Where to Find Inspiration When You're in a Creative Slump

Whether its all the life changes, the new projects or just the human feeling of never doing enough, creating enough, being enough, I have found myself in quite the creative slump. This whole last week I could barely muster the desire to shoot anything outside of campaigns and just wasn’t feeling that genius spark like I usually do. Since then, I’ve done some soul searching, lots of crying and talks with Cody (my literal saving grace). In all this I realized a few things. 1) slumps happens 2) make note of your places of support and inspiration 3) give yourself grace to have slumps 4) when you’re ready to overcome them, kick its butt AND take ALL the photos.

Today, I’m sharing with you how I’ve been working through this little slump by browsing inspiring places and interacting with and being inspired by my favorite people - I hope you enjoy!

Pinterest

I’m pretty sure Pinterest is slowly but surely becoming everyone’s favorite platform. Whether you’re looking to get inspired for photos or captions or find what you’ll fill your belly with tonight or the decor you want trimming your home during the holidays- Pinterest got you girl. As a long time user this has been my holy grail for inspiration of all sorts. Recently, as I’ve been learning how to use it more for SEO, outreach and so on, my relationship with it has changed. This past week I said heck it and just went to town pinning away on a private board ideas. From quotes that inspired me to think of a blog post topic or editorial photos I really want to emanate in my next shoot- I’ve started to get the creative juices flowing again.

As simple as that sounds, “I got on Pinterest and it was all ok” * swoon * I know it’s not that simple. When in doubt I look up the following things:

1. Something that brings me joy (example: holiday decorations, cookie recipes, editorial photography)

   While these things don’t always apply to what I shoot or my style, they make me happy and frankly, I think half the battle of getting out of a creative funk is proving to yourself that joy CAN be sparked again. Your creative ideas and love and jump in your heart for more CAN happen. This is kind of like muscle memory training in sports- you gotta get back on the horse.

2. People I admire’s Pins (example: Angie Richardson, Jenna Kutcher, etc.)

   Even though I might be going through a slump, my fellow creatives and role models might not be (or they are and looking to Pinterest for similar inspiration). I see what they’re pinning, try to envision what they must be working on, how creative they are and extrapolating these ideas and projects from images. It kinda makes you think- if you can create a whole photo series idea out of two pins someone you follow pinned you bet your butt you can too. It’s all about igniting that spark.

3. Previous Boards I’ve Made but haven’t visited in a while

   That sophomore year dorm board? Yep, haven’t checked her out in a while. Though this may not feel at all relevant to the current slump it does help to re-visit old ideas, thoughts and creative ideas. Though I might be trying to muster up the creative vision for a photoshoot, looking at DIY projects, prints I wanted to replicate and all the glitter a sorority house bedroom could handle is equally stimulating. A spark is a spark is a spark.

---

Whatever you call these fellow human beings, they are wonderful (well, at least the ones I admire and love on as often as possible). Mostly women, these gals inspire me DAILY to not just create better and push boundaries but to be better. To do more than JUST create a pretty picture. If you don’t already follow along with these ladies, I highly suggest you do - much beautiful and meaningful content to come on your feed ASAP.

Kristle Lauren (@kristlelauren) ALWAYS uplifting and sharing the best things from local bites to beauty products. Her stories bring me joy daily.

Cora Carroll (@coraoliviacarroll) The most gorgeous of adventure and lifestyle photos with as much heart and kindness as I’ve ever seen.

Morgan Harper Nichols (@morganharpernichols) is a one stop shop for soul-filling, heart lifting kindness and grace via her words & beautiful art.

My Skin Care Routine

Despite growing up around women who had very serious skin care routines, I was never one to really worry much about my skin. Besides keeping up with sports-related acne in my teen years I’ve never really had to do much beyond wash and moisturize. However, since I’ve been living in Arizona my skin has absolutely rebelled against the dirt and dry heat. On top of that and learning more about my disposition for skin cancer, I’ve began to learn as much as I can about skin care and very recently began a skin care routine of my own.

---

In comparison to my previous “routine”, I feel like I use a million things when really I don’t. I’ve linked all the products in my arsenal here:

Pink Wreath Headband For 30% off use Code CARA30

Make Up Eraser

Cetaphil Face Wash

Thayer’s Witch Hazel Toner

Pink Wreath Rose Quartz Roller For 30% off use Code CARA30

Mario Badescu Spray

Booster Drops

Cetaphil Mosturiizer

Elf Lip Scrub

---

Once I get all my goodies out and ready to go I follow my routine as can be seen in my IGTV video at @acaracollective!

1. Makeup removal 2. Cleanse 3. Toner and rolling 4. Citrus Spray and rolling 5. Booster Drops and rolling 6. Moisturizer 7. Lip Scrub

How to Style Your Thrifted Treasures

You came, you flipped through every rack and dove in every bin and somehow conquered… but what’s next? Thrifting in and of its-self can be such an exhausting process you might find yourself a little lost on how to style all your new treasures! To fully celebrate #nationalthriftday I’m rounding up some fits in hopes to inspire you on how to style alllll those new finds!

---

I hope you find some inspiration in how I styled some of my favorite thrifted finds! I’d love to see what you find this weekend on #nationalthriftstoreday and how YOU style it! Feel free to leave a comment or DM me! Wishing you the best luck at finding your best finds yet! Happy thrifting!

5 Tips To Remember While You’re Thrifting

Sadly we’re coming to the end of Thrift Week but gosh it’s been so much fun sharing all these tips and tricks with y’all! We’ve already talked about how to prepare for a thrift trip, today we’re diving into tips to remember while you’re sorting through those racks, bins and more! 

