Obsessed!! From the day we got the cabinets painte Obsessed!! From the day we got the cabinets painted to the finished project with backsplash and under cabinet lighting. I love our kitchen so much! 

We are going to replace the outlet and switch covers to blend a little more, but for now, we are so excited to have this completed kitchen! 

#kitchenreno #kitchenbeforeandafter #kitchenremodels #kitchenrenos #kitchenrenovations #farrowandballpaint #kitchencabinetsmakeover #kitchenbacksplash #kitchenidea #kitcheninspo #coastalgrandmother
Today, we're making a super simple centerpiece for Today, we're making a super simple centerpiece for your Masters viewing parties. ⛳️ 

First, take a vase and place a small shot glass in the bottom. 

Then fill the vase around the shot glass with golf balls. 

Place the stems of some faux grass into the shot glass and use for decoration!🏌🏻‍♂️

#masterstournament #masterssunday #mastersparty #golfparty #golfpartyideas #centerpieceideas #centerpiecesideas
Today, we're making bunny bundts for Easter. 🐰 Today, we're making bunny bundts for Easter. 🐰

My kitchen was still under construction for this video, so I prepurchased my mini bundt cakes, but feel free to make your own! 

Use a tube of green icing and a grass piping tip to create grass on the top of the bundt. 

Then use a toothpick to secure a bunny peep in the grass. Place a few eggs and jelly beans around the bunny. Serve and enjoy!

#easterrecipes #minibundtcakes #bunnybundts #easterdesserts #easterdessert #easterparty #easterdinner #recipereel #easterideas #springdessert #minibunny #minibundt
Today we're making Rainbow Cookie Sandwiches for S Today we're making Rainbow Cookie Sandwiches for St. Patrick's Day. 🌈 

First either make or purchase M&M chocolate chip cookies to represent your rainbow. My kitchen is still under construction, so I purchased mine from the grocery store. 

Then fill a ziploc bag with frosting and snip off the corner. Coat the back of the cookie with frosting and then place another cookie on top. Squeeze until the frosting is at the edge then roll the entire cookie in green sprinkles. 

Serve and enjoy! 🍀

#stpatricksdaycookies #stpatricksdaytreats #springcookies #rainbowcookies #cookierecipes #recipereel #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesforkids #stpatricksday2023
#ad Today is March 14, or Pi Day! 🥧 Today we #ad Today is March 14, or Pi Day! 🥧 

Today we are baking a fun Pi Day-themed apple pie from @pollyspies who offers nationwide shipping on their delicious double-crusted pies! After 55 years in business, Polly's pies are still family-owned! 

There are lots of pie flavors to choose from and the pies ship directly to you frozen and packaged in dry ice. Add a little egg wash, and bake for a delicious, classic pie! 🍎

Sending a pie is a great idea for someone celebrating a birthday, a new baby or who just would love a traditional, delicious pie! 

You can use my code helen15 for 15% off your order of $50 or more! Happy Pi Day! 💕

#pollyspies #saveroomforpie #pollyspiespartner #recipereel #pidaypie #pierecipes #applepierecipe
Picking just a few photos to share from our family Picking just a few photos to share from our family photoshoot with @keikilaniphotography was the hardest thing ever! 

I'm saving Ben's 2-year-old portraits for his birthday so that made it a little easier, but every picture Jennifer sent us is just perfection.

Love these two with all my heart. So grateful for this life. 💕

Linking mine and Ben's outfits in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/44beG

#familyphotoshootideas #familyphotooutfits #toddlermoments #shopltk #ltkfamily
Let's make everything bagel popcorn for your Maste Let's make everything bagel popcorn for your Masters' viewing parties. ⛳️ My husband is originally from Augusta, so the whole week becomes a Masters' viewing party at my house. 

To make this, drizzle melted butter over popcorn, then sprinkle garlic salt and everything bagel seasoning. Mix well and repeat the steps. 🍿 

I found these little "par-tee" containers to hold your popcorn!

