Inspirational Podcasts for The New Year

We are embarking on 2018 and it's super exciting but terrifying at the same time. I remember the end of 2016 and how I was so excited for 2017 but boy, was I in for a ride. My business completely shifted from tank tops to decorating skulls. Before it shifted, it completely plummeted. Like went from selling 10 things per day to nothing. It wasn't a gradual shift either, it was like BAM! All the sudden, nobody wanted my shirts anymore. The views and money stopped, but that rant is for another day. Wow 2017, what a year full of ups but mostly downs, honestly. I'm so ready to see this year in the rear view, which brings me to binge-listening inspirational podcasts. I've never been a podcast person. In fact, I always made fun of my grandma because she lived for talk radio, yet here I am listening to inspirational podcasts, HA - how the tables have turned!

Some of my favorites are:

#1: Style Your Mind Podcast - I mentioned this podcast a little bit in the previous post, but there is so much more that needs to be said. When I discovered Style Your Mind, I was in such a dark non-motivational place, you could even say borderline depressed. My business was in the shitter (or going through a transitional period), my self-worth was deteriorating because here I am 26 with no back up income, and everything became in-question. When you don't love yourself, it's extremely difficult to understand why anyone else would love you. Style Your Mind was like the extra push I needed to rediscover myself and figure out what the hell I wanted out of life. I started listening to her while drinking coffee in the morning and it truly changed my whole routine, which in turn changed the course of my days then weeks and now months. I live for Cara's outlook on life and know you will too! She's a master life coach, published author and 24/7 badass. You can find her podcast here, and her website here, which has all of her books and everything to do with Cara.

#2: The Laptop Lifestyle - You would think you have to already live the "laptop lifestyle" to listen to this podcast, but NOPE! If you're stuck in your career and just want to listen to some badass, inspirational stories and entrepreneur how they got here's, then this is for you! I find it hard not to be inspired when listening to experienced, successful people who started from the ground up and chased their dream. In fact, I live for shit like this. The host usually features a guest who is either living or has lived the laptop lifestyle. The best part is a lot of the time it didn't start out that way. In fact, most of them led corporate lives and were bound by the 9-5 clock before they broke off on their own and became self-made entrepreneurs, bloggers, marketers etc. One of my favorite episodes is: Finding Your Creative Freedom with founder of Dazey LA, Dani Nagel on Oct. 24. You can find that episode linked here. It really hit home for me and I was in tears by the middle for some reason, it could've been my period but I'm pretty sure I was just uber inspired. If you're lacking business/marketing inspiration then this is one of best that I've found, other than Style Your Mind.

#3: Girlboss Radio with Sophia Amoruso - Love or hate her, Sophia Amoruso is the founder of the word girlboss. She started from Ebay and built a million dollar empire known as Nasty Gal. She sold it and is now a full-time motivational speaker and girlboss. Get ready for more how they got there's; in fact, this whole podcast is dedicated to speaking to successful people about their first job and breaking down where they started. TALK ABOUT MOTIVATION - this podcast is full of inspiration and the content completely dependent upon who the guest is. One of my favorite episodes is with the founder of Dry Bar - so inspirational! Listen to that episode here to get a good feel of the podcast.

#4: The Skinny Confidential Him and Her Podcast - This podcast is more of a lifestyle based podcast, but it's packed with inspiration to get and stay healthy, skin & haircare tips, plus successful blogging and social media inspiration. The Skinny Confidential started out as a blog by Lauren and has since blossomed into so much more. I love that there's a man's perspective on this podcast too. Michael is so understanding of women's issues while retaining his manhood- I love it!

#5: Almost 30 Podcast - The Almost 30 Podcast isn't a business based podcast, it's more about spiritual health, wellness etc., but it's still one of my favorites to put on while I clean or work. It's an easy listen and provides tips and tricks on living your best life in your late twenties. Even if you're not 20 or even 30, still give it a listen because some of the guests provide the best insight on your overall spiritual and wellness health plus some humor along the way.

Do you like posts about podcasts?

 I'm thinking of doing pop culture podcasts next.

Now what are you waiting for? 

GO GET INSPIRED AND KICKASS FOR 2018. 

HAPPY (almost) NEW YEAR - Xo, Ashley

2018 Goals - More/Less

Hearing the usual New Year, New Me crap, is a little bit like a broken record around this time of year. I'm not knocking people for bettering themselves with a new year approaching; hell, that's exactly what I'm trying to do as well. I'm just saying let's change it up a little! For some reason, I've never been one to sit down and write goals. I have them, but never really took the time to write them out and visualize myself actually accomplishing them. It sounds bad I know, but until listening to one of my favorite podcasts- Style Your Mind by Cara Alwill Leyba, I never knew the importance. Cara is a master life coach and is my absolute favorite thing to listen to when lacking inspiration, creativity, marketing skills etc. She literally just makes you want to grab life by the horns and make it your own. I highly, highly recommend checking her out. I will make a separate post for Inspirational Podcasts for the New You. Anyway, she stresses WRITING DOWN YOUR VISION so you can reflect on it throughout the year. For some reason, this really stumped me. Who do I want to be in 2018? I found the easiest way for me to decide who I wanted to be was to start with who I didn't want to be in 2018. Cara talks about the more/less strategy in one of her podcasts : Episode 66 to be exact. The more/ less strategy is basically deciding what you want less of in the new year, which leads you to what you crave more of in your life. It's actually a super fun, reflective process.  SO HERE WE GO...

