Month: April 2022

Categories
love: weddings

5 Things Brides Regret Skipping at Their Wedding

Wedding planning is a lot… You’re constantly facing new decisions, and these decisions have so many factors (cost, timing, your happiness, happiness of your guests, etc.).

I have dug into various wedding-related social networking groups and rallied up 5 of the most common things that brides regret not doing at their wedding.

So, if you’re in the midst of your wedding planning, keep reading and make sure you give these 5 things a little extra thought before tossing them to the side.

#1… Not giving the photographer a must-have photo checklist

Your wedding photos are so important. Plus, you most likely end up spending a fortune on a wonderful photographer.

Not getting the fun photo of you and your partner walking down the aisle after the ceremony, or the sentimental photo of yourself with your grandparents, is a big deal.

Before the big day, send over a checklist to your photographer of any photos you absolutely can’t miss out on.

Consider the following:

  • Front and back pictures of you (just you) in your wedding dress
  • Group pictures if your bridal party, and 1 on 1 pictures of you with each one of them
  • Locations at your venue that you want a picture near
  • Special moments you want captured (dances, speeches, etc.)
  • Anything else that you must-have photographed, or not photographed at your wedding

#2… Not wearing comfortable Wedding Shoes

Of course, you want the dreamy bridal heels you’ve been eyeing up for months now.

Just keep in mind that you will be in these shoes all day, and night long.

Can you do it? You don’t want to sacrifice dancing the night away because the blisters on your feet are killing your vibe.

Consider getting a second pair of shoes to switch into after the ceremony. There are loads of beautiful bridal flats that are both comfortable and stylish.

#3… Not making a bridal emergency kit

It’s important to look your best and feel your best on your wedding day. I’m sure you also want your bridal party and close family to feel this way too.

Bring an emergency kit (or ask you MOH to help put one together) that is filled with everything you just might need on your wedding day.

Here’s some great examples of what to stock in your kit:

  • Bobby pins, hair ties, hairspray, curling iron
  • Chapstick and lipstick
  • Concealer and powder
  • Blotting paper – we don’t want oily foreheads in pictures
  • Tide-to-go
  • Gum or mints
  • Floss
  • Advil, tums, eye drops
  • Kleenex (lots of it)
  • Phone charger
  • Tampons
  • Bottles of water

#4… Not hiring a videographer

I contemplated this one for a while, and I’m soooo glad that I hired a videographer.

Think of all the amazing moments that you can capture on video…

The happy tears you and your best friend share while getting ready. The tears your mom sheds while helping you into your dress. Your first look, or you walking down the aisle and the look on your partners face when they see you. All of the speeches. Your first dance and all of the other special dances.

Many couples watch their wedding video together on their anniversaries as a tradition.

(Tip: Ask your videographer if they supply both an edited highlight video of the entire day and also the raw footage with speeches etc.)

#5… Not spending some alone time with your partner

Unless you and your partner do a first look, you most likely won’t get much alone time, if any.

Many brides recommend putting aside 10-20 minutes after the ceremony, before dinner, or after your first dance to run away with your partner.

You will be so busy all day, having some time to sit and soak it all in with your newly wedded is important.

There are so many guests to talk to, so many things to do and keep on schedule throughout the day… You might realize the end of the night is near and you’ve barely been able to speak with your new husband or wife.

Go hide in a closet somewhere and get some quality 1 on 1 time that you’ll remember forever.

This one is a bonus…

My biggest regret from my wedding isn’t on this list, so I figured I’d quickly share mine – just in case it helps any of you!

Squishing too much into too little time.

From the time that speeches and dinner started until I finished my first dance, I felt like I was constantly being pulled in different directions.

We had many speeches (each groomsman decided to surprise us with lengthy and very un-prepared speeches, when we were only planning on hearing a speech from the best man).

During dinner, my photographer pulled me to do sunset photos outside. This isn’t on her! I understand that sunset photos need to be done at a certain time to get them just right. I just didn’t plan for it being in the middle of dinner.

Once I got back from sunset photos, my DJ was pulling me saying we’re behind schedule and dances need to start…

Basically, I crammed too many things into too little time. I barely got to eat any of my dinner.

The worst part… we purchased cupcakes for all of our guests, and spent a good chunk on a beautiful cake that was meant for the head table and all of our closest family.

