5 Necessary Cozy Office Decorations

I’m a firm believer that you have to be comfortable in your own space. More often than not, I’m at work more than I am at home so excuse my language when I say Hell Yes, I want to be comfy in my office bubble. And being on the mend has changed a lot of my perspective because I’m at the point where I don’t want to take care of allllllll my clutter. So in looking around my office, I believe it’s time to redecorate.

I’ve had my customers come in and say it feels cozy and yes, that helps too. Your surroundings affect how you feel and how others feel around you in that space. I’m no neat freak by far, like seriously from Death Valley to the moon far, but it’s time for a change. Besides Spring and Summer are here and it’s time to put away the dark table coverings and replace the dark folders and dark decorations and clear off a bit more space to feel fresh and hopefully keep the cozy feeling.

So here’s my necessary items that I keep my workspace cute and cozy no matter what theme I have.

Himalayan salt stone lamp - No matter what beliefs you have, this thing is amazing. They come in sizes small to OMG huge, but the benefits are awesome. Electronics put out positive ions that can mess with your body’s stuff and cause harm like headaches if you have a desk job that has you staring at a computer screen all day. This lamp gives off negative ions to cancel them out and I haven’t had a headache since. Who’s saving money on ibuprofen and Tylenol? Also it’s a cute conversation starter because trust me, everyone notices it and every kid will want to know what it is.

Shiny Canister - I’m a huge fan of shiny and glitter anything. I tend to lean into walking around like a disco ball but I understand for some people it can be too much. So walking around Hobby Lobby, I found this canister on clearance and while it looks deep, it’s not but it does have room to hold some candy or keys or in my case a stash of Colgate wisps for after lunch.

Scentsy or wax warmer – avoiding open flame in the workplace is pretty standard and with the variety of people I see and sometimes smell on a daily basis, having the room smell nice is essential. Living in the Southwest, agriculture is a big part of our industry but I don’t necessarily need my office to smell like cows. Just sayin.

Statement Piece (My cross) - Now most of my things are kinda general but I like to pull my personality in and that can be with a statement piece. This was a gift from my mom for my birthday a few years back. A friend of hers had made one for my mom for Christmas and it was gorgeous but could I bring it back with me? NOOO. Then this beauty came in and I was more than ok with it. My favorite colors plus glitter and you have me wrapped up with a fleur di lis. Who could ask for more?

Hand Sanitizer/Lotion – I’m a sucker for office supplies so when I found this little organizer on clearance at Hobby Lobby, I was determined to use it. Stick on a few scrapbook gems and a monogram and I have a space for my much needed hand sanitizer and lotion. Bath and Body Works is a good friend to have and having a wonderful friend who works there to let you know when the good sales are happening is even better and slightly dangerous. But anyone who works with the public knows that it’s a must and I don’t mind sharing it with my clients either. They feel great and smell great and with how sick I am, it makes me feel better.







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Tales of the Tank - http://bit.ly/TOTTBackpack

My Monthly Favories - http://bit.ly/LApril17F




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Operation Ducks in a Row – Downsizing...

While I don’t plan on this post being about making a new me in the new year, I will say that attempting to downsize, especially in my wardrobe, needed some new motivation. My goal for 2016 is to be more positive and that in itself is harder than it looks for someone who’s picture can be found in the dictionary under pessimist. Part of being and feeling positive is to see a light at the end of this tunnel.

I started the downsizing process a few months back when I started the Operation Ducks in a Row series. I’ve had some great moments about shopping my closet instead of buying more. About packing up pieces to donate and sell to free up space, but I’m currently at a plateau in the process. I’ve taken a lot out but it’s still not enough, so I’m trying something else and it’s starting to work out pretty well.

