*This post contains affiliate links
Self Care is not about self indulgence, it's not about putting yourself above over everyone else or vanity. Self care is about recognizing your needs and looking after yourself. I firmly believe in the quote "You can't pour from an empty cup", which is particularly appropriate if you are a parent. Self care helps prevent you from becoming overwhelmed, exhausted or burned out so yes, it's SO important. 5 Minute self care ideas are often the way to go. You might aim for giving yourself the night off, even an hour - but life gets in the way sometimes.
Taking any time out for you, or finding a huge amount of time to focus on yourself can be a rare thing as a parent, so I wanted to share a few, super quick self care ideas that you can try everyday, or anytime you have 5 minutes spare. Everyone can make 5 minutes for themselves!
Light A Candle
What do you like to do, when you have 5 minutes to yourself?
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
*This post contains affiliate links
Self Care is not about self indulgence, it's not about putting yourself above over everyone else or vanity. Self care is about recognizing your needs and looking after yourself. I firmly believe in the quote "You can't pour from an empty cup", which is particularly appropriate if you are a parent. Self care helps prevent you from becoming overwhelmed, exhausted or burned out so yes, it's SO important. 5 Minute self care ideas are often the way to go. You might aim for giving yourself the night off, even an hour - but life gets in the way sometimes.
Taking any time out for you, or finding a huge amount of time to focus on yourself can be a rare thing as a parent, so I wanted to share a few, super quick self care ideas that you can try everyday, or anytime you have 5 minutes spare. Everyone can make 5 minutes for themselves!
Light A Candle
What do you like to do, when you have 5 minutes to yourself?
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
If you know me, you'll know how much I love writing goals! Even if they are simple things I want to achieve that day, setting goals always makes me feel more positive and they feel fantastic when you complete them! So of course I was going to set some goals for the new year. I've repeated a few from last year, as I either want to continue to do them or work harder on them this year!
Start New Business
I've got big plans for this year, I've been planning it since last Summer actually. It's pretty secretive for now, but fingers crossed you'll be seeing lots of new and exciting things around here very soon.
Save Money
Another goal that is always, and will probably always be on my goal list! I'm terrible at saving money full stop, and even when I do I end up spending it later on! That completely defeats the point! I've got a few steps in place to encourage me to save more this year so hopefully I manage to!
Commit To A Proper Skincare Routine
As I'm slowly approaching my 30's, it's definitely time to start taking better care of my skin. Don't get me wrong, I remove my make up thoroughly every night, and moisturise twice a day - but that's about it. I need to find out what products I really should be using!
Commit To A Proper Skincare Routine
As I'm slowly approaching my 30's, it's definitely time to start taking better care of my skin. Don't get me wrong, I remove my make up thoroughly every night, and moisturise twice a day - but that's about it. I need to find out what products I really should be using!
Spend Quality Time With Everyone I Love
We do spend quality time together, but there's no such thing as too much. I need to try harder to make time for the people I love, in my love. 1 on 1 time with my children, quality time with my husband and friends too. I need to make more effort, with everyone this year.
Create A Better Morning/Night/Working Routine
Something I will definitely struggle with, as I am such a night owl and tend to stay up until 1:30-2ish every night. Therefore, when my little ones wake up at 6am, I've barely slept. It's ridiculous and I'm constantly exhausted, so it's time to stop! I need to make more time in the day to sit down and work, like a normal person!
Start Creative Journaling
I really want to utilise my journals this year. Fill all the pages with creativity, take time out to myself to express my creativity and jot down everything and anything. I'd love it to be something to look back on at the end of the year.
Have you set any goals this year?
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
If you know me, you'll know how much I love writing goals! Even if they are simple things I want to achieve that day, setting goals always makes me feel more positive and they feel fantastic when you complete them! So of course I was going to set some goals for the new year. I've repeated a few from last year, as I either want to continue to do them or work harder on them this year!
Start New Business
I've got big plans for this year, I've been planning it since last Summer actually. It's pretty secretive for now, but fingers crossed you'll be seeing lots of new and exciting things around here very soon.
Save Money
Another goal that is always, and will probably always be on my goal list! I'm terrible at saving money full stop, and even when I do I end up spending it later on! That completely defeats the point! I've got a few steps in place to encourage me to save more this year so hopefully I manage to!
