Tag: positive

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Fabulous living

Getting Through the Winter Slump

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! I hope you had a wonderful Valentineā€™s or Galentineā€™s Day! Now that we have made it through the holidayā€™s of the month, my mind is on the next seasonā€¦hello Spring! Just kiddingā€¦well kind of.

I love that I can live In a place with all four seasons, but sometimes, the cold and snow can seem never ending, especially when itā€™s May and you still have a chance of snow on Motherā€™s Day. As much as I love the winter months and winter activities, I have found myself in a bit of a winter slump. 

Here’s just a little look at all the snow

At the start of the year, I found myself really tired with winter and it just got started. We kept getting hit with snow and cold weather, Covid-19 cases were high around my area and it seemed like we would never see warmer weather. 

If you felt like this at all then you know what Iā€™m talking about. Iā€™m used to the cold and snow and gray clouds, but sometimes, the lack of sunshine really gets to you.

We got hit with two big snow storms in a month. Here’s a look at the snow.

I decided that wishing it was spring wouldnā€™t be productive so I did my best to change my mindset and find little things that brought joy and warmth to my days and make them a little less gray.

Hereā€™s what worked for me and if you are feeling this way, then maybe they will work for you.

I found the simple joys in the days and really leaned into them, like savoring my cup of tea in the morning with my candle lit. Instead of rushing through my morning routine of making a cup of tea, reading and doing a word search, I did my best to savor it and enjoy it and take pleasure in those simple joys. 

Starting my days slower and savoring them definitely helped.
I also enjoyed cozy days off enjoying my favorite hobbies. Here’s what I’m currently reading.

I also found that moving and exercise helped my mood. I go to the gym during weekday mornings, but I carved more time to get some exercise, whether itā€™s a 15 minute yoga session at the end of the day or even a walk to get the mail, moving my body and getting fresh air made a big difference.

Enjoying the outdoors helped too…I enjoyed skating.
And cross country skiing…just make sure you are all bundled up!

I also decided to brighten my wardrobe and have some fun with it. Even though it is winter, I have been wearing brighter colors and fun jewelry to brighten up my outfits. Even if itā€™s swapping in a pair of hoops for a pair of studs, itā€™s little things like that that can just make you smile. 

I also gave myself things to look forward to, whether it was a dinner date with a friend, making plans to see a new movie, or a mini day trip. Making plans for the future gives you something to look forward to and it shows you the importance of looking for the positives.

Making a winter bucket list gives you ideas for fun things to do while making the most of the weather! Here’s mine!

While the cold and winter may seem to last forever, we know that it will end but the snow mounds do make it hard to look past. 

By always looking for the positives or simple moments of joy certainly makes a big difference. Also, by reminding ourselves to take it one day at time helps too. 

What things do you do to make it through the winter slump?

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Fabulous living

Things I’m Looking Forward To…

Hi everyone!

Happy Wednesday! I hope you are making it through the midweek slump, we are halfway to the weekend, which is much needed, in other good newsā€¦itā€™s March!! Anyone else had a tough time making it through the end of February?!

Last week, we got a day of sunshine and temperatures above 50! I had no idea how much I needed to feel sunshine and warmer temps, it was a definitely a burst of sunshineā€¦no pun intended. Hehe….I am counting down to warmer weather and spring time even though we have a long way to go.Ā 

One of my favorite blogs that I read every day isĀ Carlyā€™s.Ā She has been blogging since college and writes about everything from fashion, food, lifestyle, home living and more. I love to start my days with her blog.Ā Ā She did a post about things she is looking forward to after the pandemic and I loved the positivity, I wanted to try it for myself. To read her post, clickĀ here.Ā The whole point is to think about what fun things you are looking forward to once things back to a semi-normal.

Hereā€™s some things Iā€™m looking forward to…

-Seeing people: Iā€™ve kept my bubble of people fairly small this past year, mostly only seeing immediate family, a few close friends in the summer and co-workers. Iā€™ve been able to talk to friends thanks to Facetime and Zoom way more frequently which has been such a blessing. I canā€™t wait for the day to see friends in person and give them a hug. Isnā€™t it weird how much we miss physical touch when we canā€™t have it?!

One of my last visits with my friend, Danielle, before Covid hit.