Keep in mind that I love me some retail therapy especially when it comes to plus size clothes. I really have two stores in the next town over that I can consistently find clothes to fit my shape and my height in store, thank you maurices and Cato. So if I’m going out of town and there’s a Torrid, then I could definitely find myself in trouble. But in these past few months, I have resisted the urge for flash sales, clearance sales unless I was in absolute need. An example is that I had to get a pair of black pants that I could wear boots with to work because my only pair, from Old Navy, had finally fallen victim to the chub rub after two years. A tragic moment that every B3 woman must face at some point…

Back to the point is that what I’ve been doing lately is doing laundry. I’d been running short on time and have put in a bit of overtime, so pieces that I hadn’t worn in forever and a day were popping up in the wash. Instead of taking them out before washing, I’ve been washing them and putting them in their own pile but not separating what to sell or donate. The reason for that is that I have a couple friends who are around my size and them being awesome, have first dibs. After that, then I could probably sell some on Facebook garage sales group and just get rid of it or donate it.

So here’s what I’m planning….

For now, I want to get this plan in motion and give an update when it’s said and done. Maybe pick up some more tips on the way, so if you have a tip that helps you, let me know! Any and all help is much appreciated.

Sometimes You Have to Remind Yourself That You Are Strong

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about the person I was in college and the person I'm becoming. If it's not obvious as to the difference with that sentence, then think about it. Transitioning into this adult type person has taken a toll on the happy student I used to be. Not to say that I can't find happiness or I'm not entirely happy, but if you opened up the dictionary and looked up the word pessimist, then I would be surprised if my picture was not there under the 1st definition. I'm not the most optimistic person on the planet by far but I also really try not to attempt to disprove a good thing.

Life has made me very cautious for reasons and excuses but I surprised myself a couple weeks ago. Mockingjay part 2 came out and I was ready to go finish the saga. I read the books a couple times before the movie was even thought of and honestly it's a pretty good representation of the series unlike a certain vampire series, just saying. The only problem was I initially didn't have anyone to go with. The few friends I have left in the area were both working and my boyfriend isn't huge on movies. I'll drag him if necessary but even he was unavailable. So I thought about it, can I go to the movies on my own???

Going to the movies alone is like going to eat alone. It goes against the societal norms because these particular activities are things that are generally done in a party of at least 2 because it's a social act. I had to think back to a particular time in college when New Moon came out. Yes, I was a total fan girl of the Twilight series and I had the stamina to go to every midnight release. But no one could go and that was not a small group of friends. It took me a split second to tell myself that well I'm going to go anyways because duh!

My mentality told me that if I could do it then, I can do it now. And I did, the theatre was packed and there was me with my small popcorn and pickle, because duh. Normally it would have been a pain to find a seat but because it was just me, then I had some pretty good choices. Planted myself and was on top of the world. It reminded me that sometimes you are ok to do things yourself. It was a risk I hadn't taken in a long time and I wasn't sure if I was going to take it again but I'm super glad I did.

One thing that hasn't changed in this life transition is that I'm strong and independant. Granted, sometimes I take it to a fault but one thing that every person, and I think especially women have to do is remember that we are who we decide we are. I think things like this are a testament of our strength and some self care. Take yourself out to dinner because you can treat yourself. Take yourself out to a movie because you can watch whatever you want and talk back to the screen shamelessly. I am strong and rest will follow and the same can be said for you.

Operation Ducks in a Row - Stop Complaining.

I had a great conversation with a friend of mine a while back. It had been quite a while since we had some wine and chat. She’s the Carrie to my Samantha. Lots of good views and some opposing but the biggest one we came out of was about how much we, as people in general, complain. We complain about our size, about losing weight, about gaining weight, about work and just life in a ton of aspects.

The fact is that bad habits take forever to die. Good habits are essentially the devil when it comes to setting up. A characteristic of my generation is that we are lazy, and in a lot of instances, entitled. A lot of times those are true. I won’t lie and say I’m not because I am pretty dang lazy and a bit spoiled. But I’m working on it. But in order to do that, must handle the problem of lazy habits.

