WEEKLY T0-DO LIST | FEB 28 - MARCH 6

After setting the Spring Goals that I shared in last week’s post, I’m setting my week up to be more productive with a to-do list. I like a list to remind me of both what I need to do + what I want to do. Last year I was good about jotting everything down in the notes app on my phone but somehow I got out of the habit during the holidays. It’s time to finally get back to it + start getting sh*t done! 

To catch you up, here’s how I like to lay things out on my to-do lists:

+ I choose my top non-work related goals or tasks for the week, typically no more than 5-10. I’ve found the more manageable + less overwhelming the list (aka, not putting TOO many things on it), the more likely it is that you’ll actually do what’s on it. 

 
+ I make them as simple or as complex as I want! Sometimes I dread doing + put off even the easiest or most basic tasks. If it’s important to you + you want it done, write it down! 

 
+ Checking off my progress. Whether you write it down or do it on your phone, check things off the list as you go. It feels great seeing your progress (and what you still need to get done) + it will motivate you to keep going. 

 
+ I’m adding in a separate area for daily habits + intentions. These are things that I’m actively working on all the time or habits that I do (or try to do) every single day. Since they’re repetitive, I’m keeping them at the top as a constant reminder for throughout the week.

DAILY HABITS + INTENTIONS 

+ Get 8 hours of sleep each night

+ Stay off of my phone immediately after waking up + during meals with friends and family

+ Take my vitamins 

+ Walk 10K+ steps 

+ Put up new blog posts (MWF)

+ Floss my teeth

+ Do the Wordle! 

WEEKLY TO-DO LIST

+ Pay my car insurance 

+ Wash my hair

+ Treat myself to a movie + lunch date 

+ Finish my current book + start a new one 

+ Make banana bread 

+ Spend more time outside 

+ Review my finances + quarterly goals

Outside of work, I don't have too many appointments or engagements happening. My main priority is to reset my schedule + find a better balance for my free time. I'm also hoping to be more mindful of healthy habits like getting more rest and eating well. 

What's on your to-do list for this week? 

WHAT I WANT: ATHLEISURE

Hat // Sneakers // Socks // Tee // Cropped Zip Hoodie + Biker Shorts // Pink Top + Pink Leggings // White Top + Printed Leggings

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HEALTHY HABITS TO PRACTICE DAILY

In Monday’s blog post, I shared some intentions and goals I have for this upcoming season. I’m a big believer in continuing to move forward and evolving as a person. There is always room for improvement! This often means checking in on yourself and changing or implementing new daily habits when necessary.

Going through growth can be hard. Change itself IS hard. While we would all love overnight results with the snap of our fingers, you learn that the secret key to successful change is through small, consistent action. It isn’t making one big monumental decision— it’s the cumulative affect of all the little moves. I keep hearing the phrase “how you do anything is how you do everything” which I love. It’s a nice reminder to keep showing up for yourself and the people in your life! 

One of my ultimate goals is to perfect my daily routine. These are some healthy habits I currently practice daily or continue to implement in my routine:

+ FLOSS YOUR TEETH - Oral hygiene should always a top priority, aka floss everyday. It sounds obvious but I read recently that only 30% of adults floss every day. It can definitely be a pain in the a** sometimes when you’re tired but it’s a non-negotiable for me. Not only does it keep your mouth clean, good gum health affects your heart and overall health. Once you get in the habit, it’s a quick 2-minute step. Do it! 

+ EAT WELL - Healthier eating always seems to be a challenge, especially if you’re a huge foodie like I am! I’m a big believer that everything is okay in moderation and about balance. Limiting sugar and junk for cleaner options is important, but it’s also okay (and sometimes necessary!) to indulge a little here and there.

+ DETOX FROM YOUR PHONE - We all know the highs and lows of social media + technology. It’s fun to scroll but a little detox everyday is important. I’m making an effort to stay off the phone when I’m spending time with others, especially during meals. 

+ SLEEP WELL - One of the most important habits you can do every day is get enough rest. Most adults need 7-9 hours a night to rest + recover your body and mind. I’ve always been a night owl but the older I get, the more I value my sleep. 

