10 Small Resolutions for 2020

New Year’s Resolutions do not need to be impossible to achieve. There’s no reason to set a back-breaking goal that you’ll give up on come February.

I like to look at resolutions as new things to implement into my daily routine that can result in a better me. Small changes that you stick to will add up to big achievements! Here are 10 changes that will add up in the new year!

• Skip the coffee shop once a week and move that $5 into your savings account. That will be $260 in savings! 

• Instead of texting, set aside 30 minutes a week to catch up with a long-distance friend. 

• Before running out to buy the latest trends, look through your closet and get rid of five things before you buy one. Recycling your clothes with friends or donating them to a local shelter really goes a long way! 

• Instead of your one hour of Netflix binging after work each night, replace one or two of those nights with yoga, a walk, or another form of exercise that will clear your mind.

• Take ten minutes before you go to bed to meditate and reflect on your day.

• Replace your morning bagel with oatmeal, overnight oats, or a protein smoothie. 

• Instead of scrolling on Instagram before you go to bed, read a chapter or two of a book to keep your mind sharp and creativity flowing.

• Make plans with a friend to try out a new work out class each month instead of eating out. 

• Look up local organizations in your community and see what they when they need volunteers. Taking time out of your week, month or fiscal quarter can greatly impact a charity who does wonderful work for the people in your community. 

• Make more plans with your family. Whether that means calling your parents more, emailing your grandparents or getting lunch with your siblings - be more present in their lives. 

Whatever you pledge to do in 2020, whether it's a big goal or a seemingly small one, remember that any change for the better in your life will have a huge impact! Anything you're doing to better yourself is huge and you should be proud of you. Here's to rocking 2020! 

Hey Dad. It's Me.

You can’t pick when you die. I know you know that. Mom says your soul is already in heaven and that everything that has happened since is just the details, which has helped me a lot.

So many people are calling and telling me how much they loved you.

We are sad and grieving. I’d be lying if I told you my heart doesn't break a little every time someone says the name Sam or when hearing Frank Sinatra play. I don’t really know how to describe the feeling inside when someone says, dad. I know it’s not their fault and I know it’s just apart of healing.

When people ask me how I’m doing I don’t really know what to say because I don't want to burden them with the fact my heart has hurt every day since you've left. It breaks a little more each time I forget and then remember you're really gone. And sometimes I am fine, but then one thing reminds me of you and I fall apart. I miss you so much. I miss you all the time.

I know I need to heal. I know you’re probably worried about how hard I am on myself when I get sad or frustrated or mad or I cry on the train. I know you see me struggling. like when I left work early the first day back and when I told my mom in frustration that I just wanted to be okay. I didn’t want to be grieving anymore. I think I just don’t want it to hurt this much. I don’t want to cry every time I try and call you.

I don’t want to forget your hugs or your laugh or your smell. I don’t want the parts I’m finding out about your life to make me forget all the parts I knew and loved.

I don’t want to be mad at my friends when they talk about their dads. I don’t want to think about Christmas or birthdays or my wedding without you. Everyone says you’ll be looking down and you’ll know, but it’s not the same and it makes me mad at the thought of people trying to use those phrases as a saying of comfort.

The last thing we talked about was how much we loved each other. I wish that I had known that was my last bear hug. I wish I had known that was the last time complaining about you listening to barefoot radio in winter. I wish I had known that was your last pop in trip to my office or that it was the last call, the last time we’d all be together as a family.

I don't want to be mad at you. And sometimes I am.  I know I can't be upset with myself for feeling this way, because I know it is all a part of this grieving process and it's how I'm going to get through this.

I know you already know all of this. I know I don’t need to write this tacky “open letter to” but I felt like if I wrote it all out, it would help me know that you knew.

And I know this is just the beginning of the long road of healing. I know that I have a long way to go. But in the first few weeks, these were my emotions and I needed to write them out to feel better. You always told me to. This probably won't be the last post I write about you.

