Tag: tips

How To Prep for a Good Night Sleep This Year

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Hi babes!

Holy moly, 2021 is just a week in and things are already absolutely insane. I did not expect things to kick off like they have and I’m sure that everyone in the United States (and the world) is feeling the stress and hurt we are currently facing. Hopefully starting in the end of January things will get better and we can all begin to treat each other with respect and have people who help lead up toward unison.

When I get stressed, my sleep gets all out of whack and I don’t feel like myself. A good sleep every night is necessary for me to feel my best and feel rested and I have had to work on protecting my sleep schedule. After going through many nights without sleep due to anxiety and stress, here is my list of things to do to get a good night sleep this year!

Stop Drinking Caffeine Around 6 Hours Before Bed!

Caffeine stays in your system for a long time so starting to ween off of it six hours before you go to sleep will help your body wind down and prepare for sleep. I tend to drink a coffee (or two) in the afternoon and it contributes to my health when I do that. My tip: drink more water! I know you hear it everywhere but water is good for you!

Try a Caffeine Free Tea

Sleepy Time tea is amazing and I love having it in my cabinet! My current evening tea is a berry and açaí blend that is caffeine free and tastes great hot or iced. I prefer sweeter teas because I tend to add sweeteners to tea but if it’s naturally sweet then I have it on its own.

When Stressed Out, Put on a Facemask

I literally just did a peel off mask because my skin is going through it and I had a long day. If that’s not a reason to use a face mask, I don’t know what is! I like to stock up when there are sales so keep your eyes peeled when Ulta is having sales! Their masks tend to be pretty affordable anyway, but sales are a great way to save a little coin! Brightening and hydrating masks are go-tos for when I need a pick me up for my face!

Light a Candle or Turn on an Oil Diffuser

Your bedroom should be a space for relaxation and sleep, plus a little fun! If your space is stressing you out, clean it up, get some new decor, and find a candle/oil that you love! When I moved into our new house, I had to create a new space that fit my emotional needs and my style profile. I bought new essential oils, candles, some wall accessories, all the things! We spend a lot of time in our bedrooms and it’s one of the most important spaces in our homes, so it deserves some love and attention! I like to shop at TJ Maxx and Hobby Lobby for decor options and they always have really good deals! For candles, Target has good 3 wick ones for under $5 and so does Walmart! My favorites are from Bath and Body Works but I’m cheap and don’t want to pay $25 per candle, so do what works for you!

Invest In a Sleep Eye Mask!

Let me tell you about wearing an eye mask! If you have thin eyelids, this is going to help you out! I have problems keeping my eyes closed when I try to go to sleep and even though I really love having twinkle lights in my room, they don’t always help when it comes to getting sleep. I purchased an eye mask at Tj Maxx for around $3 and I love it. It’s soft, helps keep out the light, and having a small amount of pressure honestly helps me sleep better. I don’t know if there’s science behind it or not but it works for me! There are a bunch of cute styles to pick from at shops, so there’s one for you! These are a few of my favorites online: A personalized mask on Etsy for under $10, a cute stripe mask from Ulta for under $3, and finally a simple satin mask from Etsy for under $5.

Try Some Calming Sounds

One of the new things I have been doing to calm down before going to bed is finding sleep sounds that help add a peaceful energy in my bedroom. I really like fireplace and storm/rain sounds, as they are soothing and remind me of comfort. I know a lot of people don’t like thunderstorm sounds so try the fireplace sounds! Nature sounds such as the ocean and waves are also super popular!

Find What Calms YOU

The most important thing to remember on your journey to finding better sleep is that what works for someone you know may not work for you and that’s OK! A lot of people would probably disagree with the fact that the Simpsons often help me fall asleep and then I turn off my TV in the middle of the night, and that’s okay! If you like sleeping with an extra light on, do that! As long as you are getting plenty of rest, do what is best for you! It takes some time to experiment and find what helps you.

I hope some of these lil tips help you find rest this year! Feel free to leave your own tips in the comments! I love reading through everything y’all say!

Until next time, babes!

Featured Image by Taylor Simpson on Unsplash

Self Care Tips for a New Year

glitzandglitterweb2 Comments

Hey babes!

With this crazy year being almost at a close, it’s spurred me (and a lot of others!) to look at the year we had and see where we could use some room for improvement next year. While you may think that setting resolutions for the upcoming year are cliche and redundant, I find a sense of joy in the possibilities of a new beginning! Better self care is one of my resolutions for 2021 and I’ve thrown together some tips that I’ve learned to have a better self care routine!

Keep Skin Care Masks on Hand!

Face masks are one of my favorite ways to keep my skin in decent shape. I picked up a handful of masks a month ago when Ulta had a sale and I’m glad I did! Since Covid started in the US, the mask-ne (acne caused by wearing face masks) has been real and my skin hates me! Keeping skin care masks in my cabinet has been a great way to have a quick spa night and give my skin some help it needs!

Buy Yourself a Nail Kit for Pedis!

Trying to stay home as much as possible and save money are side effects of Covid for sure, and that also means skipping nail appointments. I tend to wear press on nails from Kiss (find my favorites here) but I love getting pedicures! I picked up some supplies while I was at Ulta and my feet have been happy happy since I started using them regularly! To have an amazing pedicure I start with a foot mask then follow up with a file, scrub, and then finally a pair of socks and heel repair lotion. With winter taking a toll on my skin, the heel repair has definitely helped keep them presentable! After my feet are all moisturized, I paint my toes and call it a day!

