Tarot Diaries // April 2017 New Moon Reading

If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen my recent foray into the Tarot.  I chose to work with the Tarot as a self development tool.  It's nothing to do with any deity, gods, or otherworldly forces....it is simply an attempt to come in line with my higher self.  I've also decided to get into some work with the lunar phases - so woo woo, I know.  Enter the New Moon, a time for setting intentions.  I've also been wanting to work with the Wild Unknown Tarot deck I picked up recently.

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April 26th 2017 marks the New Moon.  This will be the first New Moon I've worked with to set intentions and I wanted to share with you today (or tonight rather, as this was a super last minute blog post!) my first New Moon Spread.  I do know that this New Moon is in Taurus......and that is the extent of my astrology knowledge!  The New Moon is the best time to set intentions and to set plans for the new month.  I'm considering starting my time keeping and monthly spiritual planning around the new moon instead of the begging of the calendar months because of my new found love of the Tarot.  So the spread I worked with is based on this spread I found on Pinterest but I added another card to clarify.  Here's my take - and the layout grid is at the end of the post : 

card one

Where am I right now in my life?

Five of Wands

The Five of Wands is a card of conflict.  This conflict is dealing with manifestations, actions, & ambitions. Unlike the other suits which can be rooted in something that is easily grasped - swords as thought, cups as emotion, and pentacles as money - the suit of wands is a bit more abstract.  This is the suit of energy, motion, action - the suit of the spirit.  The Five of Wands represents a conflict you may have with yourself about manifesting something right now.  You can't get what you want to do in line with actually doing it.  You may feel unable to move forward or that you can't get you're thoughts in line enough to make a plan.

card two

What is blocking me from growing?

The Empress

The Empress is a card of growth, of abundance, of creativity.  This is a card of awesomeness.  Overall, this is an extremely positive card - but because this is the only Major Arcana card in this reading, I see the blockage as maybe an excess of creativity.  So much is wanting to be manifested that it is causing havoc on the spirit that is trying to manifest it.  The Empress is a number three card, the card of moving into action but there may be too much happening that you can't handle it, you can't process it, and the over abundance isn't helping you.

card three

How can I release this blockage?

Eight of Cups

Let. It. Go.  The Eight of Cups seems to be personally haunting me!  The Eight of Cups is about the emotional strength to let it go.  Look, now is not the time to keep thinking about why you're creativity - the thing that you'd think would enable you to, you know, be creative - is blocking you.  Don't dwell on in because you keep coming back to it, pouring emotional energy into something that isn't rewarding you (setting up the cups), and yet nothing changes.  Have the emotional security to step away and accept.  Just leave the cups.

card four

What intentions should I set in order to grow?

Five of Cups

Another five card, a card about conflict.  This time the conflict is on an emotional level.  Because you've got an abundance of creativity but you can't get it to manifest into anything, you feel like the things that make you happy are no longer apart of your life.  The truth is, they are still there...you're just not seeing them because you're in this mindset of self pity.  If you're only look up for a minute you'll see that these things are still here.

Set an intention to consciously do things that fulfill you in order to open yourself back up to emotional gratification.  Take time to appreciate small breakthroughs and creative successes.  Ask yourself what you're ignoring. discover what you're not currently doing.  Set intentions to make sure you're doing things that fill you're cup.

card five

What knowledge do I need to gain to cultivate my intentions?

Two of Swords

As a two card the Two of Swords is about balance.  The energy of this card is is about balanced realization, about fair judgement.  Take the energy of the Two of Swords and use that to judge the actions you're taking - is this action helping you come in line with your intentions?  Is this action helping me to feel bountiful and fulfilled?  How is what you're doing aligning with your intentions.  

as and example: watching mindless TV for 3 hours after work.  You may feel exhausted and that something mindless may help you but is it really bringing you into alignment with your higher self?  Is this helping you to work through your creative blockages in order to manifest something?  I don't think a Netflix binge is the answer here.

card six

What positive energy will emerge during this phase?

Four of Cups

Emotional stability.  By setting intentions that help you feel fulfilled, you'll find that you become more emotionally balanced.  Being purposeful in what you do and reflective on what is working for you will help you bring the conflict of your spirit in line with the current conflict of emotion and ultimately bring about emotional stability.  The fours represent a solid foundation but they also represent this idea of stagnation.  So once you reach this culmination, don't just say 'this is it, I'm done'...leave room to grow.  Keep an open mind towards more growth and just like the Five of Cups, don't ignore what else might come to you.