---

ONLY BUY QUALITY 

While I love some cheapie type clothing items for DIY projects, thrifting is the time to snag high-end, high-quality items. Not only are they a total steal, they last much longer and will be around for you to love on em much more than a piece from a cheaper brand. Thrifting is a great time to look for well-known and expensive brands for staple items. Even though these pieces will be relatively more expensive- they’re worth it. For example, I purchased a Kenneth Cole winter Coat for less than $40 while thrifting. Granted, this was much more expensive than other $10 or less pieces I was purchasing, but, in looking up the coat online- it retailed for almost $300. Relatively, it became a total win and I can’t wait to wear it this winter. 

GOOGLE 

If you come across a piece or brand you’re curious about, google it. Chances are it's REAL vintage or even a high-end brand you aren’t familiar with. If not, then you’re avoiding snagging something that isn’t going to last you like it should. Additionally, when looking up pieces and brands you can get a better idea if you’re getting a deal on it. I’ve definitely thrifted at a local store where they were selling a dress from Target that was more expensive in the thrift store than Target’s clearance. 

READ LABELS 

When it comes to sizing - ignore these. For real - it sounds a little out there but I mean it. With so many brands, decades and styles of clothing on the racks I PROMISE you the sizing is wonky. If you love something, try it on. There are times I have sized way up and way down from my norm and deciding to try it on let me bring it home to be worn and loved. 

When it comes to washing/drying instructions - be realistic. If you’re not willing to dry clean an item, hand wash it, iron it or something else, don’t waste your time, money or closet space purchasing. Even if it's a steal and you *swear* you’d dry clean it, I typically say pass. Thrift racks change, laundry habits are (mostly) forever. 

THRIFTED ISN’T ALWAYS VINTAGE 

So I’m someone who is plenty happy shopping for both thrifted and vintage pieces. However, I know some folks really do prefer one over the other and certainly deserved to not get duped. While the line between the two can be blurred, I try to think of it this way. You MIGHT find a vintage item in a thrift store but you basically NEVER find a thrifted item in a vintage store. Vintage stores are almost exclusively unique, dated pieces that are not made at all anymore. Thrifted pieces can be a pre-owned dress a gal purchased from Target and was ready to donate. There is absolutely nothing wrong with preferring one over the other, but knowing what you want and making sure you get that is important so make sure you keep the difference in mind while shopping! 

STAPLES

When in doubt, look for staple items. If you LOVE graphic tees focus on those! If you are obsessed with denim and believe in the power of a kickass pair of jeans - focus on that! Buying staple items not only make your trip a success, they help build out a wardrobe you’re going to love much longer than the span of time gifted to a current trend. Win for you and your closet!

---

As always, thank you so much for reading! I hope you found these five tips helpful and if you have any I missed, I’d love to hear them below! Happy Friday and (early) National Thrifting Day!

4 Things to Know Before You Thrift

With this Saturday being National Thrift Day AND the fact that the top requested content I get is more on thrifting, I am spending this WHOLE week’s blogging on her! Now days, thrifting is seen as trendy, sustainable and a whole lot more. Regardless of what motivates you to thrift, there are definitely some do’s and don’ts you learn from trips to countless stores.

I started thrifting in middle school with friends because it was the thing to do. Growing up outside Broad Ripple Village, vintage was always cool and a huge part of the fun and retro art/bar/shopping scene where I lived. To this day I love sifting through the racks of clothes wondering what life they’ve had before I even came along and thinking up a million ways to style pieces that I swear are calling my name. Since my love affair with thrifting began, I’ve shopped all over the US and bought my fair share of both trash and treasure. While some have ended up back in shops, my thrifted pieces are typically my most favorite and cherished items I own.
With all these years of experience and many a #thriftthursdays under my belt, I’m sharing with you 4 major things to know before you head out on your next thrifting adventure.

---

LOCATION 

Before you even step foot into your car to head to your thrift shop, consider what type of area your store is located. What types of retail stores are near it? What are the demographics financially of that area? 

While those answers should not necessarily dissuade you from shopping somewhere, knowing these things can help you better find what you’re looking for. If you thrift at a store surrounded by Wal-Marts, Targets and similar type stores, that is probably going to be a majority of what you will find. If you head somewhere with more high-end stores and folks with higher incomes you are much more likely to come across better and unique items. The richer someone is, the more likely it is they will donate clothes or items they’re ready to move away from on a whim while folks with more modest budgets may only be donating more used and common items. Remember, this is not to say one is better than the other, BUT, if you know you’re looking for particular types of items, this can drastically help you find the best locations to have a thrifting experience of your dreams. 

MAKE A LIST 

While I do a lot of my thrifting just for fun and not really seriously looking for particular items, when I am in need of something specific, I make a list. Not only does this help you save time, it makes sure you use your time wisely. If you’ve thrifted before you know how tiring it can be - there is so much to look at! By snagging your “need” finds first, it leaves your bigger and better spent browsing time to find thrifted treasures. 

GOOGLE 

Before you head to the store, make sure to check the location out online to see if they are having any sales, offer discounts of even have coupons. It might surprise you to know that thrift stores have sales since everything is already so discounted, but they do. Goodwill typically has different color tags 50% off or Saturdays can run similar deals. Saving money, even when things are already inexpensive, is a bonus worth googling. Plus, if you’re checking out them on maps you can peek at some reviews of the location if you’re a first timer there. While some reviews should be taken with a grain of salt I have definitely been steered to locations that better fit my needs just from checking out some online reviews.

