Stepping into entrepreneurship put my career path on point. My closet though? It was a complete struggle.

No matter how many Pinterest boards I made to nail down my new sense of style as an entrepreneur I just couldn’t get it together. It was time for professional help and I hopped online to find the perfect person to take me from frump to fancy!

Enter Amy Brubaker, celebrity stylist and personal shopper. 

Taking the leap to work with a pro felt intimidating. But Amy’s  relatable yet polished approach made the process simple and easy. As she helped me clear my closet and reconnect with my everyday attire to my authentic personality, it was clear that our clothes are more than what we put on in the morning. They can be a key influence in shaping our mindset. I learned from Amy that we wear has the power to shift how we feel about ourselves day in and day out.  

Here’s what she had to say about the mindset of being well dressed in today’s modern times. 

[Ashley] What brought you into the world of style? How did you get your start in the industry?
[Amy] I got my Bachelors in Costume Design with a minor in Business. I interned at a Costume House. It’s a place where Costumers rent clothing for Movies, TV, commercials, etc. I found the process of dressing people on TV fascinating and knew right away that’s the direction I wanted to go. After years of working on Films and TV, I decided to branch out and start my own styling business and that was in 2014.

[Ashley] Research has shown that the way we dress can affect our performance. Have you found that to be true for your clients?
[Amy] Yes, absolutely! What we put on in the AM is often a reflection of how we feel about ourselves. I work with my clients to help them cultivate their own sense of style and create a closet that’s full of clothes that give them confidence and makes them feel good.

[Ashley] It’s said that fashion and style are more than a statement, they are a mindset. What is your mindset when it comes to being well dressed?
[Amy] Let me be clear and say that being ‘well dressed’ is different for everyone. For myself, I want my style to reflect that I am approachable and comfortable in my own skin. I pride myself in being able find style at any price point but I especially LOVE a good bargain and passing that on to my clients.

[Ashley] What are the biggest changes in mindset that you’ve seen in clients after they have worked with you?
[Amy] I would say that there are a few things most clients share with me after we work together. They usually tell me that spending time with me, learning how to shop smarter has saved them time and money in the long run, which we can all use more of. Most of my clients reach out because they don’t like going shopping or getting dressed. After working with me, they always have more confidence and joy when it comes to clothes.
When someone sends me a selfie of themselves in a new outfit and says they feel great, that makes my day!

[Ashley] Why do you think it’s important for entrepreneurs to incorporate personality into their wardrobe?
[Amy] Hmmmmm, well two words… social media! Many of today’s entrepreneurs are got going into offices, they are working from home or maybe a co-work space. They rely on their outward appearance to make a big impact on how they are perceived in the work force. Outward appearance is more important than it ever has been. I always tell my clients if your look is not authentic to you then you aren’t going to pull it off with confidence and grace.

[Ashley] What are your 3 tips for looking stylish with minimal effort or energy?
[Amy] My first time is to shop your own closet. Try and look at your closet with different eyes and mix things up. Don’t always wear the same combos. After that, you should be honest about the clothes in your closet and get rid of things that don’t fit or you haven’t worn in a year. It’s not about how many pieces of clothing you have it’s about feeling good in every single piece. Lastly, look to places like Pinterest or Fashion Bloggers for inspiration. Pick 3 or 4 key pieces to buy each season that make your look feel more current. They exist at every price point.

The post The Mindset of Being Well Dressed – Interview With Celeb Stylist Amy Brubaker first appeared on Ashley Baxter.

At the time I was in my early 20’s, had just been laid off from my first job out of college, and had made a tough decision to move back home for a few months while I looked for my next opportunity.

It’d be safe to say I was a little lost back then with no clue what was to come next in my career. I figured there’d be no better time to work on my fitness and drop a few pounds. If it was good enough for Bey, it was good enough for me.

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BUT WHAT IS THE MASTER CLEANSE?

The Master Cleanse has been around for ages. It was created by nutritionist Stanley Burroughs in the 1940’s as a way to cure stomach ulcers and other digestive ailments.

The cleanse lasts for 10 days. During this time you’re allowed to drink water, herbal tea, and a “lemonade” drink that’s a concoction of fresh squeezed lemon juice, grade B maple syrup, and cayenne pepper.

Each morning you complete a salt water flush of the digestive system… aka you drink a quart of hot salty water that goes straight through your stomach to the other side. It’s like a liquid plumber for the gut if you will. Proximity to a toilet at all times is mandatory.

What I thought would be a grueling 10 days dreaming of all the pizza and cheese dip I’d eat when it was over turned into something deeper.

In that first cleanse I learned that taking an extended break from food gave me time to get reconnected with myself. I looked more deeply at what really drove my desires and reconsidered the things I truly wanted in life.

