My Favorite Makeup Brushes

My Favorite Makeup Brushes

If you’re like me, you can’t live without your makeup brushes. They help you apply makeup better and make sure that your makeup looks its best. Plus, they’re essential for any beauty routine. Today, I want to share my favorite makeup brushes with you. Whether you’re a mom looking for the perfect gift for your daughter or a woman in your 20s or 30s searching for the perfect addition to your own beauty routine, these brushes are sure to please. Trust me, once you’ve tried them, you’ll be hooked!

My Favorite Makeup Brushes

1. Why are Makeup brushes important in your beauty routine?

Makeup brushes are an invaluable part of any beauty routine. Allowing you to create looks that appear as if you stepped out of a professional makeup studio. These tools provide the exact application and blendability required to achieve flawless results, easily and quickly. Having the right kind of brush for each product is essential in efficiently applying your own makeup. From a fluffy powder brush for setting powder, to an angled brush for blush or bronzer application, to an eyeliner brush for perfecting your lash line or delicate eyeshadow brushes for a captivating eye look – these tools can help you save time and create a polished finish. Investing in good-quality makeup brushes with synthetic bristles is worth it. They last longer, pick up pigment better and help you get the desired result without having to struggle with mismatched bristles along the way.

2. My favorite makeup brushes and how they help me apply makeup better

I’m a big fan of the Mac 217 brush as it’s extremely soft and perfect for blending eyeshadows. I’ve also been experimenting withMy Favorite Makeup Brushes Vanity Planet’s 16-piece brush palette set, which has just about everything I could possibly want. From the classic shadow brush to foundation and blush brushes, eyeshadow brushes, and even an eyeliner brush. Having a good range of quality tools in my makeup arsenal has made applying my makeup quite hassle-free. And definitely much more enjoyable. Investing in these essential items is definitely worth it as they not only help me apply makeup better, but have also allowed me to express my creativity when it comes to makeup looks.

3. Why it’s worth investing in good-quality makeup brushes

Investing in good-quality makeup brushes is absolutely worth it. For those that do their own makeup, there’s something special about applying it with their favorite brush. Not only do they help in making the look more professional and polished, but they can be a nice reminder of an accomplishment each time you pick one up to complete a look. When shopping for quality brushes, there are many features and benefits to consider. For example, there are dome shaped foundation brushes that provide a diffused finish while applying your foundation; or there’s the ever-popular Real Techniques mineral powder brush which is perfect for setting loose powder foundation. Whatever your go-to choice may be, there’s nomakeup brushes set denying the advantage of making sure you have the best tools for the job!

4. Tips on how to care for your makeup brushes

Maintaining makeup brushes is essential to any beauty routine, creating an even makeup application and seamless blending. Investing in good-quality makeup brushes is absolutely worth it; not only do they have the ability to apply makeup better, but taking the time to clean them will undoubtedly extend their life. When it comes to makeup brush cleaning, there are many products available on the market that can help– makeup brush cleaner sprays, spinning brush cleaners, or Mac cleaning spray all make the process easier. What’s important is regularly cleaning your brushes using a gentle soap or makeup brush cleaner. This simple step will help your makeup last longer as well as create a hygienic environment for makeup application– benefiting both you and your brushes!

5. A good sponge for concealer is a must and here are a few of my favorites

When it comes to creamy concealers, a good quality sponge plays an important role in creating an even, airbrushed look. Research andSuper Sponge blender experimentation is the best way to find which sponge works best for you. Super Sponge and beauty blender are two of my favorite sponges for applying concealer – Super Sponge offers a soft finish that gives medium coverage, while beauty blender works well for full coverage. Both are worth investing in – Super Sponge can last up to 5 months. And beauty blender has a lasting control formula that prevents it from absorbing too much makeup. Not only do they give great results, they’re also incredibly hygienic to use since they’re made with bacteria resistant foam material. With these amazing sponges, say goodbye to streaky concealers or uneven application!

Some important information on the Super Sponge and why I like it best.

