Be a Model of Goodness

Well, I had a pretty busy day today. I got my washer fixed and found out my dryer was never broken...you have no clue how happy I am. I really did not want to purchase another washer and dryer. I cleaned my home...ran lots of errands and ended the night going to the movies to see When in Rome. Now I'm back...ready to reveal my #11 way of becoming a better me: Be a Model of Goodness.

One might ask, what are the qualities of a good person? In my opinion, I would have to say that the person would have to be authentic, compassionate, respectful, honest, kind, helpful, caring, understanding, patient, and loving. You would usually know if a person is good by what they do, such as performing thoughtful deeds. I know I practice these wonderful qualities everyday. Sometimes it's hard...depending on what's going on in my life, it's like I feel as though I could do more...but I don't know what. Then I get discouraged because I don't know what more I could do.

But I know that we're growing every single day. We learn something new everyday...or simply reminded of what we've forgotten. I know that being good is a choice. It's about being real to myself and to others and not swaying from my true self to play deceptive characters.

I've learned...now I must continue to grow.

What I wore on this lovely, rainy, casual Saturday:

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Find Meaning

"People today have the means to live, but no meaning to live for." Viktor E. Frankl

#10: Find Meaning. I could dedicate a whole blog on just this title alone. Of course I won't, therefore I'm just going to use minimal words...I'm sure you all will get the jist of it. So what is meaning? It's the reason for our existence. It's why I get out of bed every morning (why you get out of bed), it's me making a choice on what I want to dedicate my life to...same for you. It's knowing that the meaning of life is to live a meaningful life.

Isaac Mizrahi blazer for Target; Bitten blouse; Anthropology jean skirt; Forever21 belt; Target tights & mary janes; Fossil watch

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Stick with New Pursuits

Target cardi; NY&Co cropped pant; JCPenny fishnet socks; American Eagle mary jane heels; Old Navy cropped jacket; bag?

It's almost the weekend! Yay! I hope everyone has had a pretty good week thus far. I know I have. Blogging has been much fun and sort of challenging this week. But, I'm almost done with my 12 Ways of Becoming a Better Me. So, I will now post my #9 way: Stick with New Pursuits. Or pursue goals that are worth pursuing...or pursuing a better life. You can combine them all. I've already started one goal...blogging! I do enjoy it; I've met nice people, everyone out there is just great, and they're all so supportive. I started blogging because I felt that I had a voice...and it should be heard; along with me challenging myself in my writing and fashion (casual) :-)

I continuously think about my goals in life and how to accomplish having a satisfying life. Basically it all starts with who & what is important to me? And, what disciplines do I want in my life? Exercise was one...I've started and still doing it; healthy eating was another...I'm still working on it (fried foods are a killer!); and adding more community service in my life. That's not all...I mean I've thought about my interests, what I value in my life, what my strengths are, what I like about work, and the biggest one...what practices in my life today interfere with what I want for the 'big picture' of my life.

These are things that I think about on an everyday basis. I mean, the world is changing...you gotta change with it. I guess the way to really do this is to grow personally. Really what I feel is important to me is that it's not where I stand today in each of these areas I've listed above; it's the direction in which I'm moving. I shall enjoy this journey.

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Be Bigger Than the Moment

#8 way of becoming a better me...Be Bigger Than the Moment...the quote below sums it up for me.

“Always remember that you are bigger than the moment, you are more than anything that could ever happen to you.”  Anthony Robbins

 The dress, cardi, & tights: Target; belt: Forever21; open toe heels: ShoeLand

bag: Jessica Simpson

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My Very First Award!

Thank you soooo much Nina (nina ballerina closet obsession). This was definitely unexpected, but much appreciated! And, coming from you...it's awesome! I just started blogging...and so far it's been such a joy! Again, thank you!

Upon receiving this award...I must answer the following questionnaire which, I guess, is suppose to be answered with only one word replies...here goes:

1. Where is your cell phone? Charging

2. Your hair? Black

3. Your mother? Hero

4. Your father? Missed

5. Your favorite food? Salmon

6. Your dream last night? Angelic

7. Your favorite drink? Water

8. Your dream/goal? Live

9. What room are you in? Bedroom

10. Your hobby? Create Jewelry (sorry couldn't do one word)

11. Your fear? God

12. What do you want to be in 6 years? Satisfied

13. Where were you last night? Home

14. Something you aren't? Evil

15. Muffins? Banana

16. Wish list item? Louboutin

17. Where did you grow up? Wisconsin

18. Last thing you did? Cook

19. What are you wearing? PJs

20. Your TV? Off

21. Your pets? Loved

22. Your friends? Cool

23. Your life? Busy

24. Your mood? Relaxed

25. Missing someone? Father

26. Vehicle? Toyota

27. Something you're not wearing? Make-up

28. Your favorite store? H&M

29. Your favorite color? Black

30. When was the last time you laughed? Today

31. Last time you cried? 2009 (I know...not a word)

32. Your best friend? Mother

33. One place where I go over and over again? Movies

34. One person who emails me regularly? Daughter's Teachers (again, couldn't do 1 word)

35. Favorite place to eat? Pappadeaux

And now I will like to pass this Award along to the following 10 bloggers, because they all own their individuality, and that's one good trait to have, so please accept this award:

