I am ecstatic about this month’s ‘Woman of Inspiration’. Wow, is she a spit-fire when it comes to having a zest for life. Five minutes in the same room with this lady and you feel on top of the world. I LOVE and gravitate to people like Shawn! If I could only bottle up their positivity, their love for life, their smile, the light in their eyes … their FIRE, and resource it for later when I’m not on my game, I would in a heartbeat! Shawn is on the ball! And I LOVE it! Without even asking, she wrote her own bio. In my world, that is priceless. Before we dive into Shawn and what makes her a ‘Woman of Inspiration’, I thought I would share how I met her.

I haven’t known Shawn long. Only a couple months ago did I meet her. But when I did, it was an instant connection. We happened to both be getting our nails done … imagine that! We were seated next to each other and oddly started talking about how when we get our nails done every two weeks, we ask the technician to shorten them. We chuckled, because it seems to defeat the purpose of getting manicures. Most ladies get their nails ‘done’ to have nice, long fingernails .. and Shawn and I were requesting ours to be chopped down. From that little conversation, we expanded into a much longer conversation, and I think got booted out the door … lol. We exchanged numbers, and a great friendship developed. I am skeptic on a lot of things. But I’ve always believed that God puts people in your path for a reason. And he certainly was looking out for me that Thursday afternoon in January. I was blessed with a friendship that is sure to be a lifelong one and I am certain this is all a part of his beautiful plan. Shawn and I have some great things to bring to the table for you ladies. I couldn’t be more ecstatic about it! We will definitely keep you posted. Well, shall we hear a little about Shawn and what gives her that fire? In her own words, here it is ….

Shawn’s bio:

Living my dream! That is how I feel everyday! My name is Shawn Klein. I am married to the love of my life, pastor for 28 years, Doug Klein. We have three amazing sons that are our world and continue to challenge us, love us, honor us, and yes even teach us. But let’s keep that part to ourselves.  LOL!!!

Our oldest son Kyle, lives and works in Washington DC. He works on Homeland Security Congressional Committee. He is amazing and smart like his dad. He is soon to complete his masters in Strategic Intelligence. Like I said, Kyle is smart, driven, and loves life and his friends. He travels all over the world, and loves that too. Our middle son, Cody also loves to travel. Cody went on a 9 month mission trip right out of high school. He has actually traveled around the world. His team played a large role in rescuing children from human trafficking. He is a hero in my book. Cody is preparing to go down to New Mexico where he will be attending a biotechnology school. He will be learning how to build homes from recycled materials for people all over the world. Casey, our youngest, is leaving this Sunday (on Easter) for Colorado Springs. He is attending a massage therapy school. He and his dog, Harley have a studio apartment close to trails for hiking. Casey will be living his dream! All our boys love challenges, the Lord Jesus Christ, they love their friends, and they love to enjoy God’s amazing creation!!! There is NO stopping them!

As I mentioned, my husband has been a pastor for 28 years, all at Colonial Hills Baptist Church on Mt. Morris Rd. Feel Free to drop in!!! He is an amazing preacher, teacher, pastor, husband and father.

I am currently in real estate. I work for Lucy Ham Group, Inc. and have been with Lucy for 11 years.

Shawn shares a great quote to live by:

“You don’t have to be great to start, you have to start to be great!!!”

I love to have my life full of inspiring people and I hope that I can inspire a few along the way, as well. I like to keep positive and I love people. I love people being individual and learning from those around me. I love friends, walking, hiking, camping. and reading. I have been sky diving, zip lining, and parasailing. So as you can probably guess, it is my dream to have my pilot’s license. But so far this journey has been great. and I expect nothing less for the days ahead.

Now that you know a little about Shawn and her zest for life, let’s chat and find out some other things that she loves, and maybe get some tips along the way.

Here is my and Shawn’s Q & A:

What is your morning beauty routine?

Mornings are MY time!! I am usually the first one up by 5:50 a.m. I head straight to the shower to come alive. Yes, I wash my hair daily and have heard that is not good but hey, this is MY morning and it makes me feel good!!! I then blow my hair dry and that is all. I never use a curling iron or flattener, basically because I am all thumbs when I do  LOL!!  (not kidding). I put on my comfy robe, head to my favorite rocking chair, pray for my friends and family, and do my devotions. This is my power time!!!! I forgot to mention, on the way to my rocker, I make a protein shake consisting of fresh or frozen fruit, greek yogurt, flaxseed, natural PB, and almond milk. I put it in my bullet and voila .. YUM!!! I watch the news from 7 – 7:20 a.m. and then I get dressed for work (I always dress for success). I am in real estate, and I believe that you need to dress professional if you want others to treat you professionally. It may sound like old school ladies, but put it to the test and you will see that you feel how you look! When going to the office, be powerful and professional. When going to the grocery store, be comfy and relaxed. But either way, take along your smile! I then put on makeup and am out the door by 7:45 a.m.!

