Pretty and Plus-Sized

Beauty, might come in all shapes and sizes, but finding on-trend plus size clothing can be challenging.  The fashion world seems to forget that the average woman in America wears a size 14 - far closer to the plus size shop that the juniors department size 0 walking down every runway.

Since lack of shopping options can be frustrating for fuller-figured women, I wanted to make sure that I catered to all sizes with my personal shopping business.  I am dedicated to finding wearable, affordable fashion for everyone.  I love making my clients' lives easier by saving them time and money.  No need to waste hours walking the mall only to come home empty handed.  Let me design a virtual catalog just for YOU based on your needs, your style, your size.

Let me show you what I'm talking about.

I've been busy curating a bunch of catalogs on shopyourway.com and right now I'm pulling pieces for my Pretty and Plus-Sized look book.

Right now it includes favorites from Sears, Kmart, and Lands End, but over the next few weeks I'll be adding more pieces from other brands and clothing lines.

What do you think?

Love the idea of your own, personalized online catalog?  Want me to shop for you?  Sign up as my client here.  It's fun, and best of all, it's FREE!  Oh, and I'm giving away $100 to one lucky client. ;)

Can not wait to shop for you - be you a 2 or 22 ;)

xoxo

Jenny

PS- What's your favorite place to shop plus?

  

Two for Tuesday: The Stressed Out Edition

 Hi pretties...

Washing my face this morning, I got a glimpse of my dark circles and actually saw my forehead wrinkles deepen before my very eyes... the cause:  stress.

I wear it all over my face - and let me tell you something:  that shiz aint pretty.

Why so stressed? you ask...

Well, let me first say that I am LOVING life.  My family brings me so much joy and my professional life is exploding.  I am blessed beyond measure, but still struggle with time management and finding enough hours in the day.  There are so many exciting things in the works, I don't even know where to begin.  I assure you, this "stress" is self-inflicted and probably the most positive stress a person can have.  It boils down to me trying to cram a full time job (ok two...possibly three) into the two hours a day I have a sitter.  I always find myself  burning the midnight oil after the kiddies are in bed. So yeah.  It's crazy.  Good crazy.  But crazy nonetheless.

Want to know what I'm working on?

In addition to my blog, which can be a full time job in and of itself between this little gem and its local offspring Flower City Fashion and Beauty (neither of which I update as much as I would like...) there are two things taking up my time:

1.  My personal shopping business.  I love it.  I love my clients.  I'm getting paid to shop for crying out loud.  It's a dream come true.

A few weeks ago at my Personal Shopping Girls Night Out Event at Victor Kmart.
We had a dress the mannequin challenge.
Three contestants had 10 minutes to create a look - the crowd favorite was awarded a $25 gift card.  So.  Much.  Fun.

2.  Rochester Blogger Network- have you heard of it?  I'm the co-founder.  We just launched in June and am so excited about this project.  I am passionate about facilitating relationship among writers, businesses, and our local community.  I love seeing people make connections, build relationships, and get involved.  When local writers and bloggers come together - all those voices can unite to do really powerful things.  I can't begin to tell you how happy it makes me to see this dream become a reality!  This is only the beginning!

So, sure, I'm stressed.  I'm busy, but who isn't?  I think in order to grow, priorities need to ebb and flow. Yes, I have a lot on my plate.  Maybe I can't blog every day.  Maybe I can't do EVERYTHING, but I can do a lot.  I can find chunks of time here and there and seize opportunities as they come.  And even despite the craziness (and dark circles) I have such a peace about it all.   It makes my heart so full to know that everything I am pouring my heart into is something that adds value to my life and goodness to my soul.  So yeah life is crazy, but I wouldn't change it for the world!

If you are local, come on over to Salena's tomorrow for 20 Minutes and Margarita, sponsored by Rochester Blogger Network.  RSVP here. 

Hope you're having a great week!

I booked myself a massage for 6:30 tonight.  What?  I deserve a little break :)

xoxo

Jenny

  

On Being #2

Not to toot my own horn or anything, but get a load of this:

That's me.  Number two in the whole company!!! Woot!  Woot!

That's right, holding strong as the number two Personal Shopper for Sears/Kmart/ShopYourWay!  Paaaarty!  I mean, we've always known I could shop (just ask my husband), but it's still nice to see my name [almost] topping the charts.

If you haven't already, you should totally sign up as my client.  Then come back and finish reading this post.  It's pretty funny, if I do say so myself.

All signed up?  Great.

While I was celebrating my stronghold on the number two spot, I got to thinking about my history with number two.  Being number two.  Not poop.  Just wanted to clarify.

Try to keep your minds out of the gutter moving forward.  Bathroom humor is so 3rd grade.

Number two and I go way back.

Couldn't do it could you?

I need you to focus.

Let's take a trip down memory lane shall we?

1996 Miss New Jersey Teen Pageant: (apologies for the crappy photo quality)

That's me in the red (as if you couldn't tell).
I ended up being First Runner Up - aka Number Two.

1999 Lakeland High School Homecoming:

That's me CROWNING the Homecoming Queen because I lost by three votes.
Three.
(I'm only privy to this information because I was Student Council President)
Anyone surprised?  Didn't think so.
But, yes, not only did I lose, I had to crown the winner.
Let me tell you, Number Two aint always easy.
OMG Stop snickering.
I mean seriously, grow up.

2004 Seton Hall University Graduation: (and yet another crappy photo)

I missed out on Valedictorian by two one-thousandths of a point.
I took "Don't Take Him Hakim" for Intro to Philosophy freshman year.
I got a B.
I didn't know he was "Don't Take Him Hakim!"
My GPA would never recover.
Salutatorian.
Number two.
Again.

 Today June 28, 2013 on shopyourway.com:

Number Two.

The saga continues.  But, you know what?  All joking aside, second best isn't so bad after all.  

And honestly, neither is bathroom humor - it can still be pretty funny.  You may even want to reread this post with the eyes of your inner third grader - there's double entendres that I didn't even intend!  Ha! 

I'm pooped.  ;)  I'm going to bed.

Have a great weekend kiddos!

xoxo

Jenny

PS-  Let Number Two Work for You!   I think I've got a new slogan!  ;)

 

Two for Tuesday: Shopping Kmart Smart

Oh that's right kids:  Kmart - and not just because I'm a personal shopper for Sears/Kmart/LandsEnd or because BOGO shoes are always a good idea, (they are) but when you combine cute shoes, BOGO and Kmart's already low prices, that's when the magic happens.

I know what you're thinking:  Kmart?  Really?  My grandma shops at Kmart.  Not very magical...unless house slippers really get your motor going...

Not so my friend.  Not.  So.

If you haven't been in Kmart in a while, you will be pleasantly surprised: this aint your grandma's Kmart...not by a long shot.

I mean, check out these two fantastic sandals that I scored at Kmart's BOGO sale yesterday:

I wanted to take pics of these on my feet, but I am in desperate need of a pedicure, so yeah... not.  happening.
(you're welcome)

1.  Route 66 Women's Slingback Thong Barbina - Orange $16.99

2.  Bongo Women's Ornamented Sandal Whisper - Blue $19.99

I know, I know.  Super cute.  Super affordable.  You think my shopping skills are stellar.  You wish I could be your personal stylist, teach you my ways, get you super cute shoes at super low prices...

Well, lady, wish no longer.

This is EXACTLY what I do as a personal shopper and I do it FOR FREE.  No strings.  No obligation to buy.  Just a free service to save you time and money.  And just when you think this deal can't get any better, when you sign up as my personal shopping client you get $5 in free rewards points, 90 days of free shipping, AND entry in a drawing for a $100 gift card.  Ri-dic-u-lous!

I'm sure you can't sign up fast enough, so here's the link:  Make Jenny Sanzo my Personal Shopper! 

Can't wait to shop together!  (And buy cute shoes!!!)

xoxo

Jenny

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A Place to Play

Disclaimer:  this post has nothing to do with fashion.

It has everything to do with building a safe, functional playground for my son's preschool, which also happens to be our church.

