The Tired Girl's Guide to the Good Life

Farmer Carrie

2020-08-04T20:59:00.003-04:00

I've gained like 89 babillion pounds in the last four months, not because of the pandemic, but because my stupid motherfucking hormones. I guess my body thinks its pregnant - so it's getting my ankles ready for birthing a child?? Is that a thing? To be clear I am not pregnant. Though you'd be tempted to rub my stomach if you saw me. #sassybuddha

I like to joke that I'm built for chores. But this is different. More. Not funny. Beyond sturdy.

I don't know exactly how much I've gained because my scale is packed.

My scale is packed because I am moving out of my little pool home in Tampa up to Citrus County, FL where Joe's generational real estate business continues to thrive. Because he is great.

Why we have split our time between Tampa and Citrus Co for five-ish years is a long story, but we are done with it. We are sick of being apart. The pandemic can't be blamed for my current shape, but the pandemic's arrival gave us both the impetus to get all existential and we were like "fuck this being apart thing." I cuss a lot when I write. I'm sorry if it is jarring.

So we bought a quirky house on 36 acres and the movers come in three days.

I go to dark places when I move - usually about why I own so many craft supplies that I don't make time for - but this time I have gotten less dark because of my excitement to open my new back door and let Teddy run, and to have coffee with Joe in the morning. We will keep our foot in Tampa - our Tampa real estate company, and our friends will still get our attention.

Pineapples grow on the property. There are friendly snakes. My new office has no windows. #caveofproductivity. A killer riding lawn mower has been purchased for ME. A tractor will be purchased for the rest of the acreage. A friend will put cows on some of the pastures. Teddy and I can take a walk every morning to say hey to the cows and snakes.

My hormones wouldn't let me have children. And now they have shaped my body in a new and unexpected way. But ultimately they haven't gotten in the way of me owning a riding lawn mower and continuing to be surprised every day by this life. Bleh - so dramatic. That's what moving does to me. #Thankyouhormones

Pole barn with a fab spot for planting fun stuff

A pineapple!

I tried it out and didn't fall off or run in to anything so I guess you could say I'm a natural mower.

My office with new floors going in! So fancy I don't NEED windows.

Look good in shorts

2020-04-07T20:29:00.004-04:00

If you have a fab body, then you can probably wear whatever you want. So have at it. But the rest of us need to be conscientious of how we clothe ourselves - accentuating the positive while not dying of heat stroke in the summer. I know women my age (42) and younger that choose to not wear shorts in the summer - it can be 97 babillion degrees and every scrap of cloth touching our bodies creates extra warmth and these women would rather figure that out then wiggle in to shorts. That's how big of an enemy shorts can be.

Just fun.

But, it's hot as crap most places in the summer, so shorts are a straight up necessity. Can you imagine someone in Wisconsin saying they don't wear a big coat because it makes them look puffy? Just have to pick the right coat. In this post I'm going to give you ten of my Tired Girl tips for how any body shape can look better - even good - in shorts. These are all things that anyone can do and does not require you to hate your body or try and morph in to someone you are not.

1) Buy shorts that fit the body you have - right now. Not the body you want and will go ahead buy these cute shorts because you are definitely going to start running and get in shape and soon you'll fit in to these, and not the shorts form three years ago where you stomach was bigger and the size was bigger and the style was different and on and on, THIS body, today, looking at you in the mirror. I'm going to drop a couple of cuss words and here is one. Who the fuck cares what number is written on the tag of your shorts? I wear anywhere from a size 4 to a size 12 in shorts. Literally. No joke, That's how asshole-ish the women's clothing industry is. That could really mess with someone's brain.

Go to stores you like and stores you don't like and have never had success in and try on three different size shorts in varying lengths. I post some of my favorite shorts below.

2) Higher quality shorts look better. This is my only tip that could limit some women, but hear me out. Higher quality and therefore probably more expensive shorts, look better on, wash better and wear day after day better than cheaper shorts. I love me some Target, but the Target shorts I have bought through the years have not worn as well nor look as nice. I have a pair of Lilly Pulitzer shorts that make me look better than I really should. If you are on a strict budget I recommend two things – either save up and buy one or two pairs of nicer shorts and wear the shit out of them every day. I don’t think you’ll regret it. Or hit up your favorite thrift stores and look for higher end brands in the shorts section. Short brands I would try on from a thrift store are: J.Crew, Loft, Lilly Pulitzer, Talbots, Patagonia, North Face, Athleta, Banana Republic – those are just a few.

3) No patterns, no lace, no scallop edges. As I mentioned, I like my Lilly Pulitzer shorts but I do not recommend the scallop versions nor most patterned shorts. I don’t need other people’s eyes being drawn to my upper thigh, thanks. I don’t need a lot of commotion around my toosh. I need calm, soothing, nothing interesting happening down here styles. Lilly Pulitzer patterns are camouflage for adult women – the colors and patterns can be forgiving, but be very careful. Old Navy, and others have really cute patterned shorts and I want to metaphorically run up to you in the store and take then out of your hands, move you to a nice pair of khaki or black or blue and save our flair for another part of the body.

4) No rolls. Rolled up shorts look exponentially worse on most people, and they wash up horribly no matter the brand, in my experience. I think tweens and some teens could pull them off. I vote to skip rolled shorts.

5) Denim maybe. The right denim shorts can be super cute and super forgiving. Brand new denim shorts are always better because they – I hope – have some stretch and fit your current body. I think stretchy knee length/Bermuda style or a shorter higher end denim can be cute. I definitely think rolled denim shorts are a mistake even though some brands insist on having rolled denim as practically their only option. Screw you American Eagle.

6) The correct length. Too long or two short and everything goes wrong. I am 5'4" and a 4 inch short is perfect on me. Tired Girl Ashley is taller than me

7) No “Mom Shorts,” especially if you are mom-aged like me. My 17 year-old niece looks adorbs in everything and mom shorts I guess work for her too, but this is a style that has inexplicably come around and I am adamant against it for most body styles.

8) The right shoes. Again if you have a fab body or even a bumpy funny body but good legs, then you can wear whatever you want. But if you have:

Short legs, bigger legs, bird legs, tree trunk legs, weird shaped legs, thick ankles, or funny knees you’ll want to pick the right shoes with your shorts which is really just about proportion. High-ankled shoes and socks looks much worse than low shoes and socks on anyone that isn’t a model. Flip flops are always a winner with shorts. I took a ton of pics of women at a music fest a while back to show how low shoes look better than ankle socks or higher shoes. Low Converse Chucks - yes, high top Converse Chucks - no.

9) Sneakers that look good on you. So many great options these days, and you don’t have to spend a lot. But the right sneaker will make your short-wearing legs look better. I do vote for new sneakers. Banged up, dirty shoes of any kind make a human look banged up an dirty in my opinion. Even for these weirdly amazing, ludicrously expensive shoes that I love and would not turn down – I still think would be cuter if they didn’t come “worn.” (I love you Golden Goose shoes).

My favorite place to buy sneakers is Marshall's and Burlington Coat Factory. I recommend wearing shorts, going to these stores and trying on any sneaker that looks cute to you. You’ll be amazed how some shoes will curve in the right way and make your ankles look cute and others for no obvious reason will look like butt. I accidentally bought a cute pair of sneakers once while wearing jeans and when I went to put them on with shorts I was horrified. The tongue stuck out all big and look straight up heinous on me. They can only be worn with long, boot-cut jeans. Aint nobody got time for such high maintenance shoes.

I like a chunkier sneaker compared to sleek. I have wider ankles than I wish I had and a bulkier sneaker works for me. Personally I like the throw back New Balance or Saucony sneakers and I like super athletic running shoes in bright colors. I know the all white Nikes, K-Swiss thingys are in style for women too. If you want or need to wear sneakers with your shorts, be open minded, try on what you have, and new styles, and don’t rule out buying one pair that you wear with your shorts.

Saucony Women's Low Pro Jazz - I want all the colors.

New Balance Classic 574 v2 Evergreen - I also want all the colors here.

These are basically the same shoe. `

I tried these on loved them - Dolce Vita Neo Arrow Sneaker (they are channeling their inner Golden Goose shoe vibe) Dolce Vita has so many cute sneakers on their website. Pricey but nothing compared my coveted Golden Goose sneaker.

Innocent women in line at the bar at music fest. Varying size bodies. No rolled shorts. Good lengths. Low shoes. No socks. Shaved legs.

9) Super low socks. That sentence sums it up when it comes to socks with shorts. If I can SEE your socks then they are too long. Ankle socks are the fastest way to look bad in shorts. Save those things for long pants or bedtime or whatever. I cannot imagine wearing socks to bed but I know its done. #gag These are my favorite right now:

Avia Cushion No Show Liner from WM.

Peds Sport Cut Liner from Amazon or Target.

10) Shaved, moisturized and tan (faux or real) legs. Un-bruised legs are helpful in looking nice as well, but I can’t seem to avoid bruises. So I often have white, shapeless legs with a bruise or two. But dang it I will at least shave*.

Tired Girl Angie recommended this self-tanning lotion: Malibu Tan Hemp Golden Glow

Lady in lotion aisle at Wal-Mart likes this one: Jergen's Natural Glow

I recently purchased this self-tanner as it got rave reviews but I haven't tried yet: Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid

I cannot in good conscience recommend getting an actual tan, because cancer. If you play tennis or golf or something and you sunscreen your body up and still naturally happen to tan then that's awesome. The adage that tan fat looks better than white is undeniably true, but a lot of things look good that I cannot support across the board. I vote for white legs over overly tanned or poorly self-tanned.

Having your legs shaved and moisturized is easy and cheap and it's a great bang for your buck.

Hot Tip - Don't buy razors from Sam's Club - even of they are the same brand you buy elsewhere - they are not nearly as good.

