Things I Love Thursday!

I love reading posts all about what people are currently up to, what they're loving and just generally creeping on the products people use! I am a huge "product junkie" and love experimenting with different make-up, office supplies, clothing, etc. So I've decided to start a weekly Things I Love Thursday post to share what I'm currently into. So here goes...

This wrist mala! I wear it every single day and it is a perfect mindfulness reminder.

This awesome Moleskine planner. For some reason it's not currently available
on their website but I found it at Barnes and Noble. It's the perfect balance
between future planning and structure and flexibility with all the blank space!

This book! So good! I've been meditating daily for a couple months now but always
following guided meditations. I really wanted to get into the practice of meditating on my
own and this book has given me tons of ideas and inspiration to do just that.

My new Timbuk2 messenger bag! This picture doesn't do the color justice. I love
it! This is the extra small size and a teensy bit smaller than I would really like but
getting a smaller bag than usual has helped me empty my daily bag of all but the essentials.  

Last but not least, this Urban Decay lipstick. If you can't see, the
color is Sheer F-Bomb and it is the perfect red for day-to-day
wear!

Secrets of a Bookseller

I have been working in a bookstore for just about a month now. In some ways it is even better than I imagined. But in other ways, it isn't quite as wonderful as I had pictured. I am by no means an expert, but here are a few "secrets" I have learned over the past four weeks.

My current TBR pile!

1. We want you to ask us questions! A lot of people seem embarrassed to ask for help finding books. There is no reason to be! The whole reason I have a job is so that I can help you and trust me, we have the strangest displays so finding books on your own can be tricky. Ask us where to find things. Ask us for recommendations. Ask us what we are currently reading!
2. We want to discuss books with you. This is related to the first one, but we actually do want to talk to you. So many retailers are focused on getting people out the door as quickly as possible and if you're in a rush I'm happy to do that. But I also love talking to and connecting with my customers. I want to hear your opinions on books and which books are on your TBR list. I want to hear what book you're trying to convince your middle schooler to read. I even want to hear about your day! Don't be afraid to treat your customer service rep or cashier like a real person. 
3. Slow days are torture. Seriously. There is nothing worse then a slow day with no projects to work on. Literally all I want to do is go curl up in a corner and dig into a new book. 
4. Straightening and dusting is oddly therapeutic. I used to work in a convenience store so straightening up at the end of the night was so frustratingly dull. Now I love it! I love wandering the aisles making everything look nice, keeping the shelves clean and organizing the books. It is very calming. With that being said, I hate picking up after disrespectful customers. Please don't leave your romance novels in the kids section or throw books on the floor!
5. Not everyone who works in a book store is a book person. I was surprised to learn this! I thought everyone would be as in love with reading as I am. But like I mentioned above, don't be afraid to ask questions, ask around and find someone you can connect with who can make awesome recommendations just for you!
6. We understand that on-line shopping is frequently "better". Trust me, I understand that Amazon has amazing deals and that on-line shopping is super convenient. But I personally can't resist buying a book when I walk into a bookstore. Nothing beats the feel of real books in your hand or getting personalized face-to-face customer service and recommendations. 

So what's your favorite bookstore and why? Have you ever thought about working in a bookstore?

Simple Steps to a Healthy, Happy Life

My husband and I recently moved to a new state...I had never even visited our new town before the move and he had only been here once during a job interview. I have to admit, it has been a lonely transition. We left all of our family and a majority of our close friends behind in our hometown. We said goodbye to familiar places and a lot of happy memories. I said goodbye to a tight-knit staff at my previous job and started working at a big retailer where it seems cliques are already formed or drama is always unfolding. I work less than my husband and find myself spending many hours home alone which led to some unhealthy habits.

Hours sitting around watching TV. Pouring that glass of wine a few minutes earlier each day to help pass the time. Eating tons of junk or going out for fast food just to get out of the house. Not talking to anyone besides my husband for days at a time.

I realized I needed to get out of this rut and that there were tons of things I could be doing to lead a more fulfilled, less lonely, happier and healthier life. So here goes...

Simple Steps to a Healthy, Happy Life: 

1. No Alcohol before 5:00
1. No Shots. Ever!
2. Stick to wine (or tequila for special days)
3. Only two drinks at a time
2. Get outside. Ever. Single. Day.
3. Say "Hello" to someone besides the hubby every day
1. On-line interactions count if it's a genuine, heartfelt greeting!
4. Just say "no" to energy drinks and "yes" to tea
5. Move your butt every day
1. Aim for 10,000 steps (at least 5,000 on a day off)
2. At least try to work up a sweat!
6. Pay attention to fit and feel, not numbers (in regards to clothing)
7. Always wear red lipstick and mascara
8. Follow the 80/20 food rule
1. Eat at home whenever possible
2. Have a drink or dessert. Not both.
9. Stick to a morning and bedtime routine as much as possible
10. Practice mindfulness, gratitude and meditation. 

These are the rules that help me maintain a healthy, happy and balanced life. If you relate to them, that's wonderful! But these aren't hard and fast rules. Everyone feels a little different so feel free to adjust them to your taste.