The darker area of the sponge is silicone infused, this area blends and buffs and DOESN’T absorb foundation, it is stain resistant and will clean like new after each use. The bottom is uncoated and works like a regular premium sponge. It is good for picking up any excess makeup if necessary. The little base on the bottom of the case is the drying stand and scrubber. Also, if you are super used to using regular sponges – a good tip for switching to Super Sponge is: instead of pressing and bouncing the sponge, we recommend a swipe, glide and gentle tapping motion.

Investing in good-quality makeup brushes and sponges is ultimately worth it as they help you create a more professional and polishedpink beauty blender look. Not only that, but taking the time to clean them regularly will not only extend their life, but also keep your skin free from bacteria. With these essential items in your arsenal of tools, applying makeup can be an enjoyable experience where you get to express creativity with different looks. Whether you’re using Super Sponge or beauty blender for concealer application, having quality products at hand makes all the difference between achieving flawless results or a streaky mess! Ultimately, investing in quality tools should always be top priority when building up your collection of beauty supplies – because looking beautiful starts with feeling confident about what goes on our face everyday!

 

How to Easily Create a Feature Wall

How to Easily Create a Feature Wall

Everywhere you turn, business and homes have people creating a feature wall and some make it look easy. Others make it look incredibly difficult and unattainable.

I’m here to tell you, it’s really easy to create a feature wall that will have others wanting to come take all the pictures! All it takes is a little wallpaper, a bit of patience, and a love to see something different. I will tell you ahead of time, not all wallpaper is created the same. And can cause several curse words to get the perfect look if you aren’t careful!

How to Easily Create a Feature Wall

How to Easily Create a Feature Wall

My vision and dream was to create a wall and space in our Short Term rental property which made people feel like they were in an Instagram or blogging scene every day they wake up. I wanted it to look boho and islandy, and beachy, yet still comfortable. I knew I wanted to include wallpaper, palm tree frawn, wicker, and several plants. Because it is a short-term rental and I can’t expect my guests to water the plants. So I knew fake plants were going to be the way. And honestly, when doing home decor, the most low maintenance is often the easiest focal point to create.

I had a color scheme of green, white, and copper in my mind, and even mixed in a bit of blue and brown for the wicker color. What I didn’t plan on adding but realized they worked so well were pink flowers, and a yellow polka dot pot. It’s important to have coordinating colors in small spaces to not overwhelm the rest of the room or home.

This room has another end that has completely different accent walls and is right off the living room making it important to have fun but coordinating living spaces, even if you don’t see it in these photos. If you’ve been thinking of doing the same, here’s how to add a feature wall.

Feature Wall Wallpaper

Wallpaper has come a long way since I was a kid back in the 90s when wallpaper was at an all-time high in popularity. The wallpaper feature I remember was at the top of the ceiling in a thin strip down the wall. Or above the chair rail. Not often did you see an entire wall or a single wall covered floor to ceiling in wallpaper.

Things have changed quite a bit. Many people are using wallpaper to create beautiful experiences in their homes and entire walls as I did on a few walls in our short-term rental. A good wallpaper today can feel like a real piece of art.

Peel And Stick Wallpaper

I chose to use a peel and stick paper instead of one that needed paste or something complicated. Because this was my first time working with wallpaper, I wanted something that could remove and restick if it wasn’t right the first time.

I also chose the peel and stick in case I ended up not liking it and I would be able to remove it easily. If you need to remove wallpaper and restick it, you can get the adhesive to help keep more stickiness if it’s gone. This is the best pro tip I could give you, because after all, applying wallpaper takes real practice!

My favorite brand was Scott Living by the Scott Brothers. It was super easy to work with, had good repeating patterns, and had enough stickiness if I needed to remove and fix. This is the exact one I used on this wall. My next favorite is NextWall and it was a bit harder to work with when I needed to move and manipulate it. The least favorite was the Opalhouse line by Target. It is hard to work with, not easy to pull up and reapply. But I figured it out after a while.

