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Seeing Joy in Others

Posted on by Distracted Damsel
Daily writing prompt
In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled?
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That may sound a bit weird but I believe that hard work is not only for ourselves to feel proud but also to aid and bring comfort to others. I have had my fair share of moments of accomplishment. When I have felt like queen of the mountain for completing a goal or doing something in business that I have never done before.

But I have also been with friends and family or customers that have been struggling personally or professionally and I have been able to work with them and achieve much more. I work hard for myself because I am driven and I want to be successful. However, I have always found more joy when I have eased the stress or answered a need for another.

For example, I am in the field everyday. I find clients and customers that struggle with selecting colors, flooring, finishing up projects that never seem to end. It can be overwhelming for them not knowing where to start or what the “right thing” is to do. I get the opportunity to work thru the process for them, shining light on the choices that matter first and work out the little details that they cant focus on.

Recently, two ladies came into the flooring store I work at part time. They said they had been in so many stores, talked to so many people but they still hadnt made any decisions. When I hear that, I have to help. It took us about 2 hours but I lead them through the process, pulling samples, talking trends and tips, talking colors and making final selections. They were so happy by the time we were done talking that I even got a hug because according to her “i had solved all of their headaches”.

Coming full circle today the ladies came back in the store for the next project. They were so excited to tell me about how the install was coming and that they were starting the next project. They said they would only work with me because I had done such a “fantastic job the first time”. Sounds like I am tooting my own horn a little bit. And in a way I kind of am. But seeing those ladies smile and getting another hug, and more words of praise is fulfillment to me.

I worked hard to give them my knowledge and my expertise which I have gained over the years. I worked hard to pull the selections and explain why they were the best materials and colors for their dream bathroom. I take pride in knowing that I did my best but the best part is knowing how happy my efforts made others. I am fulfilled if I am fulling 🙂

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Prepping for my biggest month!!

Posted on by Distracted Damsel
Daily writing prompt
What’s your #1 priority tomorrow?
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Tomorrow is the end of the week and close to the end of the month. We are going into the last 3 months of the year which are full of events and opportunities. Hosts of every kind will be opening up their homes and businesses to families and work acquaintances. What better motivation to do a few upgrades before the doors open. Clients turn their focus to the interiors of the house and make changes and I am ready to assist each and every one I can to have the biggest month of the year.

I am here to lead the fourth quarter charge when it comes to those renovation projects we wait til the last minute to finish before someone visits. My business is to help clients choose the paint colors that will set the mood for the home or space. From the refreshed interiors to the perfect dining room color for big family meals. My priority for tomorrow is to create marketing materials to reach as many of the last minute project doers I can.

Marketing has always been something that I struggle with. So in most cases I put it off. But tomorrow I would like to break down my social media, google ads and website and really work to highlight the benefits of using my color expertise to get ready for the season with welcoming new colors. I am going to crack open my Canva account and get creative. If you know anyone who is changing it up to impress the relatives, send them my way!!!

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Thought for today: Attitude is Everything

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

Life really does put us through some rough, terrible things every now again. Admittedly some things are our own doing from choices we make and others are events that happen to us. For example in the case of situations i cause, my knee problem is from my choice to not take better care of my health. An example of something happening to you would be getting hit by a car or losing your job from a downsizing out of your control.

The thing is with all of these examples there is a key factor that will determine if you grow or if you play the victim. The only thing that we have absolute control over is our attitude. It’s been said thousands of times and it’s has been proven thousands of times. I’m not bringing you a new radical idea. I wish I was that insightful! But I was reminded of this today during a conversation with my brother in law.

I can’t share the things that he is going thru. I can say that the circumstances are completely out of his control and he has to work within someone else’s rules. But talking with him today he said I can either go down to a dark place that will just make things worse or I can focus on the things I am grateful to have come out of this and the things I can still do. He pointed out that though his options are limited he still has better options than most. And that these circumstances are temporary.

That’s just it. Anything you are going thru right now will be over before you know it. While you are in the thick of things it is hard to see the light, to think about the positive outcomes or changes it will have on your future. I don’t want to spout off too many cliche sayings but the only way you get stronger is to go thru the tough things, even if life sucks at the moment.

