Recently I asked for your input on what is changing for you in 2024 and I was amazed with all your ideas, goals, and creativity. Thank you!! There was so much I couldn’t just do a random select because it meant I wouldn’t share every comment that I found energizing. Seriously, reading them provided ideas and inspiration on ways to further shape what I want to focus on. To get it all on paper I looked at the patterns and saw some main themes emerging so I’m sharing them in that way.
Get Into The Great Outdoors…Spending time in nature, watching sunrises and sunsets, walking outside, to name some, do lift you up and give you a different frame of mind. I’ve been pulling weeds and putting down new mulch and even though that’s tedious I do get more relaxed being outside. I would think if you’re in the city planting flowers in a pot to put on a deck would give you the same perspective.
Getting Motivated – So true! Get there in bits and pieces, usually 5-15 minutes will start moving your goal into shape. Look for an upcoming post on this.
Love, Kindness, & Happiness – So true! Start with yourself, maybe the 5-15 minutes of something important to you, something that makes you happy, daily or a few times a week makes a big difference! You deserve it. Love that this came up as a theme.
Travel – Do get out and explore, it’s amazing the people you meet and things you see. I’m starting to do this where I live, exploring my city like someone traveling here to visit, kind of exciting!
Work Through Tough Times – I totally get this one and being in the middle of it feels like you’re walled in. From talking to people, reading, and going through tough times, seems like it’s part of being a person, if you get an idea to read something, talk to someone, write a dialogue about it, etc. do it-those nudges are motions that help you to feel unstuck. I have a journaling link below to use or to spur ideas. Let me know what you come up with.
Eat More Sourdough Bread – Sign me up!!
Bye for now!
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I love this time of year, January! Yes, I know you start getting end of year notices from your bank prepping you for tax season, big eye roll, and it gets really cold. But, there is so much more than that with January!
For me, every year it feels like I’ve got every possible avenue open to me-the adventure is refreshing! I also get this feeling to a lesser degree in April, with the spring weather, and October with the falling leaves and chilly evenings. More on those in a minute. Think about the New Year, the previous is now only a memory so if there were less than desirable things going on it’s in the past.
With that said, what are you going to do with any remnants you no longer want to deal with and what new cards do you want to deal into your life? It’s all a choice, and with baby steps, you can make edits and shape things to better suit either the direction you want to take or how you want to face something. Nobody can take that choice from you, it’s totally yours and that to me is exciting!
So usually each January has me changing the art in my home, lucky me my Dad and brother are both painters so there’s never enough wall space for everything, and refreshing my organization, and making plans. Also each year I tend to also take a deeper look at where I am in life, things like my spiritual take on things, or how I can edit my approach and be a better listener, stuff like that. And I look into the next baby steps to bring about the things I’d like to experience and see.
About a week ago I asked for your input on how you plan on recharging for 2024 and the responses have been amazing, really I’m inspired and grateful to read your goals. I want to give it the rest of this week and then I’ll randomly pull ten to post, but it may be more because I’m overwhelmed with how great they are. If you are on the fence, I won’t post any names but I’d love to share because they have inspired me and I’d like to share the same with you.
I’m posting the two things I’m excited to work on as a recharge in 2024 and that’s looking deeper into gratitude for even the things that aren’t desirable and also partnerships and what I’m bringing to the table to be part of a team whether it’s personal or business. In April and October I’ll look to revisit what I’m working on to see what feels relevant.
Bye for now!
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We’ve kicked off October along with the Halloween Season at MRE and we don’t want it to end. We can’t get enough of windy days with leaves blowing around, the crispness demanding your favorite jean jacket, and the treats because who has time for tricks when there are so many amazing movies to watch?
That said below is this years list of our movies and, since I’m really into all things Stevie Nicks lately, I’m taking cues from her early days for dressing up. Who knows, maybe consider a trial run of your outfit watching all things Halloween? See my ideas below for pieces to pull from if you want and of course your jean jacket goes with it all!
Below are some ideas to pull together any way you want. For the top hat though I’m seeing some black silk flowers and maybe a sugar skull pin somewhere.
Bye for now!
