My brain, having a meltdown like a toddler: I just can’t do it! I don’t want to !! I can’t!!
Me, parenting my tired toddler brain: Take a deep breath, it’s going to be ok. We don’t have to do everything today that’s overwhelming you. Let’s pick the most important thing to work on, ok? What’s the smallest step we can do to work towards that?
My toddler brain, wiping away tears: Um, I think we should…open up the important spreadsheet and look at the first row.
Me, parenting my tired toddler brain: Great! Let’s do that, and then we can have a popsicle, ok?
My toddler brain: *nods through drying tears, upset, but cooperative*
Feeling down? Cleaning is definitely a self care thing for me, here are some good and overlooked cleaning practices as well as a few little things that might make you feel better :
• delete unused bookmarks on your web browsers
• delete untouched social media accounts
• unsubscribe to old email subscriptions
• organize your closet
• organize your food - throw out old and expired stuff and donate what you don’t want to eat!
• unfollow social media accounts that don’t make you feel 100% good
• change the color themes of your web browser or computer system
• change your desktop background or phone wallpaper
• vacuum 3 things you haven’t vacuumed in a while (windowsills, corners, behind the toilet)
• put your laundry away !!!
• reorganize your desktop shortcuts
• uninstall old computer programs
• change that lightbulb you’ve been ignoring for weeks
• organize jewelry and accessories
• sort your junk drawers and find a place for (almost) everything
• if you smoke/have pets/have a lot of people in your house, use one of those magic eraser sponges and wipe off the white moldings/ walls, you’ll be blown away by how much cleaner it looks
• give 3 big yawns
• deep clean your body- eat a healthy meal, shave if you like to, put on lotion and a face mask, pluck your eyebrows, comb your hair
• throw out empty bottles in the shower
• I know you yawned earlier just from reading the word
• throw out the old razor that’s been sitting in your shower for too long
• open a new bar of soap
• hang up a piece of art (and maybe make it yourself) even if you think it’s bad
• scribble a whole pen out of ink
• get rid of all the dried up drawing and writing utensils in your drawer
• unfold the pages of an old book
• dust off your vents and fans, open a window, fresh air is important
I love you, and every little thing you do is still a victory and a step in the right direction ❤️
Some things I wanna do to get my life together in 2020:
•I wanna clean out and decorate my room. It’s literally just a bed and mirror right now. I wanna get rid off the popcorn ceiling and add some cool decorations and plants to make it aesthetically pleasing.
•I wanna get my wardrobe together and put together a fashion sense. I’ve sort of been wearing whatever’s comfortable and I can’t dress like Billie Eilish Walmart Version forever. I’d probably be more confident in my looks if I dressed better.
•Get a skin care routine. I know I posted skin tips but I never took my advice and I sort of let myself go. I’m thinking of looking into curology but honestly I just wanna treat my skin well again (I’ve literally only been using water rip)
•Stop sleeping so much so I can get everything done and have more energy.
•learn to do some makeup! Not to cover up but to express myself and gain more art skills!! (Might come in handy for photos too)
This list might sound dumb to some but it really does make a big difference in your life. I’m posting this just to hold myself accountable and maybe inspire anyone reading this. If anyone makes their own list good luck!
I know it’s been a minute since I’ve posted on here for personal reasons that I don’t want to disclose, but making this post was really on heart to make during such a difficult time with us being in quarantine. Although cites have opened back up, it’s only a matter of time before everything get shut down again. But people are having a difficult time trying to navigate through this pandemic and with people’s mental health getting to the best of them in the easiest way possible. I feel the need to share some tips that has helped me during this time.
Journaling out your feelings and random thoughts that come to your head
Pick up on old projects or interests you’ve left off on
Forming a virtual healing group and start having group meditations and things of that sort
Create moodboards and vision boards
Cry if you need to. This is a good way to allow yourself to really feel things that you have distracted yourself from
Catch up and binge watch your favorite shows that you grew up on
Find books around your house that use to interest you and get back to reading
If you have things locked away in an as far as old magazines, get to scanning and create a blog
If you have a fur baby of your own, play with them more often
Catch up on sleep
Find ways to cater to yourself
These few things have helped me out tremendously during this time so I genuinely hope it works out for you as well! People are saying use this time to invest your money and start a business or whatever and I feel like those things are great, but your mental and physical health is super important and right now is the best time to attend to it.
