Lace & Pearls

A Seattle Style blog. Helping women who struggle with their personal style or those who just need a fashion fix!

A Year In Review + A Unique Spin on New Year’s Resolutions

In just a few days 2016 will be over and a new year will begin. There is no better time than now to reflect on and discuss 2016. Keep reading for my year in review.

It’s been quite a year (personal and professional). My husband and I bought our first home, adopted two kittens, and we both got promoted. In just a few days 2016 will be over and a new year will begin. There is no better time than now to reflect on and discuss 2016. Keep reading for my year in review.

I am not going to focus on what I didn’t do this year but rather what I did do. I encourage you to do the same. Revisit your previous year’s goals and check if they are still relevant. If you didn’t do everything on your list, don’t beat yourself up. There is nothing you can do about it now. Re-evaluate and determine if you will continue to chase the same goals.

Forget New Year’s Resolutions – Do This Instead

This year, I am choosing a word that represents what I want to do rather than a resolution. My individual list will roll up into that one word, allowing me to reach that goal. My word is Healthy. So much in my life right now revolves around getting healthy. If I have my health, I feel that everything else will fall into place. I recommend that you choose a word that will keep you on track throughout the year, revisiting it whenever you feel challenged. For example, when I get the craving to overindulge in snacks during a Netflix marathon, I’ll think of my goal and opt for a healthier alternative like fruit or tea.

Note that my personal goals are the same as the previous two years, but they still rank highest on my list.

A Year in Review

Personal

  1. Up my workout intensity. I currently take daily walks during my lunch break, but I need to focus on breaking a sweat to see results.
  2. Get 7.5-8 hours of sleep per night. My husband and I have been getting up early between 5:30-6 am. This is helping with my night owl tendencies.
  3. Lose 15 pounds. I still need to drop some weight for health purposes. Upping my workout, getting a decent night’s rest, and portion control is the plan.
  4. Pay off debt. Our YNAB (You Need A Budget) is set and ready to break ground. For some actionable budget tips, check out 6 Debt Reduction Tips.

Blog

  1. Receive compensation for posts in addition to the product. One of my goals this past year was to begin working with brands. From January on, I accomplished this. In case you missed any of them, you can see them all here.
  2. Begin pitching to brands. Brands have reached out to collaborate, but I also want to be pitching to them.
  3. Increase blog traffic. Three words, Search Engine Optimization (SEO). When I started this blog, I had no clue about optimizing post to their full potential. Mid-year, I began optimizing and now my number one traffic referrer is Google. I want to go back through all posts and elevate them so people can better find them.
  4. Build an email list. This will help me connect with readers on a more personal level and understand what they struggle with when it comes to personal style.

Top 10 Posts From 2016

In just a few days 2016 will be over and a new year will begin. There is no better time than now to reflect on and discuss 2016. Keep reading for my year in review.

  1. How to Collaborate with Other Bloggers
  2. Drugstore Volume Mascaras: The Good and the Bad
  3. 6 Essential Ways to Start Dressing Confidently
  4. Thrift Store Fashion – A Beginner’s Guide
  5. Tips For Styling a Peplum Top
  6. How to Stay Motivated + 2 year Blogiversary
  7. 8 Tips for Defining Your Personal Style
  8. How to Avoid Blogger Burnout
  9. The Ultimate Pattern Mixing Guide
  10. 5 Tips for Achieving Effortless Style

What does your year in review look like? What will your focus word be? Share in the comments.

Thank you for supporting Lace & Pearls. Happy New Year! See you in 2017.

First image by Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

  1. How to Stay Motivated + 2 Year Blogiversary
  2. How to Overcome Anxiety When Networking
  3. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
  4. Pause & Reflect: Celebrate Yourself aka Self-Care! 6 Ideas

6 Tips for Self-Care

Anorak jacket worn with distressed denim. Anorak jacket worn with distressed denim. Anorak jacket worn with distressed denim. Anorak jacket worn with distressed denim. Anorak jacket worn with distressed denim. 📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

Jacket: Loft (similar) | Blouse: J.Crew on sale! (another option here) | Jeans: Banana Republic (similar) | Jewelry: Rocksbox (use code laceandpearlsblogxoxo at checkout to receive your first month free) | Sandals: Josef Seibel |Lipstick: Bite Beauty (no longer available but similar)

This past month has been crazy, I guess that is normal for this time of year. I’m finding it hard to remember day-to-day conversations and can barely recall what I’ve done. Now is a better time than ever for some self-care.

You wouldn’t think that taking a break would get you further along, but it does help and I’m here to tell you why. Instead of forcing yourself to be innovative, find inspiration in a non-related task. It’s kinda like procrastinating in a strategic way.

6 Tips for Self-Care

Take a walk. Getting some fresh air and your heart rate up can benefit you in more ways than one, especially when you’re seeking mental clarity. Sometimes when I walk, I go with a coworker and other times I’ll give my mom a call. Having someone to vent to is the best form of therapy. On the flip side, walking in silence and taking in your surroundings can be super rejuvenating.