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I love this type of spread because it helps me to realize what is happening around me that I might not be in tune with.  Usually my questions revolve around the energy I should channel in a certain day with out any consideration to a bigger plan I should set.  So after these types of bigger readings it is important to set intentions that fall in line with card four.  Then you can focus you're daily draws or smaller readings on manifesting what you realized from this New Moon reading.

I don't think you have to just do this reading around a New Moon.  Any time you feel the need to plan a new beginning you can utilize this spread.  Let me know how you like my interpretation of the cards and if you use this spread.  Happy reading!

Do you have an interest in the Tarot?  What are you attempting to manifest this month?

xoxo, Moe

Boost your Blog // 5 Stock Photo Tips for Bloggers

As a blogger you may find you don't have time to take that perfectly styled photo for your text blog post.  You have all the text written out but you don't have the perfect image.  If you blog between your day job and your family, you may find more often than not you push a post off if you can't find the time to take the perfect image for it.  A blog post that has an image is more likely to resonate with readers and more likely to be pinned - because there's an image to pin - or shared on social media because there's something besides a wall of text to look at. 

Enter the stock photo!

image via Ivory Mix

A few posts ago I shared with you some stock photos that fit the Boss Babe aesthetic.  Today I want to share with you some tips on using stock photos on your website as they can either add to or take away from the aesthetic of your post.  Here are some tips for working with stock photos on your blog.

Consider the Post

If you're posting about a techy thing like an app or about your computer or about a new website you've found you may want to consider finding an image that matches that.  An styled image of a laptop or of the style phone you use.  A desktop scene, a scene that reflect productivity.  If you're sharing your thoughts on meal planning consider finding an image of veggies or of a farmers market.  Imagine if you, as a reader, came upon a blog and saw a foodie style image for a post about a new productivity app.  If the app has nothing to do with food......you may be confused as a reader.  The visual and probably the reason you're reading the post in the first place isn't in sync with the feel or info in the post.  So consider the traits of an image that would best suit the post you're working with.

Choose a Relevant Image

In the Boss Babe Stock Photo post I shared four resources for that fun, feminine, entrepreneurial aesthetic.  If those images don't suit your blog - maybe you're more simple, less colorful, black and white, minimal - find stock photos that will complement your style.  Keeping the first tip in mind, search for free stock images that are both relevant to your post and keep with the overall look of your blog.  Consider the story you're trying to tell with your post, don't choose an something that causes a disconnect between the image and the content.  I try to find at least 2 to 3 images to work with.  Sometimes one will jive really well with your content and sometimes you may feel iffy on an image.  Keep your options open and bookmark images that speak to you...you may end up using them later.

Be Unique

There are a ton of free stock photo sites out there and your great article can be come just another post if you're not being unique.  Keep tabs on the images you've use already (I'm guilty of not doing this!) so that you don't consistently or accidentally use the same images over and over again...or even a few months or years a part from each other!  Keep building your library of stock photos.  Keep finding new sites.  Even consider sitting down one day and shooting a bunch of photos relevant to your blog's theme so that you can have a library of your own to pull from if needed.  I did this about a year ago and it really helped me work on some upcoming posts knowing I had images ready for me.  Find my free for commercial use images here.

Add Text

In order to make your article better received on social sharing sites like Pinterest, overlay text on your photo that relates to the blog post.  Usually this will be the blog title or a shortened, catchy version of it.  This is what will draw readers in.  Often referred to as a beauty shot, this image will appear at the top of your article (sometimes bloggers will put it at the bottom and encourage a pin...I don't find that flows naturally for me).  It is here that you want to consider your post and blog aesthetic too - I often decide what words I'd like to emphasize, if there is a number in the title I'd like to stand out, and the layout I'd like the text to look.  If you take a peek around the blog you'll see I consistently use one style of text-over-photo for my images. In the What is a Style Guide? post I mentioned a few tips for keeping consistency when it comes to choosing fonts and colors.  The app I consistently use to add text to my photos is Phonto.  It has a ton of fonts, you can upload your own, and it's no fuss.  Perfect for quickly creating that Pinterest friendly image.   If you want some inspiration for creating Pinterest friendly images, click here.

