Category: Work

Nature-Inspired Creativity: Overcoming Creative Blocks by the Bay

11/3/2023

Feeling less than inspired?
I feel you.
This is how I get stuff done and also why its so important for you to keep creating right now.

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10 Simple Reasons to Start a Blog This Year

1/5/2023

I've been blogging for 10 years now and it has opened so many doors for me!

10 simple reason you should start a blog this year:

Share your knowledge, passion, and experience with the world.
Develop your style and brand as you build your online presence.
Earn income from blogging.
Connect with like-minded people.
Grow an audience of engaged people that want to hear what you have to say.
Reach a wide variety of people across the world.
Become a recognized expert in your field.
Increase traffic to your website, Youtube channel, and social media.
Enhance your SEO ranking and attract new customers by standing out in search engine results.
It will make you a better writer and creator.

Stop putting it off, begin today!

April Apart

4/1/2020

Most of us are at least 6 feet apart...

Hi Travel Family!
I hope everyone is safe and comfortable as we begin April. The sun is shining and its shaping up to be a gorgeous day here in New Mexico. I know isolation can be difficult, but we will make it through April and beyond.

I have been 'nose to the grindstone', so to speak, working, writing and creating through most of the winter. I'm glad its spring, but it seems March just flew by. We have new projects taking off in April and May, (they do not require me to be 'social' other than posting or tweeting) and for that I am truly thankful.

Work for me hasn't changed all that much. Working from home (or a holiday house) has been my gig for close to 15 years now. (I am as amazed as you are, as I write that!) But traveling has changed greatly...well you know. But it won't always be like this and this gives us time to dream up new adventures and study distant lands we want to explore. Maybe April will be a good month to update your travel bucket list? One of my friends in Scotland shared a nice list of places he wanted to visit and I admit to being impressed...I had never even heard of most of these places! Google here we come!

But seriously, I know it's a rough time right now. But we can get through this. You are not alone. We are all in this together and together we make it through.

Take care~

Monday Motivation

1/27/2020

Happy Monday Travel Fam!
It's a cold, rainy Monday in New Mexico. But cheers to that Monday productivity grind! (☕️ And to extra tea!)

As an entrepreneur — I basically work all the time, but when you love what you do, does it really feel like work?⁣ There’s something so satisfying about finishing projects, and seeing happy clients that it doesn't really FEEL LIKE WORK. I feel so blessed to live life on my terms, to set my own schedule and be my own boss. It hasn't always been easy, but I wouldn't trade this adventure for anything!

⁣ I’m so thankful for each of my clients and the opportunity to pursue what I love!

New Year’s Resolutions?

1/20/2019

Another mini used book haul~

Hello ~
So I’m wondering, how do you feel about New Year’s resolutions?
My 2017 resolution was to stop spending so much on printed books and working so much. I actually went on a book buying fast for several months in 2017 and cut way, way back in 2018. It was difficult because I so love books, but it is made easier when I think about having to either ship them or store them when we move again.

And the working so much? Well, I have taken a bit more time off and am back to daily walks, which help me handle the stress a lot better. Just getting away from my desk and out in nature has made a big difference.

Behold the beautiful New Mexico Mountains!

Bring on the veggies!

I also vowed to eat better - which I'm still enjoying. :D

Some resolutions really change your life, others not so much. So for 2019 I am working on buying used books (cheaper and recycling is always a good idea) and also being picky about how many I keep. I'm going to continue eating the clean, veggie rich diet and make more time to travel. I think we may visit Sweden this year as well as some short trips in the US.

So how about you? What are your resolutions and are you keeping them?

How I Destress From Work

11/5/2018

We can't always run away to the ocean, sadly.

Happy Monday!
So how are things?
I am finishing up a nice weekend off. #WIN
I don’t know about you, but lately, I’ve been coming home from work EXHAUSTED!
I promised myself I would stop complaining about how tired I was from work on here, but I was asked recently how I relaxed after a stressful day. Honestly, in the past I just sucked it up and keep going. I used to tell myself that this was my life and that I had to keep going, people were depending on me. End of story.

But over the past few years, I’ve realized that if I want to continue to kick-ass at work, I need to make my health and well-being a priority. I have to set firm boundaries and build in downtime for myself.

I stared by creating a routine to help me relax when I get home. This gives me time to unwind and de-stress and makes the rest of the evening so much better.

Talking to other women it's the same. Let's face it, it hard to relax after work when you have so much to do at home or if you run a side business, and especially if you have a family. OMG! The work never ends!

OMG! The laundry never ends!

I’d get home and think about the 10,000 different projects I wanted to get started on, plus all the normal day-to-day stuff like gardening and laundry that needed to be tended too and then stay busy until I fell into bed, sometime around 11:45.

Relaxing wasn’t something I was totally comfortable with. So if that sounds familiar and you need some help in the relaxing department, I have put together a few easy ways to relax after a long day at work.

Change Out of Your Work Clothes
Begin the minute you walk through the door.
There’s nothing better than getting home from work and changing into a comfy t-shirt and losing the bra! Changing out of my work clothes tells my brain that its time to relax, and that I can enjoy a few hours to myself, without the stress of work weighing on my shoulders.