Before I begin, you ought to know what sleep paralysis is. When you sleep you go through two cycles, REM and NREM. REM stands for “rapid eye movement” and during this phase your body is completely paralyzed but your eyes are moving around under the lids. NREM is “non rapid eye movement” and during this time your body moves about but your eyes are still. You need to go through both cycles numerous times for a proper nights sleep. Sleep paralysis occurs when you wake up during REM and can be alarming to someone who isn’t used to it. But don’t worry, as someone who has gotten it chronically since I was a young child, I am going to teach you how to get through it.
First of all, you might feel like you’re suffocating, but don’t panic. You don’t have control of your body right now, and that includes your lungs. When you sleep, your breathing is heavily decreased. So just calm down, it’s ok, you can breathe.
Don’t be idle! So many people just lay there and expect sleep paralysis to go away. But that isn’t how this works. You MUST wake yourself up and yes it will be uncomfortable. It feels like reactivating your nerves, so it isn’t pleasant, but it isn’t really painful either. Just get through it, and try to move, you could be stuck for HOURS if you don’t.
On that note, there are ways to make the waking up process easier. Try to move one part of the body at a time. Maybe start just trying to move your finger then slowly progess to “waking up” the rest of your body. Also if you simply can’t get whatever part to move try somewhere else. I have had times where I tried to move my arms but they wouldn’t budge, only to find out that moving my head was much easier and woke up my entire body.
Don’t immediately go back to sleep! There is a very high chance that doing so will make you return to sleep paralysis. I have made this mistake more times than I’d like to admit, so it’s ok, but still, get up. You don’t have to do anything big, maybe just go grab some water or read a little bit (or whatever else you feel like) before attempting to return to sleep.
For the love of god DON’T OPEN YOUR EYES!! You’ll hallucinate.I’ve seen some weird shit when my eyes are open, and although I’m usually too preoccupied to be scared about the surreal demonic shit I see at the foot of my bed, for lots of people it’s terrifying, so I recommend that you keep your eyes shut.
Sorry it took so long for me to make this post! I’ve been kinda busy. But I sincerely hope this helps. Don’t stress over sleep paralysis, you’re going to be fine and once you have it for a while it becomes more of an inconvenience than an emergency. Sweet dreams!
Becoming less reactive is a big part of growth & decreasing stress. Sometimes this type of avoidance can be looked at as lack of interest or uncaring, but it isn’t. If you let everything get you worked up, you’re damaging your mind, body & soul
Invest on skincare, spa days, facials, be mindful of your diet and avoid consuming inflammatory and processed foods, wear your SPF religiously, never sleep with your make up on, make sure you rest 7 to 8 hours daily, exercise, meditate/pray and become in-tune with your spirituality, drink plenty of lemon water daily, drink smoothies, take magnesium and supplement with different vitamins depending on the season of the year, avoid alcohol if possible. Take care and exalt your body and it will take care of you in the long run, don’t abuse it, cherish it.
The worst thing you can do for yourself is never give yourself the opportunity to flourish into the best version of you possible. It’s essentially sentencing yourself to a life of regrets and what ifs. Don’t be afraid of trying! What’s truly worse is waking up at 60 full of regrets for never having tried. Is that what you want? If the answer is no, start trying, keep trying, and don’t give up until you succeed.
Cleaning my space, getting rid of things that don’t suit me, only responding to love, knowing my worth, expecting only the best plus more, getting what I want, taking care of my health, moving my body, getting lots of nutrients and sunlight.
Casual cruelty has become so ingrained in a lot of people because we live in a society that is structured in a cruel way. To be quite honest you are obligated to consider the harm of your words and actions no matter your personal hardships.
Never feel guilty for resting, never feel guilty for having to recharge your body and mind. You deserve to rest and you deserve peace, even if your tasks haven’t been finished yet.
Invest on skincare, spa days, facials, be mindful of your diet and avoid consuming inflammatory and processed foods, wear your SPF religiously, never sleep with your make up on, make sure you rest 7 to 8 hours daily, exercise, meditate/pray and become in-tune with your spirituality, drink plenty of lemon water daily, drink smoothies, take magnesium and supplement with different vitamins depending on the season of the year, avoid alcohol if possible. Take care and exalt your body and it will take care of you in the long run, don’t abuse it, cherish it.
take care of your appearance, dress well, wear perfume, and use manners even if you’re just staying home. beauty and elegance isn’t only for the public, it’s for you in your privacy too. a finer way of living.
