OK, she really is watching...they all are!

Working from hard can have it ups and downs. It's hard to try to balance the needs/wants of the kids all while trying to keep my businesses afloat. Some days I think I have it all figured out, and then the next day, I'm reminded that I'm still trying to figure things out.

Last night I heard some fussing from a big sister to a little sister over by my office. Big sis was saying something about- "you can't just use Mommy's things, you need to ask" and something else like "those are grown-up things". This morning when I sat down to work on a few things I noticed the set-up next to me. 

Little sister is on the top, my set-up on the bottom. During the summer, I have had my computer out on the table in the piano room so I could be around my little people. You can see from the picture that she has done a pretty good job. 

• Computer, complete with screen- check.
• Drink at the ready, check.
• Writing utensils, check.
• Important work in progress, check!

This was a really good reminder to me that no matter my mood, how long my to-do list is, how much money I need to make to meet my goals, and ALL THE THINGS- that these little people that I work so hard for are watching me! They want to see how I handle the stress of getting things done, how I'll react when my day isn't going so well, or when they distract me with their drawings, their giggles, their have-to-have-a-hug-right-now-no-matter-what-you-are-doing and sometimes their fighting! #keepingitreal

And in the long run, it's good to keep perspective....because in the blink of an eye my kindergartner will be graduating high school, joining her older 3 sisters in the big, scary world and I'll have only one of the five sleeping under the same roof. It's easy to forget in the moment, though...and because she inspired it, a little reminder for ME so I can be the best Momma I can be to those little ladies of mine.

Want your own reminder? Free printable: GO HERE.

Check out all those daily to-dos over at my Facebook group: HERE.

Now go be awesome!

xoxo,

Linz

Downright terrifying.

During my conference last week, which was such a fantastic experience for me, one of the speakers spoke about the importance of having a VISION BOARD. This is a board where you put all of the big dreams you hope to accomplish in one place- make it pretty, or not- but put it somewhere you can see it often. It serves as a reminder of what you are working toward and when the work hours grow long, you can look back and say- yep, keep going girl.

I thought about it for days after the conference. I had lots of little study sessions where I felt like I was given a nudge here and a random thought there. Today while I was working on my Sunday School lesson, I read the words- "So let me ask you a question, What were you born to do?" Um. *cough* Hello, God. I'm listening.

Some of these goals are HUGE. Like Donald Trump "YUGE". Some I can work on right now...its all about keeping my head down and working the way I know I can so that one day I can look back at this and say- gosh, I did all that, I need a new board!

I know for a lot of people, they get in their own way. They talk to themselves in a way that prevents them from taking the big leaps, the big steps to move forward. I'm certainly guilty of that too, but a vision board puts it all in my face, telling me, "You really want these things? Get to work, honey." I don't mean WORK work, sometimes it's not. Sometimes it's a mindset shift and sometimes it's hours and hours of effort.

These pictures might mean nothing to you, and really that's OK. It's MY board. It makes me teary (not that that's hard, people). It makes me excited....and if I'm honest it makes me a little...? Out of breath? Anxious? Scared? And maybe a little terrified? Ha!

So what would your vision board look like? What are your big scary goals? Jump on this crazy train, y'all! We are going places!!!

xoxo,
Linz

Learning to say no...kinda.

A lot of people ask me why I got into LuLaRoe...I usually jokingly say that I didn't have enough to do, which is truly laughable being a busy Mom of 5 girls. But in part, I'm being honest. In the summer of 2016 I felt uneasy and I felt like I needed to make a change, but I wasn't sure what that meant. After a lot of prayer and some soul searching, I realized that I was receiving a message from above & that I needed to become a LuLaRoe consultant. Weird, right? At least I thought it was totally weird since I only had 1 LuLaRoe dress in my closet.

My first LuLaRoe dress, the Nicole.

There was A LOT of prep work & educating myself that went into getting ready to start this business, but then as soon as my inventory got here at the end of September, I hit the ground running...and I literally didn't stop until Christmas. I sold a lot of clothes and did a lot of things right, but I was also going at break-neck speed and didn't have time to do the things that really mattered to me anymore. So in January of that year, I decided I would cut back on my schedule a bit and make room for what I WANTED in my schedule.