Those are my 10 tips for looking good in shorts. Just to make sure I'm clear, I don't think any body shape should limit us from being comfortable. My boss and I always say that if we are comfortable at conferences we attend we are exponentially nicer people. Be comfortable and look nice and feel great and go out there and knock the world's socks off with your short-wearing charm.

Shorts Recommendations -

My most favorite shorts for the past four years are the Loft 4 inch Riviera Short. Don't order the white though - too see-through. Two years ago they were made with different fabric and did not wrinkle when dried and had a great khaki color. Those were the days.

This feels like a pic from the old Sears catalog. Hand casually in pocket.

I also like J.Crew 4 inch Stretch Chino Short. They wear beautifully and have great colors. I like to keep my phone in my back pocket however and these back pockets aren't deep enough to house my phone.

Lilly Pulitzer only has one pair online right now that I would consider recommending and in the only the navy because I can't verify how think the white shorts are. The only pair of white shorts I own and wear are from Lilly however. Callahan Jacquard Short

I bought these on sale from Athleta and love them - Run With It 3.5 inch short.

But I bought these at Wal-Mart and they just just as cute on me, though they look horrible in the pic online - Athletic Works Active Running Shorts. I can't speak to how well they wash yet. The Athleta shorts wash wonderfully.

These are literally the only brands of shorts I own. Loft, JCrew, Lilly, Athleta and Wal-Mart.

Once I find something that works I just buy a few colors or a few pairs in same color and thats it. I'm not interested in my toosh and looks a variety of ways. I want stability. These shorts, this top, these shoes, this bra, these undies, these earrings. Done.

P.S. none of these links are affiliate links. Just sharing ideas. I probably lost money because I went to look for items to share and possibly ordered things.

*sometimes

January Challenge: Planking -

2019-02-10T17:54:00.005-05:00

The short version is this: I planked every day for the month of January and the only thing that happened is that I hate planking now.

The longer version is this:

I bought the Commit30 planner this year and each month there is a place to create your own challenge. It's the simplest thing, and I could have totally just put a check mark by each date on another calendar, but this is special! It has circles for each day, and reflection, and a place for a prize!

My goal was to get up to 2:00 minutes, and to do it early in the day to get it over with. I started at about 45 seconds and it seemed easy enough. It was miserable, but doable. I set the timer on my phone and you'd think I'd want a distraction, but I just bore my eyes in to the timer screen and watched the seconds tick up and assumed that each second represented me becoming a fucking bad-ass planker.

Pffft. As if three minutes is real.

Why planking you ask? In the middle of the story. I don't know. I read it was good for you and seemed liked an easy January challenge. No supplies or much time needed.

Literally right in the middle of the month I hit my highest time without really trying at 1:32. I assumed I would continue to add a few seconds each day and do a final push at the end of the month to 2:00.

But on the 16th and 17th and 18th something was happening... I hated planking. Like for no good reason dreaded those few seconds of the day and didn't push myself because of it. Assuming I was going through something I just chilled in to some 30ish second planks. Is anyone still reading this. This is not very interesting.

And the month progressed the same way. Hating. Miserable. I actually did feel stronger but I didn't give a rip because somehow the whole thing had gotten in my head. Then I got sick at the end and I still planked because I wanted to fill in ALLLLL my circles dammit.

Incidentally January happened to be the longest month of my life. I couldn't wait for this self-inflicted torture to end. I still got it done each day - but just barely. One day I planked for like 16 seconds. But I filled in my circle, because technically I. Did. It.

THEN on the very last day of the month I completely forgot to plank. Which seems peculiar to me - how do you forget that you hate something? Like hate is real. So on Feb 1 I decided to tackle a two minute plank. And you'll be surprised - assuming you are still awake - that I did it. TWO MINUTES. I tricked myself. I put on my head phones and put on Dennis Lloyd's Nevermind. I turned it up real loud and just tried hard to do it. I opened my eyes at 1:43 and I stared at the clock till 2:00 and cursed myself for this horrible challenge, almost threw up, and then I filled in my Jan 31 circle and closed the book on that stupid heinous idea.

I chose not to take a pic of my Commit30 January Challenge pages because I wrote a bunch of other personal stuff on there. And this blog is personal enough without a photo of my words to myself.

Here is what I learned.

1) I should have one rest day each week if I choose a strength challenge. A monthly challenge should be comprehensive - it doesn't mean I have to do something every day for 30 days. It means just have a plan.

2) I don't like planking. I thought it may be so easy and it could just be part of my daily routine. But we need a break. Forever.

I reflected these things in my planner. I didn't award myself a physical prize because I had never picked something early on and so I decided my reward was that February arrived.

Stay tuned for February's challenge. It's equally boring.

Tired Girl Christmas Decorating -

2019-01-04T17:54:00.002-05:00

Christmas is not a hobby that I would choose. Blah blah blah - I'm a Tired Girl. You get it. But because my husband loves Christmas very much and I love him very much, then here I am.

Let's be clear, I am not passive aggressive to him, but rather openly aggressive about it, but through the years we have both compromised. He has taken his inner Clark Griswold and Tired Girl-ized himself. And I look weirdly pained and happy for about a month. We are both damaged through the process, but it works for us.

I am going to assume there are other people like me, who just need to get through, so I put together my top five Tired Girl tips specifically on decorating for Christmas and one bonus tip on a straight-up coping mechanism that is not booze and pills. Yes it's not enough to fake smile for a month, my house has to be transformed into a fucking glorious winter wonderland where all dreams are possible. Cool. *trembling hand reaches for gin and tonic.

In truth, Joe does all the decorating - because he can not not do it. He can not be contained. And I take it down, because I am wonderful. But I have bought the bulk of our decor through the years - it's a complicated tangle of love. So for all you Tired Girls out there - here are the best ways to decorate the shit out of your house in the most efficient way possible.

1) Don't buy breakable stuff -
When I was younger I would skip through the after Christmas sales piling mercury glass everything into my cart without even a glimmer of strategy of storage or moving or life. I still love my mercury glass that, darn it all, keeps not breaking. But I don't buy anything breakable anymore. When my bestie and I swam with manatees to celebrate our 40th (we know how to live) I skipped over the pretty glass manatee ornament keepsake and grabbed the little felt number that looked like I had hand sewn in it in some kind of forced craft situation. Charming. But not breakable. Toss it on in the ornament bucket bitches and never look back. Sadly it took me years to figure this out. So. Many. Breakables. But since there is no end to Christmases I will still have plenty of years to practice. Yaaayyyyy.

2) Pick a color -
Mine is red. When I get the whim to splurge on Christmas decor my eclectic style comes together better when I'm not all over the place with stuff. I streamline in a lot of ways and color is one. I don't need to name colors that would be pretty for decor - you get it - but it's fun to have a bit of cohesiveness. In my case my tree skirt is red and all of our stocking - though v different are all red, tablecloth, my few holiday throw pillows, garland, etc. Red.

3) Pick a decor thing

One of my fave - non breakable -
modern trees.

Mine are trees. I love Christmas trees in every shape and pattern. I love the lines of trees. Could be nutcrackers, angels, Santas, elves, snowmen, cottages, poinsettias. I usually treat myself to a new (non-breakable) tree almost each year. I bought a tree that somehow looked like my old dog Ralphie and I call it my Ralphie tree - its all burlappy and someday I'll glue mini pinecones to it because he loved pinecones... But I have modern trees, antique trees, trees covered in moss, sequins, a tree made out of candy cane stripes and of course those blasted mercury glass trees that I stinking love.
The fun thing about this is you can clump them all over the house however you want and it seems to make sense. 12 snowmen on the counter? Sure. But 12 tchotchkes on the counter? Chaos. This lady's thing is round ornaments by the hundreds in jewel colors.

4) Wreaths!
No matter your color or your theme, wreathes are where its at for Tired Girls. They are typically mostly non-breakable and you can just hang them all over wherever and instant holidays and cohesion. If you pick some (or jooj up plain ones with ribbon and stuff) in your color or theme - you are like so set. Done. Clap dust off hands.

MY wreath. I love it more than other things.

Wreaths are especially super for outdoor decor. A pretty wreath on the door and maybe even matching ones somewhere else, like the windows? Holy shit it's good stuff.
This year right after Christmas I stocked up on some super pretty wreaths that were a million percent off from Michael's and I actually can't wait to put them up next year. But I'll still enjoy the eleven months of freedom that I have until then.
And one year I bought an overly expensive wreath that I love more than I should. Joe calls it "your wreath" when he goes to hang it up. Next year maybe I'll start a social media campaign with the hashtag #wreathsbitches and we can all show our wreaths. Probably not though.

5) Be cool
Be so fucking cool (says me who melts down about three times a week during the holiday season). If you don't love Christmas or if you do but you tired, then just be cool about decor. Where things go and how - just go with it. Trust me. Let your kids or husband or your mom or whoever put stuff out, or everyone does it together and its fun and you listen to Christmas music, or you do it at 5 am yourself one Tuesday in December just to get it done - just whatever.

One elf working and one dog elf resting.

My tip for a coping mechanism to get through the holidays, if they aren't your thing: Treat yourself to something that is special to that time of year. Something you will look forward to each year in the midst of the trauma of the season.
My three things are: Pulling out my wreath that I love, watching Hallmark Christmas movies that I LOOOOOVE, and eggnog,.
There are other things I like about the season - and I try to focus on those as well - like the fact that my husband really does love it, getting cards from my friends all over, and New Years Day (my most fave holiday).
You could have a tradition of some kind just for you. Treat yourself to something (probably not cocaine).

I also have a Christmas duvet that I love to put on the bed. I have a friend in California who says her house was saved from the 2018 fires because she'd already put Christmas sheets on all the beds.
So Christmas sheets have power.

