Four Things with Valentina

Today marks the last post in this little series! I sincerely hope you enjoyed getting to know a few lovely ladies from across the blogosphere. Perhaps you were even able to add a few new items to your own Spring wishlist, I know I have. 

Today's guest blogger is Valentina, who you may recognize from my sidebar this month. This pretty lady is a musican, song-writer, traveler and a great blogger that you should you know. You can find her on her blog and on Facebook. When I asked Valentina to tell us a little bit about herself, this is what she had to say:

I'm Valentina Duracinsky. I write songs. I play instruments. I'm sarcastic. A bit crazy. I wish I was Irish. I travel. It's all good.

These are the four items on her Spring wish list:

1 // One thing I want is an accordion.

2 // One thing I need is to sign a deal with an independent record label.

3 // One thing to wear would be this Leah Goren cat dress.

4 // One thing to read would be Tales of the Jazz Age by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

So tell me, can you play any instruments? Which ones? I've always wished for musical talent but it has always escaped me. I tried the flute in elementary school with no success, and then picked up the guitar for a few  years in high school.

Four Things with Hannah

You might recognize today's guest blogger, Hannah, from the giveaway that I recently hosted. Hannah is an alumni of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Though now a graduate, Hannah still lives in Greensboro where she works as a marketing assistant by day. At night, Hannah is an artist and blogger. Her blog is full of inspiration and stories of her cat, Einstein. You can find out more at Hannah's blog, Thirsty World Designs. 

When I asked Hannah to share her four things for Spring, these items made her list: 

1 // One thing I want is this organic mint lip balm. Yum!

2 // One thing I need is Lavendar Sage Tea from Teavana.

3 // One thing to wear would be a long maxi skirt, like this gray one from Nordstrom.

4 // One thing to read would be Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park.

So tell me, are you planning to wear maxi skirts this Spring and Summer? I'm looking for the perfect cotton or jersey black maxi skirt. Any suggestions?

Four Things with Megan

Today's post is coming from a new blog friend, Megan, who writes at Semi-Charmed Kind of Life - a blog that appeals to my book-reading, travel-loving heart. I stumbled upon Megan's blog while looking for New Mexican bloggers through the Better Blogger Network and immediately fell in love. My favorite thing about Megan is that, like us, she is a bit nomadic! She's lived in the south, the Midwest, the Southwest and on both the East and West Coasts. On top of that, she is always traveling for her job as a leadership consultant for her sorority, a job which entails visiting universities across the U.S. and Canada to work with the sorority's collegiate chapters. Are you jealous yet?

You can find out more about Megan and her adventures here.

When I asked Megan if she would participate in this series, she was not only happy to play along but even made her own fantastic collage. These are the items that made her Spring wishlist:

One thing I want is a new bracelet from Alex & Ani. Since I started traveling on the east coast, all I want to buy is Alex & Ani bangles! I already have the "M" and Alpha Delta Pi bangles, but I'd love to add this Claddagh bracelet or four-leaf clover to my arm.

One thing I need is a new bag! I'm currently planning a six-week backpacking trip in Europe for this summer, and I really need a decent-sized crossbody bag to carry my wallet, Kindle, some snacks and a notebook during our long walking days.

One thing to wear would be this skirt from Francesca's. Currently, I travel with a few pencil skirts, and though I do love them, I really want to build up my wardrobe with some flowy, more comfortable skirts to wear as the weather improves. This chiffon skirt would be a great addition to my suitcase!

One thing to read would be The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. It was so hard to pick just one book to read this spring, but The Fault in Our Stars is definitely at the top of my list. I have heard nothing but good things about this novel.

So tell me, would you love or hate a job with lots of travel? I am definitely jealous of Megan's unique and seemingly adventurous job! I would love to see the country, and even the world, through work but only if I didn't have to leave Trevor and Buddy behind. A girl can dream, I suppose.

Four Things with Marisa

Today's post comes from a long-time friend and one of my favorite bloggers, Marisa. I've written a guest post or two for her and I'm so glad to get to feature her here on Live Beautifully! If you didn't already know, Marisa is a food blogger at The College Cuisiner. Our whole lives, she has been quite the cook - I owe my love of chinese food, Edy's Strawberry Fruit Bars, and perhaps my whole passion for the culinary world to this girl. I was basically dying over her wish list because she has the best taste, and not just in food. When I asked Marisa to play along with this little series, this is what she said: 

This isn't my first collaboration with Jenn. In fact, she was fantastic when I was away from my blog in July of 2012. Jenn will be the first to tell you how i introduced her to some of her favorite food items but Jenn has helped me with just as much! Her contributions to me over the years include some seriously good looking Xanga profiles and personal gifts. She's so thoughtful as you can tell from this week's guest posts!

