WHAT IS A RUANA
The first day of 2018 was a very eventful day. It was filled with great highs and extreme lows. When I woke up yesterday morning I saw that I had qualified for a trip for two to Cancun Mexico. This was a trip that I thought was unattainable when it was announced back in July. I was dancing down the hall and I couldn’t wait for Joe to wake up so that I could tell him. That was where the highs ended and the lows started.
When I got to the kitchen I was met by Lucy but not Beckley. I knew that he hadn’t been feeling very well so I wasn’t surprised. However, he was in worse shape than I could have imagined. I won’t go into any details but I knew that he wasn’t going to make it very long. Of course there were no vets opened but honestly, it wouldn’t have made a difference. So, today we said goodbye to a very good dog. He was there for me in some really dark times and he gave me an amazing amount of joy. I only hope that I gave him as much joy as he gave me. 
Not the way I wanted to start 2018. This picture makes me smile. The tears are flowing but I am trying to “embrace” the joy and the love that he brought to our family. Beckley was 12 years young and he will be missed.
Occasionally I get surprised and this was one of the occasions. I received a package in the mail right before Christmas and was shocked to see that it was from Chico’s. I love Chico’s but I didn’t even know that they knew I existed. Lol! There was a Christmas card that said it was from the PR & Social Team of Michelle, Kristin & Jennifer. Thanks, ladies!!! This ruana wrap is right down my alley. I love the leopard print, you can’t go wrong with leopard. But, the cool thing about this wrap is that it is reversible!!! Now we are talking. I love getting more bang for my buck so this is perfect. Take it from someone who is always cold, a wrap like this comes in really handy when you are at dinners, the movies, or even at church. This wrap also has fringe even though it is kind of hard to see and it is machine washable. Yep, Chico’s really does know me. They picked an animal print, chic, reversible, affordable, and washable item.
I like mixing gold and silver accessories together. I know some of you are not fans of this look so you can choose one or the other. I ended up going with the Stacey earrings after trying on several different pairs. I actually intended to go with all silver but at the last minute I put on this gold necklace and I liked it. The necklace is not available for purchase since it was a Black Friday special. A lot of times the items that are specials make their way into the new spring catalog. That should be coming out in April. The black Ezra bling bracelet was one of those items that were a special that came out in the catalog later. The Chalon bracelet is rhinestones in a silver setting. 
A plain pair of black boots will be worn a lot during the winter months. This is a pair by Bandolino that I bought on sale a couple of years ago at Belks. I have other black boots but what I liked about this pair was the fact that they were plain. It makes it easier to go with different outfits if there is no markings or other colors on them. I have a pair that has a lot of brown trim on them and I hardly ever wear them because of it.
I am showing you the back of this wrap because I wanted you to see that it was long. A lot of wraps that I have only cover to your waist but this wrap is plenty long. The black sweater dress I have on was another purchase from Belk that I made the day that I bought the boots. This dress is from Nina Leonard and it is long sleeved. I am sure most of you already own a little black dress but just in case you don’t I am linking to a few plain black dresses. You will get plenty of wear from any of these.
Since Joe actually matched me the Sunday we wore this to church I made him come and have a picture with me. It is almost impossible to get a good picture with him. He is always clowning around and being silly. He is a mess. Lol!
The only thing that would make going on all of these cool fun trips with Rodan + Fields even better is if some of you were going with me. Here are a few things that I have learned since joining this business. You never know what you missed by not saying yes. Opportunities knock and knock but they eventually go to someone else’s door. Good skin takes effort. You can’t reach a goal unless you set a goal. Having a good business partner is essential. I promise you that these products are amazing. They are guaranteed by a 60-day money back policy. I promise you that this business is amazing. Being a consultant is back by a 60-day money back guarantee. Yes, you read that right. You can “try” the business for 60 days and get your money back if it is not for you. Who knows, maybe next year you could be flying to Cancun with me but you’ll never know if you don’t try. Here is where you can go and look at the different kits available to become a consultant.