How do you decorate in a Tired Girl way? How do you treat yourself?

January 2018 Most Favorite Things -

2018-02-04T11:00:00.003-05:00

Tired Girl's Most Favorite Things in January 2018

1. Halos/Cuties - I love these little oranges and strangely they are super multi-functional to me. Here are a few reasons why I am obsessed with a small piece of fruit.

When my kitchen is neat they have a very like "this person has her whole life together look" while sitting in a bowl in my kitchen. Like maybe my whacky kitchen would be in a real magazine, and not a weird issue of Messy-Kitchen Anonymous or something.

They also taste good and feel like a little treat since I'm trying to be healthy and keep my sugar habit in check.

After I peel and eat it, I wet the peel and rub it all over my hands and it makes my hands smell good and feel super clean. I don't have weirdly smelly hands or anything it just feels good.

Then I break up the peel and put half of them in my disposal and it makes my whole kitchen smell good. I don't have a weirdly smelly kitchen or anything, but still. The leftover peel I put in a ziploc bag in the freezer and I drop into my disposal through out the week.

Voila. If you are not in to eclectic then you would hate my home. So just pretend you like this please.

2. A smoothie for breakfast. Last summer (and fall and winter) things were a little too busy for my taste - the world required more of me than I prefer and I went in to deep survival mode. Just live dammit. I was too overwhelmed to throw things in a blender, smoosh it up and drink it. But I realized after a few months of not drinking this smoothie that I didn't feel as well all day, and that I was starting to gain weight (all the glorious 12 pounds I lost last year were in jeopardy). Even when I tried to be healthy and boil some eggs for breakfast or something I noticed I was hungry again quickly. When I drank my smoothie I could power through more hours of the day without engaging in one of my favorite past-times of planning my next meal.
As you may or may not know I am not so great with measurements, so I'm sorry that this recipe is loose.
Here is my smoothie recipe:

A couple of handfuls of raw spinach, or kale, or a mixture from Sam's called "Power Medley."
SOME plain kefir - not sure how much. Just like some.
A little of bit water. I need more liquid to smoosh up the greens and I am too cheap to put in too much kefir, and it's a calorie saver too.
I blend the greens and liquid until there aren't many clumps.
Then I add in about 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries.
A scoop of Raw Fit Vanilla flavored protein powder.
A scoop of "Vibrance" in pineapple/citrus flavor. (This stuff is less expensive and just as good as the same brand called "Green Vibrance" according to my guy at my health food store.
A scoop of this turmeric stuff. (Supposedly turmeric has to be consumerd with black pepper, cherry or coconut oil to get the full effects. Who has time for all these dang rules?)
And I sprinkle in some flax seed.
Sometimes I put in powdered collagen even though my guy at the health food store told me it was pointless. I already have it and maybe my body works differently, scientifically, then the rest of the world and it will work.
Sometimes I put in half of a frozen banana because it makes it taste really good and smooth, but I try to not to eat too much sugar so I only do this sometimes
I blend all of that.
It is an unpleasant brown color because of the blueberries and greens.
This makes a big cup and I drink it all.

At one point I figured out what the caloric intake was all of this, but I can't find my calculations and apparently the final number didn't mean much to me. But it isn't bad.

This process is actually easy for me because I have been doing it a long time and I've internalized it. I don't need variety. I just like this. When life allows I like to make several days at a time and store in glass jars. It doesn't taste as good as the first day, but it tastes like "already made" which is a flavor I really like.

The protein powder may taste a little chalky but I'm used to it. It tastes healthy to me. Lifeway kefir is cheaper than some of the other brands that taste better but I don't care. I choose quantity over quality in this case.

3. Eating the frog - I am an intense animal lover, so I don't appreciate this idiom. But I love the idea. It's a quote from Mark Twain and the point is if you have something you are dreading (like eating a frog I guess - bleh), then do it first thing in the morning and get it over worth. It's a testament to not procrastinating about the hardest thing on your calendar. Get it done early and fast. Here's an article that I enjoyed and agree with: Eat That Frog. I have developed a healthy addiction to getting the hardest things on my to-do list done first thing when possible. Watch out world.

I channel my inner inspirational speaker when I do the worst thing on my to-do list first thing in the morning.

4. Wal-Mart Cotton Sleep Pants -
They are inexpensive, come in cute patterns with trim, and wear well. I have a bought a few each season and they are some of my favorite sleep pants.
Here they are online, but they seem to have limited patterns and availability so your store would be your best bet. If you are not in to shopping at Wal-Mart, here are my thoughts in case you care (or are stuck someplace and need something to do).

December Most Favorites -

2018-01-01T20:00:00.003-05:00

Tired Girl's Most Favorite Things in December
These may be just the things that make your life amazing in the new year. Or not.

1. My Stihl Leaf Blower - Don't effing start with me about sweeping leaves. If you do, I will give you an account of the gallons of places I still have to sweep, and why I need this leaf blower to make the front of my house look like humans, and not animals, live here. I am TERRIBLE at using it however - like one wrong move and leaves are everywhere and I give up and go inside. But when I'm focused I blow the leaves that accumulate at the front of my house in the right way to make my place look neat. Truth is I have mastered blowing leaves under my car and calling it a day. I like this model, because it's teeny and light weight, but has enough power to do what I want - blow leaves away from my house to another part of my house.

There she is.

People online are insanely mad about how crappy they think this thing is - maybe they didn't read that is is lightweight with light power for small properties. It's like a dustbuster. But for what it's worth - I love it. Here is one that is similar on Amazon.

Honestly the before and after photos I took to show my hubs originally, isn't that dramatic. But I recently blew leaves away, so I can't recreate a better before and after.
Just pretend this is great.

Warm Beige

2. NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder - I live in Florida and I have oily skin, so I often look "dewy," but not the good kind. When I went on TV a few years back to cook my turkey meatballs, I researched TV makeup and came up with this. I was crazed to be armed with anything that would help me not look shiny on TV, so I wasn't picky about the color. I had one choice at my local CVS I think - Warm Beige - and it works for me and my medium toned skin (I am not fair or tan, I am not sure if I have pink or yellow undertones). Ulta often has NYX brand on sale for buy one get one free or half off or something. So I hoard it.

Me getting miked up on TV and not looking shiny. Video here.

3. Any nude colored nail polish - This fall (and the last ten years of my life) kicked my butt. I needed to look put together with the smidgest of efforts and nude polish does that for me - it's very forgiving. Who has time for their toes? Lots of people, but weirdly not me. These colors make me look finished, but don't draw attention to the hooves I call my feet.

Two faves are - "Barefoot and Topless," "Master Plan." But "Ballet Slippers" and "Sand Tropez" look good too. For someone whose nails often look pretty rough, I talk about polish a lot. #trynabebetter

You know the drill - these are not my hands. #notahandmodel

4. Low expectations - I have created a life where friends and family expect me to be loving, but don't expect too much more from me. The smallest accomplishment or activity and I get accolades. I may host Thanksgiving, but it's a group effort to set the table and my guests commended me for such a pretty table setting, because they must have just been excited that I had a tablecloth on hand. Even my neighbors yell "Hey the Tired Girl is weeding," when they drive by. So yeah, this is working for me.

Husband cooking, and dad and friend
setting the table for Thanksgiving dinner.

5. Coarse, high-quality, salt bought in a grinder - How old lady is this one? But really, there is no need to laboriously pour coarse salt into our own salt grinders. Unless your salt and pepper set is really cute and you just love it. But otherwise it's cheap and easy to just buy good salt already in a grinder. My two pictured here happen to be pink Himalayan something or other, but lots of good kinds at the grocery store and at Marshall's. I bought the little one at Publix (and swear it wasn't much - like $2) and took the label off so it would look cute sitting on my counter. The bigger one was purchased at Marshall's and will be de-labeled when I am finally out of the little one. The price tag shows it is two dollars cheaper at Marshall's than Amazon here.

My photos in this post are off the chart boring.

I know you know what an
Apple watch looks like,
but here's a pic of mine anyway.

6. My Apple Watch- It may be a $300 timer, but I love my $300 timer. I've had it for a year and I wear it every day. I like to see my action, it helps me navigate in my car, and I time eighty million different things in a day. Dry my jeans for 5 minutes, fill the pool up for 5 minutes, do jumping jacks for 5 minutes (HA! Just kidding - one minute), clean the house for one hour, stand and work for 30 minutes - you get the idea. My life is better with a timer strapped to my arm. I don't talk through my watch like a phone, and I haven't explored a lot of other apps, so I'm probs missing out.

7. Dog Mom Rap - It's old, and dumb, but I love it. I have added the version here with lyrics, so if you don't want to listen, you can just read what a ballad from dog moms is all about it. Quote of the piece - "You're amazing."

Anyone have anything appropriate they are obsessed with right now?

Marriage advice -

2017-07-17T19:34:00.001-04:00

I want to call this "the best" marriage advice. But, I'll let you qualify it on your own. The words I am going to have to type in this post haunt me. But the overriding value of them is enough to make me do it.

The context contributes to the power of this advice. My mom and I were having iced tea in the living room at a friend's house. We stopped by for reasons relating to my upcoming wedding (this was obvi years ago). This friend told me she was going to give me the best unsolicited marriage advice.

And then she said this:

"Feed him and fuck him."

And if I didn't literally spit out iced tea then I emotionally flinched.

The use of the word fuck in such a context aside, the truth is - it's good advice.

Yes, I am an adult married woman and I both cook and have sex. And that feels icky to say, but the advice is on point.

If you want to wax poetic about this advice we can - it boils down to both meeting another person's most basic needs and at the same time caring for them in a both physical and emotional way. Blah blah blah.