Commit To A Proper Skincare Routine
As I'm slowly approaching my 30's, it's definitely time to start taking better care of my skin. Don't get me wrong, I remove my make up thoroughly every night, and moisturise twice a day - but that's about it. I need to find out what products I really should be using!
Commit To A Proper Skincare Routine
As I'm slowly approaching my 30's, it's definitely time to start taking better care of my skin. Don't get me wrong, I remove my make up thoroughly every night, and moisturise twice a day - but that's about it. I need to find out what products I really should be using!
Spend Quality Time With Everyone I Love
We do spend quality time together, but there's no such thing as too much. I need to try harder to make time for the people I love, in my love. 1 on 1 time with my children, quality time with my husband and friends too. I need to make more effort, with everyone this year.
Create A Better Morning/Night/Working Routine
Something I will definitely struggle with, as I am such a night owl and tend to stay up until 1:30-2ish every night. Therefore, when my little ones wake up at 6am, I've barely slept. It's ridiculous and I'm constantly exhausted, so it's time to stop! I need to make more time in the day to sit down and work, like a normal person!
Start Creative Journaling
I really want to utilise my journals this year. Fill all the pages with creativity, take time out to myself to express my creativity and jot down everything and anything. I'd love it to be something to look back on at the end of the year.
Have you set any goals this year?
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
Mums tend to hold most of the responsibility at Christmas time. The decorations, the presents, the wrapping, the shopping, the cooking, It's overwhelming, to say the least!
If you're still looking for the perfect gift for the incredible mum in your life, look no further, I've got some amazing ideas here!
*All products in this post were gifted to me. This post contains affiliate links.
Maternal Journal
I have to be honest, with the 'Maternal Journal' I was expecting a pretty average, "aimed at mums" journal with prompts scattered here and there to try and get you writing each day. But I am so excited to say how wrong I was. The Maternal Journal is so much more than that, really something special. It's full of inspiration to encourage you to create your own journal, truely create it. There are a huge number of creative journal exercises for you to try, poetry and gorgeous illustrations created by artists and healthcare workers to encourage you to boost your creativity and really get in touch with your inner self.
I love the many different ideas, Giving this journal a go can really change your life! It's amazing! No other journal has ever made me feel this comforted, relaxed, inspired. Maternal Journal helps you get in touch with yourself on a deeper level, as a woman, as a mother. It will help you understand and improve your wellbeing and self care practises.
Such a wonderful gift idea, the best journal for mums I have ever seen. Hands down.
Available from Amazon, Waterstones and Hive
Looking After You
Looking After You should be your go to self care book this year. With 100 different, easy to do self care ideas for busy mums who cannot find the time to work on themselves. Each of the 100 ideas can be done in a short amount of time, whenever you can grab a minute - plus, there's one idea for every day of Winter! Make your goal to try each and everyone of them. "Self Care is so important. Your needs are so important, and you need to take good care of yourself. It helps your confidence, self esteem and helps to build a healthy relationship with yourself. Self Care will make you feel better about yourself, and promote positivity in your life. When you are a mum, self care can be trickier. Harder to find the time to do it, knowing you've got a million and one other things to do. But don't forget, you are needed. Your child need you to be there, to be happy, to be strong. They depend on you, and you matter. Taking that time out just for you, is so important. "
Just to clarify - this is my book! Haha.
Available from Amazon
Lavender & Eucalyptus Bouquet
What mum doesn't love receiving a beautiful bunch of flowers? Do you know what's better than a bunch of fresh flowers, a gorgeous bouquet of dried flowers!
This lovely Lavender and Eucalyptus Bouquet is such a beautiful combination. Dried flowers not only last so much longer, but they do not need water, they are an eco friendly decor idea and gives you the opportunity to display gorgeous flowers without worrying about them drooping or dying.
I have to say, this bouquet smells amazing. The lavender scent is so strong and I can see the scent lasting a long time. Even the packaging of this gorgeous bouquet is eco friendly!
A beautiful bouquet, a gorgeous piece of home decor!
Available from Vegan Bunny
Carver Smart Digital Photo Frame
I've always loved the idea of digital photo frames! It's a great piece of technology to own, particularly in this digital age when most of us take photos using our phones, only to keep them in our phone albums and never print them off or display them anymore!
The Carver digital photo frame is so so easy to connect and display photos. If you download the app onto your phone, it's as simple as ticking a box and any of your phone photos will instantly be displayed on the frame!
