2 YEARS FEELS LIKE 2 MINUTES

I feel like I just got here. I spent my first year adjusting, trying to decide if I liked it, if I was doing the right thing. If I would get used to the rain, or make friends, or get a routine. Last year I wrote this post, and I called it "the selfish year."  I recapped 5 things I learned but this time around I have 5 short stores and tea to share.

1) A lot of people ask me about what made me leave my last job in Houston. There were a few reasons but anything I went through honestly shaped me into the strong willed person I am today. My answer is almost always that 'the corporate culture was very poor and not a fit for me personally.' I am currently at a company where we work hard and play hard too. Micromanagement isn't common because we are trusted to be the experts at our jobs. Do politics exist? Of course. It's still corporate America, but I never feel like I am not allowed to be myself. I think the ability to freely do my job and be trusted to be an expert is the best thing. I know that seems really small but it really made the difference in me waking up excited to go to work every day. I loved what I did before, but the struggle of having to fit into a box, knowing you reached a glass ceiling, and knowing your ideas were not valued even though they were amazing weighed heavier. I think not being able to do my job, and entrusting ops to do the job of merchandisers was when I knew I needed to move on. I am happy because people trust me to run my business and let me know that I can do it well, and they collaborate when I need help. 

2) I have gained a lot of confidence in the last 6 months. At my last job, I would often be around colleagues that would talk down to me in different ways or treat me less than. This came in the form of pay gaps within specific titles, different rules for different people, rude/ passive aggressive emails or text messages. I never said anything but TBH, it wouldn't have mattered. Fast forward to now... I found myself speaking up for myself and finding that my voice actually gets heard sometimes. In two years I've only had to do this one time, but it's been impactful for my personal growth. Yes, it resulted in an outcome that I wanted, but over that, I drove that by standing up for me. Thats probably my most important lesson I learned the the last year. Go hard for yourself. 

3) Do I still hate Portland? I don't hate it... but I don't love it here. I like it. Just like. I have a routine down, I eat better, I go to the gym often, yes I have made friends (but only at work... should I try bumble for friends?), I have done more touristy things, I feel like my apt feels like home. I still miss being in a big city, I miss the diversity of Houston, people that say y'all and really good BBQ. 

4) I think the best part about moving here, and its honestly just a personality thing, is that I keep it way too real.  I made it too hard of a habit to be 100 about everything but it's made things so easy. I don't pretend to be anything I'm not and if you like it, I genuinely rock with you, enjoy your friendship and we vibe. If we don't vibe I don't bother to pretend. This is a good and a bad thing. Good for me because I out here protecting my energy, but bad because there are like maybe 5 people that know I don't rock with them and it's mad awkward when I'm stuck in their presence. I just can not pretend to be a friend. I don't have the bandwith with everything that I deal with. I reserve that energy for people who deserve it. But protecting your energy is real! I'm never pressed because I don't need to pretend. Its been great, so far but who knows what another year will do. 

5) Im still a work in progress. I have been reading the daily stoic everyday and focusing on the art of living. A few months back I read "My Miracle Morning" and am focused on making my life better mentally. The Daily Stoic helps me reflect daily on little aspects of my life and in the middle of a lot of chaos I feel ok. OMG. Growth. 

via GIPHY

XO- TAMARA GRIFFIN

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day!

I spent the weekend doing a proper galentines dinner! It's kind of annoying being in an LDR bc all everyone is doing is talking about date nights. I wanted to do something with people I enjoy being around, so that was that. I wore this adorable jumpsuit from a Target x Isani collab. I found it at a thrift store but I knew it had to be mine!
Linked below are really cute pick me up items. Aesthetically, they fit into today. But in real life, they are the perfect addition to everything.

1/365 Motivation

I am typically not one for resolutions but 2017 was a looonng year for me. It wasn't all bad. It had high highs and low lows. I appreciate every experience that I had. I have learned so much about myself and what I am capable of doing and I am very proud and empowered. This blog is going to go through a few changes in the new year and I am looking forward to every moment.

One Year. | The Selfish Year

One year ago I started working at a new job in a new city. To be completely honest I have no clue how I am doing this. I moved here with 2 suit cases, redesigned an entire one bedroom 1 bathroom apartment on a dime, gotten a promotion, and am making it through one of the hardest but most rewarding years of my life.

