High Five for 5.17

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for being patient while I wrap up this final grad class. I was so proud of myself for putting together an editorial calendar and getting organized with some posts and then BAM! Real life becomes more important and you guys have to deal with it.

Lo siento my lovelies. My time is becoming more readily available and I’m officially in the home stretch for this degree. So without further ado, let’s find out why this week rocked my socks.

And as always, I’m linking up with Lauren of Lauren Elizabeth.

1. My boyfriend (yes, it’s Facebook official) is so super sweet. He blew his back out last weekend but knew how stressed I was about finishing this paper for my big master’s class. So, he set me up in his home office with his BIG monitor to finish it up. Of course I returned the favor with some TLC goodies for his back.
2. A celebratory cocktail with one of my besties for both of us finishing up major projects for our master’s.
3. An event with Single Edition Media with the lovely Jess Downey. I don’t see this girl enough. She’s super awesome (and recently engaged!).
4. A yummy dinner after the event at Aurora in SoHo. Asparagus, mashed corn, and scallops.
5. A treat to myself for finishing my paper. Four Alex and Ani bracelets. The addiction has started. I’m already planning my next bracelet!

Hope you guys had a fabulous week and are gearing up for an even better weekend. I start my final class on Monday and in 6 weeks I’ll officially be the owner of a Master’s degree! Eek!!!

For more Instagram photos, follow me! @MissMegasaurus2

Release All Expectations

Last week I was a little “off.” I blame it on the grad school and work stress, and the fact that I wasn’t feeling very well. I normally post the fun stuff on my blog’s Facebook page and keep the positive quotes and what not for my personal page.

I rarely post anything on my personal page that generates any kind of conversation.

But last week, I stepped out of my comfort zone and shared something personal that was bothering me. While at the doctor’s, office a little boy was with his step-dad (according to the man) because his ear was bothering him. He was hysterically crying, gripping his ear with his left hand and his giraffe blankie with his right.

It didn’t bother me WHO the little boy was with. I understand things happen and a mother can’t get off work. What bothered me was that the man with the little boy showed zero affection towards the child as he was in pain. He didn’t pull him on to his lap, put his arm on his chair, even turn to him and try to take his mind off of things.

My post generated some interesting comments.

This happens to me a lot actually. When I share my opinion with others, it’s normally “wrong” or “crazy.” Is it judgmental to have an opinion about something? And if you think I’m wrong or crazy, wouldn’t that mean that you’re judging me back?

I won’t apologize for my Facebook post. I shared how I felt, whole-heartedly knowing that people would be offended.

A few years ago, one of my sisters and I got into “it.” My first real fight, and definitely my last. The fight is not something I’m proud of, but I am proud that I said what I felt and didn’t act violently back.

From both of these experiences, I’ve realized something. I’ve realized I need to stop expecting so much from people. The higher my expectations are, the better the chance that I’ll be disappointed.

What I can do however, is to act how I wish others would. I can lead by example and hope that my ways can have an effect on someone else in a positive manner.

Every day is a learning experience. If there is a day that we end that we learned nothing new, we didn’t try hard enough. From here on out, I promise I’ll try to expect less and not be so judgmental.

Keyword: try.

High Five for 4.26

I for one am super happy that this week has come and gone. I've been feeling under the weather and super stressed about the final two classes of my grad class. A combination of the two was just NOT what the doctor ordered. Here's a little recap of my week!

And as always, I'm linking up with the beautiful Lauren of From My Grey Desk Blog.

1. Man Friend and I went for a hike on Saturday with some friends and coworkers. A combination of all that fresh air and all that physical activity left us exhausted. So, we snuggled with Bean. #smitten

2. Our first combined Thank You card for our first combined housewarming gift (one of his best friend's and his fiance bought their first house). It's the little things I tell ya. 

3. A little midnight snack with my guy to conclude our after-dinner walk. 

4. Sore throats stink. But random ice cream trips with my Bean help eleviate the pain for just a little bit. 

5. Bean has been a little Mommy this week knowing that I'm not feeling well. Yesterday she picked me "flowers" from the yard. Weeds to you, but beautiful to me. 

Hope you all have a great weekend! What do you guys have planned?

April BirchBox

Whoa! It's been quite a while since I posted about my BirchBox! Did you guys miss these posts? Worry not. As long as BirchBox keeps delivering goodies like these, you'll continue to find out the goodies I get every month!

So, let's take a peek in to my April box.

