Freestyle Your Life

The Opportunity of a Lifetime 

Hi y'all, I wanted to share a great opportunity if you've ever thought about becoming an entrepreneur on your own terms. Since joining the Stella & Dot community I've learned and grown so much in my personal and professional life. The opportunity as a Stella & Dot Stylist has afforded me the ability to do what I truly love, connecting with great people and friends all while earning additional income. As a Stella & Dot Stylist you can earn on your own terms. It's very exciting to see how easily you can make sales by wearing fashionable jewelry and accessories. 

My Why for joining was to get free jewelry and accessories all while getting in on the phenomenal Stylists perks! I also like the idea of how flexible it is to be present with my family and not impinge on my existing responsibilities. As a Stylist you truly can "free-style" your life by doing as much or as little you choose to do. In addition, to my guilty pleasure for irresistible jewelry I've also been able to provide great opportunities for travel and families trips! What is your "Why?" 

What do you have to lose? Right now, there's an awesome deal going on that's essentially risk free! Join during the month of June for the initial starter fee of $199 and you have the opportunity to get a rebate for your initial starter kit fees. It's a win-win and once in a lifetime opportunity that may not become available again. If you're interested and want to take advantage of this great promo before the end of the month, I'd be more than willing to further discuss with you. So what are you waiting for...act now and earn while you get free jewels!

Here, I've done the math for you. That's over $850 in free jewelry and accessories plus approximately $450 in cash off to boot. That's all for doing something that you'll love. Need I say more! 

Stella & Dot Trunk Show

Hi Y'all! I hope your week is going great! I want to check in and share what I've been up to lately. I recently became an Independent Stylist with the Stella & Dot company. For those that are unfamiliar with Stella & Dot it's a jewelry company that offers high-end,  gorgeous jewelry and fashion accessories at affordable prices. You can learn more here: www.stelladot.com/astridwilliams. I love the concept of the company as it promotes its jewelry through the chic and trendy concept of hosting "Trunk Shows" at home. This is where the fun begins...you gather your girlfriends, family, coworkers, kids teachers, etc. well you get the point! And have FUN shopping the lastest coveted fashionable jewelry and accessories in the comfort of your home or at a "pop up shop."

So, this past weekend I held my Debut Trunk at my home. I was a little nervous, but it sure was fun! I had a pretty good mix of old High School friends, college roommate, close family members, bosses, sorority sisters and my husband's friends wives. It was a pretty good turnout and just right so everyone had and opportunity to try on samples and look through our season's Look Books. 

Here's some pictures of the Trunk Show at my residence. 

We had such a fun shopping experience while eating fine cheeses, sipping on fresh lemonade and San Pellegrino. But don't fret if you feel left out you can still shop my Trunk Show now until June 6th here: http://www.stelladot.com/ts/jp876. 

Oh, and the bonus is the special promotion going on now is "Dot Dollars" now through June 15th. For every $50 you spend you get $25 back! So if you spend $100 you get $50 back to use on a future purchase starting June 25th. So go online I'm sure you'll find something you like or create a "wish list" of some things you'd like to purchase.

Happy Shopping, my friends!!!

How to Get Organized: Plan Your Life

Hey y'all! Happy Wednesday! I hope your week is going well. I'm so glad it's mid week and almost Friday. I have been busy trying to stay afloat with all the projects I have going on. 

With that being said, I would like to note I've also started a blog on my business website at A Happy Nest Concierge. It's in the beginning stages and I'm trying to decide whether to consolidate with this blog, keep it separate or start a whole new Blog on Word Press. I'll keep you posted as to what I decide but in the meantime you can also check me out there as well, for useful life and home information at www.ahappynest.org.

So getting started with the focus of this post on getting organized. I can't tell you how important it is as a wife, mother, daughter, business owner, etc. so here's some tips to "Get yo' Life On Order!"

Get Organized! 