Do you watch the Masters? 🏌🏻‍♂️

#mastersweek #mastersparty #popcornrecipes #savorypopcorn #easyrecipesformoms #recipereel #recipereels #easysnacks #easyappetizers #movienightathome
Let's make a spring simmer pot! 🍋 This one work Let's make a spring simmer pot! 🍋 This one works for spring or summer and makes your house smell fresh and clean!

Add lemon zest, slices of lemon, rosemary and vanilla extract to a pot. Cover ingredients with water and simmer on low heat. 

You could also swap rosemary for mint leaves! I'm definitely going to try that option too.

Do you use simmer pots? What is your favorite combination?

#simmerpot #springsimmerpot #easterideas #springideas #springhome #easterhome #summerhome #summerideas #recipereel #diyhomedecorideas
BANANAS UNITE! 🍌 Make banana sushi with Benjami BANANAS UNITE! 🍌 Make banana sushi with Benjamin and me. This was so much fun! I saw it on Pinterest and knew we had to try it! 

To make banana sushi you just coat a banana in melted chocolate or peanut butter and roll it in sprinkles, mini candies, coconut, Rice Krispies, crushed granola bars or whatever else you can think of! Then you slice it up like sushi pieces and enjoy with your littles. 

We had a blast making a big mess! 

#activitiesfortoddlers #recipesforkids #kidrecipes #bananasundae #bananasushi #ideasfortoddlers #toddlercooking #toddlercookingskills #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesforkids
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Life, Wellness · August 26, 2019

How to Exude Confidence When You’re Insecure


 

Today we’re getting really personal and covering a topic I really struggle with: how to exude confidence when you’re insecure.

Growing up, I was considered shy. I hated talking to adults, saying what I wanted to order at a restaurant was my least favorite activity, and talking on the phone put me in a full blown panic. My parents did a good job of pushing me out of it. I always had to place my order with the server and ask for help when I needed it. I’m so thankful they did this because I would really have a problem now that I’m an adult.

As I’ve gotten older, my shyness turned more into social anxiety. I always worry that I don’t belong somewhere, that I’m not welcome or wanted, or that I will under-perform professionally.

“Maybe it was a mistake I was invited.” 

“They probably only asked me out of obligation?”

“I’m going to embarrass myself.”

“I’m boring.”

“What if I fail?”

I’ve felt this anxiety in all of my relationships and most of my professional environments. I always wondered if I was good enough to be friends with someone, to date someone, to perform the job required.

My anxiety has really hit an all-time high over the past year. I’ve grown my blog a lot, had a very high-pressure job up until recently, and honestly have gained a little weight. That combination has made me incredibly insecure and caused me to question my relationships and positions.

About a month ago, I was at rock bottom. I really didn’t want to leave my house or do anything social, and the only people I felt really comfortable around were Stephen and my family. I was terrified Stephen was getting tired of me and going to leave me, even though he has been nothing but a supportive, committed, fun, loving perfect partner since the day we met. I had no reason to think that but I had built it up in my head.

Fun fact: I’m a 6 on the Enneagram test, in case you couldn’t tell lol.

I’m on my way back out of the hole I’m in. Right now my motto is “fake it til you make it.” I don’t think people know that I feel this way. I’ve always called myself an “outgoing introvert.” I can go into social and professional situations and act like I’m fine. The great thing about insecurities is that they are invisible and you are the only one who knows that you are uncomfortable.

So today, I want to share my strategies and tactics to exude confidence even when you’re insecure.

exude confidence

-Make a self-esteem portfolio: put a portfolio together of things that make you feel good. Maybe you have a reference letter a superior wrote on your behalf, or a note from a colleague telling you how valued you are–put these in there. If someone gives you a compliment throughout the day, write it on a sticky note and put it into your portfolio. If you’re a blogger, take a nice comment or direct message that makes you feel good. Print out a photo of yourself where you know you look great. Make this portfolio and read it any time you need to give your confidence a jolt.

-Lift your shoulders and look people in the eye. I genuinely hate making eye contact, but looking people in the eye makes you look confident. It also is polite and makes people trust you. Really not looking people in the eye looks shifty, so you should do it anyway. Also pull your shoulders back and think tall. Having good posture can make you look (and sometimes feel) confident.