+ WALK 10,000 STEPS A DAY - Another non-negotiable for me is walking at least 10,000 steps a day. There are so many benefits to being active and getting some exercise + movement in each day. I dedicated an entire blog post on this a few months back and specifics why you should also walk 10K a day. I’ll link the post here. 

+ READ - Whether for education or for fun, you can almost always learn something new while reading. A good book is also a great escape from the world and stress of life! It’s one of my favorite pastimes and something we can all benefit from doing daily.

+ DRINK WATER - We all know the importance of drinking water, but it’s often easier said than done. Stay hydrated, friends! 

+ GET OUTSIDE - Being outdoors and in nature has a way of calming and grounding us. I always feel more at peace going on walks and it can be very therapeutic, especially if you’re feeling stressed. 

Don’t forget to floss! 

SPRING GOALS | 2.21.22

I'm starting the week off with some new goals + intentions for this Spring. I'm learning that becoming an adult is an endless cycle of juggling your day to day life and constantly working on the different aspects of yourself. I always want to become and be the best version of me. I can usually pinpoint the areas of my life that need my attention-- that can mean more or less of something, a new approach or removing something all together. 

I also like the concept of being the person you want others to be for you. No matter what role (whether a romantic relationship, friendship, parental, etc.), embracing and being your ideal "person" is a great place to start. You can't change others or how they are, but you can change yourself. Doing and accomplishing things to better yourself also feels amazing and helps build confidence. Keep scrolling to read a few areas I'm working to be more intentional with + how I'm hoping to implement. 

BE MORE PRESENT
Taking the time to detox from your phone + social media is super important. I’m sure we’ve all been guilty of constantly checking IG and scrolling a little too much. While I love connecting online and keeping up with everyone, I’m challenging myself to dial it back a bit and be more present in the "real" world. I think I do a fairly good job at this now but there’s always room for improvement. 

+ Waking up a few minutes before jumping straight on my phone
+ Putting my phone away while spending time with friends and family, especially during meals + at the table

RESET SLEEP SCHEDULE
Anyone else feel like you never get enough sleep? I’m a night owl so I tend to stay up way too late. I’ve been transitioning to a new, earlier work day which has messed up my usual sleep routine. I’ve been feeling more sluggish in the mornings so I’m hoping to adjust my schedule to feel more rested + refreshed.

+ Going to bed at a consistent bed time and aiming for 8 hours a night

+ Waking up earlier to allow more time before the workday 

BALANCE FREE TIME
Finding the best way to utilize my free time outside of work is also important to me. I think we’re often stuck in the “go go go” on work days that when you finally have time off, you don’t know what to do. I tend to peter back in forth between wanting to be productive/get things done and enjoying my time (aka by doing nothing). Welcome to adulthood! Finding that balance is key + necessary. It's important to do the things you need to but also take time for yourself to detox + relax. I also usually feel better when I spend my time off doing more the fulfilling things I love such as reading, blogging, etc. versus endlessly scrolling or watching Tik-Tok. 

+ Prioritize my to-do lists and goals

+ Do a little bit of both: the must-dos & the want-tos 

What are your goals right now?

SPRING SANDALS | 2022

Beige Heeled Sandal // Puffy Blush Slides // Crystal Slides // Black Flip Flops // Strappy Leather Heels // Braided Heeled Sandals

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HEALTHY GROCERY HAUL | BREAKFAST

Alright, we’re officially diving into a healthy eating season over here. When it comes to eating healthy, for me the beginning is always the hardest. I find that after you start and get into a groove, it becomes so much easier. I’m also a big believer in “everything in moderation” because it makes eating healthier more sustainable. I try not to deprive myself of anything (unless I’m trying to cut it out specifically), but shoot for keeping things reasonable. If I want a few chips, I’ll eat a few (just not the entire bag). I also like to make trade offs, meaning I’ll skip eating something that’s unhealthy if I want to have something else later on. If you’re too restrictive, there’s a good chance you won’t stick with it long term so I like to moderate and pick + choose!

