Glazed Donut

We are in love with this neutral shade. Some nail techs call it ‘glazed donut’, some call it ‘chrome’. Whatever the case, it turns out stunning every time. You can do a a very light neutral color as your base, (light pink, off white/white), and then, they’ll work their magic by rubbing a super fine glitter over the top for a ‘glazed/chrome’ look. It’s a really cool process!

I once did a maroon shade under neath, with ‘silver chrome’ on top and it was gorgeous! The possibilities are endless with this one. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

French Tip

You can’t go wrong with the classic french tip, but what we love most is how versatile the look can be depending on the shape, color, or style you choose! Change up this classic style with a colored tip, OR do an ‘ombre french tip’ style with a dipping powder (only certain nail techs know how to do this).

More Inspiration For You

We hope you found some new and fun manicure inspiration for your next nail appointment! Will you go bold with a new shape or color, or will you stay classy and elegant with something simple? No matter what, we’re excited you found us and feel inspired by what we love. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for your daily inspiration!

The post All The Manicure Inspiration You Need For Your Next Appointment first appeared on Inspired By This.

Image via Modern Glam

Ribbons & Bows Wallpaper

Find your device and tap below to download!

Desktop | iPhone | iPad/Tablet

Subtle Bow Wallpaper

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Desktop | iPhone | iPad/Tablet

Pink Travel Wallpaper

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Desktop | iPhone | iPad/Tablet

Coffee & Roses Wallpaper

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Desktop | iPhone | iPad/Tablet

We know, we know, it’s almost impossible to choose one of our February tech wallpapers. Why not cycle through them all?! Keep up with what our editors are reading because next month you might just find a new set of wallpapers to freshen up your screens once again!

The post February Tech Wallpapers first appeared on Inspired By This.

Fourth Wing

Rebecca Yarros

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Fiction

Goodreads rating: 4.62 stars

Story themes: fantasy, romance, dragons, magic

Synopsis: Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail faces an unexpected shift from her destined life in the Scribe Quadrant to the rigorous world of aspiring dragon riders in Navarre. Despite her physical frailty making her an easy target among competitive cadets vying for dragon bonds, Violet must navigate a dangerous landscape where survival is contingent on alliances and wit. Amidst the escalating external threats and suspicions of concealed truths, she grapples with the treacherous dynamics at Basgiath War College, where hidden motives lurk behind every relationship, compelling her to adapt swiftly or face dire consequences, for in this world, graduation or death are the only exit paths.

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Book Lovers

Emily Henry

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Goodreads rating: 4.15 stars

Story themes: second chances, family dynamics, books

Synopsis: Dive into a captivating story where Nora, a cynical author, and her former best friend, Zach, are forced to reunite to write a book together, unraveling the complexities of their past friendship and rekindling a new connection amidst the backdrop of literary escapades.

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Remarkably Bright Creatures

Shelby Van Pelt

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Goodreads rating: 4.07 stars

Story Themes: self-discovery, friendship, life transitions

Synopsis: Tova Sullivan, grappling with the disappearance of her son decades ago, finds solace in her job at Sowell Bay Aquarium. Her unlikely bond with the enigmatic Marcellus, a reclusive giant Pacific octopus, becomes a pivotal link in uncovering the mysteries surrounding her son’s vanishing. As Marcellus, with his astute intelligence, becomes determined to help Tova by unraveling the truth of that fateful night, their unusual friendship becomes a beacon of hope in her quest for closure before time runs out.

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Just For Summer

Abby Jimenez

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Goodreads rating: 4.83 stars

Story Themes: love, family, second chances

Synopsis: Justin and Emma devise a plan to counter their supposed relationship curses by dating and breaking up. However, as they engage in this unconventional arrangement, unexpected challenges arise when Emma’s family issues and Justin’s unexpected responsibilities as a guardian interfere. Amidst these hurdles, they find themselves developing genuine emotions, questioning if perhaps their connection goes beyond breaking a curse, hinting at the possibility that fate might have truly united them.

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Throne of Glass

Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Goodreads rating: 4.19

Themes: magic, survival, betrayal, strength

Synopsis: Celaena Sardothien, an assassin, is summoned to compete against deadly adversaries for her freedom in a competition held by the king. As she battles to win, mysterious deaths among the contestants unveil a sinister force within the castle, forcing Celaena to shift her focus from securing her liberty to confronting a malevolent threat that jeopardizes the kingdom’s existence.

