I’ve never really told the story of how I found my fur baby, Ralph. I really did not plan at all. Let me take you back to almost two years ago. I was still working my corporate job, juggling two businesses, and everything else a busy woman deals with. My mom had lost her German Shepherd who we all loved dearly, he had lived a great long life however, and was ready to get another puppy. I knew of a local shelter that took in animals for people to adopt and they would frequently post pictures of new arrivals and breeds that my mom was interested in.
 
I decided to tell her to meet me there so we can check out some of the recent German Shepherd puppies they had recently got in. They were all so adorable. While my mom was looking at the puppies, I looked over in a different pen and saw this furry little white ball in the midst of all the little dark Yorkies. It was Ralph. A little girl picked him up and, in my head, I said, “Put my dog down.” I had to have him, and I did!
 
My house and I were totally NOT prepared to adopt a puppy. If I knew what I knew now - I would have been really prepared. This includes knowing about Hartz® Dog Diapers and Male Wraps! These are definitely a must-have tool for welcoming a dog into any home. Now, that I have Ralph, I use the Hartz® Male Wraps, while we are traveling to either my parents’ house or beyond. Ralph loves my parents and every time he sees them he gets so excited he has a little accident. These Hartz® Male Wraps are highly absorbent and made with patented FlashDry® Gel technology, which instantly turns urine into gel for up to 6 hours of leak-proof protection. This comes in handy when traveling for more than a couple of hours on the road. My Ralph has to say fresh!
 
Now, I know what you are thinking, “My Dog would not like that and try to rip it off.” I thought the same thing, however the patented “Comfort Hold Strip” provides a soft and comfortable, yet secure fit for your dog without the Velcro sticking to the fur. Ralph wears them with no trouble. Plus, check out the cool and stylish print of camo that Ralph is rocking!
 
Getting Ralph was one of the best decisions of my life. Even though we went through some of my favorite rugs, blankets, pillows, and clothes due to some potty-training issues. I wish I had used Hartz products and I encourage you to use them when welcoming your new adopted puppy into your home. Hartz® Dog Diapers and Male Wraps are available now on Amazon, Chewy.com, and Walmart.com.
 
Do you plan on adopting a dog anytime soon? Have you adopted a dog and have potty training problems? Make sure you grab a few bags of Hartz® Male Wraps – you’ll thank me later!

Leaders hang with Leaders.

This is one reason I joined the Talent Magnet Community! After my first month as a member of the Talent Magnet Community, I know I can conquer anything thrown at me. Leading at this time last year looked very different than leading now. With expert content in my virtual library, including downloadable worksheets to implement what I am learning, I feel better equipped to manage others and myself well.

Talent Magnet is helping me better balance relationships, work, community and life. As you can see I’m hanging with this great leader and connector, Eric Kearney - leaders role with leaders ✨

It gets hard sometimes to balance everything, but you don't have to! I encourage everyone to seek a community/tribe that not only cares about your business growth but your personal development as well. So often we get caught up in the day to day business that we forget to invest in ourselves. Also, we get into the mindset that we don't need help, but every coach needs a coach!

Please check out this resource is you are serious about leveling up.

Travel right now looks different for everyone, but that does not mean you can not do it safely. I decided to head out with sidekick/child Ralph and travel an hour and half to both Columbus, Ohio and Louisville, Kentucky.  Check out these Eat, Play and Stay Ideas - and how to do it safely!

This is a super cute and chic hotel located in The Short North district of Columbus. They have a whole strip of shops, restaurants and hotels. What I loved about The Moxy is, it of course is pet friendly! Ralph was able to enjoy his stay just as much as me. 

Safety Precautions: 
-When I arrived, the front desk had a plastic shield separating the guest and service representative 
-The elevator only is for one guest/party at a time
-There were signs about social distancing and staying 6 feet apart throughout the entire hotel
-Hand sanitizers were also around the hotel
-House keeping only comes after your stay, you can call the front desk if you need something but to keep the spread down - house keeping doesn't enter your room daily

I would definitely recommend The Moxy to anyone who wants a short staycation in Columbus. The view was absolutely beautiful and it was in walking distance of everything you needed! Leah and her staff were great - make sure you tell her I sent you!

I mean, just look at these pictures! The Royce is located in Polaris Mall. This is also a black owned business - which you don't see any/many of in Polaris Mall. 

For dinner I had the deviled eggs, wedge salad, mac n cheese, short rib and cinnamon pull bread. Everything was delicious and the service was great! Make sure you visit The Royce when you stay in Columbus. They have outdoor and indoor seating - depending on your comfortability or even to-go. Digital menus are also available via the phone to limit touch.

What's a getaway without a little retail therapy?! Polaris Fashion Place in Columbus, Ohio is the perfect place to shop and safely! I felt very comfortable shopping in some of my favorite stores including Saks - in which the have a lot of safety and health measures in place.

Safety Precautions: 

• To enter the mall you are required to wear a mask or face covering
• Hand sanitizer stations are at all the entrances as well as by the escalators - there was actually a pretty cool foot dispenser one so you don't even have to use your hands.
• Certain stores have pickup or curbside options as well, if you don't even want to get out of your car
• Social distancing is implentement in all stores and restaurants 

Make sure you stop by Polaris Fashion Place and check out all the great ways they are keeping everyone safe! 

I found this cute breakfast spot right near my hotel that was dog friendly outside, couldn't leave Ralph behind! Northstar cafe had up dividers between tables ensuring social distancing - a great way to start the morning. 