Aside from all the negativity that complaining brings about, it’s still just talk. And if that is one guaranteed thing, we talk. Everyone can talk and a lot can talk the talk. But without the walk, it’s nothing. It means nothing except that your complaining is just whining which gets annoying very quickly. Haven’t you had those moments where even you get on your own nerves because I sooo have and it’s not cute nor is it productive.

I decided to take this into Operation Ducks in a Row. My mom always said that actions speak louder than words. But like any kid to their parent, everything sounds different either when someone else says it or if you figure it out by yourself. Actions mean more than vocal promises, just look at New Year’s resolutions. But when you are deciding on life changes, then you actually have to do something about it. If you want to complain about your current size, then what are you going to do about it? If you are complaining about work, then what actions will you take to change it?

It was a great discussion that night that had me thinking back to a lot of the things I complain about. 

My biggest issues at hand, I believe, are my house, work, and some adjustments I want to make to my physical figure. So from this conversation, I’ve started making mental lists and action plans about how to go from where I am now to where I want to go. For example, on the housing front, that means actually doing research to see what other housing options there are or whether it’s best to stay where I am. Effort is kind of a must and some days it’s harder to pull out than others but honestly, if I can put half as much effort into resolving my issues as I do in complaining about the multiple reasons nothing works, then what is the point??

The bottom line that we agreed on that night is that if you aren’t going to change anything then stop complaining about it. Not saying that it’s become a mission to point that out to everyone who’s complaining but if it can get the thought process going, then maybe it’s time to put in a little tough love to ourselves and to those around us not because we’re bullies or trying to offend anyone, but to get the mental gears turning and do it. Like my wonderful voice professor always said, there is no try only do. Try is a state of mind and a terribly excuse while doing is an action. Doing will initiate progress and knowledge and eventually the goal will be reached.

Read on to see my other ducks that are coming in line...
Store Cards
Savings
Downsizing

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So Cosmo is Porn

If you haven’t seen it on the twitter-verse here’s a link from the Huffington post about what is apparently going on with some stores that carry the magazine. Long story short in not much nicer words with a dash of sarcasm, is that the magazine is the pornographic devil. If you read this with the movie appropriate accent, congrats you read it correctly.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/cosmopolitan-magazine-wrapper_55bbd005e4b0d4f33a02d9ca?ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000050

The “National Center for Sexual Exploitation” feels to me like the One Million Moms organization, a bit overrated. You want to be again sexual exploitation, great, there’s a ton out there but if you honestly think that the heart and soul of Cosmopolitan Magazine is out to steer people into the fiery depths of hell for talking about sex, then you obviously are talking without ever opening the magazine, let alone reading the articles.

Is there an emphasis on sex? Yes. Is it possible that it could be about different types, positions and what not? Yes. Is it all about pleasuring him? NO. Is it all about sex? NO. Does it in fact touch on topics like sexual exploitation and the struggles that women, and even people in general, do about sexual assault? Yes.

Cosmo talks about the topics that people don’t like to talk about. They bring into light some of the ugly realities that plague the world we live in whether it be overseas or on US college campuses. If you had looked on the cover that is in the Huffington post article, I won’t deny yes there are articles plastered all over the cover about sex, pleasuring yourself because God forbid that a woman have a sexual desire, pleasuring your partner because it’s all about him and not about the control you as a woman has over him that drives him crazy and makes you feel on top of the world. Giving you that confidence that pushes you to do better in other aspects of your life because that is unheard of. And if you look in the corner of the cover, the title “Are You Letting Your Dream Life Get Away?” Contrary to popular belief, it’s not all about sex.

Thank you for the gif via le Google and imoviequotes

It sucks that sex is vilified as much as it is. It’s dirty and shameful and because we are women, it makes it so much worse. Women are fearing being taken to different countries to be sold in the sex trade or suffering through FGM. But really, the issue is that this magazine talking about steering the children of the world into a dangerous lifestyle. But honestly, NCSE what about the pressure on the parents?

