Don’t you wish you had a personal assistant just like your favorite celebrity?
5-7 mins
Honestly, I feel that I’m writing this post for me. Right now, I’m juggling between studying for an exam that’s in two weeks, working on my YouTube channel and blog (you’re reading it!), dealing with an annoying ear infection (went to the doc the other day), trying to avoid eating #allthesnacks in my house, making sure I moisturize my face after I shower, and working a full-time job. The list goes on!
Some days, I wish I have an intern or a personal assistant to sort out all the things I need to do. Perhaps a personal chef wouldn’t be too bad too. Plus, a personal fitness trainer. Wouldn’t that be nice?
Maybe one day. But for now, let’s focus on the things that we need to get done. Since we’re dealing with more things than ever before, now that the lines between work and our personal lives are blurred together, it’s so easy to be overwhelmed.
Take a deep breath, hold it in for four seconds, and exhale it out. I’ve recently learned about “box breathing,” which is used to reduce stress. Here is a link for more information on techniques and benefits.
Here are 5 Practical Tips to Help Manage Your Life and #GetItDone:
Weekends are blissful. After working a long work week, it feels so refreshing to be able to do whatever you want, whenever you want. You want to take a sip of your homemade iced tea lemonade? You want to binge-watch The Circle?* You want to take care of your thriving house plants? Yes, you can do all that and more on the weekends. Ahhh, amazing.
On the flip side, you can also be productive, if you choose to do so. This weekend, I chose to take care of some things on my to-do list, and I am so happy I did so.
To stay in the loop on my future blog posts, you can enter your email address on the bottom right-hand side, if you’re on mobile (after you click Close and Accept), or on the top right-hand side (desktop).
Below are three things I did this weekend:
1. Cut Up Fruit
When you’re starving and looking in your fridge and pantry for a snack, it feels so easy to reach for unhealthy snacks since they’re so accessible. For healthy snacks, you may need to wash and cut them up before you can eat them. But when you’re absolutelystarving, you think, “It’s okay if I eat this unhealthy snack this time. I’ll do better next time.”
Unfortunately, you find yourself saying it a little more often than you like.
To curb those unhealthy habits, it’s a good idea to start forming new ones. On the weekends, I like to chop a lot of fruit and place them in these glass containers (which I received as a bridal shower gift – thank you!). Since I’m already using a couple of glass containers for leftovers, I had to resort to using some plastic containers. But, I typically enjoy using the glass containers since I find that they help fruit last longer.
In the photo above, I cut up pears, apples, grapefruit, oranges, and mangoes. I’m actually taking a bite of the mangoes as we speak. So delicious!
2. Wash bed sheets, bath towels, bathroom rugs, and living room blankets
I had to do several loads of laundry this weekend. I like getting started at laundry first thing in the morning so I can do other stuff while I wait for them to finish.
When my husband and I were trying to find a place in San Francisco together, we made a list of things that we wanted our place to have. Having an in-unit washer and dryer was high on our list, since we really didn’t want to deal with laundromats and wait around for our laundry all day.
Laundry took me the whole day since I was doing other things at the same time. I didn’t feel that it was too much of a chore since whenever I wanted to take a break from doing whatever I was doing, I just did more laundry!
3. Deep Clean My June Oven
The June oven is an amazing tech + cooking device. It’s not just a toaster oven since it does so much more. We use it every day from making toast, roasting vegetables, to cooking and broiling meats. My husband won it from his company’s hackathon and chose the June oven as his prize (Yay!). Given the amount of things that we’ve toasted, cooked, and baked, it was definitely overdue for a deep cleaning.
I created a paste mixing equal parts of baking soda and dish soap. I also covered the oven burners with aluminum oil so the paste wouldn’t get on them. I used a sponge to apply the paste and let the mixture set for about 45 minutes. Afterwards, I used a slightly damp paper towel to clean the paste out. The June oven is looking so much better after the deep clean!
So, those were the three things I did this weekend. Below are three things I’m choosing to focus on this week:
3 Things I’m Choosing to Focus on This Week:
1. My Skincare Routine
I recently ordered some skincare and hair care items from Sephora. When the package arrived two weeks ago, I organized my skincare products in my drawers, but I haven’t figured out which products to try out first.
