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Buh - Bye 2020 !!!!

What a year it was. We all faced a global pandemic that changed our lives forever both personally and professionally. It didn't care if you were rich or poor, white or black, young or old. Healthy or sick. It reached each and everyone of us. It tested our health, our wealth, our mindset, our spirit, our friendships, our families, our resilience, our strengths, our weaknesses, our relationships, our bodies, our mental health.

And just like that..... our entire worlds were turned upside down. 

We experienced loss and sorrow, and learned new skills, we had to adapt in ways we didn't think we could. For most of us it made us look deep down inside and fight the good fight. Stay strong they said, be brave they said, stay inside they said, stay safe they said, social distance they said, wear a mask they said, sanitize they said, wash your hands they said, pray they said, it will be ok they said. We are all in this together they said.

With that said.... 2021 is a brand New Year and most of us are hopeful that it will be better, it has to be better. So our goal for 2021 should be just that, a better year than last. While the past year was pretty bad. I call it as I see it. It was a very, very shitty year.

So it's time to Reset...... Let's get off to a good start 2021

I don't believe in resolutions because most of us well.... we are all eager beavers in the beginning! Here are some of the most common resolutions I hear.

I'm going to join a gym, I'm going to go on a diet, I'm going to quit drinking, I'm going to quit smoking, I'm going to exercise more, I'm going to spend save all my money, I'm going to be so organized.

Most of us demand too much of ourselves and come February we are back to where we started. Most of us got lazy, defeated and just gave up.

Instead set goals for yourself, and hold yourself accountable till you do. Make them attainable. Don't say by February i want to lost 30 pounds. It's just not realistic. Set realistic goals that you CAN achieve.

TOP 10 GOALS FOR 2021

1. INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH 

Book doctors, dentist, eye doctor, chiropractor, naturopath etc .... Especially in the last year most of us let our health slide. Dr's appointments were hard to make, dentist offices were shut down. It's so important to be healthy especially right now in times like these. You need to make sure your body is whole, healthy and full of energy, physically and mentally.

2. DAILY EXERCISE

Whether that means stepping out for a walk, working out, going for a run. Whatever fits in your lifestyle or schedule. 20-30 minutes a day to get your body moving. Most of us are still working from home and forgetting to get up and stretch. So movement and getting some oxygen flowing is super important. Drink lots of water! And get yourself some cute clothes you want to exercise in like these.... everyday grateful tank | best things in life sweatshirt | everyday grateful sweatshirt

3. EAT HEALTHIER

For sure! After all those holiday sweets, it's time to re boot your body's insides. And get them nice and clean.You clean your car, your home, your clothes now its time to clean that body!  Incorporate healthier food choices into your weekly meals. With that being said, meal planning is super important. Otherwise by the time you're done work, you're tired and don't want to take the time to make something that requires a lot of work so you take the easy way out and pop in that frozen lasagna, pizza and microwavable dinners. With a bit of planning and willingness to try something new you will be amazed how easy it really is. Check out my White Chicken Chili Recipe using an instant pot for your meals.Just set it and forget it. It can't get easier than that. And don't forget to hydrate throughout the day with lots of H20. Check out S'well Water bottles. They keep your water cold for 24 hours or hot drinks for 12 hrs.

4. ESTABLISH A ROUTINE

This will make your life so much easier, trust me. Waking up and going to bed roughly at the same time is going to help with your productivity. Even just waking up 15 minutes earlier makes a world of difference. You can take the time to put on a face mask, throw in a load of laundry. Make a proper breakfast, go for a quick jog. Everyones routine will differ based on your home and work life. Some of us have kids, we have to get them to school, others have to drive to work, some work from home. If you have a set routine you will get your tasks done on time and checked off your list.

5. TO DO LISTS....

Write it down. I don't care where you write it,  whether it's on your phone, paper or your computer. You will hold yourself accountable. It feels amazing crossing off all those things one by one. Give yourself a few things to do daily so you're not struggling to accomplish them all at once.  File away all those bills. The lightbulb that you keep saying you want to change, empty the freezer or clean out the hall closet that never get done.

6. CLEAN

Give yourself 20-30 minutes a day. This will make your home life less stressful. Why would you want to spend the entire weekend cleaning the house? I usually set my phone on a timer and go from room to room picking up, and when that buzzer goes off voila! done. I throw in laundry, clear up the mail, do the dishes, hang up the clothes that ended up on the chair. You can get so many annoying chores done. Honestly it's so nice on the weekends, i don't feel like I'm drowning in cleaning. And I feel like I get a weekend to relax.

