Alicia Tenise

D.C. Fashion, Travel and Lifestyle Blogger

How to Deal With Imposter Syndrome

Free People Feeling Groovy Maxi Dress

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Last week, I got offered a collaboration with a dream brand. I was over the moon: this brand is a major retailer that I’ve been shopping at for the past 20+ years, and I’m even a cardholder at said retailer. You’ve seen me organically mention them dozens of times over the past couple of years, and I’m so excited to finally have the opportunity to work with them. I’ve had several “pinch-me” moments throughout my blogging career, but this brand is special to me!

A few hours after I landed my dream collab? I was curled up in fetal position, bawling my eyes out, feeling like an absolute failure. Instead of being proud of myself for all the “dream collabs” I’ve landed to date, I picked myself apart and felt like a fraud. As if I didn’t deserve any of the projects that I’ve landed to date.

Once I started venting to Tom, he told me that sometimes he struggles with imposter syndrome, as well.
 
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How to Make Friends in Your Late 20s

How to Make Friends in Your Late 20s by popular Washington DC lifestyle blogger, Alicia Tenise: image of two women sitting together on the floor next to some canned beverages and a charcuterie board.

I’m still in disbelief that I’ve had this blog for eight years at this point. I started this blog right before I transferred to a new college as a 21-year-old. The reason I started it? I was afraid that I wouldn’t make any friends at my new school, and I wanted a hobby to occupy my time.  Since then, I’ve learned a lot when it comes to making and keeping friends.  Which is why I’m so excited for today’s topic on how to make friends in your late 20s.

Back in college, I had nothing to worry about.  Mostly because it’s super easy to make friends at college. I miss those times: they were a lot simpler! Making friends after you’ve graduated from college and moved around the country? That’s a lot more difficult, but not necessarily impossible.

Here are a few ways that I’ve made friends over the years, even though I’ve moved several times, and a lot of people my age are settling down and starting families.
 
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My Office Tour at Industrious Alexandria, VA

My Office Tour at Industrious Alexandria, VA by popular DC blogger, Alicia Tenise: image of a woman wearing a floral dress and sitting in a gray armchair at a table and working on her laptop.
My Office Tour at Industrious Alexandria, VA by popular DC blogger, Alicia Tenise: image of a beverage bar with a marble counter, barstool seating, coffee machine, water dispenser, beverage fridges, and greenery hanging from the ceiling.

While I love being self-employed, working from home isn’t always easy.

Sometimes, I’m super productive at home and can knock out tasks on my to-do list with ease. Other times, I get easily distracted and am unable to complete all the tasks I need to. Working for myself for the past 2.5 years has also taken a toll on me mentally, and I often find myself craving more social interaction during the workday.  Which is why I love the co-working concept Industrious Alexandria, VA offers.

Whenever I’d work out of a coffee shop, I found that I was way more productive. However, that isn’t always an ideal setup. Sometimes I’d venture out to a coffee shop only to find that there were no seats available, or that all the outlets were taken up. I remember one day when I had to travel to four different coffee shops before I found one with enough seating and an available outlet! Parking downtown is also a nightmare, and I would have to move my car every couple of hours if I opted for street parking. I also rarely had any social interaction at coffee shops either, aside from ordering from a barista.

When the folks over art Industrious asked if I wanted to set up shop at their new Alexandria location, I knew I had to jump at the chance. Industrious offers shared office and co-working spaces for entrepreneurs and small businesses. I’ve tried out several coworking spaces during my blogging career, and Industrious is one of a kind: I love how upscale, yet approachable the space is, and how they bring their community together.
 
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5 Things No One Tells You About Moving to the Suburbs

5 Things No One Tells You About Moving to the Suburbs by popular Washington D.C. lifestyle blogger, Alicia Tenise:image of two women sitting outside on a patio and grilling up some hamburgers.

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ICYMI, Tom and I got a townhouse and began moving to the suburbs over the weekend! So yes, this is exactly the reason why I’ve been a little MIA on the blog and on social media lately. Mainly because I’m still drowning in a sea of moving boxes. But, I’m slowly but surely getting back to my regular posting schedule.

Transitioning from an apartment complex to the ‘burbs has been interesting, to say the least. I’m almost 30, and I’ve seen so many of my friends move out of the city and into a house, and it always seems so glamorous on social media. To be candid, it felt like something I had to do at my age. While living in a house has its pros, there are also some weird things about living in the suburbs that I was not prepared for. 

Here are five things I wish I knew before moving into our new home!
 
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Alicia Tenise also occasionally receives some gifted items. I only feature items that I love on the blog, and all gifted items are marked ℅. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep this little blog's doors open!