But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun, stylish time as you ring in the new year.

Fox 40 in Sacramento asked me share some tips on how to zhuzh up your New Year’s Eve. It’s all about more intimate, meaningful and connected experiences.

Here are some highlights on how to have a safe and sane NYE.

1. Smaller soirees

Bigger is not always better — this year it’s all about staying safe and quality over quantity. Instead of big parties, many folks are opting for smaller, more intimate gatherings that are more meaningful and controllable. The key here is that you can control who and how many people come to your home.

2. What’s a celebration without food? Can I say, “Potluck, please?”

Get creative and raise the bar with a potluck-themed party by creating a DIY bar. Think nacho bar or sandwich bar. One of my friends went all out and did an Eggs Benedict bar!

Or pick your favorite cookbook and ask guests to make one thing from it. This idea helps you cut costs and the stress of having to prepare everything yourself. And it’s fun!

3. Retreat — if the pandemic’s pause has taught me anything, it’s YOU do YOU, no regrets

Don’t feel stressed about doing nothing. If you feel like not having anybody over, I don’t blame you. Nothing’s wrong with vegging out on the couch, watching the ball drop around the world and FaceTiming or doing a group call to catch up with loved ones.

4. Timing isn’t everything

If you have young folks in your life who can’t stay up till midnight, ring in the new year at noon, then have lunch to celebrate. Be flexible — when it comes to being with loved ones, anytime is the right time.

So how am I welcoming in 2022? By cooking a yummy meal with a friend, creating a list of what’s working in my life and what isn’t, and writing in the sand on the beach in San Francisco things that don’t serve my highest self and letting the waves wash them away.

However you decide to celebrate the new year, may it be full of love, gratitude, reflection and hope. Happy New Year!

Xx,
Toan

The post How to Ring in a Safe and Meaningful New Year appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

After being on lockdown for nearly two years thanks to the pandemic’s pause, many of us are jonesing to see loved ones this holiday season.

But if you’re organizing gatherings for family and friends, do your entertaining muscles feel out of shape and in need of a good workout?

For those of you hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas, the pressure is on, especially with holiday décor and setting a table that rises to meet and greet guests in the most fabulously festive way.

You’re not the only one who wants to add flair and fun to list. For me, the break from celebrating holidays with my beloved makes me want this season to be extra special.

It’s all about reusing, recycling and reducing (your budget) — without sacrificing a stylish and elevated experience.

Fox 40’s morning crew asked me to share “Toan’s Tablescape Trifecta.” I invited their cameras into my home to show off some holiday tablescaping tips on a budget. You’re welcome to join in, too. Here’s the video, would love your thoughts!

1. RECYCLE — GET CREATIVE

Use branches, fruit and floras from your property, or ask your neighbor if they want to swap decor.

On this table, I have maple leaves from a tree and greenery from our yard. Not only are the leaves colorful and cheery, I used them as place cards, or you can cut up advertisements from magazines and write names on them with a sharpie.

This also helps organize where people sit, if you want to group families together for social distancing.

2. REUSE and REACH OUT

Leverage friends and family, your social media and general community. Ask folks who aren’t hosting to borrow their plates/flatware/decor.

Most of what you see in these pictures are from thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace or estate sales. These resources are great for finding unique items at affordable prices — and it’s good for the environment.

The goblets, chargers and candles were $1-$3 each!

3. HAVE FUN

You don’t have to do it alone. Many times, guests want to bring things and collaborate to make the occasion more special and less stressful.

Make name tags a fun craft project for kids and setting up the table a teachable moment for those who want to help.

That’s the point — to have fun, and with a little planning and creativity, you’ll have more merriment to go with the memories.

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all. So grateful for watching and sharing this vlog and your comments below on how you’re decorating on a dime while not compromising fabulousness. Never fab down, dahling.