-Take Deep Breaths and speak slowly. When I get nervous, I have full motor mouth. I talk so so fast rather than speaking calmly and slowly. It’s the worst when I have to do any kind of public speaking, but this also happens to me on phone calls and in conversations I don’t want to have.

-Wear colors that make you feel brave. I like to wear black. It slims me out and makes my hair look blonder. So black is my go-to color for most things. Some people like red because it makes them feel bold. Whatever you feel great in is definitely the color you should be wearing in stressful situations. ALSO, wear clothes you are comfortable in. If you pull on your clothes you don’t look confident so if you don’t like low-cut or too short, don’t wear it.

-Exercise. I mentioned earlier that my weight gain is part of the reason I don’t feel very confident, so I’ve started exercising. I walk dogs and do workouts in our home gym.  If you want to really feel confident, I love doing the Fitness Marshall videos. They are really fun dance workout videos that boost your confidence.

-Find something to do with your hands. I love events that have drinks because I always have something to hold. But find something to do with your hands so you don’t get nervous and fidget. I’ve also done the trick where you have to concentrate on touching your side. I make it like a “floor is lava” game where I can’t stop touching my side. If not I’ll play with my hair so I really try to focus on this.

There you go, my tips for exuding confidence when you aren’t! Do you struggle with insecurity? What are some of your favorite tips?

In: Life, Wellness

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Comments

  1. Amanda K says

    August 26, 2019 at 7:03 pm

    These are all great tips! I’m sure this post will definitely help someone who is feeling insecure.

  2. Morgan @ Baby Got Balance says

    August 26, 2019 at 7:17 pm

    You have some great tips here! I will catch myself feeling insecure sometimes and just remind myself that I’m worthy, stand up straight and keep it moving!

  3. Krissy Cross says

    August 26, 2019 at 8:17 pm

    These are all wonderful tips! We all feel insecure sometimes and these are some great exercises 🙂 Thanks for sharing.

  4. Indya | TheSmallAdventurer says

    August 27, 2019 at 3:39 am

    I LOVE the idea of a self esteem portfolio! What a great idea having all the reminders of the lovely things people have said about you and done for you in one spot. Sounds like a great mood lifter!

  5. CindyMoore says

    August 27, 2019 at 9:19 pm

    These are all wonderful suggestions!! I tend to play with my hair too if I’m nervous. I like the “hand on the side” tip!

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Obsessed!! From the day we got the cabinets painte Obsessed!! From the day we got the cabinets painted to the finished project with backsplash and under cabinet lighting. I love our kitchen so much! 

We are going to replace the outlet and switch covers to blend a little more, but for now, we are so excited to have this completed kitchen! 

#kitchenreno #kitchenbeforeandafter #kitchenremodels #kitchenrenos #kitchenrenovations #farrowandballpaint #kitchencabinetsmakeover #kitchenbacksplash #kitchenidea #kitcheninspo #coastalgrandmother
Today, we're making a super simple centerpiece for Today, we're making a super simple centerpiece for your Masters viewing parties. ⛳️ 

First, take a vase and place a small shot glass in the bottom. 

Then fill the vase around the shot glass with golf balls. 

Place the stems of some faux grass into the shot glass and use for decoration!🏌🏻‍♂️

#masterstournament #masterssunday #mastersparty #golfparty #golfpartyideas #centerpieceideas #centerpiecesideas
Today, we're making bunny bundts for Easter. 🐰 Today, we're making bunny bundts for Easter. 🐰

My kitchen was still under construction for this video, so I prepurchased my mini bundt cakes, but feel free to make your own! 

Use a tube of green icing and a grass piping tip to create grass on the top of the bundt. 

Then use a toothpick to secure a bunny peep in the grass. Place a few eggs and jelly beans around the bunny. Serve and enjoy!

#easterrecipes #minibundtcakes #bunnybundts #easterdesserts #easterdessert #easterparty #easterdinner #recipereel #easterideas #springdessert #minibunny #minibundt
Today we're making Rainbow Cookie Sandwiches for S Today we're making Rainbow Cookie Sandwiches for St. Patrick's Day. 🌈 

First either make or purchase M&M chocolate chip cookies to represent your rainbow. My kitchen is still under construction, so I purchased mine from the grocery store. 

