TJ Maxx January Finds

Hi all! I hope your 2018 feels as productive as mine so far! Although, there is definitely room for more progress (always). What I've focused on since my last post about bettering myself this year is :

- I've signed up for some technical classes to hone my design skills at NYSID

- I've been working on my portfolio and making great progress 

- I've set an appointment for Invisalign

What I need to do still:

- Set up my personal training sessions at the gym

- Figure out how best to write blog posts consistently and POST THEM (I usually just post things as they come to mind, or what is relevant for me at a certain time - but I'd love to figure out the best method for posting what and when)

- Figure out my best game plan for food prepping and NOT BUYING THAT COFFEE, although I've been doing really well so far!

In the meantime, I'm always browsing for inspiration and product and came across some pretty little finds from the latest TJ Maxx home assortment. As we all know, there are limited quantities and they can become unavailable at any time. I've come up with my top 10 finds - which is your favorite?? 

1 / BP Industries Mango Wood Console / $139.99

2 / Jofran Rattan Chairs Set of 2 / $179.99!!

 

3 / UMA Galvanized Metal And Wood Table / $79.99

4 / Made in Italy Chessboard with Drawer / $79.99

5 / Stylecraft Side Table with Storage / $199.99

6 / Chanel and Louis Vuitton Coffee Table Books / $24.99 + $59.99

7 / Tainoki Patterned Fabric Bench / $99

8 / Urban Trends Sunburst Mirror / $39.99

9 / Jofran Leather Side Chair / $299.99

10 / Siena Faux Succulent Plant / $12.99

I am loving all of these, especially since some are just super unique like the acacia wood chessboard set! I also love how you can get some really amazing coffee table books, and faux plants that are perfect for adding some no-maintenance greenery. So many more options here! 

xo,

Lauren

2018: New Year, Better Me

Happy New Year everyone! This year I want to stay dedicated to writing no more "I'm Back" posts. The last post I wrote was back in Sept 2017 and that is just way too long ago. I love writing posts, but I definitely got caught up with life and work and put blogging on the back burner - even though I teeeechnically had the time to write. I just didn't think to make it a priority among other things. This year, I've committed to things I want to stay on top of, and I want to keep blogging a priority on this list since it can be pretty beneficial for a design career. Since we are planning our wedding for 2019 and I am Maid of Honor in my sisters wedding this year, there is no question this year will be all about planning. But I definitely want to take the time I can this year to better myself before life gets even crazier and more busy (like eventually moving and starting a family within a few years). This is definitely a more personal post than I've ever written, but here are some of the things that are of high importance to me this year...

1) Get in better shape: My amazing fiance gifted me 4 personal training sessions and I cannot wait to start. I always try working out on my own but I need that extra help to make sure what I am doing is actually benefiting me and my overall goals for my body and wellness. 

2) Go to all the Dr's appointments: This one can sound silly, but I just got much better insurance than last year and I'm so excited to go to Dr's that I've ultimately held off going like the dermatologist and neurologist because I want to focus on getting clear skin that lasts and eliminating my migraines.

3) Straighten my teeth - again: I had braces in high school, and now 14+ years later since having them, my teeth have not exactly stayed straight. I finally connected with an orthodontist my dad knows (thankfully my dad is a dentist) and have an appointment set to get that ball rolling, and not think that "I should have" come my wedding day..

4) Take those classes: I keep researching different classes I can take to grow my technical design skills and overall career, and I never actually commit to it. It's a constant battle in my mind whether or not to take classes because ultimately I don't want to waste money. But I need to stop thinking that way and just do it. I've pretty much already decided that I do not need a degree right now, but I definitely want to sharpen my AutoCad Skills, and learn new ones to help me grow in my field. There is no better time than now and I don't want to look back and regret not moving forward with what I am passionate about. 

5) Finish my portfolio: This goes hand in hand with #4, and I actually am almost done with my portfolio. I tend to think too much, which is why it's taken me so long to actually put one together. But it could never hurt to just finish what I have, and see where it takes me. I've been waiting on getting the right photos taken of my own apartment so I can add that to my portfolio, too, but I don't technically need it with what I have right now so why hold it off any longer? I just don't want to limit myself anymore and not have a complete portfolio if the right opportunity arises. YOU JUST NEVER KNOW.

6) Save all the money: This one speaks for itself. I need to food prep more, bring my coffee to work in my thermos, and reinvent ways to wear clothes I already have. Doing this, I can put all the money saved towards my above goals.

With alllllll that said, I can say that actually helped me to organize my thoughts a bit better than 10 minutes ago ;) I am excited to start all these goals and see how they all work out for me. I could probably add like 10 more things, but then I wouldn't end up doing any of them wholeheartedly so by focusing on less goals, I can put my all into them and then on to the next. Cheers to growth in 2018!!

xo,

Lauren