Do Not Take It Personal

Today, my lovely friend Marjan is guest posting. Not only were we roommates for a while, I consider her a sister, a best friend, someone I can talk to without sugarcoating a thing. I am so glad she is in my life, even now with a huge distance between us. I cannot wait to see her and her family again once I am reunited with California, my favorite person, and just regular life as usual.

Have fun my lovelies. Miss you all, but I promise to be back. Things are looking good and I know I can do this and soon saying see-you to my hometown again. As much as I missed it, I miss my new home more. :D

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When Selma asked me to write a guest post for her, I asked, “but what should I write about?”

Her response was: “How Mary Kay changed your life!”

It is amazing how one doesn’t realize the change in themselves unless they reflect on their past which not many people do often.

I told myself that she must see a change that I don’t. So, I decided to write about how my life has changed since I became a Mary Kay Cosmetics Independent Consultant about a year and a half ago. Keep in mind, Selma and I have been roomies for a while and she knows me really well.

One of the very first things I learned at my weekly classes at our Mary Kay Studio Pink was that I should never take anything personally, and that I should hang out with people I want to become like. The latter, I had always heard of and tried to do, but to not take anything personal??!??? I decided to be faithful in the Mary Kay process and follow the advice she had passed along to generations that came after her. I figured, if it didn’t hurt me then there was nothing to lose. 

A half year later, I stopped taking the way other people act and react towards me personally. Today, I can say that I am a more understanding person, because I don’t take the time to think about why people may dislike me. Instead, I realize that people do and say inappropriate things because of their own insecurities, hurts and pains and with no intention of hurting anyone...they simply don’t know any better. Key word is intention.

I have learned to be on purpose in my life. Meaning, I am not just going to say "hi" and "how are you" as a courtesy. When I say "hi"and "how are you", I WILL listen to how you really are doing! I WANT to know! Why else ask someone how they are doing or how their day is going? Although, I will mention that it is definitely not easy to not take things personally. After all, why would a server at a restaurant who does not know me, not be nice to me just because they are having a bad day? But I will say this: when you are surrounded by amazing mentors and Mary Kay Directors, it becomes a lifestyle as you watch them live what they teach us at every meeting.

Right when I was asked to join Mary Kay, I did my research online and saw many, many, many negative reviews. So I decided to take my time and go to a few meetings and check things out for myself before becoming an Independent Consultant. When I saw that these Directors take time to help not only their own but other consultants as well, I was sold. When you work with leaders that are willing to help you achieve your goal with NO benefit for them, THAT is who you want to be surrounded by!

In addition, I have learned to be a better listener and understand that everyone is different! Both of which have helped in having better relationships with God, myself, my husband, my brother, my friends and my in-laws. Mary Kay has drawn me closer to my mom and I love her more than ever now that I understand HER!

I hope this helps you! I can go on forever with examples, but I do not want to bore you or take over Selma’s blog. LOL! I will start posting more on my blog and hope to see you there!

Marjan

4 Movies I'm Running to the Theater to See This Summer

Hey it's me, Sierra from Simply Sierra blog! Selma asked me to guest post while she's moving, so I told her I'd be happy to do it! ;) Lately I've been going to more movies than I usually do. This spring (and soon to be summer) has been packed full of fantastic flicks that I just had to see. So far two of my favorites have been The Longest Ride and Insurgent. Big surprise there, huh? ;) I still have to see Furious 7 which I have heard is a tear jerker because of the dedication to Paul. The nice part about this spring/summer is that there are still many awesome movies to come! I love it when finally there are some great movies to see. Here are 4 movies I'll be running to the theater to see. Will you?

1) Pitch Perfect 2

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Release Date: May 15th

I love a movie where there is a lot of singing, and of course all of our favorite characters are back to sing, compete, and win our hearts with their incredible banter. This film stars three of my faves: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, and Hailee Steinfeld, and I can't wait to see them singing a new song or two!

2) Jurassic World 

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Release Date: June 12th 

Can you believe that Jurassic Park originally opened in 1993? I can't and I still remember being totally in awe of this film as a little girl (yes my parents let me watch it when I was 10) and the magic it brought to the screen. I love a good action and thriller, and Jurassic Park brought it all. Starring Chris Pratt, a dinosaur tamer (good luck to him ha ha), I think this film will be magical. Of course the Indominus rex gets loose and all hell is going to break loose! I can't wait to see what happens.

3) Tomorrowland

{via IMDB}

Release Date: May 22nd

Tomorrowland is based off -- yes you guessed it -- Tomorrowland from Disneyland! I guess there isn't a lot about this film so far, other than it stars George Clooney, a reclusive inventor, Britt Robertson who plays Casey and gets to see the magical world, and Hugh Laurie, the dictator of this universe. I love everything Disney so of course I'll be headed to the theater to see this. With great actors and I'm sure a beautiful land, I really hope this film does well. Besides, it has 3 of my favorite actors!

