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atlanta blogger

Fashion, Lifestyle

The Freedom to be Happy

A happy consequence of these past few years has been the time to step away from all of life’s distractions and really focus on ME.  I spent many hours reflecting on personal and professional goals.  About 5 years ago, I stepped away from my full-time job as a Development Specialist for a non-profit agency to pursue the blog.  Giving Chicks And Salsa all my attention really allowed me the freedom to challenge myself in a way I had never done before.  I had to be specific about my goals and direction.  Without discipline, I knew I would end up disappointed.  So on this journey, there were some pivotal lessons that I have learned that I wanted to share. 

GIVE YOURSELF THE FREEDOM TO BE HAPPY

Don’t Fear Tomorrow

I used to fear the future chronically.  I took a risk, and the destination was unknown.  Learning lesson #2 is what made me look forward to tomorrow rather than fear it.

Ride The Wave

From my first post to my first collaboration to the start of Digital Chicks Media, any time an opportunity was presented, I said yes and turned wherever the tide took me.  This ended up being a rewarding and winning strategy.  

Own Your Story

I had heard about owning your story when I attended the Style Collective conference early on. In paving my own path, I got to know my story better than ever.  I had become my own boss and made every little and big decision along the way. Being intimately involved with my destiny made me own that story in a way I never had before.

Shop this One Shoulder Top Here | My TShirt Dress is Linked Here | My Straw Bag is from Amazon and is Linked Here

It may sound cheesy, but manifestation works, and it took a global pandemic to make me step back to see what I wanted from my life clearly.  This post would not be complete without a shout-out to my favorite and life-changing book, The Celestine Prophecy. This book is more than a novel; it is a blueprint on how to pay attention to the signals in the universe.  The book so accurately describes nature’s way of putting us on a path that once you see the signs, there is so much that the universe reveals to you. 

If you made this far into my post, I hope you found some of this in some way motivational or inspiring.  Thank you for being part of my tribe.

Your Chick,

Rina

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Fashion, Lifestyle

The Juggle is Real

We have all heard about work-life balance, particularly now, but what can you do when work and home are happening all under the same roof!?!

  • Power Suit
    Shop These Crop Pants Here | Shop My GO TO Blazer Here

As a work-from-home mom with a full-time career in digital marketing and two kids who have been virtually learning since March 2019, I have definitely had to learn a few tough lessons.  Thankfully, these have taught me to work smarter, not necessarily harder.  Read on to see how I am doing my best to pull it all off.

Cut Yourself Some Slack

I pride myself on productivity.  During the pandemic, my sense of accomplishment took a hit, and now, I am ok with doing just enough.  That means letting the laundry sit an extra day (or two), taking some shortcuts in the kitchen, and generally just chilling out.  

Harness the Power of Technology

I have been fighting the need to do this for years, but THIS YEAR, I have finally integrated all of my work and family calendars on Google and also picked up a few tricks to help with the clutter on my desk.  I recently purchased one of these cases for my iPad which has made doing work on the go much easier.  I also purchased an Apple Pencil to eliminate all the notebooks, notepads, sticky notes that clutter my desk.  Pro Tip: Good Notes is an app that has helped me clear my desk by allowing me to write and store them digitally.    

  • Shop My Happy Planner Pouch Here | Shop the Apple Pencil Here | Shop the Apple IWatch Here

When my personal space is a mess, my mind is a mess.  So I have been doing little things to keep your physical and mental space tidy.

The WEE Hours

For the last few months when I wake up before everyone else, I make a cup of coffee and enjoy the peace and quiet.  The 30-40 minutes I have with my thoughts in the morning really set the tone for the rest of my day.  I use this time to JUST SIT, I look outside, check the news, maybe social media and within 30 minutes I already feel caught up and ready for whatever is in store for the day ahead. 

Chick Picks:

I am sure all of this seems easier said than done, but after doing these things for several months, they have become a habit.  A habit, I intend to keep long after things get back to normal.

Your Chick,

Rina

Lifestyle

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Him

To say that 2020 brought my husband and I closer together would be an understatement. Usually, we function in a parallel reality where we divide and conquer the responsibilities of day to day life. But last year was different, with us spending every weekend at home and spending more hours together, I learned A LOT about him and his interests, likes, and needs. This list has truly been created in honor of my husband, but may make sense for your significant other as well!

To see all of my Gift Guides, click here.

To keep things simple, these are all Amazon finds to make shopping easier for you! To see what else I have been shopping on Amazon, visit my storefront here.

Massager | Wireless Headphones | Hair Trimmer | Slides | Bomber | Columbia Jacket
Car Vaccum | Bedside Organizer

Bedside Organizer

I love the idea of creating a little space that doesn’t spill all over the side table like this one.

Also, for phones that can charge wirelessly, I cannot speak highly enough about these charging stands, I HIGHLY recommend them.

Adidas Slides

Every few years I feel that his slides need to be replaced. He uses them for trips to the mailbox, to take out the trash, hang poolside. These are classic and comfortable!

Columbia Zip Jacket

My husband grabs for his zip up jackets EVERY DAY! Years ago I wrote about the cost to wear ratio and with this one it is totally worth it. You can’t beat this deal and style.

Cordless Hair Trimmer

With all the money we all saved taking haircuts into our own hands in 2020, why not upgrade your equipment? This one has 60 minutes of shave time making it the perfect travel set too (whenever we do that again)!

Beats By Dre Wireless Headphones

Ok, if you are going to splurge a little, get these! For $70 you can have some peace and quiet during at home workouts. These not only have great sound qulaity, but also won’t fall out (ahem… air pods)!

Portable Car Vaccum Cleaner

I knew my husband loved his car, but wow, he is more meticulous about it’s maintenance than I am about my makeup! He will be unusually happy about this gift, you are welcome!

Massage Gun

With almost 3000 4.5 star reviews, this device is cheaper and equally as good as the popular Theragun ! This is a gift for him (and you too)!

Tommy Hilfiger Bomber

So if the Columbia Zip Up is his pick, then this bomber is mine. It is a stylish layer that I would prefer he wore when we are out an about. At less than $50, this is a great gift!

I hope that this list was helpful! I know shopping for the guys can be challenging!

Your Chick,

Rina

Fashion

Pour Some Sugar On Me

Ok, so I am guilty of being a slave to fashion. I saw this Def Leppard sweatshirt and wanted it so bad despite not being an active fan. Usually, I am not a fan of the ‘bandwagon’ type mentality, but I could not resist.

Target’s new collection of nostalgic sweatshirts under $25 is just too good to pass up. With so many of us working from home and trying to keep things casual-chic with loungewear, these are simply a must-have!

Shop This Sweatshirt for $21.99 Here | I am wearing a Large

With go-to fashion finds that are mom-friendly, I have to give Target credit for these edgy and trendy options.

Shop These Chick Picks Here

Here is to keeping things cute in 2021! To be fair, here is a small tribute to Def Leppard.

Your Chick,

Rina

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