IN 2018 I WANT TO:

Drink less booze, more water

Eat fast food less, cook more

Work out more, argue less

Judge less, love more

Create more, stress less

Less material items, more adventure

More experiences, less streaming

Less technology, more nature

More discovering, less conforming

Less worrying, more living

More traveling, less sitting

Less comparing, more progressing

R E A D  M O R E, W A T C H  L E S S 

Less city, More beach

More simplifying, less collecting

Less TV, more podcasts

More salad, less tacos

Less contour, more nail polish

More self-worth, less self-doubt

Less beer, more champagne

More understanding, less yelling

Less dreaming, more planning

More saving, less splurging

Less questions, more decisions

More apologies, less excuses

Less coffee, more tea

More music, less overanalyzing

LEARN MORE, COMPLAIN LESS.

Comment your more/less resolutions below - it doesn't have to be as long as mine or as random, but it feels great to have a reference point for the upcoming new year.  

XO, Ashley

Weekly Chic

Today is the beginning of a new week which means new responsibilities & challenges are coming our way. Instead of waking up with the thought of dreading Monday and starting a new week, try to wake up tomorrow with the thought that something amazing is going to happen. Which brings me to the first item of our Weekly Chic list:

1. Weekly inspiration. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by our daily routines and just need a little positivity so why not make it a weekly thing on Mondays to read some weekly inspiration? It can be a book, the bible, a walk in the park, pinterest, a magazine, etc. Just make a point (even if it is only for a few seconds) to allow yourself to be inspired by life. I decided to help out & provide some.

I think this message is extremely important because not only is perfection boring, but also totally unattainable. If you work towards perfection then you are always going to be disappointed because nobody is perfect. Life changes when you embrace the flaws and lack of perfection.

I cannot stress this enough. Work is inevitable but we live in a society where we can freely choose what we study & try to plan life. My advice is choose to major in a passion. If you study something you have a genuine love for, every day will feel like a new and exciting learning experience. If you feel passionate while studying it, just imagine how it will be once you make it a career. 

Honestly the first time I read this quote, I teared up. If you have ever experienced depression or felt unworthy, this is for you. Despite how we feel about ourselves, we were created to be victorious. Never forget it. 

Now, let's get down to business...

2. Trend-casting for Spring. If you are unfamiliar with trend-casting, it is basically predicting trends, like forecasting except I'm not a weather man ;). 

My predictions for Spring are as follows: Floral print, bell sleeves, floppy hats, crochet, lace bralettes, lace in general, palazzo pants and bells, tapestry bags, pops of neon, tie dye, fringe and lots of bohemian inspired jewelry and accents.

3. V-day Recipes. Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and who doesn't love to receive something handmade and delicious? You know what they say: The way to a man's heart is through his stomach so check out these Valentine's Day Food Ideas for Him.

4. Hairstyles. I found a new go-to hairstyle for Spring that I am dying to share. I've seen it on pinterest a few times, but just recently tried the half-up braided crown. I love how easy it is and it totally adds a romantic & classy vibe to an outfit, which is exactly what you want on Valentine's Day.

Find out how to master this style here.

Next, I found a really innovative way to display bobby pins in hair...(Yes, I said display, not hide). 

Use two bobby pins to create an open triangle- I love it, do you?

5. Sunday Night television. Television isn't a subject we talk about much on this blog but I felt it was worth mentioning because Sunday night has become the night for television, in my opinion. THE WALKING DEAD IS BACK and as some of you might know. never disappoints with dramatic episodes full of gore and emotion. The fifth season's opener was no different with flashbacks of Beth & the twins to the super shocking ending. Also, one of my other favorite t.v. shows Girls (on HBO) came on last night after a week long hiatus, thanks Super Bowl. Shockingly, the episode was a little on the boring side, but we did see Shoshanna and Ray bond while running errands, which was cute. We also saw that Hannah might be second-guessing her decision to attend the Master's Writing Program in Iowa, which is interesting. I can't wait to see what next Sunday night has in store for both.

What was your favorite part of this Weekly Chic? Comment below!

Weekly Chic

Happy 2015, readers! If you read "Transformation" (my previous post) then you are aware Bows and Moccasins is undergoing transformation and website maintenance. I am still deciding about everything and how I want to re-brand so back to the drawing board it goes.

As for today, let's talk about what is chic this week in my mind:

#1: Philosophy so one of those brands you can always count on. My mom gifted me the "Best of Philosophy" beauty gift set from QVC for Christmas and amazing doesn't even accurately describe it. I will post pictures later with reviews on each product in a post by itself so look out for that. I will tell you that I have been using Hope In A Jar Moisturizer for quite some time now and definitely notice when I don't use it. If you've been looking for an overall A+ moisturizer, look no further.

#2: A Long Cami with Lace makes the perfect layering piece. Originally, I purchased the first long cami with lace from h&m during a pre-black friday sale. I grabbed it on a whim because I was overwhelmed and conveniently low on cash. Have you ever been in a fully stocked h&m? It can be an overwhelming feeling of I want everything! (haha) But honestly, if I could rewind time then I would go back and grab all the colors: Black, Cream and Pink because it is the best layering cami. Once you wear it, you're like how in the heck did I go so long without you in my life?! However after the black friday chaos, I went back to get more and they were all gone. I hopped online only to see-Sold Out. As I was searching I came across these gems from Bealls Florida Online for only $9.99.

 It doesn't look like much but once you wear one with leggings and a sweater or a tunic that is almost too short to wear in public, you will find that the cami acts as a slip-like piece and peeks out, creating a layered look. Long camis with lace add that extra layer needed for some long sleeve t-shirts and sweatshirts as well. It adds a feminine vibe to almost anything; I am obsessed and I know you will be too!

#3: I have an exciting announcement: Wildfox the brand is having a huge end of the year sale at 6pm.com
I purchased the cutest tunic, which is unfortunately sold out now, but for only $29.99. It is white and says Wildfox in black letters- super cute. I plan on wearing it as a bathing suit cover or with leggings for shopping, running errands or working out. Other Wildfox tunics on sale:

Baby Anchor Cover Up Tahiti Tunic Pink Shell- $39.99 (Orig. $98)

Animal Island Indiana Tank Dress Caribbean Sea- $24.99 (Orig. $78)

Mermaid Cover-Up Dress Sunshine- $39.99 (Orig. $98)

Ariel Cover-Up Dress Pink Shell- $39.99 (Orig. $98)

Take note that all orders from 6pm.com receive Free shipping both ways so if something doesn't fit or you decide that you don't necessarily need the item, no biggie-just return it for free.

#4: Next, let's talk organization tips. I purchased a few things for the bathroom that I feel are definitely worth mentioning. I'm pretty sure the majority of you wear make-up, but how do you organize it? Some people are different, but I prefer to see exactly where everything is, even when it's not in use. If I run to Sephora, a quick overview of what I have is convenient to avoid double purchases and whatnot. Another advantage is that it just looks great displayed in these acrylic organizers:

     

Another organization goodie that I picked up from TJ Maxx is the white utensil caddy(shown above), and solves the issue of having way too many make up brushes with nowhere to place them. The caddy also holds concealer and other tall slender objects you might want in the bathroom.

#5: I don't mean to be a cliche blogger but I found the perfect rustic bar cart for my house. In fact, you've probably seen it at Target if you've been lately. The three shelved wooden one with wheels. I have no words to describe it except perfect for the vibe I was going for. I didn't want to be normal and purchase the gold mirrored bar cart so I opted for one that matches my interior to a T. I will post pictures later because unfortunately, I had to leave it at my mom's (where I purchased it)- that thing was not fitting in my little SUV with all of our luggage AND the dog-no way, no how. So currently, while waiting for her to bring it, I'm drawing inspo from these images:
                   

#6: Another TJ Maxx find that I am obsessing over lately is a pair of fabulous Seven Brand pair of shoes. You're probably thinking Seven brand, like the jeans? Yes, the same brand apparently makes shoes and boy, do they make them well. I have been searching for a pair of chunky heeled combat boots and I managed to stumble upon the perfect pair for only $29.99. Can you believe it?

#7: Have you heard that bells are back? That's right. bell bottoms are back with a vengeance and one brand does them so, so, so right...Show Me Your Mumu. If you haven't heard of them, you're in for a wild ride. They do floral and print so, so, so right too. One of my favorite items is what they call "Bam Bam Bells" which is the perfect pair of bell bottoms in literally every colorful or bold pattern you could ever want. They also do this really fun giveaway every Monday on Instagram- look up #showmeyourmumu on instagram for more info. If you want to see my favorite pair of Bam Bam Bells, click here.

#8: I have purchased a good amount of my wardrobe from online boutiques lately and figured I would share a few of my favorites:

www.shopmintjulepboutique.com

www.reddressboutique.com

www.shophopes.com

I hope you enjoyed this post! What is inspiring you this week? Comment below!