Feature Wall ideas

This photo shows this chair, but I’ve moved it somewhere else in the house 🙂

Feature Wall Accessories

Once you decide what wallpaper and which wall you want to create, apply the wallpaper completely. Depending on the vibe you are trying to create, choose where you want to put your accessories like plants, flowers, chairs, etc. Because I was creating a corner and space, I didn’t add anything to the feature wall other than a window cling of colored palm prints. If you want to let the light in, it’s not necessary to do the window film like I did, however, I think it pops even more. Here’s the one I used.

I then added a hanging boho chair a bit in front of the wall for people to sit and have a moment. Little side note about this chair – I actually bought it back in January of 2018 and never hung it. It sat in the box until I opened it to hang in this spot. Guess it was just meant to be here all along and I didn’t know it! If you don’t have a large beam lying around, make sure you grab this hanging set. And ensure you find a stud to hang on so it doesn’t fall down.

On the opposite side of the room, I spaced out floral rings and hung a boho print from a local artisan here in Arizona along with my fake succulents. Remember to choose accessories of all shapes, sizes, and colors to really bring the wall together and draw attention to the cool vibe.

How to Easily Create a Feature Wall

I finished the feature area off with a table I spray painted green from white. Added a few plants to the table, a little pineapple basket, a smaller basket with a throw blanket. A DIY copper spray painted palm frawn, a cute pillow from Ikea, and a white side chair and rug.

Best wallpapers for Feature Wall

Here’s a little more detail on that spray painted table.

I started with this basic white metal table I picked up from Home Goods and picked out the Rustoleum Meadow Green after looking through the various green paint colors. Then spray painted it 2 coats to ensure the color would stick and be even. Then I let it dry outside about 30 minutes. Because it doesn’t take long in the Arizona summer heat to dry and cure!

spray painted tablespray painted table for decor

 

 

 

 

 

 

I probably spent $100 total on the whole wall and got lucky to snag the palm frawns the day the tree climbers were out cutting the palm trees in the neighborhood for no more than a few prickles in my finger!

palm trees for decor

The palms started out as regular frawns off the tree. And I used scissors to shape them the way I wanted. And spray painted them with a copper spray paint to hopefully seal them and keep them like this for a long time. If you look close in the final photos, you will see another frawn behind the swinging chair. That one I used a glitter spray paint on and it just dusted the frawn with a gold glitter. And kept the green color. The exact color I used on the frawns was Pearl Champagne Pink, which makes these really pop!

More Feature Wall Ideas

  • boho feature wall
  • beachy feature wall
  • board and batten accent wall
  • modern accent wall
  • wood accent wall / wood feature wall
  • art deco accent wall
  • wall mural
  • sports-related feature wall

These are just a few accent wall ideas and architectural elements to get your brain flowing and thinking of what to do, you could also add this in an office space or dining rooms for adding wall colors to otherwise boring walls. Oh, and lastly, you don’t have to hire an interior designer, use your imagination and Pinterest to make your accent wall ideas come to life!

Am I A Minimalist? 20 Signs You Might Be

Am I A Minimalist? 20 Signs You Might Be

Minimalism has been the talk of the town lately. It’s the in-trend approach to life that many people are considering practicing. And those who have already practiced it have promised that they would not let it go. 

But have you wondered, why this rage? I mean it’s just an approach, a concept. Well let me correct you, it’s not just an approach, it’s not just a concept. It’s LIFE CHANGING. 

Less is more, savings, frugality, simplicity, zero wastage are all the pillars of minimalism. Interestingly, these principles are not new and exclusive to minimalism. Yet surprisingly, these values and principles are what most of us follow and believe in. So, if you happen to be on the list, you are already a minimalist! 

Minimalism gives you more time and space to do the things you want — travel, experiences, quiet time, quality time, etc. These are just a few things you can gain with adopting a minimalist lifestyle!

Need more? Well, look for these signs and find out for yourself. 

