Jesse Coulter

The cold weather is slowing and spring is upon us! I'm sharing an update on all things work, kids, shopping and travel. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this shopping challenge of only buying 24 items of clothing in 2024. In this post I'm sharing what I bought, what I spent and what I plan on doing in 2025. 

I impatiently waited for Post Malone to release his F1-Trillion tour schedule and you can imagine my disappointment when Texas wasn't on the list. So I rallied with some girlfriends and we chose a non-stop destination to make it happen, because I haven't missed any of his tours since 2020 (last 4 albums). Raleigh was the destination of choice based on our schedules, and we turned it into a little early birthday trip for my 37th. Here's the story of one of my dreams coming true...not to be dramatic but it's true! 

Has your perspective of your career changed as you've aged? I know mine sure has. I'm rambling a bit in this post about how I ended up where I am and the steps it took to get there. 

In a world of increasing consumerism I hit a point where I wanted to slow down my purchasing. To be honest inflation has made everything SO expensive, and I wanted to prioritize what I spend my money on. I love clothes, but definitely get caught up in fast fashion and spending money on items that I only wear a handful of times. We're over halfway through the year so I thought it would be a great time to check in and share tips I've learned during this challenge + the items I've bought. 

I originally tried to pack in a carry on for my 9 day trip to Italy but the weather through a wrench in that plan. The forecast called for rain, sun, cold and hot weather so packing becoming a bit challenging. However, I'm proud of myself for packing minimally into one medium suitcase and a small duffle carry on that I used for my toiletries, iPad/technology, snacks and saved room for bringing gifts back home! Take a look at my detailed packing list + my outfits.  

A year ago I had a personal color analysis done and it changed the way I dress and specifically the colors I choose. Today I'm sharing some recent outfits plus an update on my 24 Buys in 2024 shopping challenge!

Years ago I started blogging about my monthly goals and it made a drastic impact on my life. Instead of focusing on big hairy yearly goals that are easy to lose track of I focused on smaller bite size goals that can help achieve those loftier goals. 

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I'm an enneagram 7 and LOVE dreaming of change. A new year and fresh goals excite me so much that I get so overwhelmed I don't know where to start. So this year I'm starting small again and going to take you on my journey. I encourage you to join me! Writing them down has a powerful effect and keeps me accountable. Small goals can be as simple as;

- Schedule a doctor's appt

- Call a friend you haven't spoken with in years

- Research summer camps 

- Stretch 3x a week

All of these can contribute to larger goals or can simply exist on their own. Self care is hard for mothers so I think a monthly goal for any mom that focuses on self care adds up to at least 12 times in 2024 they can focus on themselves. 

For each month I'm going to share a graphic from one of my favorite artists, Parima Studio, who creates the most beautiful paintings and then offers them as digital backgrounds every month. It's such a joy to get her email at the beginning of each month with a free download for a new desktop background. I like to the calendar view for my work computer which she also sends for free! Grab her current background here. 

Maybe it's the Enneagram 7 in me but I love a challenge at the beginning of a new year. Over the years I've done a few budgeting/shopping challenges. For instance in college I went a year with only buying second hand clothing, and when my kids were babies I did a 6 month no shopping challenge.

For some reason I'm more motivated about our spending and budgeting this year. Probably because I have a dozen trips on my mind and I can't travel AND shop to my heart's desire. So here we go....24 ITEMS IN 2024! 

2023 was a big year for our family. A few things stand out including hosting two exchange students, being laid off, and educating myself on ADHD more than ever before. 

I have been in marketing since 2010 and have learned some key lessons in building my personal brand over the years. Whether you work or not, these tips can benefit many aspects of your life. Your personal brand is all about who you are and what you want to be known for.

Months before I was laid off from my job I started doing coaching sessions with a therapist. Instead of it being structured like a traditional therapy program (past focused) it focused on the future. Felt more like life/career coaching. I met with my coach every other week for 3 months, and during that time we spent a lot of time discussing fear vs. love based thinking. It was a game changer for me, and I wanted to share the golden nuggets from what I learned in hopes it could help someone else!

My dad passed away 6 years ago today. It's a day I don't like to think about, but as it gets closer I inevitably get emotional. 

Because my blog has basically become my diary the past 11 years I had to make a permanent spot for Harry. Let me explain my obsession...

I take skincare seriously and have tried many products over the years. I own very minimal makeup (one lipstick, one eyeshadow palette....you get the drift) but skincare products are where I invest! Today I'm breaking down my favorite products by category and answering detailed skincare questions!