Live More, With Less

You know that sweater you bought a year ago that you never wore, still has the tag on it and sits in your closet judging you every time you look it? "Why did you spend so much on me?"
Why don't you ever wear me?" Judgy bitch. 

Or all of those DVD's and CD's you have accumulated over the years that are spilling out of your entertainment center?

Or the trunk of your car that is constantly filled with useless shit that you don't want to look at?

Yep. We all suffer from this. It's called CLUTTER.

The thing about clutter is that not only does it take up physical space in your life but it actually takes up emotional and mental space in your brain.

Every time you open your closet and stare at that sweater/dress/scarf/hat that you bought and have never worn, it sucks a little bit of energy out of you. You feel guilty for having bought it and never worn it. You think that you should wear it but don't really want to. You feel wasteful if you take it to Goodwill never having worn it.

That is A LOT of energy and head space being take up by just one sweater! 

Let's not even talk about the trunk of your car...

So here is my challenge for you today...pick ONE area of your life and DECLUTTER it. Throw old stuff away, donate a box to charity, get rid of old sentimental crap that you never look at anymore.

I can already hear the excuses..."But my Dad bought me that hideous picture frame that I never use!"
Get. Rid. of. It.

It is hard to do at first but then it gets easier. Trust me, once it's gone, you won't think of it again and the guilt will be gone. It will clear up your life physically and emotionally. Start the new year with less stuff and more clarity.

Here are some suggestions to help you get started...

:: Closets :: 

- Throw out any clothes that you haven't worn in 6 months (even the ones that still have tags on them)

- Get rid of any shoes that you haven't worn in the last 6 months or any that make you feel gross

- Throw out old undies, socks with out matching pairs and old stretched out bras

:: Car :: 

- Clean out your trunk!

- Throw away any trash, old wrappers, soda cans, etc.

- Clean out your glove box. Get rid of those 10,000 Starbucks napkins you have stuffed in there.

- Get a car wash

:: Computer ::

- Clean out your email inbox

- Unsubscribe from emails you no longer want to get

- Organize your desktop in to folders

- Clean your keyboard. Gross. 

:: Kitchen ::

- Throw away old food in the pantry

- Clean out your junk drawer

- Organize your cabinet under the sink...I know, scary.

:: Personal :: 

- Donate or sell old jewelry

- Throw away those old love letters. Just do it.

- Get rid of that box under your bed that holds your graduation tassel and old notes from high school

- Donate books you have already read

- Donate old CD's & DVD's you will never listen to or watch again

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Start small. Focus on one area at a time. Be brutal. If you haven't looked at in 6 months, it goes. Get out two bags, one for trash and one for donations.

The funny thing is that if you start doing this, I will bet money that other things will start to declutter themselves as well. That relationship or friendship that isn't going well will figure itself out. Work will get less complicated. Things that you really want or need will start appearing in your life as you get rid of the old stuff.

Trust me on this one...it feels GOOD.

Live Beautifully,

The Space In Between

Liminal Space.

Defined as the place of transition or not knowing. Derived from the Latin word limens, literally meaning "threshold."

Richard Rohr writes that "it is when you have left the tried and true, but have not yet been able to replace it with anything else. It is when you are between your old comfort zone and any possible new answer."

We have all been there. When you're unemployed, just coming out of a breakup, have moved to a new place, etc. You have that feeling of being unsure and you find yourself asking, "What's next?"

I am there now, in this space of not knowing. Asking my self what I am supposed to do next.

But what I have come to realize is that there is no one clear answer. There is no particular destination that I am going to reach and then have all of the answers. Not knowing is part of the journey. And it can be a pretty great thing if you learn to just live in that space of unknowing. It can be very liberating to just let yourself be content with not having all of the answers.

I think the first step is to embrace each day as a new opportunity...a new beginning.

There is something magical about beginnings, don't you think?