Turn off Your Phone
I’m on my phone all day long, and if I’m not on my phone, I’m on my computer. I’m answering e-mails, returning voicemails, processing paperwork, so when I get home, my brain needs a break. I’m legit sick of my phone by the time I get home, so I’ve been making an effort to unplug for a couple of hours. I’ll leave my phone in my bedroom for an hour or two and I’ll go out to the family room to do anything other than check my social media. This has helped my sanity tremendously. #BIGWIN

Meditate/Do Yoga
After a long day at work, it’s so great to spend a few minutes meditating. I'm actually a meditating expert, (I teach meditation), and because of that I know that anyone can learn this simple form of relaxation.

Begin by just sitting on the floor for five minutes, and do nothing other than focusing on your breathing. This is also a great time to give thanks for the day and just be still. But if you’re not a fan of meditating or you’re just not ready for it, do some yoga or at the very least, stretch. Chances are, you’ve been sitting on your butt all day long, and your body needs some stretching. Trust me, you’ll feel SO MUCH BETTER! Another great way to unwind is reading.

Grab A Book
It's no secret I am a total bookworm! I love to sit in the garden or my reading nook and just relax with a good book. Even if you can only read for half an hour it will help you relax.

Take A Bubble Bath
I swear, I think my bath tub is my favorite part of my new house. If it wasn’t for the fact that you get all wrinkly after sitting in the tub for a while, I think I’d stay in there for hours at a time. After a super stressful day at work, there’s nothing like slipping into a hot bubble bath. I use two different kinds of soaking baths- eucalyptus/sea salt and lavender- both are amazing for helping me achieve a few minutes of pure relaxation.

And speaking of scents...

Use Essential Oils
Right before bed I turn on my diffuser. I keep it filled with essential oil and not only does it relax me, but it helps me fall asleep quickly. I have one in my bedroom, one in the guest room and a large one in the formal living room. Plus I'm thinking of adding one to my office. I love oils THAT MUCH.

Light Candles
After a long day at work, I love lighting candles. It really sets the tone for the evening and it helps me remember to take it easy. It signals my brain that the rest of the night is for unwinding and a gentler pace.

Herbal Tea
Unwind with a mug of soothing herbal tea. The feel of your favorite mug in your hand and the wonderful aroma of a soothing herbal blend work together to help you relax. There are so many different blends to try, just make sure you get an organic tea that is pesticide free.

How do you unwind and relax from a stressful day? I'd love to hear your tips - leave me a comment below and let's discuss.

Now I'm off for a long soak with a good book and a warm cuppa!

Catch you later-

Whats in my Work Bag?

10/22/2018

Yes, it's VEGAN leather!

Hi there lovely reader,
How are you? Are you as excited about winter travel as I am? Probably or you wouldn't be here. Until I can hop on the next train, plane or boat I'm at home working away to pay for all those upcoming adventures. So being I haven't done one of these "whats in my bag" posts in a long time I thought I would overshare with you today. (I did a What's in "My Shopping Bag" in 2016. If you want to go back down memory lane.)

I actually changed out my trusty black bag for a more "fall vibe" this week. What do you think? It's a vegan leather bag from Vince Camuto I received from FFF. (I think it was in the autumn box, which I don't think I've even reviewed yet? ) Opps!

I really like this vegan leather bag. I find it roomy, without being bulky. One downside is that it doesn't have a snap. A snap would make it perfect.

Pretty. no?

See? It needs a snap.

So how much stuff do you pack into your work bag? I usually have files or notes, depending on what meeting I'm going to or what I'm doing that day. Other than that I try to keep my load to a minimum.

So of course I have my Mac and art supplies....

But also a lot more...

I carry cords, a charger and ear buds. You probably do the same.

Plus external hard drive, a hair clip, pens, lipstick, lip balm, a mala and a tigers eye bracelet. The jewelry is for when I need to look more put together. They match most of what I wear day-to-day and can dress up my outfit if I suddenly have a meeting that requires me to look more professional. Same goes for the lipstick. The jewelry is from www.Serenityreikiclinic.com as are the small bags. I use them to corral the small items.

I also carry a sketchpad and copic pens and assorted pencils.

So I can make art anytime!

Everyone usually asks about the earbuds...

Wireless is soooo nice!

So thats currently all that's in my work bag. Half the time I don't even bother with carrying a purse. I just add my wallet and keys to this bag and off I go.

So tell me, what 'must have' essential am I missing? Or what is the one thing you can't live without in your bag? I'd love to here.

Until then~

Doodle Away the Day

10/12/2018

Hello fellow rebels ~
Are you as tired of work as I am? AGGH! I'm ready for a loooong vacation. I know when I get stressed at work I cannot create or do much of anything. It seems I'm spending more time doing paperwork or sitting in meetings lately than actually working...sigh.

So what to do? I find doodling really eases my mind and lets the tension flow out. While I'm making phone calls or when I need to just take a break from EVERYTHING - I draw. I do color some of my random drawings, but I think just the act of free drawing really helps the mind settle down and relax.

Don't judge me by my doodles...

Everything we draw doesn't have to be a masterpiece. Some times just the act of doodling will really clear your mind and release tension.

Also the colors you choose can tell a great deal about your mood.

The main idea is to have fun! Remember when you were a child and you drew and colored? We did those things for no reason other than to have fun. No pressure or stress - just fun.

And yes I have one blue eye and one green eye. Some days it is more noticeable than others.

But enough about my eyes...I actually did accomplish a lot today & I think taking a break to color and doodle really helped. I've been using this trick for about three years now and it really surprises me how easy it is. What do you do to beat stress and relax? Share your ideas below..
Catch you later~