Successful People Meditate

Photo courtesy of here

Want to know what successful folks like Oprah, Rupert Murdoch, and Russell Simmons have in common (besides lots of money)? Meditation. I just came across this article where meditation, along with other calming and centering techniques such as digital detoxing, was identified as a necessity for keeping it all together. If you don't already know the many amazing benefits of meditating, please read the article (it has many great links) and begin digging into how you can incorporate it into your life. If you like decreased stress levels, clearer thinking, and positive health benefits, then you will enjoy what meditation has to offer. Your personal and professional lives will thank you.

Work Flow

 

Cool art at the new gig. 

Hey everyone! Sorry I have been MIA this past week, but I started my new job last Tuesday. I wanted to give myself some time to transition back into work life. I had been out of the work scene (voluntarily) for about a month, so I needed to get used to getting up early and following a routine again. And I have to say, things are off to a wonderful start.

Yes, it was good to sleep in and be carefree for awhile. And I was able to fulfill some creative needs I had been putting off. But I also stopped eating as healthy as I could have been, and I certainly wasn't as active. It's been a week, and I'm back to packing my lunch and healthy snacks and walking at least 10 city blocks a day. I've also started exercising in the mornings. If you know me, nothing gets me going in the morning like 15 extra minutes of sleep! However, I'm really trying to embody a positive and health-conscious attitude to carry into my later years. So far, so good.

Since I feel more adjusted in my new work flow, I will resume my creative endeavors. New cards to come this week to my Etsy shop. Stay tuned!

To The Weekend

 

Etsy: The Gilmore Gurl

I'm definitely looking forward to this weekend. Not that is has been a particularly busy week for me (on the contrary, creatively it has been very satisfying), but I will be home to spend a few days with my family. I always enjoy that time - plenty of laughs and good memories.

I hope all of you enjoy your weekend. Be safe, smile a lot, and give the best of yourselves.

And if you have a few minutes to spare, check out a few new cards I posted to my Etsy shop!

xoxo.

Spike Greens in Philly

 

Happy hump day, readers! I know a lot of you have an extra pep in your step in this mid-week because of all the lovin' you're going to receive tomorrow - self-love, besties love, significant other love, family love, whatever! Doesn't matter - just spread the love ;-)

For those of you who do have a significant other, and happen to live in the Philadelphia area, it's not too late to place an order with Spike Greens. Owned and run by the very talented Dan Fingerhut, he has a pop-up shop at Duross and Langel. Place your orders and pick them up there tomorrow - 13th and Sansom. Like Spike Green's Facebook page to stay on top of events.

   

 Etsy Shop: The Gilmore Gurl

And it's too late to receive a Valentine's card in time for tomorrow from my shop, but I'm going to leave them up there for a few more days. You can always save them for next year! They also make cool pics if you frame them. I'm just saying...

The 5 Love Languages

 

Photo: Oprah.com

 

Happy Monday! I know, I know... it's Monday. Back to the grind, right? WRONG! If you can't be happy on Monday, you can't be happy any day of the week. 

Anywho, since I am committed to using this virtual space to be colorful, vibrant, and positive, today that is expressed through sharing a New York Times bestseller: The 5 Love Languages. I learned about this gem from Oprah's Lifeclass (love, love, LOVE Oprah). I had it recorded, and decided to watch it today. Total game changer. It not only helps you identify your own love language, but it gives you the tools to learn about the love language of others so you can learn how to best communicate with them. 

I will certainly be purchasing this book. I automatically began to reflect on how I may have been trying to communicate with those in my past by expressing my love language without the understanding and awareness of what theirs may be. Take the quiz here (it's FREE) to learn yours.

Power + Tea

 

The way to remain connected to, conscious of and in alignment with our power is to remain connected to, conscious of and aligned with our source. - Iyanla Vanzant 

I came across this quote from Iyanla Vanzant today, and instantly got chills. I recently made a lot of changes in my life, all of which I feel are taking me in a positive direction. Long story short - I'm feeling really good, and (quite possibly) like the best me I've seen in a very long time. I'm starting some new ventures, and knowing myself, I need to stay focused so I can both learn how to enjoy the moment and remain committed to my goals. 