I prefer not to personalize this too much - I am comfortable talking about my non-functioning uterus, but my sex life feels too far.

If you have to let other things in your life and marriage slide - as we all do - it is understandable. So think hard before either of these two actions become obsolete.

I want to hand this sentence to Tired Girls everywhere and you can do with it what you will.

Here is a hilarious scene from the movie Annie Hall - they are each asked by therapists if they have sex often - there answer is the same yet different. Ignore the first part about their relationship.

The text version:
Each therapist asked "Are you having sex very often?"
Him: Hardly ever maybe three times a week.
Her: Constantly, I'd say three times a week.

May's Most Favorites

2017-05-31T20:07:00.005-04:00

In January I was going to start writing a monthly favorite-things post. But in true Tired Girl style it took awhile longer, though I eventually got to it. So yay for following through - who cares about a timeline.

Tired Girl's Most Favorite Things in May

1. These Target Mossimo Supply Co crewneck tees - if I am not wearing one then they are probably all in the wash and I don't have a shirt on. This is seriously close to all I wear -- and I have like six of the grey ones. Their grey. Not black, not white. Grey.
Here's 27 million photos of me in one of these t-shirts. I take selfies only occasionally to document something or other on my face or hair, and no one takes pics of me with my own phone, so I didn't have a lot of options. But I wear these shirts like everyday so I found a few.

Even though I am accosting Teddy in one of these photos, he is laying on me in another one - so it's proof he really does love me and I don't just annoy him.

2. This inexpensive nail polish - Sinful Colors - in Hazard. I can not definitively say it's the best quality - I can't say that it isn't - I just don't know. But I love this color. Sinful Colors in Hazard
These are not my hands. I am not a hand model. I rarely paint my nubby fingernails and my toes make an appearance here and there, but they weren't feeling it today. This color makes everything look fun and summery.

Though these aren't my fingers I would obviously cling to this bottle in the same way. Sinful Colors "Hazard 952." Incidentally this color looks amazeballs with the grey shirts I wear everyday.

3. Teddy. Similar sweet nuggets are available at your local rescue/shelter.

Side eye.

4. My new Ikea Hemnes (in black/brown) dresser in my office. This is not a photo of my dresser or office. I don't have cute pics of my new dresser to post yet, but this pic was my inspiration piece; it's from Land of Nod. So really this Land of Nod room is my fave thing right now. I am not even close to exaggerating when I say that I want almost every single dresser that Land of Nods has to offer for "kids" room.

Want

5. The Coldplay and Chainsmokers song - Something Just Like This

My alliance falls more on the side of Coldplay than The Chainsmokers. I wasn't forced to choose - no one demanded to know The Tired Girl's musical review. I just felt like pre-emptively distancing myself from The Chainsmokers.

6. Pesto!!! The recipe I came up with I named: "I know the general ingredients and I'm too tired to wash measuring spoons, so I just threw stuff in!"
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
- Handful of walnuts (I didn't have any pine nuts)
- Smaller handful of shaved parmesan
- Some garlic powder (As a Tired Girl I don't love the cleanup of fresh garlic. You can send your complaints about garlic powder and criticisms to tiredgirl.notes@gmail.com)
- Some olive oil
- Some kosher sea salt
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- Little bit of pepper
I squished it all up in my food processor (yes I got the FP out for this one - that's how obsessed I am with pesto).
Then smeared it on almost everything for about a week. My most fave concoction was artisan bread, fresh mozzarella slices, ugly tomato slices and pesto made in to a sandwich and pressed in my panini maker. I ate this for like 13 meals this month and gained two pounds back. I didn't really have boundaries with this one.

This is not my recipe or my food processor. But I felt the need to provide an actual recipe. I have not tried this one but this bloggers recipe was chosen by me because I liked her photos best. See "Simply Recipes" pesto recipe here.

Anyone have something appropriate they would like to share that they are obsessed with this month?

Self-Diagnosing an Eating Disorder

2017-05-23T20:20:00.005-04:00

I had a friend in college that had a straight up eating disorder. It wasn't about the food - it was about control.

I remember naively thinking with envy that I would never have an eating disorder, because I got too hungry. Control was less important than pizza and gin and tonics and donuts. It was horrible that I was actually sort of a little bit jealous. Shows the fucked up attitudes women have about being skinny. And sadly I may potentially make some bad choices today, if it could get me back to that college weight.

A classic.

Anywhoo I recently diagnosed myself with something I would call "a reason I eat the way I do." I can't say it's a disorder. I'm not trying to shirk responsibility, but also not trying to make this out to something bigger (like my toosh - woot woot!).

But as you may know I have gained weight and have been working hard to lose the weight.

I was recently reading a very boring and a teeny bit helpful diet book (here) - and I'll paraphrase the quote that got to me. It was about the idea that those of us that like to eat have an inner saboteur.

An inner voice that sabotages us.

What does this saboteur say to you, when is it the loudest, etc? The author told me to take some time to listen to that inner voice.

My first thought was "Pffft I don't have that. I just like the way hamburgers taste. I don't have a weird relationship with food. I'm normal, just hungry."

And then pop - like a cartoon - I had a thought bubble right over my head that read:

"Life is hard and I deserve to treat myself to something that tastes good. I deserve it."

And it was crystal clear. I did have an inner saboteur and it was the idea: "I feel like crap because (fill in the blank with shitty life things) and I want to eat something yummy - I deserve a treat for what I am going through."

Not kidding.

And that was it. I found my inner saboteur. So now I am working on treating myself to things that are not fattening food. I was considering buying things, but that just replaces one problem with another. (Private note just to Joe: Don't worry). What's too bad is I don't want stuff - it feels weird to reward myself with things! But feels right to push a cinnamon roll in my mouth.

I am down 12 pounds which is whole size. I'm at the point in weight loss where I can put my jeans in the drier. So hell yeah. This was prior to understanding my inner saboteur. That jerk. So just watch out now. I have a little bit more to go and then add in the idea of taking my slightly smaller body and creating muscles. So the journey continues, but I am so proud of myself I feel like I deserve a treat.

Any Tired Girls out there want to share what their inner-saboteur says to you? Or any personal journey successes?

Netti Pot Update -

2017-03-29T20:29:00.000-04:00

I posted this a few years back because if you have something that drastically improves the quality of your life you are obligated to share.
It's all about my appreciation and dedication to using a netti pot. I have two new photos to share as I have aesthetically improved my netti pot setup. Back in the day my system lived in the laundry room and no one saw it. But then we downsized, and my house is 1/3 the size so now my netti pot party lives prominently on my kitchen counter. A kitchen that doesn't have a lot of counter space gives prime real estate to this. This new setup is a perfect illustration of a Tired Girl life. I could just put this away and get it out every day but that requires way too much energy and I know I just wouldn't put it away and it would just sit there, so I want it to be pretty. And since I use it everyday I felt justified in the upgrades (though my pieces were all under $10 and I already had the plates and stand. Anyway - here are my new improved pieces complete with links.

Cute ceramic elephant Netti Pot - Here
Glass Jar from Marshalls (Similar Here) with Homemade nose rinse (recipe below)
A prettier water jug to hold two cups of water from Marshalls (Similar Here)
Melamine John Derian plate Target (Similar Here but tons of cute ones on Amazon)
Wood plate from Target way back (Similar Here)

A poorly lit and executed photo of the prominence this plays. It also sits on a white cake stand (Similar HERE but there are tons at Marshalls/Homegoods)

Here is my original post about to how to netti pot your life -

There was a time I could have named this blog “Sick A Lot and Deeply Tired Girl.” I taught elementary school and I don’t l know if any of you know any children, but those sweet little hands and faces and germs like to be NEAR you as much as possible. I had one sinus infection after the other and would go round after round of antibiotics. Awful.

One thing that has drastically helped me is using a neti pot. I know the words “ewwwww” and “what in the hey is a neti pot” are in some of your minds right now.

Sinucleanse

In short: a neti pot is a little teapot looking thing that you fill with warm distilled water and a saline/baking powder solution and you pour the mixture into one side of your nose while tilting your head and letting the water come out the other side.

I know the words “ewwwww” and “what in the hey is she talking about” are in some of your minds right now again.

I spent way too much time looking at some how-to videos on youtube to share and none were any I would want to post. So – I made my own to share with you!!! Some fun blogs show you how to do a sideways French twist and I demonstrate a neti pot. I’ve really made something of myself.

Here is my video: don’t judge. **** UPDATE - when my purse was stolen from my innocence, my camera was inside and inside my camera was the charming video of me pouring water through my nose.

So instead I settled on this video - I like their attempt at making the neti pot humorous. It's not as wonderful as my video, but life isn't fair.

Here is my recipe for salt solution: equal parts baking soda and non-iodized salt. Shake it up and store in an airtight container.

I totally edited a gin bottle out of the background of this photo. I feel okay about saying it and not about having it in the photo. I give myself a "B' for my editing skills.

I use my neti pot once or twice a day depending on the season and my allergies, etc. I have it all set up in my laundry room, so I can leave it all out.

Just hanging out, waiting to get used.

It is VERY important to use filtered or distilled water for this. This part is non-negotiable. You can also boil your water and let it cool to a warm temp - I use a "hot pot" for this when traveling. I can use hotel tap water, boil and let it cool.

My steps:

- I pour 2 cups of filtered water in to my big glass (that's big glass, not big ass - I am a lady afterall) measuring cup.
- I heat in the microwave for 1 minute, which is the perfect amount of time for me to create warm and not hot water.
- I scoop a 1/2 teaspoon of salt solution in to my pot.
- Then pour water on top and stir.
- Then stick end of pot into my right nostril, open my mouth (to breathe like a dog) and tilt my head to pour liquid in to my right nostril.
- I pour through my nose until the neti pot is empty.
- I blow out gently (I just do) and then I repeat the whole process on the other side.

