As working women, we are all a combination of strong, independent, talented and resourceful achievers. Our personalities all vary which create the melting pot within our work family. Each of us have our own interests and outlets which we thought would be fun to share in this month’s blog. From recipes to rest – check us out and enjoy!
Leslie:
In order for me to do what I love and do my very best work – I must be my very best self and also the very best wife, mother, daughter, friend, co-worker and tribe member! Steps for me to be my very best self start with these little things that make a big impact on my daily life.
Give thanks and begin every morning with a simple, thankful prayer and a great cup of coffee. Believe in the miracles that are presented to me each and every day. My new favorite acronym is GDT – “God Did That”.
Let go of expectations. Not much surprises me anymore and I just try to smile and roll with it! See the opportunities that are presented to me each and every day as a new way to stretch, grow and learn.
Disconnect and get outside. I love to run, ride my bike or catch an exercise class. Physical fitness always makes me feel better afterwards.
Finally, I love getting home, putting on my comfy clothes and giving thanks for a full day while enjoying my wine! My new favorite toast is “Thanks Be to God!”
And So It Is!
Tammy:
Yoga is my ticket to a healthy me.
Practicing yoga is an essential part of my life. It takes the focus off of life’s daily challenges, routines, commitments and overall “noise” that the day can present. Yoga supplies me with time to myself to be quiet and thankful for all things and people that surround me. It allows me to go somewhere else in my mind and focus on myself, unplug and put myself to rest.
Some days it may be a simple 10 minute stretch before I start my day with a few cat/cow, forward bends and downward dog. Another day may be a little more intense with 30 minutes on my mat. But my favorite time spent are the classes I attend at Heat Yoga. I am blessed with two great friends who are yoga instructors who have taught me the tools and techniques to experience the most from my practices. I can turn up my time with a Bikram flow or dial it down with restorative – whatever my body and mind need. I customize it for myself. I especially enjoy hot yoga and love a good healthy sweat. It feels like I have been cleansed from the inside out and walk away feeling calm and detoxed. Yoga works for me, after 10 years I am not an expert by any means, but in my world I feel confidant in my skills and feel stronger after each practice.
Namaste.
Dawn:
Staying organized is the key to my sanity.
If something comes in, something must go out! With clothes it’s easy to get overwhelmed quickly, so whenever I purchase something, I look at my closet and get rid of something. I use the “one-year” rule. Anything that hasn’t been used or worn within a one-year period is fair game! By doing this I’m able to keep my wardrobe manageable and my closet space needs to a minimum.
Go to the grocery store armed with a menu and a list! I spend a little more time at home to look for the items needed to prepare the menu meals, but I save time and money at the store. Meal Prep! I don’t mind leftovers so I will prepare one or two meals over the weekend and use them the following week as a main meal or a portion of my main meal. I try to keep a cut up salad or cut up veggies on hand to use as well since cutting veggies is time consuming and during the week I don’t have a lot of time to cook. This helps me eat healthier foods and stay away from the “quick meals” that can be very tempting, but unhealthy, when I’m tired and don’t feel like making dinner.
Whitley:
I’m a bargain shopper through and through. Clothing, furniture, home accessories and everything in between. I VERY rarely pay full price for anything – call me cheap, but I prefer resourceful! In addition to bargain shopping, I’m also a looker. I love to browse and wander aimlessly through stores (in hopes of coming across a great deal, of course).
Here are a few of my favorite spots to get lost.
*note: I’m a firm believer that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I have a slight obsession with thrift/antique stores. Walking through these stores is like exploring a magical treasure trove. You never know what you’ll find!
Furniture & Home Accessories
Mellwood Antique Mall – If you’re local to the area and love thrift shopping, this is a must! Booth after booth and room after room, they have it all. Clothing, home accessories, furniture, jewelry – you name it!
Joe Ley Antiques – Again, another local must! Quirky and so much to see. I love the history behind old/vintage items and they have so many unique finds!
Peddler’s Mall – Commonly referred to as a “flea-tique”, some junk and some gold. That’s the thrill of the hunt!