Am I A Minimalist? 20 Signs You Might Be

1. You declutter from time to time because a cluttered, messed-up home obstructs you in your daily affairs.

You seem20 Signs You’re Secretly a Minimalist to have a struggle concentrating when you have a load full of things lying around you. So, whether there’s tons of stuff on your plate or not, you manage to take some time out for decluttering

2. You focus on moments, not materials.

You are someone who is not driven by materialist temptations. So you don’t give a damn about what things you have, and what you don’t; rather you are more concerned about moments and memories.

3. You think you don’t belong in this age.

You uphold your own values and principles. But when you look at the world driven by materialism and consumerism, it somehow breaks your heart. You wish to go out and scream at the top of your lungs, as you know it’s you against the world. 

4. You believe in savings.

Money has been an utmost concern for you, not because you are not able to make ends meet, but because when you think of the future, you see millions of expenses, and you know what can save your future is your savings. 

5. You focus on quality, not quantity.

Unlike the rest of the world, quantity does not concern you but quality. You are someone who wishes to spend their money, if at all, on something, which has to be of the utmost quality. You don’t care if you buy one unit of it, or three, it has to be top quality, and you don’t settle for anything less. 

6. Your home has a lot of space for movement.

As a secret minimalist, you let the principle reflect in your home. You don’t stuff your home with a million decoration or storage pieces, instead, you consider keeping fewer possessions. You don’t concern yourself with filling up the walls and passage, you concern yourself with the space your halls and rooms provide. 

7. You are decisive.

While the world out there plucks out flower petals trying to decide what to keep and what to let go of, you are pretty sorted in this area. You don’t find it hard enough to declutter. You decide you don’t want this thing or that, it is of zero value to you, and so you put it down the trash without thinking twice. 

8. You never struggle to find time to do things you like.

As fellow minimalists, finding time is not a hassle for you as for other house makers or professionals. Owning fewer possessions diminishes your cleaning time drastically and allows you to spend more time doing what you enjoy. Consequently, you don’t struggle to make time for the people you love.

9. You don’t find happiness in things.

If someone asks you, would a million dollar and a large home with all the amenities would make you happy, your answer would be a straight NO. All because as minimalists, you don’t find happiness in things and possessions. For you, happiness lies with people you love. 

10. You have good mental health.

As minimalists, you are sorted in life. Life is complicated, but you don’t let its complexities affect you. You go out there in the world, live in the moment, take time out for things you like to do, and all that what counts as peace and happiness for you. You don’t enjoy wasting time on miscommunications and conflict. 

11. You are satisfied with what you have.

Minimalism is not about forcing yourself to own less. It’s about being satisfied and content with what you already have, so you don’t crave for more. If you are someone who is satisfied with the life you live, and what you own, my friend you are a true minimalist despite you acknowledging it. 

12. You want to gain control of your life.

As they say, you are the author of your own life, you firmly believe in that. You are not someone who lets the universe and thoughts control your life. Instead, you take matters into your hand. You take actions. So you go out there, grab things you want rather than waiting for life to hand them to you. 

13. You can distinguish between what you want and what you need.

People exhaust their credit card limit because they fail to differentiate between things they need and things they think they need. There’s a difference between the two, and if you recognize it, and let it influence your purchasing decisions, my friend you are a minimalist at heart. 

14. You are an environmentalist at heart.

When you stand for minimalism, you stand by a zero-wastage principle because you care a lot about the environment. You anticipate how your one decision or consumption would affect the environment, and you make a wise decision accordingly.

15. You are organized or wish to be organized.

If you are a Monica Geller or Sheldon Cooper when it comes to organization, that my friend is enough for us to declare you a minimalist at heart. 

16. You donate often.

As a minimalist, your goal is never solely to eliminate things from your home but to give them away to see how it can change the lives of others, and perhaps spread a smile on their faces. Consequently, you never think twice about donating things you know would be much more useful for someone else. 

