February Goal Review

I cannot believe its the end of February already. This month flew by just like January! I think I did I pretty good with my goals for February, it was a short month but I think I made the most out of it. Here are my goals for February:

Use my Erin Condren Planner more Efficiently/// completed /// Every night right before I went to bed, I wrote a little synopsis of what happened during the day, the outfit I wore and anything else important that happened. I sometimes kept track of what I accomplished-task wise, during the day. I kept track of my exercise too. I think I did a pretty good job of using it this month. I hope to keep this up next month.

Exercise ½ the month /// completed /// I exercised 15 out of 29 days which for you math genius out there, that is 51% of the month! Morning yoga twice a week, Thursday training and Saturday morning classes helped me accomplish this goal. I always felt great after exercising and I felt like I always wanted to do better in the next session.

#GraceNotPerfection/// completed i think /// This was more of an abstract goal rather than concrete goal. I wanted to be not so consumed with the fact I was always try to everything so perfectly. Its my type A personality that always pushes me to do everything that is on my to do list (perfectly) and not leave anything unfinished. This was a tough one for me accomplish. I think I will continue this goal next month too.

Limit Candy and Sweets/// completed /// when I set this goal at the end of January, I had NO idea how I was going to complete it. I love candy and sweets and I could say I was obsessed- it was bad! So when Lent rolled around I decided to give up candy and cookies. (Read that post here) Giving up candy and cookies for Lent made this goal a breeze. I did have some candy (sweethearts!) for Valentines day but other than that, I kept up with this goal! I am actually proud of myself and it made me rethink why I was eating so much candy (hint: its mostly boredom!)

It was a great month for my goals, it was an across the board COMPLETION! I am very proud of myself and how I was creative in completing these goals. In a few days, I will be sharing my March goals!

Did you complete your goals for the month?

Small Business Saturday

Earlier in the month, I visited my hair stylist, Kimberly at her salon, Modern Concepts, to spend some time talking with her about her business and how she become a small business owner. Her passion, her drive and her commitment to her clients really shines through with all she does.
 

Shampoo station

Gabrielle: When you were growing up, did you always want to become a hairdresser? If not, what did you want to be instead? 
Kimberly: When I was growing up, I always knew I would own a business. I did not know what it would be, but I always pictured myself as a self sufficient, well dressed woman ready to make things happen! 

Gabrielle:  Who did you look up to growing up? 
Kimberly: I really can't say I looked up to anyone specific. However, I always thought stylists were so cool, because they had full access to all the newest & best beauty products on the market! 

Gabrielle:  What was your very first job? Did that teach you anything that you still use today? 
Kimberly: For my first job, I was a bus person at my friend's family owned restaurant. I was the worst bus person ever! After working at a restaurant, I realized how hard it is to work in that field, and to this day have the utmost respect for every employee in the restaurant industry.

Kim and Shari's stations

Gabrielle: When did you realize you wanted to own your own salon? 
Kimberly: I realized I wanted to own my own salon after working for many owners who did not treat employees and clients properly. I wanted to change all that, and be in control of how people would be treated. I am proud of the fact that clients, product sales reps and others who just walk in feel welcomed and at home. They always thank me for such a warm welcome, and that makes me feel really good! 

Gabrielle: What has been your greatest challenge of owning a salon? What has been the greatest perk of owning a salon? 
Kimberly: The greatest challenge has been finding quality, hard working employees who possess a great work ethic. The perks are meeting such amazing people, lifelong friendships, access to all new and exciting products and services, and of course being my own boss.

Decor in the waiting area

Gabrielle: Has there been a turning point in your career, where you realized you have made it? 
Kimberly: There hasn't been a moment when I "realized I made it", but the moment I realized this was really happening, was when people started walking in off the street, and calling for appointments. They could go ANYWHERE- but they chose me. That was a really cool feeling! 

