The Little Blog Dress: Me-Inc.

Showing posts with label Me-Inc.. Show all posts

I Took A Sick Day, Don't Tell My Boss

Remember when I ~~blogged~~ ~~complained~~ told you my concerns about taking a vacation as a business owner?? I really enjoyed the feedback and I am glad I am not alone in this situation.

This morning, I woke up and realized there was yet another clink in my plan for world domination as a business owner: I will never again be able to call my boss and tell her (lucky me, I have worked only for females) that I was sick and not coming in. Although that may not seem like a big deal, I am gonna miss the tiny feeling of satisfaction when she would say feel better and let me off without any attitude or hesitation.

The upside is that I don't have to ask anyone to take a sick day but the downside is I don't have to ask anyone to take a sick day.

Usually these practices of actually taking some time for myself would set me over the edge with guilt. Who has time to be sick?? But you see, I am writing this from vomit village. I have the stomach flu...haven't had it for years. In fact, I spent half the morning yesterday racking my brain how three beers could make this sick. When it was decided that I am not in need of a Betty Ford bed, I spent probably the most beautiful day we have had in six months and a Sunday, mind you-in my own bed wishing for death to come.

In fact, and this only happens almost never, I was still so ill, I decided when I woke up this morning that I don't care if the world blows up-I am doing the bare minimum for Little Blog Dress Media and going straight back to bed.

After a four hour nap, I am now coming into a more saner state of consciousness. I am actually kind of excited! I took a sick day!

Here is how you can take a sick day without guilt:

1. Set your vacation message. I actually googled How to leave an away message when you are sick to no avail. I made a similar one to when I was on vacation and told everyone I would be back on Tuesday.

2. Do what you need to do to not drop the ball. Take your to do list for the day and do whatever is on it to ensure that you will not wake up to chaos on Tuesday when you feel better.

3. Stick by your Sick! Do NOT answer email and do not answer the phone, you are sick...not a martyr! How annoying and unprofessional you will sound on the other end...so don't. You took the day, so now take it!

4. Do what you can to get better! You have a business to run!

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Words To Live By

This is definitely the anthem for anyone who is plowing their way through entrepreneurship or self employment. Four years later, I am still not sure how the heck I am able to pull it off. I know you think I am crazy, but I pray every day the rug isn't pulled out from underneath me. Pardon the curse words.

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Ten Things To Not Say To Someone Undergoing Infertility Treatments

Seriously, I swear the fertility Gods have to be boys. No women in their right mind would allow any medicine for fertility to give you a bloated belly, hot flashes and mood swings like this. Oh, and a new thing I get to do today-stick a needle in my belly. But, I'm trying not to focus on it 24/7...Because that is what I have been told. Repeatedly.

Here are some other fun words of wisdoms told to the TTC community-

1. Wait, how old are you? I can't tell you how many people have correlated my age in a wise and thoughtful manner as the only factor of infertility. A reminder that although it would be great to be 20, age (and personally, my AMH test was through the roof, thank you very much) are not always the factor.

2. When you get pregnant, you will be bloated anyway-So, when you take this poison it makes your belly extra swollen...thankfully not much else, but belly fat indeed. It makes you feel self conscious, ugly and bloated. So, yes I realize I will gain weight when I am pregnant...but I. Am. Not. Pregnant. Yet.

3. Just relax, don't worry about it and it will happen. I would like to drink the koolaid of this la la land way of thinking and I just can't believe that people actually believe this statement. Oh my god! Just relax!! Who would have thought, this would have saved me hundreds of dollars!! This thought process will break many a medical barrier!

4. I know a girl who....I know that this is supposed to pacify me, but I really don't care about your next door neighbor's aunt's daughter who tried for years, adopted and WHAMMY got pregnant right after. I think you are lying anyway.

5. Just have a ton of sex and it will happen. This is about as delusional as one can get...maybe a good story to tell your sixteen year old, but if it was that easy, it would be that easy right! Bonus for the junior high secret "brown chicken, brown cow" looks while saying this. Hope you don't mind that I am not high fiving you anytime soon.