4) Magic Mike XXL 

{via EW.com}

Release Date: July 1st 

Hello Channing Tatum! Who needs Vegas when you have Magic Mike? J/K, well, kind of. ;) I am guilty of watching these films just because it's sooo much fun watching them dance. Plus, who doesn't love Channing Tatum? Good thing his wife is okay sharing him with all of us, otherwise I don't think the film would be nearly as successful as it has been (besides Matt Mcconaughey who won't be in this flick). However I think Joe Manganiello will make up for Matt not gracing us with his presence. This time around they're headed to Myrtle Beach for an annual stripping convention. Big surprise there? ;) Let's have some fun and enjoy this film this summer!

So did I miss any films? What films will you be running to see? 

Maintaining your Friendships while in a Relationship

Hey my lovely readers,

As I am busy taking care of business in Switzerland, and also kind of mentally help my favorite person move from one place to another {yes, we are moving, and yes, I am not there to help out...cannot change fate or terrible circumstances} I have Lindsay write a post for you today. Don't forget to stop by at her blog and check her out. :)

Have a wonderful week.

S

P.s. if you were wondering what is up with my fonts or not...this blog does not like me today...it just does not.

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It is incredibly important to maintain your friendships and your identity in a relationship, I cannot stress this enough: do not dump or abandon all of your girlfriends when you enter into a relationship.

I know that's typically what happens when you enter into a new relationship, but it's so important to maintain those friendships because those are the friends that are always going to be there for you, through thick and thin and when you need them most.  

When we enter into a new relationship, you're getting to know the person and your life is all about that person, you want to spend every minute with them and sometimes, we neglect our friends because we're simply happy and trying to navigate our way through a new relationship.  The key is finding balance.  This applies to new relationships, whether you've been together with someone for 6 months or even married, it's all the same.  It's important to cultivate that relationship with your partner, but it's also important to take time for yourself and time with your friends in order to grow, to mature, to be able to vent or bounce ideas off of.

You won't realise just how important these friends are to you until they're no longer there. 

Trust me.

In high school, I just wanted to be done and over with it and move on with my life.  I'd always felt like I was more mature than others my age due to circumstances in life and also being an only child. Couple that along with just being sick of high school drama, BS and cliques, I just wanted no part.

So, as a result, I buried myself in school, night school and I ended up graduating one year ahead of my friends.  By graduating early, I left the few friends that I did have and with living in another town as well, I rarely saw any of those people thereafter.

Fast forward almost 15 years later and I can tell you this -- it is hard making friends and meeting new people as an adult.  Not impossible, but also not easy.

So while it's important to foster and build your friendships and relationships in life, it's equally as important making time for your significant other to show them just how much he or she means to you. Don't wait until tomorrow or when it's too late to tell those you care about just how much they mean to you. 

 

Life is short; live, love and zero regrets.

About Lindsay:

Lindsay is 31 and lives just north of Toronto with her husband and two fur-kids, Charlie and Baxter.   You can find her over at: www.theflynnigans.com where she writes about life, fitness, food, travel, marriage and her love of animals.  She works in a stressful corporate job in the legal field so in her down time, she pet sits and dog walks to give back.  When she isn't working or blogging, Lindsay loves to travel, read, SCUBA dive, take photographs, spend time with her family and indulge in far too much reality television. 

 

Holiday Presents for the Man You Love

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Sometimes it can be difficult figuring out what to get your husband or boyfriend for Christmas. They may think they’re easy to shop for, but you know better. You don’t want to be stuck buying them some new socks or another favorite gift card. It’s time to think outside the box and come up with some Christmas gifts that he will love. He’ll be impressed if you take the time to come up with a few gifts that he didn’t even know he wanted. With some creativity you’ll have some incredible gifts wrapped and placed under the tree, and he’ll be eager to open them during the holidays.

The Right Pair of Jeans

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Whether he wants a double knee dungaree for when he’s on the farm, rugged, trendy, or casual denim, a variety of styles and colors can be found on G&L Clothing. Find the right pair of jeans for your man that you know will look great on him and make him feel like a million bucks. With so many options to choose from you may even get him a few pairs of jeans, especially if he needs a new pair of two because his existing pairs are ripped.

If you’re not sure what kind of jeans he likes sneak into his closet when he isn’t looking and find out what color he likes the most. If he prefers a darker pair of jeans buy him a new pair, but with a mix of dark and light in a trendy pair he’ll really like. You should also write down his size if you don’t already know it, and remember to read online carefully whether the jeans run small or not. Find the right pair of jeans for him and he’ll feel thankful for your creativity.