As hard or as sad as it may be to have to leave that last chapter of your life behind, looking forward to a new beginning can be exciting...and it can be anything you want it to be.

Live Beautifully,

Hello November...

November is one of my very favorite months. The temperature finally starts to drop, scarves and sweaters come out of the closet and the holiday season begins. One of my favorite things to do in November (besides reading tons of books and drinking boat loads of tea) is goal setting. 

Personally I think November is the perfect time of year to reflect back on the last 10 months and start thinking about setting your intentions for the new year to come. You're not quite at the end of the year so you've got some time to think about things. I find that journaling helps a lot with reflecting back on your year. I also love goal setting workbooks. My favorite is Leonie Dawson's Best Life & Biz Workbook. It's so pretty and makes goal setting so easy! 

Setting goals can seem really hard if you've never done it. Below are some questions to help you get started. So grab a journal and a cup of tea, get cozy and get going on your goals. 2015 will be here before you know it. 

Set Some Goals Girl! 

1. List your 3 biggest accomplishments this year.

2. List 3 things you want to accomplish next year. 

3. List 1 place you would like to travel to, one book you would like to read and one person you would like to spend more time with next year. 

4. What was one lesson you learned this year?

5. If you could do anything and not fail, what would your biggest, craziest, scariest goal be?

Live Beautifully,

My Lately List

Lately I’ve been:

COOKING lots of pasta and not much else...learning to cook for 1 again is HARD.
SIPPING water. water. and more water. And maybe a vodka soda or two...or three.
READING Julie & Julia by Julie Powell. If I can't cook for myself I can read about other people doing it.
LISTENING to G.R.L. radio on Pandora. Can you say, "dance party?!!"

WANTING the calligraphy starter kit from LHCalligraphy. 
WATCHING Nashville, Friday Night Lights, Greys Anatomy & Parenthood. Netflix overload!
WAITING for fall and holiday product to arrive at the shop! 
ATTEMPTING to work out a lot. The spin studio walking distance from my apt has been a savior. 
LIKING being a not-so-strict vegetarian. I like my vegetables but if you cook bacon I might just eat a piece. 
HOPING that it rains soon. It would be nice to remember what that's like. 
NEEDING to get a new iPhone. Like, now. 
TRYING Juicy Couture perfume and loving it. 
WEARING tank tops and sandals. I heart California. 
LOVING everything pumpkin! These Illume candles we have right now are to die for!
PLANNING for the holidays. Shits about to go down at Boulevard 34!
MISSING my bestie in Arizona and my beautiful godchildren.
MAKING felt projects from Etsy. I needed something crafty to do and they were so. darn. cute. 
NOTICING that when I'm positive, even if I'm forcing it, things just get better.  
LAUGHING at this spoof of the Total Eclipse of the Heart video...an oldie but such a goodie.
ADMIRING how many beautiful girlfriends I have in my life. They lift me up and inspire me everyday. 
BUYING sweaters for fall. Even though it is 80 degrees outside. I have no willpower. 
CRAVING  macaroni and cheese. Always. 
DISLIKING negativity on social media. Can we get a positive status update please? 
FOLLOWING Whitney Leigh Morris on Insta (@whitneyleighmorris) She lives in the cutest lil' cottage!!
FEELING hopeful. Everything happens for a reason, right? I hope so.  

Sunshine and smiles with my beautiful goddaughter Peyton

Got this fun idea from my gorgeous friend and fellow blogger, Steph.
Check out her blog Pixels & Playbooks. You won't be sorry.

And try this for yourself, it was really fun! Just copy, paste and go!

Live beautifully sweethearts,

Start Again...

Wake up everyday and begin again. 

Forget yesterday's problems.

Stop thinking about that stupid thing you said.

Or that mistake you made. 

It's done. It's over. It is already in the past.

Today is a new day and you get to start all over again. 

Fresh. New. Bright.

So take a deep breath when you wake up in the morning.

And start again.

Just Do It

JUST DO IT.

I'm serious.