GET INSPIRED 

Thankfully we’re in a time of fashion where everything - and I mean everything - is in style. Every decade and style of clothing has their fair shot at being trendy and personally, more than ever, I think the style has really evolved into allowing ANYONE to style ANYTHING how they want. If you are looking to stay “on trend” but feel so lost when you get into a shop, pop on Pinterest, Instagram or your favorite shop and screenshot, save or add to your cart the items you love. When you’re shopping, refer back and be willing to big-picture that piece. By this I mean the following: On Instagram my very favorite influencers have been ROCKING long, button-up, flowy “teacher” skirts. When I headed out to thrift last week, I made sure I saved a few Grams and looked through the skirts. While I didn’t find her exact skirt fresh off of LuLu’s I found a very cute blue skirt I adore (see below). A huge part of thrifting is seeing the potential in an item. I promise you, a lot of pieces you might find are not exactly what you envision when you are looking to recreate a trend or look you’ve seen. It takes a lot of vision, creativity and big-picture moments to be happy with your pieces. When you can do this though, I swear you will reach thrifting nirvana and have way better experiences in store. 

---

I hope these tips will help you take on your next (or first!) thrift trip with more confidence and excitement! If you have any tips you want to add, comment them below! If you liked this post, don’t forget to check out my posts this Friday and Saturday as they will ALL be thrifting related touching on more tips for thrifting and how to style your new finds!

My Favorite Albums on Vinyl

I think a lot of us have moments when we discover some aspect of culture from another time period we *really* wish we had been alive for. For me, that’s basically the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Granted, there was a ton of BS going on in those decades I’m not a fan of BUT I have such a special place in my heart for music from those times. 

During those decades in particular, vinyl was really the way to go for personal music listening (actually, I think for a while it may have been the only way to go). With today being National Vinyl Record Day, I’ve rounded up a few albums from these years and more I wish I could have listened to first hand right on our family record player. If you don’t happen to own all these (a dream honestly) I’ve linked them as well as also compiled them onto a Spotify playlist embedded at the very end of this post!

Gallery Block

These are example images. Double-click here to replace these images with your own content. Learn more

This is by no means an exhaustive list but it certainly hits on my very favorites. If you have any you think ought to be on here please let me know - I’m always down for discovering new music! I hope you enjoyed today’s post and as always, thanks for reading!

National Book Lovers Day

If you can’t tell already I’m a huge fan of celebrating all the things - especially not well known national fill-in-the-blank type things. Today is one of my favorites and I think it serves as an important reminder that some of the best things we can find are waiting for us in the pages of a novel or in the lines of a poem. Today, I’m sharing some ways to celebrate today and hope after reading, you hop offline to do one or a few yourself

Read Your Faves (or find a new one)

Perhaps the most obvious way to celebrate is by spending part of your day with your nose in a favorite for a nice cozy read on the couch. If not today - making a mid-year resolution to take more time for this is also a plus! I know I wasn’t warned that growing up meant having less time to get lost in your favorites because who is free time? I don’t know her.

In case you find yourself looking for a new favorite, I’ve rounded up some of mine right here - all a little different but equally favorites from different parts of my life.

A Farewell To Arms - Ernest Hemmingway

While I haven’t met a Hemingway work I didn’t like, this one is my absolute favorite. A Farewell to Arms is set during the Italian campaign of World War I and is a first-person account of an American in the ambulance corps. The novel describes a love affair between Henry, the American, and an English nurse, Catherine. I personally love this novel because not only is it about one of my favorite historical time periods, its a very real and very raw look at the human experience. And it’s Hemingway so… there’s that. If you want a shorter read, try The Old Man and The Sea.

Harry Potter Series- J.K. Rowling

If you haven’t heard of these books or seen the movies I would say I’m a bit surprised but also impressed because they are literally everywhere. Over the course of all 7 novels, the life of a young wizard - Harry Potter - and his friends at their magical school - Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is followed. Harry’s main struggle throughout is that against the dark wizard- Lord Voldemort. Ultimately the novels carry an overarching theme of good versus evil, the importance of friendship and the power of love. While these are not necessarily a challenging read these are by far my most favorite books from my childhood I still read often now. I think I’ve read the whole series at least 4 or 5 times to date and highly recommend to everyone. Regardless of your interests in what the novels have become, they hold incredibly important themes and messages I truly think has made me and many readers the people we are today.

Bastard Out of Carolina - Dorothy Allison

In college I was an English Lit Minor so naturally I was exposed to some incredible literature. This, by far is one of my favorites. I will warn you it is filled with things worth many a trigger-warnings so, be mindful if you are interested in this read. Allisons’ novel is a semi-autobiography set is South Carolina in the 1950’s. The novel examines gender expectations, mother-child relationships and explores the roles of these in various points of the main characters life. This is an emotional read but it also really examines some topics I think a lot of us don’t think about often. It’s literary genius and a very special, intimate look into the life of someone worth reading.

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis - J.D. Vance

The first time I read this was in my senior capstone course at ASU. I was the only woman in this political science course and had been subjected to quite a bit of things that I can only say have re-solidified my understanding of a continued boys-club essence of my department. Regardless, this was one of our required readings and it nearly made up for everything else. Vance’s memoir recounts his life growing up in Appalachian country, Kentucky in particular, and all of the values and social problems that stem out of that unique place. Beyond Vance’s incredible story of overcoming many of the societal obstacles that come from some of these issues, it was incredibly touching to see familiar qualities and words (like Mawmaw and Pawpaw) that I grew up hearing from my own father. While my dad’s experiences growing up in Appalachia was quite different, many of the values were the same. Additionally, I find this region of the country to be fascinating and one that many don’t know much about, but really ought to.

Beloved - Toni Morison

The “Sixty Million and more” dedication - a reference to the Africans and descendants who died as a result of the Atlantic salve trade - is a fitting glimpse into what power this novel holds. Set after the Civil War, Morison shares the story of Sethe - a former slave - living wither her daughter Denver. While I read this as a required reading in high school, this is one book I think every one needs to read to really begin to understand the true, intergenerational and far-reaching impacts of slavery. Additionally, it’s a powerful story of a mother’s love and the relationship between child and mother.