If you want more ideas on creating a tablescape to fit your occasion, here are some additional guides:
How to Set a Fancy Table and WOW Your Guests
How to Set a Table That Makes Your Guests Feel Special
How to Still Have a Happy Thanksgiving During the Pandemic

Xx,
Toan

The post Toan’s Thanksgiving Tablescape Trifecta Tips appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

The post Daylight Saving Time, A Reminder to Tap Into More Abundance appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

How do we get out of a rut and how does being in one serve us? I believe that all challenges are here to break us open so we can ultimately be and do better. We must experience the darkness to see the light. As spiritual teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said, “The art of happiness is also the art of suffering well.”

This universal intelligence has been coming through strong since we were forced to shelter in place last March in San Francisco. Where did the year go? And where did our inspiration and creative energy go? Ahhh.

I know I’ve suffered through multiple ruts as of late, but now, thanks to this lovely sofa and these pillows that sparked a massive fabric hunt, I’ve gained some knowledge that I want to share.

Ready for some pillow talk, boo?

On a walk this morning, I was thinking about how to help creatives get out of their ruts. Then, an acronym came to me. Duh!

Here’s my download on emerging from R.U.T.S:

R — Realign with your authentic self and true desires to manifest whatever excites you.

U — Unlearn the “should’ve/would’ve/could’ves.” Just be in the flow and tap into that feeling of excitement and spur-of-the-moment momentum without trying to figure out how to make money, get more likes/views, etc. Don’t distract those creative juices!

T — Tribe. Nobody gets through hard times without their homies, family, friends or community.

When I’m feeling sad, mad or in a rut, I reach out to my beloved network of friends and family. I always feel better after connecting and chatting about what is bugging me. According to this article in The Atlantic on “The Pursuit of Happiness,” being socially connected and doing things you love are directly related to our happiness quotient. 

For nearly five decades, Bhutan has used a “Gross National Happiness” index to form public policy. What, what? Sign me up for more.

S — Share. I believe sharing is caring. Share not only your happy, but the sad and seemingly bad. You’re not alone and there is always hope.

Now just be and do. No matter how small the project seems, get started and you’ll feel the momentum build. It’s as simple as that. Move your energy around by taking baby steps. When you follow your excitement, the universe really does conspire to help you.

In this case, as I mentioned in the video, Elena, a creative soul sister and friend, was super excited to search with me for fabrics that matched my sofa and sew the pillows I designed.

This creative combustion has gotten me eager to share more of what brings out my true authentic joy — helping you design a life and style that elevates you, boo. For more inspiration, go to StyleYourSpirit.com.

Sharing is caring, so please share what kind of rut you’re in and tag a friend who needs some inspo to keep the good creative energy going.

Love ya,
xx
T

The post What Pillows Taught Me About Snapping Out of My Creative Rut appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

So take a break from your blog, log off social media and if you don’t feel like getting a Christmas tree, that’s OK, too! As I say, “You do you, boo!”

Everything has its season — ideas and creativity bloom will like spring flowers, while projects, jobs and things that don’t serve our highest self will fall like leaves in autumn. Bye, Felicia.

Don’t regret it. What is, IS. So rest if you need to, change course, pause, reflect and just be. The world has been forced to slow down and so can you. What isn’t OK, though, is to stay stuck. Feel the feels, process the grief, reach out for assistance if you need it — we all have been helped and should ask for help.

I’m reminded this wonky, pandemic holiday season that we are more loved than we realize. People are waiting to help us get through this gloominess — all we have to do is ask.

So join me in my new mantra: I don’t have to act like things are fabulous despite feeling weighed down by all that’s going on around us. “Chief Inspirators” of Go Inspire Go don’t draw inspiration from perfection, but from passion and perseverance.

I, too, took a break from scrolling on social media and posting as much as I used to. I also paused projects like my Style Your Spirit design blog. Just when I started to feel the desire to pick up designing again and sharing inspiring stories, voila, a few folks reached out to partner and work with me.