-Spontaneous Trips and Travel too: Right before the pandemic hit, I was visiting friends in Pittsburgh and then a week later we all got shutdownā€¦I canā€™t wait to plan spontaneous trips and visits with friends on my days off. I want to enjoy myself and not be worried about being too close to people, going to another place and being concerned about getting others or myself sick. I also am looking forward to seeing more family. I was able to see some on the summer when cases were down, but once fall and winter hit, Iā€™ve been hunkered down at home. Plus, I have a whole list of places that I want to explore and see, Iā€™m hoping to do more of that once things settle down.

Looking forward to more travels in the future.

-Concerts: Although, I havenā€™t been to too many of them, there is nothing like live music. Although, it will take a while to get there, Iā€™m looking forward to live music again and the whole concert like experience.Ā 

One of the last concerts I went to was in 2018 and it was Ed Sheeran, I can’t wait to be get back to concerts in the future.

-Community Events: It may seem silly, but I miss the community atmosphere of my hometown, spontaneous meet-ups and nights spent out. In the summer there are always weekend activities and festivals and itā€™s always a fun time to see friends and neighbors out and about.Ā 

Ā The most important is to get as many people vaccinated and to keep doing what experts are telling us, all to put an end to Covid-19. In a time full of loss and suffering and pain, itā€™s so nice to look on the bright side of things and dream about getting back to a semi-normal. If I have learned anything from this pandemic is how much I appreciate and love the little and simple things in life. Itā€™s crazy what things we take for granted.Ā 

What things are you looking forward to in the future?

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Fabulous living

THREE Years of Blogging

Hey hey everyone! This weekend marks three years of blogging!!! Where has the time gone? I started this blog as creative escape and something to do during my downtime and boy has it turned into something else. It has given a creative escape, but itā€™s held me accountable, itā€™s helped me become a stronger writer, itā€™s allowed me to be more open, and itā€™s led me to lead a more reflective life.

I started this blog after my first year of college and now Iā€™m in almost five months into working my first job. SO much has changed, from meeting new people, MANY looks of the day, travel journals, book reviews, semester recaps, and now currentlys. Itā€™s been incredible to see how I have grown and changed. Although, my posts have shifted a bit since I started working, it has opened up new doors and opportunities to write about different things. My little blog corner has also given me the opportunity to connect with people in ways I didnā€™t think it was possible. Itā€™s been cool to see what I was feeling during my junior year of college compared to what I am feeling now. Itā€™s been fascinating and a good way to appreciate everything in life especially in these uncertain times. 

Now, to round up some of my favorite blog posts:

I love any post where I talk about travel so both of my travel posts about Rome are included:

Spring Break Trip to Rome, Italy Part 1
Spring Break Trip to Rome, Italy Part 2

I love when I can share some of my favorite blogs with you:

My Favorite Blogs

It was a joy to share my college experience with you all:

Thank You Saint Vincent College

I love reading and sharing my love of reading on here has held me accountable as well as gives me suggestions of new things to read:

Summer Book Review

I have loved my new series Currently, itā€™s the perfect Monthly Update, new one coming next week, until then, hereā€™s Aprilā€™s!!

Currently #4

There have been SO many look of the dayā€™s and Iā€™m excited to be bringing them back. But hereā€™s one of my favorite ones:

Look of the Day #113

Lastly, I love any post where I talk about the good in every day:

Finding the Good in Everyday

This is just a wrap up of some of my favorite posts or topics. I canā€™t wait to see what this new year of blogging brings, thank you to everyone who have followed me or read my posts, whether you have been reading since I started 3 years ago or just last month. THANK YOU! 

Letā€™s see what this next year has in store!

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Fabulous living

When the World Stood Still

Hi everyone, it has been a weekā€¦or weeksā€¦and we still have a while to go. This is not a post about coronavirus, I have been talking about for the last few weeks at work and I still will be talking about in the upcoming weeks. 

Iā€™m a positive person, thatā€™s just who I am. So, rather focus on the chaos, the unknown, or the frustration, letā€™s focus on the good. 

So, you are stuck at home for a few weeks, you are safe, you are putting your health first and you are with your family. 

Letā€™s focus on some things you can do while you are at home, work and taking care of family is the top priority. But, what about the extra time you have?