Give Credit

There are sites out there that require credit when an image is used and there are sites that say 'do what ever you want with these images (with in reason).'  Make sure you're understanding the terms of use with each image you add onto your blog.  Playing nice is a big thing for me and it should be for you too.  Image if you worked really hard on an image for your blog and then some one snatched it, cropped it, and used a font like Papyrus over it?  Um, no thank you.  So give credit if credit is needed.  A short blurb and link under the photo should work unless there's a bigger requirement as laid out in the terms of use.  Also, don't just assume that because an image is on the internet you can use it willy nilly.  Find and utilize dedicated free for commercial use/royalty free websites and not just Google image search.  

Stock photos can be a creative and helpful resource for bloggers.  They can also be sterile, disconnected, and stale if not used properly.  Remember you're developing the aesthetic of your blog and you can be choosy.  Don't conform and don't use bad stock photos!  I hope this post helped you realize how you can integrate stock photos into your current editorial calendar.

What sites are your favorite for stock photos?  Do you already incorporate stock photos into your content?

xoxo, Moe

Trend Tuesday// 3 Pieces to Start your LuLaRoe Wardrobe

In case you missed it I've been working with an amazing LuLaRoe reatailer - Cinnamon and Nathan from LuLaRoe Cinnamon Little - to create some helpful blog posts and videos on the LuLaRoe brand.  In this post we introduced you to the brand, in this post we introduced you to the opportunity, in this post (the one you're reading now!) I want to introduce you to the 3 pieces you should buy to start your LuLaRoe wardrobe.

The pieces featured in this post were sent to me for review by LuLaRoe Cinnamon Little, I only promote and support products and businesses I love.  All opinions are my own.  Please read my full disclosure here.

After trying a lot of LuLaRoe styles, I've made a decision on the top three pieces that will work for a lot of people who are just getting started with the brand.  Its hard get started because for the most part retailers sell online, every style is in different prints and fabrics, and it might be over whelming.  These three styles are perfect to dip your toes in the water!

The Carly Dress

The Carly dress is one of my favorite dresses because of the versatility of the style.  On the surface the Carly dress is a t-shirt style dress with a high-low hem and a small pocket on the upper lefthand bust.  The sizing is very loose, making the dress really flowy and it is the perfect dress to embrace the LuLaRoe style.  Tie this dress up, style it as a tunic, as a wrap, as a cover up, wear it with a belt, knot it at the waist.....the whole point of LuLaRoe is to create clothes that flatter many body types.  I love this dress because it can be modified so much to get so many different looks.  My favorite looks are belted and knotted in a bow to make this dress a tunic!  If you need more styling tips for the Carly dress, I made a whole styling video here.  Multiples of this dress - in a few solids and a few patterns - would be perfect for travel.  So much versatility from one dress!

The Perfect T

The Perfect T is my version of the perfect t-shirt.  How clever it was named as such!  The body of the shirt is a bit flowy, featuring a slit on both the right and left side &3/4 length sleeves.  The size I purchase - XL - fits perfectly in the bust but flatters both my middle section and my arms.  Tying the two tails of fabric on each side of the shirt is one of my favorite styles.  I like the way this look sort of gives me an hour glass shape!  The neckline of the shirt is pretty deep for a LuLaRoe style and I love that I'm not feeling super covered up.  In a really light jersey knit, the Perfect T is my favorite shirt for summer!

Leggings (of course!)

Leggings (of course!)

Last but not least, you gotta try the leggings!  I know this can be a can of worms in itself!  There are so many prints, patterns, colors, styles.....it is overwhelming.  If you want to start simple there a ton of solid colors to choose from.  I suggest jumping in with the patterns.  Keep it simple though - find a wearable pattern for you.  Perhaps try a small two color geometric print, or a more consistent floral print (like the floral leggings above), if you're lucky you may even find animal print!  Leggings are a solid way to dip your feet in the water.  I love to wear them for everything but if you want to look a little more put together I'd try rolling up the hem so you get cute little capri pants!  Oh, and leggings are pants.

These three styles, of course, are only the tip of the ice burg.  The sizing on these is also the easiest to figure out.  Even if you buy the wrong size Carly (I wear both a 2XL and XL) you can still work with it.  I do make sure I absolutely can not live with out the pattern in a Carly dress because of the price tag!  The sizing of the Perfect T runs pretty true to the sizing chart - I have an XL (my preferred size) and a 2XL.  The leggings are even easier to decide on sizing - One Size and Tall & Curvy!