I used the time to make a few adjustments and within a few weeks I had a new job in a new city, moved back out on my own, and started a more mature phase of adult life. All of those changes weren’t the result of my time spent cleansing, but it played a big role in helping me adjust. I didn’t just lose a few pounds, I found a new clarity in the life I wanted to build for myself.

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HOW I USED THE MASTER CLEANSE TO REVIVE MY FOCUS & CONNECT WITH CLARITY

I’ve continued to do the Master Cleanse over the years at times when I’ve needed a reset. It’s a great way to bring myself back to center, identify unhealthy patterns, and to get extra clarity in my goals and refocus my vision.

The biggest takeaway from my master cleanse review and overall experience is that it also gives me a chance to release toxins, waste, and extra pounds I’m holding onto but no longer need. Even better is that it provides an opportunity to do the same mentally, emotionally, and energetically.

In my last cleanse I found an unhealthy pattern of accepting less than what I deserved.

I then released a happy client who loved my work but had made a habit of paying late and making me chase them down to be compensated for completed projects. I released a man I really adored who rarely made the effort to communicate through any channel other than text despite his repeated claims to be excited about dating. I released a belief that “hard work” was the key to success and allowed myself to step into more simplicity and ease with the structure of my business. I let a lot go in 10 days and felt like a new person because of it.

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TIPS ON GETTING THE MOST BENEFITS FROM YOUR FIRST MASTER CLEANSE PHYSICALLY & MENTALLY

Here are a few tips on using the Master Cleanse to clear both your body and mind from dead weight that no longer serves you being you being the best version of yourself.

TIP #1: Plan in advance

The biggest reason people fail to complete the cleanse is a lack of planning. Pick a timeframe to complete your cleanse when your schedule is less taxing. If there’s no such window in your calendar then create one. If you can’t seem to create one then ask yourself why making time for your own health isn’t a priority. Get real with yourself and accept your truth, whatever it may be.

Once you’ve picked a 10 day period to complete your cleanse you should plan for success. Order the things you’ll need in advance and have them ready to go at the start your cleanse vs picking up things along the way. I wrote a separate post that outlines everything you need to know like what to buy, estimated costs and more.

You can get a list of master cleanse ingredients and rules here.

TIP #2: Set an intention

Have a clear and specific reason for completing the cleanse. Most of us want to lose a few pounds, but you’ll have better results if you dig a little deeper.

Perhaps you want to get back in touch with your own voice? To identify your vices and unhealthy patterns? To find renewed energy and focus to complete a specific project? To reset your eating habits and get back to taking better care of your body overall?

Use your time cleansing to work towards a specific outcome but give yourself the flexibility to roll with whatever comes up in the process without judgement. Allow yourself 10 days to just be.

TIP #3: Use extra time wisely

During your cleanse you’ll find yourself with a bit of extra time on your hands. You’ll spend less time planning, cooking, and ordering meals. You’ll no longer need to do quite as many dishes or spend as much time shopping for food.

Take that extra time and do something good for yourself. Read (or listen to) a good book. Spend a little time in meditation. Take a new course or learn a new skill. Connect with an old friend. Get outside and enjoy nature more than you normally would. Leverage the time you’d normally spend eating to feed a different part of your soul.

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TIP #4: Move your body

It’s easy to think a time where you’re not eating is a time to veg out and live in couch potato land, but the opposite is true. Your body needs movement. As you move through the cleanse and release toxins your system needs circulation now more than ever.

Light exercise like a long walk, gentle yoga, or simple stretching goes a long way in helping your lymphatic remove waste from the body.

TIP #5: Release judgement

There will be times where you may feel tempted to judge yourself or others during the cleanse. You might be tempted to judge your cravings or inability to stop thinking about food. You might be tempted to judge every person that friend who knows you’re fasting but eats in front of you anyways.

Let it go. Take this time to embrace a space where there is no right or wrong way to do things. Go with the flow of what feels best and ask yourself the deeper questions surrounding your thoughts. Get past surface level judgements and reconnect with the truths that really make you tick.

A SUMMARY OF MY MASTER CLEANSE REVIEW 

The master cleanse isn’t for everyone. But if you’re up for the challenge and looking for a reset it may support your goals. I’m just a regular person who found success in using this process throughout my life. This isn’t medical or health advice and you should talk to your doctor before giving it a try.

The post How I Revive My Energy & Focus – A Master Cleanse Review first appeared on Ashley Baxter.

On average, Americans spend around 90,000 hours of their life at work. All that time spent in the office has a huge influence on our everyday life. 

Sometimes we get lucky and we meet coworkers that we really connect with. It’s common for those people to become our friends. 

When a coworker passes it’s devastating. They may have been the person who sat next to you every day. Someone who supported you when you needed help. They may have even been someone you didn’t know personally, but respected due to their impact and contribution to the company.

