Unwind Ahhhhh....

                                                                                                     Source: flickr.com

1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7

Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in the franticness of life. I've come to realize that I'm unable to excel in anything I do, unless I take care of myself. Whether I hit the gym before a long day, find some time to meditate after a grueling one, or take a weekend to recharge, I have found that I need to put myself first. I come from a family of women who have always put others before themselves; Sure, it sounds like a nobel thing to do, but in the end, you can only give as much as you have. Now, I put myself at the top of the list; and by doing so, I am better able to serve those around me.

Above are some things I use to relax at home.

What do you do to unwind?

To Tea, or Not to Tea?

Morning Plummies! I know that many people drink coffee to jump start the day...but how about tea in the a.m.? I usually drink tea in the evening as a way to wind down and relax before bed time. I often drink green tea, camomile, or chai. 

A fairly new one that I have incorporated into my tea rotation is an amazingly delicious one by Aveda. It is naturally sweetened because it contains licorice root (I usually dislike the taste of licorice, but trust me, it is divine!) It's yummy either brewed and enjoyed hot, or chilled and enjoyed cold. Aveda offers their tea in either teabag or loose leaf form. I'm a fan of teabags because I often stash some in my purse so that I can enjoy a cup throughout my work day. FYI: You do get more product in the loose leaf form.

What are your favorite teas?

                   

Cha-Ching!: Money Talk

Cha-Ching!: Money Talk by sheilaho featuring leather wallets

Marc by Marc Jacobs leather wallet

Hey there, Plummies! Let's have a money conversation...

My mom taught my siblings and I how to be smart with our money. She taught us that: "Money does not grow on trees", and that we should: "Always try to save up for a rainy day". She would give us a weekly allowance of $5 upon completion of all our household chores. After weeks of saving up, we would be able to buy any toys our hearts desired.

Now-a-days, I am constantly attempting to hold on to those same money lessons. 

• I try not to spend more than I earn. 
• When possible, I shop either discounted or second-hand. 
• I try to pay off my credit card every month...otherwise, I will be paying tons of interest! (*Opening a couple credit cards in your own name is necessary for building good credit, and is great for emergencies; However, be smart about using them!)
• Every six months I take an inventory of what I spend, then I cut back on what seems unnecessary (i.e: I do not have cable at home; I just don't have the time to watch, and the internet seems to have it all!)
• Most importantly, I create a realistic budget that I can stick to! 

The most brilliant way that I have found to help me manage my finances and create a budget is with Mint. It helps me: track all of my spending habits, organize automated bill payments, plan my college loan repayments, and even helps me plan for vacations and retirement! It is free, so you should probably get on board, like...right now! 

Click here to begin being smart with your own money.

What tips do you have in regards to money?

Resolutions 2012

Resolutions 2012 by sheilaho on polyvore.com

Beau-Tea-Ful Surprise Mug In Owl, $25
shop.sanrio.com - Shop Sanrio.com for Pens & Pencils, $9

Hello Plummies, I hope everyone's Wednesday is going well! It's my first day back at work after Christmas, so getting back into the swing of things is a bit difficult. I did take a couple minutes last night to reflect on how I can better myself this coming year; However, I do not only do this kind of reflection once a year...I try doing it every 3-4 months.  I will make a list of goals I would like to accomplish, books I would like to read, or new things I would like to try. I will put the list somewhere visible, so I can remind myself of these goals from time to time (Last year, I wrote on nice stationary, and posted it near my vanity.) If you have clear and concrete goals, you are more likely to achieve them; So, be detailed about what you envision for your life, no matter how silly it seems. A professor of mine always use to say, "Do things with intentionality, otherwise, you might go off course."  

Above is my list of goals, what are some of yours?