Skinny Does Not Mean Healthy
I Am SO Not in Shape!
That Time Adam Rosante Tried to Kill Me…
Free Stuff is Not Worth Dying
Just some of the alternate titles I considered using for this blog post.
In what feels like another life, I was a personal trainer, I taught Spinning classes and thoroughly enjoyed working out.
#MyOneYearGoal is helping spread the word about the Visionary Journal, a goal management system designed to help you keep your important goals top of mind and transform your dreams into your reality. Imagine what you will accomplish by making your goals a priority and focusing on the tasks that will get you closer to completion. Create Your Vision. Change Your Life.
Thinking about the future makes me anxious. That’s not to say that I don’t have goals. Because I do. They’re just…
Vague.
There are times when I feel that I don’t have the life I want. And I have no one to blame but myself for that.
What could I accomplish in a year that would move my life significantly forward?
Good question…
Anything really.
See?
Vague.
Monique, my friend and boss babe blogger of Keep Chasing the Stars and creator of the Visionary Journal, taught me that by creating a clear vision, you form the foundation you need to change your life. You are writing out your action plan.
Last year, I shared a list of 30 things I wanted to do before turning 30. Some things were random little bucket list items, but a few of them were things I wanted to accomplish in order to improve my life.
Having a clear vision made it possible for me to actually achieve the things that I really wanted. In less than a year I learned Photoshop, which I now use for my Monthly Loves posts and I was a speaker at Alt Summit.
Create Your Vision. Change Your Life. #myoneyeargoal Click To TweetSo. What is my one year goal?
I want to know that my blog, although it started out as a hobby, is more than that. For me, I’ll know I’ve “made it” as a life and style blogger when I am featured as such. Perhaps in a magazine or in a commercial. Maybe even both!
Not the most clear, I know, but it’s a start.
I’m not the only one answering this question. So go read Monique’s blog post to find out her one year goal and to learn a little more about the Visionary Journal!
I believe that dreams without actions are just wishes. Wishes belong in fairy tales.
-Monique Malcolm
I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of wishing.
What could you accomplish in a year that would move your life significantly forward?
I noticed that my more productive days are the ones where I’ve been listening to music while I work. I going to guess that it’s not just me. Music, for many, is a huge part of life.
So, I wanted to share the 10 songs that I am currently loving and listening to all of the time.
They seriously make me feel all the feels. I don’t necessarily like all of the videos (I’m looking at you Ariana Grande), but I refuse to pay for Spotify…
Black Magic | Little Mix
Corny but cute.
Kind of like me.
What Do You Mean | Justin Beiber
I don’t care what anyone says, this song gives me life. Whenever I am listening to Pandora and it comes on, I know that Pandora really does get me.
Fight Song | Rachel Platten
This is my fight song. If I’m down or overwhelmed, I know that this will remind me not to give up and to keep on fighting the good fight. One match, you guys…
Should’ve Been Us | Tori Kelly
Love her voice. Plus, she’s coming to Connecticut for the Next Big Thing!
Here | Alessia Cara
As social as I can be, I am definitely and introvert. I know, shocker! But this song perfectly sums up my mood most of the time. And I just found out that she’ll be in CT with Tori Kelly.
Like I’m Gonna Lose You | Meghan Trainor ft. John Legend
The first time I heard it on the radio, I turned off the radio and hummed it until I got home, because I was driving and didn’t want to forget it.
Stiches | Shawn Mendes
I don’t relate to this, but I like it.
One Last Time | Ariana Grande
This entire album.
Seriously.
I bought it on iTunes.
The Night is Still Young | Nicki Minaj
A friendly reminder to have fun.
And because Moscato.
Love Myself | Hailee Steinfeld
A song with a message.
I didn’t know this until looking up this song for this post, but does her voice sound kind of familiar? She was the new girl in Pitch Perfect 2! Yes, the flashlight one! Don’t know what I’m talking about?
Flashlight | Jessie J
This song, except image that Hailee Steinfeld is singing it instead of Jessie J.
Since that was technically 11 songs, what’s one more?
Levels | Nick Jonas
New hotness.
When do you like to listen to music?
What are some of your current favorite songs?
Share in the comments!
Am I not your spirit animal now? Then why aren’t you following me already?!
Bloglovin’ | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest
I met up with Sprinkles and Booze, Crushing Midlife, and One Woman’s Style at the Hot Air Balloon Festival that the Plainville Fire Company puts on every year.
It was so great meeting up with other CT bloggers to support our local community.
We will definitely be doing more of this!
As for the Hot Air Balloon Festival itself?
Magical.
And after missing out on Independence Day fireworks, I was happy we stayed until the end. Plus, this was hands down, the best firework show I’ve ever experienced. SO close!
I overheard that this was the last one, but I really hope that was just a rumor.
Hey Connecticut influencers! Do you want to meet up at local events like this?
Join ConnectiClique!
Oh and follow Twenty Something Plus on
Bloglovin’ | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest
It should come as no surprise that I am obsessed with totes. I like them because they can be used for so many different things. And if you’re a girl who is always on the go, BAGGU has the perfect everyday tote for you!
I use my BAGGU Duck Bag for pretty much everything…
Gym
I won’t lie and say that I go to the gym often, but I was a Personal Trainer for a bit in college and I still enjoy working out.
Mostly classes.
Yoga, kickboxing, and Spinning are my faves.
Travel
When on budget, every little road trip counts.
A day trip to the beach, anyone?
Errands
From getting groceries, to picking up the dry cleaning.