“I am so afraid of disappointing the people I love, I often forget that I am someone I love too. And I need kindness just as much as I believe the people I love do.”
This post is ALL about hygiene and self care. It covers pretty much everything you could think of. ENJOY.
SHOWER
Exfoliating - Ok so for shower care you should be exfoliating 2-3 times a week. It’s really up to you what you use to exfoliate. Exfoliating should be done regularly it keeps your skin nice and smooth as well as getting rid of bumps and marks. To exfoliate you can invest in exfoliating gloves or a body scrub. You can even make a homemade body scrub out of olive oil and sugar/salt. Another bath essential for me is my back scrubber. I know some people struggle with body acne and back acne and I heard that really helps. It’s just nice to feel that your whole body is smooth. Another exfoliating tool are exfoliating scrub bars. Lush has a lot of nice ones, I recommend the Scrubee. These are good because they exfoliate and moisturise at the same time!
If you’re using a loofah or any kind of sponge remember they need to be replaced and you should do so every two months or more often if you would like.
Find a body wash that actually works for your skin. If you have dry skin you may want a creamy, moisturising soap. If you have sensitive skin you would want to use a more natural soap. Find what works for you!
Make sure you’re washing everything, that means your booty crack, behind your ears, your coochie, your belly button. All of it!
SHAVING
If you exfoliate before and after you shave you will feel super smooth and soft after!
Invest in a good shaving cream, lush also has a nice one. If you’re out of shaving cream you can always use conditioner. Leaves your skin super smooth.
Use a razor with multiple blades, men’s razors are very good for a nice clean shave.
Remember to rinse your razor!!
There is no need to press hard, be gentle when you shave.
AFTER SHOWER CARE
Skin (body) - Ok so if you have dry skin like me you want to moisturise as soon as you come out of the shower. On top of my regular body lotion I use a body oil as well. The name of the body oil I use is Palmer’s Moisturising Body Oil. This smells so good and goes amazing with my cocoa butter lotion. I would also recommend almond oil. This is such a good addition especially for summer because it leaves you nice and glowy!
Perfume - Ok so this is important for building your signature scent. People always ask me how to do it but it’s really so simple. Your signature scent is going to be a combination of your body lotion, perfume and or body mist. I personally use cocoa butter scented lotion. A good scent to go along with this could be vanilla. If you use a floral perfume you would want a body lotion that smells fresh or fruity.
Skin Care - A good thing to invest in is skin care especially this summer who wouldn’t want to look fresh and glowy. Set days that you’re going to do face masks. I write down my skin care routine on my mini white board so I remember what days I do what, I also find it motivates me when I’m lazy. You can always make your own face masks or buy them. I always think the more natural the better but there are some shop bought ones I like. Spend some time and do some research to find the best mask for your skin. Another thing to buy is eye gel masks. These are so nice I always feel so much brighter after I use them. One more thing I would recommend is keeping a face mist with you. You can buy one or make your own. I love using rose water I spray my face with it literally every five seconds lmao! It also smells amazing and keeps you looking nice and fresh!
Feet - When it comes to looking after your feet it really depends on what your normal routine is. It’s always nice to invest in yourself and go to get your nails done but you can also take care of your feet from home! For your at home foot care you can get a small tub and soak your feet in warm water (I like to add essential oils too). Then after they’ve been soaked I grab my pumice stone which is a great investment, it keeps your feet super smooth. I would recommend buying a foot file of some sort. Another thing to invest in is a cuticle oil this is good for both your toes and fingernails. Then when I’ve soaked and dried I use my foot cream. Now this is obviously a little extra you can use a regular cream but a speacial cream for your feet is a good buy. I use the Soap and Glory foot cream.
HAIR
Ok so you should make an effort to deep condition once a week. If you don’t have a deep conditioner you can make one with conditioner and a variety of oils mixed together. Twist your hair up and throw on a shower cap and do some chores. If anyone wants a recommendation I use the Aunt Jackies in control conditioner.
Buy some oils for your hair, here’s a quick breakdown of what oils do what.
Sealants - this means you apply after you have moisturised your hair, these oils seal in moisture!
