8.25.17 Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!

I know it's been a while since I've posted, but I have a special version of my Friday Favorites that I want to do next week.  So, I thought I definitely needed to show some love for my favorites this week.

Here's the list of the things that caught my eye and made me swoon throughout this week!

1. CMKreations Ring

My sweet Chihuahua, Louie, passed away July 15.  Growing up, he was the only dog I've ever had and he was absolutely perfect.  My heart has been broken since, and I wanted something to wear everyday that made me feel like he was still with me.  My mom found CMKreations on Etsy and they have the most darling personalized rings ever! Check out CMKreations!

2. Business Boutique by Christy Wright

My husband surprised me last week, by ordering a book for me.  

Number 1, I was surprised that he actually ordered a book for me. 

Number 2, I was surprised that I hadn't heard of this awesome book before! 

"Business Boutique" by Christy Wright is an awesome tool for woman entrepreneurs.  So far, I'm only in Chapter 2 and I'm already in love with this inspiring book!

3. Adidas Tank

So, I will say, this Adidas trend seemed to come out of nowhere, but I am loving it.  Adidas tanks were part of the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and they were selling out like crazy!  I feel like this tank with leggings, or distressed jeans and tennis shoes, are the perfect outfits for going into the Fall season.  

4. Kate Spade Backpack

Another trend that I am loving, and that takes me back to 1999, is the backpack.  Backpacks were so handy, much like fanny packs.  haha!  Kate Spade has a ton of super cute backpack styles right now.  One of my favorites is this Watson Lane Hartley bag in Evergreen.  If you know me, you know I am obsessed with this army green color.  So, of course this one is my favorite!  I foresee a backpack in my near future! 

5.  Pumpkin Spice Tee from Bad Habit Boutique

I am one of those people who may or may not already be decorating their house for Fall, waiting for everything pumpkin spice to come in the stores, and patiently waiting for football, cooler weather, and bonfire nights.  Who else is with  me?!  I absolutely LOVE this adorable tee from Bad Habit Boutique.  Yes, pumpkin spice IS my favorite season!  ;)

6.  Tassel Bookmarks by Painter Designs

I've always loved having a planner.  Even in today's technology driven world, I still love to be able to jot down ideas and my plans for the upcoming weeks.  I created these fun, rose gold, tassel bookmarks as planner accessories, or to save your place in your favorite book.   Check them out on my Etsy shop. 

1.6.17 Friday Favorites

2016 was not an easy year.  I lost my uncle, my grandmother, and my job all in one month.  We lost two very close family friends and my great aunt. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.  My dad had several eye surgeries. In the midst of it all, I started concentrating on my own business and trying to make a living off of doing what I love. I've met some great people and I've loved my experience of being an Etsy seller and trying to blog on a regular basis. However,  I have struggled to stay positive some days. I'm thankful that God has been with me through it all in 2016 and I'm looking forward to see what He has planned for 2017.

Let's kick this New Year off with a new Friday Favorites for 2017!  Here's a look at what caught my eye and made me swoon this week.

1. Alice + Olivia dress

I was in Charlotte this week and this Alice + Olivia dress caught my eye at Neiman Marcus. I love the timeless and classic shape of the dress.  The lipstick and mascara bottles give it a fun retro look. Pair it with some black pumps and it could totally take the place of a little black dress!

2. Mugs at Anthropologie

How cute are these icon mugs at Anthro?!  I saw them at South Park Mall on Thursday and I was so tempted to get them all!  Hey, if I can't have a real French Bulldog or Corgi, at least I could have one on my coffee mug, right?  They even have a typewriter one on their website.  Adorable!

3. Blinc mascara

My mom always gives me the best makeup sets for Christmas! This year, one of the sets was filled with different mascaras. This week was the first time I had used Blinc mascara.  I was pleased with how smooth the wand distributed the mascara.  However, I was totally in shock when I washed my face that evening!  I had no idea the mascara had a tubular effect and wraps each lash with mascara. Therefore, when you wash it off, tubes that look like your eyelashes, come off so easy without tons of black residue. It's the craziest thing! If you haven't tried it, you need to!  Just be aware that it will look like your eyelashes just came off in your washcloth.  I might have had a minor heart attack!  haha!

4. Fresh Sugar 

This Fresh Sugar lip balm kit was also part of my Christmas from my awesome mom. (It's no longer available on Sephora's website, but it might be available at Sephora locations).  There are so many great colors in this kit!  I've never been able to wear very dark shades of lipstick, but there are great sheer shades of pinks and wine colors that layer perfectly.  The Fig color is actually one of my favorites and surprisingly it isn't overly dark!  Plus, it feels like I'm doing my lips a favor with the hydrating and lip protection that's built right in!

5. Messy Bun Beanie Hats

I started seeing these Messy Bun Beanie Hats all over social media before Christmas.  So, I decided to give it a try with my crochet skills. These hats were selling like crazy and I couldn't make them fast enough for people to buy and give as Christmas gifts!   They're super cute and cozy!  The perfect accessory for winter!   Check them out on my Etsy shop!  

6. Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

One of the things I really want to concentrate on this year is skincare.  This year will be a big birthday for me... (I'd rather not discuss that).  But, I feel like I really need to start a great skincare regime.  I got a sample of this Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask and I've been using it a couple of nights a week.  It smells wonderful and I feel like I can really tell a difference in my skin the next day.  My face feels and looks more vibrant and healthy!  You should definitely give it a try!