7. GET DRESSED EVERYDAY! 

Invest in yourself!!!!

Don't be a slob. The same top you wore to bed shouldn't be seen on your morning zoom call!  We all know that Athleisure wear is the NEW office wear of choice these days. But honestly you will feel so good putting on that            silky-blouse, some lipstick, try a new sleek ponytail or throw a hairband on for a new look that's fresh and fun. While you're at it paint your nails (since the salons are closed) home manicures, why not add that in your weekly routine.Some of our favorites are from smith&cult. Every Sunday night, set the mood..... light that beautiful candle, our favorite is from Damselfy JUST BREATHE so appropriate don't you think?  Treat yourself to a nice bubble bath, or longer shower, throw in a hair mask, face mask, exfoliate your skin. Use that jade/rose quartz roller that you got and threw in the back of your drawer. Add a serum like Vitamic C or phyto-oil to your skin after you've washed, exfoliated and masked. Use eye cream so you don't look so tired during those live meetings. Our favorite skin care are from Dermalogica. Contact us to discuss your skin care needs at INFO@ALLDOLLEDUPBAR

Winter's dry air takes a toll on our skin. So adding that extra bit of moisture is necessary.

8. BOOKS, MUSIC, MOVIES

Read, read, read! Set a goal for yourself. Read 5 books this year! Try reading something that interests you or something that may motivate you or heck something that will take your mind off everything that is going on right now. I'm reading my dark Vanessa, and Caste and I keep a list of others that I want to read that friends, family have suggested so when I feel like reading I have something to go back to and I'm not having to search for it. It's handy and I can refer to it.

Play Music, when you wake up, when you're having dinner and when you want to wind down. Music has the power to touch our spirits our soul and our hearts.

Watch a Movie or a Series. Subscribe to Netflix, Prime Video, Crave, Apple Tv, Disney.  They all offer something for everyone. And the best thing is you can watch it at your convenience. When you want, where you want. Sometimes there is too many choices. I created a list of movies, and shows that friends and family have recommended and i tick them off when I'm done. ( There's that list again) ahhh feel so accomplished when i tick it off. Right now we are watching Your Honour ( HBO), Death to 2020 ( NETFLIX) and Ray Donovan ( SHOWTIME)

9. HAVE DAILY GRATITUDE

Control the things we can, and accept the things we can't. It's easy to feel sorry for ourselves. We all have lessons to learn, things we want to achieve in life. But we need to be grateful for the  blessings we do have and to give ourselves a pat on the back for our accomplishments that we've done thus far. Journaling is a fantastic way to write down your thoughts, your goals, your manifestations.  Take the time to also have a work life balance. Enjoy the time you have with friends and family ( for most of it's its been really tough and trying, through the pandemic not seeing them face to face) but Face time, zoom, Skype and the good old fashioned phone call is super healthy and an important reminder to stay in touch and keep in touch and check in on those that mean so much to us. Especially in times like this. 

10. CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

If you think you can't then you won't. Give yourself credit. You are stronger, smarter and more resilient than you think. You just need to focus, put a plan in place and hold yourself accountable.  And learn to let go and shut down. Remember don't sweat the small stuff? we all need to do that. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that. There are so many other things that we can complain about that are actually worth complaining about. And we need to all learn to shut down. That means our devices. We are all so addicted to our phones, whether it's facebook, instagram, emails, gaming, or tik tok. We need to all be more present with the people that we are with. You need to create those memories that will last for years to come with the people you love. These are the things we will all remember and take with us. Life is too short to hate, to be sad, to be mad, to be angry. Live your life with positivity and gratitude and accept the things you can change and the things you can't. 

Sometimes we're tested.

Not to show our weaknesses, but to discover our strengths.

2021 is a blank canvas. Create great things with it.

Jen Atkins... The founder of the brand Ouai Hair products came out with this list of NEW YEARS INTENTIONS.  Love this list!  I thought i would share with you. 

2021 INTENTIONS

What would I do if there was no way to fail?

Fill In The Blanks

6 Months                                                       

                 Be ...........    

                 Do ...........

                 Have .........

                Be ........

                Do ........

                Have .......

12 Months 

                 Be ...........

                 Do ...........

                 Have .........

I want to start......... 

I want to learn........

I want to try............

I want to continue to...........

I want to quit...........

I want to be.........

I want to have..........

I'm going to stop..............

