Friday, April 17, 2015

Not Your Normal Friday

I was inspired to skip the usual Five on Friday to write about something that's been taking up a lot of time and space in my mind.

A few months ago I was fortunate to get a mini leadership training from JC Thompson at Aspire Marketing. JC taught me the concept of Self Limiting Beliefs and when people are in "panic mode" they transition to the following belief systems:

I must win
I must be right
I must be comfortable
Everyone must love me

I realized that my self limiting belief is that everyone must love me. I coincide this self limiting belief with my overall belief that I am not good enough. I am not smart enough. I don't work hard enough. I should and could do better.

I think that once I finish school, my next goal is to focus on accepting that I am enough. I'm not quite sure how to tackle this endeavor but I will get there. The next adventure will be myself.


Friday, April 10, 2015

Five on Friday: Financial Tips to Help You Save

I have always been horrible at saving my money. I hold the mindset that I can't take it with me so if I want something, I should get it. When I turned 26, with graduation and my student loan debt coming for me, I decided that I really needed to kick it into gear. Below are some tips that I've found useful in saving.

Have More than One Bank Account
I have a handful of different bank accounts that I use for different things. One I use for spending, another for paying bills and a third for saving. I try not to ever look at the one for saving in an effort to not spend it. Now obviously you don't want to have twelve different bank accounts because that will be a lot to take care of. I would say keep it to a minimum or two or three.

401K
I mentioned it before in another Five on Friday but for the love of your retirement, sign up for your 401K. You'd be surprised how quickly the money will add up and you'll thank your young self when you're pushing 65 and looking to become a snowbird.

Direct Deposit
If your company offers it, set yourself up with Direct Deposit. It makes things a lot easier if you don't have to go to the bank and be tempted to take out extra money.

Credit Cards Can be the Devil
Don't be tempted to open a credit card at each of your favorite stores. That's one trap that I fell into and now I am working to pay them all off. Let me tell you, it takes a LONG ASS time. Save yourself the trouble and avoid opening up any if you don't have to. If you do, find ones that have low limits.

Remove Automatic Credit Increases
If you are someone that has credit cards, call them and ask them to remove any automatic credit increases. This will keep you from building up a $5000 credit bill before you know it. It's all psychological. If you have a high credit limit, you'll be more tempted to use it.

Happy Friday all!

Sunday, April 5, 2015

The Struggle Is Real Friends

5am workouts? Not this girl.....

I am struggling FO REALS to get my behind in gear when it comes to fitness and eating well. I was on the treadmill today for the first time in about two weeks and I was reminded how good a workout felt. To continue my fitness high I went to stop and shop and got some veggies, sweet potato and organic chicken.

And then I blew the high all away at the Easter buffet.

I know exactly what I should be doing. I read Shape. I follow a crazy amount of fitness gurus on instagram. But yet I can't seen to maintain any type of consistency.

Maybe it's a commitment that I'm not quite ready to be all in for. I want it. But maybe not enough in my life right now. Passing my Masters program is kinda on top of the list.

Any tips from other bosses on how you make it work?

Friday, April 3, 2015

Five on Friday: New York State of Mind

If you ever have the opportunity to go to NYC and you are traveling alone, there are a ton of amazing ways to experience the city. Don't be hesitant to go out and explore especially just because you may be alone. Go out there and tramp through the streets of the city like you're a local.

Eataly
200 Fifth Avenue

The most beautiful Italian market can be found at Eataly. This indoor market hosts authentic pasta, gelato, wine, sandwiches and my favorite, charcuterie. It's an amazing experience for the senses that you must check out when you're there. If you're feeling extremely boss like, sign up for one of the classes that they offer.


Public Transportation
The subway in NYC can be so scary. Admittedly, the first time I traveled to the city with Tim, I refused to take the subway because I was so afraid but quite honestly, it's something that every woman should be able to navigate. There are definitely some shady boots on that subway but it's an easy way to get around the city and you should definitely experience it.

Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is a beautiful way to see the city. It's about a mile walk and as you get closer to the center you start to see "love locks" which totally pulls at your heart strings. If you're not familiar with the Love Lock Bridge in Paris, France it appears that visitors to the bridge are trying to encourage the same type of symbolism.


INGLOT Store in Time Square
If you travel a lot, you NEED to go to the INGLOT store. I've never seen any close to where I live so when I saw it in Time Square, I knew I had to check it out. Their shadows and blushes are extremely pigmented but the best part is their Freedom line which allows you to complete customize a pallet of your choice. Everything is magnetic so they are easily interchangeable and great for travel. I made a blush pallet and a nice neutral pallet. It was fun to create what works for me!


Hole in the Wall Pizza Places
Get out there are try the variety of food that NY offers. Pizza places can almost be found on every corner. Try them all! It's definitely worth it.