Since it is a brand new year I wanted to have a couple giveaways. The first is for new email subscribers only. Everyone who signs up for the email subscription this week will be entered into a drawing for Redefine Multi-Function Eye Cream from Rodan + Fields. The next giveaway will be for a Lottie necklace from Plunder. Go here to enter that giveaway.
Please be aware that links to vendors may be affiliate links. I do profit from your purchases through the links on the blog.
Oh my goodness!!!! I AM SO SORRY about your fur baby Beckley!!!! I have no idea how you manged to pull a post together?? I had my sweet Max for 16 years. He was one spoiled Shitzu!! I tell you Tania, I took him everywhere!!! I think I could finally talk about my Max after 2 years without crying. I was his mommy!!! My kids don’t get it except for my middle daughter who has a darling Chow!! So, again, so sorry about your little Beckley.
Hello. My Name is Sheila I just wanted to say I enjoy your Blog. I also want to say thank God I found you blog. I wanted to change my style a little. Now that I’m 50 about to turn 51. And I enjoy the looks. God Bless and keep up a nice Blog.
I’m so sorry about Beckley. I know that he is a part of your heart and your family. 🙁
So glad you and Beckley had each other to love.
So sorry about your beloved pet!
Sorry for your loss of Beckley, Tonia.
My heart goes out to you – so sorry about your loss of Beckley…
The loss of a beloved pet is devastating. So sorry, but remember all of the love he brought you. Happy New Year!
I am so sorry Beckley said goodbye. ?. My boy,Buddy, said goodnye 9/30/17 at the age of 14 1/2, and my girl, Ellie, said goodbye (unexpectedly) on 10/16/17. I find myself missing her everyday. I hang on to my sweet boy, Kaiser, even tighter these days. He is at least 14. ??
So sorry about Beckley.???
Tania, I’m so sorry to hear about Beckley. My dog Gypsy looks so much like him. Pets bring so much joy with unconditional love. Hugs! You look fabulous! Congrats on your success! Carla
Tania, I’m really sorry to hear about your puppy. Dogs are such faithful and loyal companions. I really like your blog and am glad you are a Christian. Your desire for a deep relationship with Jesus comes thru in your writing. We are the same age (until Thursday when I turn 56).You are at the weight I want to be. You dress very classy but age appropriate. I see young women in five inch stilettos and think, “Yeah no. That’s not happening.” Lol I currently live in Illinois (but am originally from VA). Your way of dressing is motivating me to take seriously losing weight so I can dress up as well instead of just giving up to looking matronly for my retirement years.
We are looking to move to Tennessee as my husband is retired now. My youngest son was in his friend’s wedding (on a cruise) and met a young woman also on the cruise with her family. She is from Elizabethton,Tennessee and her name is Destiney. Lol We really love that area and if all goes well, will have a new daughter-in-law from the area once she finishes college.
It’s pretty neat that Chico’s found you. Their clothes are really cool looking. Some strike me as classy with a touch of bohemian. I’m quite sure you will style them well. At the rate of clothing you are accumulating, you might want to take one of your kid’s old bedrooms and have it professionally organized by a closet company. The idea has merit. Lol Sincerely, Teri
I’m so sorry about Beckley. Losing a beloved pet is very difficult, but I have no doubt that he had a happy life.
So so sorry for the loss of your sweet Beckley.
You are such a beautiful lady.
I have a burning question.
A few post back you wore a distressed baseball/sweatshirt to a baseball game in Tennessee. I have tried so hard to find it but I have not had any luck. Please tell me where I can get one. That would certainly help start my new year off to a good start.
Happy New Year!
Rebecca
Pets leave paw prints on our hearts forever. May you find comfort in your sorrow, & love & laughter in your wonderful memories of Beckley.
Tania I am so sorry about Beckley. Hugs & prayers for you!
We are all so sorry for your loss of sweet Beckley and I can tell everyone loves you as I do by all these comments. Two years ago in a huge snow storm I too lost my beloved dog of 12 yrs., Jolie. So I feel your pain and am Praying for you! And glad that God knew you also needed one very good thing to look forward to. Cancun is the bomb!! You look lovely in spite of your loss. Hugs sweet friend!
