Balancing work and personal life can feel like an impossible challenge. Many people find themselves constantly juggling responsibilities, from work deadlines to family obligations, often leaving little time for relaxation or self-care. However, achieving a healthy balance is key to long-term happiness and well-being.

With a few intentional changes, you can create a lifestyle that enables you to thrive both professionally and personally. In this article, we share how setting boundaries, managing time wisely, and prioritizing self-care, you can cultivate a more harmonious and fulfilling life.

Why Work-Life Balance Matters

Striking the right balance between work and daily life is crucial for both mental and physical health. When work consumes too much of our time, stress levels rise, and burnout becomes a real risk.

Studies show that chronic stress can lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, as well as physical ailments such as heart disease and weakened immunity.

On the other hand, neglecting work responsibilities can create financial and career-related stress. Without a structured approach to balancing both aspects of life, individuals may find themselves feeling overwhelmed and unfulfilled.

A well-balanced life improves productivity, strengthens relationships, and enhances overall satisfaction. When you set boundaries between your work and personal time, you can be more present in both areas, leading to a more meaningful and enjoyable experience.

Tips to Improve Work-Life Balance

No. 1

Set Clear Boundaries

One of the biggest challenges in achieving work-life balance is allowing work to seep into personal time. If you work from home or have a demanding job, it’s easy to respond to emails late at night or take calls during family time.

• Establish clear work hours and stick to them.

• Turn off notifications after work to avoid unnecessary distractions.

• Communicate your availability to colleagues and clients to set expectations.

By creating firm boundaries, you can ensure that work does not overshadow your personal life, allowing you to fully unwind and recharge.

No. 2

Prioritize Tasks and Manage Time Wisely

Effective time management is essential for balancing work and personal life. Without a structured approach, tasks can quickly become overwhelming, leading to stress and inefficiency.

• Identify your most important tasks each day and tackle them first.

• Use productivity techniques like the Pomodoro Technique or time-blocking to stay focused.

• Delegate tasks when possible to lighten your workload.

By managing your time effectively, you can increase efficiency at work while ensuring you have ample time for personal activities.

No. 3

Make Time for Hobbies and Self-Care

Engaging in activities outside of work can significantly improve your well-being. Whether it’s exercising, reading, painting, or gardening, dedicating time to things you enjoy helps reduce stress and enhance fulfillment.

• Exercise regularly to boost energy levels and improve mental clarity.

• Get out in nature for fresh air and sunlight

• Practice mindfulness through meditation or journaling to stay grounded.

• Take up a new hobby to stimulate creativity and relaxation.

Self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for maintaining mental and physical health. Prioritizing activities that bring joy and relaxation can help prevent burnout and improve overall life satisfaction.

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No. 4

Invest in Personal Development

Learning new skills can boost confidence and open up new opportunities. Developing practical skills can also enhance independence and contribute to a more balanced lifestyle.

For example, acquiring a skill like driving can provide greater flexibility in your daily routine. If you’re looking to improve your mobility, consider taking driving lessons in Halesowen. Gaining a driving license can save time on commuting, reduce reliance on public transportation, and improve overall convenience and work-life balance.

Investing in personal growth—whether through education, skill-building, or self-improvement—can lead to greater career satisfaction and personal fulfillment.

No. 5

Connect with Loved Ones

Spending quality time with family and friends is essential for a balanced life. Strong relationships provide emotional support, reduce stress, and contribute to overall happiness.

• Schedule regular family dinners or weekend outings.

• Engage in meaningful conversations to strengthen connections.

• Plan vacations or short getaways to create lasting memories.

Even small moments of connection—like a phone call, a shared meal, or a simple walk together—can have a profound impact on your well-being. Prioritizing relationships ensures that your life is not solely centered around work, but also enriched by meaningful human connections.

FAQ

How can I set boundaries between work and personal life?

Establish specific work hours and communicate them clearly. Turn off work notifications after hours and create a dedicated workspace to separate work from home life.

What are some effective time management techniques?

Use the Pomodoro Technique (working in focused intervals), time-blocking, and task prioritization to stay organized and productive.

How can I prevent burnout while working long hours?

Take regular breaks, engage in self-care activities, and ensure you have time for hobbies and relaxation. Avoid overworking by setting realistic goals and delegating tasks when possible.

Why is personal development important for work-life balance?

Investing in new skills and self-improvement enhances career satisfaction and provides greater flexibility, making it easier to balance work and personal responsibilities.

How can I spend more quality time with family despite a busy schedule?

Prioritize family time by scheduling regular activities, setting aside tech-free moments, and making the most of weekends and holidays.

Takeaways

Achieving a balance between work and daily life requires effort and conscious decision-making. By setting boundaries, managing time effectively, and prioritizing self-care, you can create a more fulfilling and stress-free lifestyle.

A well-balanced life leads to better productivity, improved health, and greater happiness. Start making small changes today, and experience the benefits of a harmonious work-life balance.

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Every new year brings renewed energy and excitement to make positive improvements in our lives. The topic of health is commonly at the forefront of our minds as we evaluate the previous years’ habits and determine ways to develop ourselves further in this area. Setting attainable goals is fundamental to this as well as considering how improving your mental health requires a holistic approach.

Stina spending a few hours outside enjoying a sunny day in Las Vegas. It is especially important to get outside and soak up sunlight during the Winter months.

Keeping with this idea, health is part of a whole, which includes the mind and body. In this article, we will discuss how physical and mental health go hand-in-hand and actions you can take to immediately improve it.

No. 1

Eat Whole foods

Unfortunately, we were raised to think that an endless variety of food is good for us, and we have been fed the idea that we can eat anything and everything we desire. This is a false idea that continues to wreak havoc on our bodies. Unless you are sticking to whole foods, the concept of variety is disastrous to health.

The best thing you can do for your mental health is to be restrictive with foods that cause stress within your digestive system and overall health. We often fail to consider how the foods we eat tie in with our overall well-being and influence how we feel daily. By avoiding and eliminating foods that damage your health and focusing on a variety of whole foods, you can begin to feel much more clear-headed and energized.

What to eat to improve your mental health:

1. Fruits and vegetables: Eating a variety of whole fruits and vegetables every day improves overall health immediately because it is readily converted to energy. The body needs this to function optimally, so any deficiencies can begin to resolve as soon as you target what your body needs.

2. Nuts, seeds, grains, legumes: Focussing on vegan protein sources is ideal as part of a wholesome diet. Not only are you getting protein from plants, but you are allowing your digestive system to work ideally without the added stress of breaking down animal proteins that can be the cause of many digestive issues.

3. Probiotics: The gut-brain connection is clear, and a person’s stomach or intestinal stress can result in anxiety, stress, and depression. Incorporating probiotics through a plethora of sources can have positive effects on your mental health. By improving your gut health and ensuring a healthy gut microbiota, you can essentially improve your brain health.

No. 2

Get Active

A lack of physical activity can have wide implications for your health, especially as you age. And, if you were not given the proper education about how or why this is important, you may be inclined to think that it is a preference rather than a requirement needed to live a healthy lifestyle. Not only is physical activity fundamental to a good quality of life but there are so many benefits that you could be taking advantage of.

In terms of mental health, physical activity is a relationship that you develop with yourself that requires discipline, consistency, and determination. When confronted with life’s daily challenges, how you develop your mental acuity through fitness training can strengthen your mental health as well.

When starting, here are a few points to consider:

1. Type(s) of physical activity: Determine which physical activities you would like to commit to or explore. This could be anything from sports to working out from home, going to the gym, taking a yoga class, or outdoor activities such as hiking or biking. It could be anything you choose, and there is no limit to what you can do to get active.

2. Fitness schedule: Staying on a regular schedule is necessary to maintain consistency and achieve results. 2-3 times a week at 1-hour sessions will provide you with more than enough time. Remember that it is not about how long you are active, but the quality of it. Less is more, even in fitness.

3. 80/20 rule: Fitness (20%) has more to do with diet and nutrition (80%) than anything else, and if you are not eating to nourish your body from the inside out, you will not see the results you desire. You will only spin your wheels harder than you need to. So, make sure to eat wholesome foods and avoid processed varieties.

No. 3

Get Outside

The benefits of being outside in nature and under the sun are underrated. In a society that prizes productivity over stillness, being outside is the most radical thing you can do to fight against society’s standards that ultimately affect our mental health.

Being outside allows us to reflect and see the bigger picture—that we are all small in comparison to the grand scheme of things, yet we all play a significant role. This takes us outside our heads and into the realm of gratitude—knowing that it is a blessing to experience this life.

In addition, being outside boosts oxygen to the brain, increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that alters your mood. By incorporating physical activity like hiking or running, you could also be benefiting from an increase in endorphins as well. Sunlight is also a major contributor to wellness, producing oxytocin and dopamine, which increase feelings of joy and happiness.

Takeaways

Feeling well from the inside out requires many changes to take place. When considering mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression, these are all just symptoms of a larger cause. Focusing on health requires a holistic approach—not simply addressing the symptoms, expecting they will resolve.

By taking actionable steps to approach the various contributors to overall health, you can improve your mental health in tandem. Resources like mentalhealth.com are also there to help provide support when you need it. Speak with a specialist, get mental health check-ins, and book professional therapy so that you can be aligned with your goals throughout your mental health journey.

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Whether you are planning a weekend away or a month backpacking across Europe, traveling light is a skill worth developing. A capsule wardrobe can be the answer, ensuring you have something to wear for every occasion of your trip. Here are five must-have clothing items for any traveler.

01

Black Pants

A classic pair of black pants can be dressed up or dressed down depending on your needs and will be a staple in your capsule wardrobe. Linen is a fantastic option as it is easy to wash and quick to dry, which is important if you are going to need to wear items multiple times. There are also many other fabrics for you to consider. Velour, cotton, and denim are fabrics with varying textures to choose from, and depending on the type of trips you are planning, you can decide upon the ideal fabrics suited best for your type of travel destination. What is ideal for a cruise will not work on a camping trip.

02

Comfortable Footwear

If you are sightseeing when away, you are likely to be pounding the streets. A pair of comfortable shoes is a necessity if you want to avoid blisters and bunions, so you can remain stylish with a pair of classic sneakers or trainers. With a wide range of Converse shoes in a variety of colors and styles, these comfortable shoes can be perfect for travelers of all ages and are very hard-wearing and durable. Canvas Converse sneakers are machine-washable, which can also be beneficial.