A couple of days ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to discuss “Finding Inspiration in Turbulent Times” with AARP California’s Grace-Sonia Melanio. In our heartwarming conversation, we delved into personal, professional and spiritual pick-me-ups during the holidays, how to find light during the darkness, and staying connected and inspired as we continue to work from home.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did and are able to breathe new life into your daily routine.

Let me know how you’re finding inspiration as we wrap up the year by tagging me on social @ToanLamTV.

Xx,
Toan

The post A Conversation with AARP California: Inspiration and Affirmation During Turbulent Times appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

After my meditation today, I was inspired to share a li’l space in my new home and a message in my heart with all of you who are having the same feels.

While scrolling through my camera roll this morning, I thought, “Everywhere you go, everyone you meet, the experiences are etched in your heart, mind and spirit.”

You take those experiences and energy with you during the dark, cold, wintery times, and what serves you blooms in the springtime of your life.

When designing our new place in Sacramento (so excited to give you a sneak peek in the video below), I had to bring back a little chic French country vibe into the breakfast nook.

I spent my 40th birthday (seems like ages ago) in Paris and the Loire Valley in a cottage on the grounds of a lovely castle. Now, I have recreated a space I get to enjoy every day that evokes those feelings and fabulous vibes. It’s extra special because this holiday I’m not seeing most of my family because of the COVID lockdown.

Over the years and through a lot of adversity and loss, I’ve learned to make the best of everything and pay attention to the life lessons the universal intelligence is sending me. While I can’t have family here because of the pandemic and due to the fact that some have transitioned, I can celebrate the memories and enjoy the space I create physically, mentally and spiritually in the present moment.

I hope this message calms your nerves and helps you to tune in and focus on what really matters.

As my soul sister Stephanie Chuang told me, “You are loved. You ARE love.”

So love on yourself. Do stuff you love (I love telling stories that inspire you to do and be better, and interior design that lifts your spirits.) Know you’re not alone at the table this holiday or any day. Reach out to someone if you’re feeling bad, sad or glad.

You = love. And so many folks love you, boo.

Take Action

1. Calm yourself. When you feel the pandemic-induced anxiety, tension and sadness this holiday season, breathe. I reset by breathing deeply 10 times in and out. I also use the Insight Timer app if I need a little guided meditation.
   
2. Phone or Zoom a friend. While you may be feeling alone, you can thwart the loneliness this holiday meal by leveraging technology. I advise doing a little show and tell. I like to share my tablescape, what I’m eating and what I’m grateful for. Then, log off, take a break from technology to eat in peace and jump back on to catch up on holiday distancing plans.
   
3. Do whatever healthy hobbies excite you. I love reading, spending time in nature and designing. Time is lost upon me when I’m doing these things and they give my monkey mind a break from the chatter.
   
4. Ask for help. Lord knows I’ve been there. Growing up in an Asian household where “saving face” is like the sixth sense, I’ve learned to unlearn the “not asking for help” and “pretending you’re OK” when you’re not OK lesson that was ingrained in me.
   
   If you’re feeling down, blue and not feeling it, that’s OK. What helps me is to reach out to a beloved human and talk about my feelings. If you’re feeling super sad and it’s affecting your work and relationship deeply, it’s OK to get medical attention. Psychologists and psychiatrists are literally life savers!

So remember, you’re not alone in the sadness, grief and melancholy this holiday season. But let’s find a way to squeeze a little joy out of what you have. I’m literally tryna make lemonade out of lemons.

If you need some fall design inspo, here’s a blog out of my vault to get you started.

OK, I promised in the video I’d share the link to one of my fave stores for unique, affordable antique finds in San Francisco, Warren Estate Sales. In Sacramento, I love Sekula’s Art, Antiques & Design.

Thank you to everyone who has given me the gift of experiencing more of life with you by being around you! Happy holidays, from my table, home and heart to yours!

Xx
Toan

P.S. Special thanks to my soul brother Kevin Lee for editing and sharing this blog this Thanksgiving Day. You make me look like less of a hot mess. Now if only you could have been here to tell me to dress and comb my hair during this impromptu video message!

