Blogmas Day 2 ~ Midweek Motivation ~ Surviving Christmas Shopping

I thought combining my midweek motivation with surviving Christmas shopping post because Christmas shopping can be very stressful, trying to find the perfect gift for everyone, fighting your way through the crazy shoppers, spending all your money, eating yourself into oblivion.... a lot is expected of this season!

 

The main stressing factor in my mind is shopping,

Not only Christmas present shopping but all shopping has now become very, very stressful! It's as if suddenly everyone thinks the world is running out of food, I went food shopping last Saturday around 2pm and was met with bare shelves!!???

My way around the food craziness is 24hour shopping.... on a Monday night! (with a shopping list) Sorted!

Christmas present shopping is not so straight forward.

Plan, plan, plan

Yep that's the key to it. I love making lists anyway and otherwise I kinda get distracted by pretty thing!

So I list the people I am getting presents for and then the presents I am getting them and then the shops that should have the required gift. Easy!

Budget

It's an expensive time of year, so part of your planning has to be financial planning.
It's a bit late for this year but next year save for a few months in advance, everything about Christmas is expensive (even if it's not supposed to be) Plan how much you want to spend on everyone, on yourself and on food if your are going to have a full house!

Internet

The internet is your friend, not only online shopping (which is handy when you want to avoid the crowds and source presents)

Nowadays most retailers have an online presence, so check out their stock, find out about special offers, you can reserve and collect items, check stock in your area and use this information to plan!

Shop Early

get up early in the morning, have a wholesome breakfast and get to it. There are less crowds early in the morning so it will be a less stressful.
The shelves will be properly stocked.
The stores won't look like a hurricane just blew through.
The q's will be smaller.

Not only early in the morning but early in the month!

Last year I had finished my Christmas shopping by the end of October, ahh stress free..

This year I am pretty much done already, 2 days into December!

 

Don't forget the gift wrap!

Wrapping paper, ribbons, tags, cellophane, cellotape etc! Get it early, get extra!

Good Luck with your shopping!!

 

xx

#MidweekMotivation ~ 10 Tips to Dress for Success ~

 

I know we are not meant to judge a book by its cover but let’s face it we all do!

It’s a fact that if you look good on the outside you feel good on the inside. As you strut through town in your Giuseppe Zannottis you have to have a smile on your face!!!

So Dress for the life you want.

 

This might be a bit random but if you want to be CEO you won’t get it if you turn up in trackies!

 

I’m all for comfort on your time off but don’t do your shopping in your PJ’s!

Always leave the house clean and smelling good, (even if you return covered in mud and dog hair! #dogowner)

 

If you look like shit all the time it looks like you just don’t care and don’t respect yourself and then why should anyone else care or respect you??

 

I’m not saying you need a full face of make-up to leave the house, I don’t wear makeup most days. But remember to cleanse, moisturise, use an SFP and hydrate your lips! Keep your skin in good shape!

1          Wear clothes that fit!

Wear clothes that fit –sleeves, bust, hems

And iron them! No wrinkles!

“Know your colours and your fabrics” anyone remember Mermaids??

Always have a fitted white shirt and a tailored blazer in your wardrobe.

It’s called a power suit for a reason!

I love Victoria Beckham's chic style

 



 

2          If you wear it on a night out don’t wear it to work! Be conservative it’s not a night out, skirts past your fingertips (and then some)

 

3          At work underwear is underwear!!! We don’t need to see it, it won’t help with the annual sales report, people will just wonder if you forgot your top or got dressed in the dark!

4          Nails- You don’t need a professional manicure, just don’t have 50% polish 50%chips especially if you are meeting new people and shaking hands.

5          Shoes – let’s face it we look at shoes first! You need comfort as well as style especially if your standing or walking in them every day! Invest in quality.

 

6          Accessories- just a tip, if you look in the mirror and see Mr T looking back at you you’ve overdone it!

7          Hair, neat really is all you have to remember. There are so many different styles these days just remember your industry.

8          Perfume-  Smell fresh and clean not like a bowl of pot pouri through up on you!

9          Make-up wise don’t overdo it, minimal! Just look professional. A make-up artist will wear different make up to work than a vet.

