Since I can remember I have always been a planner. I like to set goals for myself and a timeline to reach them in. The problem with goals is, if you hit a bump in the road or wander off track, it can get discouraging.
This discouragement can lead to stress, anxiety, sadness and ultimately the abortion of your goal. For myself, to give up on a goal, or dream is devastating. This really takes a toll on me as a person and is not a way I like to feel. I start to question my strengths, abilities and self worth “maybe I’m not as great as I thought”. Because of this, when I am planning for the future and setting my goals, I have learned to set myself up with an ambitious but achievable timeline, and a clear path for success.
1. I write everything out like a map so that I can clearly visualize my goal and what it will take to achieve it.
2. Keep some positive affirmations handy to banish those negative and discouraging thoughts. I have found the best place to leave these encouraging words is in my task journal so that I can always flip to it an recharge my brain with positive juices!
3. When setting up my goals I provide myself with wiggle room. Let’s say my goal is to save $500.00 in a month. I will give myself a “low” goal to meet of $450.00 and a high goal of $550.00. That way, I have the opportunity to surpass my goal but do not have to feel defeated if I come up a bit short.
Our busy lives are constantly moving and our “planned-out” day can turn upside down in a moments notice. Doctors appointments, air conditioning goes out, vet visits, parties, dates, etc. All sorts of unscheduled last minute things can pop up that we didn’t plan for, and that’s okay. That is life, and you cannot plan out every moment. For someone such as myself, this is extremely difficult. I like to know what I am doing, where I will be, what I need to wear, how the weather is, how much money it will cost, the works! But the truth is I cannot always know, and I cannot always be prepared and need to be okay with that. Luckily I am learning as I go and setting myself up for success is getting easier and easier.
4. Finally, be okay with not meeting your goal the first time around. If I set a goal for myself and fall short of even my “low” goal I won’t give up, but re-evaluate my strategy. This way when I try again the next month, I will have the understanding of my mistakes from the first attempt and set myself up for success the next.
The key to success is understanding yourself. What drives you, and what keeps you motivated? This is what will keep you on track to meet your goals. For me, it is reminders and updates. I like to keep track of my progress to be able to see where I started, and where I am today. Whatever works for you is what is right for you. The great thing is there isn’t a wrong way to plan for your future. It is all up to you! Now get out there and start setting yourself up for success!
<3
Featured items:
- Spiral: Marshalls
- Mug: Hobby Lobby
- Artwork: Hobby Lobby
I recently decided to try something new and have my hair colored red. After a consultation with my stylist I decided on a rose gold color melt to blonde and have loved the results! In case anyone was wondering, before I went red, my hair was had 2 inches of new growth and blonde balayage highlights.
I love to change the color of my hair pretty frequently. It’s fun, but can be quite damaging if done too often and incorrectly. Luckily I have a wonderful stylist who takes care of my hair to insure it does not loose its integrity. The reason why I thought it would be great to post my regimen for red color is because the dye fades extremely quickly. The regimen I follow helps to keep my locks red and vibrant as in between treatments as well as healthy. So let’s get started!
First my regimen consists of Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo and Conditioner. The shampoo is a dark pigmented red, so to get it to your desired color for wash, it is best to add shampoo or a conditioner to lighten the color. I mix in a coconut shampoo until the the color changes to a mauve pink. I apply the shampoo to my roots and let it sit for a minute or two then pull it through the rest of my hair before rinsing.
Then twice a week I use the conditioner, which is a dark red shade with a thick consistency. I apply argan conditioner to lighten the shade of this as well before applying all over my hair.
After washing, I apply R&B Hair Moisturizer by Lush to damp hair starting at the roots then comb through and blow dry. After this step I’m ready for bed! I would also like to add that I sleep on a satin pillowcase as it is great for my hair and skin. In the morning I either straighten or curl my hair. The reason I wait to style is to reduce the amount of heat I apply to my hair at once.
Since my hair had to be bleached before it was able to achieve this brilliant red shade it can get dry, so it is best not to wash everyday. In between washes I like to use Batiste to keep my hair fresh and looking its best.
These are my tips for red hair. So far they have really worked well for me. If you have color treated red hair and have some tips and tricks for keeping it looking vibrant longer, please let me know! I love trying out new techniques and products for hair!
Until next time!
I recently took a road trip to Dallas to get my hair done, and spend a short weekend away with my mom. I don’t get to spend much quality time with just her anymore and was really looking forward to it.
Luckily Dallas is just under 4 hours from Houston so a road trip is totally do-able! Our first stop was to the salon where I had my locks transformed from honey blonde balayage to a rose gold melt! This process takes some time….(I’m not going to lie) and by some time, I mean about 2.5 hours but my stylist was prepared with Netflix and “Friends” so we were set and before I knew it, I was all done! I had decided on wearing and blue floral dress, knowing I love how red hair and blue look and to my excitement it didn’t disappoint.
