Join Ford's #ShowSomeMuscle Social Challenge

                                                                           

It's Women's History Month so wanted to share something unique! Ford has launched a social media challenge. It’s called #ShowSomeMuscle, and it’s meant to showcase the strength and muscle that today’s women embody, from moms and nurses to professional athletes and even the vice president! 

 

Inspired by the all-new, all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E – which challenges preconceived notions of what a muscle car can be – we hope women will use the #ShowSomeMuscle hashtag to share a story that celebrates their resilience, power, empathy, innovation, creativity, and compassion. I know it’s been a tough year, so I thought of being a part of it! Working from home, juggling kiddo in a remote school, planning covid-safe date nights, it's been quite a roller coaster. Add to it, being the caregiver of my husband who is in remission from Cancer to taking care of my furry baby, who is battling cancer. I have been flexing my muscles and pushing forward, despite the odds! So when I heard of this challenge, it felt great that it was celebrating women like me, who were pushing it forward, and breaking glass ceilings everywhere. 

 

Now more than ever, women are flexing their muscles as we work to navigate through challenging times. From essential workers to teachers, nurses, rising political leaders, and poets, women are demonstrating the kind of strength it takes to keep pushing forward–both in the workplace and at home. Ford is paying tribute to all of the formidable women leading the way with the launch of the Mustang Mach-E #ShowSomeMusclesocialmediachallenge. #ShowSomeMuscleencourages everyday heroes to share their personal stories of perseverance, ingenuity, compassion, creativity, and more. 

American ballet dancer Misty Copeland, professional basketball player Gabby Williams and Ayana Lage, an advocate for social justice helped kick off the challenge earlier this week. These talented, accomplished women are sharing their personal stories of unique strength and triumph, and nominating the inspirational women in their own lives to also #ShowSomeMuscle.

 “After 20 years of performing, the loss of live shows and the purpose that gave me has taken its toll,” said Copeland. “But I have been inspired by and have witnessed real courage and resilience, and seen strength in vulnerability as we remain hopeful of an end to the pandemic. That’s why I’m honored to be among the first voices to share my story in the Mustang Mach-E #ShowSomeMuscle challenge and to celebrate the women who continue to inspire me.”

 Through #ShowSomeMuscle, Ford is providing a platform – and an iconic symbol – to spotlight all of the inspirational women who are redefining what real muscle looks like.

 “With Mustang Mach-E, Ford is redefining the conventional idea of a muscle car,” said Emma Bergg, Ford global electric vehicle communications manager. “Through this challenge, we’re highlighting that muscle is not only physical form and brute strength – it encompasses innovation, empathy, creativity, compassion, and resilience.”

 To illustrate the spirit of the challenge, Ford has been working with Detroit-bred fine artist and muralist Sydney James to create custom artwork for a limited-edition #ShowSomeMuscle T-shirt.

 “My body of work is about strong women,” said James. “My inspiration for the Madonna of Muscle art featured on this shirt is a leader, entrepreneur, and hustler in the Detroit community – one whose image exudes so much more than physical strength.” 

 

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SILKY SUEDED JERSEY TOP & SKINNY JEANS: EXPRESS STYLE FILES

 

Spring has sprung, and I am dreaming of all things blush-nudes! Recently shopped for a few new items as part of my partnership with Express, which I had shared on my Instagram Stories. For my first outfit from the recent haul, decided to go with my skinny jeans! Yes, my love for skinny jeans is still super strong, even though I might have tried a few new non-skinny options!  I have been working from home for a year now, like so many others around the world. And I have been partial towards all things comfy cozy. While loungewear in itself calls for a separate post, I decided to opt for tops that embrace that Luxe Comfort. Presenting Silky Sueded Jersey Relaxed Bateau Neck Tee from Express! This material is lightweight, breathable, and stretchy. When I touched it, it almost felt like butter against my skin. It is sleek enough to wear out and comfy enough to lounge in. 

I could have styled this top with its matching set! And it would have been perfect. But I am partial to my denim. So I decided to style it with my Dark Wash High Waisted Skinny Jeans from Express. I love these jeans as they are what you call true skinny jeans, in the way they hug my body in the right places. And yes, they are super stretchy and super comfortable. Pulled out my pink floral stilettos, an animal print clutch, statement earrings in sky blue, and finally my favorite cool-toned hat! Not to forget MAC Speed Dial on my lips! I had a lot of fun styling my outfit and might even wear it when I go to receive my second vaccine! 

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MISSION HOSTS FIRST-EVER RESTAURANT WEEK

We are all aware of Kansas City Restaurant Week, so when we heard of Mission Restaurant Week, we knew we had to check it out. Mission Business District decided to host the first-ever Mission Restaurant Week, to boost its local economy. The pandemic has hit hard on everyone, especially the hospitality industry. So the idea was to focus on the local mom and pop establishments and support them. The Mission Restaurant Week ran for a week till March 7th and had 15 establishments as its participants, as follows: 

Long Boards
Sushi Karma
The Bar (Mission ONLY)
Brian's Bakery
Estrella Azul
Thai Orchid
Energize Mission
Urban Prairie Coffee
Rock Creek Brewery*
Sand Hills Brewery
Toppers
Salsa Grill
The Corner Lalo's Kitchen
Ad Astra
Foggi Ice Cream
The Peanut (Mission ONLY)

The participating establishments had to observe COVID19 safety protocols, offering takeout, and socially-distanced dining. Most of the establishments were around Johnson Drive, so it was easy to park and walk around. Just like a pub crawl, it was a restaurant week crawl, if I might add so. 

