Happy New Year!
Okay, so I’m a week late! Unfortunately, I was dealing with some health issues but I’m doing much better now and I’m ready to get back to what I love!
As you know, with every new year comes new beginnings and the setting of new goals. Are you ready to start over with a clean slate and put 2020 behind you!? I’m right there with you, my friend!
I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite things, some of which I’ve been using over the years and some that I’ve acquired over the last several months. Things that you might want to consider or at least get you inspired to try something new and/or add to your own daily routine.
Rituals are a great way to start and end your day. They help you stay centered and in the present moment. Rituals can guide you to living your life through mindfulness so that you can live each day with self compassion and kindness.
I usually start out my day with gratitude. Before I get out of bed I say “Thank you” for the opportunity to live another day and for all the blessings that surround me. If you like to write, you can always keep a notebook at the side of your bed and list out your intentions for the day. I do this from time to time if I feel called to it. Then, depending on how I feel, I’ll either stay lying in bed or get out of bed to sit straight up on my cushion and do a 10-20 minute meditation (one of my intentions this year is to lengthen my meditation practice). I’ll get out of bed and do some gentle stretching or a light yoga practice. This helps invigorate the body and gets me energized for the day ahead. If it’s a workout day, I’ll do my workout first and then finish with a nice yoga practice to cool down before hitting the shower.
I’ll end my day with a mini facial and some inspirational reading. Something I’ve been doing a lot more of recently is taking a hot bubble bath before bed so I usually light a candle and put on my favorite relaxing Spotify playlist and soak for at least 15 minutes. I put in LOTS of Epsom salt (make sure to drink lots of water if you take salt baths as they are extremely detoxifying to the body) and a few drops of my grounding oil blend into the tub to help me relax as well. Sometimes I’ll meditate in the tub or I wait to enjoy my cushion afterwards for a good 15 minutes. Then I’ll do a yin yoga practice either on my own or with Adrienne on YouTube (love YouTube!) before I crawl into bed.
So what are your intentions for 2021? I highly encourage you to explore a daily ritual of your own if you don’t have one yet. It doesn’t have to be as long as mine or even consist of the same practices. It could be whatever brings you to a comforting and relaxing state of mind, do whatever brings your heart joy.
Now it’s time to share the goodies that I’ve been using! These products have really helped me to obtain a sense of comfort and overall wellness, not to mention great skin and body care. I haven’t experienced any irritations or side effects from any of the following products and I trust that you won’t either but always consult your physician if you have any doubts. To make it easier for intrigued shoppers, I’ve attached the links to each product. In addition, I have no affiliation with most of the products I’ve listed for the exception of YL oils.
Grounding oil blend by Young Living
I put a few drops into my bath or I place them in my hands and rub them together for a couple of big grounding inhales! I love this blend!
CVS Epsom salts – Green tea and Chamomile
These salts are lovely! I like to put at least 1/2 cup into my bath for deep detoxifying soak in the tub (remember, lots of water!)
CBD Beauty Sleep oil by Yummi Karma
As I continue my menopause journey, insomnia has me stumped. I was recently introduced to these drops (made by two sisters in Orange County, CA) and they are absolutely heavenly! Just a few drops under the tongue does the trick and they have a marshmallow flavor... very yummi indeed!
BeautyCounter melting balm & cleansing oil
I'm a huge fan of chemical free skincare products and BC is one of my favorites! I like to slather on this melting balm while my skin is still wet from the bath or shower. It keeps my skin locked with moisture and gives a subtle scent of vanilla/coconut
OM candle by OmMatters
Supporting a friend's small business :)
GrassFed Collagen by Vital Proteins
I have been using this product for a few years now and I love it! I usually put a couple of scoops into my morning coffee or smoothie and there's NO taste, or after taste, whatsoever. I have definitely noticed a difference in my energy, skin and hair!
Senses bubble bath Honeysuckle & Blossom – AVON (supporting a friend's small business!)
Supporting another small business, my mom and I used to love shopping the Avon catalog together :) One of my favorite products is their bubble bath, they last a long time!
Intuitive Eating – book by Evelyn Tribole & Elyse Resch (also has a great workbook!)
Another intention of mine for 2021 is to change my relationship with food and stop the 'diet mentality' This book is definitely helping me see my diet through a different perspective. Can't wait to dive into the workbook!
Plant based protein powder, Vanilla – by InBloom
I recently started this product about a month ago and I'm really enjoying the flavor and the amount of protein I get with one smoothie/shake. I like to add some fresh fruit and leafy greens to it to make it even more powerful.
Tulsi Ashwagandha tea – by Organic India
I've been drinking this tea for years and I absolutely love it! Ashwagandha is a powerful antioxidant that is known to increase overall wellness, this is a must try
My personal Spotify playlist; Stillness
I use this playlist a lot for my yoga practice, bubble baths and meditations. I hope you enjoy it!
And I hope that 2021 is treating you well so far and that you’re on a great start to finding your true happiness. Let me know if you decide to try any of these products or if you have any questions. I’d love to connect with you! Even if it’s just to chat and get to know each other better 😊
Wishing you lots of love, peace and happiness for the year ahead and here’s to creating your best expat life!
With Love & Gratitude,
Angelic x
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