"Today I Don't Feel Like Doing Anything..."

 (click for source)

"...I just wanna lay in my bed...Don't feel like picking up my phone, so leave a message at the tone...'Cause today I swear I'm not doing anything...Nothing at all..." 

I think the above song by Bruno Mars (aptly titled "The Lazy Song") became so popular because it's exactly what we feel like doing sometimes:  Absolutely nothing!  Just stay in our PJ's all day, watch bad television, order take-out, peruse the Internet for hours, then fall asleep in a blissful, lazy haze.

Now, we do need those days from time to time - especially in our busy lives.  However, when those days become habitual, you can feel like you're stuck in a monotonous, never-ending rut.  Here's a few ways that I try to snap myself out of it:

Reverse the order of AM rituals:  Everyone has their own routine in the morning.  I usually brush my teeth, eat breakfast, and then start getting ready for the day.  Now, I find that I'm much more motivated by taking a shower and getting ready first, followed by breakfast.  Mixing up your routine just adds some variety to an otherwise mundane schedule. Bonus Tip:  Try to wake up as early as possible - you'll get so much more from the day!   This is a real challenge for me when I'm off from work, but I do find that gradually pushing my alarm clock's time back by an hour helps in rising a bit earlier than usual without feeling like I've been jolted out of bed.

Turn OFF the computer and/or television:  A bit ironic, I know, but the age of the Internet has imprisoned us - and we do it to ourselves.  Nowadays, we don't have to leave our homes for groceries, entertainment, or even sending mail. Powering down your computer will help you realize that there is life beyond cyberspace.  It may help to time yourself and/or keeping your laptop/computer out of your bedroom.  Ditto for television. Bonus Tip:  Notice - "power down" NOT "log off."  Turning your computer completely off will avoid  getting back on again.  Television a problem?  Put the remote somewhere other than next to the bed or couch after turning off to prevent any temptation.

Get up and get out:  Taking a brisk walk can definitely help in clearing your mind (and is great exercise to boot...)  If you don't feel like walking, bring along a book, some music or your favorite hobby. Being surrounded by nature and people can do wonders. Bonus Tip:  Invite someone.  Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers.  Bring a blanket and lie under a tree.

Enroll in a class:  Aerobics, yoga, art, dance, cooking...you name it, there's a class for it.  Signing up for one that meets weekly is a good start.  Bonus Tip:  Joining with a loved one (friend, family member, significant other) can help in keeping you motivated.

Clean:  This may seem counter-intuitive because the point here is to get out, however, I truly believe that an organized space = organized mind.  Trust me when I say that when my surroundings are messy, my life is usually out of wack.  Make afternoon/evening plans to prevent any dawdling.  Bonus Tip:  Try putting on happy tunes instead of the television to avoid distractions. 

Contact someone:  Forget e-mail, text, or instant messaging - call someone that you trust to hash it out (meet in person if you can...) Chances are that you have more on your mind that you originally thought.  Bonus Tip:  Please note that I'm no psychologist or medical professional of any kind.  If you are stuck in a rut for more than a day or two, it might be more than just exhaustion or a small case of the blues.  Serious emotional issues can be helped.  Talk to a professional if you truly feel like you're losing control of your emotions and it's negatively impacting your life.

What I DON'T do:  Shop, head to a local restaurant/bar (just temporary fixes), read self-help books or magazine articles (you'll constantly be in your head, long after you're done reading),   update a facebook/twitter status (you will dwell on it all day - especially if people comment!), watch movies (staying inside for hours on end is a definite no-no)...basically anything that will keep me down 'n out!

Whatever the reason, getting unstuck can be a pretty difficult task.  In my experience, keeping yourself busy on a regular basis can help prevent getting into a consistent rut.  On the flip side, remember to take time out when life seems a bit overwhelming...just be sure to find the right solution for your own happiness.

xoxo andrea

Incredibly Rad 80's Trends: Then and Now

In case you haven't noticed, the 80's are back!  The fashion bravery (Madonna's rubber bracelets?  MJ's red leather jacket?  Boy George's black bowler hat?  You can't get more courageous!),  fun music, and its overall creativity are definitely just a few reasons why it is my favorite decade by far!

Now, I'm no fashion expert, but here are a few trends (in my humble opinion) that have reincarnated into improved versions of their former selves.  They might be on their way out, but I loved them all nonetheless... *(Click on images for sources...)

1.   Neon (Then):

  
Neon  (Now):

Wear it!  Brights are in, in, in!   Adding one piece of color is seemingly just right for the millennium.

2.    Makeup (Then):

       Makeup (Now):

Wear it!  Oh, I love Joan Cusack in Working Girl, but how (and why) did she match her makeup with her earrings?  Haha!  Nowadays, bright lips = neutral/subtle eyes and vice versa.  (By the way, I love the bright red/hot pink lip trend!)

3.  Hair (Then):

     Hair (Now): 

Wear it!  I adore Madonna in the 80's if only because for the fact that she paired a bright red lip with super high hair!  Today, it seems as though a pop of color is definitely the way to go.  I'm in love with the ombre style, as seen on Drew Barrymore, above.

4.  Jewelry (Then):

     Jewelry (Now):

Wear it!  Numerous chunky, plastic and rubber bracelets on one's arm in the 80's have been replaced with....numerous chunky, plastic, rubber, gold, silver, sparkley bracelets (AKA an "arm party" - I kid you not!) Personally, I don't want this one to go away.  Costume or real, you can always count on jewelry to add personality to any outfit...

