Happy Tuesday, ladies. I’ve been thinking a lot today about goal setting and some of the things that people do to motivate/trick/inspire themselves to get stuff done, whether it be for small tasks (tidying up the house), or big projects (figuring out what to do as a career).

Few things are as empowering as a sense of accomplishment, but a lot has to happen between setting and achieving a goal. Sometimes it can be overwhelming.

Like plants, goals thrive when they’re tended to and cared for, so let’s pay some attention to our goals today. Here are seven things that may help.

1. Mind map it!

Does your brain ever feels like it’s bursting at the seams? Like you have just too many things to think about? To organize my thoughts, I use a brainstorming technique called mind mapping.

A mind map from last Saturday!

They’re a fun way to quickly dump ideas on paper, getting them out of your head.

I feel like once I get ideas down on paper (or up on the screen), they seem easier to process and sort.

Are you ready?

• Grab a sheet of paper
• Near the center of the page, jot down a few of your goals and/or ideas
• Add branches of related information to each idea
• Allow your mind to wander, and continue to add more related branches until it feels like you’re done

When I’m finished with a map, I usually feel better about things, like I’m one big step closer to achieving my goals.

2. Build momentum

With your mind map in hand, it’s time to prioritize.

I’ll ask myself…

• What are my goals/tasks?
• Which ones are urgent?
• Which ones can I do right now?

To get the ball rolling (aka to build momentum), I’ll start with the easiest tasks. Crossing some of them off my list makes the more complicated ones feel a lot easier.

3. Set three goals a day

Big goals are essentially just batches of little tasks all strung together, right? First thing in the morning, I like to write down three things (just three) that I want to achieve that day. I put them on a Post-It stuck someplace visible, like at the bottom of my computer screen.

Continue Reading…

1. Mood:

Happy and relaxed. I have a good feeling about the week ahead.

2. What’s your favorite number?

The number 9, because it’s my birthday.

3. Are you more outgoing or shy?

A mix of both. I’m mostly outgoing, but sometimes when I feel like I don’t have anything in common with the people around me I’ll be more of an observer.

4. How do you feel about matte nails?

They don’t really do much for my soul. I prefer shiny things, ya know?

5. Eyes/lips/cheeks:

Just moisturizer so far. Later on today I think I’ll bust out some Chanel, because I’m in the mood to channel Coco.

6. Last book you read and loved?

The Time Traveler’s Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger. I can’t wait to read her new book, Her Fearful Symmetry.

7. Brussel spouts — yay or nay?

A big fat yay! Slice them, fry ‘em in a little butter, add some salt and pepper and YUM!

8. What was the last awesome thing you bought for less than $10?

Soap & Glory’s Off Your Face Cleansing Cloths ($7). The wipes feel so soft, and the minty scent instantly wakes me up.

9. Outfit:

Plaid shorts, grey tank top, terry cloth robe. It’s still early, and I quite literally just rolled out of bed.

10. Weekly goals:

Stay relaxed, give Tabs extra loving and playtime (he’s been very interested in the front door as of late), make a new running music playlist, avoid picking my pimples (an old bad habit), stick to my deadlines.

Good morning, gals!

Dawn is breaking here in Nor Cal. I woke up earlier than usual because I was having a dream about aggressive wild turkeys chasing me around a pumpkin patch. It was funny and scary at the same time.

I hope your morning’s been mellow so far. When you get a sec, will you please fill out the Monday Poll below and let me know what’s new with you?

All you have to do is copy the list, pop in your answers and then paste it in the comments.

Le list

1. Mood:
2. What’s your favorite number?
3. Are you more outgoing or shy?
4. How do you feel about matte nails?
5. Eyes/lips/cheeks:
6. Last book you read and loved?
7. Brussel spouts — yay or nay?
8. What was the last awesome thing you bought for less than $10?
9. Outfit:
10. Weekly goals:

Talk to you soon, and have a fabulous Monday.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Ahoy, ladies! Tabs tried on his Halloween costume this afternoon and modeled it for me in the living room. What do ya think? Too much?

He’s going to a party next Saturday night, but I wasn’t invited… I still don’t have plans. I may just stay home and give out candy. That’s always fun.

Are you dressing up for Halloween?

• Yup, and I can't wait!
• Naw, I don't think so.

View Results

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Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

What were your best and worst beauty experiences of the week?

MY BEST:

Painting my nails with Lippmann Collection’s nail polish in Happy Birthday. Seeing the sparkles on my fingertips makes me smile.

MY WORST:

I was out running errands the other day when I brushed a hand across some stiff hairs on my chin… lovely. They were that really annoying kind, the stubbly ones not quite long enough to pluck. I kept obsessing about ‘em, touching my chin throughout the day and trying, unsuccessfully, to remove them with my fingernails, LOL! Eventually, I got a good enough grip with some tweezers at home…

What were your best and worst beauty experiences of the week? Lemme know in the comments!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

2008

• How Do You Wear Red Lipstick? Tips and Tricks: Like the Ol’ Faithful of lip looks, a red lip is one of the most reliable, fool-proof ways to steal the spotlight. But red and other bright lip shades can be challenging colors to wear. Here’s my secret to wearing reds.
• 10 Fantastic Smokey Eye Tutorials: I’m always looking to get better at doing smokey eyes. I’ve come across hundreds of smokey eye tutorials, and I think these 10 are some of the most helpful ones. I hope you find them useful, too!
• 11 Great Makeup Wipes and Cleansers: A few days ago of you gals then offered up your fave makeup removing wipes and cleansers in the comments. Here’s a list featuring your recommendations and why you love ‘em!
• 5 Makeup Storage Idea Starters: If you’re like me and struggle to stay organized, here are a few simple makeup storage ideas.

2007

• A Trip to the Bliss San Francisco Spa: I went to the Bliss Spa at the W Hotel in San Francisco to get a pedicure yesterday, and all I have to say is the place effing rules. I briefly thought about keeping it as a secret and not blogging about it, but then I’d be doing all women with jacked-up feet a serious disservice.
• MAC Reviews: Invisible Set Powder, Paint Pots and More: Invisible Set definitely keeps me less oily throughout the day, but on my skin it really depends on what type of base it adheres. I’ve tried it with various types of coverage, from light tinted moisturizers to medium coverage liquid foundations. By far the best results were from the heavier coverage products.
• Makeup and Beauty Tips for Breast Cancer Patients: Meet my friend, Mary Anne. She’s a breast cancer survivor and the coolest dentist I know. One of the many challenges for Mary Anne was navigating the world of makeup and beauty as a cancer patient. Here are a few great tips that she’s learned this past year on how to stay beautiful both inside and out.
• Have You Heard of DHC? They’re a RAD Japanese skin and cosmetics brand where you can buy a bunch of stuff with no English on the packaging, but you always end up with something cool. Their products are based on high quality olive oil and free of unnecessary coloring agents or irritating fragrances.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen