How Your Coffee Habit Could be Sabotaging Your Career

Coffee is a subject of controversy every new year. I'm personally working to cut it out now that I've learned it actually increases the stress hormone cortisol. (Talk about sabotage!) I'm replacing my morning coffee with healthy homemade green juice which has given me more stable energy!

A closer alternative to coffee I've fallen in love with is Dandy Blend, which is a great choice if you want to recreate any type of creamy coffee or Dirty Chai. I use this whenever I'm going off coffee for the first several days, or whenever I'm craving the richness of coffee but want no caffeine. Dandy Blend is made from dandelion root, weird I know, but it has health benefits you can read about on its listing.

Rasa keeps coming back to the top of my list due to its adaptogenic qualities and low to no caffiene. It is made of herbal ingredients that actually fight and reverse cortisol and give energy without caffeine. My husband Rob who often battles adrenal fatigue loves Rasa. I enjoy it plain but don't love adding creamer to this. He used to make me a cup daily which I'd then follow with coffee (I know, shame on me!) when I confessed, I also suggested he keep the Rasa for himself, since it's pricey.

But regardless of what you choose to drink in the morning time, I want to share with you one key thing I've learned from working in a professional office environment. This one took me years, ladies!! Listen to me: not all workplace mugs are created equal. Let me save you the pain so you can learn from my mistakes...

Great Gifts for the Women You're Secretly Afraid Of

This year - if you're a newlywed or just landed a dream job, or if you're actively networking and building your connections, you may find yourself holiday shopping for several people you don't know well but are desperate to impress.

It could be a boss (check!). If you're a newlywed it may be a sister-in-law or mother-in-law (yep I've got those too!). Maybe it's a mentor, or a wonderful Grandma. And the list goes on.

My 5 AM Club Morning Ritual - a 3 Step Habit Hack

If you work super hard and regularly push yourself, you'll soon realize that you really need to learn how to be your own best friend to avoid burn-out. To do so, installing great habits is the only way.

Staying Fit, Stylish, and Prepared for Anything - the fun way!

 

So you have a shopping itch, and an ultra busy schedule that keeps you on the run? Me too. Good news- I have a few ideas that could help you scratch that shopping itch and be fabulously prepared for last-minute gift giving. This will be HUGE with lots of gatherings, birthdays, showers, and holidays coming up...

Looking Your Best in The Office (fashion advice)

You know you were made for BIG things. You have the brains, and you know you want to look the part. But it can be expensive to get a work wardrobe going, and many of us don't even have a sense of personal style to begin with... it's hard to know where to start! Even if you don't have the money to invest in clothing upgrades, these three tips will keep you looking your best stress-free.

(This post contains affiliate links, some with built-in discounts. When you make a purchase through a link from me, you support the blog cause. Thank you for reading and I hope this post helps you rock your office style and most importantly give your confidence a boost!)

What Coconut Oil REALLY Does Best

I've tried so many Pinterest uses for Coconut Oil. Here are a few that actually worked! And some of the uses might surprise you...

3 Simple Steps to Passionate Purpose (free printable!)

It's been so amazing being on this journey with you. What started as my personal blog 10 years ago has helped me reach women all over the world with my best thoughts on business, relationships, and health.

As you know I love clarifying challenging subjects and breaking them down into "3 simple steps" but now it's time for a very powerful and important 3 - and it's all on a topic we don't talk about nearly enough - giving and higher purpose.

What is a Mastermind Group, and Why Should You Join One?

Before I even take a breath, I need to make sure you know what a true Mastermind is. So many business greats credit membership in a great Mastermind group as their #1 secret to tremendous personal shifts and rapid business growth.

3 Best Reasons to Join a Mastermind Group

3 Best Things I've Learned from Marie Forleo

I have heard so much business and life advice online, but often it's "in one ear and out the other." Thankfully, there is one source of great insight with sticking power that stands head and shoulders above anything else I've found. Marie Forleo and her amazing YouTube channel for women entrepreneurs is a MUST watch on the weekly. Here are my top 3 favorite Marie Forleo lessons to share with you - the ones that over the years have made the biggest difference for me!

