Shellie Bowdoin's Blog, page 3

Power Hours | How To Get Things Done

The FAB Journey

I’m an idea girl, so I typically keep a list of future projects running on my phone at all times. But recently, I’ve felt like I never find enough time to take anything from the list to reality. I finally sat down to take a serious look at how I spent my time and where the time was leaking out of my days.

You may have heard the term “tyranny of the urgent.” Basically, this idea refers to the habit of reacting to situations as they arise, rather than planning ahead. Ultimately, this approach leaves little time or energy to brainstorm for projects, let alone focus any creativity toward accomplishing new things.

I’m not sure how I got stuck in the reaction mode, but it was time to become more proactive with my schedule to figure out how to get things done. So, I sat down to pinpoint what tasks I needed to accomplish every week and what projects I would like to develop over the course of the next several months.

Power Hours – How To Get Things Done

The idea was to carve out some time each week to make steady forward movement toward accomplishing new goals, rather than getting stuck in a constant loop of must-dos. But, I knew that I didn’t want to fill every waking minute of my days. Actually, the thought of filling every moment was exhausting in itself.

So, I looked at my schedule to determine a consistent block of time when I was less likely to bend to a million distractions. For me, 2 to 4pm seemed to fit the bill.  I now call these my Power Hours.

First, I assigned my weekly must-do tasks; making sure that the last day of each week included 30 minutes of prep time to prepare for the following week’s must-dos.

Then, I was left with time, luxurious time, to spend on future writing projects and to accomplish once-and-done tasks that crop up each week. This is what my weekly schedule looks like now.

You’ll notice that I scheduled nothing on the weekends. I did this to allow for leisure time, but also because I know how vulnerable my schedule is to unplanned events. I can usually find time in the weekend to make up for missed power hours.

It’s amazing what can be accomplished in an uninterrupted two-hour block. Not only that, but dedicated power hours take away that nagging feeling that I must constantly produce if I ever want to accomplish my goals. Now, if an idea pops into my head or I come across an interesting article that relates to one of my power hours, I just jot it down on a running list to address at the appropriate time. I am way less to run down rabbit trails only to discover I lost a few hours in the process.

Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.

Ephesians 1: 3-6 (The Message)

Now that I’ve allotted time to get things done, I feel more peace and freedom to enjoy my remaining hours. But then, this shouldn’t surprise me because I know that God’s a planner. If He made the effort to plan, I’m thinking it’ will work out better for me too!

~ Shellie

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Classy Work Outfit

The FAB Journey

Often, my daughter will pop by in the mornings for a quick bite on her way to work. I always enjoy seeing her and what she’s chosen to wear for the day. She’s inspired me to share a classy work outfit in today’s post.

For some, our work outfits give us the opportunity to express our personal style, while others see them as a daily chore. This classy work outfit answers the needs of both; it’s super easy to put together, but it’s also stylish and flattering.

A few features of this work outfit make it super easy to wear:

Layer a light camisole underneath a button-up blouse. This allows you to unbutton the top buttons of your blouse for more freedom of movement.The wide-legged trousers are comfortable to wear and don’t bind up your legs when you sit for long periods of time.The chunky heels are much more stable for long days on your feet.

Your personality can shine through your accessories. The simple color palette provides a nice canvas to show off virtually any color or style. Here, I chose to mix metals with an oversized pendent necklace and stacking rings, but I could have easily added color with a scarf, camisole, belt or shoes.

I like to wear a chunky heel with wide-legged trousers to balance out the weight at the bottom. These chunky heels won’t get lost in the pants.

Oh, and here’s extra points to any of you who picked up on the fact that my hair seems a lot darker in these pics than it’s been in recent days! Anyone who takes fashion pics knows how important it is to seize on photo opportunities when you can.

I actually took a number of pics with a photographer friend before the world shut-down last Spring. Then, I didn’t really feel like anyone, including myself, had much use for fashion throughout the quarantine. I am just now getting back to sharing these pictures…waste not, want not

What Else Do You Need To Wear To Work?

Yes, it’s nice to dress confidently when we go to the office, but I dare say that our clothing choices make little difference if our attitude stinks. It takes a conscious effort to cloth ourselves with God’s presence when we step out into the world. I love how the Message version brings this idea into focus.

“And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.”