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Where the Crawdads Sing

Delia Owens

Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction

Goodreads rating: 4.39

Story themes: nature, isolation, prejudice, survival

Synopsis: Follows Kya, a young woman who grows up isolated in the marshes, learning about life from nature itself. As she seeks human connection, her interactions with two young men from town change her world—until a devastating event alters everything. Delia Owens crafts a poignant tale blending a captivating ode to nature, a profound coming-of-age narrative, and a haunting mystery. The novel delves into the impact of isolation on human behavior while intertwining the clues to a mystery within the rich, vivid landscape and wildlife.

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The Many Lives of Mama Love

Lara Love Hardin

Genre: Memoir, Inspirational

Goodreads rating: 4.47

Story themes: motherhood, resilience, faith

Synopsis: This candid memoir detail’s the author’s descent from a seemingly perfect suburban life into addiction, crime, and incarceration, followed by her remarkable resurgence as a successful ghostwriter. Through her raw and humorous narrative, she exposes the harsh realities of jail, its peculiar social hierarchy, and her transformative journey towards redemption, navigating post-release challenges, forgiveness, and the pursuit of self-worth despite societal barriers. Her story poignantly reflects the struggle to move past one’s mistakes in a system that often hinders rehabilitation and second chances.

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The Midnight Library

Matt Haig

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy

Goodreads rating: 4

Story themes: regrets, choices, alternate lives

Synopsis: Join Nora Seed on a transformative journey through the Midnight Library, a place between life and death, where she explores alternate lives, confronting regrets, and discovering the boundless possibilities that shape our existence.

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Tom Lake

Ann Patchett

Genre:  Fiction, Short Stories

Goodreads rating: 4.12

Story themes: interconnected lives, human connections, community

Synopsis: “Tom Lake” delves into Lara’s past romance with Peter Duke, a once-ordinary man turned famous actor, revealing the intensity of their youthful love and its lingering impact on her life. As Lara recounts this tale to her daughters amid a family orchard gathering, the novel explores themes of love, nostalgia, and the complexities of life, interweaving past and present to reflect on happiness amidst life’s turmoil and the different paths individuals traverse before parenthood.

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The Daily Stoic

Ryan Holiday

Genre: Non-Fiction, Philosophy

Goodreads rating: 4.36

Story themes: stoic philosophy, self-improvement, mindfulness

Synopsis: Offering a year’s worth of timeless wisdom, this daily devotional by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman draws upon the teachings of Stoic philosophers, providing insightful meditations and practical exercises to cultivate resilience and inner strength.

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Every Summer After

Carley Fortune

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Goodreads rating: 4.23

Story themes: family secrets, friendships, summer memories

Synopsis: Join Persephone Fraser’s return to Barry’s Bay, as she revisits her past and reunites with Sam Florek, the man she once deeply loved. As they confront unresolved feelings during a weekend overshadowed by a funeral, the novel unfolds over six years, exploring the evolution of their relationship, the impact of past mistakes, and the enduring question of whether their love can withstand the weight of their shared history. With a nostalgic lens, the story delves into pivotal moments that shape their lives, emphasizing the profound effects of choices and the complexities of love.

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None of This is True

Lisa Jewell

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Goodreads rating: 4.01

Story themes: secrets, friendships, suspense

Synopsis: Brace yourself for a thrilling ride as Lisa Jewell intricately weaves the lives of four friends, revealing shocking secrets and hidden truths, leading to a gripping conclusion that challenges everything they thought they knew.

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You with a View

Jessica Joyce

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Goodreads rating: 4.19

Story themes: love, mistaken identity, humor

Synopsis: Follow Noelle Shepard’s quest to uncover her grandmother’s hidden love story after discovering old photos and letters. When her viral TikTok video connects her with her grandmother’s former love, Paul, Noelle eagerly agrees to join him on the delayed honeymoon road-trip they never had. Complications arise when Theo, Noelle’s high-school rival and Paul’s grandson, accompanies them. Which leads to unexpected sparks and tension during their two-week journey. However, close quarters and shared moments ignite romantic possibilities.

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The Unmaking of June Farrow

Adrienne Young

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Goodreads rating: 4.24

Story themes: adventure, resilience, self-discovery

Synopsis: June Farrow is determined to break her family’s enduring curse, solve her mother’s disappearance, and confront the town’s mysterious past. As June grapples with peculiar occurrences and uncovers cryptic clues following her grandmother’s death, she embarks on a perilous journey through a mysterious door, intertwining the fate of her lineage and her heart in an epic tale of romance, mystery, and the inexplicable. Adrienne Young crafts a captivating narrative weaving together elements of love, enigma, and the extraordinary, promising a story of unforgettable proportions.