Listen to a podcast. Sometimes changing things up is just what I need to find motivation on a current project or goal. Getting up early is hard enough since day-light savings; I hate waking in the dark and coming home in the dark. But when I listen to a fun podcast and open my mind to something new I can find motivation. It’s like the equivalent of reading a good book or watching tv.  Pick a topic and I guarantee you can find a podcast on the subject.

Hang out with a friend. Good conversation with a close friend can work wonders. Taking your mind off yourself and hearing about someone else’s life for a change can benefit you in multiple ways.

Read a good book. Lately, I haven’t been able to find any books that motivate me. I primarily like fiction but struggled to find something that draws me in. Any good book recommendations? I’d love to hear them. My favorite author is Sophie Kinsella and I also enjoy series like Twilight, Hunger Games, and Fifty Shades of Gray. I’m trying to read Girl on the Train but I am struggling to get through it. I just started reading Heartless by Marissa Meyer, which is pretty fun.

Massage your worries away. I recently started getting a monthly massage (doctors orders). At first, I found that I needed a massage from my massage. The first session was brutal. I hurt for a week. The next time, I requested a feel good massage, rather than working out the knots. This made a world of a difference.

Get a pet/spend time with your furry friend. Having a pet means unconditional love and laughs. Jason and I have had our two kittens for three months now and it has changed our lives in the best ways.

Self-care is so important. It can really make a difference on how you function and interact with others. It will allow you to feel less irritable and be capable of taking on even the most mundane task when you put yourself first. So be more intentional with making time for yourself and I guarantee you’ll be better for it!

 

Related posts:

  1. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
  2. How to Overcome Anxiety When Networking
  3. Holiday Product Spotlight with JORD Wood Watches
  4. Tips and Tricks for Flattering the Midsection

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Tweed jacket with jeans. Tweed jacket with jeans. Tweed jacket with jeans. Tweed jacket with jeans. Tweed jacket

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

Jacket: Cupcakes & Cashmere (similar) | Tee: J.Crew (similar) | Denim: Treasure & Bond| Jewelry: Rocksbox (use code laceandpearlsblogxoxo at checkout to receive your first month free) | Sandals: Josef Seibel | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar)| Lipstick: Bite Beauty (no longer available but similar)

Stop playing the comparison game. It will only drive you crazy. Put that energy into something productive and remember that worrying about what others have will not get you further along.

I often think about other bloggers and what they’ve accomplished. It makes me want to throw in the towel, but then I realize that I am not ready for what’s to come. I don’t have time to blog 5 days a week and be active on every social platform, nor do I want to.

Stop Comparing Yourself and Here’s Why

When life bogs you down and you start comparing yourself to those around you, put that energy into something you’re passionate about. Then continue to refine it. Once you’re the expert in that particular area, take on a little more.

When the time is right, your opportunity will come. If that doesn’t happen right away, just know that you have more to learn. Now don’t get me wrong, some do get that break early, but maybe they were ready. It was their time to begin the next chapter.

On the flip side, if your opportunity is now, hooray! You can only learn so much on your own before you have to learn through experience. You’re going to make mistakes, and that’s OK. By the time you’ve made your mark no one will even remember the mistakes you made along the way.

So keep all this in mind the next time you feel like comparing yourself to others. Even those who look like they have it all, don’t. We are all struggling with something.  Stay positive and pat yourself on the back for your successes. Remember to put that negative energy into your next opportunity.

Related posts:

  1. Textures
  2. Black & White
  3. Flippy Skirt
  4. The Best Closet Staples + Rocksbox Review – 4 Months In

How to Overcome Anxiety When Networking

Previously I shared some tips on networking and how to break the ice in social situations. Today I want to discuss the topic of anxiety. Previously I shared some tips on networking and how to break the ice in social situations. Today I want to discuss the topic of anxiety. Previously I shared some tips on networking and how to break the ice in social situations. Today I want to discuss the topic of anxiety.Previously I shared some tips on networking and how to break the ice in social situations. Today I want to discuss the topic of anxiety.Previously I shared some tips on networking and how to break the ice in social situations. Today I want to discuss the topic of anxiety. Previously I shared some tips on networking and how to break the ice in social situations. Today I want to discuss the topic of anxiety.📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

Blouse: J.Crew | Sweater: Shein c/o | Denim: AG | Jewelry: Rocksbox (use code laceandpearlsblogxoxo at checkout to receive your first month free) | Sandals: Josef Seibel | Purse: Old Navy  | Lipstick: Bite Beauty (no longer available but similar)

Previously I shared some tips on networking and how to break the ice in social situations. Today’s post is a bit different. I want to discuss the topic of anxiety and share some pointers.

Whenever I go to an event, I have so much anxiety beforehand. Once I arrive, I enjoy connecting with others and always find that once I get there, I’m ok. Beforehand, though, is a different story.

Here’s a little peek…

First and foremost, the most important question of all, what will I wear?! Do I need to change before I leave work or wear something that works for both the office and the event?