I don’t about ya’ll (yes my region is showing), but if my mom didn’t want me to listen to Tupac, I didn’t know who he was until high school. If I was listening to music at home, it was not allowed to have audible curse words. If a movie on TV was rated R, she would give me the look and yes let me watch Scary Movie, but I knew the when and where and what NOT to watch, hear, or especially repeat. I didn’t even start reading Cosmo until I got into college, not because it was ‘dirty’ but I wanted to know what else was in the world. 

The purpose of media is to discuss, educate, and share opinions but because everyone and their dog’s organization is offended and moral, everything besides what specific people like is wrong. So NCSE, if you feel that Cosmo needs a blinder like Playboy, go ahead and make your points and pressure more stores to put that magazine on the shame shelf. But realize what else you’re doing? How long until the goal is for the Republican mother of American history come back or as my mom and I like to say, barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen.

Bottom line is that we as women are so much more that for reproducing, for the nurturing and putting ourselves last. There are movements going on to progress gender equality, the paygap, sexual confidence, body confidence and while the media and the world has a way to go, it’s a start. It’s a start because we need more. More confidence and education about not being afraid of life because it’s beautiful at any size, it’s different from person to person when it comes to their love life and if it’s a journey that can be taken with the person you love, then it’s not just you alone.

I have a couple guy friends, who are straight, who read Cosmo because they are genuinely curious to see what we read about and what could be going in our minds. They want to know and they, too, want to please their women too, but who hears about that because that’s not what Cosmo is for right? Does anyone remember the video that went viral about the amount of differences between porn and actual sex. People of various ages still are turning to porn for the education that they aren’t getting from friends, family, or education. Save time with the computer viruses from going to shady sites of the no-no square and pick up some Cosmo. And with all the sass I can muster, Learn you some life and love.

Too Young? Take a Double Take

I saw this mini post from Fashionista and I couldn’t stay away. There’s apparently a lot of controversy over it and I really wish there was more to the article than there was, but on the other hand, it does leave a lot open for discussion. Oh internet, gotta love it.

Mario Dedivanovic is a celebrity makeup artist, notably for Kim Kardashian but she’s not important. The key words are Celebrity MakeUp Artist. As in he gets paid high dollar for artistic work in the form of makeup. So he does have an idea of what good makeup is. He knows what he's talking about when looking at the picture, which of course, blew up on le Instagram.

Honestly, I can kind of see how this can be taken the wrong way. I attribute that, partially, to living in a conservative part of the country but I’m also from a close traditional Hispanic family. Children are supposed to be innocent and little and I’m all for stalling the adulthood process. However, I don’t have kids and I see this in a different way and from looking at some of the comments, so do a lot of other people.

I started dancing at 5. I did ballet, tap, jazz, my personal favorite being ballet folklorico so any time we had a performance, there my mom was putting on my makeup. Now as a five year old looking at myself in full coverage cakey paint with red marks on my cheeks and my most hated enemy…. the black stuff on my eye lashes that never completely came out until I washed my face a dozen times. And it was expected for it to be weird and eventually annoying because yes, I was a child. But it was so worth it and it came with the gig. As I grew older I got used to it and learned how to do it myself, however comma, that was the only time I was allowed to wear it.

My family is definitely on the old fashioned side. I was lucky when I could shave my legs at the age of twelve and that is because I was so intimidated by everyone in my class who wore shorts and dresses and I honestly only ever wore pants because I wasn't allowed to shave my legs. I pushed some of the boundaries in junior high with some light eye shadow and the only mascara I was allowed to use was a clear one from some tween brand that doesn’t even exist anymore. But 15 was the magic number. Then I could wear makeup on a daily basis, do my eyebrows, date, the possibilities were endless. Did it suck getting there? Of course it did, puberty sucks for everyone.

Bringing it back to this controversial photo, I think that people forget that there are differences between my dance makeup story at five as a regular person who had no idea what the internet was at that time and this child model getting makeup applied by a makeup artist for a professional photo shoot. Now Mario did not do this look on the little model. He posted a picture of artistic work from his industry. This young girl obviously had a real life job to do and she did it fantastically and is looking cute and glamorous and confident, which is probably where the 'future daughter' part comes from.

