Showing posts with label self care & wellbeing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self care & wellbeing. Show all posts
(Ad/Review) Absolute Goddess Handbook

We've all seen the word "glow up" floating around the internet over the past year or so, not to mention the 3 words that literally make my bones cringe "hot girl summer". Everyone wants a "glow up", a refresh, a bit of a makeover - it's exciting! But it's cliché, uninspiring and unrealistic. Hot Girl Summer is particularly derogatory, who qualifies as a "hot girl" then? I detest it. 

Then I came across the Absolute Goddess Handbook by Elizabeth @ Ice cream whispers Clara, and although it may seem similar to your typical glow up routine, or makeover tips - it's not, at all. It's so much more, and the best part is, it's all for you. Not to show anyone else, just how amazingly perfect and gorgeous you are, it's about you, learning to love the skin you are in, accentuating your beautiful natural features and realising just how freaking incredible you already are. 


Absolute Goddess Handbook Review

The Absolute Goddess Handbook is available as a digital download here, and it full to the brim with tips, advice, self care ideas, lifestyle suggestions, skincare, wellbeing tips and so much more. Transforming who you think you are into who you want to be. A real life love potion, for yourself. 

The first section of the course discusses typical beauty standards, how to use them to your advantage without succumbing to them. All about being your own person, loving the skin you are in - and making the most of your perfect, unique, natural features.

I love that Elizabeth goes into discussion and shares tips about forming a reliable, easy and functional skincare routine, she also shares a wonderful array of hair care tips. Personally though, I really love how she talks about the importance of pampering and taking care of yourself, and how to find the time to be able to do that. She is a mother too, so she knows what it means when you say "I don't have time!", but pampering is just another form of self care, and it can truely be a wonderful one. 

The next section of the course is about make up and hair, with many recommendations and routine suggestions. I mean, I've never and never will be a classic "pretty girl". I love dresses, I love make up, but I'm a hot mess - let's be honest. My hair is more often than not in a scruffy bun of some sort, my nails are often chipped and my clothes probably have some sort of food/paint/juice stains. But that's all ok, and perfectly acceptable. No one is perfect, and I certainly am not. But I still love taking a little extra time to do my make up in the mornings, I love having a long pampering bath on a Sunday night, and I love painting my nails bright colours. 


Absolute Goddess Handbook Review


There is no right, or wrong answer. In this course, Elizabeth ensures we all understand - this isn't a strict "this is how you should do it" "this is how you should look", it's all about looking after yourself, self love, no need for a glow up, when you are already pretty freaking amazing. 

The course then goes onto discuss food, wellbeing, clothing, lifestyle and so much more.
She discusses about tuning in to your inner goddess, listening to her, trying new things. Taking risks, making changes and ultimately - becoming your very best self, becoming an absolute goddess

Throughout the handbook there are many tips, ideas, suggestions - ways to help you tune into your body and mind. There are no rules. YOU make the rules, she's just helping you visualise it all. 
Absolute Goddess Handbook Review

Overall, I really love this course. I have taken a lot of notes, and inspiration throughout this course and will be implementing many aspects into my life. Reading the handbook, it feels like she is speaking to you as her friend. She's helping, suggesting, listening to your needs - without being pushy or bossy. She's a kind hearted soul, and you can really feel this when reading.

The only downside I honestly have to the course, is that I wish it came in paperback format! I'd love to have a copy on my shelf, that I could just browse through now and then, when I'm looking for a burst of inspiration or guidance. 

You can find the course here - I highly recommend checking it out! RRP £31



 

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! 

happy face, balloons with smiley faces, future self
If you are feeling uninspired or unmotivated, do something to change your life today. You need to fight for what you want, you need to plan ahead and even small changes can make a big difference to your life. Try and tick a few of these things off today, and your future self will thank you!

12 Little Things To Do That Your Future Self With Thank You For


Sort Out Your Wardrobe

Go through your wardrobe and give it a good declutter. Fill up a bag of items to take to the charity shop, things that you don't wear or don't fit. Not only will this benefit others by donating to charity, but it will save you a lot of time in the future when deciding what to wear!

Automatically Transfer Money To Savings Account

Set up a standing order to automatically transfer some money on payday to your savings account. Even a few pounds every month can soon build up, and if it comes out straight away, you'll begin to not even notice it going. I've got a fantastic little set up with my bank, that means every time I pay on my card (which is pretty much every time I go to the shop) it rounds up the amount I spend to the nearest pound, and transfers those pennies into my savings account. It's a fantastic way to save without really noticing, I strongly suggest you see if your bank does this too!

Organise A Date With Friends

Spending quality time with your friends is so important. You might have 100 friends, you might only have a few but make some time every month to see those closest to you. Organise a date in advance to make sure you get a chance to see each other as regularly as possible. 

