#WeeklyInspiration: Putting Yourself First

Hey all!

I mentioned in my last post that I needed a break from the internet. Well, I kinda needed a break from everything. About three weeks ago, I was sick and took a few days off from work. This threw off my entire to do list, and even though I was sick, I felt GUILTY! 

Why?

Because I took a few sick days! Isn't that crazy? But I've grown so accustomed to not taking care of myself in pursuit of getting the work done that I just didn't know what to do with myself.

Once I got a bit better, I felt I had to catch up. I went in the following Saturday, spent long hours at work the following week, and worked from home to try to catch up. It all came to a head two weekends after being sick. I literally had to talk myself out of going to work on a Sunday! I really didn't want to go, despite the nagging guilt that was eating me alive.

I should point out that I make my own schedule. So I can go in whenever I want. And although alot of people would see that as a plus, I find it to be very stressful. Because in my mind, if the work doesn't get done, then it looks like you must be slacking off. I feel an increased pressure to be productive so it looks like you are responsible with your flexible schedule.

Anyway, I managed to talk myself out of going into work that Sunday ( I worked the day before though 😒). I cleaned my apartment, cooked dinner, did my dishes, and enjoyed my free time. Can you believe that I had to convince myself to do that?

In the end, the work I wanted to do on Sunday was done on Monday without any issue. I changed my work pattern to get in early so I could catch up on work AND leave on time. And I am feeling much less burned out now that I have prioritized sticking to a set work schedule and making a reasonable amount of time for myself.

Now you share: Do you ever feel guilty about spending time on yourself? What things keep you away from taking care of yourself? Have you found ways to balance your life? Share in the comments!

Related Posts: Mindfulness, Gratitude

#OutfitInspo: Capsule Wardrobe Outfits 8-14

Hey everyone!

I'm back! I needed a break from the internet. I was spending more time with my laptop then with my friends and family, and I knew that was crazy! So I stepped away for a bit...except for Polyvore, because that site is kinda addictive 😝

Anyway, now that my hiatus is over, I wanted to share the remaining outfits from my 14 day, 14 piece capsule wardrobe challenge. 

Outfit #8

Outfit #9

Outfit #10

Outfit #11

Outfit #12

Outfit #13

Outfit #14

Lessons Learned:

1) The pieces in my capsule got a lot of use...

Which is great, because there were some pieces that often sat unused in my closet on most days (like the pink jogger-type pants). Putting them in this capsule wardrobe forced me to wear them and get comfortable with styling them.

2) ...But I ended up neglecting many other pieces. 

Of course, this was the nature of the challenge, as I had to stick to a limited wardrobe, but it is a perfect example of what happens in everyday life. I think rotating through different pieces in my closet 2 weeks at a time will help me avoid neglecting half of my wardrobe.

3) I have everything I need to get dressed, both in professional and casual settings.

Which is hard to admit because I like to shop...but its a very important realization, because 1) I'm broke and in need of a spending moratorium, and 2) you have to wonder, why continue to add to a wardrobe that already has everything it needs? 

I've given a lot of thought to the 5-piece French Wardrobe idea, and I like the thought of this type of wardrobe. I have tons of basic, neutral pieces, but I also have a lot of accent pieces, and accent pieces comprise most of my impulse buys. So if I limit my impulse buys to 5 a season, then I can force myself to really think hard about what I am spending money on while also soothing that craving for new clothes.

So tell me, have you guys tried any capsule wardrobe challenges? Share your experiences in the comments section!

Related Posts: Intro to the Capsule, First seven outfits, French capsule wardrobe

#OutfitInspo: Spring 2017 Trends

Hi everyone!

I've been checking out this Spring's trends to try to find some that work for my closet. Since the majority of my wardrobe is dedicated to work, I have to stick to those trends that will work in that setting.

1. Bold Stripes

Carolina Herrera, via Niche Magazine

Elie Saab, via Fashion Magazine

Proenza Schouler, via Niche Magazine

2. Modern Trench Coat

Michael Kors, via The Fashion Spot

Celine, via Vogue

Marni, via Livingly

3. Ruffles

Altuzarra, via Hazine

Milly, via PopSugar

Zimmerman, via Vogue

4. Blush Pink

Chanel, via FashionGoneRogue

Gucci, via FashionGoneRogue

Valentino, via PopSugar

5. Pendant Necklaces

Givenchy, via Elle

Mulberry,via Elle

Prada, via Elle

6. Statement Earrings

Isabel Marant, via Elle

Maison Margiela, via Elle

Yves Saint Laurent, via Elle

7. Blues

Elie Saab, via The Fashion Spot

Guccia, via Tod and Lorenzo

Michael Kors, via The Fashion Spot

Which trend is your favorite? Comment below!

Related Post: #OutfitInspo: Patterned Suits

#WeeklyInspiration: Gratitude

I've recently started keeping a gratitude journal, and its making a world of difference!

My crazy work schedule has made me grumpy lately. 

source

But by spending a few minutes before bed each night writing down 3 things I'm grateful for, I've felt a change in my mood and out look. 

source

It's helped me focus on what's important. And also helped me have a healthier attitude towards my time. Instead of spending extra hours at work, I try to leave on time to make it back to the things I am grateful for.

When you're feeling down, how do you get out of a funk? Share in the comments!



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What is a Grown Woman Glow-Up?

Hi everyone, and welcome!

What is a grown woman glow-up, you ask? Well, I'm sure you've noticed these posts on social media of young women and men who have transformed from teen-aged awkwardness to knockouts, of course with the help of hair/make-up/wardrobe make-overs: 

                                   (source: www.cosmopolitan.fr)

                                   (source: lipstick alley)

     

I stuck to celebrity pics, but search #gloupchallenge and you can find plenty of real world examples! (source: bossip)

These girls and boys look wonderful!...BUT, their extreme make-overs are not really realistic or appropriate for someone like me: a 30-something lady in a conservative field and with a hectic schedule that leaves little room for hair/make-up/wardrobe in the morning. More than 30 minutes for all three in the morning means I will be late. 


So I need a grown woman glow-up: a new attention to detail for my hair, make-up and wardrobe that will allow me to look polished for my conservative work place while also allowing me to get to work on time. 

                                   See, she looks ready for work. (source: huffington post)

And of course, hair, make-up and clothes are just a start. What grown woman glow-up would be complete without improving my health, focusing on fitness and nutrition, fixing my finances, and overall improving all aspects of life, not just the superficial.   

    I bet she has a balanced life...even if she doesn't, at least she's at the beach :) (source: energymuse.com)

Because let's face it, what good is a face full of make-up and new clothes if the rest of your life is a wreck?

So welcome, and I hope you enjoy the chronicles of my grown woman glow-up!