If you are buying for a loved one, perhaps an older relative - this would be such an amazing gift. Set up some photos for them, and then you can easily add more when you have taken them - and the photos will just appear as if by magic into their photo frame, and their house! Love this idea.
The quality of the photos are perfect, and the frame itself is chunky and sturdy. Really fab quality product. I love that the settings can all be adjusted, including the order and arrangement of the photos. An amazing gift for anyone.
Available from Aura Frames and Amazon
Room Spray & Reed Diffuser
The Just Grapefruit Room Spray is strong (in a good way!) and pleasantly fruity, with an aroma of pink grapefruit, balanced with slight hints or orange and lemon. The room sprays from Arran are made from natural oils and they come in a beautiful, sturdy glass bottle, wrapped in a tin to keep it safe. The fragrance is really fresh and strong, and it'll easily fill a room. Long lasting and deliciously scented!
The Just Grapefruit Reed Diffuser is just as gorgeous and fruity scented. I love reed diffusers as they help create a pleasant aroma throughout the day - perfect for high traffic areas of your home! Again it's packaged in a lovely glass bottle, inside a tin. I've used many reed diffusers in the past and with many, the scent doesn't last long or simply isn't strong enough, but I think Arran products will be my go to! A beautiful, elegant, strong - but not overpowering scent. Gorgeous product, and a fab gift idea!
Both products are available from ARRAN Sense of Scotland
Yellow Sunflower Watch
I'm a sucker for a watch. I love them. I really think they add something a little special to any outfit, and it's rare to see people wearing watches as much anymore - so that's makes them all the more beautiful.
This gorgeous Yellow Sunflower Watch from Toff London is really lovely, high quality and the detail is beautiful. The strap of this specific watch is made of rose gold stainless steel, but you could also go for a genuine leather. The watch comes presented in a cute white box, perfect for that really special present. The Yellow Sunflower watch is really comfortable to wear, I've often found watches dig in or lightly pinch your skin, but this is so nice to wear.
The watch face itself is the perfect size, not too small or large and the sunflower detail is really lovely.
There are many watch styles available, so not only can you change the style but you can change the colour of the watch case, the strap and the dial - so each watch can be personalised for the recipient.
Available from Toff London
How To Be A Moonflower
How To Be A Moonflower is the gorgeous new book from Katie Daisy (beautiful name too, right?) celebrating the absolute magic of the night time. Discover and learn about the world after dark, from quotes to meditations, charts mapping out the stars, and guides to plants and nocturnal animals.
Ohhh honestly, it's such a magical book. The illustrations are divine, so detailed and delicate. It's a book that dreams are made of. There are activities to try, interesting facts to learn and again, incredible artwork to swoon over. The ideal gift for self care lovers, night owls, dream weavers, creative folks, art lovers - it's just, amazing.
Available from Abrams & Chronicle and Amazon
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
Mums tend to hold most of the responsibility at Christmas time. The decorations, the presents, the wrapping, the shopping, the cooking, It's overwhelming, to say the least!
If you're still looking for the perfect gift for the incredible mum in your life, look no further, I've got some amazing ideas here!
*All products in this post were gifted to me. This post contains affiliate links.
Maternal Journal
I have to be honest, with the 'Maternal Journal' I was expecting a pretty average, "aimed at mums" journal with prompts scattered here and there to try and get you writing each day. But I am so excited to say how wrong I was. The Maternal Journal is so much more than that, really something special. It's full of inspiration to encourage you to create your own journal, truely create it. There are a huge number of creative journal exercises for you to try, poetry and gorgeous illustrations created by artists and healthcare workers to encourage you to boost your creativity and really get in touch with your inner self.
I love the many different ideas, Giving this journal a go can really change your life! It's amazing! No other journal has ever made me feel this comforted, relaxed, inspired. Maternal Journal helps you get in touch with yourself on a deeper level, as a woman, as a mother. It will help you understand and improve your wellbeing and self care practises.
Such a wonderful gift idea, the best journal for mums I have ever seen. Hands down.
