Can you believe it's already February? I can't! There's change in the air and 2018 is already shaping up to be a pretty good time. Somehow my moodboard kind of made itself with Valentine's Day in mind this month... lots of dreamy shades of pink and feminine vibes to usher in the romantic occasion. While my husband and I don't have big plans this year, hopefully there are a few cuddles and some relaxing in our futures.

Another theme that keeps popping up in my life? Inspiring lady bosses and lots of them! I'm so invigorated to be surrounded by so many powerful, smart and creative women this year and I can't wait to share more about a few things going on behind the scenes. Stay tuned... February is gonna be exciting!

xx

Chelsea

Is the week only halfway over? To me, it feels like Friday so naturally, I wanted to share 10 things I'm digging with you...

1. Can we talk about the 2018 Grammy's!!!??? Kesha's performance of her brave song 'Praying' brought me to actual tears and Janelle Monet's opening speech was one for the books. In case you missed the awards show, you can read her inspiring words below:

“Tonight, I am proud to stand in solidarity as not just an artist but a young woman with my fellow sisters in this room who make up the music industry. Artists, writers, assistants, publicists, CEOs, producers, engineers, and women from all sectors of the business. We are also daughters, wives, mothers, sisters, and human beings. We come in peace, but we mean business. And to those who would dare try and silence us, we offer you two words: Time's up. We say time's up for pay inequality, time's up for discrimination, time's up for harassment of any kind, and time's up for the abuse of power. Because you see, it's not just going on in Hollywood, it's not just going on in Washington -- it's right here in our industry as well. And just as we have the power to shake culture, we also have the power to undo the culture that does not serve us well. So let's work together, women and men, as a united music industry, committed to creating more safe work environments, equal pay and access for all women."

2. My forever girl-crush (and the lady boss making things happen at the Glitter Guide), Taylor, officially announced her new website and I'm waiting not-so-patiently to see what she has been cooking up with my other sweet friend Natalie. Everything the two of them touches is gold and to say that I'm excited would be an understatement.

3. Lately, I've been feeling a lot of things about the blogging world (haven't we all?!) and Courtney summed them all up perfectly this week. If you haven't read The Problems I Have With Blogging, do it now.

4. Speaking of the blog world... do you have social media anxiety? Harling perfectly nailed everything that Instagram has been making me feel this past couple of months on The Man Repeller.

5. A little bit of pretty to break it all up. Mother Mag (one of my favorite places to read about cool, inspiring mommas) toured Elle Strauss's stunning home. Can I move in?

6. Whenever Glossier launches a new product one of two things happens: 1) I rush to throw it my shopping cart immediately and 2) the internet breaks. Solution is here and it promises transformed skin in four weeks. Sign me up!

7. The second annual Women's March left me feeling so empowered! Although I wasn't able to march this year (not far to march on this tiny island), I loved seeing everyone's spirit and sassy signs. Looking for more information about the Women's Movement in general? The Everygirl aptly rounded up 9 Surprising Things The Women's Movement Accomplished.

8. 10 Reasons I Still Feel Like Myself As A Mom via The Mama Notes

9. I rounded up 10 Amazing Vintage Shops to Browse on Instagram this week for the Glitter Guide. Looking for something new for your closet? Look no further!

10. A shelfie that has my name written all over it! brb... I'm looking for wall space for this beauty.

image via

This post originally appeared on the Glitter Guide. Please see it in its original version here.

With the new year in our rear-view mirrors, we’ve all spent the last month completely inundated with a slew of motivational quotes urging us to venture outside of our comfort zones. We all have them—the areas of life where we feel the least stressed (read: challenged) and those psychological and emotional constructs that make up our days. “What lies just out of reach of your norm is often the most rewarding,” says the world and honestly, the world is right. Renegotiating the boundaries of your life is empowering, and when you’re able to step outside of your everyday routine, it’s kind of a big deal! Our contributor, Chelsea Jackson of Hazel + Scout is here today to discuss five ways that you’ll benefit from stepping out of your comfort zone.

It feels good to feel safe and exist within the parameters that we’ve built for ourselves. After all, humans are creatures of comfort. The little routines throughout my day (making my first cup of coffee in the morning, walking our dog just as the sun sets, trying out my newest skincare regimen right before bed) are some of my most looked-forward-to moments. But experiencing things differently every now and then can feel good, too. If all you ever do is play it safe, you’re missing out on a whole lot of wonder.

In my own life, I’ve been taking steps to shake things up and confront the scary task of getting outside of my usual patterns. This past year, I moved abroad to a completely foreign locale, finally went back to college after 8 years and a baby and started a couple of new jobs. With each new experience and personal hurdle, I was unsure what the change would be like, but let me tell you, it’s exhilarating to do things that make you uncomfortable.

While stepping out of the place where you feel content can be nerve-wracking, why not try to introduce new routines to your day, join a class, take on a new hobby or explore farther away from home? In need of a creative outlet for all of those ideas that swirl in your head at 2 a.m.? Try starting a new artistic pursuit just for fun. Taste new flavors. Meet new people.

Since we’re all toting around shiny, new, lofty resolutions for 2018, keep reading for five ways you’ll benefit from going outside your comfort zone…

1. You’ll be more productive.

Comfort is one of the biggest killers of productivity, and when things get predictable, we typically start BSing our way through life. Ever go on autopilot during the workday? It’s probably because you’re not feeling challenged. Shaking things up on the job or taking risks in your personal life (Ask him out! Make a new friend! Get rid of those toxic acquaintances!), can help you feel excited and refreshed in those roles.

2. Turning up the heat forces you to rise to the occasion.

Reaching new heights usually takes us risking something we might fail at. Push your personal boundaries to find new, smarter ways to operate, and surprise yourself in the process!

3. You’ll grow.

Stepping away from comfort is a growth experience. Regardless of the outcome of new risks, you’re creating valuable opportunities to expand your worldviews and moments you can pull from in the future as you continue to learn new things. Even if you fall short of these new experiences, you never fail as long as you’re growing.

4. Change is the only thing that helps you cope with change.

Everything is constantly changing. That’s the only thing in life that’s certain. I don’t know about you, but I have a pretty hard time dealing with those changes. Frequently moving out of your comfort zone and getting used to change will help you be better equipped to deal when life tests your boundaries. Instead of existing in stagnancy, take control of the certainty of change and shake things up for yourself.

5. You’ll become more creative.

There’s nothing like going outside of your comfort zone to forge a little creativity. In striving to be a person that attempts new things, you’re setting yourself up to be someone that is open to new experiences. Openness to imagination and curiosity are the cornerstones of a creative personality!