Shop My The Striped Dress Outfit:
Strop The Pom Pom Dress Outfit:
Happy Monday! Do you ever have a dress that makes you want to travel somewhere specific? As soon as I put on both of these Chicwish dresses, I was ready to plan a vacation to the beach (specifically Mexico), San Antonio, or Sante Fe, NM. The tassel/pom pom details on both of these dresses are just adorable. I couldn’t wait to share these two with y’all because they’re some of my favorite dresses I own. As I was shooting them, I got so many compliments from people walking by. I have always been a Chicwish fan, but they are killing it this season. These dresses will be on repeat all season long and into summer. The white dress runs true to size, but I did size up in the striped. I could tell the chest space was small and I am glad I did size up. If you have a larger chest, I would recommend sizing up. These dresses both would be perfect for the upcoming Cinco De Mayo holiday. Just add a margarita and you’re set!
How I Balance Working Full-Time and Blogging
Recently I have been asked this question a lot by people I know in real life. To be honest, it’s hard to manage working full-time while also being a wife and a blogger. Sometimes I feel the pressure to always be working, but it’s important to learn how to balance. I truly do love blogging and interacting with my followers, so that is what keeps me going. Having a creative outlet is so important to me since my full-time job is mostly administrative. I am naturally a creative person and feel like I express myself with fashion. From blogging, I’ve learned how to better prioritize, so when Jake is free, I don’t have to be working on blog stuff non-stop. With his busy schedule, it is good for me to stay busy while he’s at work, but not when he is available.
- Calendar/Plan Ahead: I am very ADD, so without a calendar to plan my schedule of blog posts, I would forget. I personally like an old fashion paper planner more than a digital one. I try to plan out a month out of blog posts at a time, but I do keep it flexible in case I come up with a different idea. I am not the most organized, so I do find myself switching the order or having to prioritize posts I think you all will like best. I try to keep myself accountable with due dates, but I do find myself sometimes working at the last minute, like with this post. I like to keep my blog posts related to what is personally going on in my life and what is coming up in the season. I am such a planner, and I enjoy coming up with my blog plans. I also use apps to plan my Instagram posts out like UNUM and schedule posts with Later to make it easier.
- Dedicated Work Times: Working full-time means I have less time to work on my blog, but I really like getting out of the house and going to the office. For some reason I feel like I thrive off of being busy. I find when I don’t have much going on I tend to slack off. I feel like working helps me prioritize my free time too. I mostly work on my blog in the mornings before work, at night when I’m off, and weekends. Sunday usually is my night to get a lot of blogging work done. I do keep the schedule flexible as I don’t want to work when Jake is free on a weekend.
- Notebook of Ideas: I keep a notebook that I update with different blog topics when I’m inspired. This helps me when I am feel like I’m in a blogging rut.
- Take A Step Back if Needed: It’s important to realize when you need a break. Blogging is amazing, but there are so many other important things in life, and it’s important to not miss out. When I start feeling burned out or if Jake is free, I will take time off instead of forcing content.
- Shooting Several Outfits at Once: I keep a clothing rack of outfits I am wanting to shoot. When I shoot, I try to shoot at least two outfits to maximize time. I am starting to try to shoot during the weeks more because I noticed a lot of spots are too busy during the weekend. I also like having a break on the weekend.
- Change Spaces For Inspiration: I am not a writer, so I find myself most inspired when I am not forcing myself to write. If I have writer’s block, I will go on our patio or change spots. This helps me a lot. I find myself weirdly most inspired in the car or shower. When this happens I try to make voice notes of post topics or ideas to incorporate in a blog post.
- Learn to Say No: When I first started blogging, I wanted to do every collaboration. I have learned to only say yes to brands I truly love. It is important to be true to yourself.
What are your tips to balance working full time and your hobbies?
These are all such great tips and things I do, as well! I definitely struggle with with saying no and taking a step back, it is one of my biggest struggles! Love these fun dresses, they are so perfect for Cinco de Mayo!
Author
I’m so glad you agree with my tips. Ahhh it’s so hard to say no, but we cannot do everything. Now I need to decide which to wear for Cinco de Mayo.
Omg! The cutest dresses!! I need to look at Chicwish. I’ve never bought anything there. And yes to all of your tips! My calendar is what I live by. Although lately, it’s gone to the wayside haha. Need to jump back on track this summer.
Katherine | http://www.oneswainkycouple.com
Author
Thank You is much! Yesss you do. I’ve been shopping from them for years. They have the CUTEST pieces. My calendar is definitely so important to me. Aw you’ll get back on track.
Love both dresses. I much prefer a paper calendar instead of a digital one as well.
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Author
Thank you so much. Same here. I love all things digital but not a calendar.
Those dresses are so pretty! I never would have thought to put tassles on a hem, but that is just such a cute touch.
Author
Thank you so much, Anna! I really wouldn’t have either. I haven’t seen many tassel hems, but I love it.
You look amazing and i love all those tips esp learning to say no and plan ahead
Author
Oh my goodness thank you, Emma! So sweet. 🙂
Both dresses are so beautiful! And I love this blog
Author
You are so sweet. Thank you.
Hi Courtney, both these dresses say, “Take me to the beach!!” I love the colors in the striped dress and the tassels that hang from the hem. The other is so unique and the pom poms are nicely placed in two lines on the skirt and also on the sleeves. Cute earrings and shoe selection with both dresses. As you say just add a margarita !! Planning is so important , I know! Keeping busy does help , and you are right in saying it prioritizes your free time too. You do need to take advantage of the few hours in a week that you get to spend with Jake! Taking time away is good , I do notice you give a specific day for certain upcoming posts. You have to say no at times. it is good! Planning is so important for my balance of work and play. There is so much going on with our family you need to plan ahead ! Grat post Dear, Terri xo.
Author
Hi Terri! Thank you so much, I loved these two dresses. Yes, planning is key for blogging, since we’re all busy. I do love blogging and try to be consistent. Thank you so much for reading.
You a re welcome Courtney!
Author
Oh yayyy! I would probably recommend following the jello instructions on the back of the jello packet vs. hers because the jello texture was not what I’m used to. Other than that it was yummy.
Okay thank you for the advice Courtney! I hope your day is going good, Terri ❤❤
Author
You’re so welcome! I hope yours is too.
Both dresses are beautiful on you!! Such great tips too- blogging while working full time isn’t easy, but it is totally possible with preparation! <3
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Author
Thank you so much, Annaliese! These would look soooo cute on you. Absolutely, it’ something that I love so much and it gives me so much purpose.