6. Maybe you are just trying too hard These actually are words coming out of people's mouth. How can one try too hard?

7. There is always next month. Right, and time will just stop and stand still and wait, (see #1). This makes any girl who has a body full of medicine, emotions and false hopes feel amazing.

8. Oh my god, you aren't drinking...are you pregnant? This really works best if you scream it and everyone looks and runs over and asks you whyever aren't you drinking!! Its awesome for your morale when you have to explain what you have been going through, and then when the IUI fails you look like a moron.

9. If (insert symptom here) that's when I knew I was pregnant . In other news that God is a boy...all PMS symptoms mirror exactly to the tee pregnancy symptoms. Plus if you poke your boobs hard enough, they will hurt...and they will be really really sore from the poking not the false hope that this is the right month.

10. Any news? This works especially well if you run over and grab my belly. I know that waiting the 12 weeks before you say anything goes a little irie when you are pursuing fertility treatment, but I am certain there is a better way to inquire.

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Sunday Social

It’s Sunday time to link up with Ashley and Neely for Sunday Social! This week, talking about our blogs and getting to know each other.

Happy Sunday Social!

This Weeks Questions:

1. What is the name of your blog? How long have you been blogging? The Little Blog Dress and I have been blogging on this blog for over three years, my old blog Racing Fashionistas started 7 years ago (but is sadly defunct).

2. Why do you blog? I love my blog, it gives me an opportunity to connect to like minded individuals and a platform to write and a place to talk about things inside my head that you should see.

3. What is the first blog you ever followed? Probably Kimberly Wilson, I have been following her as long as I can remember. She is quite the inspiration!

4. What is your favorite post you wrote in 2013? Anything to do with our wedding!

5. What are your blogging goals for 2014? Really be dedicated to be consistent and be conscious of the flow of my content (who wants to read one campaign after another?) I also need to get back to writing about social media and common practices. Also, I really need to work on networking more, going to more conferences and contributing to bigger sources! Lots of goals, huh!

6. Top 3 favorite blogs to follow? Good Gravy, just three? Of course, my best girl Megan-irunforwine.net, Lyz Lenz who makes me giggle to my core, and Jen Lancaster's blog Jennsylvania which is a good fix between her books.

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And we're BAAAACCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

Holy Cow! A two week hiatus! I feel so so so freaking guilty! Hope everyone had an amazing holiday and New Year! It has been an interesting couple of weeks to say the least...full of WAY ups and that dark dirty terrible oh, goody the IUI failed again blues...

Some ups...I had an amazing Christmas! I was very well gifted especially by my husband. I kept yelling this is our First Christmas together!! Which is really dumb because it is actually our ninth. or if you want to be really technical I brought in 1991 with my husband....sure we were dating each others friends but whatever!

My wonderful friend celebrated her first birthday with her son Crosby! This whole story of how he came to be makes me a believer that everything works out in the end, in any situation. I just have to keep telling myself that over and over.

I am in the process in my head to really get organized and set some goals for 2014 professionally and personally. I need to blog more, take time with my visual journal (which makes me so calm) and just breathe through all the stress.

Was reminded of something today:

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

Hope that helps you like it does me

Happy 2014!!

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Sunday Social-I am Thankful

Time to be thankful! Instead of boring you every day on Facebook for 30 days (that is so so dumb and I wish it would stop).... here it all is, in one place why I am thankful! In no particular order!

My blog.
I am thankful for this outlet and the fun I have had this year making friends on my blog. I really the love the fun products that I have been offered to try and a really good place to tell you exactly how I feel.

My Twitter account
Speaking of saying exactly what I think...God, I love Twitter. If you follow me, its an intimate peek into my head. I love that it isn't completely populated with people that I know intimately like on Facebook...but its my favorite social media by far.

My business-Even though I have struggled this year with the guilt of not working 12 hours day, I love the freedom that this job gives me and what it has developed over the last three years. I love being in business for me!

My thirties
In nine short days, my thirties will go bye bye....and for whatever reason, I could care less. It has been a good run...this decade and I have learned so so much. But at 40, I am in a really really good place.

My husband
I am so thankful for this man. I realize how lucky we are to have such a non-dramatic relationship. We make fair and balanced decisions on everything and we laugh every day. This journey (my best friend says it is a journey, so it is written) to parenthood is sprinkled with stress and some sadness but is so much better with him by my side.

Near death experience
I know that this is weird but I am thankful for my hydrocephalus and my brain surgery. It changed my life, but in a clearer way. It made me realize what is important. Not that I wish that you have to go down that road to get clarity...you should try yoga or something a little less invasive.

My wonderful friends
Hands down I have wonderful friends. Period. Amen.

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Fertility is No Joke

I have been struggling lately and sadly for you, you have to hear about it. Just like every breakup that I have ever had, I have penned quite the letter to send them away...the boy and the feelings of anger, hurt, etc.. I never sent it, and sometimes I would keep it just to remind myself, in ten months is this gonna matter? Raw emotion that make you a little psycho but it gives you a clean slate to move on.

I am a control freak, I am used to going out and getting what I want. I have been disappointed plenty, for sure...but there was always another option to get it done....if that doesn't pan out I would just shift direction or focus. When I had my brain surgery, it changed a lot about my behavior. I sometimes wonder why some of my friends still stick with me. Everything is now black and white, there is no gray area. Sometimes that comes off as not as kind as you would think. Don't get me wrong I am not a complete asshole, I have a huge heart and would give the shirt off my back if you needed. Helping people and making them happy fulfills me. But, sometimes I look at things and vocalize my honest and sometimes not "to be unkind" perspective. Anyway, I am digressing....so when you want something you go to get it, right? I want a baby.

Things we know

Don't have sex without a condom, you will get pregnant!

First Comes Love Then Comes Marriage then comes Darlynn with the baby carriage.

Things people have said to me

Why is a woman at a funeral I have never met asking me when we are gonna have children?

Just relax and don't stress and you will become pregnant.

You are thinking about it too much

Just have a lot of sex and then you will get pregnant

Today will begin the fifth month of fertility treatment. It hasn't been aggressive, only last month did we seek a fertility specialist and I am really glad that we did. As much as I worship (no, really) worship my OBGYN-she will be ready when I get pregnant...a FIRM (thats the name, how cool) that specializes and this makes me feel confident.

This was our first IUI, and I had such high hopes. For a clockwork girl I spent twelve hours yesterday being pretty happy....not so fast said my stupid body. And it failed. And I feel like I have failed. And everyone who is been so great and supportive and been waiting on every moment for this journey, I have failed them too. There is so many people vested because the first new person you see, how is married life, are you all having children...wait you are not drinking-ARE YOU PREGNANT?

Someone HAS to write a book to make people STOP doing that.

It would be great and I would do it again and again if I wasnt so physically ill all month long. Or bloated. On top of feeling like a 60 year old woman with hot flashes, I have gained six lbs and none of my pants fit properly.

Because I refuse to be doom and gloom for very long...let me think hard of the positive...I have strengthened bonds with people that I would have never expected. It has been good for our marriage to take this journey and not in that boom chicka bow wow you think (because that scheduled nonsense is the worst). Oh, and I have learned so much about Biology that high school or college could ever teach me. My kitty cat hasn't left my side in twelve hours, so there is that to fall back on...and my incredible mood swings have given me an opportunity to say things that are on my mind without apology.

Oh, and my 40th and a NYC trip will go forth without wondering if I will be tired or sick-Woo Bonus!

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Thursday Thoughts

Hope everyone is having a great week! I have been working hard on getting organized with work and life lately. I have been making a bunch of headway, its been very cleansing. I like when I get in this mode, very focussed on making my life work better. I would like to inform you that I just wrote more better, but erased it.

Maybe its the change of weather or the changes we have been making to our future (news on that soon!) but it has been a great week.

A couple of things moved me this week and I posted them to Facebook in hopes it would inspire others.

I swear I have said "We'll figure it out" more times than I could ever count. It really is a good mantra because it means, lets not freak out or bring the drama...lets just put our heads together and figure it out.

This is a beautiful saying and it goes along with the week I have. I wish I could read this every day.