My four things include some practical things that I need/love but also some fun things for a beautiful, bright Spring!

Here's what made the list:

1 // One thing I want is this Kitchen Aid mixer in Tangerine for all of my baking needs. It is even has a pasta-maker attachment! Totally practical and already on my bridal registry. I love the bright color, because it is just more fun to use!

2 // One thing I need is a new heavy-duty performance camera like this Canon T3 12.2MP Digital SLR with Double Zoom Lens Kit. I’ve had my eye on a new camera for a long time for better in depth recipe-shooting. But it is more likely someone will buy me that mixer first!

3 // One thing to wear is this popover from J. Crew! I know, how revolutionary, white for Spring. But, hey, it’s all over the Spring 2013 runways, and nothing looks more crisp and fashion forward than a popover like this color-flecked one from J.Crew with a white or navy pencil skirt. I love this look for my Bridal Shower coming up in May—classy, but still modern.

4 // One thing to read is A Good Year by Peter Mayle. One of my favorite novels, it takes place in France with an English lead character. So of course I love it! A very good movie adaption was made a few years back with Russell Crow but I love this book whenever I want to take a vacation to the French countryside without paying for the plane ticket! Warning: This book makes you hungry and want to drink French wine.

So tell me, what color Kitchen Aid mixer is on your wish list? Or do you already have one in a fun color? I love this tangerine one! I keep telling Trevor that we simply have to get married so someone will buy it for me! Trevor being the logical one points out that buying a mixer for myself would be a lot cheaper than a wedding. Oh, my sensible other half.

Four Things with Maren

Though we are on our way to New Mexico as you read this, I couldn't help but to ask another Montana blogger I admire, Maren, to join this little series. Here's what she had to share: 

To be happy in life, it is thought that people should work to live and not live to work. But I feel lucky that I not only live a full life, but also love my job. My blog bureaucrachic showcases how I get through the 9-5 office life of my first full-time professional job, while also providing a glimpse of small-town living in Montana after spending nearly a decade in Seattle and Portland. I have a masters degree in urban and regional planning, and am proud to work for the State of Montana helping to protect and conserve our natural, cultural, and recreational resources. I'm a big outdoors advocate, but also have an insatiable shoe obsession that has developed into a healthy fashion interest. One of my goals in the office and in life is to be respected for my sense of style and for an even stronger work ethic. That balance is my happy place. And to get me there, here a four things that are on my mind lately:

1 // One thing I want is a great investment leather skirt. I love the look of leather, but it's not very work-appropriate as leather pants. I can get away with a leather jacket to and from the office, but a soft and luscious leather skirt like this one from Temperley London would strike the perfect balance to achieving the sleek and edgy leather look while keeping it feminine and chic.

2 // One thing I need is a Google Nexus. We currently don't have a great office set-up in our house, as we are still settling in from purchasing it in September. A Google Nexus would provide more freedom and comfort for web browsing, and allow me to update my blog on-the-go. I was up in Whitefish for work last week, and wanted to post outfits as I was there. A Nexus would be the perfect companion for travel posts! I am digging the Nexus 7 for its compact size and big function.

3 // One thing to wear is anything mint this season! I love this color, and am finding it to be a major weak spot in my shopping budget. A lovely pair of mint flats like these from Ivanka Trump (who knew?!) would be heaven.

4 // One thing to read is Wild by Cheryl Strayed. I am about halfway through the book right now, and it's hard not to want to pack up my backpack and hit the trail! I'm looking forward to getting out this summer and exploring more of Montana.

So tell me, what is your Spring "it" color? Like Maren, I have a major crush on mint this season! I'm also loving emerald green, after all, it is Pantone's color of the year.