Here are some suggestions for things to do when you are stuck at home:

  • Catch up on your favorite series (either on tv or binge worthy)
  • Read, we always say we never have enough time to read, well here is some guaranteed time. (Iā€™m still working through the series, The Walk, book review coming soon)
  • Spring Cleaning and Organizing (Why not get a start on your spring cleaning and organizing? You can do some heavy duty cleaning or germs, bring our spring decorations, maybe even start some cleaning out of closets and donate items, you will feel productive and you will see an end result)
  • Catch up with friends (Yes, you may be stuck at home but you can still check in our your friends via phone call, text, or facetime. Check in on those you may need some extra love and support)
  • Finally attempt that hobby you have been putting off, whether itā€™s cooking, baking, sewing, working on a passion project, this is your time to try it. 
  • Lastly, donā€™t let this time of unrest put you on hold from your life. Keep your routines in place, get a home work out in, get some fresh air, keep up with your chores or to do list, keep life as normal as possible.

We are going through a different time, itā€™s challenging and uneasy, but donā€™t let that stop you from living a full and successful life. I challenge you in the coming weeks to find good one thing that going on in your life every day, no matter how big or small. Find the good in every day. 

Stay safe and healthy!

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Fabulous living

Senior Year…ALL IN!

Hi everyone! Happy Tuesdayā€¦itā€™s my LAST, first week of school. These past few weeks have been so busy since I have been back to school, between training, learning, seeing friends, moving into my last college dorm and starting classes, it has been a whirlwind of activities.Ā Ā Am soaking it all up because I know these will be my lastsā€¦last move in weekend, last training, last first day of school. This past Sunday, I took some time to reflect on starting my last semester of collegeā€¦hereā€™s my thoughts on itā€¦

Senior year…here we GO!

“Itā€™s Sunday, tomorrow is my last first day of schoolā€¦EVER. Itā€™s weird to think that after tomorrow, I will never have another first day of school. I remember my first day of Kindergarten, high school and college. All big days, and tomorrow is no less a big day.
Ā 
I have always loved school and going to school. I loved laying out my clothes the night before, buying fresh supplies for the new year, taking the picture outside of our home, and coming home to a special treat from my mom while we shared about our first day. There is just something about the first day that brings me so much JOY and excitement!
Ā 
I only have one more semester of college. Itā€™s weird to think that by Christmas I will be done with school and being saying goodbye to a place that has been a HUGE part of my life story, a place where I grew, gained confidence, made lifelong friends, and created incredible memories. Thankfully, I still have a few months before I say goodbye and start a new chapter in my life.Ā 


So, what does these next few months hold? Lots of classes, homework, reading, studying, working, applying for jobs, spending time with friends, crossing off college bucket lists, doing all the senior things, and celebrating milestones.Ā 
Ā 
This past week, I was at Mass and the priest shared about going all in and immersing yourself in your life and that really resonated with me. These next few months, I am going ALL IN, doing as much as I can, working my hardest, getting involved with my favorite organizations, meeting new friends, stepping out of my comfort zone, and living up my last time as a college student. I have no idea what comes after college, yes, I will be getting a job and working, but itā€™s exciting to not know where I could end up or what I will be doing. When my friends come back to classes after Christmas, I will be working.
Ā 
Many people have told me that your years in college will be the best time of your life, and I have to agree, I love the person I have become thanks to the people I met and the opportunities I have done while in college. I have met so many people who have shaped me into the person I am today, and this school will always hold a special place in my heart. I canā€™t wait to see what these next few months bringsā€¦senior yearā€¦Iā€™m ALL IN!”
Ā 

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Fabulous living

Choosing to Look on the Positive Side of Life

Hello! Hello!

Happy Tuesday! Itā€™s crazy to think we are halfway through February, this month is flying by! With Valentineā€™s Day this week, I wanted to focus on a more light-hearted post for today ( no pun intended). For all my single girls out there, check out my post from last year about Galentineā€™s Day and fun things to do with your girlfriends! You can read all about it here.

Today, I wanted to share about the importance of looking on the positive side of things and turning a bad situation into a good one. One thing that I try to do is see the good things in every day, we all have tough days, whether itā€™s a long day of classes and meetings, or if you are having relationships issues or family troubles, I firmly believe there is always one good thing that can come out of a bad day. 

I started to really make an effort to find one good thing about every day during my senior year of high school. I got a Mason Jar and a stack of post it notes and at the end of every day I wrote the date and one good thing that happened each day. At the end of the year I had a whole jar of good memories and good things that happened every day of senior year.Ā Ā I was so happy I had all those memories to look back on.

My Jar through my senior year of high school
All my good moments dumped out
So many good things happened during my senior year of high school, Iā€™m so glad I kept track of them

My freshmen year of college, my mom gave me a journal to write all about my experiences about my freshmen year of college. I loved having an account of everything that happened and I made sure I wrote down the best part of my day. 

