by ThallenBLiving on December 15, 2011
This past week has been busy, busy, busy for me! But, in an effort to show that you’re never too busy to say thank you, I’m here just in time for “Thankful Thursday!”
This week I’m thankful for family and friends who keep me grounded, even when life seems to go haywire! Everyone needs a support system of at least a few people who will listen to your problems and rejoice in your triumph. If you feel like you don’t have anyone like that in your life, I challenge you to become that person for someone else. The love you give out will be reciprocated… It may or may not be by the same person, but it will definitely return to you in some way or another.
Who are you thankful for?
by ThallenBLiving on December 11, 2011
By the time Friday evening came around, I was beyond tired… I was EXHAUSTED! Whenever I feel like this, there is nothing left for me to do other than grab a seat on the couch, turn on some music (or mindless tv!) and relax. It’s really a shame that in today’s culture we feel the need to push ourselves to the point of exhaustion. For many, work/life balance has become an idealistic goal far beyond their reach. Well today, I take a stand and say no more! Repeat after me…”I am worthy of rest! I have to take care of myself so I can better give to others!”
Join me this week in making sure you get enough rest and relaxation. Even if it’s just a few minutes, take the time to have a nice cup of tea, read a good book, or take a warm bath. I promise, it’ll make you feel a whole lot better!
How do you relax?
by ThallenBLiving on December 7, 2011
Happy Thursday… What better way to celebrate than by having a “Thankful Thursday” post?! This week, I’m thankful for the following things:
Tickets to attend a live taping of The Martha Stewart Show– Word’s can’t express how excited I am!
Long Showers– Nothing relaxes me after a long day like a hot shower!
Miniature Peanut Butter Cups– I keep them in my desk drawer for an afternoon pick-me-up 
What are you thankful for this week?!
by ThallenBLiving on December 5, 2011
Photo credit: Oprah.com
2012 is fast approaching, which means its time to give thought to what you’d like to accomplish in the new year. I’m somewhat hesitant to call them “resolutions” because it seems so cliche… Besides, aren’t New Year’s resolutions made to be broken?!
I’m all for setting high-reaching, yet achievable goals… Goals that will inspire us to do better, act better and feel better. I’ve also found that goals are better when you can monitor your progress. For example, “I will lose 5 lbs” is better than “I will become thin.” I am also a fan of writing out goals, collecting photos and constructing vision boards. The process of finding pictures that represent what you want your life to look like is spirit-lifting in itself. It’s like getting a sneak peak of what it will be like to have accomplished your goals!
Here’s how to construct a vision board:
- Pick several themes that you would like to include (i.e., love, wealth, health, friendship)
- Look through magazines or browse the internet for pictures and words that represent what you want. For example, in the love category you may find a picture of a couple walking hand-in-hand or the words “In Love!”
- Arrange your photos so that they are visually appealing and paste them on your paper. I’ve used poster board, construction paper, and typing paper before… It’s up to you!
- Put the year you’d like to achieve these goals in the center of the board or somewhere it is easy to see.
- Place your board in a place that you look everyday… like in your closet or bathroom. That way it can inspire you each day to follow your dreams!
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions yet? Have you ever made a vision board?
by ThallenBLiving on December 1, 2011
On Tuesday I gave up on Shellac… I just couldn’t take it any more! For some reason I felt like nail polish shouldn’t last that long, so I decided to peel it off
It all came off in one sheet, with little fuss or effort. I would still recommend using nail polish remover so that your nails don’t peel afterward. All in all, taking off Shellac is no different than taking off a thick coat of regular nail polish.
I don’t have any plans to Shellac again any time soon… a little overrated in my opinion! Hopefully these posts will help you decide whether you want to try. Comment below if you do!!!
by ThallenBLiving on November 28, 2011
I promised I’d update you on how well the Shellac is holding up. So here’s the scoop…
On Day 2 or 3, my thumb nail chipped and the Shellac has now peeled away from the edge. Other than that I haven’t had any major peeling or chipping. 
I have noticed that the polish is now beginning to lose some of its shine, but compared to regular nail polish it still looks good. I’m trying to hang in there until Friday, which will be Day 14. However, my nails are growing pretty fast and I don’t like to see the white space between the polish and my cuticles.
My co-worker told me that Shellac can be removed easily at home with acetone nail polish remover, meaning no need to have it professionally removed… We’ll see!
Have you tried Shellac yet? Do you think you will?
by ThallenBLiving on November 24, 2011
We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. ~Cynthia Ozick
For the past few weeks I have been thinking about writing an etiquette post on the polite way to receive a gift that you don’t really like (especially considering that the holidays are getting close). But today, I began to think about this in a grander scheme. How easy is it to go through life being unappreciative for all the blessings we have been given? Even worse than feeling ungrateful, is to show ungratefulness… Consider how frequently we complain about work, school and family obligations (among numerous other things), when actually having a job, being in school, and having loving family members is not an opportunity that everyone has been blessed with. I challenge each of us (myself included) to be a little more thankful this holiday season… even for the things that annoy us!
What are you thankful for?
by ThallenBLiving on November 21, 2011
Last week I told you about my trip to the 9/11 Memorial. There was one part of my visit that deserved its very own post. In the middle of the memorial park there is a tree, surrounded by a metal gate, and supported by rubber cords. 
We asked one of the staff members what was so special about this tree. He told us that this tree had been pulled from the Ground Zero rubble. The tree was then replanted in a park. While in the park, the tree was struck by lightning and totally uprooted! Amazingly, the tree has survived and is now planted back at Ground Zero! What a testament to strength, tenacity and survival… I hope you all are as inspired by this little tree as I am!
What inspires you to keep going when you feel like giving up?
by ThallenBLiving on November 20, 2011
After much contemplation I decided to try the Shellac frenzy that’s taking over the manicure world! Shellac is a new type of nail polish that boasts the following advantages over regular nail polish: 1) It lasts up to two weeks, when you’d be lucky if regular polish lasts one and 2) Shellac is dry the moment you’re done, no waiting around.
I went to Polished Fingertips to get Shellac put on my fingernails. I don’t really see the point in a Shellac pedicure because the polish on my toes hardly ever chips. In total, the process took about half an hour because you have to put each hand under a UV light after each coat is applied. I had a base coat, about three coats of color and then a top coat. As soon as the manicurist was done, she wiped then off with a paper towel and water/alcohol and I was done! I was able to immediately put my hand in my wallet to pull out my credit card!
So far, I’m pretty impressed with Shellac, but I will reserve final opinion until I go through the removal process. Also I want to see if it REALLY lasts two weeks. I’m still on the fence about the price too. I paid $40… So even if it lasts two weeks, a $20/week manicure is still a bit expensive. Now if I can stretch it for longer than two weeks, I’ll be more inclined to do it again.
Have you tried Shellac? What do you think about it?
by ThallenBLiving on November 9, 2011
(That’s me on the far right)
This year I’ve made good on my new year’s resolution to get in better shape. One of the most rewarding activities I’ve done is running with Black Girls RUN! BGR is a group of ladies who get together in their respective cities across the country to run. In NYC we run throughout the week in Central Park, Prospect Park and other neighborhood trails. There really is something for everyone– from beginners to marathon runners. I was not a runner when I joined the group, having never run more than a mile before. However, I quickly became a runner with the support and encouragement of other group veterans. There’s something so motivating in knowing that you’re running with a group and that people are cheering for you at the finish line. I encourage everyone to try out a local walking or running group. It’s the easiest and cheapest form of exercise, seeing as how you’re already standing on the equipment!
What’s your favorite way to exercise?