Here is the video we made for a grant application:  

I know what you're thinking:  I totally rocked spatial learning, coordination and balance... ;)  I'm waiting to hear from the Academy about my Oscar any day...

Seriously though, these kids are in desperate need of a new playground and we are lacking the funds to make it a reality.  Please consider making a donation to our playground fund.  You can do so here via crowdrise.  No amount is too small, anything you can give will help.

In addition, I have offered to personally donate an extra $2 for every person who signs up for my FREE personal shopping services.  Simply click here, complete the sign up process, and then comment below telling me you did.  I will then donate $2 in your name to the Risen Christ Playground Fund.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this and for your thoughtful consideration.

xoxo

Jenny

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Two for Tuesday: The Procrastination Edition

This is a rather long edition of "Two for Tuesday."

Don't get use to this.

Item #1.  If you haven't signed up for my FREE personal shopping services yet, well, you're in luck.  All new clients will automatically get $5 in free points to spend at Sears, Kmart, or Lands End AND 90 days of free shipping with SYW Max.  Now, who says procrastination doesn't have its perks?

Crazy right?  A free personal shopper/stylist PLUS getting paid $5 and free shipping.

This is what you would call a NO BRAINER!

Sign up here. (Just don't try it on an iphone or ipad - system glitch - you're going to have to use an actual computer people... I know... I know... the audacity!)

Item #2.  Speaking of procrastination, here is a post I forgot to publish on Saturday...Enjoy:

Since Erin, is my home girl this month (I sponsored her blog in April, guest posted about personal shopping etc) I decided to join in on her Getting Personal link up as well. Since I usually don't get too personal on here, I thought it would be a fun way to change things up.

Ok time to answer some tough questions:

1. If you could do one thing differently in your life, what would it be?

I would have listened to my professor in college who tried to talk me out of getting my Masters in Elementary Ed and doing a dual Masters/Doctoral program at Columbia for my PhD in English.  He told me I was going to hate teaching.  (I hated teaching.)  He told me I'd be so happy to have my PhD.  (I totally would have been.)  My husband has a doctoral degree.  We are Dr. and Mrs. Sanzo - that burns my you know what.  We should be Dr. and Dr. Sanzo.  Grrrrr!

2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Dancing through the streets of Rochester singing Happy Days Are Here Again because both of my boys will be in school full time.  Woooo hooooo!

3. Do you honestly want kids?

Thing 1 and Thing 2

Yes, which is good since I have two of them.  I also honestly know I don't want any more kids.  Which is also good since my husband got a vasectomy...

4. What has been the best moment of your life so far?

I can't pick one - so let's go with my top 5:

1.  Marrying the love of my life.
2.  Standing with said love as newlyweds in the Sistine Chapel on a private tour with only a few other people.  Priceless, awe-inspiring moment.
3.  Becoming Colten's mommy.
4.  Becoming Cooper's mommy.
5.  Seeing my name in print.

5. What is your life theme song?

"Settle Down" by Phillip Phillips - I decided it was my apraxia anthem for my two sweet and special boys and then my church decided it was our church's theme song.  So yeah...it's my jam all the way around.

6. What is one thing you have yet to accomplish that you want to do before you die?

Write a book, win the lottery, travel the world, eradicate world hunger, be famous - you know, the usual...

7. If you could choose one thing to be known for, what would it be?

My integrity.

8. If you could do anything you wanted right in this very moment (no consequences, no fear, etc), what would it be?

I'd drop the kids at grandma's, grab my husband, and fly to Paris.  Then I would shop.  A. lot.  And eat.  I'd eat a lot too.

9. What has been the most challenging moment in your life?

Hearing the diagnosis of apraxia.

10. Summarize yourself in one word.

Vivacious.

Now it's time for YOU to stop procrastinating.  Come on, you know you have other things you are supposed to be doing other than reading this blog like, I don't know, your job, taking care of your children, etc.

Love that you're procrastinating with me today though! ;)  Now get back to work!

xoxo

Jenny

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Who's Ready for the Weekend?

After what has proved to be an emotionally-trying week comes to a close, I think we could all use a little R&R and are welcoming the weekend with open arms.

