Quote of the Week

And if I could tell you one thing

It would be:

You are never as broken as you think

You are.

Sure, you have a couple of scars,

And a couple of bad memories,

But then again

All great heroes do.

ltn

Beauty Inspiration | Red, Gold and Everything That Glitters

I was looking for some beauty inspiration for the holidays this evening and just had to share with you Dolls! Thought you would enjoy as much as I did! 

xo xo Elizabeth 

{Photo credit via}

Here's To The Freaking Weekend

Good Afternoon, Dolls!

I’m writing you from a pile of pillows, mountains of cough drops and my Roo dog snuggled up beside me. My darling sister graciously decided to share her head cold from hell with me, so here I am, trumpeting into tissues like an elephant and sipping hot tea. BUT, I am happy to report that my attitude is much better than my current physical state. Being cooped up in bed ensures that I’m getting lots of work done, and since it is grey and rainy, I kind of like it.

After Wednesday’s post I received so many incredibly kind and thoughtful emails and notes…thank you so much. I love how we are all struggling with something, whether it’s physically, emotionally or socially and the struggle brings us all together and lets us know that we are not alone. I love you Dolls!

What are your plans for the weekend? Anything new and exciting? I will hopefully put the finishing touches on my bedroom, complete an article I’m writing for a super cool magazine and chug green smoothies like they’re going out of style in the hopes of kicking this cold in the rear end! Here are some links for you to enjoy…

 Buckaroo Barbie reader Lesile Elmore sent this article to our facebook page the other day thinking I would enjoy it....you were right Lesile, I love it! Thanks Doll! 

35 pictures that prove the world isn't such a bad place....these are seriously awesome. 

If you're not aware of The Indie Chicks...you need to be. Start with this article, it's fan-freaking-tastic!! 

Have you tried a green smoothie yet? They're an amazing way to consume LOADS of veggies all at once, they stabalize your blood sugar and they even taste amazing! Here's a beginner recipe for you to get started...tell me what you think! 

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel yet? I'm slowly but surely adding fashion and beauty videos...such girly-girl fun! 

If you're in the Ventura area, go get your nails done at Elegant Nails! This is not a spa, but the girls are so nice and a manicure/pedicure will last me 2 weeks, not even kidding. Plus that, the prices are excellent. Ask for Dawn and tell her I sent you! 

One of my favorite parts from my favorite movie, Bringing Up Baby...if you haven't seen it, shame on you. For shame. 

In case you need a quick reminder....you are worth more than your bra size.

Although, you should never underestimate the importance of a well fitting bra!! 

If you haven't already, please subscribe to this blog! All you have to do is click join site where it lists blog members....thank-you! 

xo xo Elizabeth 

5 Life Lessons I Learned From A Spanish Movie Star

 Last summer I was working for my little sister as her personal assistant (she’s a singer and if you haven’t already, go look her up immediately) and she was invited to perform at a ranch roping competition in Italy. Luckily for me I got to tag along, drink copious amounts of wine, ride nice horses and participate in the roping. I had briefly met our hosts, Drew Mischanti and Natalia Estrada once before and happened to read an article in Western Horseman right before we left about the "Italian Cowboys." Natalia is Spanish but lives in and is married to an Italian. The article mentioned that Natalia used to be an actress before she found her current love in the vaquero style of horsemanship and cow work. I am embarrassed to admit that I dismissed this as possible misinformation. I mean, every time someone interviews Adrian for an article something gets misquoted. I’ll never forget when an article stated that she was bilingual. If Adrian’s bilingual that means she’s fluent in sarcasm and profanity. So I figured that’s what this was: an exaggeration or misprint (sorry Natalia!). Upon arriving in Italy, I was shocked to find that article had only understated what a celebrity Natalia really is in Italy! People see her and rush up, clutching pieces of paper and pens to their chest, asking for autographs and lining up to have their picture taken with her. 

Walking to a café in Milan for a morning cup of espresso is an event because construction workers exclaim out loud “Natalia Estrada!!” “It’s Natalia Estrada!” I’ve never seen Natalia react with anything but charm and grace, she is a wonderful role model and someone I seek to emulate. Not only is she classy and charming, but she is also an excellent horsewoman. She helped me a lot during our stay with learning the basics of Dressage, something I’ve always been interested in learning more about. Thinking about our stay with Drew and Nat, I put together a list of the 5 things I learned from a Spanish movie star who turned out to be a friend, and I think we could all learn from her example!

Class

Natalia displayed class no matter how tired she was or what situation she found herself in. Whether she sipped her wine instead of gulping it, or took the time to graciously talk with excited fans while trying to enjoy a private moment with friends and family, Nat showed that she is always a lady.

Horsemanship

Natalia is naturally athletic and has amazing timing. She could “get by” just fine with her horsemanship without spending a modicum of effort on it if she wanted. Instead, Natalia constantly worked on improving herself and her horses.

Fashion

Natalia showed me that fashion and horses do mix. Yes! Natalia easily mixed high fashion and cowboy boots and pulled it off because she’s confident in herself and her style. She can introduce an opera in floor length Versace and ride colts in Wranglers. She wears what she wants when she wants no matter what is “cool” at the moment.  

Personal Development

During our stay at their house, Drew and Natalia were up every morning at 5:30am riding colts. She is an extremely passionate woman, and that passion includes her horses, roping and life and she makes sacrifices to improve herself in any area any chance she gets.

It’s OK To Be Multidimensional

Natalia is not just a movie star, nor is she just a cowgirl. She is multidimensional and that is one of the things I love most about her. She can ride dressage, compete in cutting, jump horses, throw a fancy big loop shot, shoot a gun or camera with skill, dance, act, run a multi-continent business and can throw together a first class 5-course meal after a full day of participating in all of the above mentioned activities! She is comfortable in all of these and doesn’t change her personality in transitioning between them. She is Natalia Estrada and she is comfortable in her own skin.

xo xo Elizabeth 

Early Morning Note to Myself

Wake up.

Grab your cell phone and check the time.
5am.

Groan in disbelief when you drop it on your face.

Pray for the ones you love and then pray again.

Slide out of the bed so you don't disturb the little sister sleeping next to you.

Shut the window that's letting in so much cold air and shuffle off in search of that elixir of life....coffee.

Curl up with a blanket, a notepad and pen and write until you're dry. Do it even if you don't want to, and do it especially when you feel like you have no words inside you.

Decide to choose joy for this day.

Take a deep breath, and think about that person you want to be and decide to do something today that will take you closer to that person.

Smile.

Use kind words.

Ask for forgiveness when you don't use kindness.

Love those around you and love them with your actions, not just your words.

Never give up, no matter how desperate it may seem.

Surround yourself with people, music, books and art that inspire you to be an even better version of you.

And above all things, be authentic to yourself.

xo xo Liz