It’s normal to feel a flood of emotions over the days, weeks, and months after they pass. You may have moments of confusion, shock, sadness or even overwhelm at the void their passing has left behind.

The death of a coworker may motivate you to take action and make the most of everyday. Or, it may bring a number of questions that you’ll need time and space to answer.

So what can you do to ease the pain of losing a colleague? 

GIVE YOURSELF TIME

Grieving may seem like a waste of time. Something to rush through in order to get back to work. But studies show that the effects of incomplete grief (like irritability and apathy) can negatively influence your work. Create space in your life to process your emotions. Hold that space for as long as you need it.

ALLOW YOURSELF TO FEEL WHAT YOU FEEL

It’s normal to feel. If you don’t, you may have incomplete grief from a previous life situation that needs to be addressed first. Feel your emotions as they come up. Take time to move through that energy. You may think you don’t have permission to feel the same type of sadness as you do when you lose a family member. It isn’t so. Acknowledge what you feel and avoid the temptation to stuff it down.  

PAY YOUR RESPECTS

Paying your respects is therapeutic and healing. This can be done in many ways. You might attend their funeral, raise funds to do something kind for their surviving family, or hold a team event to give back to the community in their honor. Remembering your colleague through positive activity will create a ripple effect of positivity that influences others.   

ACTIVELY PRACTICE COMPASSION

You never know what someone else is going through. You’ll also have little insight into what your coworkers really feel about the loss of your teammate. Make it a point to practice kindness and compassion in the office more than ever. Loss can be a powerful trigger in one’s life. This loss will be no different. A little compassion will go a very long way in creating a positive work environment during this time of need.

Written in honor of Cathy C. & Patrick D.

The post How To Cope With The Death Of A Coworker first appeared on Ashley Baxter.

Nothing soothes the soul like a weekend getaway with your girlfriends.

Tired? Stressed? Need a change of scenery? All are perfectly good reasons to hop on a quick flight (or in the car for a road trip) and hit up a new city to explore with your friends.

Girlfriend getaway weekends don’t need to follow a specific formula. When I was younger, I thought girls trips had to be a big production and required coordinating the schedules of lots of ladies.

The older, and a bit wiser, me knows that a successful girls trip can be completed with as few as two participants. You can even call up a friend in a different city and meet somewhere in the middle for a few days.

I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying more than a few weekend trips with my best girlfriends over the years. Below you’ll find my top 5 US cities for a girls’ trip weekend. I’ve taken the time to outline the best places to stay, time of year to visit, things to pack, and what to do in each city.

The San Diego skyline at night.

San Diego, California

Where To Stay: Gaslamp Quarter

When To Go: Anytime… the weather is amazing here 365 days a year.

What To Do: Take a swim at La Jolla Cove, snap a shot of the USS Midway’s “Kiss Statue”, or grab a fish taco and some ice cold cervezas at one of the many authentic baja style restaurants. San Diego has it all, plus amazing beach views to sweeten the deal.

How To Pack: Flip flops, lightweight dresses, shorts, and tees will suit you fine. Don’t forget a swimsuit that makes you feel fab and some sleek sunglasses!

Pro Tip: Plan your own girls weekend professional photo shoot! You can find local photographers that will be flexible to you and your girls schedule on Thumbtack.com. Sunrise and sunset shoots are incredibly breathtaking. Just head to the beach with your friends and let the pros capture amazing fun at the beach that you’ll never forget.

Central Park in NYC.

New York City, New York

Where To Stay: Between Chelsea & The Meatpacking District

When To Go: The holiday season is a great time to visit NYC. It might be cold, but one view of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will warm your hearts right up.

What To Do: Shop til you drop, take in a Broadway show,  or hit up one of the many museums. You and your girls won’t walk a block without finding something fun to do or see. Check out the Chelsea Market for great shopping and unique finds then head to the Meatpacking District for a fancy dinner and dancing the night away.

How To Pack: Bring lots of layers, warm hats, a weatherproof jacket, and your fave water-resistant boots. Snagging a taxi, or hopping on the subway, is always an option. But you’ll find that taking a walk through the streets of Manhattan in the crisp of winter can be quite delightful for the soul.

Pro Tip: Nestled in the fabulous Macy’s Herald Square, on the 8th floor, you’ll find the De Gustibus Cooking School. Many of the worlds most amazing chef’s have graced their kitchen. They also offer a variety of classes… including wine tastings that are perfect for a group of ladies to enjoy!

The Chicago skyline before sunset.

Chicago, Illinois

Where To Stay: The Chicago Riverwalk Area

When To Go: Summertime offers mid-70’s temps… it doesn’t get better than that!