Available from Amazon, Waterstones and Hive
Looking After You
Looking After You should be your go to self care book this year. With 100 different, easy to do self care ideas for busy mums who cannot find the time to work on themselves. Each of the 100 ideas can be done in a short amount of time, whenever you can grab a minute - plus, there's one idea for every day of Winter! Make your goal to try each and everyone of them. "Self Care is so important. Your needs are so important, and you need to take good care of yourself. It helps your confidence, self esteem and helps to build a healthy relationship with yourself. Self Care will make you feel better about yourself, and promote positivity in your life. When you are a mum, self care can be trickier. Harder to find the time to do it, knowing you've got a million and one other things to do. But don't forget, you are needed. Your child need you to be there, to be happy, to be strong. They depend on you, and you matter. Taking that time out just for you, is so important. "
Just to clarify - this is my book! Haha.
Available from Amazon
Lavender & Eucalyptus Bouquet
What mum doesn't love receiving a beautiful bunch of flowers? Do you know what's better than a bunch of fresh flowers, a gorgeous bouquet of dried flowers!
This lovely Lavender and Eucalyptus Bouquet is such a beautiful combination. Dried flowers not only last so much longer, but they do not need water, they are an eco friendly decor idea and gives you the opportunity to display gorgeous flowers without worrying about them drooping or dying.
I have to say, this bouquet smells amazing. The lavender scent is so strong and I can see the scent lasting a long time. Even the packaging of this gorgeous bouquet is eco friendly!
A beautiful bouquet, a gorgeous piece of home decor!
Available from Vegan Bunny
Carver Smart Digital Photo Frame
I've always loved the idea of digital photo frames! It's a great piece of technology to own, particularly in this digital age when most of us take photos using our phones, only to keep them in our phone albums and never print them off or display them anymore!
The Carver digital photo frame is so so easy to connect and display photos. If you download the app onto your phone, it's as simple as ticking a box and any of your phone photos will instantly be displayed on the frame!
If you are buying for a loved one, perhaps an older relative - this would be such an amazing gift. Set up some photos for them, and then you can easily add more when you have taken them - and the photos will just appear as if by magic into their photo frame, and their house! Love this idea.
The quality of the photos are perfect, and the frame itself is chunky and sturdy. Really fab quality product. I love that the settings can all be adjusted, including the order and arrangement of the photos. An amazing gift for anyone.
Available from Aura Frames and Amazon
Room Spray & Reed Diffuser
The Just Grapefruit Room Spray is strong (in a good way!) and pleasantly fruity, with an aroma of pink grapefruit, balanced with slight hints or orange and lemon. The room sprays from Arran are made from natural oils and they come in a beautiful, sturdy glass bottle, wrapped in a tin to keep it safe. The fragrance is really fresh and strong, and it'll easily fill a room. Long lasting and deliciously scented!
The Just Grapefruit Reed Diffuser is just as gorgeous and fruity scented. I love reed diffusers as they help create a pleasant aroma throughout the day - perfect for high traffic areas of your home! Again it's packaged in a lovely glass bottle, inside a tin. I've used many reed diffusers in the past and with many, the scent doesn't last long or simply isn't strong enough, but I think Arran products will be my go to! A beautiful, elegant, strong - but not overpowering scent. Gorgeous product, and a fab gift idea!
Both products are available from ARRAN Sense of Scotland
Yellow Sunflower Watch
I'm a sucker for a watch. I love them. I really think they add something a little special to any outfit, and it's rare to see people wearing watches as much anymore - so that's makes them all the more beautiful.
This gorgeous Yellow Sunflower Watch from Toff London is really lovely, high quality and the detail is beautiful. The strap of this specific watch is made of rose gold stainless steel, but you could also go for a genuine leather. The watch comes presented in a cute white box, perfect for that really special present. The Yellow Sunflower watch is really comfortable to wear, I've often found watches dig in or lightly pinch your skin, but this is so nice to wear.
The watch face itself is the perfect size, not too small or large and the sunflower detail is really lovely.
There are many watch styles available, so not only can you change the style but you can change the colour of the watch case, the strap and the dial - so each watch can be personalised for the recipient.
Available from Toff London
How To Be A Moonflower
How To Be A Moonflower is the gorgeous new book from Katie Daisy (beautiful name too, right?) celebrating the absolute magic of the night time. Discover and learn about the world after dark, from quotes to meditations, charts mapping out the stars, and guides to plants and nocturnal animals.
Ohhh honestly, it's such a magical book. The illustrations are divine, so detailed and delicate. It's a book that dreams are made of. There are activities to try, interesting facts to learn and again, incredible artwork to swoon over. The ideal gift for self care lovers, night owls, dream weavers, creative folks, art lovers - it's just, amazing.