Get Into The Habit Of Taking Time For Yourself Everyday

Looking after yourself is so important, and spending quality time alone is one of the best things you can do when you need to recharge your batteries. Start scheduling quality time just for you, and you'll thank yourself when it starts becoming a habit.

happy woman with confetti

Leave Money In Your Coat Or Bag

Oh this is one of my favourite things to do for myself as and when I can. It works particularly well when the seasons are changing too. For example, leave £5 or £10 pounds in your winter coat pocket, as winter is turning into spring. You'll soon forget it's there, and you'll high five yourself when you discover it again in a few months. OR if you don't want to leave it that long, you could tuck a note behind your least used cards in your purse, and you'll discover it again at a later date. 

Book A Holiday

Book a weekend away or a holiday a while in advance, even up to a year in advance. Pay for it as soon as you can and you'll have something to look forward to for months! It'll make it more exciting, and you'll definitely thank yourself for taking that leap and booking something early!

Fill Your Diary/Calendar Up

One thing I've started doing more now is writing down important dates and things to remember as soon as they come up. Say you did book a holiday, or a date with friends - write it down there and then! Or perhaps you got a letter for the various holiday and inset days for school, write it down straight away! You'll be so glad you did when you've got too much on your mind later on and have completely forgotten!

Spend Time With Your Family

Make sure you set time aside to spend with your family and those you are closest too. Even if it's just an afternoon of drinking tea and catching up. Ensure it becomes a regular occurrence, and don't let little things get in the way of family time.

Cook A Big Batch Of Food And Freeze

Such a genius idea and really easy to implement. Cook a big batch of whatever you are having for dinner, or do it with every dinner - portion out the extras into separate tubs and freeze. You'll be so thankful for this in the future when you haven't got anything to eat, or perhaps you're not feeling well but you still need to make dinner!

Write A To-Do List For Following Day

Something I do every single night, without fail. Grab your diary and check what you've got going on the following day. Make a to-do list, even if it's just a few things to tick off the following day. (Make sure you add a few easily achievable things too though, like taking time out for you, or sitting down and drinking a cuppa while it's hot!) It will stop you forgetting anything, and encourage you to make the most of every day.

happy woman with bunches, sunglasses on, making peace signs on both hands


Plan A List Of Goals And Steps, And Take That First Step

I absolutely love writing goal lists, and they are all well and good but if you haven't got a plan of how to achieve them, they aren't going to be ticked off the list anytime soon! So write down a list of goals for the week/month/year and steps to achieve each one. Then take that first step towards one goal there and then. Plus, if possible, you could even add the next step to tomorrow's to do list!

Plan Your Outfit And Pack Your Bag For Tomorrow

Almost an essential thing to do when you have children, but plan and set out your outfit ready for the next day, each evening. (I recommend checking the weather beforehand!) It'll save you a task in the morning, and no faffing around searching for a particular item of clothing. As well as planning your outfit for the next day - get any bags ready too! Pack your handbag/changing bag/ kids lunchboxes ready in advance and it'll save you so much time in the morning!

So which item on the list will you be checking off today? 
How do you like to treat your future self?

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! 

Mum self care. Mum rubbing skincare products onto face. Holding mug with hot drink. Mum dancing with child.

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. 

So I'm sharing a few self care ideas for a busy mum!


Before I share my ideas, just remember this - This isn't a checklist. You don't have to go along and do all of these things. Self Care is about taking time out for you. Do something you enjoy, something that makes you feel good. Don't do something because you think you should, or you don't like it. That completely defeats the point! So first things first;

Make Time For Yourself 

As a busy mum, it can be so difficult to find any spare time, but its so important to make that time. Whether it's the time when your little ones are at nursery, while they're busy watching their favourite tv show or even when they've gone to bed. Find the time. When you've found some spare time, grab it with open arms! Instead of doing the things you think you should be doing, do something for yourself. 10 minutes everyday, 1 evening a week, whenever you can.

Create Something

Express that creative side and create something. Paint a picture, make some home decor, bake a delicious snack, make a Youtube video. Everyone is capable of being creative in some aspect, and it's so good for you to express it! The options are endless.

woman drinking hot drinking while relaxing on bed and reading a book.


Read A Book

Read that book you've had on your shelf. You know, the one you've been meaning to read but haven't found the time. Or go buy a new book, one that really grabs your attention. Sit down with a cuppa, no tv, no noise. Just you & your book.

Pamper Yourself

Take a nice long bath. Light some candles. Use bath bombs, and those expensive products you've been saving for a special occasion. Today is a special occasion. Pop a hair mask or a face mask on, paint your nails. Do whatever you fancy.

Exercise

Exercise is so important to achieve a healthy lifestyle, and it helps to promote confidence & self esteem. Whether it's a quick youtube workout, a bike ride or heading outside in the fresh air for a quick jog. Whatever you fancy, just release those endorphins!