It kinda worked, and it kinda didn't. I basically figured out that I wasn't being successful at either job- my LIFE job nor my BUSINESS job. You know what I was missing? It's that tricky and sometimes evasive word called *BALANCE*. When people ask me the hardest part of any of my jobs, it is definitely balance.

I wasn't ready to throw in the towel with LuLaRoe and I certainly wasn't willing to give up my time with family- so what's a girl to do? Here is my 3 step list in creating the balance in my life:

1. I set a schedule. Each day I wake up and know exactly my goal for my business. I know which posts or graphics I need to create & I know what my to-do list looks like because Monday means my LIVE show, Tuesday means Quick Pics, and Wednesday means Wall Drops, etc. I work at my job during the day, all the while making sure my little ones are cared for, have eaten, and dressed...or at least have clothes ON their bodies. Technology makes it possible for me to be posting on FB while I'm driving my tween to gymnastics, so as long as I've done the prep work, I don't have to work much in the evenings anymore.

My actual planner from last week

2. One of the reasons I didn't throw in the towel is that I honestly LOVE what I do. I love the little community I have created. I love that customers come to me needing advice on fashion, and life. I find great fulfillment in being that person who uplifts, encourages laughter, and tells you that that shirt isn't right for you. If I am not careful, though, I will end up doing this all day long 24/7, so I set boundaries and I've learned to say no, kinda. I will pretty much bend over backwards for you if it fits in my schedule, but I'm not missing the soccer game, I still want to make dinner, and if someone is sick- you'll find your order on my porch because it is a pajama day.
I would also just add that when my work is not fun or fulfilling to me- because it is work- I try to listen to music, church talks, Ted talks, or podcasts to keep my spirit happy while I'm doing the mundane. This is just a piece of advice for happiness in life.

This caption could say "Professional taxi driver"

3. The last thing that brought me balance is the most important. When I was little my parents always told me that I could do anything, and the funny thing is- I believed them. I never struggled with a lot of self-esteem issues growing up and was probably too naive to see the moments where I should have been the wall flower instead of the girl spinning circles under the spotlight.

As I have grown older though, the struggle has been a little more difficult. Motherhood certainly threw me for a loop- changing my body, increasing my hormones, and then making me responsible for tiny humans that depended on me to make good choices for them! As an adult, I went on my first "diet", experienced my first bouts of depression, and had more anxiety than I ever remember having before, and that all happened on one trip to the grocery store! Although I still have so much to learn, I think it really all comes down to one thing, and if we are being honest, it's always been that one thing. Love.

Always a YES for moments like this.

Do you love yourself enough to know when to say NO? Do you love your family enough to know when the answer is absolutely YES? Saying YES to yourself and NO to others can be really tricky. I find that Moms are the most tortured when we decide that its OK to do something for our own mental health, because we have this sense that our family will not survive without us for an hour. Why are we so hard on ourselves?

Just me, trying to keep the planet spinning...because that's my job, right?

I think the key to this is having a goal in mind and deciding what brings us closer to our goal, but that doesn't mean we won't have to scrub a few toilets along the way. So what is your goal? What is it you want to accomplish? And if guilt is your motivator, maybe you should ask yourself WHY you are feeling guilty? And why are you saying yes/no when it spreads you too thin?

This brings me back to the beginning. I said YES to LuLaRoe- for me and essentially for my family. I wanted my girls to SEE what hard work looked like. I wanted them to SEE my struggles and successes. Beyond that, I wanted to help the every-day woman see her greater potential by simply changing what she put on in the morning. It has not been easy and I have made some mistakes- and will make more- but saying YES to this part of me, and handing out the NOs when needed, has made all the difference for me. We only have one life, my friends, let's choose to LOVE it.

I'm leaving on a jet plane!

Full show here: https://www.facebook.com/9626619/videos/10106395428656597/

For those of you who have had a busy week, you might have missed the announcement that I got picked to go on a special tour of the LuLaRoe warehouse AND be able to pick my own order while I am there. I entered the contest on kinda a whim. I mean, when it comes to LuLa, I haven't had the best luck! Example cited:

• 90 days to receive my initial inventory
• Usually at the end of the line on capsules and sometimes miss the chance all together
• Did not receive any Noir
• And yesterday I got this:

I actually am not upset about this, but just roll with the punches because- that's just the way life goes sometimes! When I got the e-mail saying that I got selected, I had mixed emotions. 