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So, I’ve always had a fascination with the color hot pink, along with chartreuse and teal, which is somewhat mid-century for both clothing and interior design. Though I don’t count orange as a regular fave, I like adding it into the mix sometimes especially in warmer weather.
Back to Hot Pink, I love it so much my selection of last years holiday cards was made because the envelopes were that color, and besides, who wouldn’t want that much cheerfulness in their mailbox during winter season? I seriously considered sending one to myself!
Looking at how it’s getting combined with other colors online I see a lot of it getting punched up with white, which is nice during the warm weather seasons, I also see it getting used with black pumps, jackets, etc. Both options work and also keep the color front and center. But what if you used it as a color to be mixed with other very cool and on trend colors? It’s still a standout but it gets pushed in a different way. My two colors for now, because I’m still having fun playing with it, are copper and a paler green in the pistachio range; let me say this exercise was fun!
My focus was on pieces purchased together for a head-to-toe look when you want to go that direction. You know by now, if you’ve been following my Style Of The Week I drop every Thursday, that I love, love, love to pull pieces apart and play with how they can be aligned in new ways. That said, below are some ideas I came up with.
Throw in your moto jacket or denim one because that will work too. In fact, I’m slightly obsessed with the idea of the sandals and the moto jacket for late night after parties with your bikini top, especially if it’s metallic copper or orange.
Have fun and bye for now!
Margi
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What an amazing color! I see it as an on trend expression of the vibrancy I’m seeing in us again, the vivid pink red mixed with the periwinkle from last year’s Pantone color. Interestingly, the Very Peri has a bit of this year’s Magenta so there is a progression of where we are from last year. I’ve posted this bit below so you can see a comparison of the two.
I see the choice of Magenta as a perfect call, it reflects an increased sense of optimism with a nod to how much, the periwinkle, we’ve accomplished last year to move forward.
Next week, see how I mix it up with this bright and fun color!
Bye for now!!
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So, I’ve started this year obsessed with organizing, weeding out, and sorting my house. And I mean my house! I’ve got a list by room of things I will do this year to refresh and/or edit things. I’ve been going through drawers, and even looking at expiration dates on everything, including my cosmetics! Crazy? Maybe, but I’ve only dented the surface and it already feels so much better. Plus, it feels like I’m a little more organized in my head which I didn’t expect.
This feeling came on me towards the end of December, and, serendipitously, while reading through the Apartment Therapy blog, I saw their January Cure they offer annually. Each weekday, gratis, for 20 days they send an email with the coolest ideas that are super easy, and quick to do. Check it out via the link below. If you do decide to go for it, and who cares if January is mostly finished, reach out either via the comments, or on my SM, and tell me what you think.
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/january-cure-2022-sign-up-37004167
The work I was doing organizing and restyling my house brought an awareness that I was dissatisfied with my style too. Truthfully, I’d been feeling creatively stale for awhile and it felt as if I was putting a stale version of myself out to the world. Focusing intensely, managing my construction project last year, felt consuming to the point I wasn’t aware of changing incredibly inside. I’d been changing a lot in a positive way as a person but was too busy to realize it. You’re constantly changing, even if you aren’t aware of it at the time. Change was happening to me but it was background noise due to focusing so intently for so long. My client’s comment frequently that because I do styling, having a concern or feeling off must not happen to me. I’m here to tell you, even after years of styling for film and advertising – it happens to everyone!
Organizing, sorting, and weeding through my home caused me to realize the issue wasn’t “stale” creativity, it was no longer resonating with who I was before embarking on my project.
It’s time to put an editing eye on my closet! Everything was going into the project so I hadn’t purchased anything new for awhile. But, more than that, I wasn’t putting a fresh eye to what I had. Yes, some things will no longer “feel” right and those will go to someone who will feel amazing in them. It’s time to put a fresh take on what will work, what “fits” who I am inside now, and what I still feel amazing in. Then, I’ll add new items to my closet.
So, having figured that out, I got to thinking there are probably lots of you reading this that feel the same. So, I decided to offer a promo to kick off 2022. How exciting, am I right?
Here it is, just share a question, or concern, with me, and I’ll work with you to resolve it. Just IM me or send an email. It’s that simple!
Looking forward to sharing in your New Year/Updated You adventure!
Bye for now!
If you’d like more information plus inspirational images, please follow me!