I'm going to spare the long winded reflection. Here are 5 truths and things I have learned so far:

HEY FALL | PUMPKIN PATCH VIBES

Before the weather here gets really wet, we decided to take advantage of a good weather weekend and do fall things. Yes its a little chilly here already and I took the opportunity to head with some gals to a pumpkin patch out in Sauvie Island. Besides getting lost in a corn maze shaped like Damian Lillard, I picked up a cute pumpkin and tried my first elephant ear. Don't worry, its a flat churro. I have never seen it in Texas before, but I recommend it.

Now on to the fun part, decorating your pumpkins...

Here is some pumpkin inspo from pinterest. I am not sure which one I want to do yet but the little fox is screaming my name because he looks like my Toshiboy. Unicorn is also really cute but I would have to paint the whole thing! I should suck it up, I'm just not into carving. 

LOVE, MARA

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HEY SEPTEMBER!

Its September, summer hours are almost over and I have almost made it a whole year in Portland on my own.

Back home my city is drying out and finding a new normal. I know many people effected by Harvey and it is crazy to think what things would be like if I was still in HTX. I knew from the second I left I would be in for an interesting journey but whatever it was, it would be the right move. So far, I think everything is ok. As sad as I can get sometimes, I feel mostly ok. I put together a small collage of hi-lights this month. I haven't been blogging as much but I am working on a few projects at the same time. I do have some posts lined up for the rest of this month, I needed the headspace and trust me, it has paid off.
Have a happy Labor Day weekend!

LOVE, MARA

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orEclipse

It's 2017 and people are super excited about "The Great North American Eclipse." Im gonna have a Kanye moment and say, 2017 Imma let you finish, but the 2024 Eclipse will be the Greatest Eclipse of all time. Not because it can be seen from Texas... But because totality will last almost 5 minutes there! Plus, all of hill country falls in the path of totality, how amazing would it be to watch this from Marfa?

Ok but seriously, it's Eclipse day and I will be working from home. The news and co-workers made it seem like traffic will be insane, so I want to avoid as much as possible. An email was sent that basically gave everyone the Ok, so I am ready to work from home! I will be taking a break to see some of the eclipse from my living room, but in all honesty its not my cup of tea. A lot of people are getting camp sites to see this thing... and that's just not for me. It's cool that temperatures drop and all of the other weird phenomena that happens... I'm just not super excited about it.

2024 Eclipse!

It is cool the band of totality is 70 miles wide! That is so narrow, so it is cool to be a part of that. What is totality? That means total eclipse. Most locations will only be able to view a partial eclipse, they will not see the moon fully in front of the sun and will not experience the sudden drop in temperature... even animals wake up thinking that it's night time, day birds become quiet as well because they think its time to go to sleep.

It's crazy! Be sure to use your eclipse glasses if you want to view this event! You really can damage your eyes, your eyes lack the sensory that lets you know that they are being damaged or hurt... so it will be too late when you notice the effects. Keep your glasses on until totality and put them back on as the moon starts to move back.

LOVE, MARA

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SDCC: Wrath of CON.

A little THROWBACK THURSDAY/ FLASHBACK FRIDAY:

It is one week until San Diego Comic Con and I keep getting more and more questions about why I go and what I will be doing while in town! Lets start with what I can't wait to do while in San Diego for the Con:

1) For the first time since 2015 WE'RE GOING TO A TAPING OF CONAN! Last minute a late night Thursday show was added so we will be attending and ready to trade a pop vinyl because we still have duplicates from the first time we went. Every day the audience takes home one of these coveted vinyls. They resell for a lot of money but we keep ours bc we have a little collection going.

Weekend Wrap-up: Angels Rest 5 Mile Hike

It took me long enough to go on my first hike! A group of four of us took on Angels Rest, a 4.8 Mile hike that puts you on a Bluff off the Columbia Gorge. Its pretty rocky, but the 270 degree view is hard to beat. As a novice hiker, its a pretty safe hike, this one was characterized as moderate. It is pretty steep which is easy on the way up but I was not happy on the way down. Long story short, I need hiking shoes, my toes were killing me!

5 HIKING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

1. Do your research - You don't want to get lost or do something outside of your level of endurance or expertise. If you are afraid of heights... its probably good to see which hikes have dropoffs. You can figure out how long you are in for, if you don't hike... starting off with something over 5 miles with a big change in elevation might be a little rough.

2. Go with a group- This also helps with the whole getting lost thing, PLUS its just more fun with people!

3. Drink Water - Altitude sickness is not a joke. I also recommend sipping your water. 

4. Bring Sun Protection- This can be anything from sunscreen, hats, sunglasses or UVA/UVB clothing. I don't leave the house without a sunscreen regardless, but it is important to protect yourself while you are in direct sun.