Black Pearls
Apricot Tea
Blog Fashion
Farrielle Design and Fashionista
Love Maegan
Short and Curvy
My Delusional Mind
Second Skin
Idee Geniale
Style Artisan

Thanks so much for all of you who read my blog...and for my 10 chosen bloggers...please don't forget to answer the questionnaire as well and remember to pass this award on to 10 of your favorite bloggers.

~Corie

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Be Understanding

 

teal blazer: MaxRave; T-shirt: Marshalls; black pant: Old Navy; necklace: my creation; boots: Off Broadway Shoes

Happy Tuesday to everyone! I had a very busy day in the office today...I totally feel as though I've accomplished quite a bit today. I even made my first Shepherd's Pie! It was totally yummy too! *smiles*

Well let me get started...here's my #7 way of becoming a better me: Be Understanding. I've always thought of myself being a very understanding person. But then I went a little deeper with it. I truly asked myself if I've really been that understanding of a person. I can honestly say no. I'm a female who is set in her way. I'm at a point in my life where as if it's not my way...then it will be no one's way. And...yeah, that's not right; it's not being an understanding person by any means.

I see now that understanding is the tolerant attitude which makes us look at the acts or feeling of others as if they were justified and natural. Understanding goes beyond the reasons which may surround an action; it goes well beyond what is happening, because understanding demands something else from us.

I was told that when you truly understand someone, you're suppose to feel this state of relief or inner peace. Sometimes I feel that way, and sometimes I don't. Then I guess the times in which I do not feel that inner peace, then I'm not truly understanding that person. Listening plays a role too. In order to understand, you have to know how to listen. We all say that we know how to listen...think about though...do we really? Also, I believe that finding a possible solution to something, is also showing that you understand.

To me, understanding is a form of generosity which can make us learn to forgive, trust, and be the person someone else can turn to at a time of difficulty. Again, something I will work on everyday. If I want someone to truly understand me, then I must start learning to truly understand others.

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Like People for the Right Reasons

Top Photo: Target black blazer & pencil skirt; NY&Co top; JCPenny tights; Shoeland mary janes

Bottom Photo (after work): Jacket from Marshalls; Belt from Charlotte Russe; Another pair of Domaine Jeans

Hello...I added the pics first...trying something different. I hope everyone had a wonderful Monday, as I did.

And now for my #6 way of becoming a better me: Like People for the Right Reasons. I believe that liking someone isn't so simple; and sometimes people really think that they like someone when the reality is they don't. This is probably based on the situations and circumstances surrounding us. When I was younger (high school), I thought I was to like someone simply because they talked to me and allowed me to be in their 'popular' groups. And, I'm sure they only spoke to me because I dressed similar to the ways they dressed, or because I spoke properly. Obviously these are not concrete reasons to like someone. Of course, I grew up and I started seeing people for who they were...if I liked them, I liked them. If I didn't, I would remain cordial, but that was simply it.

Even now, in my work place, there are a group of women who hang out together in the work place as well as outside of the office. New people that come in (get hired) feel as though they should like these group of women simply because others do (reality...they probably don't) so it's like why not like them. When you're the new person on board, there's that pressure to find new friends (possibly desperation).

Or, sometimes people like what a person represents, such as in my high school years (what I wore, or how I spoke). It's just excelerated when you're an adult. It's called looking good on paper; such as, if you're a director, a doctor, a lawyer, or someone with an attractive last name like Rockefeller.

Then there's the I like you because your dog is cute, you drive a BMW, or you work at my favorite restaurant.

These are the wrong reasons to like someone. Maybe you're not needing a certain type of friendship right now. It takes time...let it happen. It's kind of like a relationship (husband/wife; boyfriend/girlfriend). You don't force it, you don't get into it because it's convenient, you're bored, or you feel pressured. Find your happiness first. That's exactly what I've done. I don't have many friends, but I believe the ones I have now are my TRUE friends. It's funny because we're all so different in many ways.

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Sharing

What a day it has been (rainy, blah..blah..blah). Oh well...tomorrow is another day (rain or shine), I will make it a better day.

