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Be Positive!

Wednesday, December 9, 2015


So we all know someone that is overly negative and heck sometimes on the worst day we might be that person, but I am here to tell you that you can honestly help yourself to feel better by thinking positive.  

For the most part I would describe myself as a problem solver.  However, there are those times when something just gets under my skin and I can't see my way to solving it and therefore negativity brews. 

A few months ago, my grandmother passed away unexpectedly and I had to go up north for the funeral.  My emotions were threefold:  (1) Sadness - from losing my grandmother and seeing my grandfather grief; (2) Anger - my sister and I got into a huge fight before we left on our road trip north; (3) Disappointment - I just became overly fed up with the family drama; mainly my thoughts on my relationships with my sisters.  So of course, once I got home it all seemed to boil over inside all at once.

My first thought was to problem solve.  So I went to my trusty friend google and started typing in random searches. Initially, two things occurred.  I found countless articles about forgiveness and blah blah blah. Really?  My thoughts ... sure I can forgive and then forgive again the next time and forgive again the next time, but really?? - I didn't remember googling "how to be a doormat" so needless to say that was unhelpful.  Then, I legitimately contemplated therapy but honestly my feeling was that I didn't have the strength or the want to catch someone up on the issue.  Step two, I started looking for self help books.  Surely there is one out there entitled, "How to Deal with your Sisters that even in their 30s are still your Bratty Little Sisters" - no such luck.  However, I did find The Gratitude Diaries, by Janice Kaplan and this book helped me start my journey into positive thinking.

Spoiler alert but the overall message of the book is to find something positive in every day.  It can be ANYTHING.  Also, keep a gratitude diary.  This is where I initially got hung up.  Diary?  Oh I need a pretty one?  Etc.  Then I thought okay one more thing to lug around and or have to remember to do every night when I get home.  Ugh no.  So we all know how much I love my friend google and chrome so I searched through the chrome apps and found Journey.  It's a pretty basic journaling app.


On October 20th, I started my journal.  I decided that mornings were the best time for me.  Recap anything bothering me from the night before (you know any of the stuff keeping me up at night or causing me to toss and turn) and start the day off with some positive thoughts.  It helps me get that "thing" bothering me out of the forefront of my mind by addressing it and then moving on to happier thoughts.  

My first day had 7 positive items.  The items range from loving my new shorter hair to feeling grateful for my husband.  Also, #7 being props to myself for getting to #7 right out of the gate. There are some days when it can seem hard to find something positive (this is also addressed in the book) but even the littlest thing counts.  For example, one day one of my positive thoughts was leaving the house on time and not having to deal with all the stress that comes from running late. The point is your positive thought(s) don't have to be earth shattering stuff it just something positive that puts a pep in your step.  If and when I get to a complete loss of something positive ... I'll leave the app up and think about it.  Something will come to you, sometimes it's just hard to pull something out of thin air and it not feel demanding ... THINK OF SOMETHING POSITIVE NOW!!!

So once I got the journaling down, I have started implementing the positive thoughts into real life action so that when something bad happens the negative doesn't knee-jerk out.  (again discussed in the book) This is the hardest part.  C'mon - there are just moments when we all get mad and/or are in a bad mood.  Which is completely okay.  It's not about suppressing that or making yourself feel bad for having feelings about whatever bothering you.  The positive is going to help you move past it, not instantly in some cases but to where it's not overly consuming. 

Here's a generic example, recently out shopping I had horrible customer service.  Two employees at said store were completely rude to almost down right hateful.  Instead of getting mad or being rude in return I just thought to myself stay positive.  At that moment, it might have been through gritted teeth but I made it out of the store with my purchase and without surrendering to their level of hostility.  In the past, it would have put a damper on my day, plus don't get me wrong I was upset when it was happening.  However to move past it, I just reminded myself that (1) the store was busy and who knows what those customer service people had endured before me (um no NOT black friday but still), (2) inside my actual world - these people don't exist (of course they exist but up until this moment I had no knowledge of that existence).  I don't know them and will probably never see them again so why let them have so much power to be able to affect me this much.  (3) Laugh it off - literally.  I can find the humor in practically everything so it's time to start putting that to use in annoying moments.  (4) Think about how great the actual day has been and not to focus on that 5 or 10 mins.