I’m going to carve out some time to look through my skincare and haircare items and pick out a few items to play around with this week. I’ve been sticking to my regular skincare routine (and my jade roller isa part of it), but it’s time to add a few new products to the mix. I can’t wait!
2. Deep Clean the Bathtub
This is probably my least favorite out of the three things I’m choosing to focus on this week, but one that I really need to do. When I last cleaned the bathtub, I ended up destroying a sponge since I scrubbed a little too much. This time, I’ll be using a long handle brush to clean it. Hopefully it goes well!
I’m a fan of non-toxic ingredients for cleaning solutions. My go-to solution is a mix of baking soda and vinegar. I find that vinegar is especially helpful when you need to tackle hard-water stains.
The pros to doing this is that I’ll probably take a bath after my work is done. Can’t wait to use some Lush bath bombs!
3. Carpel Tunnel Prevention Exercises
I feel like I’m always on my computer. For work, I’m on it for 10+ hours every weekday. Then, I edit my YouTube videos and write my blog posts on The Smarty Femme. As a former athlete, I find that it is very important to take care of your body, and I realize that I haven’t been doing so these past couple of weeks. I’m choosing to focus on doing some prevention exercises such as these so I can prevent getting carpel tunnel. A little massage doesn’t hurt, either.
Hope these things can help inspire what you’ll be doing this week. You choose what you focus on, so make some good choices. Stay smart, you smarty femme!
I had an exam at 8 AM yesterday and took the rest of the day off. Last week, I was concerned that my exam was going to be cancelled and that all my studying had to be re-done at a later point. Thankfully, I was able to take it and found out I passed (yay!).
While I was studying for the exam, I created a list of things that I wanted to do once my exam was over. Have you ever felt that when you have so many things to do, you wish there were more hours in the day?
Follow my blog to be in the know for my future posts. Click the Follow button on the top right-hand side (desktop) or bottom right-hand side (mobile).
Below are some things you might have thought of:
“If I have more time, then I’ll do _______ [fill in the blank].”
Or, “Once this is over, I want to ________.”
Or, probably the most likely one, “Ugh, I wish I didn’t have to do ______, so I can do ______!”
I often had these thoughts in college, when opportunity costs were at an all-time high (ha, my econ major in me is coming out!). I was swamped with classes, student orgs, a part-time internship, and figure skating practices where I woke up at 4 AM every Saturday to get to the skating rink 45 minutes away.
I was definitely craving for more time.
But what if we change our way of thinking? Instead of complaining of not having enough time to do certain things, we need to acknowledge that we can’t do them now, since we are focused on doing a different task. We can, however, set aside some things that we can work on later, after we’re done doing whatever that is we’re doing.
Below was my list of things that I wanted (or needed!) to do after I finished taking my exam:
my list of things to do after my exam
As you can see, I wasn’t able to check off all the items on my list. And that’s totally OK. By having the list, I was able to remember what things I wanted (or needed) to get done and focused on doing them.
After you’re done accomplishing one big task, continue that momentum by jumping into a new routine.
Also, not all things on my list are necessary adult-ish things (cooking, cleaning, budgeting, etc.). I had plenty of fun things such as doing my nails, having a spa hour, and eating tiramisu (that I was saving until after my exam). Really, anything goes!
Here are a couple of steps to help get you started:
When you are busy, you may think of certain things that you want to do once you’re out of your busy period. Write these things down in your planner while you have these thoughts.
Refer back to your list once your busy period is over, so you can get motivated and focus on the next thing you want to do!
During this quarantine season, I’ve realized that I’ve been doing several things just plainwrong this entire time. Chances are that you’ve been doing them too. We might’ve been doing them unintentionally, since some habits form naturally over time. Not all habits are good, sadly.
We need to acknowledge, understand, and proceed to change our bad habits. Or, do we just need a vacation? Let’s unlock our full potential, us smarty femmes!
Consider following my blog to be in the know for my future posts. Click the Follow button on the top right-hand side (desktop) or bottom right-hand side (mobile).
Below are things I’ve been doing wrong during quarantine:
1. Not Taking Enough Breaks
It’s so easy to plop down at your desk (mine is a makeshift desk, aka the dining table) and be glued to it for the entire day. With the exception of going to the bathroom and making some food, I find myself staying in one location for most of the day. We really need to make a conscious effort to get away from our desk, although it can be difficult at times.
Here are some things to try out:
Set your water bottle away from your current location so you can get some steps in.