I think it feels wonderful - super soothing and I can instantly breathe and think better.

Here is the link to the neti pot I like the best: SinuCleanse.

Cheers to an easy and sickness-free allergy season (I am raising my neti pot up to toast you)! Clink.

Two more things if you care -
1) Joe got me my first neti pot - for my birthday! One woman's horrible birthday gift is another woman's most appreciated item from a thoughtful spouse. Thanks Joe! Heart.

2) There are SOOOOO many fun "neti pot jokes" on google images. You could spend some serious time looking busy at working getting through them all.

source

Friendly but Busy -

2017-03-08T18:36:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you have to be around people that:
- don't like you
- have been a jerk to you
- you have to work with in some way
- have dumped you in some way
- are involved in some kind of awkward situation, etc.

What we want to say.

I have a simple saying and tactic that works in a plethora of atmospheres.

I am not saying this next part to be like " I am so cool, everybody loves me," but when I was young and dating and would get snubbed or broken up with by a guy, I was able to use this strategy. And they would always come back around. I could have entitled this "how to get someone back if they broke up with you," but who wants to get someone back and I would never claim such a theory. But this strategy works in SO MANY different situations.

Anyway, here it is. You are friendly to the person, but you are busy.

That's it.

Here are examples:

Hey Mitch, gosh you look great. I thought of you the other day when I saw Groundhog's Day on TV. Ok, well I have to scoot, see you later!

Hey Biff! You look great. How are those econ classes treating you? (Blah blah blah they answer). I am sure it's better than you say, you are a whiz at that stuff. Welp, take care, bye!

Hey Buffy, Oh my gosh I love your hair cut. It really frames your face. How is your dog Fluffy, he is such a cutie (blah blah blah they answer). Well, great seeing you - I'm sure I'll see you later. Bye!

Hey Muffy, Oh I love those shoes! I am obsessed with leopard print anything. Ok, have a great day. Bye!

The more I create these examples, the higher pitched my voice gets in my head, and the more valley girl I sound. I am saying things like "byeeeeeee." These encounters could be a tad longer and more genuine as well, but you get the idea.

You are not lying or being fake. You are not saying things like "great to see you" (cause you're not) or "I hope you are doing great" (because you don't), etc.

You are friendly, but busy. It works.

It's important for Tired Girls (and everyone) not to get bogged down in toxicity and drama. Ain't no Tired Girls got time for that. We have things to do, so get the eff out of our way a-hole. Here is another look at dealing with the jerks that inevitably show up in our lives: "How to Get Along with Jerks - Tired Girl Style"

*AND for the record if I am friendly but busy to any of you in real life please don't think I am "friendly but busying" you. I am in general friendly and I pack a lot in to my life so there is a chance I will be in a rush.

Anyone have something similar they do when dealing with certain people?

This guy gets it. Even though in this case we are making ourselves be friendly,
it still has the same effect.

How to Find a Therapist -

2017-01-26T15:25:00.002-05:00

I am a big fan of talk therapy. I haven't actually loved all of my past therapists though (once I even left midway through a session, crying, after paying the dude $20 so I didn't have to deal with insurance), but I am always in pursuit of landing that person who is perfect for me. Someone who has just the right number of candles lit in their office to be relaxing and not weird.

And just to be clear a therapist is different than a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist gives you prescription medications while you try not to cry in their office. A therapist gives you kleenex while you definitely cry in their office. Both interactions are necessary in my book.

Mental health help is tricky in America and because of that I will ALWAYS have a psychiatrist and talk therapist in my world. I will do whatever I need to, to maintain an active patient status. Because trying to get in to either - therapy or psychiatry - feels as difficult as being accepted in to college.
If I won the lottery, practically disappeared from society, didn't have a care in the world and was in a mountain chalet somewhere, and my phone pinged to remind me that it had almost been six months since my last psychiatry appointment, then I would scoot my toosh off that mountain and be in my doctors office asap. I am not messing around.
So recently I went on the hunt for a new talk therapist, and here are the steps I took:

Step One) I happily clicked boxes on the Psychology Today website to choose my perfect therapist: Female, between certain ages, no more than five miles from my home, specializing in these four or five specific areas, accepts new patients, in-network with my insurance, has a nice profile pic (not some haphazard snapshot from her living room), a lovely written description of her therapy style, a soothing and professional sounding voicemail/website or receptionist.

Yesss, I was already feeling more therapized just going through this intense screening process. I valued myself that much to take the time to find just the right person.

Step Two) I realized I had to get my insurance plan in order - make sure I knew my coverage, etc. Exactly which frigging Florida Blue plan did I have - there are literally like 34 different options just under my type. So, I hunted for my password to my portal account for like two days, because I am very busy and important* and sometimes sleep.

Step Three) Once I cracked the Fort Knox insurance website I tried to decipher what my exact coverage was and finally gave up and texted a trusted co-worker (who has my same plan) about our therapy coverage.

Step Four) Realized a few of the therapeutic looking women I picked out may not be "in-network," so I spent some more time on Psychology Today and my own health insurance site, scouring for the right person who would soothe me, have the right mix of letting me cry but not wallow, and give me actual strategies to be a successful human -- all in the same session.

And then... nine days later after countless interactions where:
-my insurance was not accepted
-the therapist was not accepting new patients
-the therapist/receptionist was openly rude
-I had to be currently admitted to a hospital for mental illness, to be a patient
-they could suspiciously get me in THAT DAY ("or tomorrow - I am open!") - Uh, no.
-or no return call at all.

I was forced to reevaluate.

If I didn't need therapy before I needed it now.

Step Five) My new criteria:
~~Female, bewteen certain ages, no more than five miles from my home, specializing in these four or five specific areas~~, accepts new patients, in-network with my insurance, ~~has a nice profile pic (not some haphazard~~ ~~snapshot from her living room), a lovely description of her therapy style, a soothing and professional sounding voicemail/website or receptionist.~~ Seems like a relatively ok person.

I did eventually find someone that fits this criteria. And I think I cried a little on the phone with the receptionist when we got to the part where we discussed an actual appointment date.

So my tips for Tired Girls are this:
-Find your insurance login info and tattoo it on your inner thigh
-Cancel the making of home cooked meals, for like two weeks just so you can focus on this task
-Be open minded about exactly what the therapist will be like, but don't keep going to someone who is awful. I'll watch a Hallmark movie and feel better rather than spend an hour with someone that is a dick.
-Whisper the words "Fuck 'Em" anytime you hear people discuss insurance companies.
-Do what seems appropriate to raise awareness about mental health resources in the US. I am a healthy, happy, educated, insured, bright, individual and it felt like I should have had more to show for all my effort here.

-Be proactive - I highly recommend securing a therapist just to have on hand. Because trust me if/when you really need it, it will seem like an unbearable undertaking. You wouldn't only go to the dentist when your teeth are rotting. You go before, so they don't rot.

Okay, I think I am done here. Both exhausted from what my brother would call this Bataan Death March of therapy searching and done with giving out un-requested advice. Good luck out there Tired Girls.

Anyone have a tip I am missing?

*not important at all

Armpit Detox Review -

2017-01-16T12:15:00.003-05:00

I recently did an armpit detox. And it was as miserable as it sounds. It stunk literally and metaphorically. And I'll get right to it - it didn't work for me.

If you want to know more about what I did and how it went, then here you go:

First of all, my friend told me that an armpit detox was THE most privileged idea she had ever heard of. So I just want to be clear that I get that. This is like serious first world problem shit.

So now that that's out of the way. I used Wellness Mama's plan for her armpit detox. I love Wellness Mama, so don't think I am criticizing that cute little nugget of natural living. I am just saying that somewhere between reading her post and me running back to "real" deodorant - something went wrong. Even taking a peak at her post now makes me think I should give it another try, but then I remember the horror...

So I bought bentonite clay at my local health food store and already had Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar. I waited until January in Florida when it was at least a little cooler (my hope was I would be less sweaty). I also have the advantage of working from home, where I can, at times look practically homeless and it doesn't matter. So slathering goopy wet clay on my pits and cruising around my home half clothed for periods of each day and then not wearing any deodorant ever was totally manageable and frankly pretty on par with other beauty regimens I attempt.

So clay and vinegar on pits? Check. The ability to look, feel and smell awful? Check.

Soooo, a week or two went by of this. Every day a clay vinegar mask slid around on my pits until it dried and became crumbly and then crumbled all over the place, then a shower to scrub it off, shower floor with bentonite clay residue, NO DEODORANT after shower, the icky feeling of non-deodoranty armpits the rest of the time, the smell of clay and vinegar, the smell of what was surely my armpits "detoxing," and wearing clothes that accommodated my current armpit situation when I did have to leave the house.

This is me, waiting to see what fresh hell comes next in this detox.

I envisioned the little pores of my cubbyholes unclogging with toxic chemicals and little puffs of fresh air coming through them. I would feel and smell like a daisy in no time, right? Right? For the love of God this was working right? I would not get armpit cancer. I would not be dependent on chemicals. I could use talcum powder on my pits like ladies did in the old days. This was going to work.

Definitely didn't forget.
But T-Rex arms are accurate description.

And then I realized it was not only not working - it was definitely getting worse. Apparently my armpits really stink when left to their own devices. Unclogged pores did not mean good smelling pores. I still kept at it though!! But eventually I dug out my horrible, chemically deodorant and slathered it all over and felt human again. Maybe I didn't stick with it long enough. Maybe I just needed to get used to the miserable miserable miserable feeling of natural deodorant. I don't want armpit cancer, but I can't live that way.

Has anyone else tried an armpit detox and actually feel like admitting it? Is there something I should have done better or different to make it work?

