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20 Fall Activities to Do with Family, Friends, or Solo

Enjoy every minute of the fall with these twenty bucket list activities! We’ve compiled a list of activities for everyone—whether you are looking for fun with family and friends, or some self-care time solo. Fall comes with some of the best seasonal activities, like pumpkin carving, drinking hot apple cider in a flannel, or eating apple cider donuts in a corn maze. And it’s a season when we start getting excited about Halloween and happy haunts! With cooler days ahead and a limited number of days in the season, it’s the perfect time to explore, relax, and celebrate. Try a few of our favorite autumn activities and enjoy every minute of this season! 

20 Best Fall Activities to Put on Your Bucket List  

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  1. Visit an apple orchard for chestnut crab apples and apple cider donuts. 
  2. Make apple cider milkshakes and watch a movie with fall vibes like Hocus Pocus, Practical Magic, or When Harry Met Sally.  
  3. Visit a brewery for live music, food trucks, and pumpkin beer.  
  4. Go on an autumn hike at a local state park.  
  5. Plan a romantic fall date with your partner. Plan a wine and cheese charcuterie picnic, and surprise your S.O. with a special gift like the Book of Us. Book of Us captures your love story on every page, so you can celebrate your relationship milestones. 
  6. Pick up your own pumpkins and enjoy jack-o-lantern carving.  
  7. Start a backyard bonfire and roast s’mores.  
  8. Tailgate a football game and make honey barbeque wings.  
  9. Bake a homemade apple pie. 
  10. Host a cozy fall party with mulled wine, chili, and pumpkin pie muffins.  
  11. Watch the sunset at a park.  
  12. Visit a corn maze and snack on caramel popcorn.  
  13. DIY your own Halloween costume. 
  14. Go ziplining and take in the gorgeous fall colors.  
  15. Celebrate Oktoberfest at a brewery or a city-hosted event.  
  16. Visit the farmer’s market and pick up ingredients to make a fall-themed dinner, like butternut squash carbonara.  
  17. Run a fall 5K or 10K.  
  18. Host a murder mystery party.  
  19. Spend an entire day that’s all about pumpkin spice. Drink a pumpkin spice latte, light a pumpkin candle, make pumpkin soup, and sip on a pumpkin spice cocktail.  
  20. Go for a bike ride. 

 

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Fun Activities for Your Summer Vacation Plans

We’ve compiled the best summer activities to make unforgettable memories with your best friend, romantic partner or family members! These twenty activity ideas take advantage of the warm weather and give you a variety of fun days—whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure or a little of both. During summer, it’s the perfect time to take a beach day, watch an outdoor sports game, or plan an epic pop culture summer party. You don’t need to take a trip out of state to have the best summer ever! Try a few of these creative activities and make every summer day feel like a vacation.  

20 Activities for Summer Vacation  

Go on a picnic date with your partner.  

Visit your local park and enjoy a romantic picnic outside. Take your picnic to the next level by packing a gourmet charcuterie tray, champagne, and chocolate-covered strawberries. Finish the date with a grand gesture and surprise your S.O. with a special gift that’s personalized just for them like the Book of Us. Book of Us captures your unique love story on every page and will be treasured for years and years!  

Host a pop-culture themed summer party. 

Plan an epic outdoor get-together with a pop culture theme and ask everyone to dress up accordingly. We love the idea of a Euphoria-themed party with a cool high-school prom vibe that features colorful drinks with edible glitter, metallic decorations, and a killer playlist. 

Visit a water park.  

Beat the heat at a fun outdoor or indoor water park! Make it a day event or treat yourself to an overnight stay at a hotel. 

Have a bonfire with friends. 

Invite friends to a bonfire where you can roast marshmallows, listen to music, and play group games.  

Attend a music festival.  

Summer is the perfect time to check out music festivals in your city or nationwide.  

Do a puzzle on a rainy day.  

When it’s raining and boredom strikes, puzzles will keep your family entertained and happy! Personalized puzzles are especially engaging. Choose a custom puzzle that features a cute couple’s photo or one with your family’s names.  

Visit a local swimming pool or beach.  

Swimming is the ultimate summer activity! Visit a public pool or enjoy a beach day at the lake or ocean. If you don’t have a pool or beach nearby, take a staycation at a hotel with a pool. 

Golf at a regular course or go mini golfing. 

This is a fun date activity, or something the whole family can enjoy to make memories. Treat yourself to ice cream afterwards. 

Visit a local brewery and food truck.  

Most local breweries will host food trucks on summer weekends. Choose a weekend to visit one or two local breweries, sample a few beers and enjoy lunch at a food truck.  

Go to a baseball game.  

Enjoy this great American pastime with your family! There’s nothing better than cheering on your team with a hot dog and blue skies.  

Play frisbee golf in your backyard.  

Scatter hula hoops around the grass and play frisbee golf. This is a great last-minute activity when you want to play a fun game. 

Spend the day at a State Fair or Renaissance Festival. 

Eat, drink, and party all day long! Most states host a State Fair or Renaissance Festival in the summer, where you can sample lots of deep-fried food, listen to some great music, and take in a few shows.  

Replicate a drive-in movie theater at home.  

Re-create a drive-in movie theater experience! Set up a projector and attach a sheet to your garage door to play a movie. Just like an old-fashioned drive-in, you can watch from your car in the driveway while snacking on burgers and root beer floats! 

Enjoy a grown-up “yes day.”  

Have the perfect “yes day” by saying “yes” to whatever your boyfriend, girlfriend or partner wants to do (within reason, of course). Ask them, “What is your perfect day?” and then make it happen!  

Take a class to learn something new.  

Sign up for a class with your best friend or partner to learn a new skill or hobby! Try yoga, a cooking class or a pottery class. This is a great activity for when you got a little too sunburnt on your last outing.  

Go skydiving. 

