Category: Lifestyle

As the world around us is full of uncertainty these days I wanted to share a few ideas/tips that I have learned to make sure that you are taking care of yourself first! When you put yourself first you are able to care for others so much better and with a deeper connection. People around us are struggling and lives are changing on a minute to minute basis. I have been so grateful for the extra time in 2020 to focus on what brings me joy and even starting this blog! I know Winston has enjoyed having us home way more and is in for a rude awakening when things go back to normal!  For myself finding creative outlets has been critical for my sanity. I know for some even close to me they don’t know what tomorrow will bring them and the anxiety of that is daunting!

Today I have rounded up my favorite top 20 tips and tricks to help you with a little self-love! Pass this along to everyone you know because all of us could use the extra love during this time! With the holidays around looking a lot different this year try pampering yourself or facetime a friend and connect with them while doing something fun together! It is so important to remember a balanced lifestyle even now, try one or try them all and let me know what you think! For a lot of us, finances are causing a lot of unknown so I have made sure to include multiple low or even no cost tips and tricks! 

1. Get Organized! 

I am a bit of an organizational freak but what can I say 🙂 If you have not already watched Netflix new Get Organized The Home Edit check it out for great tips and tricks you can implement in your own space. There is something to be said about a clean organized space that lightens any mood. 

2.  Get the oven Preheated!

Try a new recipe this fall. It’s the perfect time to make the home smell amazing with so many delish recipes. I must admit I have already started on my Christmas recipes (Don’t worry I will be sharing them soon!)

3. Go Shopping with some girlfriends….Virtually!

One of my dear friends told me about this idea! Grab a few friends and get on a Zoom call and go online shopping together! Things are still pretty sparse in CO right now but going shopping with the girls is a classic good time together and showing everyone what you got is a blast! Even if it is all comfy clothes at this point 🙂

4. Always have something to look forward to! 

In a time when we don’t know the end of the day will look, I have found this to be super helpful for my mindset! It can be anything from Facetiming with a friend to planning an at-home date night!

5. Spend a lazy morning in bed

Turn your phone off and enjoy a relaxing morning and give yourself permission to relax. Our bodies are stressed and tense and even some simple breathwork will help you to relax tremendously.

6.Drink Water!

I know when that coffee pot beeps that more coffee is ready your heart skips a beat.. Ok maybe that is just my reaction but it is critical to be drinking enough water! Setting goals throughout your way will help you achieve this! They even have water bottles with goals on them to remind you how much more you have to go. 

7. Check out Amazon Live! 

I have just recently discovered how amazing this site is thanks to one of my sisters! Check out different artists on topics you want to learn about. It’s like youtube but the products they use can be found on Amazon!

8. At-Home Mani and Pedi! 

I will be the first to admit I can get one of my hands to look good and then the other looks as if a toddler painted it! This was something I found on Amazon Live! Below is a fantastic video for an at home Mani by Ellie Rivers!

https://us.amazon.com/live/broadcast/465bb127-0e3c-41d4-9609-9d92b8622a1b

9. Spice up your workouts! 

One last thing! Amazon Live has some fantastic videos and courses that you can watch. Youtube is another great resource that we have! Try something new and exciting! We are so blessed in this time because so many professionals have made it beyond accessible for us to learn new things!

10. Meditate

In addition to working out physically, it is so important to spend some time on your mental state. Try a guided meditation if you have a hard time knowing the process. There are also fantastic apps including Calm that you can try on a free trial!

11. Music 

Play uplifting and inspirational music whenever possible!

12. Try a new Craft

Most of my friends love knitting so I am debating attempting it this fall!

13. Explore Hair and Makeup

People always say they don’t have time to try things. I bet all of us have a little more time right now. Take it to learn a new hairstyle or makeup routine to freshen up your look. 

14. Add Scents!

Scents are a great way to elevate any mood! You can try candles or essential oils to any space. 

15. Snuggle Up 

Grab your favorite book and snuggle in next to the fire!

16. Journal

This is a fantastic way to write down what you are feeling in a safe place! If you need prompts, Amazon has some beautiful journals with writing prompts to inspire you.

https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=blueeyeverifi-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B08L864SMH&asins=B08L864SMH&linkId=e4477122cf4c4d229e24c8b9249e26e2&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff

17. Get outside! 

Even just for a short walk. Being in Colorado I love going out to the porch and snuggling up with a blanket and cup of coffee. There is something to be said for fresh air!