Guess what? With all the craziness going on, not a single person, not even myself or my husband had a piece of this cake… not one single piece all night long. It was completely forgotten about.

Thanks for listening to my little vent sesh (lol).

Just remember to plan a schedule with the times that each “event” at your wedding with start and end – but add LOTS of wiggle room in between. Things will run behind schedule.

Categories
love: personal growth love: self-care

7 Step Morning Routine for a Great Day

Hey lovely! Welcome back.

If you’re reading this and looking for a great, simple morning routine, you’re most likely just about to crawl into bed for the night or just woke up and are having a hard time crawling out of bed for the day.

Either way, I don’t want to take up too much of your time, so I’ll cut to the chase for this one!

Practicing a quality morning routine works wonders for your mind, body and spirit.

Turn these practices into habits, and soon enough you will be happy to wake up at 6:00 AM and start your day off on the right side of the bed.

Step 1

You’re probably not gonna like me for this one… Stop hitting snooze.

It’s so tempting but don’t do it.

Getting those extra few minutes of sleep won’t make a difference.

And did you know that hitting the snooze button actually does more harm than good??

Your body is very smart. You have a biological clock that knows your sleep cycle. The sleep cycle starts preparing you to wake up 1 hour before you actually do by releasing dopamine and cortisol.

If you hit snooze and fall back asleep, you fall back into a deeper sleep than before. Once your alarm goes off for the second time, it interrupts your sleep cycle, making you even more tired.

That’s when the vicious cycle of hitting snooze begins again.

One tip to combat that tempting snooze button is to set your original alarm a little bit later.

For example: You don’t have to wake up until 6:30, but you set an alarm at 6:00, hitting snooze every 10 minutes until finally getting out of bed at 6:30.

Can you see how this interrupts your sleep cycle and interferes with your body releasing hormones to wake you naturally?

Getting that extra 30 minutes of interrupted sleep between 6:00 and 6:30 allows you to get quality rest. Breaking that 30 minutes up into 10-minute intervals, messes with your sleep cycle, causing you to feel more tired and groggy throughout the day.

Step 2

Wash your face (with an invigorating cleanser).

As skincare obsessed as I am, I hope you already wash your face every morning.

But even if you’re not getting into the shower right away, or usually eat breakfast first, the first thing you should do after waking up is walk to the bathroom and washing your face with cool water.

Not only does it feel incredibly refreshing and help to wake you up a bit, but the cool water helps to close your pores, relieve puffiness and even prevents acne (hot water strips your skin of its natural oils that it needs to prevent breakouts and stay hydrated).

Since we’re on the topic of face washing… I have to share with you my all-time favorite facial cleanser: New Groove Hemp Wash.

It’s a gel that turns to a foam as you wash your face, minty and invigorating to help wake you up, and infused with full-spectrum hemp oil to limit breakouts, unnecessary oils, redness and even wrinkles.

Alsoooo, I’m an animal lover and every purchase you make on this website goes towards rescuing abused and neglected animals (I’m not crying, you are).

Check out the New Groove Hemp Wash here.

Step 3

Drink a large glass of water.

When you wake up in the morning, your body is naturally dehydrated.

Aside from that, drinking water when you first wake up has many benefits like…

  • promoting weight loss
  • keep skin radiant and clear
  • stops headaches
  • increases mental activity (I need all I can get in AM)
  • relieves sinus symptoms
  • helps with cell renewal

Step 4

Stretch your body.

Working out in the morning is amazing. Props to everyone that does that, but it is not for me. If you don’t exercise in the morning, just make sure you at least get some good stretches in.

Stretching your body has obvious benefits such as improving your posture and flexibility.

But stretching also jumpstarts your brain, relieves stress, and improves your mood… all things that make for a better morning.

Take 5 minutes, even 2 if that’s all you have time for, and stretch your arms, legs, back, neck… even your fingers and your toes.

Step 5

Stay off your phone first thing in the morning.

If you’re tired when you wake up, you’ll probably want to scroll social media on your phone because you’re sleepy and want to distract yourself from everything else you should be doing in the morning.

Scrolling on your phone in the morning is not only a distraction that can cause you to be late for work or whatever other activities that are on your calendar, but it also depletes your energy.

Checking your phone first thing can also cause information overload; something you don’t want to deal with in the morning. This can make it harder for your mind to stay on track and prioritize your tasks for the day.

Step 6

Make your bed.

It sounds so simple; how can this really help?