03

Plain-Colored Classic Cut T-Shirt

Choose a t-shirt in a plain color and a flattering cut, and it can double up as a basic, everyday item and be accessorized to look dressier for a meal out at a restaurant or a night out. Cropped tees are still in style, or choose a fitted, long-sleeved top with an off-the-shoulder slash-neck for a smarter option. These look great with chunky jewelry and large hooped earrings.

04

Maxi-Dress

Maxi dresses are another item that works well for both daytime and evening wear, which is why they are an excellent choice for any capsule wardrobe, whether you are traveling or not. Flowy, romantic fabrics are perfect for warm evenings and ideal for hot days as they are cool and allow air to flow around your legs while still covering them to protect them from UV rays.

05

Lightweight Jacket

Wherever you are headed, a lightweight jacket is a useful piece of clothing to take with you. An anorak or raincoat can protect you from sudden downpours, and with foldaway versions available, they take up little space in your suitcase. If cooler weather is predicted, then a smart belted jacket can be a good option. Neutral colors such as camel and cream look great with most outfits.

Takeaways

Remember, traveling light is the goal, but make sure to pack enough clothes for your trip. Although laundering your clothes is always an option, you do not want to spend your whole vacation hunting down laundromats or handwashing clothes in the shower. Spending time planning your outfit choices prior to packing is essential so you know exactly what you need for your trip.

Phuket is a wonderful beach destination with pristine white sand shores and a stunning coastline. Not only does it boast some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand like Kata, Freedom Beach, and Karon, but it also boasts spectacular architecture most visibly observed at a temple. Phuket is also a great place to experience a lovely stay at a Phuket villa.

The island is well-known for its Buddhist temples and Chinese shrines that you must visit if you want to experience a different side of Phuket. 

In Thai, a temple is called ‘Wat’ like Wat Chalong and Wat Mongkol Nimit. Here are some of the must-visit temples in Phuket:

Wat Chalong (Chaithararam Temple) 

A 19th-century architectural marvel and the most significant temple in Phuket, Wat Chaithararam or Chalong Temple as it is commonly called should not be missed. Pay your respects in the central temple with lotus flower offerings, lighting firecrackers, or using gold foil. If you desire a panoramic view of the entire temple grounds, you can make your way to the top floor. Peaceful and fragrant, Wat Chalong is one for the books. It even holds a special bone fragment of Buddha that is open for public viewing. 

Wat Khao Nekkerd (Big Buddha Temple)

An important landmark in Phuket, the Big Buddha statue is visible from most places in the south. The white marble Big Buddha statue is perched atop Nakkerd Hill in Karon. The best part about visiting the Big Buddha Temple is the views. You can see Phang Nga Bay, Kata Bay, Karon Beach, Promthep Cape, and more. Some spectacular sunsets await at Wat Khao Nekkerd. It is a popular tourist spot so you can expect a bigger crowd than other temples. 

Wat Mongkol Nimit

If you want to witness monks in training, attend Thai ceremonies, and observe traditional Sino-Portuguese architecture, the lesser-known but equally special Wat Mongkol Nimit is the place for you. There are maxims inscribed on each of the many trees in the temple garden and the temple is quiet and peaceful, suitable for a visit one afternoon. The temple is easy to reach, and once there, you can take your time exploring the temple grounds for the little details you shouldn’t miss.

Wat Sri Sunthon

A gold statue of a reclining Buddha is what makes Wat Sri Sunthon worth a visit. Glimmering under the sun, the Buddha statue can be seen from the main airport road that runs in front of the temple. The temple grounds feature exquisite architecture and you can even walk around the Buddha statue accessible via a staircase. There are several sculptures on the temple grounds that refer to local myths and beliefs. The massive pink elephant sculptures will help you find intrigue inside the walls of Wat Sri Sunthon.   

Wat Suwan Kirikhet (Karon Temple)

A vibrant and popular temple known for the temple market, Wat Suwan Kirikhet is another must-visit site in Phuket. The Karon temple market draws throngs of people who scour the street stalls selling everything from balms to local cosmetics and delicious local food. The temple is situated on Karon Beach that hosts an exciting night market for travelers and locals alike. If you are visiting Karon beach, be sure to check the temple market for a one-of-a-kind experience.

The temples in Phuket are special because they offer a unique glimpse into a new and different culture. You can explore the temple grounds, learn more about the ascetic lives of monks, and witness the glittering gold Buddha statues. Explore Phuket’s sights and sounds by adding this destination to your bucket list and indulge in magnificent beaches, nightlife, and temples at the top of your to-do list.

Everybody has had moments where their creativity becomes drained. One moment, you're on the top of your game, and the next, you're struggling to come up with ideas and continue with what you need to do. This is especially true for writers, and even more so for writers who have to keep up with the workload. Sometimes, staying productive and creative is hard, but it is possible to move past a creative block and get back to blowing through projects. 

In fact, there are many ways to level up your creativity, including:

Getting Out Of Your Zone

Everyone has a zone or a place that they usually work in. For many, it's a room in their house where they feel comfortable and have what they need. However, sometimes this zone gets boring, and boredom could easily wreak havoc on your creativity. To try to displace this and unblock your creativity, try heading outside. Nature provides the perfect backdrop for inspiration. Find someplace new to sit and enjoy yourself, bring your laptop or notebook to a park or a new coffee shop, and just take in being somewhere new. You just may find that it helps beat your creative block in just one go.

Try Supplements

With so many productivity-inducing supplements on the market today, it’s always worth a try with something new, such as a nootropic supplement. These "smart drugs" can do wonders for creativity. However, trying them is the only way to know if smart drugs help with creativity as there are a lot of different types and ways to take them. Read more about them and consider exploring different supplements. You may be surprised at how much they help you blast past that creative block. 

Put On Music + Have Fun 

Sometimes the best cure for a creative block is to have fun. By giving yourself a break to have fun, maybe even dance around your room, you'll release all of the tension. Tension is a major creativity killer. Playing music may also help you get through a creative block, as music has been known to activate certain parts of the brain and aid thought and mood control. Because of this, playing a favorite album or two may not only boost your enjoyment, but it just may help get your gears turning once again. 

Collaborate 

Many people find that entering some sort of creative collaboration will help break their creative block and boost their overall creativity in general. Find someone you enjoy working with and try starting a new project (learn how to start a craft business), even if it's just for fun, like writing a role-play together or taking on a new, fun project. This little exercise may reinvigorate your creativity, and may even be a lot of fun too, which is never a bad bonus.

There are plenty of good ways to help boost your creativity, and not all of them will work for you. Never fear though, because chances are that something will work for you. Whether it be a supplement, music, taking a walk, starting something new, or even just reorganizing the room you work in. No matter what method works best for you, always remember that every creative person goes through periods of low creativity and that you'll eventually get out of it soon.

Since Uriah started school this fall, I have had to get into the routine of waking up at 6 am (ish), and one thing that I have found is that I need clothes that are comfortable, easy to throw on, and warm. I don’t know about you, but I am freezing whenever I wake up in the morning, and I just want to cover up ASAP. I also want to still look put together, not like I just rolled out of bed when I drop Uriah to school.

Although it still remains hot in the day here in Southern California, during the fall and winter, the mornings and evenings can be cold, so it’s really important that I wear something that can keep me warm enough in the mornings. When it’s time to pick him up, the weather has drastically warmed up, so the same thing that I’m wearing needs to be breathable and functional enough that it’s not too hot.

I recently got introduced to Cuddl Duds, and as soon as I put these soft knit leggings on, I instantly fell in love. They are the most comfortable leggings I’ve had yet. What I like most about these is that they are lightweight, brushed for comfort, and are also made with spandex. This means that at the end of the day, these will retain their shape. Sine they are so lightweight, I can wear these throughout the day as the temperature fluctuates and still be warm or fairly cool.

I like the fact that I can feel so cozy and comfortable throughout the day because that is my top priority these days. I don’t want to have to stress about putting an outfit together then have to take it off when I get home because it’s so uncomfortable. The front waistband has a cross-over front and is elevated so that it doesn’t keep falling throughout the day. It is also a relaxed fit, so it’s not extremely tight or suffocating, yet it still holds my body. I really love that!

The black leggings are the soft wear with stretch, so they are much lighter and a bit see-through. They are wearable through all-seasons, and I can see that they would be good for layering. They also have a sleek feel to them, so they are super comfortable and almost feel like you’re not wearing anything. Both of these legging styles can be used for weekends, work, or active use, so they are very versatile.

I got a matching soft knit hoodie to go with the leggings in that same grey heather color, and I like how this has a loose feel to it because after all, I am going for ultimate comfort here. It isn’t bulky, so I like that, and the thumbholes come in handy when my hands get cold. The shirt tail hem is great because I do like the coverage whenever I wear leggings. I also like the fit because it accentuates my figure despite it being a relaxed fit.

I am really enjoying these so far, and since I do work from home, I can lounge in these all day. If you’re the type that likes ultimate comfort and functionality, Cuddl Duds is a brand I think you will love. They have a wide selection of warm wear that can be purchased at Kohl's this fall and winter. Get 30% off of Cuddl Duds from Kohl’s from 10/24 – 11/6/2019 in-store and online.

#LiveInLayers with Cuddl Duds at Kohl’s to stay warm and cozy this season!

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This post is sponsored by Cuddl Duds but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Three weeks ago, I was faced with a decision that I wasn’t expecting to make on the spot as I went in for a doctor’s check-up for my Pilonidal cyst that had flared up over several weeks.

A pilonidal cyst that I had acquired more than 10 years ago was now rearing it’s ugly head yet again. This was the third time it had flared up over that timeframe, but I had ultimately learned to live with it up to this point.

What made the difference this time around is that it had grown in size over a decade, and with it now being inflamed and so much larger in size, I knew the time was now to finally do something about it.

If anyone is not familiar with Pilonidal cysts, they aren’t technically cysts as they are so aptly called. They are complex abscesses that can be difficult to heal due to their location on the body. I will not go into detail about it within this post, but I am thinking about sharing my full story once I feel like I am completely healed and recovered from it.