1. Is this for real?
2. Did everyone get picked?
3. Is this for real? And *I* got picked?

So I asked on one of my team pages and not everyone got picked! Crazysauce! So then I began to ask a bunch of questions. I talked to Taryn, I asked one of my VIPs, I asked my family, I talked to Todd...and then we made the big announcement! 

Since then I've had all sort of anxiety! Ha! But, I have bought my plane ticket, I have a hotel room, and I even have a rental car. Y'all, I may be pushing 40, but I am treading in new waters here! This #momof5girls has spent a lifetime taking care of others, and while this is a business trip for my business- it is a solo trip! I can't even take anyone into the warehouse with me if I wanted to (and I totally want to!)

I have been thinking about the trip a lot. I want this to be magical for my shop and a good experience for me...so I've asked for those who want me to try to grab something just for them to fill out the google doc HERE. But I've had another idea too. For those of you who buy something in my shop between now & when I leave, or financially support my trip in any way- I am going to set up a special VIP group that will be the first to see all that I picked. Above is an actual picture of what it will look like for me when I pull my goods. It seems only fair that those who help me, get something special out of the deal!

And that's my big news! I leave in 3 weeks (PANIC!!) but I'm so excited! And I've been hoping to start blogging again, and this is PERFECT timing! So if you're in the need of some cute clothes before I leave, let me hook you up! We have some fun sales going on now & more to be announced in the upcoming weeks. Until then, I'll just be trying to wrap my head around the whole deal and trying to breathe deeply.  Adventure awaits me- and I'd love for you to come along! :)

xoxo,

Linz

The year approaches...

I wrote on this blog for like FOREVER ago as a sort of therapy while I waited for my inventory to arrive. Because LuLa had experienced a high volume of people signing up at the same time I did, they were overwhelmed with new consultants and it took 90 days for me to get mine. That was kinda tortuous. And when I say torturous what I mean by that is that I was going a little nutty. They have it down to a 2 week wait period now. Go figure.

My first pair of leggings. I bought them after I signed up from my sponsor. I hardly ever wear them anymore because I have so many others that are my favorite.

Once I got my inventory, I took off running and I didn't stop until February. February is the beginning of the Blackhurst birthday season, so I needed to put some effort into making my family know how much I love them for a bit. I decided then that I would slow down a bit to focus on family during the slower retail months. Here are those amazing people in a strictly LuLaRoe photo shoot.

Todd, my number one supporter, whom I lovingly refer to as my "accountant" because he helps with my books...but he's actually an engineer in case you didn't know.

In the (almost) year I've been with LuLa, I've learned a lot. I've made some mistakes, of course. For example, I've posted on my FB group and had zero responses (true story) and I've posted and received well over 100. I'm still working on the nuances of FB...and they keep changing the rules, so that makes it SO FUN.

This is a picture of me when I received my actual call. My BFF was there to take the picture...that is the face of pure excitement.

I decided I would give you the top 3 things that I have learned over my year. Some lessons were harder to learn than others, but one thing remains- I've loved my experience with LuLaRoe. I've gotten to know some really amazing people, worn some pretty awesome threads, and learned a lot about myself along the way...and I guess that was all worth that 90 day wait. ;)

Ugly things will sell.

One of the things people are shocked to hear is that I typically don't get to pick out the actual items in my store. I pick the product and size- and then hope for the best.  I'll admit it, there are times when I pull something out of my box and throw a mini temper tantrum...but wouldn't you know it, they still sell! Why? Because not everyone dresses just like me, and that's just fine with me!

I wanted to show that I could wear *almost* any size Julia dress and pull it off. Some of these dresses I hadn't paid any attention to but when I put them on, I realized they had some real potential!

Do what you love best.

People sell clothes in lots of different ways. In my year I have invited people to my house, brought all my clothes to THEIR house, I've done LIVE sales, I've videoed-and-posted sales, I've done fund raisers, brought leggings to my dentist office, and even set up a booth right next to a group of rescue dogs....that was memorable. But there's one way of selling that I love best, and that's selling LIVE with my buddy, Taryn French.

