Podcasts are great for anyone who needs mental stimulation when out on a run, stuck in traffic or to switch things up and get inspired during downtime between tasks.  Podcasts are free, easy to find on nearly any topic from fitness to knitting- plus, the variety of quality podcasts out there is sure to suit any taste.  I listen to my podcasts on 2x speed so I can get through one or two during my commute and it keeps my brain fresh during the workweek.

Here are some of the best podcasts personal development I’ve found:

This Is Your Life Podcast:  Michael Hyatt puts together a great podcast that always stays on topic, keeps you engaged and cuts the fluff and chatter of other podcasts that used to frustrate me.  His content is superb and he even tackles listener questions at the end of each session.  He covers everything from effective leadership, productivity, creating healthy marriages and developing a life plan.

Check out MichealHyatt.com for a great site and podcast.

Eventual Millionaire:  If you ever wanted to hear stories of rags to riches that will inspire you with insight packed with humility matched with usefulness- take a listen to the Eventual Millionaire podcast with Jaime Tardy.  Honestly, there isn’t enough straight talk out there about what it takes to make your first million- that is, unless someone’s selling a memoir or their latest product.  This podcast is free and packed with value by sharing case studies and interviews of real millionaires, brilliant stuff!

Get more info at EventualMillionaire.com

Pocket Changed Podcast:  I love that this topic interviews some awesome people- bloggers, entrepreneurs, freelancers and movers and shakers from a wide variety of backgrounds.  Caleb brings in people to interview that should be on your radar- movers and shakers who have awesome stories to tell and lives that inspire.

Get  more info at PocketChanged.com

The Good Life Project Podcast:  One of my favorite authors, Jonathan Fields who published Uncertainty, a book that changed my life, now hosts The Good Life Project where he interviews some amazing big names about their stories, businesses and of course, how they have crafted their own unique version of “the good life.”

Big names include Seth Godin, Leo Babuata and Marie Forleo (also people you should be following!).

Check out his site at GoodLifeProject.com (video also available!)

The School of Greatness Podcast:  This is a personal development podcast with a twist of fitness since Lewis is a former pro athlete and brings that background into his interviews for the shows.  He’s interviewed some people with amazing stories who also happen to have athletic backgrounds or a powerful fitness journey.

If you’re looking for the best of personal development and fitness in your podcast, this is it!  Check him out at LewisHowes.com

 The Living For Monday Show: Living For Monday is a great blog for any young gun that wants to get ahead in their career or hopes there’s more to life than the cubicle they’re in.

This podcast covers everything from finding your passion, building a career that matters, navigating career changes and brilliant ideas from people who have lived it.

Get more info at the Living For Monday blog.

Seriously- listening to podcasts has been hugely helpful to not only my career change two years ago (you know, when I was a broke grad student who decided not to pursue a career in academia and instead decided to start my own social media business & blog.) but it’s been key in my development in all areas of my life.

Podcasts are free and are a smart way to make sure you have your finger on the pulse in your industry and to ensure that you mind is fresh and your personal well of inspiration is always full- I can’t recommend using this resource of information enough! Next week I’ll be featuring the best running podcasts on my iPod right now.

If you have any podcasts that you love, share them in the comment section below!

So I haven’t been posting race recaps lately simply because I’ve been doing a lot of races and I’m sure you don’t need to hear the ridiculousness of each mile as I go through them, so typically, I’ll spare you the details.  I will say though, that I had a fabulous time doing my last two half marathons and even more fabulous socks (see below.)

I got to run the Chicago Spring Half and it totally lived up to the name- blooms everywhere, gorgeous weather, and a fantastic lakefront path for 13.1 miles.  I absolutely adored this race, it was just big enough to be fun but small enough to be manageable on a narrow lake path but all around awesome. If you ever get the chance to run it, take it!  Plus, the grub was fabulous (they had CATERING..ya, way better than a protein bar!)

I finished the half in 2:36 – I was totally just trying to stay in front of the pace setter for 2:40 and it worked!

My second race was the Allstate 13.1 and it was pretty awesome-  it utilized the same lake front path but started a few miles down on the south shore of Chicago.  I got to sport my brand new rainbow socks and arm warmer compression socks. These are officially my fave socks now- not only do they make me look like Rainbow Brite (if you don’t know who that is, Google it now) but they got me a ton of compliments on the course and made the spectators smile, so I’ll take it!

I wish I had taken more pictures on the race course- they had the best signs on along the lake path (which I cannot find anywhere, someone had to take photos!).  It was well organized, even had a shuttle bus from Millenium Park and a free beer afterwards, huzzah!  I finished this race in 2:33 and can feel that beating the 2:30 mark is right around the corner!  (It must be the socks.)