17. You don’t own a large wardrobe.

We are no stranger to human propensity of having a vast wardrobe. However, if you happen to be someone who can go live their life on just 5-6 pairs of clothes, you deserve the title. 

18. You are worried as to how buying something would affect your space.

A lot of people worry about their credit card bills before making purchases; however if you worry about the space it will obstruct or how you wished to own fewer things, that counts as minimalism. 

19. You prioritize doing special things for people.

Your idea of a perfect gift is not a branded watch, or a Gucci bag, but it’s a smile you can spread on their faces by doing something special for the people you love.  

20. You have your priorities.

You know what you value the most in your life, and that makes things easier for you. 

 

Ask yourself then, are you a minimalist? Admittance won’t harm you, in fact, minimalism is a good thing. Be proud of yourself. 

If you’re like me, you enjoy having a lot of options when it comes to your wardrobe. But after a while, all of those clothes can start to add up both in terms of cost and clutter. That’s where living a minimalist lifestyle comes in. A capsule wardrobe is one way to embrace minimalism and save money at the same time.

In conclusion, you know you’re a minimalist when you display these characteristics of a minimalist person…

1. You believe that less is more. And that intentional living is key. This means being purposeful and intentional about the things you allow into your life, including material possessions.

2. You’ve decluttered your home and gotten rid of anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy. For you, living with less means having more space to breathe and move freely. It also means having less to worry about and taking better care of the things you do have.

3. You don’t believe that stuff equals happiness. You think the Pursuit of Happiness is a bit misguided. Instead, you focus on experiences over things and on living in the present moment.

This doesn’t mean you don’t ever buy anything new it just means that your purchases are intentional and based on need rather than want.

If you need some further confirmation and inspiration of Minimalism, I have quite a few posts on the topic and you can check them out here: 
What Is Social Media Envy and How to Deal with It

What Is Social Media Envy and How to Deal with It

Do you ever feel like you’re falling behind on social media? Like everyone else is doing something amazing and you’re just not keeping up? If so, then you might be experiencing social media envy. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a very common phenomenon, but it can be tough to deal with. I find when I take a break from social media, I feel one of two ways: I feel jealous and envious of what I missed or I reflect on the time I spent doing something else. In this blog post, we will discuss what social media envy is, and how to overcome it!

What Is Social Media Envy

What is social media envy and what causes it

It’s easy to scroll through social media and feel like everyone has a better life than you. The photos people postWhat Is Social Media Envy of themselves on vacation, enjoying a delicious meal, or being surrounded by friends and family can make you feel envious. This feeling is known as social media envy, and it can have serious consequences. Social media envy can lead to low self-esteem, depression, and even anxiety disorders. If you find yourself feeling jealous regularly, it’s important to take some time for self-reflection. Why are you comparing yourself to others? What is lacking in your life that you hope to find by looking at other people’s lives?

Once you’ve identified the root of your social media envy, you can start to work on dealing with it. There are several ways to do this, including unfollowing accounts that make you feel bad about yourself, focusing on your own life and accomplishments, and seeking professional help if necessary. Social media should be enjoyable. So don’t let envy ruin it for you. Remember, comparisons are rarely accurate, and social media is often an unrealistic portrayal of reality. Don’t let the highlight reel of someone else’s life ruin your happiness!

Symptoms Of Social Media Envy

  • Comparing yourself to others
  • you’re feeling inadequate
  • feeling like you’re not good enough
  • feeling behind
  • FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)

The effects of social media envy

It’s no secret that social media can be a breeding ground for envy. We compare ourselves to others, scrollingHow to deal with social media envy through carefully curated images of people’s “perfect” lives and feeling inferior in the process. But what exactly is social media envy, and how can we deal with it?

Also known as FOMO, social media envy is the feeling of jealousy or insecurity that we experience when we see other people’s lives online. According to a recent study, nearly 60% of millennials say that social media makes them feel worse about their own lives. And it’s not just young people who are affected; we all seem to be susceptible to the negative effects of constantly comparing ourselves to others.

