black, white & bursting at the seams

you might have noticed that for the last 2 months on feel good monday

 all of the quotes, tips and motivations were in black and white

you might have wondered why, why so simple and dull

where was the color and the vibrancy?

the answer is simple...

i had kept it muted because it wasn't about the color

it was the message we need to remember and focus on!

there is nothing bolder and more beautiful then

 the feeling, the message, the sensation and the strength

i share with you all the most moving and uplifting of quotes 

because it is my belief that we should tackle the new week head on

with a spark, a giggle and a reminder that we are amazing and deserve to be 

HAPPY 

no matter what the past 7 or 14 days looked like

no matter what the next 7 or 14 days have in store

you know there is bound to be hiccups...

traffic, deadlines, arguments, moments of weakness, indulgences, 

missed appointments, take out meals, falling asleep on the couch,

forgetting to switch the laundry and so much more

and those hiccups will always be there because that is life

not everyday is bursting with color and perfection

 but everyday, especially a monday should be embraced and given your 100% 

so read the messages, find their meaning

 and pull the color out of you to live your best life <3

being happy never goes out of style - lilly pulitzer

I got nothing from Lilly for Target...

And I am fine.

Why? Because honestly I really only wanted 3 things.

(one of which was a bag that we all know - I did not NEED)
I also don't even think I liked it that much?!

You know what I fell in love with MOST...

The launch (presale) in Bryant Park , umm can you say ADORABLE! 

As well as the commercial, giving the same admiration that I have for Target holiday!  

I can report my store, did not have lines wrapped around the building. 

My store did not have incidents were the staff had to intervene. 

The items went throughout the day...

But mainly in hauls/chunks by people who ultimately will resell these items on eBay.

I go to my Target, once a week. 

I have not seen any revivals from major returns, but honestly I looked once.

I was disappointed for a moment but ultimately at the end of the day, I don't care.

If I needed it, (which is a word I am trying to not use) 

I would have been there at the crack of dawn and made it my point to get it. 

I made it my point to be there early for other releases and got what I wanted each time.

Even seeing that other items were just not worth it, which is so gratifying!

My disappointment truly stems from the chaos that went down because of it.

 The blogger giveaways, the trading & the ridiculous upmarking on ebay, tradesy and poshmark.

All the outcry and the bitching. 

It's a shame people who wanted missed out, it's a shame people take advantage.

And it's a shame the these material items made such a stir!

Honestly, that is not the Lilly way. And it isn't ladylike either, at all! 

 

Balancing Act

Stop what your doing, take a moment and follow along with me! 

Make a list of what you need to do, groceries you need to buy, appointments you need to make, RSVPs that you need to send, books you want to finish, workouts you want to get in, drinks you have to reschedule, deadlines that are fast approaching...

Are you overwhelmed yet? How could you not be! We ALL have the endless lists and some of us will joke, our lists - have lists! (oh geeze, it can't just be me!)

It can really beat you down and make you emotional. And that ladies, is the last thing we need! 

What we do need is a little balance. 

Balance is key for maintaining who you want to be! 

Strong, confident, powerful ladies who can take it all on but now can do it in moderation. The list doesn't make the lady, the lady makes the list! 

It doesn't mean perfection and it doesn't make you a bad person if it isn't your forte. But, what it can make you is calm, cool and collected. 

Aren't those just the most magnificent attributes!? 

When you are prioritized and organized in the midst of all juggling and the constant push and pull of life, you are winning! 

You are doing the best you can for yourself! And in the long run, it will trickle to all the other parts of your life. You will see!

That rundown feeling is so toxic and damaging for our spirits. It's best to prioritize and inspire ourselves to maintain a healthy balance. 

You'll be a better version of you! Just think about the big picture...

Take this next week to compile your "lists" and then build it out! Prioritize it, tackle it slowly, daily, and feel free to delegate too, take some things off of it.

You will feel an enormous weight lift off of you and I guarantee, you will look at balance as a best friend. Not just "someone" you long to have in your life!

Steals vs. Splurge (Spring 1)

i get a little weak in the knees over accessories 

(you like my rhymes, i know ya do!)

 i couldn't help but swoon over these amazing trends

 the price point on a few of these items however, had me gasping for air! 

to the internet i went, in search of some more affordable favorites

all spring long i will be sharing as many as i can find... 

so i hope you enjoy this first batch ;-)

ps. there is a $157.00 price point difference between the items!

& remember * you can click the collage to shop these items directly!

Steals vs. Splurge (Spring 1) by secretsofs featuring gladiator flats sandals

next stop, organization station

mess or clutter in any form can certainly drive a gal mad!

i am the first to admit, all of my things have a home... 

my keys, chargers, products etc.

and i will also proudly admit no matter how organized i am

i do still have a junk drawer!

however, not many people agree that every thing having a place is important. (GASP)

i think they just haven't tried it and don't know how GREAT it could be!

take your average everyday needs for example : 

if we adjusted and tweaked just a few things 

not only would we be organized happy little souls

we could shave off some rummaging and rush time in the daily hustle!

i take a TON of vitamins 

, i also forget to take them too, but having them in plain sight & easy to open is a breeze

do you want to open 3 to 6 bottles of vitamins and supplements to empty them out

 or would you want to have a holder or even a ziplock labeled and ready to go!?

these are some my daily products

(q*tips, deodorant, moisturizer, sectioning clips etc)

i used to have specific drawers and shelves for these. 

some at my vanity and some in the bathroom

sure i enjoy extra cardio in the mornings

 i took an extra basket and i put it out in the open, grab & go or apply!

i used to have all my tops mainly the casuals

(the tanks, the v-necks, the simple layering items)

all in one drawer just seperated my color

well the pile on the floor after i was done was borderline out of control!

so i had to make adjustments!

                        if you have the space in your dresser give everyone their own drawer! 

                             voila, these are 3 simple easy tweaks for my morning routine

                                                                 and so far so good...
                     still thinking of whatever i can do/move & adjust for a smoother start!
                                    if you have any tips for me, be sure to share them! <3

spring cleaning

the first official day of spring was about 17 days ago

and while last of the snow banks have officially melted

the temperatures are slowly sort of getting on board with the calendar indicated!

 until i can happily wear a maxi and some sandals

have a picnic on the grass and see flowers blooming all over

 i will say keep sunshine on your mind and let the breeze blow through the windows...

because we are a cleaning and a cleansing!

time to rejuvenate our mind, body & home

it just couldn't be needed any more after a long, cold and cooped up winter!

all month long i will be sharing my best tips, tricks, recipes & more

so that we can spring into action and be our best selves this season!

<3