It's already the middle of January but it's felt like the holidays were an entire year ago. HA. Dad puns aside, going into 2023 was smooth and a very necessary reset for me. Thankfully I had a week off from work to spend with my grandparents in Iowa, binge watch Game of Thrones, and eat really good food. Getting back into my routine: starting work back up again, working out, eating healthier food, and better sleeping habits have all been my focus lately.
With the occasional outings with friends, I would say that I am just a true homebody and I'm okay with it. I know that there are always going to be good things to look forward to and I'm ready for what's next! As I'm thinking about this year and what I want to accomplish (sans resolutions or fake diets), I am relishing in gratitude and being more present in life.
01. Being more intentional with my time is a big habit I want to start this year. I've always been good about setting my goals and working towards things I'm passionate about but I don't want to get too comfortable. Whether it be waking up a bit early, being consistent with my workouts, not doom scrolling on my phone but reading a book instead, or getting coffee with a friend. Or how about—writing for this blog! This blog has always grounded me back into what I love and has kept me inspired for years. It's just a hobby, but something I've created. Pretty cool if you ask me. And I have no plans of letting it go.
02. Trip planning and travel this year is still up in the air, I'm not quite sure if that means going abroad again or finding somewhere new to visit nationally. I would love to go to a new national park or somewhere very scenic this summer but I'm also down for more weekend road trips and spontaneous adventures too. Colorado maybe? San Diego? Camping is definitely on my list!
03. I love learning, and when I graduated, I felt like I lost a wealth of knowledge about a ton of different subjects and classes I was pretty invested in. Of course, I learn a lot in my job and the research that I do every day, but it's different when you're not studying or writing papers and are really tackling or analyzing niche topics like environmental studies or memorizing a language. My boyfriend got me a subscription to Master Class for Christmas and it is this library of classes taught by professionals and public figures on a plethora of different subjects like cooking, dog training, voice acting, yoga, but my personal favorite thus far has been flower arranging. I am really looking forward to learning new things but just being inspired and motivated to try new things.
04. And in terms of being inspired by new things, I've felt the need to find little positives in the every day mundane. When life feels stagnant or uninspiring, I definitely try to remember what I'm thankful for but romanticize parts of my day like making my morning coffee, walking my dog, or doing my hair and getting ready for the day even if I'm just working at home. Even if it means snuggling up with my book for 30 minutes or calling a friend I haven't talked to—there are many ways I can find joy in the little things of my day rather than feeling the weight and monotony of a five day work week...as most of us do.
05. Intuitive and intentional eating has been a focus of mine for a few months now but I am really the victim of late night snacking and indulging myself when it comes to curbing a craving. I think I've always had a really good relationship with food, but I think I would like to focus on fueling my body enough during the day that I'm not reaching for a bag of chips or maybe just eating an orange before a big meal to hold me over. That means more protein and fiber packed meals. It also doesn't help that my mom leaves candy out in bowls and baskets all the time...self control, self control...
Latching onto any sunny days I can this month, I am definitely manifesting spring to arrive as soon as it can but know that there are definitely snowy days ahead. Cultivating new ways to get inspired is on my radar—and yes, I can buy myself flowers (Miley go off!) in the middle of January.
I feel like my blog might be becoming a "TikTok made me buy it" advert, but honestly...that app has influenced me so much in these past couple of months so I would be lying if I said most if not all were inspired by creators who have shared some of these products. However, the more and more I hear some of my friends loving and using them I just had to see what the hype was all about—and for any of you last minute Christmas shoppers looking for some ideas for someone who loves to be cozy, indulges themself in self care, well, I've got some inspo for ya!
Stanley IceFlow Stainless Steel Tumbler- Okay okay, don't tell my mother I bought another emotional support water bottle, but I must say I am just in love with this Stanley cup. I've seen the massive ones with the large grips and the straws but this one with the handle is just so...handy! I also love the sip straw for easy access and I can close it so it doesn't spill when I'm at the gym or honestly taking it anywhere. It has also motivated me to drink more water because it's just so easy to sip and go. I love the variety of different colors but this one is just a classic and goes with anything!
Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner- My hair game in the winter is not on par with when I normally get it done in the spring/early summer so I was in need of some good repairing shampoo and conditioner. I've heard mixed reviews and advice on not using Olaplex every day, so I have used it sparingly and I have to say I've noticed a difference in shine and texture while using these.
