Karine! Let’s talk about skin baby! It is literally one of the first things people see on you and quite often the last thing that we think about. Or maybe you do actually remember to wash your face and sometimes think to moisturize or even just throw on some coconut oil. Isn’t that enough? Well yes, if you are 5 years old. But lets face it ladies (and gents!) We aren’t getting any younger and the best time to take care of your skin is now!   Ok, in order to understand why we must take care of our skin (and I am not just talking faces here), we must first understand what the 2 main functions of our skin are (keep reading- I promise to be really brief and not geek out on you!) Skin Is our largest detoxifying organ- it helps us excrete toxins that are in our environment (ie. From the air we breath, the water we bathe in) and what we put on our skin directly. The skin allows us absorb moisture.   Does it matter what we put on our skin as long as we put something on it? Yes- let me repeat that YES, YES, YES!   What we put on our skin absorbs into our body (bloodstream and our organs) within 26 seconds or less. So if you are eating organic and exercising and still putting toxins on your skin, you might want to re-think that! I don’t care what promises a certain brand makes - I really don’t want products that damage cells, alter hormones, trigger my immune system, or mess with my digestive organs (yes- just with what you put on your skin!) But, I also don’t want to use products because they are safe but do nothing. Results people. I need results!   I could literally list over a thousand toxic chemicals here (and if I wanted to be as strict as the European Union, I could list 1373 chemicals that have been banned. Just for fun, guess how many have been banned in the US? Only 8 (and 3 additional have been restricted). If you think that you are protected, sadly my friend, think again.   Here are just a few toxins you should avoid like the plague … please google away!   1. Mineral Oil (by-product of process of turning crude oil into          gasoline).  Its a xenoestrogen - so it mimics estrogen       levels in your body which leads to estrogen dominance. Animal bi-products (just do your due diligence and google “Rendering Factory”. I am not vegan but you better believe my skincare/ cosmetics are! Spoiler alert- dead, sick animals or euthanized puppies don’t belong on your face! Formaldehyde Phthalates Triclosan Parabens Synthetic Colors/ Fragrance Sodium Lauryl Sulfates Lead Sunscreen Chemicals             So now what? Considering the thousands of choices you have everyday, what are you supposed to do? Buy the most expensive products you can because that will keep you safe (sorry- not the case). Only buy from “health food stores”. Nope, not necessarily safe either. Only use ingredients from your kitchen (good luck with actually boosting your collagen or preventing/ minimizing wrinkles with that.)   This was not meant to scare you or leave you feeling helpless. This was about empowering you with knowledge because when you know better, you do better. So what now? How about trying a line from a company that is exactly what you are looking for…. even more strict than the European Union. Gluten free, vegan, no toxins, kosher, non-gmo that also gives a 45 day money back guarantee? Pure, safe and beneficial (meaning not only do the ingredients work synergistically to benefit your body, but they actually work and do what they say they will!) Enter Arbonne.   This is getting lengthy, so I will leave you with my recs…. Do your due diligence and see for yourself what is in your skincare (not just yours, but your family as well! Turns out I was putting formaldehyde on my kids for years. How’s that for mom guilt?) Just check out this link. Take advantage of saving options. The RE9 anti aging line has transformed my skin from dull and lifeless to smooth and radiant. I truly believe in this company & the products and I am stepping outside of my comfort zone to help not only my family use the purest, safest and most beneficial products possible, but as many people as I can. Thank you so much for having an open mind and for just taking a peak! http://KarineHusband.arbonne.com/  find me on instagram @kari.husband or email me directly at Karbonnehusband@gmail.com    

Healthy Tips from Stephanie Rogers. The fitness guru at https://fitflexnutrition.com.