Commit to eating breakfast, lunch and dinner away from your desk. If you eat away from the desk, it can help you be more mindful of what you’re actually eating. Your brain deserves a break too!
2. Not Making Time for Yourself
I admit that I can be a bit of a workaholic. My friends and family jokingly say that I’m a “robot”, given my strict regimen and schedule. I, on the other hand, prefer to use the word disciplined. I like to make a schedule and I try my best to stick to it. Mind over matter, amirite?
Jokes aside, I do find myself working more during quarantine season. I’ve had more time and I’ve been doing things I love, but I haven’t found any time to relax. I’ve been juggling work, my YouTube vlogs, The Smarty Femme (Click the Follow button on the top right-hand side (desktop) or bottom right-hand side (mobile) to follow my blog), and studying for my exam scheduled on Monday, which I just found out it’s still happening!
If you haven’t found time to relax, you may need to schedule at least an hour every week to relax and take care of yourself. You can invest in some new skincare products, play a fun board game, or do some relaxing yoga. TSF Tip: Try using essential oils in your yoga practice to awaken your senses! Manage the stress you have to become a better you, you smarty femme.
3. Not Getting Enough Fresh Air
It can be hard to motivate yourself to put on some real clothes, other than your cozy pajamas, and get some fresh air outside. We need to consciously remind ourselves to go outside and get some fresh air, even if that means just stepping out to our backyard or balcony (if we have one).
Getting some sunlight is important, too. It feels so good to have the warmth of the sunlight on your skin! I also find that I’m a lot happier when I get some sun. Is my true Californian self coming out?
4. Not Having a Clean Space
I usually clean our place once a week, but I find that things have been taking a turn for the worse. Dishes pile up, dust starts to collect, and hair seems to always collect on the bathroom floor (ugh). Given that we’re home a lot more than usual, this seems to make sense.
Instead of cleaning once a week, you may find myself needing to clean 2-3 times a week. This means vacuuming, wiping down counters, and mopping the floor more often. They’re probably not your favorite chores in the world, but they’re so essential.
5. Not Eating Enough Healthy Food
Being at home all the time makes me reach for comfort foods. These include homemade mac and cheese, toast with Nutella, grilled cheese, pita bread, Lucky Charms cereal, Tate’s chocolate chip cookies (which I just bought four of – they’re so good!), and the list goes on. Clearly, I love my carbs and sweets.
Since we’re now staying at home for likely another month, we may not be getting enough exercise. It makes it even more important to eat healthier foods. While “treats” every once in a while are good for the soul, make sure you fill your plate up with a healthy dose of veggies and protein. Also, check to see if you’re drinking enough water. Try to aim for 8 cups of water a day to stay hydrated!
Hope these tips can help you release your inner smarty femme. Cheers!
Consider following my blog to be in the know for my future posts. Click the Follow button on the top right-hand side (desktop) or bottom right-hand side (mobile).
Feeling Overwhelmed? 5 Practical Tips to Help Manage Your Life and #GetItDone Don’t you just wish you had personal assistant just like your favorite celebrity?
Disclaimer: These are all my opinions and thoughts only – not backed by science!
After undergoing four years of heavy test-taking in college, I decided to pursue a finance certification when I started my full-time job. Three years later, I’ve taken an exam every year for the past three years post-college (fun!). Right now, I’m also studying for another exam next week. In light of COVID-19, I’m not certain whether the exam will be postponed, but I’ve been studying rigorously to prepare for it!
Working full-time and studying for an exam is a balancing act. It’s hard, but very possible. It does, however, take planning and discipline. You definitely want to study as much as you need in order to pass the exam, since you don’t want to take it again!
I’ve developed some good study tips over the past years that will be helpful if you’re working full-time and studying for an exam. These tips can also be used if you’re currently a working student or studying for an admissions test (such as the GMAT or GRE).
Consider following my blog to be in the know for my future posts. Click the Follow button on the top right-hand side (desktop) or bottom right-hand side (mobile).
Below are some tips to study more effectively while working a full-time job:
1. Schedule your time meaningfully
Set yourself up for success by planning your schedule ahead of time. If you know when the exam or test is scheduled, determine what and when you will study.
For instance: let’s say the exam is a month away. Schedule out (in your calendar or planner) when to study certain topics. Allow yourself time for review and to take practice exams. I like to take practice exams on the last four weekends leading up to the exam, so I have time to review questions I missed.