Available from Abrams & Chronicle and Amazon
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
15 Amazing Uses For Your Empty Notebooks
Bullet Journal
If your notebook is big enough, why not spend some time & turn it into a bullet journal? There are loads of tutorials and ideas on Pinterest or Youtube, I definitely recommend having a look! It's a wonderful idea for a planner or journal and can really help with organisation. It can be as prim and proper, or cute and frilly as you'd like - and it'll work with any notebook you have!
Dream Diary
Write down your dreams! I really want to start doing this. Try keeping a blank notebook by your bed, or under your pillow and jot them down as soon as you wake up. Maybe you could even look up to find out what they mean!
Quotes That Inspire Your Life
I absolutely love my inspirational quotes, and there's only so much room on my walls! Fill a book with powerful, motivating messages, pictures that make you feel strong and sure - everyone loves a good inspiring quote, right? It could be a perfect opportunity to practise lettering or calligraphy too if you fancied it.
Write Love Letters
I remember when I was at school, we used to have our own notebooks where we would write letters to our teachers, and they'd write back. No one else would ever read it. You could do the same sort of things and write love letters to your significant others. I think it's a really sweet idea.
Make A Gratitude Journal
Spend some time every day, acknowledging and writing down all the things you are thankful for. It will help you appreciate all the little things in life & count your blessings. It's good for the soul, your mindset and it's so easy to do.
Jot Down Your Goals
Write down any goals you have. Things you want to achieve, you can also check things off and log your progress on your way! Turn a blank space into something inspiring! Keep track of your goals, plan your steps accordingly - it's a great way to stay motivated, and it'll be wonderful to look back on your journey afterwards.
Blog Post Ideas
If you are a blogger, you could use on of your notebooks to jot down ideas & inspiration for future posts. You could plan ahead for holidays & special occasions too! You could even use it for social media planning, creating an editorial calendar or helping you stay on track.
Daily Notebook
Jot down your days to-do list, things you want to achieve that day and tick them off! Who doesn't love a good checklist! Quick morning doodles or shower thoughts - make this your go-to, good old reliable journal.
Travel Journal
Places you want to go, places you have visited. Jot down all the things you did, what you saw. You could even include little mementos & souvenirs. Stick in maps, leaflets, draw the beautiful places you see. Jot down places you'd love to visit again, or sightseeing recommendations. The opportunities are endless.
Recipe Book
When I first moved into my own flat, my cousin started to fill up a notebook with recipes. Including basic things like measurements. I continued to fill in the notebook for a good few years. Writing down recipes I found online, from family members, from books or magazines. It was really lovely, and a great way to keep all your good recipes in one place. I am so doing this again.
Creative Writing
Perhaps you like to write poems, or are planning to write a novel. Don't dither around, start now. Get your creative juices flowing. Use creative writing prompts, start a mindmap - whatever helps your creativity!
Start A Nature Journal
Record your observations & reflect on them. Collect natural objects, go bird spotting. Sketch what you see. Go wild.
Use It As A Sketchbook
Blank notebooks without lines, dots or grids are ideal to use as a sketchbook. Try ensuring you use separate pages for separate drawings to avoid overwhelm, and it'll help you focus too. Get scribbling and get creative, use your imagination and just go for it!
Share Your Memories
Revisit the past, jot down those memories you never want to forget. The sort of things that made you who you are. The things you want to be able to tell your grandchildren. All the good things.
Vision Boards
Use the different pages in a notebook to get the inspiration flowing and create individual mood boards. Seasonal, travel inspired, aspirational - whatever takes your fancy. Write out your wildest fantasy, your 'ideal life'. Cut out images from magazines, Pinterest, or even add drawings and text. Create simple collages to represent your ideas and goals - and promote inspiration. Vision boards can be used for so many things! Life goals, decorating ideas, outfit inspiration, seasonal ideas - there's so much you can use a vision board for!
This list provides 15 creative ways you can use your empty notebooks, but honestly there are no limits to watch you could use them for! Blank pages are inspiring, they can be entirely unique and individual to you. Try not to worry too much about perfection, or hoping your notebooks will be as beautiful as can be - the important thing is you love it. Now get started and make something amazing!
Are you a notebook hoarder like me?
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
15 Amazing Uses For Your Empty Notebooks
Bullet Journal
If your notebook is big enough, why not spend some time & turn it into a bullet journal? There are loads of tutorials and ideas on Pinterest or Youtube, I definitely recommend having a look! It's a wonderful idea for a planner or journal and can really help with organisation. It can be as prim and proper, or cute and frilly as you'd like - and it'll work with any notebook you have!