Just wanted to tie up some lose ends around here before I send you all on your way to enjoying some QT with the ones you love best.  

Weekly updates:

1.  My giveaway for an adorable hot pink wrap bracelet from local Brockport, NY boutique BeBe Mills ends at midnight tonight.  Be sure to enter here.

2.  I'm hosting an online Stella and Dot party - with a free shipping flash sale going on today and tomorrow - I want to buy the entire collection and am sure you will too.  You can party with me here.  

3.  This Sunday, I'll be attending the 4th annual Smile for Hope as a vendor promoting this little bloggity blog o'mine and my personal shopping business.  Exclusive coupons and giveaways will be happening - you don't want to miss this.  Plus all the proceeds go to benefit Safe Journey, a non-residential resource and support center for women and children rebuilding their lives after domestic abuse and violence.  

4.  Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey has made Amazon's Best Selling Gothic and Romantic Literary Criticism List.  (You KNOW you're a dork when this is exciting ha!)

5.  I need to decide what I am wearing to my friend's wedding on Block Island in June.  I think I have it narrowed down to these three gowns from Rent the Runway.  Which one?  Help.  Me.  Choose.

That's all for now - only a few more hours til the weekend kiddos!  Hang in there!

xoxo

Jenny

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Looking for Me?

I'm not here.

I'm taking over Living in Yellow today.  Have to say:  I'm pretty psyched about it since I have a major blog crush on Erin and all...

You can find me here talking about my personal shopping business and offering a fab giveaway:

Click me.

xoxo

Jenny

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I'm the Personal Shopper of the Month! Woot! Woot!

Oh that's right, your favorite fashionista is the Shop Your Way Personal Shopper of the Month. To sign up for my free personal shopping services click here. To read my feature in Personal Shopper Monthly, well, just keep reading. Love ya like I love getting paid to shop, xoxo Jenny Personal Shopper Monthly Tips, New Features and Advice for your business March 2013 Some people are masters at personal marketing. Take, for instance, our Spotlight Shopper of the month Jennifer Sanzo. From gift card giveaways to sponsored posts on fellow bloggers' sites and face-to-face meet-up events, Jennifer knows how to make the most of her networking opportunities! A fashion and beauty blogger and one-time sales director for a well-known brand of independent beauty consultants, this Personal Shopper has a track record for strategies that work. One of them is balancing. "I plan on working with my local Kmart and Sears stores to do in-store personal shopping and styling events where I can recruit and work with clients face to face," she said. "I'll have my iPad handy to sign up new clients on the spot." Intrigued? Here are a few more of Jennifer's top tips. •  Never stop networking. "You should always focus on how you are going to grow your business and grow your client base. Set goals. How many people will you talk to today? How many business cards will you hand out?" •  Encourage your clients to shop outside of their comfort zone. For example, she says, she'll reach out to clients with the product they asked about, and add a question: "Anything else I can help you with? Do you need anything for the house? The kids? Let me know!" •  Be yourself. "People are going to want to work with you if you come across real and genuine. Think about building your own business—because you are! A business with unlimited income potential." GREAT PERSONAL SHOPPERS HAVE GREAT PERSONAL BRANDS! What makes you a great Personal Shopper? Is it your knack for knowing great deals? Does your eye for style give the fashion mags a run for their money? Whatever your strengths, they're yours, and they're unique. Are you using them to create your personal brand? Your personal brand—how you market yourself and your business—is crucial to establishing a robust client network. It's how you will stand out in a sea of email and options. It's how you will connect with your clients. So how can you create a strong personal brand? Scott Multer, Creative Director, Integrated Retail with Sears Holdings Corp., suggests you ask yourself these questions first. How do you define your brand? Start by determining your target audience and expertise. Perhaps you're a lawn care genius, appliances guru or fashionista. Leverage your knowledge to provide customers an extraordinary shopping experience! What do you want people to know? What do you offer as a Personal Shopper that nobody else can deliver? Use communications outlets like your Storefront and social media pages to share successful stories and skills with potential clients. What do you want people to do? Turn to you as their Personal Shopper of course! Get to know your customers, and what they like or don't like. Listen to them carefully and reflect what you've learned in your suggestions, and they'll be that much more likely show you loyalty and be your champion! Having a strong personal brand will amplify all of your other Personal Shopper efforts and help you reach new audiences. For more help establishing your brand, contact us today! Spring has sprung— and so have their lawns! Send lawn care ideas today. Shopping for the perfect welcome or thank-you gift? Try Sears Gift Cards! Want more training? Need networking advice? We can help! Ask one of our experts.

