Thursday, June 26, 2014

10 Tips to Help You Relax and Ease Stress

Life is full of stress and some days are harder than others. Everyone goes through periods of stress and even depression. Sometimes things can seem overwhelming and answers seem hard to find. I've been having days like this quite a bit lately. Sometimes I just want to scream. Maybe that would help, but it doesn't seem like the smartest idea....to sit in a room full of people (at work or home) and just let out a horrible high pitched shriek . With that being said I usually keep things to myself and pack on additional stress.

I have been thinking about how life can overwhelm us at times and what options there are to overcome these things. Sometimes our problems can stem from toxic people in our lives, bills, lack of sleep, being overworked, and several other things. Sometimes we cant necessarily eliminate the problem all at once, so what can we do to relieve some of these problems? I've been researching and thinking a good bit on this lately and here are a few things I've come up with. These things are on my list to de-stress and help ease my mind.

1) Eat better. There are tons of foods packed with health benefits not only for your body, but also for your mind. Eating better will help your body inside and out and will help brain functions! 

Asparagus is in season now. Did you know it's one of the best natural sources of folate? | health.com
2) Get a change of scenery. Being trapped in the same space all the time can cause anyone to feel sad. Seeing the same thing or the same room day in and day out can do a number on your mental health. Get out and explore even if you just walk around a park or a mall. Get out and see something different.

There weren't as many ducks here when we walked through St. Stephen's Park in Dublin, Ireland.  There were swans, though.

3) Read,write, paint, or draw outside! Get out of the house and find a cozy spot outside. The natural vitamins you receive from the sun will make you feel amazing! Grab a book or pen and paper and head outside. Create a cozy spot on your porch or head to a local pool or park and get lost in something you enjoy. 

Love the wood decking, layout, and overall style

4) Take a walk. Walking not only promotes heart and body health but mental health as well. Any form of exercise boosts your brain and helps eliminate stress! I plan on starting to take walks at different places each day. I live in Charleston, SC and we have some great beaches and amazing scenery downtown Charleston. I think The Battery and Waterfront Park are two great places to start!

The Battery Charleston, SC

5) Find a hobby or restart one you love. I had tons of hobbies and fun pastimes I used to love. For some reason I stopped. I loved to create things! I did everything from home decor DIY projects, making jewelry, painting, and repourposing old items. I basically stopped doing all of those things. In the few moments of spare time I have I usually end up doing laundry or household chores. It seems like I have no time to enjoy anything. It is definitely time to restart one or more of these hobbies and enjoy a creative outlet! 

I love this image. This DIY watch a original craft. If you love this type of fantasy please visit my website for more idea. http://iliketodecorate.com  ...

6) Create your own space! It doesn't matter if you live in a house full of people or if you are the only one in your home it is important to create a space that is yours! If you have you live alone than it is easy to create a huge environment that screams "you", but that can be a difficult task if you have a house full of people! I have two sons and a husband who seem to take over the entire house. I feel like everywhere I look there is something that screams "boy" ....from video games to bow and arrows that's what I see. I have been working on coming up with ideas for a relaxing and cozy area just for me. I saw this adorable picture on pinterest last week and fell in love. I think this space would be perfect for me, so I am working on recreating something similar just or me! If you know me, than you know this is definitely a "Brandi" kind of space!


7) Read the Bible and Pray. Praying and reading the Word are definitely one of the most calming and helpful things you can do. As a Christian it is important that we feed ourselves spiritually just as we do physically. Without my relationship with God I don't know where I would be. He is my Rock and because of Him I know all things will be ok! My strength is dependent on Him and I know regardless of my trials and tribulations I will get through! Through Him all things are possible and I am truly grateful!!

Through Christ, all things are possible


8) Say NO! Don't be afraid to say NO! So many times we put unnecessary stress on ourselves because we are afraid to say no! We don't want to hurt someones feelings or let them down. Don't think because you say no you are being mean! We cant do everything! We cant take on the world! Sometimes we just need to say no because we have too many other obligations. We might also need to say no because what we are being asked goes against our morals or values. When you say NO do just that! You don't owe everyone an  explanation of your reason! No is no and leave it at that! Once you realize you don't have to do everything for everyone your stress will definitely be reduced! Try it, you will feel so much better!

