Good morning! Happy Monday gorgeous people! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. For Christmas, my husband bought me a new DSLR camera and we finally had a chance to use it. Albert and I are no experts in professionally photography. Learning how to use an expensive camera can be quite intimidating. But, it’s not going to stop us from learning and having a little fun.
Ilymix Faux Fur Pom Pom Beanie // Ilymix Plaid Tartan Blanket Scarf // Gap White Tee (coupon code GOODSTART for 40% off your order) // H&M Regular Ankle Denim Jeans
Even though it doesn’t snow in Southern California it can get pretty chilly. I may not be in the mood for a heavy coat or jacket to keep warm so I love the option of wearing a beanie and blanket scarf. The beanie look is on trend and I actually love wearing hats! A blanket scarf is a stylish accessory and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Ilymix has the best selection of trendy beanies and blanket scarves you will surely love! They keep you warm while looking so cute and comfy!
This is my first photo shoot with the new camera. I kept looking at the photos and second guessing myself and wondering if they were good enough? When seeing the images once more I noticed my happy smile. It got me thinking about my endless quest for excellence (pros and cons). I also acknowledge the fact that my husband was willing to try to take my pictures for my fashion blog (high pressure LOL!). I began to feel grateful and content.
In life, we can be so hard on ourselves. I can find myself putting myself down. Pushing myself beyond my limits — leaving me exhausted and overwhelmed. This is the time where I need to silence the inner critic. To turn my inner critic into a compassionate friend. I need to learn to give myself a break (and others too for that matter). You see I am an overachiever. But, learning to give myself a break when I need it helps me so much.
Five Ways To Give Yourself A Break
- Give yourself some extra time to get your beauty rest. Go to bed 30 minutes early or sleep in 15 to 20 minutes and forgo checking your phone upon waking. Recharging your body is important.
- Relax and chill out in a steam room or sauna. This practice helps to soothe and relax your muscles and release toxins in your body.
- Relish in a guilty pleasure. Indulge in reading your favorite magazine or tv show and just let your mind wander. I do this occasionally to unwind my mind.
- Remove yourself from negative people. Sometimes these negative people can be your loved ones. Just take a break from them for a day. You can be supportive tomorrow.
- Practice observing your feelings. Identify what you are feeling and “feel” it. But, don’t internalize them and label yourself something negative.
For more ideas on how to give yourself a break — read this inspiring article from Tiny Buddha.
SHOP THIS LOOK
Thank you so much for the tips, I’m always trying new thing to relax myself.
I want to buy a new camera too, let me know your opinion about it.
Amazing picture and amazing style 🙂
http://www.ericavoyage.com
You look stunning !! Pretty photos !
Have a great start to your week hun !
Nina
xox
http://www.thecrispylipstick.com
Love this post and great job with the camera. Your photos look great! I need those tips for taking a break so thank you so much for sharing! Enjoy your day! Xoxo
Love this!
Debbie you look amazing! Congrats on the new camera, I’m trying to figure out all the settings on mine too! Quite daunting. Happy Monday!
Xo Emily B. | http://www.thetravelingblonde.com
You are doing a great job with your camera! I love that scarf on you too!
xx,
Victoria Schneider
https://thesoutherntrunk.com
I loved all your tips! So good! Sometimes we just have to stop and remember to breath and take a break! That’s so awesome that you got a Camera! My hubby had no idea at first too but you learn! I love that blanket scarf the color is so pretty! Happy Monday love!!
Check out my latest post!
http://www.agracefullife.net/favorite-outfits-of-2016/ xx Anca
Love blanket scarves! So stylish and comfortable! Also, love your ideas for taking a break…crucial for my mental health.
Author
Thank you so much!
You look so pretty! I love your scarf! Your tips about taking a break are so helpful as I just don’t do this enough. Congrats on the new DSLR too!
Author
Thank you April! The new camera is awesome! I need lessons from you – or more like my husband does! xo
Your hubby did a great job with these photos! How exciting that you got a new camera. You look fantastic in all of these photos. Love your blanket scarf and beanie. Red is definitely your color. Xoxo
Oh and how could I forget. Great tips on how to give yourself a break!
Author
Thank you so much Pentene!
Author
I am so glad my husband is willing to jump in and try! xo
I think they came out great!!! My fiance takes my pictures and i get sooo frustrated sometimes. I always have to apologize once I take a step back because he doesnt need to put up with my diva blogger demands lol I love those tips, they’re all so important. I love the “observing’ feelings. I sometimes get really upset over something super small and have to figure out what is really making me feel that way.
Author
Hi Ariel! I am feeling you about being a DIVA! LOL! It is not easy to take a step back sometimes when we are the creative masters! But, when I do and I see what we create – it is a beautiful affirming feeling! xo
I always need ideas to take a break! Plus love the red hat!
Melanie
Author
Thank you so much! xo
Those pictures look great! That red against the blue sky is perfection.
Author
Absolutely my man! Thank you! xoxo
Great post Debbie. Have fun with that new camera, we have a nice Cannon too, I need to use it more as well!! Great pics, especially the one you posted on Insta today, my fave for sure!!!
Author
Thank you so much Nicole! I am so glad you liked it. xoxo
I love these photos! They look great! The colors in that scarf are so pretty!
xoxo,
Amy
http://www.styleandsequins.com
Author
Thank you so much Amy! xo
Author
Thank you so much Amy!
love the plaid scarf and your hat!
http://www.layersofchic.com
Author
Hi Mary! Thank you so much love! xo
Author
Hi Mary! Thank you so much! xo
Such a fun scarf. Also great tips on giving back. Especially the part about sleep. Sleep is so important!
Author
Thank you so much! I love my bed so much! xo
Gorgeous photos, and I totally resonate with your topic of giving yourself a “break” and practicing self love. Fantastic blog!
Author
Thank you so much Aarika! xo
I definitely need to start putting myself to bed earlier, always seem to be working late! Love that blanket scarf!
Author
Thank you so much! I have trouble shutting down my brain! The creative ideas peak at night! xo
I was just talking to some friends last night at happy hour and were just talking about this same topic! I am definitely sharing this with them. We can be hard on ourselves for even the simplest things and I can relate. I think your tips are wonderful, especially the last one. XO
Author
Thank you so much sweet Kristina! We can all love ourselves a little more each day! xo
Great photos! I’m thinking of investing in a DSLR this year, too.
Author
Thank you so much! xo
Wow.. amazing photos already! Lucky you that you got a new DSLR camera. Love this look on you and that beanie hat is super cute. Thanks for the outfit inspiration!
Happy Wednesday!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
Author
Thank you so much Len! I love that cute beanie! It was my daughter’s Chloe and she wants it back! xo
The photos look great Debbie! A DSLR is a really good investment!
Deepti xx | http://www.mademoisellemeetsmaquillageandmacaroons.com
Hi Debbie! I think these photos are great and it takes time with figuring out how to work with the camera especially with different settings. Don’t be too hard on yourself and you are doing awesome girl! I am hard on myself too sometimes and we all have those moments! I love the red hat and scarf on you, red really suits you! Thank you for sharing these tips and keep shinning girl! Xoxo
Author
Hi Helena! Thank you so much! I am learning to be much gentler on myself. I am so happy you were inspired by this post. xo
I am totally sharing this. These are all wonderful tips. I love the one about exploring your feelings also indulging. We shouldn’t just work all the time. Sometimes we need to watch netflix and eat half a pizza. Also the photos are amazing. You look beautiful. Great gift.