Hi! My Name is Jenny and I'm a Shopaholic

I've been doing some shopping down here in Florida... 

Now that I'm a personal shopper I have a little extra cash to spend on myself, which, I have to say, is pretty nice.  I can't believe I figured out a way to get paid to shop!  It's like my lifelong dream has finally come true and its FAN-TASTIC!

Here are some of my spoils from my latest shopping victories:

Madewell Sunglasses

Madewell Bow Ring

Madewell Cut Off Denim Shorts

Target Polka Dot Denim Capris

H&M Zip Cardigan and Long Sleeve Tee

I'm officially obsessed with my Madewell ring and sunnies.  I've decided they need to open a store in Rochester stat.  Am I right?

What about you?  Been shopping lately?  What's your favorite new purchase?

xoxo

Jenny

PS- Impressed with my shopping skills?  Want me to be your personal shopper?  It's free.  C'mon, you know you want to...  Sign up here. 

My New Job

I've had a few people email me with questions about my new gig as a personal shopper for Shop Your Way.  Here is a little more info about the program:

SHOP YOUR WAYSM Personal Shopper Program: 

An overview

Your life just got a little easier.

Lucky you! You’re about to save time and money! Your SHOP YOUR WAY Personal Shopper will do the research, find exactly the products you want and need, and even help you find the best deals on great products from the SHOP YOUR WAY family of brands and services!

It’s simple—you just tell your Personal Shopper what you’re looking for or interested in and, through her exclusive SHOP YOUR WAY resources, she’ll find you just what you need!

Take back your free time.

Your Personal Shopper knows the ins and outs of the SHOP YOUR WAY family of products and services. Need a new lawnmower? Your Personal Shopper can narrow down the field and suggest just the one for you! Not sure what to give your niece for her birthday? Your Personal Shopper can create a catalog tailor-made for the occasion! From products to options to services, your Personal Shopper makes finding what you need quick and easy!

So many ways to shop!

Your Personal Shopper can help you save time and money, whether you’re shopping in the store, or online. Just use your SHOP YOUR WAY REWARDS membership and you’ll earn 10 Points or more for every $1 you spend on qualified purchases.

You’ll never want to shop alone again.

$1 = 10 POINTS

Great products, great deals, minimal work—what’s not to love? With your Personal Shopper’s shopping talent and inside information at just a mouse click away, your days lost to comparison shopping are over!

So pretty much, I can be your FREE personal shopper. So far I've helped clients shop for clothes, baby furniture, tv stands, winter coats, bathroom accessories, jewelry, shoes, tvs, and much more. Plus, with Shop Your Way - you're not limited to only Sears and Kmart products. I can shop for anything from anywhere. So check it out and sign up as my client today.

Here's the link: http://ps.shopyourway.com/personal-shoppers/jennifersanzo.invitation


Let me know if you  have any questions!  I'd love to help you shop!

Miami Re-cap coming tomorrow!

xoxo

Jenny

No Anybody See Me

Good Morning!

Things are pretty crazy over here at Casa del Sanzo.

I had three [work-related] events this weekend.  And now I need to write about each of them for my local blog Flower City Fashion (preferably before I leave for Florida TOMORROW...  Eeek!).

I'm also in my last week of my trial period as a personal shopper for Shop Your Way (Sears, Kmart, Lands End).  So I'm busting my hump big time for that too - hoping to get more people to sign up as my clients.  I'm really having a blast with it.  I finally figured out how to get paid to shop!  Ha!  And I love that it doesn't cost my clients a dime.  I help people shop.  Sears pays me.  The end.  Want to give it a try?  Sign up as my client here.  Then you can view some of the catalogs I put together featuring mom-on-the-go looks, girls night out must-haves and some great deals on active wear - but you need to be a client to see them!

