This Week In Retrospect: Positivity

I hope everyone had an awesome week that was productive as well as inspiring.  Here's a rundown of my week thus far:

• Started the 'active/prepared' lifestyle
• Spent much needed time with friends/family
• Came back from a wonderful vacation
• Began a new healthy lifestyle routine (more on that later)

  I chose to focus on positivity this week because even though those things that I've done sound great I still had plenty of opposition.  I had to overcome issues at work, toothaches (extreme, migraine inducing toothaches), and a slew of other family/personal issues.  However, I figured if I just keep a positive attitude and think positive thoughts then the pain will only last for a little while.  It made an extreme difference this week (I was getting beat up left and right).  We don't have to feel bad.  There is no rule that you have to feel like crap when you're having a crappy day.  You are allowed to be bubbly if it makes you feel better.  There's no need to beat yourself up if circumstances/your boss/your body/your family is already doing a good job of beating you up.

This week in My Active Prepared Life
I honestly thought that since I had a plan integrating this new system would be easy.  Boy was I wrong.  It is hard work trying to better yourself.  It's even harder to watch people (friends/family) shun you when you want to live a better life.  I foresee plenty of these goals being revisited in the weeks to come. However, I did see improvement in my overall well-being and ability to handle situations.  Meditation and prayer have helped with my anxieties.  I received many compliments at work regarding my improvements.  So far it's been tedious but worth it.  

Until next time be happy if it makes you feel good.  

Boy Stop!!

Happy Friday-Eve!! 

 I hope everyone's is having a great day.  Today I bring you my tomboy style with a feminine twist. 

Boy Stop!! by djfrasier featuring a braided chain bracelet

Love Milly printed tank top
$25 - awear.com

River Island ripped boyfriend jeans
$38 - riverisland.com

Zara stiletto sandals
zara.com

Braided chain bracelet
etsy.com

Accessorize studded jewelry
accessorize.com

Mac cosmetics lipstick
nordstrom.com

#WORKFLOW

Sorry guys not much to post today.  My job is keeping me super busy but I guarantee I'll have something for you all tomorrow.  In the meantime enjoy this picture that I created while taking my coffee break.  By the way this is what I wished my mornings looked like.  Thank you for reading.

The Active Prepared Life #1: Goals This Week

Let me start out by saying that by posting these goals I am letting everyone who reads this into my life.  I like my privacy and doing this actually makes me very uncomfortable but it is what's best because by announcing my goals to my readers I am establishing some accountability as many of you pointed out in my initial post that summarized the plan (The Active Prepared Life). Thank you for reading and coming on this journey with me. 

Categories:
Life/General
Love
Health/Fitness
Career
Financial

These are the areas in my life that I feel need the most improvement.  Each week I will set goals in these categories aimed at cultivating a more healthy and happy lifestyle for myself.  Goals and categories may be removed and also revisited.  The goal is continual improvement and the integration of this system into my lifestyle.  So here goes...

Life/General
1.  Meditate/Pray for 15mins daily
2.  Actively think positive thoughts

Love
1.  Call my boyfriend at least once a day
2.  Express concerns about relationship

Health/Fitness
1.  Work out at least 5 times a week
2.  Only drink water (green tea & protein shake are allowed)

Career
1.  Assist wherever needed
2.  Complete tasks as they come to you

Finance
1.  Do not lend money
2.  Only purchase necessities

I chose two goals per category this week because I did not want this process to be a burden.  I think two goals should suffice until I get into this.  Once again thank you for reading.

Happenings This Weekend #2

As you all know I am currently on vacation but I am taking a little time to update you all on what has been going on while I've been on vacation.  My boyfriend and I departed for Florida on Saturday.  While the trip there was great when we got there Expedia conveniently (extreme sarcasm) decided that at that point they would contact us and let us know that something had gone wrong with the reservation.  Meaning that we would not be in the hotel that we wanted to be in.  This is after all monies had been paid.  We had planned to stay on the beach but instead we had to be moved to a hotel that was about 10 minutes away.  I generally do not partake in negative reviews but I definitely will not be utilizing Expedia again.  It may not have been Expedia's fault that there was in issue with the hotel but to tell us 30 minutes before check-in after claiming to have tried to contact us is not acceptable.

