Thriving In The Winter

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Although we are in the second month of winter, spring is getting closer, and the anticipation of warmer weather is beckoning our senses. Nonetheless, winter is a beautiful time to slow down, reflect, and collect your thoughts.

Two years ago, I decided to stop running away from winter and embrace the lessons it was trying to teach me. And now winter has become one of my favorite seasons. Many of us dislike the cold, bitter, and uncomfortable season, but what if winter could be a time for you to thrive and grow into a better version of yourself?

Winter has been a time to let go of the past, press into the present, and get ecstatic about the future. When you welcome every season of life, it can take you on an exciting journey.

Below are a simple ways to thrive in the winter and let go of a survival mentality.

  • Take time to rest.
  • Make a list of goals that you want to accomplish for the winter season.
  • Find time to implement things you like to do (reading, yoga, be in nature..)
  • Build community (yoga classes, book clubs, therapy etc.), www.eventbrite.com (great website to look up events and connect with the community you are looking for)
  • Create a winter playlist
  • Take some college courses just for fun
  • Connect with personal development tools (life coach, memberships, books..)
  • Slowdown and be present (social media detox or spend a couple hours off your phone)
  • Become a foodie (enjoy different local restaurants with good food and company)
  • Book a staycation to reset you mind, body and soul
  • Do a movie marathon (list your fav movies & schedule a date with yourself to watch them for a month)
  • Schedule a Spa Night In (buy face masks, foot masks and enjoy the experience)
  • Eat outside (winter is the perfect time to take your lunch break outdoors to admire the beauty of mother nature)
  • Declutter your home
  • Shop for new clothes/loungewear to prepare for Spring

Taking A Personal Sabbatical

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During November and December, the holidays are beginning to roll around, and in this subtle moment, life becomes a little slower and more meaningful. The world starts to feel the joy of the holiday spirit as you realize spending time with the ones you love is essential. Although society capitalizes on marketing the commercialization of Christmas, this holiday season is about joy, love, and peace on Earth. 

I took a road trip to visit my family recently, which was the best thing I decided to do. I knew after relocating, staying with a friend temporarily, and establishing a new career path, a mental reset was vital for me. I was determined to get some rest, let go of the past six months, and relish a new beginning. However, I knew taking a personal sabbatical was the motivation I needed to move forward. 

The holiday season is the perfect time to reset and incorporate a sabbatical in your life. A sabbatical is a period of rest or time away. It is beneficial to reflect on the past moments in the year and begin to prepare for the year ahead. I encourage you to opt out of the busyness and tap into rest and enjoyment for the holiday season.

Here are a couple ways to start your holiday sabbatical:

  1. Take a month away from social media in November or December.
  2. Keep track of your sleep schedule (with a sleep app such as Calm or Samsung Health)
  3. Make a list your favorite Christmas movies to watch or get a subscription to Frndly for the Hallmark Channel. (I pay only 6.99 annually to enjoy Hallmark)

Here are a couple of blog post to prepare you for the holiday season:

Embracing A Season of Hygge
The Art of The Pause…..
Generating Gratitude Daily…..

Also if you need a dose of self-care this year get my book, 28 Days of Love: A Self-Love Journey. (Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and whereever you enjoy buying your favorite books).

Embracing A Season of Hygge

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Hygge is a Danish term that means a quality of life that incorporates cozy, comfy, and contentment while living in the present moment. I was introduced to this term a couple of years ago and love practicing hygge (hoo-ga) during the Autumn and Winter months. When the Fall comes, it reminds us to slow down and live life at a steady pace. Hygge is a perfect lifestyle to embrace when you desire more coziness, comfort, and enjoyment with family, friends, or yourself.

Below I am sharing a list of ways you can implement the concept of Hygge in your daily life.

  1. Take a day off, stay in bed and watch your favorite shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime Etc.
  2. Make a nice breakfast before you go to work and sit down to eat it.
  3. Buy lowlights to place in your bedroom and enjoy the ambiance.
  4. Drink your favorite beverage whether in the morning or evening.
  5. Pick a weekend to do a book marathon and read your favorite book all day.
  6. Spend time collaging in your favorite notebook.
  7. Spend some family time with the ones you love.
  8. Invite your friends over and have a game night (intimate setting of no more than 2 friends).
  9. Cook your favorite dish and savor every bite.
  10. Buy a blanket/throw that represents your personality.
  11. Take a walk in nature.
  12. No social media for a week.
  13. Take a Monday or Friday off from work
  14. Write a list of ten things you are grateful for.
  15. Write in your journal.
  16. Play dress up with clothes in your closet (try to recreate different outfits).
  17. Listen to complete silence in your room.
  18. Buy your favorite candles and light them.
  19. Have a spa day at home.
  20. Take yourself out on a solo date.

The Top Five Items You Need This Fall

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Recently, I decided to fill the void in my passion for fashion and got a part-time job with a clothing boutique. I enjoy boutiques because they are quaint, interpersonal, and have an intimate atmosphere. Clothing boutiques give customers a luxury experience, royal treatment, and pristine customer service. The boutique I work at target market is for the mature, sophisticated woman who loves quality clothes and accessories. 