Tomorrow I'm flying solo with the little beasties, so pray for me.  And if you see some crazy lady and her kids getting carted off a plane on the evening news, well, it's probably me.

The good news is (if we make it there without any arrests) I'll be in the Sunshine State for almost month with Grandma and Grandpa so I'll have some help with the beasties, which should translate into time to write.  Wooo-hooooo!

And last, but certainly not least, I want to leave you with a little story.

On Friday Colt wanted to wear his new shirt ($2 Kmart find) to school.  He was so excited to wear it.  He kept saying "No anybody see me."  I'm all:  "Yep - no one has seen this shirt before buddy." He's rolling his eyes at me.  He gets his shirt. And again says:  "No anybody see me."  I put it on him and he looks at me and asks:  "You see me?"  And then it hit me like a ton of bricks:  the shirt is camouflage!  He thinks he's invisible!!!!!  So I say "No!  Where'd you go?  You're blending right in."  And he replies:  "Mommy...I here.  Ca-o-fa!"  (camouflage)  HUGE smile on his face!

Can you see him?

Because of Colten's apraxia, it's hard to know what he understands and what he doesn't.  It was so cool to know that he understood what camouflage was.  We're only just now starting to have exchanges like this - and while they make me hopeful about his progress, they also make me realize all that I've missed; all the things that have been unsaid, unasked, unanswered.  But, we are moving forward - and thats the best direction to go.  I still feel so blessed to have been able to go to Michigan and work with Nancy Kaufman.  I credit her to where we are today and shudder at the thought of where we'd be without her.

Ok time to take Beastie #1 to school and go home and pack with Beastie #2.  Wish me luck!

xoxo

Jenny

Want Me to Be Your Personal Shopper?

Ever wish I could be your personal shopper?

Well, you’re in luck.

I’m now a Personal Shopper for Sears, Kmart, and Lands End.

I would love for you to be my client!

How it works is simple: once you sign up as my client,  every time you use your Shop Your Way Rewards Card I make commission and you earn valuable points.  I’ve literally gotten hundreds of dollars in free stuff from this program. (You can read about my love for Shop Your Way here. Note: this was written BEFORE I was even a personal shopper).   So you run into Kmart for diapers? Cha-ching. Get a washing machine at Sears? Making bank. Cute sweater from Lands End? Rolling. In. The. Dough.

Here’s the best part though (other than making me millions and you getting free stuff)... As your personal shopper you can contact me to help you with any shopping or home/auto services under the SHC umbrella. Need shoes to wear to your sisters wedding? Done! Price compare flat screen tvs? I’m on it. New vacuum? In the bag. Want to throw out everything in your closet? Let’s go shopping! I’ll tell if you those pants make your butt look big...I promise!  The list is virtually endless - and you get these services for FREE. I help you shop and Sears pays me. I’m thinking this is a win - win how about you?

Signing up is easy but I have noticed one glitch in the process. After step two, the button you click says “I’m done” when there is still one more step left. Oops!  You still need to click the top box on the next screen to accept the personal shopping terms and conditions.

So let’s so this, shall we?

Go to: http://ps.shopyourway.com/personal-shoppers/jennifersanzo.invitation

Here is the 3 step sign up process in explicit detail:

1. Click link above

2. Click [start here] button

3. Sign up as a shop your way member

4. Sign up as a shop your way REWARDS member so you can earn points. If you already have a Rewards account, you can provide your membership info by clicking the checkbox at the top of the form.

5. Click [I’m Done] NOTE: You are NOT DONE WITH THE PERSONAL SHOPPER MEMBERSHIP SIGN IN PROCESS

6. To become a client of mine, accept the terms and conditions by clicking first box, leave second box blank

7. Click [FINISH]

8. You will get a confirmation email and so will I.

Need a little nudge?

How does a $25 gift card sound?  Good?  Great!  Because I'm giving one away.

Note:  You must sign up for my personal shopping program to participate in the giveaway!

Enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xoxo

Jenny http://ps.shopyourway.com/personal-shoppers/jennifersanzo.invitation