Be the Light Summer has been zooming along and somehow July has found its way to the calendar.  We have an abbreviated summer here because of fall and winter breaks. August the first is finding its way here a smidge more quickly than expected, just as the beginning of school always does.  So when this whole light thing started, I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER.  Yes, I still say that and feel that way. A lot.  I am so hard on myself, expecting perfection time and time again, when I should know better.  But.  I didn’t.  In summer we travel to new places to adventure and familiar ones to see old friends.  All the while keeping our jobs and houses and families and regular commitments flowing. Feeling honor bound to throw one more ring into the circus we call life, the lights, the kind you see on restaurant patios and in friends’ and neighbors’ backyards, they are the goal.  Focusing on those lights… My sweet Dad knows I love all things that sparkle.  My husband will tell you Christmas “is when I shine”.  So…on one of my Dad’s outings (he is retired, and LOVES a good project, or even better to encourage and support one I am doing) he came upon these outdoor lights.  How many strands would I need to “do” our back deck.  This man kept after me, gently inquiring about them in our conversations, and always including them in our texts.  3 weeks – yes, I am ashamed to say – 3 weeks later (he would probably say more like 3 years because he has never been one to let a little truth stand in the way of a good story) – 3 weeks later I had my answer.  We would need 3 strands exactly, so let’s buy 4.  I had measured end to end, drawn diagrams, and thought it all through.  I had a plan, many plans, and they needed 3 strands.  Fast forward to Dad’s birthday, where he gave ME the lights. Now, by giving me these lights, he knew? hoped? he would keep me/us busy for a while on this project. Every couple is different.  I get that.  For us, we thrive on doing things, new things, together, as a team.  It unites us.  Now, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any differences of opinion or moments of frustration, but we get through them together.  Because even though we are united in marriage, we both still approach everything from different perspectives.  We choose to see our differences as an asset. And sometimes, that means that his way can be better (there is always that inner 5-year-old self who thinks my way is best).  Because, those lights, those lights that shine in the darkness, we did those together, not his way or my way but our way. John 1:5 reminds us “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”  In a small way, we overcame the darkness, and are shining our light.  Why the lights? When I look at those lights through the window while washing dishes, enjoying a glass of wine or grilling and dining under them, not only do I love the lights, I love what they represent.  We worked together and accomplished a goal.  We put our mark on our house.  With each move, especially from state to state, it takes time to make our house into our home.  Each time what “it” is changes, but there is a need to leave the house better than we find it.  Kind of like our rescue dog, who came to us with this house, which is an entirely other story, but please know life is better with a pet.  Goodness all gracious that little fur baby spreads light and joy wherever she goes!  Back to the newly hung lights.  Under those lights, family and friends break bread and share life.  We begin with the blessing, whether it is a cherished favorite or spontaneous words from the heart. Plus, my aunt’s family famous quote “everything tastes better and everyone looks better in candlelight” rings true.  So, we linger a little longer, and all our chores wait inside. Doesn’t matter a taste what the menu is, be it sandwiches, steak or sangria, it simply tastes better outside under those lights we did.  The light, it’s shining in the darkness.  Don’t let anyone or anything rain on your parade.  Be the light in the darkness.  Be the light.   Written by the lovely Grace Lanier.

I want to introduce you the the very lovely Stephanie Rogers. She will be a regular contributing blog expert on nutrition and fitness. Stephanie, founder of FitFlex Nutrition, is a certified ISSA Specialist in Fitness Nutrition and also has a Precision Nutrition Level 1 certification. She is a wife, mom, and nutrition and lifestyle coach in the Denver area. Her hobbies are CrossFit, skiing, and creating healthy recipes. Through her own nutrition and fitness journey, this mother of two has tried many “diets” with the goal to get back to her pre-baby body. Most of them worked in the short-term, but eventually she always gained the weight back. Stephanie finally discovered flexible eating, which allowed her to make a long-term lifestyle change to achieve and maintain her body composition and fitness goals. She also found that this way of eating led to improved energy, increased strength, and better sleep. Stephanie’s passion is mentoring clients on how to make lifestyle changes that will allow them to achieve their nutrition and fitness goals while focusing on balance and moderation, as well as a healthy relationship with food. She understands that everyone is different and works with each client individually to create achievable goals and then designs an individual plan for those specific goals. Tips for Staying on Track at Social Events Social situations, especially those involving alcohol, can be one of the biggest challenges when your goal is to live a healthy lifestyle.  If you say “no” to social events, you are defining your lifestyle as being non-sustainable long term.  Instead, say “YES!”  