Goal Setting for Tired Girls

2017-01-04T20:21:00.001-05:00

2017 better watch the eff out. This Tired Girl is semi-awake, and semi-angry (always something to get me revved up) and totally focused. I decided to try goal setting this year, and four days in - I like it. So I assume it will continue forever and I will never get tired of feeling this way and therefore 2017 is going to be great.

From Shining Academy

I decided goal setting seemed right for me while I played a game of solitaire (no judgment people) and realized if I thought about what card I could really use right then, it usually came up in the next couple of deals! Did I have supernatural powers to create the card I needed? No. (What a wasteful superpower that would be).

Was I aware of what I wanted and so I knew it when I saw it? Yes! I was waiting for the right card. You get the metaphor right? Boom. So then it was on.

After much internet research, I was hooked. So I'll cut to the chase - here are my recs if you are interested in goal setting, Tired Girl style, for 2017.

1) Do a little post-mortem - what worked in 2016 and what did not? What were some of your best moments, choices, investments and what were your worst? Write that shit down.

2) Let 2016 go... Take your biggest disappointments, write it down and burn it. It's done.

I haven't watched the Lord of the Rings movies but I couldn't pass this image up.
G'bye 2016.

3) Think hard about three to five serious goals. Think BIG, but also be realistic. There is a sweet spot there. Then write down three to five steps or components to achieving each goal. If it's possible to put some dates by the steps I think that is the way to go. Again, ambitious but not ridiculous. Don't go easy on yourself, but don't set yourself up for failure. Put those milestones on your calendar.

4) Post your goals where you can see them daily and maybe make a vision board. I am making a vision board - I honestly can not believe I have gone this long in life without making one. It's like I was created to have a vision board - I love crap like that. I wrote a poem about them:
Vision board vision board, I think I will hoard!

5) Don't be afraid to tweak as the year progresses. I am not saying back off of the goals, just be open to changing things up. The point is to achieve your goals so figure out how that is going to be able to happen. If you aren't going to lose 30 pounds in three weeks don't chuck the whole thing - just change your final date up. See what's working and how that can continue.

I have a lot more to say about this topic, because it is my NEW FAVORITE SUBJECT. Be aware if you run in to me at Publix I may ask you what your goals are for this year just because I am interested in goals all around. But I will wrap this up.

My Goal Setting Planner

I did look at LOTS of goal setting planners on Amazon and after much thought I chose this one based on my goals for the year.

Your Best Year 2017: Productivity Workbook and Creative Business Planner

But here is another I considered.

Conquer Your Year: The Ultimate Planner to Get More Done, Grow Your Business, and Achieve Your Dreams

My friend, Tired Girl Jamie, chose this Goal Setting Journal: 2017 My Shining Year!

My planner from Michaels

There are tons on Amazon and many based on your goals, like blogging, entrepreneurship, getting healthy, spirituality, etc.

I also bought a planner for the first time in a while. I chose the "Creative Year Black Marble 2017 Spiral by Recollections." All the planners are currently 50% off at Michaels. And I always have a spiral notebook going.

I feel like the awkward son from the new Vacation movie with his
dream journal, wish journal, poetry journal, etc.

If you are still here, I will share generally what my goals are for the year. I read that the more you write and say your goals out loud the more likely you are to achieve them.

Goal 1 - Has to do with weight loss. I am down about nine pounds from September and want to keep going to get back to fitting in to the majority of the clothes in my closet. I have a plan to do this.

Goal 2 - Has to do with editing the novel I finished writing last year.

Goal 3 - Has to do with finishing my Tired Girl Cookbook

Goal 4 - Has to do with getting my home organized.

I am excited about my goals because I feel like I can accomplish them if I focus and I am excited to enjoy them once they are accomplished. If you would like to share your goals with me I would love to read them. You can comment or email me at tiredgirl.notes@gmail.com.

Happy New Year Tired Girls!

Sexism -

2016-08-09T19:32:00.004-04:00

I struggle with sexism. Some of you have already stopped reading this (which means you really struggle with it).
Just like the post I wrote about not telling people you are angry - no one wants to hear about sexism. Which I find, sexist. From the subtle (and not so subtle) sexualization of women, to the vague comments that not so much undermine women, but rather give undue credit to men in the same situation, to the well known double standard of words that do not have male versions - slut and bitch for example.
I don't care about the word bitch or slut frankly - I use them liberally. But I care that they don't exist for men.

Men and women are both guilty of all of it. Sheryl Sanberg talks about her own unwitting sexism in her book Lean In (which I LOVE). SOMETIMES women are even worse than men.

Once I hear a sound I can't un-hear it. And I can not un-hear the many ways daily that I witness and experience sexism. Only recently has it gotten my attention in the way it has, and because of this I am also forced to realize how little anyone wants to hear about it or notice as well.

New Girl may be my Spirit Animal

But I don't care. As I strive for the Good Life it means I get to stand up for the things I think are important. Whether that is having a pretty soap dispenser or saying the word fuck or swooning over a purse or blogging about the idea that women should be listened to and not just looked at.

I get the rules. I know that women that are more palatable, get more done. I can't change that here and now, and frankly I choose to play by a lot of the rules so I can get things done in my life.
But it doesn't mean I don't notice and don't care - because I do and I do.

I don't have a solution (obvi - if I did I'd be big time), but I'm watching you sexism. I've got my eyes on you. I let a lot of things in life go and you are not one of them.
As usual I deal with this topic with humor.

I might do this, but I don't like it! The first step is admitting I have a problem.

I can't verify she said this. Just because its written next to her face. But I do like this.

If you want one more nugget about this:
I recently came across a "woman's leadership conference" that had THE MOST HEINOUS titled breakout sessions.
"Matching your shoes to your purse! Ways to Keep your Thoughts and Actions in Line" Or some crap - like just awful. Or like:
"Spa Day! How to relax AND get things done!" Or:
"Great Shoes Equal Great Strides" Gag.

As if women wouldn't just want to hear about these topics without such horribly condescending titles. Anywhoooo.

Whats your most favorite sexist thing? Listening to men talk about women's uterus's? Hearing some sweet guy say something unbelievable sexist when you know he doesn't even have a clue.

BB Cream Review -

2016-06-06T21:06:00.002-04:00

The short version is this: I did a bunch of research about BB creams. I chose the Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C BB Cream SPF 20 in Light. I love it. It looks natural, but makes me look more finished. I order two at a time from Amazon.

This is the review from someone else's blog that sold me - read it HERE.

This stuff.

Here is why BB cream could be a good fit for Tired Girls:
1) It is literally one less step - no moisturizer and then makeup - it's just the ONE.
2) you can kind of slather and smoosh it around and somehow it works and blends in and requires minimal exuberance.

So right now you are either thinking - "This stuff only saves one lousy step? Who the hell can't handle moisturizer AND makeup?"
Or you are thinking "One whole less thing I have to do? Sold."
If you are the former then you may be in the wrong spot.

The thing about the BB cream I found though is:
1) It really looks good - better than my other base/foundation makeup.

So steps, expense, availability and slather-ness aside, it really works.

If you want more to the story or are bored somewhere, here you go:
A few years ago the Lancome base makeup I used was starting to run out. Are you bored already? Me too. I kept buying it not because I necessarily loved it, but it was easier than finding something new.

But then I got the idea that since I someday I want a beach house I should save money right away and try a drugstore brand of makeup. After much research (like way too much) and much squinting at options in Target, I finally picked something.

The first day I wore it, I looked up at Joe when he got home that night, and the first thing he literally said to me was "Oh my God, are you okay? Are you sick?"

So that stuff went in the trash.

Undeterred to find something that made me look awesome (and not, ummm, ill) and would contribute to my beach cottage fund. I started researching BB cream. I had heard a few tepid reviews and Tired Girl Robin gave it a "Meh" when I asked if she'd tried any.

Now that you are double bored I am at the point. I found the lady's review (I posted above) on the internet, tried it the cream she recommended and have never looked back.

27 million years ago when I considered writing about this topic I asked for opinions on BB cream. And some of you Tired Girls responded (unlike me who would have wanted to help you but wouldn't get around to writing you about my experience). I took a screenshot of all the comments, blurred out names and photos and saved the images. Somewhere along the line I have misplaced those images. They are on a thumb drive somewhere with other great images of blog posts I plan to write. So thanks in general - you know who you were - who gave me your insight on BB cream way back when.

Any one out there try the Lumene BB Cream? I got a free sample of the CC Cream. It is more coverage which isn't bad, but because of the lightness of the color makes me look a little ghost-like.

Anyone have any strong opinions on BB Cream in general?

Office tour -

2016-05-16T18:07:00.002-04:00

My husband and I have lived in our current house for about two years. It is a true mid-century modern, for any of you that may be in to architecture.

We rent it (which I guess is goodsince the roof leaks occasionally), but leaks aside we love love love this place! We think it's pretty, and Teddy loves the yard. Plus, there are no roaches in this old house, under big trees. I think we have had like three in our two years, which if you live in Florida you know is a real accomplishment.

As a Tired Girl I love to scroll through images of people's well appointed homes on Pinterest. So today I am sharing photos of my whacky office/ workout room/ laundry room/ Joe's office/ garage/ craft room/ pantry. That's a lot of /'s.

It's important to note that THIS room is not well appointed though. It has an extra fridge in it. It also houses shelves with our food. It is literally our pantry, so nothing to brag about here people.

But it is also fun to look at people's less well done homes too - just fun to nose around. If someone else's room is quirky, it makes me feel about good my little place. If someone else's room looks heinous, then I feel better than someone else. So lots of options for your feelings here.
I did a tour of my office in our previous house. It was super boring as that room was just three things - office, craft room, and extra guest room. Yawn. Where's the fridge you may ask when you look at this one. Actually I stinking loved that office too. You can see it here. In that post I discuss my greater philosophy about why I would take photos of my house and post them.