White House Black Market was introduced to me in my 30s. I wanted to change my look, so I stumbled upon this boutique when I lived in South Carolina. Upon relocating back to South Carolina this year, I knew it was time to uplevel my wardrobe, and just like that, WHBM became a part of my life again. 

Here are a couple of Fall pieces I recommend for your everyday wardrobe at White House Black Market :

✨Item 1: Jeans

Every woman needs a quality pair of jeans that sustains the test of time in every season. I think jeans are essential in your wardrobe to dress up or down. Jeans are multifacet throughout any season.

✨Item 2: Rib Dress

Sweater dresses are usually the go to dresses for the fall/winter season however, ribbed dresses are the way to go. This particular sleeveless dress is a staple piece you can wear casually or jazz it up for a night on the town with your favorite accessories.

✨Item 3: Military Blazer

Whether it is a blazer, blue jean jacket or cardigan I believe this is a vital piece to add to your wardrobe. This particular jacket at WHBM has a miltary style design that can be paired with your favorite jeans, casual t-shirt or cami with a pair of ankle boots, flats or heels.

Item 4: Simple Black Boots

✨Whether the boots are ankle length or taller they are a signature piece to add to your fall wardrobe.

Item 5: Accessories

✨Accessories are the glue that pulls your outfit together; whether it is a headpiece/headband, glasses, watch, earrings, necklace, scarf, or purse, they impact bringing your wardrobe together.

Here are some of my favorite posts on fall fashion, body positivity & more:

Fashion Tips For Being Authentically You

Body Postivity: Honoring Your Body

Keys To A Cozy Simple Life

💕Last but not least check out my new book to help you style your inner self with love: 28 Days of Love: A Self-Love Journey

All Things Fall…

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Autumn is my favorite season, and you can do so many things to set the ambiance for your Fall season. This is the season where implementing a softer lifestyle is paramount. Also, you can check out my latest post on embracing a softer lifestyle.

So below is a compilation of multiple things you can do for the Autumn season. Let’s get excited about the slowing down, whimsical moments, and falling into coziness.

Fall Movies To Watch

  • Mystic Pizza
  • Sweet Home Alabama
  • Pretty in Pink
  • Edward Scissorhands
  • The Notebook
  • Father of Bride
  • The Sounds of Music
  • Just Wright
  • Pratical Magic
  • When Harry Met Sally
  • The Bodyguard
  • Autumn in New York
  • Pretty Woman

Fall Activities/Things To Do

  • Collaging
  • Collecting leaves and do some craft activities with leaves
  • Create a celebratory tradition to usher in Autumn
  • Collect your favorite mystery/thrillers/horror books
  • Create a playlist…check out mine here https://tinyurl.com/msz5v2kc
  • Schedule a family or solo roadtrip to see the fall foilage
  • Check out local festivals, concerts and musicals
  • Mindful Coloring

Fall Wardrobe (add to your wardrobe for the cozy season)

  • Favorite Cozy Sweater
  • Cashmere Scarf
  • Faux Leather Leggings
  • Favorite ankle boots or tall boots
  • Wide Leg Jeans
  • Sweater Dress

Favorite Fall Magazines

Here are some of my favorite Fall post:

Dwell In the Possiblities

Don’t Get Caught In The Hustle

30 Days of Stillness

7 Ways To Reconnect With Yourself

10 Ways To Embrace A Softer Lifestyle

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Autumn is always a lovely time to slow down, catch up on rest, read your favorite books, sip tea, and maybe watch your favorite horror movies. However, many of us need to utilize the changing of the four seasons smartly; we find ourselves in speed mode from the beginning to the end of the year. And it often leads to burnout, bitterness, exhaustion, and many other unpleasant things.

Since August, I have been undergoing changes to incorporate a softer lifestyle and define what this means for me. I realize a soft life is all about making different choices to disconnect, detach, and discover new things. The soft life journey has challenged me to release the social media concept and create my idea of what it means.

Below are ten ways you can incorporate a soft lifestyle in your daily life.

  1. Disconnect. Sometimes it is better to disconnect from people, places and things that don’t serve your life. If a person, place or environment triggers your personal growth do yourself a favor and say goodbye.
  2. Detach. You can still love from a distance while keeping your peace. I have learned that the best way to love others sometimes means staying in your own lane.
  3. Discover. Find new place, spaces and faces that connect with who you are now, sometimes growth can be challenging but it feels better when you are around a tribe that supports your higher self.
  4. Decide. Most of the time you are only one decision away from choosing the life you desire. Don’t let fear get in the way, take that leap of faith.
  5. Delegate. We were not meant to do everything so ask for help or pay someone else to lift the load.
  6. Desire. Implement more fun & pleasure in your life.
  7. Do’s. Do what you love and want to do.
  8. Don’ts. Don’t put limits on yourself, don’t let other’s opinions hinder your journey and don’t try to please others.
  9. Dreams. Pursue your dreams and put forth action.
  10. Define. You get to create your definition of what a soft lifestyle looks like for you.