How To Avoid Social Media Envy

How to overcome social media envy

Social media has become such an integral part of our day-to-day lives that it’s hard to imagine a world without it. Although social media can be a great way to connect with friends and family, it can also be a breeding ground for envy. If you find yourself constantly comparing your life to the “highlight reel” of others, it might be time to take a step back and evaluate your relationship with social media. Here are a few tips to help you avoid social media envy:

1. Approach social media with a different mindset: Instead of looking at social media as a competition, try to see it as a source of inspiration. There’s no need to compare your life to the highlight reel of others – everyone has their own unique journey.

2. Count your blessings: It’s easy to get caught up in what we don’t have, but try to take a moment each day to appreciate what you do have. Whether it’s your health, your relationships, or your accomplishments, be grateful for what you’ve been able to achieve.

3. Avoid comparisons: Comparing yourself to others is only going to make you feel worse. Instead of looking at what others have, focus on what

4. Seek professional help: If you find that social media is negatively impacting your mental health, it might be time to seek professional help. A therapist can help you work through any feelings of envy and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Dealing with this problem can be tough, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s life is different.Tips to avoid social media envy Comparison is rarely accurate, and social media is often an unrealistic portrayal of reality.

How To Deal With Envy From Others

Whether your on social media platforms or not, you will likely experience envy from others at some point in your life. Here are some tips for dealing with it:

  1. Don’t be quick to anger – that’s what your opponent wants
  2. Don’t take their insults to heart – what they think doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things
  3. Be true to yourself – don’t apologize your just doing you
  4. Be patient to respond – quick angry responses are exactly what the other party wants, a reaction
  5. Don’t retaliate – instead, build up your opponent so that they realize you are not the enemy

When it comes to social media jealousy specifically, simply remove them from your profile. You DO have control of who can see your social media, even if its a close friend. Limit the time you spend on social media, set boundaries, and make sure that your social media makes you feel happy.

Additional tips to help you deal with social media envy

Take a break: It’s important to remember that the images we see on social media are often edited versions of reality. If you find yourself feeling envious of someone’s life, it can be helpful to take a break from social media. Maybe set a rule for yourself where you only allow yourself to check social media once a day, or better yet, take a couple of days off altogether. This will help you to remember that what you see on social media is not always an accurate representation of reality.

Reassess the positive things in your life and your goals: It’s easy to get caught up in what we don’t have, but try to take a step back and reassess all the positive things in your life. Make a list of all the things you’re grateful for, no matter how big or small. This will help you to refocus your attention on the good things in your life, rather than what you’re lacking. Additionally, it can be helpful to revisit your goals and remind yourself of why you’re working towards them. This will help to motivate you and keep your envy in perspective.

Social media envy is a common problem that can be difficult to overcome. However, by following the tips we’ve outlined in this article, you can start to develop healthier coping mechanisms and avoid comparing yourself to others. Remember that everyone’s life is different, and it’s important to focus on what makes you happy. If social media is negatively impacting your mental health, it might be time to take a break or seek professional help.

What tips do you have for dealing with topic? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this article with your friends if you found it helpful.

50 Ways to Spend Time Alone

50 Ways to Spend Time Alone

Sometimes what matters at the end of the day is peace. Sadly, not everyone is acquainted with the feeling at all times especially when your head is full of worry and stress because of work, finances, or any other reason whatsoever. However, what can bring you peace is, ‘Me-Time’. In other words, a time spent with yourself. Me time can be the best form of self care and support available to you. 

However, if you find yourself surrounded by people all the time, or are busy doing something or the other, you mightMe time - Ways to Spend Time Alone feel that spending time alone is boring. As a Sagittarius, I would agree, however, even I enjoy alone time on the regular. I’d like to take a moment to help you understand it’s ok to spend time alone. Once you put in this boundary, even your family members will start to feel how important it is for your state of mind.