Get. Stuff. Done.
Like the boss babe that you are.
Work
Whistle while you hustle. And look stylish doing it.
But first?
Coffee.
Play
All work and no play? Never!
Make time for what matters and meet up with your besties for brunch.
Mimosas are a must!
Like my phone background? Get it here for free, courtesy of BAGGU!
Super grateful to collab with BAGGU for this post.
If you’re not already, go follow Twenty Something Plus on
Bloglovin’ | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest
Some people are really good at reading two books at once.
Not me. I can’t even read in the car.
As big a mistake as it might be for me to try doing either of those, I still do…
I’ve had Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin and Yes Please by Amy Poehler tucked away on a shelf in my bookcase for the longest. Too long.
I received both books from Birchbox and wanted to get caught up with the Birchbox Book Club, so I finally started reading Yes Please. I got a decent way through it and just stopped. Not for any reason, just did.
But then, instead of picking it back up, I started Better Than Before.
I don’t know why I would think that was a good idea. My plan is to finish Better Than Before and then go back and finish Yes Please. They’re both really good reads and if you haven’t read either one of them, you should add them to your reading list!
Next on my reading list is one of the many fantasy novels that the manfriend has. He has a blog, and is sharing on going chapters of what he’s been writing. Maybe I’ll be supportive and start with his…
Maybe.
For anyone who has read Better Than Before, I’m a rebel, what are you?
My favorite style of photos on Instagram are flatlays. They are such a great way to showcase things in a really neat way.
There are tons of resources out there to master the art of the flatlay and I’ve already shared my number on Instagram tip (along with what I use for my white backgrounds), but here are five quick and super easy tips to help you nail them!
Think square! I’m all for thinking outside of the box, but for a flatlay you have to get super creative within it.
Move things around, see what works. Keep in mind that sometimes less is more!
Switch things up, try different angles. Who said a flatlay has to be dead on and from above? Zoom in, get close, crop it like it’s hot! You can also try different backgrounds.
Use airplane mode (and make sure your wifi is turned off) if you want to edit your photo in Instagram but save it for later. #latergram (I’ve also done this to brighten up a photo twice!)
Edit! If you want that crisp white background? Brighten up your photo and add a little contrast.
Bonus tip: Try to remember the four F’s!
Fit (Think square), Free-up (Less is more), Focus (Is your phone’s lens clean? Did you tap the screen where you want the focal point to be?), and Fine-tune (Make any changes and add any finishing touches).
If you want to know what I keep in my Instagram prop box (yes, I have one), go check out this post!
Did you ever have one of those days where you in a meh kind of mood?
Indulging in the act of self-pity is not something that I would typically encourage. But sometimes you just need to.
The idea of having a literal pity party doesn’t appeal to me, I’d much rather channel my inner happy crabber.
These Woven Pear socks certainly help!
Think of it as a mini treat yo self sesh.
Movie?
Check.
Fun fact: The manfriend and I saw 27 Dresses on our first date and ever since I’ve been obsessed with Katherine Heigl movies!
Noms?
Check.
Wine?
Do you even have to ask?
Company is optional.
But ice cream is not.
It’s not an exact science and really doesn’t take much. And, if I’m being totally honest, I’m pretty sure this is how I spend most of my nights anyways…
So get comfy, pop open a bottle of wine and enjoy. But only if you’re 21.
So happy to have Woven Pear sponsor this post!
Only recently have I become somewhat of a morning person.
I wake up, check my Instagram, think about my plans for the day, and finally get out of bed because I can no longer here myself thinking over the sound of my stomach growling…
But my favorite part of the morning, after coffee, is the getting ready part. I truly enjoy the process of sitting down at my vanity and putting my makeup on.
What do I keep on my vanity?
Only the basic beauty essentials.
You know, makeup. Which is kind of obvious.
Some makeup brushes. A variety.
Hair accessories. (I know that I have really short hair, but these hair ties keep my bangs out of my face without creasing my hair.)
And of course, no vanity is complete with out a mirror. I adore my motivational one from North Detail! Plus, it’s super portable, so I can grab it and go. Get it girl!
What’s on your vanity?
Don’t forget to go follow Twenty Something Plus on
Bloglovin’ | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest
Did you know that today is National Underwear Day?
Well, when it comes to my underwear, I’m all about feeling comfortable, yet confident.
No matter what pair I decide to wear, I want to stay as clean as possible. The last thing anyone wants is to get their period unexpectedly. Goodbye, cute expensive panties…
You then wish you’d worn the ratty grannies as you try to gently scrub the stained ones.
Even more horrific is when this happens in public… Yikes!
How nice would it be if you just be confident 24/7, without sacrificing comfort?
Stay one step ahead with U by Kotex® liners!
U by Kotex® offers a full line of feminine care products for periods including pads, liners and tampons. Outstanding protection that keeps you one step ahead.
Want to try for yourself? Get a free sample!
There’s also a #BringComfyBack contest! To enter visit bringcomfyback.com and upload your creative pic or gif showcasing your best uncomfy face.
Each month, one lucky winner will receive a $200 Urban Outfitters gift card, a Go Pro Hero 3 white camera, a $100 Sephora gift card and U by Kotex products.
At the end of the contest, the most creative selfie will be chosen and the winner will receive a trip to L.A. with a girlfriend, an exclusive U by Kotex photo shoot to be their new social star and $2,000 spending cash!
U by Kotex will be judging based on originality, style and how hard you can make them laugh. So be creative and get crazy!