Manage your time, simplify your life and live your true priorities with a weekly plan. Today I'm sharing specific details on how I plan my week.

Set A Planning Time

Organizing doesn’t happen by accident. We have to choose to be intentional with the way we spend our time or our lives are hijacked by the many distractions around us and we may even live our lives according to others priorities rather than our own.                                                               

I have found that the most effective way to live my true values is to make an appointment with myself every week to pray, think and plan. Setting a consistent time each week creates a habit and makes it much more likely that I will sit down and do the few minutes of work necessary to plan my week. In the past I planned my week on Sunday evening but most recently I find that Saturday mornings work best for my current season of life and the fact that I am a weekend-get-it-done person.

*Find a time each week when you can have 30 minutes alone with your calendar and your thoughts.

Decide Your Priorities

There are some items on everyone’s list that must be done for life to function. Around our house those include:

• Grocery shopping because my family will loudly complain if there is no food in the house;
• Laundry because clean clothes are a necessity;
• Dishes because I can't stand a messy home.

I also need to plan meals for the week, kids activities and business related functions.

All of these tasks are necessary but other items are actually more important even though they scream less loudly like being present with my little one who is experiencing his terrible twos or having fun with my family so that our family unit can stay strong. I have to plan “relationship” time alone with my family members to ensure that I am spending time on what really matters.

Choose a Planner

There are many planner options available. I prefer to use a written planner because it meets my need for an artistic outlet but there are many more technologically advanced ways to plan including phone apps. I find that simple is better so don’t think that a planner with all the “bells and whistles” is necessarily better. Try several systems and find what works with your personality and lifestyle.

*Try several planning systems to find what works best for you.

Schedule Everything

Making a list of tasks to complete is only half of the planning process. You need to schedule times to accomplish those tasks. I personally am not a “by-the’hour” planner. I loosely schedule every item on my priority list but without specific times. For example, I know that grocery shopping will happen on Wednesday after we finish school but I don’t have a specific time because I have to see how our day goes. Of course life does not go according to plan much of the time, but I am much less stressed if I have a general plan to follow. 

Check Your Plan

All of this planning will be of no help to you if you don’t consult your planner and follow the plan. If you use your phone to organize, set alarms to remind you of important appointments and tasks that need to be accomplished. Create a habit of checking your plan first thing in the morning, throughout the day and just before bed to make sure you don’t miss anything.

*Create a habit of checking your planner throughout the day.

So those are my tips on stating organized. I hope they were helpful. Drop me a line below of you would like to share how you stay organized. I'd love to hear your tips! 

One Year Celebration

I'm probably sure by now you've heard that Flip Flops & Mimosas recently turned ONE!!! I can't believe it's been a year since I started blogging. I know for some that's not a long time at all but for me this last year has been a whirlwind. In addition to the Blogosphere I followed one of my many passions of creative design and event planning and started, "Flip Flops & Mimosas Designs" named after none other than yours truly!

I recently held an Anniversary Celebration and Networking Mixer to celebrate this major milestone. I had so much fun and truly grateful for all the wonderful people that came out to support me at my big event. Here are a few pictures that were captured throughout the night.

Anniversary Celebration

Swag bags for the guests.

Celebrating the one year milestone.

The spread: Caprise salad and fruit skewers, red velvet cupcakes and my custom logo cookies were a few of the items on the menu.

The custom logo cookies were a major hit!

Of course I had to have my very own signature drink for the night! How appropriate was its name "Astrid's Nautical Star" because my future truly is bright! 

Yours truly in action.

Ladies...networking. I love this!

The fine details made for an elegant and upscale event.

I can't thank everyone enough for the kind words, hospitality and kindness that has been shown to me over the course of this last year. I'm looking forward to an even brighter future ahead!

Best! xoxoxo 

Summer To-Do List

I was reading one of my favorite mags over the weekend and came across an article on fun summer actives to do this summer. I thought I'd share my list. 