You know that thing that you have been wanting to do? That business idea you have, that blog you've been wanting to start, that book you've been wanting to write, that trip you want to take...

Just do it. Or maybe I should say, "Just start it."

Just having a good idea is not enough...you have to begin to execute that idea.

Because you know what? I hate to tell you this, but... It is NEVER going to be the perfect time to start.

We all make those excuses. You know the ones I'm talking about. You tell yourself you'll start next week, next month, when you're skinnier, smarter, have more time, making more money, when your kids are older, when your health is better...and so on.

But you know what? When you get skinnier, smarter, healthier, older or whatever it is that you're waiting for, then something else will come up. Some new excuse, some new obstacle will arise. Because that's life!

So what do you do? How do you start? Here are my 3 simple steps I take when trying to tackle a new goal or project.

How To Start

1. 

Write down your project, idea or goal. 

Then make a list of all of the reasons why you CAN'T start right now. 

I know, it seems backwards. You're probably wondering why we aren't making a happier list with positive vibes and motivation and rainbows! Here's the deal...when you write down all of your excuses on paper and read them back to yourself, they start to sound sort of silly.

One of my biggest reasons for not starting my business sooner was that I was afraid of financial failure, which to me meant that I would be homeless. Really??? As if my mom, dad, sister, aunts, uncles, grandma, friends, neighbors, spin instructor, etc. would EVER let me be homeless?! So silly...

Take those negative thoughts out of the darkness in your head, shed some light on them and I promise, they will seem a lot less scary.

2. 

Write down your project, idea or goal. 

Come up with 3 easy things you could do RIGHT NOW to get the ball rolling.

Purchase a domain name for your website. (They cost like, $10. Just do it.)

Google how much it would be to fly to your dream vacation destination.

Write a blog post. (You don't have to publish it.)

Update your resume.

Design a business card online with your dream job title on it. (You don't have to buy it. Yet.)

Start a savings jar towards your project/dream and put in $1 a day. Then make it $2, then $5, etc. (It's more than you were saving before...)

Buy a book that is relevant to your dream or idea.

Research other people that are doing what you want to do.

There are a million little things you can do that will at least get you to START. And all of these little things will begin to add up. Each little action will be sending out a message to the universe that you've begun. And when you have finished the first 3 things, write down another 3 and keep going!

3.

Deal with the fear of imperfection and 

write down 3 goals you wish to accomplish in the next 3 months. 

No one has ever started a business and made it successful in one day. Or published the very first draft of their book. Or perfected their vision or brand in one minute. It takes time. You have to be ok with the fact that you aren't going to be perfect when you start...or ever! You will make mistakes, you will mess up, one of your ideas or projects may completely bomb. 

But that's ok. I find that people relate to me better when I mess up or make a mistake because it makes me human. And the sooner you start, the sooner you will get over the initial awkward stage and begin to make something of your little idea.

Write down 3 goals you would like to accomplish in the next 3 months. Even if they don't have anything to do with your idea or project, getting into the habit of completing goals and seeing them materialize will shift your whole perspective. Vision boards, journaling and daily affirmations are also a huge help!

So...Do your research. Make the leap. Just do it. 

It's going to be scary no matter when you start, so why not now? 

                                                          

I Am Not A Yogi...

"For it is every bit as important in life to understand who you are NOT, as to understand who you ARE."
- Elizabeth Gilbert

Boy did this hit home for me.

My life recently went through an earth shattering change. (Trust me, that will be a whole other post.) This change was so significant that it has made me question, well, everything. My whole life. All of my decisions up to this point. My whole identity. Heavy stuff, right?

When your life takes a left turn and goes in a direction that you didn't expect, it leaves you feeling lost, like you've been let go and are drifting out to sea. Everything suddenly looks different and certain things that you thought defined you are no longer relevant. This is what I have been feeling for the last few months and I was really struggling with trying to figure it all out and decide who I was now. It was so overwhelming.