Tania, my heart breaks for you. Losing a dear pet is painful but remembering and laughing about the cute little things they did can help. We lost our 16 1/2 yo Lhasa Poo, Sierra, that I loved more than words can say. Holding her while she took her last breath was excruciatingly painful but life goes on. God bless you and your family.
So very sorry to hear about your dog. Losing a pet is so hard.
On a different note, my husband gave me that very same wrap for Christmas! I love it and can’t wait to wear it!
So sorry about your sweet pup…he enjoyed a lovely life with you…remember that. It is so sad for us, when we lose our pets…but we need to remind ourselves that it is a natural process…we can only take care of them and love them for so long. As always, I enjoyed this blog; despite the sad news, and in regard to the better news, it’s good to be reminded that we all share life’s ups and downs much of the time.
Oh Tania, I’m so sorry about Beckley. It’s so hard to lose those little fur babies! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear about your beloved Beckley. Sending heartfelt hugs.
I’m so terribly sorry about the loss of your dog…always enjoy your posts…Happy 2018!
So sorry to hear about your Beckley, it’s not easy even when you know they’re sick. My brother’s dog is a black lab of 14 1/2 years old. It will be hard to lose her as well, she’s blind and pretty much deaf at this point but still gets around for now.
So sorry to hear about Beckley, those little fellows leave paw prints on our hearts. ?
Oh dear, I am so sorry about Beckley. A few years back, I lost three dogs within the same year, so I know exactly how devastating this is. The trip to Cancun is a wonderful surprise – that will give you something happy to look forward to.
Oh Tania, my heart is breaking for you. Our fur babies hold such special places in our hearts. I am so sorry. Love Love the outfit today! It is perfect. Congrats on your trip! I know you will have fun
So sorry about the loss of your fur baby they bring so much joy.
So very sorry to hear about Beckley. Prayers for you and your family during this sad time.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Beckley! He brought us all joy, too, when he appeared in your posts! Thanks for sharing him with us and I hope your pain will lessen with each passing day!
So sorry to hear about Beckley. We have an older dog who may not last much longer either so I can empathize. At least you have so many wonderful memories to hold on to and know that he is no longer suffering. I hope the rest of your year is filled with blessings!
I’m so sorry to learn about your furbaby. They become so ingrained in our lives, its hard when they cross the Rainbow Bridge. I love the joy on your hubby’s face. Love a ruana and I love the print on yours. Have a great day and Happy New Year!
Tania, I am SO sorry about losing Beckley!! That is one of the hardest things to endure. But he had a good life with you and lots of love. And Dayna, I am sorry about losing your kitty. We have a kitty that is SO dear to my husband and me. How we love our fur babies!
I like this outfit too!
Sorry about your loss of Beckley. Our pets are truly parts of our family and their loss is felt deeply.
So sorry about your Beckley. I lost my beautiful Jack right before Christmas so I feel your pain but smile through my tears when I think of all the good times we had.
Happy New Year Tania.
Vicki
Aww, so sorry you lost Beckley. Sending prayers for you All, and a big cyber hug too.
So sorry to hear about your fur baby. They really are part of the family. They can bring just as much comfort and joy. Hubs has a parrot he has had for 30 years (yes that is right) and we have a 12 year old kitty. It will be a sad time when the time comes. Love the Ruana from Chico’s. It’s one of my favorite stores. You are making it difficult to stick to one of my New Year’s resolutions (shop less). Hope you find comfort in your happy memories with Beckley.
I’m so very sorry about Beckley. I know you loved him so much.
The way you styled today’s outfit looks wonderful, and I love that picture of you and Joe. You know, I’m noticing a lot of the leopard prints have a more gray/taupe undertone lately, and that seems to go really well with silver or with gold. Most of the ones I already have are a purely warm golden background, but I think I like the cooler background a little better.
Tania,
I am sooo sorry about your Beckley. We lost 2 fur babies last year and it was so hard. I hope your sweet memories of him make your days better.
I love the wrap from Chico’s. That is one of my go to stores.
I’m so sorry to hear about your baby! It is so hard on the heart and mind to loose someone that has been there for us like that. I completely understand that feeling! May the Lord comfort you through your time of grieving!
