6 Ways To Help Change Your Mindset.

Happy and successful life.

Isn’t that what we all strive for?

I think if you asked anyone though, they would all have something different to say about what happiness and success means to them.

For me? Happiness is a slow Saturday morning with my family. Breakfast, coffee with my husband and a morning routine that went as smooth as a babies bottom. Success would be living simply but being able to provide for my family everything they need and be able to give as much as I can to those in need.

Everyday life though, It can defiantly take a toll on how your mind perceives things. One thing I don’t like is negative thoughts! I like a clear, free, happy mindset and it’s defiantly hard to accomplish but it’s one thing I take pride in having.

I try to do little tasks that help get me there and I am even trying to incorporate new ones this year to help keep my mindset positive even more. I am here to share with you 6 ways to help change your daily mindset to be your best self each day.


Positive Morning Routine.

I am starting off with one I am still working on. Mainly I am just not a morning person. I have found though that your morning really does set the tone for the whole day.

Create a relaxing morning routine that helps bring positivity to those early wake up’s. Make your favorite breakfast, sip your coffee slowly. Plan out your day.

Or even make this into your evening routine if you need to.

Do A Weekly Or Daily Brain Dump.

These help so much. Get out your favorite notebook and write down all your thoughts or things you need to do or want to do. Sometimes my mind gets so boggled with ideas and I love putting pen to paper and jotting them all down.

It does not have to be pretty, it’s just a way to help you get things off your mind and put into perspective what you want to accomplish. I love brain dumps.

Get Outside.

Need to clear your mind? I always say the best way to do it is to get outside. Fresh air is just so good for you.

I love a long walk to help alleviate stress or negative thoughts.

I love getting outside and playing with my kids, it feels freeing for myself and for them I am sure. Fresh air is a wonderful cure of a mindset that needs some clearing.

Less Is More.

Another work in progress for me is decluttering. I never realized what a toll clutter can take on you.

It creates so much stress, always having to pick up things or move things or organize things. It takes up so much time and energy.

I am going through one room in the house whenever I get the chance and it has felt so freeing creating a less is more atmosphere in my home.

Find A Hobby You Enjoy.

This is a big one. I love hobby’s. They are such an outlet to a more positive mind.

Find something you enjoy doing and use it as a way to be happy.

I love reading, writing and doing fun DIY crafts with my kids. They make me happy and I always feel better after finishing a good book, writing up a storm or making something fun with my kids.

Find something you love.

Erase The Negativity.

Remove negative things from your life. It may be hard sometimes but it’s worth it.

Listen to positive Podcasts, life yourself up with encouraging words.

Give yourself the strength to end the negativity and bring only positive into your life.

I think this is something we could all work on as human beings in general.


Your mindset is so important and I hope this has helped you find something to help make you happy!

If you have your own ways to stay positive and keep the joy flowing in your life please share them below with us all!

How To Harness Your Unique Feminine Qualities In The Workplace

While men undoubtedly have communication challenges at work, there are common themes for women that often lead us to feel disempowered, ignored or struggling to fulfil our potential. Some worry about being ‘too passionate’ or overemotional, while others don’t feel confident to speak up in a male-dominated environment. What is often overlooked is that as women, we have incredible natural qualities when it comes to communication. One thing’s for sure ladies – you don’t need to act like a man to succeed at work. You have all the tools you need to fulfil your potential already. Here are three examples…

Rapport building


Women have an advantage when it comes to building rapport – making others feel important and feel heard. It’s not just asking questions and showing interest, we also do this by keeping eye contact, often using a relaxed, softer gaze, and with nods and smiles. In general, we have far more capacity for inviting others to feel relaxed.


Top tip:


Asking questions is a great way to take back control of the conversation in a calm and grounded way. It maintains rapport, even encourages it, and yet puts you back in the driving seat. State your idea with conviction and then conclude your idea with invitations. “What do you think?” “Do you think this could work?” “What’s your take on it?” Inviting others to contribute their own original thinking after you state your idea will empower others and ensure that they feel valued. Be sure to avoid disclaimers – more on that here.

Empathy


Empathy is perhaps one of the most effective communication resources at anyone’s disposal. And women do tend to have a more natural capacity for empathy than men. Particularly when leading a team, empathy is invaluable. It means women are more inclined to perceive and tune into issues people are facing, so they can deal with problems before they get out of hand. Their empathy also creates a sense of safety within a team, so that colleagues are more empowered to take risks and express greater creativity. The value of this cannot be overstated. Read our blog on why honest and open communication is getting respect at work.