Gabrielle:  How would you describe the overall concept of the salon? What inspired you to decorate the salon in such a fun way? (BTW, I’ve always loved the giant Jackie O.  Print!) 
Kimberly: The overall concept, was to offer modern salon services in a non threatening atmosphere decorated in a colorful manner which is appealing to women as well as men. I personally love fun, colorful decor and its fun to be able to express myself through the salon's interior design
. 

Audrey and Kim at the front desk

Gabrielle:  As an entrepreneur, what advice would you give to any young women wanting to start how own business? 
Kimberly: I would advise them to take a few business workshops, and seek help from their local small business advocates. They are specifically there to help you, and are very happy to do so! 

Gabrielle:  Modern Concepts just celebrated its 8th Birthday, What are your goals for the next 8 years? Is there anything you want to do different? 
Kimberly: The goals for the next 8 years are to continue to stay on top of current trends and services, make time for more education, and continue to help my clients look and feel their best through every phase of their lives! I'm not sure what I will do differently, I just try to live in the moment, and take it day by day!! 

Products Modern Concepts sell

Gabrielle:  Its notoriously known, that everyone always tells their hairdressers EVERYTHING- what has been the craziest thing you have heard over the years? 
Kimberly: Oh yes!!! This is definitely so true! Well, I really cannot reveal the crazy things I have heard, for I give my word to keep them secret. But I can tell you that sometimes I cannot believe what I am hearing! I am honored that people feel comfortable enough to tell me ultra personal things that they might be embarrassed to tell others. I do not judge anyone, I just try to encourage them to do their best and be the best they can be in this life. No one is perfect, and that is perfectly okay! 

Two of the many Maneki-neko around the salon that bring in luck

If you ever find yourself down the shore and looking for a professional, sophisticated and fun hairstylists, look no further than Kimberly and her staff at Modern Concepts.

Shari & Kimberly of Modern Concepts Salon

A huge thanks to Kimberly and Shari for letting me photograph them and for answering my questions. 

Join me next month for another installment in Small Business Saturday.

  

The Power of Broke: Your Greatest Competitive Edge

Source

Setting a goal, doing Homework, Adoring what you do, Remember you are the brand and Keep swimming. These are what Daymond John calls his Shark Points. These are Daymond's principles that are reoccurring throughout the book. He provides examples from the real world and his own business and in stories of other entrepreneurs who started with little and grew their business using the Power of Broke.

Daymond John started his company, FUBU in the early nineties with little money but he was hungry, metaphorically speaking for success. He knew he wanted to do something with this idea of his but with not many resources, he had to be creative and start his business only a  few dollars. He has grown FUBU into a huge company and now as one of the sharks on Shark Tank, he is taking what he has learned in the business world, and sharing it with everyone. Known as the People’s Shark, Daymond really wants to show that it is possible, you can become successful and do great things. The Power of Broke reads like an old friend who really cares about you is giving you the advice directly.
Power Facts, Shark Points, true life stories and personal advice is how Daymond shares that being broke can work to your advantage and help you succeed even more. He breaks down the principles of being successful and how you can start small, and grew your business into something big. The love of the business really shows through when Daymond is explaining how his ideas can help you reach your dreams. He wants you to be as successful as you can be.

One of my favorite stories in the book was about Mo’s Bows-how a little boy named Moziah (Mo) who loved to get dressed up for school, didn’t like his options for bow-ties. He enlisted his mom and grandmother to help him create his own unique bow-ties using some of his grandmothers scrap fabric. This kid had the vision, idea and ingenuity to enlist people who could help him. When Mo wore his bow-ties, they caused a lot of noise in his small hometown. When he started to make his own bow-ties then slowly but surely making custom orders for men of all ages. Mo’s Bows grew into something that they couldn’t believe and were elated to see it flourish. It all started with his idea, his vision and some help and it turned into a big company.  I loved that he dressed up for school but Mo got creative and asked his grandma for help and eventually teaching him how to sew. He not only learned about business but he learned a new skill too!

Setting goals and talking about them is another point Daymond talks about in The Power of Broke. “If people aren’t laughing at your dreams, then you’re not dreaming big enough” (p. 209) This is an inspiring quote that I wrote down and keep close. I think people are sometimes afraid to dream BIG and talking about your dreams is almost taboo. In order to keep your dreams alive, you have to talk about them and tell anyone you come across about your dreams.  Earlier in the year, I remember I started talking about a dream I would like to accomplish and I was super nervous to even say it out loud to myself; after I told my family who was very supportive about this goal; then I started to talk about it with co-workers and friends, I got some weird looks and a few people who tried to discredit my dreams. Even though,  people had their doubts,  I felt even more empowered to accomplish this dream.

Daymond provides great advice about loving what you are doing. I always feel that is so important- in order to succeed, you must love what you do, you absolutely have to love each and every part of your business, life, project etc. If you aren’t in love with what you are doing, then why are you doing it?

I absolutely loved this book, it gave me great advice; so much to think about and great heartwarming stories about how the power of broke influenced some many people with their crazy ideas. I would recommend this book for anyone who is thinking of starting a business,  anyone who owns a business and for Shark Tank fans. This book is filled with a lot of advice, ideas and inspiration. Check out The Power of Broke to see how your greatest competitive advantage can work for you!

Disclaimer: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this honest review.

Vacation Packing: The Carry On

I am beyond excited that in about TWO weeks I am hopping on a plane and going on vacation. This will be my first vacation in FIVE years! FIVE!!! Eric and I will be traveling to Fort Lauderdale and I have been thinking and planning and scheming what to bring ever since he mentioned it to me back in December! Over the next two weeks I will be blogging about packing for your vacation- the carry on, luggage and the clothes. I am thrilled to share this with you all!

I think one of the hardest things for me to pack is my carry on. There is always so much I want to stuff into my bag but I always worry that the airline will say its too big!  I worry that I won't like the book I picked or the music I have won't keep my attention. 

Our flight down to Florida is about two hours and we are lucky to be flying at night. I am hoping to sleep some of this flight but just in case I don't I am packing the following :

Yes Please by Amy Poehler /// I figure if I am going on vacation, I need a fun book to read and I have heard this is amazing book. I love how honest and funny Amy Poehler is and I cannot wait to read this.

Adult Coloring Book /// I received this for Christmas along with a box of brand new crayons and I haven't use this yet. I thought the flights might be a perfect time to use this especially since I am a bit nervous to fly.

Notebook   /// I am always thinking of something and I usually always carry some sort of notebook with me. I usually have an assortment of pens and pencils somewhere in my bag too.  This is great for jotting down things you need to remember and also to play some games- Dots or Hangman anyone?

I figure Eric and I will probably watch some of a movie and or I will want to listen to some music, Headphones  seem like an obvious thing to pack. 

Blanket /// Everyone knows that the blankets on the airplanes are yucky (to say the least) why not bring something from home to warm you up.  (Especially since we are flying at night!)

Snacks /// I didn't pick a specific snack to list but I figure you have to have something you absolutely love to munch on during the flight. I rather save the $10 that I would spend on the tiniest bag of pretzels and bring an assortment of my own. 

Other things worthy of mention:

Bonine or other motion sickness medicine /// if you are like me and you're prone to motion sickness, take this before you take off to avoid any unpleasant moments in the sky.

Hairbrush, toothbrush and some makeup/// being on a plane for a few hours can really cause some havoc to your hair and skin and hair. I always feel better when my hair is brushed and my makeup is fixed. Don't forget eye drops if you have dry eyes too!

Penelope /// Penelope the flamingo will be joining me on this adventure. She is super excited and cannot wait to fly. She has been by my side the last two years when I have been sick, I guess this is a great way to thank her, for always being by my side!

Did I forget anything that you consider an essential item for my carry on?

Favorite pajamas

I love a nice pair of pajamas and the fact I'm 'dressed' for bed like I would get dressed to go out. (Weird I know)  Most nights I just wear sweats to bed- they are comfy and warm but I look forward to wearing nice pajamas.  Since we are in the dead of winter and spring is getting close,  I picked out my four favorite spring pajamas to dream in!

Scarf Print Racerback Chemise /// Cotton Sleep Shirt
Cotton and Modal Pajamas ///Jersey Short Pajamas

What are your favorite pajamas?

*there are NO affiliate links in this post,  I just really love Nordstroms. *

Four on Friday.

I found this on Sarah's Blog and I thought this would be a great Friday post. I haven't (re) introduced myself in a long time and this is a fun way. Grab your favorite drink, relax and get ready to learn a little bit more about me!

Four Names People Call Me 

(Other Than My Real Name): 

Gabs

Paddington

Debbie

Munch(kin)

Four Jobs I've Had:

Summer  Teen Volunteer Coordinator at the Library

Sales Associate at Victoria's Secret

Campus Tour Guide

Keyboarding Clerk 2

Four Movies I've Watched More Than Once: 

Valentine's Day

Despicable Me

Wedding Crashers

Mean Girls

Four Authors I'd Recommend:

Megan McCafferty

James Patterson

Robert Galbrath

William Landay

Four Places I've Lived:
NEW JERSEY!

Four Places I've Visited: 

Disney World

Bal Harbor, FL

New York City

Philadelphia

Four Things I'd Rather Not Eat: 

Sushi

Peas

Pears

Yogurt

Four Favorite Foods:
Macaroni

a really good juicy Burger

Vanilla Cake

Peaches

Four TV Shows I Watch:

Bobs Burgers

New Girl

The Big Bang Theory

The Affair

Four Things I'm Looking Forward To This Year: 

Vacation in 3 weeks

Eric's Birthday

Eating healthier and  being fit

Super Secret Adventure in the Fall

Four Things I'm Always Saying:

Holy cannoli

Me Oh my! 

What?! Can you repeat that?

But I'm Cute

I hope you learned a little more about me! Leave me a comment below and introduce yourself! I would love to learn about my readers!!
  

Valentines Weekend

I was so excited for this weekend to start, not only was it Valentines but it was a chance to spend the whole weekend with Eric just relaxing. We didn't have too much planned besides partner yoga and cooking dinner together. I couldn't wait to watch a whole lot of Netflix and play lots of board games

We started our weekend off at Partner Yoga with my yoga instructor, Adrienne. Eric was super excited to meet Adrienne and to see the studio I am always talking about. I was excited to share this with Eric; since we did yoga with Yoga Girl, I was eager to do yoga with Eric again. We were so happy that Adrienne had this class, we both LOVED it. Not only was it a lot of fun but it was super relaxing as well. The poses we did were so much fun. My favorite was the one where we made a heart between us.

Partner Yoga

After yoga, we were both starving so we headed over to Frankie's for dinner. I'm pretty sure Eric and I inhaled our dinners because we were done in record time. We got dinners for the next night as well and then we were off.

Beautiful Sunset

We were staying at Eric's parents house this weekend and we were super excited to have a big house to ourselves. We were mostly lazy all weekend with the weather being so frightful. Below Zero temperatures were perfect for New Girl marathons, board game competitions, naps galore and lots of eating.

Love is Monogrammed Cakes

We were crazy enough to venture out to Target on Saturday evening, just to get out of the house. (You know, cabin fever sets in very quickly.)

Sweethearts on Valentines Day

We exchanged gifts, snuggled and had a really relaxing weekend. I wish all weekends could be like this.

Surprise Roses

Such a creative gift

How did you spend your Valentines Weekend?

Hearts + Love =

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

 I hope you are celebrating the day in your own beautiful way- with your family, significant other or your friends.  Today is the day to celebrate LOVE that matters to you most. Flowers, candy, dinner, movies,a vacation- anyway you celebrate today, have fun!

Eric and I will be staying inside today with this Arctic blast hitting the North East, playing board games, watching movies and eating a lot of food. (Heart shaped french toast anyone?!) =D 

I love all of my readers and people who continually support my blog! Thank you!

Love and Kisses!!