Friday Favorites 08.26.16

Happy Friday yall!  This week we took a much needed mini vacation with some great friends and headed to the coast.  We spent a long weekend in Florida and stopped to sight see on the way down and on the way back.  This week's Friday Favorites is vacation inspired. ;)  Here are some of my favorite things from our Florida trip!

1. The Conch House 

The Conch House  in St. Augustine, Florida has been one of my favorite beachy restaurants for over 13 years now.  It's like going to the Caribbean without ever leaving the states.  They have a ton of outdoor seating, but my absolute favorite places to sit are the little tiki huts that they have above the marsh.  They all have a great view of the marina and of the St. Augustine lighthouse.  It's a great place to watch for fish, dolphins, and even alligators.  You definitely have to get a pina colada and the calamari.  They will be the best you've ever had!

2.  The Red Pineapple

If you know me, you know about my obsession with pineapples.  So, of course the name of this store made me curious to see what was inside!  This little boutique in downtown St. Augustine is adorable! (Even if I didn't see any pineapples inside).   They have everything from cute clothes, jewelry, home decor, etc.  It's like Anthropologie and a small town boutique collided and made a perfect little store!  Check it out if you're in the area!

3.  Bracelet @ 29 Olives

This boutique in downtown St. Augustine was super cute!  I loved this "Be Brave & Keep Going" bracelet.

4.  Converse

I bought my first pair of Converse in Jacksonville, Florida over 13 years ago.  So, how fitting was it to get another pair while I was there this time?  I actually still have those black Converse and wear them from time to time, but I wanted a gray pair.  I got these at DSW at the St. Johns Town Center.  I think I've worn them everyday since we got back from our trip.  Love them!

5.  Homewood Suites Jacksonville at the St. Johns Town Center

I'm super picky about hotels and this is one of my favorite places to stay in Florida.  It's an awesome location, the hotel staff is amazingly nice, the rooms are clean and spacious, and did I mention the location is great!?  Target, The Cheesecake Factory, PF Changs, Panera, Dillards, Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Louis Vuitton, JoAnns Fabric, Pottery Barn,  DSW, etc are all within walking distance.  It's a shoppers dream!  Literally, any store or restaurant you could ever think of, are all in one location.  Definitely visit the St. Johns Town Center and stay at the Homewood Suites!

6.  Teri Whitner Art - Ornament

On the way back home, we stopped by Charleston, South Carolina and went to the Market. The beautiful handcrafted pottery by Teri Whitner caught my eye.  We came home with these two ornaments, but all of the bowls and platters were amazing!  Check out her etsy shop!  

My Experience with Working for Myself

When you talk to most people and you tell them that you work for yourself, their first reactions are usually:

"Wow!  That's so cool!  It must be so easy!"
"You can just do whatever you want to, when you want to!"
"That must be such a piece of cake."
"I bet you get so much free time!"
"It would be so nice to work for yourself.  Then, you can just be so free!"
"I could get so much housework done if I was just sitting at home everyday!"

The truth is, this hasn't been easy.

Honestly, it was easier working a full time job that I knew that I had to go to Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5:30.  I could (at least attempt to) leave it all there when I left!

It was easier knowing that I had a pay check every week.
It was wonderful having a steady paycheck and not worrying about buying groceries or that cute trendy top.
It was fun going to lunch with coworkers and having more of a "social" life.
It was kinda nice not being at home all the time to see how badly you need to do laundry, mop, cook, etc., on top of trying to run a business out of your home.
It was great to be able to turn your cell phone off and know that you could just "Worry about it at work on Monday."
It was great not having to be "on" 24/7.
There have been sleepless nights and lots of stress.

Now, I'm not at all trying to complain!  I promise!

When I lost my job this April, I was devastated.

I loved my job and I loved what I did.  But, I decided to fall back on what I have always enjoyed doing.  I had a wonderful and supportive family and husband to push me into trying things out on my own.   At first, business seemed decent.  I had a few photo shoots, graphic design gigs, was selling some of my art and jewelry, and had a gallery showing at a local salon.  However, the next couple of months were difficult.  I was spending a lot of time posting online and sharing things to get my name out there.  I was creating things and they weren't selling.  I was spending money on items to make jewelry and then not selling anything to make the money back.  I felt like I was spinning my wheels and getting no where.

I know that when you run your own business, it comes and goes in waves, but friends it is not easy!  It's not easy financially and it's not easy on your self esteem.  You go through a whole feeling of "What is my self worth?"  There has been so much stress and anxiety towards pushing my business, that there have been days that I've had to take a step back and remember that making money and being successful in business is not what life is all about.  This doesn't make me who I am.

I've had to make myself take breaks and take a step back from my work.

Here's what has been working for me to balance everything.

Every morning when I get up, that's my coffee and social media time.  It gives me a chance to wake up and catch up on what's going on in the world.

I've started using a social media calendar in Excel, that helps me gather items and topics and make a set schedule of when to post.

I also started a new, once a week blog post called Friday Favorites.   I take notes while I'm looking through the Internet and also while I'm out and about and that helps me make a faves list for my Friday Favorites.

Every evening, I have to make myself put down my phone and stop liking, following, commenting, etc.  It can easily become an addiction!  Take time for yourself to unwind at the end of the day.   Read a book, the Bible, drink some tea and try to tune out the outside world.



To all of my other photographer, artist, blogger, entrepreneur, girl bosses out there, keep your head up!  We will get through this!  Just remember to make time for yourself and don't get too wrapped up in it all!  We have to remember to keep this fun!  We get one life to live.  Let's not waste it on stress!