Top tip:


Be aware that we tend to prioritise being liked, and therefore in an attempt to empathise, we become reluctant to offer feedback that could be interpreted as harsh, or to give a direct order when one is needed. Most of the time, empathy will work in our favour, but there are times when we will need to express ourselves in other ways. To show authority and certainty, make sure you use downward inflection – this is when you let your voice go down at the end of your sentence. It’s important to ensure the tone of your voice matches the situation you are in.

Reading cues


It’s been scientifically proven that women exhibit higher sensitivity to nonverbal cues. We are usually more attuned to how our behaviour affects others and this sensitivity allows us to respond more effectively to a situation. We have learnt to talk in ways that balance our own needs with those of others, to save face for one another.


Top tip:


Sometimes something needs to be said that causes conflict – and sometimes that conflict is helpful and necessary. If you struggle with being assertive, read this blog for some top tips.


So there you have it, a few examples of our tremendous natural qualities and why it’s important to capitalise on these skills and learn how to amplify them in the workplace. You don’t need to dominate to have impact. Of course, there are men that will identify more with female characteristics and vice-versa, but all are important, and all need to be valued. When your communication starts becoming more powerful, you’ll find that your team members benefit from their contribution, and other women will be encouraged to be more authentic and powerful too.



At London Speech Workshop we empower our clients to be confident, clear and impactful communicators. We help people remove barriers that get in their way due to their communication. They might want to get a promotion, be more respected in their work, have more authority or gravitas, increase in confidence at work and in personal life. Or they may have trouble delivering presentations and speeches, dealing with nerves, connecting with others, building rapport, getting their point across or being articulate. If you’d like to find out more about what we do, book a free 15-minute Discovery Call to discuss your goals and challenges with our Client Success team.


Author: Hannah is the Marketing Executive at London Speech Workshop, an industry-leading communication training and coaching institute. The proven Serlin MethodTM uses a combination of modern psychology, performance technique and memorable tools, empowering people to be the best communicators they can be.

Quilted Gifts: What Makes Patchwork Patterns a Highly Popular Gift Item?

Did you get an invitation for the marriage anniversary of your dearest friend? Then, you must present something special to that person. Isn’t it? If you are bored of the old fashion of presenting showpiece, jeweler, and all; then it is high time to switch on to something different. How the idea of quilts comprising patchwork patterns will be? Want to know the specialty? Here it is.

 

Few Words About Patchwork Patterns

 

Patchwork, as clear from the name, refers to a technique that includes sewing several small fabrics to create large geometric designs. It includesmixed patterns, textures, and colors that make up an exceptional piece. Traditionally, a wide number of needlework was required to developincomparable patchwork patterns for quilts. However, in today’s time, such quilting patterns have become a highly popular technique in theclothing industry.

 

When coming up with an exclusively stitched quilt, the patchwork is the topmost layer, and the batting and backing form the middle as well as bottom layers, respectively. Either a machine or hand is used for stitching the outline. Finally, an exclusively designed quilt serves to be the product ready to be sold and used. 

 

What Does The Pattern Of Patchwork Include?

 

Whenever it comes to patterns, you must be wondering about the specialty, isn’t it? Regarding the pattern of patchwork; it can be either of the two things:

• Decorative design

• Flat template

In the case of decorative design, the design repeats over a fabric multiple time. Conversely, the flat template refers to pattern pieces that are joined all together. At the time of calculating the fabric for patchwork patterns, the tailor traces the fabric as required and cuts pieces of cloth to come up with a final fabric. 

Benefits of Using Patchwork Pattern Quilts

 

Quits comprising exclusively designed patchwork patterns comprise a wide range of benefits. Firstly, they provide a high rate of warmness that serves the dire need, especially during winter. With a wide range of sizes available, you will be able to make a choice that offers highly relaxed sleep. The frills and laces help enhance the luxury statement of such exclusively manufactured quilts. 

 

Such exclusively stitched quilts are preferred in homes. Bing available for both single and double beds, you will be able to go with the most required choice. As the stitching takes place using fabrics comprising variable colors, they will undoubtedly enlighten the room. The unique pattern created reflects a blend of artistic and contemporary design.

Where Do You Buy Patchwork Patterns From?

 

Are you impressed by the specialty associated with a patchwork pattern? If yes, it is high time to browse through the variety of quilts comprising patchwork patterns with traditional touch. You may start by browsing the famous online shops for such exclusive quality quilts. Making the right choice will be no more difficult with a plethora of choices available. 