We had so much fun doing it together that we created our own FB group, just for live shows. So if you are available Monday & Tuesday nights, be ready for a good laugh. Taryn and I are funny people when we are by ourselves, but when we are together, we are kinda a riot. Our shows haven't brought in a lot of sales, but they are just as much fun as these pictures...and almost every show I have to tell myself to stop laughing. Fashion advice, friendship, and a lot of laughter...not much else can top that. Also, there may or may not be a video of me wearing a batman mask out there...but those were the early days.

Taryn and I just started offering FREE personalized styling sessions. A whole wardrobe designed with 1 person in mind for FREE. It's pretty much the best thing ever. We have had so much fun styling these together and they're FREE- did I mention that already?

People. I love them.

The thing that I have learned/loved the most is working with people. I cannot tell you how happy it makes me feel when I help someone pick something out and they come out of the dressing room feeling like a million bucks. The first time it happened I was at an Open House in my neighborhood. One of my sweet friends dropped by who had always wanted to try on the Carly dress. She had recently lost some weight, so she wasn't sure the size. I helped her figure that out and off she went to try it on. When she came out she was GLOWING. She was so happy to find something that she felt beautiful in and I was so happy to be there to experience it.

They say that you are the VIBE in your TRIBE. I've seen a lot of consultants complain about things happening in their group. I always feel really fortunate because honestly, my tribe is awesome. I am SO grateful for all the people that have supported me in this journey.

Lastly, I just wanted to give a little plug...for those of you who haven't really tried LuLaRoe, I get it. When I was introduced to it by my sister Heather, I thought it was OK- but I wasn't impressed with the quality of the pictures, I didn't get the sizing, and honestly- I thought it was a little over-priced. Since then, I realize that taking awesome pictures is a lot harder than it looks...so ask questions if you are unsure of the pattern or need a close-up. The sizing is hilariously crazy, but I know my styles and can help you find the right size, it is after all what I DO! And as far as the price, it took me a while to be OK with the idea that I was WORTH it. The clothes are quality. They have a happiness guarantee. Just try somethings out and see what styles look best on YOU, and I assure you- you'll understand what all the hype is about.

Thanks for the memories, y'all. Let's keep them coming.
xoxo,
Lindsey

Facebook group link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shop.with.linz/?ref=group_cover
Taryn & Linz LIVE group link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FrenchieAndLinz/?ref=group_cover
Instagram Account: shop.with.linz
Twitter: LuLaRoeShopWithLinz
Hashtags: #shopwithlinz & #ishopwithlinz

Irma Aint Your Grandmother's Hairdresser

My sister Heather lives in Indiana (which is a few states away from this Texas girl). A few weeks ago she hosted her own Lularoe Pop-up boutique in her home with her friend Tiffany who is also a LLR consultant. She FaceTimed me during the party taking me through the inventory to see if there was anything I wanted to add to my stash.  Among them was a black Irma. I've tried on an Irma once before so I knew the sizing I would need and last week my Irma arrived in the mail.

It may look like I'm in the jungle but this is actually my front yard.  It's been raining a lot. And we need to weed A LOT.

I was giddy with excitement to try that baby on! The Irma, just like our other lines is designed to be stylish yet comfortable. So I put on some leggings, topped it with my Irma and my hubs took me on the town for a little dessert before he left for the weekend.

These shirts are so perfect over leggings!! It felt like I was walking around in pajamas.

Here are a few things of note:
1. I LOVE my Irma. Like LOVE LOVE. I want a whole closet full.  I plan to experiment on the sizing a little because the sleeves in the one I have hugged my arms, which is totally not a big deal because I love the way it looks, but I want to see my options. The size I got was XXS.
Let's be perfectly honest here peeps.  I'm not a big person. I lean toward all things petite. I have NEVER lost a small hand contest.  Only tied once. #smallhandchampion Usually my comfortable size is a Medium, sometimes small if I want it more fitted, sometimes Large if I want it loose. So if you want one, go down a few sizes. Here is LLR's recommendation.