All in all, I am a work in progress, it's only been under two months, but I can tell I have made some progress (note the positive thought).  It will take time to build up to being at a place of always looking on the bright side.  Also, it's totally okay if you have to just start off with reminding yourself each time ... STAY POSITIVE!


So even though my sisters will probably never change, I am changing my internal thoughts by trying to focus on positives rather than being engulfed by negatives that I can do nothing about.  Believe me positive thoughts aren't the magic solution to all your problems.  It's not as if everything bad just disappears, but the positive thoughts keep you sane.  So in a sense it is being able to see this is crap but this is good and to be happy for the good so that the crap doesn't take over.

So what's your positive thought for today?

Purple Hair

Wednesday, October 7, 2015


I keep having dreams where I have dyed my hair purple, violet, or gray with a hint of violet.  The main issue in my dream is always ... will I be able to wear this to work?  So I had a great idea - why not create a pic of myself with purple hair and see how it looks ... well?  Now with my choppy short hair - don't I just look so millennial?

So with all the fab hair colors out there now ... can the corporate world just grow up and get it?
Oh wait ... I think we have BIGGER issues that society can't even handle ... so I guess we are a LONG way away from purple hair being accepted in a corporate world.  Maybe once all those baby boomers aren't in charge anymore {pondering those zen thoughts ahhhhh} ... can't wait for that era!!

So what do you think?
Purple Hair? 

Pool Side Essentials

Thursday, June 18, 2015

To see my pool side essentials ... check out my new blog ... HERE!

Hello Strangers ...

Friday, June 12, 2015

So I've done it ... I have a new blog!  It's looks a lot like home [this blog] right now.  But, I am working on it.  Meanwhile, I posted a cute Friday Letters post, so please check it out ... 



It's Okay Thursday/Hello Monday #5

Monday, April 6, 2015


... to be so productive that you "forget" to blog!

... to have tire issues on April Fool's Day and have to preface every text with ... this is NOT an April Fool's joke.

... to buy 11 items from the dollar days area at Target in an effort to get organized.  {hmmmm ... maybe a good idea for a blog post.}

... to forget to finish this post!

Hello Monday #5 
It is truly amazing how much better my makeup and hair look on the weekend. 
So if you have never tried Starbucks Via Iced Coffee - I highly recommend.  
So I just watched Into the Woods over the weekend. 
Why did the music sound EXACTLY like Sweeney Todd?
Seriously I even googled that sh!t and came up with nothing.
Why is it on weekends I am all about managing my down time 
like it was my last meal or something.  Um no, I cannot do XYZ, 
that is a total lack of consideration to my weekend of staying at 
home and doing nothing for 48 hours straight.  

How are you doing today?

Hello Monday #4

Monday, March 9, 2015

 
Even though it is just as annoying as reminding me to change the clock, I have to say it just once.  UGH!  I HATE THE TIME CHANGE!!!!  Also, I am going to step up on my soapbox for just a second.  So, if I am supposed to limit my electronic device usage at night to sleep better.  [In case you have been living under a rock - electronic devices emit a blue light that mimics sunlight and therefore keeps us awake because our internal clock doesn't get to wind down.]  Than why the heck should I change my clock so that when I get up in the morning it is COMPLETE DARKNESS [when it should be light out to wake me up] and stays DAYLIGHT LONGER in the evening [when I am supposed to be naturally gearing down to go to sleep]?  THAT MAKES NO SENSE! 


 
Okay enough complaining for today ... frankly I am too tired to continue.
I hope everyone has a great Monday!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Friday, February 13, 2015

Happy Valentine's Day!
 