Unleash your adventurous side and soar through the sky! Skydiving is a great couple’s activity or friend activity in the summer when you want to take an exhilarating risk.  

Challenge your friends in an escape room.  

Find an escape room near you and work together to get out. This summer activity lets you escape the heat and make hilarious memories with your friends as you build your teamwork skills!  

Take a hiking and camping trip.  

Spend a long weekend hiking to scenic spots and camping overnight. Roast hot dogs over a fire, stargaze at night, and bring binoculars to observe the local wildlife.  

Go canoeing or kayaking on the water. 

Enjoy a day where you can get some exercise and cool off at the same time! Find a local park where you can rent equipment (if you don’t have your own) and bring a friend.  

Create a summer reading challenge.  

Challenge yourself to read a certain number of books over the summer. Create a book tournament reading bracket and see which book comes out on top as the best summer read!  

We hope these summer activities will help you make joyful memories all summer long! 

 

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Spring Break Trips to Make Memories

We’re rounding up the best spring break vacations to go on with family, friends, or solo!  This trip list includes incredible destinations with activities for all ages. Each destination also has opportunities for rest and relaxation—perfect if you’re looking to unwind. After a long winter, everyone deserves a long break to make unforgettable memories. Check out these vacation ideas to book your next spring break trip! 

10 Spring Break Trip Ideas:

Travel with Family, Friends, or Solo  

We hope these travel ideas will inspire your next spring break trip! To make it even more fun, surprise your romantic partner or best friend with a trip by giving them a personalized gift like the Book of Us. With the Book of Us, you can tell your unique love story or friendship story and customize the book cover with a special title like: “You’re My Forever Travel Buddy” or “I Love You Around the World.” It will be a beautiful keepsake to remember your relationship and look forward to making more memories together!  

Experience the Magic of a Disney World Family Vacation

Embark on a magical spring break vacation with a trip to Disney World in Florida! Disney offers affordable vacation packages so you can spend fun-filled days at the parks and afternoons poolside.  

Disney’s newest offering is the Genie Service, which helps you plan your park days with attraction and entertainment recommendations. You can also pay for the Genie+ service to skip long ride lines by using “lightening lanes” (formerly known as FastPass lanes). Make sure to hit new attractions like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. For dinner, dine in space at the new Space 220 Restaurant at Epcot! Beyond rides, there’s so many other things to enjoy like parades, fireworks, character interactions, shopping, and unique dining experiences. Take your spring break to the next level and experience the magic of a Disney vacation!  

Explore 30A in Florida

This area in Florida is quickly becoming a favorite vacation spot! The name comes from a road in South Walton County called County Road 30A that spans about 20 miles along the Florida panhandle coastline. Featuring a cluster of small, beautiful beach towns this area boasts some of the best beaches, restaurants, and vacation rentals. Ride your bike along the coastline and stop at popular beaches along the way, including Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, and Grayton Beach. There’s plenty of upscale shopping and food trucks with live music to enjoy! And let’s not forget the real star: the clear, turquoise-blue water. Beautiful and lively, 30A is the perfect spring break getaway!  

Vacation at Martha’s Vineyard

Take in the beach views for a relaxing and scenic vacation! We recommend renting bikes and biking around the area to take in the sights. Visit a few beaches for sandcastle building and swimming. You can also sightsee at a few lighthouses, enjoy fresh seafood, learn about the island’s history at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, ride the Flying Horses Carousel, and visit a nature sanctuary. Enjoy a real spring break escape at this fun vacation spot!  

Find Adventure in Oahu, Hawaii

Enjoy island adventures and attractions in Oahu! Snorkel with sea turtles, hike Diamond Head, visit Kualoa Ranch, parasail in Waikiki, zipline for stunning views, and enjoy a luau at sunset. For families, we recommend staying at the Aulani Disney Resort & Spa. Kids will love the pools, lazy river, slides, and Disney-themed treats! There are tons of kids’ activities in Oahu that the whole family will enjoy, and plenty of adult fun for singles and best friends.  

Spend an Exciting Week in New York City

Skip the typical beach vacation and take an unexpected trip! Your itinerary will be full of exciting activities. See popular sights like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Time Square at night. Spend educational time at the American Museum of Natural History or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. At night, see a Broadway musical followed by New York-style pizza.  

Gamble on Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a top destination spot for spring break that— although a surprise to many—also offers kid-friendly activities and sights for a family vacation. Vegas hotels offer inexpensive rooms and feature large swimming pools with poolside food and drink service. Rent a cabana as a special treat to beat the heat! The Mandalay Bay hotel features a large aquarium, along with a world-famous aquatic playground that includes a sandy beach, a wave pool and a lazy river. Visit Madam Tussauds to see wax figure celebrities and take plenty of fun photos. Walk down the strip to visit the themed hotels and see their lobby displays. Ride the rollercoaster at the top of the New York, New York hotel, go zip-lining, and spend an evening at Top Golf. Get tickets for a comedy show or magic show. When you’re hungry, there’s hundreds of restaurants along the strip that offer diverse cuisine. Vegas is a perfect spring break spot that will keep you entertained all week long.  

Get Swept Away by the Sea Islands, Georgia

Located on the southeastern coast of Georgia, there are four beautiful barrier islands: St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. Sea Island features miles of private beach, children’s programs, golf courses, and a spa. Outdoor enthusiast families will love to go swimming, boating, golfing, horseback riding and more! The beautiful scenery makes for an idyllic vacation that has everything: activities for kids and relaxation for the adults. Take advantage of this coastal paradise that’s close to home!  

Find Escape and Wonder in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is another enchanting vacation spot. You’ll love exploring the diverse landscape. You can snorkel to see coral reefs, horseback ride on the beach, hike in the mountains, and visit national forests. We especially recommend visiting El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the US national forest system. Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and take a breathtaking spring break adventure!  