10       Look at your desired industry, would you take mortgage advise from someone who looks like Miley Cyrus at the VMA’s???

 

            Let some of your own personality shine through. You want to stand out while fitting in!

Don’t forget you actually have to be good at your job, be hardworking and diligent. No amount of style will mask incompetence!

Its not just for work you should dress for every occasion, just dress appropriately!!!

And remember….

 

Have you read my other #MidweekMotivation posts

Leave a comment

xx

 

Midweek Motivation ~ Success, Goals, Lists and Rewards

As part of my previous Midweek Motivation post Tip 3 & 4 were to set targets and make lists to achieve them. This is a tried and trusted method of achieving success.

Goals & Lists

So just take a piece of paper and start writing.

Are you happy? What you make you happy? Take for example your current job, or future career.

 

Career Case Study ·        What do you do? ·        What would you like to do? ·        Do you need to gain experience or get some qualification to do this? ·        Where can you gain experience? Paid or unpaid? ·        What college courses are available? And Where? ·        College entry requirements? ·        Are you willing to move or travel to do this? ·        Financial things, cost of college? Fees; accommodation; commuting costs; books; ·        Do you need to get a part time job or stay in your current job to afford any of the above?

 

To set goals first you have to identify them I find making lists really help to find long term goals.

Set SMART goals.

Then you must do the footwork, the little things to help you get there!

Set a timeframe. Ask yourself where you want to be in 10 years? Where you want to be in 1 year, what is acceptable to you?

Not just career wise, you relationship status, your living arrangements, driving, pets, family, success!!!

So long term goals set and a means to achieving them identified, down to the everyday. Every day you should achieve something to boost your confidence and keep you motivated so set daily or weekly lists of the little things that you keep putting off like cleaning the bathroom or the kitchen or hoovering small things that have to be done but I keep putting them off especially hoovering the stairs!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am a last minute kinda person and it can drive me mad especially when I’m going out tonight and I only have half a dress!!! *Revving up the sewing machine* #stress

Organisation is the key to success! So my making lists is a step towards success!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you remember my positivity post here I said to surround yourself with positivity so make wall charts or little notes for yourself setting out your goals. This will help you visualise the important things and once you believe in yourself you will just magically become everything you are imaging! 

 

Rewards

Very important to reward success! (5 Tips to Success) No matter how little.

So I hoovered the stairs last week, twice! I mean how does it get so dirty??!! So the first time I did it I had a nice cup of tea and a cream cake!! Just a little reward for all my housework!

 

So if I get cake for cleaning I get a designer bag for a promotion! And a holiday for passing exams… gives you a reason to try and let’s face it we all need a push!!!

Rewards help us stay positive too and smile! It’s all circle so give it a go!!

 

Hope you're enjoying my #MidweekMotivation

#Midweek Motivation ~ 6 Tips to Wake up!!! And sort your S#*! Out!!!

 

In my Previous Midweek Motivation post here  Wake Up and Sort your S#*! Out was my first Tip to success but I realise that this deserves a whole post of its own, so here goes.

1.     Wake Up!!! A good start to the day is half the battle.

Get up early, don’t waste your life sleeping. If you wake up early 5 days a week then your weekend sleep in will be all the more rewarding!

 

2.     Get out!

 I know everyone has a different lifestyle especially those who work late or nights but try to see some daylight. Sunshine is linked to happiness, I know we haven’t gotten  a lot of it this summer. But we all need fresh air and vitamin D! So take a few minutes out of your busy schedule and go for a walk.

Exercise is always good but it’s difficult to get the time for it or the motivation!! But try to go for a little walk everyday even if it’s just to the shop!!

3.     Eat Well!

This is an obvious one!!! We are what we eat so eat well!
 

Unhealthy eating habits lead to serious health risks, including Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke, Kidney and Liver problems, respiratory problems, dental  issues  etc. ultimately you could go blind, have your limbs amputated and die so put down that takeaway! Extreme but true!

Scary bit over so Moderation is key.

On a day to day level or on a vanity level healthy eating will give you clear beautiful skin, more energy and a better outlook on life so more motivation!