Note: While I drafted this before her passing on August 6th, I can’t seem to find an author more timely right now. I highly recommend this read and any of her other profound works.

The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now - Meg Jay, PhD.

If you are in college, a recent grad, in your twenties or thirties or the parent/guardian/mentor of someone in their twenties or thirties - you need to read this book. I read this book in preparation on a presentation I co-led for an international sorority convention in 2018. This book could not have come into my life at a better time. It helped me through so much and reminded me of my worth over and over. Essentially, Jay refutes the common phrase that “thirty is the new twenty” by giving evidence - from her life and her patients - that our years in our twenties are by far the most important. Despite this time of our lives being often over-hyped, trivialized and filled with misinformation, this decade is in fact the most defining. The book is set into sections dealing with work, relationships, education and more. If you’re looking for answers, wanting to understand or get a new perspective on what the hell these years are - or could be - I’d highly recommend reading.

Visit a Library

Ok, in all seriousness- when is the last time you stepped foot in a library Not to study or meet a friend between class or in 5th grade for self selected reading? I was also shocked to think i hadn’t gone to a library- something i did all the time as a child - to enjoy books in ages. about a month ago while out shooting, Cody and i stopped in to our local-ish library and got cards. since, we’ve checked out movies and spent time there just enjoying the space and the smell of books (ok, maybe that’s a me thing?).

Pull up the maps app on your phone, find a library and just take some time to walk around, get a library card (hello to free resources, movies, books and more!) and read some books. it’ll do ya some good- I promise.

Volunteer or Donate

If at some point in your life reading and literacy were important to you or inspired you or made you fall in love with something I can guarantee you understand how important sharing the gift and love of reading and literacy is.

However you decide to celebrate today, let me know! I always love talking books and any recommendations from you to find my next favorite are always welcomed! As always, thank you for reading!

June/July Playlist

Somehow we are already over a week into August and I’m not really sure what happened to summer!

Typically I have shared my playlists on Insta every Monday but honestly that was really hard to keep churning out killer playlists, so instead, I will be rounding up my monthly playlists moving forward! This time round I’ve added June AND July since both were shorter mixes.

These are the very songs I’ve jammed to while building and launching my website, blog and biz! I hope you enjoy!

A Month in Review: July 2019

Reflection:

Pt. I - Where I started last month…

I was fully employed, working 40+ hour weeks and spending every other waking moment learning and growing in my brand with just the littlest of inklings I wanted to start my own business. I spent every morning and afternoon with two of the most amazing co-workers I have ever (and may ever) have. I started last month still incredibly sick from my respiratory issues and still too scared to do much about it. June was hectic between work and interviews and finally seeing our friends again. I was exhausted. and excited all wrapped into one.

This time last month I was creeping into my first three weeks of unemployment from a “real” adult job. I was excited to have time off but also scared for when savings would run out. I decided to start a small business (and got it to launch within 30 days of deciding this). I celebrated a lovely 8 months with my sweet Cody and saw some incredible films, stars in Prescott and more.

Pt. II - What’s changed this month is…

I am full time content creating and working from home (for free). I am sleeping in until 10am (at least) most days and spending time late into the nights and early mornings watching films with Cody or working and learning and working. This month I have struggled more mentally. I have gained incredible respect for my parents - both entrepreneurs at some junction in their lives - for getting my first taste at just how hard a business and life and love and friends can be. I have learned and am working on being more patient and not allowing my quick temper and emotions be more important than the people and things I love. I am working hard to let go - truly let go - and find the positives. This month I have slept, and enjoyed and gone out of my comfort zone many a times. I networked with a woman in Target - I made it through a whole fireworks show on the Fourth of July and wore the damn bikini. I have gotten (a little) less sick and am quickly running out of savings - yee haw.

Pt. III - The lessons I have learned over the last 30 days are…

• The first time you do anything you really want to do might suck - do it anyways.

• Ask for help - kindly and often.

• Gimmicks are just that and what really works for 99% of things in life you want to fix gotta be done the old fashioned way - with hard freakin work.

• Investing in yourself is THE most important thing, however, make sure your investments are that - not quick fixes.

• The desire to always learn is extremely powerful and motivational.

• The Marvel movies are incredibly good and I can’t believe I missed out on this until now.

• Find someone who feels like sunshine and stick with them.

• No fight or amount of pride is more important than your relationship with someone.

• Never go to bed angry at your partner - stay up, work it out, even if that means staying up until 3am.

• Authenticity and genuine love for other human beings, their passion and those things that spark a light in them are still the best parts of being human.

• Wear the damn bikini.

• Getting through a lifetime of particular treatment and mindsets to healthier ones is incredibly hard, emotional and tiring.

• I’m not actually sure how any photographers, bloggers, influencers or anyone shoots outside in an Arizona summer without wanting to perish or quit half way through.

• Waking up super stinkin early for amazing treats at a local bakery is 100% worth it.

• Wear. Sunscreen.

• Give what you receive and receive what you give.

Pt. IV - My intentions for the next month are…

• To get a (paying) part time or full time job

• Focus on growing my business organically and authentically with community members

• To spend time on myself NOT working

• To spend phone-free time with Cody, friends and family

• To continue learning in work, business, and personal life

Pt. V - My goals for next month are…

• Work for my first (officially) paying client with CCCo.