Four Things with Jackie Jade

Today's post comes from a fairly-new-to me but great blog, Jackie Jade. As I get ready to decorate a house of my own, I have been so inspired my Jackie's House Tour and decor tips! I also can't help but adore the fact that Jackie is also from Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh to be exact. When I asked her to contribute to this little series, this is what she said: 

I'm excited to be guest blogging for Jennifer while she is busy with her big move. I love the idea of doing a quick little spring wishlist of 4 things. I hope you'll come visit my blog, Jackie Jade, where I blog about decorating/updating a house from the 1940s, talk about my life (including some wedding planning soon) and post a ton of photos of my sweet little pugs.

1 // One thing I really want is a better camera. I have read good things about the Canon Rebel SLR. I've been saving up my money and can hopefully buy it soon.

2 // One thing I need is a pair of new pumps. I haven't bought any new pumps or work shoes in probably over a year. These are affordable and would be a great addition to my shoe collection.

3 // One thing to wear would be this necklace - I probably don't need a fancy necklace, but I would love to wear one of the big sparkly necklaces from J. Crew - amazing!

4 // One thing to read would be Blog Inc. I won a copy of this book from a recent blog giveaway. I can't wait to get it and read up on how to improve my blog.


Hope you enjoyed reading my 4 things and please stop by my blog and say hello!

So tell me, what is your favorite resource for blogging advice? A forum? A blog? A book? I'd love to do some of my own learning!

Four Things with Sabrina

Today's post comes from cattails & cardigans, a fun lifestyle blog written by Sabrina, a 20 year old Illinois native. Sabrina and I get along perfectly because she's also a lover of crafts, photography, and sweet tea. Just this week, Sabrina started a powerful new series on her blog called Paralyzed Diaries where she shares her first hand experiences after being involved in a serious car accident that broke her back and damaged her spinal cord. While I love Sabrina's blog for so many reasons, I can't help but admire her badass can-do attitude despite the challenges she's faced. I'm so excited to share her Four Things on my blog today and I hope you take the time to check her out.

These are four things that Sabrina is craving this Spring:

1 // One thing I want would be this awesome shirt. I really really would like to have it, after all, I love my cat so much and this shirt fits me perfectly.

2 // One thing I need is more bubble baths in my life.  I haven't had a bubble bath in months, way before my car wreck. I know I would enjoy it.

3 // One thing to wear would be a new pair of TOMS.  I want these floral ones so badly. I have one pair of TOMS that I wear on the regular but they got all tore up in my car wreck, so I need to replace them.

4 // One thing to read would be Fifty Shades of Grey. I've never been a reader, but honestly, I want to give it a try. What do you guys think about it?

So tell me, have you read Fifty Shades of Grey? I read a chapter of it it over the shoulder of middle-aged woman in the middle of a flight once. Not my writing style but I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Four Things with Jessica

Today I'm excited to share with you another aspiring photographer, Jessica from Little Maple Leaf. While we've gotten the chance to talk photography, my "amen sista" moment was after our discussion on the outrageous fashion competition that we call the gym.  Jess is funny, passionate, resourceful, and I just adore her blog. When I asked her to contribute to this little series, this is what she said:

Hello, Live Beautifully readers! My name is Jessica and I blog over at Little Maple Leaf :) I take photos of nature, people, objects, food, my cat... anything that interests me at the time. The goal one day is to become professional enough to earn a living.

Picture taking aside, Jen asked me to contribute some things that I want, need, wear & read. As soon as she asked I couldn't wait to start coming up with things to share with all of you! Hope you enjoy:

1 // One thing I want is a new camera. I swoon over a beautiful DSLR camera and a macro lens (also wide angle & portrait)! As soon as I can buy myself one of these babies, it will be the next step in my photography career. Right now, I use a high quality Nikon point & shoot with manual settings. I always underestimate the power of this camera because it's not a "DSLR" but in all reality, it allows me to work that much harder to capture a gorgeous photo (because it's a lot harder to use the manual settings). So for now while I'm just starting out, this camera is perfect for me. Still doesn't mean I don't want a better one though, ha!

2 // One thing I need is a vacation!!!!  Hawaii would be beautiful, but at this point anywhere will do! New York City, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Dominican, Jamaica, a trip to the lake... Gosh. I just really need a vacation. I have a serious case of cabin fever. It's worse because I live in a basement. Figures.