I noticed that I had to take action and see a doctor once the pain and soreness began spreading elsewhere on my body. It was a huge cause for concern because I had never experienced these other symptoms in all my time having it. It was a good thing that I did go in because the doctor immediately advised me to have it opened and drained right then and there or else it would continue to swell in size.

I decided to do the procedure because there was no better time than now, and after doing so much research and reading people’s stories on forums for years, I didn’t want to prolong facing it another day.

It’s been several weeks since I got the procedure done, and so far my body is healing well, but of course, there is still a risk that it will come back and that I would need to undergo a more extensive procedure to remove it completely. Surgery is definitely something I want to avoid at all costs, so I am doing everything in my power to allow myself the rest and time to heal.

Along with caring for an open wound and encouraging drainage, there is a lot of pain that comes with the removal procedure including packing the wound every other day with packing strips to help it heal from the inside out and preventing it from closing. I’ve had to avoid putting any strain on the area, and it’s been difficult to even walk. To relieve the pain, I took pain medication for several days (thankfully I’m off of it now) and I was very careful not to put any sort of pressure on the area.

A package from CBDMEDIC came just in time for some added relief for my sore muscles. As I had mentioned earlier, as a result of my inflammation, I was experiencing muscle aches and pain elsewhere on my body. The tension was concentrated more on the right side of my lower back, butt, and my calves - I know, very strange locations to be experiencing muscle soreness, but I believe it all was tied to the fact that my body was fighting a serious battle!

Since I did receive this package after I had already done my procedure, the muscle soreness had calmed down a lot, but I applied the Back & Neck Pain Relief to the different areas I was still experiencing tenderness for added comfort, and it was soothing and provided a numbing effect.

I have touched on my use of CBD oil products in the past and have done several posts going in depth about it if you would like to learn more about its health benefits. In this case, the hemp seed oil and effective analgesic ingredients like menthol and camphor in CBDMEDIC pain relief products are a safe alternative to reducing inflammation for people who suffer from acute pain.

I do plan on using the Active Sport Pain Relief once I start back on exercising. This experience has really forced me to really take care of my health first and foremost, so exercising and eating well are also at the top of my list. The feeling of being held back from physical ailments became real to me these past few weeks, so I can’t wait to be optimally functioning again.

CBDMEDIC products can be found at your local CVS Pharmacy, and you can check out CBDMEDIC online for detailed information on ingredients and the different products available.

I hope to share my complete Pilonidal journey once I have more answers as to the progress of my healing and the future outlook of this condition. Many people suffer from this condition, and there is a lot of fear tied to it. I hope that my story ends in complete healing. I also hope you find relief and healing in your own personal pain story.

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This post is sponsored by CBDMEDIC but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

There is so much talk in the health community about buying organic foods, but something that often goes overlooked is the importance of buying organic herbs and spices. Naturally, we would think that replacing our spice cabinet with organic options is no big deal, however, today's post will clear up exactly why it is just as important as any other item in our pantry.

Herbs and spices are a category of grocery items that we buy very rarely, so it's no wonder why they are out of sight out of mind because they are not often on our grocery list. When we do use herbs and spices in our cooking or baking, we typically use them in moderation, so they end up lasting for years - and we keep them around even beyond their shelf life. We don't think about herbs and spices often unless a recipe calls for something we don't have on hand. Another scenario that leads to us purchasing new herbs and spices is when we run out of an item completely, and in rare cases when something has clearly gone rancid.

On top of that, once you do need to replace something, you find that organic herbs and spices are a little more expensive, which can deter you from making that split second decision between the better option. Typically, you will reach for the inorganic option thinking that you are stretching your money and that it doesn't make a huge difference anyway because you don't use much of it.

Considering all of the factors that may be at play in your purchasing decision, I am going to now get into the more pressing concerns that you should consider and that are far more important in deciding whether or not to purchase organic spices, herbs, and seasonings.

What is the purpose of herbs & spices?

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Spices can be thought of as a garnish or a way to add flavor and aroma to cooking and baking. However, did you know that herbs and spices also have incredible medicinal and health benefits and have been used throughout history for that very purpose? They are also used as ingredients in powerful natural remedies for those who prefer or look to alternative methods of treating health conditions.

The problem with conventional, inorganic herbs and spices

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Conventional herbs and spices are not going to have the concentrated medicinal and health benefits that you would expect, rather they will contain high concentrations of toxic chemical additives, GMOs, synthetic anti-caking agents such as sodium aluminsilicate, sodium ferrocyanide, calcium silicate or silicon dioxide, pesticides, and more composition-disrupting additives.

Conventional herbs and spices are also grown using fumigation and irradiation practices, which changes the chemical composition of an herb or spice by exposing it to ethylene oxide and radiation to kill off bacteria and other contaminants. This process creates carcinogenic by-products that can increase your exposure to free radical damage.

More reasons to buy organic herbs and spices

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As mentioned previously, conventional, inorganic herbs and spices are loaded with chemicals by the time they hit your plate, which is more than a reason to stay away from them and switch to organic options. Since conventional farming practices rely on chemical intervention, you expose yourself to a host of issues because you simply do not know the long-term effects of ingesting these chemicals over a lifetime. Over time, you may not think that herbs and spices can make a difference to your health, but considering that you are using these ingredients in your cooking on a daily basis and from different inorganic sources, you are better off removing them completely.

Organic products may cost a bit more than conventional products, but it is worth the investment in your long-term health. Since they do last awhile, you won't have to worry about replacing them at every grocery trip. As a general rule, whole spices will stay fresh for about 4 years, ground spices for about 2 to 3 years and dried herbs for 1 to 3 years. source

What to look for when buying herbs & spices

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Not all organic herbs and spices are created equal. Here are things to look out for to ensure you are getting the highest quality products.

Always buy organic, No anti-caking agents, and No Irradiation

Buying organic will ensure that the companies you choose are certified with the USDA National Organic Program when producing their products. This means that they are committed to sustainable farming and production processes and responsible action toward their customers’ health and our planet's future. Organic herbs and spices are not irradiated, are not grown with pesticides, genetically engineered ingredients (GMOs), and do not contain synthetic caking agents and chemical additives. You can rest assured that they are held to the highest standards from seed to plate.

Have I replaced all of my herbs and spices?

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When I left Oklahoma back in October 2017, thankfully that gave me a reason to throw out all of my herbs, spices, and seasonings. I was that type of person that had a mix of inorganic and organic products. I was slowly replacing my collection, so what I would do is purchase an organic product one at a time when I would run out of something. Honestly, I think that doing so is better than nothing, so if you are wanting to make the switch, purchase them as you go and soon you will have a whole collection of organic herbs and spices that you can be proud of.

My herb, spice, and seasoning collection since moving to California is still growing, but I have been very good at purchasing only organic products. However, I still have a long way to go because I have only currently purchased items that I use more frequently.

spicely - featured organic herb, spice, and seasoning blend company

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An organic herb, spice, and seasoning blend company that I recently discovered is Spicely Organics, and I appreciate how they have such a large selection of products. It can be difficult to find all the herbs and spices that I want in the grocery store (even online) and in various sizes, so I like how Spicely Organics provides so many options to choose from, from small ecoBox sizes (0.4 oz) to bulk options. The ecoBoxes are great for ensuring that you are using your spices up before they expire.

All of their products are free from anti-caking agents and they do not sell any products or use any ingredients that have been sterilized by irradiation or ethylene oxide. They are also very mindful of their packaging by using glass, tin, and ecoBoxes and avoiding use of plastics. Their spices and seasonings also do not contain any salt or sugar, which is great because what you see is what you get without any fillers.

They are also very passionate about where they source their ingredients. In a nutshell, they require that their suppliers avoid forced and child labor, discrimination, unsafe work environments, substandard wages and other unethical practices. Read more about their highest standards of quality and environmental sustainability.

If you are a business and are looking to source organic bulk herbs and spices, they also sell wholesale organic dried herbs as well as wholesale spices. Since they are a direct importer of organic spices and herbs, you can be assured that you are getting wholesale herbs and wholesale spices straight from the source.

Overall, they are a rad natural herb and spice company in my opinion! I recently shared on Instagram how I used their cream of tartar as a natural migraine remedy. It was great knowing that the cream of tartar I was using was organic because it can be difficult to find organic cream of tartar, and heck, I wouldn’t want to be adding more chemicals to my body if my goal was to get rid of a migraine. If you’re interested in that natural migraine remedy, you can read that here. It really works, y’all!

Final Thoughts

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I hope that this article provided more than enough evidence that now is the time to switch to organic herbs, spices, and seasoning blends. Not only will you be getting quality products, but you will experience higher quality flavors, aromas, and the purest form of the ingredients that you are using in your meals. Small steps do really add up to larger rewards toward our health, lifestyle, and overall wellness.

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Disclosure: The content in this article is in collaboration with Spicely Organics. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please see my privacy policy for a complete disclosure.

For a while now, I’ve been shopping for a minimal raw wood floating shelf, but to no success. Knowing that adding shelving to your walls will enhance your space, I always make it an effort to do so. I have always loved floating wood shelves in particular. So, I decided to take it into my own hands and design one that was not only pretty and the exact aesthetic I was going for, but inexpensive and easy to make.

This post is meant to provide the exact measurements and supplies that you will need. I also filmed a video of me making this exact shelf from start to finish so that you can easily visualize each step and refer back to it if you decide to make one for yourself.

All supplies besides the drill set (which was purchased at Ikea) where purchased at Home Depot, so this is an easy one-stop project. It is a very affordable project as well at under $15 for all supplies, and you could easily make multiple shelves for under $10 with leftover supplies.

Watch the video below for a quick tutorial on how to make this floating shelf!

SUPPLIES

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• 1 - 0.75” depth x 5.5” width x 24” length piece of maple wood board

• 60 sandpaper for wood (comes in pack of 5 sheets)

• 2 - #10x3” phillips wood screws (comes in pack of 2)

• 2 - EZ Ancor drywall anchor that hangs up to 75lbs (comes in pack of 4)

• #12-24 Everbilt machine screw nuts (comes in pack of 10)

• 3/4” diameter x 48” length wooden dowel (cut down to 2 - 7” pieces.