• Create and share resources on ACC

• Focus on finding my niche

• Go the gym at least 3 - 4 times a week

• Actually get all my vitamins in for the day

• Start waking up earlier

• Make plans for later in the year to travel

• Make and go to doctors/dentist appointments

Pt. VI- By the end of the month I want to have…

DONE : gone to a doctor and mental health appoint - worked out consistently - seen our new seedlings bloom - supported my friends and sisters starting back in school

FELT: community (online AND offline) - respect for myself, from myself - loved

DISCOVERED: a new halloween decoration - where my tweezers went - a new skill for myself/work

Pt. VII - I will know I have done these things by…

• Receiving regular paychecks// having a work schedule (To get a (paying) part time or full time job)

• Reaching out to and meeting at least 3 new people (Focus on growing my business organically and authentically with community members)

• Set hours for myself M-F and Saturdays (To spend time on myself NOT working)

• Putting my phone away for time together or leaving it in the car/apartment (To spend phone-free time with Cody, friends and family)

• Complete at least two of my online course (To continue learning in work, business, and personal life)

• Adding meet ups and calls to my calendar (Work for my first (officially) paying client with CCCo.)

• Adding 2 resource topics to my writing list in August and assigning them dates to write on my writing days (Create and share resources on ACC)

• Continue to focus on the content I enjoy creating and find resources to help me narrow in my search (Focus on finding my niche)

• By going to the gym and working out - ideally with a buddy! (Go the gym at least 3 - 4 times a week)

• Add taking my vitamins to my morning routine and keeping near the fridge (Actually get all my vitamins in for the day)

• Going to bed at a better time (Start waking up earlier)

• Looking at places to visit when in Denver - making a budget for possible Disney trip in October (Make plans for later in the year to travel)

• Call and schedule appointments no later than the second week of August (Make and go to doctors/dentist appointments)

Pt. VIII - While doing these things, I want to feel like…

I am becoming a better person. I am doing these things because I want and need to and know they will make me better to serve my friends, family and community. I am doing good - all small steps are worthy of celebration. I am only competing against myself and no one else.

Pt. IX - The way I want to show up for this in my actions will look like…

• Being mindful - setting out a time sensitive schedule/to-do list prioritizing these goals and my feelings.

• Excitement - small rewards and moments of reflection to be proud and acknowledge perfectionism I am accustomed to is not normal nor healthy. Any accomplishment is a good one, no matter how big or small.

• Gratitude - saying thank you and relishing the smallest of niceties, favors and assistance.

• Putting who I serve over my ego - choosing to decline collaborations that don’t serve my audience, choosing to spend time with my family and friends for the sake of it and not because of FOMO.

• Sharing - communicating my highs, low, accomplishments and missed marks with my confidants and audience.

Pt. X - Mantras I will think of, display or tell myself to remember these goals are…

• Having a bad day does not mean you have a bad life

• You will make something even better tomorrow

• You can’t fill another persons cup if yours is empty

Pt. XI - The People I Connected With This Month Are…

• My dear sister, Kristen and her partner, Joey. I am so thankful for all of our fun times spent together this past month at the pool, over meals or hilarious board games. Couple friends are fun, but they are the funnest.

• Cody’s High School Friends. As joyous and kind and fun as he is, his friends were no different. I feel so lucky to have a glimpse into the support and love he has had since his time in Arizona started and feel grateful knowing he is loved for all he is and will be by others. They are also all a very fun time.

• My Dad. This has been a tough month of loss and grief and hard work that ebbs and flows and I have felt it - even from thousands of miles away. I am thankful for late night kind words, bearing of real, hard and raw emotions and endless photography advice. I am also thankful Fantasy Football is just around the corner - he will probably kick my butt.

• My Mom. We have found ourselves more alike this month than before and it is both strange and reliving and revealing to be so similar. She has been inspiring and has never lost her ambition and faith. She is always the strong, ambitious, recklessly-loving woman I have always known but phone calls have been extra special this month.

Pt. XII - People I can reach out to this month for support and guidance are…

• Cody. Even though he is my roommate, other half, and best friend I know I need to reach out for support and help more than I do. I know this is something special because of how hard it is for me to ask for help. Support I don’t have to ask for because it is - without hesitation or question - given. I am the luckiest of all for that fact alone.

• College Friends. At an age where networking is making or breaking you I know I need to lean on and reach out to those small and big friendships I made in my short 3 and a half years at ASU.

• My dearest most closest sister friends. Late nights at the Vine for some fun or long chats on the Adelphi couches at the house are long overdue.

• Mentors. While I do not have one professionally at the moment I know I need to find someone with the wisdom and insight and love and push to make me better.

Pt. XIII - The People I Want to Remember to Reach out to Support Them This Month are…

• Home-town best friends. The friendships that haven’t been very active but ought to be are much overdue for some love and life updates.

• Sisters. Either from grief or stubbornness I have not been active within my group of sisters and know during this time (recruitment) all the love, coffee and snacks are helpful. Pop in’s for more than hugs but rather “how are you” “are you sleeping” “can I help?” are much needed and something I wish I had when I was a collegiate.

• My brother. As we have grown up, in many ways we have grown apart. Either from very different personalities or reaction to shared trauma differently in addition to living in different regions and jobs and so on - we don’t really talk. I think in this season of his life - moving to a new state, starting school, starting work and apprenticeship - this is more important than ever to be the big sis again.

Planning

Pt. I - Key Projects for the Month Ahead are…

• Collaborations via ACC

• Creating Relationships and Business with CCCo. Services

• Balancing a PT or FT Job with ACC/CCCo.

Pt. II - The Most Important Thing for Business this Month is…

• Building Relationships with Clients and Community

Pt. III - The Most Important Thing for Personal this Month is…

• Undistracted, intentional and committed time with friends, family and peers.

Pt. IV - What needs to go in the parking lot is…

• Finishing all TBC Courses this month

• Searching for where we are moving in 2020/2021

Note: The template for my monthly reviews is from the lovely blogger, Sarah Kathleen Peck. You can check her and her wonderful writing out here (I highly recommend).

