tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65146987836385050452024-03-13T01:05:18.149-07:00EnLove with Life{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.comBlogger521125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-62565715510512201222015-08-18T20:23:00.000-07:002015-08-19T07:15:56.231-07:00Stella & Dot Annual Convention: HOOPLA Recap 2015<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dmx0qvRgshkRxoCUvPo7CrxwSX8tsEbr6KXWW168kBv6mfACvVNd5JU4YwpauhjjVpeiq6zK68jw3UhPdaFub5ZZLn36s4cGyRbW1UCczTkJkKTSlB1-mbO_7Ld06ElE2MEEULZqrd6Y/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-08-18+at+6.23.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dmx0qvRgshkRxoCUvPo7CrxwSX8tsEbr6KXWW168kBv6mfACvVNd5JU4YwpauhjjVpeiq6zK68jw3UhPdaFub5ZZLn36s4cGyRbW1UCczTkJkKTSlB1-mbO_7Ld06ElE2MEEULZqrd6Y/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-08-18+at+6.23.59+PM.png" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dXM9sEHXaq29zmgDwmCNagUjJ41bDsg2YYoqHnGsM-g-_3-DxijWa8qQjIW02yPHrVB837IVkmeLNLIwBnIpG6XFIpGjt_l2XmjKNh99cUZFsTI9fTWV-IRumw3EhN2EK3zXsOimJidI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-08-18+at+6.25.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dXM9sEHXaq29zmgDwmCNagUjJ41bDsg2YYoqHnGsM-g-_3-DxijWa8qQjIW02yPHrVB837IVkmeLNLIwBnIpG6XFIpGjt_l2XmjKNh99cUZFsTI9fTWV-IRumw3EhN2EK3zXsOimJidI/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-08-18+at+6.25.08+PM.png" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeKFp3w8KPn7r7FZHHzXean1lpvHthuEgE3JEVhQxc_jWYs6XZwbVo6kOxHKYGBBuTFjX0JLWxQghPdytX5AbNosba1lUCG1HMwfn4jhDo-0iK8vtJOoaI6lizT4k4HsHsCJniUh-LU-a/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-08-18+at+6.24.09+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeKFp3w8KPn7r7FZHHzXean1lpvHthuEgE3JEVhQxc_jWYs6XZwbVo6kOxHKYGBBuTFjX0JLWxQghPdytX5AbNosba1lUCG1HMwfn4jhDo-0iK8vtJOoaI6lizT4k4HsHsCJniUh-LU-a/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-08-18+at+6.24.09+PM.png" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHOYN-1Rq8clmQFUoZz-OL_rveuhnBlurFKCir28dM1YENvr-PgKWhi77GKCEEhcLvYgiJUoK6Wmc8n-iHmpxcv-mKlmYi9jCUA4oWDF1ozFmw72SIJ-jRE2K1D7r_hDWdXNqLN4q95kI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-08-18+at+6.23.33+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHOYN-1Rq8clmQFUoZz-OL_rveuhnBlurFKCir28dM1YENvr-PgKWhi77GKCEEhcLvYgiJUoK6Wmc8n-iHmpxcv-mKlmYi9jCUA4oWDF1ozFmw72SIJ-jRE2K1D7r_hDWdXNqLN4q95kI/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-08-18+at+6.23.33+PM.png" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdGV2VwbE4sXn6G6xepl83vBxg4_qR-JnmKHDjkK2SUx3-EfLCnU_G0AniW8MPifcajxedu-4NBLZzb_JYikwpoEfIYg02m2e1fcoEYNmcqjyxtaYa-UuD5XsU5TCv4pxi0ZSR9826HlC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-08-18+at+6.24.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdGV2VwbE4sXn6G6xepl83vBxg4_qR-JnmKHDjkK2SUx3-EfLCnU_G0AniW8MPifcajxedu-4NBLZzb_JYikwpoEfIYg02m2e1fcoEYNmcqjyxtaYa-UuD5XsU5TCv4pxi0ZSR9826HlC/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-08-18+at+6.24.26+PM.png" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhTJAigF8LV6AuT-rNvbpLK7fF73Om0Fa9uVoS40U-r2aRCQQjng6Ndzi0Uy9qM3wwfqMSHCpbM_Qb_6UgqrOMClPtTdPPdOk9epFcs7Vxx7xzhZ29L7EUjzz7pc62ES5PrNVkqbp8n0N/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-08-18+at+6.24.37+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhTJAigF8LV6AuT-rNvbpLK7fF73Om0Fa9uVoS40U-r2aRCQQjng6Ndzi0Uy9qM3wwfqMSHCpbM_Qb_6UgqrOMClPtTdPPdOk9epFcs7Vxx7xzhZ29L7EUjzz7pc62ES5PrNVkqbp8n0N/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-08-18+at+6.24.37+PM.png" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFCgGC4d-kt2hVpaj9USDH6_8IuJPQFGCtxEgHzydZQ1LrhVdy0sN5v6Gd3rxZ_YxGwEb5mSPRtRQyDQHwWTyXvc4WY3wB1Z7n2k-OfZD3v9BQDVql60eDnNzwqKEGcVsiK6xP2KFrPdQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-08-18+at+6.37.33+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFCgGC4d-kt2hVpaj9USDH6_8IuJPQFGCtxEgHzydZQ1LrhVdy0sN5v6Gd3rxZ_YxGwEb5mSPRtRQyDQHwWTyXvc4WY3wB1Z7n2k-OfZD3v9BQDVql60eDnNzwqKEGcVsiK6xP2KFrPdQ/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-08-18+at+6.37.33+PM.png" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QgArVOpT_-nM1aYsI3FIMiPytWLN6ivL6fhiGRG97vc01uhOElAjX-hisiRaQbm5ebBepBlcJb2a8VxMqZQB4Iph0ka4-XCK1DhDwwVfciWhpMNY1t0xjEojUcMTSSUn1sh4zDPsFZWv/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-08-18+at+6.23.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QgArVOpT_-nM1aYsI3FIMiPytWLN6ivL6fhiGRG97vc01uhOElAjX-hisiRaQbm5ebBepBlcJb2a8VxMqZQB4Iph0ka4-XCK1DhDwwVfciWhpMNY1t0xjEojUcMTSSUn1sh4zDPsFZWv/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-08-18+at+6.23.45+PM.png" /></a><br />
<br />
1. Meeting my up line for the first time; the fabulous Allison!<br />
2. Attending the Directors Meetings with our CEO Jessica Herrin<br />
3. Meeting Jessica for the first time. Basically I couldn't talk. I just kind of shook her hand and stood there smiling. Real cool Tegan.<br />
4. On stage at Directors Day receiving my Heart of Leadership Star Award<br />
5. Kicking off Hoopla with my team of Chic Executive Officers (the CEOs)<br />
6. Walking the fashion show stage at HOOPLA as an Associate Director<br />
7. Meeting our head of design, Blythe Harris, who has the best style ever!<br />
8. Heading to the Directors Cocktail Party with my fellow directors on our team<br />
<br />
So what is HOOPLA? HOOPLA is the annual convention for Stella & Dot Stylists. We receive training, the most amazing life coaching, attend a fashion show to see the new line of product, and dance our hearts out at the best events. This was my first year attending, since last year I was stuck in a three day training for my day job, and let me tell you it was absolutely amazing!<br />
<br />
As a die hard academic, I was totally ready to rock my educational process at this conference with a fresh notebook, and arsenal of pens, and plenty of potassium/bananas in case my hand started to cramp up from all the writing. I was prepared for the training specific to my business; how to identify future stylists, how to train them to be successful, how to talk to people about their style (which often times is very wrapped up in how they feel about themselves in general and can be very emotional), and more. What I wasn't prepared for was the wealth of knowledge I gained about how to live a successful and happy life. I work by day in the STEM fields, and we have lots of trainings. Those trainings, however, are entirely technical. I have never once been to a training that focused on how to create a happier life for myself as part of my JOB. At HOOPLA, I received so much training on how to create goals for my life, how to go out and get what I want, how to see the positive in situations, and how to continue to grow as a person and business leader.<br />
<br />
I wrote down lots of amazing things that have stuck with me since attending, but what I want to share with you now are some of my favorite takeaways from HOOPLA. And to be honest, none of these are really specific to my business. They are just wonderful nuggets that I hope will help you in your life as they have in mine.<br />
<br />
<b>What you focus on is what you create</b><br />
There is a lot of truth to how visualization and other exercises can help you achieve success. Actually creating an image of you reaching that goal and watching it play over and over in your mind really does help you get there. But the opposite of this is true as well; if you focus on the negative things you wish to avoid you will find more of them in your life. As someone who tends to be a bit of a worrier, this was HUGE for me. I need to spend less time focusing on all the things that can go wrong, and focus on all the things that can go right instead.<br />
<br />
<b>You will always have naysayers, but you CHOOSE if they sit in the front seat</b><br />
Our CEO said this very powerful statement during one of her presentations. We've all got people in our lives who think our goals are crazy. "What is this thing you are doing now? You are selling jewelry? Why would you want to do that? Don't you have a degree and a job in engineering? Can't you do something with that?" Ummmm... why would I NOT want to do this? I had a moment when I first signed on to be a stylist where all I was hearing were the naysayers. In fact, I almost gave up that first month because I felt so beat down by it. But you know what, this was something I wanted to do for ME. I needed that time for myself to do something purely because I enjoyed it. It didn't have to make sense to anyone else but me, because it wasn't for any of them. I controlled where those naysayers sat and I took them from the front row and moved them all the way to the back row cheap seats.<br />
<br />
<b>Things aren't going to happen when you choose</b><br />
Ain't that the truth. Something I hear all the time is "now just isn't really a good time for me to do X". Well one thing I have learned over the past year or so is that the universe doesn't provide things at the ideal moment. In fact, I'm trying to think of any time in my life where something has just plopped into my lap and I've been like "oh, that's perfect timing". I signed up to be a stylist when I was overworked and out of energy at my previous day job. I then switched day jobs to a new, fabulous one when I was in labor. Like I was doing the job application when I went to the hospital to have my baby. And then I interviewed for the position (and got it) two weeks after giving birth. Was that the idea moment in time to be doing any of that? Absolutely not. But was it the most perfect job opportunity and am I beyond happy that I pulled my ish together and went for it? You betcha! Things don't happen on our schedule. You have to be ready to just bust out your lady balls and make things happen when the opportunity shows up.<br />
<br />
<b>True leaders don't create more followers, they create more leaders</b><br />
I've worked with several kinds of people in my life, and by far the better of the group are the ones that actually want you to surpass them. They are happy and proud to teach you everything they know so that you can go on to soar and create something beautiful and successful in your own life. They aren't threatened by your success but instead proud of it! The best leaders in the industry are those that rather than ask you to follow them, will give you the tools and training to become your own leader.<br />
<br />
<b>Be open to learning something new</b><br />
The most successful leaders I have seen are the ones that are constantly working to learn. They read books in their spare time to improve their craft. They ask for feedback so they can continue to improve their business processes and approaches. The worst thing you can do in any type of business or industry is remain stagnant and repeat something because it has "always worked before". It is so important to be flexible and willing to try new ideas so that you can continue to grow as business leaders.<br />
<br />
HOOPLA was such an amazing experience for me. I learned a lot about myself and the person I want to be when I grow up (because I refuse to consider myself any version of "old" or "adult"). I also got to meet so many wonderful people in person (finally!) who have impacted my life from afar. I am already looking forward to all the amazing experiences I will have next year. And I can truly say that the experience has made me a better version of myself.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-20771576071188960702015-04-24T18:09:00.000-07:002015-04-24T18:09:53.938-07:00I Only Have Time for Nice People<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvOCOIiJLSngqfWWnuPLLutGX7Zfme58VaDd2u1m-b17A82SPAirWzwPYEO3zuN5XXUgwWyXhGGvLP8ln5BiaTp3gLpMQCrQv0ZwBsAerdLb_itf3V3ZWYg4yKENQ8NkLKFrm1w_o-jEp/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-24+at+4.40.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvOCOIiJLSngqfWWnuPLLutGX7Zfme58VaDd2u1m-b17A82SPAirWzwPYEO3zuN5XXUgwWyXhGGvLP8ln5BiaTp3gLpMQCrQv0ZwBsAerdLb_itf3V3ZWYg4yKENQ8NkLKFrm1w_o-jEp/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-24+at+4.40.04+PM.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">{<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/37788084342887270/" target="_blank">via</a>}</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I am going to start by telling you a story.<br />
<br />
When I was in college, I had a friend who wasn't very nice. She would make fun of people when they weren't around and expect the rest of us to laugh. She would also make fun of you when you were there. At first they seemed like the typical sarcastic comments people make to their friends in jest, but eventually her comments began to take on a sting to them. They were the type of comments that made you feel worse about yourself after spending time with her, rather than better. However, despite this, it was really important to me to maintain this friendship, so I tried to overlook it and make things work. My college program was primarily male dominated, and there weren't a lot of other women to hang out with. She was also part of a larger group of friends that I actually enjoyed spending time with, some of whom are my nearest and dearest now. And finally, she was in my study group, and if you've ever taken a class that challenged you to your core in terms of what you were able to do, you know how valuable a study group can be. So for many reasons I worked hard on to get along with this woman.<br />
<br />
We had one day before a very, very difficult midterm when we were all suppose to meet at the library. We had been working our behinds off trying to prepare for this exam and planned to get one last cram session in before the test started. We were going to pump each other up, help each other with last minute questions, and walk over to the classroom together. I gathered all my things, packed my books and snacks, and waited. And then I waited some more. And no one ever called me.<br />
<br />
Okay, so maybe they decided not to meet? I decided studying by myself was better than nothing and started my walk to the library. We always studied on the second floor, and had a location where magically a table would be available. Tables can be hard to come by, so out of habit I walked that way. Well when I got there, everyone was there, and no one had called me. I couldn't understand what was going on. At first I was shocked, and then I was mad. They had promised to call me. What in the world was going on? I needed to study too. I walked over to them to grab a seat so I could join the cram session. But no one would look at me. When I finally asked what was going on, this woman looked at me and said something along the lines of 'oh we must have forgotten to call you'. But she was using her tone. The one I knew indicated she was 1) lying, and 2) making a joke with the others. They hadn't forgotten to call me. They had purposely not called me. And she was the instigator.<br />
<br />
I tried to ignore it, gather what little pride I had, and pull up a seat anyway. But no one would make room for me to fit, and she made a big deal of ignoring me and engaging everyone (except me) in working on the next problem. I had become an outcast, exactly one hour before one of our largest midterms. I stared at them for a while in disbelief and finally gathered my things to leave. I walked to the testing room alone and took my seat. No one else was there, so I sat alone and cried. I was embarrassed. I was hurt. I was stressed. And I was freaking mad they did this to me RIGHT BEFORE A HUGE TEST! HAVE YOU NO HEART!<br />
<br />
I sat for my exam and I rocked it anyway. I got a really great grade. I found out later the reason she was so mean to me was because I had been having a hard time in the class before our group started studying, and her and the others had helped me. I had then proceeded to score much higher on a previous exam than her, and she was upset. She felt that she deserved the higher score and no longer wanted to help me. She was competitive and she was mean.<br />
<br />
Several weeks passed. I found a new group of extremely nice people who didn't bat an eye when 3/4 of the way into the year I showed up and asked to join their group. They were genuinely nice people. They never said mean things about each other or others. They welcomed me with open arms. And years later this group introduced me to my husband. So in summary, this girl being mean to me actually ended up working out for the best.<br />
<br />
After several weeks had gone by, this girl approached me and said "We aren't ever going to fix our friendship if we don't talk about what happened". I looked at her for a few moments, took a deep breath, and said the most freeing words ever. "Actually, I don't want to be your friend anymore. I'm not mad at you, but you aren't very nice. And I don't need a friend like that". And then I walked away.<br />
