I love yellow! Even though, it isn’t my favorite color it never fails to bring me joy. According to the “fashion police,” certain colors are meant to be worn with their designated seasons. Although, I think fashion rules are meant to be broken. Wear whatever makes you happy. Even though yellow is associated with summer, I tend to wear yellow all year round. Mustard yellow reminds me of autumn leaves… so I guess I can get away with it? I personally think yellow is one of the few bright colors that work all year round and even if it didn’t “work” all year round that wouldn’t stop me 😉

Sweater - Thrifted | Faux Leather Skirt - H&M | Bag - SheIn | Sunglasses - RayBan

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hat - gigi pip (shop here) | jacket - levi's (cropped myself) | jeans - fashionnova (shop here) | shoes - nike air force 1

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Goodbye summer, it's been real. We all know that this summer was not what any of us thought it would be but we tried to find the positives in a difficult situation. We attended Zoom parties, tried TikTok dances, and had a few picnics. Now, I’m ready to see what the rest of the year holds. I am praying for bigger and better news! If you read my post on failure, I touched on some of the things that 2020 has thrown at me, and to be honest, is still throwing at me. Although, my spirit will not waver. 

I wish I could say this has been a summer to remember but I wouldn't be upset if some parts of this year were wiped from my memory. How was your summer and are you ready to wrap up the year? 

 

 

Wake up but don’t get up

One of the benefits of working from home is the comfort that comes with it. The stress of waking up 2 hours before work to take a shower, get dressed, eat, and sit in traffic is gone. I recommend that you wake up 30 minutes before you start work but stay in bed and relax. Then check your emails and complete urgent tasks while in a relaxed state.

 

Get dressed and seat at a desk

After I have had breakfast and reply to all my emails I get ready for my day. The habit of getting ready prepares my mind to work. There is something about changing your clothes and sitting down at a desk that simulates a work environment therefore you are more likely to get things done.

 

Have something to look forward too

I always give myself rewards when completing a task. I get a yummy snack or spend a few minutes during my lunch to call a friend and get some human interaction. I also reward myself with a few minutes checking social media and watching funny videos. The key is to only do so for 10 - 15 minutes then get back to work.

 

Go outside

This is extremely important. Halfway through your workday it really helps to move around and if possible, go outside. It helps to step away from your desk and get a breather. I personally go for a quick run during my lunch break. When I get back, I shower and eat. I get a pump of energy to tackle the second half of the day.

Take a look at my WFH routine? Watch here:

 

1. Gnat Removal Spray or Trap

Every plant mum and dad knows the struggle of pests trying to attack your babies. I have found the perfect solution to kill Gnats and prevent fungus. You need to try out, Neem Oil and Sticky Traps. 

2. Plant Tracker App 

I use the app, PictureThis to keep track of my plants and learn more information about them. I love this app and it is very easy to use. 

3. Rotate Plant

This is a simple thing to do but it is a game changer. My plants get their light from one source therefore not all leaves get light at the same time. That's why rotating your plants can really help.

4. Cut Dying & Drying Parts

This is another straightforward thing to do and it helps your plant to thrive. By removing the leaves that are rotting or decaying, it prevents other parts of the plant from getting infected.  

5. Don't Stress

This is the number one advice I have for you. Do not overthink the process of caring for you plants. Like most living things, plants die which can also make way for new growth. Do not stress yourself out trying to keep something alive when eventually it is meant to die. It's the circle of life! 

Watch video for detail:

 

photography - http://victoriabonhomme.com/ | dress - fashion nova (shop here)

I am the kind of person that doesn’t like to dwell on the negative. I would rather distract myself to the point, I forget why I am upset or sad. This is not the best way to get through challenges, I know but you gotta do what you gotta do to keep pushing. To say 2020 has been a difficult year would be the greatest understatement. Everyone is feeling the strain of this year from their personal lives as well as collectively. To put it simply, we are really going through it. That’s why I want to talk about failure and my relationship with failing. 

This year started off with me about to get a promotion and be in a role that most people my age would not be in. Due to COVID and numerous reasons out of my control it never happened. After that, I went into robot mode and worked on freelancing while applying for full-time employment. Now, I have found another role and things are starting to turn around. Although, I didn’t take time to be angry or sad. To be honest, I still haven't processed what this year has thrown at us and how it makes me feel. One lesson I have learned after college is when it comes to jobs, workers are seen as disposable. Some people do care and want the best for their employees but not at the cost of their business. The company always comes first and everything else is secondary. It is painful but that is the reality. 

“Fall down 7 times, get up 8” 

We have all heard this expression and I believe it is a great way to think to keep going. Although, no one talks about the 7 times you are on the floor. The moments you can’t get up and don’t have the strength or the tools to get back up. I have been in this situation more times than I would like to count. When both your mental and physical tanks are drained. It can be very discouraging to try, try and try again with no sign of a positive outcome. What gets me through these difficult times are the supportive people in my life and remembering the things that bring me joy. As simple as it sounds, that's what keeps me pushing. The times I have been down, I only got up because there was a helping hand. I didn't do it on my own. No one should have to do it on their own. I hate asking for help because I feel like I am being a burden but that is the only way to succeed. No one gains success based solely on their own merits. It is through support and being pointed in the right direction. As difficult as it is to go through, I believe that everyone needs to fail. It is the best way to grow and use what we learn to help others. 

How do you handle failure?