Well after we got to the hotel we decided to tidy up then go to the beach and it was amazing.  I loved it and I've said it many times but the beach is my favorite place to be during the summer.  It was absolutely amazing.  The guys played football on the beach while I relaxed, frolicked, and had a cocktail or two.  The view was breathtaking.  Then we went out to eat and partake in the festivities that night.  Yesterday we relaxed and went sightseeing.  I am definitely having fun and not looking forward to returning to work tomorrow.  Below are a few pictures that I took while on our adventure to the beach.

My swimsuit and messy hotel bed.

View on the beach

Amazing

Sunset..goodnight beach.

Flower Power

Made this today at work when I had some down time.  I drawed it (as the kids say) with my own hands.  Well actually I created it in Paint but it's all the same.  Wow, that is what boredom does to the mind.  Well I like to call this piece Flower Power.  Everyone enjoy the rest of your day. 

This Week In Retrospect: Adventure on the Horizon

As I stated in my post welcoming the summer season (It's Almost Here...) I will be going on vacation for a couple of days but don't worry I'll be sure to document every fun thing that I do and everything that I experience.  This week has definitely been very exciting and equally strenuous.  I've come upon a few new endeavors and I'm definitely finding my footing as it pertains to my career/blogging/relationships.  Here's what I've learned this week thus far:

• Making time for those you love keeps you grounded and sane.
• Sometimes you just have to step back and let things run their course.  Have faith.
• Hard work pays off. even if it isn't immediately, something great is just around the corner.
• When things are not adding up, you should try subtracting. 
• No more comparisons to others and their situations, I am my own biggest competition.
• I still like Vine more than Instagram video. I'm real I don't need a filter. J/K

So with that being said this Summer seems very promising.  I hope you all have a great first day of summer and an even better weekend.  Hopefully, I'll get to film and upload some video of this vacation.  Hasta luego, amigos.  

The Active Prepared Life

I am a firm believer in the process of continual improvement but it can be a little confusing when it's time to take action.  Where do you start?  How long should you give yourself?  When do you know that you've reached your goal?  The questions are limitless and so are  the answers depending on who you ask.  However, I have found a system that I find very intriguing and promising.  It is called The Active Prepared Life and I read all about it at Moments of Style by Patricia Bright.  Her blog is amazing and so are her YouTube videos (found here).  So here is a rundown of this journey I will be embarking on. 

What is The Active Prepared Life?

Basically there are two factors in achievement, one being 'Preparation' and the other having an 'Active' approach.  It's simple. To achieve success you must be as prepared and as active as possible.

Be Active

Say for instance you have a job, like myself, and you would really like a promotion.  Well sitting at your desk waiting for it just isn't going to cut it.  You have to work for that promotion.  Mediocre effort will only get you mediocre results.

Be Prepared

Well would you set out on a journey without a map.  We're trying to achieve goals here not set them then see where life takes us.  The 'Prepared' element is a plan for how you are going to be active.  You need this plan so that you won't become confused. 

It's simple take action but make a plan (prepared) before you do.  I plan to use this model over the next couple of months/years and I plan to take you all along with me.  Each week I will post a different set of goals in categories (e.g. Life/General, Career, Finance, etc.).  At the end of the week (included in my 'This Week in Retrospect post) I will post a entry documenting how my week went using this model.    I hope you enjoy.

June 24, 2013
The Active Prepared Life 1:  Goals for This Week 

Thanks you for reading. Oh and check out Patricia's blog, Moments of Style.

It's Almost Here...

What's almost here you say?  Well Summer of course.  June 21 marks to first day of Summer and I could not be more excited.   I know I say this all the time but the summer season is definitely my favorite of the four seasons.  This summer is going to be spectacular.  I have made up my mind to try new things and get out a little more.

• Take a vacation.  My summer is riddled with vacations and mini-vacations.  I am marking the first day of the summer season with a trip to Florida with my significant other.  I don't care if the vacation is in Mexico, in your backyard, or downtown to the local market.  Just get out relax and have fun.
• Get on the grill.  Nothing says summer like a good old fashioned cook out.  Even if there are only 4 people in attendance.  Break out the charcoal and fire that grill up.  Oh and send me an invitation.
• Read a book or two.  Just as I posted in my Poolside Classic Reading post I plan on getting a lot of reading in.  It helps me to relax. Anything from thrillers to children's books to romance novels is good in my eyes. 
• Try a new look.  I plan to incorporate bright colors and plenty of shorts.  If you know me then you know that this is completely out of my comfort zone.  Wear what you want and be confident doing it. 
• Protect yourself.  If I have to say it in every post I promise I will.  Please pretty please wear sunscreen. I don't care what color you are, what ethnicity you are, or what you may be accustomed to doing you need to wear sunscreen.  
  
• Shop the farmers market.  Yep it is probably one of my favorite places outside of the beach.  Fresh produce, busy setting, and some of the best desserts ever.  Plus you're supporting local farmers. 
• Take a class.  A ballet class, an art class, or maybe even a swimming lesson.  Keep your mind busy.  
• Spend time with others.  Nope not just a message on Facebook, I mean genuine face to face interaction.  It is amazing how technology has linked us to places that we could only dream of but has made us so distant in regards people that live 5 minutes away.  A text will not suffice, lets take some time to get to know one  another.

I'll keep everyone updated on my adventures and I hope everyone has a great summer or at least great plans.  What are some of the things you all are doing this summer?  Drop me a line I would love to know.  

A Refreshing Story

This is a very inspiring article that came across my Tumblr dashboard about a shop owner in India who is teaching local children under a bridge.  It is so refreshing to see that there are people who want to learn against all odds.  I have shared it on every social network that I am on and I would like to bolster as much support for these adults and children who value something that so many take for granted.  The link to the article is below.

http://www.boston.com/news/education/2013/05/05/for-india-poor-school-under-railway-bridge/ki87HHI0oc1FLuvqjRALlI/singlepage.html


These types of people need our support regardless as to where they are from.

This Week In Retrospect: Pulling it All Together

So this week (like every other week) had it's ups and downs.  Some things didn't go as planned while others went so smoothly you would have thought it took months to plan.  However, this week did let me see just how focused I am in accomplishing the goals that I have set for myself.

Here are a few goals (some short-term) that I have set for myself that I hope to will accomplish

• Move into my own place (by myself)
• Blog on a regular basis
• Amass a substantial emergency savings
• Earn my certification in Spanish
• Exercise on a regular basis
• Pay off debt...ALL OF IT!

It may not seem like a lot but these are just the big ones.  There are plenty of other things to accomplish as well.  This week my main focus has been organizing everything so that accomplishing these goals happens with as little stress as possible.  Well we all know that nothing comes without obstacles but the point is to not become overwhelmed with what I do have planned and the obstacles when they come my way.  There is a lot of tedious work in becoming successful and living a fulfilling life.  This weekend I urge everyone to look at their goals, focus on the steps it takes to accomplish them, and go after them  with everything in your arsenal. 

Countdown to Friday

Countdown to Friday by djfrasier featuring wrap watches

American tank
$7.83 - newlook.com

Steve madden sneaker
heels.com

Titanium wrap watch
nordstrom.com

Ray ban
sunglasshut.com

E-Mail Etiquette

Day to day we are afforded the luxury of many means of communication.  For myself, the most common means of communication (at my job) is e-mail.  Oh, electronic mail how I loathe and love thee all in one instance.   Recently in my workplace I've noticed that e-mail is replacing good old fashioned phone conversation.  Everyday I communicate with clients via e-mail and it never ceases to amaze me how many people throw etiquette to the wind when communicating via e-mail.  So today I decided to share my top 10 rules for e-mail etiquette.

1.   Spell check 
Quite frankly no one is going to take you seriously if your e-mails have typos.  It's one button and probably 3 minute worth of review.  Give your words the respect that they deserve by spelling them correctly. 

2.  Know your point of contact
I can't tell you how many e-mails I get on a regular basis detailing matters that should be addressed to our CEO.  Sending the e-mail to the correct person is the first part but also know your audience.  Please address your contact with the appropriate level of formality.