Last year (2018) started out rough but I didnā€™t want a few challenging weeks to determine my outlook of the entire year, I was already journaling in Shonda Rhimesā€™ Years of Yes journal but I wanted to add something new, so every day I took a post it note and wrote one positive thing that happened. To read about my Year of Yes, you can find it here.

The Journal of my Sophomore Year-Year of YES

I called my junior year, my year of Joy. My sweet friend Danielle, gave me this journal for my birthday and I write in it every day. I write down three good things that bring me joy every day.

Junior Year of JOY

I have found journaling every day for the past few years very therapeutic. I also found it helpful to be intentional about seeing the good things that happened every day, whether it was having a good conversation with a friend, going on a spontaneous brunch and shopping day, celebrating a holiday, or getting in some quality family time or self care. By writing down one or more good things that happened every day, it really puts things in perspective about how good life can be and how we should always look towards the positive things in life. When you have class from 12:30-8:30 straight and nothing is going your way (yes, this has happened to me) I always know there are definitely good things that happened through the long day. I hope this post encourages you to look on the positive side of things when life has you down. There are so many good things around us if we are willing to see them.

I hope this week brings you nothing but good vibes, wonderful moments and love (whether its from a significant other, best friend, or parent). Spread some love this week!

XOXO

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Fabulous living

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Gets Going

We have all had those bad days where nothing goes right, we spill our coffee, our hair gets majorly messed up, or we forget a deadline; it seems like itā€™s never going to get better. Have you been there? Yep, me too. Whether itā€™s about school work, work-work, or family drama. We have all gotten to a point where we need to just stop and let go, whether it’s going for a long drive,taking a short walk, or even having a good cry. We all have experienced our moment’s of weakness.

A few weeks back, I was not having a good day, after not getting a good nightā€™s sleep and differentĀ  new projects getting put on my plate at work, and nothing going my way. I gave a good cry for myself. I allowed myself 10 minutes and then I knew I had to keep moving forward. These projects werenā€™t going to get themselves done and just because things werenā€™t going my way doesnā€™t mean it will be like that forever. So after a minor breakdown, I still had a full list of things to get done. So, what did I do?

I dried my eyes, reapplied mascara and got back to work. Yes, nothing seemed to be going my way so I decided to let go of everything, but I realized I had to keep moving forward and get stuff done.

We all have those horrible days when we see no light at the end of the tunnel. Whether itā€™s working an extended shift, not doing too great after midterms, or your boss making you work overtime. Yes, you can get upset, but you have to get up and get back to work.

I know this may seem a bit more personal of a post, but I think this is something that we all deal with, we may not all handle it the same way, yet, we all break down and eventually need to get back up.

So the next time you lose it for a few minutes, dry your eyes and reapply your mascara.

XOXOā€¦

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Fun Ways to Organize

Back to School Essentials

The last week of August means its time for back to school, whether it be the smell of new supplies, the feel of new clothes, or the excitement of learning new thingsā€¦I love it all. I always loved going back to school and this year is no different. I officially started classes yesterday and today, Iā€™m sharing my back to school essentials.

Pinterest quotes just gets me!

  • A planner
    • Whether itā€™s a big calendar blotter, a small planner you can pop in your backpack or even an app on your phone. A planner is critical for keeping you studies and social life in order. I canā€™t live without one! Plus the designs are so cute and creative, it might as well be a fashion statement.
  • Fresh supplies
    • You canā€™t start the new school year or semester off without some new supplies. Itā€™s okay to splurge, get the fun notebook, buy the colorful pens. It will keep you organized and it will make you smile, when you are slaving over homework late at night.
  • A new outfit (or two)
    • Confidence is key for taking on new adventures. One way to boost your confidence is with getting a new outfit or two. Show off you style. Be comfortable with who you are.
  • Goals
    • A new school year means its time to set new goals. What things do you want to accomplish? What do you want to get out of this year. How much effort do you want to put in? Itā€™s all about what you make of it. You have the chance to make this school year great!
  • A positive attitude
    • Each school year brings its own worries and excitements. The best way to embrace it all is with a positive attitude. Tackle any struggles or fears you have with a smile. It will go a long way.

Keep those essentials in mind as you take on a new semester or school year. What things are essential for your school year or your first day of school? I have one last summer look for any Labor Day picnics, then itā€™s time for fall fashion. See you on Thursday!