5 Ways to Stay Motivated

Right now I'm a twenty years old attending Eastern Kentucky University. This year is my sophomore year and I have to say it's definitely not easy. It's not like high school where I could just breeze by and not have to do any work to make A's or B's. 

College and Life are experiences and there ones that can bring you down or pull you up. A couple of weeks ago I was so on top of a lot things, my homework, classes, getting some things done personally, thinking and writing some of my first blog posts!! (eek!) I felt on top of the world...then I dropped off the bandwagon, feeling unmotivated, tired and lazy and like things were piling up on top of me like a ton of bricks. Lately I've been slowly catching back to a few things that are making me feel back on top, and I wanted to share with you a few of these things..

Lists: These can definitely be scary, some of us tend to write tons of these without checking one thing off and then getting aggravated thinking that you got nothing done. I don't know why, I was never a list maker before but these have definitely kept my mind in order. Also keeping a calender and writing dates does wonders for you brain!

Eating Healthy: You may think that sugary coffee will get you through the day, Let me tell you it won't! A healthy meal, or even substituting that coffee for a *not sugary* smoothie will do you wonders!! I got a smoothie maker for my anniversary and it has been awesome! It gives me lots of energy, and helps me think more clearly. And eating little snacks throughout the day, don't starve yourself until 5 o'clock, all that does is give me a headache! 

Take Breaks: This would be something I couldn't stress enough, staring at an assignment for 5 hours isn't going to do you any good, take a break, listen to some music, relax and unwind! Its a proven fact concentrate on something for around 45 minutes to and hour and then take a 15 minute break, you will take in more and hopefully not saying...I don't wanna, I don't wanna, I don't wanna!! 

Exercise: No I'm not telling you, you have to get a gym membership, and workout everyday for 2 hours. I'm telling you go for a walk even if it is 10 minutes, take a quick jog with your dog, do a couple of stretches in your room or at work! Any kind of exercise is good exercise.

Procrastination: The best thing I can say about this is DON'T! It only hurts you in the end and makes you feel tired and worn out when you finally got the project done. This semester of school I've been trying hard to kick myself out of this habit, and its working! When I get homework or projects done the day or day after I get it, I'm not stressing and I get better grades. We all know not too, but really try to consciously make yourself stop.

I honestly could write a book about each of these because there all so important!! If anything just remember to relax and enjoy life, it only happens once and things will always work out how there supposed too! 

What are your ways to stay motivated? 

Nicky :)

Advice on surviving Pregnancy

Like everyone tells you pregnancy is really different for every single lady however I figured I would let you know things that have worked for me to make my pregnancy run smoothly and some of the experiences I have encountered thus far.

I am a little over 7 months now and I haven't had any morning sickness or any severe pain as of yet. My experiences have included the following...

The bad...

swollen ankles and painful feet
feeling a stretch of my belly on certain days
In the very beginning feeling slightly queezy
Days where I just lay around all day but never sleep like I am exhausted
Days where I eat all day and never feel satisfied
craving different tastes... like foods I have never ate
Near the End feeling easily aggravated at a PMS level if not worse
NIGHTMARES, FREAKY DREAMS ALL THE TIME
little acne bumps on my back, shoulders and on top of my belly
In the beginning I felt like I had a hard time breathing
My nose was stopped up a lot during the first and second trimester
low platelet count (which means lots of blood work)

Some good experiences...

Feeling the baby move and seeing her move inside my stomach
Extreme energy boosts at certain times mostly in the 2nd trimester
my face has been acne free!
Feeling more confident to meet with people and stepping out of my comfort zone
A burst in the creative flow of ideas, goals and dreams
planning and dreaming for when she arrives
learning a whole lot about life
Detoxing your body

Here is what I found that made a big difference in getting through pregnancy happy and healthy...

1. Make sure you eat when you get hungry 
2. Sleep when your grouchy or tired
3. buy a new pair of comfly shoes for around the house and everywhere else, moccasins and flat flip flops even slippers won't work
4. Hang out with family and talk about the baby
5. take time away from your partner
6. ask for back rubs and foot massages... don't wait for them
7. Prop your feet up high and get a foot bath when your ankles are swollen
8. Go on lots of dates and do things you haven't done
9. Work on projects for your baby 
10. Sit in a quiet room touch and watch your belly 
11. Spend alone time thinking of your baby
12. Smoothies make wonderful snacks when you don't feel satisfied
13. Wash your blankets weekly if not more often
14. Take a shower more often
15. buy lots of stretchy dresses 
16. buy new bras that will fit your new boobs
17. Take lots of pictures throughout your pregnancy
18. Ask for help... always
19. keep yourself occupied with other stuff that has nothing to do with the baby
20. trust yourself to make the right decisions

Also for those of you who have to see the doctor more often like me, every other week or more be sure to make those appointments exciting by treating yourself with an Ice Cream or a small fun purchase. That way you don't dread it.

I hope this helps I wanted to type out everything while I remember for next time. :)

Those of you who have been through it can you add anything to this list?

Etsy Success: Dealing with Never Ending to do lists Successfully

One of the biggest things that's helped me lately to stay motivated in my business and life is making to do lists. I have made to do lists my whole life but I always made them on scraps of paper and never actually finished them. As time has passed I have picked up on a few things that have helped me accomplish my whole list even if it seemed never ending.  Today I want to share with you some tips and tricks that I think will work for you too! 

Pictured above is my small pile of to do lists that were scattered around my room. My to do lists usually consist of shop, blog, personal, and work stuff. Even though I find these multiple lists still constantly laying around my room I try to make sure to clean them up and make one big list in a notebook.  Keeping one list is something I still struggle with but I do find that random lists laying around remind me of my major list which can often be forgotten about.

Anyhow here are things that have worked for me with my to do list...

1. Find a small notebook that will easily lay open to keep your long to do list and always keep a pen attached for unexpected list additions. I use a small spiral sketchbook because a pen easily slides into the spiral and my pages are blank allowing my list to be visual when I need it to be.
2. Determine what your list covers and divide your list into sections. For example My Personal Stuff Section includes stuff like exercise, baby, my dog, groceries/meals, and a clean living area or stuff like hanging with family and planning a date. Then I usually have a work section which includes work outside of blogging and my online shop, like camps or after school work. My other sections are shop and blog... notice I don't use a cover all for these like a business section that's because it helps me focus and see what aspects of my business need more work than others. 
3. Keep goals on a separate page in your notebook and clearly define them as goals. Use goals to determine steps which are what will be included on your to do list. I often find goals mingled in my to do list... the problem is that they are impossible to cross off because they take several steps to finish them. Keeping that in mind helps me from feeling overwhelmed. I use my goals to help me think of my to do list if or when it is starting to look empty.
4. Use a large to do list to compile a daily to do list. Try and focus on keeping a daily list 5-10 items long, some from each section. If I just try to make a small list from my brain every day without a long list I never accomplish making the actual small list and in turn never get anything useful done. This list is always on a scrap of paper that I can lay in front of me and scratch off of throughout the day.
5. Make your daily to do list late the night before or early the next day. Practice making it a routine with your cup of joe or while your getting ready for bed. Making your lists a priority will help you keep a schedule and stay focused. I found that randomly making lists any time of day did not mean as much as when I made the special time to create them. Plus having a list ready for the day makes sure I have the time to get things done. 
6. Stick to your to do list and create small rewards for yourself throughout the day when you mark 2-3 items off. If I start working on something and I realize it isn't on my to do list I stop and prioritize. If it needs to be done that day I add it to my daily list if it can wait I jot it down on my large to do list and move on. If I am feeling creative and know that this is a temporary ahhh moment then I give myself a time limit like an hour to work on it before going back to the list. My small rewards have included browsing pinterest for 30 mins, having a snack or resting for a bit.
7. Strive to complete your daily list or as much as possible. Finishing the list should be your #1 daily goal but stuff happens be happy with how much you do accomplish and start with a fresh new list tomorrow.
8. Never revisit an old daily list when that day is over. Crumble it up and throw it away! Several reasons for this. It's detracting, can be disappointing, annoying and overwhelming. After all everyday is a new day so your list should be too! 
9. Create a Today I... list when your daily list fails. When your list is completely shot, meaning something else like life got in the way of accomplishing anything make an Today I... list when the day is over. Write out what you did in a list format even if you laid in bed all day and enjoyed the tv or hung out with a friend. Find the positive things that came from it. Your brain got some much needed rest or you got to laugh. This helps me the most because it keeps me from hating to do lists or that lazy feeling. It makes me appreciate life which is the ultimate reason we live. Today I is the now and what is better than saying you enjoyed life now!
10. Make your list enjoyable. Set up your environment so that you can accomplish things and enjoy it. Whether it's turning on music or moving the work to your comfy bed. Even having your favorite show on isn't a bad idea. Make it fun! After all you are your own boss! Only person who can make it miserable is yourself!

Did you find this useful? Any tips you can include that help you make and keep your to do lists?

Also don't forget the awesome giveaway ending in 3 days!!

How to Make Successful New Year Goals

I always tend to write a huge list of resolutions that pertain to everything from my personal life, relationships, business.... ect. It's honestly kind of annoying because the list is just that a list. I usually end up only marking off a few of the many resolutions I make every year. Today I want to share with you my new approach to resolutions that will make them more successful this year.


1. Changing Resolutions to Goals:
Here is the definition I found for resolution on wiki...
New Year's resolution, a commitment that an individual makes at New Year's Day
A commitment which to me means set in stone and if you break it you feel horrible about that. So why don't we change it up and call them goals instead? Here's the wiki definition for that...
A goal is a desired result an animal or a system envisions, plans and commits to achieve—a personal or organizational desired end-point in some sort of assumed development
Desire... that sounds a little more pleasing and I am still going to commit to achieve it but I will plan to make that happen. Seems less stressful to me.

2. Organizing your List:
Taking your large extensive list ranging from cleaning the home to making more business connections and putting into smaller lists can make your thought process a lot simpler. I am putting my goals into three small lists business, personal, and blog. That makes it easier for me to handle them. 

3. Creating the plan of attack:
Making your resolutions into goals means you need a plan of attack and that always brings up the chances for success. Take the time to dream up what each might entail in order to get there. Maybe you need to make so much money in a certain amount of time or you need to lose so many pounds in so many weeks. Write all of that down as condensed as you can so it doesn't overwhelm you. Focus on the important factors.

4. Posting Reminders and Memos in clear Sight:
Take the time to create eye catching/ cute signs as reminders and put them in the places where they make sense or where you look every day. Maybe in your closet where you pick your clothes out in the morning or in the bathroom right above the sink. If you plan on losing weight trying sticking a sign in the pantry to remind you to eat good. If your trying to save money stick a note in your wallet beside your cash. 

5. Share Goals with a Friend:
Having someone to talk about your goals can help you understand them better and give you perspective. A friend can also be a kind reminder or a goal buddy if they want to achieve it with you. Having a workout buddy is the best!

6. Schedule one day of the Month for Reflection and Adjusting:
Choose one day out of the month to look at your achievements and see what is working. If losing 20 lbs in a month isn't happening (god knows that's kinda impossible) then adjust and make it more reasonable for you. Adjusting isn't giving up it's giving you a better chance at success.

7. Rewarding Yourself Along the Way:
Rewarding is just a way to give yourself a pat on the back for a good job. It's also motivation to keep on trucking... so remember that!

8. Be Confident:
Always say I can, I will, I am and never say never! I think this is the most important success tip!


What do you think? What are some of your goals? How do you keep up with them throughout the year?

Inspiration: The End of What You Never Needed

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Everyone is griping about how much they are sick of hearing about the end of the world but honestly I can't help but look at this whole event as a good thing. Not because I really think the world is going to end but because in a way we actually have to sit and think for a moment what if this is really the end of the world. We for a moment look back at our lives up to this point and see whether we are satisfied or not. Isn't that reflection the best thing for anyone?

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Everyday is the same for most of us doing things we think we have to or things we think we should. Some of us take every day for granted and do absolutely nothing, secretly hoping it is the end of the world. We never really sit and think does this life up to this point satisfy me. Am I happy with what I have done with my life thus far? After all any day could be the end of days right?

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Sometimes it takes something as scary as the news channels telling us the world might end to really see the big picture... WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY. All in all I am not worried whether the world will end or not because I know one thing... THIS LIFE UP TO THIS POINT HAS MADE ME ONE HAPPY PERSON.

If you don't feel that way it's time to change that or figure out why that is.

Tonight I ran across this blog and was digging deep into her posts because the more I read the more I seemed to connect with her. Anyway she had this lovely post where she records a meditation that you can follow along with about gratitude. I can say it really made me feel like even though not everything I imagine my life being has happened yet I still am happy for what I have experienced.

I highly recommend you give it a try and think of it as a new way to start and look at life...

find it here:  Meditation Gratitude

Did you know??? Blog tip Favicon

I have been fooling around a lot more with my blog lately, attempting to learn html and using my new cs5 program to get better images on the blog. I'm also taking two ecourses... one pertaining to business and the other to blogging. I have been spending a lot of time researching how to do specific things to my blog and a while back I came across a post by Wonder Forest on adding a Favicon.

So did you know that you can add a little image to replace that orange and white blogger symbol in the tab when you open your blog?

Well you can and you can personalize it too! It's called a favicon!! I know most of you have but those of you who haven't, it's pretty neat and a lot simpler than I thought.

If you look at the tabs or beside the address bar above you should be able to see my new favicon I created last night!! Can you tell what it is? I literally drew this one up myself so I am wondering if you can figure it out.

Here's the thing... it is literally this simple....
go to this site http://www.favicon.cc/
and you can either upload an image that it will transform into tiny pixels
or you can draw one out yourself in those pixel format on the site (it is a bit strange at first because it is so pixelated)!

 That's what I did last night! It did take a couple of attempts but you can see the progress up in the address bar while you create it.

Once you have something you like all you need to do is download it. *** be sure to click the blue download favicon link under preview. They have a silly ad beside it that says download (which I am sure is how they get people to click it) and it will install something else on your computer... I made that mistake... opps.

Then just go to your layout section on blogger and notices in the top left  it has a place to add your favicon. Upload the image there and save arrangement! I still don't see a change on my computer but it says that it can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to do so. However my sister can see it on her computer... so can you see it???