💕If you enjoyed this post don’t forget to leave a comment below.💕

Out With The Old, In With The New

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“A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer’s wave goodbye.”-Unknown

This is officially the last week of summer before we usher in the autumnal equinox. As we wave goodbye to summer, we can use this week to reflect on lessons learned, things accomplished, and what we desire for the upcoming season. It is never easy saying goodbye to the warm weather, summer vacations, and family time; however, Autumn is one of my favorite seasons of the year, which gives me time to slow down, rest, and hit reset. 

When I think of Autumn, I think of days becoming shorter, nights becoming longer, and spending more time reading, getting cozy, and drinking hot cocoa and tea. As Autumn begins, it is a time of abundance, harvest, and starting something new. In the last few months, I have been transforming from the old version and diving into a softer side of myself. I no longer wanted to cultivate hardship, suffering, and struggle. It was time to embody my new version, leading me to a softer, carefree, and refined lifestyle. And so, I decided to let go of summer gracefully and welcome Autumn with open arms. 

Simply letting go of the old and ushering in the new… 

Here are a few ways you can celebrate the arrival of the Autumn season:

Make a list of your favorite Fall movies.

Make a list of books you want to read.

Research local events, festivals, and concerts in your area.

Decorate your home for the Fall season.

Declutter your closet and determine what new pieces you will add to your Fall wardrobe.

Grocery shop for your favorite tea or hot cocoa.

Create an Autumn playlist. (check out mine here: https://tinyurl.com/wz9ad4f2 )

Love Notes….

New Book Project: 28 Days of Love…

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What is self-love?

I believe self-love is not a fluffy concept to promote narcissistic or selfish behavior. However, self-love is the medicinal antidote to healing our feelings of low self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem. It allows us to dive into our internal wounds to bring ourselves back to wholeness.

My Journey…

In 2011, my life was at a crossroads. I found myself searching for worthiness, love, and confidence. After enduring multiple hardships and tragedies, I knew something needed to change. And the change that I needed was love. 

As I began this self-love journey, it became a sustaining root to heal my inner traumas and wounds. And now, I am sharing my journey in this 28-day transformative book.

What is the significance of the title?

28 Days of Love: A Self-Love Journey idea began in February 2011 when I celebrated love for the whole month instead of limiting it to one day. Now, this personal tradition is something I do for myself and my daughter every year. 

When will the book be available for purchase?

Available Now: https://tinyurl.com/2p9f956a

Where will I be able to buy it?

You will be able to purchase this book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and everywhere books are sold. You will also be able to purchase a copy on my blog and other personal sites.

Will you have any book signings and where?

At a later date this information will be announced.

Celebrating Winter Solstice

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Winter solstice is when the days are shorter, darkness settles on the Earth, the weather seems colder, and hibernation is ideal. However, the winter can be a time of rest, stillness, and reflection.

I remember growing up in Detroit, Michigan, where winter lasts longer than any other season. I vowed never to live somewhere that winter existed. And so I kept that promise to myself, finding myself running away from the brutal cold. But upon relocating to Virginia at the beginning of this year, I realized it was time to confront my resentment of winter.

Whether hot, cold, or warm, every season has a specific time. I knew that as much as I loathed winter, it was time to embrace its significant role in my life.

Through my self-discovery, I learn winter is a time when I can slow down, meditate and reflect on my growth. With the end of 2022, I’m deciding to celebrate the onset of winter and not travel for the holidays. I decided to go into 2023 refresh, free and focused.

Over the years, I spent so much time on autopilot throughout the year, barely taking time to pause. But the older I get I want more moments of reflection. The winter solstice can give you time to prepare for the upcoming year in a calm, relaxing, and rejuvenating way.

So before you take a resentful path towards winter, figure out how to use this time to refocus and plan for your 2023.

Create More, Consume Less

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Consumption has been at an all-time high in America, where the temptation to do more, buy more & work harder is encouraged. No matter where we go, we are consumed with technology, marketing & so much more.

Recently, I decided to reassess how much I’m consuming and how intentional I am at creating things in my life. I discovered that I’ve been spending too much time-consuming. So I decided to monitor what I’m consuming & see where I can create more.

As I monitor my consumption, I understand why my creativity is stagnant, especially in producing my next book project.

Creativity is the gatekeeper of helping our imagination evolve. Without time to nourish creativity, we become stagnant in our mindset. We begin to lose the joy of reigniting our childlike nature.

So what can we do to create more & consume less?

The first step is to be aware of what you are consuming, why you are consuming & it is hindering or helping you. Consumption in moderation is vital.

The second step is to figure out why you avoid nourishing your creativity. I realized avoidance of what you need to do leads to mindless consumption. Avoiding what needs to be done is easier than confronting the root of the problem. 

The third step is to set boundaries and time management around how much you consume through shopping, social media, or being connected to technology. It is okay to detox and disconnect from information overload. 

After completing these steps you can begin to start making space for your creativity. Overall, creating is about enjoyment, connection, letting things flow and allowing yourself to have space to implement things that bring you joy.