So, here we go.

Joe's area is on the left, and food pantry on the right welcomes you in! If all the blinds worked I would have them all raised up. But they don't and since we rent, down they stay.

Just like my old office - I have crammed a lot in to this place ( I think it's symbolic of my life - I like to squeeze a lot in). The glass ceiling is one of my favorite parts, even though it gets hot as crap in here starting around 1:15 every day in the spring/summer. The squirrels thump around above me and when it rains hard I can't hear my meeting. But nothing beats natural light to feel connected to the world.

A tidy version of my desk. It looks like this every couple of weeks and then a few hours in, it gets away from me. The window in front of it would look into another room of our house. But I keep those blinds down in there, and have this glass wall as a bulletin board. This is my same desk that my dad made me as a craft table years ago. I heart it.

This is my desk on one of the messiest days ever. I took this shot to show the other extreme. There may or may not be slippers ON my desk.

This is not an accurate depiction of my situation, but I like it nonetheless.

And finally our extra fridge. Yes we are only two people, why should we require another whole fridge? It's complicated, and it involves our generous friends always bringing lots of interesting beer over, every time they come. So what could be used to prep and house extra food is really just a beer fridge. I am looking at you David and Pat.

This may be the worst photo so far. My treadmill flanks the laundry room door, then shelves of craft stuff, canned goods and my work laptop. I am sure some of you are pretty nervous looking at all of this.

This is my laundry room that is about 12 feet from my desk. Nothing says professionalism like the sound of my washer draining. I like it though - clean laundry is one of my fave smells. You'd think with my laundry so close I'd be better at it.

I'm really in to quality laundry rooms. It's a thing. I love this one because of the big sink.

This is Joe's area. If you have ever worked with Joe you will know that his desk has been drastically neatened up for this photo, and in reality it would never look like this. If you dumped a box of papers on top of all of this it wold feel better to him.

Here is a close-up of some of his stuff.

Teddy is always my favorite part of any room.

I would seriously love to see any of yall's offices or catch-all room. You can attach to a comment or Facebook post. Do it.

Summer shoes -

2016-05-09T20:20:00.007-04:00

My feet are not my best feature, on their best day. And on their worst day (feet have bad days after all) I want to cover them up. Blah blah blah I'll cut to the chase.
I need summer flats.

If you live anywhere where it isn't sweltering most of the year you probably think the idea of "summer flats" is dumb. But when the heat index and humidity align your surroundings with the inside of your oven, ever scrap of clothing is examined for its worth. Shoes included.

I haven't been able to pull off ankle boots in any season, so maybe I am just jealous, but a cute sundress and leather ankle boots in Florida for a majority of the year just seems -- reckless.

Flip flops and open-toed sandals are the way to go for me. But for the few times I need something that covers up large portions of my feet - I need to be able breathe and look appropriate.

Am I the only that has this issue I am wondering now?

Here are a few options if you find yourself in the same occasionally mangy-footed boat as me.

Women's dv Tia Espadrilles in Gold from Target - I recently bought these and I love them. They are squishy supportive on the inside. About $25

Reef Women's Shaded Summer ES Fashion Sneaker in Blue Raffia. About $45. Here are some similar ones at Target as well.

The SAK Women's Ella Espadrille in Seafoam Flower Power. About $48.

Tom's Canvas Slip-On in Natural Metallic Burlap - A classic and this texture is really pretty. About $50.

Converse Womens Chuck Taylor Shoreline Sneaker in White. I love this bright white color and stretchy heel.

About $60. Also a classic.

Crocs get a bad rap, but I have some similar to these and I love them. They are great for a day at an amusement park. You don't get party gravy all over your feet and you can throw them in the washing machine or hose them off when you get home. They are light weight and I think pretty supportive. I like these -

crocs Women's Kadee Animal Print W Flat. About $20!

Sanuk Women's Fiona Slip-On Shoe in Berry

I love the looks of these. I have never tried on Sanuk's, but I know people love them. This pink color gets me!!
About $50.

Did I miss any cute summer flats that I need to know about?

How to think -

2016-04-27T12:13:00.003-04:00

Thinking is important for a lot of reasons that you know, so I don't have to tell you.

But sometimes getting in to a situation where your brain is the perfect mix of relaxed and alert is harder to accomplish than you would first imagine.

About wine vs hard liquor - or is it just me?

Once it happens a few times you know the value of dedicated thinking time and what can come from it. Everything from major life choices to the subtle adjustments needed to make a project work.

It's worth the effort.

Here are a few ideas:
- Shower (classice - everyone knows this one)
- Bed (usually around 2:30 am for me)
- Acupuncture
- After wine has set in (but before crying starts - I've got a small window)
- Driving alone or with someone quiet
- When I am ovulating (just being honest here in case it works for you too)
- Time away (like days and days)
- Church (no offense to the minister/father/speaker)
- Music - the right kind can create that mix of relaxed and engaged
- White noise (TV blaring) - Makes me nutso but my husband does well with this.
- Tanning Bed (not recommended for the whole CANCER part)

Times that do not work for me:
- Dedicated time to "sit and think" (bleh)
- Yoga ("This hurts")
- Treadmill ("This sucks.")
- While drinking hard liquor ("I like dizzy!")
- Massage (All I think about is the person massaging me.)

I am a morning thinker (different than a morning person I think). If things aren't working for me past 8 pm (ha haha hahah ha how about 6:30) I know that first thing in the a.m. the solution will usually present itself. For others this happens in the quiet dark of the evening.

I wrote these words without any research and here is science that backs ME up (bam). The bottom line if you don't want to read all that, is that occasions that create dopamine, or are relaxing, cause creativity. But there is more if you want to read - here.

Came from Pinterest long time ago.
Looks like was made for children I think.
Could be helpful to adults.

"A brain is a place to have ideas, not a place to store them." Ironically I forgot where I read this or who said it. But it really affected me.

I went on a quest to buy or create a cool "planner" to help organize myself, and house/channel my ideas. There are only a million interesting planners out there as proved by my Pinterest feed. I downloaded this (Passion Planner) at one point, but the truth is a blank piece of paper in a spiral notebook works the best for me - I can make lists inside lists, etc.

Just like eye cream it's less important the how's and what's and more important that you just do it. Even if tired, you know I am there with you, pay attention to the times where your brain just opens up.

If you got lost in this quote you aren't alone. I had to read a few times - no judgement dammit. But these words have a valid point. I want to coax my lively brain along.
Comehere brain!

Anyone have ideas for how to think well?
Does music work for or against you?

Turkey Meatballs -

2016-04-21T21:40:00.001-04:00

I rarely read food blogs. Because a) I don't like to cook, and b) I don't read many blogs because I am afraid I may steal someone else's voice. But regardless I always end up on food blogs, because I want the dang recipe that I found on Pinterest and I have to scroll through 18 photos and a story about someone's grandma's neighbor to get the part where I am told what the actual recipe is. No offense though because I do appreciate the part where there is an actual recipe. A recipe I wouldn't have otherwise.

Liz Lemon is my spirit animal.

So no stories - just the recipe.

Tired Girl Turkey Meatballs -

2 1/2 lbs of ground turkey (I get this at Sam's Club)

1 egg

1/4 cup warm milk

1/2 cup bread crumbs (about 1.5 pieces of bread or about 15 saltines or whatever you have on hand) (I use rice crackers for my mother in law who is Gluten-Free)

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp Worcestshire Sauce

3 tsp-ish Onion Powder,

2 tsp-ish Parsley,

2 tsp-ish Oregano,

2 tsp-ish Basil

Meatballs - one of the more ugly foods.
These guys are as camera ready as possible.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix all ingredients with your hands. Line brownie pan with foil, spray with cooking spray (so you don't have to wash the pan).

Using a 1/2 cup scoop out and form mixture in to big meatballs. I measured mine out at first - consistency is the key to getting them all cooked correctly. Bake 25-30 minutes.

I serve with rice or spaghetti squash and a veggie. But there is any number of combos that are good with these. They are also great to make ahead, make a double batch, or make and bring to a family with a new baby, etc.

My cookbook: "Weeknight Dinners - Recipes To Make in Your Sleep" will be finished soon - in true Tired Girl form I am not done with it yet. Bleh.

If you want me to contact you when my cookbook is available, please sign up for email HERE. You can also see the cover.
I won't spam you - I don't have the energy for all that. I'll just email you and say "Hey, if you want to buy my cookbook, you can now." It's going to seem like you "subscribed" to something, but you didn't.

Five email signer-uppers will receive a free cookbook.

If you want to follow The Tired Girl's (me!) blog click HERE.

Yes to Life -

2016-04-21T19:21:00.003-04:00

I recently made turkey meatballs on TV. In true Tired Girl style I had the great idea to submit a recipe to a syndicated TV show that is filmed here in Tampa - called Daytime.

Ideas are always the easy part. I heart ideas. But then I had to follow through. Follow through is the hard part. I am not so great at follow through. That basically sums up Tired Girls - first our brains are connecting and excited with ideas for our lives, and then our brains are like: "Oh shit. I have to do something."

The quick story of how I came to be working innocently from home in my pj's to sticking my hand in raw ground turkey on TV is this:

- I emailed the show (called Daytime) when they asked if anyone wanted to share a recipe.
- Then I over thought my potential four minute cooking spot for about a week.
- I googled "TV makeup." I googled "Tips for being on TV." I reached out to some famous chefs about how not to ruin your life when cooking on TV.
- I made a bunch of turkey meatballs the day before.
- I wore a bunch of makeup that day.