All of us struggle with our identity at some point. I think many of us, if not all of us, will do things because we feel like that is what we are supposed to do. It is what is expected of us by family, friends and society. We try to make things "fit" even though they may not be serving our greatest good.

When I read this quote it just kind of clicked with me. Maybe I need to start backwards and decide who I'm NOT, instead of struggling with trying to figure out who I am right now. I thought that maybe figuring out who I'm not, would make who I AM a little bit clearer.

So here is the list I came up with so far...it was actually SO liberating to admit some of these things. Give it a try!

My NOT List

- I am NOT a yogi....Don't get me wrong, I like an occasional yoga class for the stress relief and the beautiful, calming atmosphere. But I would choose sweating it out in a spin class with loud club music blasting in my ears any day. Apparently I like torture.

- I am NOT a work at home type of entrepreneur....I like having somewhere to be in the morning other than my living room. It gives me a sense of purpose. Plus I get totally distracted by Netflix and my cat when I'm at home.

- I am NOT a camper.... Well, sort of...We went every summer with my Dad, I was a girlscout for 10 years, I camped with my friends, I was the camping queen when I was younger! And they are some of my absolute best memories in life. I can still rough it with the best of them, still love hiking, love being outdoors and I can put up a tent like a pro! But after a long day of hiking I like a nice pair of clean sheets and a cocktail. Kill me.

- I am NOT the mom type.... I have some fabulous kids in my life. My godchildren are amazing and I would do anything for them, my friends have the cutest kids ever and I hope to be an auntie one day. (Hint, hint Liz) But I have never had the urge. I think having kids is one of the biggest decisions you can make and I admire the hell out of all of the wonderful mommies in my life. But I just don't think it's for me and I'm ok with that.

- I am also NOT: 

a movie watcher
a concert goer
a fashionista
a football fan
a 9 to 5er
a meat eater
a cook
a workaholic
a crazy Disney fan

The best part of this exercise is that I know I can change my mind at any time. I know that some of these things will change over time. Because that is what we get to do as humans, we get to change our mind! We get to grow and constantly evolve! Who we are, or aren't, may change tomorrow. So I am going to try and sit back, relax and be ok with where I am right now, at this very moment.

Let Life Do Its Thing

I saw this quote today and it got me thinking...

I believe that if your business is created from a place of love, passion, drive and intuition that it WILL start to create your ideal life for you, all on its own. If you are clear about what you want to achieve, clear about your desires and what you want your life to look like, the universe will show up for you every time, and so will your business.

I spend so much time sending out emails, promotions, social media posts, updating our Pinterest page and so much more. And many times I don't know if half this stuff is even making a difference! Are people seeing these posts? What do they think? Do they even care?!  You can go insane trying to figure out the answers.

But many times a customer will come in and mention our Facebook page or how much they enjoy our emails. It always seems like a little reminder from the universe..."Don't worry, I'm making things happen. Even if you can't always see it."

You can't control how your ideal life will unfold but you can trust in the order of things. Trust that if you are living your passion every day, running a business or working in a career that you love, things will happen as they need to. Sometimes we get so caught up in worrying that things aren't working out that we try to force that next big sale or freak out about what our next social media post should be....Twitter, Facebook or Instagram?!?!

Remember to sit back once in a while, look at this beautiful life you are creating and let things happen all on their own. Sometimes the best thing we can do is let life do its thing.




Picture courtesy of Hiro Boga (www.hiroboga.com)

I Believe, I Receive

A customer came into the shop yesterday and asked the usual questions that we get on a daily basis..."Are you new?", "How long have you been open?" and "How has business been?" I enjoy telling people that we are new and how supportive the community has been and how excited we are to be here! But then she said something that caught me off guard and sort of upset me...she said, "Well, I sure hope you stay in business. Opening a business is kind of a crazy thing to do these days."