I have been lucky to only have my choices affect my path. Looking back, were there better choices to make? ABSOLUTELY! Did I struggle and want to give up on the daily? 1000%. But on the other side of those things now I am building a business, working with new projects, creating and looking forward to new obstacles.

Don’t let the short hard times rob you of an amazing future. See the lessons, enjoy the growth and keep pushing. Positive thinking is a tough choice. But what’s tougher? Coming back from a downward spiral or putting on a fake smile to trick your brain into believing it will get better? Take charge and think about what can be learned and how you are growing. Find someone to help you see the positive!!

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New Adventures

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

So a little while ago I wrote a post about taking on new business partners. I have recently taken on another one and am adding to my business offerings. With my painters I get to collaborate and help customers create color palettes for their homes. Now I have two other business relationships that I am collaborating with to build an Etsy shop and continue to grow a Shopify business.

I am a person that gets very bored fast if the tasks or jobs are the same day in and day out. I am also a very creative person and I work the best when I am creating or building something new. I do not fit the traditional 9 to 5 work life. Literally in the name of this blog “Distracted” fits me well.

My days now consist of merchandizing, creating listings, doing color renderings and going out into the greater area of Las Vegas to do my main business- color consultations. To everyone else I know, its sounds completely chaotic but I really do thrive on switching up tasks.

New adventures often include changes in course though and I have had to do some course corrections. I was spending a few hours a week with a realtor attempting to learn and get licensed. After a few months though, hindsight really hit and the time spent wasnt equal to the pay out or experience. It wasnt going to get me to where I thought I wanted to be.

What I realized is that my hard work and effort needs to be directed only to my tasks, my business. It was a pretty powerful moment of self reflection. I took the side work to essentially build confidence that was already inside of me. I may still pursue the license but since my businesses are growing already I may not need to focus on that to get me income for my next steps.

Every experience has had a take away that has helped me grow or given me time to pause and find my next move forward. Tomorrow I will be fulfilling orders and creating new items to post on Etsy. Ive given some business growing ideas to my painters that I will follow up on and some new things that we can offer to make us stand out above the rest. My new adventures will only be possible if I keep my eyes open and work with others to sharpen my skills. One month in to 2025 and the momentum is growing fast!

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How to Incorporate Mocha 2025’s Color of the Year Into Your Home

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

2025 is all about warmth and comfort, and the Color of the Year perfectly captures that inviting energy. Whether it’s a soft, earthy tone or a bold, grounding shade, this year’s pick is all about creating a home that feels both stylish and soothing. Not sure how to weave this trend into your space? We’ve got you covered with easy, stylish ways to make 2025’s Color of the Year a seamless part of your home.

Refresh Your Bedroom with the Color of the Year

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, and 2025’s Color of the Year can help set the perfect mood. A soft, warm shade can make your space feel cozy and cocooning, while a deeper, richer hue can add a touch of sophistication.

  • Walls & Accent Walls: Go all-in with a full-room color drench, or create a striking accent wall behind your bed. If painting the entire room feels like too much, consider a color-blocking technique with a complementary neutral.
  • Textiles & Decor: Swap out bedding, pillows, and throws for versions in the Color of the Year. A subtle patterned duvet or curtains in this shade can refresh the room without overwhelming it.
  • Furniture & Accessories: A bedside table or upholstered headboard in the year’s signature hue adds a stylish focal point without the commitment of painting.

Elevate Your Living Room with Accents and Layers

The living room is the heart of the home, making it the perfect place to experiment with the Color of the Year. Whether you love a minimalist look or a bold, layered aesthetic, this shade can work beautifully in different ways.

  • Statement Furniture: A sofa or armchair in the Color of the Year can instantly refresh your space. If a new piece isn’t in the budget, consider slipcovers or reupholstering an existing piece.
  • Wall Treatments: Paint an accent wall, add color through framed artwork, or even opt for wallpaper in a subtle version of the hue. Textured finishes like grasscloth or linen wallpapers can add even more dimension.
  • Decor & Accessories: Think vases, rugs, and coffee table books in this shade. Layering in small doses keeps the look cohesive without feeling overdone.

Incorporate the Color of the Year in Your Kitchen & Dining Area

Even the kitchen can benefit from a dose of the Color of the Year, especially in ways that feel fresh and inviting.