• Drill bit and phillips screwdriver

INSTRUCTIONS

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STEP 1

Cut dowels

Home Depot has a saw station that you can use to cut down your wooden dowels. Cut 2 - 7” pieces. With remaining wood, you could easily make 4 more pieces depending on if you are making multiple shelves. Of course, you’d need to adjust your amount of supplies if that is the case.

STEP 2

Sand dowels

Sand down the ends of the wooden dowels until smooth.

STEP 3

Drill dowels

Drill one side of each dowel 2” deep and at a circumference that allows for the head of the phillips screw to be completely inserted. I drilled my holes to a width of 1.25 cm since my screws had a lip that wide.

STEP 4

measure your wall

Measure the width of the wall you are planning to hang your shelf on. Since the piece of wood is 24” in length, you will need to leave an equal amount of space at each end in order to center it on the wall. This amount will depend on your individual space. Once you’ve identified how much space you need for each side, measure 3.25” from each edge of the piece of wood. This is where your wooden dowels will be placed and where you will place your holes in your wall. Use a leveler to make sure that everything is even before drilling your holes. I just downloaded a leveler in the app store and used my phone to do this.

STEP 5

Install drywall anchors and screws

With your drill bit, drill your holes into the wall and then screw the drywall anchors in place with a phillips screwdriver. Take your phillips screws and run a screw nut through each before you install them. Screw in until secured and tight (about 1”). Leave a 2” allowance to insert the wooden dowels into.

STEP 6

Insert wooden dowels and hang

Insert the wooden dowels into the screw and nut until secure. Hang shelf and then style with finishing touches. Make sure to keep shelf flush to wall so that all the weight is held up against the screws.

Wasn’t that an easy project! If you try this project, make sure to tag me @hellolovelyliving on Instagram so I can see!

I also have another hanging wood shelf project you may be interested in too. You can see that here!

What home decor projects have you been wanting to do lately?

May is Mental Health Awareness month, and today I have a guest contributor that shares a few positive effects that meditation can have on your wellbeing. We all deal with mental health challenges at various points in our lives - we are only human.

Acknowledging that we constantly need to be attentive to our mental health is so important in creating healthy patterns that manage the stresses that we experience daily. We can’t simply wait until something happens, we must do our best to prevent ourselves from turning to unhealthy responses.

I hope this sheds some light on a topic that we need more conversations about. 

Source 

Everybody is looking for ways to improve their wellbeing and manage their mental health effectively. Making changes to your lifestyle like exercising more often and improving your diet can be a big help, but one thing that people find makes a big difference is meditation.

In the past, people associated meditation with religious practices and didn’t think it was really for them, but now, more people are starting to introduce meditation sessions to their daily routine because the results are so good.

You can download some great apps like Headspace that will teach you the basics of meditation and if you like, you can pay for different courses that are designed to help with things like stress, anxiety, and depression.

If you haven’t considered it before, these are just some of the ways that meditation can improve your wellbeing in a big way.

Activate Energy Healing

Energy healing is a big part of a lot of alternative medicines and some of the concepts involved can be a big help when you’re trying to improve your wellbeing. Meditation is a big part of that and a lot of people find that they go through a transformation when they start doing it regularly. It’s all about removing blockages in your mind and meditation is one of the best ways to do that. A lot of people that struggle with motivation and self esteem find that energy healing practices, and meditation in particular, can improve their life a lot.

Improve Sleep

Lack of sleep has a big impact on your wellbeing and unfortunately, a lot of us aren’t sleeping as well as we should be. When you’ve got a busy schedule and you’re stressed at work, it’s hard to switch off at night. Often, that’s because people are playing on their phones or worrying about what they have to do at work the next day. But if you meditate for ten minutes before you go to bed, you can learn to switch off and relax properly so you get a good night’s sleep every night.

Manage Pain

We all get aches and pains from time to time and if you’re constantly in pain, it can have a negative impact on your wellbeing. You can always use medication to manage pain but a lot of people don’t like the idea of being reliant on painkillers all of the time. But the good news is, you don’t need to. Meditation has been shown to help people manage their pain naturally without the need for medication.

Fight Depression

So many people struggle with depression and treating it can be very difficult. Medication and talking therapies are both effective ways of dealing with depression but prevention is always the best treatment. There are a lot of different lifestyle changes that you can make to help reduce feelings of depression, but meditation can be one of the best ways. Studies show that meditating regularly will reduce the symptoms of depression and make people less likely to develop depression in the future.

These are just some of the ways that meditation could improve your life and you only need to do it for ten minutes at the end of the day.

Last month was my birthday, and the reality hits me every time another year passes that my time is getting shorter and shorter on this earth. I know. You must be thinking I’m crazy for being so dramatic. Heck, you probably think I’m still in my 20’s! #iwish

I may still be in my early 30’s, but I feel like the years go by faster these days than any time in my life. I can’t help but think about the value of time more seriously and try to come to terms with how I am not getting any younger with each day that passes. Just as I can’t come to terms with how my children are growing so fast and getting older, I look at myself and realize that I have less time to be here to enjoy them and life itself. I am so much more aware about how limited time is that it has become something that I think about a lot these days.

For purposes of being more dramatic, here is a note to my boys that I thought I’d share: Dear Kodi and Uriah, If you every get a chance to read this, although it is a little early to be having this conversation, I want you to know that I am getting OLD(er), and although I may be considered “young” right now, one day I will lose my strength and need you both: my two strong boys to come to my rescue. One day, I will be the one needing you both more than you need me. Ps. On a lighter note, I hope you both give me a gazillion grandkids! LOL

via jasminedowling

All joking aside, I also think about my mom and how she is getting older too - even though she never seems to age! I think about how I want her to start enjoying her years more and to finally be the one who is cared for at this time in her life. I wish she didn’t have to worry about anything anymore and that every burden could be lifted from her. Now that I know what it is like to be a mother, I can say that I have walked a day in her shoes and that she deserves the world for keeping it together all these years.

I remember how my mom cared for my grandmother, and how she lived to be 92 years old. Seeing my grandma reach the age where she was changing mentally and physically really took a toll on me. I remember visiting her one day and dropping off a flower arrangement I had made in one of my college classes. I didn’t get to give it to her directly because she was resting at the time, but I just remember hoping so much that she would know how much I loved her even though she wasn’t able to understand things like she used to.

With all that said, let’s not forget about our parents and our elders and really think about ways that we can help them, even in the smallest ways. What can you do today that could show your parents or elders how much you care for them? Here are a few ways to show concern and care for them as shared by a Hello Lovely Living contributor.

Look Up Helpful Information

Thanks to the internet, we can find out about pretty much anything we want. There are hundreds of articles and videos that can explain how our parents are feeling as they age, what they can do to keep busy as the years pass, and how you can contribute to their life at each stage.

Simply Visit

Just showing up and being there for them can mean so much. In some cases, a lot of seniors are left isolated in their homes with nobody to talk to, and it can be a sad existence. Being social is very healthy for the mind, and being around others regularly can do a world of good for them.

Hire A Care Service

If you’re finding it a little difficult to do things yourself, you can always get the help of professionals. There are specialists near you who have worked in senior home care for years and will be able to shift the weight off your shoulders and ensure your loved one’s safety at all times if there are things that have become overwhelming to handle on your own. It can save you a lot of stress, and you can use the time you do have with them to simply enjoy each other’s company.

Help Them Feel A Sense Of Purpose

As people get older, they find that they can’t exactly do things they could before – and if they were passionate about them, it could bring them down and make them feel like they don’t have purpose anymore. Try to help them find new hobbies and interests that can lift their spirits and bring smiles.

Keep Them Active

If they are still somewhat able, perhaps encourage them to go for walks – maybe even jogs if they can. If they are unable to move well, there are still many exercises that older people can do to keep the blood pumping and the endorphins releasing. It might be a struggle, but it’s obviously way better for them than just sitting around.  

Keep Them current With Technology

Technology is advancing quickly, and many people are utilizing the newest tech. It’s not essential, but maybe introducing them to the latest gadgets and updates can be of interest to them. The new tech could help them keep in touch with friends and family, and they won’t feel as intimidated about learning about it with your help.h

via romanrochelle

I hope you enjoyed this post! Our elders need us more and more as time goes by. I hope you will reach out to someone special in your life and show them just how much they mean to you. We have such a limited time to do it, so why not do it today.

What is one thing you can do today to show your elders you care?

Welcome back to the blog! I am here with another post that will hopefully aid us all in getting a better night’s rest - or any rest for that matter. If there is anyone that has suffered from insomnia, it would be this girl.

I’ll admit, I’m a night owl through and through, and I am one of those creatures that actually doesn’t like going to sleep at night and must force myself to do it. It kinda sounds like we’re talking about my toddler son, Uriah, right now. Ha!

Well, yes, I guess you could compare me to a toddler in that case. I ALSO need to be forced to sleep! I typically love to stay up late and work because it is during this time that I am most able to focus, have a clear head, and be productive without any interruptions. Mix that with being a night owl and a mom who values the freedom that only comes when her toddler is asleep, and there ya have it - an insomniac!

The real fun part in this whole cycle though is when I do want to go to sleep early, and I just can’t. *cue insomnia* It then becomes a game of strategy of how to get to sleep in time to get enough rest before the sun rises - and before Uriah wakes up! I am easily one of those people who can struggle with insomnia if I don’t actively and consistently take steps to prevent it. I am also one of those people who would probably google, “how to go to sleep”. If you clicked on this post, you’re probably one of those people too! Right?

That’s where this post comes in handy. In this post, I will be discussing tips on how to sleep better and prevent insomnia. Not to mention, these tips actually work. Trust me, they do because I’ve tried them! Let’s get started.

These points are mainly steps for breaking the cycle of insomnia, to begin with. For me, it comes down to correcting unhealthy sleep patterns that I have been accustomed to, which is caused by my overall disposition to be more alert and active in the evening hours. I am not 100% perfect when it comes to sleep, but this is what I have learned.

sleep at a decent time / Restart your sleep cycle

The first thing that you must do is restart your body clock or sleep cycle, and by this I mean STOP GOING TO BED LATE! Sorry for the all-caps but I just had to emphasize that. It’s so important to set a schedule that ensures that you are going to bed at a decent time and holding yourself accountable to a consistent and predictable sleep schedule.