- Peppermint Oil: stimulates the scalp and increases hair growth. (apply to scalp or add to your shampoo)
- Olive Oil: promotes scalp health, good for hair growth and keeps hair soft and shiny. sealant
- Jojoba Oil: encourages hair regrowth and moisturises hair! Eliminates frizz and adds shine. sealant
- Acocado Oil: moisturises, repairs and strengthens hair. Is good for penetrating the hair shaft so it’s great for moisture. Contains vitamin D so it’s good for the generation of new hair follicles. sealant
- Argan Oil: high in vitamin E, good for dry scalp and dandruff. Keeps hair protected from damage. sealant
- Jamaican Black Castor Oil: increases blood criculation to the scalp and encourages hair growth. Balances the pH of your scalp. Stops scalp infections, inflammation and dandruff. Makes your hair stronger and replenishes natural oils in your hair.
Make time to do a hot oil treatment if your hair is feeling dry
Massage your scalp and oil it during the week.
Make sure to moisturise the ends of your hair, this is how you retain length!
Wrap your hair, wear a bonnet or invest in silk pillow cases.
Buy silk scrunchies or hair bands that are gentle on your hair.
Replace your brushes when they get old and crusty lol!
Remember to dust your ends. You can do this at home when you see single strand knots and remember to go and get a trim when you feel like your hair needs it. Listen to your hair!
Be consistent! The reason you’re not seeing growth could be because you’re not sticking to a routine. When you find products that work keep using them. Never skip a wash day and deep condition weekly!
PERIOD
Ok so I feel like sometimes people shy away from talking about hygiene when we’re on our period but it’s important and nothing to be embarrassed of!
I recommend downloading a period app if you don’t have one. There are so many different kinds that help you keep track of cravings, cramps, skin care and more.
Whether you’re using a pad or tampon they need to be changed regularly. This will keep you smelling fresh and keep your kitty healthy.
Carry feminine wipes with you but make sure they’re as natural as possible. I heard that the brand Honeypot is very good and is also black owned!
Also don’t use scented pads or anything make sure the pads you’re using are also as natural as possible.
When you’re on your period drink lots of water. I’ve noticed when I’m on my period and I’m drinking lots of water it made my period easier to deal with, mine usually lasts about 7 days and is super heavy but it’s started to become shorter and lighter.
I’ve also heard that taking cranberry pills after your period really helps if you’re noticing any odour so I recommend that too.
YOUR KITTY
Ok so when it comes to keeping your kitty clean and healthy I’m gonna start off with saying drink ya water! I know I say this all the time but seriously it helps!
Stop wearing underwear all the time let your coochie breathe. I also recommend sleeping naked it’s good for you.
Wear cotton underwear.
Discharge is absolutely normal. If you notice your discharge has a weird smell or colour then there is probably an issue and you should head to your doctor. Discharge is often clear/milky in colour and is like mucus or egg whites. You can also use your period app to track what discharge is normal. For example when you’re ovulating you’re likely to get discharge and before your period.
If you’re noticing any odour drink more water and change your diet. Start to eat more fruits and grab that cranberry juice. If you don’t like cranberry juice there are pills you can take.
You should not be using any old body wash to clean your coochie. It’s very sensitive and this can throw off your pH balance. If you choose to use soap which you don’t have to then pick a natural one that is specifically for down there. You can also just use warm water it’s a personal choice!
Don’t just use any lotion on your coochie or around that area either. I recommend baby oil.
EXTRAS
Bring your mask and hand sanitizer with you at all times. Please stay safe!
Carry around hand cream, nobody wants dry ashy hands lol.
Always carry lip balm/gloss.
Carry a bottle of water with you whenever you go out.
Carry deodorant and feminine wipes so you can freshen up during the day.
Always clean your phone with antibacterial wipes at the end of the day.
Remember to brush your tongue, floss and use mouth wash. On top of that always carry gum or mints with you.
Wash your makeup brushes! Seriously if you wear makeup daily or often wash them at the end of the week and if you need to then replace them.
When you’re not wearing acrylics make sure your nails are cut and shaped. Also apply cuticle oil to keep them healthy.
LIP SCRUBS. I love them sm they always keep my lips super soft and pink. I love the bubblegum lip scrub from Lush.
OKAY SO THATS IT. This may be updated later because there’s so much more. Send me ideas for more posts!