The post How to Still Have a Happy Thanksgiving During the Pandemic appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

Oh haaay, it’s World Kindness Day 2020!

Lord knows we need some more kindness post-elections in America. The divide is so deep, it’s scary and sad.

However, I believe we have many more similarities that unite us, although they may feel shrouded in what I’ve been calling “The Pandemics of 2020”: COVID-19, BLM, attacks on Asians, the U.S. elections, etc.

To be real, even pre-pandemic, I’ve been feeling like we were all on a merry-go-round that has been spinning faster than ever, thanks to social media and technology. The whirlwind of anxieties to do more and be more have left me burnt out.

Since the pandemics hit, I’ve spent more time than ever doing less and being more. I’ve dug deep into my thoughts and feelings and just sat with them… processing. Lately I’ve been sharing less on social media and being more of a hermit. I told Kevin Lee, my soul brother and producer-editor extraordinaire that I haven’t been in the mood to post on social media and that I thought that what I had to say didn’t matter much.

Y’all know I believe in signs. Interestingly enough, within a week of that confession, three people + Kevin told me they were inspired by the posts and messages they’ve seen. My good friend and sister from another mister, Michelle Darlington from Australia was one of those messengers. She said she noticed I’ve been quiet on social and that she, too, would get pick-me-ups from my messages.

When AARP reached out to me soon after for an interview next month about how to lift your spirits and feel lighter during these dark times, I knew I needed to snap out of the funk (after feeling the feels of the fun for months now) and share more experiences and life lessons as they spring up.

So on this World Kindness Day, I share this simple message and challenge to you: I promise these two acts will activate the feel-good kind of endorphins that will change your mood and the mood of someone you care about:

Take Action

1. Do something kind for yourself NOW. Take some time to nourish your mind, body and spirit.

2. Do something kind for someone else NOW. Check in on a loved one, write a letter or send a small gift to show you’re thinking of them.

3. Sharing is caring. Let me know what you did by tagging me at @toanlamtv & @goinspirego

Here’s the vlog about election anxiety that I mentioned in the video.

Be kind to yourself and to someone else, today and always.

XOXO,
Toan

The post Happy World Kindness Day 2020: A Kind Act Challenge to Active Kindness appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

If you’re in the majority like me , you’re part of the 86 percent of folks who are feeling election anxiety. That factoid is thanks to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) and Harris Poll. According to those sources, the stress is due to the uncertainty surrounding the outcome.

As a former TV reporter, I know there is more good news than bad out there. I truly believe that there are more good humans than bad on this planet, even though what you read and hear may not reflect this fact.

So besides staying away from excessive TV watching and limiting my time on social media, here are some things I’m doing tonight to calm myself. I hope they help you calm yo’ self too, boo.

Take Action

1. Make plans to keep yourself busy. Take a walk, organize a distanced Zoom dinner or work on a DIY project. We all find pleasure and distractions from different activities, so you do you, boo! Read, write, craft, garden, exercise (motion is lotion, lol), watch mindless TV or enjoy a funny comedy.

2. News breaks. Speaking of TV, reduce your time consuming news and social media. ’Nuff said.

3. Connect with your tribe. In times when I’m feeling my highest highs and lowest lows, I call on my peeps to share and commiserate. I remember when Barack Obama won his first presidential election, I gathered at a bar with friends as the results came in and history was made.

Last year, we had a potluck at a friend’s home. This year, let’s be COVID-19 clear. I’ll be chillin’ at home and will probably do some FaceTimes and calls with my beloved. Support groups are the best and help relieve stress internally and externally.

4. Gratitude: You’ve heard the saying “darkness doesn’t live where light exists.” Likewise, fear and anxiety can’t take up the same space as gratitude. Count your blessings and pass them on to others.

5. Sharing is caring: Do something kind for a neighbor or friend. I’m giving some succulent plants I’ve grown to neighbors tomorrow!

6. VOTE. Like your life and the planet depend on it.

Lemme know your thoughts and share in the comments or tag me @toanlamtv & @goinspirego.