Read on!

When He Doesn't Buy You A Holiday Gift - My 3 Best Ideas to Turn Things Around

Free printable! The unthinkable has happened... he didn't get you a gift on a major holiday. And maybe you got him something extra thoughtful so now you're extra brokenhearted.

Maybe you're considering not even giving him the gift anymore. Maybe you're thinking it's a deal breaker, but you don't want to be shallow either...

I have been there.

How to Want to Cook Again (even though you're exhausted)

$40 off coupon for Food Box Services! Today I'm reviewing the best food box subscriptions, so you can get a good look at Hello Fresh, Home Chef vs Blue Apron, and get some valuable promo codes.

So, who will do it best? As always, I'm covering the 3 best options and giving you the best promo codes I can find - all in an effort to simplify your life and mine! 

When Nothing Else Works: 3 New, Healthy Ways to Finally Relax

Beyond prayer, which by its simplest definition is a very powerful form of meditation – there are things we can do to reduce stress and anxiety.  The three "weird" things I'm going to share with you today I have personally tried for myself! And I can attest yes - although unconventional, they do work! Let me know what you think about these and if you choose to try one.

Read the full post on The Pharmacy Sage.com where I give digital marketing advice to pharmacists and pharmacy owners! 

Never stop learning growing and reaching.

Written with love,

Laura

3 Daytripper Tips For Your Best NYC Day Trip Ever!

Manhattan by Sail, image from LivingSocial.com

It's amazing living just close enough to the big apple to visit for a day! But sometimes it's a bit overwhelming to plan a decent trip there. Life is just so busy! And, after you've been to the city more than a few times like I have, the thrill of "must see" attractions wears off quick - making it hard to even justify a trip. Nobody wants to do the same old thing over and over!

That's Why I'm Keeping This Post Updated - I love sharing my latest ideas and finds, since I'm always on the lookout anyway! 

I Found the Women's Version of All These Men's Fashion Services!

Updated for 2020! After my husband tried Bombfell and then I saw things like Trendy Butler, Five Four Club, Fashion Stork and Threadbeast, I felt like women needed in - I knew the female versions must be out there! So I went on the great search! Before I go on, you should know that this post contains promo codes and affiliate links, which means I may be compensated for any purchase made through these links. I am able to give you special discounts and I make a small commission from the purchase! Here's what I found!

Fashion Stork, Threadbeast, Bombfell, and Trendy Butler all have their unique edge to them, but these three ladies version styling services below are really flexible because you have a stylist working to your actual tastes. For example, StitchFix below works to your Pinterest board, and LeTote and Gwynnie Bee are like endless closets.

Stitch Fix (Most Accessible)

Stitch Fix has an awesome quick style survey that allows you to complain about what's bothering you about your style!  Then Stitch Fix actually helps you solve your fashion woes. Your $20 stylist fee gets applied to your order if you choose to buy, and that's it! I have personally used Stitch Fix for several situations - like my difficulty finding a great bag that I could use for work and play, and even really specific things like work-appropriate patterned pants for petites! Stitch Fix now offers Shoes, Plus, Maternity and Petites...

• Stitch Fix cost: Set up a subscription or try just once, a $20 Stylist Fee is applied to your order if you buy
• Women's regular, plus, petite, and maternity
• Trendy clothing and accessories
• Selected for you based on your Pinterest page and style survey
• Your surefire way to look amazing without breaking the bank!

GET STITCH FIX NOW

Get $50 off through my link! (You pay NO styling fee and can use that full $50 toward FASHION!)

LeTote (Mid Range)

LeTote makes having a high-end designer closet on rotation a possibility for you! You'll love wearing the clothes LeTote sends you, guilt-free, and you're actually supposed to wear the clothes, and they handle all the laundry. There is also an option to buy what you love most. They have a cheaper jewelry option as well! One other thing I love about it is that when it's on it's way, you can get a sneak peek at what you're getting online in a personalized online store.