1. Cook something new once a week.

2. Visit a museum.

3. Make your own ice cream (time to bring out the ice cream maker from the pantry).

3. Take a stay-cation in your hometown.

4. Take a road trip to a new location. 

5. Try a new form of exercise outside.

6. Experiment with a new hairstyle. 

7. Host an outdoor summer cocktail party.

8. Catch at least one summer concert. 

What's on your list for this summer? I'd love to hear. 

Guess Who's Back!

Hey Y'all! *waving in Blogosphere* It seems like forever since I've blogged. What can I say? I've been busy with life and the kids. Today was their last day of school. I don't know who was happier me or the kiddos! LOL. Anyhow, I just wanted to drop by and say Hello to everyone and wish you all a fun and exciting summer! I have lots of things planned so I'll be sure to try to post on a regular to keep you up-to-date.

Here are a few things that I've been working on.

Kate Spade Pink Flamingo Soirée.

I'm on a Kate Spade bandwagon with my DIY Kate Spade inspired tapered candle.

Some of the left-over candy from a Gender Reveal party! Oh, what fun it was.

My growing love for Washi tape continues. #DesignLife

Getting ready for a fun Flip Flops & Mimosas Photoshoot! 

My Design Space. Where it all happens...I love to create! 

Well, that's it! Until next time!!

Kate Spade Planner

On Easter Sunday the Mr. and I went on an impromptu shopping trip to the nearby Cabazon Outlets. We went to one of my many favorite stores, Kate Spade.  He surprised me with a lovely purchase. I love to plan and organize everything, blame it on my Type A personality. So of course, I fell in love with this cute Kate Spade organizer. It's so chic and the pages are pretty and colorfully just how I like it!

Here's a few pics of the planner.

The tassel was purchased separately. I love how it adds a perfect pop of color. It's also playful and fun.

 

Here's a view from the inside.

I love the monthly calendar inserts. Each month has an inspirational saying just enough to get you started off right.

There also plenty of room for business cards, debit and credit cards.

There are tabs for my notes, todo lists, favorite restaurants, birthdays and addresses.

I'm such as planner nerd. I HEART my new planner.❤️

My Hair Story

Hi y'all I'm writing this post straight from the beauty salon. As I sit here and wait to get my hair done so many questions are running through my mind. For instance, how long is it going to take for my stylist to get to me, how many other people hair she's going to wash, perm, etc. before she gets to me while I wait under the dryer AND most importantly how can I properly care for my hair on my own?

Don't get me wrong, I love my hair stylist and I've been going to her for so many years but there has got to be something better than wasting numerous hours of my day when I scheduled an appointment. I'm a professional and I expect those that I entrust with the care of my hair or whatever service I'm seeking (and paying for) to be as professional. Now, I know you're probably saying that this is nothing new...and many stylist double/triple book clients all the time. Well, yes in the black community it's expected to be an all-day event when you get your hair done. But, I ask why is this acceptable? When other ethnicities get their hair styled at salons they have a set appointment that their stylist adheres to. So, I have stumbled over the decision on going natural.

I have contemplated going natural for some time now however with any major decision in my life I decided to do some research. So I've taken to Pinterest and pinned a gazillion pictures on styles that I've been drawn to. Lately, I've been drawn to Afros and Havanna twists. Here's my top pics.

Natural Hair Styles I'm Lovin'

What of you think? Do you think I can pull this off? The next question is how to style & care for natural hair. Now, that's a whole other post that I'll have to do my research on.

What are your hair care dilemmas? I'd love to hear. 

Ten Simple Joys

Hi There! It feels like forever since I blogged. I've been busy with the kids and school so I thought I'd take a quick break and write a post. This one is focused on life's simple pleasures. 

Here Are My Ten Simple Joys...