There is a girl I have never heard before, her name is Hannah Brencher and I came across this article about 25 things women should know. There seems to be a resurgence of 25 things for this or that, so I didn't think I would be so blown away. I am looking forward to reading more things from Hannah and probably beat myself a little for just now getting on her train. Please take five seconds and click on the link and learn.

I recently made a new Twitter friend in Melanie, from What The Rep Should Do. She and I share an admiration for Bethenny and she headed me up to a ridiculous Omarosa interview....she wrote a great blog about it here. Check it out!

Here's for a great weekend!!

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A Girl Looks At 40

Today is 40 days before I turn 40!!!!!

Its been a great and exciting year. In some ways, I made the last year of my 30's really count! I got married! My business grew! I traveled! I spoke and traveled! We are trying to have a baby!

Thirty was a little hard to turn, I was broke, throwing myself at some loser who "didn't want a girlfriend" but I was good enough for everything else and my life was very stagnant.

I was very thankful for the start of my 30's and I always ~~say~~ scream this to whoever will listen.

I don't feel that way about ending the journey of being 30. I mean they were long and tumultuous at times, but in some ways there were also a ton of times in this last decade that I laughed so hard I cried and I will treasure those moments forever. I met some of the most amazing people and I really feel that I came into who I really am, what I believe in forever more and what it feels like to truly have your shit together.

For my 40th birthday, I am going to live as close to my dreams as possible and spend almost a week in NYC, in the West Village and live like a NYer. I am going with just my husband and I. After the last couple of months and the next couple of weeks..I know we will welcome the break.

Bring on the 40 days!!

I'm looking forward to the Lighthouse Loops 5K this weekend!!

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Never Ever Ever

Another linkup for Never Ever Ever!

This week is a lot more sunshine and rainbows than last week!

Never Ever Ever

Will my brain wrap around the thought that it will be very soon to start thinking about the holidays

Will I stop looking for things to do on our trip to NYC. I want this to be the best trip ever.

Will I organize the back room, it looks terrible!

Will I stop loving this quote from Brené Brown

You can't do anything brave if you're wearing the straightjacket of 'What will people think?'"

Will I not want to get totally organized.

Will I stop liking house hunting, it was so so fun!

What will you Never, Ever Ever?

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Never Ever Ever

Good Morning! Its Never Ever Ever Time! A weekly link up that has more information here!

Never Ever Ever-

Do I want to be in hot weather in 2013...come on Fall...this is ridiculous!

Do I want to think about moving, but it is imminent.

Will I fib and say that ok, maybe moving is very exciting because it will mean that we need more room.

Will these next two weeks fly by to wait to see if it worked this month

Do I want to go through Clomid Hell again-(but these made me laugh really hard)

Can I wait for Thursday for more Grey's and more Scandal!

What can you Never Ever Ever Do, Say, Mean??

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Sunday Social

In Florida, I am sad to report, there is no Fall. Well, maybe there is like three days of it, then it goes smack dab into winter. I complain about this only because I really like the fall weather. The no hot, no cold is really attractive to me.

Happy Sunday Social! This week's questions!

1. What is your favorite fall activity?

I just like to do things that are outside enjoying the cooler weather! After six months of intense heat, its a nice change. I am also looking forward to running more in this weather too.

2. Do you follow a football team?

Yes! In Florida, college football is huge and I am a very proud fan of the Florida State Seminoles. We have an awesome new quarterback-Jameis Winston and it is gonna be a great year!

3. What is something fun about fall in your area?

A couple of things I look forward to this Fall is the Lighthouse Loop 5K, Prince of Peace Octoberfest and my sister in law's annual Halloween party. She starts planning in like August and its always a great time. This year's theme is Haunted Carnival and I am gonna channel some Steampunk, Lucent Dossier and a touch of Reese Witherspoon, Water for Elephants and come up with a costume. I even started a Pinterest board for ideas and inspiration.

4. What are your favorite fall staple outfits?

I always look for comfort and versatility in the fall. Especially in Florida, when it really isn't that cold out, you have to do layers.

5. What things are you looking forward to most about this coming fall season?
I would lie if I am not completely all about the Pumpkin Coffee! I actually love everything pumpkin, spiced and harvesty! Yes, I think that is a word! I also love things as simple as the Glade candle line. Fall is also a time to get your soup cooking on!