Elevate Your Spring Break in Vail, Colorado

Discover a fun getaway where you can ski, snowboard, hike, and swim in the heated pools! March sees warmer temperatures and more hours of daylight. It’s the perfect time of year for your trip. If you want a break from the outdoor fun, Vail also has a bowling alley and movie theater. Make sure to spend an afternoon in the quaint downtown area with shops and restaurants. Vail truly has everything for a fun getaway, with daily activities and outstanding scenery!   

Make Memories at Jackson Hole, Wyoming

This vacation spot offers stunning views and fun activities like snow tubing, skiing, bowling, and shopping. Kids will love taking a ride on Snow King Mountain’s roller coaster that winds up and down part of the ski hill. Take in spectacular sights at Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Jackson Hole will also host its 4th annual Food & Wine Winter Festival March 10-12 2022. There’s so much to see and do in this mountain town! 

7 ways to make your home a happy place automate your home create cozy spaces design a happy home easy and affordable ideas and tips home decor home organization home tips and tricks host neighbors and friends lighting organization tips relaxation space sentimental decor socialize transform your home warm lighting

How to Make Your Home a Happy Place

Winter is the perfect time to transform your home into a warm and inviting happy place! Try a few of these home tips and tricks to create cozy spaces you’ll never want to leave. To make your home comfortable and inviting, focus on organization, lighting, and décor. Give your home personality and make it your own. Whether you have a large house or a small apartment, these seven ideas will help you design a happy home that elevates your mood and invites others to stay.

7 Ways to Make Your Home a Happy Place

 

Add sentimental décor to rooms.

Fill your rooms with personal items that mean something to you. These items could be picture frames with photos of friends and family, hand-me-down candlesticks or blankets (perhaps a blanket your grandmother knitted you), your favorite books displayed on shelves, puzzles you’ve put together that are glued and framed. All of these items hold special memories. Fill your home with joyful items to be reminded of happy memories and feelings daily.

 

Organize your spaces.

Your home should be a sanctuary where you can unwind. Clutter will create a chaotic space that adds unnecessary stress. By organizing your spaces, you’ll feel greater mental clarity and emotional peace. Add storage racks to cabinets, to pull out food and pans. Use storage ottomans to rest your feet and store your blankets. Put a shoe organizer over doors to store cleaning supplies. Add storage bins under your bed where you can keep extra shoes, clothes, or seasonal home décor. There are so many clever ways to add storage and organize your home. Try a few of these organization tips and turn your home into a clean oasis.

 

Fill your home with warm light.

Warm up your lighting to create cozier spaces. Add table lamps and standing lamps in the living room and family room. Place battery operated candles on console tables, mantels, and side tables. Drape cascading string lights on a standing mirror. All of these lighting additions will make your home even more inviting.

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Set aside a room or corner that’s just for you.

Designate a small space that only you use for relaxation. It can be a small corner or an entire room. Create a reading nook, workout room, meditation corner, or journaling space.

 

Automate your home.

Automatic timers make your life so much easier! Pick up a coffee maker with programmable timer, to schedule your coffee in the morning. When you wake up, it’s waiting for you fresh and hot. Plug your lamps into Wi-Fi smart plugs, so you can program them to turn on and off on a schedule. Use a smart home voice-controlled speaker to play music and answer questions. When adding battery operated lights to your home for ambiance, choose ones on a timer so they turn on as soon as the sun sets.

 

Host neighbors or friends.

The best part about having a home is that you can share it with friends. This doesn’t mean you have to host an elaborate dinner party. Keep it simple with a game night, a wine and cheese party, or a holiday brunch. Invite neighbors to socialize with new people and fill your home with joyful laughter.

7 ways to make your home a happy place automate your home create cozy spaces design a happy home easy and affordable ideas and tips home decor home organization home tips and tricks host neighbors and friends lighting organization tips relaxation space sentimental decor socialize transform your home warm lighting

Keep it cozy.

Surround yourself with cozy items that help you relax. Add a large fuzzy blanket to your bed and couch. Fill your space with cozy scents by using an essential oil diffuser. Place soft rugs under your couches and bed. Put a heated floor mat in your office to keep your feet warm and toasty.

7 ways to make your home a happy place automate your home create cozy spaces design a happy home easy and affordable ideas and tips home decor home organization home tips and tricks host neighbors and friends lighting organization tips relaxation space sentimental decor socialize transform your home warm lighting

We hope these easy and affordable ideas and tips will help you turn your home into a cozy happy place!

 

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7 Ways to Pamper Yourself in January

Take time out of your day for self-care and try one of these seven ways to pamper yourself in January. Treat yourself to activities that are easy and affordable. Self-care doesn’t have to mean emptying your savings account for a luxurious vacation or splurging on a big-ticket item. Plan small activities on a budget that will make for a happier and better you, like an at-home spa day or brunch with friends. With the holidays over, it’s time to treat yourself and have a legendary January. Do something nice for yourself with a few of these pampering tips!

7 Ways to Pamper Yourself in January

 

Have an at-home spa day.

Turn your home into a relaxing spa escape! By having a spa day at home, you save money and stay warm by avoiding a cold car trip. Light candles around the room and play soothing classical music. Apply a mud mask facial, place cucumbers on your eyes, and sip on a mug of warm water and lemon. End your luxurious spa experience with a manicure or pedicure.

 

Take a random day off for mental health.

Schedule one day in January to rest, relax, and spend time focusing on YOU. Sleep in, make breakfast in your pajamas, watch a movie or read a book that’s been sitting in your to-read pile. If you have vacation days available, use them! Even if you don’t have a trip planned, it’s still important to spend quality time on yourself.

 

Make fancy coffee in the morning.

