Chapter 4 of my new book is titled "Set Yourself Up for Success". In it I discuss small ways to create a work-from-home space that encourages productivity and inspiration. ⁣
⁣
Whether I'm writing or doing accounting, I like to add touches of beauty to my home office space. Creating a pleasant atmosphere makes unpleasant tasks more enjoyable. Being surrounded by beauty improves my creativity when I'm working on a writing project. ⁣
⁣
It's no coincidence that this bouquet of wild roses in a mason jar ended up on the cover of my new book. This is what sat on my desk while I typed up the words to 𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦. Its image seeped into my psyche when I was brainstorming ideas for the cover.⁣
⁣
What's your favorite way to elevate your home office workspace?

One of my favorite parts of the self-publishing process is seeing my vision of the cover come to life. I'm so lucky to have @flourishellis to help me out! She is so talented and her artwork always captures exactly what I had in mind. She is also absolutely sweet and lovely to work with. (💖 Thank you so much Elka!)⁣
⁣
Something as simple as a mason jar of wildflowers can add so much beauty to our living spaces. I usually reach for what's outside my doorstep, which has been wild roses all summer long. My cover is meant to convey the same message as my book - that small intentional acts and thoughts can have a huge impact on how much we enjoy living in our homes.⁣
⁣
What's your favorite easy and inexpensive touch you like to add to your surroundings?

 

I’m really excited to announce the release of my new book, “Elevate Your Life at Home: Inspiring Ideas to Add Joy, Peace and Magic to Homelife". It is currently available in eBook format on Amazon (link in profile). The paperback will be out shortly. ⁣
⁣
⁣
As fall approaches, many of us will soon be returning to our regular routines. This usually coincides with busier schedules and lives. During hectic times, creating a peaceful and pleasant homelife becomes even more important. We all need an inviting space to retreat to at the end of each day to unwind, reset and replenish our souls. Our homes offer this safe and comforting refuge from the stressors and busyness of the outside world.⁣
⁣
⁣
Whether you are a homebody or not, this book will inspire you to view your homelife through a fresh lens. Elevating your life at home is not just about beautifying your surroundings. It’s also about how you and your loved ones live in and interact with the spaces of your home. My book offers inspirational and practical ideas to make life within the walls of your home as enjoyable as possible. Topics discussed include creative decorating ideas, organization and decluttering tips, flexible space solutions and most importantly, advice on how to develop an attitude of positivity and gratitude about your living space.⁣
⁣
⁣
Elevate Your Life at Home will get your creative juices flowing. You will be inspired, motivated and empowered to take action and create a life at home that includes more joy, peace and magic! ⁣
⁣
⁣
To give you a flavour of the book, this is a list of the chapters: ⁣
1. Sprinkle Your Home With Fairy Dust⁣
2. Choose Beauty⁣
3. Adopt a Vacation State of Mind⁣
4. Set Yourself up for Success⁣
5. Elevate Your Style at Home⁣
6. Invite Mother Nature in for a Visit⁣
7. Exercise Your Flexibility⁣
8. Clamp Down on Clutter With a Gentle Hand⁣
9. Tackle Household Problems Like a Superhero⁣
10. Combat Cabin Fever⁣
11. Love Your Perfectly Imperfect Home⁣
12. 100 Seasonal Ideas to Elevate Life at Home ⁣
⁣
⁣
Thank you so much to my readers! As a self-published author I appreciate your support!

Are you as big a fan of denim as I am? Once the cooler temperatures hit this fall, jeans will form the base of my outfits each day. I live a very casual lifestyle and spend a lot of time outdoors, so jeans suit me perfectly. I like pairing my denim with something a little dressier on top such as a cashmere sweater or silk blouse.

This fall I have five pairs of jeans slotted into my wardrobe. They are all exactly the same style and exactly the same size! I’m a creature of habit. Once I find something I really like, I stick with it. My “inventory” includes: dark indigo wash, two lightly distressed dark blue, washed black and grey.

