Tag: positivity

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Fabulous living

Me Dates

Happy March! 

Although we are getting closer and closer to spring it still feels very much like winter with cold temperatures and snow and rain and sleet. But fingers crossed we see more sunshine and temperatures above 50 in our near future.

At least the snow is pretty.

One of my resolutions for 2022 was to have monthly “Me Dates”. My friend Sydney gave me the idea of carving out special time for yourself every month to do something fun or pamper yourself, outside of our daily routines. You donā€™t have to spend a ton of money to enjoy some time for yourself, but thereā€™s nothing wrong with a little splurge every once in a while.Ā Ā No matter if you are college student, working professional or stressed out mom or dad, we all could you use some extra time for ourselves outside of work and household responsibilities.

The year is still early so I havenā€™t had too many ā€œMe Datesā€ yet, but my goal is to have them once a month. In February, I had a spa night at home with a facial and watching my favorite show and doing my nails. It was only 45 minutes but so worth it and something different in my daily routine.

If you want to try this for yourself, hereā€™s a few ideas of ā€œMe Datesā€, some are inexpensive, others are a special treat.

  • A Book DateĀ 
    • Grab a book, whether itā€™s one youā€™ve had on your shelf for months, one from the library or browse your favorite local book shop for a new read. Then head to a coffee shop and enjoy your read with a warm drink. It doesnā€™t have to be a pricey date, but itā€™s a good way to get out of the house and change up your scenery and get lost in a different world.
  • A Pampering DayĀ 
    • This one can be completely free or something you spend some extra money on. You can have a quiet night in with a bath, face mask, and doing your nails for a stay-at-home self-care night. This is a nice way to relax and unwind at home without spending money. If you are looking to splurge or have a big event coming up, getting your nails done at a nail salon would be a fun way to pamper yourself and while getting ready for something fun.
  • Movie dateĀ 
    • This is a very easy me-date that gets you out of the house and allows you to escape the stressors of the world and dive into a new one, even if itā€™s only for a few hours. Plus, if you are nervous about being out and about by yourself, itā€™s a lot less nerve racking when you head to a movie and it doesnā€™t matter if you are with a group of ten or by yourself.Ā 
  • Spending time on a hobby
    • During the pandemic, a lot of people picked up on new hobbies and activities while being quarantined, once things got back to normal, our lives got busy, and we may have let them fall to the wayside. By giving yourself permission to enjoy that hobby, even if its for 30 minutes every week or month, it lets you get in touch with your creative side.
  • Getting Outside for a Walk
    • Even with the cold weather, getting some exercise and fresh air are huge game changers. Whether itā€™s for a walk while you listen to some music or a podcast or you head out for a long run, getting out allows you to clear your mind and gets your endorphins flowing too.
  • Table for One
    • If you really want to be bold and step out of your comfort zone, head out to get a meal by yourself. You can head to your go-to restaurant or try a new place in town. Ask for a table for one and bring a book to read or just enjoy some quite time savoring a tasty meal.

These are just a few ideas of ways to put yourself first and enjoy a date with yourself. It can be intimidating to go out and have solo dates, but whatā€™s important is that you are pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and some taking advantage of some extra time for yourself. While itā€™s always fun to plan things with family or do things with friends, thereā€™s nothing like taking some time for yourself. It may sound clichĆ©, but you truly canā€™t pour from an empty cup. We all need to take time for ourselves so we do our best for our families and in our jobs. What are some ways you like to put yourself first?

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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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Fun Ways to Organize

Back to School Preps

Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday! Can you believe we are already gearing up for back to school?! Whether you are learning in the classroom, at home, or a mix of both, this year will be an interesting one for sure!Ā 

Today, Iā€™m sharing some school must haves! Whether you are in the classroom or at home, these are all things you can benefit from.

  • Planner 

My must have is a planner, someplace to keep everything in one spot, especially if you are going back and forth between home and school. It also works great for parents if they are balancing different schedules or routines. My go-to planner is by Simplified. You can see how I organize my planner here.

My planner layout
  • Space to Work

My next must have is a place to work. Whether it is children doing homework, or learning full time, having a designated space is key. I know I work best at my desk in my room, I always have a candle burning and my planner next to my laptop and my to do list out too. There is nothing better than crossing something off a to-do list. I also like to have all my things in one space where I can quickly access them. 

My work space at home
  • The Right Mindset

No matter what the school year brings it all comes down to having the right mindset whether itā€™s about learning from home, school, or both. This year will be an adjustment for everyone but knowing that you arenā€™t alone, that we will get through it and making the best out of the situation is the driving force for having a great year!

Thatā€™s a quick round up of my top things to focus on when it comes to the upcoming school year, yes, it will be different but as long as you are prepared and have an open mind then thatā€™s the best thing to do!

What ways are you getting ready for the 2020-2021 school year?

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Fabulous living

Skipping into Spring

Hi guys!

Happy Wednesday.

I hope you have been staying safe and staying at home. I feel like we are all taking it one day at a time and thatā€™s the best we can do. We will get through this. One good thing to look forward to is that spring is here. The next few weeks will bring warmer weather, flowers blooming and warm sunshine. I love the time between spring and summer, in between work and staying at home, I have been getting into the spring season. Here are some ways that I have been gearing up for spring, who knows maybe they will give you some suggestions and you can share your suggestions for how you have been getting ready for spring too!

  • Get outside and take a walk. I have been trying to get outside every day, whether itā€™s for a walk, some fresh air, or just to sit. Itā€™s so good to get a change of scenery too.
  • Open the windows, not only does it air out your house but it also brings some fresh air and it brings some new light in your home or room.
  • Change out your wardrobe, say goodbye to the blacks and browns and say hello to the pinks, yellows, greens and blues. Although we canā€™t hit the stores for a while, it will be nice to bring some brighter colors into our wardrobe. I love pastels to welcome the new season.
  • Change out your scents, I love my essential oil diffuser, in the winter I love to use peppermint or pine, but in the spring, I love lemon and orange to bring breath of fresh air into my room.Ā 
  • Give yourself something to look forward toā€¦whether itā€™s a summer to do, or things you want to do with friends, thereā€™s nothing better than making some plans of things you want to do in the late spring or early summer.
The first sign of spring…new flowers blooming.

We may still be in a weird or limbo time, but think of all the small things in life that you can look forward to or make the most out of every day. There may be a lot of unknowns but focus on the few good things that can come out of every day. Positivity over negativity. 

Have a wonderful week. Keep smiling, the world needs your smile now more than ever!

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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

Finding the Good in Everyday

Hey hey! Happy Wednesday! New week, new goals, and new opportunities await for me. 

I always look to find the positive in every situation, whether itā€™s in work or at home, in good times and bad, I always look for the light in the darkness. 

I personally feel that in life we can get so caught up in the negativity that we forget how much good there is in the world. 

Here are a few ways that I always try to find the good in every day:

  1. Donā€™t let the little things bring you down. At the end of the day focus on the big picture and donā€™t worry about the little things. 
  2. When in doubt, be grateful, we can always focus on the things we donā€™t have or the things that donā€™t go our ways, but why not change that mentality and focus on the good. 
  3. Do things that bring joy in your day, whether itā€™s wearing your favorite outfit, getting Starbucks on your way to work, or taking time for yourself. 

Itā€™s amazing how much one small thing can change your outlook on life, even if itā€™s a simple smile or asking someone how their day is going, you never know how one small act of kindness can make a difference on someone else. When it doubt, choose kindness, choose positivity, and choose joy. Sorry, for the shorter post, life is busy, but I wanted to check in and spread some joy! Have a wonderful week ahead!

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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