Skip Starbucks and splurge on fancy coffee at home! With a handheld milk frother, gourmet coffee drinks are easy to make. Use the frother to turn cream into cold foam. You can use coffee creamer, condensed milk, or regular milk. Add flavored syrups or cinnamon to the cream and froth it all together to create a deluxe coffee topping.

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Take yourself out to lunch and shopping.

Treat yourself to lunch at your favorite restaurant or takeout place and then hit the shops. You don’t have to buy anything. This experience is about getting outside, doing a fun activity, and changing up your regular routine.

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Hire a cleaning service.

After the holidays, you may find the idea of cleaning or organizing a bit overwhelming. Hire a cleaning service to do a deep-clean of your home. With your place fresh and tidy, you’ll finish January in a more positive and relaxed mindset.

 

Bake your favorite sweet treats.

Make your life sweeter by baking your favorite recipe—or experiment by baking something new! Treat yourself to homemade truffles, coffee cake, blueberry scones, sweet break, or everyone’s favorite: chocolate chip cookies. Live out your dreams of being on the “Great British Baking Show” and on your marks, get set, bake!

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Plan a champagne brunch with friends.

What better way to pamper yourself than to spend time with the people you love? Throw yourself a self-care brunch at home and invite your best friends. Host the best brunch with these three key ingredients: egg bake, champagne, and flowers. You’ll have an easy and leisurely time that will chase any January blues away.

7 ways to pamper yourself in january bake champagne brunch with friends chase away January blues cleaning and organizing cleaning service easy and affordable activities fancy coffee happier and better you January activities mental health day pampering tips self-care self-care ideas at home small activities on a budget spa day at home treat yourself

Ways to Destress at Home During the Holidays

The holiday season can be a stressful time for anyone. Through meal preparation, organizing and decorating, there can be a lot on your mind to get your home ready for the festivities. Now is the time to pay extra attention to yourself while in the season of giving, and not let stress impact your holidays. So whether you are planning on hosting the holidays with your family at home in Denver, CO, or on your way to a gathering in Toronto, CA, here are some ways to destress at home during the holidays to prepare you for anything.

Start off the day with a morning routine

One easy strategy for destressing over the holidays is to create a morning self-care ritual. Even if you only have 5 minutes, establishing a restorative morning routine can set a positive tone for your entire day. Examples of morning self-care rituals at home:

  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Journaling
  • Music
  • Reading
  • Deep breathing
  • Aromatherapy
  • Skincare
  • Nourishing breakfast

LivingUpp

Put some things that excite you on the calendar

By intentionally putting an activity that excites you on your calendar each week this holiday season, you’ll have something to consistently look forward to. Rather than focusing on your stress and anxiety, you’ll instead feel excited about the activities you’ve planned. Just a few ideas could be a family outing like ice skating, exploring somewhere local you’ve never gone before, or meeting up with an old friend who you’ve lost touch with!  – Modern Therapy

Take deep breaths when waking up and going to bed

I recommend 3 to 4 rounds of conscious deep breaths every morning after waking up and before bedtime. The optimal number of breaths per round is 30. The morning routine helps keep our blood pressure lower providing an emotional reset to better face the challenges of the day. The bedtime routine is to sleep better and faster. – Timeqube

Create a gratitude journal

During the holiday season, we tend to over-exert ourselves with cooking, baking, decorating, shopping, and socializing. If you’re feeling especially stressed and anxious around this time of year, cross off some of the unnecessary activities on your to-do list and devote that time to restful reflection. Making a gratitude list and journaling about your favorite memories from this year will help to ground you, so you can savor this special time with your loved ones lightheartedly. – Dr. Messina & Associates

Listen to your favorite sounds to relax your mind

I recommend putting together a playlist of your top favorite sounds, such as sounds of the ocean, raindrops, morning sounds or even a slow heartbeat, and taking a daily 10-minute break to put headphones on and listen to it. The right combination of sounds can lower your heart rate and cortisol stress hormone levels and help calm your mind and body.  My personal favorite is Weightless, which was created specifically to help calm the nervous system. – Cohesive Therapy NYC

Create time for yourself to reflect

Practicing radical self-care during the holidays is an absolute must for mind/body/spirit health. Keep it simple: get outside and connect with nature every day, carve out sacred space for no-phone quiet time, balance every glass of eggnog or holiday sweet with a glass of water! – Spirited Living

Destress at home with an in-home spa

If you are wound up like a top and have no time to de-stress at a spa, bring the spa to you.

  • Take a warm bath in Ancient Minerals Magnesium to soothe aches and pains and relax muscles before bed for a sound sleep. Add your favorite essential oils to lull your mind.
  • Get a buckwheat-filled wrap and heat in the microwave, wrap it around your neck and put on a sleep mask with some soft music – and breathe deep & slow. Sweet dreams!

Therapeutic Kneads, Ltd.

Set boundaries with your friends and family

Self-care doesn’t have to look like a spa, the gym, or a luxurious indulgence. It can look like simply setting boundaries with your friends and family around what you will accept and how many holiday events you’re able to participate in. It can look like creating a safe space inside your home and scheduling a specific timeframe each day where nobody is allowed to bother you in that space, and journal, meditate, exercise, or do anything else that brings you joy. Maintaining those boundaries and taking care of yourself is key to keeping your mind and body balanced and ready to take on all the holiday stressors that may arise – inside or outside the home! – JK Photos

Listen to your body and respect others’ feelings

Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right. Honor your feelings and respect those of others and everything will be alright. – Vori Health.