Well here is my #5 way of becoming a better me: To Share. I guess you can tie this in with my #4 which was to give. We've been taught to share at an early age; whether it was sharing toys, crayons, or clothes with your siblings. Some of us lose this trait as we get older. Maybe it's because we've been through a bad times (a loss or someone lost something that was yours) or what ever the reason may be. There really isn't an excuse for not sharing with others. And, you don't necessarily have to share physical items; share a story, or your time (volunteering). There are ways one can share. So I want you to think of some ways you can share or have shared in the past. Start sharing something today.

What I wore on this laid back Sunday:

Levi snuck his way in the picture!

Old Navy jean jacket; Target v-neck T-shirt; I heart Ronson sweats; Old Navy scarf

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Give...

Hello! Happy Weekend to all! I've been very busy since 7 am this morning and now I'm finally taking a break. I'll be going to the movies later, so maybe I should take a nap now. But before I do, I will post my #4 way of becoming a better me: that is To Give. I should probably say continue to give, being that this is something I already do. And, I don't just give to places like Goodwill, The Salvation Army and other thrift stores...I give to The Red Cross, churches, schools, and I volunteer myself for various projects like Habitat for Humanity. So this is something that I practice all of the time.

I recently just donated to the American Red Cross to aid the relief effort in Haiti. I'm sure many of you have by now. It was such a devastation. Even though I don't have much, I'm willing to give what little I do have. You have to think about it, I say I don't have much....but over there, they have nothing. If you haven't donated, please do so. But be sure to do your research on where and how to donate to the relief aid. There are many scams out there. Until tomorrow...bye!

What I wore today:

jacket:Target; jeans: Domaine Jeans; ankle boots: ShoeLand; scarf: gifted; blouse: Walmart

NOTE: I will like to thank Christina from Second Skin for featuring me on her blog. That was so unexpected. I do appreciate it. She has a wonderful, stylish blog that I love a lot, and such a great personality. Thanks again Christina!

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Discover Your Conscience/Conscious...

#3 Becoming a better me: Discover your Conscience. This was a bit difficult for me to list. Not because it's something I cannot do, but mainly because I don't know how to really express it in writing. I know I need to work on becoming more conscious, but where do I start exactly?

I know that it's our conscience that makes us feel guilty when we do something "not so nice," but your consciousness is your awareness. Where am I going with this? I think I need to figure out the ways to raise my consciousness. So, here's my brainstorming on this...

I believe that when I'm afraid to truly know something, this lowers my consciousness; so I need to accept the truth, speak the truth. I need to face any of my fears; not run from my problems...have courage. Developing a connection to myself, others, the environment....all living things; the more conscious and aware I could become. Continuing to set goals in my life...knowing what I truly desire the most will help. Meditation...need I say more? Striving to understand reality and my role in it. The need to continue to seek out others who are also on the path to perceiving their consciousness. And, continuing to take care of my body physically, because energy raises your consciousness.

hmmmm....I think I expressed this to the best of my ability. Tomorrow I shall have my #4 way of becoming a better me.

What I wore today:

It was a very relaxing day for me. Yes, I had to go to work, but I was behind a desk ALL day. And, we're preparing for a move to another location in the office suite. So not a day for dressing up.

sweater coat: Charlotte Russe; shirt dress: Old Navy; denim leggings: Marshall's; ankle boots: ShoeLand

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Remember This?

I had taken the beads from a previous post and ...some other beads I had already, and made these: What ya think?

I made these yesterday, since then I have changed the miscolored bead from the earrings on the right hand side.

As I've stated before, I am new to making jewelry and I'm only making very simplistic items. I'll be taking a class very soon so I can grow.

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Article:Accept the Cards You're Dealt

Today I will state my #2 way of becoming a better me: which is, Accept the Cards You Are Dealt. I found a great quote by Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister (1947-1964), and it states, "Life is like a game of cards. The hand you are dealt is determinism; the way you play it is free will."

What does this mean to me? It means that I need to focus on making the most with the hand that was dealt for me. So instead of me asking, "why is this happening to me?", I need to just stop. Stuff happens, but it's up to me to turn it around; make the best life for me. I need to really figure out what matters to me the most in life.

In life we're given a choice, but before any of our minds are made up, we might want to take a look further.

What I wore on this rainy, cloudy, lovely day :-)

not a great pic, I had to use a different camera...battery for my Nikon was charging.

black vest: Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker; green blouse: Old Navy; black pant: Old Navy

coat: Old Navy

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12 Ways to be Proactive in Making a Better You (Me)

I wanted to do something a little different, with my blog, for the next 12 days. It has to do with being proactive in your my life in becoming a better person. How did I come up with this idea? Well, it just dawned on me one night after reading a print out of a Buddhist article that mentioned the concepts and teachings that Buddhists practice in their everyday lives. See, there are some individuals in my life presently who think that I am the meanest person ever...and I'm not; at least I don't see it. Thus, leading me to this personal challenge.