I also recommend to study topics that have largest weights first, to ensure you’ll capture the most points during the exam. You’ll get more points with the same amount of study time if you plan out your studying this way.
2. Set aside a block of time every day after work to study
I like to study for 1-2 hour blocks of time after work, and I do it after I first work out. I find that this length of time helps me to focus on the test material and I don’t get too tired while doing so. I used to be able to study for a longer time when I was in college (3-4+ hours per day and almost all day on the weekends – crazy, I know!). But after a long day working, it gets more challenging to focus on your studies.
I also discover that I‘m able to remember more if I study every day, instead of skipping days and making up for them by studying longer. Even if you can only study for 30 mins on a couple of days, that’s OK. On some days, I only have time to review my flashcards (see Point #4 below).
3. Study & Summarize Technique
When you read a passage that has some key items, summarize the passage in your own words and write it down in your notes. I find this technique to be very useful to help with my memory retention. Something about summarizing and writing things down does the trick for me.
I also find that saying things out loud can help my brain better remember things. Maybe, you just need a different way to absorb the material. It might feel weird at first, but give this a try!
4. Use flashcards effectively
I recommend making flashcards and reviewing them either 1) the first thing you wake up or 2) before you go to sleep. This tip seems to help me with my memory retention.
For one of the exams I took, I had a stack of flashcards that equaled to 3 inches tall (sad, but not a joke)! When I had too many flashcards to review all of them on the same day, I would break the flashcards out by topic, and reviewed 2 topics per day. Aim to have the two very different topics (or as different as possible) to challenge your memory retention. It took me about 15 mins per day to review my flashcards.
5. Staying focused
It’s so easy to get distracted while studying. It only takes a text message or notification to get sidetracked from your studies!
Here are some tips to help you stay on track:
Close out all your tabs on your laptop that are not related to your studies
Mute your phone notifications and messages
Take breaks every so often, but not too often. TSF note:Some people like to take breaks every 30 mins, but I prefer to take breaks every 45 mins – 1 hour. I find that I am able to study more effectively during this length of time. When I know how long I have until I can take a break, it gives me more motivation to study since there is an end goal. Give this a try by setting a timer for 45 mins, and really try to study hard with no distractions. You may want to experiment with the amount of time you need before taking a break to avoid mental fatigue!
Hope your studying goes well, you smarty femme! Let me know what tips you like in the comments.
Consider following my blog to be in the know for my future posts. Click the Follow button on the top right-hand side (desktop) or bottom right-hand side (mobile).
Been there, done that. It’s time to get productive!
~10-15 mins read
What do you do when you’re bored?
Growing up as an only child, I’ve learned to keep myself entertained. Whenever I feel bored, I know exactly what I need to do to stop feeling that way. When boredom creeps in, you feel that you don’t have motivation to do anything. But, it’s possible that you just don’t know where to start. Luckily for you, you’re in the right spot, you smarty femme!
Also, we all love to watch our favorite shows, but after binge-watching them for an entire weekend, it’s time to shake things up and be productive.
Below are 58 things to do when you’re bored:
Make your bed. Your bed is likely the largest piece of furniture in your room. Once you make your bed, the entire room will look instantly neater!
Read a good book. See if your local library offers e-book rentals that you can access online (even if you don’t have a Kindle). Here are the books that I’ve been reading (slowly, but surely): This and This.
Make banana bread. It seems that everyone and their grandmothers are making it. I mean, those bananas you bought a week ago are perfect! Here is the recipe I’ve recently used.
Organize and cleanup the applications on your phone and tablet. It’ll open up some free space, plus you won’t need to spend an extra 10 seconds trying to find that one app.
Take a bubble bath with bath bombs or use your own DIY bath soak.
You might want to first clean your tub first before doing #5, if you haven’t done that in a while!
Do an impromptu photoshoot. Put up that tapestry that has been lying around, and place your phone on a makeshift stand (if you don’t have an actual tripod). Snap away, and post on Instagram, obviously.
Take a look at your closet. For any articles of clothing you haven’t worn in a year, it’s time to find them a new place. Separate into three piles: Keep, Donate, Sell. You can also take a look at #20 and #52 for ideas to repurpose your clothes.