3 // One thing to wear would be new work out clothes! Every time I go on the Victoria's Secret VSX Sport section on their website, I die a little. Their fitness clothing is so gorgeous and would allow me to look (keyword: look) like I totally mean business at the gym. In all seriousness, I've recently been super into fitness & exercise and this outfit would be perfect for a run outside (when it's warmer) or on the treadmill. All my workout clothes are from when I hated moving in general and barely ever went but now I go 3-4 times a week so I actually need better gear. Hmm, maybe this should be in the need section? We'll go with it.

3 // One thing to read would be Eat, Pray, Love. I'd be lying if I said this section was easy. I LOOOOOOVE to read. So when I saw this question, what was I to do? How could I pick just one book? I die over Harry Potter (typical), I'm loving the Game of Thrones series (inappropriate), and I also enjoy me some Something Borrowed & Something Blue (chick-lit). I wanted to pick something that was meaningful! So folks, I give you Eat, Pray Love. I'm sure most of you have read it, and if you have, let's talk. If you haven't read it, please, please, PUH-LEEEEASE, pick it up! Especially if you're looking to lighten up your life, find more happiness, get in touch with your spirituality, or swoon over a tall dark & handsome man.. this is SOOO your book. It actually took me so long to finish but that was because I tended to only pick it up when I was feeling sad or down. It always lifted my spirits and made me approach life so differently. I'm not lying when I say this book seriously changed my world for the better.

So tell me, do you see girls in crazy put together outfits at the gym, too? Where is your favorite place to buy new workout gear? I'm all for working out but can't help but feel out of place when a group of girls walks in wearing coordinating sneakers, leggings and a printed top.

Four Things with Me

You know I couldn't skip out on a chance for online window shopping, right? And, with warm sunny weather in Montana, I can't stop thinking about Spring making this the perfect little exercise.

What do you think of this fun little mini-series so far? Do you enjoy finding new blogs through posts like this? Have you found some new wish list items of your own? There are quite a few more lists to share but I'm hoping to all stop in with photos, moving updates, and of course, this week's [52] post.

That being said, here's what I'm wishing for:

1 // One thing I want are these turquoise and wooden veneer sunglasses from Tumbleweeds. They're definitely out of my price range but I can't stop thinking about them! Besides, I figure in a sunny place like New Mexico, I'm going to need a pair!

2 // One thing I need, as I've mentioned countless times already, is new bedding! I can't seem to make up my mind about colors, patterns, or styles. I want to wait until I've seen the new house to decide but maybe I'll bring our bedding choice up for your vote. Have you seen the app, Seesaw? It seems great for someone as indecisive as me!

3 // One thing to wear? These funky new patterned leggings from Victoria Secret are at the top of my list. We all know that I never wear real pants and these would be a fun change from my usual black leggings (despite their price).

4 // One thing to read is Paper Towns by John Green. Though rated as a "young adult" novel, I've heard great things about all of Green's books and think this will be the next book I purchase. Right now, I have Green's first novel Looking for Alaska on hold for my Kindle.

So tell me, do you still read Young Adult novels? Have you read any of John Green's books? Have any great book suggestions for our long road trip?

Four Things with Liatra

The second post in this series comes from another hometown friend, Liatra, who you might remember from this guest post she did as part of my "Making Time" series. 

Liatra describes herself as many things - an aspiring illustrator, a music snob, a pop culture junkie, a bookworm, a trinket enthusiastic, a lover of arts and perhaps my favorite, "a professional weirdo." You can find Liatra on her blog, Star Girl, or on Instagram as liatrasage. 

With Spring sneaking up on us, these are the four things that made Liatra's list..

1 // One thing I want are these great Kate Spade Garden Estate Studs.

2 // One thing I need are more carefree days like yesterday. My boyfriend Jake and I went to Baltimore for the day and although it was short, it was so sweet. Months of school, working two jobs, and fighting sickness can wear you down. I would like to make more of my days as spontaneous and fun as yesterday. The photo shown is from the American Visionary Art Museum - a great place to visit if you're in Baltimore.

3 // One thing to wear are these Rachel Antonoff for Bass New Orleans Attitude Shoe in perfect Spring colors!

4 // One thing to read is The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. I read this probably three years ago and remember absolutely loving it and have been meaning to get around to rereading it soon.

So tell me, what is your favorite way to spend a Spring day? Any nearby cities you like to visit? A favorite museum?