I love you forever and I love you for always. And I’m always going to look at a sunset and think of you. I’m always going to sing to country radio really loud. I’m always going to think of your jokes and your isms and laugh. I love you, dad.

The Black Friday Sales You'll Want to Shop!

The sales are live! I've included all the sales I would love to shop this season and where to go to find them! Get them while they're hot!

Tula - 25% off sitewide with the code: 'BLACKFRIDAY19'

Goodnight Macaroon - 30% off sitewide with the code 'GIVING30'

Nordstrom - Up to 50% off on Zella, Spanx, Rebecca Minkoff, Levi's and more!

H&M - 30% off everything!

Madewell - 30% off your purchase

J. Crew - 50% off your purchase and 60% off sale

American Eagle - 40% off and free shipping!

Steve Madden - 20% off your purchase

Spanx - 20% off everything

Sam Edelman - Extra 30% off!

Express - 50% off everything

Tarte Cosmetics - 25% off everything with code 'VIP25'

Summer Fridays - 20% off with code 'FRIDAY'

Gymshark - 20%, 30%, and 50% off!

DSW - 30% off with code 'BIGTHANKS'

Outdoor Voices - 25% off select leggings

Happy shopping!

Gadget Gifts Under $50

For the people that have everything in your life - what do you get them? It can be tough. And I'm not saying you have to buy Karen in Accounting a gift, but for the dad's, mom's, brother's and close friends that you want to get something for but don't know what to get. All of these gifts can be used in daily life and can help knock off the people on your list.

You can click on any of the items above but I have also linked them below!

Himalayan salt lamp - My coworker has one at our desks and it definitely makes me feel at ease. Is it a placebo effect? Maybe. But it's a good lamp too!

Milk frother - No need to pay $5 for a latte! You can froth your own milk of any kind in the comfort of your own home!

Charging station - These are all the rage and so easy to use!

Diffuser - I swear by my diffuser. If you're a 20-something and you do not own one - what is wrong with you.

Wickless candles - Nothing says safety like fireless candles. A fun way to set the mood and moms LOVE them!

Electric wine opener - Need I say more.

Amazon Echo dot - Use it for music, the weather, white noise. This thing can do anything!

Back massager - I got mine this week and it is a game-changer! I am in love with it! Everyone needs one!

Steamer - A grown-up mature gift that will get you very far in life. It's easy to pack for trips too!

A dog camera - Keep tabs on your four-legged BFF while you're away!

Revlon hair dryer - An inexpensive way to look like a million bucks! This makes anyone a blow out expert.

Waffle maker - A great breakfast for all kinds of guests!

Amazon Fire Stick - Hundreds of styles of entertainment at your fingertips!

Soundbar speaker - Any man in your life will love you forever if this is under their Christmas tree!

All gifts are Amazon Prime and practical gifts anyone in your life will be happy to open! Happy shopping!

My American Eagle Gift Guide!

Lately, all I've wanted to do is curl up in some cuddly warm neutral pieces! American Eagle has the best comfies! Whether you're shopping for your mom, bff or even yourself, you cannot go wrong with American Eagle. They also always have the best sales! If you sign up for their rewards, all you can rack up points for sweet personalized deals too! Happy shopping 🤩

1. Cactus PJ Set

2. Aerie Cloud Sherpa Oversized Pullover

3. Pink Pocket Legging

4. Grey High Waisted Plush Legging

5. Fuzzy Oversized Sherpa Hoodie

6.  Striped Oversized Cardigan Sweater

7. Friends Tee

8.  Buffalo Plaid Crew Sock

9. Square Neck Overall Dress

10. Flamingo Slippers

11. Ah-mazingly Soft Sweatshirt

12.  Neon Knit Scarf

Can't get enough gift guides? My friend Megan is sharing her picks from Express one her website. Check it out here!

Your Anxiety is Lying to You

Anxiety can be really hard for me to explain to others.

