Productivity vs Complexity

by with No Comment inspirationmotivation

complexity is the enemy of execution – tony robbins

I was talking to a girlfriend of mine who needed a lil guidance in the productivity part of her life, and after our Zoom call I decided I really wanted to share with you what I shared with her.

Working for yourself is such a beautiful thing but it’s also a very difficult thing because a) you’re your own boss aka self motivation b) you must be relentless and fearless aka what even are days off and who doesn’t get a lil bit insecure at times and c) you’ve gotta map it all out aka be more organized than even I am comfortable with.

Let’s be real, I’m not especially organized, I’m also not great with being told what to do (even by my own self), and I struggle with creative blocks and time management just like most people. Let’s get through this list together, day by day and goal by goal.

Things that clutter my day & how I tackle them like a line backer

1. Social media– tricky tricky bc new media is a huge part of my job. The work around is that I block out times for this. I TRY not to look at my phone until after my workout each morning but some days just getcha! I do try to be really specific and intentional however. I post, let it go (it’s in the world now Jess let’s not overthink this), respond, engage, and get out. I get on with the day and save mindless scrolling for the end of the day bc I’m a lurker too

Hot Tip: try setting an alarm and after 20-30 mins close it out before you get sucked into the rabbit hole of bread faceplants and squishy sounds

2. Overthinking all that I need to do– we can get paralyzed by our task lists, the inaction caused by anxiety is real. Instead of overthinking, just GO. List your top 3 things the night before that you would feel productive af completing, even if you get nothing else done in the day. No negotiating with yourself, no excuses and I promise even if you just get that one thing crossed off, you’ll feel powered up to complete the rest

Hot Tip: Be Focused Timer & The 4 Hour Workweek

3. Working from bed and NOT getting my body moving right away. I’ve learned from this habit bc it doesn’t work for me. It works for some people, know what works for you. Listen to your body bc mental health is everything, so if you need a moment, take it. But if you don’t, then make it… the bed that is

Hot Tip: Productivity Planner baby!

I’ve learned that when starting anything- whether it’s a new career, pursuing a passion, or beginning again, there will always be resistance, there will always be a ‘better’ time, and life will always happen… just begin.

I hope some of my productivity tools help you and I’d love to know how you manage your time. What are some things you do each day to make sure you’re sticking to the path? Distractions are natural and I love wondering from the path too, just remember come back and keep trekking along <3

Gift Guide – For The Littles

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for the munchkins and anyone who is young at heart

Even though I created this gift guide specifically for the littles in our lives, I think anyone on your list would love to receive them because they’re all so fun! Let me explain.

Food Between Friends Cookbook – best friends Julie and Jesse (Julie is my friend and her stories will make you want to cook all the things!) whip together their favorite recipes, putting their own Southern and Southwestern spins on them in this cookbook perfect for your family! Teach ’em how to cook young, let them help you put the ingredients together, and share time in the kitchen with them … this is still one of my favorite things to do with Corrine. Available now for pre-order, March 9th is the day! I’m including it now because this kind of gift is perfect for any time of year

Annoying Orange plush toys – pssst, did you know that yours truly is the voice of Lil Sis, Annoying Orange’s little sister?! I represent other characters in the YouTube series and have been friends with the creators for over 10 years now. I’m so proud to include them in my gift guide and what they’ve accomplished, and I know your little (or your friends) would be proud to have a plush toy like this around. Squishiesss are all the rage

Valerie Confections – the most decadent of treats, this local treasure was founded by chocolatier Valerie Gordon and her partner Stan Weightman Jr. A perfect gift for the littles under the tree this year and anyone who loves a sweet treat! She’s also offering holiday menus if you live in the Los Angeles area, check it out

Paper Please stationary and gifts – founded by my friends Christine & Friedia, this local stationary shop has all of your paper needs and adorable gifts to include this holiday season. I especially love their puzzles, books, and sticker sets that you can decorate together with your little ones. Get artsy!