Getting creative can help you relax

Engaging in art-making can be used as a therapeutic self-care activity because it promotes the flow of creativity and increases your imagination, which can reframe negative thoughts and emotions. You will find that just ten minutes of rest with a mindful activity can uplift your mood, reduce stress, and replenish your energy.  Try doodling, drawing, collage-making or knitting. – The Art Therapy Project 

Include your family in preparations so there is less on you

Holidays are not about perfection, rather family, connection, and yes, messiness, so, show yourself some self-care by loosening up on those high expectations. Share experiences, for example, divvy up the holiday meal preparation – put the name of each dish in a hat and have everyone pick one randomly; you’ll have less to do, and your kiddos will learn some skills. Laugh heartily and when you feel the signals of stress, try some box breathing to bring down your heart rate (in for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4 and repeat).  Remember wellness isn’t stuck on a container ship – it’s right in your grasp – just choose mindful ways to enjoy this season without carrying all the burden! – Reset Lounge

Create a space of relaxation with essential oils

Create an aromatherapy ritual that allows you to slow down and be present, like diffusing essential oils every evening or having a weekly aromatherapy bath to unwind. Lavender is great for calming, frankincense is known for grounding, and citrus oils can uplift the spirit. Be sure to use your aromatherapy ritual as an intentional time to focus on your breath. – Wild Grove Essentials 

Others’ moods can affect your own

What’s the ultimate de-stressor? Focus on making your partner happy, and you might see your anxieties lessen. There’s nothing like a little snuggle time at home to take your mind off things! – Book of Us

How to grieve a personal loss in a healthy way

The holidays are also the time of year where we tend to reflect and remember someone we have lost during the year. It could be a parent, friend or a pet. Instead of bottling up these emotions, it is important to talk about your loss, seek support or bereavement groups, and know that it’s “ok to not feel ok.” It also helps to act on behalf of our loved ones and honor them through a donation or sharing positive stories of their lives on Social Media. This is therapeutic for us too. – HCO Behavioral Health Services

Increase activity levels to release endorphins

Whether you are working at home or are back at the office, it’s very easy to forget how sedentary our lives have become. This holiday season, we strongly advise taking baby steps to increase your activity levels on non-working days. It can be as simple as showing your pet some love and taking them for a long walk, or as complex as performing a 10-minute no-equipment home workout. The beauty of it is that moving more will increase your endorphins and adrenaline levels, which can be a great stress reliever during the holidays. – Vantage Circle

 

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9 Ways to Practice Self-Care for a Better You

For this year’s New Year’s resolutions, focus on overall health and wellness, making yourself a priority. Here are nine ways to practice self-care for a better you. The pandemic has taken a toll on our mental and emotional health, our stress levels, and our self-love. By focusing on self-care this year, you can build your physical and mental strength. Practice these self-care tips throughout the year to build your self-esteem and confidence.

The trick about self-care is that it’s all about practice. When was the last time you made yourself a priority? It can often feel like there are more important things to think about or do. But it’s equally important to take time for yourself—take a breath and focus inward. Self-care is the effort of putting yourself first. We hope these self-care suggestions give you a daily dose of happiness and peace.

9 Ways to Practice Self-Care for a Better You

  1. Focus on getting enough sleep.

Sleep can have a huge effect on your emotional and physical state. Consider your nightly routine and ways to improve. Try to avoid caffeine and sugar before bed. Make sure your bedroom is dark—blackout shades are life changing! Stay away from your computer, phone, and tablet before bed. The stress of being an adult, especially during a global pandemic, can sometimes mean it’s harder to self-soothe compared to when we were children. Find ways to relax and decompress. Listen to music, read a book, or meditate. Above all, establish a sleep schedule. Go to bed the same time every night and wake up the same time every morning. This steady routine will help you stick to the schedule and get plenty of rest.

 

  1. Eat healthy and get into a self-care eating routine.

Eating healthy can boost your energy level, improve your physical health, and enhance your overall happiness as a result. Try to eat healthy meals regularly. Create a schedule and eat meals at the same time each day. Avoid eating or snacking after 7pm because your body is less likely to break down and process the food. Take care of yourself by taking care of your food health.

 

  1. Say yes to fun activities weekly without the guilt.

Put yourself first and do things that make you happy every week. Avoid guilt-tripping yourself like, “I should be working” or “I could be cleaning.” Push aside those negative thoughts and make yourself a priority. Do things that you love like reading, bicycling, watching your favorite movie, eating dessert in bed, tuning in to a virtual concert on your laptop. Set aside time to have fun!

 

  1. Make a list of fun to-dos each month.

If you love lists and checking boxes, this self-care practice is for you! Journal a list of activities you want to do each month. By listing them out, you’ll be more likely to do them. Cross them off or check the box every time you finish one. Create a list of activities big and small. For example, here is a possible list for February: eat a piece of chocolate cake, join a virtual fun run, have a friend over for socially-distant catch up, watch a favorite movie, sleep in on Saturdays, knit a scarf. Don’t make a crazy list you can’t finish. Instead, try listing activities that are simple, easy, and fun. When you look at the completed list, you’ll feel good knowing you devoted time to self-care.

 

  1. Make time for self-care trips.

Take a self-care trip every now and then to disconnect and rejuvenate. Whether you go on a big bucket list trip or a mini road trip, a self-care vacation can make a big difference in your mental health and wellness. Schedule weekends when you can get away. Just make sure to check that the locations you want to visit are open. Unwind by visiting a beach or find peace in nature by hiking in a state park. Even taking a trip to another local town helps you escape your regular routine. Boost your health and happiness with some dedicated self-care time.

 

  1. Show up for others to build a healthy community.

An important part of self-care is providing support to others. If you want positive, healthy support from others, you also need to reciprocate. Healthy relationships are two-way. By giving and receiving, you will build a healthy community of friends and family who care. They will show up for you when you need them. Self-care isn’t about isolating yourself. It’s about giving time to yourself as well as spending time with others who build your confidence, self-esteem, and healthy mindset. You will also feel good when you provide support to someone else.

 

Doing something kind for someone else is a great way to provide support. Surprise a friend or romantic partner with a thoughtful gift, such as the Book of Us®. This custom book about love is full of kind, sentimental messages that will make your loved ones feel special and valued.