18. Compliment Others!

Usually, I would suggest doing this in person but with everything happening even spending 10 min complimenting others on Insta will change your whole mood!

19. Create a vision board!

I LOVE VISION BOARDS!!! I make them multiple times a year! ( I will be posting how I make mine in a later post!) Now is a great time to reflect and decide what you want to work towards. Even if it’s from your home you can always take steps to be the best version of yourself. 

20. Spend time with Fur Kids!

Winston has been a huge fan of the family being home this year! Spend some extra time loving on your fur animals, try teaching them a new trick. Now is the time to finally go through all their old toys! 

I encourage you to stay positive and stay invested in your well being during all of this! Remember, reach out to someone today and check in on them! See how they are really doing at this time. Even though the Holidays will look very different this year caring for someone does not have to come from expensive gifts! Give the gift of love this year, we all have some we can share! I can tell you from experience that all of these things are uplifting in different ways!

Your Verifier,

Sarah

Wow… life truly does fly by!

It’s crazy to think about the fact that I am the big 3-0!

I am so thankful for my adult years and everything that I learned to be the person that I have become. This week is a big week in my world! I have officially entered my thirties!! Though most of my friends in my life say I already act 30 because I go to bed early. I am so excited for this next decade in my life! In this post, I am going to go over the top 30 lessons I have learned so far! Don’t worry I have a fantastic recipe coming out next week that I was able to verify for part of my birthday dinner! 

As all of us are I’m sure aware of this year has been tough for a lot of people. It has been draining, but also taken life back to what matters and has simplified calendars so that people are able to do more of what they love…kind of! We had a tropical trip planned to bring in the new decade that we planned almost two years ago! It would have been amazing but the universe had a different plan! On the grand scheme of things, it was a very little thing to postpone compared to so many have had to be so patient with rescheduling. If I did not experience 2020 this post would probably be different. So instead of posting tropical photos (which will be hopefully someday soon), I am going to thank my 20’s in style.

1. Life is short, LIVE IT

We do not know how much time we have left here, make the most of it! Don’t put things off that can be done today. Hug loved ones tight every day and don’t go to bed angry!

2. Happiness first

We have to choose happiness in our lives every day. Choose a career that makes you happy. Choose to be around loved ones that make you happy. Find the things that make your work sparkle and hold them tight

3. Family is everything 

I am so thankful to be close in proximity to most of my family! Taking the time to make memories is priceless. I love being able to choose my family and when I get to go visit my sisters that are not in Colorado you have to live for every moment that you have with them.

 4.Don’t Apologize for who you truly are.

It’s ok to not fit the mold, in fact, it’s normal. Growing up, peers want you to be a certain person or accomplish things to be successful but if you are not being true to yourself you will never succeed or enjoy life!

5. Be the best version of yourself you can be

Don’t try to half-ass life! It’s an amazing experience but only if you give it your all. Be honest about everything and be willing to change for the better. It may be uncomfortable at the beginning but it will totally be worth it. The only person you should become is YOU

6. Try New Things

Fear is a common thing in our society. Far too often we allow it to decide on our future for us because we are unaware of our future. Be BOLD and don’t be afraid to take chances. I promise it will be worth it!

7. Sleep has to be a priority 

Most of my friends still laugh at me for having a bedtime in my 20’s! My sister called on my last night before I turned 30 and was laughing that I was getting ready for bed at 9 pm. It’s worth it! Make it important to you! It has so many benefits but also just is healthy for you to have a routine!

8. Prioritize yourself 

This one goes with sleeping but also routines. Planning alone time to dream and recharge was a huge lesson for me. If you say yes to something and can’t commit because you are worn out, it would have been better to just say no! You have to take care of yourself first so that you can care for others. 

9. Do one thing for someone else every day!

 Even if its small, it is good for the heart. Sometimes just getting out of your own way and blessing those around you is good for the soul! It can even remind us that small things can make a huge impact on someone’s day! 

10. HANGRY is a real thing

Don’t try to make big decisions or settle things while your tummy is growling. I learned this lesson most recently with my hubby!! We have an established rule in the house that no project unless we are not hungry. You get on edge and normal things that would not matter to you really MATTER if you know what I mean. 

11. Be quick to forgive yourself…and others

We strive to have all the answers in life. Everyone has a past and everyone has made mistakes… including you. That is ok!! Forgive yourself QUICKLY you deserve the second chances you give everyone else!! It’s ok to not know all the answers or to make a decision and then change your mind a few years later. That being said extend that to those around you. People typically try to do the best they can and sometimes it hurts others. Know what are you willing to give to others and what you need in return and make decisions accordingly. 

12. Buy the expensive Chocolate

Just do it, buy the fun stuff! 

13. If you are having growing pains in life, listen

A lot of times there is something to learn about yourself in those hard times. If you are able to take the time to evaluate you may learn something that could cause less pain in the future. 

14. Be present 

Listen! Be present! Life goes by so quickly and if we do not take the time to slow down and live it and not just record it we will miss so much! Don’t be someone that missed out on the important life lessons.

15. Be the reason someone smiles today

Life is hard. We have no idea what is going on in others’ lives so when someone is harsh respond with kindness. Taking time to just go the extra mile and make someone go from upset/sad to happy and smiling is going to be worth it!

16. Have screen-free time scheduled in your life

PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN. Don’t get me wrong I am very very thankful for technology and everything it brings to my life but it sure can be be a black hole if you are not aware of it . Read a book before bed. Turn your phone on during date nights. Play games instead of watching a movie.

17. We are all different

No two people are the same. That is what makes us so unique. You should not try to change others nor should they change you! Be proud to me you and be proud of others. That is what makes the world so amazing is all the differences!

18. Track your goals!!!

Honestly I just learned this lesson in 2020. If you don’t write down your goals and track them you won’t remember how far you have come! Make it fun and something you want to keep up. 

19. Nourish your body

I think most people learn this in their thirties but it’s so important! Have flex days where you can enjoy the fun treats but know that day to day its healthy food choices and working out! Mix up your routine to keep things interesting so you don’t get bored.

20. There is always a reason to celebrate

ALWAYS!!! Find something that can be treated as normal and celebrate it. It will teach you to be grateful for everything in life even the small things. One of our favorite things to celebrate is the goals we set at the beginning of the year! Set milestones so you can celebrate your wins!

21. Surround yourself with those that bring out the best in you

BIG ONE!!! It’s so crucial to know who you can trust! Friends come in all different ways! Distance yourself from those who put you down and or don’t have your best interest. Those who spur you on keep close!

22. Strive to make the world a better place

Do whatever you can to make this a better place and respect how others are trying to make it better. People, as we have said, are not the same therefore their efforts will not look the same. Do what you can in your own world. I always think of my nieces and nephews and what I can do to make the world better for them!

23. Love Hard

Love is scary! As it should be, its a daunting thing but when you love yourself and trust yourself you can be more honest about where you are at. Now I am not saying trust blindly but make an effort to love more then you hate!

24. Educate Yourself Financially

This can make or break you! Take your time, get all the knowledge you can to learn about finances. Money can cause so much stress and anxiety if you just try to wing it! There are a lot of ways to do it but just getting a few things in line with help tremendously. 

25. Stress will kill you

Probably one of my biggest lessons! When I turned 25 and started having panic attacks from the stress I knew something had to change in my life. You have to recognize and realize you have the control to make the changes you need to make!

26. Get outdoors

Paddleboarding is my happy place! Being able to rest outdoors away from technology and the hustle of life has been such a blessing.

27. Have fun but don’t waste time

Life is all about balance! If you lean too hard one way you will either get burnt out or not accomplish your goals. Only you know that balance, strive to find that balance. 

28. “Comparison is the thief of joy” Teddy Roosevelt

Don’t compare! This quote could not be more true!

29. Fall in Love with yourself!

It is important to know that you are a diamond, you need to love yourself as you are. If you have flaws that you want to work on there is nothing wrong with that. But you should never stop loving yourself!

30. Dream Big

Don’t ever stop dreaming! This Bog is proof that dreams come true! Push yourself. I cannot wait to share more dreams with you all!

BEFORE YOU GO

Life is one big lesson so make the most out of it and live every single day to strive to live the life you deserve to have. What lessons did I miss that you have learned?

Thanks for joining me on my birthday post! I am so excited to see what this next year/decade brings! Grateful for you all!

Sarah