Smart Pretty and Awkward

“Sometimes the best edit is a complete rewrite.” — Jack Dorsey

Molly Ford — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:20:31 +0000

How to be Smarter: Book Recommendation: The Defining Decade by Meg Jay. I am not sure what words I could say that would accurately convey how strongly I think every 20-something needs to read this book, except to say that if you are 20-something, I couldn’t recommend this book more. [Even my friends that traditionally don't choose non-fiction books really loved this one].

How to be Prettier: SP&A Exclusive Discount Code: SP&A readers will get 20% off their entire order at one of my favorite jewelry sites, Astrid & Miyu, with the discount code molly20. I also did a fun interview with Astrid & Miyu where I talked about some of my favorite pieces and my daily style. [Code expires on 5/28].

How to be (less) Awkward: When I’m over-thinking about a far-off event, I remind myself of the “Weather Rule of Worrying”: no worrying about an event until the event date shows up in the weather forecast.

“Don’t join an easy crowd. Go where the expectations and the demands to perform and achieve are high.” — Jim Rohn

Molly Ford — Tue, 07 May 2013 02:38:39 +0000

How to be Smarter: Healthy behaviors do not need to be hidden. They can be kept private, but, if pushed, they do not need to be kept secret. If you have a strong desire to keep something secret, whether it is a relationship, a habit, or a ritual, ask someone trusted for help. A simple sentence,”I’ve been keeping X a secret, and I think I need some help to make the situation a little healthier” is a surprisingly easy, effective way to start the conversation.

How to be Prettier: My new favorite moisturizer product is Vaseline Spray & Go in Cocoa Radiant: you spray it on your skin after a shower and then can put your clothes on right after without staining. [I also have it in Aloe Vera, and while the links go to the product on Amazon, I just buy it directly from the drugstore].

How to be (less) Awkward: Working to develop empathy helps reduce unnecessary annoyances: forcing yourself to think about being in someone else’s shoes is the easiest way to keep yourself from getting worked up over nothing. ["WHY is the cashier going so slow?" turns into "Maybe today is her first day...I'll smile at her so she feels less nervous about messing up"].

“The world is too quiet without you nearby.” — Lemony Snicket

Molly Ford — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 02:37:38 +0000

How to be Smarter: The quickest way to be unhappy is to be too lazy to do what makes you happy. And using “being scared” as an excuse for not chasing a dream is a form of being lazy: instead of pushing through the feeling of being uncomfortable while you grow bravery, you are choosing not to push anything at all.

How to be Prettier: Love this super-easy blanket crafting idea [I just ordered fun fabric to make a few as gifts].

How to be (less) Awkward: Fun site about the moment you realize someone else is wearing the same thing as you: One of Us Should Change.

“The things that we love tell us what we are.” — Thomas Aquinas

Molly Ford — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:48:21 +0000

How to be Smarter: Book Recommendation: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. A well-written book with many case studies about both how habits work, and how to change them. [The whole book was great, but the appendix with the chocolate cookie example was probably my favorite part].

How to be Prettier: SP&A Exclusive Discount Code: SP&A readers will get 25% off their entire order at Shop Mamie with the discount code AWKWARDMAMIE . [Exp. 4/30]. Some of my favorites: this chevron dress, this pale pink cozy top, and this metallic skirt.

How to be (less) Awkward: Now awkward, just awesome: Such a great poem.

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Also, was thrilled to have a sweet write-up about SP&A on the site This Is Why I Love NY. Click here to see the piece! xo, Molly.

“To keep your character intact you cannot stoop to filthy acts. It makes it easier to stoop the next time.” — Katharine Hepburn

Molly Ford — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 04:00:24 +0000

How to be Smarter: The 40 Women To Watch Over 40 list “celebrates women over 40 who are disruptors, role models and makers…creating momentum and changing the world.” Have you nominated someone you know for the list yet? [Nominations close April 30].

How to be Prettier: If you tend to fidget with your hair when you are nervous, pulling it back off your face with a bobby pin or in an updo helps keep the habit under control on dates, public speaking, in jobs interviews, etc.