The day after the Allstate 13.1, the beau and I headed over to the farmer’s market to scope out the local scene. I’ve been in Chicago for two months now and we still haven’t seen many of the local coffee shops and boutiques so we grabbled Max (Ralph is a wee bit too old for long distance walking in the heat, so we bribed him with treats and let him rest) and headed out to the farmer’s market.  We were both really sore, but the walking helped keep the stiffness at ease and I got to stock up on local cheese, fresh bread, plants for the house and some other handmade goodness!

In other news, I have totally regressed into a 14 year old…

I just discovered that not only do we have a comic book store in the neighborhood but they now have Sailor Moon.  Yes, if you didn’t know I was a Sailor Moon fangirl, you do now.  When I was a kid, I was obsessed- anyone who knew me could tell you that.  I had an entire closet door covered in posters and printouts, I got my hands on every SMILE magazine I could find (if you remember that magazine you get a zillion cool points!) and would go on treks to find merch-  it was bad.

Funny story, as obsessed as I was with Sailor Moon, being 14 and all, I never got my hands on the rest of the comic books so I could finish the series.  Fast forward over a decade later and I’m going to get to read the manga and nerd out hardcore…then go on a shopping spiral to reclaim all the swag, merch and Sailor Moon goodness of yore.  Yep, total relapse.  Some things never change!

As for the three major purchases…. my triathlon bike just arrived in Chicago and is being assembled, eek!  I got a great deal on it, but I’m still in a bit of sticker shock since training for a triathlon will push me out of my comfort zone.  Since I haven’t ridden a bike since I was a kid, I was shocked at how sore I was afterwards, yowza.  It was a big purchase but I’m hoping it will be worth it!

Second big purchase…. I signed up for the Glass Slipper Challenge for the 2014 Disney Princess Half Marathon!  Ahhh!  Yes, $270 is a lot but three medals, a ton of memories and 19.2 miles will be so worth it!  If anyone else got in before registration filled up (in less than 24 hours) let me know- we should plan outfits!

Final big purchase….

 …we are going to adopt Max!

Thank you to everyone who helped fundraise, we’ll be turning in the extra donation money with our adoption fee for an even bigger donation, you rock!  Max is a total rambunctious, cyclone of a pug. He’s full of energy and is full of personality to match- he totally stole our hearts.  Now that he has a clean bill of health, we’ve been given the OK to submit our paperwork and transition from foster parents to full time parents!  Huzzah!

Wishing you all many happy miles, pug love and of course… the chance to feel like a jubilant 14 year old again.  ;)

Nothing makes a bigger impact than the smile of a familiar face, and gifts are given even more personality when you can use some of your favorite smiles on cards and stationary!  Many of us know we can customize save the date and birth announcements, but now, custom cards have been made affordable and quickly shipped for all special occasions through Cardstore.com!

I recently got a chance to geek out and order some customized stationary with Cardstore.com so I could test out some of their adorable templates- they have Hello Kitty, Paul Frank and tons of adorable themes to pick from.  You can find a ton of great products from birthday cards, to thank you notes and customizable, personalize-able cards for every holiday, including Father’s Day.

Two things I loved about Cardstore.com that makes them stand out from other card shops: Price and speed.  I ordered a set of customized cards including one I could ship to my dad, and it arrived three days later.  If you’re short on time, you can even choose to have the cards sent directly to the recipient.

I always find that when I send a card to someone as special as my dad- Hallmark just doesn’t cut it. The cards are usually too sappy and they never convey the message that sums us up- “ridiculous.”  I want the memories to speak for themselves, not some anonymous card writer.

Cardstore.com had a huge variety of templates to choose from, uploading photos was easy and I had the perfect card that was hand crafted and personal in less time than it would take to paw through premade ones at the drugstore- win!

Also, I’m a total thank you note junkie.  My collection is always being curated to present the right design to match the sentiment of gratitude I’m trying to convey, from professional, to funny, to heartfelt, I want to make sure the card itself says as much as the note does.

Thank you notes are inherently personal- the very act of writing a thank you note is instantly more personal than many of the cards we send, but you can kick up the class (or the sass) but adding some personalized photos.  With Cardstore.com, I chose some goofy ones (above) for my friends and family, some sweet ones to send as a couple, and of course-  I couldn’t resist a chance to order Paul Frank cards and the chance to make Max the pug an astronaut was too good to pass up.

Yes, Max is an astronaut with a monkey.  Whoever gets this one will have done something really, really cool.

Overall, I would recommend Cardstore.com for ease of use, quick shipping and competitive pricing and fun designs.  The experience was great, the price is right and the quality of personalized cards is fabulous!  Plus, for those of us that are a bit behind on sending birthday cards and forgot about Father’s Day, you can create and mail cards directly from your computer- no fuss, no stamps, no lines at the post office and hoping it arrives in time!

Cardstore.com Coupon:  Enjoy 20% off sitewide with the code:   CWH3611

So, don’t forget- Father’s Day is June 16th, get your cards in the mail!