See you on the other side!

Be safe, sane and good to yourself and remember to do a kind deed for someone else.

Love ya,
Toan

The post How to Calm Yo-self: The 2020 Election Edition appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

I have been reflecting on many conversations with loved ones lately about how to get through the tough, weird and wonky times brought on by the pandemic.

Every single time I’ve dealt with some dark s*** or sad stuff, saying a special, pretty magical practice from the late spiritual teacher and author Wayne Dyer, and a sacred mantra from my bookkeeper, Bobbie Howard, have helped me shift my perspective and lift my spirits.

What often emerges are answers to the questions brought to the surface by the challenges at hand. I’ve since shared these affirmations with several people who have been dealing with insurmountable physical, mental and spiritual difficulties.

I pray this will offer you some light and lightness.

Take Action

1. If you’re having a bad day or going through a rough patch in life, remember, as sucky as things may seem, they are here to teach you something. Feel the feels and do the things that bring a healthy, good-feeling vibration into your ether.

For me, it’s an uplifting soul-to-soul conversation with a beloved kindred spirit, walking in nature or sitting in silence as I take 10+ deep breaths. Try it!

2. Affirmations help you reset your mind, body and spirit. Repeat the mantra:

“The perfect and right <fill in the blank> is on its way. You’ve got to believe it to receive it.”

Wayne Dyer would put a sign next to his bed that read, “Good things are going to HAPPEN.”

I like to say, “Good things are on the way!”

3. Reach out for help. Chances are, someone is waiting and willing to help you get through whatever situation you’re facing. No matter the hardship, be it physical, fiscal, mental, emotional or spiritual, know that you are not alone and there is hope.

What challenges are you facing? How are you coping? How are you reaching out for help? I want to know! Tag me on social @ToanLamTV & @GoInspireGo

May goodness find you soon!

Toan

The post A Life-Changing Affirmation for Challenging Times appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

Whether you’re dealing with the loss of your health, wealth or have grieved the death of a loved one, it’s been HARD personally, professionally and spiritually, y’all.

I admit — during the pandemic, I’ve had some highs and a lot of really low lows, and oftentimes felt like a LOSER. I struggle with feeling like I should be farther in life, have more this and that, or be out there elevating humanity in a bigger way.

One moment, I’m feeling optimistic. The next, I feel trapped, suffocated and in despair.

I just spoke with Cynthia Q, a dear friend who is turning the big 4-0 soon. Cynthia and I met at the Unity 99 journalism conference back in 1999 when we were both part of a broadcast student project. We hadn’t been in touch for more than 20 years!

We talked about the big 4-0 milestone along with other ups and downs and how we’ve both felt the “would have, could have, should haves” during our more than four decades on Earth — and how the anxiety of wanting to be further in life (and the lack thereof) has been amplified during the pandemic. Then we had a good laugh about how we were both overachievers and our own worst critics. Silly us!

Here’s my reflection and video diary on how to not only keep moving forward, but THRIVE during the pandemic’s pause.

Take Action

1. The truth is, we should stop comparing ourselves with others. We are each walking our own unique awesome journey called life. When you compare, you’ll always be in discontent and unhappy. Be in the moment.

What brings me to the present moment? Being in nature, spending time with people I love (virtually counts too), cooking, working out, journaling, creating or designing anything.

2. Sit in the darkness and write down the things that makes you feel uncomfortable. Then create a list of the things or accomplishments you’re grateful for. You’ll realize that You. Rock. My. Friend!

3. Take a deeeeep breath. And remember that worrying about what you can’t change is stealing away your joy. Stay positive.

I know, the times seem even more uncertain and scary. It’s crazy, it’s wild, and we don’t know. We aren’t meant to know. But I know that if we stay positive and think good things are around the corner, that’s what we attract, y’all.

Love you,
Toan

The post Thriving and Moving Forward During the Pandemic’s Pause appeared first on Go Inspire Go.