My goal right now is to cut back and eat cleaner (less sugar, snacks, etc.), make better food choices (less fries 🥺) and to have more meals at home. I eat out a lot and while you can find healthier choices, sometimes they’re harder to say no to. I’m guilty of this, especially when I’m tired or I’ve had a long day.

I usually have the most success eating at home for either breakfast or lunch. I’m going to start focusing my energy on those and can hopefully start eating at home at least 2-3 times a week. I picked up a few new things at the grocery store to make some healthier oatmeal for breakfast. Here’s a little mini haul of what I bought: 

MINI BREAKFAST GROCERY HAUL

+ Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Organic Old Fashioned Oats 

I purchased mine from a local health foods store, however it's cheaper if you buy a 4-pack here.

+ Bob’s Red Mill Organic Golden Ground Flax Mill 

+ Califia Farms Oat Milk

+ Simple Truth Organic Maple Syrup (found at Kroger, similar option here)

+ Organic Blueberries & Bananas

What’s your go-to healthy meal?

I love sharing my hauls with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY RECAP

Happy VDAY! Did any of you celebrate this weekend or did you watch the Super Bowl? We’re going out tonight so we (aka JJ... LOL. If it’s not my team I only go for the snacks & commercials.) watched the game. I ate my weight in chips & queso and may have indulged in one or two margaritas...😉

My work just moved locations so it’s been a crazy past few weeks of moving and getting settled in. I haven’t had a lot of free time lately and yesterday was my first full day off in awhile. It was nice to be able to relax, take it easy and spend some quality time with JJ.

We went to a new local spot for brunch yesterday. Are you a sweet or savory brunch person? I can go either way but normally go for something more savory. I ended up going for chicken & waffles and JJ had a shrimp & grits bowl. We also split some bacon & cheese home fries that were the star of the show— they were SO good! Perfectly crisp & delicious.

After brunch we ran some errands, did some Fresh Market/Target runs and caught up on The Sopranos. We finished up Season 3 so we’re finally getting closer to the end! Also did anyone else love the Chevy super bowl commercial? That was my fave!! Such a great throwback and fun since we’ve been watching.

After all of the queso and margaritas at dinner, it’s time to jump back on the healthy train. I’ve had too many reasons to push it off (the holidays, the work move, my birthday, Valentine’s Day, etc.) but my body needs a detox. The plan is to eat cleaner and cut back on the sugar and snacks. That’s usually where I struggled the most— I love anything sweet! I’m also looking forward to eating at home more for breakfast & lunch. I purchased some new oatmeal I’m excited to try— what kind of toppings should I put in it? I have chia, raisins, syrup, etc., but want your suggestions!

Let me know what I should pick up!

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BOOKS I WANT TO READ | FEBRUARY

It's time for a little "What I Want to Read" this month. If you've ever read any of my previous book posts, it's probably no secret that I love the self-improvement/self-help/motivational genre. I'm constantly looking for ways to be better + work on myself and I always find a lot of insight from books. They usually offer a different approach to something I'm interested in learning about + different ways to apply it to your own life. I also love to read! I usually come across new books I want to read from searching different topics and finding them, seeing or hearing a recommendation or just casually browsing the book section at Target. I'm also keeping my reading goal realistic which means I usually narrow it down to just a few books! I'm currently reading this book but hope to dive into one of these next. Here's the line-up:

WHAT I WANT TO READ

You can read the synopsis + shop each book by clicking on the title below: 

+ The 5 AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life by Robin Sharma 

+ The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman 

+ Master Your Emotions: A Practical Guide to Overcome Negativity and Better Manage Your Feelings by Thibaut Meurisse and Kerry J Donovan 

What are you reading right now?

I love sharing my picks with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

Check out more books I Want to Read here: 

January Reading List

5 Personal Growth Books I Want to Read | 12.6

5 Personal Growth Books I Want to Read | 9.22

Empowering Books I Want to Read

5 Motivational Books I Want to Read

PRODUCTS I'M USING FOR IRRITATED SKIN

I‘ve been dealing with some pesky, red bumps around my eyes lately. Any type of irritation or skin issues can be extremely frustrating to deal with (and get rid of) so I've been very selective with the products I'm using. For now, I've cut out my regular skincare products for simple + gentle alternatives. I figured going back to the “basics” and using less products overall would help to remove anything causing the irritation and/or clear it up. With what I'm pretty sure is dermatitis (thanks Google!) causing the bumps + being a little extra dry from the Winter weather, switching to these has helped a TON. Everything has been super gentle and has soothed the irritation + bumps dramatically! Whether you’re also having some skin issues (always be sure to check with a dermatologist first before using/treating) or just wanting some good moisturizing products, keep reading to see what's been working for me. I'll also link it all too if you want to do some research or buy.