Colossians 3: 14

Regardless of the office or job description, our love is what ultimately defines us at work and in life. And, it’s been my experience that cute outfits only go so far when it comes to dealing with someone whose love has leaked out.

Here’s to being salt and light wherever we are!

~ Shellie

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Midlife Changes | How I Am Trying To Keep Up

The FAB Journey

If there’s one thing we can all be assured of, it’s change. I find this to be glaringly true in my current midlife season. In fact, I could almost be convinced that little gnomes of change worked tirelessly to stack tons of “changing stuff” at the door to age 53…just waiting for me to open it so everything could come spilling out!

Don’t even get me started on all the goodies I’ve encountered in the past few months. Let’s just say I’ve been hit on all fronts…from night sweats to a mysterious 5 pounds that showed up one morning and so far, is intent on sticking around. So, I guess it’s time to talk about how I am trying to keep up with all my midlife changes and what keeps me going.

It’s a good thing I am such a fan of perspective and choices. I have had to follow my own advice more than a few times in recent days. Ultimately, I can choose to embrace this midlife season or I can sink into it as it threatens to swallow me whole.

Midlife Changes | How Am I Keeping Up?1. His Mercies Are New Every Morning

I remind myself to take one day at a time and trust God for His mercies that are new every morning. This is especially important when I awaken from a night of staring at the clock at midnight, and one, and two-thirty  and three twenty…

2. My Perspective Is Often The Only Thing That’s In My Control

I can’t always control what is happening to me, but I can control my response to it. The natural inclination is to cast blame to something, or more often someone, when we feel helpless to control our own bodies. But, this habit really just spreads out and amplifies the problem. Instead, I take regular breaks to notice what’s going right in my life and thank God for those things. Then, I try to approach the rest from a position of strength (God’s strength) and promise.

Take a look at this new app I recently discovered, called Abide. It features short scripture meditations to help you refocus and recharge.

3. Take Small Steps To Address Your Midlife Season

If you don’t like where you are, then it’s time to ask God for help. But don’t stop there….take small steps to proactively move to a new place. So, what steps am I taking?

I set an appointment to see an OB-GYN this week to see what’s happening with my hormones.I have evaluated my exercise routine to see where I can make some changes. I know that I need to add more strength training and toning to my typical cardio-rich schedule.I am evaluating my diet and asking myself the honest question, “What new habits can I form and realistically sustain? I know I need to address my carb intake in response to the hormonal changes in my body.Accept that a new season requires a new approach. Some of these midlife changes are here to stay, while others can be mitigated through changes to my diet, exercise routine and sleeping routine.

Here are some scriptures to encourage us all.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12: 9

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 40: 29

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11: 28

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

If you’ve read this far then I can just bet you’re right there in the boat with me. At least you and I can rest in the knowledge that many women have navigated these waters before us. Even better, we can place our midlife changes in God’s hands and trust Him to help us sort them out.

~ Shellie

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Foundation And Concealer For Mature Skin

The FAB Journey

Of course, we all know that our face changes as the years go by, but it’s not just what we see in the mirror. Recently, I’ve come to the conclusion that less is definitely more when it comes to everyday foundation. I’ve been searching for the best foundation and concealer for mature skin that provides some coverage, but doesn’t settle into fine lines or cause my complexion to look dull.

Over Thanksgiving, my niece told me about TULA Probiotic Skin Care Face Filter Blurring and Moisturizing Primer. While not actually a foundation, this product has the slightest pigment that matches your skin tone. It moisturizes the skin and keeps it from drying out during the day. I have to admit that it is a little pricier than other foundations I have used, so I recommend the two-ounce size because you end up with twice as much product without paying twice as much for it.

For concealer, I like Maybelline’s New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Makeup. This product has a nice finish and it doesn’t settle into fine lines. The price is nice too! 

I talk about both of these products and give some application tips in this video. Also, I share my two cents on filtering advice from various media influencers.

What To Do With All The Advice

There’s no shortage of advice out there. I myself like to follow my own favorite influencers. But, is all advice good for you? Yes, I know I’m one of those people who gives advice, but I still think we all need to learn how to filter the information we take in.

While I’m talking about makeup advice in the video, I believe a lot of what I say spills over into our daily life. People love to share their opinions and they are always ready to shed some advice to fix other people’s problems or the world’s problems for that matter.

Makeup is one thing, but when it comes to life and living I firmly believe that God gives the best advice.

7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.

1 Timothy 4: 7

God’s Word holds a well spring of awesome advice and lessons for living. Better yet, God has a way of getting right to the heart of the issue. Let’s remember to go to Him when we need direction on real-life stuff. His advice is sure to fit us perfectly.

~ Shellie

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The FABulous Journey Turns Six

The FAB Journey

This month, The FABulous Journey turns six.” Wow…six years, it seems like so much has happened and yet it also feels like yesterday.

Where was I in January, 2015? My oldest had left home the preceding August to go to college in the US; leaving me in Manila to mourn his absence throughout the remainder of that Fall. Thankfully, my daughter was still living at home, but I knew my time with her was limited.

I needed to step into a new season; one that was not consumed with mothering. Of course, once a mother you’re always a mother, but I was keenly aware that my job description was on the brink of a major overhaul…from doing to being.

I’m not quite sure where the whole idea of blogging came from. I can’t say I’d read many blogs up to that point, but I vaguely remember a friend suggesting blogging as an outlet for my thoughts and emotions.

So, I did what most of us do when considering something new. I googled “blogging;” found out what I needed; picked a name and started doing it. It sounds easy doesn’t it? Well, in reality it was anything but. I had so much to learn and just when I figured one thing out it was time to move on to the next.

I poured some serious hours into those first months and discovered skills I didn’t even know I had. But then, maybe it’s more accurate to say that I developed skills I didn’t know I had the capacity for. I honed them by researching, experimenting, failing, changing, tweaking and researching some more.

Now, six years later, I think little about the mechanics of blogging because I’ve developed some strong muscle memory along the way. And admittedly, my graphics have improved a tad over the years.

My goals have changed a lot too. At first, I blogged to shake things up…to develop something in me, but somewhere along the way I decided it was time for The FABulous Journey to be more about those who read it.

Some Of My Favorite Posts Of 2020

Casual Black Jumper Dress                        Be The Real Thing                                  Our Mountain Vacation

Hmmm, sounds a like a God thing to me. He had great plans for me, but first I had to be willing to shed my old season.

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29: 11

Blogging paved the way for me to learn new skills, explore opportunities that were previously unknown, and develop a lot of new friendships along the way. It was also the catalyst for my first book, Find Your Weigh, which had always been on my bucket list. Ah yes, the book project…now that is a whole…other…story. But I can confidently say I would not be an author today if I had not stepped out six years ago.

What about you…is God calling you into a new season? It can be daunting to step out, especially when you know the journey will require some work and persistence. Yet, I’m convinced that God walks with those He calls and His Word is full of promises  to back that up!

I am thankful to all of you who’ve chosen to walk this journey with me. As The FABulous Journey turns six, may God continue to move and stretch us to embrace new seasons in this new year and beyond.

~ Shellie

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Merry Christmas | Taking A Break Until 2021

The FAB Journey

First, I want to say, “Merry Christmas,” to each and every one of you who share life with me week in and week out. We’ve spent quite a year together and I must admit that this blog has been a big part of it.

Soon after Manila shut down in mid-May, I realized that I wasn’t alone in Asia. The whole world was going into quarantine…we were all in this together.

I decided that this blog and my social media channels could draw us closer together in some small way or, at the very least, they would give me something to focus my attention on as one day bled into another and another and another. I pledged to find something funny, interesting or encouraging to post each day.

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10: 24-25 (ESV)

This blog kept me going…you kept me going!

I pray this Christmas season fills your hearts with joy and renews your hope. This year, we have a real opportunity to experience the “reason for the season.” Yes, we know that it’s all about Jesus coming to earth as a baby, but Christmas in a “normal” year is usually so busy that we never have an extra moment to appreciate how His birth invests our life with meaning and gives us reason to be joyful in all circumstances.

I also want to give myself the opportunity to receive my own infusion of joy and hope, so I am taking a break until 2021.

I look forward to seeing you all again in the New Year!

~ Shellie

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Quieter Christmas | 2020 Christmas Printables

The FAB Journey

Last night, I put together a Christmas package to send to my oldest and his lovely wife in Europe. I wrapped each item and placed it strategically inside a small box, making sure to make the most of each square inch. Even though we won’t be together this year, I wanted them to have something to open from us on Christmas morning.