<br />
This is a long winded way for me to explain the approach I take to my life now. I only have time of nice people. With so much stress and negativity in the world, I choose to surround myself with people who will support and build me up. And my life has been so much better ever since. And it is with this perspective that when I read the <a href="http://www.scarymommy.com/how-to-lose-facebook-friends/" target="_blank">viral Scary Mommy article</a> when it first hit my Facebook newsfeed a few weeks back that I was appalled. Having surrounded myself with such supportive friendships over the past decade, I had forgotten how mean people can be.<br />
<br />
I find this article nothing more than a way for a group of individuals (the woman who wrote it and those who shared it in support) to tear down other women. For me, there are two distinct components of this article. The first, is that this woman feels that people who participate in direct sales, or multilevel marketing, expect to profit off their friends. Those of us in this industry have varying approaches, just like there are different types of people in any industry, but for me, personally, I have never once expected someone to buy something just because they are my friend. If I am being completely honest, I was actually nervous when I first started that a friend would buy something only because they felt they had to. In truth, I only want them to make a purchase if its for something they truly want. I'm not in the "business" of collecting charitable sales. I am a business woman. I make my income by providing a service. I help people find great jewelry to complete their outfits. If you need my help, great! If not, no problem. Just like if I were a hair dresser or a nail artist or whatever. We can still be friends even if you don't need a hair cut. Or even if you have someone else cut your hair. That's cool too. I think her overall premise that her friends expect to profit off her is misguided. And to be honest, if she really does feel that way, she would be much better served talking to her friends in an open and honest fashion in private to explain how their approach makes her feel. I am sure they would be horrified if she expressed she felt used. And if you truly are friends with someone, you should have the type of relationship where you can talk to them about these things.<br />
<br />
Second, and why this reminded me of my own <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Frienemy" target="_blank">frienemy</a> experience, is the way in which she goes about expressing her discontent. She uses a sarcastic and hurtful tone. She bashes their product. She belittles the friendships and experiences these woman have had from their business. Everything about what she says is aimed to tear them down, make them feel that the world hates them, and to bully. And this is the type of individual I have no time in my life for.<br />
<br />
Being in direct sales is both exciting, rewarding, and hard. It takes making yourself vulnerable the same way it does when anyone opens their own business. You put yourself out there and stand behind a product you believe in; something that has improved your life, and you think will improve the lives of others. I am truly proud of what I do and the way my company has bettered the lives of many woman who have joined. However when I first started, it was difficult to be that vulnerable. Every time you post something, every time you offer your service to someone, you are opening yourself up to rejection. Instead of tearing women down who are putting themselves out there and working hard to create a better life for themselves and their families, we should be lifting them up. Does this mean you have to buy their product? Absolutely not. You should only buy something or host a show if its something you are excited to have in your life too. And I'm confident if you asked any other direct sales individual who has respect for themselves and others, that they would say the same thing.<br />
<br />
I wish we could exist in a world where we worked harder on being nice to one another than making catty, "funny" remarks at others expense. It's easy to watch someone else pounding the pavement and laugh every time they fall, but its much harder to get out there and do it yourself. We should all work hard at creating a more loving world, where we treat each other with kindness and respect and don't tear each other down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-47126906773963823062015-04-15T12:23:00.000-07:002015-04-15T12:23:10.925-07:00Self Reflections<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxIX0qN608qsZ_cM4Fi1b6ugkE8tPm1U5ELjZjWSkC5N3kgdomCBI0eaYIcZoau5kjsNgsEMbY8e4AwJUe8J6g0yhg4Gl0GBQnDoj6shzhle4G1GCAqSKXX1h4XDbmgkeK6Yczr0N8_5R/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-09+at+2.15.38+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxIX0qN608qsZ_cM4Fi1b6ugkE8tPm1U5ELjZjWSkC5N3kgdomCBI0eaYIcZoau5kjsNgsEMbY8e4AwJUe8J6g0yhg4Gl0GBQnDoj6shzhle4G1GCAqSKXX1h4XDbmgkeK6Yczr0N8_5R/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-09+at+2.15.38+PM.png" width="330" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGNsYZFEmBxaj3aL1_JiAB4IHUh0GYqPp2GEjY6QXa2_2KMn9Aods-a6MnH3lCqmoTuP8HwqNsNPf86iMgruezARiOU7GQnB7AE1xrFthh3ACjUz19FYmUcIOWKKAPqG6bARn-V7cuyTE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-09+at+2.15.51+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGNsYZFEmBxaj3aL1_JiAB4IHUh0GYqPp2GEjY6QXa2_2KMn9Aods-a6MnH3lCqmoTuP8HwqNsNPf86iMgruezARiOU7GQnB7AE1xrFthh3ACjUz19FYmUcIOWKKAPqG6bARn-V7cuyTE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-09+at+2.15.51+PM.png" width="330" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiom4Btn8wSyJsMNIBdKewxVGPV4L-RFIqzdtL6z8LuL4n-FC8WFPs-tzb9JP8PL1tPC6rC9AOLy5VolUYHPv2YV2UIWUHxgE8L6CjGWx0qRz4wRHo_yZmETNmiRLbX9zR3tRGqHvcbi0sw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-09+at+2.16.00+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiom4Btn8wSyJsMNIBdKewxVGPV4L-RFIqzdtL6z8LuL4n-FC8WFPs-tzb9JP8PL1tPC6rC9AOLy5VolUYHPv2YV2UIWUHxgE8L6CjGWx0qRz4wRHo_yZmETNmiRLbX9zR3tRGqHvcbi0sw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-09+at+2.16.00+PM.png" width="330" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uQd0S3sFi-5XlBy2YQtQJnVnH8Ss_kWQAEDtAfPu7ep_MUaExG66EwKB5ndvdRgUQbaPglD9O-TzMTNrkhwwRgqxlSLKnBGwGCsmuZrT5STWOriJqyjpMHgjsYc7nCx7ZfVJddt4AUp9/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-09+at+2.16.54+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uQd0S3sFi-5XlBy2YQtQJnVnH8Ss_kWQAEDtAfPu7ep_MUaExG66EwKB5ndvdRgUQbaPglD9O-TzMTNrkhwwRgqxlSLKnBGwGCsmuZrT5STWOriJqyjpMHgjsYc7nCx7ZfVJddt4AUp9/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-09+at+2.16.54+PM.png" width="330" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">All photos via my instagram account (@enlovewithlife)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Maternity leave has been such a gift. I call it that because not everyone is able to afford to take maternity leave. Personally, my employer did not provide any type of short term disability or paid leave for my time off, so Husband and I worked hard to save up the equivalent of three months salary in advance so I could enjoy this time off without stress. So to me, it really has been a gift that we gave ourselves and our baby that I cherish every day.<br />
<br />
It has also been a gift because it has really been a time of reflection for me. Honestly, I have never had this much time off before. From as far back as I can remember I have always been working away, nose to the grindstone, trying to prepare for the future. In high school I was in all advance classes and working reserve college credits so I could "get into a good school". And then in college it was all about learning my craft and building my resume so I could "get the good job". And then after I got my job it was about working as hard as I could to "get the promotion". All of which would eventually lead to a happy life. Now I'm not saying that plan didn't work out. I am happy with where all my hard work has gotten me. But what I will point out is that even on summer vacations I spent my time working to save for school or get job experience, so having three months off with the only focus being enjoying life and time with my family has been absolutely amazing. I have finally caught up on my sleep (ironic, I know), started organizing my house, spent days doing nothing but watching netflix and snuggling my baby and puppy, and really just savored every moment.<br />
<br />
What I have discovered about myself during this time has been invaluable. I am a much different person now than I was a year ago. And even more so than I was two years ago. I think my journey to discovering my authentic self started when I signed up for Stella & Dot. And before you think this is a post that is going to talk about why everyone should join my team (which you all should by the way - it's awesome), this isn't about recruiting. I bring up Stella & Dot because it was the first time I did something just for me, regardless of what I thought I needed to be doing for my day job. See before this, all of my 'extra activities' were things tied to my day job. Volunteering for professional societies, attending networking events, reading research papers, etc. Signing up for Stella & Dot was the first thing I did just for me, and quite honestly because I needed to find something to spend time on that wasn't in any way tied to my day job. It was also my first time working with a group of primarily women. As someone in the STEM field, my day job and college education (heck, even a lot of my high school classes) were primarily full of men. And while I don't mind working with them, I didn't want to allow myself to stand out too much. It may seem silly, but I was scared to wear leopard print, or lipstick, or high heels, or admit that I don't know much about football, because it would highlight that I am different from them. And there seems to be this weird thing where people assume if you enjoy fashion and being girly then that means you can't be good at math and science. Finding an outlet where I am surrounded by strong women encouraged me to start being myself. My true self. And that person enjoys wearing hot pink lipstick and jewelry and leopard.<br />
<br />
It also allowed me to really identify things that I do enjoy, and things that I don't. I am not going to start listing out the things I discovered were causing stress in my life, because I don't want to dwell on that kind of stuff. But I did discover that aside from fashion, I like lazy days with nothing to do but snuggle my family. I like organizing my house and decluttering. I really really enjoy my instagram account. I have so much fun taking pictures. Its such a creative outlet for me. And I love my blog. I love creating a space of the internet that is just mine. And I love cute stationary. I mean, it's not practical - I don't need monogramed thank you cards, but I love them. And I love custom notebooks. And planners. And I love going to the bakery. Not super healthy, but I don't really care.<br />
<br />
It's also allowed me to reevaluate the way I view myself. At one point I was so focused on my size. Lets be honest ladies. I think we all have been there. I shouldn't eat this donut because I need to be a size zero instead of a two. But really, why does that matter? Now I am not saying you shouldn't be healthy. I am working out. I am eating fruits and veggies. But I also eat donuts. And if after I drop my baby weight I end up at a four or a six, well then okay. I just want to know that I am working out, have a strong body, am healthy, and am enjoying life. Because that's all I need to do. My body is here so I can hug my baby, go for walks on the beach with my husband and family, and enjoy life. And I am pretty sure I don't need to be a size zero to do that. Right now I am just focused on getting in shape so I can be at whatever my post baby size is so I can buy some clothes. Nothing fits. And I have a new job to go to (more on that later).<br />
<br />
I've also had a lot of time to think about what I want the next thirty years of my life to look like. I want to have a good job (or jobs in this case, because I have my day job and my Stella & Dot). I want to have time to spend with my family. And I want it to be good time. I don't want to be stressed out and unable to enjoy life. I want to really, really be happy in the moments we spend - not worried that I am behind on something else I should be doing. I want to sleep in on the weekends. I want to watch movies. And I want to wear pink lipstick when I want to.<br />
<br />
People always say having a baby is life changing. I just assumed they meant because now you have this precious life to care for and that it meant your time would be spent differently now. Where you might have gone to the club before (although I never really went to the club, but just stick with me here...), now you would be home with bath time for your little one. But I think what having baby has meant to me and why it has been life changing is it has really allowed me to reevaluate what I thought was important before, and reprioritize. I have a new vision of life. A new idea of what I want it to look like, what I am willing to sacrifice, what I am not, and how I plan to create the life I want for me and my growing family.<br />
<br />
And now if you'll excuse me, my sweet baby needs more snuggles and kisses. I need to soak up all the lovings I can get before I go back to my day job. Seriously though, I think she gets about 100 kisses a day...<br />
<br />{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-88880117166237533112015-04-09T14:13:00.001-07:002015-04-09T14:13:41.952-07:00Why You Won't See My Baby on Social Media<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEdqMG2UYPnUI9VJB2KpHqusUH5SgmDA28rAtLROEG1RrukT9rc9XPXwTcW5iAaBJ07YPBPh5_9_UI1kZA5_3SriwW-QaoZWUjMJEri2oBg2VdOHaqB-Ux1t0FH5y7s03tjxf6iuHYq6U/s1600/baby+feet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEdqMG2UYPnUI9VJB2KpHqusUH5SgmDA28rAtLROEG1RrukT9rc9XPXwTcW5iAaBJ07YPBPh5_9_UI1kZA5_3SriwW-QaoZWUjMJEri2oBg2VdOHaqB-Ux1t0FH5y7s03tjxf6iuHYq6U/s1600/baby+feet.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Well, I've been gone for a few months. My guess is you can figure out what happened. Blogger gets pregnant, nine months pass, and then she disappears for three. We had our beautiful baby girl! I had every intention of keeping up my blog while I was out on leave, but you know... life. Dirty dishes, lack of sleep, lack of showering, etc. I just haven't had a chance to sit down at the computer. Actually as I type this our little one is sitting next to me (propped up against the couch, but in a seated position) staring at the computer as a type. Just us girls. We are going to do some online shopping next. You know, really introduce her to life's greatest pleasures. But before we move on to that, I feel like I need to chat with you about something. Something important. I need to talk with you about why you won't be seeing her on my blog.<br />
<br />
As a lifestyle blogger, this has been a bit of struggle for me. I have really enjoyed sharing my life with all of you, connecting with you, and creating this space of mine on the interwebs. It was one of the first things I did for myself that really felt like a step towards being authentically me, and not the me I felt like my profession required (i.e. super serious and not at all fancy and sparkly). So this blog means a lot to me. BUT, I have reservations about putting my little girl on here. Basically what it comes down to is that while I love sharing my life, I haven't had a chance to ask her if she feels the same. Does she want her whole life documented publicly? She might not care at all. Or she might feel like something was taken from her she had no ability to control.<br />
<br />
While I love blogging and I love this community, I've decided to leave that decision to her. Something for her to choose when she is older. I have to admit, life was a lot simpler when I was a kid. I'm not talking about walking uphill both directions to school in the snow without shoes type of thing. But it was really nice to not have the internet as prevalent and for there not to be social media when I was young. Would I want all the bad decisions I made as a kid documented? That said, I was pretty much a goodie goodie, but I did have some not so great hair and wardrobe choices that I am glad you can't all see! This is something Husband and I will have to talk with her about as she starts to grow up and wants to have her own Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (do people still use Twitter?). But for now, she's an infant. She just like to snuggle and sleep. And that's fine with me.<br />
