With a Twist Wednesday

With a twist... I like the sound of that!  Martini anyone?

 

I decided to stay on track with my blogs I'd start doing certain things on certain days, a trend I've seen other bloggers do!  So, since Wednesday is in the middle of the week and a good cocktail night I thought I'd call it With a Twist Wednesday.

 

The point?  Showing great ways to wear a basic tee!  I'm now obsessed with Polyvore, it's a great way to show what you're thinking... and seeing how it looks all put together.  Also a great way to build a closet! 

 

So for the very first one I'm using the new miracles tee!  It's now available online in v neck, cropped or off the shoulder.  I'm LOVING the tealish turquoise that the miracles, pushing the limits and dreams (coming soon) comes in!

 

 

For today I paired the miracles v-neck with peacock inspired heels (really any awesome color blocked ones will do) with a bright blazer, as well as bangles (a necessity for almost any outfit) and a fun bun (another new obsession of mine!)

 

Don't forget to check out our Pinterest at:  www.pinterest.com/mingoink

Plus we're giving away a cropped tee so enter on the giveaway page of our facebook:  www.facebook.com/mingoink

I'm also posting everything to Twitter so you can follow us there too!

 

I'd love to know how you put the twist on a basic tee!

 

Cheers,

 

Tiffiney

 

 

 

 

Pet Peeves meet Dreams

I love fashion (you'd hope) but it's taken me awhile to get here.  My history with Fashion- mixed with my current resume- have led me to starting Mingo and for my reasoning's behind everything I do...

 

My Mom LOVES to talk about my high school style.  I lived in pajama pants and either a coordinating tee or sweatshirt.  I was also a big fan of pig tail buns... and Doc Martens or Vans... Yup, quite the visual.

 



     

Like these Old Navy Swan/Mingo Flamingo looking ones!  Or I would have killed for Purple Docs! However, I did not wear these two trends together... don't worry! 



In my defense, it was a look that was somewhat in then- similar to today's yoga pant trend- but definitely not considered good style... kind of like Crocs were everywhere but shouldn't have been.  

 

Fast forward to roughly 10 years in the future and I've discovered so much about fashion, style and the importance of presenting yourself.

The truth is in today's society everyone you meet is someone to network with whether you're at the grocery store or at a job interview and let's face it- first impressions matter.

 

Moral of the story?  I want everyone to feel comfortable in their own skin or at least empowered when they wear the brand.  It's all about taking current trends and putting it into a style that works.  Not to mention encouraging people to make it their own. 

 

Mingo Rep Jess and Friend of the Brand Shannon on Valentine's Day

A Perfect example is Jess and Shannon. Shannon rocked her custom white love tee with jeans and vintage inspired jewelry for a clean and sweet look. Jess jazzed hers up with a blazer and messy bun with a gold roped head band.

 

Me- I wear my love tee with a black and gold chevron maxi skirt and black wedges. My super hot 76 year old Grams- she tucks it in her Miss Me jeans with a cami and a jacket.  My mom looks killer with it on for meetings with a pencil skirt and blazer.  No matter who you are you can put a twist on a great fitting tee!

 

 I've started dreaming of the Mingo Couture line (with the help of my super crazy amazing Mom).  My goal with that will be similar as with the tees.  I want great fitting dresses that look good on most body types and can be dressed up or down.  I've started a Couture Inspire Pinterest Board with random thoughts... I'd love your thoughts on fits, colors, design aspects, etc!   

 

Some of my thoughts/questions include:

 

Can everyone pull off cheetah?  Does everyone want to pull off cheetah?

 



  

Bow accents- love or hate? 

 

The best part is we're starting a new contest for a cropped tee of your choice!  So many ways to win including Following us on Pinterest, on Twitter- commenting on this Blog- referring people to join our page AND commenting on our Pinterest Boards!

 

Click here to enter!  http://is.gd/eJD7ZF

 

Good Luck! 

 

XOXO,

 

Tiff



Majorly Pushing the Limits Part II

Two of our nearest and dearest are presently in the midst of spending 6 months in Guatamala...

 

The first time I wrote that sentence I had an exclamation mark but as you'll notice I down graded it to an elipses.  It's not because it's not awesome- it is- for them (I miss them enough that I can't say it's 100% awesome!)  They're by a huge lake and a volcano and they're doing lots of hiking (not my favorite, but they like it =) and exploring and having lots of new adventures.  

 

Not to mention they're making awesome replacement friends.  (No one can really replace the amazingness that is me but it's fun to bring it up every chance I get.)

Actual Picture from their Trip

Their mission is to learn Spanish, along with the adventures.  They're attending a school there and helping teach the kids in the village English.  However, they are perfect examples of Pushing the Limits.  So here's a picture of Spotted:  Mingo in Guatamala!

 

 

What limits are you working on pushing?  What is your ultimate dream if there were no boundries?

 

 

 

I want it Now...

I've been struggling with this idea for a blog all night... do I write it?  How do I phrase what I want to say? 

So, I decided to go for it in honor of the "believes in dreams," shirts I just ordered... in my favorite color I might add.

So instant gratification is something I struggle with.  I like to see results.  I have absolutely no patience.  However, it's not that I expect things handed to me on a silver platter (don't mistake instant gratification with entitlement) I am perfectly willing to work for it.  I just don't like waiting. 

Case in point.  I'm down 20 pounds... yeah!  However, I want to be at my goal.  I've turned down delicious margaritas, cupcakes (the really original gourmet kind that you feel like you HAVE to try just because you're curious) and pizza, lots of pizza. 

I think every single time you turn down something delicious that is offered to you your body should automatically drop a pound.  How amazing would that be?  Then you would truly be rewarded for willpower! 

Then again I just had a flash of that 90s made for TV movie with Suzanne Sommers where she makes a deal with the devil to lose weight.  I don't remember much more than that- just that it ended badly.  Don't even ask why I thought of that- I had to be super little when it was on!  (just checked on IMDB and it was called Devil's Food... which reminded me of cake... I just said no- another pound gone?)  Since I'm drooling I thought you needed to too.

Click for recipe

Click for Duncan Hines link if you can't resist!

So I figured I'd cave and post a picture of me.  I mean how am I supposed to prove progress to you guys without a picture of me.  This was on my 30th Birthday- with my baby brother- about a month before I started.  You can't see the dress underneath the cardigan but it's already too big and out of my closet- to be donated soon!



How amazingly cute is my brother? Love him SO much!

So what exactly is my point?  You know, speaking of me being off topic sometimes, okay all the time.  My biggest critism on every single paper I wrote from Middle School through College was that I didn't stay on topic for my point =)  I'm trying to improve that with my blog.

My point is that I have so many goals.  I have so many dreams (hence the new shirt in my favorite color) and I want them now.  Doesn't everyone?  However, I'm working towards them and I'm learning that the best way to stay on track is to celebrate the small victories... all the way up until I (you) reach my (your) big goal and then I (you) set a new one!  

Yup that's how my brain works

Okay so I have a tendency to get all touchy feely.  It's something I'm working on I promise. 

In my head I want to be this person that inspires people to create quote posters on Pinterest every time I speak.  



Like this one, Love it, Live it
Click Image for original Link

 In actuality, I think I end up sounding like an extremely wordy Hallmark card.  Since I know I go over the top quite a bit I appreciate the bold, meaningful statements- hence the elegantly simple designs of Mingo. 

(Side Note:  I love Hallmark- I'm from KC, Hallmark is from KC- it's like we're bffs or something.  Support them, buy cards for your loved ones... but you have to buy super cheesy or super random- it's the only way to go.  Slightly humorous doesn't get the point across.) 

(Side Note Part 2:  About 15 separate times I actually started filling out the creative worksheets that Hallmark has on their website to find new talent... I only submitted 1 of the 15.)

(Side Note Part 3:  Hallmark was responsible for the creation of Rainbow Brite, who was my favorite as a child.  I was even in the fan club, but that's a story for another day.) 

That being said I also heard from a few little birdies that my random thoughts are the most entertaining to read so that being said... format change:  the randomness will be intertwined with words of my supposed wisdom. 

So on with how my brain works

Today I decided I'm a little bit crazy.  I talk to people- while they are inside a car and I am not in that vehicle with them.  This happened today on three separate occasions.

1)  When I arrived at a four way stop at the exact same time as two other people I said, out loud, "No, it' okay- you go ahead."  With no hand motions to convey my intentions.  Nope, simply talking apparently to no one but myself.