Try a new recipe that you’ve been meaning to try. Here is an awesome macaron recipe – my friend Stephanie made them the other day and they turned out so well.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your makeup. Instead of putting on your everyday makeup look, why not try out something new?
Make a delicious dessert using things you have in your pantry and/or freezer. Frozen blueberries can make desserts come alive in a pinch.
Cut up some fruits and veggies now, so you can eat them later as a snack. It’ll help you avoid munching on unhealthy snacks so you can stay on top of your fitness goals. Healthy body, healthy mind.
Practice hair braiding. Try searching “Double Dutch Fishtail Braids” online. It looks super gorgeous!
Start a bullet journal. What I love about a bullet journal is that you can use any notebook you have available. See below for one design I loved doing!
That junk drawer of yours that has been left untouched for years? It’s time to finally organize and throw away any unnecessary items.
Clean your makeup brushes. I recommend doing them over the kitchen sink so if you have any crusty brushes, they don’t clog your bathroom sink. I like using a brush cleaning egg and shampoo to clean them. Let them sit out to dry while you do other tasks.
Do your laundry that has been piling up. Also, those towels that you’ve used for the past two weeks? It’s time to put them in the wash, too!
Put into motion a new skincare routine. Now is the time to see what skincare products you’ve hoarded over the last year (trust me, I have some!). Pick three new products to try out this week. Hello, glow-y skin!
UP-cycle your old t-shirts into new t-shirts. For ideas, you can take a look here. You could even tie-dye them! I used to tie-dye my clothes when I was in Girl Scouts, and it was loads of fun. Messy, but fun.
Throw out everything in your pantry that has expired. You might need to reach far back into those shelves, but you’ll finally get some space for new items!
Call your parents. They’ll appreciate it more than you think.
You’ve always wanted to research about __________ (fill in the blank). Now, you get the chance to do that.
Clean your toaster oven. I know, this isn’t the most fun but absolutely necessary. And yes, this is probably more of a reminder for me.
Throw away food and condiments in your fridge that have expired. Clean out the drawers and shelves, and wipe them down. Your fridge will smell fresh and clean and your future groceries may last longer.
Create your own Spotify playlist and break out into a dance party tonight. No one will judge!
Coloring for the soul. Find a printable online and whip out those colored pencils you’ve had since elementary school. Light a candle and play some relaxing music while you’re at it.
Find yourself sneezing more than usual? It’s time to take out your Swiffer and start dusting away. Or, use a paper towel with cleaner solution to wipe down counters and shelves. If you don’t have cleaner solution, you can always use vinegar or dish soap diluted with water.
Hang those frames that you’ve wanted to put up for a while. Don’t want to use nails? I purchased these to hang our artwork and picture frames. They are durable and don’t cause any damage to your walls!
Evaluate your shoe collection. Try on old pairs and see whether you want to keep, donate, or sell.
Replace any old light bulbs that are not working. Make sure to unplug before replacing them!
Make a delicious smoothie. You can attempt to make a copycat recipe of your favorite smoothie. I’ve been trying to make a copycat “You’ve Got Kale” by Native Co. and “Mango a Go-Go” by Jamba Juice.
FaceTime your friend who lives across the country. Tell him/her to read The Smarty Femme. I heard it’s a great blog.
Figure out what to get your Mom for Mother’s Day. Shipping from certain stores can take longer, so it’s best to do this sooner than later. Also, don’t forget the card!
Sanitize the microwave by using a slightly damp sponge with water and a small amount of dish soap. Please, your microwave has been through a lot.
Place pancake mixture in a squeeze bottle to create some cool pancake art. If you don’t have a squeeze bottle, you can place the batter in a ziplock bag and snip off a teeny-bit of the corner. For artistic pancake inspiration, check out this video.
Give yourself a foot massage with calming lavender-scented body lotion. Your feet deserves love, too.
Evaluate the kitchen shelves and take note of the things you use on a regular basis. Re-organize the items to make it easier to grab the things you use most You can also purchase these organizing containers – I have them and they are honestly life-changing.
Do any of your clothes need to be ironed or repaired? It doesn’t have to be such a chore. Play some upbeat music while you’re at it.
Use a face mask. Not the ones you wear to the grocery store, but one of these. Take a picture of you using a face mask and send it to your friends to tell them to use a face mask. Face-mask par-tay!
Get into a productive mindset by reading this post.
