My life is a balancing act, as are most of yours. And there are ways to keep your sanity (or not) during those times when you could easily forget to breathe.
ANN TAYLOR OUTFIT DETAILS:
ANN TAYLOR PANTS (GREEN) c/o | EXPRESS TOP | HEELS | AURATE BLACK STONE CHOKER & BRACELET SET c/o | STONE BRACELET c/o | STRAW BAG c/o | VINTAGE SCARF | FOSTER GRANT SUNNIES c/o
ANN TAYLOR OUTFIT DETAILS:
ANN TAYLOR PANTS (GREEN) c/o | EXPRESS TOP | HEELS | AURATE BLACK STONE CHOKER & BRACELET SET c/o | STONE BRACELET c/o ONecklace | STRAW BAG c/o | VINTAGE SCARF | FOSTER GRANT SUNNIES c/o
On Balancing Life
I think most of you know, but this blog is not my full time job. I wish it was, but alas, it doesn’t pay all the bills. I also work in the legal field full time, so juggling many hats is something I sometimes struggle with. On the day we shot this outfit, I woke up at 5:30 am to get my work out in, got glam for a shoot, went to work, took a long lunch break to shoot with Michelle, then went back to work, and had an event for the blog later that evening. Remind me what sleep is?
I admit that it is difficult to do everything I want in any given day. One of the questions I get most often is how I have time to do it all. I usually joke that I sleep a lot less than I like to, but it is probably the truth. Between staying in shape, spending time with Dan, traveling, my job, and Glass of Glam, it is a lot. And to add more fun to the mix, Dan and I are currently house hunting, which takes up a lot of evening time.
Doing everything you want to do isn’t easy, but you can totally do it if you prioritize and compartmentalize. First, I have a job that is flexible with hours. I don’t get paid as much as I would if I worked at a big law firm, but I can take a long lunch to shoot with Michelle or meet with a client if I need to. It is worth it to me because it allows me to have my beloved business, which makes me the happiest.
Second, and I know this is controversial, but I start my mornings early. Maintaining my workout schedule and having a healthy routine isn’t just about physical results. For me, it is a huge mental release. An early workout gives you the freedom to say yes to things that may pop up in the evening, like an impromptu date night, a house that pops up on the market you want to see, or the luxury of sitting on the sofa and watching a show. You know you already took time to take care of yourself, and you don’t have to worry about having to skip out on your workout later. Whenever I skip my morning workout, I always regret it, and I can’t focus the rest of the day. Okay I’m done being a broken record, but just try it.
Third, I work with people who communicate and are accommodating. For instance, Michelle and I have an incredible relationship where we constantly email ideas back and forth, text candidly, and can schedule things on the fly. She gets that thats how I need to work sometimes, and having that open communication makes a huge difference. Same with Dan. He understands that dinner isn’t always going to be picture perfect, and offers to help do chores that if I had to find a way to do on top of everything, it would probably drive me off a cliff. Surround yourself with people who communicate the same way as you and understand how you work, and your life will be much easier.
I wrote another article about balancing life here if you’re interested! And here’s how I stay on track when I travel.
My Outfit
I saw these green Ann Taylor pants during my Ann Taylor Event last month, and snatched them up on sale! They’re linen and super lightweight, but still appropriate for work. My simple ribbed tank top from Express is really comfortable and versatile, and also comes in petite! Everyone needs a simple, clean white tank in their closet and I have been loving this one lately.
To accessorize, I received some beautiful and dainty jewelry from AUrate New York, and they’re my new favorites for work. The stone necklace and bracelet set is super classy and goes with nearly any outfit. I highly recommend AUrate if you’re looking for beautifully made fine jewelry for yourself or as a gift. I’m trying to bring the arm party back, so I added my new CZ bracelet from ONecklace to the stack.
Hope you guys have a fabulous week ahead!
–Roxanne
On Mondays We Link Up
My favorite look from last week’s link up is Shannon from Upbeat Soles!
I adore Shannon’s bohemian flowy dress and the way she styled it! I just got the same dress in the mail and I can’t wait to try it on!
