top of page
Artboard 37_3x.png
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

15 items found for ""

Blog Posts (11)

  • I Left Instagram for 2 Months – Here’s What Happened

    Midjourney Art created by: Nakia Reine I never thought I’d be one of those  people writing about a “social media detox.” Yet, here I am. But let’s be clear—I don’t see it as a detox. It’s more like a reintroduction to who I really am. Over the past few months, something felt… off. I found myself doom-scrolling—whether I was bored, anxious, avoiding something, or just being nosey. You know how it goes: open Instagram, scroll, laugh, share, and look up to realize an hour (or more) has vanished into the abyss. All I had to show for it were forwarded reels, a few likes, and a lingering sense of meh . So, one day, I decided to take a week off Instagram. That week turned into 30 days. Thirty days became 60. Now? It’s been over two months, and honestly, I’m not sure when I’ll go back fully. If you’re rolling your eyes right now (like I used to when reading posts like this), hear me out. This isn’t just another “I quit social media and became enlightened”  spiel. This is about reclaiming time, creativity, and peace of mind—and yes, it’s possible without deleting your accounts forever. Why Instagram Had to Go Let’s be real: Instagram used to be fun. It was selfies, memes, and the occasional avocado toast. Now? It’s a marketing juggernaut where algorithms decide what’s “important” to you. A quick scroll can take you from a cute puppy reel to full-on rage mode thanks to some clickbait nonsense. This emotional rollercoaster was exhausting. Worse, I realized Instagram was my crutch. Feeling stressed? Open the app. Avoiding a tough conversation? Scroll away. It was a digital security blanket, but it was suffocating me. So, I deleted the app. It felt like breaking up with a toxic ex—hard but necessary. The Tingles of Creativity Here’s the thing nobody tells you: when you step back from the noise, your mind gets louder in the best  way. I started noticing little sparks of creativity—what I call “the tingles.” Suddenly, I wanted to try embroidery, take a pottery class, and bake a lemon blueberry cake just because. And then, one Saturday, I found myself typing away at my iPad. That writing turned into a blog post. And that blog post turned into this blog—Past Fwrd. Funny how stepping away from one platform helped me rediscover another. Midjourney Art created by: Nakia Reine How to Navigate Your Own Break Thinking of trying a social media hiatus? Here’s what worked for me: Set Boundaries I deleted the Instagram app from my phone. Now, if I want to use it, I have to log in on my desktop. Trust me, scrolling while sitting upright at a desk is nowhere near as appealing as lounging on the couch. Identify Problem Platforms For me, Instagram was the main culprit. Figure out which platform drains you most and start there. Replace the Habit I swapped Instagram for Pinterest, which feels like a creative playground without the emotional baggage. Give Yourself Grace It’s not easy to quit cold turkey. Let your friends know you’re taking a break and ask them not to send you links or reels. Prepare for the Mental Shift I didn’t expect much from this experiment, but I gained clarity, creativity, and more meaningful time with my family. Ready to Try It? As 2025 approaches, why not add “Take two weeks off social media” to your goals? Delete the app, reclaim your time, and see what happens. You might just surprise yourself!

  • This Year, I Decorated Christmas a Little Differently-No Buy!

    Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. Like many, every year, I’d dive headfirst into creating a brand-new theme. First, let me admit something: I love  a theme. Creating an atmosphere is something i truly enjoy! Over the years, this passion for decorating has led to an impressive—and honestly overwhelming—collection of holiday decor. From switching up color schemes to completely reinventing themes, I’ve been there and done it all. But this year, I decided to shake things up. For the past two years, I’ve been hyper-vigilant about overconsumption. I’ve asked myself hard questions before buying anything and embraced the idea of using what I already have. This Christmas, I took it a step further: no new decorations= No buy! Not a single shiny bauble, glittering garland, or irresistible festive find made its way into my cart. Instead, I challenged myself to use everything  I already owned—even if it didn’t “match” or fit a theme. Why? Because every piece I’ve collected over the years marks a moment in my family’s life, tied to memories of Christmases past. Here’s what I learned during my little experiment: 1. Walking into stores became stress-free Over the past few weeks, I strolled through festive aisles without the urge to buy a single thing. I gave myself permission to window shop, admire what was new, and simply leave empty-handed. No FOMO. No buyer’s remorse. I reminded myself, You already have a version of that—or better yet, you don’t need it at all. 2. Creativity thrives when you work with what you have Digging through my bins of decorations, I discovered treasures I forgot I owned—some still in their original packaging! This forced me to get creative, using items in ways I’d never considered before. I repurposed pieces, rearranged ornaments, and found joy in seeing old favorites in new settings. 3. I already had more than enough As I worked through my collection, I realized I had an abundance. Not just “enough,” but more than I could possibly use. It was a humbling reminder that the need to buy more often stems from outside pressure, not actual necessity. 4. The stress melted away Here’s a truth bomb: No one is coming to photograph my home. The only people who will see it are my family and friends—the ones who love me, mismatched ornaments and all. Letting go of the pressure to create a “perfect” Instagram-worthy display freed me to simply enjoy the process. Speaking of Instagram, I took a two-month break from the platform, which is a story for another day, but wow, what a difference it made! Being disconnected allowed me to move at my own pace, without the constant buzz of comparison in my head. 5. Memories matter more than trends My tree this year isn’t trendy. It’s filled to the brim with every piece of decor we own, and I love it. Every ornament tells a story—a snapshot of our lives. My daughters even rediscovered some of their handmade ornaments from years ago. Watching their excitement as they added them to the tree brought more joy than any store-bought decoration ever could. This season, I’ve learned that peace and joy look different for everyone. For me, it meant taking control—real control—of my home, my choices, and my holiday spirit. No more “doing it for the ‘gram.” So, tell me: How did you decorate for this Christmas season? Are you a theme person, or did you embrace the beauty of what you already have? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