+ Aloe Vera - We all know aloe is good for sunburn + irritated skin, so I thought it couldn’t hurt to use it on the mysterious (and annoying!) red bumps. I was previously using hydrocortisone which I later read can further irritate dermatitis around the eyes. LOL. Definitely why you should go see a dermatologist unlike me... I did check and aloe vera is safe for your face and can help a lot of issues from rosacea to eczema. I have seen a HUGE difference using the aloe and it has almost entirely cleared up all of the bumps. I’m still using it daily so I’ll be interested to see if it will go and stay away if I stop. For now, I’ve been dabbing a little on each morning and before bed. I’m amazed and will continue to use if I ever have any other skin issues! I bought this one because it’s 97.7% pure aloe and free from fragrance, alcohol + dye. It’s also under $4 for a huge bottle!

+ Vaseline - Vaseline is one of those old, tried and true products that just works. I’ve been using it on top of the aloe and on my nose + lips. They were drying out like crazy from the cold weather so I needed something heavy duty and the vaseline did the trick! It's also very affordable— I bought this size for under $2.

+ Hyaluronic Acid Lip Balm - I’ve also been using this lip balm at night which is great. It’s not as heavy as the Vaseline, but it gives great moisture and has hyaluronic acid and shea butter. It feels great on the lips too! You can purchase it here. 

+ Nécessaire The Hand Cream - If you have dry hands, this hand cream is so good. It’s full of peptides and vitamins that are great for your skin and really add moisture. My favorite thing is that it blends + absorbs quickly and there isn’t a greasy residue. It’s a little pricey but a little goes a long way. 

What are your go-to skin products?

I love sharing my picks with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

GALENTINE'S DAY GIFT IDEAS

Mini Bundt Maker // Sugar Lips Gummies // Chocolate Bar Duo // Rose Gold Eye Patches // Why Men Love Bitches Book  // Initial Heart Charm Necklace // Lip Scrub + Balm Duo // Mug

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I love sharing my picks with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

SPENDING VS. SAVING

Yesterday I shared a poll on IG stories asking if you were to splurge on something, what would it be. Out of the choices (I asked jewelry, handbag/wallet, shoes or to save), I was surprised that the majority picked handbags. Ya'll are after my own heart! I was curious because lately I've been pondering the whole concept behind spending vs. saving. I find myself always having a lot of "wants" but when it comes to spendier purchases, I end up rationalizing reasons not to buy them. I have no problem spending money when it comes to food, everyday essentials, etc., but nowadays I tell myself that spending X on one thing might be better invested/saved for the future, could be used for multiple wants and so on.

From a financial perspective we're winning here, right? You’re saving money and thinking through your purchases. Mentally, I would say not necessarily. I think the idea that too much of one thing is a bad thing can be a factor. I started reflecting on this and my spending at the end of 2021, hence why I made one of my new year's resolutions be to treat myself more. You can read about all of them in this post. I'm starting to learn that only prioritizing saving and/or not having a plan for the money you're saving can feel empty and unfulfilling. Buying too many things can be the same, but it’s also important and okay to spend some of your money on yourself! 

Something I’m going to start doing from now on is prioritizing the splurges (which ones do I actually want and will get use from) and how much I want to spend on them. Like with to-do lists and goals, starting with too many choices becomes overwhelming. Have you ever put a lot of items in your cart but then can’t narrow it down or eliminate any of them? I have! I end up usually NOT buying anything. Keeping a list will help prepare you for the purchase + decide what you really want. It’s also fun to have a wish list! 

Currently pondering my next splurge now... I’ll keep you posted if I bite the bullet! 😅😉

What are you splurging on? 

AGENT NATEUR HOLI(STICK) + (AIME) PROBIOTIC DEODORANT REVIEW

I wanted to update you with a little review today on Agent Nateur's h o l i (s t i c k) N3 + ( aime ) probiotic deodorants. In my effort to switch to cleaner products, I purchased both of these deodorants during the AN Black Friday sale last year. Having never dabbled into the natural/aluminum free deodorant world before, I knew starting with Agent was a great choice. They have impeccable skincare and body products that use the best ingredients and are luxuriously clean and safe. I also adore Jena Covello (founder + creator). She's innovative + intuitive when it comes to formulations and ingredients. You can find my thoughts on their holi(trinity) skincare line here + what else I purchased from the Black Friday sale here. 

Agent Nateur offers five different deodorants: the original known as holi(stick) N3, rose-scented holi(rose), uni(sex), holi(stick) sensitive + (aime) probiotic deodorant. I purchased the original holi(stick) N3 + the (aime) probiotic deodorant.

The original holi(stick) N3 is the first product ever created and launched by Agent. It's an all-natural, aluminum free formula containing oils to help prevent odor. 

The (aime) probiotic deodorant was created in collaboration with the French skincare company, aime. It's also aluminum free and formulated with probiotic bacteria to prevent odors + keep your skin's natural bacteria in balance. I also loved that the scent was inspired by the South of France and the French Riviera with neroli, jasmine and citrus notes. 

WHAT DO I THINK?

SCENTS
I really like both of the scents. The N3 has a fresh, slightly herbal tone. I pick up the eucalyptus and lavender notes but it's also very vibrant and fresh. It isn't overpowering or too strong. The (aime) is very unique too. I can't quite put my finger on it but it reminds me of something I've smelled before-- you can definitely pick up on the citrus but it's blended in well with the floral notes. It's a very interesting, unique smell but also familiar. Not too overpowering either which I appreciate. 

APPLICATION
The formulas both apply nicely-- if you use too much at once, it can crumble and flake up a bit but it blends in easily. The packaging is also gorgeous--the container is sturdy, very sleek + simple. I've already used up all of my N3 so my only comment is I'm going through it faster than my previous deodorants. I apply a little bit more than the recommended 2-3 swipes (a habit since those early days of sweating!) but with the instructed use, one should last you three months. 

EXPERIENCE
I've been testing them out for close to three months now and have been impressed with the results. You always hear interesting and sometimes mixed reviews when it comes to aluminum free/all-natural deodorants. I have a very active lifestyle at my job so I was a little skeptical with how things were going to go. In the very beginning (I would say first few weeks), I did notice a lot more perspiration than I had previously when using my regular deodorant. It might be worth mentioning that the deodorant I used previously was a clinical deodorant which is designed to prevent sweating so I never really did before. I could also noticeably smell the deodorant at the same time. Sometimes it's hard to smell yourself (lol), so I was a little concerned that with the sweating, I might also be stinky. I was assured by others that I didn't stink so I think it's safe to say the deodorant did an effective job at preventing any bad odors! On days when I was running around and feeling a little extra sweaty, I also occasionally reapplied in the afternoons. I would say I only did this 3-4 times in total. 

Over the last month or so, I haven't noticed much or really any perspiration or noticeable scents coming off anymore. It's possible I could just be less aware of it now, but I really feel that it's more from being an adaptive process. I've always heard your body has to "detox" when switching from aluminum to non-aluminum due to the build up of metal + toxins in your system. I'm not entirely sure if this is 100% scientifically proven, but I definitely notice a difference now versus when I first started using. With hardly any sweating at all now and no visible odors, it seems to be working great. 

Overall, I am very happy with my results and would recommend trying. I plan to keep repurchasing-- I trust and respect Jena and her products so I don't really have a desire to try anything else! I'm also excited to test some of the other scents soon too-- I think next I'm going to purchase uni(sex) and the sensitive formula. If you're looking to try one out, I would start with holi(stick) N3 first. I think the scent is the most universal + it also comes in both travel-size and the jumbo/regular size. 

Have you tried Agent before? 

I love sharing my thoughts with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)