With our last love note of 2012, we leave you with a wonderful thought and mantra (change "your" to "my") to take with you into the new year. Plan to set yourself up for greatness in 20...
Friday, December 28, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Affirmations to Begin the New Year
Posted by GG on 2:12 PM
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Whether we want them or not, the New Year will bring new challenges; whether we
seize them or not, the New Year will bring new opportunities.
~Michael
Josephson
One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the
little things. ~John Burroughs
We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of
work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we
ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for
potential.
~Ellen Goodman
How am I going to live today in order to create the...
Monday, December 24, 2012
What I Love Most About the Holidays
Posted by GG on 5:52 PM
With arms outstretched I thank. With heart beating gratefully I love. With body in health I jump for joy. With spirit full I live. ~Terri GuillemetsIt's snowing! Atleast here in Maryland, it is. I can't help but to be excited. Generally, I could do without it but my kids love it, so I'm happy that they are happy. I always get nostalgic around this time of year, remembering my own excitement as a child and what made the holidays such a special time.
So while I'm forcing my son to watch Christmas movies with us instead of playing his Xbox, I know that one day he'll...
Friday, December 21, 2012
Love Note - Friday 12/21/12
Posted by Kim Jackson on 8:00 AM
Just one of the rules of being human--and probably the easiest one to forget. This weekend, why not practice loving your body and focusing on its beauty from the inside out? Have a great one.
xo
To read the rest of Cherie Carter-Scott's Top 10 Rules for being human, click here....
Monday, December 17, 2012
5 Ways to Fight the Symptoms of Seasonal Depression
Posted by Kim Jackson on 7:14 PM
The symptoms of seasonal depression become more and more difficult to fight as fiercely cold weather sets in, and the days start getting shorter--with darkness falling during the late afternoon hours. If you're like me, you may not be clinically diagnosed with seasonally induced sadness--but there's definitely a sense of disenchantment and frustration that can set in. Here are a few ways to help ward it off: Recognize that it is completely normal. In an environment that naturally lends itself to less activity it is easy to start to feel like you are being lazy. Give yourself a break. Stay busy. Even if you're not doing very much outside...
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
How To Make Your World Better Overnight
Posted by GG on 2:41 AM
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This post is for me, just as much as it is for you.
I'm having a hard time with some things, like we all do sometimes. I believe that our respective skies have to fall every now and then, just to prove to us that we can survive it.
One of the toughest aspects of my life these days, as a woman trying to hold on to herself, is that no matter what I'm going through, my world just keeps on spinning. It doesn't slow down for me. I feel like I'm running on a faulty treadmill that won't stop and I'm afraid to jump off. I'm so out of breath that I can't even get the words...
Friday, December 7, 2012
Monday, December 3, 2012
Link Love: The Simply Luxurious Life (Why Never Giving Up is the Best Idea)
Posted by Kim Jackson on 1:50 PM
Happy Monday! I hope you all are having a wonderful week so far. I am in a little bit of a funk/at a bit of a crossroads today. There is one particular goal that I have that I've been working on achieving for a really long time--probably about 15 years--and lately I've been feeling like maybe it won't ever happen. Every time I feel that I have made significant progress or had a breakthrough, something occurs to make me feel like I haven't done anything at all. It's high and low and an emotional roller coaster, and today I was thinking about putting it on the back burner. In fact, I was having a conversation with a friend about my frustrations,...
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Why No One Can Compete With You. Ever.
Posted by GG on 3:01 PM
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It’s happening. I’m starting to do that end of the year reflection thing. You’re doing it too, I just know it. How are you feeling about your journey through 2012?
Being hard on myself was so 2010 and 2011, so I happy to say that I’m not going to overanalyze what I accomplished and what I didn’t for 2012. However, it’s never a bad time to acknowledge an area where you’ve grown, and how that growth has enriched the quality of your life.
As such, I just have to tell you what a GREAT year I had professionally. If you can’t tell, I’m proud of myself. I feel like this year, I stopped playing small at work, I put my big...