Get Some Books To Grow Your Mind!

I can’t tell you how many books I have picked up to help me expand my mind, learn how to manifest my dreams, and help grow a healthy mind place for myself. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin is one of my current favorites that I am reading. It helps asks the question “What do I want from life?” and that’s something I ask myself almost every day. The Happiness Project is a fun read that I love to sit down with in coffee shops with. My second read of the moment is Mindfulness: How To Pay Attention The the Present by Wendy Hobson. It presents different ways to practice mindfulness, such as meditation. Mindfulness runs the reader through the ABCs of practicing mindfulness.

Find a Good Podcast or Playlist!

One thing that has helped me get through good times and bad is music. There’s a playlist for when I am happy, sad, or need a little boost of confidence. Spotify is my favorite music and podcast app, and it’s free to sign up! I have the Premium membership (ps college students: you can get a discount for Premium!) so I am constantly listening to music while I drive, cook, or take a shower. For podcasts, I love listening to educational shows! Stuff You Missed In History Class, Medical Murders, and TED are my favorite podcasts that I keep in rotation. TED has so many different episodes on topics that range from politics to lifestyle. If you are looking to learn a new language during quarantine, Duolingo has podcasts on Spotify, too!

Binge a New Show!

Sib, find a new show to watch or rewatch a favorite! I was gifted the Sex and the City series so I have been watching that since the holidays. A good chunk of us are still staying home so yes, it is perfectly fine to watch TV! If you are on Netflix, a few of my favorites are The Tudors, Orange Is the New Black, and Big Mouth. There’s a show for everyone and there are plenty of things for your kiddos! I’m trying to use screen time as an additional education source so I have been saving documentary titles as well!

I hope that 2021 brings blessings and joy for you (and me!)! We all could use a little spark in our lives and I wish that we can all start seeing each others smiling faces next year, without masks, but we can only hope. My email is always open if you want to drop a line or reach out!

Featured Image by Orlova Maria on Unsplash

Blogmas | Day 6

glitzandglitterweb3 Comments

 

Hi, loves!

The pressure and stress during Christmas is almost inevitable, especially if you are going out of town to celebrate for the holidays.  With 4 days left until Christmas, you may be getting ready to get on a plane to go see family, friends, or take time for yourself this holiday season.  Whatever your plans, you are going to need a packing list and while I know it is hard to pack everything you need and be able to make the carry-on case rules and regulations, I have come up with a packing list for your carry-on that will keep your flight relaxing and stress free!

  • An extra outfit!

 

Leggings: JC Penny  Scarf: Old Navy

Packing an extra outfit is always a good idea, especially if you are on your period.  Since flying means being in a plane among other holiday travelers, you want the most comfortable clothing possible.  Leggings, a comfy top, and a simple pair of shoes will be best.  One of my favorite tops that is soft and stretchy is from Mossimo at Target.   It was also under $10!

  • Toiletries

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Drybar Travel Set from Ulta

Make sure to pack small travel sized versions of your favorite deodorant, toothpaste, dry shampoo, and conditioning products! Also pack a mini perfume and a toothbrush! If your flight gets delayed or canceled (knocking on wood that it doesn’t!!) then you are going to want products to help you freshen up.

  • Tech & Reading 

Left: Headphones by Beats  Right:  Mindy Kaling book at Barnes and Noble

Listening to music or reading a book is great so make sure you have headphones and a book! Albums I am loving on Spotify right now are The Thrill of It All by Sam Smith, Coco Soundtrack, and Rumours by Fleetwood Mac.  There are also a ton of great playlists and podcasts on Spotify to listen to during your travels.

  • Getting Cozy

Left: Travel Fleece Blanket from Talus   Middle: J Jill Socks   Right: Lulus Oversized Sweater

To get cozy, grab a blanket, put some soft socks on your tootsies, and slip on a baggy sweater.  If your trip is cold, a sweaters or sweatshirts are the best to warm up with.  If your sweatshirt has a hood, pull the strings and then you are in an anti-social cocoon and people will leave you alone to sleep, hopefully. 

  • Necessities

On your voyage, double check that you have your wallet, keys, tickets, passport, charging cables, money, and phone! It would be horrible if you showed up at the air port and couldn’t board your flight.  What a way to say “Humbug!” to your holiday vacation. 

It would also be a good idea to pack Dramamine or Benadryl if you get get motion sickness during flights.  Any allergy medications, immunity gummies, vitamins, and other meds that you take or may need should also go in your carry-on case for easy access.

A few fun extras to pack:

  • Snack size portion of almonds
  • mini snacks
  • small water bottles
  • single drink mixes
  • mini jerky sticks
  • a crossword book
  • a coloring book and fun pens or pencils
  • extra earbuds in case something happens to your original pair!
  • a journal

Wherever you are going this holiday season, I want to wish you the brightest and merriest of Christmases! I hope your travel plans go smoothly and you enjoy the festivities with your loved ones.  If you don’t have anyone to spend the holidays with, I want you to know that I love you and you can talk to me on the special day if you want a person to talk with! You can message me via Twitter or Instagram and I will be your Christmas buddy!

Merry Christmas, babes!

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