Going to happy hours, events and doing the things you love will build confidence that you can enjoy your usual level of social activity and still make good food choices. Let’s face it…most social events are filled with alcoholic beverages and calorie packed snacks.  It’s important that you go in with a game plan.  Drinking alcohol can reduce your willpower to stay focused on eating healthy food, so decide how many drinks you are going to have before you go and stick to it!  After all, you don’t want to sabotage all the hard work you’ve put in during the week with one social event. Going to happy hours, events and doing the things you love will build confidence that you can enjoy your usual level of social activity and still make good food choices. Our Best Tips For Successfully Navigating Social Events Don’t Go Hungry Always eat a balanced meal or a snack packed with lean protein and lots of veggies before you arrive.  This will keep you feeling full and less tempted to order food out of convenience. You can also bring a healthy snack with you in case hunger strikes. Dodge Appetizer Pitfalls When your friends are ordering thing like fries, wings, quesadillas and nachos, look on the menu for healthier options. Things like guacamole or hummus with veggies, grilled chicken skewers, shrimp cocktail or a salad are much better choices.  Ask for a small plate and limit yourself to only one plate of food. This will help you to avoid grazing on the other appetizers that are on the table. Avoid Mindless Eating If there are chips, bread, popcorn or nuts on the bar or table, ask the bartender/waiter to remove them or move them out of your reach.  Out of sight, out of mind! Stay Hydrated Order a tall glass of water every time you order an alcoholic drink.  Be sure to finish your water before you order another drink.   This will slow down the effects of alcohol and keep you hydrated and feeling full. Cash Out If your plan is only to order one or two drinks, ask the waiter to cash you out.  Stick to water or soda water the rest of the evening. Non Alcoholic Options If you want to avoid drinking altogether, order a soda water with lime or a diet coke with lime in a short glass.  Others will think you are drinking and this takes off any social pressures you might feel. Avoid High Calorie Mixers Mixers often contain lots of added calories and sugar.  Choose a light mixer like club soda and add flavor by squeezing in a lime or orange. Light beer or wine are also good choices. Wine Refills If you are sharing a bottle of wine, be cautious of refills.  These can add up and you can lose track of how much you have been drinking. Volunteer to be the DD Another way to avoid drinking is to offer to be the designated driver.  Not only will this ensure your friends arrive home safely, but you won’t wake up the next day tired or with a hang over. Be Honest Let your friends and family know that you are making changes to live a healthier lifestyle and that you aren’t planning to drink.  You might be surprised that your friends will support your decision. Have Fun! Social events are a chance to spend time with friends and family. Enjoy yourself, laugh and relax. Our Favorite Lower Calorie Drink Options Light Beer Beers like Corona Light, Bud Select 55, Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, Bud Light, Sam Adams Light, Omission Lager (GF) and Fat Tire have less than 160 calories. Wine Consider ordering one 6oz glass instead of sharing a bottle. “Skinny” Margarita 1 shot of vodka (1.5oz) Soda water Fresh lime juice Splenda or Stevia Lower Sugar Mojito 1 shot rum (1.5 oz) Soda water 6 mint leaves Fresh lime juice Ask for half the sugar or leave out the sugar and sweeten it yourself with Stevia or Splenda “Skinny” Cuba Libre 1 shot rum (1.5oz) Diet coke Lime  Wine Spritzer 3oz chilled wine 2oz club soda Questions? Want more tips or advice on nutrition or more information about staying on track with other real world situations like eating out? Contact FitFlex Nutrition to learn about our Nutrition Coaching services.    

Here at Liv & B we want to offer you a different variety of lifestyle advice, and guidance, and empowering stories. As a mom of 2 teenagers, life is never dull, boring or perfect. I for one am always second guessing myself and hoping that I haven't ruined them for life.  I have recently asked a friend to write a monthly column on being a mom and the different challenges we face and putting faith into our lives as moms to get through things. We aren't perfect and and we can always lean on others for support. Grace Lanier is a lovely person with a faith based heart and gentle soul. She has children and loves to share her stories of having faith in the family. Her post this week is all on "choosing joy". We hope you enjoy this article and please feel free to leave comments!   Choose Joy We all want what is best for our children.  We all have had temporary blinders on where we think our children “deserve” or “have earned” a spot on this or that team.  Last week, my younger son tried out for club teams in soccer.  The tryouts lasted several days where he gave his all.  And then we waited.  Waited for a phone call.  A phone call that finallycame 3 days later. Phillipians 4:6 reminds us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God”.  Pretty sure He had my number on this one, as it was so hard to wait…and encourage my son not to worry…and not worry myself…and to know that when the phone call finallycomes it may or may not be news we want to hear.  During the tryouts, one parent lived vicariously through her child and got caught up in it all.  She forgot it was not about her, but about the child.  Guess what?  We are all guilty of this to varying degrees during different challenges. What do we do when this happens?  We pick ourselves up again and try to do better next time.  