1. Drinking homemade sweet tea.

2. Eating cotton candy ice cream.

3. A long hot shower uninterrupted without the kids.

4. Coming home to a CLEAN home.

5. A manicure/pedicure.

6. Freshly cut flowers, I absolutely love tulips.

7. Sleeping in on the weekends.

8. A freshly made bed with clean, crisp linen.

9. The sweet smell of Anthro candles burning.

And rounding off the list...

10. Of course, good ole fruit smoothies...any flavor will do. I simply love them especially in my Mason jars.

What are your simple pleasures? I'd love to hear.

November, A Time to Give Thanks.

It's November already? Where has the time or year gone for that matter. This month I will be kicking off my Thirty Days of Giving Thanks! That's not to say you shouldn't be grateful EVERYDAY for God waking you up with a sound mind, healthy body, food and shelter.

So, throughout the month I will be writing down my daily devotion of what I'm thankful for. It's the little things. Things like family, goods friends and laughing at yourself when no one else is looking.

I invite you to join me and write down what you're grateful for too. You just might be surprised with the many blessings you have. I always like to remember this quote, "Someone else is happy with much less than what you have." Never let the things you want make you forget the things you have. For what good is a home if it's not filled with laughter or BOYS jumping off the rafters (Oh, did I say that)?

Stayed Blessed, my Friends!

Breast Cancer Awareness

Today is National Awareness Day. The third Friday in October each year is National Mammography Day, first proclaimed by President Clinton in 1993. On this day, and throughout the month, women are encouraged to make a mammography appointment. So today, October 18th, we celebrate breast cancer awareness.

Please support this very important matter and encourage your loved ones to schedule a mammography appointment and/or perform a breast self examination.

Here are a couple pics showing support.

Limited Pink Ribbon Bagel at Panera Bread.

My son's school showing awareness.

What are you doing to show your support. 

No Spend Challenge

30 Days Without Spending: Are You Up to the Challenge?

With the holidays coming near I want to challenge myself by getting my financial house in order. I have decided to challege myself by cutting all unnecessary expenses for ONE month. This may be harder than it seems with my little one's birthday and Halloween next month. So I've set the challenge to begin October 1st. 

First, start the spending detox by setting a tangible goal -- anything from paying off credit purchases you charged, expanding your emergency fund to saving enough money to take an all-cash, paid-in-full vacation.

The rules of the exercise are relatively simple: Commit to spending only what is ABSOLUTELY necessary. That means no movies, no theater tickets, no coffee shop runs, no restaurant meals, and no shoe-buying splurges.

Or online shopping for that matter...

Researchers have found that it takes about 30 days to break a habit, so the idea of the challenge is not simply to generate some extra dollars for that one month, but also to wake you up to the reality of unnecessary spending.

What is "necessary" spending?
Most people have three big spending categories: necessary monthly outlays for things like mortgage and utilities; work-related spending, such as commuting, takeout lunches, clothing and dry cleaning; and purely recreational spending for social activities and entertainment.

Clearly, it's impossible to cut all spending for an entire month. You still must pay your mortgage or rent, car payments, insurance premiums utility bills and other essentials. But there are big expenses in each of the three spending categories where keeping costs down -- even to zero dollars -- can pay off in spades. Food is a good example. Of course you need to eat. But for one month, can you avoid relying on carry-out or restaurant meals? Start by using up your existing groceries and then being a mindful shopper when you do go to the grocery store.

Get creative with your cost-cutting. For example:

• Shop your closet for "new" outfits created out of items you haven't worn in a while.
• Organize a potluck recipe-sharing evening instead of going out with your friends.
• Give a homemade gift or offer your services instead of buying a present.
• Check for free activities in your community.

One easy way to track your spending is to sign up with a free service such as Mint.com. You can also use financial software programs, mobile phone apps, or pencil and paper -- whatever works for you.

Will you take the no-spend challenge?   

Whether you choose to register with Mint or are motivated by the need to revamp your budget, let me know how you do on the 30-day financial detox diet. And I'll be sure to check-in with you along the way!