Rethinking Spending Habits: Small Changes That Lead to Big Wins

Let’s have a real talk today—a heart-to-heart that’s less tough love and more of a gut check, in the funnest way possible. It’s time to stop doubting yourself and start believing in your ability to make your dreams come true. You’ve got this, but sometimes, we all need a little nudge to get back on track. Let’s dive in!

First things first: your dreams are way closer than you think. Often, the biggest roadblock is what’s happening in your own head. Here’s a quick example—someone recently commented on my TikTok, saying it would take them "three lifetimes" to afford something they wanted. My reaction? Don’t sell yourself short like that!

The truth is, achieving your dreams isn’t about things being out of reach. It’s about shifting your mindset and truly believing in yourself. Forget what anyone else has told you—you are capable of so much more than you realize.

Now, let’s chat about something practical: how you’re spending your money. This isn’t about being frugal for the sake of it; it’s about focusing your resources on the things that matter most.

Here’s a little trick I use: a spending flow. It’s a super simple process to help you decide if something is worth buying. Let’s try it out:

1. Do you love it?

   If it’s sitting in your cart, you probably like it. But do you really love it?

   
   

2. Is it a necessity?

   Did you need it yesterday? Will it genuinely improve your life? If not, think twice.

   
   

3. Can you borrow it?

   If you can borrow instead of buying, that might be the way to go. If not, proceed with caution.

This process works for everything, from fun little treats to big purchases like a house. The key? Being honest with yourself.

Here’s a question for you: if you added up all the money you’ve spent on things you didn’t really need over the past year, how much would it be? Now, think about how much closer that money could have brought you to a big goal, like a dream vacation, a new car, or just a cushier savings account.

Look, I’m all for treating yourself sometimes—life’s too short not to. But if you’re grabbing Starbucks every single day or splurging on things that don’t actually bring you joy, it might be time for a little pause and reflect moment.

Here’s a life-changing habit to try: a quick daily check-in with your budget. It doesn’t have to be a big, overwhelming thing, just spend a few minutes each day looking at what you earned, what you spent, and what’s left. If you need help with this exercise, check out the Daily Grind's Budget Tracking Challenge insert!

In our house, this little routine brings so much peace of mind. My husband Andre starts every morning with a coffee and his budget spreadsheet, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer. Staying on top of what’s coming in and going out gives you clarity and control. No more surprise charges or mystery subscriptions eating away at your hard-earned money!

If you’ve been feeling stuck or thinking your goals are out of reach, I’m here to tell you they’re not. It’s time to:

• Rethink your mindset.

• Get intentional about your spending.

• Start tracking your budget daily.

With just a few small shifts, you can start moving toward your dreams today. Not in three lifetimes—now.

So, take a moment and give yourself a little gut check on your spending habits. What’s in your cart that doesn’t really serve you? What’s one step you can take today to get closer to your goals? You’ve got this—I believe in you!

How Gratitude Can Transform Your Life: A Practical Guide

Today, I want to talk about something that can genuinely change your life: gratitude. It’s such a simple practice, but it’s like a secret weapon for feeling happier, calmer, and more confident. If you’ve been feeling stuck or weighed down by stress, this is your sign to shift your focus and start seeing the magic already around you.

Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you” (though that’s a great start). It’s about really noticing and appreciating the good stuff in your life—big or small. Here’s a little life hack: you can’t feel anxious, angry, or sad and grateful at the same time. Seriously, try it! Gratitude creates space for positive vibes and helps you focus on what’s going right instead of what’s not.

To make it easy, here are six areas to explore when thinking about gratitude. Grab a notebook, a planner, or even your phone, and let’s dive in:

1. People and Pets

   Who makes your world better? Maybe it’s your best friend who always makes you laugh, your family who cheers you on, or your pet who’s the ultimate cuddle buddy. Shout out to all the furry friends, like my dog Carl, who’s always around to brighten my day.

2. Moments

   Think of a moment that made you smile. It could be as simple as a heartfelt conversation, a beautiful sunset, or that first sip of coffee in the morning. Sometimes, it’s those tiny, everyday moments that hold the most magic.

3. Places

   Where do you feel happiest or most at peace? Maybe it’s your living room, your favorite hiking trail, or a childhood spot filled with memories. These places aren’t just locations; they’re part of your story.

4. Skills

   What’s something you’re good at? It’s okay to brag a little here! Are you an amazing cook, a great listener, or a master planner? Celebrate those skills that make you, you.

5. Experiences

   Think about experiences that have shaped you. Maybe it’s a trip that opened your eyes to new possibilities, learning a skill that challenged you, or a milestone you’re proud of. These experiences are treasures.

6. Things

   And yes, it’s okay to appreciate your stuff! Maybe it’s your favorite cozy sweater, that kitchen gadget you use daily, or a little treat you once dreamed of owning. For me, I’ll never forget how special it felt the first time I splurged on something as simple as makeup wipes. It sounds silly, but it was a moment that reminded me to celebrate small wins.

Ready to put this into action? Here’s a fun way to start:

1. Set aside a section in your planner or notebook just for gratitude.

2. Pick a category and write down one to three things you’re grateful for each day.

3. Use the prompts above to keep it fresh and fun.

For example:

• “I’m grateful for my bestie’s hilarious texts that always brighten my day.”

• “I’m proud of my ability to whip up an awesome lasagna.”

• “I’m thankful for the cozy corner of my couch where my husband and I unwind after work.”

Gratitude isn’t just about reflecting on what’s already happened—it’s also about getting excited for what’s to come. Take a moment to think about:

• Goals you want to achieve. Maybe it’s learning a new hobby, traveling to a dream destination, or just making time for yourself.

• Things you want. Whether it’s a home project, a cute new outfit, or that fancy coffee machine you’ve been eyeing, it’s okay to dream big and feel grateful for what’s on the horizon.

Gratitude isn’t just another to-do on your list. It’s a mindset shift that can open the door to so much joy and positivity. By taking time each day to focus on the good, you’ll find yourself feeling lighter, more confident, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way!

So, what’s one thing you’re grateful for today? Drop it in the comments or jot it down somewhere special. Let’s keep this gratitude train going and watch how it transforms our lives together!

Know Your Worth: How I Turned Rock Bottom into a Glow-Up (and a Book)

Today, I’m here to share something big. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, stuck, or undervalued—whether in your career, your relationships, or even just within yourself—this is for you. Because I’ve been there. And what came out of that dark, rock-bottom moment was something incredible: a book that took me over a year to write, packed with every ounce of fear, frustration, and fight I had in me. It’s called Know Your Worth.

The Story Behind the Book

Two years ago, I walked away from a 10-year career. Why? Because my personal values and that career path just weren’t aligning. What followed were years filled with fear, frustration, and questioning my worth. It wasn’t easy. I felt like I kept backing down to people who seemed to have more money, more success, or more influence than I did. What I came to realize is that what looks good on paper isn’t always what makes us happy.

So, I did the hard thing. I stepped back, set boundaries, and started saying no. As women, this can be tough. We’re often taught to bend over backwards, to say yes, to please others. But knowing our worth? That’s powerful. It’s life-changing.

From that low point, I bundled up all those emotions—the fear, the doubt, the frustration—and poured them into this book. If you've ever felt belittled, confused, or unsure about your next step, Know Your Worth is for you. This book is a guide to upping your confidence and making your dreams come true.

Here’s what makes it special: it’s not just a motivational read. It’s practical, it’s a workbook, and it’s split into two halves:

1. Glow Up: It’s all about building your confidence, embracing your “villain era,” and giving yourself a 31-day challenge to transform your life. This isn’t just feel-good fluff; these are actionable steps to make sure you show up as the best version of yourself.

2. Make Bank: This part is about setting goals, shifting your mindset, and tapping into your full potential. Whether that means growing your business, changing careers, or simply living a life that feels aligned with you, this book guides you through it.

Now, I want to take you deeper into the inspiration and practical steps behind this concept. This journey is personal to me, and it transformed not just my life, but the lives of those around me.

The Domino Effect

The idea of the domino effect truly came to life through a close friend of mine. Her story is one of courage, self-discovery, and transformation. She wasn’t outwardly struggling, but I could sense a shift in her happiness and energy. Something was holding her back.

Then, one day, everything clicked for her — and it was epic to witness. She let go of the things that no longer served her: toxic relationships, an unfulfilling career, and draining habits. I watched as she discovered her passions, grew her confidence, and her entire life began to shift. The dominoes started falling in the most beautiful way:

• New Passion: She reconnected with what lit her up inside.

• Confidence: Pursuing her passion made her confidence skyrocket.

• Financial Growth: Her bank account flourished as she found success doing what she loved.

• Health & Wellness: Pounds fell off naturally, and she radiated vitality.

• Relationships: Her marriage and family life blossomed.

Watching her break free was a game-changer for me. It reminded me that cutting ties with negativity, setting boundaries, and prioritizing growth can lead to incredible results. Her story inspired the creation of my book — a guide to help others experience their own domino effect.

I realized that the beauty of the domino effect is that it’s not reserved for a select few — it’s a process we all can tap into. By taking small, consistent steps, I’ve been able to create my own transformations. Here’s how I got started, and how you can too:

1. Identifying what was holding me back: I reflected on where I felt stuck. Toxic relationships? Self-doubt? Draining habits? Check, check, and check.

2. Tapping into my passions: I made a conscious effort to rediscover what made me feel alive. Writing, creating, helping others glow up — these lit me up inside.

3. Growing my confidence: Confidence came from action. I started small, took risks, and celebrated every win (no matter how small).

4. Setting boundaries: I learned to say "no" to anything that didn’t align with my goals. My time and energy became sacred.

5. Embracing change: Change was scary, but it was also the key to my growth. I gave myself permission to evolve, and wow — did things shift.

Tools to Help Along the Way

Transformation is a journey of self-discovery, and I packed my book with tools to help you along the way. Some of my favorites include:

• The Color Quiz: To reframe negative labels you’ve internalized.

• Chronotype & Productivity Builder: To optimize your energy and work smarter.

• The Villain Era Cheat Sheet: Four steps to step into your power and confidence.

These tools help make the process fun, insightful, and most importantly, effective.

A lot of people ask, “Is this just a book for entrepreneurs?” Nope! Whether you want to start a side hustle, find a new job, or just feel more confident in your everyday life, Know Your Worth is designed for you. It’s for anyone who’s ready to glow up and go after their goals.

The book guides you through a 31-day transformation with small, actionable steps each day. Imagine starting on January 1st and, by mid-January, feeling more confident and motivated than ever before. While others give up on their resolutions, you’ll be in your “Villain Era,” crushing goals and radiating confidence.

You Are Worth It

This journey isn’t just about productivity, success, or aesthetics — it’s about recognizing your worth. Writing this book reminded me of something powerful: knowing your worth means never compromising your values and setting high standards for how you’re treated.

You are worth it — plus the tax and tip.

If you’re ready to:

• Break free from what’s holding you back,

• Step into your confidence,

• Glow up in every area of your life,

… then it’s time to tip that first domino and watch the magic unfold.