 

One of the greatest facilities associated with shopping from e-shops is that you will come across a detailed description of items. This will help in easy comparison followed by shortlisting of the items that fit your choice and budget. Also, you may carry on with your shopping any time of the day as these shops remain operative round the clock. 

 

Final Words

 

Quilts comprising exclusive quality patchwork patterns will undoubtedlybe among the greatest gift items. You may expect the receiver to appreciate the gift at its best. There will be pillow covers included that will make it a complete set for the bed in some cases. 


Thank you so much to Alyssa at My Aussie Hub for guest posting! Check out her blog or follow her on Twitter as well for more of her writing!

Create A Learning Nook for Your Toddler.

With a busy bee of a toddler running around at all times, books and coloring are so important to have accessible when it’s time for some down time.

Redfin reached out to us and asked to write a short piece describing an at home learning area that would work well.

You can read the full article here but I thought it would make a fun post to show you the little nook my toddler has for all his fun activities.

When it comes to at home learning or activity areas it’s so important to have everything open and easily accessible because I feel like it makes less of a mess. That way your kids will see it automatically and be able to grab what they need.

I love using little bins for crayons, art stuff and activity books. I use this cute personalized basket for my toddler’s things.

Another great tip is storage cubes! I feel like they are so great for toy organizing, book organizing or even learning and school organizing.

Adding pops of colors with books and crayons are always great to keep your kids engaged.

I like to keep our seasonal or favorite books on this bench ottoman and a couple inside it as well for easy reading access since majority of our time is spent in our main living area.

Also it’s a great place to store toys away and still have your living space look nice!

So many fun ideas you can do for a little learning nook but these are some of my favorites!

What type of areas do you have for your children when it comes to their learning and activities?

Thanks for reading!

https://www.redfin.com/blog/how-to-enhance-learning-at-home-for-kids/

AD; Photowall Decor & More!

AD- This is an advertise in collaboration with Photowall Sweden with a free product. All opinions are our own.


One of my favorite things is new decor pieces. I get so excited to add a new piece to my home.

Homemaking and keeping a tidy cute home is something I strive for and I have been slowly remodeling and freshening our spaces so when @photowall_sweden reached out to me about their products I was so excited!

I picked up this new beautiful hallway table that I am in love with and I was searching for a great piece that would go along the back of it.

Photowall has so many unique pieces and canvas photo’s are defiantly one of my favorite things to decorate with.

I picked this unique world map that I think the colors went perfect with everything. It wasn’t too bright or too dull and it went so well with this space.

I even have enough room for all my fall touches now that we are getting into the Holiday seasons.

It shipped quickly and came packaged very nicely.

You do have to assemble the mounting yourself but they have a very easy video tutorial to help you with each step.

I am not handy and I was surprised how easy it was to follow.

I love how everything turned out and I definitely want to purchase more from them!

Plus who else is so excited for seasonal decor!?

Stop back soon for a Fall home tour!

Be sure to check out Photowall and all they have to offer.

They have given us an awesome code of 25% off their site! Use code quirkyworkinmoms25

Guest Post- What Self Care Means To Me.

I’m going to start this post with a bit of an understatement: the last year has been a tough one. Next week will see us meet the one year mark of when our lives all changed dramatically, and what a year it has been. Despite many of us spending more time at home, very few of us have been prioritising taking care of ourselves despite this playing a huge role in our general wellbeing. With parents having to take on the new role of a full-time teacher, key workers under extreme pressure and people struggling to gain a work/life balance now their homes have become offices…where is the time? Sometimes just making it through the day is a success story in itself but these additional stresses that have fallen into our lives only further prove the point that self-care is vital to a healthy mind.

There is still very much a culture where taking time to look after yourself can be seen as an unnecessary luxury but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In order to be the best version of yourself in work, life or relationships you need to feel like the best version of yourself. 

Often when you see the term ‘Self Care’ you think of face masks and massages but actually, the practices are endless and, since we’re not going to be able to get to a spa any time soon, it’s important to find other ways to bring you that same level of peace. Often, the kindest things you can do for yourself have nothing to do with pamper sessions (although I wouldn’t say no!) and everything to do with removing negativity from your life where you can. I’ve listed some of my favourites below.