• LeTote cost: Price ranges on how many items per box you want but starts at $39 and increases from there. I use the $59 option.
• Unlimited monthly boxes! (They are so super fast at delivery that I can normally score about 4 per month, or a box a week)
• Sizes up to Women's Large, and Maternity (I'm petite and have never encountered an issue). They don't have Plus, but if you love the Le Tote concept, I found a great alternative, check this out: Le Tote for plus sizes
• Professional high-end clothing, jewelry, bags and accessories
• Items selected for you by a stylist based on your style survey
• You can switch out items before shipment finalizes if you want

GET LETOTE NOW
(First Box FREE through my link!)

Rent the Runway Unlimited (Most High End)

New on the scene, but ready to WOW you! Rent the Runway is already a household name for your special occasion wear, but now it's all over it with your daily wardrobe too. I personally can't wait to up the ante with gorgeous designer brands every single day - I mean, designer dresses starting at just $30?! Yes please. Great experiences ahead!

• Rent the Runway Unlimited cost: $139 per month 
• Unlimited boxes 
• 3 items per box
• Daily wear items like tops, skirts, dresses, blazers, outerwear, handbags, jewelry...

GET RENT THE RUNWAY UNLIMITED NOW

(You get $20 off your first month through my link!)

PLUS, GET 20% Off your first order, use PROMO CODE FIRST

Gwynnie Bee - (sizes 10+ women only)

My mom tried Gwynnie Bee for us all (Read my Mom's full review of Gwynnie Bee here: Gwynnie Bee Review) and she absolutely loved it! Although you don't have to buy the clothes, she ended up getting so many compliments on some of the clothes she rented that she had to keep some.

• Gwynnie Bee cost: Free 30 day trial through my link below, between $50- $120/month after depending on # of garments you want out at one time
• Women's sizes 10-32
• Professional and attractive clothing for plus-sized women
• You select from their online shop, start a queue just like Netflix

GET GWYNNIE BEE NOW
$10 OFF AND FREE 30 DAY TRIAL through my link!

Dia & Co - (sizes 10+ women only)

I am loving this new company, Dia&Co because they seem like the best blend of all these services, AND the price is much cheaper than the others from what I've seen. (Kind of jealous actually because they only cater to plus size right now, but at least my Mom is trying it out!)

• Dia & Co cost: You pay a $20 styling fee that gets applied to whatever you decide to keep 
• Women's sizes 10-3x
• A wide range of styles and a stylist actually reads what you write and share about your body's shape and your trouble areas. They are way more receptive to our actual styling challenges than other services I've seen
• You complete a style survey, send them anything you want like your Pinterest page so they can see what you love, and then they send you a box of things you'll have trouble saying "no" to - fair warning! 

GET DIA&CO NOW
$20 OFF (you pay NO styling fee) through my link!

Well, I hope this helps you to get a handle on the AMAZING options out there, to help you look and feel beautiful everyday! If you've tried, or will be trying any of these styling services, please comment below and tell us all about your experience!

Blogilates Stretch Challenge: Join Me!

Have you made daily stretching part of your morning routine yet? Stretching improves flexibility which is key to fitness and protection from injury - and stretching is very good for improving blood circulation and mood! 

Good stretching is part of my optimal 5am morning routine. You can read more about that right here.

YThere is an awesome stretch challenge on Instagram right now and I'm hoping you'll join me. We're on day 3 of 30. There is still time to join in! I don't want you to miss this.

Closet Organization DIY Idea for Shoes: Using Cardboard Boxes, in 3 Simple Steps!

As a young business woman, I have struggled to expand and improve my wardrobe at a low cost. When you finally get to the point that you've got a good collection going, it's hard to keep it all organized -especially shoes. The options out there for shoe organization were either pricey or just weren't doing it for me.

