Focusing in on 2014

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You know those moments when you know that you have so much to say but you cannot quite find the words that will do it justice? That is totally the spot that I am in. I have been quite reflective the last couple of months. I have spent a lot of time evaluating this past year, my relationships, where my heart is at, how much I have to really give of myself. I am a planner. I like to have goals, things that I am working on, working towards. So when asked what I am striving for in 2014, I have a lot on my mind and not sure how to say it.

I live my life without regrets. I share a majority of the good (not always the bad but I haven’t really had much bad in the past couple of years) with all of you whether it is through the blog or Instagram. I share my heart, my thoughts, my life and I am open and answer questions honestly when asked. My life is far from perfect but I am really HAPPY! It truly fills my heart knowing that people resonate with me, that they connect with what I am going through. Being able to connect with people over every day life, our fitness journeys, dating ups and downs and any other random thing is truly rewarding for me.  I definitely struggle at times with what I share publically. I try to keep it real but I have learned that there are certain things that I need to keep guarded and fiercely close to me (my love life being one of them).

I have met some incredible people this year. I continue to be very purposeful in who I let in, whom I become close with. I have found that surrounding myself with people that challenge me to be better while loving me unconditionally is the best. I am beyond blessed that I am able to cultivate these relationships and pray that they feel the same about me.

I’ve also met some awful people. I have seen the worst in others. I have learned that people are not always who they say that they are. I have been pushed to my limit, been tested and let go of a lot. It is hard. Painful. Humbling.  It also made me stronger, wiser and in the weirdest way more trusting and loving. I learned how powerful the heart is. I am so proud that I am continually getting better when I could let these things make me bitter.

It’s been over two years since I decided to change my life, lose some weight and incorporate fitness into my every day routine.  It has been such a rewarding journey. I still have not met my ultimate weight loss goal but I am healthy (like cleared of so many issues healthy), fit and happy. I have a work out partner, accountability and use my workouts to relieve stress. It is an amazing outlet and I am beyond thankful for all of the support.

My professional life really came together at the end of 2013. I am involved in some incredible projects. I have been given more responsibility with Pollinate Media and I am so excited with my future with this company. I also got back into Fashion and began selling Stella and Dot jewelry, which I love doing. I am consulting for a non-profit, giving back and that feels incredible. And I still have this blog and se some exciting things happening here. I am busy, striving and still have freedom to just live.

With that said, let's summarize the last two years. In 2012 I made A LOT of changes in my life. I focused on me for the first time ever. 2013 was all about maintaining changes, cultivating relationships and having a lot of fun. I set many goals and I accomplished most of them. Although after May I think I completely forgot what they were. (You can read last year's post here). 2014 feels like it is going to be my break out year. Instead of sharing goals and setting New Years resolutions, I am going to share a word that will describe where my focus will be in my personal life, professional life and my physical/fitness journey. 

Personal 

My word for my personal life is Purposeful.

I want to be purposeful in the decisions that I make, the people I let into my life, the relationships I cultivate and how much I give of myself.

Professional

My word for my professional life is Balance.

My professional life is made up of four "jobs" that I truly love! It has taken a couple years to get to the place but it has all come together. I need to stay balanced in my time management, in the way that I think (business minded vs. entrepreneurial spirit) and with the projects I take on.

Physical/Fitness Journey

My word for my physical/fitness journey is Disciplined.

My fitness journey really is a habit at this point. I work out for my mental health just as much as my physical health. I work out 4-5 times a week, I lift, I seek appropriate counsel when I hit a plateau or need motivation but I would never call myself disciplined in this area. I need to hone in on my diet, really tailor my work outs for definition and stay focused on my ultimate goal.

 Whatever you decide to do in 2014, I wish you all of the best! I am so thankful for all of you that care, follow along and pretend that my life is way more interesting than it really is! ;) Haha.

Let's go out and make the most of the time we are given! Choose to be happy, fight for what you love and never settle!

