Happy New Year everyone! I hope everyone had a really nice time celebrating and for some reason, I have a feeling that this year is going to be better than last. I'm already settled back into my dorm room, which is why there was not a post on Tuesday, and I am back at it.
It's so refreshing to start the new year on a high note and for that, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has constantly supported and has enjoyed my content. I try to put my heart into all of it and I am truly so surprised I have kept it up for about five years now. I know that resolutions are sometimes far-fetched and maybe unrealistic in some cases—we may never fully accomplish them or give in once in a while. However, I think goals or even affirmations are better things to just think about as the year unfolds. Here are 18 ones I have thought of and hope will inspire all of you to make ones, as well.
This is a really big one for me. Mainly because I'm anxious 24/7, but I truly need to improve my mental health by not caring so much about everything that is out of my control. I hope this year I can live without having to think twice about some choices I make and just move on and get over obstacles or challenges. I waste so much time dwelling over things that end up being fine. Like getting into my first choice in colleges or just giving a speech in a class.
02. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
This one is a little bit different than the first, but coinside. There are a lot of small things that I stress over that probably won't effect me a day, a week, or even a year from now. Something as little as where things are in my room to what color my coat is, isn't something I need to care about because there are bigger things that I should be focusing on like getting a good education and connecting with friends and family.
03. Live Loosely and Have Fun
For me, letting loose and just doing spontaneuous things doesn't fit so much in my schedule at times. It shouldn't because it's sppontaneous, but sometimes I get too caught up in things and just forget to have some fun and actually live. I am jealous of people who can just start dancing in public or make last minute plans to attend some concert or trip.
04. Don't Clean as Much
If you know me, then you know how much I love a clean space. I don't know if it's my OCD (probably), but I feel like I clean more than a normal person. Which isn't a terrible thing—I just don't want it to take over my mind, like it usually does. Cleaning is usually my stress reliever, but it shouldn't have to be.
05. Keep a Journal
Since it is the beginning of the new year and I'm a freshman in college, I thought it would probably be best for me to write and document my experiences. I know that this year will probably fly by, so I've been writing every night and it's honestly so relaxing to just recap my day and let it all out on the pages.
06. Drink More Water
I feel like this is a given and is very popular for many resolution lists, but I honestly don't know how I went through 2017 because I was so dehydrated and forgot to drink water so many times. It will be better for me to just choose water more to drink and I won't feel as sluggish and more energized during the day.
I want this year to be better for me in that I am more motivated and willing to put myself out there and just do things that I maybe second guess or fear. It's really easy for me to just get comfortable and I hope that this year is when I can finally just start getting out and doing things that I normally wouldn't consider doing. Even if it's an extra yoga class or just signing up for something like applying to be an RA next year in my dorm.
08. Save More Money
I spend way too much money on crap and things that I never end up using or needing. I hope that this year I can be more frugal about what I choose to spend my money on and what I really should be saving it for. I know I want to travel and do things with people, so I think it's best to save my money for experiences. We all get caught up as consumers when there are sales and good deals, but we don't really need any of it.
09. Get Involved
I want to get way more involved, especially now that it's my second quarter in college. I want to meet more people and just become more a part of my college community. I know opportunities will come as they may, but I want to take them and just do things.
10. Try Something Uncomfortable
I always find something every year that makes me a little on edge. Last year I ate jellyfish and slept in a shed. There's always some type of shenanigans my friends pull, so hopefully this year I can do something different and outside my comfort zone.
11. Relax and Take a Break
When I get into a "groove" and a routine, I usually forget to just save some time for myself. Whether it be yoga, going to the gym, watching a movie, writing, or just pampering myself every now and then. I do a pretty good job of it, but I don't want to get too overwhelmed this year either with school or even blogging so much.
12. Start the Days Fresh
I dwell on the past and things that have already happened way too much. I remember embarrassing moments, fails, mistakes, and things that don't matter and won't matter moving forward. I want to wake up everyday and just keep looking forward as each day comes. "Go with the flow," my dad always says.
I'm at college and this point in my life to learn more about myself and the world around me. Sometimes I back off from challenges and I just want to face them and figure them out to the best of my ability. I'm already taking math and public speaking, so those alone will definitly be challenging for me, even though I have gotten through both subjects in the past.
14. Travel and Discover More
This year I have already been to so many places and discovered so much more about the city I live in. I hope this year will be better in that I will discover and go to new places I've never been to. My family and I already have a trip planned to go to Wyoming and the Grand Tetons National Park, which I am actually really excited for. I want to make it a lifetime goal to hit all states, so it'll be nice to be somewhere unknown.