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Divine Rivals

Rebecca Ross

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Goodreads rating: 4.27

Story themes:  magic, rivalry, romance

Synopsis: Two young rival journalists, Iris and Roman, discover a magical bond that intertwines their fates amid a war among gods. As the gods engage in conflict after centuries of dormancy, Iris seeks to support her family while vying for a columnist position. Through exchanged letters with Roman, they form a connection that transcends rivalry, guiding them into the heart of battle. Love becomes a powerful force in their quest for family, humanity’s fate, and each other.

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Which books will you be adding to your shelf for 2024? If you’re looking for even more inspiration to grow your personal library, check out our list of 15 Binge-Worthy Books for Your Reading Line-up!

The post 15 Books to Help You Reach Your Reading Goal in 2024 first appeared on Inspired By This.

Image via Business Insider

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Sarah J Maas

• Genre: Fantasy Fiction
• Goodreads rating: 4.20 stars
• Story themes: fantasy, romance, suspense, adventure
• Synopsis: Set in a world divided between mortal humans and immortal fae, ACOTAR follows the thrilling journey of Feyre Archeron, a human girl who is taken captive by Tamlin, a faerie lord, after killing what she thought was a wolf in the woods. As Feyre spends more time in Tamlin’s court, she discovers a world of magic and danger beyond her imagination. However, a shadowy threat looms over the faerie world, and Feyre must navigate a complex web of politics, alliances, and betrayals in order to save Tamlin and his court from destruction. Along the way, she confronts her own prejudices and biases towards the faerie world, and begins to question everything she thought she knew about herself and her place in the world.

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It Ends with Us

Colleen  Hoover

• Genre: Romance Fiction
• Goodreads rating: 4.27 stars
• Story themes: love, domestic violence, trauma, and forgiveness.
• Synopsis: Lily Bloom is a young woman who has just moved to Boston to start a new life. She meets Ryle Kincaid, a handsome neurosurgeon, and they quickly fall in love. However, Lily soon discovers that Ryle has a dark side, and she must confront the truth about him and her past.

Truth be told, we think Colleen Hoover’s books are all binge-worthy!

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Verity

Colleen Hoover

• Genre: Thriller Romance
• Goodreads rating: 4.36 stars
• Story Themes: love, loss, betrayal, and psychological suspense.
• Synopsis: Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer who is hired to complete the remaining books in a bestselling series after the original author, Verity Crawford, is injured in a car accident. Lowen travels to the Crawford family’s secluded estate to go through Verity’s notes, where she discovers an unfinished autobiography that reveals disturbing secrets about Verity and her family. As Lowen becomes more involved with the family, she becomes increasingly unsure if Verity’s injuries were truly accidental, and if she herself is in danger. 

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Happy Place

Emily Henry

• Genre: Romance novel
• Goodreads rating: 4.41 stars
• Story Themes: self-growth, friendship, growing up, changing, grief, and mental illness
• Synopsis: Harper Evans has lost her way in life. After her career falls apart and her relationship ends, Harper retreats to her childhood vacation spot, a lake house in a small Michigan town. There, she reconnects with her family and meets a charming and mysterious man named Adam. As Harper begins to rebuild her life, she discovers a box of letters and journals that belonged to her late mother, which leads her to uncover long-buried family secrets. Through these revelations, Harper gains a new understanding of herself, her family, and the importance of finding happiness in unexpected places.

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Taylor Jenkins Reid

• Genre: Historical Fiction
• Goodreads rating: 4.45
• Themes: love, ambition, power, and the price of fame
• Synopsis: Evelyn Hugo spent years building her legacy as an iconic Hollywood actress. In the present day, Evelyn is an elderly recluse who surprises the world by giving a tell-all interview to an unknown journalist named Monique Grant. The book alternates between Monique’s present-day perspective and Evelyn’s recollections of her rise to fame in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, as well as her seven marriages to various Hollywood power players. As Evelyn reveals her darkest secrets and scandals to Monique, the journalist must confront her own personal demons and learn the truth about why Evelyn chose her for the interview.

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One Italian Summer 

Rebecca Serle

• Genre: Contemporary Romance
• Goodreads rating: 3.62
• Story themes: sisterhood, family, love, and self-discovery
• Synopsis: Three sisters, three summers, and the one villa in Italy that changes their lives forever. Maria, Violet, and Celia, are sent to spend the summer in their family’s villa in Italy. Maria is the responsible older sister who has always taken care of her younger siblings. Violet is the wild child, who is determined to make the most of her summer in Italy. Celia is the baby of the family, who is struggling to find her place in the world. As the sisters navigate the challenges of love, family, and growing up, they discover secrets about their family’s past that threaten to tear them apart.