I can still remember my first Christmas abroad. My husband and I had arrived in Thailand only a few months before. That year, we had managed to find a tree to decorate. We woke up on Christmas morning to open our gifts from one another along with a small box from his sister. His parents had mailed a package to us weeks before, but it was still in transit somewhere amongst the miles.

It was definitely a quieter Christmas…our first year away from home. There was no family circle and no smells of turkey wafting from the kitchen…just my husband, me and our little Christmas tree.

Of course, we got a lot better at doing Christmas away from “home” as the years passed. In fact, just one year after that first quiet Christmas in Thailand we had a brand new baby who royally christened that little tree and his Mema who was changing him. Yep, just one year later we had family and a baby to share the holiday with us.

What a difference one year makes!

For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,

    and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

I guess this year brings back memories of that first Christmas away from home and that little tree. Although Christmas is only a few weeks away, my calendar is not filled with the parties or festive programs that I’ve come to expect during the holiday season.

This year will be a quieter Christmas. But what a difference one year can make!

ENJOY THESE 2020 CHRISTMAS (8×10) PRINTABLES

Print A |Print B | Print C | Print D

Print E |Print F | Print G | Print H

Yes, it’s different, but my heart is encouraged and comforted to know that Jesus is my reason for celebration all year long. He invests my life with meaning and purpose, whether I’m alone or in a crowd. In fact, I believe I can hear his voice clearer when it’s not drowned out by festive celebrations.

I know we’ll have big celebrations again in the future, but for now…Jesus is enough for me.

~ Shellie

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Layered Blouses | The Fabulous Journey

The FAB Journey

Yay, we’ve officially entered the Christmas season!! I love it all…the carols, the festive decorations and the endless supply of awesome holiday recipes. The only thing I’m not crazy about is cold weather…nope, I just can’t take it! Once the needle dips below 70 degrees, I’m a goner. Yes, I know some of my northern friends must be rolling their eyes by now. I guess I’ll blame my “cream puff” intolerance to cold on living in the tropics for the past 25 years.

So, how do I cope with colder temps when most of my wardrobe is geared for a warmer climate? I layer!

 

Layered Blouses

I’ve learned to look at clothing items with multiple functions in mind. One of my favorite tricks is wearing layered blouses. I’m not a major fan of short-sleeved tops, but they often look awesome layered over another blouse.

I came across this sleeveless peplum top on the clearance rack and I knew just what to wear it with. This white blouse fits perfectly underneath because of its plain construction. But then, the fluted sleeves add just the right amount of visual interest.

Since these layered blouses are on the dressy side, I chose to pair them with jeans and suede loafers to keep the look casual. I wore a long pendant necklace to add a vertical line. This is always a good trick when you feel like the neckline of a top is too closed up causing it to look bulky.

Today’s Thought

There are four weeks left in 2020. I know most of us are ready to say, “good riddance” to this trying year. Still, perspective allows me the space to find beauty and purpose in even the most difficult circumstances and age teaches me that I can’t afford to waste valuable moments. So, I’m taking a moment to consider how to spend the remaining 28 days of this year.

My mind goes to a verse in Psalms 90:12. Most versions say, “Teach us to number our days…” But then, I really like how The Message version puts it, “Oh, Teach us to live well!”

Oh! Teach us to live well!

Teach us to live wisely and well!

Come back, God—how long do we have to wait?—

and treat your servants with kindness for a change.

Surprise us with love at daybreak;

then we’ll skip and dance all the day long.

Make up for the bad times with some good times;

we’ve seen enough evil to last a lifetime.

Let your servants see what you’re best at—

the ways you rule and bless your children.

And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us,

confirming the work that we do.

Oh, yes. Affirm the work that we do!

Psalms 90: 12-17

I think that’s what I’ll be doing for the last month of 2020. I’m planning to live well and take stock of the lessons I’ve learned over the past year. In fact, I think I see a New Year’s post coming together…the lessons I learned in 2020 that I never want to forget!

Yes, I am trusting God for some good times and I hope you are too.

~ Shellie

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10 Thankful Days – Part Two | Happy Thanksgiving

The FAB Journey

I’ve often been asked about this unique holiday throughout my years of overseas life…a holiday set aside solely for giving thanks and enjoying family. Today, I’m sharing 10 Thankful Days – Part Two. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

I’m not sure how you are observing Thanksgiving this year. Maybe you’ve chosen to forgo your typical large gathering in light of our country’s current health realities. Regardless of what your table looks like today, God’s presence can still inhabit your heart and home. So, before I type one more word, I just want to share this song with you…close your eyes and think about the Lord.

Now, let’s finish up my 10 Thankful Days, Part Two.

My Man

I reached the point several years ago when I realized that I had experienced more years of knowing and loving my man than not. This man who gets me, pampers me, and yes, pushes me to rise to the challenge on some occasions when he knows I’ve got it in me to do so. We are Sam and Shellie…in life together regardless of what comes our way.

Beauty

There’s so much beauty in this world if we take a moment to appreciate it…the beauty of God’s handiwork in nature, a well-considered design or a well-curated outfit…or, how about a well-worded sentiment. All of these things reflect beauty.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3: 11

My Overseas Life

Our lives are but a reflection of our experiences, so naturally, my 25+ years in Asia have inevitably left their mark. I am keenly aware that the world is much bigger than me or my people or my country. Thankfully, I’ve gained a greater perspective of true sorrow, suffering and sacrifice, which gives me greater empathy for others who don’t share my faith, my background or my circumstances.

My Sweet Four

I love to sit in a room and just listen to my grown kids talk to each other. Although our times together are less frequent these days, I relish every moment. This year’s celebration will be faces on a screen and yes, I’ll be thankful for that too.

My Many Blessings

Finally, I end this post with a shout-out to opened eyes; to the very fact that I recognize that my many blessings come from God. It is God alone who invests my life with meaning and purpose…and for this, I am exceedingly grateful.

Faith brings greater meaning to everything else on my list. It’s my faith in an all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present heavenly Father who knows me better than I know myself…a Jesus who offers grace beyond what I deserve, patience beyond what I merit and shelter in a year of storms that gives context for all my other bountiful blessings.

Lastly, I’m thankful for those of you who share life with me across the miles and megabytes each and every week. To you I say, “Happy Thanksgiving!”

~ Shellie

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10 Thankful Days | Part One

The FAB Journey

In light of the events of 2020, it’s easy to see why some of us would just like to close our eyes, click our heels and wish the rest of this year away. Phew, it has been a toughie! But then, I’ve also felt God’s presence, seen His miraculous healing power, and sensed His direction in this year as well. So, I have marked off 10 thankful days leading up to Thanksgiving.

I’ve come up with my list to count down over the next two weeks…10 thankful days to focus on the awesome things in my life. Just maybe, my list can help you focus in on a list of your own.

Faithful Friends

It’s a slippery slope when you start listing friends. In fact, I had to redo this graphic two times to add more and still there’s quite a few who didn’t get added. But then, that’s the thing about good friends…I know they’ll love me anyway. Take a moment to thank God for the awesome faithful friends He’s placed in your life to share your sorrows and a few inside jokes that always make you smile.

Haircuts

If anything, these eight months have taught me to cherish all of life’s moments in a much richer way. God, thank you for the many haircuts I have enjoyed over the course of my life and the sense of well-being they bring. I will never again underestimate the life-changing effect of properly coiffed hair.

Cheese & Chocolate

We’ve all tried to answer this question before, “If you had to give up one thing, what would it be cheese or chocolate?”…to which my answer is neither! I’m so glad I don’t really have to make that choice. Now, I admittedly can’t eat all of them I want all of the time, but I can and do enjoy cheese and chocolate in moderation on a regular basis. Maybe I should have just said dairy products…smile.

Growing Up Southern

My life has been greatly enriched by my southern roots. Of course, the tastiness of our food cannot be denied, but then it’s much more than that. Growing up southern taught me a certain diplomacy of speech that extends far past a few leisurely I’s (ayes). Asians also prefer to circle the subject several times to get one’s meaning across.

Family

I send out big hugs to my family…those people who know me best and still choose to love me fiercely, because that’s just what family does.

Well, my list is half-way through and my cup is already running over with gratitude. It’s a “glass half full” thing! When we focus our gaze on our many blessings, our attention is immediately drawn away from those things that threaten to steal our peace and joy.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

His love endures forever.

Psalms 136:1

See you next week with five more…take a minute to share some of your blessings in the comments.

~ Shellie

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