Isn’t nature just beautiful? I love the way the sun kisses the leaves on this bush. Nature it’s self is inspiring. The world has so much hidden that we don’t even realize is there. The world works in a beautiful way. We find unexpected beauty everywhere, and there is always something that can happen that could possibly get in the way of that if you let it. With that being said, this morning something happened that flipped my day upside down. Not in a bad way, I was just unprepared and so my day had and unexpected schedule. My car has had many problems and this morning would not let me shift out of park (ridiculous I know). So I thought I wouldn’t be able to go to work, so I called in. I will say I DID end up having to go to work, they sent someone to get me.
What is the point of this story anyway? I just wanted you to know that even if life throws some funky twists, try not to sweat the small stuff. Since my Hello Friday post did not make it up this morning (I still new at this), I am going to share a surprise DIY post tomorrow afternoon! (: I am excited to share and can’t wait to see what you think. There maybe a few more surprise posts in store for the weekend as well! – xoxo Jessica
Have you had any unexpected turn of events happen to you lately that just threw off the whole day?
This past weekend my husband, Calvin, and I went on a quick surprise trip to Fayetteville, Arkansas to just get away from the norm. We tried to focus on taking in the world around us and enjoying some quality time together. Trips like this really pump up the way I see my creative work. They help me not only because I am put in a new environment that I get to soak in, when I return to my home I feel refreshed and can look at things in a new light. It is Above is an adorable book shop packed full of books that are no longer being printed. It had that beautiful kind of feel to it and made me want to stay a while. I have a soft spot in my heart for books. I always picture their journey over the years and wonder if the people who have read them before me feel the same things I am feeling. I wonder if they imagine the characters the way I do. Reading a book can actually be like taking a trip of its own. I only wish I had more time for it!
My husband took the photo of me while I was looking outside of this awesome coffee shop on Dickson street that had a delicious vanilla capp. Oh, and we couldn’t leave without getting some carrot cake, which was so huge that we didn’t finish it!
There was all kinds of quirky art all around, even the people gave off an artistic vibe. Fayetteville was a wonderful town that I would love to go back to one day. There is more to the trip that I will talk about more soon! -xoxo Jessica
One thing that I have learned about being creative, is sometimes I have to change up my surroundings in order to let my ideas really flow. It helps to get out of my office and explore. There is no way I can come up with new interesting ideas all the time if I am sitting in my office all day.
So, to get your week going, you should make some plans. Think of some things that relax you, excite you, ooo and awe you. Those are the things you should be doing to get your brain gears turning. You could do anything from running to all of your favorite antique stores, venturing around town with a camera, or for something more drastic, you could go on an impromptu trip. I’m going to keep this post short so you have more time to get out and get inspiration to start out your Monday morning! – xoxo Jessica
When you get back, blog about your day and send me a link! I want to know!! Tomorrow I will be sharing with you my surprise weekend!!
The Freelance Handbook is included in a six part series of practical handbooks by Computer Arts. This particular handbook is about becoming your own boss and it covers everything you need to know about getting started, winning over more clients, working smarter, managing your money, being business savvy, self promotion, and your well-being. An added plus that I have already benefited from is that this read is packed full of useful resources for a freelancer.
As a graphic designer, this manual can really help you out whether you are just starting your career or have been working in it for a while. The beauty is, any type of freelancer can benefit from it because it isn’t directed towards graphic design alone! It is refreshing with interesting layouts, illustrations, big numbers, and thought-provoking quotes. Though it is 116 pages, it is a fairly quick read and is definitely a book of reference.
Hello. To be honest. I love that word. It is a word of welcoming and love. So hello Friday! Hello Friday is a new column about about welcoming new inspiration into my ever-changing life. It is a place where I want to share links that I enjoy, photos, and the quirky stuff that is going on around me. It will be an ever changing column for a collection of things that I like or make me smile! Here goes!
If you ever wanted to learn how to make stationary to send a hello, learn to say hello the Danish way!
As you all hopefully know I am going to the Blogcademy in March and I have been looking for some quirky accessories to show off my style (I haven’t been shopping it quite some time.) Instead of buying everything I am thinking about introducing an instant dose of happy into my wardrobe by making my own printed scarf! Photos to come!
Blogs are popping up everywhere these days, but not all of them are staying active. I suggest you keep up with this super blogger’s Blog Log if you want a little insight for your own blog.
You may not know that I have been getting my exercise on for the past month at the gym, but I have been really struggling with my cardio. Stephanie shares how to love running and it may just help my struggle!
Friday is a great day to realize that we need to put ourselves out there and take charge! Don’t let the other days hold you back! Wake up and smile and do more of what makes you happy!
By the way, you should follow my blog with Bloglovin if you have it. I am looking to follow more blogs so if you have it let me know! If not I use Google Reader as well!
Have a Great day and a great weekend everyone!! Don’t forget to say hello before you leave!! -xoxo Jessica
Three things that are so very touchy. Time, Love, & Money. Time waits for no one. Love, whether it’s being in love, or doing things I love, seems to always leave me wanting more. Then there is money, the trick is to make enough to do the things I love but not spend too much time in the process. As I write this I am urgently looking for the right words because it is pushing midnight and my alarm will be waking me up in just a few hours. That can’t be healthy.