At first I was very upset by this comment. She doesn't have any idea what my business is about or how I am doing financially and yet, she assumed we were probably struggling. However, when I thought about it for a while I realized that she was just projecting her own fears on to me. This happens A LOT when you decide to do something big and crazy and scary. 

When I was opening my store I had to check in with myself constantly to make sure I wasn't getting down on myself or letting my fears get the best of me. It's a tough thing to keep yourself motivated! 

So I thought I would share my tips for staying positive, motivated and facing fears head on!

TOP 5 TIPS 

1. Don't Listen To Others

When you make the decision to live your crazy, fantastic, wild dream...EVERYONE is going to have something to say. And unless they have lived your dream before or have done something very similar, then don't take anything anyone says to heart. They haven't been there OR done that so they really can't talk, even if they mean well and just have your best interest at heart.

2. DO Listen To Someone Who Has Done What You're Doing

Find someone who HAS done what you are attempting to do, or at least something similar. They will have advice and words of wisdom that are actually relevant. 

3. Make Up An Affirmation

My personal affirmation is, "I believe, I receive." I say this all the time to myself. Whenever I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it just helps me remember that I believe in myself and my dream. Make one up or find one that really resonates with you, one that you can really believe in. 

4. Read Your Way To Motivation

Read stories, autobiographies, blogs, etc. of inspiring people. It is so motivating to hear how other people have faced their fears and followed their dreams. 

5. Fake It 'Till You Make It!

People are going to question your every move and ask tons of questions when you start telling them what your plans are...so act like you know what you're talking about! You're never going to have all the answers but you can fake it until you DO know the answers. Act confident and people will start to believe in you...and probably start to really admire you for being so ballsy.

Hello Brick & Mortar

I have always been on the move. I have changed careers multiple times, traveled a good portion of the world, lived in another country and I have an ever-growing bucket list that never ends. I used to think it was because I got bored easily, but now I like to think of it as a constant curiosity. There is so much to do, see, eat, talk about, create and experience in this world...how could I only do one thing for my entire life?!

When I moved home after a year away of traveling I needed a job. It was 2007, not a friendly year for the economy or job market, so I took the best thing offered to me which was a retail assistant manager position. Retail was something that I had left behind and said I would never go back to. Yet here I was.

The job was for a large gift/art gallery that sold handmade goods from local artists. I told myself I would stay a year while I was deciding what I really wanted to do. 5 years later I was head store manager, with a staff of 6 people.

That job turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. Being store manager gave me a new sense of confidence and working for a mom & pop shop gave me a new appreciation for shopping local and owing your own business. I also loved the creative outlet I was afforded by working in the handmade/indie art scene. When the owner decided that, after 20 years in business, she was going to close the doors, I knew which path I would follow.

4 months later I was opening the doors of my very own shop. It has been the hardest, and most rewarding, experience of my life so far.  I am constantly amazed by how the universe works and where it takes us. I consider this the next step on my journey and am excited to see where it will lead next. Because you know me...always on the move!

Artwork by Emily McDowell @ www.EmilyMcdowell.com (Her stuff is rad, check it out)

Celebrate Today

Today should have been a bad day.

I am sitting in my shop and there have been no sales...not. one. customer.

My family has been going through some pretty heavy stuff that is weighing on my heart.

My car needs new tires.

UGH, right??!

But then I opened up an email...

It was from a former customer of mine, who had previously purchased some small angel wing necklaces that I had made, asking me if I would be willing to donate 26 of these same necklaces to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation, in honor of the 26 children who lost their lives in the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy. The CVH Foundation is raising money to build an animal shelter in memory of 6 year old Catherine Hubbard, one of the Sandy Hook victims, who dearly loved all living creatures.

There it was. My  special reason to celebrate today.

I could have sat in my store and felt sorry for myself and my bank account... but instead it was a fabulous day. A day to be celebrated, a day to enjoy, a day to be happy. There is always a reason to celebrate each and every day, you just have to find it.

Live beautifully,