Dream Diary
Write down your dreams! I really want to start doing this. Try keeping a blank notebook by your bed, or under your pillow and jot them down as soon as you wake up. Maybe you could even look up to find out what they mean!
Quotes That Inspire Your Life
I absolutely love my inspirational quotes, and there's only so much room on my walls! Fill a book with powerful, motivating messages, pictures that make you feel strong and sure - everyone loves a good inspiring quote, right? It could be a perfect opportunity to practise lettering or calligraphy too if you fancied it.
Write Love Letters
I remember when I was at school, we used to have our own notebooks where we would write letters to our teachers, and they'd write back. No one else would ever read it. You could do the same sort of things and write love letters to your significant others. I think it's a really sweet idea.
Make A Gratitude Journal
Spend some time every day, acknowledging and writing down all the things you are thankful for. It will help you appreciate all the little things in life & count your blessings. It's good for the soul, your mindset and it's so easy to do.
Jot Down Your Goals
Write down any goals you have. Things you want to achieve, you can also check things off and log your progress on your way! Turn a blank space into something inspiring! Keep track of your goals, plan your steps accordingly - it's a great way to stay motivated, and it'll be wonderful to look back on your journey afterwards.
Blog Post Ideas
If you are a blogger, you could use on of your notebooks to jot down ideas & inspiration for future posts. You could plan ahead for holidays & special occasions too! You could even use it for social media planning, creating an editorial calendar or helping you stay on track.
Daily Notebook
Jot down your days to-do list, things you want to achieve that day and tick them off! Who doesn't love a good checklist! Quick morning doodles or shower thoughts - make this your go-to, good old reliable journal.
Travel Journal
Places you want to go, places you have visited. Jot down all the things you did, what you saw. You could even include little mementos & souvenirs. Stick in maps, leaflets, draw the beautiful places you see. Jot down places you'd love to visit again, or sightseeing recommendations. The opportunities are endless.
Recipe Book
When I first moved into my own flat, my cousin started to fill up a notebook with recipes. Including basic things like measurements. I continued to fill in the notebook for a good few years. Writing down recipes I found online, from family members, from books or magazines. It was really lovely, and a great way to keep all your good recipes in one place. I am so doing this again.
Creative Writing
Perhaps you like to write poems, or are planning to write a novel. Don't dither around, start now. Get your creative juices flowing. Use creative writing prompts, start a mindmap - whatever helps your creativity!
Start A Nature Journal
Record your observations & reflect on them. Collect natural objects, go bird spotting. Sketch what you see. Go wild.
Use It As A Sketchbook
Blank notebooks without lines, dots or grids are ideal to use as a sketchbook. Try ensuring you use separate pages for separate drawings to avoid overwhelm, and it'll help you focus too. Get scribbling and get creative, use your imagination and just go for it!
Share Your Memories
Revisit the past, jot down those memories you never want to forget. The sort of things that made you who you are. The things you want to be able to tell your grandchildren. All the good things.
Vision Boards
Use the different pages in a notebook to get the inspiration flowing and create individual mood boards. Seasonal, travel inspired, aspirational - whatever takes your fancy. Write out your wildest fantasy, your 'ideal life'. Cut out images from magazines, Pinterest, or even add drawings and text. Create simple collages to represent your ideas and goals - and promote inspiration. Vision boards can be used for so many things! Life goals, decorating ideas, outfit inspiration, seasonal ideas - there's so much you can use a vision board for!
This list provides 15 creative ways you can use your empty notebooks, but honestly there are no limits to watch you could use them for! Blank pages are inspiring, they can be entirely unique and individual to you. Try not to worry too much about perfection, or hoping your notebooks will be as beautiful as can be - the important thing is you love it. Now get started and make something amazing!
Are you a notebook hoarder like me?
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
I used to suffer really bad with Eczema, in the past I've had it all over my body but especially on my arms and legs. With my first pregnancy, my eczema was the worst it had ever been, I didn't even want to leave the house. My skin honestly felt like it was on fire, and it smelt like it too. TMI. But since then it's got a lot better, thankfully. Although my eczema has got a lot better, suffering so much with it has caused me a few problems - including scars.
