Happy December! The time we've all be waiting for has arrived—the holidays. Truly one of the jolliest times of the year couldn't be needed more. With uncertainty and despair lurking, this year has truly been one of the most difficult years for us all. Saying sayonara to 2020, I'm reflecting on the way this year has challenged, changed, and in some ways, reinvented my mindset.
And a happy new year...
While I want to take this year and throw it in the garbage, there were actually a few pure and joyful moments within it, despite all of the darkness. I guess that's what they say about darkness, at least. You can't have darkness without light. I can cherish in the small moments of quarantine games, laughter, snuggly movie nights, endless baking challenges, and reminisce about all of the family Zoom reunions I was able to create. It was in these dark, dark times of sadness and defeat that I found the power to connect, enlighten, and realize that what truly matters is what is here and what is now. So, as a vow for a brighter future and a happy new year, I've set aside some goals for the last month of 2020.
01. Recognize what is here and embrace it. It would be pretty ungrateful and selfish of me not to admit that I have a pretty good life. Sure, I'm not at school, in an apartment, out in the world doing what I may. But, with the circumstances and where I am in life, I couldn't be more fortunate. I say that with the utmost humility, because I'm sure someone reading this might also be taking their situation for granted. Your routine has been tampered with, what you knew is irrelevant, and the future is uncertain and as Miley Cyrus so eloquently sings can't go far but you can always dream. Times will change, but remind yourself of the greatness that already surrounds you while you still have it. Your health. Your family. Your friends. Etc.
02. Brush off what I can't control. Whether I choose to read three books in a month, bake a new recipe, finally get out my camera, or try a new hairstyle, there are things in my life right now that I can control. I can control how I start my day, react to things, make my bed or not, or watch another episode. I am the queen of dwelling and dwelling hard. Past, present, and future. I want to take in the joys of December and leave behind the shadows of months and years past and not worrying about the new year. With that, I need to acknowledge how these thoughts affect me—and my sleep patterns—but also how they affect other people. A day spent dwelling is a day wasted.
03. Feed into my creative curiosities. What I needed the most this year were modes of inspiration in days filled with staying at home and logging onto my computer. I crave creative projects—productive projects—and finally getting my camera out was one of them. Rebranding my blog was another creative project I took on during quarantine, but I always thought my blog had more potential and possibly a better reach if I tried to navigate ways to improve it. I've always written for myself, but maybe I could collab with other bloggers, take up different talking points that have to do with my environmental passions, or start a podcast. Who knows! All I know is that this month brings out the bright ideas and warm thoughts for me to reset and realign with my motivations coming into the new year.
04. Reconnect with old friends. A lot of my good friends will be coming home for winter break soon and it will be so refreshing to have people my age to hang with! It's unfortunate because many of my college and old high school friends live around the country, but my two best friends still live next door to me which has been the saving grace of living through the pandemic. Not only that, but I hope to call more distant friends I miss. There's always an undertone to one-sided relationships, but I really don't mind being the friend that calls or sends holiday cards. I get so much joy out of it knowing I can make someone's day better and that's just the reality I've accepted. We keep the friends who've been with us for the long haul and I don't think there should be reason to disconnect when life gets in the way. *Disclaimer: I am also a believer in moving on from toxic friends who don't reciprocate friendship back, but am talking more so about paused or distant friendships, and I've dealt with those too*
05. Reclaim my purpose and keep moving forward. For whoever might need to also hear this, times are going to change and life will move forward. Hopefully in an upwards direction, but you know, life isn't fair (putting that very lightly). All of this waking up and monotonous e-learning has tested my motivations, challenged what I want to do with my life after being at home for 9 months, resurged a need for independence, and an unruly reliance on my support system. I've had moments of doubt, specifically as my senior year is almost half way through, and it seems like I just got through the hard part right? Well, if there's anything I've learned from Finding Nemo, just keep swimming :)
What are you looking forward to this month?
I know this year has looked different for everybody and the tease of the holiday season is brightening up moods left and right. I've found this year a bit more bearable now that Christmas music is on the radio and all things merry fills Targets near and far. Holiday magic warms my soul every year, and I know how much this season means for a lot of people—but many, like my own, are not able to see their families this year. However, I won't let that stop me from having a joyful holiday season because it's what you make of it! There's still much love to go around.
This year, I wasn't going to let the worst of the pandemic ruin holiday cheer. I think we need it more than ever, so here are some easy ways you can uplift Christmas spirit—or any spirit—for that matter.
Decorating Early...