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Happy National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day! I don’t know about you - but I LOVE a yummy, old fashioned, warm chocolate chip cookie. No matter the season or the reason, baking in our lil kitchen has to be one of my fave things Cody and I do together. To celebrate we snagged our favorite recipe and lots and lots of chocolate chips! In spirit of today, I’m sharing our chocolate chip cookie recipe below along with some other super yummy one’s I’m dying to try!

The recipe I’ll be sharing is a quick, no-chill recipe- because when you want cookies you don’t wanna wait for them to chill. Additionally, these are for a small batch since we made them on the fly in hopes of properly celebrating the holiday. If it were up to me, I’d try these 2 Day Chocolate Chip Cookies- but we couldn’t wait that long today.

(Small Batch) Chocolate Chip Cookies

Time: 20 Minutes

Ingredients:

2/3 cup all-purpose flower

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter - melted

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp white sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg yolk

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1) Preheat your oven to 350 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2) Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt.

3) In a separate bowl, whisk together the butter and sugars. Add egg yolk and vanilla and mix until well combined. Stir in the flour slowly until it is mixed properly. Fold in chocolate chips.

4) Scoop dough into hands and roll into balls (about 2 ounces), then place onto baking sheet.

5) OPTIONAL: add additional chocolate chips on top of cookie for extra chocolate and pretty cookies.

6) Bake between 9 to 12 minutes until the cookies are to your desired color and texture.

7) Cool and enjoy!

I hope you enjoyed this post and are now enjoying some yummy cookies of your own!

Happee Birthdae Harry: a Saturday Celebrating with Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop

Two things I love more than just about anything are sweet treats and Harry Potter. Luckily, this past Saturday Arizona’s own Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop combined the two in one of their famous, over-the top, squeal-worthy theme days. While their darling bakery is, in its own right, gorgeous with yummy treats and wonderful service, Saturday was extra magical.

With Harry Potters upcoming Birthday on the 31st, there was plenty to celebrate Saturday, even if it was very early. Set to to open at 8am Cody and I woke up around 6:30 and arrived by 7:15 because we’d been eyeing their teased menu on Instagram all week. While we did have to wait in line for a while there was water and coffee provided with pop-ins of info from the incredibly kind employees. Come a little after 8am with doors open, walking into the preciously decorated shop was worth the wait.

Beyond the gorgeous Honeydukes-esque candies and treats lining their shelves, floating candles and wizarding music playing, their sweet treats behind the counter were gorgeous. Peering them all down was easily the equivalent to what getting your Hogwarts letter must feel like.

I wish we could have bought every item available, because oh my word they were what dreams are made of and equally delicious. We decided on the treats shown below: sorting hat macaroon, cauldron cake, Hogwarts letter cookie, happee birthdae cake, Ravenclaw pumpkin pasty, and a Harry Potter donut alongside our Butterbeer and Polyjuice potion..

After making our picks, we headed home to sample our treats with our favorite Potter films.

I can can honestly say there was not a single treat I didn’t like. Each was so special and delicious and it was clear a great deal of love and attention to detail was put in each item. I did particularly enjoy the cauldron cakes as they were of a peanut butter flavored (our favorite) but the cookies and macaroons were also wonderful.

The drinks were an extra special touch - funny enough Cody and I ended up liking the others drink better and halfway through switched. The Butterbeer was similar to a delicious butterscotch frappe- something Starbucks really ought to consider bringing out this fall if you ask me. the Polyjuice potion was like a pop rocks infused cherry 7up which was both so fun and refreshing on such a hot day.

Today, I think I’m still on a sugar high BUT am so excited for the other theme days Sweet Dee’s has coming up including their Halloween days, The Nightmare Before Christmas Day and a Wes Anderson Day. The treats and staff knocked it out of the water and now more than even Cody and I are so inspired to make some magical treats of our own in the meantime. Though these Harry Potter treats were a one day event I highly recommend checking them out if you find yourself in Scottsdale and be sure to attend next year! If you’re anything like me, I’m already counting down to their Halloween days and I hope to see you there.

Mega Babe with Mega Wisdom

If you’re a fan of the fashion industry, better yet the diversification needing to happen in the industry or use Mega Babe, chances are you probably have heard of Katie Sturino.

Katie is a well known entrepreneur, creator of Mega Babe and an accessible and diverse fashion advocate. I personally stumbled across her through Instagram and have stuck following along with her since. She keeps it real, has precious pups and is a kick ass boss babe- win, win, win.

In her Insta stories a few weeks ago she shared some snippets from a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar. In the screen shot, she captured a quote from the article. When asked why she doesn’t like the word flattering, she responded:

“I don't like the word flattering. I've heard it so many times ("It wasn't very flattering on you"). You hear that a lot, and it's annoying because you're standing there and you love it. And what is flattering, anyway? Flattering, I think, means small, thin. I understand that it is pretty much what people have to cling to and to understand if something looks good or not, but as we go forward, I would like to find other ways we can talk about what we're wearing.”

Cue my mind being blown. I like to think that I’m constantly learning and changing but this concept hit me like a freakin train. Regardless of your size or gender you’ve probably had an exchange with “flattery” - I know I have. From growing up as a chubby girl to being curvy as a woman the “flattery”maneuver worms its way into our lives and minds quite quickly.

This quote here has stopped me in my tracks and made me think of all the times it had been used in that exact scenario- I love something but I see the person I’m shopping with and they look… not pleased? Grossed out? The list goes on but then comes the “Maybe there is something more flattering for you”. It’s like code for body shaming, a reminder your body is seen as less than or that maybe you’re a little naive for thinking someone like you could even try to pull that off. After getting pretty sad in some of my childhood body-shaming trauma I called bullshit on it. Yes- this was a huge part of my childhood and even my adult life but actually having the word to hold on to that’s done so much damage- it felt good. It feels good. In fact, it served as a mental check on how the words and phrases I use towards myself and others matter.