We met up with some of our closest friends, who are Mission residents, to enjoy the first-ever Mission Restaurant Week! We started our evening with a stop at Rock Creek Brewing Co. but sadly they didn't have a place on their patio! We had our daughter and our fur babies, so we were looking for patio dining options for the evening. 

Our next stop was Sand Hills Brewery, which has really won me over! Not only did they have multiple patio dining options, but their service was amazing!  They are a full-service brewery and taproom, with two locations, one of which is in Mission. Besides their on-site offerings, they also have a range of to-go beers! I am all about supporting local small businesses and if they have craft beer, and they are dog-friendly, you know I am adding them to my list of favorites. 

We started off their Beer Flight which featured more of their signature Brews: Oak-aged Peregrine(German Pilsner), Plum Chickadee(Berliner Weisse) Barred Owl(Scottish Export), and Junco/(New-England style IPA)! If you noticed carefully, then their beer is named after local birds, whose pictures also find pride of place in the decor! Loved the ambiance which was family-friendly. So all my fellow beer-loving parents, if you are looking for a new spot to hang out with your friends, then Sand Hills is your place.

For Mission Restaurant Week, Sandhills allowed you to bring food over, from any of the participating restaurants. We picked up food from Estrella Azul! You know they are popular when you have to stand in line, to place your order. We sampled their Tacos Al Pastor(chicken), Carne Asada Tacos(Steak), and Quesadillas. They offered us Churros as we waited in line for our food! We knew it was worth the wait when we had our first bite! I will surely be back for more.  

We had also wanted to try our Corner LaLos, but they had closed by the time we headed there. 

Overall, it was a great experience at Mission Restaurant Week, hosted by Mission Business District. One of my photos of the event, also won their Giveaway, so I will be back soon, at one or more of the participating restaurants! Hope Mission Business District makes it an annual or even bi-annual event, and continue to keep it family-friendly! Bon Appetit! 

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MATCHING SLOGAN TEES FOR WOMEN'S DAY : STYLE FILES

 Happy Women's Day to all of you! I had a wonderful day of working from home and enjoying some special moments with my daughter. When you have been working from home, for almost a year, your outfit choices can get into a rut. But I have seen that when I make the effort to get dressed for the day, rather than hide myself in pajamas, I feel so much more positive! So decided to do a matching outfit with my mini-me! 

When I saw these slogan tees at GAP, I knew we had to get them. They were not only perfect for Women's Day or Women's History Month, but they were perfect for me and my daughter, all year round! My t-shirt reads " Empowered Women Empower Women!" And my daughter's matching t-shirt reads," Empowered Girls Empower Girls!" Mine is pale pink, while my daughter's t-shirt is more of bubble-gum pink. Am so glad I chanced upon these! 

We both paired our t-shirts with jeans! While Rii opted for navy blue skinny jeans by GAP, mine was my Jogger Denim by Express. Regarding the fit of the t-shirt, I found mine to be quite snug. Usually, if  I pick up a Medium size in most t-shirts, they are not snug. Maybe next time, if I want a looser fit from a gap t-shirt, I will opt for an L. We wore our outfits to our Zoom classes/work meetings, and enjoyed eating lunch together! I shall be back in my building, after a year,so I made sure that today was extra special. 

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WATERCOLOR PRINTS & SKINNY JEANS: SPRING STYLE REFRESH

                
                

I know it could get cold, but as of now, I am ready to believe that Spring is here! So it was time, I did an outfit post to celebrate just that! And you didn't think, that I had forgotten my SKinny Jeans, just because I was trying out some other denim styles! Skinny Jeans shall always remain my true love, soI had to style them for my Spring Style Refresh!

My Skinny Jeans have a fair bit of stretch in them, which makes them so so comfortable! I usually love to pick up the ankle-length, when I am shopping for jeans, as  I am petite. These jeans are from one of my favorite Indie-brands, Flying Monkey! I came across Flying Monkey at a local boutique - Frankie and Jules, here in Kansas City. It's a brand that is not only carried by so many of your local boutiques, but also at Express, and even Macy's! I love how their jeans are made for our curvier mom bods if I might add so. 

When I transition my outfits from Winter to Spring, I like to do it on various fronts. For instance, if it's cooler, opt for lighter jackets, like trench coats, rather than my heavy Winter coats. Rest my snowshoes, for ankle boots or even white sneakers, if the weather is as good as it is now. In terms of accessories, bring in some warm weather elements, like the Wicker/Basket Bag I have used. I could use it as a crossbody or remove the straps and use it as a purse. Added in some Pearl Hoops, to add to the Spring vibes. 

Last, but not least, is my Watercolor Print from Vera Wang's Simply Vera line! It's one of my all-time favorite Spring tops and I love to style it in different ways. Since it never made it to the blog, so I thought of starting a series, featuring it in various outfit options, for Spring-Summer! 

Have a great weekend and enjoy Spring! 

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