Personally, I don’t like schedules, so this has been a tough one for me, but this is really important, and it has helped me so much in my mission to sleep better. I have found that when I sleep a lot earlier, I wake up way more rested and prepared to wake up at an earlier hour versus if I had gone to bed later and woke up later. Even if I had a solid 8 hours of sleep in both cases, I would still wake up feeling not so fully rested on the day I had gone to sleep at a later time.

Get a solid number of hours of sleep consistently

Have you ever experienced getting less sleep - we’re talking 4 hours - only to wake up feeling so vibrant and refreshed? Yeah, it’s crazy, but for some people, less sleep is more. The key here is to get a consistent amount of sleep every night so that your body is not feeling deprived. For some people, 8 hours of sleep is needed. For others, it is 6 or even 10! It just depends on you, so listen to your body and find the optimum number of sleep hours that you feel works best for your body.

For me, I can sometimes do really well with less sleep, but that only lasts so long until I start to feel drained again. I think my optimum sleep hours is 8, but I still need to work on this a bit more because I don’t always get the same amount of sleep every night to accurately determine the exact amount of hours I need. I feel like it just depends, so that’s where it gets tricky.

Create a relaxing sleep environment

I’m sure you’ve heard that the colors in your room directly affect your mood. It is very true, so make sure to be conscious of the way you choose to decorate your bedroom space. Instead of making it busy, keep it simple and as a space that is only used for sleep. Designate TVs to only being in your living spaces such as living room, family room, and areas of entertaining instead of in the bedroom.

One of the most important things you can do is to make sure that you have quality bedding and a premium quality mattress. These days, you can buy a luxury mattress at down-to-earth prices and have it shipped directly to your door. In most cases, you could order a mattress online and even try a mattress for free for several months before you dive in and splurge. Make sure to look at reviews before you make your decision because it will be one of the most important decisions you make in the quality of sleep that you receive for many years to come.

Another important thing is to make sure that it is completely dark and silent when you go to sleep. I have found that when lights are left on or when there is any noise, my body isn’t able to fully rest. It’s as if I am half awake when there is any type of sensory distraction, so I always make sure to turn everything off.

Leave your phone in a different room

I tried this several nights and it was a game changer! Leave your phone to charge in a different room and put it on sleep mode so that it won’t distract or tempt you. I’m telling you, my phone is literally one of the main reasons why I have insomnia on most nights. I often have the intention of going to bed at a decent time, then once I’m in bed and my phone is by my side, I either stay up browsing or pick up my phone after tossing and turning for 30 minutes because I can’t fall asleep. It doesn’t help that all of my best ideas come to me at night and I want to research all of them on my phone at 1 in the morning!

If you want to be a little more extreme, just ban your phone from being in the bedroom. It will do wonders and will solve more of your sleep problems than you know. I am still working on adhering to this self-inflicted policy, but I have tried it, and when I follow this rule, I have the best sleep a girl could ask for.

Get yourself relaxed and in “sleep mode”

Preparing to sleep shouldn’t start when you turn off the lights and lay down on your bed. It should start several hours prior to you getting into bed. This is the time when you will be mentally and physically preparing yourself for rest.

One of the first things that you can do is diffuse some relaxing essential oils like lavender throughout your home. Spray it on your bed sheets, pillows, or mattress or add it to a warm bath. Lavender is an effective natural sleep aid and remedy for insomnia along with chamomile, which is also another good way to get your body relaxed.

Prepare some chamomile tea and be amazed at how sleepy this gets you. I’m actually getting sleepy just thinking about it. I love chamomile tea! If you’ve ever tried Sleepytime Tea, well, chamomile is the active ingredient, and I grew up on that stuff as a child. My mom used to give it to us all the time to get us tired! They even now have Sleepytime Extra, which I just discovered.

Instilling better sleep habits for your children is essential as well in your quest for better sleep. By creating healthy sleep patterns and habits for your children, you will be able to effectively create a peaceful nighttime routine and setting so that you can look forward to your personal downtime every evening. You will avoid the bedtime stress that often comes with getting children settled in so that your family evenings can be more peaceful.

Magnesium is another amazing way to get your body ready for a restful sleep. It is known as the calming mineral, so it will help relieve any tension or stress within the body and mind. Magnesium can be found in different foods, but I prefer to just take them in pill form.

I have also found that CBD oil works amazing for insomnia. Whenever I have taken it, it gets me drowsy, and I have had the absolute best sleep without any interruptions. I have several articles on my experience using CBD oil, so make sure to check those out for its other benefits as well. If you suffer from other conditions that make it difficult to sleep, exploring natural options is worth a try.

Avoid caffeine and sugar throughout the day

If you want to do yourself a huge favor, just stay away from caffeine and sugar altogether. However, if you are like me and love green tea and need to stay alive during the day, then just drink that and stay away from coffee. Sorry, coffee lovers! The reason I say green tea is okay is because you won’t crash from it as you would with coffee. You will still be able to sleep, but of course, the best thing would be to give up any type of caffeine for the best results.

If you are still wanting caffeine alternatives, the best alternative to caffeine would be taking a daily Vitamin B complex. It works so amazingly well to boost energy levels, but naturally. A daily multivitamin can also do the trick. If you are one of the brave ones, try this apple cider vinegar drink. It is also a natural energy booster that I promise you works great when taken in the morning instead of coffee.

Takeaways

Well, that is it for now! I have a lot more to say on this topic, so I will be back again on the topic of sleep in future posts. I hope that these simple tips offer some very helpful ways that you can apply to help prevent insomnia and help you sleep better. Make sure to share your response to the question below in the comments!

Do you have any sleep tips? Let us know in the comments.

This post is sponsored by POP SECRET® but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

I believe it is so important to listen to our bodies and to be proactive about responding to it in a caring way. Sometimes we just need a little break, so having a number of things to fall back on to help us unwind is essential in recharing and getting back in line with being able to present the very best version of ourselves the next time around.

In this article, I’ll be sharing a few ways of how I unwind and destress during the week because who wants to wait until the weekend! I hope you enjoy this post, so let’s get into it!

 work on something new

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I know that many people might attribute work to stress, but that is not always the case, especially if you are doing something that you are passionate about and that you love. I do agree that there are some parts of my business that aren’t as enjoyable as others, but there are many other aspects of it that I truly do enjoy and feel rewarded by. 

My favorite aspects of my creative business are blogging, making videos, photography, and designing, so these are things that I love to do when I want to unwind. I just love to create, so when I start a new project, I feel excited and fulfilled in so many ways. I turn to these things when I need that boost, and I am at my best when I am creating and coming up with new ideas for my business.

If you have a day job that you are not happy with, try to create a side-hustle that you can find joy in. When you are looking to unwind from your day job, turn to it, and watch it grow little by little. You’d be surprised at how eager you will become to work on this new gig, and it will become a way for you to put your energy toward something that you are truly passionate about. You’ll develop a sense of purpose in this process, and who knows, you could potentially make that into your full-time career!

Make something by hand

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I recently picked up macrame as a new way to express myself, and I have found it to be so relaxing. I have always loved to make things by hand, so learning macrame and being able to create new designs has been so fulfilling.

I have found that handmade projects are so relaxing because it really forces me to focus on what I’m doing instead of what I’m thinking. This is why it’s such a great way to relax. I literally zone out when I am making a piece and enter a really peaceful place where I can focus my thoughts around the beauty of what I’m making and the anticipation of what it will turn out to be.

At the end of it, I feel rewarded by the outcome of my macrame piece because the end result is always different from what I had expected. I also learn so much along the way, which builds my skill little by little. 

I encourage you to do a handmade hobby as well. You can pick up on a hobby that you had when you were little or start a new one. There are so many things to do these days, so just start with anything that you’ve always wanted to learn or do, and just go for it! You’ll be surprised with what you get out of it. 

treat your tummy

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Who can ever disagree about the power of food! I love to eat, and I don’t always indulge, so when I am feeling the need to unwind and destress, snacking always does the trick. There’s something nostalgic about eating snacks from my childhood, so I typically try to pick up any of those types of snacks, but of course there are classics like POP SECRET® that I can just literally buy anywhere. I can even buy Pop Secret on Amazon. There’s something about curling up with a big bowl of warm, freshly-popped POP SECRET® popcorn that just feels so homey and relaxing, right! 

If you follow me on Instagram, I sometimes share what I’m snacking on in my stories. The other day it was nachos, prior to that it was asian snacks, and sometimes it is an artichoke or a baked potato with cheese, so it really depends on what I am craving. 

I’m sure I just made you hungry right about now, but isn’t it the truth! Sometimes you just need those feel-good foods in your system, especially if you are usually strict on yourself and rarely indulging in the foods that make you happy-happy. 

care for your plants

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Caring for my plants has always been a small practice during the day that can instantly boost my spirits. I can be in the middle of a long and stressful day when I take a minute to touch and acknowledge my plant-babies, and it immediately makes me so happy and changes my mood.

Recently, I did a video about how to propagate a rubber tree cutting, which is a perfect example of me unwinding and destressing. I remember feeling overwhelmed and not in such a productive mood that day, so I decided to film that video and share it with you guys. It was such a simple task to do, but it really brightened my day and made me feel so good.

If you are not a plant person, perhaps you have a pet that can instantly brighten your mood. Turning to something or someone who is nonjudgemental and that can simply be there as a source of love is so uplifting. The truth is, it is not always useful or necessary to turn to people when you have so many other ways of venting and expelling that negative energy. You wouldn’t want to pass it onto them if it’s something you can easily take care of yourself.

care for yourself

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It’s so important to take care of yourself just as you would your loved ones. Sometimes we can feel guilty about giving ourselves too much attention, but that is the only way that we are going to be happy and whole and able to put our best foot forward.

When you are feeling overwhelmed with things, try to do at least one thing that shows care for yourself. It could be as simple as taking a bath, plucking your eyebrows that you’ve let grow out for a week, or playing your favorite sounds and dancing away in the shower. Selfcare is just being in tune with what makes you happy, so it really depends on you and what you’re feeling at that moment.

Some of my favorite daily self-care activities are starting my day with warm, green tea, music, and a great breakfast so that I am ready for the day ahead. If I’m feeling like I need that extra boost, I will do something that makes me feel pretty such as giving myself a mani and pedi or doing my makeup even if I’m just heading out for errands. It’s the small things that truly make a difference.