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Lessons in Chemistry

Bonnie Garmus

• Genre: Satire, Historical Fiction
• Goodreads rating: 4.35
• Story themes: motherhood, gender roles, career aspirations, and the intersection of science and creativity
• Synopsis: In the 1960s, Della dreams of becoming a scientist but finds herself limited by societal expectations. When she becomes pregnant and is forced to drop out of graduate school, Della takes a job as a television cooking show host, using her scientific knowledge to create innovative recipes. As she navigates the challenges of being a single mother and a woman in a male-dominated field, Della learns to find fulfillment in unexpected places and fights to achieve her dreams.

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The Last Thing he Told Me

Laura Dave

• Genre: Mystery-thriller Novel
• Goodreads rating: 3.86
• Story themes: family, love, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child
• Synopsis: Hannah Hall’s life is upended when her husband disappears, leaving behind a cryptic note telling her to protect their daughter, Bailey. As Hannah investigates her husband’s past and uncovers long-buried secrets, she and Bailey must learn to trust each other and navigate a dangerous web of lies and deception.

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The Giver of Stars

Jojo Moyes

• Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction
• Goodreads rating: 4.28
• Story themes: Friendship, love, independence, and the power of books to transform lives
• Synopsis: A  group of women in rural Kentucky who become the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky, delivering books to families in remote areas during the Great Depression. As the women face challenges from both the harsh wilderness and the townspeople who are suspicious of their work, they form a close bond and fight for their right to education and literacy.

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One True Loves

Taylor Jenkins Reid

• Genre: Romance Fiction, ChickLit
• Goodreads rating: 4.09
• Story themes: love, loss, grief, and the idea of soulmates
• Synopsis: Emma Blair  must choose between her high school sweetheart, Jesse, who she thought died in a helicopter crash, and her new fiancé, Sam, whom she met and fell in love with while Jesse was gone. As Emma grapples with the heart-wrenching decision of choosing between her two great loves, she must confront her own identity and what truly matters to her in life.

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Daisy Jones & The Six

Taylor Jenkins Reid

• Genre: Historical Fiction
• Goodreads rating: 4.24
• Story themes: love, passion, addiction, and the cost of fame
• Synopsis: 1970s rock band, Daisy Jones & The Six, has a thrilling journey on their rise to fame. The novel is written in an oral history format, with each chapter being a transcription of interviews with the band members, their friends, and family, and other people in the music industry. As the band navigates their complex relationships and personal struggles, they create iconic music that captures the essence of the era.

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Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

Gabrielle Zevin

• Genre: Literary fiction, Romance
• Goodreads rating: 4.25
• Story themes: mortality, identity, relationships, and the intersection of science and ethics
• Synopsis: Lenny is diagnosed with a rare terminal disease and given only a few months to live. As Lenny grapples with her mortality and the regrets and joys of her life, she is given the opportunity to participate in a radical medical experiment that allows her to live for longer than expected. As she navigates this new lease on life, Lenny must confront the ethical and personal implications of extending life beyond its natural limits.

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The Silent Patient

Alex Michaelides

• Genre: Psychological thriller
• Goodreads rating: 4.18
• Story themes: trauma, obsession, and the blurred lines between reality and perception.
• Synopsis: A famous artist named Alicia Berenson murders her husband and never speaks again. Following many years being in a psychiatric ward, a psychotherapist named Theo Faber becomes obsessed with her case and sets out to unravel the mystery of why Alicia killed her husband and what drove her to stop speaking.

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I’m Glad My Mom Died

Jeanette McCurdy

• Genre: Memoir
• Goodreads rating: 4.52
• Story themes: self-discovery, healing, and the power of forgiveness
• Synopsis: In this emotional memoir, Jeanette pens her complicated relationship with her mother, who struggled with addiction and mental health issues. After her mother’s sudden death, McCurdy reflects on their difficult past and comes to terms with her complicated feelings of grief, relief, and guilt.

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The Perfect Marriage

Jeneva Rose

• Genre: Thriller
• Goodreads rating: 4.01
• Story themes: trust, deception, and the dark underbelly of seemingly perfect relationships
• Synopsis: James and Jessica who seem to have the perfect marriage, but their seemingly idyllic life is shattered when Jessica goes missing. As James becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance, he must navigate a web of lies, secrets, and betrayals to uncover the truth about what happened to his wife.

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Which binge-worthy books will you be adding to your summer reading lineup?! If you’re looking for even more inspiration to grow your personal library, check out more of our articles here!

The post 15 Binge-Worthy Books For Your Summer Reading Lineup first appeared on Inspired By This.