Ready to start journaling? Click to get my free journaling workbook!
Bye for now!
If you’d like more information plus inspirational images, please follow me!
Ready to start journaling? Click to get my free journaling workbook!
I’ve already mentioned in the Miss Navajo Nation blog post that I love the Firefox browser for a few reasons, one is they have great articles on their search page. Seriously, there are articles on everything including design and lifestyle, a big plus. Recently I read an article from the BBC about Fredagsmys, which is Friday coziness in Sweden. Reading through the article was enchanting and I’m on board in a big way!
Fredagsmys (pronounced fre-dags myys) means Friday coziness in Sweden, a longstanding tradition that started in the 90’s. Essentially, it consists of hunkering down and relaxing with folks you care for, most often watching TV together. Even more interesting and fun, having tacos are a core part of Fredagsmys, followed by munching on chips and sweet things on your sofa. Instead of going out with friends, or going to a movie, or working late, it’s about getting snuggled in, hanging out with people you love, and eating yummy food to kick off your weekend. It’s a cozy way to end a busy week, and it’s catching on outside of Sweden too! Let’s chat on how to add this evening to your routine!
The traditional meal is a taco spread, so what’s not to love, but you can also do pizza, a big sandwich spread, pretty much anything that does not require a fork and knife. The main point of the meal is for it to be be easy and fun to prep, and easy to eat so you can kick back and relax. After the meal, put out all your favorite salty and sweet snacks so you can grab a handful as you watch TV. In case you’ve noticed this evening is not about following your eating plan, this is your cheat day.
Obviously, this will not be a dress up affair, so my first thought was thick, snuggly socks, a tee, and sweat pants for their elastic waist! But, then again, what if you wanted to up the ante a bit and add pizazz as you maintain comfort? I got to thinking and came up with an idea of a sweater dress like a longer tunic length, tights, socks, and some cute short boots. Still comfortable, you can kick the boots off when you get to the sofa, but it’s a comfort look taken up a notch.
Etsy – Bloom Angels Leopard Print Tights
Socks:
Etsy – Lace Trimmed Slouch Socks
Dress/Tunic & Hat:
Stylist’s Own
Now that the days keep getting shorter, at least where I live, to me this sounds like an amazing habit to get into at least a few times a month. Post pictures of your first Fredagsmys and share!
Bye for now!
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I’ve been listening to a series of talks on generosity and gratitude this past month, which is timely since we just celebrated our Thanksgiving holiday here in the U.S. Another reason the talks are timely? The three VERY large goals I’ve been working toward this year, building a business, building a garage, and making everything else work during the pandemic, is finally moving to fruition. So, yeah, I’ve been doing my Snoopy happy dance for sure!
In going after my goals, this year has felt like a series of competency tests, one after the other, and for that reason this year has been a marathon. Those times where the goal isn’t to finish really quickly, like a sprint, but just working to finish! A good part of the challenge was a feeling that no matter what I did, there seemed to be no movement, and even, at times, it felt as if I had setbacks. Yep, even after taking action that should have given me forward movement. So this year, I’ve been doing a lot of filing in the “you can’t make this stuff up” file. Yeah, it’s funny now but there were times I was glad to have friends who let me vent my frustrations.
Because of all that, I ended up with a new tool for life, and that was the realization of feeling deeply grateful. It not only made me feel better in the moment, but also created an opening for me to figure out “what next”. And a huge part of that was my daily journaling! Listing 3 things I’m grateful for each day meant really focusing on where I have it good, especially on those days where it felt like I only had problems to solve. If you’d like to see that, get my free Journal workbook at the end of this post.
I’ve always been optimistic, and, for the most part, I’m satisfied with my life (though I believe a little dissatisfaction is a good thing because it’s one way to see where you want to experience your next adventure in the form of change). Years ago I read somewhere that gratitude isn’t a laundry list of items, a recitation, though that can be a good place to start. It’s really considering what you are very deeply thankful about, or where you are very satisfied.
Maybe because of the curves life handed me this year, and how relentless I had to be to keep things on course, I begin to feel a deeper sense of thankfulness and satisfaction. Sometimes it was coming home in the evening and snuggling in with whatever interested me at the moment. It was also sharing a good meal with good friends, or even just watching trash TV.
I’m going to do a series of blog posts on managing the long periods of challenges, whether they’re seemingly never ending tasks to reach your goal, or whether you’re facing new experiences without a “how-to” app. For those times it’s all about digging in, persevering, and taking that next step even if you feel doubt or uncertainty. Those times aren’t always easy, or fun, but sometimes it’s just what you have to do.
Bye for now!
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Do you use Firefox as your search engine? If you do, then you know how they have thumbnails to articles on their home page, some great, some silly, and some you just roll your eyes! About a month ago there was a thumbnail to a Glamour magazine article on the Miss Navajo Nation contest, so, of course, I dropped everything and read it.
You can read the article here: Glamour Magazine – Inside the Miss Navajo Nation Pageant
The article was mesmerizing and focused on the background of the contest, including why it began and when, what the judges look for, and the back stories of the contestants. It’s not like the contests you’re used to seeing on television, these women are seen as not only ambassadors for the tribe, but have the monumental job of bringing a better understanding of their culture across the country and also internationally.
The Miss Navajo Nation contest is a 69 year old tradition. First held in 1952, it was meant to center Navajo pride and honor the Dine’, or Navajo people. It’s a rigorous contest and takes years of study, dedication, and passion to enter and compete. There is an exacting test of Navajo culture, a preparation of three traditional dishes, and they must demonstrate Navajo language fluency. They also must show a clear understanding of traditional everyday life, again crucial as they travel as ambassadors of their nation across 574 federally recognized tribes and also internationally.
On a personal level it allows them to reflect back on everything that it took for them to get to where they are, something that I believe would be beneficial for all of us, how they were raised, and the things they were taught.
For me, the emphasis on their inner style, their belief system and what they value, is paramount. And you see it reflected in their outer style, the beautifully designed clothes, colors, and incredible hand made, custom jewelry, individualized to their taste, which is the reflection of their enthusiasm and pride.
Love that!
Reading the article got me thinking about a culture with great pride, that holds themselves to a high standard, moves to the future while maintaining a hold on where they came from, and represents their best as individuals. I also got to thinking about ways to reflect that in my own life, to more consciously choose to reflect who I am, and where I’ve come from.
What do you value and represent daily, as the outer reflection of who you are inside? How can we be leaders and ambassadors for whatever we hold as meaningful for us, such as kindness, patience, inclusion, or caring? As women, I believe we have the power to change our world, and the world around us. I believe we can do this best by being those things we would like to see in our world.
Thank you Miss Navajo Nation for the inspiration!
Bye for now!
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For the longest, even before 2020, Athleisure has been a hot trend. Last year, we lived in yoga pants, sweats, hoodies and tee’s, unless you were Zooming then you dressed on the top and below the belt was your secret! At the beginning of the year several sources said athleisure would continue to be a trend, but I wasn’t convinced. Look, after living in nothing but yoga wear, tee’s, sweats, and PJ’s, I believed women would be longing to break free from all that sameness, and the memories and emotions associated with them. People would want to break free and express themselves after being stifled last year.
Seems I was onto something because Vogue magazine mentioned emerging out of our shell and thinking big, with bolder shapes, more color, and shine. In the Sunday Style Section of the New York Times there was an article, “Michael Kors Doubles Down on the Return of New York”, and it said get ready for the “bonfire of the sweatpants”. Kors believes in the allure of perfectly polished power sportswear. Don’t worry, it’s all very wearable, comfortable, and perfect for every budget so let’s check it out!
Aren’t we ready to show our lipstick, dress up, and engage in life again?
Pump the brakes here! After a year of not having to think through a look now we have to flex that muscle again? Yes, but there’s no reason to hit the brakes. Trailing hemlines, pumped up volume, and drama provide a feeling of exuberance, joy, and excitement. It’s intoxicating and fun! You can buy all the latest of the new trends if you want to totally revamp your style, but you can still project the same on trend feel by adding some new pieces. But how and where do you start?
There were lots of great pieces on the runways, but you can cull them down to a few shapes to wear now and also into fall. Look for huge scarves with lots of pattern and bright colors, capes, wide trousers, big shoulder jackets, and maxi dresses or longer length skirts and dresses. What fun!