Four Things with Sarie

The first post in this series comes from an elementary school friend (yes, really) who recently started her own blog, #PinnersProblems. Sarie is a Public Relations major at Bloomsburg University and is getting ready to graduate in May! Soon afterwards, she will be making a new life for herself in Austin, TX - a place on my travel bucket list. Other than being from the same hometown, we also share our loves for chai tea, DIY projects, crafts and Pinterest. If you want to know more about Sarie, check out her blog which is full of laughs. When I asked Sarie to contribute, this is what she said: 

Jen and I go way back and I was thrilled when she asked me post for her while she is busy moving her life halfway across the country, again! I am just getting started with my blog, #PinnersProblems and she has been my fairy blog mother! She designed all of the HTML and has been a huge help as I get started. Needless to say, she is outstanding!

As spring slowly starts to creep its way into the barren terrain of Northeastern PA, I am thinking of all the spring goodies I have been eyeing up.

1 // One thing I want is a keyboard for my iPad! Typing quick write ups isn't a problem but anything in depth can be a pain in the butt for my poor little thumbs!

2 // One thing I NEED is a graduation dress. The bittersweet and terrifying day of graduation is slowly creeping up and I need a dress. Preferably one in a red/burgundy color since the pastel colors of the spring lines look awful against my pale skin, or perhaps I will settle for a cream lace dress. This is the only one I don’t hate so far. 

3 // One thing to wear, something I wear almost year round, are TOMS. Not only is the mission of TOMS amazing... have you seen their wedges?! They don’t look all that when you see them online. However, I saw them in person last summer and they are all I want in the world. If they are as comfortable as their classics’ I’m getting these in every color.

4 // One thing to read is Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson. If you want a laugh out loud funny book, look no further. This had me laughing out loud in the middle of classes and waking my roommate up in the middle of the night from laughing so hard. Seriously, you will not be disappointed.

So tell me, are you a fan of TOMS? I've wanted a pair for years but have never gotten them! They're definitely on my spring wish list, if only I can decide on a style and color.

Four Things [a mini-series]

As I mentioned on Sunday, I managed to catch what I was then calling "a bug". Since then, it's progressed from the flu to the plague - an unrelenting week of symptoms ranging from my throat, to my head, to my stomach. Needless to say, I haven't gotten anything done - not a single box packed, not a single load of laundry done, not a single blog post written.

Unfortunately, I'm not feeling much better and normally that would mean some additional quiet days here.  Instead of abandoning my blog for the next two weeks, though, I've got some great friends standing in while I'm busy recovering, packing, and moving. Over the next two weeks or so, various women from across the blogosphere will be here to introduce themselves and tell you a little bit about their spring wishlist.

You may be familiar with the little rhyme of "one thing they want, one thing they need, one thing to wear, one thing to wear" as a clever Christmas gifting strategy for parents burnt out on useless toys and gadgets. That being said, while it's still snowy at times in Montana, we're far from Christmas and so we've adapted the clever rhyme to springtime. (Truth is, I hope to do this little mini-series for every season!)

I hope to also stop in with my own wish list and I'd love for you to do the same! I'm still eagerly accepting contributions for the series. If you are interested, please send me an e-mail at jrl5363[at]gmail[dot]com for more information. I'd love to have you. 

Making Time | To Be Creative

The Making Time series began last week with a post about making time for yourself. This is a weekly series dedicated to time management. As a busy college student, I've had to learn a few things about this subject, the hard way. With the busy holiday season approaching, the daily balancing act is about to get even more difficult and so I asked a few friends to share their advice on managing a busy schedule.

This week's post is brought to you by a school friend of mine, Liatra, and focuses on staying creative and motivated. If you're looking for some motivation of your own, check out Liatra's blog or instagram feed! (Her artwork is drool worthy, people.)

As a working college student with many activities to juggle and events always happening, staying creative and working to consistently improve my art isn’t always at the top of my to do list. But as anyone even just sort of interested in art will tell you, it is very, very important to always strive to improve your skill and stay motivated. I, for one, have found that I even become more vulnerable to becoming depressed or moody whenever I’m not working on a project of any sort!

First things first, music is one of the main factors in my sanity. Some days I find myself halfway through the day without listening to any music yet due to business, phone calls, etc. But if you want to be in the best mood possible, you have got to listen to some good jams. (Can I add an "amen sista" in here..?) We also alter our state by the selection of artist, so keep that in mind if you’re looking to accomplish a large task.. For instance, trying to finish that essay while listening to Bon Iver is NOT going to fly.

