The Last Chapter

As we begin a new year, it's always good to start with reflection of the one prior. We take into account the joys and victories, the challenges and lessons, the memories and dreams. With the wisdom of days past, we enter with hopeful hearts into the fresh, clean pages of the year to come. Sometimes this shift means that new chapters begin, and other times it means that certain chapters must come to a close.

I have loved writing in this corner of the internet for over nine (yes, nine!) years, and I have to say that blogging has been a wonderfully rewarding way to share thoughts, dreams, and inspiration. Through these posts, I've connected with old friends and also made new ones. It's brought about lots of fun opportunities, collaborations, events, and partnerships that wouldn't have come about otherwise. It's been a place to dream, celebrate, create and encourage. I'm grateful for the many things I've learned and have been able to share with you here. This last chapter here is bittersweet, simply because my blog has been a familiar place that will soon evolve into something different; however, I'm so excited to see all that will come from pursuing something new. The beauty of change is that it challenges us to become different and better. While you won't find my writing here in the new year, I'm thrilled to be sharing plenty of NEW and exciting adventures through Aretios! You can find me on social media @candiceelaineh and @aretiosofficial 

I'll be sharing insider updates of what I'm up to (and trust me, there's some good things coming). To receive the updates, click here.

It has been a joy to share these posts with you over the years, and I hope you'll join me as we begin this new chapter together! 

Sincerely, 

Candice

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Best Of: New Year Goal Setting

Happy 2018! It's the start of a brand new year! I love the promise that a new year brings--brimming over with possibilities, potential, and unknown adventures. We have the ability to create it as we see fit and to choose how much or little we accomplish. It's so exciting to begin afresh and year after year we see countless individuals creating 'resolutions' of potential changes they would like to apply to their life. The problem is that come next month (sometimes even Jan 31st), many of the well-meaning resolutions have faded into the background of old habits and routine. So, how do we fix that? My suggestion is to set goals rather than make resolutions. Goals have accountability and progress checkpoints in addition to a date of completed accomplishment. Simply wishing to change or even deciding to change will never actually get someone to act differently unless it is backed with action and a set end result. Goal setting is truly one of the most powerful tools I've used to drive progress and accomplish incredibly exciting things in my own life, and I encourage you to apply this process to your own dreams and desires. Over the years of blogging, I've written a few posts on this subject, so I've rounded up some of the best quick/practical reads below so you can effectively set goals and accomplish some fantastic things in the new year! Here's to great success!

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Get Ready, Get Set:

#Goals

How To: Set New Year's Goals

Go Get 'Em!:

How To Achieve Your Goals In the New Year

Worth It

3 Ways To Make This Your Best Year Yet  

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What Are You Waiting For?

I ask myself this question a lot, especially when it comes to facing a new challenge, fear, or setting a brand new goal. It's easy to be distracted by things that may be good/fun/interesting but if it pulls you away from what you are trying to accomplish, is it worth it? If you don't make a choice that takes you in the direction of your dreams then your priorities are aligned elsewhere. If not now...then when? If not you...then who? Here's the deal: no one can change your life except for you! Challenge yourself to take that leap of faith, to do the thing that you've been putting off, stretch yourself to a new limit, and decide that nothing is going to stop you from accomplishing that which you have set out to do. Now is the best time. What are you waiting for? If you've been looking for a sign...this is it. Just do it. Things are always easier once you get past that first step. 

We often set up mental roadblocks to our progress, and make things seem far more difficult than they actually are. Think about when you end up taking some time off from your exercise routine. Is it easy to just pick up and go again when your alarm goes off in the morning after taking a few weeks off? Probably not. You think of how cozy your bed is, how working out is always so challenging, and you think about how great it would be to sleep in a few extra minutes...etc and sooner or later you're off for another two weeks. Once you decide that feeling healthy and strong is more important that hitting snooze again, you're still faced with the same situation, but the end result is different. When the alarm goes off in the morning, do you want to get up? No. Do you do it anyway? Yes, because you know that once you're up and out, you'll be glad you took the time to strengthen and care for your body. The same is true for your goals. The longer you put things off, the easier it is to prolong a lack of progress. If not now, when? This is your time. Go do those things you've been wanting to accomplish. There's never been a better time than today to begin! What are you waiting for?

