Notebooks with style.

Lately my mind has been swirling with thoughts. Projects at work. Chores that need to get done. Clothes I want to buy. A month full of events. Not to mention, just getting through daily life. Even though my iPhone has become a third appendage, I find myself being most productive when I can write things down with a good old [blue] pen and some paper. And yes, I'll admit, when I am writing a to-do list sometimes I write things down just so I can immediately cross them off and feel a sense of accomplishment.

But I think it's time to graduate from over-sized, neon post-its and upgrade to a big girl notebook. Something that I can carry around and quickly jot a thought down at a moments notice, without experiencing thumb cramps. Plus, it's a great excuse to indulge my stationery obsession. Below is a round up of stylish notebooks that have brought an onslaught of indecisiveness. So please, help a sista out and leave a comment with which one is your favorite.   

1. Lanvin, $19, ARWEY
2. Mon Petit, $16, Julia Kostreva 
3. Field Book, $8, russell + hazel
4. A6 Essential Notepad, $10, russell + hazel 
5. Amazing Ideas, $14, Sparrow Nest Script
6. Medium Notebook, $8, Poppin
7. 1970s Style, $9, Really Good 
8. Big Ideas Notebook, $14, C. Wonder

Birthday Wishes.

Today marks the first of two birthday celebrations for my very best friends this week. Coincidentally, Lucin was born on the 7th and Valerie was born on the 11th (get it, 7-11? ha!). I hold a special place in my heart for these two amazing girls. Growing up we've made TONS of memories both separately as a duo and over the recent years, together as a trio. I am so grateful to have them in my life for and can't wait to see what the next two decades brings us.

This collage was created on my iPhone using Diptic. Pretty cool, eh?

Happy birthday ladies! xo

PS.  Lucin owns a kick-ass (literally!) company focused on talent management and sponsorships for rising MMA fighters. So if you are into Mixed Martial Arts or know of someone who is trying to break into the scene, be sure to contact her at Be The Weapon Management.

Two things a woman can never be.

After a few happenings last week and my never ending pursuit to decide what to wear, it seemed perfectly appropriate to share this as this week's words to live by.

In reference to being overdressed, of course there are extreme circumstances; like wearing full on bling to the beach or a ball gown to your little cousins backyard BBQ. But I'd like to interpret this half of the quote as being confident with your personal style. The type of confidence that makes people say "oh, she can pull that off"-- no matter what the garment or venue may be. So from now on I am going to make a valiant effort to not concern myself with what everyone else is wearing. And to focus on dressing in what makes me feel comfortably-sexy, thus confident with my appearance.

But over-educated? Don't even get me started. To me that is a cop-out for those who are intimidated. From a business perspective it's simply an oxymoron. What company doesn't want to hire those who are wildly smart and experienced? Sadly, you'd be surprised at the number of companies who by-pass candidates for this very reason. I'm going on record to say if you use the "over-qualified/over-educated card" it means at least one of two things: I don't want to hire someone smarter than me or I can't pay anywhere near what you are worth. Only exception here is if you make it apparent your salary expectations or that you would be bored with what the job entails [in which case you should withdraw your application]. And in a social setting, smart is equally as enticing. Everyone should be able to hold a conversation with substance on a particularly complex subject. If you can can voice your opinion and have conviction on the matter, all the better. 

Moral of the story? Wear your clothes, don't let them wear you. Slip on your favorite pair of shoes, march your butt into that party/interview/new bar, and don't you dare shy away from an opportunity to enlighten others with your smarts.