30 Happy Things Challenge

30 Happy Things Challenge 

What is it? 

For 30 days, you will write one thing you are good at on a post it note and take a photo of the note to post on Instagram with the two hashtags #30HappyThings and #ABean so I can find your photo easily and assemble a video of the best ones to post on YouTube ! 

It's one note per day and it can be creative, lame, ordinary, funny, simple, it doesn't matter as long as it means something to you. 

When you're done writing the note and taking the photo, out the note in a jar, box, or container of some sort. This will provide a nice little burst of happy on your down days. 

It also forces you to think on what your talents are and that you are not limited to just a few "common" things to be good at like school, art, math, science, cooking, etc. anything you think you are good at qualifies. 

Goal:

Be creative (or don't it's up to you), have fun, and help promote happy thoughts!

Why:

I was going to do 100 days or make it a summer long thing, but that's just way too much commitment so it rapidly shrank from 91 days to 61 days and then finally, I settled on 30.

I'll be doing this challenge in June when I believe I'll have the time to commit to the challenge. Feel free to start the challenge whenever you want, I'll be regularly checking the #ABean #30HappyThings tags on Instagram for photos to put in the video. Also feel free to tag me @aly_bean1 on Instagram so I can find your photo faster. If it's popular enough there will be a monthly happy things video. 

It's no secret that being thankful and grateful for the people and things around us makes people a lot happier and mentally sound. But that was all too common a thing, since I know a few people already write things they are thankful for in journals and whatnot. I decided to do 30 days of notes saying what I'm good at was a way to boost confidence and the happy feels. I feel like it's too often people are self deprecating or too humble about their skills when they should acknowledge that there is something that they are good at. Hopefully this will decrease the amount if compliment fishing that can be found on social media too. 

No one wants to feel like a failure, so this challenge is supposed to make everyone who participates take pride in themselves. 

From personal experience, I can tell you that going months upon months of bad luck, one happy thought makes a huge difference. 

What you need:

Writing utensils

Post it notes

Instagram

A box/jar/container (feel free to decorate it!

Steps:

Take your note

Grab your pencil

Start the note with "I am good at..."

Grab your phone

Position your note wherever and however you want 

Snap the photo

Instagram #30HappyThing and #ABean

Put the note in your jar for a gloomy day

Repeat for 30 days! 

All the best of luck! 

XOXO

A. Bean

How To: Crop It Like It's Hot! ||SPRING/SUMMER 2014 TREND||

Hey guys!

Today, we'll being styling the crop top in a way that will make the most tummy conscious girl feel confident with her fashion choices.

With spring approaching (finally!) it's time to ditch the poofy winter coats, fleece lined leggings, and chunky oversized knit sweaters. Last year, I feel like crop tops were just starting to emerge as a trend and have continued as the 90s make their way back into 2014. I wasn't quick to jump on the crop top bandwagon. Like most trends, I prefer to wait a while to see how long they'll stick around before investing in some cheap versions to try out for myself. I'm a firm believer in investing in the basics, like a good pair of skinnies or a cozy sweater/cardigan. However, it's great to stay on point with your fashion choices and even though bell bottoms have slowly started to gain way in hipster stores like Urban Outfitters, I'm hoping those will quickly die back into the 70s where they belong.

So, without further ado, here are 3 easy tricks and tips on how to wear crop tops for the midrift  conscious.


1. High Waisted
   "You in your high waisted shorts, oh…." -Sweater Weather, The Neighbors. (I couldn't help myself.)

Photo cred to wheretoget.it

 First, if you're uncomfortable showing off your tummy, be rest assured another trend which is emerging from the 90s is high waisted anything. Not to be confused with mom jeans, high waisted jeans can look cute and flirty when paired with a crop top of your choice. Because cropped sweaters became a thing, which had me firmly against crop tops at the start (I live in Canada, cropped sweaters shouldn't even be a thing up here!) I highly recommend investing in a comfy pair of high waisted jeans. American Eagle is a great place to go if you're unsure where to find them. I own a pair from there and they are honestly the most comfy things ever - and I hate wearing pants, so it's kind of a big deal.
Also, high waisted shorts are a great way to wear crop tops during the summer months. Or spring months if you are fortunate enough to live somewhere where spring means warm, not awkward winter.
Skirts are also a popular way to wear crop tops - especially if you're going for a girly, flirty look.

                                                            2. Overalls

Photo cred to http://blog.mariofashion.com/

Yet another trend from the 90s I'm sure we can all remember fondly. Overalls emerged around the same time as the crop tops began to pick up speed, I noticed them being most apparent in 2013 and it's only picked up speed since then. I guess nostalgic 90s kids couldn't help but reinvesting in their childhood staples. Personally, I hated overalls growing up and have yet to purchase a pair for myself, but I do think they are adorable when styled with a crop top. It says "grown up" rather than "toddler". Add a pair of cute heels or wedges and it's definitely a midriff comfy way to wear a crop top and still show a little something. Keeping it classy one crop top at a time!
Forever 21 has some decently priced overalls for anyone brave enough to try this trend. I saw a girl on campus the other day sporting a pair of distressed boyfriend overalls over a black crop top under an oversized camel coloured wool coat with a messy bun, red lips, and nerdy glasses. Needless to say, I loved her look and wanted to compliment her on it, but she was walking pretty fast and I was late for class, so it didn't happen.


3. Cardigans

Photo cred to atrendylifehere.blogspot.com

Cardigans are a great way to get some coverage while still keep the crop top effect. This can also be added to any of the above mentioned ways for a cozy look or, you know, just because cardigans are awesome. In the winter, we wear thick cozy knit cardigans, and in the summer, open knit, crochet and lacy cardigans come out to play. I also really love the relaxed, effortless boho look. Cardigans go with almost everything, so there is not way you can possibly style it wrong - especially with crop tops.


And there you have it! Three easy ways to wear a crop top without needing a six pack (cause who has the time and effort for that). Hopefully this gave you all some ideas on your spring/summer outfits this season, and if not, well, I tried.

Thanks so much for reading and I'll see you in my next post!

XOXO,

A. Bean