To be honest I had another post in mind for today, full of color dreamy inspiration, and hopefully some funny jokes. In reality though, my heart was calling out to this post. (maybe that’s why I am up so late?) To be blunt I wanted to vent and express my search for the right balance for me. Don’t worry though, I “vented” by creating the illustrations, I’m more of a visual venter. Maybe that should be a new column? (Haha I’m only kidding.)
Back to the point, I realized these things long ago, but I am now only truly understanding them. Just when my mind starts to really fade though my heart reaches out for answers.
My best one would be to remember who I am. What do I stand for? where do I draw the line? In the end what makes it all worth it? That’s gold right there. It’s what I can hold onto and will be worth more than any frustration ever could be. Sometimes I just need to let go and free my creative mind, I linked another moment that I was “visually venting”. I am sure there are a few instances where I need to put a timer on my work so I don’t let it run my life.
To touch on the title a bit, I bet you came to read my thoughts on the perfect balance. The truth is, there is no cookie cutter I can give you that will make your life just pop out in a perfect, balanced, delicious treat. I can only tell you to remember who you are. What are your roots? When you strip away the layers, what keeps you going? Focus on that. The rest will fall right into place, Imperfectly, that is. -xoxo Jessica
What are some ways you like to positively vent frustrations? Where do you draw the line when it comes to the balancing act of life?
1. Make Attainable, Smart Goals. When thinking of your goals, it is good to have to push to reach them. Don’t over exhaust yourself though, or burn your-self out. Last Monday I talked about taking control of your future, once you figure out the bigger picture, making smaller goals to work towards your ultimate goal will naturally help you balance things out and keep you from being pulled in to many directions. It is best to focus on a couple of things for a short amount of time and reassess and add new things as you go. This way you won’t be so overwhelmed with your work-load. Answer the questions “What is my goal?” “When will I work on this goal?” and then add the details from there. Make sure that your goals are measurable and specific. Ex. “I want to do more blog posts.” is vague compared to “I would like to start doing 3 blog posts a week for a month.”
Giving yourself a definite starting point and a time frame will help you not slip as much and you will be able to add to your goals later down the road!
2. Give yourself rewards for your accomplishments. Knowing that you have something to look forward to if you get something completed is always motivational. These rewards can be anything from giving yourself some pampering time to just taking a break.
3. Give yourself rewards just for trying your hardest. Maybe you over shot your goals but you are still trying your hardest and you are still making progress. This is still wonderful!! The beauty of it is, even having a bad day here and there when you don’t give 100% you are still putting in your effort and creating habits. Making good choices, being productive, and keeping your head up are all things that need to become habits, so reward yourself for any progress made even if you didn’t make as much as you wanted.
“Progress is progress no matter how much you make at a time!”
4. Smile while you work. A smile will help your brain and body figure out that you enjoy to work on your goals, in turn it will maybe help you get excited about working.
5. Do more that excites you. Which brings up the point, do MORE of what excites you, and LESS of what doesn’t. Yes, every job comes with some unexciting things you have to do to keep the exciting things in progress. Things like paperwork and filing are things that all has to be done. BUT, If you plan for exciting projects instead of projects that aren’t making your heart flutter, it will make mundane paperwork seem a little be less of a hassle. Maybe one day you will reach a point where you can hire someone to do it like Jess Lively did last month!
6. Don’t over work yourself. Though you need income and the only way to get that is to work, make time for socializing. It will actually benefit you more by going out with the friends or just having your closest girlfriend over for much-needed chatting. Your mind won’t be so strained and getting away and living for once might actually inspire you!
7. Keep your chin up and keep going. Okay you messed up! Acknowledge it, don’t forget it, but MOVE ON! Don’t get hung up on your mistakes or it will be like a broken record. You won’t be able to rebuild any trust or credibility if you keep it from letting you get on with your life. Remember that no one is perfect, people will more easily forgive someone who is honest and transparent then someone who acts like they never mess up. Just don’t take advantage of people’s trust or you will lose that trust and credibility as quick as my husband loses his keys. (I love you Calvin)
8. Make friends and share. Find people with similar visions and goals and buddy up! Talk about your struggles, your victories and your future plans. Share your journey and then you will have others to hold you accountable. This is something that I have really learned that helps with getting off my booty and exercising. It is easy to let a goal slip when no one’s looking, so don’t put yourself in that situation!!
9. Face your nerves and fears. Just because you are nervous or scared, don’t let it hold you back. I want to live my life to the fullest and power through any weird emotions. If something is right and you know it, don’t let fear be the only thing holding you back. If you do, you may never know who you could have been or what you could have done. Know your boundaries though, there is a time and place to be spontaneous, so be smart with your decisions.
10. Know your self-worth and be confident. Some people forget that they are worth a whole lot more than they give themselves credit for. Be confident in you and your goals because no one else can do it for you. The more confident you are, the less your faults will bring you down. All the little bumps in the road will seem a lot smoother this way.