Sure, everyone gets nervous or worried about certain events. Work, family, health, everything in life has times when we're concerned about the future.

But Anxiety can consume some of us more than others. While everyone deals with feelings of anxiousness, if it affects you enough to keep you from your daily activities, then you know what it's like to live with it day in and day out.

With that being said, it comes and goes. Obviously, usual factors can cause a "flare-up" as I think of them. Lack of food, lack of water, lack of sleep, lack of routine. Anything that can throw you out of whack.

When I have a big event coming up or when I can tell someone in my life is stressed or when I'm dealing with a lot at work or when I feel like my content isn't up to par or when I feel like I'm letting something down or... you get it. It's not hard to spiral once you get going.

Some days it's easy and it's breezy and others... not so much. It can sneak up on me. I can feel that something bad might happen, unpleasant memories of when I was less than perfect can pop up. You start getting deeper and deeper and it's harder to breathe and you start crying and it's isolating.

It can make you feel isolated because it's all in your head. It's an invisible disease that affects how you think and react in almost every aspect of your life.

What's even crazier, is that I can almost guarantee that your anxiety is lying to you.

Your friends are not mad at you.

Your job is fine.

Your teacher from second grade does not hate you for not remembering how to spell 'people'.

You are enough.

Whenever I have a flare-up, or an off day, or a day where I might not be around my friends a lot I can start to spiral. It's easy to do honestly and sometimes I need to let it out. I'll blast a sad song and cry and maybe take a nap and sometimes that's all that will heal me. Somedays a good laugh, a good work out class and/or a good glass of wine with a friend will do the trick. But a huge trick I use to manage my Anxiety is positive affirmations.  Breaking up the negative thoughts with positive ones.

A perfect example of a situation: I feel like I'm letting everyone down constantly.

I always apologize, overcorrect, and over-analyze for hours or sometimes days after. Sometimes it can be so easy to go down a rabbit hole and get caught up in thought patterns and overthink situations that have simple answers without even realizing it.

When I get caught up in the feeling of being overwhelmed, I take a step back and I start to think of all the good things in my life. My family, my friends, my roommates, my job, my apartment, Trader Joe's orange chicken, sunshine, belly laughter, true crime podcasts, Sun Chips, happy hour deals, and suddenly I'm distracted. Distracted from what was making me upset. I switch my energy and then I am calm. I also sometimes pray or meditate to get out of the negative headspaces.

On top of that, in my experience, you can't let your negative thoughts be bottled up.

My advice is to talk about it. If the first half of the post hit home for you, talk about it. Let the people you're close to in your life know your thought patterns. Believe it or not, most people are not as nervous as me or you all the time. I personally could never imagine not being nervous the majority of the day, but letting people in and having them as little reality checks can be huge. This not only helps me from continuing down into negative spaces but hearing someone else tell you that it's okay can sometimes be the calm you need. In turn, the people in your life can further understand what might upset you or set you off.

And if beyond that, if you need to talk to someone professional and potentially find a medication that works best for you, there is no shame in that. Doing what helps you to make the best decisions for you in your everyday life is important. You are important. You are more than your Anxiety. 

Do It For The Feeling

When I was younger, I used to make choices based on how it looked.

Outfit, meal, workout, you name it. That was my driving principal. How will this affect my appearance? What will people think if I make this decision?

If something made me look better, I wasn’t necessarily worried about how it made me feel. Fad diets, crazy workouts, overextending myself with too many commitments. There were too many balls in the air and none of them left me feeling secure.

The summer before my final semester in college, there was a significant shift that ultimately changed the way I viewed everything.

I joined a fitness accountability group. Now, I’m not talking paying for shakes and wraps and other gimmicks. It was a friend of a friend who wanted to have a group of people to hold her accountable on her fitness journey as she prepared for her wedding.

A group of girls who were complete strangers came together to complete BBG by Kayla Itsines. It was tough, life-altering and everything that I never knew I needed. In 20 short weeks, my life completely changed. I was stronger, lost a considerable amount of weight but it also gave me a level of self-confidence I never knew was possible.