<br />
So while I will continue to share my life on here and create new friendships, I hope you can understand why you won't see our baby. She may make appearances here and there in a Christmas photo shoot or family outing. We will see. But she won't be on here much. It doesn't mean we don't love her and she isn't with us wherever we go and totally being spoiled. It just means we chose to keep that part of our life separate.<br />
<br />
I'm glad we had this chat. I feel so much better knowing we can just lay it all out there and be honest with each other. You are all such great friends.<br />
<br />
Xoxo{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-25581797008311808872014-12-25T10:50:00.000-08:002014-12-25T10:50:08.833-08:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZRTIU9A8aqaSit3TU85VRH2QxU8uXWGeqIKOc3sgqp2xNgNTtzaqSgpXRklUDsLCeELkrLh5kmoZapX9fPbfW2DgQuNfns622Dt_ocAVM_Mq9-7RxRkjbaJ5iSSwQvtrWqHP4YHLkO5F/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-25+at+10.47.50+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZRTIU9A8aqaSit3TU85VRH2QxU8uXWGeqIKOc3sgqp2xNgNTtzaqSgpXRklUDsLCeELkrLh5kmoZapX9fPbfW2DgQuNfns622Dt_ocAVM_Mq9-7RxRkjbaJ5iSSwQvtrWqHP4YHLkO5F/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-25+at+10.47.50+AM.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Happy Holidays everyone! Husband and I wish you a very Merry Christmas filled with love, family, and good food!<br />
<br />
<br />{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-80095900899908376612014-12-10T22:01:00.001-08:002014-12-10T22:01:19.643-08:00The Holiday Spirit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuO9W925nU-7LcnobvxZT7-u-CMHnbfUEG3tal3gPB6_BaI_n1-WKnEvTLWJoHOPPNXXeodxiIEEJHOELo6bdPKwNR6a_e1Yfe3fmsnYos8x43FBGFohNV5B5Sac9H8qVYRovkmYM8cqDZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-08+at+8.33.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuO9W925nU-7LcnobvxZT7-u-CMHnbfUEG3tal3gPB6_BaI_n1-WKnEvTLWJoHOPPNXXeodxiIEEJHOELo6bdPKwNR6a_e1Yfe3fmsnYos8x43FBGFohNV5B5Sac9H8qVYRovkmYM8cqDZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-08+at+8.33.38+PM.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Well, my house is officially decorated! The tree is up, the stockings are hung, I went a little crazy at the Dollar Store, and I made an ornament wreath! Not too shabby for someone who had no desire to decorate a week ago. Essentially I woke up Sunday and I was like, okay holidays... I AM READY!!! We went on our nature excursion to get our tree, I went to the Dollar Store and bought a TON of ornaments, and spent the whole day decorating, crafting, and getting our Holiday Cards ready to mail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6WHjfC8l0A3EPS6zwIIsYqNk5lbxB52a0-RN2jp2amJ3ONncTpNgruny6sOnuSg1O_Z3cfcurecYKkiTrPn3Y6bGWdejgld3EFMr94eF3AjCM_0yAFS8bR0ygA110CDsHRv6512sDUgk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-10+at+9.39.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6WHjfC8l0A3EPS6zwIIsYqNk5lbxB52a0-RN2jp2amJ3ONncTpNgruny6sOnuSg1O_Z3cfcurecYKkiTrPn3Y6bGWdejgld3EFMr94eF3AjCM_0yAFS8bR0ygA110CDsHRv6512sDUgk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-10+at+9.39.45+PM.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s8AGLh0SUu06hQ5_wY0_Oli-sDcMK9GCOknTeza61EdaFONanHauPf0jE8oq2V-YUD2s_XlVDKEmT1S7_1tTJgybdInPMKJFxiKAUUoDa0BZDL9us5tx1vrcVsVYEuwB4yZ1T0hIsVcm/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-10+at+9.39.59+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s8AGLh0SUu06hQ5_wY0_Oli-sDcMK9GCOknTeza61EdaFONanHauPf0jE8oq2V-YUD2s_XlVDKEmT1S7_1tTJgybdInPMKJFxiKAUUoDa0BZDL9us5tx1vrcVsVYEuwB4yZ1T0hIsVcm/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-10+at+9.39.59+PM.png" width="325" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBeCKrTecUV6q_VgaW_V3XJ3oUS7PCtBItK3lqDlgLaHR1As3zcrOKMjhMOzcbEO1d5x5nEeqrrOQ0LbiC_JfKTlIMEuiy_1HiGy9QN3BzIXgaVWkTZr-VZCitVtH6MmASLUTZDqiahiC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-10+at+9.40.09+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBeCKrTecUV6q_VgaW_V3XJ3oUS7PCtBItK3lqDlgLaHR1As3zcrOKMjhMOzcbEO1d5x5nEeqrrOQ0LbiC_JfKTlIMEuiy_1HiGy9QN3BzIXgaVWkTZr-VZCitVtH6MmASLUTZDqiahiC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-10+at+9.40.09+PM.png" width="325" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin13kvxhniCSuq9yqIBSdtuldcTjJdi209ykn36RlD9hCtAwMym_uOV-bT8fAp5E0gxdPTjtH2Xdnho12mZhMSFmtDi2nXFTdQxjG6XkfGKIR09ZqynsvD_dmUjsVI0_hq9oZlVM-YbHHH/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-10+at+9.59.22+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin13kvxhniCSuq9yqIBSdtuldcTjJdi209ykn36RlD9hCtAwMym_uOV-bT8fAp5E0gxdPTjtH2Xdnho12mZhMSFmtDi2nXFTdQxjG6XkfGKIR09ZqynsvD_dmUjsVI0_hq9oZlVM-YbHHH/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-10+at+9.59.22+PM.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Truth be told, I was ALL READY to go to the hardware store and buy a fake tree. I'm eight months pregnant and whole idea of stomping around in the woods to find a tree was just not sounding appealing. BUT, it was super important to Husband that we cut our own tree. So we compromised and went to a farm where you pick your own and they cut it for you. Generally, this works by flagging someone down who cuts your tree and carries it to your car, but after waiting for 10 minutes Husband was having none of that so he cut it himself and carried back to our truck. How cute is he? Also, Wilbur had a strong sense of pride when he found our tree. Probably my favorite part was watching wee little Wilbur try and bound over the twigs through the brush to hunt for trees. He was trying SO HARD to jump high and move fast. It was hysterical.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wvUGZ_FOG1DFC0DllJYLhL4wDERhub20en_WDBUSmkFgtZsLglldHORuBrOQ3vCN9yWiJTJLi-BAXFjOtdI2l8u97C9me4Vxyz35hYYnLlEEh5unUG2zxhFbqX0D88f-sdjRWYcvKgLX/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-10+at+9.34.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wvUGZ_FOG1DFC0DllJYLhL4wDERhub20en_WDBUSmkFgtZsLglldHORuBrOQ3vCN9yWiJTJLi-BAXFjOtdI2l8u97C9me4Vxyz35hYYnLlEEh5unUG2zxhFbqX0D88f-sdjRWYcvKgLX/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-10+at+9.34.44+PM.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Behold my homemade wreath :) I am quite proud. I followed <a href="http://www.livelovediy.com/2013/11/how-to-make-christmas-ornament-wreath.html" target="_blank">this</a> tutorial and it was SUPER easy. I think all said and done it cost me around $15 to make? The wreath shape was around $3 at Joann's and then I bought around 100 ornaments at the dollar store. WAY more cost effective than the pre-made $70 ones I was seeing everywhere...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Guys, I think this may have created a crafting addict. I really really want to make another one. I just need to find a spot in my house...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What kind of holiday decorating have you been up to??</div>
{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-83531405399097566742014-12-08T21:24:00.002-08:002014-12-08T21:24:43.063-08:00Jamberry Challenge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYFRlj756s4cDSdkueP0_Ua9Sc_w0XSM_EMhHY1T2_fnD-hPMxn2FctjoL_vwEDBATZxAziTTo9DdZxzaCMFfSn_yr4H9_Dmvj7-Q6FRc_sqByB9_eSWTCFQB-GRkKs4AD2888pQt8bKr/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-08+at+8.42.55+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYFRlj756s4cDSdkueP0_Ua9Sc_w0XSM_EMhHY1T2_fnD-hPMxn2FctjoL_vwEDBATZxAziTTo9DdZxzaCMFfSn_yr4H9_Dmvj7-Q6FRc_sqByB9_eSWTCFQB-GRkKs4AD2888pQt8bKr/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-08+at+8.42.55+PM.png" width="327" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-o_ksmJFQZ756_rVxdSlFaSJQo5-9BIIlgtigMr0KaTQh9wt0FwQr1ky-zZxTG-fEVemO5u0RFbeBcSTSsiTJk8mMHywXtyz5UnBPyXc1rBR3FBOUa4b6lbWf3Fmv3u-wJ8OWkPBYHCZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-08+at+8.43.28+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-o_ksmJFQZ756_rVxdSlFaSJQo5-9BIIlgtigMr0KaTQh9wt0FwQr1ky-zZxTG-fEVemO5u0RFbeBcSTSsiTJk8mMHywXtyz5UnBPyXc1rBR3FBOUa4b6lbWf3Fmv3u-wJ8OWkPBYHCZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-08+at+8.43.28+PM.png" width="325" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{ Day 1 // Day 5 }</div>
<br />
So several of my friends have been raving about Jamberry. If you haven't heard of it, it's essentially a nail decal that covers your whole nail and used instead of polish to provide a manicure. I have several friends who are Jamberry consultants now, and they always post the cutest pictures. Personally, I've always been really attached to my Essie nail polish (I have a giant box full), but when my friend <a href="http://brittloves.jamberrynails.net/" target="_blank">Britta </a>offered to send me a sample of Jamberry to try I was like, I mean why not? I am SUPER hard on my nails, so I put it to the test.<br />
<br />
Here's what is on each nail:<br />
<br />
Thumb: Revlon Gel Envy<br />
Pointer: Jamberry<br />
Middle: Revlon Gel Envy<br />
Ring: Essie<br />
Pinky: Revlon Gel Envy<br />
<br />
I've always loved the idea of industrial strength nail polish, so I thought I'd give a gel polish a try. I thought about trying the salon quality gel polish (I looked at Gelish) but WHOOOOOO do those smell toxic when you open the bottle. It's like walking into a can of fumes. I might try it after our baby comes out, but I was no way no how going to use those while pregnant. I know, I am paranoid. So instead I testing Revlon Gel Envy (which does NOT smell like an industrial manufacturing plant) in addition to my tried and true Essie and the new Jamberry.<br />
<br />
So here are the results....<br />
<br />
The first photo is Day 1. You may be able to tell, but in case not, my Essie polish chipped RIGHT AWAY. As in like an hour later. FAIL. I'm actually wearing Essie again today, which I painted yesterday, and half of my pointer finger nail polish is GONE. Ugh.<br />
<br />
The Gel Envy held up okay I suppose. I started to chip eventually, but more like three days in. My nails tend to chip more the longer they are, and this is with them a wee big longer than normal, so I am sure that didn't help much. So the wear I can expect out of the Gel Envy was around three days for me. This is with the Gel Envy base + color product and the Gel Envy top coat.<br />
<br />
The Jamberry nail actually held up quite well. I was really surprised. The only thing I noticed was so lifting of the decal at the end of my finger nails. Now, I do tend to be hard on my nails. I like to scratch Precious Baby Wilbur while he naps next to me, do dishes, peel stickers, and all kinds of other things I am sure are not good on my nails. I had a problem with the ends lifting an hour after application, but then I went back and noticed that it wasn't flush with my nail end (it was overhanging). I trimmed it down and that took care of it for a few days. About three or four days in I started to have some fraying at the end of my Jamberry nail. I tried to file it down (which kind of worked), and is what resulted in the ends looking "chipped" even though it isn't. Its showing nail because I filed it at an angle. I talked to a few friends of mine and they recommended that when you apply them, you wait to trim your nails until AFTER the decal is on. That way when you trim it the nail and decal end at the same point. I trimmed mine right before adding the decal, because I always trim before painting, but this makes some sense. They also said you can zap them with heat in the morning to re-bond them to your nails or touch up and lifting you have to prolong the wear.<br />
<br />
So what's the skinny?<br />
<br />
Pro Jamberry:<br />
<br />
1. They wear really well, as in they don't chip and your nails still look perfect several days in.<br />
2. They take NO time to dry because you apply and are done. I think it took me like 10 seconds to do a nail and then I was off folding laundry.<br />
3. Preset patterns. As in you don't have to get at tooth pick out and try and paint a reindeer. It's already covered.<br />
<br />
Con Jamberry:<br />
1. You only get one wear out of them. So a typical bottle of nail polish costs me around $10. I get multiple uses out of this one bottle. A set of Jamberry is $15, and I only get one use. However, it lasts longer. So pick your battle.<br />
2. Lifting of the ends. It's a bit annoying. But then again, so is walking around with half a nail worth of polish chipped off... so...?<br />
3. Limited patterns. Guys, I can't wear some of those patterns to work. I work in a corporate office. My managers would look at my nails and be like.. dude.. whats going on with your nails? So I pretty much have to rock the solids. I WISH I COULD WEAR LEOPARD NAILS!!! (add that to the "to do list" for maternity leave)<br />
<br />
So whats my verdict? I like them! I don't think I will use them <i>every time</i> on all my nails, but I have a list started of the ones I'd like to use as accents!! And maybe as a special treat??<br />
<br />
Here are the ones I've picked out...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5VdSOkhewqvECgB-viDLcH2NVBSCocVQ71QbYMw9UXDff2In9HrPEK8YhymXnW31TI1-JiiCaN74DBrCJ52TcCzWD3HSc10YqqO_rQka8lT9GWD6Teo2ZGxaLxdzGe4KdL2975mcP4lH/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-08+at+9.10.31+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5VdSOkhewqvECgB-viDLcH2NVBSCocVQ71QbYMw9UXDff2In9HrPEK8YhymXnW31TI1-JiiCaN74DBrCJ52TcCzWD3HSc10YqqO_rQka8lT9GWD6Teo2ZGxaLxdzGe4KdL2975mcP4lH/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-08+at+9.10.31+PM.png" width="325" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8c2WnseR8MVptKqWQFC9xzXvOaApZa2PoBKn9mxrU9mTxBdAODzRIQCWqBPMBCmzEYNvfUuNDaKeF8s03uCrgrS-ighDP7pgVYjo-Rnl-DWdpBa-SdJmwQMh8xi_LThBeEPfbKFexzQr/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-08+at+9.10.44+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8c2WnseR8MVptKqWQFC9xzXvOaApZa2PoBKn9mxrU9mTxBdAODzRIQCWqBPMBCmzEYNvfUuNDaKeF8s03uCrgrS-ighDP7pgVYjo-Rnl-DWdpBa-SdJmwQMh8xi_LThBeEPfbKFexzQr/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-08+at+9.10.44+PM.png" width="325" /></a>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjT00N8zFxlzhu01lM-v-92pqgSo9YMdHkK2cMMjEsFlFrTc07mtOswxMa-uf0yY8I9IzHyv8d_dLkuBgKuOmC8FzhUrHa2akR4AZEPUvEF-BHfIaA0j8uqcWuaTBVqAFgIUif21-XyEp/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-08+at+9.10.56+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjT00N8zFxlzhu01lM-v-92pqgSo9YMdHkK2cMMjEsFlFrTc07mtOswxMa-uf0yY8I9IzHyv8d_dLkuBgKuOmC8FzhUrHa2akR4AZEPUvEF-BHfIaA0j8uqcWuaTBVqAFgIUif21-XyEp/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-08+at+9.10.56+PM.png" width="325" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwCZ-MHXBe0rVUVuWy053FHkB68UFAF8-c5mfhuzsYBhD34J15Q200GihC-3WDbJ1MzSQt_4A8ch5l21EEo5VMIyF1R29zTeXh6AoDQ-GvpB7TGKTQzYBpxJbPTpVXaB2dQjMZWPVyBsl/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-08+at+9.11.08+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwCZ-MHXBe0rVUVuWy053FHkB68UFAF8-c5mfhuzsYBhD34J15Q200GihC-3WDbJ1MzSQt_4A8ch5l21EEo5VMIyF1R29zTeXh6AoDQ-GvpB7TGKTQzYBpxJbPTpVXaB2dQjMZWPVyBsl/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-08+at+9.11.08+PM.png" height="325" width="325" /></a>
<br />
<br />
(okay - so maybe I could pull off one leopard nail at the office??)<br />
<br />
Have you tried Jamberry before? What do you think??{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-34154322689881081262014-12-03T20:50:00.000-08:002014-12-03T20:50:14.723-08:00It Takes a Village<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoLkvWjN4eDpMIU9vHbCai9vcAYgRu0wiJRxbuh3ynw-Q-jbA4vc4kyJX3q8YzxmX0IijSoS39hxoEtNKnGGsNBbMCiaUWb37aam2o5uKlC2_E0Kz5sXBo9jiRgN1RKTSWap3mUI_6JiG/s1600/16e591fd61727a29c23304d74d8e45bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoLkvWjN4eDpMIU9vHbCai9vcAYgRu0wiJRxbuh3ynw-Q-jbA4vc4kyJX3q8YzxmX0IijSoS39hxoEtNKnGGsNBbMCiaUWb37aam2o5uKlC2_E0Kz5sXBo9jiRgN1RKTSWap3mUI_6JiG/s1600/16e591fd61727a29c23304d74d8e45bc.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/443675000764557807/" target="_blank">via</a>}</div>
<br />
I know what you are thinking, and no, this post has nothing to do with raising children. What it does have to do with is finding the perfect watch. I mean THE. PERFECT. WATCH.<br />
<br />