This can be a feminine look or you can make it edgy depending on the color and fabric, wear it to work, to play, or out with your friends. I’m excited to try the head wrap look even though I don’t normally wear something on my head. Just remember, the scarf, like the majority of trends, needs to be large scale both in size and pattern. This is something you can just play with, I don’t really see that there is a wrong way to wear these. This look will continue into fall too so don’t be afraid you’ll only get a season out of these.
Aren’t these fun? It’s been forever since I wore a cape but looking at the different feelings of these images it’s worth exploring again. This look will work for all bodies and can be as dramatic or demure as you want. I’m obsessed with the sparkly capelet and don’t be surprised if you see this kind of throwback to the golden age of jazz looks for the holidays. This would work really well over a cute tank dress now, or to throw on when you step out after work over a silky tank or your little black dress.
This is a big trend not only now but it’s all over for the upcoming fall/winter season too. Look for oversized shoulders, oversize cuts, and also longer arms almost covering the entire hand on some jackets. The extreme oversize may not be to everyone’s liking and it is a look you need to know how to work. For the most part, pair your large, or loose, piece with something less full or even fitted. The exception, and you need to look at scale and proportion carefully here, is if the other pieces are made with a looser, lighter fabric like the image on the far right. Play around with this at the store and try it on!
Maxi skirts and dresses have been with us for awhile now and I’m telling you it’s not a look that’s grown tired. Not when there are new silhouettes, colors, and patterns each season to freshen them up. Plus, dressing them up, styling them for the office, and popping on a dress to chill out with your friends is easy. Just keep your proportions in mind when pairing them with tops, jackets, and even the new capes.
These are so much fun and very comfortable to wear. I’ve had some clients shy away from them because they feel it will shorten the look of their body, but as you can see it actually lengthens the body line. The trick is to keep your foot wear with a heavier look, think chunky heel, large buckles, wedge heels, and make the hem line almost to the ground.
Let me see how you are styling these pieces, but no worries if you’re not 100% on where to start. I’m here to talk you through this.
Bye for now!
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Every week on my social media stream I present a Style Of The Week, usually a street style but sometimes it’s a print ad that’s caught my attention. A few weeks ago it occurred to me that it would be a lot of fun to add a “Shop The Look” segment on my blog, and, given my large amounts of extra time ha ha, the first one is done. That said, let’s get to it!
It’s spring and for many people it’s a time of anticipation, getting out of your winter routine, and enjoyment of the bright colors you’re starting to see in nature. I was reading online recently that orange has been on trend more so this spring season. It’s an exuberant mood boost so after last year that makes complete sense to me. Chartreuse, deep hot pink, and orange are colors I’ve always enjoyed so when I saw this incredible, orange trench I immediately fell in love. Besides the color, I like how the shorter length works for many body types and is easy to adjust if needed or desired.
This trench was online and it caught my eye due to it’s figure enhancing cut, bold buttons, and of course the color. Online I found a great trench with a hood, great in case you get caught in the rain minus your umbrella! It’s a rich orange with a smidge of red in it and gorgeous! The military style exaggerated lapel and bold pockets make it extra snappy. You can scoop it up online at Light In The Box Orange Red Trench
I’m crazy about these skinny high jeans from H&M! On the jean jacket embellishment video I made, it’s the second one on my YouTube channel, I talk about how they recycle materials and also create clothing from recycled fibers. That’s amazing because why toss something if it can be repurposed? You can check out that video here. Margi Reed Enterprises Jean Jacket Embellishment Video.
These have the right amount of Lycra, 3%, so they don’t get too stretched out as you go through your day. These will fit in your wardrobe everywhere. Date night with a sexy tee and denim jacket, check. To the office with your pumps, jacket, and shirt (I love bodysuit blouses), check. With your orange trench? Check! H&M Skinny Black Jeans
The sandals are a nice way to lighten up the look, but if an unexpected colder Spring day pops up feel free to grab the short boots again! These from Macy’s are pretty, and will work well with dresses too. The heel height is tall enough to add interest but not crazy high if you’re going to be on your feet all day. Plus, they come in more colors if you really like them! Macy’s Black Strap Sandals
I’ve shopped these vendors successfully and would also like you to know if you purchase from them I may receive a commission.
