Tag: blog

entering my anti-hustle era

Published on by blonde rosieLeave a comment

“I think I’m done,” I said one morning when I woke up. I was still in bed, and my eyes were half open. My alarm is going off, and I’m hitting the snooze button without looking. This was a few weeks ago, when I had the internal conversation that I was ready to leave my job. I didn’t want to quit, but I also knew I wanted to quit my job. My job had a lot more positives than negatives. I loved my team, my students, and what I had accomplished over the last four years. But my body told me that morning that I was done.

Now, finding a job in this economy? Challenging. But I also gave myself time to be picky. Looking at job listings that I knew I could do, but did I really want to do that? In our twenties, we hustle constantly. Work hard to learn new skills, get better roles, and use our free time to socialize as much as we can. My thirties have been all about how I can do the least: weekends that are relaxing, jobs that have boundaries, and extra money goes into savings.

After a few months of looking and, more importantly, being picky, I found a job. One that allows me to use my skillset and also have a life outside of work. After I put in my three-week notice, I started to doubt myself. Should I really leave? I hate change. So why am I changing things? I’ll admit I’m a little scared – but more importantly, looking forward to being challenged. When we have a job where we are not challenged and feel limited, it’s time to go. I had done everything I could in my previous role, and it was time for someone else to take it to the next level.

I’m also excited to have a job that allows me to do more during the day than just work. I love going to the gym or going on a long walk after work. Make time for laundry during the week so my weekends are free for relaxing or activities. I did the hustle thing in my twenties – working multiple jobs to make ends meet and chase promotions. Now in my thirties, I want hobbies, time with my husband, and not to feel tired all the time!

I’m also excited to have more time for this little corner of the internet!

we can’t rush spring, but we can get ready

Published on by blonde rosieLeave a comment

As the days start getting a little longer and the air feels just a bit softer, I always get that familiar feeling that spring is right around the corner. It’s like the world is slowly waking up again, and honestly, I start to feel that way too. After months of cold weather, cozy blankets, and staying inside more than usual, spring feels like a reset button. A chance to freshen things up, clear out the heaviness of winter, and step into a lighter season.

If you’re anything like me, the shift into spring isn’t something that happens overnight. I like easing into it with a few small rituals that make the season feel intentional instead of rushed. Getting ready for spring doesn’t have to mean a full life overhaul — sometimes it’s just about refreshing the little things.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to start preparing for spring.

1. Start with a gentle spring clean

I’m not talking about an overwhelming, top-to-bottom deep clean that takes an entire weekend. For me, spring cleaning is more about opening the windows, letting fresh air in, and slowly working through the spaces that have collected clutter during the winter months.

Maybe it’s clearing off the kitchen counters, organizing that one drawer that somehow holds everything, or finally donating the clothes you didn’t wear all winter. Even doing one small area can make your whole home feel lighter.

2. Swap out winter for lighter touches

One of the easiest ways to welcome spring is by changing a few things around your home. Put away the extra heavy blankets, switch to lighter throw pillows, or add a vase of fresh flowers to your table.

These tiny changes can shift the mood of a space more than you’d expect. It doesn’t have to be complicated — just a few fresh details can make everything feel new again.

3. Refresh your routines

Winter routines tend to be slower and more indoor-focused (which I love), but spring always inspires me to shake things up a little. Maybe it’s taking a walk after dinner now that the sun stays out longer, waking up a little earlier to enjoy a quiet morning, or even trying a new weekend activity.

Spring is a great time to check in with yourself and ask: what routines still feel good, and what might need a refresh?

4. Get outside whenever you can

There’s something about the first warm-ish days of the year that just feels magical. Even if it’s still a little chilly, stepping outside for fresh air can instantly boost your mood.

Go for a short walk, sit on your porch with your morning coffee, or spend an afternoon exploring somewhere nearby. After a long winter, simply being outside again can feel like the biggest reset.

5.Make a list

Right now, I’m making a list of things that always get me excited this time of year. Eating outside at one of our favorite restaurants, getting an iced coffee, or cleaning up the backyard.

6. Set a few intentions for the season

I love using the start of a new season as a mini reset moment. Not big, overwhelming goals — just a few intentions for how I want the next few months to feel.

Maybe you want to spend more time outside, cook more fresh meals, read more books, or simply slow down a little. Spring is a reminder that growth doesn’t have to be rushed. Sometimes it happens quietly, one small step at a time.

At the end of the day, getting ready for spring isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about welcoming the shift in seasons and allowing yourself to reset right along with it.

A little fresh air, a little decluttering, and a little more sunlight can go a long way.

Sweater Weather Blues

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There’s something so effortlessly calm about this time of year — when the air turns crisp, the leaves start falling, and your morning coffee suddenly has to be in a pumpkin theme mug. Today’s outfit is inspired by that perfect fall moment when you’re ready for cozy layers but still want a touch of softness and color in your wardrobe.

I’ve been absolutely loving this dreamy powder blue sweater lately — it’s such a refreshing twist on the typical fall palette. It seems weird to have color in your closet this far into fall, but I love to have a light blue sweater on those days I need a break from the dark clothes. Instead of the usual rusts and maroons, this soft hue feels like a breath of fresh air against all the autumnal tones around us. It pairs beautifully with this plaid mini skirt, which brings in subtle blues and browns for the coziest textural contrast.

Finally, every closet needs a good pair of knee-high leather boots! It’s an easy way to dress up an outfit and make any outfit look chic. I’d throw on some tights for extra warmth and maybe a long coat for those chillier mornings.

I’ve been wanting to buy a new bag, and this chocolate brown shoulder bag ties everything together — functional, chic, and perfect for grabbing coffee or at night. The chocolate brown color makes it different than the other go-to black bags I rotate through the fall and winter months, making it really stand out.

Whether you’re heading to brunch, strolling through a pumpkin patch, or just enjoying your daily latte run, this outfit is a sweet reminder that fall fashion doesn’t always have to mean dark colors. Sometimes, the softest hues make the biggest statement. I also love that I can take this outfit from the weekend and also wear it to work!

Let me know your thoughts, and if you also love to wear pops of color during the colder months!

skincare series: micellar water

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A friend of mine is always trying new products because she has very dry skin. A few times a month, I will get a text with a new product to try.  Garnier Micellar Water was one of them and finally after a trip to Target recently, it somehow ended up in my cart. Since I have horrible skin, I like to cover it up with foundations, concealer along with my other makeup. It takes forever to take it all off using my normal face wash with lots of scrubbing.

What is Micellar Water?

It is a cleansing water that is powerful yet gentle on the skin. It is like a magnet because it picks up oil and makeup leaving skin clean the first time. One of the best parts is that it leaves the skin refreshed and soft. Basically, the micellar water picks up the dirt and makeup without having to scrub it off. The solution is different than water so it leaves your skin moisturized after using.

How I Use It

I have been using the micellar water in the morning after I wash my face with my regular cleanser because I know that my face really will be freshly cleaned prior to putting on makeup. I also use it at night after I wash my face with an acne cleanser. Even after a good three minutes of scrubbing my face, when I use the micellar water I can still see dirt and makeup on my cutton square coming off my face.

After two weeks of using this product I knew it was time to share it on the blog.  My usual makeup removal routine is to 1) wash my face with an acne cleaner, 2) use micellar water and 3) then heavily moisturize. I need to find an easy makeup removal because when I get home from work after an hour commute home, I don’t want to spend too much time fussing with my skincare. After using the micellar water, I don’t need to rinse my face again, which to me is the most amazing part of this product. My makeup comes off easily including my eye makeup. I still moisturize, but after using it my face does feel moisturized immediately.

This is a life changing product that everyone needs in their skincare routine. I don’t know how I went so long without this amazing product! Get it here…

getting out of the house fast in the morning

Published on by blonde rosieLeave a comment

Okay, you hit the snooze button. 5 more minutes turned into twenty and now you are jumping out of bed frantic to get out of the house. Sad to say, but this is me every morning. But I have found ways to get my morning routine done in less than 20 minutes. That is including hair, makeup, and a cute outfit that actually matches with breakfast to go.

  1. Breakfast is Important
    I stock up every week on breakfast foods that I can grab and go to get out of the house as quick as possible. My usual go to are frozen waffles that usually pop out of the toaster by the time my coffee stops brewing or bagels. I also stock up on fruit so I can eat in the car on my way to work. If you stock your kitchen with breakfast foods, you can still have breakfast even though you are running late out the door.
  2. When Beauty Sleep Doesn’t Do The Trick
    I know I am not alone when I say that when I wake up, I do not look like a movie star waking up in a movie. My hair is messed up, my eye makeup that didn’t come off the night before is around my eyes, simply put I look like a hot mess. Right now I am using Bare Minerals Liquid Foundation, Maybelline Under Eye Concealer, my Naked 3 eyeshadow palette to brighten my eyes, a swoop of eyeliner and Better Than Sex mascara to open my eyes. And of course, a little bit of Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer and Fit ME blush to brighten my face.
  3. Plan Your Outfit the Night Before
    Or just have a really organized closet. I have previously talked about my closet HERE and how I keep it organized. I have my work clothes hanging and my pants and skirts all in one place so I can easily make a work outfit.