I hope you all have a lovely V Day tomorrow!!
 

It's Okay Thursday ...

Thursday, February 12, 2015


... to not care about 50 Shades of Grey movie, book, etc. (gray/grey ... whichever)

... to just breakdown in the middle of the freeway and not move your car - yep just abandon it during morning rush hour ... yep totally great plan!  GRRRRR

... that I am super excited to see the girls this weekend - haven't seen those little munchkins in awhile and the oldest one ... is always busy!  Hello - your Aunt needs you more than your little friends. 

... that I am counting down for the weekend - THREE DAY WEEKEND ~ WOOHOO!!!!  Paul says, "What elementary school holiday do I have off now?"  PRESIDENTS DAY  {insert image of me doing the cabbage patch and running man ... yep my dancing skillz are THAT good}

... to wear your hair in a bun everyday.  Yep folks, it's called the snooze button, my dear old friend.

... to want Spring/Summer to get here just so my skin won't be so dry.  AHHHH!  I can't take it anymore.  Does any face moisturizer actually work?

... to FINALLY break out the sewing kit to fix the sleeve of my sweater.  Seriously it had been ripped down the seam at the wrist for practically the entire time I have had it (years) and today I just said screw it ... I'm attempting to sew this back together and .... looks perfect!  TAKE THAT home economic teacher that doubted my sewing skillz!
What's okay with you today?

Do or Don't: Bobby Pin Overload

Monday, February 9, 2015

I recently saw an article about unique ways of wearing bobby pins, {click here for more styles}


I thought this one was ridiculous.
It literally looks as if she decided to just wear the whole pack.


However, this one I thought was sort of cute.

Then last night I was watching Girls on HBO and saw Shoshanna rocking it.

What do you think ... Do or Don't?

Friday Letters

Friday, February 6, 2015

 
Dear Friday, thank you for FINALLY showing up!  Dear Weather, please pick a side - cold or hot - and stick with it.  Dear New Purse, I promise to fill you up this weekend so you can make your proud debut.  Dear Unknown Numbers Calling My Cell Phone,  Stop!  STOP CALLING ME!  Obviously you are no one I need to talk to because you NEVER leave a message!  Dear Gmail, When I unsubscribe to junk mail and then flag it as spam when I keep receiving it - FLAG IT AS SPAM!  Dear Inbox, You thought you had the best of me, but now who's winning - this girl - only 12 flagged emails needing action ... boo yeah!  Dear Mr. Sandman, thank you for a lovely week of going to bed early/on time.  I feel so rested.  Dear neighborhood children, Don't leave your bike in the middle of the road - need I really say more?  Dear Starbucks, Please impliment drive-thrus at all locations AND work out getting that two lane system that McDonalds has ... STAT!  Dear Nosey People, STOP BEING NOSEY!  Do you!  I'm good.  Dear attitude, we had some problems this week - you thought you were going to get me down but I overcame with the help of SLEEP!  Dear Friday Fancies, sorry needed a break.  Dear Readers, thank you for all your support and have a great weekend!!
 
 


It's Okay Thursday ....

Thursday, February 5, 2015


... to wonder why the heck Friday is taking so long to get here.
 
... to have had a miserable week but to just be glad that it's almost over.
 
... to go to sleep at 9:30 every night but still hitting the snooze button ... yep 8 plus hours of sleep each night is sometimes needed.
 
... to still stick my fingers in my ears and yell LA LA LA LA LA when anyone mentions the superbowl (LALALALALALALA).
 
... that I have been totally lacking on my blog, time management log, you know practically everything not necessary to my day to day needs.  Sometimes we just need a break and less to care about.
 
... to get mad when my Iced drink from Starbucks seems to be more ICE than DRINK.  GRRRR!

What's okay with you today?