5. Let Someone Know when you are going and when you will be back- This is more of a peace of mind thing. I know most people hike common easy trails and go up and out, but many times it gets dark, people take a wrong turn... and it just ends bad. Let someone know where you are and when you should be back just as an extra safety blanket!

My apple watch fitness goal was definitely reached today. The views here were pretty nice and many people took this hike with their dogs, including one of the girls I went with. I think my dog would not have wanted to complete this hike at all. Toshi lays down when he's tired and I have dragged him on short walks before. This was also in Houston so, I could be wrong. The weather for this hike started at around 60 and by the time we reached the top around 11am it was 75. There was a really nice cool breeze also with no humidity. I would do it again, with better shoes!

LOVE, MARA

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HELLO JULY.

Ya'll! Its July!!! That mean's San Diego Comic Con is here and I get to venture to San Diego and see all of my favorite TV shows and Movies! Every year is a different experience so I can't wait to see what this year has in store. I was a little MIA this June. I think getting through half the year with all of the changes took a little out of me. I had to kind of take a step back and settle down. I keep mentioning settling down, but to be honest; since I got here I have never felt settled. I'm not sure how long I can keep up this game of smiling in the shadows.
Until then, Hey July... Please, be good to me.

LOVE, MARA

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Congrats, We made it to Summer.

Living in Texas when the calendar said "First day of summer" I always scoffed because it truly is summer year round. By June we would have at least 2 months of "hot" already so I never really understood what June 21st really meant.

GIIIIIRRRLLL.

Four seasons really is life changing. The fact that its actually FINALLY hot blows my mind. Last week I wore a sweater and was like, WHY THE HELL AM I IN A SWEATER?Well, coming home to an 80 degree apartment is not what I consider a relaxing moment. At least outdoors its beautiful! I like doing outdoor workouts and going on long walks. I'll take it in because I know the rest of the year here is trash.

Where have I been? I've been a little MIA on the blog lately.

Stay Tuned.

LOVE, MARA

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MARC ECKO: Unlabel

 I read Marc Ecko's book Unlabel about 4 years ago... I never wrote my review. It has sat in my draft for that long. I was really inspired at the time and today while walking to lunch I saw that Marc will be on campus next week. I am dying and really excited to hear a keynote with him and Wex! He's a great businessman, in terms of branding, he's honestly talented. Outside of Ecko Unlimited, you know he started complex media? COMPLEX!!!!

So, its been about 4 years. Unlabel is still timeless. I have had a small internal struggle with my blog since I moved to Portland. Throughout these years I have never focused on this blog 100%. In college I focused on school and did this on the side. Throughout the last few years I have focused on my career and did this on the side. My blog has been consistent for sure, but I never give it a true focus.
I started blogging in college when I moved to Huntsville. I was studying fashion merchandising and I wanted to document my journey. At the time I wasn't thinking about getting sent things for free, followers, revenue. I blogged what was cool to me with what I had. In between classes I would throw up a blurb about trends, music, or life. When I graduated I was working in the field I wanted to. I got invited to events in the city that I blogged about on weekend or after work. I got sent things in the mail to review and even made a little money along the way. Again, all without making this a main focus. Now that I am alone in PDX, blogging is something I want to really focus attention to, but resources are slim.

Can We Talk About Stan Smith?

On my first real day of work at Adidas I wore my classic Navy Stan Smiths. The adidas Stan Smith has been on the market for over 40 years. Its one of my favorite leather sneakers because its very minimal with some variation on the heel and tongue. There are many limited variations outside of this but its a sneaker that is another classic in the adidas vault. At work I had the great pleasure of meeting Stan Smith and having him sign a pair for me. I went back and forth with having him sign my personal beaters since I wore them my first day... but I couldn't.  I bought a pair of classic green and let the Icon sign them.

I've met a lot of really cool people throughout the years, but now that I am a part of this company, this was a really cool experience for me and I'm glad I have a true iconic pair of kicks to remember these moments by.

LOVE, MARA

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FRIDAY INSPIRATION | GOOD FRIDAY

I feel like since I got to Portland I could never set my feet in my personal life. I've moved a few times since I got here, some plans haven't gone as smooth as I wanted, some people showed their true colors, a few people have betrayed me. I've been a little sporadic with posting because I am finding myself trying to set my feet. I struggle with wanting to share everything and wanting to share nothing. I took some time to think about why I started blogging in the first place. In college, I just wanted to document the journey. Since then I've made thousands of dollars writing about what I used to do for free. I'm in a different stage of my life, and definitely in a different mindset as I was when I started... But my purpose is the same. After all these years, I just want to document the journey.

Gary Vaynerchuk has been a big force in my motivation when I feel like shit. He's probably one of the reasons I ever thought within myself that I could move to Portland alone and do my dream job. Sometimes I have to listen to a few dailyvees and remind myself to take it back to the basics. I wasn't the most fancy in college, but that's when I had the most fun with my blog. Just writing about trends I liked, songs I was obsessed with, I made mixtapes, vlogs, and I documented the journey. I don't want to lose that. 

HELLO MARCH

Can it be? We are already into the 3rd month of the year! I still don''t believe I live in Portland. I'm not sure when it's supposed to settle in... maybe when I actually have real furniture and a house that looks like a home. Alas, a lot of my stuff is still sitting in Houston and we keep making plans but like the say, you can plan a picnic... But you can't predict the weather. This move didn't sound that difficult to begin. Don't get me wrong, PDX isn't bad, it's just not perfect, but I think a lot of that is me being alone up here. I really miss my pup and having stuff. Slowly but surely, at least my things will get here eventually.

In wrapping up February: If you haven't be sure to enter my Jord Giveaway.

I think I have been wearing my hair curly for 2 weeks now. I was flat ironing it so much I wanted to give my hair a small break. I just want my hair to be super long, I wish I could grow it 6 inches overnight.

My highlight of February was definitely visiting NY. I'm not sure when I got used to the cold, but the snow didn't bother me in NYC. It is probably because the streets were immediately and constantly salted. The vibe was just good. I like being able to walk everywhere and how everyone is always hustling.

I could definitely go for a couple more mini burgers and fries. Today is ash Wednesday and the first day of Lent. Besides not eating meat on Friday I am giving up cookies, brownies and cake. Cookies are really my major vice so this is going to be difficult but really good for me. I also am going to try to go to the gym at least 3X a week. I was going to say 5, but I need to be realistic... The gym isn't conveniently located down the street anymore. Also, I am going to be better about evolving my blog content. It has been hard to focus without things being how I am used to. I am working on some good plans to get on the right track. It will be very different, but I think it's going to turn out really good.

PHEWWW, before we know it it will already be April.

LOVE, MARA

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Hello February, OMG its Superbowl Weekend.

Can you believe its already February? I know I can't. It's sSuperbowl weekend and I am headed to Houston this Friday... well, fingers crossed Portland lets me escape:

My flight leaves Friday night but lawwwddddd.
Can we just talk about Winter here in the Pacific NW?

I'm sorry, there is an award for the MOST winter fatigued place? This is an award I am not interested in winning, and I love awards. Like this chart below was a chart of all of the days I hated my life and staying at home. 

I AM SO TIRED. Like these storms even have names too! Everyone says this is so unusual but I just want to be in 75 degree weather and eat crawfish this weekend. Can PDX just let me be great?

LOVE, MARA

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1/365 | HAPPY NEW YEAR, HELLO JANUARY 2017

It's 2017! It really felt like 2016 was such a long year but it honestly feels like it went by quick. 

In JAN16 I set a few goals on a vision board and boy did I over deliver on some of them. "Next job" was on there but I had no clue that meant moving to PDX. It will be a year of adjustments for sure and learning/ trying more new things. I definitely am having this experience for a reason so I am trying to make the most of every day. 

With all of this reflection I have been doing, what is the best thing to do to plan for the next year?

1) Always start with reflection! Find out what you did that made you happy, and focus on a way on growing that! Find out what makes you unhappy and find a way to change that!

2) Find your why. Make a vision for yourself. Once you know what direction you want to be in you will be able to build steps on how to get there. 

3) Make Goals. These goals need to be measurable! Don't just say "save money." The goal could be, "Put $200 a month in savings account."

4) HUSTLE! Life is short. Don't stress about if it doesn't work out, what if it does work and is the best thing ever? If it doesn't work, you tried it and now you know the right direction for you. Life is a journey so don't spend it in a box. 

It's really fun crossing off things on your goal list at the end of the year and there is nothing wrong with making new goals as you go either!

Let's try to make the best of this year no matter how weird 2016 was.

HUSTLE.

LOVE, MARA

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HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!