How to be (less) Awkward: Book Recommendation: Love At First Click by Laurie Davis. I really enjoyed this fab, fun read filled with online dating hints and tricks. The book has tons of easy-to-apply takeaways, whether you’re just thinking about online dating or have been looking for love on the Internet for a long time.

“My life is my message.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Molly Ford — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 04:39:15 +0000

How to be Smarter: Book Recommendation: Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger. Highly recommend for anyone who either works in or is interested in marketing.

How to be Prettier: Bringing a couple of different types of undergarments from home with you in your purse when you go shopping for summer clothes prevents the need to guess if a certain tank top or sundress would work if only you had the right undergarment on.

How to be (less) Awkward: How not to say the wrong thing. [I LOVE the concept of Ring Theory].

“It’s sad when girls think they don’t have anything going on except being pretty.” — Keri Russell

Molly Ford — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 20:15:08 +0000

How to be Smarter: 11 Questions to Ask Yourself. [I love #4, #8, and #11].

How to be Prettier: Items Worth Splurging On. [I especially agree with the last one].

How to be (less) Awkward: You do not need to put “aspiring” in front of a creative title. If you write, you’re a writer. If you paint, you’re a painter. If you sing, you’re a singer. To put aspiring in front of a creative label negates the work you are currently doing.

“The beginning is always today.” — Mary Wollstonecraft

Molly Ford — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 01:55:43 +0000

How to be Smarter: You have to be out there to get noticed. You have to volunteer to stand in the spotlight. You have to raise your hand. You have to send the first email. You still might fail to be noticed if you do these things. But you for certain will not be noticed in the dark. Or by staying quiet. Or by waiting for someone else to reach out to you.

How to be Prettier: Love this creative little girl’s method of getting dressed. [Via Already Pretty].

How to be (less) Awkward: Ways to Be Sweet to Someone Special During Work. [#4 reminds me of the Awkward from this post].

“You can always tell a real friend: when you’ve made a fool of yourself he doesn’t feel you’ve done a permanent job.” — Laurence J. Peter

Molly Ford — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:48:30 +0000

How to be Smarter: A great site to use when you’d like to have some background noise to work but music would be too distracting.

How to be Prettier: I’m about four months into a dry brushing routine, and I’ve been loving it so far. This is the brush I use, and this is a good article that explains what dry brushing is.

How to be (less) Awkward: When feeling uncomfortable in social situations, one of the quickest ways to feel better is to do something action-oriented, like standing up to get a drink, taking a stroll around the party, or opening the menu to look at food options. The longer you stay still feeling nervous, the worst it gets: physically doing something to change the situation takes the focus off your feelings.

“Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy.” — Wayne Gretzky

Molly Ford — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 02:39:26 +0000

How to be Smarter: Book Recommendation: How Will You Measure Your Life?. I was writing down notes on almost every single page, and it would be a fantastic choice for a book club to discuss.

How to be Prettier: By far the best scent of deodorant I’ve found is Dove Go Sleeveless in Beauty Finish. [It is also available at drugstores].

How to be (less) Awkward: Not awkward, just fun: Ask A Magic 8-Ball.

“You change your life by changing your heart.” — Max Lucado

Molly Ford — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:57:58 +0000

How to be Smarter: What is the cost of your bad habits? [Quick, easy-to-use quiz that is surprisingly informative].

How to be Prettier: Super-excited to wear my new spring dress this weekend.

How to be (less) Awkward: A simple word swap makes it easier to say something difficult to someone you love.

“Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired.” — Jules Renard

Molly Ford — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 03:18:17 +0000

How to be Smarter: The Value of a “Family Story.” [I loved this].

How to be Prettier: Layering two different brands of mascara, one coat of each, helps the lashes to stay longer and more defined than using two coats of only one brand.

How to be (less) Awkward: “If you’re a fearful person, chances are you’ve been scared your whole life. But since you’ve made it this far, you’ve likely gotten over some of those fears, maybe even in spite of yourself. That’s worth applauding, even if the fears were of things so mundane you felt you shouldn’t be afraid of them in the first place.” — Great quote from this article.