The argument could be made that it is spreading the idea of over sexualizing girls and they are just getting younger and younger but forced to grow up. There’s the fighting over pageant girls who look like tiny adults but even look that the comparison sample via google images. 

Are their similarities? Yes and why is that? Because they are performing! Whether it be pageants, dance recitals, modeling, or making movies require makeup and when it comes to photos they also require editing. That's just how it is. When someone is getting paid and especially paid well, then they are going to bring out their best work. Whether or not, someone goes overboard on the photoshop is a different can of worms. All that being said, it should be obvious that these kids do not go out every day like this. 

The fact remains that there was a job to be done and that’s how child stars are born. Mario Dedivanovic isn’t saying that all little girls should rock a winged eyeliner with a super cute lip. And honestly, if you think that is what is happening, then reconsider having kids or if you do have kids, then it’s up to you to show them otherwise. There's more than 'face value' so to speak so before you get offended, just think about it a minute before writing up a petition.

It's Not What You Know, It's Who You Know

Well the day has come to screw up our sleep schedules and question which time is the real time. So far I've gotten two clocks changed over with whole Daylight Savings and still need about a zillion other clocks to change or at least that is what it feels like. But there's so much more that goes with today.

Today would have been my Abuelito's 76th birthday. He was almost there and so my family back home went together and had a dinner all dressed in blue to celebrate his life and legacy. 5 healthy, for the most part, children and their spouses with grand kids and even great grand kids. It just goes to further show how much of life we spend. Whether it's on worry or fear or excitement. We have just one life to live and going through the motions in survival mode are not exactly living.

With the change in the time is coming the change in the season and it is sparking a possible change in life. I don't get to many of these and while I do my best to adapt and lead especially for my family's sake, this could potentially be the scariest. I don't want to go into details because all of it is still hypothetical but possible and probable. I'm used to doing things alone but I have found in this short amount of time, that who know has a big impact on how you see things.

My mom always said to me, tell me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are. And in so many ways that is true, but so much of what even I don't realize is that there are definitely people out there who actually do give a damn. (excuse the French) After this time with my family in their mourning and coming back to somewhat of a routine has shown me that there is a change that needs to happen. I think everyone has these things.

As we grow, not just in year's and experience but just grow, we evolve ourselves. Our tastes changes, our priorities, our everything shifts. That could potentially lead to moving away or changing jobs or even just changing your wardrobe. That's one of the steps I did today with the help of a wonderful person who just started out being on of my customers.

Just like any small town, you get to know the people. And this woman has always put a smile on my face any time I see her. She's so full of life and even when things have brought her down, she still smiles and moves forward. She's accomplished a feat for herself by losing over sixty pounds and counting. She looked fabulous before and still does now, but she had found herself with a wardrobe that hung off of her and her first thought was me. It's not hard to see that I'm the biggest person at work but I do pride myself on being able to dress for my size and shape. She let me into her wonderful walk in closet and all but threw clothes at me to try on. Some I had seen her wear and so many that still had tags. She gave me first dibs and I was able to get about $200 or more of clothes for $40. She talked me up and down and while in the beginning I thought it was only because I could do my job well, she saw me as a good enough person to open up her home to and to even think of me and the joy that this gesture has done.

I, now, am thoroughly excited to go to work tomorrow in a new ensemble. It's a great feeling when people want you to succeed in life and I wish her all the best and will wear these clothes out. She's one of a couple people in my life especially lately that have brought some great meaning into my life that could make these potential future changes happen.

So be careful not to burn bridges. You don't know who else out there can see the good in you. It's like my theatre professors say...that no one can get to the top by themselves. Someone knows someone somewhere who could be the one to change your life. And since we are wanting for the better, know that when you know what you know, keep in mind who you know, because that will be your edge.

Apples to Apples

So this is one of those times where I'm alone in my head with my thoughts. Most times it's dangerous just like it would be for anyone else, but there is a plus side to it. You find out a lot of things that normally are literally in front of you but you never actually saw it. So in the midst of it all there are some revelations about who we are and how we see ourselves.