  • Cabinetry & Backsplashes: For those ready to take the plunge, painting lower cabinets or a kitchen island in the Color of the Year adds instant charm. If you prefer a low-commitment approach, a tile backsplash or open shelving with colorful dishware works just as well.
  • Dining Chairs & Table Decor: Bring in the shade through upholstered chairs, table runners, or even placemats and dishware. These small changes make a big impact without requiring a full remodel.
  • Lighting & Fixtures: Pendant lights or small appliances in the Color of the Year can add just the right pop of color while keeping things functional.

Make a Statement with a Bold Front Door or Entryway

First impressions matter, and using the Color of the Year at your entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home.

  • Front Door Refresh: A fresh coat of paint on your front door in this trendy hue adds instant curb appeal and warmth.
  • Entryway Walls & Decor: A console table, mirror frame, or even a bold patterned wallpaper in the Color of the Year can create a welcoming focal point.
  • Plants & Accessories: Complement the shade with natural elements like wooden benches, woven baskets, and greenery to balance out the look.

Whole-Home Harmony: Pairing the Color of the Year with Other Tones

To create a cohesive look, mix 2025’s Color of the Year with other trending shades. Warm neutrals like taupe and soft terracotta create a cozy and seamless flow, while cool blues and greens add a refreshing contrast.

  • Layering Warm & Cool Tones: Pairing the Color of the Year with soft blues or greens keeps your home feeling dynamic yet harmonious.
  • Metallic & Natural Accents: Brass, copper, and natural wood tones enhance the warmth of the hue, making it feel rich and inviting.
  • Textures & Patterns: Play with different textures—woven fabrics, textured wallpapers, and natural materials like stone and clay can elevate the space while keeping it grounded.

Final Thoughts: Making 2025’s Color of the Year Work for You

Whether you go all in with color-drenched walls or opt for subtle accents, 2025’s Color of the Year offers endless possibilities to refresh your space. The key is to integrate it in ways that reflect your personal style, creating a home that feels both stylish and uniquely yours. So grab a paintbrush, swap out some decor, and let this year’s must-have hue bring new life to your home!

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Dinner for Friends

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

Ok so maybe it isnt a dish but it is my favorite kind of meal. Just yesterday we had our friend Katey over for dinner and a movie. Most Thursday nights we get together and just hang out and talk about our weeks, what we are reading, what new date she went on, what new clients I have. The fun part about it is we get completely random about what’s for dinner.

Our favorite rabbit hole for recipes is Instagram. There are so many accounts that have quick meals, healthy meals and whats trending. We have made our own versions of Sushi caserole, spinach and tomato pasta, cranberry and Bree spread. That app can make you hungry with just a five minute board scroll.

Last night, I really didnt feel like going to the store for the 3rd time in a week to come up with something new. So instead of something new and complicated, we went with a tried and true easy dinner. Taco salad. You just cant go wrong here. Our healthy leafy base was kale and a baby spring mix. we loaded it up with onions, peppers, jalapenos, cheese, cilantro and for a crunch spicy dorito crumbs. Add some salsa and sour cream and boom! Yum!

We spent two hours chatting and eating. Just a simple night and a simple meal. No need to go big with expensive steak and wine all the time though those things are just as delicious. We dont have a dinner menu for next week yet, so who knows what new recipe we will come across. But hopefully it will be a good time and less dishes then I am about to finish up from last night lol

Daily writing prompt
What’s your favorite thing to cook?
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Long vs Quality

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

The thought of a long life crosses my mind quite frequently actually. I am currently crossing off the days of this month to my 38th birthday. Not quite to that big scary 4-0 but getting closer. My mom is 30 years older than me and her mom has been gone for 4 years now but would have been 97. Three generations that almost spanned 100 years.

100 years can equal 5 generations, 25 presidents, 10 decades, multiple periods of art, and multiple world wars. It spans from motor cars to electric vehicles, plumbing and electricity for only the rich to available at the touch of a button in every home. Home lives have changed from house wives to business women. Libraries are on our phones and phones arent used for calls but texts.

Some of these sound little while others are huge changes. I have noticed things from my childhood that have disappeared or are no longer important to younger generations. I catch myself telling my 7 year old nephew that I didnt have that when I was his age. I can only imagine what a 95 year old person can recall that they didnt have as a kid. Sorting through that many years when I feel old now really blows my mind. I mean how do you remember what decade it was?

