My Active Prepared Life: Making the Best of It

Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.

Nido Qubein

There are things in life that we don't like but may still have to do, for example, I have to wake up early in the morning to go to work.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a morning person but I have to work in order to pay bills. So why not make the best of it?  I come in and even though I am pooped, I just make my way to the break room, get a cup of coffee, and smile.  If you have to do it make at least some aspect of it enjoyable.

Focus on the big picture but don't forget these baby steps.
Sometimes you just have to pull out the old 'I doing what I have to do' trick.  Right now you don't like it but it's going to pay off in the long run.  For instance, I am not fond of being an administrative assistant (that's not what I went to college for) but the pay is okay and it's a job. Do you know how many of my peers graduated with me and still haven't found a job.  So why would I gripe about not liking my job when it's helping me to pay bills?

Be appreciative of all the good things and quite a few of the bad things.
Sometimes it help to sit down, pull out a piece of paper, and write down what is going good/great/okay in your life.  It's not all bad, for starters you get to see another day and try for dreams.  There are a good many people who didn't wake up or they don't get to pursue their dreams.  So be thankful that you get to try again.  Also be thankful for the bad things.  Like I've stated before, you have to look for the lesson.  Take something from that pain, hell you went through it!  You came out and sure it shook you up but you're here.

Try your best.
I'd like to add that you should put in as much effort as possible when faced with any task.  I always try to put my best work out even for the most menial of tasks because my name is on it.  If I'm contributing then I want it to be the best that it can be.  You never know who is watching.

Each one has to find his peace from within.  And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances.

Mahatma Gandhi

Not to compromise the importance of happiness but let's be honest sometimes the issue is not the situation it's the person.  You choose to be happy regardless of your situation.  Your dream job is not going to make you happy suddenly because it never was the issue.  This is not to say that you should not pursue your dreams.  By all means go after them but until you've met them please make the best of your current situation.   What are choosing to let upset you?  Are you in control of the situation or is the situation in control of you?

Goals
This post sums up my goals for this week.  Never one to be deterred, I will have a great week this week and I hope that you all will do the same as well.

Arden B Sale!!

Okay, I have a shopping bug and today I found out that Arden B. is having one ridiculous sale.  For starters online only, they are taking 60% off of clearance.

They're also offering 40% off of dresses, signature denim, maxi skirts, shorts, and tops both in stores and online.  I love their clothing and their sales.  So get going...it's only for a limited time. 

All pictures courtesy of www.ardenb.com. 

A Mini Haul: Target & Ulta

Okay so in true Dee fashion, this past weekend I decided to treat myself to a little retail therapy.  I've had such a rough week so I thought maybe a day to myself that included some shopping and dessert at one of my favorite cafes would brighten my mood.  It did and I also found some new very girly things.  

 A friend of mine had recently divulged to me that Target had a few Sonya Kashuk brush sets on sale so I decided to stop by Target and pick up a set.  Luckily enough for me there was one more left. 

Absolutely cute, it comes with a case too.  All for $8.48. 

Then it was on to Ulta where I found a few things to appease this spending bug. 

Eye makeup removers for only $1.50.

Absolutely love these things. They make blending so easy.

This set came with a lipstick (color: Honey), a lip gloss, a mascara,
and a bronzer all for a mere $25.  You just can't beat that.

Just a stippling brush because I've clearly misplaced mine.
These are very good quality for a great price.

So there you have it my little mini haul.  Well there was a bit more.  I also purchased a tube of Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel but not for the obvious reasons.  I actually use it as primer.  Yep, it's an old trick but it works.  My makeup goes on smoothly and it keeps the oil at bay.  Some say that it's comparable to Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer and I can honestly agree.  I love Smashbox's primer but it's pretty pricey, it retails at about $36.  The Monistat gel powder only cost about $7 and it definitely gets the job done.   I'll be doing more hauls and attempting to post everyday.

Thank you for reading.