So, there you have it - 5 ways to unwind and destress during the work week! I hope you found some useful tips from this article. Please do share how you unwind and destress in the comments below. Until next time, have a wonderful day!

What are some ways that you unwind and destress? 

Anxiety is one of those words that I feel like I am not allowed to use unless I’m “officially” diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, but I don’t believe that I should ever feel forced to place myself into a box - ever.  I know my body, and I know what I feel, so I can say that I do experience anxiety on varying levels. I have anxiety - not because a doctor told me, but because I live in this body and know what I feel. I’m not saying that I always have anxiety, but I do experience it more often at this particular time in my life, which is why it has come to my attention and why I am addressing it and giving it light.

In this article, I’ll just be sharing little pieces of what I’ve been going through for the past year and a half. This is my experience, and I know myself well enough to say that I, at times, have no idea why or how I’m feeling the way I do. I am just trying to understand myself more, and I always listen to my body and what it is trying to tell me, so this is serious business to me. Obviously, there is something wrong, so I am learning how to respond to things in a positive way so that it gets better instead of worse.

To give you some context, I experienced some very life-altering events in 2017, and I have basically been in fight-or-flight mode since. Side note: I just realized through writing that statement that I can say that I’ve felt like I’ve been in fight-or-flight mode for a great part of my life. I’ve always been anxious about the potential of fight-or-flight, so it is in my nature to want to go, go, go or anticipate that needing to happen at any given time. Wow - did I just have a revelation just now. I think I just did.

When you are placed in survival mode, I guess your body just kicks into overdrive and you have no choice but to replace fear with action. That has basically been my life this past year and a half. There is literally no time to cry or to be weak, but the truth is, I pride myself in how soft I can become, so this takes a lot out of me. I guess this is why the anxiousness has been more apparent. There is literally no moment for me to let my guard down, so I am constantly in an anxious state.

Imagine a car that is in 3rd gear when it only needs to be in 1st. Well, if you’ve ever driven stick, you’d know that this puts extreme pressure on the engine, and it does not feel good at all. It is actually scary. You must quickly switch back to 1st gear for all to be good and for your engine not to explode! That is literally how I feel. My body is in a constant state of overdrive, and it gets draining. I DO feel like I need to explode sometimes. It is a feeling that you can do everything in the world to try to settle and put yourself at ease, but you just can’t.

Now that I am more in tune with my body relating to anxiety, I can pinpoint when I am experiencing it. I feel like I need to do something immediately. I get antsy and restless. When I start to notice it, I truly do not know what to do with myself. I try and try to fill the space with activity or lack of, but it just does not make it any better. I can’t breathe well. I can’t think logically. I can’t seem to calm myself. I can’t sleep at night. All I can think about is what I need to do - next.

When I first started dealing with these symptoms, I just turned to drinking in the evening to put myself at ease, but then I noticed that it became a cycle whereas I would get anxious the next time around simply by thinking about alcohol. I was pairing my anxiety with alcohol, so it kind of became a trigger for it in my mind. So weird to say that, but that’s what I think happened.

I decided that I wasn’t going to continue that cycle, so I tried not to turn to alcohol when I would feel anxiety. I started to do such things as diffusing lavender before bed, which helped tremendously. Drinking tea is another thing that has always calmed me. I also began to drink less coffee and lessen any caffeine intake and try to sleep at an earlier hour or at least try to do so more nights during the week.

When I identified the triggers, I was able to limit feelings of anxiety a lot. I also turned to CBD oil, a natural treatment and prevention for anxiety. After my 4-part series on CBD oil, I learned so many positive uses for CBD oil, so I made the choice to take that next step. I knew about the benefits of CBD oil for anxiety, so I chose not to sit on that knowledge. I wanted to experience it for myself.

Thanks to my BFF, I got a special Christmas gift because I had told her that I had wanted to try it out. Since we are literally the epitome of #SAME #BFFGOALS, we both had been looking into it prior to us even mentioning it to each other, so it was so nice to have someone to talk to about it. She was able to encourage me based on her experience, and since it was all positive, I felt that much more at ease.

I decided to go with a 1:1 tincture in a peppermint flavor, which is basically an even ratio of CBD oil to THC liquid drops placed under the tongue for maximum absorption. I wasn’t sure what it would taste like, but it tasted so good. I actually love the taste. It did take a while to kick in, but after an hour or so, and I was able to experience the benefits thereafter for about 4-6 hours. I have found it to be very calming, and it definitely helps me to sleep well. I literally sleep like a baby and actually get drowsy, which is a feeling I so miss!

The reason why I chose a 1:1 tincture was because I did want to go with something that would immediately provide relief when I am experiencing anxiety and give me that euphoric feeling as well. I do want to try a straight up CBD oil blend next, so that is what I will likely purchase online or at a local dispensary. I’d like to buy CBD gummies as well because they are a convenient way to take it. The reason why I’d like to try 100% CBD oil is because the THC content is not always necessary, even at a 1:1 ratio. I would rather have both on hand so that I could take the 100% CBD oil without having to experience any psychoactive effects. It is definitely a choice that is totally mine to make, and with so many options available, I feel free to find what works best for me.

One thing that I noticed after taking CBD oil, and it’s only been a month, is that my anxiety is less frequent. I have not really had extreme episodes that lasted for days since taking it. I think I’ve taken my CBD drops a total of four times, but I already have been seeing a huge difference in how much anxiety I experience. I am less worried, more at ease, and generally eager about my days and less anxious about the the day-to-day stresses.

As of now, I do plan to continue this method of anxiety prevention and treatment. It’s a natural alternative that is proving to be promising, so I am very happy about it so far. As you may or may not know, I am a huge proponent of going the natural route. I am also an advocate of awareness and being in control of your health, which is why I decided to share my story. If you are curious about CBD oil, I highly suggest you check out my 4-part series on CBD oil and learn more about it. I also recommend you research everything for yourself first, find the answers to all of your questions, and look for the best products and dispensaries.

Things are rapidly changing for the cannabis industry, and it is not like it was nor are people naive to its health benefits. People are educating themselves, building awareness, and breaking stereotypes. I am a firm believer in education and taking it upon yourself to not be influenced by external sources, but by taking on an introspective reasoning and finding the truth for yourself. A few years ago, I would not have said that I would be exploring this industry, but that is what growth is about. It is there for you to attain if you leave room for your ideas to be challenged and for your perspectives to mature so that you can become your best self. I am not the same person I was yesterday, and I am proud of that.

That is it for now! I hope you enjoyed that little glimpse into a bit of a more personal side to my life. It is not easy to share my struggles, but if I can help someone, then it is all worth being vulnerable. I hope you find some useful information in this article. If you should have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, or simply email or DM me on social media.

how do you cope with anxiety?

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Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite meals to eat for breakfast. It’s healthy and easy to make, and if I could have this for breakfast every day, I would! I typically use kang kung (water spinach) with this recipe, but when it is unavailable, I like to use yu choy. Chinese vegetables are so delicious! I highly recommend you pick some up the next time you are at an asian market.

If you haven’t had yu choy yet, it has a mild flavor, so it soaks in all the flavors of a dish really well. Typically, I stick to a few main ingredients when I season asian vegetables. The ingredients in this recipe are what I use for literally all of my vegetable dishes. You can use the same ingredients to experiment with other vegetables as well.

Now, let’s get into the recipe! Watch the full video below first, then refer to the specific measurements and ingredients within this article. Happy cooking!

Stir Fry Yu Choy & Eggs

Stina Abion | Hello Lovely Living
January 15, 2019



Servings: 1 serving
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• 6 stalks yu choy
• 2 eggs
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 stalks green onion
• 2 Tbsp yellow onions
• 2 Tbsp fried shallots
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 2 Tbsp water
• garlic powder
• black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat wok or skillet on high. Add 1 Tbsp butter to pan, and add garlic, onions, and green onions. Saute for a minute until transparent and slightly golden on the edges.
2. Add vegetables and water, then stir fry for several minutes. Add garlic powder, black pepper, and fried shallots. Stir fry until vegetables are a bright green and slightly cooked through until crisp, but not overcooked. Remove from heat, and set aside.
3. With the same pan, add 1 Tbsp butter and pour in scrambled eggs. Lightly move eggs around until cooked through, but not overcooked.
4. Assemble plate with vegetables and eggs, and enjoy!

Notes

• Substitute yu choy with other vegetables such as kang kung (water spinach), bok choy, or other vegetables of choice.

What is your go-to healthy breakfast?

Today, I’ll be showing you how to make these oh-so-cute hanging wood shelves. The idea came to me after coming across wooden cutting boards at Daiso. If you’re not familiar with Daiso, it’s a popular discount store that sells Japanese products for $1.50 and up, so you can find many things for the home there for very cheap. Daiso is everywhere here in California, so I am living for it!

I purchased the wood cutting boards not knowing for sure what I was going to make with them until I remembered this Urban Outfitters hanging shelf that I had bookmarked a while back. I realized that the wood pieces from Daiso would be perfect for creating a product dupe for much less. In all actuality, these DIY hanging wood shelves probably cost less than $5 each to make, and being that I already had everything I needed to make these except for the wood, it only cost me $3 for two - what a steal!

I love how they turned out (I made two of them), so I hope you try making them too. This is one of the easiest wood shelving ideas, especially if you live in one of these apartments for rent in McKinney and you want floating wood shelves, but you are looking for more of a quick and easy way to do it. I absolutely love the raw and natural wood look of these too, so these came out perfect and fit my aesthetic and decor so well. They also have that minimalist + bohemian + Tumblr vibe going on, and we are all about that life over here!

Watch the video below to learn how to make it, and if you are needing a to refer back to the instructions, I have written them out below. I have also listed all of the supplies needed for this project. Enjoy!

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Supplies

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• 2" Natural wood rings

• Off-white yarn

• Daiso wood cutting board 30 x 19 x 0.9 cm (11.81 x7.48 x 0.35")

• IKEA Drill

• Scissors

• Pen

• Wall hooks

instructions

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STEP 1

mark holes + drill

At each corner, mark 1” in from each side, then drill a total of 4 holes.

STEP 2

cut yarn + string through holes

Cut 2 - 4’ pieces of yarn and then string each piece along the landscape orientation of the wood. Evenly distribute yarn so that when it is held upright, you have even lengths of yarn at both sides.