A Handmade Gift 

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Your husband may not be able to admit that he loves the sentimental gifts, but deep down he loves them most of all. Make him a photo collage of you and kids or come up with a dream box with individual dreams written down on small cards that fit inside. If you’re super creative decorate the box with favorite photos, stickers, and other elements that will make the box stand out. There are also canvas photos that can be made online with a favorite family photo. A canvas photo is easy to hang up in your home and fun to wrap and stick under the tree.

Clever Sports Accessories 

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If he happens to be obsessed with sports such as football, baseball, basketball, or NASCAR, it’s okay to buy some accessories that he will absolutely love and use. Whether it’s memorabilia or something he personally can use, such as a new kayak for kayaking, showing him that you support his love of sports will make him feel special. There are also other accessories you can buy him such as a new pair of court shoes, shirts for tennis and working out, and more. Perhaps you’ll even want to attend a live game with him in the near future! If this is the case buy tickets ahead of time for Christmas.

Guest post by Sierra at Simply Sierra blog

Simple Life Improvements Worth Applying

The holiday season is just around the corner, can you believe it? Usually now is the time when you start thinking about new goals you can make and resolutions you can keep. It can be fun actually and you shouldn’t dread this fun time of the season. Instead of waiting until December to come up with a few life improvements you can follow through with in 2015, start making a list now. If you make small improvements daily soon enough your goals will become a habit and you’ll be ahead of the game when the New Year begins.

Quality Sleep

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If you’re one of those people who only gets six or seven hours of sleep each night, seven hours of sleep is good, but eight and nine hours of sleep is even better. Sleep helps your brain function and the result of more rest is you can focus better at work. Your productivity and concentration will improve immensely as well. If you struggle with going to bed early try setting an alarm clock for yourself at night, an hour before bed time. That way you’ll know what you need to finish up in time to hit the hay at a reasonable hour.

Another way you can get more sleep is to be more productive with your time. Don’t procrastinate on projects that need completing at home and that you can start on now. Seize the day and make a list of how you can specifically accomplish your tasks step by step. Don’t over commit yourself daily; be realistic about what you have time to complete. If you stay motivated and follow through on your goals then you’ll be able to get more sleep. It is possible!

Home Improvement

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If the siding on your home needs replacement consider using vinyl instead of wood. Vinyl is more durable and will withstand severe weather and sun exposure. What’s more if you desire a home upgrade vinyl comes in many styles and finishes. Today there are many trim and accent options available and a full spectrum of colors help homeowners achieve a beautiful exterior for any type of home.

Home repairs are important but are often easy to forget. Life gets in the way and you’d rather focus on other tasks that need taken care of. If you wait to long to replace siding however your home can suffer significant damage from harsh weather and sun exposure. Don’t allow this to happen and find a company that specializes in vinyl siding for a durable and trendy appearance for your home.

Moisturize Your Skin

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It’s really easy to forget to put moisture on your skin when you’re in a hurry or it just slips your mind, but adding a quality moisturizer goes a long way. Your skin needs moisture to stay young, soft, and healthy. Especially if you live in a dry climate lotion should be applied daily all over your body. Forgetting to moisturize your skin can cause significant dryness, premature aging, and other potential skin problems. Keep your skin moist during the fall and winter and you’ll have soft glowing skin that’s healthy and beautiful. 

Guest Post Written by Sierra 

What I Love About Summer

Hey everyone! It's Sierra from Ocean Dreams blog and I'm happy to be writing on my lovely friend Selma's blog once again. ;) I hope you are having a beautiful day and are enjoying the start to your summer! Summer doesn't officially start until June 21st this year, but that doesn't mean we can't start our summer now! If you're like me and Selma you're currently in super hot temps over 100 degrees, which means you should not only be wearing sunscreen, but also having fun while drinking lots of water! ;) Here are some of my favorite summer activities that don't cost a ton of money, but are absolutely fun!

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Hanging out at the Pool

I have yet to do this yet, but I have a perfectly good pool right outside my apartment in Arizona! I can't wait to hop in the pool and lounge on a pool chair. I also like reading a good book, magazine, and listen to music on my iPod while sitting poolside. Okay, I think I might have to do this sooner rather than later. The pool is definitely calling my name!

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Road Trips

Who doesn't love a good summer road trip? I actually just did this to see Selma and soon I'll be doing it again to see my love whom I fondly call BK. My puppy Candy will be coming with me of course as we drive to my sunny California. Do you have any road trips coming up? If you don't, you honestly should plan one! A road trip invites adventure in in more ways than one. You can view the new sites in a city without spending a lot of money, besides gas of course. Walk around the city, go window shopping, and visit the beautiful parks. It's fun just to be outside enjoying nature while enjoying your new destination or stop along the way!

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Time with Friends and Family

Of course don't forget about all of the precious moments you can spend with friends and family. Catch up with loved ones you haven't called in a while and have a fun summer day with them. Take time to laugh, love and forgive if you're holding grudges against anyone in particular. Enjoy your summer before it fades away and take a risk and invite adventure and love in!