Wild Side

Untitled #4 by djfrasier featuring a knee length pencil skirt

Jane Norman scoop neck shirt, $12 / Topshop knee length pencil skirt / Neon yellow shoes, $37 / Monki , $26 / Blu Bijoux yellow gold necklace

Book Review: The Total Money Makeover

Disclaimer:  All books and/or items that I review were bought with my own money unless stated otherwise.  I am not being paid to endorse any product or service that I review.  These reviews are based off of my experience and my experience only unless otherwise stated.  So now that I have that out of the way let's get into this book.

This guy is so cool.

(My Personal Background)
After months of worrying about my financial stability, I finally decided to take action and it all began with Google.  Yep, my long-time friend with whom I've discovered many unique and interesting tidbits while exploring the outer regions of boredom.  I typed in 'financial well-being' and of course good old Suze (Suze Orman for those who just came out from under their rocks) and this other fellow Dave Ramsey popped up.  Well I've heard of his radio show (never listened, yikes!) and he seemed to know enough so I sauntered over to his website daveramsey.com where I spent the rest of my day learning all sorts of useful information including the fact the he wrote a book...The Total Money Makeover.  Well it doesn't take much to convince me so I bought the book on Amazon (for download on Kindle).

(Actual Review & Gushing)
 Let me start out with THIS BOOK IS AWESOME!  Not only does it let you know how to gain your financial footing but it gives you a plan to do it.  There are steps, but not the normal crappy teeny baby steps that leave you feeling like you could have had a V8 instead...nope these steps (after completing of course) leave you feeling like you getting out of debt is simple and he explains that it is, but it is also uncomfortable.  You're going to have to give up old money habits and adopt new ones and by now we all know change is uncomfortable.  Nevertheless I love this book.  It includes success stories, helpful quotes, and financial advice that you can really use.  Dave Ramsey has been through what he's teaching and knows what he is talking about.  He didn't just learn a bunch of principles then spit them out at us expecting that we understand.  He went from bankruptcy to where he is now, he lived what he is teaching.  I would recommend this book to everyone.  It is awesome and I realize that I am a little late reading this book but it was worth it.  The information that he gives is absolutely still relevant and everyone should have a copy.  The Total Money Makeover is what you need if your financial situation is looking pretty bad (let's cut the crap you're in some deep mess) and you desire to reach financial security.  I plan to read his other books, listen to his radio show, and if my boss doesn't mind I'd like to spend 3-4 hours of my workday on his website (I'm joking). Thank you Mr. Ramsey.

Financial stability, not just the ability to buy nice things, is my ultimate goal and I feel as though this book is as good a place as any to start.  I will begin my makeover now and I hope that this book can inspire others like me to do the same.  Thanks for reading!

Poolside Classic Reading

One of my favorite things to do during the Spring/Summer is sit back and relax with a good book on my days off.  This year I guess I can add updating my blog to that list.   Now I love to read and when you like to read as much as me it's a little hard to find new things to read.  Fortunately, good books never lose adventure and no matter when they were written they always seem to keep that sense of adventure.  The last time I visited my parents I went rummaging through my mother's (an avid reader herself) bookshelf.  My mom for the same reason's as myself collects majority of the books that come into our home and they include the books we read as children.  So luckily for me I can always go back there to pick up a few good reads or just go online to Project Gutenberg (a very large resource for free books).  So this brings me to my point, today I'd like to share my current poolside/front porch/in the car/bored at work classic reading list.

1.  The Complete Little Women Series by Louisa M. Alcott

I will forever love these books and I do believe that Amazon has these books for Kindle and they are free. Check it out Little Women.








2.  All Quiet On The Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
I remember reading this book in high school and being so caught up in it that I couldn't pay attention in class.  It's a somber tale but from a refreshing perspective.









3.  The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Having read the book (and the others) before I was allowed to see the movie (thanks Mom)  I am completely enamored with the whole collection but non more so than this book.  The movie was great but the book is always better.







4.  The Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection by Arthur Conan Doyle
Who loves a good mystery?  I surely do and no mystery collection is not complete without Holmes and Watson.








5.  Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbe
This was a required reading assignment when I was in middle school and for whatever reason I never really enjoyed it, maybe I was too young to grasp the novel's full concept.  Well I read it again a few years later and I regard it as one of my favorites.

Well now that you know what I'm reading.  What are some things that you all are reading?