There is nothing more cheerful than putting on classic Christmas playlists, lighting some candles, and decorating for Christmas. Even if you don't celebrate, there are many ways to get festive for the holiday season and it doesn't have to be a heavy task either! Sprucing up a side table with mini Christmas trees, hanging a garland up, putting some moody fairy lights around your bed frame, or taking out the festive cushions are always simple, yet refined ways to bring in some holiday cheer to your abode! Personally, I love the homemade, DIY-ed decor like the red and gold wreath I made—there's nothing more welcoming than a festive holiday wreath. I don't know about you, but I am definitely not opposed to decorating before Thanksgiving, just make sure they're put away by Valentine's Day ;P
Checking in on Loved Ones...
This time of year acts as a reminder of those who we love and care deeply for, but might not currently be with us. If there's anything I appreciate about the holidays, it's that this time of year gives us a second chance to check in, keep in touch, and FaceTime long-distanced friends or family members we don't normally connect with. We might even feel like rekindling old relationships, friendships, or creating new ones. I know it's not the best time to be social, but there are safe ways to do so. I am currently planning a virtual family Thanksgiving event with my whole extended family and it makes my heart so full.
Sending Holiday Cards...
Something else that makes my heart so full is the season of giving. Especially sending holiday cards. As a college student, I get a lot of amazement from people who are surprised that I would even go to the extent of writing cards for people, but I believe in the sentiment—even if I don't receive one back. I get a lot of joy from writing these personalized letters to people who made my year, my day, or my life! Rather than an email or a quick text, I want people to know that I care and am grateful for all of the joy they bring me. Perhaps you could start sending out cards to people, too. Why not fill someone else's day with some kind words? You don't have to send them out to the whole town, but start with your inner circle first or those who have shown kindness to you within the last few months!
These are just a couple of bits of joy I've incorporated into my life and I hope they've inspired you to get into the spirit of the holiday season. This time of year brings a little more love and hope into the world. Wishing you all a very merry holiday and that joy and happiness surrounds you all! X
I am always up for a bargain, especially when it happens when all you're looking for is a new face cleanser— et voila! More deals than you could have imagined! I'll be honest, staying home has not done anything for my online shopping habits, but I am way more inclined to purchase products that I know will be quality and also give me a bang for my buck.
Since the holiday season is coming up, you might be already gathering lists together, have decorated a tree maybe, or might be doing things a little bit differently this year. Holidays should be spent with your loved ones, so gift giving shouldn't have to break the bank either! Sephora always has some great deals going on, plus you can always find something for yourself along the way, self-care amirite? Here's a recent Sephora beauty find I scored that I think will be on everyone's wishlist this year.
I was immediately drawn to this set because I was in need of a new Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz and those things are not easy to come by. I could have gone out of my way to buy a $23 eyebrow pencil OR invest a little more and get a little more with this $48 Sephora Favorites Makeup Must-Haves Value Set which comes stocked with a couple full-size classics and some travel-size samples of products I've never tried before!
I am a sucker for when there's a well-balanced set because I want cult beauty products that I know I'll love and a couple new ones to try. I was especially excited about the Nars Orgasm blush ($30) which is full-size by the way. I don't wear blush that often, but in the colder months, I like to add a bit of color and I know this is the perfect warm-y pink. I was also thrilled to try out the Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick ($23) in First Kiss. It's the perfect blush nude, with a bit more red toned to it. I have heard people rave about Huda Beauty, so I can't wait to wear it to the grocery store (lmao).
One product I was a little disappointed in was the Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir ($27) Mascara, which I had originally high hopes for, but when I pulled the brush out, it was covered in product and clumped together immediately on my lashes. Unless you like really dramatic lashes and not feathery ones like I normally have, this might be able to work for you, but I was just not that impressed by it. Another product that didn't do it for me was the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray ($15), only because I don't use them or think they actually work. However, I know a lot of people live for it, but maybe I'll try to give it another go! There's always one or two products in these types of sets that miss the mark, but overall, the value of this set is just too good not to pass up.
Whether you love makeup or finding good deals, I think this set isn't something to sleep on. It has a great variety of cult classic products that I think everyone could enjoy. Granted, you are getting a mix of full and travel size products. There isn't color variety either, which it would have been nice if Sephora offered value sets with different shades for different skin colors (or even eyebrow colors). You could divide this set up and gift someone one of the products or gift it to yourself. As holiday deals come out, be sure to snag this one before it sells out, you won't regret it! What will the holidays look like for you this year?
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