Make origami. While origami paper will make your creations absolutely stunning, you can use regular or construction paper.
Put up spring decorations, and remove all of your Christmas/New Year’s decor that you still have up.
Take note of products you use in your bathroom that you’ll soon run out and purchase them online! Your future self will thank you.
Step inside your room. Close your eyes for a moment. Open your eyes and take an unbiased look around. What things need to be organized and put away?
Make #47 a reality by doing the things you need to do. Let’s get to it!
Try a new workout that you haven’t done before. Recently, I’ve been doing some boxing workouts which I am loving. Who knew cardio can be this fun?
Do a DIY paint night, if you have the supplies on hand. Or, you can do a DIY fondue night. DIY chocolate night? I mean, anything DIY works.
Notice those dirty dishes piling up for the past week? Time to wash them or use the dishwasher if you have way too many.
Sew together a scrunchie out of your old t-shirts and a hair tie. Here are the instructions. It also has a no-sew option, if you’re not the sewing type!
Check your medicine cabinet and throw away old and expired medications. You can finally place your skincare products in the remaining space. What a relief!
Tap into your childhood and make those friendship bracelets that you’ve always started, but never finished. But you’re an adult now. Once you’re finished with it, mail them off to a friend. Or, you can mail a half-finished bracelet and include instructions on how to finish it. Up to you!
Do some light yoga and stretches to relieve your aching back. You’ll feel 100% better.
Re-focus on your goals. Read this to implement them, because what are goals if you don’t take the steps to accomplish them?
Create a fort. All you need is a couple of blankets, pillows, and a flashlight to tell each other scary stories in the dark.
Take out the trash, recycling, and compost bin. Someone’s gotta do it, right?
Hope this list can inspire you to start doing things and relieve yourself from your boredom. Tap into your inner smarty femme.
Let me know what tips you’ll be doing in the comments below.
P.S. Receive new posts on my blog by clicking the Follow button. It’s located on the top right-hand side (desktop) or bottom right-hand side (mobile).
You might have set some goals for yourself at the beginning of the year. (If you haven’t, it’s not too late. You can find TSFtipshere). Now that a few months have passed, it’s time to revisit those goals and see how you’re doing. Keep in mind to not feel discouraged if you feel that you’re not where you want to be. Good things take time.
If you need to change some goals, that’s OK. If you need to tweak some goals, that’s OK. If you need to remove some goals to make room for new ones, that’s OK.
These are your goals that will personally shape you – no judgements. No one should judge your goals except for you, because you know what you want and what you deserve.
STEP 1: Once you have redefined your goals, place your goals in a list format.
STEP 2: Now, evaluate your progress for each goal.
Step 2A
For each goal, mark your current status: Complete, On Track, Not on Track, or Need to Start.
Step 2B
Analyze why you think your current status is the way that it is. If your goal is “Not on Track” or “Need to Start”, were there any circumstances beyond your control? Or, was there a lack of motivation?
Step 2 might be challenging because you need to be very honest with yourself. Your goals are specific to you and what you desire to achieve or improve in your life. There is no right and wrong answer with how you analyze yourself, but it’s important to evaluate yourself in an unbiased manner.
Think of it this way: If a stranger read your goals and saw your progress up to this point, would he/she agree with your analysis?
Below is my analysis of my goals. I switched over to spreadsheet format to make it easier to read:
I have some goals that are On Track, and other goals are Not on Track or Need to Start. I have one goal that is complete because I created this blog. Hooray!
STEP 3: Place your goals into bite-sized, actionable weekly plans
It’s finally time for the fun part! Now, think about how you can break your goals down and put them into actionable weekly plans. What are the steps you need to do this week to get you a little bit closer to your goals?
Let’s use an analogy to help think this through.
Think about your favorite baked good. For me, it’ll be brownies. You mix ingredients together based on a recipe. In this case, you are the chef here and you need to make your own directions. The ingredients are right in front of you, which are your goals and your analysis of your goals. Now, think about the steps you need to do to get closer to your end result.
Below are the actionable steps I’ll be taking:
As you can see, I’m making a weekly schedule of things to do. The list is easy to follow and has clear steps. By doing this exercise, you can identify exactly what you need to do in order to get closer to your goals.
…And that’s it! Three easy steps. Easy enough, right?
I hope that this exercise can unlock the potential that is inside of you. Give this post a like, and let me know your goals this week.