What is your night time skincare routine?

I love to wash my face. I use

Mary Kay Timewise Cleanser for dry skin and anti-aging. Then, I put on Merle Norman Anti-aging Complex Dry Oil Serum (a miracle worker)! This is pricy, but worth every penny. If you live local, stop into Merle Norman, ladies, and tell Lisa that Shawn sent you. She will hook you up! This product is a MUST HAVE! I again love Mary Kay Timewise Age Fighting Moisturizer for dry skin!! AHHHHHHH, before bed I brush my teeth with Crest 3-D White toothpaste. LOVE IT!

Share with us any makeup products you  absolutely love and would recommend

I love makeup! Because of this, I feel that I am an expert in the field, mainly because I have probably tried everything. So ladies, here are the products that are a must:

Foundation (Anti-Aging): Merle Norman Timeless Age-Defying Makeup | Eye Shadow Palette: Mac Pearlfusion Smokeluxe (with my complexion, I like to keep it to soft colors) | Mascara: L’Oreal Miss manga  | Eyeliner: Due to allergies, I have sensitive eyes. So I can only use It Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof | Lipstick: I LOVE bright lips and wear Mac Darkside or Rebel

Do you have a current exercise regime?

I have been walking and a little running with my husband and close friend for a few years. But recently. I joined a gym in Downtown Flushing called Gym For Her. I am having soooooo much fun. It is a ‘woman’s only’ gym and everyone is friendly. I do circuit machines and then run on the treadmill for approx. 2 miles, 3-4 times a week. Also, twice a week, I am taking a Drums Alive class here at the gym. As the weather gets nice, I love to take walks with my husband!!!

What is your healthy eating regime?

Trying to eat more protein and remove all carbs from my diet. Carbs are my downfall … ugh!!!! I love bread …..

Do you take any supplements?

No, probably should, but nope.

What tips do you have that you could give other ladies on fashion over forty (or at any age)?

Along with make-up, I love fashion. So ladies, keep it age appropriate, but keep it fun! Over forty: say yes to leather, denim, and boots. Say no to mini skirts and yes to fitted pencil skirts. If over forty, throw out the pleated pants and say yes to flat front chinos, or fitted or boot-cut pants. Say no to short tops with leggings, and yes to leggings and long flowy tops. Tuck in a long shirt in front and keep the back tails out; this makes for a comfy, relaxed look. Only buy clothes that you can wear with more than one thing that is already in your closet. Colors for this spring and summer are soft. You will see lots of flowers and prints. So buy some fitted white jeans or capris, also some navy blue, and then a few great flowy, floral print blouses to go with them. I could go on and on, but always remember to have fun! It is not quantity, it is quality and versatility.

Floral Tops: Hinge / Lucky Brand Peasant Top + Plus Size / Karen Kane / Love Sadie / Floral cold- shoulder @ Target and another one here

What tips do you have on aging or any recommendations?

In my previous answers, you see me mention a lot of great anti-aging products. But here is the #1: Be happy!!! Ladies, there is no miracle cream or food out there that can make you look younger than true happiness. It always shows through!!!!

 

Tracy’s Outfit Details

Top: INC {LOVE this} + it’s ON SALE! To get an additional 20% off, use code: XV45L2 at checkout | Pants: H & M, more casual (ripped knee) ones by H & M here (remember to size up 2 sizes for H & M). This top would look great for Spring & Summer with capri’s in both casual or more office appropriate, Dressy {on sale} | Shoes: Jessica Simpson / INC / Steve Madden or lower heeled, wedge sandals by Style & Co. | Handbag: H & M | Earrings: Overstock or Kendra Scott in Elle / Danielle / Alex | Ring: INC | Bracelets: I am wearing the pink tassel one from this Baublebar set {not available at this time}, similar Baublebar here / Black Beads {sale: Deal of the Day} / Blue Beads {3 left} / Pink Beads / Eyeshadow Palette: Lorac Pro / Blush: BH Cosmetics using Real Techniques Brush | Lashes: Red Cherry | Lip Pencil: Magenta | Lipstick: Up The Amp w/Petal Pink dabbed just in the center | Lip Brush: Real Techniques