  • Your "Personal Style" is Influenced – But Is It Really Yours?

    All AI images created in midjourney by www.pastfrwd.com Last night, I watched a video on YouTube titled, How Fashion Trends Are Ruining Your Personal Style . As someone who has been infatuated with fashion since childhood, attended design school, and even crafted my own garments, I pride myself on knowing a bit more about fashion than the average person. But as I watched this video essay, I started to realize – she may be on to something. She broke down how trends are born, how we view body image, and how even the colors we gravitate toward have been subtly engineered and fed to us through radio ads, magazines, TV, and now social media. Suddenly, it hit me: Is my personal style really even mine? During the pandemic, I discovered the joy of comfortable clothing. With nowhere to go but the grocery store (masked and gloved) and an uncertain world outside, fashion became the last thing on my mind. But post-pandemic, I redefined my "style" to fit my new lifestyle – think comfortable chic. My work-from-home life doesn’t call for heels or fancy frocks, but my passion for fashion had dimmed, and this year, I decided to reinvent myself. As I watched this video, I kept hearing buzzwords I had used myself: "reinventing," "finding my personal style." My Pinterest boards were filled with terms like "old money style" and all the "cores." It hit me: Am I just a carbon copy of an influenced consumer?  Suddenly, I felt the need to re-evaluate what I really know about personal style. Without design houses, runway shows, and glossy magazines, would we even know what's "in"? Of course, it’s natural to be excited about something new, but the difference is in how we incorporate it into our unique style. Here’s what I’ve learned about truly setting yourself apart and stepping out of the loop of "engineered" style: AI image created through midjourney by www.Pastfrwd.com 1. Dress for Your  Body – Create a Uniform One of the core lessons in design school is that not every trend is for every body type. Knowing what enhances your features and fits you best goes beyond any fad. Look at icons like Carolina Herrera and Karl Lagerfeld, both known for their signature styles. Herrera’s crisp button-up shirts are iconic – I remember seeing her in NYC once, and her blouse practically glowed! And Karl? His classic black-and-white look is legendary. They both show that a "uniform" can be simple yet timeless, expressing an unmistakable personal style. When you find your "winning uniform," it sets you apart, giving you a look that’s yours regardless of trends. So, experiment with silhouettes and colors, then settle into what feels like you. 2. Dress for Your Lifestyle For years, my office attire defined my style. I often felt like I had to tone down my wardrobe to match my corporate environment, especially after pivoting to a government role. Gone were the days of fashion freedom, replaced with subdued blazers and sensible shoes. But as a full-time remote worker now, I no longer need that office-ready wardrobe. My first year working from home, I kept buying blazers and slacks out of habit, only to realize I didn’t need them. Now, my style reflects my reality: part athleisure, part cozy chic. I believe this is one of the most important aspects of dressing – catering to your life as it is now . When you dress to suit your lifestyle, you feel more comfortable and confident. And as I always say, " When you look good, you feel good . " 3. Wear What You  Like In design school, I was known for my favorite color combo – yellow and purple. Now, at 40, you’d be hard-pressed to see me in those colors together. But at the time, I wore what I loved. These days, it’s easy to feel pressure to wear what’s “in” or what strangers might compliment. Many of us dress for external validation rather than our genuine taste. This week, I was in DSW when a woman asked me if a pair of fold-over cowboy boots looked good. She had a unique, eclectic style, and while I wouldn’t wear those boots myself, they suited her. But I realized in that moment, I was tempted to influence her choice. I told her, "They’re trendy," and watched as she put them back on the shelf. Reflecting on it now, I think I should have just said, "How do you feel in them?" The truth is, wear what makes you happy.  Trends come and go, but style is cyclical. Take the Y2K trend – what was once "out" is now back in full force. So hold onto your skinny jeans, or better yet, find the cut that makes you feel amazing and keep rocking it. These are my three methods for reclaiming your style from the grip of trends. I’ll link the video I watched below, so you can dive in and form your own opinion. From now on, when someone asks my opinion in a store, my response will be, "How do you feel in it?" Because your personal style should be just that – personal. What About You? Have you noticed how your personal style has been influenced? How do you approach finding and maintaining a style that's truly yours? Share your thoughts!