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
The Season for Giving
Posted by Kim Jackson on 8:34 AM
As the season of gratitude that we call Thanksgiving comes to a close, the season for giving—Christmas—comes in on its heels. Amidst thoughts of holiday décor, fine foods, snowy weather and presents under the tree, be reminded to give things that are intangible, like your time and your love. Why not:
Volunteer to serve food at a shelter?
Have your nieces and nephews over for a sleepover to give your sister or brother a break?
Invite that neighbor who is spending the holidays alone over for a meal?
Volunteer to shop or wrap presents for an elderly friend, neighbor or relative?
Make a donation to an annual or community drive...
Monday, November 19, 2012
Why Fear and Goosebumps Aren't Really Bad Things
Posted by GG on 6:53 PM
A few months ago, I wrote a post about fear and the role it often plays in why we do or don't do things. Here are some snippets from the comments:
"...In 2012 I would like to start school. I would like to stop telling myself I can't do certain things...""...would love to stop myself from giving into fear...really anxious to learn how to use this emotion to propel me forward rather than back. It's always been a natural reaction to run the other way...but 2011 has taught me that it's important to walk through the fear and use it as a positive force. On the other hand, it could just mean we are all on the right...
Friday, November 16, 2012
Love Note - Friday 11/16/12
Posted by Kim Jackson on 10:52 AM
Let's make the choice to get happy right here, right now. It's totally up to us! Have a great weekend....
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
What Strong Women Do
Posted by GG on 2:38 PM
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“I don’t want to walk through life like I’m asleep. I want to feel everything. The joy. The pain. The wins and the losses. I want to fall and shock myself at how I’m able to keep getting up.” me
And while I’m falling down and wiping my tears and getting back up, I want to look good and feel like a warrior with my head held high. I’ll be the first one to tell you that appearances and material things don’t matter and it’s what’s inside that counts. And in the next breath I’ll tell you that no matter how you’re hurting or what’s going on, you need to get up off your hurt feelings and do your hair and put some lipstick on and keep...
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Pretty Things: A Hint of Sparkle
Posted by Kim Jackson on 3:15 PM
The above are a few of my favorite pretty things; I adore them for the hint (or splatter) of sparkle they bear.
As GG mentioned “in secret” while I was away, there’s quite a bit more to both she and I than we’ve allowed ourselves to show here previously, but in the spirit of evolving, we’re making an effort to let you in a little bit more.
Something you may or may not have learned about me by reading this blog (but that you probably did know if you happen to also read my other blog, Pish Posh Perfect) is that I am the ultimate girly girl. If it’s pink or ruffled or floral, I am SO in. I also have a bit of a penchant for...
Friday, November 9, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
What You Can Learn from Being Stuck Outside Your Comfort Zone
Posted by Kim Jackson on 9:37 PM
There is much to be learned from being stuck outside your comfort zone--both literally and figuratively. Last week, while traveling in Europe, I was literally stuck outside the comforts of home. Due to Super Storm Sandy, all flights into the East Coast were canceled while airports and cities dealt with the surprisingly devastating blow Sandy dealt--and my travel buddies and I were unable to leave Rome, Italy on the day we had planned.
I know this doesn't immediately sound like such a bad situation. We were in Rome after all, right? Right. But we'd also already traveled to multiple cities, completed the itinerary we'd planned, and...
Monday, November 5, 2012
Simplicity, Heart & Humility
Posted by GG on 5:43 PM
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Sometimes I feel like a broken record, but I am endlessly thankful for the collective of impressive women that I call my friends. They are always dropping gems of wisdom on me without even realizing how much they enhance my life.
Today I was chatting with one of these spectacular women and we were talking about working in Corporate America and how fundamental it is to be professional and polished at all times. Egos and emotions can really be career limiting when they are not kept in check in the workplace.
She told me about an acronym that her uncle shared with her years ago when she was in...
Monday, October 29, 2012
Guest Post: It Is Well with My Soul
Posted by Kim Jackson on 9:00 AM
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In this PLPT guest post, Jess J. discovers an awareness of peace within silence that signals that all is well. It's one that we should all train ourselves to recognize, and to go back to when the noise of the outside world gets too loud.