Sol de Janeiro Jet Set- If you wanna smell like a warm cookie then I recommend any or all of the Sol de Janeiro products. I am obsessed with the body spray and the Bum Bum cream and gel. They just leave me smelling so sweet and I wouldn't want it any other way.
Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Oil- Lathering up is normally my regime for winter, but less is more! I have been loving this marula oil out of the Drunk Elephant travel size kit and feel like it has been really hydrating my face without being overbearing as the weather changes. I will sometimes layer it with a light moisturizer but other than that this has been my go-to nightly hydrating ritual!
Pacifica Undereye Vitamin C Spot Serum Mask- I always forget to take care of my undereyes and because it is so dark out in the morning and in the afternoon, my body is responding heavily to the season...so is my mood. So, I've been trying out Vitamin C serums and this mask is perfect for early mornings or even midday when I just need a quick refresh of my face. I also throw these in the fridge!
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask- My lightweight moisturizer as of late has been this one! After I put on my serums, I will swipe a layer of this mask to absorb and lock in all of the hydration into my face. I love the subtle scent and I feel like my skin just wakes up all glowy and bouncy in the morning.
OPI Nail Polish in You Don't Know Jacques!- Brown is the color of the season. I've been seeing brown nails to and fro so I just had to pick up a shade and try it for myself! I am loving the warm hue on my nails...I just wish I liked the look of acrylics, but my bank account thanks me for it.
As we gear up towards the holiday, I've been grounding myself in self-care, relaxing, and soaking up the end of 2022 by giving myself peace. Doing things for myself has made me a better version of myself for others and taking care of me has been a top priority. Give yourself some grace this season and dedicate some time to focus on YOU. Or give the gift of self-love to someone else this holiday!
Alright, I confess. I am on the Drunk Elephant skincare train and I just had to try out The Littles Set to see for myself what the hype is all about. If you are not new here, you have probably been along the ride for my fluctuating skincare must-haves and regimes. I have never gotten into a routine that works for me when it comes to my dry/acne prone and sensitive skin.
Now that I am just starting to use this, I can't say I can give a full in-depth and authentic review of the products and how they react with my skin but I will say none of them so far have irritated my skin or caused more breakouts, so—that's a win! But, I will give you my first impressions on each of the products!
For the Day...
C-Firma Fresh Day Serum- I was never keen on serums. Especially in the mornings when I would want to have a clean and refreshed face. I found that some serums were too think or slimy. This serum, however, firms my face immediately after I apply it without leaving a sticky residue. I've also noticed my face just lifts up and I feel awake and refreshed! We'll see how it goes in the next couple of uses. It also comes with a part two in powder form and I have never mixed a powder and a serum, but I'm just going to trust the process!
Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30- So, I will be honest. I only swiped this once and immediately regretted it because 1) it's winter and 2) it was sticky! I don't know about you, but I am never a fan of the gluey SPF film that's left after you goop up. Maybe I need to give this another go, but I haven't really felt like I need this step (although I know skincare specialists are tsk tsking at me right now because I know sun care is important!).
For the Evening...
Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil- Another really hydrating serum that I also feel really helps with some of my appearing facial lines. I've never felt the need to have anti-aging products in my routine, but if it helps then I will give it a go.
T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum- I feel very bougie using all of these serums and oils, I have to admit. I think what I love the most about this serum is that it helps relieve the look of pores on my skin. I also love that I can mix it with the facial oil and just make a skincare potion to restore my skin barrier overnight. I will say, the full-size product is very pricey...I wonder if there's a dupe...there's probably a dupe in all honesty.
Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser- Okay to be honest, I haven't given this cleanser a go quite yet- I'm finishing up my CeraVe Foaming Cleanser :)
Protini Polypeptide Cream- By far one of my favorite moisturizers I've ever used. My skin gets very dry during the cold months and I would resort to using Gold Bond to lather my entire face...which I soon realized was over hydrating my skin barrier and wouldn't solve my dry skin patches in the long run. This cream is light and gel-like. I've also felt like it's helped level my skin's texture and bumpiness in areas I've had scaring from acne.
Have you tried Drunk Elephant products? Or have found dupes for any of these?
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