Environment is everything. It also helps me to concentrate on tasks by giving myself a reward system. For example, go to your work shift and then you get to come home and practice embroidery, or do two hours worth of homework and then you get to finish that illustration! Time intervals (along with coffee and chocolate) are the best self-bribery systems available.

Being creative is sometimes challenging when you’re having a dry spell on ideas. I, for one, have a few specific things that always keep my thinking fresh and innovative - holidays, birthdays, blogs, and current events. Halloween consumed all of my creative thoughts throughout October and now I’m already coming up with ideas for December - including throwing a ‘Reindeer Rapture’ on December 21st. (I should totally copyright that. -- yes you should. I'm already convincing Trevor to let me throw my own!)

If you’re someone who wants to be creative or craft but has no idea where to start, don’t feel bad by going off of other people’s ideas! People publish blogs with the intent of spreading their ideas and projects, not to make you feel inferior for not thinking up that marshmallow reindeer pop yourself. We’re all in this together, and I certainly would have been lost this Halloween without Martha Stewart’s annual Halloween publication. The lady is a domesticated genius. Rookiemag.com and designsponge.com are also two of my favorite places to go when I’m feeling artistically uninspired. The ladies that run those websites are extraordinary and know their way around the craft store and kitchen.

Besides holidays, I usually draw influence from some of my favorite books and movies to base projects off of. I’ve been very into making collages and trying to learn embroidery lately, and every time I see a good movie I think to myself, “that quote is totally going into my next project.”

So always draw inspiration from your surroundings and never limit yourself to one media to work in. My favorite form of art has morphed from graphite, to ink, to 3D works, to needlepoint and back again. Learning multiple forms of art is also important to expand your artistic vocabulary and appreciation. I NEVER thought much of embroidery until I started myself, and now I have the upmost respect for any lady brave enough to pick up a needle.

Another thing I always try to do is create little nothing presents for friends and family. Care packages are the cutest things in the world, and lift your spirits as well as the recipients. A handwritten letter with personalized illustrations also goes a long way!

All in all, creativity is a choice and requires dedication to always be producing your best work. Switching things up never hurts anyone and allows yourself to develop more than you ever thought possible. (Me, enjoying watercolors? Never. Until I gave them a try and now we’re BFF status.) Always keep an open mind, never get discouraged over that portrait you’ve been trying to finish for over a year, and never stop exploring. (And make sure you check the Sunday newspaper for Michael’s coupons. So worthwhile.)

A lot of this advice was exactly what I needed to hear! With a busy schedule, I sometimes even struggle finding content to blog about. Staying creative can be difficult but Liatra's advice provides a lot of tips and tricks for continuing to work on your art.

Do you enjoy painting? Embroidery? Drawing? Photography? Do you find more inspiration during the changing autumn months or near the holidays?
Personally, I can't wait to start crafting for Christmas but, that kind of inspiration doesn't last all year for me. Rather than being a "spring cleaner", I've noticed that most of my motivation for decorating our home and designing new art for it comes during the start of fall. Hopefully we'll see  here again to share some of her other work!

Making Time | For Yourself

As a student paying my own way through college, I've been forced to learn a thing or two about time management. It's always a struggle to balance work, classes, homework, activities, and time for friends & family. Even with a busy schedule though, I have found that I must always make time for certain things - things like eating well, exercising, and relaxing. Though I've learned a few things that work well for me, I know that my advice might not work for everyone and so, over the next few weeks, on Saturdays, I will be hosting a series called "Making Time". With holiday season approaching (quickly!), balancing a busy schedule is bound to become even more difficult and so, I thought now would be the perfect time for a few friends of mine to tell you about their own balancing acts. If you have a topic that you think would fit into the series, please let me know - I'd love to feature your contributions! 

This week's post is all about making time for yourself - perhaps the topic that I struggle with most! 