Love this cute summer look! Those olive pants are to die for! Thank you so much for the feature this week!!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
I love those green pants, and the pink sandals look great with them! I always feel better after a morning workout even though I prefer to exercise later in the day – I just wish I was disciplined enough to get my workout done early more often!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
I sooo love the green pants dear. Really pops out of your photos, so lovely!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
love the green pants! They look super comfortable!
It’s hard to balance it all, but it sounds like you’re managing everything well—and working out is a great stress reliever! Also, love your outfit—the pop of pink is so fun!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
Love this post! I am so with you sister, trying to balance everything can get very stressful, but you have some awesome tips! Also, I am seriously in love with this look! Your pants are amazing!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
I hope I can get back into the swing of working out this fall. Having an early morning workout makes me feel productive before I’ve even had breakfast and I truly think it carries through the rest of my day. You look fab by the way!
Hi Roxanne
Sounds like you have a good plan and I agree working out is not only good for physical health but mental health! I feel better after a walk. Love this classy look and those green pants are striking, I would wear them in a heartbeat! I love olive.
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
There’s nothing more cleansing than moving your body for an hour! Thanks so much, Jess! They would look stunning on you.
Early mornings are something I struggle with, plus, if you are up early, you need to go to bed early, and I feel like that puts a damper on most evening activities. But you are right, it always does feel like a balancing act.
Chic on the Cheap
It certainly takes getting used to. In my opinion, there are more things you can do during daylight than in the middle of the night, which is why I’d rather get a head start than stay up late. But whatever works for you!
I love the simplicity of this outfit and I also love getting a lot done in the mornings – either working out or other things!
That’s a good point! You can also wake up early to take care of other things like laundry, bills, reading, cooking – grandma used to do that!
It is a struggle. Do you know I was thinking the same thing yesterday and I’m retired…..but with our kitchen project and doing some alterations and having fun….I don’t know how you fit in work!
You’re so good to work out in the mornings…and your reasoning is spot on! Now if only I could do that….
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
You have to round up the troops for your posts, too! You’re a busy lady!
Roxanne, I love this outfit! Super chic and classic and totally on point! I agree with all of your balancing tips! If I don’t get up and out of bed before the sun rises, I feel like I have lost half the day! Granted, I am usually exhausted by 3 p.m. but by that point, I have already put in about 10 hours, so if I need to sit and chill for a bit, I don’t feel guilty about doing it. Good luck with the house hunting business! How exciting!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thanks, Shelbee! Yes, not feeling guilty when you just want to chill! That’s what I’m talking about! We looked at about 10 places so far and I think we finally found one we like!
This is such a cute outfit! I love those pants! Cute bag too, and I like how you brought color in with the scarf tied to the bag.
Thanks, Amy! I’m happy you love it. The scarf was my grandmother’s. I like to incorporate things of hers when I can!
Love the color on this paper bag pants! It’s a lovely hue. I getcha! I work out early in the morning as well. It allows me to think and just get in some undivided me time. It also helps boost my energy like no other thing would. It’s a great way to stay focused and energized especially on a busy day or days. Happy Monday!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Thank you, Maureen! I’m happy to find a fellow morning work-outer! Happy Monday, doll!
For sure it’s not easy to manage but it seems you’re doing it very well 😉 Now on the long run I think everyone is moving towards more quality time and start to drop things we don’t need or don’t want to do or attend!
Lovely outfit, I like the color mix!
Happy Monday xx
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/08/05/milestones/
Thanks for the encouragement! That’s a good point – it is so hard to say no to things, but sometimes we need to slow down for our own sanity.
Fantastic photos Roxanne – I really enjoy the photography. You outfit is fab and the jewellery is wonderful! xx
Thanks so much, Maria. I appreciate the compliment!
Those green pants are lovely on you! 🙂
It’s great you have a balance that works for you with blog and life – I find it can be a juggle sometimes! I have scheduled posts which mean I can let the blog slide for a few days if needed, and catch up next time the boys go to sleep, haha! 🙂
Thank you for the link up!
Hope that you had a lovely wekend 🙂 We had a quiet one as we were all a little unwell from another winter bug! Feeling better now though.
Away From The Blue Blog
Scheduling posts is so smart! I will draft and schedule the photos and links in advance, too, but write the copy the evening before. I find that if I write the words too far in advance I don’t feel like I am connecting with my readers in the moment.