I started believing in myself and everything my body was capable of. I felt powerful, confident and started basing my decisions based on how I feel.

Two years later, I still make decisions based on how it makes me feel. Will this outfit make me feel confident? With this workout make me feel stronger? Am I starving and want a whole bag of Trader Joe’s orange chicken?  I can find different ways to treat myself and when I listen to my body. 

Life is all about balance. And the choices you make should leave you feeling strong and confident. When I leave a Barre Code class with sore muscles and sweat dripping from every pore, I leave knowing I’m stronger. When I find a good pair of jeans or work pants that make me comfortable and hug all my curves, I can walk out of a store knowing I feel confident. And valuing relationships in my life that leave me feeling empowered helps embody what I want for myself.

I’m not participating in every trend; I’m not pretending that I don’t leave it all in the studio. Sometimes I want a salad and sometimes I want a cheeseburger, French fries, and cookies. And it’s all okay. It’s all about finding balance and listening to how your body feels. If you’re tired, skip a gym day and let your body rest because that’s just as important for your body as a day at the gym.  

Sometimes it’s as easy as taking a step back and asking why we’re doing something. It’s all about mindset. Sometimes I still go workout and have a negative outlook or I feel like I have nothing in my closet I take a revaluate my attitude, take a deep breath and remember what makes me strong and what makes me confident.

I originally wrote this for She Laughs Collective and felt that it was important to share with not only the beautiful souls over there but your's as well. 

Are Charm Bracelets a Thing of the Past?

Charm bracelets have always reminded me of the women in my family. I remember growing up I was obsessed with my mom's charm bracelet. She had a charm to commemorate so much of her life. Birthdays, graduations, the things she loved. It was a huge part of her identity from that time.

My grandma Stoney began to make me a Pandora charm bracelet when I was a little girl. Each charm was picked out with care and I could feel the sentiment even back then. It's always something I will keep and cherish and look back on all the memories that I made with her.

Fast forward, I am now a young 20 something embarking on a new chapter of my life. I am independent and embracing city life. With a new chapter, comes new memories. My new bracelet from Pandora Jewelry's ME Collection is going to help me commemorate this new exciting time of my life. They have a beautiful selection of charms that fit every personality. I went with a crescent moon, a horseshoe and two hearts.

I feel like all my new beginnings are starting fresh, just like a crescent moon. If you had asked me a year ago where I would be now, I would've never told you here and it's the best feeling. The horseshoe was an easy decision for me because I feel as though a little bit of luck goes a long way. Choosing to see the events in your life as good fortune and as a path leading to your happiness gets you a lot farther than focusing on the negative when things don't go your way. The two hearts remind me that I'm never alone. My parents, friends and family and are always one call away and are always there when I need someone to talk to.

A charm bracelet is more than a piece of jewelry. It's a personalized reminder of your milestones, triumphs and learning experiences. Having my mom's charm bracelet will remind me of her and how much I love her. My Pandora ME Collection charm bracelet will always make me think back to my first apartment and all of the love that I have in my life in this chapter.

My October Amazon Picks!

Fall is in full swing and with the cooler weather comes a new wardrobe. Mixing in your style staples with some of these favorites of mine will leave you feeling cozy and snuggly for fall. I have been loving the leopard, which is evident in my Instagram and LIKEtoKNOWit profile lol!

a

My fall is going to be full of this versatile neutral, as well as some other fun pieces below. You can click any of the images to learn more. Everything is under $30 and most of them are Prime!

Having go-to mix and match pieces in your closet is essential for someone who is always running late, like myself. Knowing that I have basic pairs of jeans and tops that I can mix and match keeps me confident in my style and myself without breaking the bank.

Happy fall, happy wardrobe, happy shopping!

25 Things I've Learned in My 20's

Hat  / Shirt / Skirt / Booties

Another year older and hopefully another year wiser.
There are certain birthday's that feel different. 13, 16, 18, 21. All of those birthday's mark milestones of privileges and maybe having a tangible thing made them mean more when I was younger.  Here we are at 25 years-old. 

I think 25 will be a good year. I've heard between now and 30 are the best years of your life. I will have to get back to you on that but I think that with every year, comes another layer of wisdom. That, I can be certain.

Each year I've grown stronger, stood up for myself more, and increasingly trusted my gut. I have made a lot of mistakes. But I have also tried to learn from them. I am not a perfect person and I still have to much to learn but I do feel like I have learned a lot of valuable lessons these last 25 years. 

- You deserve to be loved, bottom line. Anyone who doesn't love you for who you are doesn't deserve to be there.

- If you feel like staying in, it's okay to stay in.

- Keep learning in every aspect of your life. Read, listen, explore.

- Don't skimp on tampons.

- It's okay to make mistakes. As long as you learn from them.

- A glass of water and a good night's sleep will solve almost any problem.

- Spend your money on experiences, not things.

- Call your parents.

- If in your heart of hearts you did it with pure intentions, that's all you can do.

- You're not going to change him.

- Saving and financial planning are so important!

- Take care of your skin.

- Make time for alone time.

- Ask people in your life how they’re doing and listen.

- You will never regret a workout. You will regret missing one.

- Friendships are not always 50/50, sometimes your friend will need more and sometimes you’ll need more and that’s okay. 

- If someone wants to make time for you, they will.

- Anything worth happening won’t happen overnight.

- Always take a step back and remember that sometimes things don’t work out to make way for better things to happen. Things you’ve never even imagined were possible.

- So far, you have survived 100% of your worst days.

- Stick with the people who hold you accountable and build you up.

- Own your mistakes. Do not waste time justifying them.

- You'll never know until you ask.

- Stick with the people who hold you accountable and build you up.

- The only actions you can control are your own.

- Never give up on yourself.

Hat  / Shirt / Skirt / Booties

I think owning my mistakes (or at least trying to) was a huge part of 24. Along with that came anxiety, fear, sleepless nights, fights and tears, but that paved the way for troubleshooting future experiences. That paved the way to better people, stronger relationships and more self-love.

My Summer Top Sellers

sweater dress / hat / booties

Summer may be over but the deals are not! This past week was the first anniversary of me being apart of LIKEtoKNOW.it. For those of you who might not speak ~blogger~ LIKEtoKNOW.it is an affiliate program through rewardStyle. It gives you a platform to share your fashion, home and beauty finds with your followers. For every purchase made through an influencer's links, they earn a small commission at no cost to the consumer. 

I think that in any adventure in life, you should set goals. I remember when I started Mimosas & Lipstick, a huge goal of mine was to become a member of LIKEtoKNOW.it. I applied and strived to be apart of the community and with the help of Karli Willis, I finally was able to achieve one of my biggest goals form the beginning. When I got it I was over the moon! It has been a great way to connect with people in my online community and has helped me develop and grow as a content creator. Recognizing milestones and anniversaries like this gives me time to reflect. It helps me remember to take a step back and appreciate where I am and how far I have come. 

I thought a fun way to commemorate this milestone would be to round up my top-selling items from this past summer, as a kind of time capsule. Although Amazon is no longer apart of LTK, I now also have an Amazon Store Front that has affiliate links built-in for readers to utilize. This feature will still allow me to share my favorite finds with you! All items will be linked under each photo. 

This versatile leopard skirt!

skirt

This elegant maxi skirt!

tee / earrings / skirt

This sassy red dress and these booties!

dress / hat / booties

My favorite statement earrings!

earrings / dress / sandals

This adorable lemon dress!

dress / hat

My go-to tee!

tee / booties / jeans / earrings

My new favorite pullover!

sweater / leggings / adidas boosts

My Cheetah Dress!

dress