So I have been on the hunt for the perfect watch for over a year now. I am VERY particular about these things. I have what I call "baby wrists" which means that most watches and bracelets won't fit me. So there is this issue I have with the size of the face of a watch. THEN, I wear bracelets almost every day, and when I say bracelets, as in plural, I mean I have on at least three. So it is essential that any watch I own go well with a good arm party.<br />
<br />
I haven't worn a watch in about 10 years (gosh I am old). I use to wear them back in the day, but then I got my cell phone and I was like, why do I need a watch? I can just check my phone? Well let me tell you why I need a watch. Now that I am a 'big kid' with a full time job, I don't walk around the office with my phone on me. And my office does not have a clock in every room, so I am constantly stressed I am going to be late to my next meeting. And if I am being honest (hangs head in shame) I am late more than I'd like to admit just because I don't know what time it is. Therefore, the solution is an awesome watch so I can be on time to places.<br />
<br />
So why is this the perfect watch?<br />
<br />
1. It has a rectangular face, which makes it easier to layer with jewelry<br />
<br />
2. Its rose gold, which allows me to wear it with rose gold, gold, and/or silver jewelry. Trust me, I put A LOT OF TIME into analyzing this because I wanted one I can wear with any type of metal. Rose gold looks epic with all combinations of arm parties<br />
<br />
3. It has pave crystals on the face - SQUEE!!<br />
<br />
So how did I come to find this watch? Well I was cruising through Pinterest pictures and found the photo above. I had no idea what this watch was called because the Pin links back to the Stella & Dot web page, so the only thing I had to go off was that I knew it was Michael Kors (insert panic because those tend to be expensive right??). So I did what any normal girl my age would do, I posted it to Facebook with an SOS asking my friends to help me find it. Fifteen minutes later and I had two friends who had found it on amazon and ebay, which meant I now had a style number. YAY!!!<br />
<br />
So turns out this watch is 'retired' which means you can't find it ANYWHERE. That's the bad news. The good news was that instead of being a $300 watch, it's a $118 watch since it's retired (whoop!!). So now I just had to find it. I found one on Amazon, but call me crazy - I don't really like to order on there from people who aren't actually 'Amazon' selling. I have NO IDEA what I am getting. Is it new? Is it broken? Is it a hack??? Too much uncertainty. So I called my local Michael Kors store, read them the style number, and sent them on an epic man hunt. An hour later my new best friend at Michael Kors had located them in Rhode Island. Since I live in Oregon this is REALLY FAR AWAY - but they are shipping it to me for free, so that's good. Also, one of my BFFs fell in love with it too so I ended up ordering one for her as well. She was going to order it herself, but we figured this was just easier since I had my new BFF on the phone who had two of them in his sights and was ready to place my order!!<br />
<br />
So all that said - I AM SO EXCITED TO GET MY NEW WATCH!!! Who knew one Pinterest post could spark this level of crazy obsession.<br />
<br />
Have you ever seen something online that you HAD TO HAVE so you went on a wild chase to hunt it down??<br />
<br />
<br />{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-77520916942706282542014-11-30T17:48:00.001-08:002014-11-30T17:48:35.926-08:00Favorite Small Businesses<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJ-7LNHtmq_JX5EG_DRuFxLNMZxU20BT1ReNehWBcEQjcmRYxnSw4zd7BtcPVNkyWdPJonOA1c-tkGEw03MJz7mR45WRZuYu3GcpO1lK5kgD-GhGYKEwZuydogqrbk5Npq2dOa93BwW3q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-30+at+5.26.36+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJ-7LNHtmq_JX5EG_DRuFxLNMZxU20BT1ReNehWBcEQjcmRYxnSw4zd7BtcPVNkyWdPJonOA1c-tkGEw03MJz7mR45WRZuYu3GcpO1lK5kgD-GhGYKEwZuydogqrbk5Npq2dOa93BwW3q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-30+at+5.26.36+PM.png" width="650" /></a>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YE7VfJ_8CWw2xWujqY3t2zgPshTFbQsqb3Sv_gsW1lUgKtmy0r1Jk3is3fF1yceRITawiiwBy6wb4pxjb4xx3_y601meR9PlgBMYM9HpgyJvlY4mNXqwbAFkwHLGvxz2PJq7h5O3zwkJ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-30+at+5.27.49+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YE7VfJ_8CWw2xWujqY3t2zgPshTFbQsqb3Sv_gsW1lUgKtmy0r1Jk3is3fF1yceRITawiiwBy6wb4pxjb4xx3_y601meR9PlgBMYM9HpgyJvlY4mNXqwbAFkwHLGvxz2PJq7h5O3zwkJ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-30+at+5.27.49+PM.png" width="321" />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xGyEzl_fBjwk-gtANctF6RudrPTiGN04ntMxYoKdt-XT5HJqK__aqOYV3agB9oplbkaHRzCM4gFyGeXapRDFMonxg-aevgw-vFp7rJUaNqK-cjMA6kmAhS90TIPRbkwFd4sC1_DFbTSy/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-30+at+5.28.01+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xGyEzl_fBjwk-gtANctF6RudrPTiGN04ntMxYoKdt-XT5HJqK__aqOYV3agB9oplbkaHRzCM4gFyGeXapRDFMonxg-aevgw-vFp7rJUaNqK-cjMA6kmAhS90TIPRbkwFd4sC1_DFbTSy/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-30+at+5.28.01+PM.png" width="322" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">{<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/270145677623256031/" target="_blank">1</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/maydesigns" target="_blank">2</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/maydesigns" target="_blank">3</a> }</span></div>
<br />
You guys, I am DONE with my Christmas shopping and its not even December yet!! This is a serious first for me. I usually run around at the last minute stressed out because things are sold out. But now, I just feel so relieved! All my gifts were ordered online via Black Friday promotions and are on their way to me! Now I have all month to wrap them (which I will probably do in the next two weeks) and everything is set to go.<br />
<br />
A few great things I have noticed about shopping early...<br />
<br />
<b>1. Better prices. </b>You can internet stalk the prices on the item you are looking at and wait to buy it at the perfect moment! I got a lot of my gifting done when items were 50% off, which helped my pocket book!<br />
<br />
<b>2. Better selection.</b> Things are still in stock when you shop early, so you can get the exact item you want for someone and not have to settle for a different color or style then what you had in mind.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Calm. </b>Deep breath. Big smile. I feel calm. No frantic shopping for me this year! I am on. top. of. it!<br />
<br />
Ummm... I may also have to confess that I used this weekend as an excuse to get myself a few things. BUT, these items support some great small businesses and are going to be perfect as I start 2015 off with a BANG!!<br />
<br />
First on the list is the <a href="http://www.emilyley.com/collections/simplified-planners" target="_blank">Simplified Planner</a>. To be honest, I hadn't even heard of this until my <a href="http://mrsjanney.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">friend </a>whipped hers out a month ago and began to profess her love for it. I have a planner I used last year for my business, but it didn't have enough room. I wanted something that had more space for to-do lists by day, notes, events, etc. I have A LOT OF THINGS going on at all times and if I am not organized it's easy to forget something. I posted on my personal FB to ask my friends about this planner and it turns out ALL MY FRIENDS HAVE THIS. I was like, what the hell friends? How did you ALL discover this epic planner and then no one told me?? But they all LOVE theirs. So okay, sold. I needed one too. These things are like hot cakes. I got the last print available because everything else sold out. I love the print though - they are all cute. But damn. Move fast people. Who knew planners were so competitive!<br />
<br />
Second, I splurged and got myself a personalized notebook from <a href="http://www.maydesigns.com/" target="_blank">May Designs</a>. I have developed kind of a secret obsession with cute stationary. I cannot wait to show you all what mine looks like!!! I wanted something cute to carry in my purse and keep business notes in and I think this will work perfect. I also ordered our holiday cards through them and they are SO CUTE. I can't wait for them to show up.<br />
<br />
How was your weekend?? What did you splurge on? And how far along are you with your holiday shopping??{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-3648784300736816742014-11-26T08:49:00.001-08:002014-11-26T08:49:34.083-08:00Thanksgiving <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKRT05LeXSWFS8eHfrbtJpjU470g8i7wavHFhTjPB0GA4-ztvDTgNyqTApsy-tTV67JMe9Rf98dXN3D6NM2z8WoldZQd14r4H0z1BmWiYHNEoxW138FMYrwiQZ0ynSxbeihBR6dRxZfKa/s1600/blog+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKRT05LeXSWFS8eHfrbtJpjU470g8i7wavHFhTjPB0GA4-ztvDTgNyqTApsy-tTV67JMe9Rf98dXN3D6NM2z8WoldZQd14r4H0z1BmWiYHNEoxW138FMYrwiQZ0ynSxbeihBR6dRxZfKa/s1600/blog+3.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm sitting on my couch right now, with my feet up and it feels fabulous. I've spent the last few days reflecting on gratitude and all the things in my life to be thankful about. I have so many blessings in my life! Here are my top ten favorites:<br />
<br />
<b>1. My Husband. </b>He will always be my number one. He has always been such a source of support in our marriage, but it has been even more amplified in the last few months of our pregnancy. He has been at EVERY doctors appointment, held my hand every time I have had my blood drawn (which sure seems like a lot these days!), helped comfort me when I've had an emotional moment about the size of my booty, my lack of clothing, that I can't reach my feet, or that I get out of breath every time I go up the stairs. He truly is the most amazing gift I have ever been received.<br />
<br />
<b>2. My Family and Friends. </b>They say it takes a village, and I totally plan on putting that to the test. So far I've received countless offerings of support from friend and family to help us out as we balance three jobs, broken furnaces, and more. Whether it be a cooked meal, watching our Precious Baby Wilbur when we are stuck late at work, or even picking me up when I had to abandon my car because I couldn't drive (<a href="http://www.enlovewithlife.com/2014/11/my-newest-accessory.html#.VHVF5Etm3wI" target="_blank">hello leg pain</a>). Thank you all so much.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Baby Girl. </b>We haven't officially met, but I can already tell you are going to be a riot. You already have such a little personality in there! Husband and I are looking forward to all the adventures we will have and watching you grow. We love you so, so very much.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Precious Baby Wilbur. </b>Oh my sweet, sweet Precious Baby Wilbur. Sometimes you are a barky little butt-head, but we love you so very much. Thank you for all the hugs (yes, dogs can give hugs, even with tiny short legs), the puppy kisses, the snuggles, and the many laughs. We are so happy to have you as our firstborn.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Our Jobs.</b> I am so thankful for the jobs we have. For Husband's job which he finds so much joy in, which helps support us, and covers our healthcare needs. Oh healthcare, what would I do without you! I am thankful for my day job which provides me the opportunity to work with great friends and learn new things. I am also thankful for my Stella & Dot career, which has provided so much growth for me as a person and a friend. And has provided extra income that helps us pay for unexpected expenses (eh hem... new furnace) and will provide extra money for us so I can take maternity leave when Baby Girl arrives.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Our Home. </b>I bought our home many moons ago, as a single woman, looking for a place to hang my hat at night. Since then, we've painted and improved and really made this place feel like our own. I may have been slightly cursing this house when the furnace finally broke, but at the end of the day I am so, so grateful that we have a roof over our head, a place that is "ours", and somewhere we can grow our family, spend time with friends, and play outside. Having a sense of "home" is so important, because it grounds us and gives us a peaceful home base.<br />
<br />
<b>7. Creativity. </b>For the first part of my business career (or essentially when I got out of school) I spent all my time at a desk, nose to the grindstone, working away for crazy hours. In the past few years I have focused on making more time in my life (albeit not quite as much as I would like) to just be creative. You can define creative in many different ways. For me, I choose to express mine creativity through this blog, photography, decorating our home, and fashion. Doing so has made me feel so much more whole. Like a complete version of myself.<br />
<br />
<b>8. Health. </b>Oh my word, I've never been so focused on my health as I have been the last few months. Growing another human, having countless tests done, and visiting the doctors every month REALLY makes you conscious on what your body is doing and how it is handling change. I am so thankful that our family is healthy. Thank you, thank you, thank you.<br />
<br />
<b>9. Events.</b> So this one may seem a bit weird, but I am so happy to have a life full of events and opportunities to see friends, meet new people, and be social. Whether its a book club (okay, I haven't 100% launched this one yet but it's in the works), my ladies <a href="http://www.enlovewithlife.com/2014/03/bunko.html#.VHVKzktm3wI" target="_blank">Bunko Nights</a> (hey!!), the Stella & Dot shows I do where fabulous women invite me to their home and share their BFF's with me, gatherings with friends, etc. it's so important for me to have these venues to get out and be social. And knowing that we are expecting our little one in a few months, I feel like these events are going to become even more crucial to my sanity!<br />
<br />
<b>10. My Customers. </b>Thank you to every person who has bought a bracelet, a necklaces, a bag, a gift, or a little something for themselves whatever it may be from me in the past year. Having the opportunity to help you all define your style and gift gorgeous jewelry has been SO MUCH FUN! I appreciate every transaction, big or small, and every time you opened your home and friends to me so we could all hang out! Thank you for giving me this great career and for all the fun and joyous moments that come along with it.{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-82293297929450590762014-11-20T10:44:00.000-08:002014-11-20T10:44:30.969-08:00Reasonable Expectations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LeuyFHPm9Ytfb1ldvyzGr2Ay2fGxBRYoDHMMJscvYpMABelf6husQ0CFpIfVRmUOKVH9QOZSu9t_z-bAD-86Q_jrCQoa6XtETMBBUMbUJDGxRWma8LuFFFitSCbnnf4Xh3QV1kcGj1RT/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-19+at+8.23.33+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LeuyFHPm9Ytfb1ldvyzGr2Ay2fGxBRYoDHMMJscvYpMABelf6husQ0CFpIfVRmUOKVH9QOZSu9t_z-bAD-86Q_jrCQoa6XtETMBBUMbUJDGxRWma8LuFFFitSCbnnf4Xh3QV1kcGj1RT/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-19+at+8.23.33+PM.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWd9EhlQSeFnnAxOBX5rbngEb5BHaI0NSKuagQSKGTbOjz1tVXysfr_WyLjXLzVhyvjo2TBGLnCcctU1TasChG5sTff42ugvrtkOeFp8KWuzUsAulHEteZzIwZo8X9m38TDqTUS02D-ted/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-19+at+8.27.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWd9EhlQSeFnnAxOBX5rbngEb5BHaI0NSKuagQSKGTbOjz1tVXysfr_WyLjXLzVhyvjo2TBGLnCcctU1TasChG5sTff42ugvrtkOeFp8KWuzUsAulHEteZzIwZo8X9m38TDqTUS02D-ted/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-19+at+8.27.26+PM.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuKmw1nxE1dP5Rhw-j0e6l07nUqppjpfRYRPhrL-1xaTvZmgCpKEnRI0ufjV9kr_6_MBBKttCPxAtLA7hfQpzgri3hREwXSbubG7m8NaAwfvWk3xQJRhJ06wMaFHmlFXlQjyo_wzPeTbx/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-19+at+8.30.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuKmw1nxE1dP5Rhw-j0e6l07nUqppjpfRYRPhrL-1xaTvZmgCpKEnRI0ufjV9kr_6_MBBKttCPxAtLA7hfQpzgri3hREwXSbubG7m8NaAwfvWk3xQJRhJ06wMaFHmlFXlQjyo_wzPeTbx/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-19+at+8.30.17+PM.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9G4oa1p7_pjVrTGnk04odgeC2ntdOCfbmCakX6WooRTW1FVkb3fR1tO7oazD0-udheDMk6ZZDVUnKiq1jfUSFM4wOAFZybSCkO-HQHSibzO5_mMIS97YJTAVsvWsU4XyjJ_bVIkVHweK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-19+at+8.33.57+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9G4oa1p7_pjVrTGnk04odgeC2ntdOCfbmCakX6WooRTW1FVkb3fR1tO7oazD0-udheDMk6ZZDVUnKiq1jfUSFM4wOAFZybSCkO-HQHSibzO5_mMIS97YJTAVsvWsU4XyjJ_bVIkVHweK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-19+at+8.33.57+PM.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lDhq7pJVdX273KiR6pxk-JVxBBPMIbSPEMO_0ME5wXkV2EMXzydWP4J9hj50BXMtgOu9hmzQXoRfIT2RIfDGutI33ALDgu66jpbM2A277jdVpDpiZncpFibZG7osRAmjrHbpjIWV3He5/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-19+at+8.37.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lDhq7pJVdX273KiR6pxk-JVxBBPMIbSPEMO_0ME5wXkV2EMXzydWP4J9hj50BXMtgOu9hmzQXoRfIT2RIfDGutI33ALDgu66jpbM2A277jdVpDpiZncpFibZG7osRAmjrHbpjIWV3He5/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-19+at+8.37.01+PM.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">{ </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/90564642482329782/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">1</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> / </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/90564642479799210/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">2</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> / </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/90564642482335445/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">3</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> / </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/90564642482335479/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">4</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> / </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/90564642482335501/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">5</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> }</span></div>