What To Do: Take an architectural boat tour on the river, snap a million pictures of your reflection at The Bean, or catch the Cubs for a home game. The winters here are so frigid that EVERYONE is excited to play in the summer. You’ll find friendly people, good times, and amazing food. Don’t miss out on enjoy fresh Garrett’s popcorn or a slice of deep dish pizza.

How To Pack: Cute but casual fits the bill in Chi-Town. Think comfortable shoes and breezy sundresses. A good humidity resistant spray will go a long way to extend your hairstyle if you’re a curly haired lady like me.

Pro Tip: A weekend in Chicago hits a new level of relaxation when you’re got a private boat to cruise around in. You can find a number of companies offering rentals or might even snag one on Airbnb. Take a quick trip to the grocery store to stock up on bubbles and brie, and enjoy a day with your best girls in the sun.

The Savannah riverwalk.

Savannah, Georgia

Where To Stay: River Street

When To Go: A fall trip offers scenic views and perfect weather to walk around the square.

What To Do: Sample every single flavor at Byrds Cookie Company, sip on an ice cold glass of sweet tea at Top Deck Bar, or rent bikes and take a close up tour of the town. Savannah is a great place to do absolutely nothing and everything all at once. It’s a pedestrian friendly city perfect for a girls trip when you want to chill out without a strict schedule.

How To Pack: Your most comfortable jeans, glitzy tops, and light sweaters will take you through your Savannah weekend in style. It’s the south, so be prepared for a little heat in the day with cool (but humid) nights!

Pro Tip: Stay in Savannah, but don’t miss out on beach time at Tybee Island. A 30 minute drive down Islands Expressway will bring you to the sandy shores of south Georgia. It’s a laid back beach perfect for dipping your toes in the water while leaving your cares behind.

A view of downtown Austin from the lake.

Austin, Texas

Where To Stay: Near 6th Street

When To Go: Springtime

What To Do: Eat migas, check out a show at Stubb’s, or hike to the top of Mount Bonnell. Austin literally offers something for everyone. Being near 6th street will give you and your girlfriends a chance to tour the city by foot which will heighten the experience.

How To Pack: This trip is a perfect time to bust out the cowboy boots you’ve been hiding away in the back of your closet. Tank tops and tees will keep you cool in the Texas heat. Think lightweight fabrics and shades

Pro Tip: If you and your girls are in need of retail therapy you’ll be covered 30 minutes north or south of the city. Round Rock, Texas (north) and San Marcos, Texas (south) can both be found along I-35 and offer amazing luxury outlet experiences. A little love from Carolina Herrera, Prada, or Tory Burch might be the afternoon pick me up your friends are looking for.

The post Travel Tuesday – My Top 5 US Cities For A Girlfriends Getaway Weekend first appeared on Ashley Baxter.

Change your environment!

In the corporate world that can mean getting up and going for a walk around the building or making sure to leave your desk for lunch. But what can you do when you’re tied to a laptop and on a deadline?

One of my favorite things is changing the environment between my ears. That’s right, I listen to something uplifting!

You can pop in your headphones and control your auditory stimulation now. What should you listen to? Well it all depends on what really gets you going. A few of my faves are:

Motivational Speeches

Sometimes a good pep talk can boost your motivation and get you in gear. I love the “Today is the Day” playlist on Spotify. It’s a playlist of motivational speeches that make me feel a bit like I’m back in my high school gym waiting to take the court before a game. If truth bombs and tough love are your thing, this one is for you.

Uplifting YouTube Videos

I’m a huge fan of inspirational speakers like Lisa Nichols, Abraham Hicks, and Tony Robbins. Did you know that there are tons of playlists of YouTube with the videos that you can listen to throughout the day? Pick your favorite speaker and do a Google search for their name + “YouTube playlist”. You’ll be surprised at the gems you find.

• Abraham Hicks
• Tony Robbins
• Louise Hay
• Lisa Nichols
• Wayne Dyer
• Bob Proctor

Happy Electronic Music

Something about EDM makes me really happy. The rhythm makes my body feel alive. The language is usually about happy feelings (if there are even any words at all). I can get totally lost in the beat and quickly shake any thoughts that might encourage me to procrastinate. My go to fave is ElectroPositivity on Spotify.

Guided Meditations

When most people think of meditations they think of being guided into peaceful bliss with their eyes closed. What I’ve found however, is that guided meditations are actually great triggers to reset your mindset for motivation in the middle of the day. As long as your meditation isn’t designed for a restful night’s sleep, you should be fine to take in its message as you work the day away. Oprah and Deepak Chopra have great guided meditations on a variety of topics. Their collections have gotten A+ ratings from myself and a number of my friends.

What do you listen to for motivation during the weekday? Share your tips in the comments below.

The post #MotivationMonday Tip – Create A Playlist for Positive Vibes first appeared on Ashley Baxter.