Working Smarter, Not Harder + $150 Threads 4 Thought Giveaway (& Link-Up!)
Shirt: Sola Five Studio c/o | Jeans: Shopbop (Paige Denim) c/o (also on Amazon prime!) | Booties: The Root Collective (use this link for 10% off) | Necklace: oNecklace (use code “MOLLY10” for 10% off) | Earrings: Nickel and Suede | Bracelets: Noonday Collection c/o & Branded Collective | Watch: Apple Watch (got my band here)
Wanted to just quickly address something… you guys may (or may not) have noticed I’ve been a bit quiet here on the blog for the past couple of weeks. I’ve been blogging for a decade and in the past 5 years I’ve blogged 5-7 days a week, every week, with barely a break. This is not me complaining (at all!), because I LOVE what I do and I love blogging (otherwise I wouldn’t keep it up!). And honestly, I never run out of ideas and I always look forward to creating new posts, working on new projects, and brainstorming new ideas.
When I was in Kenya, our internet situation was spotty, that coupled with the fact that this particular trip was much heavier than trips past, and so I just needed that time to mentally rest.
Once I got home, I had caught something on the trip so I was sick for a few days, then super jet lagged, and then just really having a hard time getting “back to reality.” It just hit me harder than times before…
So I just allowed myself the freedom to relax and to rest and to take some time away. And it has been so nice and so needed. In fact, it has really taught me something and helped me focus more on this year… it’s really emphasized the need, the desire, and the focus for me to work smarter, not harder this year. 
Until I took this little break, I didn’t realize how much I was burning myself out at the end of the year last year. And I don’t want to do that to myself this year… I want to be a better blogger, but most importantly, I want to be a better wife and mother. And I can’t do that if I’m burning myself out.
So this year is all about working smarter and not harder. Focusing on doing things that are intentional, purposeful, and fruitful. I want to serve others well, I want to serve you guys well, and I want to serve my family well.
Don’t worry… I am not going anywhere! I will be back to my normal blogging schedule… I just wanted to let you know why I was taking some time to mentally rest and step back a little bit in the last few weeks.
Is anyone else with me? Who is working smarter and not harder this year? What things are you implementing into your life to do that?
Now, one more thing. Carly and I are teaming up to do more than host our link up. We are teaming up to share brands that we love……brands that give back. Each week we’ll be collaborating with one of our favorite brands to share the cause they support, and their amazing products.
This week we are teaming up with Threads 4 Thought. Why do we love Threads 4 Thought? Because they are LITERALLY changing the fashion industry with every ethical clothing piece they create (and every piece we buy).
Threads 4 Thought is a full lifestyle brand comprised of adorable pieces that are produced responsibly & support sustainable initiatives. They are a certified B Corporation, which means that they are making every effort to use business as a force for good. Their goal? To create pieces that humans love and to help the planet at the same time. And their factories in China, Kenya and India? They pay living wages AND treat employees with respect and dignity.
Oh, and a HUGE bonus… Carly and I are EACH giving away a $150 Threads 4 Thought gift card. So be sure to check out both of our posts for two chances to win!
Use the Rafflecopter tool below to enter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Now, on to you guys…..our favorites last week?
/ mommy and me velvet / give with grace: zuri collection /
http://www.threadsforthought.com/store/campaigns/cozy-comfy-warm-styles/sorina-tee.html?color=poseidon
Hey Molly! I’m new here … obviously 🙂 I just found your blog through a link up party list on another blog, and I am so loving your style (both your outfits and your blog). I’m so fashion challenged – I think I need to take a few tips!! Anyway, just wanted to say hi!
If I had a $150 gift card I would buy the BURNOUT ZIP FLEECE HOODIE. Size: XX-Large. Color: OXBLOOD.
There are so many things I would love to add to my closet from Threads for Thoughts. One item I would get is the CHENILLE TANK.
I would buy some type of legging, sports bra and top but not sure what design.
I love the Harper Skinny sweatpants, the Arabella tee and the Stealth Camo headwrap. So many choices it’s a tough decision!
I like the Sita Legging and sports bra.
I like the Vail v neck
I’d get myself the Sammy dress and then my husband what he wants!
I would use the gift card to buy the yaura dress and then I’d probably buy some new workout leggings!
Maven tee and maliza ts looks awesome
I love that Ember top! Excited for warm weather.
I would pick out some workout wear I won! I love the BELLATRIX LEGGING and matching GIANNA SPORTS BRA…
The activewear is great, I love the leggings and hoodies.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
their activewear looks awesome. id like to get the shiloh tank
Love the Marta Pullover in heather steel.
I like the Emilia Hoodie and Ivana Pullover.
I would love the Nikita Dress!! So pretty!!!!
I would get the Ember top and Lori jacket.
I would get the Nikita Dress in charcoal
I really like this pullover! http://www.threadsforthought.com/store/women/runa-pullover-2.html?color=electric-blue-black
I would use the giftcard for the super cute Sofia sweatshirt <3
I would get the Nira dress
I really love the Ingra Sweatpant and the Elmira Zippie!
I love the Elanor Hoodie!
the nehara top is gorgeous!
b
I like their Lori Jacket! 🙂
mia2009(at)comcast(dot)net
I am loving the Maya dress! Thank you!
I am glad you are getting some rest. That is something I am struggling with myself.
Working smarter is something I’m working on this year as well. Good for you for acknowledging that. Love the outfit, btw!
~Whitney
http://www.whitneynicjames.com
I’d be tempted to get the Juniper Dress in Poseidon. 🙂
What a great giveaway! I would spend the gift card on my hubby.
Fabulous look! Love the cardigan and graphic tee!
I would get the MERELDA CARDI in navy!
I love the Greyley tee in either color!
Everyone needs a mental break! Glad you were able to step back and realize you needed the time. Also, really loving your cardigan!
xo, Lee
wineandcouture.com
I love soooooo many things! The cardi’s are a must!
Thank you for hosting the link up! My first time over at your blog and entering it. 🙂 Love the look … so comfy.
Oh my gosh, I would love to win this gift certificate!!! I also love your goal — this made me think a lot about myself. I’m a mom and just went back to school, and I find myself feeling so guilty because I can’t keep up with all the other students who have time to do amazing work all the time, and I also feel bad about not being there for my kid as much. Long story short, I really take this idea to heart — I need to just focus on working smarter and not feeling like I have to be doing work all the time to be doing a good job.
Threads 4 Thought…I LOVE the layered tee and simple V neck and Medina tees. I think I’d buy those!! <3
Love this look! And this is such a great goal in the new year! I think I need to adapt this as my mantra…work smarter not harder! Good for you.
Thanks for the link up and have a fabulous week!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Btw, I love the Yaura dress and the Sienna Cardi from Threads 4 Thought!
I love the Barika Tank and Kona Leggings! They would be perfect for my workouts. Thanks for the chance!