My Favourite Self Care Methods 

  • Take 30 minutes a day to do something you love – Read that book, listen to a podcast in the bath, be creative…it doesn’t matter what it is, just make sure it’s something that makes you happy.
  • Social Media detox – Take a day away from your Social Media apps, the constant stream of news and other peoples polished lives is a lot and you often don’t realise the damage it’s doing until you take a break.
  • Review who you follow – Make sure the people you follow on social media are accounts and/or individuals that bring you joy or valuable information. Anyone else can and should be removed (or muted at the very least).
  • Move your body – I’m a huge advocate for exercise for your mind rather than your body but this doesn’t always have to be an intense workout. I love basic Yoga videos on YouTube, stretching with some relaxing music is really calming even if for 10 minutes.
  • Get some fresh air every day – This one is so important, especially for those that are working from home every day at the moment. Sometimes getting yourself outdoors if you don’t “need to” is harder than you think, but it’s a wonderful way of taking a moment to breathe.
  • Journal – Keeping emotions or stresses bottled up inside can only last so long. Talking to other people about these things is so important but if you don’t feel ready or able, writing in a journal is an excellent way to let some of those stresses or worries free.

And the most important and compulsory form of self-care is to be kind to yourself. Life isn’t easy even at the best of times and it’s made ten times harder if you let that negative voice in your head make its way to the front. We’re all just doing our best so make sure you are acknowledging your achievements no matter how small. I’ve said it before but sometimes just making it through the day is a win, so take a minute to say you smashed it!

Benefits of Self Care

  • Increased positive thinking
  • A reduction in anxiety
  • Finding outlets to relieve stress throughout the day can result in an improved sleep pattern
  • Taking time for yourself will give renewed focus, increasing productivity levels
  • Improved relationships
  • Learning how to recognise your real emotions/feelings.

Sometimes it feels easier said than done but you need to prioritise yourself. No matter the job, situation or environment you find yourself in, you can’t pour from an empty cup so eventually, something is going to have to give. Please don’t let it be your health.

Thank you so much Amanda and Marissa for having me on your blog and thanks to everybody for reading. If you would like to check out more of my posts you can find my blog here and Instagram here

Stacey

Cold Days & A Hot Bowl Of Chili.

We have had some cold days and nights here in Michigan. Although our winter has been mild so far, I’m sure the snow and the cold is sure to drag on.

One of my favorite ways to warm up on a cold day?

My crockpot going and some chili cooking on low all day.

So today I thought I would share my chili recipe with you!


Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

Half an onion

1 orange pepper

1 can of crushed tomatoes

1 can of kidney beans

1 can of tomato paste

Chili powder


Dice up your half an onion and orange pepper.

Brown your ground beef. Once browned add in the onion and pepper for flavor and to soften.

To your crockpot add your ground beef and onion and peppers.

Add your crushed tomatoes, not drained.

Add your kidney beans, drained.

Add your tomato paste and then stir all together.

Sprinkle on your chili powder and stir once more.

Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.


For toppings we love cheese, sour cream and frito scoops!

We also love a thicker chili but you could definitely add tomato juice to it as well.

I hope you love this recipe! What do you love to add into your chili?

Share below and as always, thanks for reading!

Why Are We So Quick To Compare Ourselves To Others?

Every morning when I sip my coffee I take some time alone to scroll through Instagram.

It’s maybe been ten seconds and I find myself scrunching up my nose and whispering, “how does she get her baby to sleep 12 hours every single night!?”

Or, “How in the world does this mom of three look put together every day when as a mom of one, I struggle to just blow dry my hair most days?”

I know I am not alone in this world of comparing and criticizing ourselves.

It’s just human nature.

No matter how much we talk about it though, why is there such a craving to still show only the glamourous on social media?

You never see the dark circles from night time feedings, from bad dreams that meant a night with a shared bed or just from no sleep at all because your mind won’t shut off.

You only see the beautiful hair, not the Ms. Trunchbull buns you know we all rock at least a couple times a week.

The unworthiness and the just not good enough comes on strong, and it lasts long as well.

We are all so unique though, and I think that’s an important thing to remember when you are a woman and a mom.

Sure, the girl you knew in High School might have a fabulous kitchen and the latest home upgrades, but she might not have the awesome cooking skills to utilize that wonderful kitchen like you do.

And yes, the mom who’s baby sleeps 12 hours each night is beyond lucky, but she also doesn’t get those 3am snuggles that even though you are dead tired, you cherish those snuggles with your baby.

Everyone has different strengths and your mind is one of them and maybe even the most important. Think of the positives in your life when you find yourself jealous of a positive in someone else’s life. The uniqueness that makes you, you.

I am just as guilty as anyone else when it comes to comparing myself to others, it’s a habit that sure is hard to break.

Instead of feeling sorry for myself or being jealous, I am going to try to better the areas in my life that have me feeling that way.

So next time you see those flawless Instagram pics, give yourself a break and remember what you bring to the table.

Don’t be so quick to compare and know that you are enough.

You are valued, and you are just as worthy!