Today I will be taking some time to sip tea, watch some Oprah (love me some O), and enjoy some quiet time. I'm hoping this strengthens my connection to my Source, in turn leaving me in a marvelous state of inspiration and creativity.

Weekend Inspiration

It may be a Saturday night, but time is surely flying as I continue making cards. I payed a visit to Paper Source today, and let's just say I can't wait to show you what I have up my sleeve. Stay tuned for new cards coming soon!

If you haven't already, stop by my Etsy shop: thegilmoregurl.etsy.com.

Love and Cards

Yes, my Etsy site is back up!!! It was so much fun putting this together again. I was up until close to 4 AM this morning doing so, and back up by 9 like it wasn't anything. Truly enjoyable, I can spend hours crafting.

If you're into the Valentine's Day stuff, I have a few LOVE-related cards in my shop. Honestly, they can be used anytime. If you choose to partake, place your order by 2/10 to ensure timely delivery. Take a look - I hope you come back to visit often: thegilmoregurl.etsy.com

And I'm Back

It's been almost two years to the day since I've blogged. And it took that long for me to realize that out of the many creative outlets I pursue, this by far is my favorite. It's colorful. And random. And about whatever I want it to be. That has to be my favorite part.

I recently took a mental day off. It was much needed. Not to be concerned, all is well. I just wanted to have a day where I wasn't constantly checking my phone or email. Or looking at Facebook or Instagram. Or zoning out to television. I didn't even want to absorb the energy of others (no matter how much I love them) through the telephone. I just wanted to be still. The silence was embracing. And wouldn't you know - out of the stillness came creativity.

For those that do not know, I make handmade greeting cards. I haven't done it in awhile, and I didn't realize how much I enjoyed it until there wasn't anything left for me to do but create. And create I did! All. night. long. I am beyond excited about my relaunched Etsy shop, and I can't wait to share it with you. Stay tuned!

Dramatic Flare

I'm loving these images in my inbox from ShopBop today. Clearly, 70s influence is back in a big way. These pants are a throw-back with a modern and chic touch. A great way to start a Monday!

Photos: ShopBop

The Writing's on the Wall

I came across these photos on Beach Bungalow 8 and had to post them. I think it's a brilliant idea, and the UK artist - Charlotte Mann - is clearly talented. I once had an office that had no windows. It was so depressing. How great would it had been to have something like this on the walls?

Photos: here

A Taste of Spring

I like to live in the moment. It's a constant challenge. But what's a girl to do when she sees fabulous pics like these??? Rachel Roy's Spring 2011 Ready to Wear line has me craving warm weather and open-toe shoes. Rich hues, silk, ruching, and metallics will need to find their way into my closet. These pics have made an impression on my mental inspiration board. Can't wait!

Simply. Gorgeous.

All Photos: Style.com

Fab New Online Magazine

I've been waiting for weeks for High Gloss magazine, and today I was not disappointed. It's the perfect balance of fashion and home decor. And of all the online lifestyle magazines I've come across, this one actually featured a charitable organization. That's what I'm talking about - women who know how to treat themselves well and help others feel good too! Now that's fabulous!

You can check out High Gloss here.

LOVE-ing It

I hope everyone is having a safe and enjoyable weekend!

Philly Love: here / Neck Love: here

Flashing Lights

J.Crew's new Hollywood Issue is full of fab. I flipped through last night and couldn't pull myself away. They have really mastered the art of preppy chic meets laid back cool. Loves it.

Who can say 'no' to sparkle? I tell you who - not I!

My favorite color of all time mixed with some Mad Men chic. And come on - did they really have to show a peak of the studded belt? Um, yeah!

Jeans and a blazer - my favorite uniform

I'll take two please!

Seriously, I need a vacation! This pic makes me want to call a travel agent ASAP

The green + the ruching = A killer combo

What are you going to pick up at J.Crew???