If you already make your bed every morning, good for you! If not, it’s time you start. Here’s why:

  • develops consistency and self-discipline
  • gives you momentum to start your day
  • gives you a sense of self accomplishment
  • can be a great mindful exercise – perfect time to gather your thoughts
  • it looks good!

Step 7

Set 3 goals for the day.

It’s always good to set goals for yourself. Setting goals every day can help to create healthy habits for yourself.

No matter how small or large the goal might be, setting goals helps you to focus and prioritize what you need to do to get to where you want to be.

Goals can be as simple as drinking 200 ounces of water today or putting the laundry away.

You can even set bigger goals such as gaining a new customer at work, making a big sale, or putting your phone away for 3 hours.

Whatever it is, setting 3 goals for yourself every morning is a great way to keep yourself motivated all day long.

Any must-have steps in your morning routine that you’d like to share? Let me know in the comments!

Categories
love: personal growth love: self-care

How To Be Your Happiest Self

close up photography of person wearing pink house slippers
Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com

Hey lovely!

Maybe you’re reading this because you’ve been feeling kinda low lately… maybe you feel pretty happy already but have that gut feeling that something in your life is missing.

Either way, keep on reading and you’ll learn how to be your happiest self and feel completely fulfilled within your life.

First things first… you need you think of everything in your life that is not bringing you joy or purpose and let it go.

I want you to grab a pen and paper and list everything in your life that is making you feel: down, angry, scared, jealous, tired, or any other negative emotion.

Got your list?

Now cross off everything on your list that you can erase out of existence.

Not everything on your list will be something you can cross off… for example, struggling with money to pay the bills isn’t something you can just toss away and ignore.

For these things, I want you to list an action that you can take to change that thing from a negative emotion to a positive emotion.

Basically, set a goal that will eventually make it so that you are able to cross that thing off of your list.

An example of this could be: If you’re struggling with money to pay the bills, an action to take would be saving money by not getting that $9 coffee on the way to work every morning… another action could be starting a money jar and putting aside any extra change you have to begin saving.

Work towards these goals.

It can be easy to fall off and lose motivation – look back at this list and remember the reason you started it in the first place.

Next, I want you to define your true happiness.

Write down what you want in your dream life. Write down what makes you happy, what makes you feel fulfilled.

  • Is it a sense of belonging that makes you feel happy?
  • Is it the feeling of having a purpose or making an impact that makes you feel happy?
  • Is it having absolute freedom in your daily life that makes you happy?

Whatever it is, write it down. How are you supposed to be your happiest self if you can’t define what it is that will make you truly happy?

Now just like we did before, we are going to list actions that you can take to help you get to the bottom of those things that would make you happy.

Don’t think too big here, think realistic. Think of the small steps that you can take that will eventually lead to larger steps. Don’t stress yourself out by setting extreme goals – you need to take it one step at a time.

Now that you have your actions or goals that you need to take to get those things that will make you happy, you need to turn these actions into habits. Make these actions a routine in your day to day life. Make them something that you look forward to GET to do each day rather than something you’re dreading that you HAVE to do.

Here are some key tips to help you turn these actions into habits:

1. Make an appointment with yourself.

Think about it like a doctor appointment – you might not want to go but you’re still going to. You’re not just going to skip your appointment.

Set a reminder on your phone or write your action on your calendar (if you’re still old school like me and have a wall calendar on your fridge) and don’t let yourself skip this appointment for yourself.

2. Make it fun, make it relaxing.

Create a happy place, or a safe place to take your actions. Maybe you have an office that you like to do work in, maybe you like to sit on the couch with a candle and a blanket, maybe you like to go to a nearby cafe and put your headphones in. Whatever works for you and makes you excited to work on your actions.

Along with a happy place, consider the best time to take your actions. Are you most motivated in the morning when everything is still and quiet? Are you most motivated after dinner time? Be consistent and make it a routine.

3. Reward yourself!

Remember when I said to take small steps instead of setting one huge action goal?

Each time you complete one small step, cross it off. It will feel so good to see that you’re getting closer to your end goal. Each time you cross off an action, treat yourself a little.

Now we need to talk a little bit about your well-being: health and self-care

Exercising sucks (I think so at least) but let’s be honest, exercising can really help improve your mood and overall thought on life, not just your body.