If you'd like to get your hands on some LuLaRoe for the first time or the fiftieth time, check out the LuLaRoe Cinnamon Little VIP group here for a sale every Thursday!  Check out their social media links below to stay in the know -

Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook Business Page | Periscope

What were your first LuLaRoe pieces?  Have you tried anything new?

xoxo, Moe

Make it Monday // Printable Positive Affirmation Cards

I've been working hard this year on being more mindful.  Part of that is meditating and releasing negative energy I always seem to have around myself.  I'm always down on myself, stressed, moving too fast - part of being mindful is being aware of and living in the present.  I've tried to adopt things that can allow me to be more positive and let things go. 

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

A few weeks ago I shared how I made a few Mantra Vision Boards for my Vision Planner.  This week I thought I needed something more positive to go along with my morning meditations....something that I could pull from to remind me that I am enough.  I'm already using Tarot Cards (my current favorite deck is this one and my new obsession is this one) to tap into some positivity and be aware of what energies I should expect through my day.  A positivity card would allow me to focus on a degree of my muchness as the Mad Hatter would say.  Enter a DIY.

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supplies // printable affirmation PDF files, laminator, printer, printer paper, laminating sheets, paper trimmer

Begin by printing the 6 PDFs on the front of your chosen paper.  I chose regular weight printer paper as I often do when I am going to laminate something like this.  Following your printer's instructions for double sided printing, print the constellation image on the back of each page.  This will give you something that resembles a true deck of cards.

Laminate the pages using 3 mil laminating sheets and trim to size.  Each card measures 3 inches by 3 inches.  I specifically made this project with out using my cutting machines because I wanted it to be something accessible to all.  It is super quick to make these and trim by hand.  Sometimes that's all you really, really need in life!

There are more than 30 of these cards so you can pull one a day for a month.  You can also use the Mantra Vision Board DIY to make your own affirmation cards.  Choose your own quotes and your own affirmations to make this a personal experience.  Make a set of 52 to choose one each week or make a set of 31+ to pull one a day each month.  If you're really ambitious make 365!

I have added this deck to my personal altar.  A place I come for solitude, meditation, and some quality me time.  My altar isn't an altar to any deity or god, it is an altar to the person I want to become.  It is an altar to my best self!

I hope these affirmation cards give you some positive vibes through the days and weeks you use them.  Please let me know if you make them!

How do you stay positive?  How to do you get rid of negativity?

xoxo, Moe

Trend Tuesday // Fat Girl, Crop Top

There are two things the below photos will show you - I desperately need to dye my hair and that I am wearing a crop top.  I've seen a lot of individuals I admire on Instagram and other social media outlets wear crop tops.  I mostly follow a lot of body positive and plus size fashion accounts because it is nice to be inspired by those that look like me.  After seeing quite a few of these individuals wear crop tops, I said 'you know what, I have a body...I'm going to wear a crop top'

this post contains affliate links, please read my full disclosure here

shirt - Meijer // duster cardigan - Amazon

Joy vest - LuLaRoe Cinnamon Little

maxi skirt - handmade (similar) // boots - Acredale Saddlery

choker - Moodology collection from Origami Owl

I've been obsessed with sewing for like a very long minute and made this flowy maxi skirt.  So far I've sewn a few t-shirt dresses, 2 shirts, and this maxi.  The steam is running out right now but I have so much fabric that I need to make more, more, more!  Adding a few more shirts and a few more maxi skirts is on my to sew list.  I love the fit of this maxi - I made the pattern from a maxin I already had from Meijer (I believe) but extended the hem a little more so I could wear it higher up on my waist.  I wasn't anticipating the crop top action, but this works perfectly!

This was the first semi nice (weekend) day that I wore this outfit.  I had a planner meet up to head to with Monique from Many Sides to Me, and then Zach and I went on a little date to one of our favorite restaurants.  I felt super empowered wearing something slightly out of my comfort zone.  I would wear this whole outfit - minus the crop top - on a regular day so the pattern, the layering, etc is really my style.  Adding the crop top made me feel fierce!

If you're unsure about wearing a new style try to pair it with something you fee more comfortable in.  Don't go all out the first time...that's what wearing a crop top has taught me!

I plan to rock this style - plus a bikini if I can find a top I like - this Spring and Summer.  Don't let anything hold you back!  I'm going to pull from one of my favorite drag queens, Latrice Royale - Wear the crop top.  Look sick'ning. Make them eat it!

What fashion trend are you stepping out to rock this summer?  

xoxo, Moe