I sat, wanting to write and with full knowledge that I promised a guest post to Kim and GG, soon. I did not have an idea or even an event to draw upon for inspiration, but I had the words, “It was well with my soul,” that seem to have taken root in my heart as of late. So, I thought it best to start there and naturally a story unfolded. I went digging for a quote with this thought on my mind, these...
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Guest Post: Where Is Their Mother? Why You Need to be Present for Your Children
Posted by Kim Jackson on 9:00 AM
Recently at a child’s birthday party I found myself asking this question: "Where is their Mother?". At first I was upset with the children but then I redirected my anger. The person at fault is a relative. You know her story. She has five kids at home, different baby daddies who are nowhere to be found, she works a crap job just to make ends meet, and her kids are totally out of control. And as a mother myself I get so frustrated with her! That’s not the right word. Irritated? Closer I think, but still not strong enough. I get right pissed-off at her! Why are her children always unkempt? Why do they have to be told something two or three...
Monday, October 22, 2012
Are You Ready for a Change?
Posted by GG on 6:51 PM
If you've been reading Peace Love and Pretty Things for awhile, then I imagine that you feel pretty familiar with what Kim and I are about. We've become accustomed to looking at life not just as ourselves, but through the eyes of the every day woman, so that we can have relevant advice and stories to share on this here blog.
We all face challenges, we all have to deal with our emotions and find our way to our truest selves the best way we can. We hope that if you're reading this, then you are on a similar journey and you come here for the honesty and accessibility that we try to provide. ...
Friday, October 19, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
What Makes You Feel Beautiful?
Posted by GG on 5:55 PM
Today I was thinking about why it's so important for some of us women to feel pretty. Do men ponder their handsomeness? I daresay that they are more likely to think about their confidence or their toughness more than their pretty. At least, that goes for the kind of men that I usually fancy. Ha!
Anyway, as I sat there wondering if I'm too vain or too materialistic, I remembered the excerpt above that I came across last week. And it clicked for me that it's okay for me to love pretty things and makeup and clothes and gratuitous girlyness.
Underneath all of that is a woman who constantly...
Monday, October 15, 2012
3 Ways to Have More Loving Relationships
Posted by Kim Jackson on 6:22 PM
I am no relationship expert. But what I have found is that—even with each relationship being unique to the individuals involved—there are a few key elements in any relationship that make it a better relationship to be in (for both parties). There are many positive attributes that help couples to remain strong in their commitment to each other, but today I invite you to consider just these three: Be honest. Be willing to compromise. Be willing to walk away.
Be Honest
I have both had and given my share of dishonesty in relationships. Being dishonest is toxic. It can become difficult to remember what lies you told and to whom. It’s a lot...
Friday, October 12, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Reflection Exercise: Are You An Overthinker?
Posted by GG on 5:12 PM
The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one. ~Elbert Hubbard
Are you an overthinker? Do you talk yourself out of things that your heart is telling you really want? Do you worry about making mistakes to the point that you end up not making any move at all? Do you convince yourself that people don't like you or understand you? Overthinking makes everything seem worse or more complicated than it is.
Today, I spent an hour thinking about how to tackle my to-do list. Where to start/how much time things will take/what's most important or least. It's not that those aren't...
Friday, October 5, 2012
Love Note - Friday 10/5/12
Posted by Kim Jackson on 10:55 AM
Spend some time this weekend convincing yourself that you can totally do whatever you are dreaming of. We support you!...
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Go with Your Gut. Stay True to Yourself.
Posted by Kim Jackson on 11:28 AM
It is paramount that you go with your gut when making decisions. No matter what you call it (conscience, intuition, the Holy Spirit, -Ing) there is an internal compass continuously guiding you towards the unique opportunities and right relationships that are meant for you. Listen to yourself.
There are always signs or red flags alerting you to emotional danger. Pay attention to them. If something doesn't sit right with you, take some time to feel it out before making a decision so you can be sure to make the right one.
"We fear our intuitions because we fear the transformational power within our revelations." - Caroline Myss
This is not,...