My jeans are the Citizens of Humanity Rocket Crop. (I refuse to believe or care that skinny jeans are apparently no longer in style. They look good on my frame, and that’s all that matters) I’ve learned that their crop length is actually the perfect full-sized length on my 5’3” frame. This means I don’t have to spend extra on tailoring. If you know this brand, you are probably aware of how pricey they jeans are at full retail. ($250+)

I always buy my jeans on the second-hand market. This allows me to get the quality pieces I want for a fraction of the price. The trick to my success is knowing EXACTLY what I’m looking for. Because I know this style and size fits me perfectly, buying them on Ebay or Poshmark is pretty much risk free. I recently tore a huge hole in the seat of my distressed pair, and in 5 minutes I found myself a replacement for $45 on @poshmark

So, my tip today on buying second hand is knowing your brand, size and style. If you know these specifics, you can usually find what you are looking for. It may take a few months (or years in certain cases), but that special item will eventually turn up on the preloved market. This is such a fun and effective way to elevate your style!

Do you buy styles in multiples as well? Have you looked for multiples on the preloved market? If you already have a size/style/brand in your closet that you adore, buying another second hand can be a slam dunk.

PS – Junior peed on my jeans right after this photo was taken. Always the helper…. 

 

Fall is just around the corner, so I figured this month would be the perfect time to offer a giveaway of my book, 𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘦. I’m offering a whopping 100 free copies of the eBook version on Goodreads!⁣
⁣
I wanted to create some excitement around the topic of personal style, as the change in season offers a great opportunity to shake things up! I’m also a big believer in intentional shopping, so putting some thought into your wardrobe ahead of time allows you to plan and budget any purchases you intend to make. ⁣
⁣
Although I wrote this book just last summer, it was really ten years in the making. Back in my mid-thirties, I hit a style and identity crisis. I was a stay-at-home mom to two busy toddlers, and felt like I was drowning under the weight of motherhood. I was putting almost zero effort into my personal appearance, and my self-esteem was at an all-time low. I knew drastic measures were in order, but I didn’t know where to begin. The idea of being a stylish, poised and pulled-together woman felt out of reach and inaccessible.⁣
⁣
I set off on a journey to elevate my personal style and improve my sense of self-worth. This book details the steps of my journey, and all the things I learned along the way. (It also reveals my many mistakes and embarrassing moments!) I felt that sharing my story was important, because I suspect many women feel, or have felt, the same way. As an “everyday woman”, I thought that others might find my realistic and relatable perspective helpful, comforting and inspiring.⁣
⁣
No matter where you stand on your own personal style journey, I think my book offers motivating and empowering ideas to help you along the way.⁣
⁣
First off, this giveaway is only open to residents of the US. (Sorry, this part was out of my control!!) In order to sign up, you will need to create a Goodreads account if you don’t already have one. From there, you can just click here to enter!
⁣


I hope you will join me on a personal style journey! Good luck!

Although I’ve been planning my fall wardrobe on paper, I’m still really enjoying my summer clothing. I’m savoring this warm weather as much as possible. I thought it would be fun to give you a little peak into my closet. Am I the only one who loves closet tours?

A few things I will point out….I have a lot of sweaters! If you read any of my books. I talk a lot about being cold all the time. Summer is no exception. I use cardigans and pull overs to layer up quite often. I’ve also admitted to having a shoe obsession. This is something my eldest son often questions when he walks in my closet…..”How can you own so many shoes!?” (He currently has two pair). I love footwear and I love storing them in their original boxes. I just sorted through these boxes yesterday and have a few sitting on the fence at the moment. They give me blisters, so I’m not sure why I’m hanging on to them, other than the fact they are super cute. I’ve got a pair in a shoe stretcher at the moment for a last-ditch effort to keep them!

My closet is not perfect or “Pinterest worthy”, but it’s organized enough and makes me happy!

How are you feeling about your closet these days?

Junior is my little helper today. (He might be at his absolute peak of cuteness right now at 6 months old). Like any true accountant, I’m taking part in my own little version of an inventory count. I recently started sorting through my fall clothes. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not wishing summer away! I just want to have a good handle on what I currently own and what pieces I might be looking to add to my wardrobe when the cold weather hits. I think it’s wise to head into a new season with a solid list of what you own and a plan/budget for items on your wish list. When the new fall styles hit the stores, it will be easier to resist temptation and shop intentionally. ⁣
⁣
What I’ve determined is that I’m in very good shape!! I’m looking for two things in particular. I want to add a navy leather belt to my stash of accessories. I’m also looking to replace my black cashmere turtleneck as it’s looking really tired. I’m a big fan of the Oscar style by Equipment, but sadly they discontinued it!!!! After reading a wonderful blog post by @themomedit titled “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳: 𝘌𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘳…” I’m convinced I need to source another Oscar style on the second-hand market (at a discounted price). If you are in the market for a black turtleneck yourself, I suggest you find her post dated February 6, 2020. It’s so thorough and helpful and is exactly the kind of analysis the accountant in me LOVES! ⁣
⁣
What’s on your wish list for the upcoming season? Have you started your own inventory count or am I the only one?

