Winter Survival Guide

I don't know about you, but this time of year always gets me in such a blah mood. The excitement of Christmas and New Years is over, most everything outside is dead and colorless, and you can't leave the house without layers. In an effort to be more positive until spring rolls around, I've thought up a few ways to help beat the winter blues.

1. Stay stocked on winter essentials
This may be different for everyone, but for me, there are four things that I truly wouldn't be able to make it through winter without.

Lotion - My hands get so dry in the cold months. Sometimes they crack until the bleed. Putting lotion on at least every night before bed helps a lot! I linked my current favorite that I use daily.

Lip Balm - Same goes for my lips. I prefer Burt's Bees over Chapstick. I use this at least once a day.

Warm Socks - If my feet are cold, I'm cold. Cozy socks are a must for inside my boots and just around the house.

Warm Leggings - I live in fleece lined leggings! I always wear them when I'm our running errands in the cold or under a dress at work.

Blanket Scarves - The extra bulkiness of these gives me so much warmth! I love wearing them with sweaters and swing dresses for work.

2. Use your supports
In the colder months, it can be so easy to isolate yourself. I really don't enjoy being cold and feel like sometimes my body just can't handle it, but I make it a point to still go out and do things. Whether it's going out to eat or going over to someone's house to visit, it's important to socialize. We're humans, that's what we're meant to do! In times when you really don't want to or can't go out, at least pick up the phone and send a text or make a call. If you really feel down during the winter months, consider getting some extra help by talking to a professional.

3. Don't pay much attention to the weather forecast if it's over 3 days out
This may only apply to you if you work in education and get excited about snow days. I always get my hopes up for a snow day when I see the snowflake in my 10 day forecast, but it almost always disappears as it gets closer. This makes it so much harder for me to get up and go to work that day! I've recently started to ignore the forecast much more than 3 days ahead of time so I'm not constantly disappointed. I love my job, but there is a certain happiness when you get an unexpected day off!

4. Plan a summer trip to somewhere warm
This is especially easy for me this year because we're planning our honeymoon to Anna Maria Island! We already have our room booked, and a few days ago (while it was 17 degrees outside) we spent a lot of time researching places to see, restaurants and bars to check out, and other things to do. It feels great to have something to look forward to!

5. Take care of yourself
I've said this before, but self care is so, so important. Any little thing counts - painting your nails, treating yourself to Starbucks, a bubble bath, chocolate... whatever your heart desires, you deserve it!

What do you do to beat the winter blues?

Staying Trendy on a Budget with Zaful + Cupon Code

I've recently become more money-conscious since buying a house, and one of my goals for 2018 is to cut back on spending. On the other hand, I am a shopaholic and shopping truly makes me happy. Who can relate? I enjoy keeping up with the latest fashion trends, but that unfortunately means having to buy new clothes every season, which is not always realistic. While I don't mind spending a little more on classic pieces (work pants, jeans, riding boots, etc.), I always try to spend a little less on trendy pieces that might not be in style as long. That's why I get so excited when I find stores that carry on-trend pieces that don't break the bank, and today I'm going to share this one with you!

Zaful recently contacted me about working together, and after scrolling through their site, I was happy to agree. They have all the latest trends - think off shoulder, bell sleeves, pompoms, statement florals, etc. - at prices that will make your bank account happy!

Since we still have a couple months of cold weather ahead of us (and because it was 9 degrees when I left for work a few days ago and I haven't been able to warm up since...), the first thing I checked out was their sweater selection. I've been really into the boatneck/off-shoulder look lately because I recently got a black bralette with cool straps that I want to be able to show off. Several of Zaful's sweaters caught my eye...

Drop Shoulder Back Self Tie Bowknot Sweater

Boat Neck Loose Sweater

V Neck Criss Cross Pullover Sweater

Sheer Criss Cross V Neck Sweater

Because I like to think about my upcoming honeymoon to Florida to warm myself up, I also took a peek at their collection of tops. Quite a few of them make me think of summertime at the beach, and I could see myself wearing any of these while sipping on a drink with my toes in the sand!

Off The Shoulder Loose Blouse

Ruffle Off The Shoulder Blouse

Appliques Flounce Striped Blouse

Shoulder Flare Sleeveless Pompom Linen Top

Have you every shopped at Zaful before?

Where do you go for cheap trendy clothes?

P.S. Use code ZAKIRA for a discount at Zaful!

Babe Cave Inspiration

We have two extra bedrooms in our house right now: a guest room and what is someday going to become half man cave half craft room/office, or what I like to call babe cave. In our future house, we plan to have a whole basement for this kind of stuff, but for now, we're making do with the one bedroom. It's currently taken up with mostly wedding stuff, but I do want to get some organization in place for all of my craft stuff and make it a little more aesthetically pleasing. Maybe over spring break?

I have a desk from my bedroom at my parents' that I plan on bringing over, but I'd love to add some additional storage. I also want to do a gallery wall above the desk to hang all of my girly decor that doesn't necessarily go with the rest of the house.

Here's some Pinterest inspiration I've collected so far:

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If you have a room like this in your house, how do you decorate and organize it? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

2018 Goals

Happy New Year, friends! I'm more than excited about 2018 because I'm getting married! Don't get me wrong, 2017 was a great year - we bought our first house, had our engagement pictures, and I got my very first niece. I'm so thankful for all of the blessings, and I'm looking forward for more to come.

Moving into 2018, there are a few things I would like to focus on:

Improve my photography skills
I got a camera for Christmas! I've been so excited to start taking pictures. So far, I've been practicing taking pictures of my cats - they make perfect models! I've been saving tons of photography tips on Pinterest and hoping to get outside to take some more pictures once the weather warms up.

Exercise at least twice a week
This goal has nothing to do with losing weight; it has to do with being healthy and reducing the risk of health problems when I get older. I don't have a gym nearby though, so I'm thinking about trying some at home barre classes.

Take more time for self care
Self care is so important in my job. I give and give all day every day, and sometimes I need a little treat for myself every now and then. I'm not talking anything big - this can be anything as simple as painting my nails, crafting, using my favorite sugar scrub that instantly makes me feel relaxed, and maybe even trying a face mask. I plan to do this at least twice a week.

Spend less
It's no secret that I love shopping. Now that I have added expenses of owning a house, I need to cut down on my fun spending. I've dedicated January as a no-shopping month, and I plan to do the same at least three more times throughout the year. This means no shopping for clothes, shoes, etc. - I'm not buying anything unless it's for our house or our wedding. Wish me luck!

Seasonal cleaning
Like spring cleaning - but once every season. I've gotten into the habit of cleaning out my closet whenever I have a break form work, which ends up being four times throughout the year. Now that i have a house, I plan to clean out every room, not just the closet, and donate things I no longer need.

What are your goals for 2018?