STEP 3

loop strings through wood ring + adjust placement

Gather strings through the wood ring and then place the shelf up against a wall to test out the placement of the strings. To ensure that the wood piece hangs level to the wall, adjust the string’s tension by allowing the wood piece to even out so that it is laying flat. Your strings will be angled slightly, so just hold them tightly against the wood ring because a knot will be placed around them at this length.

STEP 4

cut a 12” piece of yarn + make a gathering knot

Watch my YouTube video above for how to do this part because this is the tricky part!

STEP 5

hang + enjoy

Hang your shelf anywhere on your walls with a picture hanger hook which provides a bit of an angle for the wood ring to rest in. These are the exact ones I used to hang mine.

Wasn’t that so simple?! I thought it was a very easy project to do. Two shelves could very well be done in less than 15 minutes, so it is also a very quick project. If you decide to make these, let me know how yours turn out. I’d also love to see how you style these.

what home decor items have you been eyeing lately?

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This post contains affiliate links. Please see my privacy policy for a complete disclosure.

This post is sponsored by Palm Springs but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Uriah and I took a day trip to Palm Springs over the weekend, and I wanted to share what we did, so in this post I will be doing just that. If you are in the SoCal area, Palm Springs is a great destination for a quick getaway. I wanted to plan my trip so that it was kid-friendly since it was Uriah and I on this trip, so I have compiled a few places that you can consider if you have children too. The Palm Springs Home Page was a great resource for me to start when planning my itinerary for the day.

On the way to Palm Springs, the perfect pit stop is less than 30 minutes out from Downtown Palm Springs if you are heading east from Orange County. Cabazon Dinosaurs is an iconic pop culture attraction located just outside of Palm Springs and was featured in Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure and The Wizard. Mr. Rex’s Dinosaur Adventure includes a dinosaur exhibit featuring over 50 lifelike dinosaurs, a dinosaur dig, fossil panning, and access to climb inside Mr. Rex all the way up to his mouth.

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Uriah absolutely loved it there, even if we didn’t get to go into the exhibit. It’s a nice stop and we simply enjoyed the large dinosaur statues that were outdoors and the dinosaur-themed shop that was located inside one of the dinosaurs. This is a must-go for snapping some photos of some unforgettable memories.

That was our first stop, and then we were headed straight to Downtown Palm Springs. On our way, we could see the vast amount of windmills sprawled across the desert, which is also a popular attraction that is worth the view along with the beautiful mountainous landscape.

Once we got to Palm Springs, we were welcomed by beautiful palm trees and a drive through the main downtown strip that is lined with an abundance of shops and restaurants. Instead of exploring the usual attractions, I chose Frank In Bun as our lunch spot since I knew they had kid-friendly food options such as fries, corn dogs, etc., and of course, their interior was Instagram-worthy and very charming, which was a must! It’s great to go off and explore places that are a little hidden and off the beaten path, so that is what I chose to do.

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Once we were all finished with lunch, we headed back to the downtown area which was just a couple mins away, and I parked a few blocks out so that I had effortless parking and could just walk a few short minutes. On our walk, we came across a beautiful mural of Marilyn Manroe and we could see Palm Spring’s version of The Walk of Stars along the sidewalks. There is a lively arts district in Palm Springs, and you can find many art museums and shops in the area, so be sure to explore.

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We then headed to a small boho shop called Thick As Thieves. It is located along Downtown South, which is at the very end of the Downtown strip, so it was less busy, and I loved that. The shop was quite small, but had miscellaneous and cute bohemian-themed home accessories and decor.

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Along the side of the shop, there was a cute alleyway with additional shops, which happened to be my favorite spot from the trip because there were perfect little photo backdrops that I just loved. It had a very cottage-like feel, and it was a cute area that Uriah enjoyed exploring and running through. I also took a lot of cute shots of him there.

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We then crossed the street, and in a few minutes, we were at Rudy’s General Store Museum, a recreated 1930’s shop filled with old fashioned, unused products. It was pretty interesting to see how many authentic products they had that were in such great condition. None of it was on sale, though - bummer! I also thought it would be fun for Uriah, but he didn’t really get the concept yet haha, so we didn’t stay too long, plus it was a very small shop, so look to spending only a few minutes there browsing through. They also charge a $1 admission, but that is not too bad at all!

After that, we stopped by at a candy shop just located right outside of the museum called Palm Springs Fudge & Chocolates. They have various sweet options as well as Dippin’ Dots. Uriah just got bought a ring pop, then we headed back to the car because we only had an hour before the sun would be going down.

I decided to find an outdoor park/playground for Uriah to get his energy out at and have some fun since much of the attractions were geared toward indoor activities. I found a playground called Demuth Park, which had really great reviews and looked like a fun spot for him with huge slides. It was only about 10 minutes away. So, we headed there, and he had such a great time.

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Before the sun went down, I decided to find “That Pink Door”. If you are an avid Instagram-addict like myself, you would have seen and heard about this popular Palm Springs Instagram-photo-op destination. Since it is private property, I simply drove past and didn’t stop to take photos, but happy nonetheless to see it in person. The homeowners have since announced that they do not want anyone to take photos there anymore, so I respected their wishes! Watch my vlog for all the footage though of me driving through and getting excited to see it in the wild.

So, that was it and the end of our trip! The sun had gone down, so I headed back home which was a 2-hour drive. I enjoyed our quick little mini getaway! Exploring a different environment and soaking in the different scenery is always my favorite thing to do to reset and recharge. There is a lot more to do in Palm Springs that I would have loved to do, so I will list just a few other things that may be of interest to you if you are planning a trip there soon! Another great resource that I highly recommend is the Palm Springs Home Page, so make sure to check them out for ideas of what to do in the area.

Links to Places Mentioned

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Cabazon Dinosaurs

Frank In Bun

Thick As Thieves

Rudy’s General Store Museum

Palm Springs Fudge & Chocolates

Demuth Park

other kid-friendly things to do

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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Lappert’s dole wip

Robolights

living desert zoo & gardens

save money

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HELLO LOVELY LIVING

discount codes

AIRBNB

$40 off your first airbnb trip

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I hope you enjoyed this little travel inspiration post! I encourage you to get out there and explore your area! There is so much to see and do, and you don’t need to go out of state or spend a ton of money to experience different things, sceneries, and environments. Be sure to also watch our vlog from this trip for some extra footage of Palm Springs on my YouTube channel or click the video below.

have you been to palm springs? what is your favorite spot?

I love to save and earn money whenever and wherever I can, so today I am starting a series in which I feature ways to do just that! As a business owner and single mom, I am always looking for every opportunity to make my money go even further. Every single thing adds up, and if you are going to spend money anyways, why not save a few bucks? These days, there is always a deal and there are always ways to save - you just have to be resourceful and not impulsive when it comes to purchases. I look forward to sharing more of my money-saving and money-making tips in this series, so I hope you enjoy it and find it to be helpful!

ibotta

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Ibotta is a cash back app that allows you to transfer 100% of your Ibotta earnings to PayPal or Venmo as soon as you've earned $20. If you'd rather convert your earnings into a gift card, you can do that, too. You can earn money on purchases from 289 retailers like Target, Walmart, Sprouts, and Amazon (to name a few) and have 3 ways to earn, so it’s easy to rack up those earnings quickly!

how it works

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Step 1

Sign up + add offers

SIgn up here. You’ll receive a $5 bonus just for signing up! Simply search for offers and add them by completing simple tasks like answering a question or watching a short video.

Step 2

go shopping: three ways to earn + bonuses

Earn money in 3 ways: Send receipt, link a loyalty card, or make mobile in-app purchases. Depending on which way(s) you choose to earn, you will required to follow the steps in order to redeem your purchases. You can also earn cash from bonuses.

Send Receipt

Buy the products at participating stores. Redeem offers by taking a photo of your receipt and Ibotta will match your purchases with the offers you selected.

Link Loyalty Card

Link your store loyalty account by choosing one of Ibotta’s Preferred Partners. Use your loyalty card or phone number at check out.

Mobile In-app Purchases

Before you shop, browse cash back offers from top apps. Tap on the Shop button from the Ibotta app. Make a qualifying purchase in a participating app.

Bonuses

Get extra cash back by completing bonuses such as redeeming offers at specific retailers and by completing certain tasks.

Referral + teamwork

When you invite friends to download the app, Ibotta gives you a cash gift for doing so. Friends can also become a part of your team if you sign up using Facebook and everyone can take advantage of teamwork bonuses offered every month.

Step 3 get cash

Your cash back will be deposited into your Ibotta account within 48 hours of submitting offers. You can then cash out your earnings to PayPal or Venmo once you’ve earned $20.

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“Get Real Money! Money Making Apps That Really Work https://bit.ly/hllxibotta @hlovelyliving #hellolovelyliving”

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Final Thoughts

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Why I like Ibotta

Ibotta is an easy way to save money on ordinary purchases, and offers are so easy to redeem. Cash back can really add up quickly. I have earned over $50 using Ibotta so far, so I highly recommend it from my personal experience.

PRO TIP

To save even more on my purchases, I also like to search for matching offers on other coupon apps like the Target app. Many times, offers will be available on both the Target and Ibotta apps, which means that you can save even more on products and potentially get products for free or next to nothing. If you are an extreme couponer, you could even find matching coupons that you can redeem at the store in addition to using Ibotta and other digital coupon apps.

Of course, there’s always the option of benefitting from coupons, promo codes, and credit offers from shopping online. So, if you are wanting to make an online purchase at say, Walmart, you can still save money, but instead of having to submit receipts, your purchases would be automatically tracked. It’s a win-win situation either way!

That is it for today’s post! I hope you do take advantage of using Ibotta because it is such a simple and easy way to save and earn money, and it would be a tragedy not to haha! Make sure to follow along for more posts just like this in the near future. I am happy to share more of my money making hacks really soon!

do you use cash back apps? which ones are your favorite? 

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This post contains referral links. Please see my privacy policy for a complete disclosure.

I’m back with another post, and today we’re talking about a few important tips to creating a brand presence that is authentic to you. On this blog, I love to discuss topics that are real and often vulnerable, and in this article, we reinforce the idea of getting outside of our comfort zones.