So remember, enjoy the process of exploring and making this look your own. If you have questions please reach out, I’m here for you.
Bye for now!
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A fact about myself, I love vintage and I love sewing! Particularly, vintage sewing patterns and the large, counter pattern books. My collection keeps expanding since it’s impossible for me to say no when folks ask if I want their collection. Seriously, if you want them to get a good home for life, you won’t do better than me, and you may feel free to contact me if you need to find a good home for yours!
There wasn’t a specific time when I became aware of my interest in sewing. The women in my family sewed, knitted, crocheted, and embroidered so it was always around me. Looking at the pattern envelopes, with their amazing illustrations, was riveting and I became hooked. While my creativity leaned toward fabric and fiber manipulation it’s interesting to learn when, where, and how other people became cognizant of their creative leanings. For example, the brilliant creative and technical genius of my marketing team is fascinating, especially since I don’t lean that way. On the other hand, they were riveted when I repaired a hoodie pocket for one of them sewing the entire time we were talking.
Starting with a mental image, the process begins with either pulling a fabric, like this amazing knit from Elliott Berman Textiles, https://elliottbermantextiles.com/ (I don’t get anything from them, just want you to have their link in case you want the fabric too.) or a pattern, which can be purchased or self-drafted. Then the project flow is outlined as to materials, process of assembling, and the fine bits, like buttons or trim.
Working with my styling clients, the process is similar. After chatting, so I can really get to know their goals, likes, concerns to name a few, I get a mental image as to direction. Once we proceed the project flow follows a similar path. Most likely this is my natural project management process, which became honed as a kid learning to sew, and which naturally flowed as my style in business.
Everything we do is creative, even getting up which creates the start of your day, but it’s important and enjoyable to plan for a specific time to work on something creative. Yes, life has twists and it probably feels like there isn’t the time. I’m also going through that at the moment and haven’t sewn for awhile. In fact, I find myself daydreaming about it during the day which is my signal to slow down and relax. I’m also figuring what time block works to schedule in regular sewing time. I know I’ll feel happier and I’ll also end up more productive with my batteries recharged.
What process works for you to purposely create?
Bye for now!
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Last year sure created a different lifestyle for us, and very unexpectedly too! While our situation was scary, in many ways I felt so alone, it was enjoyable to go online and see what people were doing to pass time. Puzzle making, knitting, growing container gardens, and probably the most popular-making bread! For me, I sewed more, did adult coloring to play with color combinations, and I started journaling.
Now, this wasn’t my first time at the journal rodeo, in fact I’d tried several times over the last ten years and for whatever reason it didn’t stick with me. Even trying different styles of journaling, such as writing free form or responding to prompt questions like my favorite book, felt off. Purchasing fancy journals, colorful composition books, and bright, colored pens didn’t make a difference-it just didn’t resonate. It was frustrating because I’d heard of the many great benefits of journaling regularly and felt I was missing out.
I’m not sure why journaling came to me last year. Maybe it was the overwhelming feeling of confusion to be without my normal routine, being without the daily contact of my friends, or maybe just finally being ready but this time journaling stuck with me and felt natural. It actually felt amazing! Plus, it gave me a rhythm, a routine and connectedness that went missing last year. Even better, I became more focused, goal oriented, and even stopped procrastinating. Bonus!
Researching the long term benefits reveal a lot of pluses, some obvious and some not so obvious, and here they are:
Information on how stress negatively impacts your physical, mental, and emotional health has been around for awhile. Journaling, along with diet and exercise, is an amazing stress management tool. Studies have shown that journaling even 15-20 minutes 3-4 times a week helps.
Journaling boosts memory, comprehension, and increases your working memory capacity. Yes, I’ll take second helpings of that!
This probably plays into the first reason, stress reduction, but people who journal regularly have discovered it helps improve their mood, and they had a greater sense of emotional well-being and joy. Those feelings will attract more positivity into your life, a big plus.
Continued journaling helps you become more connected with your inner needs and desires. You engage right brain creativity as you write and flexing this “muscle” boosts many things, including problem solving.