Watch A Feel Good Movie

My personal favourite. Snuggle in bed with Netflix, or on the sofa under a blanket and watch something happy, something that'll make you feel positive and leave you with a fuzzy feeling inside.

hot drink in windowsill with glasses


Write Something

Write in your journal, write a letter, jot down your goals & aspirations or remind yourself of all the positive things that have happened to you that day.

Get Outside

Go for a nice long walk. Pop your little ones in the pushchair if you want to. Explore somewhere new. Fresh air is amazing, and helps improve your mood and well being.

Do Something That Makes You Feel Like You

This one might be a bit harder to achieve, but it could make you feel amazing. Remember those things you used to do before you had your little ones? Something you loved doing, something that made you feel good, but you just don't seem to do anymore? Go on a spontaneous day out? Go out for coffee with your friends? Dye your hair a crazy colour? What's stopping you doing it now because you have babies? 

Which of these self care ideas is your favourite? 
Let me know what your favourite type of self care is!



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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! 

homemade face mask made from oats in a jar. oats in a bowl, oats in a bowl with a spoon


Many of us love having a bit of a pamper now and then, popping on a homemade face mask always feels like such a treat! Sure you can rely on store bought face masks, but you honestly never know exactly what the ingredients are or how they will react to your skin. That's why I always rely on good, old fashioned homemade face masks. Made of all natural products, you know every ingredient in them and natural products can do absolute wonders for your skin. Face masks can help you relax, detox your skin, remove impurities, unclog pores, moisturise your skin and so much more. 

This homemade face mask is one of my personal favourites because it's so moisturising, without being oily and it's perfect for even the most dry or sensitive skin (even eczema prone skin!).

Homemade Face Mask For Sensitive Skin

The first time I made this face mask my skin was in awful condition. I used to suffer so much with eczema and even had it on my face, it would cause my face to become tight, flakey and painful and when I discovered this face mask, it was like a temporary miracle cure. It really is the most soothing, and moisturising face mask you'll ever try. So whether you have dry, sensitive, eczema prone or normal skin - I highly recommend you giving this wonderful, simple to create oat facemask a go!

homemade oat face mask in jar

Oats
Oats are well known for their fantastic skin care benefits, that's why they make the perfect ingredient for a homemade face mask. Oats are natural cleansers and will remove dirt and unclog your pores, they will soak up excess oil and can even help treat acne! Oats are antioxidant and anti inflammatory, plus they even work as a very gentle exfoliant to remove dry and dead skin too. There's nothing oats can't do! 

Natural Yogurt
Natural yogurt has many skin care benefits too, some of which are very similar to oats, but yogurt is more known for it's soothing and cooling properties. This is the key ingredient that will help revitalise your skin if it's feeling dry or sore. Yogurt is an easy way of really giving your skin a good moisture boost. It can also help to reduce fine lines, dark circles and wrinkles, it can help to fade blemishes and treat mild skin infections too. Plus, natural yogurt is full of vitamins and has antibacterial and anti fungal properties! It's a godsend for people with dry skin, trust me!

bowl with oats and natural yogurt in it. Spoon next to bowl.

How To Make Homemade Face Mask

This oat face mask is so easy to make and it'll honestly only take you a minute or two! Plus, if you make a bigger batch, it can be popped into the fridge for up to a week!

You Will Need:

* 1 cup/80g uncooked rolled oats 
* 1/2 cup natural yogurt
and that's all you need!

The cheapest, most basic ingredients work perfectly for this mask, you can normally pick up a cheap box or bag of porridge oats in the cereal aisle, and you'll simply want to look for the most basic, flavour free natural yogurt (often 50p or less) in all good supermarkets.

1. If you prefer a smoother facemask, you could blend the oats before mixing the ingredients together but I tend to skip this step myself, because I'm lazy! It makes no difference to the face mask itself, it's perhaps just a bit easier to apply if it's smooth - but it's completely optional.

2. In a bowl, mix together the oats and the yogurt straight from the fridge, it needs to be cold. Ensure you mix the ingredients together well and the oats are completely covered in the yogurts. 

3. Using clean fingers apply the mixture in small circular motions to your face, neck and décolletage ensuring you avoid your eyes, mouth and nostrils.  

4. Leave the mask on your skin for approximately 20 minutes or until it has dried. You'll feel it immediately cooling and soaking into your skin.

5. Rinse off the face mask fully, using warm water (not hot). I recommend using your hands to wash the majority of it off, and finish off with a soft wash cloth.

6. Apply your normal moisturise and admire your beautiful, soft, glowing skin.

Have you ever made a homemade face mask before? I'd love to hear if you give this one a go! 
                                                     


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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!