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3 Thoughts On Success

Happy 2016! It's the beginning of a new year once again, and we're all thinking about the many things we'd like to accomplish or improve upon. There's something about the promise of a clean slate, a fresh start, and a new beginning that's exhilarating, refreshing, and maybe even somewhat challenging. No matter where you're starting, or what exciting goals lie ahead of you, here's three great reminders from one of my favorite authors on the subject of leadership and life success, Jim Rohn. You'll be inspired and encouraged to get out there and do something amazing!

1. Convert dreams into plans, and plans into goals, and goals into those small daily activities that will lead us, one sure step at a time, toward a better future.

2. Attitude is the major determining factor in how our lives turn out. Each of us will be somewhere in the next 12 months; the question we must ask ourselves is where?

3. We must design the future not just dream about it. The smallest of disciplines, practiced everyday, start an incredible process that can change our lives forever. It is the small disciplines that lead to great achievements.

Here's to a fantastic and successful year ahead! 

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How to: Set New Year's Goals

The start of a brand new year is always so exciting to me! It's the opportunity to set new goals, come up with plans to try new things, and start afresh! There's often lots of talk about creating resolutions, unfortunately, most of those tend to fail after a few weeks. Instead of making resolutions, I like to set some goals that will help me to stay on track as I work toward accomplishing new things in life! Here's a few tips that have helped me on the path to success, and I know will be of benefit to you in your goal setting process.

1. Set short-range goals in addition to long-term goals. (Think in terms of day, week, month, and six-months. You'll need these in addition to a year long or even 5 year goal. Be specific!)
2. Set goals for a variety of levels. (Some should be easy to accomplish, while others may require more effort, time, and team members.)
3. Set incremental goals. (Little by little gets you to the big picture. Set benchmarks for progress assessment and accomplishment along the way!)
4. Get group reinforcement (Regular encouragement, accountability, and wisdom from mentors and those who are on the same journey with you can be of great benefit to accomplishment.)
5. Celebrate the achievement! (It's time to celebrate when you achieve your goal! Give yourself a reward, go out to a nice dinner, take a trip, get a new outfit...it's ok to celebrate your success! You did it!!!)

Here's to a fabulous, successful, and fun 2016 ahead! 

Happy New Year!

P.S. Have a minute? Here's three extra tips for making this year your best one yet!

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3 Ways to Make 2015 Your Best Year Yet

Happy January, everyone! It's a brand new month and a few days into the new year! It's always good to begin a new year with a plan. I'm not one to write out resolutions, but I do like to use the commencement of the year as a calibration point. What is it about new beginnings that always excites us? Perhaps it's the idea that the new year is a clean slate, an open opportunity, or the promise of potential to create it as we want it to become. I love the excitement of a year brimming with adventure and possibilities. With that said, here's a few things I'm keeping in mind for 2015. 

1. Be intentional. 

Distractions come in many forms, sometimes even in things that are inherently good, but challenge yourself to ask the questions that will help you decide if it is really worth your investment of time, resources, or emotions. Too often we can end up focusing on things that really aren't worthwhile, when instead, we should concentrate on what can actually benefit us. Be aware of how you use your time.

2. Choose quality over quantity.

This can be applied to many areas of life (at least for mine!). Instead of purchasing all kinds of things that aren't totally necessary, but were simply an impulse buy, choose to invest in things that will last. Do you really need that sale item? Just because it's a deal doesn't mean it's worth purchasing. The same principle can apply to relationships. Choose to invest your time with people who build you up, add value to your life, and encourage you to become a better person. It can be very easy to stay in a relationship or a friendship just for the sake of comfort, when in actuality, it isn't a healthy or beneficial investment of time and emotion. Instead of having a bunch of acquaintances to do activities with, build strong friendships. It is well worth it. 

