Feed Your Designer Handbag Obsession

If you are anything like me, you love a beautiful designer bag! Although I try living simply, the one item I cannot live without is a great bag. I remember getting my first designer bag in high school. I still have it, and I still use it. A classic bag never goes out of style and completes any wardrobe!

I’m excited to share with you that for a limited time, Layla Grayce is offering 15% off Designer Handbags with promo code NEWPURSE. Stay fashion forward this summer and shop beautiful bags like the Botkier Lucy Sea Glass Shoulder Bag or the Botkier Lucy Powder Cross Body Bag. A fun and flirty option is the Be&D Parker Teal Combo Bag that is perfect for a night out on the town. Don’t miss your chance to shop this fabulous sale!

Posted in Gifts, Impulse Buy | Tagged Botkier, Designer bag, fashion, Handbag, Layla Grayce, luxury, style | Leave a comment

Not Just Another Fairy Tale

For about 20 years, I had worked in the Mortgage Industry. Starting as a receptionist (while in college), I worked my way through various jobs in the same field. Working for both brokers, lenders and many platforms, I held processing, underwriting, closing, sales and management positions. The last position I held was as a Director of Sales Specialists for a large-scale corporation. I left that job March 2013. It was scary. My existence in the work force until then revolved around the Mortgage world. That is what I was known for. I was an expert in the field.

Rewind… October 11, 2011, I made a promise to myself (in memory of the death of my dog), to make a change and do something I loved. I set some goals for myself:
1. Develop my website.
2. Start writing about what I love.
3. Do something to help the world.
4. Learn something new every day.
5. Leave a lovely legacy for my daughters.

November 11, 2011: Trending Mom Was Born.
Without any formal training on website development, no understanding of Social Media, ROI, or anything of the like, I was on my way…

The beginning… a few website crashes, some big mistakes, the wrong platform for my site, a terrible appearance and more… Regardless, I was determined to do it on my own. I was determined to prove to myself that I could build a successful website, gain loyal readership and learn all about social media, various metrics, search engine optimization and more. The more I worked on my site, the more hungry I became.

I am proud to say that:

I am 100% self-taught. Everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) on my website was created by ME.
I was nominated for my first award only 4 months after I began my website (and won).
I have been nominated for various awards since.
I work with some of the MOST AMAZING organizations.
I AM benefiting the world through non-profit work, charities and working with the incredible Global Team Of 200.
I do learn something new every day and LOVE to share it with my readers.
I AM LEAVING A LOVELY LEGACY FOR MY DAUGHTERS.

Millionnaire or not, I am living proof that if you take a leap of faith and follow a passion, you CAN TRULY LIVE AN AUTHENTIC LIFE… 11-11-2011 Marks a very special day in my life. Make your day today!

After all, fairy tales can come true…

Posted in Daily Inspiration | Tagged Fairy tale Life, living, social media, websites, work | Leave a comment

Wish You Were A Stylist?

Skeptical of launching your own work from home business? It can be a tough decision… some that work, and some that don’t. Then there is Stella & Dot. I love to feature Stella & Dot’s business opportunity because it isn’t just a way for you to make money. It’s a way for you to make money and do what you love. If you have a penchant for fashion, style, and playing dress-up, this is an amazing opportunity for you!

Now is the perfect time to launch your own business and join Stella & Dot’s growing team of Stylists! Stella & Dot creates flexible, work from home business opportunities for entrepreneurial women. Create the success you deserve. To find out more information visit www.stelladot.com/stylist. Get started today!

*this post was sponsored by Stella & Dot

Posted in Mom | Tagged accessories, business, money, Stylist, work from home | Leave a comment

A Roller Coaster Called Life

Roller Coaster – The most dramatic ride in a theme park.

The emotional roller coaster can be tough to manage (especially if you are afraid of heights). We all go through them though. When you are stuck at the top, looking down… just thinking of the drop can cause anxiety, even though the fall only lasts a few seconds and then… it’s over.

Now, consider life. We let ourselves get so worked up over things that really don’t last long. Instead of facing them head on, knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel, we think of them constantly, thus creating angst, frustration, heartache, and more struggles… but for what? Something that is NOT forever… unless of course, you want it to be. Then, even after all is said and done, we don’t let it go… we rehash the misery over and over.

Roller coaster rides last minutes. The fall only last seconds. Once off the roller coaster, you are off to another ride. Life is all about roller coaster rides. Life has its ups and downs. How we handle them is our choice. Nobody forces us to get back on the rollercoaster, so why is it so hard to let it go? Don’t be a martyr for punishment. Don’t continue to relive the past. Focus on what is right in front of you and embrace it (even with its challenges).