This Saves Lives treats – besides being delicious and nutritious, this bar saves lives. With every purchase from This Saves Lives you send a packet of life-saving food to a child in need, providing a packet of powerful peanut paste full of vitamins and nutrients specifically made to treat severe acute malnutrition. I really wanted to include this philanthropic company because … what a wonderful way to get your kiddos to eat well than to present it to them in this most beautiful packaging! I’ve had almost every one of their snack bars and I’m here to tell you that when you purchase a box for the littles, purchase a box for yourself too

And there you have it! The last of my gift guides this holiday season, I have one more treat for you coming up this Friday. I really wanted to showcase my friend’s companies, highlight local businesses to support, and encourage everyone to shop small when you can. Me love you.

Will this be for him, for her, for the littles, or for the ones that have it all?

Tips and Ideas for Being More Active in the House

by with No Comment entertainmentfitnesshealthinspirationmental healthtips and trickswellness

In light of coronavirus, millions of people across the world are working from home. While working from home may have countless benefits, it also poses some challenges. While working from home, you perform most of the tasks while sitting in one spot either from your laptop or smartphone. Staying in one place for extended periods can lead to a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle.

So, to ensure that you stay active while indoors, here are some essential tips to help you stay fit.

Take a Walk Daily

Make it a part of your routine and a necessity to walk for at least fifteen minutes daily. Just walk around your neighborhood, either before you start working or after work. Walking enhances the pumping of blood and also boosts metabolism. Experts also say that regular walks boost your moods and help in weight management.

Use a Fitness Application to Exercise

Just like other endeavors, keeping track of your fitness program when having to stay indoors all the time can be difficult. But today there are so many options online hat will help you stay on track. On the app store there are many fitness apps to choose from, one of them being the 30 Day Fitness Challenge that has a variety of different workouts you can do, like this slim waist workout at home for example. A combination of working out regularly and healthy eating, will help you stay on top of your fitness game.

Involve Yourself in Cleaning Activities

Cleaning your house is a win-win situation. Going up and downstairs, lifting laundry, and being on the feet from time to time is a good way of exercising. Also, having a clean house improves your mental health too.

Use Household Tools as Weights

You can improvise the household items if you’re used to going to the gym regularly. For example, you can use a pack of rice as weights or even water bottles. Besides, you can run up and down the stairs for a couple of times, and try to make the run as much intensity as possible. This will get you sweating in a matter of minutes.

Dance

Put on some music and make your living room a dance hall. Dancing is a good way of keeping yourself active while indoors, as well a great mood-improving activity. Dance is proven to be a useful type of workout that burns as many excess calories as bike riding, walking, or even swimming. But the intensity of dance, the effort you integrate, and length of the dance determines the calories you burn.

Walk around during Calls

If you are not on a call that needs you to use a webcam or laptop, consider standing and strolling around while on the call. This is undoubtedly an incredible way of performing some stretches and getting some extra steps in.

Include Online Yoga Classes

Yoga isn’t only essential for your overall physical health; it is also a fantastic way of boosting your general wellness. The reason for this is that yoga lowers stress and improves your emotional health and sleep patterns. Besides, it reduces neck pain, low-back pain, and manages depressive and anxiety symptoms.

These are just some ideas for staying active during a time we are encouraged to leave our homes less as possible. Do you have any useful suggestions to add to this list? What have you been doing to stay active? I’d love to know!

 

xoxo- Jess

Staying On Track In 2020!

by with No Comment familyhealthholidayholidaysinspirationlifestylemotivationreviewswellness

I’ve partnered with Green Giant, Optimum Nutrition, vitafusion and L’il Critters as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Can you believe we’re already through January and walking firmly into the rest of the new decade?! We launched this year with goal sharing and our family’s resolutions for the year and I wanted to check in and see where we all are now that the first month of the 2020 is coming to a close <3 

To recap: our family wants to eat more meals together, eat healthier, be more active, and take our vitamins! I’m happy to report that we’ve been staying on track *praise hands* I went to our local Walmart at the start of this month and picked up some things that have helped us to stay focused and support our wellness goals. 

My top picks are the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein and Essential Amino Energy, the Green Giant Veggie Hash Browns, and vitafusion – with a shout out to the L’il Critters too! I hope you enter the Resolutions at Walmart Sweepstakes and do it with us. Here we gooo!

I mean, this Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein is Vanilla Ice Cream flavored, travel friendly (oh hai tumbler), perfect for in between meals, and it’s SO delicious that you can mix it with just water and go! This protein is so important with how often we’re working out and helps us meet our daily protein requirements. Win win.

Essential Amino Energy not only gives us energy and focus for those workouts, but also helps support muscle recovery … perfect for bootcamp heyyy. I love this Fruit Fusion flavor!

vitafusion Men and Women’s Gummy Vitamins have been such a yummy way for us to be nutritious and get our daily vitamins in. They are the #1 Gummy Vitamin Brand and the only gummy vitamin brand with “clinically proven absorption”. Sure, those are great facts but the fact that as adults we’re taking our vitamins daily … super win! 

The L’il Critters Children’s Gummy Vitamins are a perfect way to get you little ones to take their vitamins. They’re fun, taste great, and are this cute lil gummy bear shaped! There’s no artificial sweeteners or flavors in them, and is the only gummy vitamin brand with “doctor tested proven nutrient absorption”. Again, win win!

*For Vitamins C & D3 in products that contain those nutrients
**The ChefsBest Excellence Award is awarded to brands that surpass a quality standard established by independent professional chefs

Green Giant Veggie Hash Browns what I can say, these are crunchy and everything we love about has browns with one full serving of cauliflower in each serving. Corrine doesn’t even know that it’s an actual veggie hash brown, she just asks for them every day! Perfect as a breakfast side, grab and go snack, and free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives *where are those praise hands again* If you love these as much as we do, be sure to check out the other great Green Giant products at Walmart, like the Cauliflower Gnocchi!

I hope my go-to products that have helped keep us on track as a family so far this year also inspire you! You can shop all of these products at Walmart and enter the Resolutions at Walmart Sweepstakes! 

Here’s all the Sweepstakes Information you’ll need:

  • Enter for a chance to win a gym membership for a year!
  • Entries valid from December 28th 2019 – February 24th, 2020
  • Limit one prize per person or household.  Only one valid entry per person over the sweepstakes 
  • Visit WalmartResolutions.com for full terms and conditions

Tell me, how are your goals going this year so far? Any tips and tricks you wanna share with us? Please do, and remember we’ve got this! <3

 

 

 

Versatile Pieces You Won’t Need to Replace

by with No Comment fashionget the lookholidaysinspirationootdstyle

The famous fashion designer and creative director Karl Lagerfeld once said that “trendy is the last stage before tacky.” Fashion trends come and go, with some being more ostentatious than others. While you may be tempted to follow suit–pun intended–there’s something about certain wardrobe staples that will never go out of style. Investing in classic, versatile wardrobe pieces means having timeless items that you will always find yourself going back to, like discussed in an updated post on ‘Redefining Wardrobe Basics With Corrine’.

Here are four versatile pieces you won’t need to replace:

Pumps with a Classic Silhouette

The perfect pair of pumps can add a level of sophistication to an outfit. Chunky heels, platforms, and strappy sandals have made their ascent and descent repeatedly, but classic silhouettes that feature closed toes and skinny heels are often the benchmark for elegance. Steve Madden’s Vala range comes in 23 different colors, from the sleek, stylish black patent to a pastel-colored snakeskin. You can choose a pair (or more) to complement your existing wardrobe.

Denim Jacket

Denim pieces exude the tenets of both form and function. The best part is, denim doesn’t just mean denim blue anymore. Woman Within offers a range of denim jackets that come in different colors and designs, such as lavender, navy with white dots, and pastel blue with a floral pattern. Choosing a fun, colorful denim jacket means being able to wear it as both a statement piece and as something functional.

Black Pants

Snug-fitting pants need not be uncomfortable as there are many options that are both comfortable and flattering for all body types. They can transition seamlessly from the office to a night out. They can also be dressed up or down with layers of necklaces or a vintage graphic tee, respectively. Mango has several options for versatile black pants that will look good on every body type, and help you accentuate the parts you want to highlight–whether that be lengthening your legs or contouring your hips.

White T-Shirt

Similar to black pants, white t-shirts can be dressed up and down as one of the most basic items of clothing. Throwing on a white t-shirt is an effortless look and the more you wear it, the better it looks. The Strategist recently updated their feature on the best white t-shirts for your perusal and consideration. From V-necks, to round necks, to scoop necks––you’re bound to find the fit that works best on you that you will get the most mileage out of.

These versatile pieces can be worn any way you wish and they can even be worn all together, proving just how flexible they are. The next time you’re stumped on what to wear, pull out one of these pieces as they are sure to look good no matter how you choose to style them. Sometimes staying true to classics is one of the best ways to look polished and put-together.

So tell me, which versatile statement pieces will you be adding to your wardrobe this season? 

 

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY AND STORY TELLING

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I launched my brand back in 2009 and have developed an affinity of sharing my message through story telling. For me, it includes a side of comedy, always.

Being a creative in new media today means being able to do it all. To wear all the hats. Technology has been an especially vital tool in growing and conducting my business .. after all, it is entirely based online. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to engage with you all, across the globe, like we are now, time and space not stopping us! *says this while holding radio above head outside your window*

Celebrating technology and humanity came together this weekend when I was invited out to the Santa Monica Pier for the AT&T and TOMS #CelebrateGood event. To commemorate a decade of partnership between the two companies, I got to step inside a huge shoebox, and this is what they shared with us.

AT&T has helped TOMS grow their business since they began, 10 years ago, by powering their network and spreading their mission of one for one giving. Now, AT&T is giving fans a virtual reality experience that takes you on, “A Walk In Their Shoes.” I got to enjoy this incredible advance in technology that transported me to Colombia on an actual giving trip!

It’s pretty unbelievable how real it felt to be there along the giving trip. Being able to see the activities the kids were doing, and to look up, down, and around at everything they were seeing was unreal! I’m glad I was sitting down!

P7730271
I was immersed in experiences, after stepping aside from the VR station, I learned about the AT&T and TOMS partnership through this interactive 10 year timeline. Talk about being in awe of technology, I was using my feet to scroll through the years!

P7730301

Above is Blake Mycoskie, the Founder and Chief Shoe Giver of the company, who was on site walking around each station explaining the impact technology has had in sharing his company’s mission with the world.


I’m so happy to have shared this moment with you all, activating a shoe give, and being a part of this momentous occasion where technology and philanthropy came together. Fun fact, when you purchase a pair of TOMS, an additional pair is given to a child in need and the type of shoe gifted to them is dependent on where in the country they live!

I hope this inspires you to inspire and to view the 360 video and more, just click HERE for your VR tour!

If you could use your voice to spread a message, what would you say? We’re listening <33

 

 

 

 

 

This post is proudly brought to you in partnership with AT&T

Put Yourself On A TIME OUT

by with No Comment beautyhealthinspirationlifestylemental healthpersonalwellness

This past week I’ve fully immersed myself into my work and a secret passion project of mine that I can’t wait to share with you. Side note: it’s weird when other people say ‘secret project’ and it’s still weird when I say it, but I promise it’s a fun one! And since I don’t see this slowing down for another week or two three, I thought I’d share with you what is keeping me sane throughout the process of sitting alone for hours, in a dimly lit room, with resources and research. Also, this is a plea for snacks.