3. Push yourself to new limits.

One of the greatest feelings in life is the moment you're able to do something you didn't know or didn't think you could accomplish. A life well-lived means living outside your comfort zone. This year, challenge yourself to conquer a fear, try something you've been meaning to do, or set a new goal to work toward. Every time I have pushed myself to a new limit, the reward was always worth the pain of the hard work or effort that it took to get there. I'm often reminded of this concept when I go running. Each mile that I push through is not always easy, and there are definitely moments of discomfort along the way, but when I complete a run, or hit a new distance, the reward of accomplishment makes up for the process. This year, push through the pain to do something great! 

What ever your goals and plans may be for 2015, I hope that you, too, will think about some ways to make this year your best one yet. It all begins with a choice, and it is certainly one worth choosing. This is your year; make it incredible! 

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New Year's Eve Handbook

With 2015 right around the corner, New Year's Eve celebrations are on the top of everyone's minds. Here's a few tips for hosting a sparkly soiree--perfect for welcoming in a new year, as well as ideas for what to wear, no matter what your New Year's plans may entail. Consider this your guide to New Year's Eve festivities!

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Mantra Monday

We're coming into the last week in January (what?!), and all month long we've been talking about what inspires us. Each Monday I've been sharing a quote that's encouraging me (and you too, hopefully) to make 2014 absolutely amazing!! Need to catch up on a week? Find the previous Mondays linked HERE, HERE & HERE

Don't we just love to be busy? I tend to be a person that thrives on a schedule that's full of events, appointments and things to accomplish, but have you stopped to evaluate what exactly you're doing on a daily basis? Recently, I took some time to look at my daily habits, schedule and routine, and did a little tweaking. You see, we often think, "oh, if only I could be so-and-so, or have the life that this person does, or have an extra hour/day/week in this year.. then I could live the way I wanted to." Here's the deal, if we don't examine & adjust our daily living, how will we ever change to get to the life we want? John Maxwell, a well renown teacher on leadership, once said, "the secret to success is hidden in your daily routine." It's often times the little things done over and over, that in turn become the big achievements later. 

This past weekend, my pastor spoke about how we need to trade idle time for purposed time, and that means we need to evaluate what we're doing. Busyness without productivity gets us nothing but frustration, so let's set some goals, look at what needs to be done to get there, and arrange our habits accordingly. The question listed above is something I've begun to ask myself on a daily basis, and I encourage you to do so also. What things are you doing today to get you to where you want to be tomorrow? If it's not benefiting your future and turns into "idle time", consider using your time in a different way. When preparedness meets opportunity, that's when we see success. Here's to a productive, dream-filled, goal-oriented, incredible 2014! Get out there and make things happen! 

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Mantra Monday

Happy Mantra Monday! All through January we're talking about what inspires us, and I'm sharing a few of the "mantras" that are encouraging me to make this year amazing! Need to catch up on the last few? Click Here and Here!

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The moment I came across this list of things to pursue in the new year, I knew it needed to be shared with you also! What a great way to live...choosing to add memories, not things, and finding beauty in simplicity. Living in the moment is also mentioned, and that's something that's been on my mind throughout the last few months, as schedules get busy, and being the planning type, I oftentimes find myself thinking about the upcoming events, the to-do lists, and the details that need to be figured out, and in all of this, it's easy to forget to enjoy the present. It's often said that each moment is a gift, that's why it's called the present, but how often have you found yourself in the same situation as me, forgetting to live in the moment? We tend to have this mentality that there is some admirable quality in being busy, and it's better to be running from this to that, cramming our schedules until they are a blurred mess of appointments and events. Somehow we've gotten to the point where free time is looked down upon as laziness, and a moment enjoyed is a moment wasted; however, I think it would do us some good as a people to take time to cut the harried running around, and the constant stream of social media and to just take a moment to live. Leave your phone behind, shut off the radio, and be present. Invest in some time to think, be with friends and talk..no texting or Instagram, be with family, get connected to others in real life, treat yourself to a bit of time to actually enjoy life. This is what it means to live. Take a deep breath, and realize the fact that you're on this earth to make a difference, not a schedule. When we stop the glorification of "busy", we start to see the beauty in simplicity, we start to live in the moment, we strive for contentment, and begin to dream bigger. This week, give yourself a bit of time to enjoy the moment and dream. Forget the schedules for a moment, and live! Happy Monday!