Founder of Be Inspired PR, Leila Lewis, shares about the inspiration,

“The heart behind this Inspired By Motherhood event was to take care of moms emotionally and physically. I wanted to provide them with tools that will support their motherhood journey. With Mother’s Day approaching, we wanted to give them a break from their everyday duties as a mom, to be inspired and find community. We did just that. We took care of our mamas and I’m so grateful for the team that helped us pull it off. It was no small feat, and I’m proud of what we came together to do.”

Producer, Be Inspired PR shares,

“With Mother’s Day right around the corner, we knew we wanted to celebrate our motherhood community with an unforgettable brunch full of chic decor, custom gifting, and one extra special surprise no one saw coming!

We hosted 30 moms of all different stages – from first-time pregnant mamas, to mamas with teeny newborns at home, to mamas with kids heading into middle school. This intimate celebration focused on giving each mom a moment to feel appreciated and pampered. Our incredible photographer, Lisette Gatliff, and videographer, JuiceBox Media, captured every little detail. They, along with planner, Gianna San Filippo, carefully curated every moment for this event at The Revery. 

When guests arrived, they kicked off the festivities by treating themselves to mocktails, out of Hoddebros‘s adorable Airstream! Guests stepped into the space and found an explosion of color, thanks to our florist, Hidden Garden Flowers. Their team set up the color blocked tablescape of our dreams with complementary rentals from La Pinata Party and Collective Rentals. In the background, we had a live musician from On The Beat Music Agency creating the perfect ambience. Each place setting had color-coordinated paper goods, name cards, and drink tags, thanks to Chelcea Cupples Creative and Delovely Details! The entire space had an extra dose of color with larger-than-life balloon installations from Balloon Avenue LA. We can’t forget about our amazing backdrop from Hello Pretty Events!“

Be Inspired PR continues,

“As everyone took their seats, a multi-course upscale brunch, courtesy of the team behind Colette’s Catering, awaited them. Our CEO and founder, Leila Lewis, welcomed everyone and gave an intro for one of our keynote speakers, Dawn McCoy, founder of the Loving Way Foundation. Next up, we heard from Dr. Katie Marks-Cogan, an allergist with our friends at Ready. Set. Food! She taught all the moms in attendance about the importance of introducing allergens, safely and early, to children. Finally, for the ultimate surprise that no one expected. We treated guests to a special video presentation, where we had secretly coordinated with each guests family and friends to send in videos of their loved ones. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when their kids and loved ones shared a ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ message!

Before everyone headed home, guests received custom gift baskets that featured products from some of our favorite brands for moms! Ready. Set. Food! generously gifted early allergen introduction products like their oatmeals, bars, and mix-ins, catering to each mom’s needs based on her kids’ ages. The baskets (from The Little Market) also featured diapers from Millie Moon, vitamins from Pink Stork, beauty products from Summer Fridays, denim jackets from Three Wildflower Designs, mealtime kits from EZPZ, pajamas from Hanna Andersson, custom labels from Mabel’s Labels, baby carriers from Tula x Oddbird, robes from Oddbird, and sweatshirts from Baby Barn. Every single guest left feeling oh-so-loved!“

We love coming together to plan the best of the best events and this ‘Inspired By Motherhood’ event was everything we dreamed it would be. Want to see more of our events? Check out this black and white Tassels and Tastemakers networking event we hosted in Cabo!

The post Our 2023 Inspired By Motherhood Event first appeared on Inspired By This.

Image via MyDomaine

1. Find a scheduling system that works for you

Pomodoro method, batch scheduling, task management, oh my! There are hundreds of results that will pop up on any given Google search for efficient work systems. Our best tip is to figure out what works best for you. Some of our editors prefer to have specific time blocks of their day dedicated to specific tasks: they check emails for the first hour of their morning, then move on to social media content scheduling in the next hour, then edit articles, and so on. Sticking to one task during a given timeframe helps them maximize their efficiency. 

On the other hand, a few of our editors prefer a “rewards-driven” philosophy, like the Pomodoro method : set a timer for 25 minutes to stay focused, and when the timer goes off, treat yourself to a short break. That might look like a refill on your iced coffee, a quick stretch, or a lap around your block. Take the time to test out a few different systems and find out which one makes you your best, most productive self. We guarantee you’ll be setting yourself up for success every work day!

2. Create a dedicated work space

You’d be surprised just how much of a game changer a dedicated work space can be! Especially for those of us working from home. This can help create firmer boundaries between work and your home life. That way you can mimic the feeling of being in an office space during work hours and “clocking out” when the day is done. 

The key here is to work with what you’ve got! A spare bedroom that can be turned into a dedicated office for you would of course be the dream, but it’s definitely not a requirement. The next best thing is having a desk. We can’t emphasize an actual desk chair. That means no kitchen table chairs (trust us, your back will thank you for choosing something comfortable and good for your posture). If you’re working with even more limited space, we suggest a “work kit.” Get a tray you love from Target or Amazon and store your laptop, keyboard, planner, a notebook etc. on it. When you’re starting your work day, bring your tray to whatever work space you’re using (the kitchen counter, your couch, your patio, etc.). You’ll have everything you need for the day and a miniature office-to-go to keep you feeling productive!

Image via Blogilates

3. Add moments of movement wherever you can

Consider me influenced by TikTok: I jumped on the treadmill pad bandwagon and I’m never looking back. This piece of equipment is perfect for rainy days, and also quickly become a big part of every work day. I usually slide my treadmill pad under my desk. (Note: a standing desk is best, but I’ve been successful using my regular desk and an adjustable laptop stand). I keep the speed on low, for safety of course, so that I can walk while I work every morning. My workflow is typically to focus on emails and phone calls in the morning before I take a lunch break. I’ve found the treadmill pad is perfect while I’m working on these types of tasks. After a nourishing lunch (more on that in a bit!) I slide the treadmill pad away and stay seated for the rest of my work day. I’m able to get in my 10,000 steps (often more!) easily before noon each day!

The treadmill pad is definitely a major must-have for me. However, it’s not the only way to fit movement into your day. Spend your lunch break taking a walk around your neighborhood with your favorite audiobook or podcast. You can even squeeze in a 30 minute workout class in your living room. I love obé but there are endless apps and options out there. You can even bring out your mat and have a quick yoga session. The goal here is to make sure you’re getting small bits of movement into your day. This is especially important if a majority of your work is spent sitting in front of a computer.

4. Prioritize healthy meals

Working from home creates so many possibilities for nourishing, fueling meals to keep you feeling satisfied. It also helps you stay productive throughout the day. If you prefer to use your lunch breaks for tasks beyond eating, like reading or fitting in one of those quick workout sessions, meal prepping will be your best friend. Don’t worry – this doesn’t mean you have to eat the same thing every day. I love to “semi-meal prep” each Sunday by doing things like chopping vegetables into bite-sizes for snacking, cooking and dicing chicken, or steaming brown rice so that I have the beginning stages of various lunches started, but I’m not committed to eating the same meal each day. For me, being able to create a meal that is based on what I’m craving that day, not what I decided to make 3 or 4 days earlier, makes it easier for me to avoid ordering takeout!

5. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Let’s keep this one short and sweet! Dehydration = serious brain fog. While everyone on our team has gotten on the Stanley Cup train, use whatever method works best for you to ensure you’re getting enough water throughout the day. It really does make all the difference in the world in keeping you focused and energized to be your best working self.

Image via Green Healthy Cooking

Are you a fan of our working girl’s game changing habits? Be sure to also check out our 5 tips for working from home.

The post The Working Girl’s Game Changing Habits first appeared on Inspired By This.

Image via @byleahrogers

Start Your Day with a Gratitude Practice or Something You Love.

If you’re someone who’s guilty of hitting “snooze” a few too many times in the morning, then this is for you! I promise that having a healthy morning routine (filled with things that you actually ENJOY) will make a world of difference for your entire day. While everyone’s morning routine will look a little different, these are the things that make my mornings oh-so-enjoyable:

• Making my bed & lighting my favorite candle. This is essential for creating a peaceful morning ambiance!
• Whipping up my favorite drink. I typically bounce between chai tea lattes or matcha lattes (you can also add a scoop of collagen for health benefits!) 3. Journaling outside for 30 mins. I like to take this time to focus on what I’m grateful for and align my focus for the day. This typically puts me in a good mood & I feel ready to tackle the workday!

Image via @homewithkelsey

Move Your Body Throughout the Day

Is your posture screaming, “I sit hunched over my desk all day!” Yeah…same. I think we all could be better about moving our bodies more throughout the workday. Lately, I’ve been setting a timer for every 30 mins to 1 hour, so I can stand up and stretch. This doesn’t have to be for a long period of time, but adding a little extra movement is beneficial for our blood flow, circulation, and overall focus. When we stay in one position for too long, our bodies stiffen and leave more room for brain fog, discomfort, and… bad posture.

Batch Your Tasks

What exactly is task batching?! This is where you take a similar set of tasks or projects and set them aside for a specific time of day. One of the most common examples of task batching is responding to emails within a certain hour (or two) of the day. The goal of task batching is to improve overall focus and productivity. So, if you’re someone who gets easily side-tracked, then this time management tool is for you! Personally, I like to go a step further and plug my tasks into work management systems like Asana and set timers on my phone for each batch.

Image via @jar.of.lemons

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Whenever our bodies are dehydrated, we’re more likely to feel sluggish, be less productive, and our cortisol levels can spike (leading to STRESS!) And while I would love to sip on lattes all day long, I know how important it is to prioritize water throughout the workday. Staying hydrated helps with our overall focus, alertness, and attention span, which is important when you have projects to complete! That’s why I love water bottles like the one from Healthish because it helps me track my water intake every hour. 

Take Your Lunch Breaks!

This one might seem obvious, but I’ve definitely been guilty of working through a lunch break or two. It is so important to give your mind and body a little break during the workday, so you feel refueled and recharged. Personally, I like to completely step away from my computer during this time and use it as an excuse to get a little extra sunlight! During your next lunch break, try walking or biking down to a local restaurant and eating outside. I guarantee that Vitamin D will boost your mood!

Image via @jar.of.lemons

Declutter & Personalize Your Space

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as working in a clean & comfortable environment!  Whenever my desk or office feels organized, my brain also feels organized. That’s why I’m always looking for new ways to freshen up my workspace & why I make it a priority to clean up my desk at the end of every day.

Commit to a Post-Work Routine

When the clock strikes 5:30 PM, it’s time for me to log off! My post-work ritual is just as important as my morning routine because I always want to end the day on a positive note. Whether this includes going to the gym, cooking dinner with my boyfriend, or lounging on the couch with my favorite book – I try to implement a few things that will help me wind down and reset.

The post 7 Healthy Habits to Implement Throughout Your Work Day first appeared on Inspired By This.

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1. Asana

We’re hardcore Asana stans over here! From reminders to send follow up emails to tracking tasks for writing the articles we love to write (and you love to read!), our team loves using Asana’s task tracking system to stay on top of all the things!

2. Slack

Are you even working in the 21^st century if you’re not living that Slack life?! We use Slack for easy access to communicate with each other to follow up on ideas, questions, projects, and, of course, to chat about the latest episode of The Bachelor that we all watched the previous night. Slack is super helpful for allowing us to check in with each other for quick questions without having to send an email, which could easily get buried in our inboxes!

3. Spotify

We love having Spotify on in the background while we work to have some music playing to keep us motivated! While our tastes range from lofi beats to Taylor Swift’s latest album, we all prefer having a little background noise rather than complete silence to keep the day from feeling like it’s dragging on.

4. Toggl

Toggl is a desktop app that allows you to start and stop a timer to track how long it takes you to work on a task, which can be super helpful to find out which tasks are taking longer than expected (or necessary!). Our team loves to use Toggl to help figure out where we could be even more efficient in our workdays, which is always a win!

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5. Mailtrack

If your job is anything like ours, it includes lots of time spent in what one of our editors affectionately calls “an inbox hole.” Mailtrack creates notifications to let you know if, and when, a recipient has opened your email, which can end up saving you so much time! If we can see that someone hasn’t yet read our email, we’re not stressing about sending a follow up email just yet to see if they’re interested in our idea.

6. Notion

If you need a glowing recommendation for Notion, one of our editors literally said “I could simply not exist without Notion” – it doesn’t get more convincing than that! It’s a task management system similar to Asana, but with tons of customization options to create a more unique experience to fit your own needs. Sign us up!!!

7. Focus Mode on our iPhones

One of the saving graces each and every one of our team members relies on is the Focus Mode setting on our iPhones. We love this feature during work hours to limit text notifications to only our team members so that we aren’t distracted by friends or family members popping into our phones throughout the day. A major benefit of working from home is the flexibility that comes with it, but we don’t want that to start dragging down our work quality by ending up on FaceTime with a friend for over an hour, which we’d never do if we were in an office. 

*Pro tip: get outside for a little fresh air and exercise each day and take a midday walk around your neighborhood – this is the perfect time to check your phone and respond to any non-work related texts or calls that have come in so far that day!

8. Alarms on our iPhones

A few of our editors have found that they work most efficiently when they time block their days to do batch work, meaning they’ll set a timer to focus on one specific task at a time, rather than jumping back and forth between multiple projects. Using timers and alarms on our phones is the easiest way for us to stay on task and to let us know when it’s time to move on to the next item on our to-do list!

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Already use some (or all!) of these apps? Drop a comment and let us know which one is your fave! Are there any that we missed? Tell us below so that we can be in the loop and we’ll all be our best working selves!

The post The 8 Apps Our Editors Swear By For Productive Work Days first appeared on Inspired By This.

Image via @fancythingsblog

Leila

Enneagram: 3

ENFJ-T: Protagonist

“I’m an extrovert! I think out loud and get energy from being with others. I prefer structure and planning. I like to be in the know to ease my anxieties and know the job is getting done. I’m always looking to improve – to do better and be better. I put my trust in God and know that he is with me on both the mountain and in the valley.”