Here’s the deal, I go go go and admittedly I am a WORKAHOLIC. Okay, fine, I said it. I love my work though, so it’s nice to be in the zone, like really in it. It’s also nice to come up for air from time to time and though I don’t break enough throughout the day, there’s one thing I’m like, really good at. Self care and putting myself on a time out.

I’ve even been really quiet on social media if you’ve noticed … if you haven’t noticed than maybe you’ve been really quiet too. Feels good right?! We can go a lil lot crazy when you work from home, secluded, with little interactions from other humans.

It’s completely normal to fully lose your shit

No matter where we are in life or in our careers, we’re go go go , we grind grind grind, we hustle hustle hustle. How could we not lose our shit right? *I’m feeling a bit preachy right now but as I currently write to you I’m in a top knot, on my couch, in my pj’s, at 4:28pm, having had only a pb&jelly sammich all day, and going going going… hence I’m feeling a bit preachy

So here’s a few things I love to do to put myself on a time out. It’s hard to do sometimes because you get so focused, but do it anyway. Even if it’s just ten minutes, or at the end of your day, hit pause and TIME OUT

 

get it out- write it out, scream it out, whatever you’ve gotta do to let the thoughts out, let em out. As human we like to play things on a loop until we can’t make sense of them as they are so then, oh wow, plot twist, our brain has formulated it’s own new ending to that story/conversation/moment/interaction

dance it out- ugh I love doing this so much. Do you watch my stories? Have you seen me break out into a mid day dance party? This is why! Our thoughts, moods, feelings all turn into energy and that energy can either be stagnant or it can be BIG and we can use it to shift our day.

SHIFT THAT SHIT

treat yo self- time out for real for some self care pampering time!- I’m all about that ‘me time’ pampering time! I love doing skin care masks, ya know, the ones that make you look crazy *insert The Office epi where Dwight is trying to perform CPR on the dummy* I love taking baths, having a few glasses of wine (who ever in life, do you know, STOPS after A glass of wine? no one that’s who), adding in some bubbles, turning on some tunes, and throwing in some relaxing bath bombs.

be still- gross I hate this one but it’s the most EFFECTIVE one! Being still, taking it slowly, doing some yoga, meditating, reading a damn book, going for a quite hike, all the things that settle your mind and calm your spirit. Do it. I promise you’ll get after it so much more focused afterwards.

and if you still lose your shit, that’s cool too. We’re human, it’s normal

What are some things you do to put yourself on a time out? I need to do more of this, more frequently, send your recs. Oh and the snacks too, this is still a public plea for those 😉

 

 

 

Amazon Prime Day – What To Buy

by with No Comment beautyfashionget the lookhome decorinspirationlifestyle

In my best ‘Elf’ voice…”It’s Amazon Prime Dayyyy”!

Well not today but on the 15th at midnight on through the 16th you’ll be able to score some pretty sweet deals from your one stop shopping spot! There’s so much happening between the promotions and the coupon codes that I wanted to share with you what I personally recommend on Amazon Prime day and what to buy.

I’ll share my picks from Home Goods, Fashion, and Accessories. There’s gonna be a lot coming at you fast in the next few days leading up to THE day, so sift through all the things, pay attention to what catches your eye, and in the interest of Amazon not taking ALL your money … shop with a ‘need’ over ‘want’ mentality … unless it comes to the concerts! Then gogogo! Eeek!

FASHION/ACCESSORIES (Summer staples!)

I debated whether or not to photoshop out this 1998 unrecognizable tattoo then decided, we all make mistakes, we can’t photoshop them all out now can we LOL

If you thought I’d ever spend more than $100 on a pair of shoes you thought wrong 😉 I have a daughter in college who takes all my money so I found the best inspired styles for some of this season’s most popular pieces.