Hello Monday #3

Monday, February 2, 2015

So to be completely honest - today I am NOT feeling awesome.  I got barely enough sleep last night to function today and I've already drank a cup of coffee and now I am drinking a caffeine filled soda ... yes it is as bad as it sounds and I just don't care.  I don't care that it is groundhog's day ... I don't care!  I've been trying to pull myself out of this funk this morning but ... I just keep ending up right at this point.  So I guess I am just going to sit here and be miserable because that's all I can do at the moment. 
 
I guess sometimes we all just have those days where we are grouchy.  I am just choosing to accept the fact that nothing short of a time machine will make me less grouchy today. 
 
Okay so stepping out of my Oscar the Grouch mode for a second - let me just give you a heads up to two upcoming product reviews.  Why upcoming?  Well I've only tried them once so far and I want test them again before so I can give more thoughts.  Also, I don't think I have ever mentioned this, but any product I review is just something I bought and tried and I just share my thoughts.  I don't have anyone sending me free stuff to plug.
 
To end on a cheerful note, Paul and I went out to dinner for my birthday on Saturday (to my favorite restaurant) and we actually did a little shopping.  He bought me a new purse for my birthday ...
 
{Guess Tonga}
I love it but I haven't put my stuff in it yet, and it's really rainy today so I am glad I haven't.
 
As for my time management, I was really bad last week at keeping track; however, since I've been making changes for about a month some of the stuff has started to become second nature.  You know like packing my lunch and surprisingly going to bed by at least 10:30.  (well not last night but let's not getting into what kept me tossing and turning)  However, things I do need to continue to work on are (i) picking out my outfit the night before, (ii) making a realistic to do list of the things I want to accomplish each week and (iii) staying on track with my caffeine intake (well obviously not TODAY).
 
Oh and small victory for me I'd like to share ... so I had $5 in rewards from Staples.  So I went in with nothing per say to buy and ALMOST bought a cute notebook to turn into a planner and .... I PUT IT BACK!  I thought about it and thought about it and then I have come to the conclusion that I am really loving my current planner setup in OneNote and why start over with a planner and let's face it I am actually USING the online set up whereas most of the time I never use the cute planner.  So instead I purchased some great pens because in all honesty I could find anything else to buy. 
 
 
So how are you feeling on this HORRIBLE Monday?


Friday Fancies: Baby It's Cold Outside...

Friday, January 30, 2015

Baby It's Cold Outside
Since this weekend is going to be a chilly one, I thought I would just post how I plan to kick it around my house.  I know some of you are going to be in MUCH colder areas so I recommend that we all stay in and get cozy!
 
 
What do you think?


It's Okay Thrusday!

Thursday, January 29, 2015

 
... to skip a day of blogging ... yep totally okay.
 
... to be excited for the Super Bowl ... GO SEAHAWKS!!!
 
... to secretly think that Russell Wilson can't be that nice.
 
... to wonder why the heck Friday isn't here yet.  Seriously, what is taking her so long!?!?
 
... that my 8 year old niece has a "cooler" phone than me.
 
... to still say cooler ... right?
 
... to take a break from drinking nothing but water - sometimes you need some flavor ... oh and caffeine!
 
... to walk outside and think ... FINALLY Floridians have the right to say in a whiny voice ... it's cold outside ... wahhhhh!  (Currently 33 degrees)
 
... to want Starbucks but drive right on past because the drive thru line is too long.
 
 
What's okay with you today?

Happy Birthday to Me!

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

 
 
Thank you to all of you that read my blog and have stuck with me through all these years!
 
 

Hello Monday #2

Monday, January 26, 2015

 
 
So it's Monday, our favorite day of the week … am I right?