So avoid processed foods and foods high in sugar, artificial sweeteners, salt or hydrogenated fats and oils. I have a mouth full of sweet teeth so this is very difficult for me I go through phases but what I know is if I buy a bag of chocolate or sweets I will eat all of them!!! The same with biscuits and cookies I can’t just eat one! So I just try not to buy sweets and candy every week.

 Treat yourself to a good breakfast to set yourself up for the day, try some porridge with honey and cinnamon or blueberries and flaked almonds. I am loving Vanilla yoghurt, blueberries and chia seeds these days!

I don’t always manage my 5 a day but the ideas there!

Listen to your granny! Meat and 2 veg for dinner! I know not everyone eats meat but vegetables are always good. At least 2is what I was raised with.

Snacks I know I might seem like a bird eating nuts and seeds but they contain  good fats and protein.

If your reading this you are obviously into blogs so check out some foody ones or even what your favourite bloggers are eating!!! I found this very good for healthy treats deliciouslyella also Anna always eats well here Anna Sacone 

Don’t go the other direction either, we need food to live!! To concentrate and to be motivated!!!

Then you can reward your healthy living with a treat! Good puppy!!

#ThursdayTreat read here

 

4.     Good housekeeping

As I previously said messy house messy head!!!

I don’t expect you to turn into Kim or Aggie overnight! Start small make your bed every morning. Clean your dishes after every meal, but your clothes on hangers or in the wash.

 

 

                                    See I’m obsessed with storage and jars!!!

5.     Get a Hobby!!!

Knitting to Boxing you need something you can escape to so you can clear your thoughts.  I occasionally knit, I paint, I design and  make clothes and accessories and…. 

 

 I have even done sweaty yoga…  Bikrim Yoga (check it out)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Get Some Sleep!!!

I don’t manage to get 12 hours every night. But sleep is important it allows our body and mind to recover from the activities of the day! You need it for good skin and clear thoughts. You will never be motivated if you’re always sleepy!

 

So that’s it, now the tough part implementing change!!!


xx

Midweek Motivation ~ 5 Tips to Success~

 

Have you ever heard the saying the road to hell is paved with good intensions? Well it’s true so to save ourselves from eternal damnation we gotta get motivated!!! I am a self-confessed procrastinator but I’m trying to change that!!!

1.    Wake up!!! And Sort your S#*! Out!!!

A good start to the day is half the battle. Get out of bed with a positive outlook and treat yourself to a good breakfast to set yourself up for the day, try some porridge with honey and cinnamon or blueberries and flaked almonds.

Make the bed, messy house messy head! Declutter your home to declutter your head!

A nice warm shower will help wake you up and if you have the courage flick it to cold for a refreshing wakeup call (I don’t manage that every day)

Eat well, don’t forget your 5 a day!!! Avoid processed food! Everything is good in moderation!!!

Go for a walk!!!

Get some sleep!!!

 

2.    Stay Positive

 

Surround yourself with positivity. Don’t waste your time on negativity and negative people! Pin positive quotes around your room. See these cute ones from Penneys/Primark!

See the silver lining in every situation. What at first seems negative may not always turn out that way. Everything happens for a reason and Karma will be there for you!!!

 

3.    Make a list

Plan your day in advance and make a list of everything you must do, from shopping for food to studying. Organisation is the key to success! And do the most difficult thing first! There’s no point putting it off, if you avoided it today do it first thing tomorrow.

4.    Set Goals

 

Set yourself targets and long term goals whether to write a new blog post every day or to tidy your house. Break down your tasks into achievable parts, set a time span and stick to it!

Make a wall chart so you can visualise your goals, talk yourself through your plan. Use all your senses and you will create brain patterns to success.

 

5.    Reward Yourself

Plan rewards for every little success.

They will motivate you to achieve your goals! Be it a nice cappuccino after an hour of writing/study, a coffee machine for passing your exams or a new dress and a night out. Maybe a Ferrari for making your first million!!!!

 

Give it a go. Make a list, set your goals, get up and go and enjoy your rewards!!!

 

xx