Savvy Mom: 10 Ways to be More Like Olivia Pope

Scandal starts up again this week, and if you're anything like me the week is not going by fast enough. I love this show for all of the right reasons: the sex, drama, and wardrobe. Sure there are great actors as well with gripping story lines, but let's be honest about why we watch it ;) Olivia Pope is a strong female lead who will draw you in instantly with her passion and intelligence. After each episode, I begin thinking about how I can be more like her because I just love this character so much. So, in the spirit of her return this week, here's 10 ways to be more like Olivia Pope:

Trust your gut: Olivia has a firm sense of who she is and trusts her initial instincts. Yes, we've found out she isn't right 100% of the time, (how could she know her mom was really a terrorist?!) but she trusts herself and rarely questions decisions that have already been made.
Buy more black and white: Like me, you may be tempted to buy that awesome tribal print top, but I've been inspired by Olivia to buy more basics. Classic is always in style.
Your mistakes don't define you: One of the most interesting things about the protagonist of Scandal, is that she's not free from wrong doing. She's the ongoing mistress of the President of the United States! I've said things I shouldn't have, I've done things I shouldn't have: I'm human. I make mistakes, but they don't define me. Olivia doesn't let a mistake knock her down - be a gladiator and move forward!
Create a tagline: I' m not sure how possible this is, but I would love a tagline. I'm seriously contemplating something I could say at the beginning/end of every class that would eventually become so well-known that it would be mine. I'm not sure I can top "It's handled."
Have a coat for every occasion: I live in northern Indiana, so even if I bought 5 coats a year, I would get plenty of use out of them. I'm slowly working on building my collection, and have been eyeing Olivia Pope's classic style for inspiration. I so desperately wanted the winter coat from the Scandal Collection at The Limited, but by the time it was on sale; it was sold out :(
Not everyone has to like you: This is a challenge for me at times, but it's a realistic expectation. I tend to be quiet, which often comes across as though I'm not friendly. This isn't the case at all. After you get to know me, it's immediately evident that I talk A LOT. It just takes me a little bit to come out of my introvert shell and open up to people. Still, I may not be your cup of tea and that's okay. Olivia wouldn't lose sleep over it, so neither should I.
Buy leather opera gloves...like ASAP: They've been sold out at The Limited since they were released, and I'd love to find out where else I can buy them. They seem like such a classy accessory to own, and therefore I neeeeed them.
Know your worth: One of my favorite Olivia Pope quotes is "You would be lucky to have me." As women we need to know our worth. I'm fortunate to have an amazing husband who respects me, and treats me how I deserve to be treated, but that has not always been the case. There were times in my life when I needed to acknowledge that I deserved better. I'm happy to say that I couldn't imagine finding anyone better. Olivia Pope knows what she deserves, even though her passion blurs her eyesight at times :)
Have a team: Okay, I'm not sure this is even possible, but a girl can dream right?
Take time for yourself: Even a gladiator needs a little time to decompress. Have a glass of wine, take a nap, go to the spa, paint your nails; whatever you can manage that is just for YOU. It's hard as a devoted wife and mother to find that time and leave the guilt behind, but hey if Olivia Pope can take a break so can we :)