Then I thought, what are 12 ways that I can become a better me?

So #1 is: Displaying Grace. I'm going to challenge myself and see if I can speak to someone with a smile, even if it means adding a emoticon after a statement made in email form or text. And, since many respond well to praise (sincere)...I think I'll start right now...There are many bloggers out there who have great blogs! Those who are following me...you guys rock! I never thought that I would even start a blog, yet meet cool people such as yourselves. I believe responding to everyone is also a start, along with avoiding negativity, and hostility. I appreciate those of you who do respond and comment. It means a lot actually. So, stay tuned for my 2nd way of becoming a better me...tomorrow.

What I wore today was very simple and comfy:

gray blazer: MaxRave; black dress: Target; dotted tights: JCPennys; patent leather heels:?; necklace: NY&Co

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Daily Outfit:It Feels Like Spring!

No complaints...I was enjoying every bit of this gorgeous, spring like weather. Today... was indeed... a good day.

What I wore:

Target black cardi; Target full skirt; Payless teal open toe shoes; Forever21 tank; 579 necklace

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Woman in Red

I'm feeling a lot better today...even though I still have that hangering cough. Work was pretty busy, and I noticed that there were quite a bit of people off today, and that meant that I could get a lot done. And I did! Then my manager called me up and told me to take the rest of the day off (it was beautiful outside) and spend some time with my daughter. So, I got to leave work early...around 3ish...and I did exactly what he suggested. My daughter, Levi and I went to the park, and then I took her to Baskin Robbins for some ice cream. It was very nice.

This is what I wore today (nothing that took a lot of thought):

NY&Co red shirt dress; Target black leggings; Shoeland ballet flats; necklace is my creation; Fossil watch; Ny&Co ring

Hopefully a better look at the necklace

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A Little Under the Weather

I know I've been MIA for the past couple of days, however I've been pretty sick. It's only a head cold, but it's been keeping down for the past few days. Today I'm feeling a little better despite the hacking cough and nose runs. So basically I've been wearing nothing but sweats and my cozy blanket all weekend :-)

I did manage to get out Friday night...only to do a medicine run to Walmart...and the sky was this dark black and orange color that was really beautiful. I tried to capture an image of it, but to no avail, I'm not a professional photographer... therefore the image below is what you're getting. The view was much more beautiful than what you see here.

Also, not too long ago, I mentioned that I wanted to make my aunt beaded earrings and get them to her before her birthday later this month. Well, I finally found the beads ... now I need to figure out what to do with them. To Be Continued...

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Daily Outfit:Project Runway!!!

I have become a really big Project Runway fan.

I don't know how to sew, stitch, or anything...but I do love clothes and I love the contestants they have on the show. It's on tonight! Yay! Can't wait...they're back in New York and it should be loads of entertainment.

What I wore today:

the skirt that everyone has from HandM; v-neck sweater Isaac Mizrahi for Target; HandM cardi; 5.7.9 necklace

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Not Feeling Well

I'm not feeling too well today, and I do plan on getting in the bed as soon as I'm done with this post. I think it's just a head cold...but I don't need any kind of sickness! I really wish people would stop coming in to work sick. Why do that? You get everyone sick. *sigh*

This is what I wore for part of my day at work:

 

Merona Target shirt & blazer; Old Navy pant; Shoeland mary janes; NY&Co belt; Fossil watch (my fav)

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Body Image

Why are we so hard on ourselves when it comes to body image? When I say we, of course I mean women. Magazines don't help either. Women all over try to measure up to a certain social and cultural ideal of beauty, not realizing that this is very damaging to us. In magazines they show these perfect hour glass figures; on the runway you see disturbing, unhealthy images.

We all want to look our best. I know I do... so much that I have Jillian Michaels kicking my butt 4-5 days out of the week. But I don't necessarily want to have a 'Barbie Doll' shape. I mainly want to be healthy, and of course tone my body. I've started to eat healthier, my exercise routine is consistent, and I do get plenty of rest. I'm guessing that's a start.

Developing a positive body image and a healthy mental attitude is beneficial to a woman's happiness and wellness. Because feeling bad about your body can affect how you feel and think about yourself as an individual.

So women....we need to learn how to love what we see in the mirror.

Moving on...here's what I wore today:

Target dress; HandM black shirt; sweater?; Target sweater tights; Payless booties; necklace my creation; Forever 21 belt; Fossil watch

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