Habitat ReStores – ReStores offer both new and used items. Profits from Habitat ReStores are used both in your local community and around the world, so a win-win all around.
HomeGoods – This one shouldn’t need an introduction. A good place to rummage for deals if you’re weary of secondhand!
I also love attending local arts and craft fairs. Check out Fleur de Flea or The Flea Off Market!
Clothing
Thrift stores – Louisville has A TON of cool thrift stores. Think more “boutique” setting and less Goodwill (although Goodwill can be a great option too!).
TJ Maxx – Many of my clothes come from here. Discount retailer with both boutique/designer brands.
Nordstrom Rack – I worked for Nordstrom for several years so this will forever be a favorite of mine. A vast majority of the merchandise here is from Nordstrom (AKA designer looks at a fraction of the original cost!). I almost always buy my designer shoes and handbags from here. Great prices/great quality on clothing and accessories!
If you feel up to the challenge, check out some of these spots!
Sarah:
Makeup Mania! I’m such a “when you look good, you feel good” kind of girl which is probably why I am such a makeup guru! I love cosmetics and skincare products. Yes, I am confidant in my own skin, but appreciate products that enhance my features, skin and complexion.
I love experimenting with new products, techniques and looks, but of course have my favorites that I cannot live without.
I love Smashbox’s Studio Skin foundation. It’s a full coverage foundation, has a dewy finish, is cruelty free, and doesn’t break the bank!
My next go to is Kat Von Dee’s Shade & Light Contouring kit. I have tried a variety of different bronzers and this is by far the best formula in my opinion and is the most economical. It is easy to use and the results are flawless.
My favorite products that are a little more expensive, but worth the investment are Becca’s Champagne Pop Highlighter and Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. The Becca’s highlighter will give you a summer glow even in the dead of winter. Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray is awesome. After you finish your makeup routine, mist on your face and you are good to go for the next 24 hours! This is by far my favorite and a must have. Being in our field, we are constantly on the go in the rain, snow, wind and heat, and this product will stay with you. When I am not working, you can usually find me outside with my Fiancé and dogs either boating, fishing, or camping. Needless to say that the Urban Decay setting spray is a godsend – no matter what I am doing or where I am at I’ll have a fresh look all day. #cannotlivewithoutit
Looking my best and putting in the effort makes me feel confident and the best version of myself. As women, a little polish is all it can take to bring out the best in us! #lookingpretty
Lauren:
I love to cook for family and friends.
I’m a fan of the Pioneer Woman’s recipes. They are usually easy to make and are crowd pleasers every time. I found this one to be a favorite of my husband’s, Cody. The Pig Cake. Don’t let the name fool you – it’s delicious, simple and perfect for any party or potluck!
- FOR THE CAKE:
- 1 box (18.25 Oz. Box) Yellow Cake Mix
- 1 stick Margarine, Softened
- 1 can (14 Oz. Can) Mandarin Oranges, Drained, 1/2 Cup Juice Reserved
- 4 whole Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- FOR THE TOPPING:
- 1 package (4 Oz. Box) Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
- 1 can (20 Oz. Can) Crushed Pineapple, Juice Reserved
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
- 4 ounces, fluid Frozen Whipped Topping (such As Cool Whip)
- Extra Mandarin Orange Slices, For Garnish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For the cake, combine cake mix, margarine, 1/2 cup juice from the mandarin oranges, eggs, and vanilla. Beat for four minutes on medium-high. Add drained oranges and beat again until pieces are broken up and small. Pour batter into greased and floured 9 x 13 inch baking pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely. Once cake is cool, blend juice from drained pineapples with the vanilla pudding mix. Add powdered sugar and mix, then mix in whipped topping. Stir in drained pineapple. Spread on cooled cake and refrigerate several hours. To serve, cut cake into squares and top each square with a mandarin orange slice and a smile!
We hope you enjoyed a peek into our fun-filled world.
Your grateful friends at LL&A Interior Design.
#indianagirls #liveloveappreciate #mindfulandgrateful
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