6. What is your favorite fall holiday? Tradition?
Hands down, Thanksgiving. Favorite Holiday ever. We have great traditions, including front and center for the Macy Christmas Parade. Champagne is popped at 8am and the party starts. I am also in charge of the stuffing which is a big accomplishment to pull off homemade.

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NYC and Bethenny. Its All Happening.

Now, that I am back from ATL-I have full focus on my next adventure.

After a very long weekend with my mother in law not feeling her best, two weeks ago I received an email from Bethenny's PR with a video from Bethenny asking us to continue the Calling All Your Girls Party with her.

In NYC.

My favorite city in the planet.

To be around someone I respect a whole ton.
As her special guest.

I will let Megan and her awesome words tell you the story here because I am still in a state of disbelief, and now I have to go pack!

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Thursday Things

I think the Dido station on Pandora should be called the Darlynn station. I am glad that you are not here listening with me because you would get real tired real fast of me saying OOH! I love this song!

Thank God the weekend is almost here. It was a huge crazy hamster cage week. I swear I have a million things to do.

My husband and I are going to an auction thingy tonight. This used to be my favorite event all year. Usually I don't drag beau to these kind of things but I want him to come. I donated an auction prize and hope to get a new client from it!

Speaking of new clients, I get to work with one of my dearest friends as a new client. So so so exciting to do what I love and work with people I love. It is def the highest point of owning your own business.

I realize I hate agendas and think I may skip on a couple of scheduled things this weekend to play part of the weekend by ear.

I hope all the things I did this week, will pay off.

How was your week??

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Meeting Bethenny Frankel

When asked who inspires you, what do you say? A family member, a boss, an old teacher, all makes good sense. For me, I have to model myself after someone who is like minded and embodies that entrepreneurial spirit that I wake up every day fighting for. I have been a fan of Bethenny Frankel for quite some time, just because she seems like someone that gets it, works hard and doesn't follow the mold that is laid out for everyone else. It is just nice to know that there are ~~people~~ women out there that make stuff happen.

Bethenny is debuting nationwide her talk show on September 9th. Megan received an invitation as a Tampa blogger to come as a VIP to her Tampa stop on the Calling All My Girls tour. What is funny, is that we both entered the NYC National stop (which I hope to still win, ha ha) and I didn't think about going to the Tampa stop.

The event was at Grille 116 (which was hot as a Grille, but anyways) and we received pink carpet treatment with blogger laminate and Skinnygirl cocktails galore...oh! It was awesome.

What you may or may not know about me, is that my background is in radio. I have met every single alternative artist in the 90's you could throw a stick at. Some of them are my dearest friends...so to say that I don't get nervous to meet someone I respect isn't really a stretch. I was really excited to meet Bethenny but I was nervous as hell, haha! But, I wasn't leaving her side without telling her that I was a small business owner, she inspires me and I was so freaking excited for her next journey. I don't think I took a breath through that whole word vomit diatribe. I am sure she hears it all the time but I wanted to let her know that as a girl trying to make it happen for herself...she is quite the role model!

If this week wasn't crazy enough for Miss Bethenny, her book Skinnygirl Solutions came out today. In our fabulous swag bag came a copy and I can't wait to dive in.

So come September 9th, check out your local Fox affiliate or on her website here, you can enter your zip code.

Follow Bethenny on Facebook and Twitter and #bethennytv and #callingallmygirls

Oh, and cross your fingers that we get to go to NYC for the National stop. You can enter here too but you may be begged to take me with you. I don't snore.

What would you say to someone you really respected?? (Don't forget to breathe while doing so!)

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Never Ever Ever

I am cross eyed exhausted today. I'm waiting ever not so patiently to grab my Bethenny pictures so I can tell you ALL about my evening last night. It was perfect in every way.

This Never Ever Ever feature is fun...here we go!

I Never Ever Ever

* will regret getting a chance to tell Bethenny Frankel that she inspires me last night
* will stop laughing at the things I have googled this week in regards to Baby Making '99
* will not feel guilty about having a easy week.
* believe that I am addicted to Big Brother
* know what I would do without this blog and hope I never find out!