1. Nexxus^® / Youth Renewal™ Rejuvenating Elixir

It’s not just your skin that needs antiaging help. This new shine-boosting serum cures dry strands and reduces the odds of age-related breakage. Full-size, $20.99

My Review: Put some of this in my hair and didn't see much of a difference. Maybe I didn't use enough of it? 

2. SKIN&Co Roma / Cleansing Body Gel with Olive & Sicilian Orange Extracts

You won’t be able to go back to regular soap after trying this freshly scented, antioxidant-packed shower gel from Rome. Full-size, $17.50

3. StriVectin^® / StriVectin-SD™ Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles

A beauty editor favorite, StriVectin’s cream uses a patented molecule peptide to diminish fine lines and reverse the look at puffy circles. Full-size, $65

4. Yougblood Mineral Cosmetics / Anti-Shine Mattifier

Matte is in. Dab this shine-zapping balm onto your T-zone before applying foundation. Full-size, $36

My Review: I don't understand the point of this stuff. It goes on great, and isn't greasy. But I didn't see much of a difference in my skin.

BEAUTY EXTRA

5. Weleda / Body Lotion

A creamy lotion that uses sustainably harvested plant oils and natural hydrators to restore skn’s moisture levels. Full-size, $16.50

My Review: I think this might be a new favorite lotion. It went on a little thick, so at first I thought it was body wash instead of body lotion, but it helped keep my skin fresh all day.

6. Although this wasn't part of the list, I nailed a sweet deal on a year's supply of Women's Health. Jackpot!

The evolution of a logo

I've had this little blog for over 3 years now and it has received quite a face lift since the early days. I wish I taken screen shots of the site when i first started so I can really see the transformation, but all I have is a history of logos. 

Take a peek at the logos Glamorous Hustle has showcased since it's beginning. Which one is your favorite?

I'm aware this one is misspelled. I can't find the other version of it :)

There is no time to organize my time

I’m finding it very difficult to manage my time lately. 

I’ve got no motivation in the morning to get up a few minutes before my alarm so I don’t need to rush before I leave for work. And it only goes down there for the rest of the day.

I find myself becoming easily distracted during the workday; reorganizing my mental to-do list instead of actually tackling it.

And then comes the “after quittin’ time.” I never realized how fast the time between leaving work and going to bed goes until I’m laying my head on the pillow.

I know I’m complaining. And I know I sound like a crazy lady turning this subject in to a blog post. But trying to balance the whole “working full time in advertising, wrapping up a master’s degree, and trying to fit a relationship in the mix” is really starting to become overwhelming and this whole “pshh I got this” thing is too hard of a persona to keep up.

I promise you, it’s not the man friend in my life. In fact, he’s been the most positive addition to it. But, there will be more on that in another post (he’s already gotten a heads up lol).

I’ve always been the master at juggling things and time management. I mean honestly, I was kind of a big deal. But lately, I can sense that something in the equation is just not up to par.

I know that creating an editorial calendar can help me manage my blog. I know that eating healthier will give me more energy and allow me to focus better. I also know that utilizing Google calendar can prove to be super beneficial.

It’s just a matter of getting the motivation to get to work. Oy vey.

How do you guys manage tasks when you’re feeling overwhelmed? What are your tips for staying organized and keeping productive?

A 28th birthday recap - in photos

I’m 28. Officially. For those who aren’t my personal friend on Facebook, yesterday was my birthday. I had every intention of announcing it on the blog but semi-thought it was a little “look at me, send me your love because I asked for it” and opted not to.

How does 28 look on me? 

Boy was it a birthday to remember.

It started with Face-time with my nephew who can officially say my name perfectly and kind of say “I love you” and “happy birthday.” You may not understand him but I totally know he’s confessing his love for the day I was born.

Seriously, how cute is this kid?

Next up was Bean. She was puking for 2 days and I could totally tell she saved up all her energy to wish me a happy birthday. Literally. She hid under the covers, yelled “Surprise! Happy Birthday Aunt Meg!” and just about fell asleep immediately following. Poor thing.

She's a little kooky. We were toasting to Aunt Meg :)

My work day was great; small gifts throughout the day and a lunch with the ladies. And then my work bff left me to move to California with her boyfriend. What a way to ruin the day Nicole!

I'll miss you love. 

And then dinner happened. The chef made me a special meal since I was craving scallops and their dish was made with tomatoes.

Man friend was a little late (bummer) but showed up with a GORGEOUS bouquet of flowers and a Tiffany’s bag. How did I get so lucky?

Like I said on my Facebook wall, I’m lucky enough to feel loved every day of the year, but something about a birthday just takes it to the next level. Thank you to all for your social media well wishes and cheers to 28 being the best year yet.

How’s everyone’s week going?