Flattery, like most one-size-fits-all body shaming phrases doesn’t leave many people with much but guilt, shame and all over icky feelings. Like Katie says, the phrase flattering is a way to understand “if something looks good or not” but, as she also mentions, I’ve challenged myself to think and actively change how I talk about what I’m wearing. For example, previously I may have said my jeans looked unflattering on me. In reality- unflattering meant it squeezed on my tummy, stretched tight across my thighs and as always were way too stinkin long for my short legs. Those jeans were not unflattering - they showed my body. Parts of them were not functional or the look I was going for- but why not just say that?

I challenge you to try on some clothes, look at yourself in what you’re wearing or want to wear and get past the bullshit construct of “flattering”. Clothes can be comfy, uncomfy, not practical, super fun, too long, too small, too big, not the color you wanted- but they aren’t unflattering. When you’re done that, I highly recommend checking out the interview and her page- we all needs a few more inspirational women in our lives!

How to Hack Your To Do List

As someone who is constantly the overachieving perfectionist I, like many folks in this category, get burnt out and disappointed- fast. No matter how many things I check off my list for the day or how much time I spent with friends and family (read: the stuff that actually matters) it is never enough.

When I was scrolling through Pinterest late at night recently I came across this quote and it really got me thinking. What if everyday I do wake up and do all that I can? What if I have always been doing that? If so- isn’t that enough? Even if I just do my top three most important tasks - isn’t that enough?

The answer is yes- it is enough. In fact, doing all that you can is more than enough. What isn’t as simple as that is rewiring that brain and body to realize it too. At so many points of my life I have made to-do lists as long as CVS receipts determined to get them all done. Even when I accomplish half of it- I have this overwhelming feeling of guilt and get caught in a mental go-round of “I’m a sucky human”. Recently, this has really been getting me down, but, with the help of more reasonable to do lists and the support of my partner, my day’s have gotten not only more productive BUT are filled with reminders that waking up and doing all that you can IS enough.

1. Make Your List (then edit the heck out of it)

   When I typically make my to do list’s they are everything and tend to look something like a cvs receipt. In reality, this helps me jot all my thoughts down but ends up making me feel like poop at the end of the day. Taking the advice of our Lord and Savior Jenna Kutcher, I have started to prioritize this list so my to-do looks a little more like a top three.

   Not only is this prettier- giving me the creative time I crave- it also makes me take a hold of the reigns and get it together. At the end of the day when I tackle these Top Three (doing the one I hate the most first) I feel SO accomplished.

2. Time Yourself

   While adding the time frame can be a lil extra and possibly anxiety inducing depending on the human, it helps me chunk out time. If I give myself 30 minutes to separate laundry and throw it in the wash, its pretty likely I will actually do it (and not get caught up on Snapchat) A plus is that logically I can do math and see I do not, in fact, have 40+ hours in a day so my tasks must be in a certain time frame. I especially like timing tasks as a mini competition with myself. Given my competitive and perfectionist nature, putting myself on the clock to execute a task, no matter how boring or awful, I haul ass to get it done- house chores will never be the same once you establish a PR.

3. Pass the Buck

   When you’re looking at your to-do list, how much of it is really yours to bear? I get it- I’m the one between my partner and I that gets emotional and competitive when the other picks up a chore I was going to get around to. I mean seriously- is everything you are putting on your plate really supposed to be yours? The answer is probably not. Sister, you were not meant to be Atlas. Look at that list and see what can be outsourced. A key part of folks like us getting ok with not being gunners 24/7 is asking for help often and asking for it kindly. It will feel weird but it helps take some stress of and builds relationships (win win!)

4. CELEBRATE!

   In all honestly I totally think full-blown-in-the-mirror affirmations are pretty out there and I certainly am not 100% comfortable with them. HOWEVER, I will say acknowledging your accomplishments in quality and NOT quantity at the end of your day or list makes you feel good! I try to sit down every night or at the end of my to-do list and really take in what all I got done. What seemed like so much got done and taking the time to feel proud and accomplished is essential in re-wiring that brain of yours to be proud and not linger on the things you could also do. There are no gold stars in real life- let it go and be proud that you did the damn thing!!!

Even with all these tricks and tips I still find myself peed off that the day only has 24 hours in it (seriously- so rude!) But, beyond that irritation I have been able to find more pride and worthiness in what I DO manage to accomplish on my list. That’s not to say I don’t struggle sometimes, but, I’m trying- and that’s sort of the point, right? I hope you find these tips and tricks helpful in taking on that to-do list and rewiring your sense of accomplishment- you got this!

I’d love to hear your own tricks and tips in the comments for tackling both the to-do list and the mindset! Thanks for reading!

Yes, YOU Belong Here: Thoughts on a Limiting Mindset & Affirmation YOU Belong

In the human experience there’s a whole mess of things we experience - some joyous, some not so much. From birth to death you’ll probably question your career choice, wonder if you’ll find your partner, be afraid of change (big and small) and a ton of other things. Though not necessarily new to the human experience, as a recent college grad trying to make my way into a profession I don’t have a college education in, I have found myself asking “Do I even belong here? Is it even worth trying with all these other people already doing what I want to do?”.

Now, I could be wrong but I’m going to guess many of y’all have or are thinking these exact same things. Regardless of what you’re worried about belonging to- a profession, a space, a place- that gut wrenching doubt sucks. Asking yourself, "Do I belong here?” or that draining brain game of “Some of those already in have it way more together than me and have accomplished way more than me already... maybe this just isn't even worth it". That mess happens and I’m not really sure if it ever goes away fully. I’ve heard age, and grace and gratitude helps but hey, we’re human.