<br />
It's been close to eight months since my last hair cut... I know. Hairdressers are gasping in horror at me right now. Part of this is because I was growing my hair out, so I thought... what's the point of cutting it? The other is that I am just plain lazy. But alas, I am finally getting my hair cut in the next few days. And I desperately need it. My ends are horrendous. And it's so split at the ends that it essentially won't even hold a curl anymore. It just frizzes.<br />
<br />
So anyhow, in preparation for my hair cut I've been spending time on Pinterest trying to figure out what I want to do. You have to be careful on Pinterest and make sure you set reasonable expectations. You spend too much time on there and you think you can watch a youtube and suddenly have Angelina Jolie hair with lots of body and bounce. My hair will never be Angelina Jolie hair. Instead, I searched for "long, thin hair styles". Those are my descriptors right now. It's long, and it's thin. There is a lot of it, but its so fine you wouldn't even know it. And it tangles like nobodies business!<br />
<br />
I'm pretty sure what's going to happen is I am going to get layers. I want to add some movement to my hair. I also feel like since it's mostly one length it just kind lays their lifeless. And I also have this vision that by shedding all the dead stuff at the end my hair will magically transform like a caterpillar to a butterfly and the wind will blow through my hair and it will be like one of those shampoo commercials. And my teeth will be perfectly straight and white and I'll look like a super star. #reasonableexpectations<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for the after reveal!!{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-18071187946198752572014-11-19T09:23:00.001-08:002014-11-19T09:23:52.400-08:00My Newest Accessory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwK33onM6ZBLZczCg0BnxsnJIVut3zwqhzt3GsKtBTH1hGFvEp-MtWu4IO-XQcYxkrTWTefye0oT8VXDoHqBOyBbQKg8c_a2Gcs82Twles3geBt98aVRwBmfMzr5SgWsI7N3H9drh9fJe/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-18+at+8.38.41+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwK33onM6ZBLZczCg0BnxsnJIVut3zwqhzt3GsKtBTH1hGFvEp-MtWu4IO-XQcYxkrTWTefye0oT8VXDoHqBOyBbQKg8c_a2Gcs82Twles3geBt98aVRwBmfMzr5SgWsI7N3H9drh9fJe/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-18+at+8.38.41+PM.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
Behold my newest accessory. It's called the Belly Band, or Pregnancy Support Band, and it essentially helps you hold up your big old baby bump.<br />
<br />
I've had some muscle strain during my pregnancy. Nothing too severe, just your typical aches and pains in the back and legs from your body expanding. I mean if you think about, it makes sense. Things are shifting and stretching and you are carrying more weight. Of course things start to hurt. But then I got to work on Monday and I could barely walk.<br />
<br />
I was getting this REALLY sharp pain in front of my hip - sort of where your leg connects to your hip joint? (if that makes any sense?) Sharp pains when you are pregnant are generally not good. I was pretty confident that it wasn't the actually in relation to the baby because it wasn't my torso that hurt; it was everything AROUND my torso - my back, my hip, and all the way down through my leg. So being the totally rational mom-to-be that I am, I called my doctor in a panic. They ran me through a list of questions, and decided everything sounded okay and I probably just pulled something. Okay, I can live with that.<br />
<br />
Cut to four hours later and the pain is SO BAD I literally am fighting back tears as I am sitting in my staff lunch meeting at work. I ended up limping out. I thought - I have to go lay down. So I tried to drive myself home and it hurt so bad I just steered myself to the doctor. Full exam later, I've pulled the ligaments in my hips. These ligaments support your baby bump and hold it up. The prescription? I went home and laid on my couch for eight hours straight waiting for the pain to go away and I was told to wear this gorgeous Pregnancy Support Band for the remainder of my pregnancy.<br />
<br />
The pain was mostly gone Tuesday when I woke up. I stayed home to rest more and wore my band all day. I have to be super careful how I sit though and make sure I don't have my legs folded for too long (think of when you are sitting in a chair) or else it starts to pinch up again. I'm hoping this doesn't severely impact my mobility for the next trimester. I'd like to be able to walk around, run errands, do they typical type stuff of every day. To be honest though, after a few hours of moving I feel like I need to lay back down. Maybe this is because I am all flared up? Or maybe this is because my body is just starting to max out from carrying this baby weight. Either way, I will be rocking this support band for a while. And I am probably going to have to rethink my desk situation at work. I'm not sure I can sit in a traditional desk chair for eight hours a day. One of my coworkers recommended I try a yoga ball... maybe that would help?<br />
<br />
Have any of you had issues with your ligaments from supporting your belly? Any tips on how to reduce the discomfort or support bands that worked best for you??<br />
<br />{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-55493695921842050352014-11-14T09:28:00.001-08:002014-11-14T09:28:23.770-08:00@enlovewithlife<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfeyFngstdoo6LL6eMjvNAUHrZtUCsVA6SCl1JQ_ydChZlGOtrB45hU5SdCNibm7dN9gApLBzfJ30IHISZAiniuUeJrByYI7yMVixX8-JoEuh0CrV_ENoopES8_oA9LgG9AQArPKBWzxm/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-11+at+8.27.30+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfeyFngstdoo6LL6eMjvNAUHrZtUCsVA6SCl1JQ_ydChZlGOtrB45hU5SdCNibm7dN9gApLBzfJ30IHISZAiniuUeJrByYI7yMVixX8-JoEuh0CrV_ENoopES8_oA9LgG9AQArPKBWzxm/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-11+at+8.27.30+PM.png" width="330" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdQ3l4skeNE_YgYsYLRaVO6zr2zcEf37Bsj_hCc-Rpi2hAZGTPG6RsOGbTgp48FeunlGsZTlMGcEEEZ5gTHcoK0RZnRZnnD32DtAjz1NgnVogO7FXc6s-4HcmG6arOZKcMpAJoQ543Dxu/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-11+at+8.27.42+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdQ3l4skeNE_YgYsYLRaVO6zr2zcEf37Bsj_hCc-Rpi2hAZGTPG6RsOGbTgp48FeunlGsZTlMGcEEEZ5gTHcoK0RZnRZnnD32DtAjz1NgnVogO7FXc6s-4HcmG6arOZKcMpAJoQ543Dxu/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-11+at+8.27.42+PM.png" width="330" /></a>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWx6PJLISQ9ie-W_KoYxOU_c9sQJE03hrwrhtnIhxQ2LGzvkoagULwdSOuG5hXPF7ixCOCrhgnLgBTCiYMWqlMETV9Gt96CSU7T3A1klhgT0KLX2a8uZzeXBGvpSmX93ppbLCnwkV9f2I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-11+at+8.27.57+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWx6PJLISQ9ie-W_KoYxOU_c9sQJE03hrwrhtnIhxQ2LGzvkoagULwdSOuG5hXPF7ixCOCrhgnLgBTCiYMWqlMETV9Gt96CSU7T3A1klhgT0KLX2a8uZzeXBGvpSmX93ppbLCnwkV9f2I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-11+at+8.27.57+PM.png" width="330" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQ142dA6Kx8JTCNJboxl2VgcHe6zulJ-CubBNv91um3aZOlQ7MbgBp9_wayvpKprqezcV-cq1qDNe4Si7Uh5cWZD-cbseDJDVhq5N4HmgadoYdxLCD4m9dwMlFlQOxUZiE7XEQTsM92hK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-11+at+8.28.09+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQ142dA6Kx8JTCNJboxl2VgcHe6zulJ-CubBNv91um3aZOlQ7MbgBp9_wayvpKprqezcV-cq1qDNe4Si7Uh5cWZD-cbseDJDVhq5N4HmgadoYdxLCD4m9dwMlFlQOxUZiE7XEQTsM92hK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-11+at+8.28.09+PM.png" width="330" /></a>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mWhpFworQTj60QvhfVKhNWtB8aJRqds_wxiHnM6ztDbgyMQ9LZqeHwH1u_QDcOYhM1KN0lf4hD28d30qpHmrCE-GzOUfooakffOTv-Cx7wD0QCgD6irTHFufN-yU1VRQryc69NTnMMTZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-11+at+8.28.25+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mWhpFworQTj60QvhfVKhNWtB8aJRqds_wxiHnM6ztDbgyMQ9LZqeHwH1u_QDcOYhM1KN0lf4hD28d30qpHmrCE-GzOUfooakffOTv-Cx7wD0QCgD6irTHFufN-yU1VRQryc69NTnMMTZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-11+at+8.28.25+PM.png" width="330" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLh-olXnJ9FtOrl0wB4nYen2zmqrJiaKY6Ohpp53A9DAs50lE5vmL9EB-fV0sIZgwQJy39I4Bazy7hXn064DzXTR-sZJy6QD4bHyWQbLYelCEENn47lqmiYqJsgDVBMxERo5FZcvofetR/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-11+at+8.28.43+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLh-olXnJ9FtOrl0wB4nYen2zmqrJiaKY6Ohpp53A9DAs50lE5vmL9EB-fV0sIZgwQJy39I4Bazy7hXn064DzXTR-sZJy6QD4bHyWQbLYelCEENn47lqmiYqJsgDVBMxERo5FZcvofetR/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-11+at+8.28.43+PM.png" width="330" /></a>
<br />
<br />
1. My friend Jewels who took the most gorgeous pictures of us for our Holiday Cards!<br />
2. Precious Baby Wilbur and I getting ready for the photo shoot. I swear I will use any excuse to stick a bow tie on him!<br />
3. Wilbur and I sharing an ice cream. He always gets the last few licks.<br />
4. Daily jewelry essentials<br />
5. My team and I! I just love this black and white!!! Maybe it needs to be a canvas :)<br />
6. Baby bump photo! She just keeps getting bigger and bigger!<br />
<br />
Follow me on instagram at @enlovewithlife to keep up! Do you have IG? If so, leave your name below so I can find you!{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-68545266671493631172014-11-13T08:48:00.001-08:002014-11-13T08:48:23.305-08:00Lessons in Direct Sales: Not that "Creepy Sales Person"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0e07tn6XKwvuR4M7kkIY23KLsnRvA3eKUQCr0WU4jmdUU01nub1C2FdnHRbCpC5ZYchKwjPIbCqLcYflByc917hngomd9rxbnXcjUO46bNF_S24wugfF8tYZIAyhhc3kNputsD8eUu7S/s1600/headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0e07tn6XKwvuR4M7kkIY23KLsnRvA3eKUQCr0WU4jmdUU01nub1C2FdnHRbCpC5ZYchKwjPIbCqLcYflByc917hngomd9rxbnXcjUO46bNF_S24wugfF8tYZIAyhhc3kNputsD8eUu7S/s1600/headshot.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.owlseyephoto.com/" target="_blank">Owls Eye Photography</a></span></div>
<br />
My biggest fear when I first joined a direct sales company was that people (namely my friends) would find me creepy. We've all met that person - the one you can't talk to without them bringing up something they think you should buy. Awkward. Let me say that again - AWKWARD. At first, this fear made it difficult for me to talk about what I do, but slowly and over the past year I have found a way to be more comfortable with telling people about my business in a way that I feel is authentic and non-pressuring. I know this is something a lot of other people struggle with, so I wanted to share my top tips for working in direct sales and not being that "creepy sales person".<br />
<br />
<b>1. Talk about what you do without trying to sell.</b> If direct sales is big part of your life, you can share your life with your friends without always trying to sell them something. Talk about how you spend your days, the awesome people you are meeting, personal achievements you are realizing with your business, etc. just like you would any job you are proud of! You don't have to be fearful to share about what makes you happy and energized. This type of sharing helps strengthen your relationship with people in your life, rather than distance you. And if they ever decide they want something, they know what you do and how to find you! Trust me, they will call (or text).<br />
<br />
<b>2. Offer your products, but don't be upset if people don't want them. </b>When I go shopping at the mall with my friends, its totally normal for us to show each other things. Something along the lines of "omg look at this sweater - you'd look so cute in it!". Sometimes they love what we showed them, and sometimes they are like "dude - you are crazy, that is hideous". And then we go "okay" and set it back down. No skin off our nose right? It's not like we have any vested interest in if they buy it. To be successful, you have to have this same mentality about your product you sell. Don't defend it, don't talk them into it. Your job is to help them find what they are looking for, not what you are selling. If those two align, great! If not, move on. You don't want people to feel pressured to buy from you. No one likes to make a living that way.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Ask people to join your team because it will help them, not you. </b>Okay, let's just get this out there. People always call direct sales "pyramid schemes". Personally, I use to think this was true about them as well. And pyramid schemes have such a creepy connotation. But I am a pretty smart person (or so my masters degree says) and when you look at the way a direct sales "pyramid" is set, it's actually pretty close to any regular business. The pyramid is a typical business goes: the CEO, the managers, and the employees. The difference with direct sales is that you don't need to wait for someone above you to see you potential in order for you to promote; you automatically promote with direct sales based on how hard you work. Simple as that. And while I am on my soap box, I have to point out that the company I work for won't allow someone who is "higher on the pyramid" to receive any coaching commissions off another team member unless they are also selling themselves - no slacking allowed! So with that out of the way, the most crucial thing about growing your team in direct sales is you have to be focused on how doing this could help THE OTHER PERSON. Sure, when people on my team promote, it helps me out. But you know what, I'm not really motivated by that. The reason I get excited to help them grow is because how it impacts their life. You should feel this way about it when you offer someone the opportunity to join your team. Do they need an excuse to get out of the house and see their friends? Do they need extra money or financial freedom? Think about how you can help them. This kind of authenticity will show during your discussions with them.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Don't badger. </b>As a direct sales consultant, I can hook. you. up. And I honestly, truly feel that way. If you want free jewelry, we can do a show for you! If you want a good deal, let me know and I'll watch your piece and send you an urgent text when it goes on a 48 hour sale. It's the same thing I'd want any friend to do for me! But if that's not something you are interested in, either because you don't want to host, or aren't interested in the products, that's cool too! I promise I won't bring it up every time we see each other. I understand what "no" means, and as your friend I respect your no. I may check back in three to six months to see if you changed your mind, but only because I don't want you to miss out. And if you say no again, then I'll drop it.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Love what you do. </b>If you are in direct sales just to make money, and don't really care about your product, it will show. You will come off as slimy. If you love the product you sell, love working with people to help them find what they need, and truly just love what you do, that will shine through. That is the type of energy people like working with. And when you offer to help them with something, they will see and feel the genuineness behind your offer. And that, my friends, it the ultimate way to avoid being "that creepy sales person".<br />
