Five Lessons of 2014

2014 was a huge year of growth for me. There were some really hard lessons, but I think I came out of 2014 stronger than I went in. 

One.
People suck sometimes. I mean really. And they'll suck the life out of you. 2014 was a year of good riddance and the ones that I wasn't able to rid my life of I learned to ignore. I learned that toxic people are just that and that while some you still have to deal with, you don't have to let them have that power over you.

Two.
I can live alone. 2014 wasn't my first year of living alone, but I really realized that I am capable of taking care of myself, which I've always known, but realizing you don't even need someone to kill the spiders for you (although it would be nice) is quite liberating.

Three.
Hard work is oh so rewarding. In 2014 I went to school 20 hours a week and worked 30+ hours a week and while it was hard, my days started at 4 am and I didn't get home until 7 pm, then there was everything that needed to be done after that. It was tough, but knowing that I had such limited time to get stuff done, I got stuff done. Procrastination wasn't an option and it was important to keep a schedule so that I was able to ensure everything that needed to get done, did get done. It taught me so many life long skills.

Four.
You don't owe anyone else anything. I am a chronic people pleaser / perfectionist. I could never say no, and whenever things went wrong, no matter the actual situation, I felt like it was my fault and felt the need to fix whatever it was and carry that weight on my shoulders. I'm not saying not to help others and give your best always, but there is a line that you need to draw so you don't end up exhausting yourself.

Five.
Relaxation is actually really important. I go-go-go, and always want to fill my time with something, but it's so important to stop, get a massage, a pedicure, pick up a good book, enjoy coffee alone, take a walk, whatever floats your boat, but it's important, I always am amazed at how renewed I feel even after doing the smallest thing of relaxation.

What were your biggest lessons of 2014?

xoxo, 

H

Reuse!

The City of Dallas passed a new ordinance that is encouraging all shoppers to use reusable bags. While it's only a 5 cent charge per plastic bag if you have happen to forget your reusables, but with the turn of the year and this new ordinance it's a good time for all of us to work at being more mindful of our plastic use and work at being more environmentally friendly. I have SO many reusable bags yet, I somehow manage to get to check out my groceries and realize that, once again, I've forgotten my bags. So I rounded up some of the cutest reusable totes from Nordstrom in an attempt to make it easier to remember my bags.

How adorable is this Kate Spade option?! Definitely wouldn't want to forget this one. 

This Tory Burch option has tons of room and easily passes as your everyday tote, but is a great option for grocery trips too! 

 

Perfect, fashionable tote, the outside is easily wiped down to keep it clean. And that bow! 

Of course a Longchamp is a great option, durable, and folds up when not in use, available in so many colors and sizes too! 

And lastly, this Baggu is less fashionable, but more functional. I like that this has a long handle for those times when your arms are full. 

Kate Spade Treat Yourself Tote // Tory Burch Ella Tote // Ted Baker Bow Icon Tote //

 Longchamp Large Tote // Baggu Duck Bag Tote

xoxo, 

H

Friday Favorites

Every Friday, I'll be posting some favorites for the week - really now rhyme or reason to what makes the list, just things that I'm into right now!

Winter Whites 

White after Labor Day used to make me shudder, now it's one of my favorite things. These cords are a great option - I love them paired with some booties and a chunky sweater. Plus, these are on sale right now and an additional 30% off when you use code SALE14.

Cozy Coats

It's finally cold in Dallas! This fabulous coat - I love how simple it is, no fuss, just a stylish coat. Would pair so well with your winter whites! I think the navy is so perfect, but really any of the colors are gorgeous! 

 Nespresso

Have you ever tried Nespresso!? If not run to your nearest retailer. Seriously, life changing! I'm so obsessed. The pods are super affordable too. 

Uggs

I mean, they're always cozy, but now that it's finally feeling like winter in Dallas, I'm living in them. They go on as soon as I get home in the evening and stay on until bedtime. 

Serial

So I know that I'm so late on the game on this one, but finally started listening to it - SO good!

Vineyard Vines Tokeneke Ankle Cords// J. Crew Stadium-Cloth Cocoon Coat // 

Nespresso VertuoLine // Ugg Classic Short Boot // Serial

What are you loving this week? 

xoxo,

H

This year...

Happy 2015!!

I've thought a lot about resolutions this year. In years past I've really just stuck to the typical resolutions. But this year, I started early and really thought about things I would like to improve upon in the new year, which makes me think that this year is going to be different - maybe I'll actually follow through on them!

1. Get more rest!! I'm the world's worst about going to bed early, but I truly know how important it is to my health and overall well being (and attitude!)

2. Read!! I LOVE reading, but every year I feel like I read less and less just because I get busier and busier - so this year, I've decided to make a conscious effort to read more! Originally I said 52 books total, but I think 45 is a better goal, just in case a couple take longer than expected or I have a super crazy week.

3. Workout more. Of course this one has to be on here, right. It's something I struggle with (don't we all?) I just have such a hard time fitting it in, but I would like to make more of an effort in the new year!

4. Say no to anything that does not make me happy! I'm definitely a people pleaser, I hate to disappoint or upset anyone which often ends up with me doing things that make me miserable, I love to help people, but I have to work on saying no. So many times it's either something I really didn't want to do in the first place but practiced the whole grin and bear it attitude and then realized how miserable I was or I get overwhelmed with too much. So here's to just saying no my friends!

5. Budget budget budget. This is something I've been wanting to do for a few years. It's not really anything that has been necessary for me personally, but as I get older and start taking on more responsibilities, I think it is important for me to have a good system in place of how I spend my money and how I save it. Far too often I get to the end of a week and think, geez, I don't even know how I spent the money I did. So I think it is important for me to break it down so I know what I have planned to spend where and then I can make better decisions. I'm currently working on my own little system that I hope will be beneficial.

6. Be nice! I really do consider myself a nice person, I try really hard to be friendly to strangers, and even during terrible customer service experiences I try to stay calm and kind. The world really does have a lot of meanness, but that doesn't mean we can't all try to do our part in making it a little nicer. And really, a bad attitude is generally more toxic to yourself than it will ever be to the person you're dishing it out to, besides you literally have the power to change someones day, which I think is an amazing thing.

What goals and resolutions have you set for yourself for 2015? 

xoxo, 

H