The Galt House is located in downtown Louisville, right near the water. The view from my room was so nice and peaceful. This hotel is also pet friendly, so Ralph was able to come with me here as well. 

Rooms range from standard to suites. I was able to check out a suite and it was really nice! This would be a perfect option for a family to stay in. What I also liked was parking was right under the hotel - it made it easy and convenient to get to the hotel lobby.

At check in - The Galt House had social distancing in place as well as hand sanitizers at all the check in stations, with the staff wearing masks. 

Another perk about this hotel is you don't have to travel far for food, there were two restaurant options you could choose from. I talk about mine, below. Make sure you check out The Galt House next time you travel to Louisville. 

Have you ever been to the Outlets of Bluegrass?

Personally, I think this outlet is one of Kentucky's best kept secrets. This outdoor outlet mall is the perfect choice for safe distancing shopping. They have some of your favorite shops like H&M, Coach, Express, Gucci and more. 

I also loved that this outlet is pet friendly! Ralph was able to come and walk around with me. They even had a really nice dog park where Ralph could walk around and enjoy his time as well, safely! Depending on the store he was allowed to come inside with me, so just be sure to check first before you go what stores allow pets inside. 

Safety Precautions: 

• The outlet does require you to wear a mask or face covering, even its outdoor/indoor mall
• Hand sanitizer stations are at all the entrances 
• The stores each have their own requirements, when I entered the Gucci store they took my temperature. 
• Social distancing is implentement in all stores and restaurants 

Want to win a $250 Gift Card to The Outlets of Bluegrass? Make sure to follow @morganangeliqueowens, @bluegrassoutlets and comment on this blog post. 

​

This restaurant is located next/inside The Galt House and let me tell you, baby it was everything. Swizzle, "is a retro-style supper club for the modern diner. Hearkening back to a time when patrons could enjoy an enticing supper, fine cocktails, and good company whenever they wanted, Swizzle serves up prime steaks, sustainable seafood, local produce, and head-spinning cocktails – all surrounded by the best river and city views in Louisville. Swizzle boasts twin revolving floors, an open concept kitchen, and an expansive bar."

This is a super cute place to go with a significant other or a fun girls night (when we can). The food was absolutely amazing! I had the shrimp cocktail with green tomato cocktail sauce, filet, spinach salad, asparagus, mac n cheese and duck fat potatoes - whew! The service was amazing, the view was outstanding - I can't say enough about this place.

Safety Precautions: 

• I loved that they took my temperature at the door
• You had to wear your mask except for at the table
• They had hand sanitizer at the door and on the table 

If you do go out of town, please be sure to stay safe as well as others around you. I was sure to keep my distance when I got back into town and monitor my health. It's important to still have fun and live your life but we want to make sure we do it the safe and healthy way!

​Would you travel to these places?

Who loves a good fashion find for less?

Clothes Mentor Hyde Park has some MAJOR gems, you just have to hunt them down. I love shopping here because all the items are brand new or barely used - in fact, you can probably find a lot of my stuff here - this is one of my go to’s when I want to sell some of my brand new or barely worn clothes, shoes or accessories. “This isn’t consignment, it’s resale – and it’s better than retail.”

Clothes Mentor Hyde Park has implemented some great safe shopping procedures in place as well - so I felt completely comfortable getting my shopping on! I found these amazing thigh high boots and Jessica Simpson jacket - perfect for the changing season!

Can you guess how much I paid for them? Also bonus reason to buy trendy clothes for less, I’ve lost nearly 40 pounds since March!!

Makeup that is great for your skin?

Sign me up! I was able to try out Physicians Formula Natural Defense line. This included the foundation, concealer, multicolor stick and finishing powder. What I loved most about this line is, it is great for your skin. Y'all know how I feel about skin care. I mean, this line was created by doctors so they must know a little something about skin and keeping it healthy!

Temperature dropping, but I’m still bringing the heat 🔥
OK! Fall is officially here, well in my head at least. This is when I show all the way out - I loooooove fall/winter fashion. Check out these cute camel over the knee boots I snagged for under $50 at Forever21 - you can probably get your size if you hurry.

I paired it with a bodysuit from H&M, this bodysuit is so soft and has a great stretch to it! I like that it's the kind of bodysuit you can step into and not have to fool with those snaps at the bottom.

I got my textured camel skirt also from Forever21 awhile ago, but I found a similar style here.
Fun fact: I love mixing high and low pieces. Trendy pieces I would not suggest investing a lot of monet into, unless you want to. Spend money on classic timeless pieces that will last your for years - that never go out of trend!

What fall fashion is your favorite?

Let’s talk about nighttime skincare.
​
First of all, sleep is VERY important for great skin. Let’s make sure you are getting plenty of rest. That’s one thing about me. Even though I am an entrepreneur, I earn my sleep honey. I told you, I don’t play about my face/skin.

Have you ever tried a face milk serum? I know what you’re thinking, what's a face milk serum?
The face milks are a collection of creamy serum-like products that are applied to the face for an added boost. As each face milk has a different theme or key ingredient, the benefits of each milk are different.

This one I am using has a calming ingredient. This is great for nighttime as it lets your skin sleep while you do.

How do you incorporate  it into your night routine? Simple: After cleansing and toning your skin, swipe the milk all over your face and gently pat dry with your fingertips. It leaves behind a cool, dewy feel to refresh your face. You can use the serum day or night, or whenever you need a surge of hydration or brightening powers!
So, Have you tried face milks?