<br />
Do you work in direct sales? Or have you had a good or bad encounter with someone else who does? I would love to hear your tips as well! What has worked for you or what came across as icky?!{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-1216751774901859852014-11-11T20:25:00.002-08:002014-11-11T20:25:30.705-08:00Random Musings and Life Updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLu381RgkB1lcmtIBLaZ2bB95cbIsO83LRGI4o7K8j6V5XQpNACBE-QeCkczCuDOa7whBzLqlc1qJ7aWequDsWB2oxdTXor8_JBFz-SxCK5wEiTNKstIwJfuPcZPNdSfJYCUaaWTa4ucX/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-11+at+8.08.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLu381RgkB1lcmtIBLaZ2bB95cbIsO83LRGI4o7K8j6V5XQpNACBE-QeCkczCuDOa7whBzLqlc1qJ7aWequDsWB2oxdTXor8_JBFz-SxCK5wEiTNKstIwJfuPcZPNdSfJYCUaaWTa4ucX/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-11+at+8.08.11+PM.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
1. So our furnace is broken. Its 25 years old, so I guess it had it coming. It's been breaking down a lot lately (like once a year) and now it needs a new mother board. I'm smart enough to know that's no good, so Husband and I have been auditioning heating companies on replacing our existing set up. In all, we've had five different quotes. Want to know what the variation is in pricing? $10,000. SERIOUSLY. WHAT THE HECK. How can there be a $10,000 spread between what people are suggesting? Pretty sure we found the company we want use - they are the provide the best pricing and we feel really good about our selection. I guess it's good we didn't go with the first estimate though (they were the most expensive).<br />
<br />
2. I bought something in the juniors department at Target. Hint, it's this vest I have on in this photo. I was really just excited to pick something up that wasn't in the maternity section, which if you have been pregnant, you know is a vacant wasteland of lack of clothing. Well, they have leggings and over sized shirts. But nothing I can wear to work. Not really "office appropriate" attire to say the least. Most of my clothing has been purchased online through Old Navy at this point.<br />
<br />
3. Husband is on the phone talking to his dad right now, and I over heard this "So I've been doing a lot of cleaning lately, and man is it exhausting!". I was REALLY excited - like, YA - IT IS EXHAUSTING! And to be fair, he cleaned our kitchen today. But then I waited a few seconds and it became apparent he is talking about weight lifting... like the type of cleaning you do when you pick a big weight up off the floor. Le sigh. No validation.<br />
<br />
4. HOLIDAY PHOTOS!!! So this picture was taken by my gorgeous and talented friend Jewels. She is AMAZE-BALLS. I begged her to do an informal holiday picture session of Husband, Wilbur and I so we would have something for the Holiday Cards. I thought briefly about using an old photo... but since I am CLEARLY pregnant in real life right now, it felt weird to send out a Holiday Card photo with no baby bump. New photos were definitely in order. I should be getting more pictures from her soon and I can't wait to share them all with you! PS - where is the best place to order holiday cards through?<br />
<br />
5. I am dying to cut my hair. Like I seriously looked at the scissors in my bathroom this morning and considered hacking off a few inches. I don't want to go short, but I haven't cut my hair in seven months and the ends. are. BAD. And also I just can't stand it getting caught in everything. One week left until my official hair appointment. I can make it... I think...{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-13744467569097385342014-11-05T16:46:00.000-08:002014-11-05T16:46:42.979-08:00The Nesting Files: Guest Room<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUtPbhsE-NIs4Fim1zxUR5E6qtJn9HJhg1huQBhofXA2X_7Uf57Rlz5KgebkW16nIvt84rL4Ha78kW6gIlA4blidzb0T7uksjnVJ7h0YMtj3dHIh7gD8yUl2Zw664tlN_SwoBx4ER_Vo4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-02+at+4.38.48+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUtPbhsE-NIs4Fim1zxUR5E6qtJn9HJhg1huQBhofXA2X_7Uf57Rlz5KgebkW16nIvt84rL4Ha78kW6gIlA4blidzb0T7uksjnVJ7h0YMtj3dHIh7gD8yUl2Zw664tlN_SwoBx4ER_Vo4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-02+at+4.38.48+PM.png" width="655" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbCe3ozXtENXu13_tKlmUwTWtBhaQa-pQD7rFuVZwq63AmtVs8UzG99GY_fHw8l5qowwXbhhZk9-MAe8aVOP_ym9x3kbqI39UwzpdQauAmnKpsAN8DFMVqX19WGLBDJ_zpCwABrnTjNIG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-02+at+4.39.26+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbCe3ozXtENXu13_tKlmUwTWtBhaQa-pQD7rFuVZwq63AmtVs8UzG99GY_fHw8l5qowwXbhhZk9-MAe8aVOP_ym9x3kbqI39UwzpdQauAmnKpsAN8DFMVqX19WGLBDJ_zpCwABrnTjNIG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-02+at+4.39.26+PM.png" width="325" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Q-2GJKatVa2RVihYvC3qX9MQ8CyMY2K23Kynz_QhCNCSctKurN029V6itEIlaDx0pdy7-xTlG56sCl09OdTP8f3oe-WUYIpJFEqViqmjvv6-ZpTME-FpUVZtf7OcllbzLmuJdfApnLtG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-02+at+4.39.57+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Q-2GJKatVa2RVihYvC3qX9MQ8CyMY2K23Kynz_QhCNCSctKurN029V6itEIlaDx0pdy7-xTlG56sCl09OdTP8f3oe-WUYIpJFEqViqmjvv6-ZpTME-FpUVZtf7OcllbzLmuJdfApnLtG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-02+at+4.39.57+PM.png" width="325" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">{ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/90564642482214391/" target="_blank">1</a> / <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/90564642482225169/" target="_blank">2</a> / <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/90564642482225194/" target="_blank">3</a> }</span></div>
<br />
In making room for baby, we are reorganizing our upstairs bedrooms. We currently have a guest room, and room full of a bunch of crap we never use. One of these rooms is going to become the baby room. The second room needs to be refashioned to function like the previous two rooms. As part of the reorganization, I've spent that last few weeks brainstorming what I really NEED the second room to accomplish. Here is what I have so far.<br />
<br />
<b>1. Guest Room.</b> We need a place for family to stay who are visiting from out of town. This, to me, means we need a bed, or something that converts to a bed.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Storage. </b>We have a lot of books, dvds, etc. that are currently thrown all over that room. We need a way to store these (much better I might add) that creates storage and function in the room.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Laundry.</b> I currently use our guest room closet to air dry my clothes and the room itself to iron in.<br />
<br />
So here is what I have come up with. Having an actually bed in the room is going to take up WAY too much space for all the other purposes I need. To fix this, I am looking at sofa beds. I've been doing some searching and I found one I really like from <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30243262/" target="_blank">IKEA</a>. It will primarily be a couch for us to use when we are reading in the room, but can also convert to a bed when people visit.<br />
<br />
I also want to create a bookcase storage system with lots of bins that I can use to store all the random things we have in there. A lot of books, dvds, craft supplies, decorations, etc. I am leaning towards these <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20275885/" target="_blank">IKEA</a> ones because I have them throughout the rest of the house and I feel like as we move to and from houses in the future we can merge them together based on the needs of the rooms. They work really well elsewhere and I think they would do the trick. To match the rest of our house, these would be the dark espresso brown color.<br />
<br />
For laundry purposes, I think I can continue to use the closet. There is plenty of room to hang clothes to dry, and I can fold my ironing board up and place it and the steamer in there if I can shift some of the other items out of the closet and into the bookcase. This seems like the best approach, because I don't really want the ironing board out in the middle of the room.<br />
<br />
This will leave me with a little extra space in there and I am trying to figure out what to do with it. Right now I am leaning towards putting a chair and side table in there for further seating... but I could also make it more of a play room. Maybe put a tiny table, a tee pee, etc. for when the baby gets older. I just can decide.<br />
<br />
What do you use your spare room for? Am I missing anything that I should be taking into account??<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-53233464730701125722014-11-03T15:54:00.000-08:002014-11-03T15:54:04.031-08:00Wilbur's 1st Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRSZnMAjDZTxIGKgXAa9UaY21Df6hC56NKgkn6712KjygMBUouv9NhJaakdovbnVoJ3MYWLbQ5jkDm842ylge5ogju7QPb4Tiq_B9SCebcmgkrU1GJ0C9asBdpTDHM32_9N9wIpjyH0DN/s1600/IMG_6885.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRSZnMAjDZTxIGKgXAa9UaY21Df6hC56NKgkn6712KjygMBUouv9NhJaakdovbnVoJ3MYWLbQ5jkDm842ylge5ogju7QPb4Tiq_B9SCebcmgkrU1GJ0C9asBdpTDHM32_9N9wIpjyH0DN/s1600/IMG_6885.jpg" width="650" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkSKYtqN6sJOGZgckao8DLsVLb_igYBMreymzoJV2cWqjclRifsWR7avDtpfWiIwlCIWHqFTtPnoX3blMRBNyT6Bu1Ut3B9L9Kfv7-KD_p031Wv_mKv5wV-JVI9ztMNIrqIJGjrYJbrrg/s1600/IMG_6891.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkSKYtqN6sJOGZgckao8DLsVLb_igYBMreymzoJV2cWqjclRifsWR7avDtpfWiIwlCIWHqFTtPnoX3blMRBNyT6Bu1Ut3B9L9Kfv7-KD_p031Wv_mKv5wV-JVI9ztMNIrqIJGjrYJbrrg/s1600/IMG_6891.jpg" width="318" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93fS6DS46-VQh4TFGf9TCZXZcN7hmNLXgnVrFnuidgniv_-YtNhs8hR7zJvMv8QuKN_oJ9gxa4ZdHMJWLCaRaFgB2qF4UdjbhLToOG5h_G_9HezYBTOvmP1UbGQ5rnLBo1XRzxmtS0_Li/s1600/IMG_6888-2.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93fS6DS46-VQh4TFGf9TCZXZcN7hmNLXgnVrFnuidgniv_-YtNhs8hR7zJvMv8QuKN_oJ9gxa4ZdHMJWLCaRaFgB2qF4UdjbhLToOG5h_G_9HezYBTOvmP1UbGQ5rnLBo1XRzxmtS0_Li/s1600/IMG_6888-2.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMzwXKaofxJXWOKfceAXOEVbGFGusDNYZap1Q0MI_BCr9pxE-waC309xzCh65Of7mecJizRAsqHkINkcJ4DCDsMxg-k9TZagV2hSsesjdWQ55ci8Z6oAp7HCFG-TH43bv_Vmel6nqQ_-O/s1600/1.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMzwXKaofxJXWOKfceAXOEVbGFGusDNYZap1Q0MI_BCr9pxE-waC309xzCh65Of7mecJizRAsqHkINkcJ4DCDsMxg-k9TZagV2hSsesjdWQ55ci8Z6oAp7HCFG-TH43bv_Vmel6nqQ_-O/s1600/1.png" height="325" width="325" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMr6vKGd-GNiDzujtOm8Qv-Qt_RiFB5z8Moj6ka64fS5BijSfIc6HKkm2Q_5PFqBYbqUUQ9YCJuw1UU53wFoIEFojhGoONktKTIizKtzlakRsAZxFxV_TSS1qGUmOj96FBsMUdONXueCU/s1600/2.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMr6vKGd-GNiDzujtOm8Qv-Qt_RiFB5z8Moj6ka64fS5BijSfIc6HKkm2Q_5PFqBYbqUUQ9YCJuw1UU53wFoIEFojhGoONktKTIizKtzlakRsAZxFxV_TSS1qGUmOj96FBsMUdONXueCU/s1600/2.png" height="325" width="325" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_bg5xsMklbQuorQ6i4_nRod-OwG_PCU8w9tg2iFz4mpTx6KifMhFtVjNsdLxwpbEELMXh75x1pgGFV8_QfWyHIFQtKqCjKaQygWEp08bmUNF0bGi_jpEsyZlgi-6H73D0QfvR5JY6U03/s1600/4.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_bg5xsMklbQuorQ6i4_nRod-OwG_PCU8w9tg2iFz4mpTx6KifMhFtVjNsdLxwpbEELMXh75x1pgGFV8_QfWyHIFQtKqCjKaQygWEp08bmUNF0bGi_jpEsyZlgi-6H73D0QfvR5JY6U03/s1600/4.png" height="325" width="325" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawBtdkSB-x4OQJs5RTJwnqK8C5RDRQNchU-FrNkI3VpitCp-FY6_f6rtk-UHC0omagCIT6FPa6SZojxl1NZyTI4jh4dzKEhTn-xt6YolVT0vNrvxfneYELuVHotmsNM_Jxl1tRZKQvIwQ/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawBtdkSB-x4OQJs5RTJwnqK8C5RDRQNchU-FrNkI3VpitCp-FY6_f6rtk-UHC0omagCIT6FPa6SZojxl1NZyTI4jh4dzKEhTn-xt6YolVT0vNrvxfneYELuVHotmsNM_Jxl1tRZKQvIwQ/s1600/3.png" height="325" width="325" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I am sure has been well documented on this here blog, Precious Baby Wilbur is essentially my first-born child. I know I am pregnant and about to have a baby, but Wilbur still counts as a kid too. I love that little fluff ball! So what does any normal, loving mom do when her kid turns one? Clearly you have a birthday party and invite all their friends over!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
His birthday was back in the spring (boo! I know I am late posting these) so thank goodness the weather was good. There is no way to have a successful dog party if you house if full of DOGS! Like eight dogs. That is just mad! Instead they hung out in the backyard. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Most of my friends seem to have labradoodles, so poor Wilbur was the only dog there under 20 pounds. He spent a good portion of his party hiding under the table or sitting on my lap, but he definitely enjoyed his puppy cupcakes. I ordered cupcakes specifically made for dogs from a local Portland Bakery. They were apple and oat cupcakes with peanut butter filling and yogurt honey frosting. Wilbur definitely approved! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The party was a huge success! We had BBQ, hung out with our friends, gave Wilbur a bunch of puppy cake, and had a great time! Several of our friends (the labradoodle owners) mingled and swapped puppy tips. Rumor has it a few have started their own play groups! And the cutest thing ever, the puppies brought Wilbur presents. Seriously, I was not expecting that but it was the CUTEST surprise. They were even all signed by the dogs. Once we opened the first one, it was like he knew they were for him. He would tear into the wrapping paper and rip out the toys and treats. Oh he definitely thought it was the best day ever. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have any of you ever thrown a dog party before? We are totally having another one this year. It was just too fun!</div>
{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-91021272844995627192014-11-02T15:30:00.004-08:002014-11-02T15:30:44.557-08:00Busy, Busy, Busy Bee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJlWVGVF-895N4E-J0mjfMhyTH4Cn-T2XB_de_W-ZaJRmMcajnoKsQbvYZzE28MlEjzJ3qum1UveFxr0oRqY068eap33YkUjTxjpw7zhVJN3ARx4wx-isCVqXKL8AkcPEeU9GEa_IwxIR/s1600/arm+party.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJlWVGVF-895N4E-J0mjfMhyTH4Cn-T2XB_de_W-ZaJRmMcajnoKsQbvYZzE28MlEjzJ3qum1UveFxr0oRqY068eap33YkUjTxjpw7zhVJN3ARx4wx-isCVqXKL8AkcPEeU9GEa_IwxIR/s1600/arm+party.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
I tend to be one of those super busy people. I have a hard time saying no to things and I feel like I can always add one more thing to my plate. I guess I could try an fix that, but the truth is I LIKE being really busy. I mean not so busy that I am feeling a little cray cray, but busy enough that I have lots of things going. It makes my days feel productive, it adds richness to my life because I get to be involved in lots of things, and its just fun! So that said, how does someone remain sane while trying to do it all? Here is what seems to work for me.<br />
<br />
<b>1. Do a Little Each Day. </b>I work two jobs. I have my full time day job (probably around 45 to 50 hours a week) and then I also have my Stella & Dot career. My full time job is pretty easy to get things done for - I show up every day and work a a minimum number of hours a week. The one that is trickier is fitting in my Stella & Dot work. I have found the key to making it all work for me is doing a little bit each day of Stella & Dot. When I am eating breakfast, I respond to emails, log into my business account and see if there are any new alerts I need to be aware of (read: SALE!!!), and check on my team's progress. Then I make a list of what needs to happen that day. At lunch I check in with my team, follow up with hostesses, etc. And then I spend a few minutes at night wrapping up things. Sometimes I have more to do in one day, and sometimes I have less. But doing a little bit each day as opposed to spending a whole afternoon on the weekends keeps things moving and gets WAY more done! I think this same philosophy would be true for a variety of things - whether it be your blog, your exercise routine (awkward pause.... I need to start one again), cleaning your house, or whatever.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Realize Nothing Will Be Perfect, and That's Okay. </b>It use to be a perfectionist. I would REEEEALLLLYYY but me if things weren't, well, PERFECT. And then I was like, well what happens if they aren't? The world won't end if I don't get everything done in my to do list that day, or if the dishes wait another day (or two...), or I have a typo in an email to a client. I mean, yes, it would be better if things were perfect, but it's just not practical. No one can ever be perfect, and it's better to have something great today, then something perfect (ish) four days later. Sometimes you just have to do your best, keep things moving, and trust that your best effort will be good enough. (side note: even typing this makes me uncomfortable - PERFECT IS BETTER - but alas, not practical. Deep breath. We will all survive).<br />