[clock via urban outfitters]

Hello sweet Live Beautifully readers! I’m Sam from Samantha J. Bird and I’m so happy Jen asked me to guest post for her (it’s my first time). I’m going to talk about how I make time for ‘me time’ - those little moments where I get to be with myself and recharge. Most people benefit from spending some time alone or at the very least doing something that is just for ourselves rather than considering what others may want to do. It’s so important that I was actually ‘prescribed’ it by a therapist earlier this year as a way of managing anxiety and depression. It’s been incredibly helpful for treating those issues and it helps keep me in a good place mentally and emotionally. Time for ourselves can give us a sense of calm, relaxation, joy, bliss. It can help us to feel cared for, pampered and lucky, among other things. These positive effects are ones that we could all do with and are worth making time for. I can be pretty busy though, so finding time to fit in this me-time can be challenging. Today I’m going to share what I do, in four steps, and I hope it can be useful for you, too!


Firstly, letting go of any guilt you might have over taking time for yourself is really important. I don’t know about you, but I get terribly influenced by things I think I have to or should be doing, like studying, housework or doing things for others. Those activities seem to have found their way to the top of my priority list and me-time can seem like a ‘waste’. That’s ridiculous though, because if we don’t look after ourselves then we can get burned out (see: me, earlier this year). If that happens, it becomes really difficult to do anything at all, for ourselves or others. When guilt and worrying about other tasks are present during me-time, you can be sure they will put a downer on the whole experience. So, kiss your guilt goodbye. Or kick it in the pants, whatever works for you!


Secondly, work out what me-time looks like for you. What activities would you like to do? Very occasionally, when my bank account permits, I like to get a 30 minute massage or my nails done (especially the latter because I absolutely hate doing my own). If I don’t have much money to play with but want to get out of the house, I like window shopping with a giant cup of something delicious. Other favourite things include reading, practising relaxation techniques, watching a favourite show snuggled in bed and sometimes just sitting doing absolutely nothing at all. The possibilities are endless, really, as long as whatever you are doing - or not doing as the case may be - is something you find enjoyment in and doesn’t really involve other people. The point is to be with yourself and focus on what you want in those moments, but if you have a friend gabbing to you then you will probably get distracted. Another thing I find really nice sometimes is to make the activity a really special one, like those massages, because it feels a lot less ordinary and that can amplify the positive effects of me-time.


Thirdly, work out how long your activity will take. I let whatever I want to do dictate how long me-time is going to take. So, for a 30-minute massage, it’s about 30 minutes; reading might be an hour. I try to fit me-time in every day, but most of the time the activities are really basic like drinking a cup of tea while catching up on blogs for 20 minutes, or blogging. If you have a really busy schedule then you might like to aim for 1-2 times a week instead, or do something daily that doesn’t take lots of time, like a 10-15 minute meditation. If you won’t being engaging in me-time as often (say, a couple of times a month), then take longer. If you need to, set a timer or an alarm to remind yourself when the time it up and you need to get back to ‘reality’. It’s really easy for 20 minutes of blog reading to turn into 3 hours of Pinterest which isn’t very helpful for my to-do list!


Finally, figure out when you’re going to be having time to yourself. The key here is that you have to the make time. I have to consciously decide that I’m going to have some me-time and then find a way to make that time available, like I would when hanging out with a friend. Other activities might need to be sacrificed or cut short. I’m not a very strict schedule person and prefer to have general windows of time when I tend to do certain things, but which can be easily shuffled around if necessary. I often find myself with unexpected plans or things to do, so flexibility is key. I schedule all my classes, appointments and regular things I have to do in my Google calendar and everything else goes on to-do lists. That way I know what I have to do on any given day and I can create a mental outline of how much time I’ll need for each item. The most useful thing for me is to schedule in me-time like I do with appointments and classes - it becomes more of a non-negotiable activity. Then, I prioritise the to-do list items from most to least important. If I end up cutting a least-important task some days then it’s not the end of the world.


So, there you have it, my four-step guide to creating time for myself. I hope it helps you to see how you might be able to fit time for yourself into your busy life. I would absolutely love to hear about any other ideas you might have, too. I am by no means an expert at fitting in time for myself, so tips are always welcome! xo

Thank you Sam for taking the time to share your advice with my readers! 
Like Sam, I find that using a calendar and lists to record all of my activities and to-do's helps me to stay on task. This way, I can get all of the things I need done so that I can have some much needed time for myself.

How do you find time for yourself? What are your favorite activities that make up "me-time"? 
For my busy week days, "me-time" usually consists of staying snuggled in bed for an extra fifteen minutes in the morning. I use the time to check my e-mail, catch up on my favorite blogs and if I'm lucky, to snuggle my boys.