Understandably, fear, worry and anxiety can prevent us from trying to think positive when you have been broken down. I let myself live focused on the past for a long time. It did nothing for me. I allowed all the negatives in my past to shape me, and not all the beauty in my “NOW”. I realized that in order for me to stop dwelling on the negatives, I needed a constant reminder of the positives. It’s so easy to get hung up on the rollercoaster… that is because it is typically the most dramatic ride in any theme park. I began a simple journal. One that travels with me everywhere I go. A journal that I write positive quotes and affirmations in.
My journal boasts quotes like:
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Life the life you have imagined” – Henry David Thoreau
“The only thing holding me back is me! Release and let go, be brave, believe in yourself!” – Shivani Cotter (Trending Mom)
“Be fearful of mediocrity.” – Jonathan Ellery

I read these quotes and many more positive affirmations daily. When I begin to feel down, I open my book and remind myself of my goals, aspirations and why I need to keep trucking! Life is all about the roller coaster. Rather than be fearful of the fall, remember how quick it is and how many more wonderful rides are ahead.

This is my journal. As you can see, I had a little fun with Washi Tape and a bit of bling.

You can get my journal here!

Posted in Daily Inspiration | Tagged journal, living, moleskine, Roller Coaster | Leave a comment

The Fog

Have you ever had “one of those days” you seem to do everything wrong?

“Those days” are rare, but do happen here and there. My “day” happened, and although it isn’t over yet, I am hoping that this post will clear the “curse”.

Although well aware that I was not “on point” per se, I made a conscious attempt not to make mistakes, yet, they worsened as the day progressed. Then came this evening…

I started by cooking the girls scrambled eggs. Being picky eaters, their eggs must be cooked with milk and they love a little cheese added. Tonight’s eggs… well, let’s just say I forgot the milk and the cheese… then decided to add a little milk when the eggs were already cooked… I wanted to add some black bean soup to the mix… Not sure what happened with the soup (actually, I’m too embarrassed to admit what happened), but it ended up an epic fail.

Needing to redeem myself, I picked up a can of potato soup, emptied it into the sauce pan and added water… it called for milk. Another big “F” for FAIL. The list went on. By the time dinner was served in its entirety, the eggs were cold, the rest of the food just didn’t “jive” with eggs, the kids were unhappy and I was irritated.

So… what’s a girl to do? Well, the most sensible thing I could think of was to pour myself a giant glass of red wine (which is exactly what I did). I just took a sip… the wine tastes like vinegar… Fantastic!

Posted in Family | Tagged cooking, dinner, Family | Leave a comment

Flaws

I was happily browsing the web… until this… and then, I felt FLAWED.

Once a week, I take a morning to simply enjoy the internet. We all need some “me-time” and this is mine. It’s one of the easiest ways to escape. Whether I am reading news articles, or inspiring blogs, viewing random pictures, or finding educational things for my daughters, it is relaxing. This morning, my escape brought me to this quote:

“Once you’ve accepted your flaws, no one can use them against you.”

Think about it. Do you believe it?

Wishful thinking is what came to my mind. Although it would be a beautiful reality (if we could live by this thought process), it could also be harmful to society.

An extreme situation: Some psychopath, serial killer may think… hmm, I know killing is a flaw of mine but I accept it, so you should still want me as your neighbor.

Although I don’t believe we should be judged based on our flaws, I don’t necessarily think it is reasonable to expect everyone to accept them. Should they be used against us? I don’t know… should they? In some cases, yes, absolutely. It is a matter of judgement though.

Initially, this quote seemed wonderful. I loved it! That was, until I actually thought about it. It’s more like an excuse to not better oneself. It was a learning experience for me. My first reaction was “yeah, I know I have “x” flaw, but I shouldn’t be judged because of it!” Then I thought to myself… “Wait, why am I not working on fixing it if I know it’s a flaw?”

We all have flaws. I don’t think it is reasonable to accept every flaw. I do believe it is reasonable to understand one another, be kind to one another, not speak ill of someone else because of their flaws, or bring other’s flaws to the surface unnecessarily, but… if you are aware of your own flaws, why accept them if they can be fixed?

Posted in Board Of The Day, Daily Inspiration | Tagged Flaws, inspiration, Quotes, Self-Awareness | Leave a comment

A Writing Tool You Cannot Live Without

A writer (or should I say thinker), typically has a mind filled with ideas (unless of course, they are suffering from the dreaded writers-block (yes, it is a “real” thing)). The incredibly ingenious idea-filled head of theirs is not just prone to writers-block, but what I like to call Internet ADD.