You shouldn't have to listen to people question your judgment especially when only you know what's right for your life. No one knows you like you know yourself. When you say "no" the answers no. When you say "yes" then let it be a yes. No explaining yourself or justifying yourself should be required when you're sure of your decision.

9) Take a "time-out". We all need time alone! We all need to be able to walk away for a few moments and gather our thoughts. Again, this can be difficult if you are constantly surrounded by people. I feel like this quite a bit at times. In my house it seems like the only time I can actually be alone for a few minutes is in the bathroom! Moms, I know you understand this one! If the bathroom is your "saftey zone" then make something out of it. Dont just run in there and lock the door and sit on the closed toilet seat with your hand over your ears! Take time to relax and put your mind at ease! Fill the tub with hot water, light a candle, dim the lights, and put on some relaxing music. Take time to soak in the tub and read a book or just lay back with your eyes closed and enjoy the music. Life is too short to go full speed without a moment to catch your breathe! Now fill that tub and relax! (PS...if I had this tub and view I would never get out!!)

Beautiful Bathroom Retreat

10) Get it off your chest! If something is really bothering you and you keep it bottled up you are bound to explode. Sometimes the key to finally letting go and being able to relax is to get it off your chest. Talk to someone or calmly confront the person who is upsetting you. Talk to someone with an open mind and maybe finally being able to express your feelings will ease your mind. Go to your best friend, spouse, or family and give them some insight to whats been going on in your head. Sometimes having someone with an open ear or a shoulder to cry on can make you feel a million times better. Don't always try to carry the load of the world on your own. God put people in our lives for a reason. Those closest to you will be more than willing to support you through your tough times and can definitely help put a different perspective on things. Sometimes getting their opinion of a situation can really make a difference. We tend to make things seem like they are impossible at times, but having someone else give their thoughts can show us all that whatever the situation there is an easier way to manage it. Sometimes just getting things off our minds and not keeping them bottled up can make all the difference in the world. 

Love you <3 Best friends for life

I hope you are all having a wonderful week so far! The weekend is right around the corner! If you are having a bad week or going through a tough time please know that tomorrow is another day full of hope and promise. Love and hugs to you all!! 


Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Casual Chic : Dressing Up the Denim

I've been doing a lot of home décor posts lately. That is mostly because I am about to do an overhaul on our house! It is in serious need of a makeover! I would have done the overhaul a long time ago, but with work I never have time! I am going to start slow and work on one room at a time.

Speaking of work I threw this cute outfit look together while I was browsing polyvore. This is a cute work look that will dress up your denim.  Is this a look you would wear to work? I hope you are all having a great week so far!!


A fashion look from June 2014 featuring Prabal Gurung blouses, Frame Denim jeans and Valentino pumps. Browse and shop related looks.

Lots of hugs and love!!

Thursday, June 19, 2014

What's on my Ulta List

It is definitely not a secret that I adore Ulta! I could spend half the day shopping without a care in the world! Here is a quick few picks of what is on my shopping list for my next trip to Ulta! I will do a review on these once they are sitting on my vanity! If you would like a review on any other products let me know and I will get those done!

Ulta List

Coffee Break : Kitched Decor Ideas

For years I've had my kitchen decorated with an Italian theme. I love the bistro type look, but I'm ready for change. I am a huge coffee drinker and love the cozy feel of coffee bistros! I am playing with the idea of redecorating our kitchen with a coffee type theme. Here are a few coffee décor ideas. I still don't really know what I want my accent color to be, but I will definitely keep you posted once the redecorating is underway! Also stay posted for my Cozy Corner makeover!


A home decor collage from June 2014

A home decor collage from June 2014

Happy Thursday! The weekend is almost here! Love and hugs!!

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Printed Chair : Cozy Corner Decor

I've been planning on doing an overhaul on our house. I am ready to get rid of the old and create a brand new space. We have some remodeling planned in the future, but for now I am starting small. I have been putting this off for a while now, but I definitely think I'm ready! I decided that rather than stick everything on the curb I will attempt to have a yard sale first. I'm not thrilled about that because those are never an easy task. Besides that I literally hate waking up super early! If the weather permits (no rain I hope) I will be hauling everything outside this weekend in hopes of getting rid of the old!

I've been looking around for new furniture for various spaces in our home. I definitely want a cute little corner nook with a statement chair and small table. I have a house full of boys (husband and two sons), so I want to create a little space for me! I want to be able to sip of a coffee or tea and read a good book or catch up on emails.