Hey, it’s new territory so it could feel awkward at first. Once you get a rhythm going, like anything new, it’ll be a part of your life you look forward to. Just show up at least 3 days a week, even if only one sentence is what you end up with. It’s amazing to go back a week or month later and see what was going on.
The journal system that got me going is easy and has three different segments that can easily be finished in 10 minutes. You can spend more time if you want but it’s not necessary. For me, I think best when writing so it’s all about pen and paper. Studies have shown that writing, particularly cursive, helps boost creativity, improves memory, learning comprehension, and fine motor skills. It’s your thing though so be comfortable. I’ve created a free workbook to get you started! Just download it below.
You’ll have so much fun in the morning with your cup of coffee, or winding down at night capturing everything end of day. Let me know what you think and if you come up with any cool new methods of journaling!
Bye for now!
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Awhile back, before styling professionally, I worked at a telecom firm scheduling international video conferences. This was before higher bandwidth internet created reliable connections making video calls a DIY thing. There was always a test prior to the call while the participants were in the room and one thing I noticed immediately was how the camera registered pattern and color, making some women really stand out and others not so much. For me, noticing this was a huge step forward toward my becoming a stylist because for the first time I really saw how proportion, fit, color, pattern, and accessorizing worked together as a team.
True confession, at that time getting dressed for work was frustrating and my pulled together look felt anything but. I’d look at other women where I worked whose style I admired, wondering why my outfits weren’t coming together as well, and also wondering why adding accessories seemed so confusing. The struggle was real! Through the frustration though I became determined to make a change and dress authentically to who I was inside and discover my style that would reflect that.
I really started to look around and take notice of print ads, actors wardrobes in film and TV, and the people around me whose style I admired. And, I started asking questions. What did I like? When I liked something, what about it attracted me? Was it the shape, the colors, or the entire outfit? What I also noticed, and this became key for me – when women dressed to suit themselves, and also flatter their body, they carried themselves with confidence. They looked comfortable with themselves. I wanted that!
So I began trying on anything and everything that caught my eye and interest. Yeah, there were some misses but I began to figure out not only what I liked but what made me feel amazing. Getting dressed became a fun, creative way to express myself. There was something else I realized-some of the body image issues I had as a teen were still lurking in my head. That was very exciting to realize and the discovery opened my eyes in a lot of ways. Though there were areas I liked a lot, and emphasized, I also liked the other areas too. Peace at last!
You can do it too! It’s doable, enjoyable, and doesn’t have to cost a lot.
Ready to get started expressing yourself through your own unique style, loving your body, with all it’s wonderful uniqueness that no one else has, and loving your clothes? Go explore and have fun! There are no right or wrong way, just make a small, baby step. Here are 4 ways to get started!
When I started this process of self-discovery, there were moments of struggle where uncertainty as to my next step could have me feeling some self doubt. It’s very easy at that point to start seeing people whose style you like and compare yourself negatively. Every one of us has our moments and they do too. Focus on you and, even though it might be a struggle, find one thing that you like about yourself or your newly emerging sense of style and write it down. Keep a journal of these and enjoy your story as it evolves.
Go to a department store, or an art store, and buy a piece of poster board. Find as many images as you can of things you like or caught your eye. These could be for an entire look, a piece or accessory you liked, a color, a feeling – anything! Stick them onto the board and feel free to add captions, notes, doodles with markers, colored pencils or pens to make it really personal. Put it where you’ll pass by frequently and see it though no need to really study it unless you want. You’ll see themes of patterns emerge-a silhouette over and over, a color, etc. You can also do this on Pinterest as a private board, but there’s something about the creative process of using your hands and physical materials that really connects you to your creative side.
Anytime you start something new, like a workout program, you may find it easier to have someone to help keep you motivated. Let’s be honest, experiencing change and trying something new can feel like a lot sometimes. Am I right? Having someone who will listen, help keep you feeling positive about your changes, and not offer any judgements as you develop your new style can be helpful. Maybe the two of you can do this together?
Avoid overwhelm and try one, two at the most, changes, new styles, or colors at a time. As people notice your emerging style, and how it resonates with who you are, you will know you’re aimed in the right direction because you will have felt that too. You’ve got this!
Bye for now!
If you’d like more information plus inspirational images, please follow me!
Ready to start journaling? Click to get my free journaling workbook!
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