An Evening with The Land of Nod

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Land of Nod, but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NODinCA   http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO


Last week I had the chance to check out The Land of Nod's newest store at South Coast Plaza. I am in love. To quote myself and to use my hash tag from the party I attended, #landofnodisNOTjustforkids. I mean, to be technical, it is for kids BUT they have a lot of covetable pieces for us grown ups! The store is beautiful, merchandised to perfection (remember I have a BA in merchandising and years of experience in retail) and did an incredible job of telling a story whether is be with color, print or texture!

 The amazing backdrop to the cash wrap!

 So many cool lamp bases and shades. ANYONE could find something for their home!

 I am a color coding FREAK when it comes to office supplies and organizing them. There are so many storage options it made my head spin!

This garland was SO cute and fun. Especially in this color combo!

I mentioned in this post that I am working on creating my home office and I planned on being practical and was going to pick up the shelves and pin boards. Welllll.... I changed my mind. Kind of. I ended up buying a sequin pillow and ordered (you can see it here) a gunmetal large "M". Totally frivolous BUT will help complete the vision I have for my office. I also TOTALLY plan to still buy the practical items too! I can't pass those up!

 This may be a room for a "little girl" but I would be more than happy to have that mirror, chandelier, lamp and even the star garland in my "grown up" room. I even picked up my sequin pillow from this set up. 

 This Pillow? AMAZING. I am so obsessed.

 I think I forgot to mention that there was a photo booth. Here is the Pollinate Media team minus a couple who work out of state. We are fun! And I am blessed!

I hope I have you convinced that you don't have to have kids to shop at The Land of Nod. In fact, you must check out the South Coast Plaza store (it is on the third floor of the Crystal Court side) if you are local since it is now open. No store near you? Feel free to shop online and STALK their social media pages. No one will judge you! Promise!

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OR check them out on my favorite form of social media, Instagram!
Speaking of IG... have you followed me yet? No? Go, please!

Hello and Inspiration from an Unexpected Place

Hi! Hey! Hello!

It has been so long, my friends! Life has been busy, busy, busy! Busy in a GREAT way, no complaints! While I have been radio silent on the blog, I plan to change that, I have still been super active on Instagram (@FashionistaMMC). I Hope that you follow me over there to see what I have been up to. I am kind of having a huge love affair with Insta because it is quick and easy. I love the little snippets and people are so creative with their picture taking. If you have been following along you will know that I have still been working out a ton, I attended a music festival, spent time with my family, had a birthday and most recently officiated my first wedding! On top of that I have been working on three major projects that help me pay the bills. All fun and creative! I have been so blessed lately. Or always! Haha.

At the beginning of the year I talked about how I really wanted to start decorating my house and making it my home. It is an expensive project that I know is going to take time to do. The first room I am focusing on is my office. Now that I work from home my bed, I thought it would be more productive to set up a space where I can spread out my work, create inspiration boards and use that space creatively. Now that my work is picking up the need for this space is a must. So I have been seeking out pieces and details that are well made, stylish and at a great price. My sister actually suggested that I look beyond the "usual" places and check out some stores that are focused on children, like Land of Nod. Then coincidentally the company I work for let me know that they are opening a store at South Coast Plaza (15 miles from where I live) and invited me to the opening party on May 30. The store's Grand Opening is on May 31 and they will be doing giveaways ALL day. I am letting you know so that you don't miss out! If you don't live in the OC then you definitely need to hop on their website and check out what you can buy that will work in your home.

I went online to see what I could buy for my office. I headed straight to the shelving and decor section because I know that I need and want decor for my very plain walls! I was so excited to find the Straight and Narrow Book Ledge because I have been dying to have them after seeing so many ideas on Pinterest. Then I saw that they had the Straight and Narrow Cork Rail that matches up to the shelving units perfectly. I LOVE that idea especially since I am consistently tearing pics out of magazines and it is a place I can pin my random notes and ideas. The best part about these items is that they are not super expensive AND the are incredibly well made. They will allow me to be creative and switch up my design style, since that happens when I get bored. 

 Picture via Land of Nod

Picture via Land of Nod

While I focused on smaller pieces they have SO MUCH to offer like furniture, bedding and storage; especially if you have kids. I wanted to make you aware of Land of Nod because it was genuinely a place I NEVER would have thought of. I am thankful my sister shared that info with me! I will definitely be picking up the above items at the party and will show you all my office as it comes together!

Thank you so much for sticking with me as I come back from my unannounced and not planned break! I have some really fun posts planned in the next couple weeks. 

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Land of Nod, but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NODinCA   http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

Goals for Pollinate Blog

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to share what my goals for 2013 with the Pollinate Media community. I love being a part of the Pollinate team and was excited to read what each team member was going to share. My post went up last Friday. If you didn't get a chance to check it out, I thought that it would be appropriate to share today, on the last day of 2012!

I hope that you all have an incredible Holiday, that your NYE plans are fun and live up to your expectations and that you are excited to ring in a new year!

Be Safe! 
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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When I was asked what my goals for 2013 were, I was kind of stumped. You see 2012 has been an EPIC year for me. I have been pushed, stretched and have grown in ways that I never thought possible. Knowing that I made so many changes, it is hard to plan for the future. Looking ahead to 2013 the only thing I truly know is that I am excited.

{EXACTLY who I became in 2012}

Being the Type A, somewhat control freak that I am, I LIKE having goals. While I have learned that my plans are not always the best {clearly the Lord's plan always prevails} I still enjoy setting a goal, then CRUSHING it.

I am going to break this down in three parts:
Professional, Personal and the Blog 

PROFESSIONAL
This past year I made the decision to put myself first and not look back on the successful career that I built for myself, then gave up. 
In 2013...

• I want to find myself in a position that I am truly passionate about
• I want to find the perfect balance of living life and working for a living
• I would LOVE to find a job that allows a lot of freedom, creativity and possibly working out of my home

 

PERSONAL

I truly found the most growth in this area in 2012. I have been changed and challenged mentally, physically and emotionally. I am a completely different person than I used to be. It was a TON of hard work. I became a work out fanatic and realized that journey is ALL mental. It was heart wrenching to face some demons that I needed to get rid of. I found myself changing, growing and even ending important relationships in my life.

In 2013...

• I want to lose the last 20 pounds that I wasn't able to lose in 2012
• Continue with my healthy eating, Gluten Free, 4 days a week fitness regimen lifestyle
•  Not be so afraid to really, truly fall in love and know who/what I have while it is right in front of me
• Attend as many Country concerts as I possibly can
• Finish decorating my home; meaning BUY furniture and pieces for my "grown up" condo
• Continue to surround myself with only the best people. People that love, support and lift me up on a daily basis
• Save a good chunk of money
• Never saying NO to anything that will make me happy

 

BLOG
I have been blogging for almost five years. I have seen the growth and all of the changes that the blogging world has undergone. Some of these changes are incredible while others make me cringe. I blog as an outlet, I use it as a journal, I do it for me. I have never taken the step into making my blog a business. I have gone back and forth for years on whether to do so. I have never had advertisers or sponsors. I hate HAVING to blog about something. I am not much of a rule follower. I am afraid of losing my creativity. I don't want every post to be sponsored or care of. This past year I branched out slightly starting my Fashionista Fitness series and I dabbled with the Flirty Thirty series. Both series allowed me to write, share and reach a larger audience. It was SO fulfilling! I LOVE feeling like my little space of the Internet is helping at least one person.
In 2013...

• I want to work on reaching more women through my writing
• I plan to buy a better/nicer/professional camera
• Sharing better quality photos 
• Work on my poses and NOT being scared to branch out on where I take outfit pics of myself
• Getting over feeling like a "narcissist" by always taking pics of myself and promoting the blog
• Actually promote my blog in a more "business-like" way
• Use the URL I bought in early 2012, along with the email/Twitter/Instagram I set up that will streamline my branding
• Be better at interacting with my readers on a more consistent basis

Clearly, once I sat down to write my goals, they came in abundance. I think that this is a great start. I know that 2013 will be just as great, if not greater, than 2012. I fully believe that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to!
Thanks for your encouragement and support as I set out on making 2013 my best year yet!