2)  When I walked right out in front of a car at Petsmart while picking Zoe up at Day camp.  Yes, occasionally my dog goes to Day camp.  She plays and gets her nails trimmed and it's an amazing thing.  Seriously, the first time you saw how excited she gets when I reach for her leash instead of sending her to nigh night (yes, I do say it like that) you would take her to.  ANYWAY- I was almost hit by a car and I found myself mumbling, "OMG I'm so sorry."  Not that he got the message because I kept walking and once again, I forgot the customary wave.

Look at that face =)

3)  I diagnose what happened when I pass fender benders.  Then say it out loud like I'm on CSI.  Sometimes, if I have an audience I'll even pause for dramatic effect like Horatio Caine on CSI Miami.  You don't even want to know how amazing my imitation is if I happen to be wearing sunglasses.   

So moral of the story today:  Buy cards and remember to use polite hand signals when trying to communicate with people inside of vehicles. 

OH and Enter my contest for the size S "Pushing the Limits" tee!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pushing the Limits

I'm reordering "Pushing the Limits" today.  So I thought it would be the perfect time to talk about it because it's definitely one of my favorites (if you want to know a secret- they're all my favorites!)

Original- model Jess Holland

Pushing the Limits is one of my themes for 2013 for a few different reasons. 

First, I've mentioned before that I'm not comfortable in my own skin.  I know I'm intelligent, creative and often entertaining but I still second guess myself because I'm not happy with the way I look.  It doesn't reflect the me that I feel I am or the image I want to project to the world. 

Second, I'm building a brand in a time that a lot of people are struggling with small businesses.  It's a brand that I want to inspire others.  My goal is to have people embrace who they are, what they believe and go on to accomplish amazing things:  personally, professionally and charitably (it doesn't seem like that should be a grammatically correct word... but spell check said yes so I'll go with it.)

So I thought the start of 2013 is a great time to embrace my personal changes and relaunch the shirt in my favorite colors!

SPOILER ALERT

The new design will be on black with a monochromatic teal ink and will be slightly larger so that it looks good on all our styles. 

I'm dying to know- what limits are you pushing this year?

Physical?  Mental?  Professional?  Personal?  Superficial?  Life Changing?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Self Motivation with a Wanelo Twist

I discovered Wanelo this week (www.Wanelo.com) in case you're not familiar it's similar to Pinterest (As in you can search, add things to boards, etc.) However, the major difference is that you can buy things right there.  Or with two clicks.  The other difference is that there aren't DIY projects, recipes, etc. 

I set out to try and figure it out to see if it's something Mingo needs to be a part of (It is... follow me at:  http://wanelo.com/mingoink)  At first I really worked at finding out how to post stuff (slightly more confusing than Pinterest, at least to me.)  Once I got that figured out, I started playing around and I discovered:  EXTRA MOTIVATION. 

I love "Playing Dress-Up" and putting things together.  However, there are only certain styles that I can pull off now with my current shape (mostly dresses with a thick empire waist that flair out... with leggings and boots, it's kinda my wardrobe.  This year I did filter in grey leggings instead of just black and riding boots!)  Part of my goals are to reinvent myself and my wardrobe as I get closer to my goal, so a lot of my posts on Wanelo revolve around that... 

Like, could I pull off this dress with a leather jacket, vintage jewelry and heeled boots? Loving the edgy sweet look, but is it me?   




Click photo for Wanelo original source: Ustendy.com

My wedding was absolutely amazing.  The only thing that wasn't:  me.  I used to eat when I was stressed.  Most people lose weight before their wedding... I didn't.  So while my dress was beautiful the key "IT" factor I was looking for was flattering, nothing out of the box.  Which also meant that I was in the world of A Line, while a great style it wasn't the me I wanted for that day.  Part of my goal for this year, get to the point where I could wear the dress/style I love.  Once I get there:  a vow renewal, somewhere tropical, in something like this.





Click Picture for Wanelo link.  Original Source:  Kleinfeldbridal.com



AND this





Click Picture for Wanelo link.  Original Source:  Nastygal.com
 

I have never worn a swimsuit that doesn't cover absolutely everything, not to mention a cover up over that, usually a dress that dries well.  Nothing that compares to the amazing fashion sense I actually have.  Which as a side affect means I usually avoid situations that require such attire (okay I just really wanted to complete the rhyme.)