I’m very sorry for your loss. It is hard when you lose a loving pet you have had for many years and is a member of the family.
AWWW! Sorry to hear about your little doggie! Look online for the poem”the rainbow bridge” it will help you to have closure and be comforted, Know that you are loved by your readers, and thanks for sharing your life with us…
So so sorry about Beckley. It always hard to lose our four/legged family members, they give such unconditional love.
Sorry for the loss of your fur baby. They do bring us so much joy. I know he was loved, sending you prayers. Congrats on your trip!
So sorry about Beckley. Prayers for your comfort.
So sorry to hear about your sweet pup. My thoughts are with you and your family. P.S. Love the picture of you and Joe. <3
Oh Tania, I’m so sorry about your precious puppy. He was adorable and I know he lived a joyful life with you and your family. All our fur babies hold a special place in our hearts forever!
Sorry for your loss Tania.
I am so sorry about Beckley. Sending love and prayers from Iowa.
Oh Tania, so sorry you lost a treasured fur baby. RIP Beckley! And the pictographs you and Joe is precious!
Tania, I am so sorry to hear about Beckley. I’m sure your heart is breaking…it is never easy. I know he had a wonderful life with you and Joe and his love is with you always. Big hug to you. Congratulations on your trip to Cancun! You absolutely deserve it. May 2018 be full of blessings for you and yours.
So sorry for you and your family on the loss if your beloved pet..part of your family. They bring us such love, joy and happiness but it is so hard to let them go.
My heart hurts for you Tania! So sorry for your loss!?
So sorry about dear, cute Beckley.
I am so sorry for your loss of Beckly. Losing a furry family member is so difficult. You do look lovely in your post.
Our fur babies are our family, too. That makes losing them just as hard as losing one of our human loved ones; harder sometimes, because sometimes the fur babies love us better than the humans. He’ll be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for you someday.
So sorry about your fur baby. Glad your reflecting on the joy of having your pet. Great wrap!
Such sad news about Beckley. We’ve always had pets. Several years ago after our dog passed away I decided the loss was too painful and I didn’t want to go through it again. We made it four years and found ourselves taking in a rescue puppy. He’s now nine years old. These animals bring us such joy and comfort I just can’t not have one in my life. My heart goes out to you.
So very sorry about Beckley. Know he brought y’all lots of joy.
So sorry about losing Beckley! Pets are family! On a lighter note, I love the wrap and I love Chico’s!
I’m sorry for your loss of sweet Beckley. We had to put our 15-year old dog down 5 years ago and I still miss her. I’m happy you have Lucy and she has you.
I like your wrap and it looks great with your dress. Joe looks pretty good too! HA!
I’m so sorry!
Tania, my heart breaks for you on the passing of Beckley. My 14 year old dog passed a few months ago and it has left a big hole in our hearts. Why do we get so attached?. I love the look, so sophisticated. Joe Seems like a fun guy, you are lucky.
So sorry for your loss. Pets are such a huge part of a family. Tania, what was the name and author of the book you shared with us….it was about breaking habits or making things become a habit. Again,prayers for comfort for you and your family.
So sorry for your loss!!
Beckley looked like a sweet puppy?. I was just on the Chicos website yesterday and was thinking that I’d never seen you in Chicos stuff and here you are! Love the ruana with the sweater dress.
Tania – this is my first time replying but felt God telling me to do so to embrace you in this time of sorrow. I have 3 fur babies that are my “kids”. I love your outlook on the passing of Beckley. So many times people focus on the loss instead of the joys. God Bless you during this difficult time.
BTW – the wrap is fabulous!
Jo
I am so sorry for your loss of Beckley. I’m sure he felt how much love and joy he brought to you and your family!! This outfit looks amazing on you!!
So sorry for your loss. ?
So sorry about Beckley. ? I know he will be missed. Love your wrap!
So sorry for the loss of your sweet Beckley. Heartfelt condolences & hugs. ?????
I am so sorry for your loss! I know what that feels like. It hurts.
So sorry for the loss of your Beckley. He has crossed the rainbow bridge and is running free without pain. He sure was a cutie, he looks a lot like my Rusty. ❤️❤️❤️
This is why I don’t need a pet. The pain is not worth it to me. Thank you for the back view. I like to see the heels on your shoes too.