 I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone out there who has purchased one of my books over the past year. As a self-published author, I appreciate you taking a chance on me! I hope my voice as an "everyday woman" feels relatable and realistic. We are all different, but in many ways we are the same; sharing in similar struggles and experiences.⁣
⁣
I also wanted to send a big hug to everyone who has take the time to leave a review for my books. I read each and every one of them, and I appreciate many of the kind words. I realize it takes extra effort to leave these reviews, so thank you for helping me out! ⁣
⁣
My new book will be coming out in the next month or so, I'm really excited to share it with all of you!⁣
⁣
Happy Wednesday 💖

It’s pouring rain here today! I cozied myself up this morning and listened to a really great, though-provoking podcast by @consciouschatter that I need to recommend!! It features an interview with @msbeltempo (I’m such a big fan of Alyssa!)⁣
⁣
I loved the discussion around creativity over consumption. It’s a concept I’ve had on my mind lately, as I have been applying it to my writing. Lately I’ve been inspired to create (write) instead of read/scroll (consume). I often flip between create and consume, depending on my mood and mindset.⁣
⁣
Alyssa explains how to apply creativity over consumption to your closet. I just love all her tips! She is the master of shopping your closet. It’s about being creative, looking for new options, changing how you view your closet, and appreciating what you have instead of pining for the next shiny thing on the market. ⁣
⁣
The discussions tie in nicely with a few chapters on my book, 𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘦. In particular, chapters 7, 8, 9 focus on these concepts. 𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘚𝘢𝘷𝘷𝘺 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘳, 𝘈𝘥𝘰𝘱𝘵 𝘢 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘸-𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘴. Alyssa has inspired me a lot over the last couple of years, and has definitely impacted how I view my closet, as well as the shopping experience.⁣
⁣
I think August is a great time to just sit back and ponder these types of thoughts, because before we know it, “fall fashion” will hit the stores. It’s nice to go into a new season with a plan, budget, proper mindset and a sense of gratitude for what you already own.⁣
⁣
Even if it’s not raining where you are, today is a great day to sit back with a cup of tea and enjoy this podcast. The link is in @consciouschatter ‘s bio! Let me know what you think once you check it out.

A friendly little reminder that "it's not all or nothing"! This of course, does not just apply to chips or chocolate 😜 ⁣
⁣
This is something I have to remind myself regularly. "It's not all or nothing". It doesn't have to be "go big or go home".⁣
⁣
I have a really busy day ahead, and I'm itching to throw myself into a new writing project. Although I'd like to spend the whole day on it, I'll settle for one hour.⁣
⁣
I have a headache, and didn't feel like running and doing weights as I had planned. Instead I did a very short and easy bike ride, and felt much better afterwards.⁣
⁣
The house feels in disarray, but I don't have the time (or desire) to clean it from top to bottom. I'll settle for a quick tidy of my bathroom vanity so I have a neat corner to myself.⁣
⁣
Where do you like to apply "it's not all or nothing" in your day-to-day?⁣
⁣
Happy Tuesday⁣

One of my favorite ways to elevate the atmosphere in my home is to welcome in a bit of nature each day. I picked this little handful of beauty on my run this morning. Wild roses are abundant where I live, and they are one of my favorite flowers. I’m excited that they will be featured on the cover of the new book I’m working on. In fact, I just received all the final artwork today from the talented @flourishellis ⁣
⁣
I love that we live on opposite sides of the world and can come together on a project like this. Yesterday we were sending each other photos of our gardens as we worked on finalizing the designs. It was fun and interesting that we both have the same variety of roses in our backyards! ⁣
⁣
What’s your favorite wildflower?