Fill in the blanks and go back at 6 months and 12 months and see if you've achieved these goals.

Here's to a happier, healthier, stronger 2021. We are going to come out of this bigger, better and stronger than ever. 

XOXO, MARIE

Credit image: Pinterest

Working from home is hard enough. Working in an unorganized, cluttered environment is awful. You don’t feel motivated and you're not as productive as you should be. Here are a few tips to help get your office space and yourself ready for spring.

1. First and foremost you need a SPACE to work in or at. Whether it’s a separate room or a nook in your home. It needs to be a quiet area, away from the noise of the kids and anyone else in your home. Remember you're probably going to be in teleconference meetings, you don’t want your boss seeing the kids running up  saying “mommy I’m finished in the bathroom, can you wipe my butt” lol.....

In saying this, make sure you get up and get dressed everyday as if you’re going to the office. You don’t want to be on zoom and your co workers and boss staring at your hair that you haven't washed in a week and your sweats covered in last nights spaghetti sauce stain. You will feel refreshed, clean and ready to conquer the world. Put on some lipgloss, do your makeup and hair. Daily habits  and routines are the fundamentals of life. 

2. The actual space you're working in needs to have a comfortable desk and chair that you can work on. You will be working there for the duration of the day so make sure it’s a chair that’s good for your posture. Add a cushion for your back.  Have good lightning. Bad lightning and working on a screen all day is a recipe for a headache. Open up the blinds and get that vitamin D. Make sure to look away from your screen every so often. Grab a pair of blue light glasses while working at your screen to prevent tired eyes and eye strain. Sometimes your office may be in a basement where it's cooler, stay warm and cozy and organized with this STORAGE BASKET and fill it with a blanket and cushions like these I'M NOT A MORNING PERSON, WAKE UP AND BE AWESOME.

3. Use your air pods or a good set of headphones so the kids know you're working and while you're at it put a sign on the door that saids “WORKING” or “IN A MEETING”. No interruptions......

4. Set yourself work hours including breaks and lunch. When working from home you tend to forget what time it is and sometimes even forget to eat throughout the day. So make sure to schedule that in. Eat snacks rich in high protein and high fibre like protein bars, almonds or make your own protein balls. Make sure to have lunch and stay hydrated throughout the day

5. Get some fresh air at lunch, working from home can be daunting. Step outside for a few minutes, grab a coffee or an ice water and breathe that air in. Do a couple of stretches. Sitting down all day isn't great for your posture or your health,  you need to get a bit of exercise so do some stretches while you're taking your break. Set a timer if you forget. It will remind you to take a few minutes to get up and stretch.

6. Organize your space. Clear your desk of any clutter. Have a TO DO and DONE section for files. Set up your laptop and any other equipment ie. printer, headphones, planner, calendar, pens. Whatever tools you need make sure you have them. You don’t want to be running around the house trying to find a pen or printer ink. Use this BAG to organize pens or little things and add your lipgloss and HAND CREAM. You don't want to get distracted looking for these things. Having them right beside you so when you need them they are right there . Add this tray YOU GOT THIS to motivate you. And these adorable MAGNETS to your bulletin board to keep your daily reminders and notes. 

7. Make your office pretty. If it looks inviting you will want to be in there and not make excuses as to why you can't work there. Add some plants. Add some cute desk accessories. Make it fun and not so stuffy. Here are some cool desk signs that will give you a giggle. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE CRAZY or I DON'T LIKE THINGS THAT ARE STRESSY. Check out our entire collection online.

Put some artwork up like this NO MATTER HOW OLD YOU FEEL and this I'VE NEVER BEEN A MILLIONAIRE or AMAZING THINGS WILL HAPPEN

8. Make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day. You can use a traditional coffee/tea cup like this fun one I REALLY NEED A DAY. Or to keep your drinks hot or cold, I swear by any of the S’well bottles. Keeps your water cold for 24 hours and your hot drinks hot for 12. Here are a few of my favorite S'well bottles but tons more available on our website. S'well Traveller for hot drinks and for water or cold drinks S'well bottle.

9. Use a diffuser in the room, it will make the air quality that much better. If you don’t have one just grab a bowl fill it with water and add some essential oil. 

10. The night before. Write down everything that needs to get done for the next day. Stay focused on your daily tasks. If you don’t write it all down, you will forget what needs to get done. Once it's done, check it off. You will feel like you’ve accomplished what needed to be done.

Hope you enjoyed these tips. 

XOXO, MARIE

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