How will I get there? Do I have to drive? I hate driving. Ugh, and parking gives me even more anxiety. Will I have to parallel park or circle around the block in search of a parking garage?

Do I need to really go to the event? It’s a work night and I’m tired. I’ve been up since 6 am. I’ll be hungry before hand and will need to pack extra food or grab something on the way. Maybe I should cancel. I’d much rather veg on the couch and watch Netflix.

Who’s going to be there? Will I know anyone? Will I remember their name?

At this point, I most often convince myself to go.

Two Tips for Overcoming Anxiety in Social Situations

Say how you feel (within reason) and wear light weight clothing. Oh, and bring breath mints or gum and pain reliever. I always manage to have a headache.

Light weight material and sleeveless anything is best. I know what you’re thinking; what if it’s the dead of winter. Throw on a jacket and plan to take it off once you arrive. Trust me, you will be sweating bullets. Most event spaces are warm. This is why it’s good to say how you feel (ice breaker). “Is it hot in here? I’m sweating like crazy.” I’m usually met with a chuckle and smiles, people assuring me that it is, in fact, warm.

The takeaway? Just keep it real. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. If you fumble your words or say something awkward (I do all the time), it’s not the end of the world. The more you put yourself out there the better you will get at being conversational. In my experience, making the event can be very rewarding, with future collaborations, new friends, and learning opportunities.

Related posts:

  1. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
  2. 6 Tips for Self-Care
  3. Pause & Reflect: Celebrate Yourself aka Self-Care! 6 Ideas
  4. 6 Ways to Practice Positive Self Talk this February

How to Stay Motivated + 2 Year Blogiversary

Sometimes I wonder why I started this blog and if I should continue. I have, however, gained so much from it but have struggled to stay motivated.Sometimes I wonder why I started this blog and if I should continue. I have, however, gained so much from it but have struggled to stay motivated.📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

Blouse: J.Crew | Denim: Treasure & Bond| Jewelry: Rocksbox (use code laceandpearlsblogxoxo at checkout to receive your first month free) | Sandals: Josef Seibel | Lipstick: Bite Beauty (no longer available but similar)

Sometimes I wonder why I started this blog and if I should continue. Most of the time I feel like it’s more work than it’s worth. With that said, I have gained so much from it (confidence, creativity, and friends), but I have also struggled to stay motivated and keep a regular posting schedule. #life

There have been some ups and down this year.

  • My husband and I bought our first house in May. We are loving it so far and are excited to furnish it.  Life feels more settled, and my husband finally has a great space to cook in. He does all our cooking and it’s been awesome seeing him motivated.
  • I got promoted to a Project Manager at my day job. I am working on the same team, but now have new responsibilities. It’s been challenging, but I am learning to be patient and not sweat the small stuff.
  • We adopted two kittens last week (my first time being a pet owner). They are sisters. My heart is full and we adore them. I never thought I could love two cats this much.
  • This summer I dealt with some minor health issues, which are still ongoing. I unintentionally reduced my posting frequency to one day a week. I’m hoping to get back to my regular Tuesday/Thursday schedule soon.

Sometimes I wonder why I started this blog and if I should continue. I have, however, gained so much from it but have struggled to stay motivated.Sometimes I wonder why I started this blog and if I should continue. I have, however, gained so much from it but have struggled to stay motivated.

Since this is my 2-year blogiversary, I wanted to share what I’ve learned . My biggest lesson is that you can’t do it all.

Earlier this year I was trying to do so many things. I never gave myself any down time. I was consuming so much content. #burnout. I haven’t given up on my goals, but I now know that it’s best to focus on one thing at a time.

Sometimes I wonder why I started this blog and if I should continue. I have, however, gained so much from it but have struggled to stay motivated. Sometimes I wonder why I started this blog and if I should continue. I have, however, gained so much from it but have struggled to stay motivated.

3 Tips to Stay Motivated

Declutter your life. Clean your house and purge unwanted items. Our home was starting to feel like a dumping ground. Tidying up the place has made a world of a difference. I now feel like I can think much clearer.

Set one goal a day. Your goal can be big or small, but smaller is better.

I’ve developed a bad habit of driving to work. I normally take the bus. The cost of parking and gas are adding up quick. Last week I focused on getting up early and taking the bus in instead of driving. This small change made me feel more motivated.

Realize this is just a season. Give yourself a break. Know that it’s just a phase and keep on doing your best. To help things along, give yourself some “me time” and do something that you love. This should soften the blow and make the time pass quick.

Remember, sitting around avoiding the situation won’t get you anywhere. Instead, keep moving forward and the rest will fall into place. You’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.

Sometimes I wonder why I started this blog and if I should continue. I have, however, gained so much from it but have struggled to stay motivated.

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Related posts:

  1. What I’ve Learned from One Year of Blogging
  2. What I’ve Accomplished in One Year of Blogging
  3. 3 Year Blogiversary + The Prettiest Tulle Dress
  4. 4 Years of Blogging: Learnings and Accomplishments

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