Yes – exercising obviously has its physical advantages. But it also increases your mood and your energy. If you’re someone who is never active, you’re going to feel lazy and tired more often. And I have to say it… Lazy and tired people are generally not the happiest of people.

Eating right – I am a sucker for chips and salsa, popcorn, noodles, and all things unhealthy. But you need to find balance.

Eating superfoods will help your body to feel better, to look better, and be more energized. Also, the benefits that eating healthy foods has on your skin is huge. Clear skin. That right there is enough to make me happy (almost, lol).

My favorite part of this entire post… take care of yourself. Practice self-care.

Practicing self-care is no joke. It makes all the difference in your mind, body, and soul. Do things for you, things that you like, things that make you happy, things that expand your mind.

Check out this list of self-care activities you can do alone.

Okay girl. Do you have the recipe for your happiest self?

Let’s review real quick…

  • Let go of all things not bringing you joy
  • Define your true happiness
  • Set small actions to get to your big end goal
  • Turn actions into habits
  • Stay healthy
  • Practice self-care
Categories
love: self-care

Finally Say BYEEE To Your Acne

Hey lovely!

I don’t normally write about one specific product like this, but I just had to share a quick post to showcase how freakin’ amazing these acne pads are.

They’re called C of Change Clinical Peel Pads.

If you struggle with acne, you know it can be different for everyone… and what might work for one person might not work for another.

BUT you have got to give these a chance! RUN don’t walk.

I’ve dealt with acne my entire life, middle school and high school were the worst. I’m now 28 years old and of course I still have good ole’ adult acne.

I wish I could travel back in time to my high school years and get myself these acne pads… because holy moly, they actually work for me.

It’s important to know that it takes time for skin products to start working effectively – but after just one month of using these pads, my pimples are either completely gone or dried up and fading away :’)

I’ve also noticed my skin is MUCH smoother, pores look smaller, overall texture of my skin is better, and my complexion is bright and even.

The combination of Vitamin C and Salicylic Acid in these pads have made such a difference for me.

Instructions say to use them 1-2 times daily. I’ve been using them once a day and I feel that’s been a good amount for me.

A couple more amazing things I just have to throw out there:

  • This product (I think the entire FHF skincare brand, actually) is vegan, gluten-free, nut-free and cruelty-free.
  • ALSO – Every purchase that you make goes towards saving the lives of abused and neglected animals. There’s even a batch number on the bottom of each product that allows you to search which animal you helped by making that purchase. So cool.

So anyways, if you’re up for giving these C of Change Clinical Pads a shot at clearing your acne, smoothing your skin, and brightening your complexion… or if you just want some more information,

click the picture below and it’ll bring you directly to the page!

Categories
love: self-care

Get FLAWLESS Skin

Check out Farmhouse Fresh for my #1 recommended skincare products to give you the best skin of your life.

Are you a bride trying to prep and prime your skin for your big day?

Maybe you’re not a bride… But are you someone who is sick and tired of using expensive skincare products that lack real results?

If you answered yes to either of those questions, this post is exactly where you need to be.

Did you know it typically takes 6-8 weeks to see real results with a new skincare routine? That being said, now is the time to begin a fabulous skincare routine to prep yourself for your big day.

Skincare routines aren’t one size fits all… Everyone has a different skin type: combination, oily, dry, or normal.

Not only are there different skin types, but each person has their own skin concerns as well: acne-prone, aging, wrinkles, dark spots, etc.

I am a skincare fanatic – honestly, skincare psychopath is probably a better term. I am PASSIONATE about my skincare, and I have been since I was a freshman in high school 15 years ago.

The amount of medicated creams, gels, home remedies, and expensive skincare products that I have tried in the past is, quite frankly, ridiculous.

But in that same breath, I have been able to find out what works and what most definitely does not. (Insert sad face emoji… you live and you learn.)

There is one skincare brand that I can honestly say I have loved every product that I’ve tried…

Farmhouse Fresh.

real results

for real people

with real skin concerns.

Aside from that, their products are all natural and organic. You’ve heard the term “farm to table” when eating at a restaurant? What about “farm to face”? If you care what you’re putting in your body, you should also care what you’re putting on your face and absorbing into your skin.

The feel, scent, packaging, and price point of this skincare and bodycare line is incredible. You’ll feel like you’re using the most expensive, luxury products, getting real results, but with spending only a fraction of the price as you would with other “popular” skincare lines.

