I think that the end of summer is almost like a second “New Year” in the sense of new beginnings, starting fresh, and getting in the right mindset as summer ends and fall comes ’round. Moving into this new season I’m also trying to move into a “new season” of thinking & feeling by trying to keep things positive! Having a positive mindset and attitude towards others is something I’ve been trying to work on lately as negative thoughts and moods try to creep in. These are the tips and tricks that have been helping me, and I wanted to share with all of you in case it helps you as well!

1. Be generous with your compliments!

Giving a compliment is so easy, yet has such a positive effect! Making another person feel uplifted with a compliment created positivity for myself as well seeing their blip of happiness/thankfulness. Alternatively It’s so easy for me to want to gossip or say a negative comment towards someone out of jealousy, but it really does no good and spreads so much negativity! Turn what would be a snarky remark instead into a compliment or positive comment towards them.

2. Be proactive.

Don’t sit idly by while the back of your mind spreads negative thoughts to get down on you! Be proactive and give yourself a pep talk illuminating your strengths rather than focusing on your weaknesses. Be your own cheerleader and “think happy thoughts” as Peter Pan says! Thoughts lead to actions: think positively and it will show in your day to day life!

3. Smile.

Smiling takes 26 muscles, frowning takes 62. See?! It’s almost 3 times more effort to frown! Simple, yes, but effective! I can’t tell you how many times my busy rushed day was about to get to the level of “stressed out of my mind” but my mood was instantly improved with a deep breath and a big smile 🙂

4. Let it go (cue Elsa)

Let it go, let it gooooooo! Don’t dwell on the little things and let the small hiccups life throws you get you down! Take them for what they’re for, an obstacle, conquer it, and move on- no looking back!

5. Don’t take things personally.

I can’t tell you how many times I have wondered “what did I do wrong” towards someone when in reality the other person was having a bad day themselves and reacting poorly to everyone and anyone that got in their path. You can’t control how people react to you, but you can control how you let it affect you! Don’t take it personally and let it ruin your mood if someone is negative towards you- you just keep being the bright little star that you are.

6. Be a little selfish!

Yes, you heard me! I don’t know about you, but sometimes I worry too much about other people- how they are feeling, what they are going to think, how they will react when I say or do something- at some point this weight gets to be too much and can take priority over your own thoughts and feelings. Don’t let this happen! Be a little selfish and know when to step out of a situation for a time or when to validate your own feelings too!

7. Pick good apples.(so to speak)

They say one bad apple will ruin the good ones. Keep yourself away from negative energy and negative people and gravitate towards those who are loving, encouraging, and positive! I used to have a friend who only wanted to gossip about our mutual friends, which over time had me gossiping about them as well! It took stepping back and distancing myself from that “bad apple” to break the habit I’d picked up from her! Instead of spending time with people who bring you down, surround yourself with those who will be encouraging and positive!

Summer is over and with that comes more stress and business- don’t let it take over- help these tips to help you keep it positive, darlings! YOU are amazing, YOU are beautiful, and YOU are one of a kind! I hope these tips on staying positive help you as they’ve helped me! Have the most beautiful summer day, dolls!

Cheers, Darlings!

With summer ending, and school/work/LIFE taking over, it’s more important than ever for you, as a modern lady, to make time for the little things that make a big difference. Lately, I have been working 10-17 hour days, and have only just realized that I have made the terrible mistake of cutting out the essentials! There are certain things that no matter how busy we get in life, we should always try to make time for, for sanity’s sake! To stay sane, healthy, and fabulous, here are ten things that you, as a modern lady, should always try to make time for…

1. Exercise

Elle Woods said it best: “Exercise gives you endorphins.Endorphins make you happy.” It’s so true! A healthy lady is a happy lady. Not only will you feel better about yourself, but exercise will also help you focus better, sleep better, and even improves your mood! Can’t see yourself hitting up the treadmill at the gym? No problem! Go for a hike, surf some waves, join a dance class, anything to stay active and get the blood circulating.

2. Soaking up Sunshine

Get outside and soak up that Vitamin D (but not too much- I don’t want to promote potential skin cancer here!), light tends to elevate your mood and even improve concentration! Getting out of the house, out of the office, or out of the car and being out in the fresh air will improve your heart rate, blood pressure, metabolic rate, it even helps you think more clearly! All of this just from a fresh dose of oxygen! (Unless you live in LA like I do, and then you’re looking at a fresh dose of scrumptious smog invading your lungs). Being outdoors and seeing all of the foliage and clear blue sky is enough to brighten my mood! Take your morning cup of coffee outside and relax for the calm before the storm- start your day off right!

3. Going Offline

In a day of Twitter feeds, Vine vids, multiple Gmail accounts, neverending text messages, Instagram notifications, and more, it is important to have a time where you “go offline”. You might be thinking, NOOOO- I can’t live more than five seconds without checking that beautiful glassy screen that beckons me to “slide to unlock”! Well, it actually might be just what you need! Studies show that unanswered text messages on your phone literally causes acute anxiety and even keeps your brain more alert when you are trying to fall asleep. Not only that, but notifications popping up on your phone and computer cause constant distractions- turn off the wifi for times you truly need to focus.

4. Family

Through good and bad, thick and thin, your family is and will be there for you- so be sure to allow time to continue to connect and nurture the relationships within your family. Whether you are receiving support or giving support, listening to your sibling vent or sharing good news with your parents, it is important to take the time to connect.

5. Letting Your Nails Dry

This one might sound silly, but it’s true! When your nails are on point, you feel more confident! Last month I got so busy that I forgot to upkeep my nails, and found myself embarrassed to shake hands with executives at work, sitting on my hands at happy hour, and even swiping my credit card at the grocery store, because my nails looked unclean! Take the time to pamper yourself, darling, and keep those little hands looking fab. Not only will you feel better about your nails, but use the nail drying process as down time to relax in your busy busy life!

6. Current Events

Yes yes yes, I know we all know the details of Kim Kardashian’s wedding dress, we know who won The Voice last season, and we could list every woman John Mayer has called “girlfriend”, but do we know what is happening across the globe? Take the time to stay up-to-date on current events and what is happening in the news. Not only will you know what is going on beyond the covers of “People”, but you’ll be able to voice your opinion when current event topics come up in social discussions.

7. Alone Time/Social Hour

If you’re an introvert, then schedule alone time. If you’re an extrovert, be sure to get in your daily dose of socializing! Either way, be sure that you take the time to recharge the way that YOU need to recharge. If you aren’t recharged from your day, then you’ll be emotionally drained, losing focus, exhausted, and irritable- none of which make for a very lovely lady! Be sure to schedule “you” time into your busy schedule, whatever that might look like.

8. Eating Healthy

The easiest thing to do to cut corners in your busy schedule might be to hop in the McDonald’s drive through line. Unfortunately, this could be greatly affecting your mood, stress, ability to focus, and of course overall health. Take time out of your day to prepare a healthy, balanced meal- in the long run your day will actually end up being more productive and focused!

9. Being Present in Conversations

It’s so easy to be distracted in everyday conversations. While your boss is talking to you, your mind might be thinking of how to respond to the last email that popped up on your computer. While your BFF is dishing out news, you might be texting back and forth with your boyfriend discussing dinner plans. Whatever the case might be, take the time to put in extra effort to be present in conversations. People notice when your focus is truly on them, and your charisma levels will boost through the roof!

10. Keeping Up with the Latest and Greatest happenings on Darling Be Daring

I mean, let’s be honest… every modern lady has GOT to make time for a little daily dose of DBD…

Cheers, Darlings!