To stop beating around the bush, for those who know me it makes sense and for those that don't, you'll find I mention social media occasionally but I love it. Seriously, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, Tumblr, etc, I got it. Many for different reasons but yes, I'm that person. Facebook keeps me in touch with peeps I know or knew. Twitter lets me know what's going on in the world. Instagram and Tumblr let me be as vain as I allow (yes Lady Gaga reference) and find other people's point of view. If you have to ask me about Pinterest, you don't have one and should go get one.

But I think that especially as a girl, we have a tendency to go thru everything and play apples to apples between our lives and those online, whether they are friends or family or celebrities, we do it. Part of it could be that it has been done throughout life from friends and family or if it's just a tendency of our current society. With our luck, it's both. I'm sure guys do it too but right now, that is not the point. I found myself going thru profiles, posts, and pictures of many a people thru my social media outlets and had to physically stop myself and say out loud, why am I doing this to myself?!?!?!?!

I compared, especially with people I've known forever, where they are and where I am. Result was a draw. What they looked like then and now, and of course they won. And it was because they are fitter, their room in the background of their selfies are spotless, they've traveled or have had some drastic life events that have turned life into their favor. And while I can say that I am genuinely happy for them and their happiness, I tore myself apart and have already kicked myself in the butt for doing that. OBVIOUSLY something needs to change and it starts not tomorrow, not Monday, it starts TODAY!

Yes, my previous roommates will tell you that I am messy. I am a firm practitioner of organized chaos and on occasion it will fall out of that and then I really know it's a problem to fix. I am obviously a person with bad habits when it comes to life and decisions. I have many good ones, don't get me wrong, but given the choice between doing something tomorrow and sleeping or hanging out today, there isn't a choice.

I will forever be a continuous work in progress when it comes to my life, my health, and my happiness. Writing this here really helps me put it into perspective and hold myself accountable because these toxic trends cannot happen anymore. I have to fight. We all have to fight. There's so much that just gets pushed aside that deep down bothers us to no end and it's not going to change unless something is done. So now I tell you here and now, that I am going to start doing. Not trying but doing. No more apples to apples. I'm in my own fantastic basket of sequins and glitter and it's time to start shining.

You Don't Just Talk With Your Hands - Nifty Nails

In my line of work, people are always looking at my hands. There's a lot of typing and pointing involved, so it's obvious to have a good hand care routine. I do have a bit of sensitive skin and that can seem limiting, but if anything it just makes you pay attention to the things your using.

I've had some great luck with Mary Kay Satin Hands. I've always loved their sugar scrubs and in the set it is just heaven. Even my brother uses it to help with his super dry hands. Now I understand that sometimes the MK price isn't always the desired amount and to that I can only say, Pinterest. There's a DIY recipe for homemade sugar scrubs so browse away and follow me while you're there.

There's a few ladies at work who have their nail guys number practically memorized. You have the acrylic cult and the gel lover. Even one our very own coworker is a certified cosmetologist so she just does her own and sometimes shares the knowledge, tips, and tricks. I have tried the acrylic but do prefer the gel. I just can't take the wear and tear on my nail beds time after time. Occasionally I attempt to get creative with some insight from our cosmetologist and it's not terrible but time consuming. I love doing my nails, there is no doubt about that so when I tried these Nail Strips from Sally Hansen and KISS, I have decided that these people need some kind of prize.

It seemed simple enough. Match the nail, stick it and file the excess off. Especially with the french tip, just popping a clear quick dry and BAM. Nails done with left overs for next time. Now the package says they should stay on for about 10 days. I tried the Sally Hansen ones first and I wish I kept a picture of them. They stayed on well for about two weeks so we'll see how these from KISS hold up. I get a lot of compliments on them and 8 dollars at the drug store beats out 30 for me any day. (Pedicures are a different story tho - just needed to point that out)