Internet ADD can get in the way of many a great writer from performing to their fullest potential. This can happen for a few reasons:
- The internet has many enticing pictures that you just cannot help but click on.
- The lovely pictures help any writer lose their train of thought, thus lost focus.
- The lovely pictures lead you to even more fascinating/indulgent articles, which then…
lead you to more… and more… and then, little do you know, the day is lost and it is time to pick up your children.

Ok, so maybe I am referring to myself, but I am sure many writers face similar challenges.

That said, the best tool I have found for the writer is a little App called WriteRoom

This app is takes you to a place with nothing but white space (not white light)… The white space offers a clean atmosphere to gather your thoughts, type them, and not have to worry about things like spell check, playing with various fonts or any pop-up ads. Instead, you just write. Really, I mean it! You JUST WRITE and worry about the other stuff later! It’s GENIUS, and my favorite App!

The Best $4.99 I’ve Ever Spent!

Posted in Apps | Tagged Internet ADD, Tools For Writers, writer, Writers Block | Leave a comment

Follow Your Dreams

how true, how true…

Posted in Board Of The Day | Tagged Dreamer, life | Leave a comment

Do You Fit In Or Belong?

“Fitting in is about assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be to be accepted. Belonging on the other hand, doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.”
- The Gifts of Imperfection, Brene Brown

The question is, how many of us feel like we fit in vs. know that we belong? It’s easier to fit in than belong and many people don’t understand the difference. Fitting in, is the perfect example of a false sense of belonging.

All of these concepts relate to your authentic self.

To Do: The next time you are with a group of friends, pay close attention to the things you say, and how you act.

Ask yourself these questions:
When you are with your friends, do you say certain things just so they will listen?
Do you nod and act agreeable, yet, don’t agree wholeheartedly about what you are agreeing with?
Do you laugh along with conversations you don’t find funny?
Do you ever find yourself behaving a certain way because of the company you keep?
Have you acted more refined than you typically would because you are spending time with people who are?
Have you ever been swayed to do something you don’t want to do simply because your friends did?
Have you ever turned your nose up at someone you don’t know because of someone elses opinion of them?

I could go on forever with the “do you & have you’s” but won’t. I will bet that anyone reading this can say yes to at least one or more of the above questions. I know I can. It’s not to say that if you did say yes to any of the above that you do not belong but, it is safe to say that if you replied yes, rethink why and try not to going forward.

What stood out most when researching the concept of fitting in vs. belonging was the below quote:
“In addition to the fear of disappointing people or pushing them away with our stories, we’re also afraid that if we tell our stories, the weight of a single experience will collapse upon us. There is a real fear that we can be buried or defined by an experience that, in reality, is only a sliver of who we are.”
- The Gifts of Imperfection, Brene Brown

It resonates with me as it most likely does with many people. How often do we abstain from revealing things about ourselves for fear of being judged? Now, how pathetic is it that anyone would actually judge another based on a single experience? Unfortunately, it happens all the time. Fortunately though, people who are quick to judge based on that one single experience, are generally the same people who are busy trying to fit in, and do not belong, in turn, not being their true authentic selves.

Just another reason to stay true to ourselves.

Posted in Daily Inspiration | Tagged Authentic, self improvement, Self-Awareness | Leave a comment

My Under-Active Thyroid AKA Mean Moth

Today was pretty typical, minus the obnoxious sinusitis like allergy symptoms that are knocking the crap out of me! Oh yeah, and the surprise letter I received from my doctor’s office which read:

I have just received your test results and I would like to share them with you:

We checked how well your thyroid gland was functioning. Details as follows:

TSH: blah blah blah: Normal Range

FT4: blah blah blah: OUT OF RANGE

What???????????????

Ok, so I know I have been extraordinarily tired lately (maybe even borderline narcolepsy), and I realize I have put on a “little” bit of weight (being only 5’2″, every pound makes a difference), and really thought maybe I was going through some sort of depression for no reason whatsoever but THYROID???

When I went to the doctor and she suggested I get tested for a Thyroid problem, I secretly hoped that was the reason for my issues (but I really didn’t want that “hope” to come to fruition). I even joked about it… Well, the jokes on me! Yes folks, caught off guard standing in front of my mailbox, I opened the dreaded letter and the words “OUT OF RANGE” seemed a good 20 font sizes bigger than the rest.

My first instinct: Throw the letter in someone else’s mailbox and pretend you never saw it.

My second instinct: Kick the mailbox.

Reality Check: Deal with it head on and beat the crap out of the monster of an organ that resembles the dreaded moth, (yes, I understand all the medical info states butterfly instead of moth but this is my post) and then kick it to the curb.

The Positive: When I run out of things to write about, I can always tell you stories about the mean moth that lives inside me.