WAIT, there’s more 🙂

(Yikes, I sound like an infomercial… but seriously I’m just obsessed with these products.)

Each purchase you make from Farmhouse Fresh literally saves abused and neglected animals. :*)

There’s even a way that you can track the product that you purchased to see which animals you helped… Whether it’s a horse that was left starving to death at a sale barn, or abandoned dogs waiting at a euthanasia shelter.

Okay, I could go on and on about the goodness of this company forever, so I’ll try to stop here and instead I’ll rant about the amazing products I’ve incorporated into my skincare routine, the results, and hopefully you’ll give them a chance in your own skincare routine, because I promise you… you’ll be obsessed with them all.

New Groove Hemp – Gel Cleanser

I’ve used all sorts of facial cleansers – but this one takes the cake.

Benefits:

  • Deeply purifies skin
  • Easily removes makeup, dirt, and oil
  • Fights signs of aging and delivers firmer skin
  • Naturally brightens and smooths skin instantly
  • Cannabinoid full spectrum hemp oil
  • 60mg of CBD helps achieve a perfect complexion
  • Leaves you with firm, bright, calm, matte skin

Best for:

All skin types. Especially oily skin, acne-prone skin, or aging skin.

Timescape – 2 Minute Renewing Face Polish Exfoliator

Fans of this product literally call it the 2 Minute Age Eraser.

Benefits:

  • Tiny plant-based fibers create a microdermabrasion effect with spending $300 on a microdermabrasion service
  • Wipes away imperfections and shows real results in only 12 days
  • Super preventative care! The sunflower oil protects skin prevents moisture loss, keeping skin hydrated (but not oily) all day
  • Infused with vitamins and antioxidants that improve the look, feel, and texture of your skin – Giving you an amaaaazing complexion
  • Leaves you with instantly glowing, smooth, healthy, younger-looking skin

Best for:

All skin types. Especially aging skin.

Guac Star – Avocado Mask

I truly recommend alllll of the Farmhouse Fresh face masks… but because I’m such a huge avocado fan, I decided to first recommend the Guac Star mask.

Benefits:

  • Avocado provides key fatty acids and vitamins that are vital to your skins health
  • Protects skin from oxidative stresses like UV lights and pollution
  • Delivers instant COOL hydration (this is a god send if you’re sunburnt)
  • Reduces redness, inflammation, and dryness

Best for:

Dry or dehydrated skin. Sunburned or sensitive skin. Acne-prone skin.

Wine Down – Overnight Recovery Serum

This serum is the best of the best! I haven’t met a person who didn’t absolutely LOVE Wine Down.

Benefits:

  • Works while you sleep – Shows results after just 2 HOURS!
  • Clinically tested peptides that totally reduce dark circles under your eyes and dark spots throughout your face
  • Makes pores VISABILY smaller – it’s amazing
  • Intensely hydrates and fills in any fine lines
  • Best seller for complete skin repair
  • Fans say they wear way less makeup now all because of this product
  • Wake up with silky, smooth, bright, happy skin

Best for:

Literally every skin type – Everyone should have this product in their skincare routine.

Vitamin Berry – Facial Tonic Mist

Instantly flawless complexion in a bottle.

Benefits:

  • Alcohol-free. How many other toners can say that?
  • Natural filter effect makes pores disappear
  • With pristine rose water for a light, long-term exfoliation
  • Boosts moisture with vital nourishment from aronia berries – a miracle fruit with one of the highest antioxidant contents every recorded
  • Visibly reduces the look of fine lines
  • Spritz in the morning or throughout the day for instant refreshment and ultra-minimized pores

Best for:

All skin types

Watermelonaid – Silky Gelee Serum

Delivers the most transformative results yet with watermelon extract, full spectrum hemp oil, and top performing all natural active ingredients.

Benefits:

  • Contains hyaluronic acid to visually fill fine lines and wrinkles after the FIRST use
  • Incredible smoothing effect
  • 170mg of calming, complexion perfecting CBD
  • Fixes skins uneven texture and uneven tone

Best for:

All skin types. Especially aging skin or for someone looking to prevent aging skin.

Each of these products can be used together! I hope you trust my reviews and try these out for yourself!

Once you get your order, check the bottom of your product bottle for a batch number. Type the number into the Farmhouse Fresh website, and it’ll let you know which animals you helped save with your purchase.

Stay glowing, lovely!