15. Be Present
A lot of my days go by like a blur and mostly just crossing things off a to-do list. I hope this year I can just take a couple steps back and actually enjoy and be aware of moments I'm in and people I'm with.
16. Connect With Old Friends
I was pretty great about visiting old friends when I was home and just catching up with people in my hometown, but this year I want to make the initiative more to keep those relationships and friendships with the ones I really care about.
17. Meet New People
I also want to continue to meet new people. With my new classes, I have already met so many new faces, so it will be fun to just keep making more friendships with people as I do new things.
18.
I'm gonna leave this one open for just knowing that I probably with have at least a couple more goals as the year progresses. I'm looking forward to a new year and hope you all are too. I just want to be a better version of myself and have more good moments than bad, especially with what happens or what might happen this year.
I applaud any of you who also like to make goals for themselves and improvements on something they want to change about themselves or their surrounding. Do any of these relate to your goals?
My final festive post of the season is going to be a small review of my new favorite high-end skincare brand. Khiel's skincare is great for sensitive skin types and all of the products don't have artificial fragrance or harsh chemicals. I was always kind of interested in the brand, but it was until recently that I decided to finally give it a shot when I saw this limited edition Khiel's X Disney Skincare Set that actually contribute to Feeding America, which is another reason I wanted to pick this up. Plus, uh Mickey Mouse? Yes, please!
I was really impressed with these products and can't decide which ones are my favorite because I love them all.
On the far left is the Ultra Facial Cleanser. I am always up for trying out different facial cleansers to see which ones work the best. I love the First Aid Beauty Facial Cleanser, but this one might be a new winner. I think it does a better job of keeping my skin soft and smooth while taking off all of my eye makeup that never comes off.
I am also loving the Creme de Corps Hand Cream. It is unscented, like all the products, and is the most moisturizing and healing for my dry hands and legs. I always make an effort to put some on before I go to bed and it is definitely a nightstand staple. If I feel like my hands or elbows need more love, I'll use the Ultimate Strength Hand Salve. It reminds me of a very thick ointment, which instantly relieves really harsh, dry or cracked skin.
I also really like the lip balm that they have. It's more of a salve and is very powerful for helping dry lips. I feel like Khiel's a very heavy duty skincare brand that works better than a lot of drugstore skincare does. I always try to spend less on skincare, but now that I realize it, spending a little more on one of the most important, protective barriers on your body (skin, duh) are worth it.
I think I gravitated way more to the Facial Cream and actually wished there was more of it. This is probably the first one I have used in a while that doesn't burn my dry skin. Can anyone relate? Every now and then I get dry patches by my mouth and my forehead. I've only had this set for a couple of weeks and am almost out of this! NEED MORE! I think this set is awesome for beauty and skincare lovers, Disney lovers, Moms, Dads, Sisters, Brothers, Friends, or all of the above. It's actually a very reasonably priced set for $30. A steal! I want to wish everyone a warm and cozy holiday and will probably be back with a New Year's inspired post, because 2018 is almost here baby!
I have just written my gift guide for her, but thought it would be fun to make a post geared to stocking stuffers, too. I don't know if it's a Christmas tradition for everyone, but for my family, it's all about the little things: makeup, candy, Silly Putty, you get the rest. Even if you are doing a small gift exchange with some friends, there are a lot of little things, like beauty products, that make perfect gifts. I know Sephora has great minis and travel sized products that are affordable and so cute not to get for that beauty lover!
I really think everyone appreciates a little skincare and especially when it's firming and lifting. Who wants wrinkles anyway? I think that the Lancome Renergie Microlift is amazing at making my skin feel tight and awake. I feel like it really lifts my skin! Along with it, eye cream is really nice to get as a gift. I think a lot of people don't really pay attention to their eyes as much and it's vital to make sure they are hydrated and moisturized, too. The Trate Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment is so rich and is one of my favorite eye creams.
Also, nail polish is something that I think goes a little underrated when it comes to gifts. The Essie Tassel Shaker nail polish has been my favorite for a long time now and it's perfect for the holiday season. Especially for New Years!
I really think the Shiseido Wrinkleresist24 Balancing Softner is so amazing on my skin. I normally like to use it on a cotton pad after I cleanse my face and all that jazz. I still think it's never too early to start preventing fine lines. The perfect gift!