5.  Footwear (Then): 

     Footwear (Now):

Wear it!   I have to admit, when I saw a pair of jellies a few years ago, I grabbed them - just because they reminded me of how much I lived in mine back in the mid-80's!  Gladiators, flats, Converse and even socks with sandals have all made their way back on to our feet - this time, with way more height and again, color!

In conclusion...

Every decade seems to recycle itself some way or another.   I'm 33, and I've seen flapper trends of the 20's all the way to today's revamping of color blocking from the 90's.  The important thing is to HAVE FUN with fashion, be comfortable with yourself and love the body you're in.  Remember:  No matter what age, race, or size, self-confidence and a great attitude will always, always be in style...

xoxo andrea

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas...

Merry, Merry Christmas! It's about 5:45am and although I wrapped my presents early, I'm wide awake - kind of like I was almost 25 years ago when I was a wee girl of 7!

If you're a fan of the holidays like I am, I'm hoping to take advantage of each every minute of it! Here are a few ways to enjoy what's left of this year's Christmas season:

Have at least one elaborate, sit-down meal. Take time to set the table and arrange your food family style. Orange juice in a wine glass? Tea in a cup with a saucer? Why the heck not?!? The holidays are the perfect excuse to have your meals in style! Enjoy conversation and laughter while you dine. Starting or spending the day solo? Accompany your sit-down meal with a book, newspaper or music. Avoid watching television so you can really take advantage of every second.

Wear comfortable clothes. For me, comfortable equals happy...and it's possible to be fashionable and comfortable simultaneously. Make sure that you wear clothing that doesn't constrict, reveal or requires too much adjusting - especially if you're headed to a gathering. When I find myself in any of these situations, I'm so worried about my outfit that I forget about what's going on around me! Ditto for hair, make-up and shoes - keep 'em simple if you can...

Don't take a ba-zillion photos. Sounds like an oxymoron, right? Taking photos are the only way to preserve memories! Wrong. I'm not saying to forgo photos altogether, but try to focus on a few that would capture key moments. I find that when I'm in charge of the camera, I'm so busy zooming in, finding the right light, focus, etc. that I miss what's really important - the reality of the moment. Rotating camera duties can be helpful, or try passing it on to a family member that doesn't mind missing out on the good stuff!

Play music all day long. My family and I listen to music all day on Christmas - starting at breakfast and ending right before bedtime. Keeping the music light and energetic gives your holiday a personal soundtrack. Set the volume to a normal level so you can still converse, eat, nap, etc. without feeling disturbed.

Laugh. Some people tend to forget this very important step! At a social gathering, team up with someone you know or zero in on the happy crowd. If you're alone this season, call up a friend or relative or watch a funny movie - do something that'll make you feel great!

Take a warm bath before bed. My mom swears that a long, warm bath before bed is the best feeling in the world. And nothing feels better after a hectic holiday shopping season. When the gifts are unwrapped, trash is thrown out, dishes are put away and everyone's in bed, enjoy the solo time - you've made it through another crazy year!

Have a wonderful Christmas!!! =)

xoxo andrea

On Being Fair to Yourself

In all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it suddenly dawned on me that during the mad rush of shopping, wrapping and giving, we forget to be fair to ourselves. I'm not saying to be a complete narcissist here, but to really incorporate some simple ways to remember that special someone...you! Here are a few tips to do just that:

• Don't stress out. The holidays are meant to be fun 'n festive. We tend to lose the joy of it all by getting impatient in long lines, running around like a mad person from store to store, looking for the perfect gift to get that special someone, etc. And if you're like me, you like to put some real thought into it. With exactly 1 shopping week left, it may help to make a list of all of your recipients with possible gift ideas and store locations. Then, group your shopping trips according to distance. Or, shop online! Most online retailers guarantee shipping by Christmas if you order by this weekend...

• Stick to a budget. This is a little tip I got from my mom and bro: Give yourself a spending limit for each person on your list. You may feel a bit restricted, so it might help to include a small window for a little splurge. Believe me, you'll be glad you did once you look at that January bill!

• Be "casual chic" on your holiday shopping adventures. Ok, this may seem really silly, but I truly believe that what you wear on the outside can help bring out your best on the inside. When I go shopping in track pants with haphazard hair and old gym shoes, I feel unhappy, lethargic and just plain out of it. No one's asking you to emulate Beyonce, but try doing your holiday errands in clothing that's comfortable and that you feel good in (there's a real difference!) Wear makeup if that's your thing and try a hairstyle that's practical yet stylish. Feeling great will help in boosting your mood and energy levels!
  

• Buy a little something for you. Gasp! Yourself?!? Yes! Now I don't mean a shopping spree...treat yourself to a great cup of coffee, lunch, a manicure, time with your favorite book or loved one in between your shopping frenzy. It won't kill you to take an hour out of your day and just relax. Also, it definitely helps in re-charging for your next round of activities!
  

• Don't hesitate in giving a homemade gift. If you have a hobby or just enjoy being creative, working on pastimes that inspire you can make perfect gifts. Whether it's a painting, framed photograph, knitted scarf, a sentimental letter on special stationary or a home cooked meal/dessert, not only are you doing something you love, but you are sharing it with someone special. Personally, I love homemade gifts! Nothing is more genuine than knowing that someone spent time thinking of you...

• Schedule a post-New Year's date. Whether it's with a significant other, family, friends, or yourself, make a plan to spend a few hours having fun in the near future...and stick to it! You'll already have something to look forward to in the new year.

I'm usually the type of person to keep going and going until I'm plain ol' exhausted, especially around this time of year. Today I simply asked myself, "Why?!?" This holiday season, I urge you to keep yourself in mind, as well as your loved ones. It's well-deserved! =)

xoxo andrea