If you’re a new runner or are training for your first half marathon, I have advice for you that will hopefully take the fear and insecurity out of the process.  When I trained for my first half marathon, I read a lot out there that made me feel inferior since I didn’t fit the experience that was described.  It has taken me six half marathons in six months to start to realize a few things that have totally improved the experience I have when running and the identity I’ve crafted as a half marathoner.

You can read all the blogs (like I did) that has scores of advice for new runners and first time half marathoners, but until you get out there and start clocking miles, you will feel as awkward as you did when you began to walk.  Running is a process, and you have to fumble through it for the first few months, even well over a year until you feel like a runner in your core- regardless of what you call yourself.

Running is as mental as it is physical.  Being a runner is a social process and a deep, quiet inner reflection.  It will challenge you to your core if you take it seriously and choose to race-  the act of running balks at your stereotypes, your preconceived notions of what’s possible (and who it is possible for) and it requires you to override the tape that’s been playing in your head time and time again.

Not Everyone Does Better Running With Friends

Running is both social and deeply personal.  Some thrive by having someone push them, others shut down and just need to run their own miles.   Sometimes running with a training group or in as part of 40,000 person race will make you feel part of something bigger and peer-pressure your way to a PR, or, it could make you feel totally stressed and shut you down.  One thing I always wanted when I started running was a running buddy- but as I got more experienced, I’ve discovered that while running with a partner serves as a pacesetter or motivator on long runs for some, it totally stresses me out.  Not everyone gets amped up by running with a friend, partner or colleague and that’s cool.

Some of us need to go through checklists in our brain and focus on the motions when we run-  it’s okay if you’d rather not worry about your running buddy and instead, fly solo to be completely focused on your pace, form and focus on not dying on mile 10- embrace it.   Some like to run in packs, others are lone wolves- it takes time to discover which you are.  As much as I love the idea of running with my friends and peers, I’ve found I usually worry about their pace and screw mine up, or I get distracted and forget my rescue inhaler.  During the Princess Half Marathon, my second half ever- I ran with my boyfriend and pulled my knee on mile 3, the idea of holding his progress back despite his many attempts to comfort me didn’t help- I felt guilty and stressed the entire race.

If you’d rather run alone, let your buddy know and realize that you won’t missing out on any bonding time if you’d rather just meet up at the finish line.  You can start together and (nearly) end together after the chip times are in, but the miles in between can be spent in your head- that’s OK.  13.1 miles is a long time to be fixated on something other than your running.

Running At A “Conversational Pace” Is A Cruel Joke

What is “conversational pace?”  I’ve heard of it many times, but I have yet to find it.  Apparently, it’s the pace where you could still have a conversation with another runner or at least get a decent sentence out without falling over.  If this were true for me, my conversational pace would be walking and we better hope there isn’t a hill… and yes, I’ve run 6 half marathons (this year alone) but I’m still weezy fo-sheezy.  Even if I wasn’t desperate to breathe, not everyone wants to talk about the latest celeb gossip while trying to tackle the miles.

If you feel bad you haven’t found the mystical unicorn of “conversational pace,” while out on a run, you’re not alone.  For must of us mortals, even the really fit ones, it’s a shiny myth and it doesn’t mean that you’re just not good enough, it just means you’re working hard and social chit chat is not why you’re running.  If you find a conversational pace without having to try, well, good for you- ride that unicorn to the finish line!

You Don’t Just Train Your Body, You Need Train Your Brain For The Miles

Building endurance isn’t just a physical endeavor, you’re also training your brain.  Your brain is learning not to get bored with repetitive motion for hours on end, and mainly, it’s learning to get comfortable being uncomfortable.   Your brain is going to process pain, boredom, fatigue, limiting beliefs and the other signals your body is sending you in unique ways, but like any muscle- it takes building.

If you want to be successful at running your first half marathon, know that as you build your mileage, you need to build your attitude, grit is made over time over many, many miles.   You may not have the mental strength to get through what your body is able to- you may get scared, tell yourself to quit, feel so bored or procrastinate to the point of quitting, but day after day, you build your brain to become an endurance runner. If you don’t train your brain and pay attention to the things your head is saying on runs, you’re missing the other critical key to your training. The tape playing in your head and the muscle memory is key to moving forward.

Appearances Do Not Equal Ability

I’m a mid 20′s, healthy lady with an average BMI and youth on my side- but I have been beaten by women twice my age and twice my size.  Sometimes seeing what “should” be a frail lady at 80 pass you can be defeating, other times it’s inspiring.  When it’s defeating, you start to criticize your own body- “why can’t I go faster?” “I’m young/lost weight/trained/didn’t smoke…why aren’t I faster?”  You may have friends that smoked and ate junk for years suddenly get on a fitness kick and blow past you, you also may see people just starting out on their journey to lose weight totally kick your butt towards that finish line.  Ya, sometimes bodies are lies and life isn’t fair.  It sucks when by all standards you “should” be ahead of someone, but aren’t.

Here’s the thing- everyone is on a journey.  You cannot compare your insides to their outsides- you don’t know where they’ve been and how far they’ve travelled, but more so, I want you to know, at this stage, you still don’t know how far you can go and how much better you can become.  One race is not an indicator that you’re an out of shape failure, but it is a milestone of the journey you have just begun to see so don’t sell yourself short.

I’ll be running the Women’s Running Series, Nashville on September 28th, 2013, who is with me?

Get $10 off your Women’s Running Series Nashville registration with FITNSHAN(expires 9/28/2013)

Disclaimer: The Women’s Running Series is compensating me for this trip as a member of Fitfluential, but all opinions (especially the part about being an awesome slow runner) is entirely my own.  

Fair Treasure is a fair trade subscription box service that brings a bit of the global straight to your door!  Many of us wish we would buy more fair trade, locally and hand produced, artisan goods, but often, these items are hard to find.  If you’re looking for a subscription service that gives you the opportunity to support small businesses overseas and empower local businesses owners and artisans, this one way you can create a win-win!

Fair trade is a buzz word worth looking into- when you buy fair trade you give someone overseas the opportunity to create something of value that is compensated fairly.   Fair trade always has local flair with beautifully crafted nuances and embellishments, you can enjoy items that are nice for your home but also good for the global economy.

I was totally impressed with my first Fair Treasure box- the items inside were so pretty and I loved the stories behind them.  These are items I would have picked out myself and I love that they weren’t made in mass but they were made by someone who is compensated fairly for their work and can build a sustainable business!  Beautiful items, beautiful impact.  This box featured items from India and Vietnam- check it out…

Loved the seashell dish- it’s perfect to keep rings in on my nightstand.  I’m a huge fan of aqua and this looks lovely.  I love that every item has a card that explains a bit more about where it came from and who made it.  Understanding the impact of our purchases is so important, but many times, as Americans we don’t get to see where our items come from, thus, we cannot understand the impact of those choices.  Fair Treasure box tells a story and share the background behind every item, very cool.

This silver bangle came in a beautiful gold pouch and is perfect for summer. I was delighted when I opened it, it’s truly a beautiful piece!  This item was crafted in India and I cannot wait to wear it out!

Fair Treasure Box– Monthly Fair Trade Subscription Box

Cost: $30 per box, +shipping (unless you order 3 month package)

What You Get With Fair Treasure Box: 2+  fair trade products

Check out the Fair Treasure website to subscribe!

*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post through Under Armour and Fitfluential. I was not compensated, but was provided with apparel. All opinions are my own.

Okay, this is a post that’s been scaring me to my core for weeks now, but I think it’s time to embrace how vulnerable and nervous I feel, and lean into what feels like dooming uncertainty-  I’m training for my first triathlon …and, after five half marathons, I’m going to run my first marathon.

Even simply typing that big, audacious goal…to a run a marathon and complete my first triathlon sprint was scary, just typing it- much less realizing I’ll be doing it.  Telling my boyfriend was scary.  Heck, even asking question with other athletes before I committed myself to this has been scary.  Everyone has been supportive and helpful, but putting it on the blog makes it feel so real.

I’ve done 5 half marathons this year alone- in fact, my first five half marathons, ever- and while I’m a newbie in comparison to some, I feel rather comfortable in my running shoes.  13.1 miles is still a challenge for me- I’m not still not fast, nor is any race a “sure thing,” but when it comes to half marathons and running, I’ve become somewhat comfortable with being uncomfortable.  I can expect the unexpected because anything that can go wrong has gone wrong.

For some unknown reason, I felt the pull to sign up for my first triathlon and full marathon (It could have been the bling?).  Needless to say, this feels much more serious and scary than when I signed up for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon a year ago…yes, when I couldn’t run a mile I had more confidence than I do now!

Last week, I headed down to my local running/multisport shop and got fitted for a triathlon bike.  Unlike getting fitted for shoes, which usually takes about 30 minutes and only involves some light jogging- this was an intense experience that still intimidates me when I think of it, despite the fact that the staff were uber helpful, I felt like a fish out of water.  The bike you get fitted on is calibrated by computer in Canada and you pedal while experiencing different handle heights, experimenting with saddles and adjusting the frame by computer… wow.  Not only did it feel weird, I was pretty sore and tired afterwards.  The childhood days of biking will not be the same experience on a tri bike.

One thing I’ve learned from this experience is this- crazy is beautiful.  Signing up for my first triathlon and my first marathon is crazy but beautiful.  Facing down your crazy dreams, the big ones that scare you, is an journey worth taking and it’s truly beautiful because it involves courage, honesty and grit.  Of course, it is still exciting until you have to admit it to the public (or purchase an expensive bike, even on sale!) and then, you must get down to training and living up to what you said you’d do… uber scary.  If ever you want to indulge in an experience that is equally as challenging as it is soul stirring, both physical and emotional- do something beyond what you can physically and emotionally do and sign up for something beyond your abilities, and work on growing into the challenge.

Nobody starts off being ready, I’m not, but I’m working on it.  I’m upping my mileage to 26 miles per week and knowing my whole life and busy schedule will be circled around marathon training seems daunting-  you have less time than ever when you train for a marathon.  I’m nervous not that I’ll fail, but that I’ll give up and not train properly- that life will get in the way, that I’ll be too tired, that I’ll discover I don’t have the grit for it.  I haven’t even planned for the swimming yet.  (faint.)

Honestly though, I’m learning to lean into the crazy and embrace the vulnerability I feel around this big goal.  Being vulnerable, especially when it comes to admitting both the physical limitations of where you start and the emotional limitations of what you feel is possible, is quite a crazy beautiful experience.

#IWILL be running the Iron Girl Tri Sprint in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin on August 11th 2013.  

#IWILL be running the Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 24th, 2013.

Yep, so that’s happening.  Your words, whether of encouragement, experience or otherwise, are appreciated.  If you’ve done something crazy beautiful lately, or ever, please share!

It’s hard to believe that May is already over, but I have been living it up during spring time in Chicago.  Let me say though, that spring is a fleeting thing in the windy city- it seems to go from 40 degrees and rainy to 80 degrees and thunderstorming within a day or two, but when it decided to feel like spring (and not winter or summer within 48 hours of each other), it’s been great.

Last weekend, we were in St. Louis with family and I picked up some adorable little cacti for my window garden for $1 each. Had we had more room to carry these home, I would have bought more!  I absolutely love cactus and they have the most gorgeous blooms.  These will likely end up in a terrarium when I can find the right round globe at a thrift store.

Have you ever grown sprouts?  If you pick these up from the store, they usually cost about $3+ in the produce aisle, but you can grow your own for about $15 (which is enough to set up months and months of fresh sprouts grown from home), so each batch costs about 30 cents to produce.  Sprouts are great for veggie wraps, salads and in lieu of lettuce on sandwiches.   I started with alfalfa sprouts which start from tiny little seeds and they develop to be edible within 2-3 days.

I now am experimenting with radish and pepper sprouts which add an intense, zesty kick to even a bland sandwich.  If you purchase a tray (I got my Victorio Sprout Tray off Amazon) it comes with alfalfa seeds and the stacking trays allow you to stack and stagger when you start your seeds for continuous production.

Oh yes, I’m also growing wheatgrass.  Many people will grow wheatgrass to be used in juices and smoothies-  I don’t have a juicer yet, so honestly, I’m growing this just for color and to experiment.  You can grow wheatgrass to eat but I’ve also seen it used for table centerpieces, window treatments and it brightens up a dull workspace with some color and texture.

To grow wheatgrass, simply soak the seeds overnight in water, then plant in some potting soil.  Some suggest putting a layer of sand or rocks beneath that (which looks cool) but also provides drainage so the wheatgrass roots can get some oxygen and aren’t “drowning” if you over water them!  I, of course, didn’t have any nice looking rocks, so I assure you- it works without the cool lookin’ extras.

A few weeks back, I started peppers and tomatoes from seed in our window (in booze boxes…it’s proven they grow better or at least have more fun doing it).

The temperature was still pretty cold, so I thought this would be a good time to experiment with seeds.  Looking back, I should have started them sooner or just purchased the seedlings from a garden store, but hey, I’m learning.  The plants are still really small, but who knows, maybe they’ll produce something by the time fall sets in?  Lessons learned!

Finally, I’m really psyched with some of the finds locally from thrift and antique stores.   Since moving in the condo, I’ve planned a kitschy kitchen which will have a vintage Route 66 vibe.   I’m going to do a picture and vintage plate collage, but of course, it takes time to find the right pieces, especially since vintage state plates aren’t always easy to find.

We hit up the Pink Elephant off Route 66 in between St. Louis and Chicago and I found more plates for the collection- for a total of $16, not bad!  Most vintage plates I’ve snagged for $2-$3, but the California plate was $10 with one of the antique’s vendors but I was happy to finally find a plate from my home state!  Now, I just need New Mexico, Kansas and Illinois state plates to call the collection complete.  Holla!

I’ve been finding some great stuff for the house via thrift and antique stores, but I still have yet to find the right salad bowl for the table and I’m always on the hunt for more mason jars (which are great for wheatgrass and sprouts, my new obsession).  I’m also going to be trying to find a new summer tote and some women’s jeans in addition to some wicker storage for the house..I hope to find a few new things in the next few weeks, I’ll keep you posted.