I’m so sorry for your loss of your sweet baby. Dogs really do enhance our lives. I’m so glad you can embrace the good times and that you have Lucy still at your feet.
Thank you for posting each day, even when it is hard. Many of us start our day with you!
Sorry to hear about Beckley. It is hard to lose them but hold on to the warm memories.
I love Chicos and this is a great piece! Congratulations on winning the trip. Enjoy!
Very sorry to hear about your little Beckley. Giving you a big hug.
My heart goes out to you for the loss of Beckley. Dogs and cats “fill in the cracks” of our lives and always give so much love. Try to have a good day.
Tania, I am sad for you in the loss of Beckley.
I’m so sorry Tania. Saying goodbye to a fur baby is so hard. Keeping you in my prayers.
I am so sorry to read about Beckley, I have my own little dog, Avery, on my lap as I type this. Pets are pretty special. Love the outfit, Joe is a mess! Prayers…
I still have Lucy sitting here at my feet. She is lost too right now because she is missing Beckley. She is refusing to go outside to potty but I am not sure if it is because Beckley isn’t with her or if it is just because it is so darn cold outside.
So sorry for your loss….
I meant hole. And the ruana looks lovely. Congratulations on winning the trip.
I am so sorry about your Beckley. It leaves such a whole in the family.
Tania: how adorable was Beckley? The picture made me smile!! You were very lucky to have him for so long and he was lucky to have you. His New Year got better because he is now in heaven and healthy!!! You will see him again!
I love Chico’s and this wrap is great! Your blog is making you famous. Enjoy the perks of all your hard work. It must be challenging to post everyday!! Like having another full time job. Best…Kathy
You are right about both things, Kathy. Beckley was adorable and this blog is another full-time job. Writing, taking the pictures, commenting, answering the emails, and posting on all the social media networks takes a LOT of time. Whew!
Tania, can’t even imagine how you feel about Beckley. He is waiting over the bridge for you and playing with all our friends! They may be classified as pets but they are our kids and do nothing but give unconditional love for really so little? extra treats for Lucy poor girl?
The only thing that makes it a little easier is because he was so sickly with diabetes. He was so skinny, had gone blind, and had lost almost all of his fur. I remember him though as the picture that I posted. Little Lucy is acting kind of lost right now. She is like the rest of us.
Tania, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dog, Beckley. It’s not easy when you have to go on after losing a pet who was such a good friend. Pets give such “unconditional love”. Love your outfit with the animal print wrap! Great picture of you and Joe!
I am sorry for your loss. Remember that pets leave foot prints on your heart. God Bless!
I am sorry about the loss of Beckley. I am an animal lover and I recently lost a dog myself so I know what you are going through. Pets are a wonderful addition to our lives.
Am so sorry for the loss of your beloved pet.
So sorry about your precious Beckley. I always enjoyed his pics in your outfit photos. Beautiful wrap and nice that Joe jumped in. Y’all make a great couple. ~Lisa~
sorry you lost Beckley. I loved seeing your hubby he looks like a lot of fun.
Oh Dear so sorry for your loss pets give us such great joy and when they leave us they leave a big hole in our heart, someone told me once about the rainbow bridge where pets wait for you< I dont know if this will help you but check this on google.
So, so very sorry for your loss. I lost my 16 year old kitty to bone cancer the day after Christmas. Such joy our fur-babies bring into our lives & sadness when they leave. ((Hugs))
I am sorry about your kitty. They do bring lots of joy to our lives while they are with us.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your fur baby, Beckley. I know you will miss him terribly, but it is good that you are embracing the joy he brought to your life. So what is a ruana wrap? How is it different from other wraps? Curious minds want to know.
Debbie, I was curious like you so I Googled it. Lol! A ruana has a space for the head or neck and a wrap or a shawl is usually just a square or a rectangle piece of material.
Thanks for looking it up. Sounds like a poncho to me, but it looks more like a shawl. So many terms for basically the same thing. Ha!
So sorry about losing your Beckley.