 

  1. Create a hygge space in your home that’s just for you.

Design a corner or small spot in your home that has all your favorite things. Create your space with “hygge” in mind. If you haven’t come across the hygge trend yet, “hygge” is a Danish word—without a direct translation—that generally means a feeling of cozy contentment and enjoying the simple things. Embrace hygge by designing a spot in your home with warm blankets, a good book, candles, hot chocolate, fuzzy socks, twinkling lights, pictures of friends and family, and self-care products like nail polish, face masks, and body lotion. This inviting space will encourage you to relax and enjoy a few self-care hours in cozy happiness.

 

  1. Find a creative outlet.

Discover a creative activity you love that also helps release emotions. Self-expressive activities focus your mind, pushing out negative or persistent thoughts. They also help manage stress. If you are looking for a creative outlet, you can paint, draw, crochet, craft, write poetry, or take up an instrument. Express yourself creatively to work out problems, cope with stress, and embrace the beauty all around you.

 

  1. Schedule an appointment with a counselor.

Counselors can help teach mindfulness and self-talk techniques for making a better you. Therapy isn’t just for those who are experiencing extreme anxiety or depression. Therapy is for everyone, to help establish a positive state of mind and to handle day-to-day frustrations—or the enormity of a pandemic—a little lighter. Speaking with a counselor is self-care for your mind and emotions. Consider therapy to build an even greater love for yourself and those around you.

Resources:

https://www.countryliving.com/life/a41187/what-is-hygge-things-to-know-about-the-danish-lifestyle-trend/

activities better you Book of Us bucket list trip confidence cope with stress creative activity get more sleep health healthy community healthy eating healthy lifestyle hygge home mindfulness New Year Resolution personalized book practice self-care reduce stress say yes self care self-care self-esteem self-talk sleep schedule stresstherapy wellness stress management

9 Ways to Practice Self-Care for a Better You

For this year’s New Year’s resolutions, focus on overall health and wellness, making yourself a priority. Here are nine ways to practice self-care for a better you. By focusing on self-care this year, you will become stronger physically and mentally. Build your self-esteem and confidence with these self-care tips you can practice throughout the year.

The trick about self-care is that it’s all about practice. It requires focus and effort. You may find yourself falling into familiar patterns, focusing on tasks and responsibilities. But it’s equally important to make time for yourself. Self-care is the effort of putting yourself first. This year it’s all about you! We hope these self-care suggestions give you a daily dose of happiness and peace.

9 Ways to Practice Self-Care for a Better You

1. Focus on getting enough sleep.

Sleep can have a huge effect on your emotional and physical state. Consider your nightly routine and ways to improve. Try to avoid caffeine and sugar before bed. Make sure your bedroom is dark—blackout shades are life changing! Stay away from your computer, phone, and tablet before bed. The stress of being an adult can sometimes mean it’s harder to self-soothe compared to when we were children. Find ways to relax and decompress. Listen to music, read a book, or meditate. Above all, establish a sleep schedule. Go to bed the same time every night and wake up the same time every morning. This steady routine will help you stick to the schedule and get plenty of rest.

2. Eat healthy and get into a self-care eating routine.

Eating healthy can boost your energy level, improve your physical health, and enhance your overall happiness as a result. Try to eat healthy meals regularly. Create a schedule and eat meals at the same time each day. Avoid eating or snacking after 7pm because your body is less likely to break down and process the food. Take care of yourself by taking care of your food health.

activities better you Book of Us bucket list trip confidence cope with stress creative activity get more sleep health healthy community healthy eating healthy lifestyle hygge home mindfulness New Year Resolution personalized book practice self-care reduce stress say yes self care self-care self-esteem self-talk sleep schedule stresstherapy wellness stress management

3. Say yes to fun activities weekly without the guilt. 

Put yourself first and do things that make you happy every week. Avoid guilt-tripping yourself like, “I should be working” or “I could be cleaning.” Push aside those negative thoughts and make yourself a priority. Do things that you love—either alone or with friends—like reading, bicycling, watching your favorite movie, eating dessert at a café, visiting a museum or the zoo. Set aside time to have fun!

4. Make a list of fun to-dos each month.

If you love lists and checking boxes, this self-care practice is for you! Journal a list of activities you want to do each month. By listing them out, you’ll be more likely to do them. Cross them off or check the box every time you finish one. Create a list of activities big and small. For example, here is a possible list for February: eat a piece of chocolate cake, join a fun run, host a Galentine’s Day party, watch a favorite movie, sleep in on Saturdays, knit a scarf. Don’t make a crazy list you can’t finish. Instead, try listing activities that are simple, easy, and fun. When you look at the completed list, you’ll feel good knowing you devoted time to self-care.

5. Make time for self-care trips.

Take a self-care trip every now and then to disconnect and rejuvenate. Whether you go on a big bucket list trip or a mini road trip, a self-care vacation can make a big difference in your mental health and wellness. Schedule weekends when you can get away. Nature and beach trips are perfect for unwinding. City trips introduce new cultures and amazing sights. Even a trip to another local town helps you escape your regular routine. Boost your health and happiness with some dedicated self-care time.

6. Show up for others to build a healthy community.

An important part of self-care is providing support to others. If you want positive, healthy support from others, you also need to reciprocate. Healthy relationships are two-way. By giving and receiving, you will build a healthy community of friends and family who care. They will show up for you when you need them. Self-care isn’t about isolating yourself. It’s about giving time to yourself as well as spending time with others who build your confidence, self-esteem, and healthy mindset. You will also feel good when you provide support to someone else.

Doing something kind for someone else is a great way to provide support. Surprise a friend or romantic partner with a thoughtful gift, such as the Book of Us™. This custom book about love is full of kind, sentimental messages that will make your loved ones feel special and valued.