I chose the Golden Goose leopard print + ponyskin effect leather ($560… esscuse me) and the Hermes Oran Sandals in Blanc ($650… wuuut), so off to ‘destination dupe city’ we go! For a fraction of the cost you get almost identical styles AND you won’t be upset when you get them dirty. I mean the Golden Gooses already come dirty though so. Why would you want already dirty ass shoes…oh fashun. *** PS if you love the originals and you’re willing to pay the price, there is no judgement here! We all prioritize and budget differently <3

For under $40, the Golden Goose lookalikes are great, my only recommendation would be to size UP! And the Hermes twinsies are also under $40! Because OPTIONS, I found you these Steven Madden Greece sandals that’ll run you around $60 and these Sam Edelman’s in Saddle are just in under $90. Still a steal if you ask me 😀

Pieces you’ve seen me in lately that will always be in rotation are the usual suspects:

Mas Accessories: 

HOME GOODS

Faux plants– if you have a special gift for killing plants (even plants they say you can’t kill- ahem, cacti and succulents still do not thrive under my care) than this baby and this baby is for you

Vitruvi stone diffuser– the chicest most loveliest diffuser of them all they come in all kinds of beautiful colors

Sicilian blood orange diffuser sticks– if you’d rather not commit to adding water, dropping in oils, turning anything on… well than this is for you. Set it and forget it

Amber glass soap/lotion dispenser– reusable and versatile enough to go with any decor

Candle favorites- I burn candles in our home 24/7 and these are some of my favorites! Somethin’ abut Tobacco scented candles in the living room and Lemongrass in the bathrooms that are relaxing but also feel like a sexy speakeasy… emphasis on candles in the bathroom.

I honestly had SO  many things to share with you and I’d like to share some of my staple skincare/beauty products with you too – also on Amazon so I created a list for you! Which I’ll be updating as much as I can as we go along this summer. And don’t mind the list “name”… Amazon named it for me: ‘influencer jess lizama’, its top choice? It’s kinda like having a middle name you don’t like…ya didn’t choose it and ya can’t change it! Can we photoshop it out though?! ;)-

What will you be scooping up at midnight on the 15th?! I’m creating a wish list for myself, would you like me to share it? 

 

 

 

1

Happy Earth Day!

by with No Comment communityholidayinspirationlifestyle

Happy Birthday Earth!

Okay so it’s not actually Earth’s birthday today but I’ll say happy birthday Earth every day because, Animal Planet! And I love that today especially, we can be extra vocal about showing our support for environmental protection. Corrine is always challenging Joe and I to be more eco friendly, more environmentally conscious, and to use as many sustainable products as we can. One of the perks of having a smart and very self aware daughter is how she’ll educate you and make you just as aware, I love it <3

 

 

Some things we do around our home to ensure we’re contributing as much as we can to keeping our planet inhabitable are:

  • sustainable reusable rounds – to remove makeup, to apply toner and other skin care products, a cute lil wash cloth for my face that takes place of disposable cotton rounds
  • reusable diapers for lil Ace face – instead of disposable diapers we use reusable ones for him and even though they’re a pain in the ass to clean, it’s so worth it
  • metal straws for home and collapsible straws for travel – these take the place of disposable straws at home and the collapsible straw is so convenient when you’re out and about and it’s compact and clean
  • Silicone storage bags – takes the place of plastic sandwich and storage bags and I LOVE them!
  • Swell reusable water bottle – by far the EASIEST thing we can all do is bring our own water bottle around and our own bags to the grocery store
  • Bee’s wax reusable food wrap – takes the place of plastic wrap and I love that the warmth of your hands to shape the wax is what turns it into the ‘wrap’ that covers containers, seals leftovers, and keeps air out of your baked goods. My brother in law gifted me this for Christmas last year and it’s been a game changer

That’s the thing, one little thing you do, one small habit you change, contributes to the BIG picture. I swear watching Planet Earth and Animal Planet on Netflix has changed me, I’m really intrigued by our oceans too. So today and everyday I would love for us all to do our part to protect our home <3 It’ll help ensure that it flourishes for generations to come, for my baby’s babies and your baby’s babies!

What are some things you do to lower your carbon footprint, be more environmentally conscious, and eco friendly?