What would you Never Ever Do?

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Thursday Things

Ok, now this is ridiculous...where the hell is the summer going!? It was just Thursday...LAST week five seconds ago!

How was your week? Mine was easy and breezy, not too much going on! Actually if you can keep a secret...I have already done all my work for tomorrow so I may take the day OFF!! WOO! Wouldn't that be crazy...this would also never ever happen unless I left the country.

I have a Stella and Dot shindig this weekend at my friend's house. I am REALLY loving selling Stella and Dot!! It is easy and fun and I get to wear all the product, who is luckier than me! This is my favorite pieces this week...I love layering bracelets...click here to see some of the awesome line and let me know if I can place you an order!

On Sunday, we will make the treck to Orlando to try on Alfred Angelo bridesmaids dresses for Megan's wedding. Should be fun! Hope we pick something amazing out, I am sure we will!

This week I have been searching for fun bloggers to network with and I have found some really fun ways to connect with like minded individuals. I participated in some link ups, hoping to meet some new peeps....that is what its all about right?!

One of my favorite ladies Carly of Digitwirl, just announced that she launched her new website Carly K. I am so excited for more stuff from her, she is awesome!

Poor A-Rod.

Have a great weekend! WOO

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Never Ever Ever

I will never ever ever

Not wish to sleep for a full eight hours. I did my daily work last night for today and sure enough I was up at 4a.

Not feel sorry for A-Rod, even if I am the only one. I am in a so what, who cares mode. I think they are trying a little hard to make a point. Can't take this passion and go cure cancer or something?

Stop thinking about what I am going to do for my or my husband's fortieth birthday. I know we just spent a ton of moo getting married this Spring, but that's not an excuse. I think I have decided to go to NYC for the week, staying in an AirNB apt like a real girl. Except, I just think if all goes according to plan, I will be 2-4 months pregnant...and it will be a different experience.

Want the karma gods to think that I was just complaining about potentially being pregnant during my 40th birthday celebration.

To clarify before anyone freaks out, I'm not pregnant...just what iffing at this point.

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Sunday Social

1. What are 3 items you can’t live without on a daily basis (water, food, shelter, and clothes don’t count) My cats, my phone and an internet connection. Of course!

2. What is your all time favorite book? Why? I have a couple, but I loved Barbara Walter's autobiography...it really resonated with me at the time.

3. What is something you’d like to accomplish before the end of 2013? Just a peaceful continuation of all that it is good. I hope to continue to run and get quicker and quicker!

4. If you could go back and relive any year of your life which year would it be? 26-It was a time when I was thought I knew almost everything and I was getting pretty good at it!

5. What do you wish people knew about you without you having to tell them? That I am super sensitive about a lot of things.

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Thursday Thoughts

I was on the Today Show with Robin Thicke on Tuesday, so how was YOUR week?

If you know anything about me or this blog, I am NBC, all the time and I watch the Today Show like a religion. As many times as I have been to NYC...I have never gone down to stand in the crowd although I want to really bad. Just haven't had the time. My dream of all dreams is to sit and collaborate on my prattle on all that is um, well ANYTHING! So, the next to best thing is to have my tweet underneath the gorgeous Robin Thicke. I literally dropped my coffee. May I say, it will probably be the only time I will ever be underneath Robin Thicke but I'll take it. Can you say those things when you are married? I don't know!

I was also included in the Today Show Storify on the event and RT by their Sr. Community Manager for @NBCNews who has the coolest Instagram ever. He always makes me miss NY very bad. So, that was quite the sugar high!

I joined the Ormond Beach Chamber today, it was about time. I think it will be neat to see when you are officially being out there advertising instead of thankfully and luckily relying on word of mouth. We will see.

An agency I worked with pitched me for social media for a RFP we were working on, as well as another client and it got accepted. I can't wait to see what comes out of this. Very exciting.

Today is Thursday and I almost have the feeling in my ass back from the Fit Barre class I took on Saturday. Isn't that incredible. I really want it to work for me, but I don't know I look forward to running this weekend now that I can move without looking like an idiot.

Onward to a new month and a new weekend. I hope it is a good one for you.

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