50 Ways to Spend Time Alone

Benefits Of Spending Time Alone

+ helps you get to know yourself better

+ sparks productivity, empathy, and creativity

+ builds mental strength

+ gives you some much-needed self-care time

+ allows you to consider your passions, goals, and future plans

 

Here are 50 ways to spend time alone

1. Read a book. If you are looking for a recommendation, You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. 

2. Watch a movie. It can help you reduce stress by taking your mind off of your work life and help improve your mental health by checking out of social media. 

3. Bake a cake or cookies. My favorite thing is to melt chocolates and make something out of a chocolate mold. 

4. Declutter your home. (More stuff, means more mess) Take as little as 15 minutes to clear a certain space in your home and I promise if you do it often, it will make you feel better in the long run. 

5. Go for a walk. (You can plug in your earbuds, and explore the world with music.) This one helps you learn how to spend time alone in nature, and helps to improve your mood and physical, triple win on the health benefits front! 

6. Do your pedicure, manicure, facial. Let it be a self-care day! Enjoy your time and take it slow, even throw in a bubble bath to make it seem spa like!

7. Indulge in a workout. (Kill time and burn calories at the same time.)

8. Go for a drive. 

9. Sing songs. (You can be as bad you want to be. No one’s watching)

10. Decorate your home. (Scroll home décor on Pinterest for inspiration)

11. Meditate and/or do Yoga. (Peace and meditation go hand in hand) If you feel lonely, let the mediation and yoga take over that feeling, and really let your emotions go. These are my favorite things to do when I need to cry or let out other emotions because they feel safe to me.

12. Listen to music. (You can listen to new songs, or treat yourself with some nostalgia)alone time ideas

13. Dance your heart out. (Once again, no one’s watching. Be as crazy as you can)

14. Pick up the painting brush if it has been too long. (Reminisce your childhood days perhaps?)

15. Call a long-lost friend with whom you have lost touch. Revive those social connections with family and friends.

16. Visit a bookstore or coffee shop. 

17. Declutter your emails. (Hours would go, and you won’t realize)

18. Clear your phone’s storage. (Yeah, you can delete those thousand pictures clicked in one pose)

19. Create a new meal plan. 

20. Play any musical instrument. (if you happen to have one)

21. Read some blogs. 

22. Write something. You may learn something new about yourself if you just let go of the judgement and let the pen do the magical work. (Again, you don’t have to be as good as Maya Angelo to express yourself, just let your mind wander..)

23. Make a vision board. This doesn’t have to be at the beginning of the year, you can make them for anything and anytime! 

24. Set targets for the week. (A little organization and systematic approach will bring you closer to success)

25. Go grocery shopping. 

26. Rearrange your closet. (That includes folding your clothes, and keeping them properly)

27. Try a new hairdo. 

28. Write things you are grateful for. (Don’t just do it today, include it in your daily routine to be happy and satisfied in life.)

29. Make career plans. (Think, where do you see yourself in the next five years?)

30. Plant a seed. 

31. Update your resume. 

32. Write a letter to your future self. 

33. Have an ice cream date with yourself. (Chocolate ice cream for us, please!)

34. Explore a new place you’ve been wanting to try around your home or work. 

35. Look at old photographs. (Always a good day for some nostalgia :’) )

36. Make new outfits with the pieces you already own. 

37. Do a photoshoot. 

38. Make candles. (Believe it or not, it’s easy. Make a trip to the store if you don’t have the materials)self-care things you can do alone

39. Practice calligraphy. You don’t have to be an artist for that.

40. Watch an inspiring Ted talk. 

41. Watch stand-up comedy and laugh your ass off. 

42. Water your plants. 

43. Rearrange your furniture to give your room a new look. After all, it is your sanctuary. 

44. Customize your gadgets. (Head to Pinterest for wallpapers!)

45. Do a little window shopping (from home, or go out for that)

46. Prepare a hot beverage for yourself. Couple it with a magazine reading. 

47. Create a journal if you do not have one. In case you have, try redecorating it. 

48. Read a newspaper. (Trust us, it is a life-changing habit)

49. Learn a new skill, or consider learning a new language. (Every skill is a plus-point for your resume) 

50. Take a long shower or relaxing bath. (Feel free to sing at the top of your voice.)

That’s it. I hope I have given you plenty of options to choose from to pass the time. Consider alone-time your blessing, there’s so much you can do after all! Especially when you are a new parent, in a new relationship, in a new environment, or newly out of a relationship. Time alone can also help the grieving process, so if you are also grieving, like many during these times, these suggestions can help. 