Then fill a ziploc bag with frosting and snip off the corner. Coat the back of the cookie with frosting and then place another cookie on top. Squeeze until the frosting is at the edge then roll the entire cookie in green sprinkles. 

Serve and enjoy! 🍀

#stpatricksdaycookies #stpatricksdaytreats #springcookies #rainbowcookies #cookierecipes #recipereel #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesforkids #stpatricksday2023
#ad Today is March 14, or Pi Day! 🥧 Today we #ad Today is March 14, or Pi Day! 🥧 

Today we are baking a fun Pi Day-themed apple pie from @pollyspies who offers nationwide shipping on their delicious double-crusted pies! After 55 years in business, Polly's pies are still family-owned! 

There are lots of pie flavors to choose from and the pies ship directly to you frozen and packaged in dry ice. Add a little egg wash, and bake for a delicious, classic pie! 🍎

Sending a pie is a great idea for someone celebrating a birthday, a new baby or who just would love a traditional, delicious pie! 

You can use my code helen15 for 15% off your order of $50 or more! Happy Pi Day! 💕

#pollyspies #saveroomforpie #pollyspiespartner #recipereel #pidaypie #pierecipes #applepierecipe
Picking just a few photos to share from our family Picking just a few photos to share from our family photoshoot with @keikilaniphotography was the hardest thing ever! 

I'm saving Ben's 2-year-old portraits for his birthday so that made it a little easier, but every picture Jennifer sent us is just perfection.

Love these two with all my heart. So grateful for this life. 💕

Linking mine and Ben's outfits in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/44beG

#familyphotoshootideas #familyphotooutfits #toddlermoments #shopltk #ltkfamily
Let's make everything bagel popcorn for your Maste Let's make everything bagel popcorn for your Masters' viewing parties. ⛳️ My husband is originally from Augusta, so the whole week becomes a Masters' viewing party at my house. 

To make this, drizzle melted butter over popcorn, then sprinkle garlic salt and everything bagel seasoning. Mix well and repeat the steps. 🍿 

I found these little "par-tee" containers to hold your popcorn!

Do you watch the Masters? 🏌🏻‍♂️

#mastersweek #mastersparty #popcornrecipes #savorypopcorn #easyrecipesformoms #recipereel #recipereels #easysnacks #easyappetizers #movienightathome
Let's make a spring simmer pot! 🍋 This one work Let's make a spring simmer pot! 🍋 This one works for spring or summer and makes your house smell fresh and clean!

Add lemon zest, slices of lemon, rosemary and vanilla extract to a pot. Cover ingredients with water and simmer on low heat. 

You could also swap rosemary for mint leaves! I'm definitely going to try that option too.

Do you use simmer pots? What is your favorite combination?

#simmerpot #springsimmerpot #easterideas #springideas #springhome #easterhome #summerhome #summerideas #recipereel #diyhomedecorideas
BANANAS UNITE! 🍌 Make banana sushi with Benjami BANANAS UNITE! 🍌 Make banana sushi with Benjamin and me. This was so much fun! I saw it on Pinterest and knew we had to try it! 

To make banana sushi you just coat a banana in melted chocolate or peanut butter and roll it in sprinkles, mini candies, coconut, Rice Krispies, crushed granola bars or whatever else you can think of! Then you slice it up like sushi pieces and enjoy with your littles. 

We had a blast making a big mess! 

#activitiesfortoddlers #recipesforkids #kidrecipes #bananasundae #bananasushi #ideasfortoddlers #toddlercooking #toddlercookingskills #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesforkids
Office before and after! My husband and Instagram- Office before and after! My husband and Instagram-less dad have worked so hard on this! I love how it turned out. 

Our landing area was a catch-all! It's so exciting to have this functional space now. 

I can't wait to show you all the work they did and the cool features. I'm impressed!

#officerenovation #beforeandafterrenovation #beforeandafterhome #beforeandafterhomeedition #officereno #homeofficeinspo #homeofficegoals #homeofficeinspiration #homeoffices #homeofficespace #homeofficesetup #homeofficerenovation #diyhomeproject

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