This particular dress is from Modcloth. As soon as I saw it on their site, I immediately added it to my cart. There was just something about it. To me, it screamed summer! It is totally comfortable and the print is lively and cool. I was a little concerned with the fit when ordering as it looked short and I am tall but it fit perfectly paired with flats.
Our next stop was to Sam Moon to check out accessories and shoes. I had never been to a Sam Moon before so as soon as I stepped inside I was like a kid in a candy store! Sooo many glittering accessories offered at amazing prices! I had to reign myself in and was a good girl picking up 8 pieces, only spending around 45 dollars. Next stop was Daiso, a Japanese 1.50 store! This is one of my favorite places to pick up facial masks, candy, and stationary. I of course loaded up as we do not have a Daiso in Houston; Dallas is the closest location so when I go, I stock up!!
After that it was time to head to the hotel. We were staying at the Hilton Anatole. I have stayed there before but not since the on site water park had opened and all I can say is wow! The grounds are breathtaking and the artwork is magnificent, but to offer an on site water park with twisting slides and a lazy river?! You cannot get any better! Once we got settled in there was no reason to go anywhere else for the night. There is plenty of entertainment and restaurant accommodations in-house! We walked the grounds and appreciated the art, spotted a rabbit snacking on some grass, and visited the water park-all before sunset. After, we stopped for dinner at Media and had an amazing chicken chopped salad.
For the next day I chose to keep things casual with white shorts and a 3/4 length sleeve mint top. When I go on weekend trips I like to pack light so I coordinate my ensembles to easily pair with one pair of shoes. In this instance I picked a simple pair of laser cut nude flats.
I would say this trip was a success. I was able to change up my look, spend some quality time with my mom, have a bit of retail therapy and most importantly relax. It is always nice for a change of scenery, and to shake things up from your regular routine. Taking some time for yourself isn’t selfish it is healthy and rejuvenating. For me, it reminds me of what I am thankful for and clears my mind of all of the negatives so that I can come back strong, recharged and clear minded. Ready to conquer the road ahead. So remember to take some time for yourself this upcoming month whether it be a weekend away, a day shopping, or even an hour nap- just something for yourself. Trust me, you won’t regret it. 🙂
As summer draws to a close, and fall approaches I felt the need to grasp the last bit of summer brights I could. There is something about a great maxi dress that makes you feel unstoppable! What made this particular one catch my eye was the brilliant citron color mixed with grey. An off color combo that definitely works!! As soon as I saw it I knew it was for me.
Since the straps on this dress are extremely thin, and cross in the back, I decided to pair it with my favorite denim vest from Express. (#1 Because it adds texture and a nice casual vibe to the look. #2 Because I hate to wear strapless bras all day! They are just so uncomfortable!) Anyway, I paired the look with a mixed print sandal I got from Target and topped it off with a grey Michael Kors handbag.
This look was comfortable, bright and screamed summer!
My next call for brights was fulfilled with this vibrant neon yellow dress from Express. It comes in a flattering fit and flare design and has a unique mesh overlay for added interest and dimension. I paired this dress with the same target sandals, a black and white butterfly print scarf from Express, and my favorite back Kate Spade convertible bag.
Just because the season is almost over doesn’t mean you have to transition your wardrobe just quite yet! Summer is still here for a few more weeks, so enjoy it! I’m sure anyone who is still of school age would agree!
Until next time!
Lately I have definitely been on a dress kick. It all started what I noticed I had gained a little weight. My more form fitting clothing did not look the way I was comfortable with it looking so I decided dresses were my best bet for looking my best and discreetly covering up those extra pounds. In the process I started to focus on a more healthy lifestyle by getting back on track with regular exercise and becoming for conscious of the foods I was consuming. By doing so, I ended up dropping nearly 9 pounds and lost that run down tired feeling, but noticed I still was really digging dresses. I started purchasing more and more and now they are my everyday look at work, not because I felt I had to wear them ,but because I felt great in them!
There is something about how one clothing item can be your whole outfit, and how you decide to accessorize it, determines it’s level of dressiness. I personally love to casualize a dress and make it everyday wearable as seen in the images I have attached. This olive medallion burnout style dress could easily be paired with heels and a sparkling statement necklace or a tailored leather jacket for some edge but instead, I paired it with faux suede fringe booties and an owl origami necklace for a touch of added texture and shine. This look could be worn to lunch, the mall or school. I personally love it for work or running errands. The dress style is so comfortable for all day wear and involves no tugging or re-adjusting. I love to feel confident and comfortable in my clothing, no matter the size. And I realized that I wasn’t feeling confident because I was hiding myself in dresses, I was feeling confident because I like how dresses look on and how transitional they are.
Dresses were there when I needed them, and now I wear them because I simply love them! confidence is key when I step into a garment. If I’m not feeling it I wont wear it and the great this about dresses is I’m happy in them no matter the size.
Until next time,