I often work with women that are starting a brand new blog or website, and if there’s any advice that I try to share with them from the get-go, it is exactly the advice that you will read in this article. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope it inspires you to just get out there are share your story (struggles and all), be yourself, and be confident in it all.

We recently got the opportunity to sit down with Debbie Millman: author, educator, curator, and host of the podcast Design Matters, one of the world's first and longest-running podcasts. 

As the host of Design Matters, Millman has interviewed over 400 artists, designers, and cultural commentators. In the 13 years since its inception, the show has garnered over five million downloads per year, honored with a Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, and designated one of the best overall podcasts by iTunes. 

Debbie is the author of six books and President Emeritus of AIGA, one of five women to hold the position in the organization’s 100-year history. She's a frequent speaker on design and branding and has been a juror for competitions including Cannes Lions, The Clio’s, the One Club and many, many more.

Here, she shares her thoughts on authenticity and vulnerability in branding and life. 

Debbie, tell us a little bit about yourself.  

I am a designer, an author, and an educator at the School of Visual Arts. I co-founded and run a graduate program in branding. I'm also the host of a podcast called Design Matters.
 

What tips can you offer to someone who wants to create a new brand presence for themselves?

Well, I wouldn't recommend that someone ever recreate themselves; I would recommend that they feature who they are on their best day, in a way that feels very authentic and true to their soul and being. People tend to respond more favorably to people that are being themselves, and, in many ways, holding that "freak" flag really high, because they can then relate and be able to connect with them in a much more visceral manner.

So, my recommendation would be to celebrate who you are on your best day, speak from the heart, and offer an opportunity for people to get to know who you really are.
 

A lot of people are hesitant to really put themselves out there. What would you say to them?

Watch Brené Brown's TED Talk about vulnerability. I really, truly believe that vulnerability is the birthplace of creativity, and you can't be creative and say something that is going to touch or reach other people unless you are doing it with your own open heart. So there really is no choice. If you're not comfortable with being vulnerable, my strong recommendation would be to get comfortable being vulnerable, because why else would anybody want to get to know you or pay attention to what you have to say? What are they getting to know, then? Some false friend?
 

How can people get out of their comfort zone and become more authentic?

Take small steps, small moves. You don't have to reveal everything about your childhood in your first email, but if you can share some part of yourself that you feel is worthy of connecting with other people, and people will feel is honest, then why wouldn't you want to do that?

That's what people want to know about you. They don't want to know all of the successes and all of the amazing things you're doing. They want to know how you've struggled, or how you've overcome an obstacle, or what lesson you learned in the process of doing something. And the more you can share that, I think the more value it has, both to yourself and to others.


Specifically, what kind of value does sharing your failures provide?

Well, everybody has experienced failure. And if you aren't able or capable of sharing what you've done wrong, why would anybody care if you're sharing what you've done right? And I feel that if we're putting a face forward that's only positive and only impressive, then we're manufacturing our meaning, because that's only one small part of what it means to be human, and strive, and long for things, and create things, and make things. And there is none of that without failure, rejection, vulnerability, fear. All of those things are just part of the process of being a maker.

Are there any particular failures or struggles that you can recount from your professional career that helped you become who you are today?

Well, almost anything I've done has been fueled by an enormous amount of rejection, whether it be book ideas, business ideas, or new pitches. My past is riddled and littered with rejections and failures. But, there are very few that I can actually look back on now and say, "I didn't either learn something, or overcome something to get to a better place, or create something out of that failure, that then became successful."

And, of course, it's easy to look back on it and say in hindsight, "Well, if that hadn't happened, then that wouldn't have happened, and then that wouldn't have happened, and I wouldn't be sitting right here," but I can tell you that it's really true.

Are there any other places that you turn to for inspiration in your career? 

Well, I love to read. I love to learn, so for me, some of the people that I'm either mentored by or inspired by are people like Seth Godin, who is one of the most generous, smartest, kindest people on the planet. And he does a daily blog, seven days a week, and so you can get daily morning inspiration from him. Also, Steven Heller. He's somebody that has also been enormously supportive and helpful to me, and mentored me, and inspired me, and educated me in ways that I could never have imagined. So those are two people, on a daily basis, that I turn to, both personally and professionally, online and offline.

Finally: What's your number one tip for brands who want to create a better connection with their audience?

Think about the benefit you can provide your audience. People aren't really interested in another form, or another flavor. They're interested in what kind of difference you can make in their lives. So, what can you offer your audience that will help them grow, help them become more successful, help them learn something that they wouldn't have expected or had the opportunity to do? What can you offer your audience that no one else can?

Interested in hearing more from Debbie? Check out her podcast, Design Matters! 

I hope you enjoyed that short inspirational post. I know how hard it is to be vulnerable, especially in this online space. I can personally say that I have shrunk back a little just due to a lot that has happened within the past couple years within my personal life. I feel like I have a lot to share, but I don’t know where to start. It can be overwhelming. It IS tough to share our struggles, but at the end of the day, that is what helps us get through them.

Lately I’ve just been feeling the pressure to have it all together. Perhaps this opens a new chapter for me to share more struggles that I’ve been through. This interview really brought me back to why I’m here in the first place. I want to continue to create a space that is inspiring and real. This may be the start for more sharing and being confident in my imperfect story.

A special thank you to Emma for this guest post. They have many amazing marketing resources to help you with your online business. I especially enjoy their Email Showdown series where they compare the email marketing of two brands. I highly recommend their resources, so do check them out if you are needing help with email marketing and want marketing tips from the pros!

In addition, if you are needing help developing your brand, I am here to help you from start to finish. Get in touch with me here for a free consultation.

is being vulnerable something that you struggle with and how? i’d love to have a discussion below.

This series started out with me being curious - and rightfully so! With so many talks about the benefits surrounding CBD oil, I just had to learn about it and share those findings with you all. I’m all for discovering new things, which includes things that will improve my quality of life and wellbeing. In my search for truth, I learned a ton of things that really opened my eyes to a whole new world - literally. In the final part of this series, I will be sharing a few of my final thoughts about CBD oil.

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what i learned

my main takeaways about cbd oil

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Prior to doing this series, I was very curious about CBD oil. Simply put, I did not know that there was so much to learn about the topic and that I was highly under-informed to say the least. Here is a list of things that I learned that made a huge impact on how I viewed the CBD oil industry as a whole:

CBD oil has an outrageous amount of health benefits

In part 1-3 of this series, I talked about the many benefits of CBD oil and Hemp Seed Oil. Of those benefits, the main ones that caught my attention and that I believe would particularly benefit me are in treating the following:

• migraines

• insomnia

• nausea (caused by migraines)

• acne

• stress

• anxiety

cbd oil is legal and safe

Anyone can buy CBD oil online, and it is legal and regulated across the 50 states. The World Health Organization concluded that it is not harmful in 2017.

CBD oil will not get you high

Little did I know that CBD oil actually had a purpose - and it was not to get high. If you read Part 1 in this series, I explained that CBD oil contains less than 0.3% of THC, which is essentially 0% in terms of it ever having the ability to produce a high whatsoever.

CBD oil is made from industrial hemp and not marijuana

Hemp and marijuana are essentially variants of the same plant, cannabis sativa, but they have very different purposes and composition. CBD oil is produced from industrial hemp, which has high levels of CBD. In contrast, marijuana is primarily produced for its high levels of THC content. An easy way to look at it is hemp = CBD and marijuana = THC

CBD oil has many uses and comes in different products

There are so many ways to take advantage of the benefits of CBD oil. It can be vaped, applied topically through various skincare products, taken orally using MedsBiotech CBD oil in the form of CBD capsules, various edibles such as gummies, chocolate, cake pops, dabs, drops, and drinks. I’m sure there is more out there too! CBD oil has many benefits, but specifically, CBD for anxiety is one of its common uses.

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the conclusion

Will I be trying CBD Oil and other hemp products?

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I wouldn’t have imagined that I would ever venture into this category of products or even consider using them. The truth is, I was not educated about the properties, uses, and benefits of hemp products, so I really was naive in my thoughts about them. It took me so long to look into it, but here we are, and I learned so much. I can honestly say that my views have expanded and yes, I definitely would like to try hemp products in the near future. Here is a list of hemp products that I would like to venture into trying and experiencing the benefits for myself:

• Flavored CBD vape oil

• Hemp Skincare

• Edibles (gummies)

• Hemp seeds

As a huge supporter of going the natural route in terms of treating illness and health concerns, I believe that CBD oil and hemp products are just as good as any other natural products on the market. All natural products have their specific uses and benefits, so why not explore and enjoy them if you choose? It feels so good to know what you’re putting in your body, and it is even more fulfilling when you are choosing products in a conscious way. When you know what specific products do for your body, you can listen to your body and determine what is best for you at that particular time.

As always, treating the underlying cause of the issue is even more important, in my opinion. Symptoms are usually a result of a deeper-rooted issue, so try to listen to your body and identify what it is trying to tell you. When the body responds in illness, your body is saying, hey, pay attention to me! I believe that the body has the ability to heal itself with the proper care that we give it. Of course, natural products will always be the better option when dealing with health concerns that traditionally require over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Many people are recognizing that there are so many natural alternatives available, which is amazing because people are becoming more educated about their options. I remember when I first started learning about natural remedies and natural products - I felt like an alien venturing into some far off land because it was a new concept that I had to prove to people. At the time, I was living on Guam and found myself dealing with many health problems. I decided to take control of my health by doing research on natural ways to heal my body. That was the start of my whole wellness journey, which is an endless pursuit because I’m always learning something new, and there’s always room for growth. I am glad that I added all of this information to my “farmacy” as I like to call it. Nature is so abundant and amazing, and I believe that so many answers to our problems can be found in it.

Thank you for tuning into this series, and if you have not already, make sure to go back and read Parts 1-4. This will seriously expose you to some new ideas about a wonderful plant that has so many amazing benefits. I learned so much from this series, and I hope you did to. Are there any other questions that you’d like answered? Comment them below, and I will do my best to answer them. I’d also love to hear about your thoughts about the different CBD and hemp options that I shared, and if you’ve had any experience using them, please share that too.

are you interested in trying hemp products?

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Disclosure: This post is purely from my personal findings and for informational purposes only, not to be construed as medical advice. Please seek medical advice from a licensed health practitioner. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please see my privacy policy for a complete disclosure.