The thing with a long life is really how you live it. There are people who have been through war, through spouses, through children and losses and yet they still have a joy for living. Then there are those that have gone through those same things and are merely existing. Not all of our circumstances are within our control but the way in which we deal and the choices that we make, the attitude that we have, that makes the difference.

If I am to make it into those triple digits, and Lord help me if I do, I want to know that I gave it my best to make it my best. The quality comes from living in the moment but hoping for the future. This last year I have struggled to start and business and to start a new career. But looking back over it I have grown as a business woman, I have depended on myself to make choices and build my future. I looked at my taxes for the last year and while they are not by any means impressive, what I am building has more value to me than that income.

And that goes not only for my business life but also for my personal life. I think for a portion it, my best description is absurd, as in I never would have thought this scenario. I wont go into detail but there have been Oh My Gosh Awesome! and what in the actual you know what scenarios. But during them I have leaned on my family, I have taken steps back to breathe and I have taken moments to appreciate all the crazy. My circle is the quality I want to look back on after all the long years. What I have endured, enjoy and lived with and thru them.

If my last day is tomorrow or my last day is 62 years and 21 days from now at the ripe old age of 100, I hope that I have more happy memories than sad, more goals I met than I havent, and more lives that I have touched with at least a little bit of inspiration. I hope that you all will go into tomorrow with a joy and zest and hope for your next 50 years! The best is still on its way.

As for me, I will be sharing my goals for at least my online world to know. I want to share my story and my growth with others. Build a business but more importantly build a life worth living. Let’s make it quality!!

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Reliving Christmas Fun

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

In this case it is on the list but the necessities have been bought and we are ready to go. We are going to decorate a Ginger Bread Train. I was thinking about a Christmas date night and walking thru Walmart and I saw options for gingerbread building. I wasn’t sure if my boyfriend would be down for a whole house so I went with a train instead.

My boyfriend loves anything nostalgic but we seem to vary on what that is. He loves his games, cartoons and of course Pokemon. I on the other hand love carving pumpkins, decorating cookies and skating. Its like we are opposites in the way we grew up and he missed out on the normal, or what I consider normal, holiday things.

We had so much fun carving pumpkins this year, which he also hadn’t done since age 10, that I want to give him that fun and wonder with decorating a ginger bread train and having Christmas snacks til we burst, with White Christmas in the back ground. Its a Christmas date and a winter thing. I hope that we can squeeze a snow day in there before winter is over. I bet he hasn’t thrown a snowball in forever. 🙂

Spread some love and cheer this year and try out those fun holiday things that you say you grew out of. You can never grow out of fun. Merry Christmas!

Daily writing prompt
What was the last thing you did for play or fun?
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Getting Closer

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

Last year at this time I was just working on getting my website how I thought I liked it before it went live. No idea how to build a website, what I should charge, how I should market things. I was excited and nervous and ready for a chance to build.

Life today is a bit different but I am slowing working towards my goals. I have an active website that I have now gotten professional feedback on. I have a Google account that I am getting reviews from satisfied clients. I have joined a Shopify team and a real estate team and I am getting more experience everyday.

I think what I had in mind from last year was to be growing and building and that is what I have done. My focus now is strengthening my business connections and getting solid referrals and retainers with new Painters. To have steady consistent business. Even 1% growth over last year as long as I keep moving. 2025 bring it on!

Daily writing prompt
Is your life today what you pictured a year ago?
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Business Partners

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

The last couple of months I have had to reorganize and reprioritize in order to keep growing my skills and my business. And I think that this week I have finally gotten to a solid foundation and a place of growth.

My lunch meeting today was with a previous coworker of mine who is now the GM of a painting company. Long story short, she’s looking for new things to offer her customers and I am looking for solid steady clients. With the work they have coming in, their leads and referrals the base is there and together we can close more sales.

I have two others painters that I am working with on and off. My goal is to get to five by my birthday and have a steady stream of clients thru them and thru personal leads.

I am also working on my real estate skills as an assistant to a Realtor. Hopefully what I learn with her will allow me to get my licensing and be able to sell homes as well. I am sure that is going to include some cold calls and lead calls but hopefully I can hold off on that for a while. Face to face is so much better than calls.

Anyway building connections and building a client base that is what I have been up to 🙂

Daily writing prompt
What have you been working on?
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