Katie

Enneagram: 3

ESFJ-A: Consul

“I value clarity and prefer structure and planning as opposed to spontaneity. I try to refuse to worry too much about an issue at hand, and instead be solution-oriented on how we can fix it. I have also learned that I place huge importance on words, I love feeling reassured that I am doing my job well and it is being recognized, and in turn, I love to provide that for other people as well!”

Image via @Pinterest

Clara

Enneagram: 1

ISFJ-T: Defender

“I’m a planner through and through – spontaneity is not my friend! I like to have an action plan in place for all of my projects, which is why I also enjoy helping to brainstorm new ideas and solutions to stay involved in the planning process for any task. I prefer direct and to-the-point communication about projects so I can get you exactly what you need, how you need it! I tend to say yes to anything to help out my coworkers, so I like knowing how high the priority is on a project to be able to prioritize my to-do list.”

Aubrey

Enneagram: 7

ESFJ-A: Consul

“I live & breathe for collaboration! I believe that “togetherness” plays such an important role in bringing visions to life & making things happen; especially in partnerships. I am very much a team player & am always striving to do my part to the best of my ability in order to make sure that the team as a whole can continue to thrive! In light of both of these values, I always aim to listen well to others while being enthusiastic & diligent in communicating to make sure the job gets done.”

Caroline

Enneagram: 1

INFJ-T: Advocate

“I am someone who thrives in a creative collaborative environment where we can bounce ideas off of one another! Although I love working in groups, I do often try to take on as many projects as I can by myself before I ask for help. This is both my strength, and my weakness because I hold myself to a high standard, but it’s hard for me to know when to stop. I prefer to take the weight off of others’ shoulders! This is why I really appreciate words of affirmation and knowing my help is needed and appreciated.”

Image via @sugarpaperla

Connie

Enneagram: 3

ENFJ: Protagonist

“I would say my work style is a silent hustler — if you give me a task, I’m going to do it! I’m a high communicator, who’s never afraid to ask questions & believes in leading through authentic example.”

Natalie

Enneagram: 2

ENFJ-T: Protagonist

“While working, I like to seek out others’ opinions when it applies to invoke a sense of community in my own life. I enjoy offering others words of validation when they have worked on something that I’m a part of. I want to feel like someone that everyone can rely on while getting my own tasks done as well.”

Ashley

Enneagram: 2

INFJ-A: Advocate

“With limited time, I appreciate being given deadlines well in advance so I can plan my schedule accordingly – last-minute deadlines can be stressful to meet! I’m a conscientious worker most guided by my morals and I highly value warmth, kindness, and honesty in my co-workers.”

Image via @sugarpaperla

If you haven’t taken the time to take the Enneagram and Myers Briggs Personality Tests, you should! Not only is it an amazing way to learn more about yourself and how you work best, but it can help connect your co-workers and team!

The post Our Team’s Enneagrams and Personality Types: How We Work Best first appeared on Inspired By This.

Image via @brightenmade

01. Declutter Your Space

Before starting, you’ll have to get rid of items taking up too much space. For instance, if you have old papers, folders, pens, and other clutter lying around… it’s time to either put or throw them away! Once you have cleared your space, you’ll be able to freshen it up!

02. Switch up the Scents

One of our favorite parts about spring is all the fabulous scents it brings. If you want to switch things up in your work-from-home space, consider investing in some air fresheners or candles. These fresh scents will liven up your room and help increase productivity!

Image via Pinterest

03. Switch out the Decor

If you’re looking to switch it up, consider replacing photos in your frames, buying some flowers, or new desk organizers. Keeping things fresh allows you to stay motivated productive and creates a peaceful space. If you’re tired of the look your current work-from-home area brings, treat yourself to something new!

04. Organize the Extras

Even if you’ve decluttered the space, there might be some things you can’t get rid of. Whether planners, office supplies, or books, consider purchasing some organizers for your area. This could be cubbies, boxes, or other smaller desk organizers. When you have a special place for everything, life gets a whole lot easier.

Image via @iamstyle-ish

05. Label Everything!

Now that you’ve entirely re-organized your space, it’s time to take it one step further. If everything has a special place, why not label it? Take the time to mark the drawers and organizers for your WFH office. This way, everything will stay in place and clean this spring!

Working from home can quickly clutter up your space. In between the technology, papers, pens, and more, it’s easy for things to get messy. This is why we’ve shared with you five ways to give your WFH space a spring freshening up. Happy cleaning!

The post How to Give your WFH Space a Spring Freshening Up first appeared on Inspired By This.