Keypsake: 2018

November 26, 2018 No comments

November 15, 2018 No comments

November 09, 2018 No comments

If there is one thing I have learned in life it is the importance of celebrating your small victories. As individuals we are constantly setting goals for ourselves, dreaming big, and sometimes falling short... Why is that?

What I have found is that we often focus way too much on the 'big picture' and miss the little milestones along the way that let us know we are on track.

It is because of this that I started breaking my dreams down into little 'victories' for myself that I knew I needed to reach first before getting to my ultimate goal. Having attainable/measurable goals makes life so much more fulfilling - follow some of these simple steps & I promise you will not be disappointed!

Where to Start

Keep a journal & at the end of each day write down a small victory you had that day. For myself this is something as simple as when I learned to steam milk, when I felt I made the 'perfect latte', having a customer tell me how great their drink was, having an idea of a new drink for my future menu, or learning how to DIY some drinks at home!

Mark in your planner or phone calendar weekly goals you would like to accomplish. Feel free to set reminders for yourself so you're reminded of what you would like to get done that week.

For more visual individuals - make a timeline. I prefer not to pressure myself by setting dates, but instead a steady line measured by milestones/small wins that lead to your ultimate goal (the end of your timeline). What is great about this is as you pass your goals you get to watch yourself get closer & closer to your dream! I have shared mine below (very simplified)!

If you are a reward based individual write down your small wins & treat yourself when you hit them! For some it might be enough just to look at your accomplishment & realize you are a step closer. For others it could be indulging in your favorite food (such as the best waffles in town), allowing yourself to make a tray of cookies, going out to get your nails done, having some much needed 'down time'... really anything that makes YOU happy & reminds you you are on the right track.

Find your support system! Surround yourself with people who believe in you - no matter what & convince you your dreams are worth chasing. Without your friends reminding you you can do it it is easy to get lost & give up. Without my people I surely would not have quit my salaried job to become a barista! Some think its crazy - but not my people & I am so thankful for that!

Friendly Reminders

Even Small wins take time. It is important not to put too much pressure on yourself. To reach any goal you have to be adaptable & chances are things will not go your way 100% of the time. That is OKAY! When I went to college I had plans of getting my PHD & becoming a psychologist, but my dreams & passions took me a different route that I am still working on.

There is no shame in a little change - ideas evolve just like we do & it is important to embrace that!

Think about a small win you had to day & comment what it is down below! I hope these tips help you life a fuller life & make your BIG dreams look not so far away!

Follow me on Instagram (@haileypolidori) for more inspiration & to keep up with my own daily wins!

October 28, 2018 No comments

Over the weekend I got to release my inner 90's childhood at the FOMO Factory in Austin, TX.

The FOMO Factory is an interactive art exhibit in Austin, TX & it has been the go-to spot for bloggers & instagramers in the area!

Upon entrance you are told to leave your worries at the door & are asked to write your nickname/name for the day on name tags that either you or your friends can make up!

When you first enter the stairs are magical & give you a colorful welcome to what is waiting for you inside!

Each room had a different theme keeping the entire walk interesting & exciting! Not only did each room take me back to my childhood, but the music was ON POINT! We heard everything from throwback theme songs (Sesame Street/Drake & Josh), to the classic Cascada jam - Every Time We Touch.

Throughout the journey there were even iced animal crackers & Snapple being served - YES!

My favorite room was school inspired - while it doesn't sound like it would be all that fun & I am happy to be out of school - the old school lockers & textbooks took me back!

I loved all of the cootie catchers & origami scattered around the room. There was even a giant game of MASH painted on the wall! This room gave me major middle school vibes & I just could not stop giggling!

Another fan favorite had a bathroom theme - sounds very strange when I put it that way... but it was full of bubbles & even had a rubber duck!

How could you not smile in this situation?!

As we headed through the unique rooms a door lead us outside to a 'park' where there were dreamy swings & some old school outdoor games - there was even a teeter-totter!

Not all of the rooms are pictured in this post, just some of my personal favorites! There are so many details in every corner - a photographers dream throwback studio!!