- And then went out to lunch with a friend, when it was over. Because TV personalities lunch (it's a verb).

This post has no tips or suggestions. I am just telling the story because cooking turkey meatballs on TV is a thing. I will post my life changing Tired Girl Turkey Meatball recipe. I will post the four minute segment of me probably making awkward faces, when it airs. I will also post about "How To Be On TV and Not Melt Down" or some similar title.

There is nothing normal about this video. But this is what happens when you have to get ready to cook on TV.

Yes Witch Hazel and Bactine are involved.

Anyone else out there ever make turkey meatballs on TV?
Anyone else want to start hashtagging everything #turkeymeatballs, regardless of relevance?
Anyone ever sign up to do something and then wonder what in the heckfire you were thinking?

Eye Cream - The windows to our young-looking souls

2016-03-18T14:11:00.000-04:00

A re-post from a few years back. Just a friendly reminder to slather some sort of cream on your eyes so people wonder if you got a face lift over spring break. (Note to self - Reminder for next spring break -- price out face lifts.)

Here is the deal with eye cream. It may or may not work and we will never really have the answer (once we are wrinkly we may think, "Oh crud that stuff didn't work," but maybe it DID and we are less wrinkly than we would have been - and maybe not, or maybe if we had used a better brand or more or whatever and this goes on forever).

If you see me with glitter under my eyes,
just go with it.

I don't think it can hurt to use it though. Lotion seems to soften things and softer things mostly look nice. So here are the Tired Girl's tips for eye cream:

1) Use it - it doesn't matter what brand, just put some kind of cream around your eyes before bed at night.

2). Use your ring finger and tap the cream on and around your eyes - so that you don't mess up your eyes by putting too much pressure on them and all that - it's just the most gentle way to do it.

That's it.

Well one more thing - I keep eye cream by my bed (because I like to hurry and lay down in the evenings, so it's one less thing to do standing in the bathroom, that I can instead do lying in bed). I also keep some by my computer in my office and in my travel bag. I have different brands everywhere, but I think if I have access to the stuff I will use it. I talk about that idea with other supplies - here.

Pair eye cream with Frownies. And then also quit your job, so you can sleep in and have someone read you everything on your computer and phone so you don't have eye strain and you'll like the most rested version of yourself.

There is some dog slobber hiding here in places too, so don't look too close. Here is my Olay cream.

Here is my Yes to Blueberries Cream.

Camera or Virtual Assistant?

2016-03-11T19:51:00.000-05:00

I use my phone a lot and the smallest fraction is actually talking to people - no offense to people. Just like everyone else in the world I suppose, my phone houses almost everything important. I won't give you the list because you can piece it together.

The feature I use more than anything else I think is my camera, and consequently my gallery is like a virtual file cabinet. The book I saw at that one gift store that would be a great birthday gift for my mom - I don't text or email it to myself, I just snap a photo. The replacement blades for Joe's electric razor, there is a photo of the number on my phone. The brand of salsa I like, so I don't forget when I am at the store = photo. A picture of my feet before I get on the plane so I can compare to after because sometimes they swell and I want to be able to tell = photo. The name of the fabric I like at Joann's so I can go home and google it to find it cheaper = photo. The design on the a plastic cup that I might want to paint = photo. Should I bore you with more? No. I take pictures of a lot of things.

I don't take too many selfies -
I haven't mastered any part of it.

To me this is a great trick for Tired Girls. There is no scrolling through your emails to see where you emailed yourself the address of your friend. You don't have to think "What month was that that I got her card and it made me remember to add her address to the Christmas card list? Well Nina retired in January so maybe it was then, maybe that was the party, OR was it in March when she sent the invite for Christy's baby shower?"

So instead of all that brain energy and digging through your texts and emails you just fly through your photos until you see the photo of an envelope with your friend's address on it. In between the important photos of addresses and style numbers and magazine covers are photos of my friends laughing at a concert and Ralphie laying on every soft surface in my house and Joe smiling big on vacation. In between the important things are the happy things, so while shopping at Wal-Mart I can revisit my vacation and see the photo of the size of filter I need for my vacuum.

Not my size, but style can be looked up online

This probably sounds pretty dumb - like "yeah Tired Girl everyone does this", but it both saves me energy and time and makes for a more fun existence (and that is practically my whole goal in life), so I am sharing. You know what they say (mostly JFK said it) "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country," so this is what I am doing.

The problem may lie if my phone is ever destroyed or lost. I think if you have an Iphone your photos can be backed up to a cloud. When I got a new phone a while back they transferred all my photos. But if you have your phone in your pocket and wade in to the gulf (Joe) or close your tailgate on your truck on your phone (Joe) or get your purse stolen with your phone inside (almost me - my phone was in my pocket luckily) then you have less options.

Here are a whole bunch of possibly non-interesting photos to share with you:

Function - a pic of a swimsuit my MIL bought for my neice and I can look for matching flip-flops for a gift

Fun - Besties at a concert

Function - to remember this song -2Pac is not usually my genre - this was a fluke.

Fun - My wonderful friend and her charismatic dog, Boo.

Function - where we are parked

Fun - Ralphie in the middle of cleaning out the closet project

Function - a slide from a conference so I don't have to take furious notes

Fun - Joe working in the yard (fun for me not him)

Function and fun - a painting I like in a magazine at the doc office

Fun - a poorly lit pic of my mom

Anyone else use their camera phone as a virtual file cabinet?

Frozen cooked meat -

2016-02-10T18:02:00.000-05:00

I have a new strategy to take-on dinner. I hate to use the word hate, but pretty much hate making dinner. For lots of boring reasons it just does not work for me, BUT obviously dinner is needed.

I had never heard of "batch" cooking ( I am not even positive that is the term), I just knew that often when I cook I double the recipe so I have extra - I wrote about it here.

I recently read a Facebook update from a friend, where she described cooking 10 pounds of ground beef at once and freezing it. Lighbulb! I had never contemplated freezing just cooked meat to be used later. You pull your cooked chicken breasts from the freezer, they thaw a few hours, and voila. Meat made, and the other stuff can get thrown together easily.

Not making dinner

I made my friend Della tell me every detail about her multi-pound hamburger cooking and freezing activity, but as you guessed and I didn't - it's pretty self explanatory.

Hamburger works great as does ground turkey ofcourse, but lately I have embraced the bulk cooking of chicken breasts. I discuss my chicken breast grilling success here.

Playing cornhole not making dinner

In the meantime I just wanted to share a Tired Girl idea ripped from a friend's Facebook status that has really transformed dinner for me.

At an art museum not making dinner

When I cook chicken breasts, turkey or ground beef I cook double or triple and freeze. I don't let it hang out long in the freezer, just because I am so excited to know it's in there waiting for me - so I often use it all up fast and then make more - always trying to leave at least one frozen bag of meat in the there for true emergencies.

ANYWAY - the point is I never thought of it, and someone did, and I took the idea, and my life is easier, and dinner is only hated a few times a week instead of every night.

If you would rather eat cereal for a night and get indoctrinated on "batch cooking" then google it and let your mind get blown.

Or just do it in little bits like this. Here are my ideas for using my frozen, cooked meat:

At Toomer's Corner not making dinner

Tacos (my all time favorite recipe)
Taco salad
Taco soup (I have a taco problem)

Enchiladas
Chicken on salad -- (this is the main thing I have done so far, since it's summer and the chicken doesn't need to be heated -just shredded or chunked up on to greens - no cooking at all. Hooray!)
Chicken in veggie pasta
Spaghetti
Chili
LOTS of soup possibilities
Casseroles
Quesadillas
and a bunch more I am too tired to think about.

Any one else have batch cooking ideas or tips? I wanted to name this post "Batch Bitch," but saved it for further down in the post.

Low Maintenance Style -

2016-01-13T20:01:00.001-05:00

So the news here is that Tired Girls' deep desire to wear the public equivalent of pajamas is a "style" and it has a name!

Olivia Wilde making "Low Maintenance"
look awesome in Drinking Buddies.

Low Maintenance Style -- this girl wrote about it.

If you don't want to read the whole article then the take-away is this:
"You have to be very clear with your hairstylist that you need a cut that's easy to maintain because you’re not about that life. Your idea of styling your hair is making sure the part is nice..."

And the (good) news here is that once you find a style of dressing you can stick with it - and people will think you are mostly genius.

Read it here.

If you don't want to read the whole article then the take-away is this:

Successful people wear the same thing every day. They may not wear the exact same piece everyday but they are like Smurfette ( a closet full of the same dress).

Nailed it Doug.

Their energy can be used elsewhere, than thinking about what to wear.

I am obviously highly successful (it's obvious, right?) AND I wear the same thing almost everyday.

I have about eight pairs of my favorite shorts from Target (they don't sell them anymore) and about 10 various shirts and somehow almost everything goes with everything else (sort of). I throw on any combination, and head out to walk Teddy.

Capsule Wardrobes really work here as well.

I also read an article years ago about someone that interned in Paris and he found that day after day the men and women in his office would be dressed to the nines - just gorgeous, quality, outfits. And THEN his second week of work everyone started the outfits over again. They had 5-7 amazing outfits and they just wore over and over again. I love that.

Claire being Claire.

I do that, just with Target shorts and shirts. So, similar.

Here is an article about dressing like French women if you are interested.

If you don't want to read the whole article then the take-away is this:
French women dress differently than American women - ha! There are a lot of photos to illustrate this point.

Not everyone can pull off a Claire Underwood, but she has mastered low-maintenance, gorgeous, sophistication (and killer ambition and weird grace, but whatevs).

So whether you are Smurfette, Steve Jobs, Claire Underwood, or an unknown french woman you can do more with less.

Well said "Daily Bitch" Calendar.
I think I WILL wear the same thing everyday.