 
With Mingo my goal was to take simply designed shirts that have a purpose and to show them in a variety of ways (such as the Karma v-neck tee with a mini skirt and cowboy boots OR with yoga pants OR under a blazer with jeans or a skirt.) Like this whole outfit below with my V Neck Black and White Inner Beauty tee.   However, right now pencil skirts do not work... but wait, soon you will see them on me so much it'll make your head spin!

With Inner Beauty by tiffiney-schuler-baumgarden featuring a cross bangle bracelet

 

So moral of the story, I feel so good about the 12lbs gone the last 2 weeks and I can't wait to reach my milestones.  Instead of getting frustrated I'm using all of the outfits spinning around in my head to keep me on track.  How do/would you wear your Mingo?  What you keeps you on track to your 2013 goals?

 

Cheers!

 

Tiffiney

Random Facts About Me

While reading other Blogs I've discovered my favorite posts are the ones where they tell random thoughts and fact about themselves.  The more obscure and embarrassing the better!  So here are a few about me!

*My dog, Zoe, is ridiculously spoiled.  I mean she goes to day camp like twice a week and my husband compares her to our friend's kids.  (But in all honesty how cute is she????)  She was supposed to be a pure bred Great Dane born to an accidental litter with a family that had a new baby and no room for puppies.  So we got as much of a pure bred as can be guaranteed on Craig's List.  Our vet thinks there's still a chance but she's tiny (we saw a 6 month old puppy that made her look tiny and she's 75 lbs).  Oh yeah, and I secretly used to mock people who treated their pets like people.



Zoe at my mom's house
 

Visiting the store and modeling!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*I was once hit on at Chuck E Cheese during my little sister's birthday party by Chuck E. in costume.  It was super hot.

 

*My first crush ever (in third grade) had a thing for my Mom.  Still a sore subject. 

 

*I listen to Oprah Radio on Sirius as well as 90s music, early 2000s pop, Natasha Bettingfield and Maroon 5.  I'm kinda cheesy and I love music that has memories attached or makes me feel like anythings possible. 

 

*I sincerely believe that everything I've "believed" and every place I've been up to this point has led me to starting Mingo.  So many people try to hide who they are... they try to be what people expect and we lose ourselves.  Our beliefs and personality quirks are what make us unique, they're what make us interesting.  It was one of the sparks to beginning the "believes in" line.

 

What are some of your favorite random facts about you?

 

Cheers,

Tiffiney

 

 



6 degrees to who?

I love the idea that we're all connected.  I also think that sometimes we forget that we're not that far away from the guy you pass on a street corner or the lady you scream at in a fit of road rage.  So thinking about this led me to the thinking about 6 Degrees of Separation (have you ever played 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon?)

 

 Can you connect them?   (Photo Source IMDB)

 I've also discovered that you can literally type "Bacon number ______" into Google and it will tell you the connections.  Where was this during my high school theater days?  (Yes I know I was/am a nerd =)

So that leads me to thinking about who I'd connect to if I could... and how easy would it be?  If I had to narrow it down I'm thinking...

Ryan Reynolds:  Let's face it he's gorgeous, seems like a genuine guy and I might also get to meet his wife (who I think is gorgeous and amazing!) Plus I wanted an excuse to put his face on my blog!

How can you not love him?  (Photo Source IMDB)

Then I was thinking who would be a great Mingo Spokesperson?  Who lives what they believe?  Who has personality quirks but doesn't hide who they are?  I love celebrities that break out of the mold or who show their less than perfect side!

Could our Mingo fans help us connect with someone amazing?  (Is there someone would wear a tee and maybe get their picture taken?  For almost nothing?)

So who is your top person to meet?  Do you think we could use the 6 degrees theory to make a Mingo connection?  What connection to people do you think we overlook daily?

Me vs. 2013

 

I'm so ready for 2013!  However, while getting ready for the New Year I began to think about how I basically  make the same resolutions every year.  You know the usual:  Take time to smell the roses, get in shape, blah blah blah.  I've also begun to realize that it's almost a trend to break your resolution.  It's like we look to each other for excuses to fall right back into our old habits.

 

So for this year instead of making resolutions I'm setting Goals.  Goals are kind of like creating your life the way you want... then working to make them happen.  Plus it's working towards something, not a matter of breaking a resolution... because we all make mistakes every now and then... and that is how I'm going to take on 2013!