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Mantra Monday

With the arrival of a new year, I began thinking about what I wanted to accomplish, the things I wanted to change, and how I would begin to shape this year into something brimming over with fun, life and success. Quotes have always inspired and intrigued me; I keep Pinterest boards full, snapshots of random sayings stored in my photos, stacks of paper scraps with wise words, and an ever growing list of quotes stored on my iphone. It's funny how some words just seem to resonate with you at particular points in life, and recently I pondered the thought of having a theme word/saying/quote/reminder for the year. It's so difficult to narrow it down to one, so I thought I'd share 4 of my favorites over the next few Mondays, in hopes that you'll find one that speaks to you, come up with one for your own musing & inspiration, or at the very least, come across thoughts that perhaps spark new ideas.

Oh I just adore this quote, first, because Nelson Mandela was an incredible and passionate leader, and a true inspiration in every sense of the word, but secondly for it's idea. It astounds me to see how apathy has infected the society and attitudes of so many, we think that settling for average, wallowing in contentment, and deciding to play it safe, small and "normal" is ok, when in reality, we have been called to far more. How often have we seen someone with such potential, be it in sports, acting, music, business..etc, and yet watch them sit back, and never fully utilize the talent they possess, and achieve all that they could have? Its frustrating to see something like that, and how often have we seen this behavior in our own lives? Like Mandela says, there is no passion in that kind of a life, no spark, no drive to push toward greater things...and yet many of us settle. The motivation behind this mantra is for you and I to no longer be content with average, normal and standard, but rather to live with greatness, test your limits of potential, and walk in the life that was designed for you to live; a life of adventures, successes, great memories, lessons and impact. Here's the deal, if you're going to get in the water, might as well make a splash. Live with purpose and passion in 2014.

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Sparkle and Shine in the New Year

Here's a look at a sparkling NYE soiree I previously hosted! Click here to see more! What better occasion to bring gold, glitter, sequins and sweets to one party?! Oh and don't forget the sparkling cider to toast to a fabulous new year ahead!! Cheers to 2014, friends! Make it your best year yet!

Happy New Year! 

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Making the Most of A New Year

(I encouraged my guests at a NYE party to write some of their goals out, and pin them to a glittery, gold wall!)

Oh how I happily anticipate the arrival of a new year! It's a fresh start, a new opportunity and the beginning of a new chapter of life! (all cliches aside,) I so enjoy thinking about all I want to accomplish, and the fun memories to be made with friends and family! Do you set goals for the new year? Not resolutions, as those tend to quickly slip away after a short while, but real, measurable, and achievable goals for your life...it's often said that if you don't know where you're going, how will you ever expect to get there? In life we're either moving forward or going backwards, one is never truly standing still. If you haven't ever sat down, and written out some things you want to accomplish, whether it be this year, 5 years, 10 years, in your life..etc, I highly suggest it. It's so motivating to have a list of things to work towards, whether that is a particular career, degree, event or lifestyle. I challenge you to write out 10 things you want to accomplish within 2014, and place them somewhere you can see them everyday as a reminder of where you're headed, and what your focus is; life can throw us some big time distractions, and it's easy to get off focus, but when you see those goals, it can serve as a reminder to stay on track, stay focused, and you'll get the life you dream of! One of the things I like to do is to set a time each month to reevaluate my progress, and make any necessary adjustments in order to continue moving towards accomplishing the things I've set out to achieve. Maybe you didn't achieve all you'd hoped to last year, but I encourage you to leave the mistakes and disappointments of last year in the past, chalk it up to experience, learn from it, and move forward. This is a new year, make it yours! You've got this! Here's to an amazing 2014! What do you want to accomplish?

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Light & Dark

(Button-Up: American Eagle (old), Jeans: F21, Shoes: Target, Scarf: Lilly Pulitzer, Bag: Michael Kors, Sunglasses: Michael Kors, Earrings: Anna & Ava, Bracelet: Lilly Pulitzer)

One of my goals for the new year is to be more experimental with my fashion choices. While I'm not always "matchy matchy" or constantly in head to toe print, I do have pieces to which I tend to gravitate towards more frequently than others. To break myself of that habit, I'm remixing and rethinking some of the pieces to create new looks. I can't remember the last time I wore this..well actually, any button up for that matter, and this pretty one in a sky blue shade was perfect for a day on the water and some city exploration. Comfortable and classic, it's easy to wear, and will be a style chameleon piece I can seamlessly mix into a couple different outfits later. Shopping in your own closet really does pay off, who knew? :) 

Happy Monday! 

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Weekend Wanderings

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What an excellent way to begin the new year. Simply inspiring. 

Happy Weekend, everyone!

-Candice

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Wordless Wednesday

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Cheers to the New Year!

Happy New Year, friends!

Here's to a new year full of many blessings, continued success and lots of fun memories along the way..

Let's make this one the best year EVER. 

Cheers!

Candice

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What To Wear: New Year's Eve

With the beginnings of a New Year just around the corner, it's time to be thinking of what to wear to celebrate! Sequins, glitter, feathers and bright colors..nothing is out of the question; be bold and daring, this is the time to sparkle and shine. Here's a few fun ideas for however you're spending the evening.

Soiree Sparkle

 Black satin and feathers are party perfect when accented with sparkling gold accessories. Add a gilded touch to your makeup with shades of honey, glittering gold and a pair of fluttery lashes.

 Nothing says celebrate quite like glitter, and sequins are always appropriate at a NYE fete. A sparkling little black dress is a fun twist on a classic. Pair with some nude heels and statement earrings for a pop of color.

Feeling bold? A punchy hue, like this bright pink, is a great way to make an entrance. Faux fur, patterned tights and charcoal suede heels are the perfect compliments! Add a stack of bangles for extra flair.

Cozy Evening In

Planning a relaxing and understated evening celebration? Cozy up in an oversized sweater and silky scarf in rich, warm shades of goldenrod, caramel, cranberry and wine.  A pair of shimmering earrings keeps things festive. 

Dinner & A Show

Catching a quick bite before the performance? This turquoise and gold combination is pretty and dressed up enough to take you from dinner to front row seats. Dazzle with glitzy shoes, accessories and a wow-factor necklace.  

Have a favorite?

What will you be doing on New Year's Eve? 

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Weekend Wanderings

Happy Weekend Everyone! I'm so excited to tell you that the sparkling New Year's Eve party post is live here! Pick up some tips and tricks to host your own glittery soiree! I've been excitedly awaiting this weekend's arrival..probably more so than most weekends because not only are many of my friends coming into town, but I'm also hosting my annual Christmas party which has become a delightful tradition. We'll begin with a day full of baking sweet treats in the kitchen, and then enjoy them over dinner and hot cocoa the next day while we catch up on each other's latest endeavors. Such fun! I can't wait!!

Wishing all of you a most wonderful and joy-filled weekend!

-Candice

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Coming Up...

Yay for a sneak peek of exciting things to come!! With a season of celebrations upon us, entertaining is at the forefront of everyone's mind, and I've put together a simple yet chic New Year's Eve fete that's easy for every girl to host and enjoy! You're invited, so be on the lookout for more very, very soon!  This is a party you won't want to miss. 

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

-Candice

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Resolutions That Work

(this photo was taken New Years..yes, of course I am in sequins)

With a new year, there's always the typical "new year's resolutions", but I'm really not an advocate for that kind of thing, mainly because I can't ever seem to stick with them. The average resolution lasts only 6 weeks..kinda sad, right? So, what I like to do is write out my goals for the year instead.

One of the best ways to find success is to write things down..especially anything you'd like to change or accomplish. A good friend of mine suggests writing down 8-10 things that you'd like to accomplish in the next year on an index card, in the present tense (like you've already achieved it.. ie: "I'm excited about my consistent gym routine 3 times a week, I'm happy to have straight A's in my classes this semester) and read it every morning and every night. Doing this, reads it into your mind, and then your mind will help you to begin taking the necessary steps to make things happen. It does take effort, though, as nothing can happen without the necessary action, but you can do it!! :)

 I've found that I've accomplished far more when I wrote things out and made it a point to look at it every time I'm getting ready in the morning, and right before I go to sleep. So just a thought as you begin the new year with renewed energy and resolve. Write out your goals...it will make a big difference! Here's to much success in 2012!

Happy Thursday,

Candice

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