Have a great week, you smarty femme!
P.S. Receive new posts on my blog by clicking the Follow button. It’s located on the top right-hand side (desktop) or bottom right-hand side (mobile).
Because ain’t nothing like a dance party, amiright?
~5-8 mins read
THE WEEKEND. IS. FINALLY. HERE! Way to go #smartyfemme, you survived another week of work / housework / chores and now you get to enjoy the weekend!
You’re probably thinking about the adventures you’ll have this weekend, aka traveling from your bed to your couch to your kitchen and back to your bed. I’m thinking of channeling my inner chef this weekend to see what I can cook up for Easter lunch. Chef Tiffanié, in the house!
Below are the songs on my playlist designated to fit whatever M O O D you’re in. Enjoy!
HEAVEN by EMILEE
Mood: Good morning, sleepyhead. You’re casually journaling in your pjs, overlooking a window. Likely to be daydreaming your thoughts, hopes, dreams, plans, goals, etc.
BURNING BRIDGES by ELLA VOS
Mood: I’m ready to start being productive! I’m such in a good mood! I’m going to make pancakes for breakfast! No one can stop me! I’m reading The Smarty Femme now!!
Mood: Let’s make a TikTok so you can show your dance skills to the world!
2 hours later…
Wow, this is harder than it looks.
I LOVE MY FRIENDS by STEVE AOKI
Mood: Checking your phone 836492457 times to see if your friends have responded from the texts you sent this morning. Finally, someone replied back. I LOVE MY FRIENDS.
WORTH SAVING by JESSIE REYEZ
Mood: In the shower, door closed. Steam everywhere. Time to pour your heart out by singing this ballad, complete with coordinating hand and body motions. This is your moment to shine, you smarty femme.
JUICE by LIZZO
Mood: In a Zoom call virtual happy hour, where your friends challenge each other to a dance-off. Werk it!
RELACIÓN by SECH
Mood: Post dinner, SUPER full. You don’t really understand what this song is saying but this is probably what my dog thinks of me when you’re trying to talk to him. Whatever, you still like it!
FLAMING HOT CHEETOS by CLAIRO
Mood: How did it get to 1 AM already? Wiping the tears off your face because somehow you have all these feels. Some of the hot Cheetos crumbs you were eating accidentally rubbed off on your face. Okay, it’s time to call it a night.
Have a terrific weekend!
P.S. Receive new posts on my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right-hand side.
Maybe today is that day. A day when you wake up feeling that you don’t want to do anything. It was only yesterday you told yourself that you are going to cross out five things off your to-do list tomorrow. Now, those thoughts have come to a screeching halt.
It’s totally OK to have a relaxing day and not do anything productive. But, let’s say you really need to get out of bed and tackle some tasks. You might feel lazy now, but it could be because you haven’t turned on your productive mindset and it needs a little help.
TSF TIP:
Some days, we need to think productive in order to be productive.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Change out of your pajamas and into something that’ll get you in a productive mindset. It can still be soft and 100% cotton, but change into something with the goal of making yourself feel ready to kick-off the day.
Do a quick, 10-minute workout to get your body energized for the day. This doesn’t have to be a full-on HIIT workout with 8 lb weights, unless you want it to be. You could do 10 push-ups, 10 jumping jacks, some stretches, and a couple of deep inhales and exhales. That’s totally fine.
Given the stay-at-home/quarantining circumstances, you’re not seeing anyone with the exception of your daily “coworkers,” aka your pet and significant other (if any; if not, ignore) and the occasional blurry video call from your boss. But, it can possibly help get you in a good mood if you take care of how you look. Comb that hair, brush your teeth, and use that scented body lotion (this is my favorite). Whatever it takes.
Eat something substantial. Three bites of your candy bar from last night doesn’t count. Here are some delicious eats if you want to look at food pictures and drool over them. You can also have one of three options: 1) Oatmeal with cinnamon and fruit, 2) Toast with peanut butter and chia seeds, or 3) Banana and yogurt. Or, you can pick whatever you want to eat. Just make it good and insta-worthy, duh.
Cool, you read through this entire post. Leave the comment: “I got this” and give yourself a pat on the back.
Hope these tips can help jump-start your day. Now, go own it, you smarty femme!
P.S. Receive new posts on my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right-hand side.
The Smarty Femme 