What do you do in your alone time? Feel free to share it with us in the comment section. 

6 Self-Care Ideas for Valentine’s Day

6 Self-Care Ideas for Valentine’s Day

It’s that time of the year again where everything will be all about roses, chocolates, and love. The month of February is quickly approaching and I know; you’d be busy planning your V-day.

However, how about spending this Valentine’s Day taking care of the most important person in your life? How about showering some self-love and practice self-care this V-day?

In this fast-paced life where we’re always running to meet never-ending deadlines and working super-hard to pay our bills on time; it’s challenging to find time for ourselves and relax. This V-day, it’s your chance to spend some quality time nourishing your mind and body.

If you’re wondering how you’re going to have a super peaceful Valentine’s Day this year, keep reading for I have 6 wonderful self-care ideas and tips for you.

6 self-care ideas for Valentine’s Day:

  1. Spa Night At Home

If you’re someone who enjoys spending time alone at home, this is the best way to pamper yourself. Light a candle, play some soft music, take a hot bubble bath with essential oil and apply a refreshing homemade mask. This is surely going to make you feel out of this world and you will be able to spend some quality time with yourself.

You can always look out for some online tutorials to make healthy face-masks that would nourish your skin.

  1. Disconnecting From Social Media For Mindfulness

Take a break from social media and enjoy this alone time.

We’re so busy scrolling our Instagram or Facebook feed that we hardly realize how much negatively we’re impacted by this mindless activity.

Spare some time this V-day to practice mindfulness and be actually there for yourself. Experience every single moment and be mindful of everything you do.

  1. Declutter Your Way To Happiness

Clutter in your space shows clutter in your head.

It’s indeed necessary to keep your space clean and tidy. I really don’t mean doing a deep-cleaning thing here but having a neat and refreshing space will give you a soothing feel and you’ll actually love spending time there.

Throw away everything that doesn’t serve the purpose. This is a sign of welcoming new things, creating space for better, bigger things.

  1. Move your body

How about getting some ‘feel-good’ hormones?

Endorphins appear whenever you keep your body active. This doesn’t mean that you have to practice hard-core exercise or go to the gym. You can always move your body by going on a long walk, jogging, dancing your heart out and so much more. Deep breathing exercises are also known to release endorphins and calm the body. 

Just make sure that you’re waking up those hormones and spending some time nourishing your physical health.

  1. Just say no

We have a hard time saying no to everyone. Be it a friend or a colleague or even our family members. It’s so conditioned inside our heads to do every single thing. However, you need to realize that you’re just like other humans and you cannot do it all.

So, it’s okay to say no to late-night parties and have a deep sleep meditation instead. You don’t have to keep saying yes beyond your capacity of doing things and you’re worthy of saying ‘no’.

  1. Practice gratitude journaling

If you’re looking for doing some mindful activity this V-day then journaling is your best friend.

While chasing life’s achievements, we usually forget how blessed we’re for having everything we desired. This is your time to sit in peace and appreciate all the little things in life. Be grateful for your own self as well. You have come far and are so worthy of celebrating your journey.

Make a list of all the things you’re grateful for and write a little note of gratitude for yourself. Not only will this make you feel good in the moment, but with continued practice, it can improve your overall mental health.

In the end, may this V-day remind you to spend some quality time with yourself by showering much-needed love and care. And don’t forget to treat yourself to your favorite meal and a glass of wine (if you partake). 

I hope that these self-care activities show you the path to practice the art of being with yourself and living a stable life.