Oh 2016, you were simultaneously one of the worst years ever and one of the best years ever. I always say good times don't last, and neither do bad. Everything is finite. In January I was excited to go on my first media trip ever to experience the 2017 Hyundai Elantra. In January I was told that due to space reconfiguring I was going to be sitting in a hallway. I had been at my job for almost 4 years, and I was repeatedly being told I was in a more "senior role." I was always told I was doing great, but the way people talked down to me, treated me, and paid me were the obvious opposite. I think I hated the way I was talked down to the most. I worked really hard, and I love and definitely miss my life in Houston, I prayed really hard for the perfect opportunity for a better career. I wasn't sure where I would end up. Portland, Oregon was in no way on my radar.
Sitting in a hallway, which seems so small, was honestly what sign in my life I needed to make a change. I had wondered how upper management thought of me, and that was honestly my answer. I cared about building a career with management who cared nothing of me. In business, if performance was bad, there is no hesitation is cutting a vendor, or employee. This taught me to think of myself as the same. Do not hesitate to take your talent to a bigger pond, a more knowledgeable team, a culture that is geared to help you perform. If your total compensation isn't enough to help you live, don't feel bad about going where you can get that life. I feel bad that I never shared what I was going through on here because as soon as I announced my departure many people reached out saying they felt the same but were discouraged in looking for a new opportunity. This January I am sharing a job guide with tips and things that helped me along the way. It was a long process, I didn't start working in PDX until October... it took time.
Between January and now December I am now at a great job working for one of my favorite brands, I am actually learning how to be a buyer, and I'm honestly so excited to come to work every day. Portland is very cold though, and I am adjusting to the "city" vibes here. It's not as diverse or as up to date as Houston is. It truly feels like a small town. It's basically the total opposite of what I have grown up with! Lots of bridges, things are spaced out, basically no walmart supercenters, no super tagets, super cold, many hills, and parking lots are so rare.  Oh, you aren't allowed to pump your own gas it's illegal. So much new. I kind of feel like I am in college again... but if you can remember... that is when my blog was the most creative. I had to make a way for myself. In 2017 that is what I am looking forward to. Nothing great comes easy. Calm seas do not make a skillful sailor. I know this year isn't going to be easy, but I am ready to take it on. I think one of the best things about this year and developing the heart of  a Lion.

I'll talk about 2017 goals in 2018.


HAPPY NEW YEAR :)

LOVE, MARA

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BLOGMAS| Birthday Schmerthday

So my birthday was Wednesday but I clearly had not to many reasons to look forward to it since I'm alone and somewhere new. It was basically just another day. 

BASICALLY. 

I left around noon because snow day part 2 happened! So, allegedly, it never snows here... so people don't believe snow unless they see it. Well, I don't play that shit because I'm from Texas and according to my iPhone snow was happening at 1, so I wanted to be settled in before then. I got home in about 30 minutes past 12. Once I was pulling into my complex it was starting to come down. I just watched the news unfolding about people being stuck, having to abandon their cars, having to put on snow chains, and people just being in their car at least 3 hours to move less than 10 miles. 

Happy birthday to me, my present was missing out on that mess! Yes lawd.

Unfortunately I have been stuck indoors since then. So I am in a little bit of a slump. I hate being at home, its much more worthwhile if Toshi is around bc that means he can be outside too! But its just me... so I hate it. I at least will be traveling to Houston next week for the holidays so that will be a great pick me up. What am I going to do when I don't have a Houston trip to look forward to? At least Kyle and Toshi will be up here... this is becoming a bit more of a struggle than I imagined.
I think its the weather. Ya girl apparently doesn't like snow.
But anyway, Happy birthday to me. Last year I said I wanted to grow beyond my comfort zone. Well, I'm uncomfortable that's for sure. Beyond your comfort zone is where you learn. Calm seas never made a skillful sailor.

So, 27, what's good?

LOVE, MARA

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BLOGMAS| SHIT, A SNOW DAY?

You guys, I was played. I was told it never snows in Portland, maybe one day a year. I'm bad at blogmas. I've been sick and this snow day threw a wrench in my day. Yesterday was a fun work day and I was ready to send a million follow up emails, but instead... they're in my drafts because I left business cards at work of course. Other than that, I'm still a little sick. Sniffles and random headaches. PDX HAS NO CHILL AND ALL THE CHILL AT THE SAME DAMN TIME.

Welp, we are definitely not in Texas anymore. This experience also let me know I need to make a snow survival kit. Not like I'm snowed in or anything, but my southern ass is not about to drive on icy streets. Is it rude to order a pizza in the snow? I don't know how that works, and I still don't quite know what tire chains are. Either way, my time is PDX has definitely pushed me to some limits I thought I had. Limits are nothing and if anything I have not died yet. It's been kind of fun discovering new things. Cheers to real snow, thanks for making my workweek stressful.

LOVE, MARA

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