2. Todd and I weren't hungry for anything heavy. I was mainly thirsty, so we were thinking like a shake or something. We went to the Vintage area, which we love, to listen to the live music and walk around people watching, ya know? We couldn't find anything right away but we saw an Asian smoothie place- so we thought we would give it a try. The owner served us and was so wonderfully kind in explaining everything.  He made sure we stirred ours up right and encouraged us to take a sip, but to remember that toward the end, we'd need a spoon. He thanked us for the business and for being a little adventurous tonight. We took our sip then headed outside to enjoy the night.
The smoothie thingie was...an adventure. Ummm certainly out of the comfort zone. I tasted mine- tropical, kinda unusual. Then I tried Todd's which was downright *not delicious*. We kept trying but the gummies or gel things were a hard texture for me to slurp through a straw. Annnnd once Todd tasted mine he realized how very not tasty his was! So we ended up tossing them and stopping at Sonic on the way back. #adventurefail #Sonicforthewin #cherrylimadeforever

We've actually had one of these before and liked it alright but the ones we had were a lot...chunkier? Long skinny gel-things? Not our flavor, any way you spell it.

3. Todd spent his weekend helping the good people of Louisiana.  He and a group of men from church came on their own dime to enter stranger's home and offer their services for free. It was hard work and Todd was filthy and oh so tired and sore when he got home last night- but he's so glad he went.  So am I. Bless those sweet people he served and their kindness. He was served fried chicken, sack lunches, and loads of smiles and hugs.

Lularoe says this about the Iram Tunic:

LuLaRoe’s Irma top is a loose, knit “high-low” tunic with fitted mid-length sleeves. The extra length in the back makes it a great compliment to our leggings – especially for all those wanting some extra coverage for their, ahem, assets. Wear this top and you might never take it off. 

http://www.lularoe.com/irma-top

And they come in different colors and styles- I am SO EXCITED! The Irma is $36 and will be coming to a pop-up near you soon, if I don't grab them all first!

Happy Labor Day, friends!
xoxo,
Linz 

Kimonos are not no nos

So when I say Kimono, what do you think?  Is it something like this?

Well, it could be because that is a kimono- and its GORGEOUS...but I don't plan wearing that around town, because Houston weather isn't exactly traditional kimono savvy.  However, under the category of "kimono" Lularoe has 3 options...well, 4. You're gonna feel a little like this:

Check these out:

This one is called JOY, I think you'll see why.

The LuLaRoe Joy is a lightweight and breezy longline vest perfect for achieving that great layered look. The Joy comes in a feminine, custom made lace and features flirty side slits for added movement. This is a great pocketless piece to layer into your favorite LuLaRoe ensembles or to wear as a stylish cover-up at the pool or beach. The possibilities with Joy are endless!  http://www.lularoe.com/joy-vest

This is the Sarah!

Lightweight and cozy without being hot, the new Sarah cardigan is LuLaRoe’s newest layering piece. The Sarah is long, hitting around mid calf, and features a cropped long sleeve for easy movement and a flattering silhouette. The sweater knit Sarah adds texture and warmth – great for cool days – while its loose weave keeps the Sarah comfortably cool worn simply over your favorite tee or even as a swimsuit cover. Versatile and immensely comfortable, the Sarah is sure to become an instant fave.http://www.lularoe.com/sarah-cardigan

And one that I personally love, the Lindsay...if only they spelled it right?!?!

LuLaRoe’s "Lindsay" kimono, features loose, 3/4 length sleeves and a scooped “high-low” hemline that drapes and flatters. The Lindsay’s polyester, lace and chiffon    fabrics are delicate, durable and versatile. The Lindsay is airy, comfortable, beautiful and is sure to become your go-to layering piece.  http://www.lularoe.com/lindsay-kimono

Lastly, here is the Bianka...it's for kids, buuuuut...

Hey Hey! Biankas can also be worn by the more petite folks out there- and they're half the price!

I may or may not be tired of getting my picture taken at this point, can you tell? HA.

The LuLaRoe Bianka kimono gives even your littlest fashionistas a stylish new way to layer.  We know too well that getting a kid to wear a jacket can be… a challenge. Cue the soft and breezy Bianka that will add a bit of warmth, but is still light enough to be an amazing addition to their playtime!http://www.lularoe.com/bianka-kimono

These kimonos are SO fun.  I keep seeing them everywhere! I can't wait to own them ALL! One down, 3 to go...

Joy $60

Sarah $70

Lindsay $48

Bianka $28

xoxoxo,

Lindsey