While I certainly would love to give y’all all the answers and fixes to get rid of these thoughts, I can’t. But, I can tell ya a few things that have helped me work through these thoughts and not allow them to effect me as much.

First off, there IS someone out there with more experience, more accolades, better this or that BUT they aren’t you. One of the things my parents made sure I knew growing up was that there WILL be people better than you at something- that’s just how it works! Contrary to many grad school’s and law school’s admittance requirements, you can’t have experience fresh out of the womb and that’s the truth with everything. Now knowing that you won’t be #1 always, think about it like this: in identifying those who are where you want to be you’ve identified your role models, hopefully soon-to-be mentors and friends or peers. In identifying those folks reach out. Whether its in person, over email or DM, chat them up. Even better, try to intern or work with them. The mindset here follows a phrase I’m sure you’ve heard: “you are who you’re friends with” As adults(ish) you are who you surround yourself with; can’t be them? Join them.

Second, YOU being YOU has something someone with more experience or whatever that equivalent is doesn’t. Yeah, you might not know excel- something I think 99% of people lie about on their resume- but your life experiences, demeanor (read: the stuff that makes you YOU) is what will land that sale, a chat with the founder, you busting your butt to pass the professional exam. What you have to offer as a human being is worthy and something years in a position or field won’t get you. Who you are, what YOU offer- the world needs.

While not so much a mindset to overcome these thoughts, I like to throw some logic at myself. When I get into these spirals I check in (sometimes out loud, because why not). I remind myself, “If you fail, it wasn’t meant to be. BUT you’ll still have learned something - probably a whole lot of somethings” I try to think about how failure is the biggest motivator and teacher. For example, up until October 2018 I was dead set on going to Law School. After bombing the LSAT I decided to take time off to actually evaluate my life. All through college I excelled and did all the things. I was cut-throat-sleep-10-hours-a-week ambitious and truth be told it was killing me. I was emotionally traumatized and spent a lot of what I had emotionally in an organization that didn’t serve me mentally. I knew if I kept on with Law School, deep deep down, I’d burn out in .25 seconds. So, with a big ole failure and kissing goodbye to amazing schools I learned a hell of a lot about myself. I started only spending time with the people I loved and made me feel good, stopped stressing over an organization that big-picture didn’t matter and discovered how much I loved being creative. Failing at Law School was the best failure I’ve ever had and I’m thankful.

Ultimately y’all we’re going to think these things- we’re human freakin beings. We are complex, feel things deeply and have to work hard to escape the way success and worth has been defined previously. At the end of things, I hope the next time you get on this spiral you know this: someone might be “better” than you but they aren’t you and that’s your gift the world needs. Even if you fail, you’re going to learn all the things - skills and soul. YOU do belong wherever “here” is and that limiting mindset got nothin on you.

I’d love to know how and what y’all are experiencing with limiting mindsets and how you tackle it in the comments! Thank you for reading!

Creative Keepers

As someone who lives for organization and creative outlets each one of these little creative keepers helps me stay on top of things and have some fun. While it may have taken a few breakdowns post grad to realize how important a creative outlet was for me, this realization and utilization of these goodies has really helped me thrive. 

One. Staedtler Pens

As part of a graduation gift these amazing pens have helped me stay organized and make doodling even more fun! All 20 colors make color coding my personal and work to-do lists a breeze and super stinkin cute. These also have become my favorite to use in my planner and with my content doodles and sketches. 

Two. Kate Spade Daily Deposit Journal 

While I have always loved Kate Spade, my love for the Daily Deposit style journaling is pretty new. Scrolling through blogs I came across Macy McNeely’s Daily Deposit journals and thought I’d try it out for myself. In essence, the Daily Deposit focuses on channeling gratitude and positivity towards yourself, your partner, your faith or just about anything else. Personally, I’ve used this type of journaling to Deposit gratitude, memories and positivity about my partner. I plan on continuing this until about October when we celebrate our anniversary but so far it has served as a really helpful breath of gratitude and positivity everyday I would highly recommend. It’s not until you carve out a moment every day for gratitude you really see how perspective shifting positivity can be internally and in your relationships.

Three. Concept Planner

I’m pretty sure I came out the womb with a planner because I truly can not remember not using one. From the fun Lily planner to sleek Kate Spade, I finally shifted to my current planner. Once I was post grad and realizing I needed more creativity in my life, I wanted to try out bullet journaling. As fun as the doodling seemed, I just did not have the time to do everything I saw on Pinterest and started searching for a more customizable yet blank planner and this was the jackpot. Truly intended for creative project managers, each month is drawn out with completely blank squares and each week has plenty of room for jotting down schedules, goals and still have room for fun doodles. So, I may not have been able to nail it on bullet journaling, I’ve been able to create a modified version that's fun and functional. 

Even though this cutie Kate Spade Bees Knees mug doesn’t hold my schedule, creative pursuits of daily deposits it’s holds my number one motivator and fuel: coffee. I have made progress from my college caffeine addiction, but at least a cup a day (ok… more like three) keeps me sane!

Our Lord & Savior: Pinterest

Like many creatives I try to find inspiration and trends on Pinterest. When getting into blogging and editing and whatever other creative venture is next, I have spent hours of pure joy discovering rad prints, super cute outfits and witty content. Even though I’m always on the lookout for more platforms of pure creativity, Pinterest will always be #1 in my heart. 

Hello 2019!

Here’s to a clean slate, new opportunities & more blessings (even when they’re disguised as struggles)

This year I’m hoping to…

• be more creative

• re-learn (and use) Spanish

• be more intentional

• serve my community

• go abroad

What are your goals???