Friday, September 28, 2012
Love Note - Friday 9/28/12
Posted by Kim Jackson on 8:00 AM
GG and I have both been swamped this week and didn't have opportunities to post new content, but we hope all of yours have been wonderfully productive {and that you perhaps enjoyed something from our archives ;-) }. Happy Weeke...
Friday, September 21, 2012
Love Note - Friday 9/21/12
Posted by Kim Jackson on 7:21 AM
This quote reminded me of the theme that GG referenced in yesterday's post. Just as we have to learn the difference between quitting something we love or are meant to do and moving on because we are supposed to; we have to also learn how to let go of things (and people) that no longer serve us. If something feels negative and not in alignment with your spirit or your purpose, don't be afraid to move on. Rest assured that what you need will come around again in a way that is more suited to your current needs.
Have a great weekend!...
Thursday, September 20, 2012
To Quit or Not to Quit
Posted by GG on 6:22 PM
Quitting is not always the enemy. If you're letting go of something that is hindering you, then go ahead and quit. Let it go. Dismiss it and don't look back. It's fine to change your mind.
But if you find yourself quitting at things that you really want, you've got to learn to trust the process and give yourself a chance. Understand that you very well might fail the first time, the second time and maybe even the third time. Get over that. Try to adjust your thinking in these ways:
*Remember that everything you set your intention to do is about your experiences along the way, not the...
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
What You’re Saying About Yourself: Does Your Story Empower You?
Posted by Kim Jackson on 12:57 PM
“Retelling a self-defeating story. – If we continue to repeat a story in our head, we eventually believe that story and embrace it – whether it empowers us or not. So the question is: Does your story empower you? Don’t place your mistakes on your mind, their weight may crush your current potential. Instead, place them under your feet and use them as a platform to view the horizon. Remember, all things are difficult before they are easy. What matters the most is what you start doing now.” (source)
I’ve realized that I don’t always tell the best stories about myself. In fact, I have a habit of retelling one self-defeating story in particular.
I’m...
Friday, September 14, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Pretty Things: Girlfriends
Posted by Kim Jackson on 5:39 PM
Sometimes all you need to feel like a "pretty thang" is to be surrounded by your good girlfriends. You know, the ones who will laugh with you, cry with you, cook for you, tell you when you're wrong--and just overall love you to pieces.
A good girlfriend of ours got married a couple of weekends ago and friends from all over came into town to celebrate her nuptials. It was so much fun and just the biggest love fest ever. We can't be together all the time like we did when we were younger, but when we do get together, it's like we never separated. So refreshing.
If you haven't had really good girl time lately, I encourage you to have...
Monday, September 10, 2012
Needs, Wants and Living Without Regret
Posted by GG on 10:16 PM
Good decisions come from experience, and experience comes from bad decisions. ~Author Unknown
What drives you more -- needs or wants? Are you more likely to make decisions based on what you think is best for you in the long run or what will satisfy you most in the moment? The uncertainty of life requires that we find some kind of balance between these two concepts. On the one hand, tomorrow is not promised and we don't want to constantly deny ourselves of things that bring us pleasure. On the other hand, living in a reality of complete indulgence and immediate gratification is chaotic at best, isn't it?
***
I went through a period in...
Friday, September 7, 2012
Love Note - Friday 9/7/12
Posted by Kim Jackson on 8:00 AM
This weekend, we encourage you to take some time to think about what you're calling into your life; ponder what you are "seeking", whether consciously or unconsciously. It might be difficult, but it also might bring you one step closer to your breakthrough. Happy Friday....
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Why You Need to Cultivate Self-Loving Habits
Posted by GG on 6:00 PM
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When you don't make time for things that make you feel good, you're opening the door for needy, insecure behavior to become your method of operation. You can't wait for other people to make you feel good. I've learned this the hard way and I never want to go back to living in a world where everyone else's needs, wants and opinions matter more than my own. Praise and appreciation feel good, but they shouldn't be your motivation for what you do - especially not for things that you do for yourself.
Today, I'd like to share four habits that I've cultivated to stay grounded in my identity and show myself love. I encourage...
