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Following Beauty For You & No One Else

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Do you ever feel like you make certain beauty or fashion choices to impress others? Maybe these choices bring compliments from others or are ways to start conversation and find something in common.

It’s not necessarily a ‘bad’ reason to do this. And let’s be honest, it’s nice to feel like you’re radiant, and that you look beautiful, or that you were able to be a little bit different. Confidence comes with walking into a room knowing that we’re well-put-together, as it helps us express who we are – and our best selves too.

But from time to time, the raw convention and expense can feel a little limiting. If dressing and feeling good begins to feel a like a chore more than something you do to enhance your life, then it can be good to take a breather or a step back.

Instead of looking for approval from others, what about doing it to feel better in yourself? Sounds inspiring, but what does that really mean? Keep reading:

Indulgent Fashion

Indulgent fashion may simply mean trying something new because it helps you feel happier in yourself. It can be nice to wear clothes for yourself. Maybe you’re really into a certain trend at the moment, (I pierced my ears over the summer, bridge piercing jewelry next?) and are using apps like Depop or handcrafted online stores like Etsy to find your inspo. You could try seeing what’s currently in your own wardrobe and cutting and redesigning clothes that you already have.

Supporting Businesses You Appreciate

Supporting businesses you appreciate will help you… well, it’ll help you support businesses you appreciate. Sometimes that’s all that matters, particularly at a time where Covid-19 and its associated (necessary) lockdowns are causing all types of businesses to struggle at the moment. After all, fashion is becomes a luxury people are cutting back on due to having nowhere really to ‘showcase’ the best of current fashion to begin with. Help by supporting companies that you feel have their priorities well-curated and that you hope to see make it out of this slump.

Make Your Own Trends

You could always make your own trends. Get that tattoo you’ve always wanted to get. It could be an animal that truly describes your personality, one you feel a connection with. Or you may have been on the fence about dying your hair. The more you go for whatever feels right, rather than whatever feels correct, you’ll begin to make your own trends, those that truly help you feel like yourself.

With these tips and some time, I hope you’ll find ways to express yourself. Remember to do it for you – and no one else.

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Blog, Travel

Five Tips to Travel Like A Pro

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Ok, so 2020 was not as adventurous as you may have hoped because of travel restrictions due to COVID-19. Statistics have shown a 48% drop in travel, causing a $10 billion loss to the airline and travel industry. After several months of sheltering in place and socially distancing, the wait is almost over as travel restrictions are gradually being lifted, and 50% of global destinations are reopening. Here are some tips to get you ready to travel again.

New York City
  1. Get the basics right

A passport is one of the essential items required for travel, but did you know that some countries will need at least half a year’s validity on your visa to visit the country? This means that your passport must be good for at least 6 months to be approved in the country you visit. These tickets may take a while to be approved, so trip cancellation insurance is something you should consider if you have to drop your plans due to covered reasons like COVID-19. Get a travel insurance policy to secure your belongings. 

  1. Make copies of your passport

If you lose your passport, you will have to go to your embassy for a temporary and replacement passport. Keeping copies of your passport can assist in proving your identity and processing your documents by the embassy. Consider saving copies online or via the cloud for easy access and security.

3. Take advantage of discounts and extras  

Banks have profited a lot from travelers using their bank cards on trips. There are many advantages of using financial services during your travels. First, there are no-fee bank cards available. There are also other options to help you save some extra cash, like credit cards that provide cash-back and other extras to fuel your car, purchase groceries, etc. When there are hotel and vacation costs to cover, points on smart credit cards can come in handy too. While planning your trip, research hotels to discover the best accommodation rates available.  You can also read more about cabins nearby as they offer more cost-effective alternatives.  

4. Share your travel plans

After planning and booking your trips, you should consider sharing your travel plans with your family and friends. If you put together your travel schedule online, there are resources like google sheets that let you share with other people. They can then easily follow your trip anytime you update your itinerary. Also, forward your booking mails to your travel mates and your emergency contact so they can have duplicates. 

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, your plans may not take plast as soon as you may have wanted. But the COVID-19 virus is gradually getting under control, so you may very well be traveling within a year. Either way, dealing with the essentials will make your travel experience a lot easier and enjoyable.

BONUS Tip! Enlist the Help of Others

Planning an itinerary can be stressful and we all know that high stress levels take their toll on our health and wellbeing. One way to minimize stress and ensure you look forward to a well-earned break is to enlist the help of others. Take advantage of agencies or companies that specialize in organizing itineraries, research online to get handy travel tips and share the load when it comes to making bookings and looking for deals. If you’re embarking upon the trip of a lifetime and crossing off bucket list destinations, for example, it’s natural to want to be on your best form. If you need some help in preparing for your Inca Trail trek, check out this helpful guide by The Explorer’s Passage. Making lists, seeking advice and using professional agencies and tour operators can all help to save time and stress. It’s also a great idea to get others in your party involved so that you can plan a trip that everyone will enjoy. 

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Blog, Doings

How to Boost Your Confidence this Holiday Season

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Photo: Kenji Nakamura, Nails: Sae Carter

It’s the most wonderful time of year! Although this 2020 holiday season is looking different for everyone, we’re all doing our best, and should keep our spirits high. Even if you’re staying in and keeping things chill this year, you probably still want to look and feel your best. If, like many people, 2020 has been a year of less activity and more comfort eating than usual, then have a look at these ideas for ways to make yourself feel healthy and happy at this moment.

  1. Get your Skin Glowing

One of the best ways to boost your confidence and feel great about yourself is to get your skin in tip top condition. Finding the right products that can clear away blemishes and get your skin smooth and bright makes a world of a difference. Winter brings with it a myriad of skin complaints, including dry skin from cold weather, and maskne – acne brought on by wearing a facemask – is now a concern too. If your current creams aren’t doing the trick, then have a look at some online reviews and don’t get caught up in sticking with the same product just because it’s what you’ve always used. Our skin changes throughout the seasons and as we age, so it’s important to regularly update and replenish your skincare routine.

  1. Feel Healthy

Your ultimate goal might be to lose some weight and, if it’s done healthily and you don’t feel pressured, then there’s nothing wrong with looking at coolsculpting videos and finding ways to enhance your figure. It’s also equally important though to look and feel healthy. You might already know in yourself how to go about this. Maybe it’s about getting some more sleep every night. It might be swapping a breakfast pastry for oatmeal. If you’re not sure, then try a few different things to enter this year’s holiday season feeling like you’re fighting fit and ready to start 2021 at 100%. 

  1. Mental Health

We can get so caught up in what we’re going to wear and planning our holiday social calendars that it can be easy to forget what a toll the busy party season can take on our mental health. If you’re getting ready to buzz from friend to friend, or even sorting out a series of Zoom-based Christmas catch ups, then make sure you’re also taking some time to rest and recharge. Zoom fatigue is real, and it doesn’t only affect us when we’re in a meeting that seems to last forever, Even if it’s social get togethers with friends, spending our time staring at a screen can be taxing. Take plenty of breaks and try and get in some screen-free time. 

  1. Bright Smiles

Smiling is scientifically proven to boost your mood. But so many people spend their lives smiling with their lips clamped over teeth that they’re embarrassed about. Instead of spending years hiding your smile, consider natural ways you can brighten your smile for this holiday. There are lots of ways you can feel more confident without spending thousands and subjecting yourself to harsh chemicals and invasive treatments – you won’t regret it!

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