7. Create a hygge space in your home that’s just for you.

Design a corner or small spot in your home that has all your favorite things. Create your space with “hygge” in mind. If you haven’t come across the hygge trend yet, “hygge” is a Danish word—without a direct translation—that generally means a feeling of cozy contentment and enjoying the simple things. Embrace hygge by designing a spot in your home with warm blankets, a good book, candles, hot chocolate, fuzzy socks, twinkling lights, pictures of friends and family, and self-care products like nail polish, face masks, and body lotion. This inviting space will encourage you to relax and enjoy a few self-care hours in cozy happiness.

activities better you Book of Us bucket list trip confidence cope with stress creative activity get more sleep health healthy community healthy eating healthy lifestyle hygge home mindfulness New Year Resolution personalized book practice self-care reduce stress say yes self care self-care self-esteem self-talk sleep schedule stresstherapy wellness stress management

8. Find a creative outlet.

Discover a creative activity you love that also helps release emotions. Self-expressive activities focus your mind, pushing out negative or persistent thoughts. They also help manage stress. If you are looking for a creative outlet, you can paint, draw, crochet, craft, write poetry, or take up an instrument. Express yourself through creativity to work out problems, cope with stress, and embrace the beauty all around you.

9. Schedule an appointment with a counselor.

Counselors can help teach mindfulness and self-talk techniques for making a better you. Therapy isn’t just for those who are experiencing extreme anxiety or depression. Therapy is for everyone, to help establish a positive state of mind and to handle day-to-day frustrations a little lighter. Speaking with a counselor is self-care for your mind and emotions. Consider therapy to build an even greater love for yourself and those around you.

Resources :

https://www.countryliving.com/life/a41187/what-is-hygge-things-to-know-about-the-danish-lifestyle-trend/

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7 Easy Pop Culture-Inspired Cocktail Recipes for Date Night

Impress your date with 7 easy cocktails you can make at home, inspired by everything pop culture! These date night cocktail recipes are especially perfect if you’re planning a romantic anniversary celebration. Specialty cocktails put your dinner over the top and show you’ve put serious effort into the date. Each cocktail recipe has a pop-culture twist. Your date will swoon at your creativity and delight in the fun drink names! Make your next date night a blockbuster smash with these pop culture cocktail ideas.

7 Easy Cocktail Recipes for Date Night

I Love You 3000

This cocktail hits you with all the feels (if you’ve seen Avengers: Endgame, you know). Show your unending love with a sweet sipper that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

Combine 1 ounce ruby grapefruit juice, 3/4 oz. lime juice, 3/4 oz. grenadine, and 1 1/2 oz. orange liqueur. Add a glow cube to symbolize the arc reactor, or “proof that Tony Stark has a heart.”

Ocean Eyes Martini

Blue in color and sultry in taste, this cocktail will give your date serious ocean vibes. Fall in love even deeper as you sip on this smoky sweet margarita and set the mood: Alexa, play “Billie Eilish date playlist.”

In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine 1 1/2 oz. mezcal (for that smoky flavor), 3/4 oz. lime juice, 3/4 oz. blue Curaçao, a dash of bitters (orange bitters are best), and 1/4 oz. agave syrup.

The Deadpool™

Go with a bold cocktail that packs a punch—made with, of course, Ryan Reynolds’ Aviation Gin.

Rim a martini glass with red sugar. Mix 2 oz. gin with 2 oz. cranberry juice. Add a splash of bitters and a dash of simple syrup. Pour a thin layer of black vodka over the top. Garnish with dark cocktail cherries and enjoy!

This bold and deadly drink features the anti-superhero’s iconic colors, black and red. For a quirky, to-die-for date night, try out this delicious drink!

Pink Potion

Themed after the infamous Amortentia™ love potion in the Harry Potter book series, this seductive drink will cast an irresistible spell over your loved one. Whether you’re a major Harry Potter fan or just “meh, saw the movies once. Draco is cool,” this strong, sparkling elixir turns your night into a magical one.

Combine 2 oz. sparkling rosé with 2 oz. strawberry lemonade and add a splash of cranberry juice. Mix in a few sliced strawberries. Serve in a goblet-style glass and drink in wizard-style!

Rainbow Road

Perfect for the video game lover, this Super Mario™-inspired cocktail displays a beautiful rainbow of colors and a fruity flavor combo!

Pour 1 oz. grenadine into a glass and slowly add ice cubes to the top. In a separate glass, combine 1/2 oz. peach schnapps and a 1 1/2 oz. can of pineapple juice. Then slowly pour over the grenadine. In another separate glass, combine 1 oz. vodka with 1/2 oz. blue Curaçao. Slowly pour this mixture to the top. This rainbow cocktail makes your date night take first place!

anniversary anniversary celebration avengers end game cocktail ideas cocktail recipes date night date night cocktail date night ideas deadpool drink ideas easy cocktail recipes han solo harry potter pop culture cocktail pop culture drink recipe for date nightstar wars star wars cocktail

The Sexy Smuggler

Radiate confidence making this Han Solo-inspired Star Wars cocktail. Rich and creamy, this drink is just as smooth as our favorite roguish smuggler. Just one tip: When your partner says, “I love you,” don’t answer with “I know” or find yourself frozen by metaphoric carbonite–aka, the ​silent treatment.  

Drizzle chocolate around the inside of the glass. Pour 3 oz. Irish cream over ice, followed by 1 oz. vanilla vodka. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top and chili powder for a wicked rebel kick!

I’m a Sucker for You

This caramel apple martini, garnished with a caramel apple sucker, packs a sweet and sour punch!  Serve up a spectacular date night as hot as the Jonas Brothers comeback hit.

Combine 2 oz. apple cider, 2 oz. caramel vodka, and 1 oz. vanilla vodka in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Pour into a martini glass and serve with the sucker. If you’re feeling fancy, pour caramel sauce into the bottom of your glass first.