I also love receiving perfume and you can get full size or roller balls to put in stockings. The Sexy Rio de Janeiro by Marc Jacobs is a very fruity and musky scent that I am drawn to. It's like wearing paradise. Who doesn't want that?
I'm never one to really ask for anything hair related, but the Ouai Texturizing Hairspray has me swoon. I've never found a really nice texturizing hairspray, and its the only product I use for my hair anyway. Why not treat yo self! They also have travel sizes that are perfect for stocking stuffers.
I think lipsticks are the perfect stocking stuffer and liquid lipsticks are really on trend. The Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit in Rebel Rose is the classic nude pink for a lot of skin types. It doesn't really crack on the lips like most liquid lips and it is super affordable. I'm utterly obsessed.
As the holidays become right around the corner, I am still shocked by how fast this month has gone by. It happens every single year! Why not make this year's Christmas worth while with some great Christmas/holiday gift ideas? I hope you all have a very nice holiday with all the people and food you love. I know I will. I will be back next Tuesday with a new post. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
I promised a gift guide and I have to be honest, this is probably the best one yet. I already have all of my Christmas shopping done, but for those of you who have yet to have checked some people off the list, I have the perfect gift guide for any woman in your life! Or maybe something for yourself! I think that this time of year is too hectic and people need to do some yoga. Take a breath and chill out. I hope my guide can inspire some last minute gift ideas!
I think probably one of the perfect gifts to give someone is cute, matching pajamas. These thermal ones from Target are probably the best and warmest pair I have ever owned. They were on sale for ten dollars and I couldn't resist myself! The green and red holly design are so classic and festive for this season. I am definitely wearing these Christmas morning.
I think perfume and cologne are things that I will always accept and love if I got them as Christmas gifts. Many women have their signature "scent" they love, and right now, I would say mine is Jo Malone's Peony and Blush Suede. However, the Pomegranate Noir comes in at a close second and is the sweetest and warmest for this time of year.
I always believe in over moisturizing or being a bit more strict with it during the colder months. I just purchased my first glossier product and it is now one of my favorites. The Coconut Balm Dotcom skin salve is so thick and hydrating. I focus it more on my lips and my knuckles. It's great for anyone, really. My dad even likes this stuff because it helps with his cracked skin so much. It smells amazing, too.
I also just splurged on a new skincare set and also my first Kiehl's skincare purchase. I think gift and value sets are the best way to get a variety of products to try out and getting more for your money. The Disney X Kiehl's Hydration Essentials Set has five great hydrating products and also helps secure 212 meals through the Feeding America organization.
I think it's incredible that brands collaborate with service organizations especially when more people are buying things and more people are in need. My favorite product out of this set is probably the facial cream. It is so nice to put on at night and wake up to really smooth and supple skin in the morning.
I also think getting someone a nice pair of sunglasses is also the way to go. The Round Flash Lenses by Rayban are probably my favorite pair of sunglasses I've owned in a long time. Something very 70s chic about them and they are perfect for any time of year. I just think a lot of people would love to have an investment pair of quality sunglasses.
I hope this guide has helped or just inspired people to check something off their list! I know it's hard to think of something for everyone so this might lighten the load a bit. Also, it's the thought that really counts at the end of the day. That's all that matters, right?
Hello everybody! I hope you all have had a really nice week! The cold front has finally arrived in Chicago and it is so cold. I actually had to still rake some leaves, which is amazing considering that it's December. I'm pretty excited for snow.
As a little update, this post is going to be a bit short and I apologize if anyone was looking forward to my normal content. I was just sitting here with my mom and I was talking to her about how I blog and the schedule that I follow. As of now, it will still continue to be every Tuesday and Thursday. However, lately, I have felt like I need to focus more on putting out great content that I am proud of, so for this month I think I am only going to post once a week.
I have realized that I have been pretty consistent. Like maybe too consistent. I really have been hashing out posts back and forth. I think I can do a way better job and just try to post once a week and see how that goes until January. It'll be a refreshing break for me and I will still post just not as often. I want to say that I will post every Tuesday because that just works for me. I will also have more time to take better pictures and write more than normal.
I apologize again for the inconvenience to anyone looking forward to two posts, but this is very temporary. I am actually so excited for my upcoming gift guide posts and hope you all enjoy and get inspiration from it. It's healthy to have breaks like these and to lay off some time to actually do better work. I wish everyone a great weekend and I will see you all on Tuesday for my next post!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons