Archives for June 2015

How to pack for a work conference

June 30, 2015 Leave a Comment

Strange as it sounds, I’ve always dreamed of going to a “work conference.” Yes, odd. But you get to walk around in your cutest professional suit – coffee as your constant accessory. You get to meet people you don’t know with similar passions and learn really useful applicable information from people in your field.

Thrown off by the above pictures? I was just so lucky that my first work conference was in a little city called Vegas. I went for an advertising organization I’m on the board of, Ad2OKC, and got to meet chapters from all over the country! Ad Club is the parent company of Ad2. Ad2 is for young professionals in communications, advertising, marketing, etc. It’s inspiring to meet people your own age doing BIG things! Loved meeting everyone!

^ Can you find me?

Moving on to one of the greatest challenges of a conference, packing to fit into a carry-on. When you’re trying to save money, you don’t want to have to pay that luggage fee. I packed one personal bag and a carry-on to last the entire trip.

Long Champ was my trusty bag carried throughout the conference. Enough room to hold my essentials, computer/notebook/wallet/lipstick, without being too bulky. It transitions easy from work bag, to bigger purse.

Packing rules and tips:

(**for a half-week conference only taking professional clothes into consideration)

Pick one, or two, pair of shoes to match all outfits. I know this is tough but it’s definitely manageable. That’s why neutral shoes are the best!
One bag that works as your purse
Three bottoms – Two skirts, one pant to match all the tops
One dress
Four tops to match either bottom option
Jewelry should be worn with each outfit to spice up the look. One statement piece for each outfit
One neutral scarf! It’s ALWAYS going to be freezing in there!
Grand Total: 2 shoes, 1 bag, 3 bottoms, 4 tops, 1 scarf, jewelry

Key thing to remember when your packing clothing tightly, wrinkle free spray! This is a life saver when you wake up a little too late and don’t have the time to iron. I also specifically choose materials that don’t wrinkle too easy. Lint roller is always a must too.

Nails should also look clean and professional. If you know you won’t have time to fix chips, go on the safe side and groom them before and use clear polish.And as always, my friends, lipstick!

What packing tips do you have to share?

Lessons Learned From Father

June 21, 2015 Leave a Comment

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures out there!

My dad deserves a lot of credit. He is one of the kindest, brilliant man of all times. Although he has the unfair ratio of 3:1 in the Shelby household, all his girls love him dearly. He may have too many “dad jokes” that we all roll our eyes at, and sometimes doesn’t follow the established no talking rule for the morning hours, he’s still my favorite dad.

I am constantly shocked at the countless random facts he knows; be it history, word origin, or where his third grade best friend’s family lives. Unlike the constantly distracted crazy people of today, he truly listens and will remember what you share with him. I especially appreciate his willingness to listen to anything I need to discuss and he provides the best advice or words of comfort every time. Just knowing you have support like that makes all the difference.

Father shares articles that he finds inspiring, and words of the day each week that can make a huge difference in a challenging day. He constantly cheers me on in my endeavors at work, on my writing, or on my fitness challenges!

Lessons Learned

THINK.
This is the one word of advice he always imparts upon me before any trip, or particularly boisterous outing. This word usually resounds with me and keeps me in check. Think before acting and you are normally in a good place.

Take care of yourself and others.
He has always taken care of us by giving us our thousands of vitamins, making sure that we eat healthy, encouraging wearing sunscreen, and more. He would do anything for his girls!

Never stop learning.
He reads all of the time and never stops learning. This is key to being successful and continuing to challenge yourself and grow as a person. He reads countless books, articles, and posts that I would find snooze worthy but he truly enjoys learning anything and everything.

Drinking coffee is always a good thing.

We share the same love for coffee. We enjoy coffee all day long. There are so many articles out there on coffee – good, bad or ugly? – We’ll always stand behind the pros of drinking coffee! <3 #coffeeaddicts

What lessons have your fathers shared with you?

Crushing On Caramel Balayge Hair

June 8, 2015 Leave a Comment

There are only two things that you can’t get instant gratification on anymore, well maybe more than two but you get my point. We are used to wanting something, and getting it immediately so something that takes patience and longer than ten minutes is an alarming challenge! Could you guess those two big things for women?

Losing weight and growing out your hair, two things that most women want! Well the wait for my hair has finally proven successful and I feel like it can be classified as “not short” anymore. Owe this to eating enough protein, not washing or heat styling too much, and good head massages to stimulate the scalp…oh, and just good ole’ fashion time.

I recently went in for a trim to keep the healthy hair growing, and also wanted a fun update for the summery months but didn’t know the answer so the Pinterest research began! After properly looking at colors and ideas, I found balayge hair inspiration and decided it was a must for summer!

Why balayge?

Balayage literally means “to sweep” in French. It’s a less intense version of ombre and is a technique where your stylist paints the color through your hair! How fun! No pattern at all.
Balayge hair coloring is the best for someone like me who is really bad about hair upkeep. I’m horrible and will wait months and months before going back to the salon. If you want something fun and summery but aren’t willing to keep up with it. Balayge is the perfect answer!
Balayge is laid back and can grow out and not look bad! Unlike highlights, it doesn’t ever look tacky if it hasn’t been done in awhile.
Adds dimension to your hair. One tone hair can be boring and adding different colors can really liven your hair game up!
This technique provides a more sun kissed natural feel and there are no stripy highlights to retouch every few weeks.

What is your fun summer look?

10 Minute Plank Summer Workout Challenge

June 5, 2015 Leave a Comment

Planks are one of the best exercises ever to tone the body quickly. Planks work the entire core (abs, quads, glutes, back) and shoulders.

Rumor has it that VS Angels plank for at least 10 minutes a day. Knowing that, I have no reason not to incorporate that into my daily workout. Perhaps one rest day. No matter how great of shape you are in, anyone could benefit from a plank challenge during summer time!

Try this 10 minute plank workout and don’t be disappointed! You will quickly whittle away your waist and build strength fast. Don’t be discouraged if you have to start with doing each exercise :15 or :30 before working up to the full :60.

Plank Workout Moves Breakdown:

Standard Plank:
Keep your abs in and your head and neck neutral to create a solid straight line from your head to your feet. Be sure to keep that booty down, or you’re cheating!

Plank Jack:
Start in standard plank and jump both feet further apart and then back in. Repeat.

Plank Balance:
Plank from your hands. Reach out your right hand and your left foot and balance. Bring your opposite elbow and knee together, hold and release. Repeat on other side.

Mountain Climbers:
Assume plank position on your elbows. Bring your right knee straight forward, then replace, then your left knee, then replace. Go as fast as you can. Get that heart rate up!

Side Plank Rotators:
Get into side plank. You can do this from your feet or your knees. Raise your hand and rotate inward.

10 Minute Plank Workout Challenge:

Let me know what you think! What’s the hardest plank for you?