The cold season is approaching for a lot of us, and it can be a challenging time, many even dealing with seasonal depression. Some suggestions on how to make it easier to manage the cold long winter months… Everyone copes differently, so these are just my personal suggestions.
Keep your body moving. Bundle up for a walk, go indoor swimming, work at the gym or simply follow at home workouts. Exercising helps boost our mood by producing feel good endorphins!
Check your vitamin D levels. Sunlight is a source of vitamin D, a nutrient linked to sharper thinking and better emotional health. So talk with your doctor if they think taking daily vitamins will be best for you.
Speak with a medical professional about how you’re feeling mentally, and seek help if needed. Many people tend to be diagnosed with seasonal depression during the colder months. So don’t hesitate to seek help!
Stimulate your senses. Scents can add to your feeling of well-being; try diffusing peppermint or citrus essential oils or some other energizing scent. Or bring out bright colours into your home decor. Maybe purchase every week a bouquet of flowers! Or buy a few plants for added greenery.
Nurture yourself. Do more of what makes you feel good, whether that’s taking a warm bubble bath, watching your favourite shows cuddled in cozy blankets, writing in your journal, talking to a loved one, baking your favourite dessert, eating your favourite foods, etc; Anything that makes you feel warm, safe and happy inside. Also make sure to take good care of your body, eating foods filled with vitamins and nutrients that’ll boost your immune system. Vitamins like Vitamin C, Echinacea, Vitamin B, etc; are great for immunity.
Create healthy routines for your day to day life. You don’t necessarily have to follow a strict schedule, but making sure to incorporate healthy and motivating habits into your daily life.
Whenever the weather allows, plan to go outside and hang out with someone or even go out for a walk during the day time. Get as much sunlight as possible. Keep your curtains open! Wake up early enough to catch enough day time.
Invest in a sun lamp, or light therapy! Bright light therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for winter blues and seasonal depression.
Keep warm! Make sure your heaters at home are working before the cold hits. Invest in a good quality winter jacket, and boots. Make sure you’re stocked up in warm drinks such as teas, and hot chocolate!! Get out your cozy blankets!
Take up a new hobby. It could be anything, such as painting, knitting, joining a gym, keeping a journal, or writing a blog. The important thing is that you have something to look forward to and concentrate on. Teach yourself new things, learn about new topics. Keeping your mind busy!
Keep in contact with friends and family. Socializing can be good for your mental health and helps ward off the winter blues. Make an effort to keep in touch with people you care about, and accept any invitations you get to social events, even if you only go for a little while.
1. Matching pajama sets. I got a cute matching set a target for under $30 and it just makes me feel super expensive wearing them to bed. Plus they’re super comfortable.
2. Silk robes. I found one on Etsy for about $30 and I even got my name embroidered on it. I love wearing it, especially while doing my skin care routines.
3. Bubble baths. Bubble baths are so relaxing and soothing, especially after a long day/week. I like adding Epsom salt to mine and the salt and soap cost less than $10 all together.
4. Candles. Candles just add that little something extra to your space that makes it feel cozy and lived it. I love fall scents, spa scents and floral scents. A nice candle a bath and body works is about $30 but not only can you make your own for not much money, stores like tj maxx sell luxury candles for less than $10.
5. Fresh flowers. Fresh flowers really brighten a space up, plus they smell super good too. Every time I buy fresh flowers, I smile whenever I see them on my table or dresser. Most flowers are under $15 for a bouquet. Plus you can get cool vases for them, especially at thrift stores.
6. Bowls of fruit. Having a nice bowl of fruit just makes me feel like I’m being healthy and just reminds me of all the luxury fruit boards I see on Pinterest.
7. Sugar scrubs. Sugar scrubs feel great on tired, dry skin and makes me feel so smooth and silky, like I’ve just been to the spa. You can make your own sugar scrub or buy one for less than $10.
Everyone is uniquely beautiful. It’s in the shape of your eyes, the nose you inherited from your mom, the smile you and your dad share. But wouldn’t it be nice to know exactly how your unique features come together to make you beautiful?
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Hey internet, I’m calling on you! If I were to release the little zines/graphics I’ve been making for myself lately onto the internet, would any body care for it? Please let me know if this ever reaches an audience, no matter how small, by supporting this post so I can know if it’s worth putting out there or just keeping to myself.
started a little stream of conciousness and it came out rather reassuring so i felt like i’d share. i know it seems like a lot to read but it really might help