<br />
<b>3. Prioritize. </b>Ya, this has to happen. Time is like a resource. You have a limited amount to get everything done. So sometimes you have prioritize and let a few things slip. Ummm.. occasionally for me this is hair washing (thank you dry shampoo), meal prep (thank you frozen gluten free chicken nuggets), and house cleaning. BUT - what I do get done is stuff I find more valuable. And then eventually the status of my hair becomes a larger priority and then I wash it or I do my dishes and I don't do as much of another category that week and hopefully it balances out.<br />
<br />
So these are my tips. I am curious, what do you do to keep things moving when you are super busy? Help a girl out!{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-66465591284077968912014-10-27T12:00:00.000-07:002014-10-27T12:00:00.454-07:00The Chic Executive Officers (CEOs) - My New Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Wna0f3JtlqaJppjBMxk4LlvDYkMTZ_q9YtJr5bBmjwXPgENTnJQil-IN7Co7o2X6TN0VXY1eNkzqPy9-czvrrohLnqBLpgyqXz4aWMe10dSU0RF0i6SzKtw-xdSlE7EHe3n-I-ROwIop/s1600/owls+eye+photography+(68).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Wna0f3JtlqaJppjBMxk4LlvDYkMTZ_q9YtJr5bBmjwXPgENTnJQil-IN7Co7o2X6TN0VXY1eNkzqPy9-czvrrohLnqBLpgyqXz4aWMe10dSU0RF0i6SzKtw-xdSlE7EHe3n-I-ROwIop/s1600/owls+eye+photography+(68).jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpoSlBZZrwXd9U9AOofF23mtT1TNt-w9PeS5lq8K00RycR-y95mwlsjEyOobsPl5BkSlAHRzI03qtWGrdG6G_-r2EQlQ2GWIfI8VZ870Nb0WjkwZIUvGC6ljDZBd3CdOYnfwRXpj5htLR/s1600/owls+eye+photography+(69).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpoSlBZZrwXd9U9AOofF23mtT1TNt-w9PeS5lq8K00RycR-y95mwlsjEyOobsPl5BkSlAHRzI03qtWGrdG6G_-r2EQlQ2GWIfI8VZ870Nb0WjkwZIUvGC6ljDZBd3CdOYnfwRXpj5htLR/s1600/owls+eye+photography+(69).jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbbqmZs8nEfol2ruxJhR5Ub-yZdRE6BSuyJ9jM3YgtB5IUQcYJ4Y6_wHxE6Z7HZT0YOehhT83-2gmsqdqmeyHNpJiBLVBAgA4Uy0G-dYvXEUqhj8TF8DGmbXuiH0lXMjdudsWx8qntmp3/s1600/owls+eye+photography+(70).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbbqmZs8nEfol2ruxJhR5Ub-yZdRE6BSuyJ9jM3YgtB5IUQcYJ4Y6_wHxE6Z7HZT0YOehhT83-2gmsqdqmeyHNpJiBLVBAgA4Uy0G-dYvXEUqhj8TF8DGmbXuiH0lXMjdudsWx8qntmp3/s1600/owls+eye+photography+(70).jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKht3faeUU_Xtkk9eZZHCoA3X_EoFxO0g-ZEHROnek_wyC4__ppiMPgkBDramYj0p94eRRVhvHglrAJFG6Jep5-FsXgCca_Q7xVSzAGMPN1v9nJGNgqgMXWb0PY0xzB4ftNWwNgZrA_uK/s1600/owls+eye+photography+(71).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKht3faeUU_Xtkk9eZZHCoA3X_EoFxO0g-ZEHROnek_wyC4__ppiMPgkBDramYj0p94eRRVhvHglrAJFG6Jep5-FsXgCca_Q7xVSzAGMPN1v9nJGNgqgMXWb0PY0xzB4ftNWwNgZrA_uK/s1600/owls+eye+photography+(71).jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgglr1dceJ_I76onJ_eyJ96yPRffZJ9GPmd3kthOJlhQpgHJN4L4f3wFbUe5Ewxe_zwF8YOxs-1ZSb_hw7E7-irVR8mLDt9HXmrjtxyqe_ieWg4a2aDoKl_-5Ycqa5osTEepeSa2v8VDo/s1600/owls+eye+photography+(72).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgglr1dceJ_I76onJ_eyJ96yPRffZJ9GPmd3kthOJlhQpgHJN4L4f3wFbUe5Ewxe_zwF8YOxs-1ZSb_hw7E7-irVR8mLDt9HXmrjtxyqe_ieWg4a2aDoKl_-5Ycqa5osTEepeSa2v8VDo/s1600/owls+eye+photography+(72).jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by <a href="http://www.owlseyephoto.com/ceos-team-stella-dot-portland-headshot-photographer/" target="_blank">Owls Eye Photography</a></span></div>
<br />
Later today my house will be taken over fabulous women decked out in jewels. And when I say women, as in plural, what I really mean is there are going to be like thirty of us, in my little house, eating snackies, laughing over champagne (except me) and cake, and having a grand old time.<br />
<br />
One of the reasons I joined Stella & Dot (if not a primary reason) was to make more time to see friends. And then also to make more friends period. I think back when I was in school or college it was easier to find time to see people and to meet new people. In high school you see them all the time in classes, or at football games, or social events. In college you are constantly meeting new folks as you bounce from one class to another. And you form your study groups and you grab lunch and its great. And then you graduate and you start working. And for most of us, this becomes all consuming. You spend at least eight hours at the office, plus your commute time, and then time at the gym, time cleaning your house, time running errands.... its easy to become a hermit and 1) not make any new friends and 2) never see the ones you do have.<br />
<br />
When I signed up I figured it would give me more of an excuse to my friends. I'd have them over for parties, hook them up with free jewelry by hosting, and even meet some new ladies. I could make some new acquaintances at the monthly team meetings, and maybe make a new friend or two. But oh my gosh I SO underestimated how this would work. Every lovely, smiling face you see in these photos are ladies I would deem as "new friends". A few of them are people I knew before, but had lost touch with over the years; not someone I would text all the time and see each month (like I do now!). And a few of them are people I never would have met without S&D. And this isn't even ALL of them. This is like maybe 1/5th of the team I belong to and the one I am growing with the support of these pictured ladies.<br />
<br />
If I were to summarize how this experience has helped me meet new people and grow as a person, I would say the following:<br />
<br />
1) I am SO MUCH MORE outgoing about asking people to hang out. I do it all the time now! I offer to do shows for them, invite them to shows, or just plain say - hey, let's get together and do something! Before, this was really scary to me. I was fearful of rejection; in someways trying to ask a new person to be your friend and hang out reminds me of asking a cute boy in high school to go on a date. Oh the vulnerability of it all! What if they say no?! And you look like a LOSER!<br />
<br />
2) I can host a party at the drop of a hat. I am always stressing to people that having friends over doesn't have to feel like a big event. You don't need to spend hours cooking, you don't need to go crazy with the decorations. Prior to starting S&D I was always stressed about having people over. I felt like everything had to be PERFECT. Now, I am like - have 30 people over on Monday? Sure! No big deal! Let me just vacuum real quick and throw out some artichoke dip! The real emphasis of entertaining isn't in your space. It's in having a good time with people when they get there!<br />
<br />
3) I connect with people more. I stay in touch. I invite them over. I email, text, etc. to see how their lives are going. I realize how important it is to have a group of friends you can rely on and turn to and celebrate life with!<br />
<br />
The team I lead is called the Chic Executive Officers, or CEOs. I came up with this name because I wanted something that reflected how each of us is in charge of our own business, our own happiness, and our success. I feel so grateful to have found these lovely women, and for all the new members of our team that continue to join us each day. We are growing strong, and we are all fabulous and fun ladies. I can't wait to see them later this evening as we celebrate the month of October with cake, a Photo Booth (I mean, obviously!), and good times! I am so fortunate to have so many great new friends!{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-34422050092637362112014-10-26T17:48:00.003-07:002014-10-26T17:48:49.683-07:00The Nesting Files: DVD Storage<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbSLQy4FjAD_5u2BRXtn6WfYbg_XJXSkJuSkJUQW1bfx0coIRpsaWaRCiVQ23ruuENuxpGh8RZI-uIKJCrQqzDq7gzgUJBkMNtOquu2Vl0GwARayj5N_maeF48QiaMaS8OqbLih13rJcq/s1600/DVD1.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbSLQy4FjAD_5u2BRXtn6WfYbg_XJXSkJuSkJUQW1bfx0coIRpsaWaRCiVQ23ruuENuxpGh8RZI-uIKJCrQqzDq7gzgUJBkMNtOquu2Vl0GwARayj5N_maeF48QiaMaS8OqbLih13rJcq/s1600/DVD1.png" width="325" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinT5Wyjmj90tEuTo397AgjkvaHI_lyiAaxnP6lN4j6P-7td3fLXOrPtqWwXhXuYOAPlH5sxapVxUFPTK3XFURD6pvgFHav986ZIo-fdlfn8i2p1mhF-ntf_R3bZ9x25ymDE6BmX4wpKy6S/s1600/DVD2.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinT5Wyjmj90tEuTo397AgjkvaHI_lyiAaxnP6lN4j6P-7td3fLXOrPtqWwXhXuYOAPlH5sxapVxUFPTK3XFURD6pvgFHav986ZIo-fdlfn8i2p1mhF-ntf_R3bZ9x25ymDE6BmX4wpKy6S/s1600/DVD2.png" width="325" /></a>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGPhSLXOxQdnuvdpL4WI7Az19V774b5LhxruLl4-OBvyQ5a3a-FMumpg3yW3kduWrGZFhehAd62ogzj7iNiLsyJ1xx_8HzNNF0r41UbGdR3b3DAGPMtPhFXMyO_CBBvUUNUc_x2EwDp1S/s1600/DVD3.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGPhSLXOxQdnuvdpL4WI7Az19V774b5LhxruLl4-OBvyQ5a3a-FMumpg3yW3kduWrGZFhehAd62ogzj7iNiLsyJ1xx_8HzNNF0r41UbGdR3b3DAGPMtPhFXMyO_CBBvUUNUc_x2EwDp1S/s1600/DVD3.png" width="652" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">{ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/90564642482185930/" target="_blank">1</a> / <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/90564642482185934/" target="_blank">2</a> / <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/90564642482185919/" target="_blank">3</a> }</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I've become that person. That CRAZED pregnant lady who wants everything in her house organized RIGHT. NOW!<br />
<br />
Our house has three bedrooms and a loft. The loft functions as our office, the master bedroom is obviously used by Husband and I, and then one bedroom is a guest room and the other is the room we lovingly call "the room of crap". It's like the room of requirement from Harry Potter, except full of all the stuff we don't know what to do with and haven't gotten around to organizing. Case in point, there are FOUR bookcases in that room just holding tons of books and DVDs. Like we have one entire bookcase devoted to DVDS. Why?!? And we hardly ever watch them because they are upstairs in our spare room and not downstairs near the TV.<br />
<br />
There has got to be a better way. I've seen people put the DVDs into a cd booklet, but I have never really liked that. It seems really hard to keep them organized by title for searching and browsing. So looking for something better, I turned to what any sane blogger would do in a time when she needs guidance: Pinterest. And low and behold I found some awesome options.<br />
<br />
What I like about all these is that they are alphabetized, and you can easily add a new DVD to the mix without having to rearrange everything else. I think my favorite option is the bottom photo because it has letters breaking up each section. The first photo is intriguing because it has the covers included... but that means I'd need to trim them all down to fit in there... and let's be honest: ain't nobody got time for that. I think the second photo is probably the easiest option because it uses cases and sleeves you can buy at the <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/collections/mediaStorage/dVDsVideos?productId=10022645&N=226" target="_blank">Container Store</a> for around $12. Tempting....<br />
<br />
I am currently wrestling with Husband, who likes all the DVD case boxes. I am preeeeetttyyyy sure I am going to win this one because I have the ultimate trump card -> crazy pregnant lady. But stay tuned to see how the battle ends.<br />
<br />{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-62159000825981403262014-10-25T22:22:00.001-07:002014-10-25T22:22:23.645-07:00The Look for Less<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7LPHehnAb2hG6WnLktndZG2wpgL67v6s6jAKr11SSeJTx5Tilw3spa_GdIBAAA-FKooJ3HGvyaFoMmoNqkKflbF4IMQbge9jpYgqaomufNmeCLC5jBwtLalwPZOuADplDrV8ahOAkuCQ/s1600/celine.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7LPHehnAb2hG6WnLktndZG2wpgL67v6s6jAKr11SSeJTx5Tilw3spa_GdIBAAA-FKooJ3HGvyaFoMmoNqkKflbF4IMQbge9jpYgqaomufNmeCLC5jBwtLalwPZOuADplDrV8ahOAkuCQ/s1600/celine.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwMIrOsmYuI1ZZhPNwsYxy2yg2L2xAYhBMbKclhZtw9kGgOVfHKmgYRXHyFUkcNng-vxcf8Dv6SzBrsBSODufBLCwFt3B8M_3GeUUxjr9Q6jDlEK1LHCdqGQiiHM63W61XtIv9bdTOfbG/s1600/S&D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwMIrOsmYuI1ZZhPNwsYxy2yg2L2xAYhBMbKclhZtw9kGgOVfHKmgYRXHyFUkcNng-vxcf8Dv6SzBrsBSODufBLCwFt3B8M_3GeUUxjr9Q6jDlEK1LHCdqGQiiHM63W61XtIv9bdTOfbG/s1600/S&D.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4nlMkWYYvzzz5dlORE7RyJA7xW8ByWn-J3sy2J2WfMokKDRhhgNQYJmNhHfpghrjdk4rnyg0g9QRzdahOgtReqIk7acYKz0T_09zDLQldBwacAJ7EB2gk4ddmjwvPxAjMthbiW0_1uIq/s1600/S&D+IG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4nlMkWYYvzzz5dlORE7RyJA7xW8ByWn-J3sy2J2WfMokKDRhhgNQYJmNhHfpghrjdk4rnyg0g9QRzdahOgtReqIk7acYKz0T_09zDLQldBwacAJ7EB2gk4ddmjwvPxAjMthbiW0_1uIq/s1600/S&D+IG.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">{<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/249949848041767682/" target="_blank">1</a> / <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/accessories/designer-handbags-wallets/madison-tech-bag-poppy?s=tegan" target="_blank">2</a> / <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/accessories/designer-handbags-wallets/madison-tech-bag-poppy#opi2149619045" target="_blank">3</a>}</span></div>
<br />
I spent some time on YouTube this weekend watching my favorite beauty bloggers, and I saw the beloved Celine Mini Luggage Tote in red (first picture above). Be still my heart. It is gorgeous. I mean, I am just going to be real and start out by saying there is no way I could ever spend that much on a bag. I didn't even need to look up the price to know this, but of course I did anyways. After much googling I couldn't find one listed on line. I found the bag everywhere, but not the price listed at any of the normal spots (Nordstrom, Saks, Bergdorf), which is never a good sign. I did find it on ebay, and they have it for around $2,000 - $3,000. YIKES.<br />
<br />
But luckily, I am obsessed with Stella & Dot and I found a reasonable <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/accessories/designer-handbags-wallets/madison-tech-bag-poppy?s=tegan" target="_blank">swap</a>. The Stella & Dot option is saffiano leather (the same they use on LV bags), has a similar shape and color, and it is only $158. Ya, that's much better. As a <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/tegan" target="_blank">S&D Stylist</a> I pretty much own one of everything (#stylistprobs). I have this bag already in the <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/accessories/designer-handbags-wallets/madison-tech-bag-black-cr-me-breton-stripe?s=tegan" target="_blank">black and white stripe option </a>and use it EVERYDAY to haul my stuff to and from work. I throw my laptop, lunch, wallet, etc. in there. Sooo... if I am being honest... I probably don't NEED said bag in red, but gosh darn it now I WANT IT. I do use the other one everyday, so it would be a good investment, yes?<br />
<br />