 

1.  Believes in Pushing the Limits: As I stated in my first blog my biggest insecurity is my weight. So instead of a resolution to lose X number of pounds I want to work on getting healthy and comfortable in my own skin.  Since I've been stuck in a rut for quite sometime, making this change will be pushing my personal limits... and I'm ready!

 

2.  Believes in Paying it Forward:  I want to make an impact, it's not a secret, it's one of the reasons we started Mingo.  So this year I want to connect with more organizations, I want to donate more and volunteer more.  I've been so blessed, I want to Pay that Forward.

 

3.  Believes in Love:  I have an unbelievable husband and family (not to mention dog - Zoe) and sometimes I don't think I let them know how much I love them as often as I should.   So for 2013 I want them all to know how amazing they are!

 

4.  Believes in Miracles:  This one is all about my version of smelling the roses.  There are so many miracles that happen everyday- big and small.  I get so wrapped up in the day to day of life that I forget to notice them.  By noticing the miracles of everyday, more fabulousness happens.

 

5.  Believes in Possibilities:   I want to make Mingo a success.  I want to keep hearing stories of what certain beliefs mean to people and their lives,  I want to grow, to donate more, to create more to... well, everything!  That's why I believe in Possibilities, when you believe anything can happen then you don't put limitations on what you can accomplish.

 

What are your 2013 goals?  What are your beliefs?

 

Cheers and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

Tiffiney

 

 

I want to start out by saying that I can not begin to understand the pain that the community of Newtown, CT is feeling right now.  I don't understand how anyone could bring themselves to hurt a child or those that protect them.  I have spent three days trying to come up with the right thing to say, thinking about how I can make a difference and I end up typing and deleting because nothing seems enough. 

In memory of the victims I want challenge us all to positively affect someone else.  To commit a random act of kindness on a personal basis.  To make a difference, big or small, and show people that they matter- that someone wanted to go out of their way for them. 

So I decided to issue a challenge.  I want people to commit random acts of kindness and share them, use their stories to inspire others.  For complete details see below.

The Challenge

 

1.  Commit three random acts of kindness (It can be anything as long as it positively affects the other person's day and it's something that you wouldn't typically do.) 

 

2.  Tell us about it!  I want people to be inspired, to get ideas of what they can do so post your results on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mingoink) or our Twitter (www.twitter.com/mingoink) and use the hashtag #Love

 

3.  For every act you post on our page (Limit one story entry per day) I'll enter you in to win a "believes in Love" tee.  It can be for you OR you can send it to someone you care about to remind them they are loved.

 

4.  Challenge ends at 11:59p.m. on December 31, 2012.  Two shirts will be given out the first week of January. 

 



I Believe... I am... I want... The Beginning

Mingo launched at the end of August of 2012. It's been an amazing four months. However, with the end of the first calender year I've been thinking about what I personally believe, what I am, what I want to be and how I want to impact the world. Which has led me to this blog post... and the beginning of becoming the face of Mingo, not just the idea.

I Believe...

I believe in impacting the world. 

I believe in helping others live their dream. 

I believe in paying it forward. 

I believe in Love, Angels, Peace, Miracles, Karma, Inner Beauty, Pushing the Limits and

Happily Ever After.  (Plus lots more to come!)

I believe anything is POSSIBLE!

 

I Am...

Talking about me is something I usually avoid.  Above are some of my core beliefs and a lot of the reasons I wanted to start Mingo.  I want to make a difference (doesn't everyone?) However, I have a lot about myself I want to change and some things I want to learn to accept.  My biggest insecurity is that I am overweight.

This holds me back from being the President Mingo deserves.  I have an amazing sense of fashion, yet I'm afraid of being taken seriously.  I avoid the spotlight, hiding behind those amazing women who represent Mingo so well.  It affects almost every aspect of my life.

Which is why this blog is about three key things:

1)  Making a positive impact:  the people who wear Mingo and why as well as the people we benefit.

2)  Learning to embrace who I am:  the struggles of physically becoming who I want to be as well as learning to embrace my personality quirks!

3)  Building Mingo as a brand:  the business, the successes, and the failures of starting a new line.

I Want...

I want you to know me, I want you to be a part of Mingo.  I want to encourage people to embrace their beliefs and their personality quirks.  I want to inspire. 

What do you believe?  Who are you?  What do you want?