View All

Other Pages (4)

  • Past Frwd | Design and Lifestyle Inspiration

    Dec 31, 2024 3 min read Health & Wellness I Left Instagram for 2 Months – Here’s What Happened Welcome 👋 🥐 Hey there! Welcome to Past Frwd, where we bridge the gap between timeless treasures and modern living. This space is all about sustainable fashion, antiquing adventures, and uncovering the beauty of design with a nod to the past. Join our community to explore exclusive tips, insights, and inspiration. Sign up for the newsletter to stay connected and dive into conversations with like-minded enthusiasts. Let’s celebrate the art of preserving the past while shaping a sustainable future—together! Popular Tags Fashion & Beauty (5) 5 posts Health & Wellness (1) 1 post Blogging how to's (1) 1 post Fashion Scandal (1) 1 post Home Decorating (1) 1 post Mom Life Hacks (1) 1 post Your guide to antiquing, sustainable fashion, & timeless design. Read It All Oct 16, 2024 4 min read Blogging How To's If I Were Starting a Blog Today: Tips from a Veteran Blogger Read It All Blogging How to's Dec 18, 2024 3 min read Home Decorating This Year, I Decorated Christmas a Little Differently-No Buy! Read It All Home Decorating Dec 10, 2024 4 min read Fashion & Beauty Your "Personal Style" is Influenced – But Is It Really Yours? Oct 1, 2024 3 min read Fashion & Beauty Reclaim Your Personal Style: Tips to Ditch Inside Clothes and Dress Confidently Sep 25, 2024 2 min read Fashion & Beauty Mini Bags, Maximum Style: Why Downsizing Your Purse is the Ultimate Lifestyle Hack Sep 19, 2024 2 min read Fashion & Beauty From Paper Towels to Proenza: The Evolution of Shopping at Target Read It All Fashion & Beauty Dec 31, 2024 3 min read Health & Wellness I Left Instagram for 2 Months – Here’s What Happened Read It All Health & Wellness Sep 27, 2024 3 min read Mom Life Hacks How to Find Your Flow as a Work-from-Home Mom | Tips for Real-Life Balance Read It All Mom Life Hacks

  • Accessibility Statement | Past Frwd

    Accessibility Statement At Design And, we are committed to ensuring that our website is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. We continuously work to enhance the user experience and apply the relevant accessibility standards to make sure our content is inclusive and easy to navigate. Accessibility Features We have implemented the following accessibility features to improve your experience: Alternative Text** for images to assist screen reader users. Keyboard Navigation** for easy access to all site features. Readable Fonts and Contrast** to ensure content is easy to read for all users. Responsive Design** that works across a variety of devices and screen sizes. Ongoing Efforts We are constantly reviewing our website to ensure it meets or exceeds accessibility standards. We aim to comply with the **Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1** and make every reasonable effort to conform to **Level AA** standards. Need Assistance? If you experience any difficulty in accessing any part of our website, or if you have suggestions on how we can improve, please let us know. We are here to assist you! Contact Us: Email: nakiareinestudios@gmail.com We welcome your feedback to help us enhance the accessibility of our site for all visitors.

  • Privacy Policy | Past Frwd

    Privacy Policy A legal disclaimer Privacy Policy Effective Date: 2024 At Design And, your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect any information that you give us when using this website. 1. Information We Collect We may collect the following types of information: Personal Information: Name, email address, and any other details you provide when signing up for our newsletter or participating in community groups. Non-Personal Information: Browser type, device information, and data collected via cookies to improve user experience and website performance. 2. How We Use Your Information We use the information we collect for the following purposes: To send you newsletters, updates, and content based on your preferences. To personalize your experience on the site. To manage and facilitate community engagement in groups. To analyze website traffic and optimize performance. 3. Newsletter Subscription When you sign up for our newsletter, we collect your email address to send you regular updates and exclusive content. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of any email, or by contacting us directly. 4. Cookies Cookies are small files that a website or service provider transfers to your device’s hard drive through your web browser. We use cookies to: Understand and save your preferences for future visits. Track user activity to improve site performance. You can choose to disable cookies through your browser settings. However, doing so may affect your ability to use certain features of the site. 5. Sharing of Information We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information with trusted service providers to help operate the website or send newsletters, but only to the extent necessary for them to provide services on our behalf. 6. Data Security We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard your data from unauthorized access or disclosure. 7. External Links Our blog may contain links to other websites. Please note that once you leave our site, we are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those external sites. 8. Your Consent By using this website, you consent to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If we make any changes to our policy, we will update this page accordingly. 9. Contact Us If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, or if you wish to access, modify, or delete your personal data, please contact us at: Email: nakiareinestudios@gmail.com

View All

Search Results

bottom of page