Okay, if I still want it end of next week I get to buy it. I am glad we had this chat. You agree that is reasonable right? I will tell my hubby you all talked me into it.{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-82769329482795435582014-10-24T14:00:00.001-07:002014-10-24T14:04:39.164-07:00Sleep?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5nWRt1yGDP_iVe3-7boTPIMRcRvp7FaNqDU00jf5IyerwsEFGhF3GLsd9r4L7gI06rBHd71dufXIzrGELAIKIrG-vpdr5a3re2b-oBlqAzPtbP40AF_iV__QAcExCuLy38NB7L9w-SAM/s1600/no+sleep.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5nWRt1yGDP_iVe3-7boTPIMRcRvp7FaNqDU00jf5IyerwsEFGhF3GLsd9r4L7gI06rBHd71dufXIzrGELAIKIrG-vpdr5a3re2b-oBlqAzPtbP40AF_iV__QAcExCuLy38NB7L9w-SAM/s1600/no+sleep.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/90564642482173758/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{via}</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have always been the type of person who tries to cram ten things into the day where there are only room for eight. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When husband I first talked about growing our family, one of the first things he said to me was that I was going to need to slow down so I don't completely wear myself out. Full time job, board member of two societies, a research committee, volunteering for my community, and starting my Stella & Dot business. I guess when I list it all out, it does sound like a lot. But the thing is, I love them all! How are you suppose to tame your passion when you have so many things that you want to do? PLUS BLOGGING! I didn't make any time for blogging in the past few months and I really, really missed it. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've always been an overachiever, and I've always gone 100 miles an hour. And I have so many things I want to accomplish. So many goals. So many passions. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I read this Beyonce quote the other day. I can't decide if it makes me feel better that she is able to get so much done in 24 hours, or bad that she can get so much more done than me. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij84-TxuK10SKxMjxUYPy0ZSLiK50htFeqoIVCUfR6FPb5ciMWTXehxYw8TuKNZE4TMUgpIYk5sGjw9NINsh4RbIfb4ROfCNTy-nqvlNMzwjeqvBIytngFZiDKlLq3pMrBP-FpmRKPBpiD/s1600/beyonce.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij84-TxuK10SKxMjxUYPy0ZSLiK50htFeqoIVCUfR6FPb5ciMWTXehxYw8TuKNZE4TMUgpIYk5sGjw9NINsh4RbIfb4ROfCNTy-nqvlNMzwjeqvBIytngFZiDKlLq3pMrBP-FpmRKPBpiD/s1600/beyonce.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/39336196719076473/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{via}</span></a></div>
<br />
I am sure at some point I will figure this all out, and things will slowly start to rise to the top in order of priority. I guess then I can trim things off the bottom. Such is the burden of having big dreams!<br />
<br />
And now for a nap.<br />
<br />
(and then more work)<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-38228546168654520482014-10-23T22:01:00.001-07:002014-10-23T22:01:01.203-07:00Pregnancy Musings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwkH_x3dERgFqv6orwoK_TyRmGgVx9K5dbNE5Xnq0GZF0ejm2_kxt2_-rRBRznZjbmkhCMPy4ExhxD2q5qUnWzT49-cVMy74MsSrBh4qzKlYKKWndZkmMvwcTFirk7qCUMSbg_gkB7n5O/s1600/baby+bump.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwkH_x3dERgFqv6orwoK_TyRmGgVx9K5dbNE5Xnq0GZF0ejm2_kxt2_-rRBRznZjbmkhCMPy4ExhxD2q5qUnWzT49-cVMy74MsSrBh4qzKlYKKWndZkmMvwcTFirk7qCUMSbg_gkB7n5O/s1600/baby+bump.png" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
In no particular order, random things I have noticed about being pregnant....<br />
<br />
1. My eyes are super dry. I googled this. Apparently this is an actual symptom of pregnancy? Dry eyes? Okay. I guess that means I will be in glasses a lot more. (Side note: this picture was the ONE DAY last week I wore contacts)<br />
<br />
2. Holding up this belly is hard work. My ab muscles actually feel sore from it all. Do they make a sports bra for your baby bump stomach? No, seriously. Do they?<br />
<br />
3. Cravings by trimester: First: Cantaloupe, Second: French Fries, Third (almost) : Mac n Cheese<br />
<br />
4. Coordination: Today I managed to not only slip and fall on wet tile at my office building, but I also tried to climb a wall and didn't make it. I was running into work and the floor was wet, you know, because of the crazy Portland rain, and I did this epic slow motion fall. I opened the door, my shoes hit the tile and slipped out from under me, and I slowly landed on my knee and then collapsed to my booty. The only reason I didn't completely lay myself out is because I was HOLDING THE DOOR HANDLE. For real. Next, I was try to climb a small wall (like 2 feet tall) to take a short cut back to my car. I put my foot on the top of it, went to stand up on it, and my legs couldn't handle lifting my new weight and buckled under me and I jammed my shin into the brick. Awesome. I think my legs aren't use to carrying around this baby. I suppose I could work out.... but nah!!<br />
<br />
5. I miss clothing. Like cute clothing. The kind with waist bands. And why is it so hard to find office appropriate maternity clothing??? This suit jacket is actually just an up-sized jacket from Ann Taylor. Looking for an actual maternity suit jacket is pretty much a lost cause. I don't understand. What are all the pregnant women wearing at work??<br />
<br />
6. If you can't find more clothes, just wear more jewelry. My go to right now are skinny maternity jeans, a tee, and piles of jewelry. I think I am overcompensating. I might be a walking wall of sparkle by the time this baby comes out. Just layers and layers of sparkle.<br />
<br />
7. Is it bad I haven't started the baby room yet? I haven't even bought any clothing. I am such a procrastinator. I need to clean out all the junk in my spare room and start transitioning it. But that just sounds like so much work. I need a nap just thinking about it...<br />
<br />
8. This baby has some serious SASS! Just like her mama. She is super active. Lots of kicks, lots of flipping around in there, lots of sticking her booty out and making my stomach lopsided. It's the craziest feeling!<br />
<br />
9. I need a nap (did I already mention that?)<br />
<br />
10. I think I picked my baby room colors - so that is progress, yes? I am thinking white, gray, navy, and light pink.{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-6441246926900702282014-10-22T20:23:00.000-07:002014-10-22T20:23:08.178-07:00Oh HI! Plus I am Pregnant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUizFIqTJ7uB7ykFZLFjFW_sDlG8mM1RxPG2cKrXmwddVdwC2DJ_F5OemCdgO0SaZCqF0mD_r2m9D26rUtQwHXHbrwrJXYG3oP3TFhw5AQyPS3YfTSTD3syMc2toLYL4J2B5aqzFWg4wdZ/s1600/owls+eye+photography+(42).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUizFIqTJ7uB7ykFZLFjFW_sDlG8mM1RxPG2cKrXmwddVdwC2DJ_F5OemCdgO0SaZCqF0mD_r2m9D26rUtQwHXHbrwrJXYG3oP3TFhw5AQyPS3YfTSTD3syMc2toLYL4J2B5aqzFWg4wdZ/s1600/owls+eye+photography+(42).jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOxliu5n8T6XKILZqK83ks79nhuaAjHcpxyoi0ZhTLB-jBBgS5gflQQNzTw7FX9-Sz6w5lbi2z9o5jdcgejJjjsj5lpySTsrw6lB49m0hyphenhyphenmakj1XQ_fEoC2de_T847HyHOb6Iv4vYtDVd/s1600/jewels+maternity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOxliu5n8T6XKILZqK83ks79nhuaAjHcpxyoi0ZhTLB-jBBgS5gflQQNzTw7FX9-Sz6w5lbi2z9o5jdcgejJjjsj5lpySTsrw6lB49m0hyphenhyphenmakj1XQ_fEoC2de_T847HyHOb6Iv4vYtDVd/s1600/jewels+maternity.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
<br />
I know, I know. I am the worlds worst blogger. I have been MIA for what, seven months? Something obscene like that. I don't really have any excuse, but what I will say is life has been crazy busy. My Stella & Dot business has been growing, my day job is advancing, I'm still going a mile a minute with all my volunteer activities, and I just haven't made time to sit down and blog. To be honest, maybe I lost my blogging way a bit. I wasn't sure what my message was, or why I was writing. But I think I have found it. My message is to be me. And to say HI. And to make new friends. So I am going to be better about posting updates, because I actually REALLY MISS this space of mine. And chatting with you all!<br />
<br />
So here is my current news - I am pregnant! I am six months along, and currently seeking advice. CALLING ALL MOMMIES!! HALP! What do I need to know about surviving the last three months?<br />
<br />
Side note: Yes, I have heels on in this picture. I wore them for AN HOUR and my feet were KILLING ME. Like I had to soak my feet the minute I got home. I pretty much roll in flats these days. Poor feet...<br />
<br />
<br />{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514698783638505045.post-48634041917395834212014-05-17T18:54:00.001-07:002014-05-17T18:54:22.816-07:00Insta-Life and Updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqk9W4evm09CKQO98JLes0Cai1IeqehTvpvsoi3RI3TKJKYrsPzutGuwYz2JaGM1uH32RoaZANX4-RxuRql6UwZlZggk7dfkN66lyvCPJpFpJJg9ONETpHIZrDZ38lrOWJ5SkS3wqDY9_i/s1600/5.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqk9W4evm09CKQO98JLes0Cai1IeqehTvpvsoi3RI3TKJKYrsPzutGuwYz2JaGM1uH32RoaZANX4-RxuRql6UwZlZggk7dfkN66lyvCPJpFpJJg9ONETpHIZrDZ38lrOWJ5SkS3wqDY9_i/s1600/5.png" height="325" width="325" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1INbj91eX0CLRvmdatLiTQffbs1-gKviqDrstY7_o2hmF0GaqqpahRt_tbgXrSIeRZgMzOiBQjhyfjjOYzOwwAPPdEb_LDuVwZPynAhymhktrWNxltYfzBOvm651PZ9TR8oHQ18y48hf/s1600/6.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1INbj91eX0CLRvmdatLiTQffbs1-gKviqDrstY7_o2hmF0GaqqpahRt_tbgXrSIeRZgMzOiBQjhyfjjOYzOwwAPPdEb_LDuVwZPynAhymhktrWNxltYfzBOvm651PZ9TR8oHQ18y48hf/s1600/6.png" height="325" width="325" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJY_1pZXkIn6rUsCLjmiWDc3CEV0S-3XOHF2-1RQ2eyOo-p1LEeAzMGZaHVZ6WVmyoPYNfgmMRP7OLRGJMxEgpKrTQGQCE6B-taD7etm0QaB9izygr2ZQssNsJ8fjLkXgvTHEPo7kOZhKV/s1600/8.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJY_1pZXkIn6rUsCLjmiWDc3CEV0S-3XOHF2-1RQ2eyOo-p1LEeAzMGZaHVZ6WVmyoPYNfgmMRP7OLRGJMxEgpKrTQGQCE6B-taD7etm0QaB9izygr2ZQssNsJ8fjLkXgvTHEPo7kOZhKV/s1600/8.png" height="325" width="325" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpPWYHKBkpspg2__I9nLoyfCOAFz_WJWXWMXR7s9LAeQG7c7FWbQKplZrtXcdhr9j6jzBk92iygVm_lEZ1ymbceClY4MSo6zciNe5FsqWqGjSlJP6jiWoYdI_u2XdKQ3z7E95poOuTe-N/s1600/9.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpPWYHKBkpspg2__I9nLoyfCOAFz_WJWXWMXR7s9LAeQG7c7FWbQKplZrtXcdhr9j6jzBk92iygVm_lEZ1ymbceClY4MSo6zciNe5FsqWqGjSlJP6jiWoYdI_u2XdKQ3z7E95poOuTe-N/s1600/9.png" height="325" width="325" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFAo909I2atoeFpNwiJ3BLD9jx2t2EKQbM1iRChuhDa4jTHhP-Mhyphenhyphen5PcWOFnWl0Yyb37cR5nVohxOGbS1sZZuzEwzjtQ3C9-q0XbOhGBN9DUXApi0gGBerLA13RAOo4zTYke1sN2nuSon/s1600/13.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFAo909I2atoeFpNwiJ3BLD9jx2t2EKQbM1iRChuhDa4jTHhP-Mhyphenhyphen5PcWOFnWl0Yyb37cR5nVohxOGbS1sZZuzEwzjtQ3C9-q0XbOhGBN9DUXApi0gGBerLA13RAOo4zTYke1sN2nuSon/s1600/13.png" height="325" width="325" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HSq3fDGA6Qow3mL8zU2eA54UVDLmhDK9OeZjWNcXT80aUSkBwdBKPzYcNrshEK3_uPFgec1I6R2ND7_Mhlbc015C868iCdFObExaOHdhKARsEP_iNgFfRdbnakF9o5QYKnq0G6lBEP0e/s1600/7.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HSq3fDGA6Qow3mL8zU2eA54UVDLmhDK9OeZjWNcXT80aUSkBwdBKPzYcNrshEK3_uPFgec1I6R2ND7_Mhlbc015C868iCdFObExaOHdhKARsEP_iNgFfRdbnakF9o5QYKnq0G6lBEP0e/s1600/7.png" height="325" width="325" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMacoAg2SZ1l5vNFdYYVdhaTx9TdSutj3KVupvtNvhhZFRlMw4WoDyAgvY83wIgFRI0pwYqmpMU5V3FZry69wG3RVbu3KNDsbPDhTyRVZmlscK60R3JN1wNP3WAWMlJN_w6c2h02LUleTM/s1600/10.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMacoAg2SZ1l5vNFdYYVdhaTx9TdSutj3KVupvtNvhhZFRlMw4WoDyAgvY83wIgFRI0pwYqmpMU5V3FZry69wG3RVbu3KNDsbPDhTyRVZmlscK60R3JN1wNP3WAWMlJN_w6c2h02LUleTM/s1600/10.png" height="325" width="325" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKoglgN7j3DUUlTj_SLFTPEyqiEECYAU98AJXttEEkAei9VDJhOpfs6Ik7-7pfYNLBJFIecnH5HApxXf_l3m7buKuUI4ITcHEEAlwkHt3J-z9LOX4H-BIiJmwKHgzQC-Ad5wag9gPPkpr/s1600/12.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKoglgN7j3DUUlTj_SLFTPEyqiEECYAU98AJXttEEkAei9VDJhOpfs6Ik7-7pfYNLBJFIecnH5HApxXf_l3m7buKuUI4ITcHEEAlwkHt3J-z9LOX4H-BIiJmwKHgzQC-Ad5wag9gPPkpr/s1600/12.png" height="325" width="325" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Life has been a little chaotic lately. I've had so many wonderful things happening (such a hardship right?!) that I haven't had nearly the time I'd like to stop by this creative space of mine. So what has been going on? Let me catch you up to speed!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been a Stylist with Stella & Dot for seven months. I didn't know much about the organizational structure when I joined, but I was so excited about all the jewelry that it didn't really matter to me at that point. I just wanted something fun to do when I wasn't at my day job that got me spending more time with my friends, meeting new people, and wearing fabulous jewels. Mission accomplished; that has totally happened. I've met so many wonderful people, and have developed several new, close friendships. And as for the jewelry? I think these pictures speak for themselves. I've included a list of what I am wearing below in case you are curious. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Over the past few weeks my career with Stella & Dot has really taken off. I hate saying that, because I feel like it doesn't sound humble. And I really am completely humbled by this experience. It has been such a wonderful opportunity, and I am so thankful for every customer, hostess, and stylist that has joined my team since I first started! I feel comfortable saying it has taken off though because this last month I promoted to a Star Stylist with Stella & Dot. To do this in a six month time frame from signing up is considered extremely fast. In order to qualify as a Star Stylist, you need to have developed a team of a certain number of active Stylists and reach group (team) and personal (individual) sales thresholds each month. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The perks of being a Star Stylist make it one of the most desirable levels within our company. Star Stylists have the highest pay return of any position while being able to maintain the position at a "part-time" status. What this means is that the hours needed to do your duties are minimal enough that you could work another full-time job if you wanted. Once you hit Director (the next promotion level), it becomes more of a time commitment and it is trickier to do both. You also receive a promotion bonus (yay!), invitations to exclusive events and retreats with our CEO Jessica Herrin, and access to secrets of upcoming product releases and proprietary information. In summary - it's WAY cool! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Above all of those perks though is the excitement of building a team. When I started looking at promotions within our company, I was most excited about leading and building a team. I have a strong desire to nurture and mentor other professionals. I completely dork out on it and spend my free time reading trainings on how to motivate, provide feedback, and grow your team. I have gained so many wonderful experiences from this company, and it has provided me with so much. It truly makes me so excited to be sharing this opportunity with others. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So that's what has been happening lately! So many fun and exciting changes happening, and so much going on! I can't wait to see what life brings us next!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you have any questions about what it's like to be a Stylist or how Stella & Dot works, feel free to leave a comment or email me! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Jewelry List</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/bracelets/bracelets-all/renegade-cluster-bracelets?color=gold?s=tegan" target="_blank">Renegade Bracelet</a> (I am wearing all three colors above - Gold, Silver, and Rose Gold)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/bracelets/bracelets-all/foundation-bracelet2?color=green?s=tegan" target="_blank">Foundation Bracelet</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/bracelets/bracelets-all/love-bracelet?s=tegan" target="_blank">Love Bracelet</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/necklaces/necklaces-all/somervell-necklace?color=gold?s=tegan" target="_blank">Somervell Necklace</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/necklaces/necklaces-all/devon-layering-necklace?color=gold?s=tegan" target="_blank">Devon Necklace</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/bracelets/bracelets-all/gilded-arrow-bangle?color=silver?s=tegan" target="_blank">Arrow Bangle</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/bracelets/bracelets-all/nugget-wrap-bracelet-silver?s=tegan" target="_blank">Nugget Wrap</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/bracelets/bracelets-all/radiance-coil-bracelet?color=silver?s=tegan" target="_blank">Radiance Coil</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/bracelets/bracelets-all/phoebe-stretch-bracelet?s=tegan" target="_blank">Phoebe Bracelet</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/bracelets/bracelets-all/neeya-bracelet?s=tegan" target="_blank">Neeya Bracelet</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/bracelets/bracelets-all/christina-link-bracelet?color=gold?s=tegan" target="_blank">Christina Link Bracelet</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/bracelets/bracelets-all/eden-bangle?s=tegan" target="_blank">Eden Bangle</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
{EnLove With Life}http://www.blogger.com/profile/03307675092514997735noreply@blogger.com1