Try out these creative cocktail recipes for your next date night! Inspired by pop culture, these drink ideas are sure to impress.

Resources:

https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/delicious-blue-curacao-cocktails

https://tipsybartender.com/recipe/taste-the-rainbow/

 

adulting better yourself Book of Us healthy lifestyle hobbies how to live life goals live your best life me time new year goals organization tips organize personalized book positive self-talk reduce stress resolutions self-care self-love social media break stress management therapy tips for happiness

How to Live Your Best Life Right Now

If you’re looking for ways to live your best life right now, these tips will help you embrace love and happiness. There’s no time like the present to start living your life to the fullest! Don’t settle for less. You deserve the very best. Life is an experience that you can create. Do you feel like you aren’t living every day excited and motivated? Do you get in a negative rut? If you’re looking for a change, these life tips will help you move forward in a positive direction.

Give yourself an hour in the morning, an hour at night.

Everyone needs a little “me time.” Do whatever you like best an hour in the morning and an hour at night. Set aside that time—set up an alarm on your phone if you need the reminder. People often get the most done early in the morning. Get up a little earlier and accomplish something for YOU: meditate, work out, journal, listen to music, sip coffee while watching an episode of your favorite TV show. In the evening, do the same but switch up the activity: read a book, listen to a podcast, clean a bedroom or bathroom, cook a favorite meal, chat with a friend, play a computer game, enjoy an at-home mud mask facial. Whatever you want! It’s important to spend time on yourself—you deserve it!

Take social media breaks.

Social media can be a fun, creative outlet to connect with friends. But it’s also the source of mean comments, tragic news stories, and brag posts. Take a break from social media each week, and spend time connecting with family and friends in person. While it’s important to stay in tune with news and events, it’s equally important to have some “breathing time.” Disconnect from your devices for a while. Get outside and engage with nature. Research has shown that spending time in nature helps relieve stress and anxiety. Ditch the tech for a bit and escape the social media “noise” with a relaxing nature walk.

Go on a bucket list adventure.

If you want to start living your best life, go on that crazy travel adventure you’ve always wanted! We get it—life gets in the way. It’s so easy to put off that big trip and stick it in the “someday” folder. But travel is often the ultimate “reset,” giving you time to unwind and re-energize. Visiting a new place can be the exciting change you need. Cross a long-awaited trip off your bucket list and live to your fullest right now!

adulting better yourself Book of Us healthy lifestyle hobbies how to live life goals live your best life me time new year goals organization tips organize personalized book positive self-talk reduce stress resolutions self-care self-love social media break stress management therapy tips for happiness

Make someone else happy.

Nothing gives you a bigger boost of joy and love than making someone else happy—without expecting anything in return. Think of small things you can do to brighten the day of those around you. Send a video message to a friend. Compliment a neighbor. Pay for the person’s coffee behind you in line. Create a personalized book for a loved one, with loving messages, photos, and personalized characters that resemble you both! The Book of Us™ is a special keepsake that delivers joyful smiles. These small acts of kindness will put you on a path to living your best life right now!

Start or resume hobbies that you love.

Begin fun activities that you’ll love doing on a regular basis! People often mock the phrase “I can’t adult today” but #adulting is hard! Responsibilities mount, and we often abandon hobbies or activities in order to multitask everything else. Oh for the college days with a cafeteria full of prepared meals, a two-day class schedule, and a dorm bathroom that someone else cleans! But now is the time to pick up your violin and start playing again; take up crocheting or cross-stitching; resume your favorite college sport (maybe join a community team); or set aside time to read every week. Living your best life means doing things that you love!

Stop worrying what everyone thinks about you.

It’s hard not to get in our own heads. But part of living your best life is focusing on you, loving yourself, and concentrating on what matters most. Nobody else is living your life. Only YOU can know what is best for you. When you start overthinking or focusing on others’ opinions, do something to jolt yourself into the present—take a walk, listen to music, sketch in a journal. A therapist once told me that when negative thoughts start flowing, tap your wrist or bounce in your work chair to redirect your brain’s attention. Stimulation and activity, however small, can refocus your mind. Meditation is also a great tool for centering yourself, shutting out negative thoughts, and finding peace.

Practice positive self-talk.

Loving yourself takes time and practice. The more you treat yourself as a best friend, the more you’ll welcome love and joy into your life. Beating yourself up all the time can be wearing. Try to repeat positive affirmations about yourself each morning in the mirror. Give yourself a hug—this one can be kind of embarrassing, but sometimes we need the physical act to really feel self-love. Your journey toward living life to the fullest begins with fully loving and accepting your whole self.

Forget resolutions. Make self-care life goals.

Resolutions can feel restrictive and demanding. But self-care goals are positive objectives with a focus on bettering yourself. Set goals you would like to achieve each year, but don’t put pressure on yourself to fulfill them. These life goals might include working out more, eating healthy / changing your lifestyle habits (take the word “diet” out of your vocabulary!), getting one-hour extra sleep a week, making an effort to chat with friends regularly, traveling—or something as broad as wanting to bring more happiness and joy into your life. By setting positive, flexible goals you can achieve, you’ll feel motivated and confident to make positive changes.

Release whatever (or whoever) is weighing you down.

Take the time to organize your life. It feels so good to clean and declutter your living space, getting rid of junk and useless items that are weighing you down. Donate clothes and shoes you never wear. Sell or donate that furniture you inherited when those items no longer fit your living situation or match your style. The same goes with people. Purge those toxic relationships that fill your life with negative energy—a relative that always makes snide comments or a friend that asks you for endless support without giving in return. Time to let it all go. Once you get rid of that dead weight, you can move forward with a free, clear mindset. ​

Resources:

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/spend-time-in-nature-to-reduce-stress-and-anxiety