Here is a cool closet organization DIY idea I had using the iconic "You Look Gorgeous" cardboard box from LeTote! If you haven't heard of LeTote, check out my LeTote Review and prepare to fall in love with this company! If you decide to get LeTote through one of my affiliate links, you will be supporting the blog cause.

Staying Productive, Organized, and Sane with CHEAP OR FREE Productivity Apps

Hello lovely readers! As you know, I love to write about getting things done, and I am constantly learning about how to do things efficiently and effectively. I do all of this in the spirit of fun. I really think it's important that whatever you do, you infuse a certain spirit into it... Mary Poppins style.

So why not be a little more like Mary Poppins in an age when technology is a type of magic? Why not get the aid of these three tools that can help you to be a little more superhuman. A little more magical.

In this post, I'm going to outline the three apps that have really helped me reshape the way I do business.

Let's talk about BURNOUT.

Burnout. It's something that you've probably had to deal with a few more times than you'd care to admit. And when searching the topic online, it's disappointing to find that few people are offering decent solutions to burnout.

I've come to the conclusion that burnout may well be just another cycle - one that we should try to understand and manage, rather than avoid altogether.

As entrepreneurs, we often go through cycles of extreme productivity, productivity that outpaces most people we know. And then, we go into a cycle of extreme UN-productivity. Its something I've lovingly coined, the "low productivity cycle." And so, I've banished burnout by looking at the whole cyclical process differently.

I don't know about you, but my Type-A self isn't willing to let go of the idea that I could somehow improve. That eventually, I can lead a burnout-free life.

What to Bring to Your First Business Conference!

Hi there, women on the move! I'm writing you from a Trailways express bus on the way to NYC for the HSMAI Digital Marketing Strategy Conference! I am so pleased to be traveling to the city today to just be a sponge at this exciting conference. 

But- here's the thing. I found it so challenging to determine what to bring with me, and couldn't find by good advice online.

So, my friends, in this spare time I have on the bus I'd like to share with you the contents of my business day bag! The bag itself was from Stitch Fix, they helped me put my entire outfit together. I really hope this can help you plan what to bring for your first big business trip into any major city!

What to Wear in a Family Photo - 3 styling services that are MUST tries!

It was the ultimate style challenge - a family portrait (my very first with my husband's family) and we were to wear coordinating outfits - grey tops for girls, and colored pants... Colored pants!

With all the amazing online styling services - I'm telling you, you can have one amazingly stylish family portrait, my friend. You just need to know where to look. Scroll on down to my top 4 pics for the BEST family photo look - for all the peeps in your family. Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links! Thank you for supporting my blog's cause!

Important notes on Self Discipline and the 5 am club

I am writing this for myself just as much as for anyone else's benefit. The concept of making our bodies work for us instead of owning us is really interesting to me. Having joined the 5am club at the inspiration of success coach Robin Sharma, I have since slipped up more than a few times. I understand the need to view the body as just what it is.

Top 3 Ways Gwynnie Bee Kicks Butt

If you're looking for an awesome Daily Look for larger sizes, or a plus size LeTote-- My Mom and I have created this Gwynnie Bee review together, and I really hope it helps you decide whether or not to try this awesome service for plus size women's clothing cheap! Now I've written about them and even got a special deal for you if you purchase through one of my links. Your purchase will support the blog cause, and I'm so appreciative if you choose to support us!

It's so amazing that we had to wait till the year 2018 to have a service like Gywnnie Bee, a box subscription tailored to "real" women's sizes. (Disclaimer: Being a petite woman myself, I understand women come in all sizes! There are plenty of fabulous petite women's options out there just like Gwynnie Bee: See them here!).

My Mom's first items from Gwynnie Bee!

I have been so proud of my Mom lately. She recently got back into the workforce after years of being a stay at home mom with a part-time job. But more than this, she came back with STYLE! Launching her own business specializing in NY small business tax services.

Read on to learn how Gwynnie Bee helped and see the top 3 ways Gwynnie Bee kicks butt!