Here are two ideas I threw together! Stay tuned for more pieces I plan to add to my Home Décor Shopping list!

chairs

I hope everyone is having a great week so far! Love and hugs!!

Monday, June 16, 2014

Summer Shorts

This summer I am breaking away from my current and past short wardrobe and trying something new. My closet and dresser is crammed full of the same basic denim or cutoff style shorts. There are a few pair of colored shorts here and there, but again it is the same basic button and zipper style. Don't get me wrong, your basic denim style shorts will always be a staple. They will never go out of style, but I seriously need something new!

I have seen tons of adorable shorts while I've been out and about .  I really like the new styles, cuts, patterns, and details! This season you will definitely be seeing more variety than just your basic denim or khaki styles. I did some shopping recently and picked up a few pair! Here are a few more I found online that are definitely summer worthy! Which pair is your favorite?

shorts





Dorothy Perkins petite shorts
dorothyperkins.com



Monki bow shorts
$34 - monki.com





White scalloped shorts
modcloth.com



Blue and white shorts
$35 - euro.dorothyperkins.com



Scotch & Soda star shorts
scotch-soda.com



I hope you all have a fabulous week! Happy Monday! Love and hugs!!!

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Heading to Orlando

Work has been crazy the past few weeks! I feel like I never get a break! I am heading to Orlando next week for a company trip and plan on relaxing poolside when I get the chance! In addition to that I will be visiting Disney and checking out as much of Florida as possible!

Since I literally never have time to do much of anything I started getting stuff ready for the trip early! I hate last minute packing because I always worry I'm going to forget something! I also have a horrible habit of over packing! I look at it like this...I would rather have an outfit or two extra than to not have enough! I go prepared! For four days and three nights here is a quick breakdown of the clothes I will be taking:

Day 1 (day of arrival)

- sundress for casual business awards
- dressy shorts and top for night out

Day 2 (meeting)

- slacks or nice denim and top for meeting
- jeans (or shorts) and top for evening
- bathing suit

Day 3 (Disney)

- shorts and halter top
- dressy shorts and top for dinner

- Day 4 (shopping, sites, and ride home)

- shorts and tank

So basically I am taking 4 shorts, 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of slacks, 2 tank tops, 3 nice tops, 1 dress, 2 bathing suits, and several pairs of shoes. I wont go into detail on all the accessories, jewelry, or makeup! I am planning on doing a post on the makeup essentials in a different post! Again....did I mention I over pack???!!!

Here are a few pictures of the hotel we will be staying at!



 
 
 
I'm definitely ready to relax!! I hope you are all having a fabulous weekend! Until next time lots of love and hugs!!
 
 

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Insta Update and News

I can't believe May has come and gone. I intended on getting back to a normal blogging schedule, but that didn't happen yet! I've been so busy with work lately that having even a tiny moment to write just wasn't in the picture. In addition to work I have several other career opportunities I'm venturing towards! I will definitely keep everyone posted on that!

I decided to post this insta update so you could see a peek at what I've been up to lately. We have a business trip/vacation to Orlando coming up on the 20th of this month so I definitely have a lot to do before then. I hope to have some posts ready long before then, so definitely stay tuned for that! Here are a few photos via Instagram of what went on in May! Don't forget to follow me there and on my other social networks! Click the links on the right!



Shoes of the day and a quick pic of me...


Hootie the fish! He is in our tank at the office and a tbt of me and my grandparents.


Company outing at the Flowertown Festival and a comment that made my day!


Me again and a Charm my husband got me..."find joy in the journey".


Husband and I at another work event and silly Carolina and her sad face lol.


Bracelet and watch combo and my plum mani...


Mothers day gifts from the kiddos and hubby and me testing out naked 3.


 The hubs and I and thank goodness for Starbucks!


 Couldn't resist! I really love these colors.


Husband took this at Steak N Shake...I was looking at the menu and yes feet again!


Easy button on my desk and the new addition..Sweet little Charlotte!


A section of my perfume and my love of Urban Decay! 


 This saying holds truth! And love this Elephant top I grabbed at Khols!


A little lunch trivia at Buffalo Wild Wing and my new big Coach travel bag and pouch.


Hope you are all having a wonderful day and I hope June is a fantastic month for you all! Love and hugs!!