We try to forgive ourselves and remember that we are human. I often tell my children “I am one man.” What I mean is, there are all these balls that I juggle in the air every day, and chances are one of them is going to get dropped.  If it happens, I apologize, and keep going.  Onward! For me, this ball, this tryout was easier.  This time last year we were still new to the state, and the club (yes, tryouts are every year), and I didn’t have “my people”.  My people – the ones who listen and encourage and call it like it is. What a true blessing this year to have several moms to go through this trial with.  Back to the phone call – a friend of mine got the call that her son didn’t make the team he had hoped for, but made a different, strong team.  Her son’s answer, and I quote (with permission) “Well, at least I made a team.  I bet some people who tried out didn’t.”  Wow.  Nothing like receiving an education from a twelve-year-old boy.  He gets it. He nailed it.  As moms, though, we are trying to think our way through this situation by preparing for any reaction.  The mom then shared with our group “My stomach is unclenched and I’m ready to enjoy my Saturday!”  Yes ma’am. Please do.  This trial goes down in the win column.  The truth is, tryouts are a first job interview of sorts, a chance to engage in real life skills. And just like in real life when you do everything right – sometimes you get the promotion, the job etc. – and sometimes you don’t.  This test is exactly “a whole lot” on a twelve-year-old, not to mention his mom, but we are better for it.  James 1:2 encourages us to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds”.  Because it is a parent trial.  Will we handle this challenge the best way for our children?  Will we get caught up in the details?  Hopefully we will rise to the occasion, and our children can do the same. I am blessed.  One of my true joys is to watch my children play soccer – but for me it could be any sport or “thing” theychoose, as long as they work hard and enjoy it.  It is oh so very tempting to get caught up in the endless carpools (so thankful for friends to share this portion), laundry, hurried dinners, lost gear and time outside in the extreme weather (still not sure which type I dislike more).  Goodness knows I have heard complaints about every single one of these items (plus more) come out of my mouth at one time or another.  But, I try to overlook the temporary challenge, and see the joy. Wondering how the story ends at our house? Me, I am back out in the heat going through tryouts with my oldest son.  He has been through it before, even in another state, tried out in junior high and in high school.  He is back at it, and will be better for it.  Time will tell about his phone call.  Back to the youngest and his phone call.  It finallycame 3 days later.  It was the news we wanted to hear.  This time.  Will we be so lucky with our oldest?  Don’t know. So today. Today let’s choose joy.  Let’s choose to find joy in the fact that our children are healthy enough to participate, and we are mom enough to make it happen, along with a big heap of God’s grace. Love Grace xoxoxo  -       

A common question that I am frequently asked is what is Gold Fill and what is Vermeil? We strive to use the highest quality metals in every piece of jewelry and would love to fill in the gaps of what each metal is.   Gold Fill Gold filled jewelry is not plated jewelry. When Gold Fill (GF) is created, it requires the treatment of heat and solid sheets of gold. It starts out as a base metal (often brass) and a layer of pure gold is added by heat and pressed against the brass to fuse together as one. This process is repeated about 20 times to have an even and solid gold thickness. It is usually 9ct, 14ct or 18 ct. I like to use the 14ct in most of my pieces. Gold filled wears, looks and lasts like solid gold because its outer surface IS solid gold.  Gold filled jewelry is often more affordable because it offers all the same characteristics as solid gold such as strength, durability and beauty….but at a fraction of the cost! Since the actual piece of jewelry is a layer of solid gold, the material can stay beautiful for years if worn daily. The care for this is simple, warm soapy wash cloth, a jewelry polishing cloth or in some cases if you are feeling crafty, ammonia  will help to make it shine brilliantly. Never use abrasive solutions or clothes to clean your beautiful pieces. I wear my bar necklace everywhere, the gym, sleep, shower etc, I just love wearing it and so will you. This Evelyn bar necklace consists of all gold fill components and will wear nicely for years to come.   Gold Vermeil Vermeil (Pronouced Ver-MAY) is a little different then GF. Its core consists of sterling silver, rather then a base metal of brass. You will often see a stamp of .925 on the piece to indicate vermeil. Gold Vermeil (GV), is coated/plated around the sterling with at least 2.5 microns of gold. This is considered a "plated" metal but it is considered much more durable and thicker plated vs. gold plated or gold dipped. These last 2 options offer on average 75% less gold in terms of coating. Vermeil is a little more sensitive to the wear and tear of everyday use. Don't wear it in the pool, shower, hot springs etc.  To care for vermeil, I like to use warm mild soapy water as to not ruin the integrity of the brilliance. The Vermeil that I use in each of my pieces are selected for the highest quality and standards, from a highly reputable company in Canada. I hope that this helps in determining the two "golds" and make your buying decisions effortless. Shop our Classic Collection for all Gold Fill and Sterling silver pieces. Any questions please feel free to contact me directly or leave a comment below. With Love, Angela xo