These tips are what I have learned as I am going through trying to lose a little weight and tone my body. BUT I have adapted them and are using them to help me get on top of things with my blog and my business! They can basically help you in all areas of your life. The tip about smiling while you work is my most favorite! Especially when I am not feeling great, it really lightens my mood! – xoxo Jessica
What are some of the things YOU do to help you make goals and keep them?
This week I read Blog inc. by Joy Cho or better known as Oh Joy! It was a really great book and was packed with all kinds of information you need when starting a blog. It talks about finding your voice, how to power your blog, how to make your blog a business and get involved with the blogging community. There is so much more that is covered in there that will be very beneficial. I am really glad I invested in it. To make it more awesome there are little mini interviews of bloggers all over that go along with the content and give the book another dimension. BTW isn’t this video adorable??
On another note, I am introducing this column as something new that I do on sundays. I am always reading new helpful things so I decided that I want to share with everyone what they are. I want to include anything I read and love, not just books, but blogs too. I just want the post to be short and sweet, and have that Sunday afternoon feel. -xoxo Jessica
What do you think about my new Sunday Reader column? Let me know if you have any suggestions about great books or cool blogs!
I woke up around 9 this morning and when I seen that I won, I am just going to say that I started crying a little bit. If you knew how much I wanted this, you might understand. After I got over the initial shock of the reality that I am going to Portland, I had to actually do other things that I had planned for the day. BORING! When I finally got to sit down and start this post, I was blank. I am still in another reality at the moment. I would like to thank Shauna, Kat, and Gala for offering a scholarship in the first place. There are so many people that look up to all of you and giving them the chance to try to come to the Blogcademy really means a lot. With that, I would like to say that I am crafting up an idea to thank you properly when we meet. Until then, check out this awesome felt pin I made to represent the Blogcademy with! Thanks again Ladies!
I am excited to meet everyone! Don’t be afraid to chat before then! – xoxo Jessica
This isn’t a typical post from me but please stay tuned! I realize that as blogging goes, I do not have the most experience. I have skills that help me make things look good, which is a plus. I am professional about all of my in-person business but lets face it, I need to work on my blogging skills if I want this blog live up to it’s full potential. Which brings me to a lovely opportunity that is possible I might get to participate in, a weekend workshop in Portland, Oregon called Blogcademy.
This workshop is put together by three very talented women. That inspire so many people all over the world. They have some serious personality. By that I mean those ladies have spunk and aren’t afraid of showing it. Shauna, from Nubbytwiglet, is a graphic designer that is so inspiring with her design, shoes, and the total package you get from following her blog. I have been reading her blog since sometime in 2009 I think. It’s been a few years. Through her I learned about the blogs of Gala Darling and Rock N Roll Bride, or Kat Williams. These two ladies are awesome in their own skin and really know how to pump up the color in literally everything!!
At the Blogcademy, they will teach all about how to get the ball rolling on your blog. The thing is though, it is beneficial to bloggers of all levels. Maybe you are just starting or maybe you are ready to take things to the next level. Either way, it is for all of the crazy people out there that think blogging totally rocks! I don’t think my explaining it will do it justice though check out their overview for yourself if you’re interested.
With that being said, this is where it gets tricky. Shauna, Gala, and Kat are offering one scholarship per workshop that requires a blog post of some kind to be submitted for their consideration about why you think you should get the scholarship I think I should get it because I have been trying to get a blog going for about 2 years now but before I don’t think I was ready to put my all into it. Now I am at a point in my life where I just started Color Overboard and have all of these great ideas and have been working on projects and post ideas but I feel like I need a huge push and some instruction on how to really optimize my blogging experience. I want my readers to be inspired and excited about reading or looking at my posts. I want to really dig deep and put myself out there. I want to meet other bloggers and help them accomplish their dreams. If I had the money I would pay double. I know how great you guys are. I see it everyday. Please consider me for the scholarship Whatever happens though, I am just happy that I am really putting myself out on a limb to do what I love. I was hoping to put together this awesome motion graphic video short and it turns out I don’t have the resources for that. BUT I did put something together.
To all of my readers. Let me know what you think! I am axious to hear if you liked the video! – xoxo Jessica
P.S. If my submission is chosen, my email is jessica [at] coloroverboard [dot] com. I do have a contact form in the navigation but I don’t want anything to go wrong!!! haha
Above is an adorable book shop packed full of books that are no longer being printed. It had that beautiful kind of feel to it and made me want to stay a while. I have a soft spot in my heart for books. I always picture their journey over the years and wonder if the people who have read them before me feel the same things I am feeling. I wonder if they imagine the characters the way I do. Reading a book can actually be like taking a trip of its own. I only wish I had more time for it!
My husband took the photo of me while I was looking outside of this awesome coffee shop on Dickson street that had a delicious vanilla capp. Oh, and we couldn’t leave without getting some carrot cake, which was so huge that we didn’t finish it!
One thing that I have learned about being creative, is sometimes I have to change up my surroundings in order to let my ideas really flow. It helps to get out of my office and explore. There is no way I can come up with new interesting ideas all the time if I am sitting in my office all day.