Between the ages of about 10-25, my legs were absolutely covered in scars. More scars than skin visible at one point. I never ever wanted to show my legs, I would wear tights even on hot Summer days, or I'd wear jeans under dresses and that'd aggravate my eczema even more. I'd never let anyone see my legs, no matter what.
I figured out over the years that my eczema was triggered by the environment I was in. Dust, damp, mould, grass would all send my eczema haywire, and as soon as I was no longer around any of those things - my eczema did in fact clear up.
I haven't had a flare up in 7 years, and guess what - my scars have almost completely healed.
Patience, regular moisturising and removing any triggers from my environment and it feels almost like I never suffered in the first place. I feel free from it all to be honest.
Figure out what triggers your eczema, moisturise multiple times a day, avoid perfumed products as much as you can and let your scars heal on their own.
They will eventually, I promise.
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
I used to suffer really bad with Eczema, in the past I've had it all over my body but especially on my arms and legs. With my first pregnancy, my eczema was the worst it had ever been, I didn't even want to leave the house. My skin honestly felt like it was on fire, and it smelt like it too. TMI. But since then it's got a lot better, thankfully. Although my eczema has got a lot better, suffering so much with it has caused me a few problems - including scars.
Between the ages of about 10-25, my legs were absolutely covered in scars. More scars than skin visible at one point. I never ever wanted to show my legs, I would wear tights even on hot Summer days, or I'd wear jeans under dresses and that'd aggravate my eczema even more. I'd never let anyone see my legs, no matter what.
I figured out over the years that my eczema was triggered by the environment I was in. Dust, damp, mould, grass would all send my eczema haywire, and as soon as I was no longer around any of those things - my eczema did in fact clear up.
I haven't had a flare up in 7 years, and guess what - my scars have almost completely healed.
Patience, regular moisturising and removing any triggers from my environment and it feels almost like I never suffered in the first place. I feel free from it all to be honest.
Figure out what triggers your eczema, moisturise multiple times a day, avoid perfumed products as much as you can and let your scars heal on their own.
They will eventually, I promise.
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
Self Confidence is key to happiness. Low confidence in yourself affects the way you see yourself and your ability to interact with others. A few small changes each day can boost your confidence and self esteem to make the world of difference. Try a few of these confidence boosters every day, and you'll soon notice some wonderful changes!
How To Be More Confident In 8 Easy Steps
Smile!
Accept Compliments
Have Some 'Me Time'
Say What You Like About You
Make A Bit Of An Effort
Be Kind And Generous
Take Selfies
Believe In Yourself
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
Self Confidence is key to happiness. Low confidence in yourself affects the way you see yourself and your ability to interact with others. A few small changes each day can boost your confidence and self esteem to make the world of difference. Try a few of these confidence boosters every day, and you'll soon notice some wonderful changes!
How To Be More Confident In 8 Easy Steps
Smile!
Accept Compliments
Have Some 'Me Time'
Say What You Like About You
Make A Bit Of An Effort
Be Kind And Generous
Take Selfies
Believe In Yourself
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
I'm a firm believer in the power of expressing gratitude and being thankful for every thing you have. If you are feeling down, negative, disorganised, all over the place or just generally negative, starting a gratitude journal may just change your life. In the current times, with all the fancy technology we have at our fingertips - apps are often the way to go. I decided to try out a few different gratitude journaling apps and I wanted to share them with you!Easy Ways To Start A Gratitude Journal With An App
Regular journaling has been scientifically proven to improve your wellbeing, and helps to create a positive mindset. By making a point of writing down all the things (big or small!) that you are thankful for, can really improve your mental health and wellbeing, as well as being inspiring to look back on. So if you are interested in starting your gratitude journaling journey, but you are more of a digital note maker these 5 gratitude journaling apps are the way to go!