So, what’s growing on around your house?

What’s the easiest thing you’ve ever grown (or quickest plant you ever killed?)

Our Local Box is a gourmet subscription service that offers the best a local community has to offer- luxurious spa products, delicious beverages, scrumptious sweets…but it’s all from Kentucky!    Many of us don’t get around to local shops and businesses to support the local economy, but often, if you look, you will find some of the most fabulous products that are locally sourced and handmade by people in your own hometown.

I’m not from Kentucky and honestly, I had no idea what to expect from my first Our Local Box- but I loved the concept.  Each box highlights a different product from a local business or entrepreneur.  Of course, you can feel the tug at your heartstrings when you support a local business owner and bolster the grassroots economy, but beyond that- these are top notch products.  Our Local Box gives you a chance to sample the unexplored and to savor a bit of culture you might have overlooked, and trust me, it’s delicious!

Our Local Box, as stated, left me curious as to what I would receive and it over delivered.  The packaging was clean and crisp, the presentation was fun and the products were scrumptious, plus the service itself is like a monthly adventure to explore a bit of Kentucky even if you’ve never been!

In May’s Our Local Box, I received some top notch products:

-Rituals By Nature Intensive Care Skin Balm

-Rituals By Nature Carnelian Orange Honey Lip Balm

-Cellar Door Banana Pudding Fudge

-Elmwood Inn Cherry Rose Green Tea Pyramid Satchets

So, is Our Local Box Worth It?

Value:  $41.00+

Cost:  $30.00

Our Local Box is a chance to not only support local artisans, craftsmen/women and business owners, but a chance to explore the local economy with touch, taste and smell.   I can say I was not only satisfied with the items in the box (meaning everything was friggin’ yummy) but I loved that this was a truly unique experience.  Our Local Box isn’t like most subscription services that throws a bunch of generic samples in a box, you get something hand crafted, hand picked and then it’s delivered to your door (also by someone’s hand…thanks postal workers!).  Gourmet, handcrafted, local and awesome.
I couldn’t have picked better items myself and I was totally impressed with the selection- I used everything in this box and feel it was of the highest quality.  You will pay more to support small businesses, but the quality is bar none and this is a great value for the monthly subscription cost.  Hands down, I love Our Local Box.

Check out Our Local Box to subscribe.

I know, I know. So. Many. Red. Flags.  Save for your wedding before you’ve got a fiancé locked in? Cue the creepy music now. I can already see the people flailing their arms in startled opposition to the claim that you should start saving for a wedding on a first date, but heck- I’ll up the ante:  you should really start saving for a wedding before the first date.

Here’s the deal- the average wedding is between $20-$25,000 but it’s not just expensive, it’s inconveniently timed.

The average courtship is around 2-3 years.  If you started saving now for a 25 month time frame, you’d have to put away about $400 a month for a $10,000 wedding, double that to meet the “national average.”  Yikes.  That’s quite a bit of saving, yet so many hope that something magical will happen (inheritance from a long lost aunt?) when they get engaged or indulge in superstition not wanting to jinx it… yet here’s the thing- if you want to get married ever, like, EVER, now is the time to start saving.

Time is not on our side- most people are still paying off student loan debts or have car payments to make, combine that with the short time frame for most engagements and the fact that expense of a wedding is massive, it’s just really inconveniently timed to plan for a wedding while still paying off the early years. Yep- short time, big money. No bueno.

Wedding Savings Timetable (per month):

$25,000 Budget:  Save $1041 for 24 Months or $694 for 36 Months

$20,000 Budget:  Save $833 for 24 Months or $555 for 36 Months

$10,000 Budget:  Save $416 for 24 Months or $277 for 36 Months

Uh, anyone else freaked out by those numbers?  Honestly- I have talked to too many brides and grooms to be who only had the financial discussion after the proposal- but that puts a very tight timeline on things.  Compound wedding expenses with many other large purchases that plague us around this time which usually include debts we’ll incur soon (cars, houses) and stuff we’re already paying off, like those glorious student loans.

For many young couples, wedding planning has to start early, and talking finances is totally unromantic but necessary.  While not every wedding can be paid for in cash, even putting aside half of the estimated budget (and yes, budgets always go over for the big day!) can reduce so much wedding stress and lead to a solid financial foundation for the beginning of a marriage.

So, How To Start Saving For A Wedding (Especially When You’re Not Even Engaged)

First, you’ll want to set up a separate savings account with automatic deposits on a weekly or monthly basis.  Calculate how much you’ll need to save each and every month in order to be on target.  Weddings always go over budget, plans change and honeymoons are always stupid expensive.  While it sucks that credit cards always have higher interest rates than savings accounts, you’ll save now to save later!

Secondly, realize that saving for a wedding can be private and you don’t have to tell anyone you’re doing it- in fact, you shouldn’t.  It’s not just superstition, sometimes it’s a deal breaker if a new partner finds out you’re wedding planning before you’ve even had a serious talk.  If you start saving for a wedding, you can call this extra savings account your “Vegas fund” or “Bucket List Account,” to avoid having an awkward conversation that could sour a budding relationship.  Though you’re financially responsible, your future partner might not be ready to have that talk to see how awesome you are!

Third, remind yourself that saving for a wedding does not mean you have to use all the money on a wedding, or heck, any of it- you are not locked in to a life choice simply because you saved for it!  You may decide, when you meet the right partner, that you’d rather have a small courthouse wedding and put it towards a down payment for a home instead- the point is, you’ll have the money regardless of what life brings you later.  It’s better to have the money ahead of time than to scramble when you’re in some whirlwind romance.  Who knows, you may break up with a jerk and spend it on a cruise and a new car-  it’s up to you but be prepared! Most people get married at some time or another, it’s better to be prepared than to be in debt.

Finally, treat saving for a wedding like you would a car payment- luckily though, saving ahead means you won’t be paying interest later!  Treat saving for a wedding day like you would a car payment- meaning, it has to be done each and every month, no excuses.  Being realistic about this expense and treating your wedding day as a financial reality not a fairy tale fantasy will hopefully lead to a stronger marriage and less debt (or none!) for the cake and flowers.

If you’re married, when did you start saving for your wedding?

What’s you best advice to help future couples save up?

Chances are if you’ve been outside of a cave with reliable internet access for the past two years, you’ve picked up on the general “lifestyle design” buzz that has been telling us to quit your job, leave your cubicle and start your own business. Words like “freelancing,” “location independence,” “anti 9-5″ and “cubicle renegade,” are thrown around as if to wake the sleeping masses with a gallant call to action to free the oppressed, the sheep employees of corporate life.

I had my own business and recently chose to leave freelancing  in order to work in one of those “damned cubicles.” It’s the choice I needed to make and “going corporate” has been totally freeing.

Of course, with every craze- there are two sides to every coin. Many of my friends and colleagues have quit their traditional jobs and decided to strike it out on their own, to them, I have nothing but respect to convey.  They’re forging new trails off the beaten path and are valuable resources for those who dream of doing the same but need some guidance.   Some of my favorite bloggers have started their own businesses, but they made calculated moves and forged a plan.

What I will say though, is that beyond the wise trailblazers that have made big decisions and long term plans to shake up their careers, there are a dozen others who tout themselves as career renegade gurus or people that want to make a quick buck publishing books on the “passion craze” or are living off Google Adsense and affilate sales selling what people want to hear, not what they need to hear. “Quit your job and follow your passion” is much sexier and gets more attention than someone who touts a message of looking inward for fulfilling work in the life they already have.  Apparently even when it comes to careers,  the “Eat, Pray, Love,” idea of leaving it all behind and starting fresh seems so exotic, so enticing and it sells more career books than more traditional advice.  Heck, it even sounds better than “work your way up the corporate ladder,” but what they fail to mention is that sometimes, when you start over, you start from the bottom..many career shifters aren’t prepared for that.

Many “get rich online” and “follow your passion” gurus are rich simply because they’re talking about getting rich online/quitting the cubicle, not because they will help you make a plan to build a successful business.  Some (not all) “anti corporate” heroes make money because they sell you on an idea, not on a plan, and it’s a very profitable and popular idea.

I had a freelancing business for nearly two years and over time, I realized that while I loved the work, I didn’t love the lifestyle.   While freelancing provides unique freedoms, it does not always afford autonomy over your own work, which is one of the biggest selling points that many of the “quit your job” passion-fuelers base their claims upon.  If you want more control over your work, more freedom and more cool projects, trust me- freelancing isn’t the sexy catch all people claim it to be. It’s rewarding yes, but is it the only answer? Nope!

When it comes to starting your own business- the gurus seem to imply that having your own business is the ultimate freedom.  While anyone would assume there’s a downside to working for yourself,  it’s appealing to sell “hard work=freedom,” but shaky ground to tell potential business owners, Etsy sellers, potential nomads and possible freelancers that “sure, you can work from anywhere at whatever hours you want, but you’ll always be working!”

You start your own business to create more freedom- but it’s easy to feel as if you’re more tied to a desk and sometimes feels like you have even less control over the work you produce. If you’re not prepared for overdue invoices, clients that cancel work midstream (without pay) or have the savings in place to cover your tush during slow months, you’ll quickly see the dream evaporate.  My experience with running my own business was at times challenging, but it was very rewarding for the bulk of it- but as I grew older and my life changed (for the better) my needs for what work would be changed…and I found I actually found the freelancing lifestyle less and less appealing both personally and professionally.  Of course, that epiphany that I wasn’t satisfied was a very uncomfortable place to be-  while everyone else seemed to be wanting to quit their traditional  jobs, I wanted to find one.

I sensed over time that just because you’re passionate about your work, it doesn’t mean that creating your own business around it is the best way to create a career you love.

I recently read the book, So Good They Can’t Ignore You:  Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Cal Newport, Newport discusses the plight that impacts many people that “follow their passion.”  Some hope that starting their own business will finally lead to fulfillment (because they’ve been told it will), but end up chasing a mirage. The problem isn’t the passion or the idea that their work doesn’t align with their passion, it’s a lack of other factors that make work truly rewarding- autonomy, value, freedom and a few other tangibles.   Many employees feel powerless in their jobs and their lack of fulfillment isn’t a lack of passion, it’s a lack of control..sadly, many don’t realize that “striking it out on your own” doesn’t always lead to the types of control you want, nor will “passion” be enough to make you happy, pay your bills or fall in love with your work.

I had been struggling with the decision to get a “job” for a long time (nearly a year) and had doubted my decision to throw it the towel on my freelancing business to work for an employer.  At times, I felt like a fluke, like a quitter, that this magic elixir of being self-employed didn’t do what it was supposed to do- lead to full-time bliss for part-time work.  I began to realize that people with a traditional job could be happy, they could be fulfilled and they didn’t have to strike it out on their own if they knew what to look for, what to demand of themselves and if they put in the time to find an employer who resonated with their values.

After months of stomach aches, indecision and feeling like a “passion failure,” I finally, and excitedly, accepted a job offer to do social media freelancing for one client (an employer) instead of keeping up the juggling act of several.  I realized I loved the work but needed it in a different context-  the “freedom” of freelancing began to feel claustrophobic, as I became a hermit tied to my computer all day… not at coffee shops, not at bookstores, by myself, in my home office.  I wasn’t meeting new people, I was working all the time and I found that there was a disconnect between how I viewed my work and what my clients wanted (or heck, were willing to pay).  I was growing weary of invoices months overdue (whereas credit cards and car payments always arrive on time) and my skills and abilities in the social media field began to feel stagnate as I began doing whatever would pay the bills, not what would advance my career.

Freelancing isn’t bad- it’s just not the magic pill everyone expects it to be.  Following you passion or hating your current job isn’t enough to be successful in your work.  Passion fades but commitment to a craft does not.  You may find that the way you execute you work (like the company you work for or the position you have) diminishes over time, but your love, or your calling for the work itself stays strong.  Be wise about what you quit on- be sure if you love the work, not the job, you’re making a solid choice on how to carry out that work, not just blindly “hate jobs.”  There may may be consequences you don’t intend (like becoming a hermit) or you may find it’s helpful for a time, but not a permanent lifestyle.   It helped me get through graduate school and even lead me to snag the job I have now, but as with anything- it has a time and a place.

Before you go all in and quit your job, make sure you’ve done your research, saved up an emergency fund, built a solid client base and you have the heart and hustle to make it work. I’d also recommend you do a serious assessment of your current career and your actual job to see why it lacks and if the things you’re missing from your daily work would actually be solved by flying solo.  If you’re valuable enough to your company, they may be willing to work with you- if not, be brave and find a company that will let you do work you love in a context that addresses your needs.

I don’t have any beef with freelancing, but I do worry about people that chase the freelancing mirage hoping it will somehow fulfill a void in their life.  When I was a broke and overbooked college student, it was perfect for me. I could work from class (yep, did that!) or late at night, from my phone or from NYC if I so chose (and did).   A year after graduating though, I realized that personally and professionally, I wasn’t able to run a business and advocate for the intangibles you can get from the right workplace- colleagues, benefits, a steady paycheck, professional growth, work you love and a cause you believe in.

So, after running a solid freelancing business for nearly 2 years that I should have loved, I got a day job and I LOVE it.  I struggled with the idea that I was “quitting the dream” for over 6 months, but now feel solid in my decision and proud I could own up to what I really wanted, not what I thought I should want.

Sometimes, walking in your truth means you’re an iconoclast among iconoclasts- take ownership of your choices, and do work that you love, even if people don’t get it.

Love from the 9-5,

Shannyn

P.S. Lots of love to all of my freelancing friends that supported my decision and helped talk me through it without judgement or calling me a “cubicle slave,” (ha!) you all are amazing and I wish you the best of luck as you build your own successful businesses.  To the people that didn’t understand my choice, good luck to you too! haha!

P.P.S.  This blog (and BeautifulGiveaways.com) will still get all the love and attention it deserves and I will still offer Rockstar Blogger Coaching- but the bulk of my freelancing work via Cake Mix Media  has been phased out to refocus on blogging, social media management in my new role & coaching.