I thought this Monday I would share a glimpse into the madness of how I am trying to keep myself accountable for my time management since it could probably be dubbed my New Year's Resolution at this point. In the past, when I decided to manage my money, I literally posted my purchases each day on my blog to stay accountable. If I spent money on ANYTHING it was written down. Since Paul and I use our credit card for EVERYTHING I then went through the statement and made categories. Bills, Gas, Groceries, etc. This helped me see where I was wasting money. So then I gave myself a budget. When starting off, I kept track of my spending money to the penny. I tried my hardest not to go over my budget. After awhile, I got the hang of it and really essentially saved a bunch of money. {To see some related posts click on the MONEY label.}

So now I need to and have incorporated this into my time management. So I started with writing everything down for each day and creating a checklist of things that I need to accomplish each day/night. Here is a sample of what I strive for every day/night, this is my permanent list:
 
(X) Packed Lunch
(X) Blog Post
(X) Go to bed on time (10/10:30)
(X) OFTD
(X) Drink 8 glasses of water

Also, I'll add things I want to accomplish that day and if I don't get them done … I add it to the next day's list as well. Here are some examples:
 
() Organize coupons
(X) Find book at library

Not only do I keep track with my check list. I also make notes regarding how my day went with regards to accomplishing those tasks. I created a color scale. Each item I write down is ranked by:

Purple - Keep up the good work!
Blue - Somewhat successful
Orange - needs work
Red - FIX - ISSUE

The color code makes it easy to see what I need to work on because let's face it - everyday isn't going to be all purple and blue. I think I've only had one day so far that was … lol. Recently, when I had a three day weekend, I made a long to do list and nearly accomplished it all. VICTORY!

So far I can say that I am seeing progress in my time management and that even though everything isn't 100% everyday - writing it down definitely helps me stay accountable. Also, I feel less pressure to get EVERYTHING done on one day. When I have everything mapped out for the week, I know I have enough time to do the things I want to get done. 

So how are you doing on your resolutions?

Friday Fancies: Trip to the DMV

Friday, January 23, 2015

Let's Go to the DMV

Thanks to the fact I needed to have a vision test done - apparently you can only renew online so many times BEFORE you have to prove you can see.  So here is the gist of what I wore to have my license photo taken.  I'm a firm believer in ... don't show too much skin because then it just turns out looking all weird in that dreaded photo.  Also, wear a dark or black top.  This will help make the contrast of your head and your body show up under that bright flash.  Some extras:  I brought a magazine to read but I walked right in ... thank you DMV gods.  Also, I rewarded myself with my FREE birthday drink from Starbucks.  I got a Venti Iced Decaf Soy Caramel Macchito Upside Down (not quite represented by the photo above but again you get the gist).  Isn't that a crazy long request?!?  I have to repeat it to myself in like about a million times so I don't forget one of the words.
Happy Friday and I hope everyone has a great weekend!
 



It's Okay Thursday ...

Thursday, January 22, 2015


... to wake up on Thursday super excited that Friday is tomorrow! 

... to have no opinion about deflated balls ... GO SEAHAWKS!

... to take splenda from Starbucks ... I mean chances are that splenda will go into their product so it's totally legit ... right?

... to get mad when your parking spot in the garage/parking lot is taken ~ no assigned spots but C'MON I park there EVERYDAY!
 
... to already be counting down to the next 3 day weekend.
 
... to just realize that I need to renew my license ... dang birthday coming up!
 
... not understand why I actually have to go to DMV - online renewal can only be done so many times?  WHAT!?!?
 
... to then wonder if my outfit and hair are acceptable for my new license photo ... LOL
 
 
What's okay with you today?

Do or Don't: European Kitchen

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Pics from housetohome




Americans are all about big kitchens, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, but why? Could we embrace the European take on kitchens and still function?  Granted, I am with you 100% on the size of the refrigerator but honestly ... do we need tons of cabinets and an abundance of countertops?  I'm all about my home being mine ~ my style and my likes ~ I could totally see Paul and I taking a nontraditional take on a kitchen.  I honestly don't even like granite ... I know GASP!  

As along as the kitchen is functional, chic is totally acceptable in my book ... what do you think?
 
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