Gratitude
Gratitude is a lovely little app, quick to get going and easy to use throughout. Beginning each day on your 'journal' it gives you a prompt to write about, and you can even add a photo from your camera roll for each entry too. It then goes on to give you the option of creating daily affirmations (which some people love, some don't and that's ok). The app also provides you with fab quotes of the day and even the ability to create a vision board too! (Free, but there is a paid version option) Available on Android
Presently
Presently is my favourite gratitude journal app on this list, simply because it's just that - a gratitude journal app. It's simple, it's elegant and it's so easy to use. No frills, nothing fancy or extra, just exactly what it says on the tin. It allows you to focus on simply jotting down what you are grateful for today, and yesterday and keeps it all neat in a little diary. Perfect, sweet and simple. (Free & 100% ad free too) Available on Android
365 Gratitude Journal
Gratitude Garden
Gratitude Garden is another more simpler app. Again it does exactly what it sets out to do. Gives you the opportunity to fill in 3 things you are grateful for that day and each time you fill in your 3 things you get 'gratitude points' which can be used to buy things for your beautiful 'gratitude garden'. The app also let's you turn over a new card each day, with a motivational quote and inspiration for your day going forward too. Easy to use, fun to play and beautiful to look at! (Free) Available on Android and IOS
HappyFeed
HappyFeed is a slightly different type of gratitude journaling app. It does of course first give you chance to fill in a little journal, with prompts or hints if needed, and you can add photos or locations too, which is fab. The little bit extra to this app is the fact you can join in a group or a 'private pod' to share your moments with too! It also allows you to look back through memories and sends you a highlight of your month too. A really lovely app if you are looking for something a little bit more than your basic gratitude journal. (Free) Available on Android and IOS
I completely understand that apps aren't for everyone. Some people like to keep parts of their lives separate, off their phones, and some people are more pen and paper people - and that's perfectly ok too. If you are unsure, why not give one of these apps a go, it can't hurt right?
No matter what works best for you, try and stick to it - to make your happiness a habit and feel the true benefit of gratitude in your life.
Have you tried any Gratitude Journaling apps before?
Do you think you might give one a go?
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
I'm a firm believer in the power of expressing gratitude and being thankful for every thing you have. If you are feeling down, negative, disorganised, all over the place or just generally negative, starting a gratitude journal may just change your life. In the current times, with all the fancy technology we have at our fingertips - apps are often the way to go. I decided to try out a few different gratitude journaling apps and I wanted to share them with you!Easy Ways To Start A Gratitude Journal With An App
Regular journaling has been scientifically proven to improve your wellbeing, and helps to create a positive mindset. By making a point of writing down all the things (big or small!) that you are thankful for, can really improve your mental health and wellbeing, as well as being inspiring to look back on. So if you are interested in starting your gratitude journaling journey, but you are more of a digital note maker these 5 gratitude journaling apps are the way to go!
Gratitude
Gratitude is a lovely little app, quick to get going and easy to use throughout. Beginning each day on your 'journal' it gives you a prompt to write about, and you can even add a photo from your camera roll for each entry too. It then goes on to give you the option of creating daily affirmations (which some people love, some don't and that's ok). The app also provides you with fab quotes of the day and even the ability to create a vision board too! (Free, but there is a paid version option) Available on Android
Presently
Presently is my favourite gratitude journal app on this list, simply because it's just that - a gratitude journal app. It's simple, it's elegant and it's so easy to use. No frills, nothing fancy or extra, just exactly what it says on the tin. It allows you to focus on simply jotting down what you are grateful for today, and yesterday and keeps it all neat in a little diary. Perfect, sweet and simple. (Free & 100% ad free too) Available on Android
365 Gratitude Journal
Gratitude Garden
Gratitude Garden is another more simpler app. Again it does exactly what it sets out to do. Gives you the opportunity to fill in 3 things you are grateful for that day and each time you fill in your 3 things you get 'gratitude points' which can be used to buy things for your beautiful 'gratitude garden'. The app also let's you turn over a new card each day, with a motivational quote and inspiration for your day going forward too. Easy to use, fun to play and beautiful to look at! (Free) Available on Android and IOS
HappyFeed
HappyFeed is a slightly different type of gratitude journaling app. It does of course first give you chance to fill in a little journal, with prompts or hints if needed, and you can add photos or locations too, which is fab. The little bit extra to this app is the fact you can join in a group or a 'private pod' to share your moments with too! It also allows you to look back through memories and sends you a highlight of your month too. A really lovely app if you are looking for something a little bit more than your basic gratitude journal. (Free) Available on Android and IOS
I completely understand that apps aren't for everyone. Some people like to keep parts of their lives separate, off their phones, and some people are more pen and paper people - and that's perfectly ok too. If you are unsure, why not give one of these apps a go, it can't hurt right?
No matter what works best for you, try and stick to it - to make your happiness a habit and feel the true benefit of gratitude in your life.
Have you tried any Gratitude Journaling apps before?
Do you think you might give one a go?
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
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