Day 7 - 90 Day Challenge 🎀

Daily Check-in: April 16, 2024 🎀

Tuesday did indeed get better! I got so much done despite not getting out of bed until 630am (I'm usually up by 530am), and I was so tired, but I'm proud of myself.

🩷 What I Accomplished:

completed the 11 minute wake up yoga by Yoga with Adriene

did the 16 minute yoga for flexibility by Yoga with Adriene

did my morning and night time skincare + showered after work before going to bed

worked a ~7.5 hour shift

completed my Spanish study tasks

took a quiz in my supplemental chem class and got 3rd place

took notes on acids and bases in chemistry

🩷 Good Things That Happened:

got an email from the Colorado work manager confirming some details about working this summer!! super excited!!!

me and my boyfriend talked some things out and things are looking up

got to work a couple hours with my favorite supervisor

had a really good day at work

got out of work by 10pm

🩷 What Could've Been Better:

did not eat very well (the dining hall was celebrating national mushroom day, and I'm allergic to mushrooms, so I bought chick fil a. and my breakfast was a quickly eaten bowl of pasta)

did not drink enough water, but I am working on that!

didn't study as much as I could've

didn't check in with my accountability buddies before the end of day

still haven't video called woth my boyfriend since Thursday of last week

💗 Stuff For Wednesday:

email psyc doc to move appointment to zoom

print papers before meeting with the director of my 1st degree major program

eat a good breakfast

study chemistry for a bit longer

complete lab report, pre lab quiz, and pre lab prep

study Spanish + complete my study tasks

wash my laundry

Here's to hopefully having a happy Wednesday! I wish you all the same 💞

til next time lovelies 🩷

p.s Check Out My Depop shop if you can! will be adding more listings soon!

💕 Song of The Day

BTS - House of Cards

This song was hitting all the right spots when I was closing at work. I forget how amazing it is until I hear it and ughhh how beautiful

Current Skincare Routine(s) 🎀

I have a morning skincare routine and two separate night routines depending on the day of the week and what skincare products I use. For example, on a night I use my AHA/BHA toner, I do NOT use my retinal eye cream. I'll also include some tips that work for me at the end!

My skin type leans more towards Oily-Combination!

🩷 Usual AM Routine -

If I washed my face and did skincare the night before, I simply splash my face with cold water and pat dry with a clean towel. If I did not do my skincare the night before, I wash my face with the Cerave Hydrating Face Wash. This is the only face wash my skin likes, but I'm still looking for alternatives for my night routine!

Once I dry my face, I use the IUNIK Centella Asiatica Calming Gel Cream moisturizer. My skin loves this moisturizer. It helps with my redness and makes my skin feel so nice.

After that's soaked into my skin a bit, I rub in a layer of the Beauty of Joseon Rice and Probiotics SPF 50 sunscreen. I put this on my face and neck!

I typically apply a 2nd layer after the first one drys for some extra protection if I know I'll be outside for a bit during the day.

Cocoa Butter Vaseline or Blistex on my lips for some nice, not chapped lips before I do makeup and/or apply lip gloss/lip stick.

My morning routine is super simple and quick because I usually just want to get it done and move on with my morning. I still enjoy it, tho, because it makes me feel accomplished early on in the day!

🩷 PM Routine: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat

I have an app that breaks down my skincare routine so I'm doing this off memory and what I remember from my typical routine for these days, but I do know these four days are different from the others for sure!

Occasionally, I will double cleanse and use my Hiemish All Clean Balm to remove sebum and oil impurities, but I'm not sure how I feel about this cleansing balm yet.

I wash my face with the Cerave Hydrating Face Wash using warm water and do a final rinse with cold water. Of course, I pat dry with a clean towel. I am looking for a water-based foam cleanser to follow the oil cleanse, so if you have any recommendations, please let me know!!

I then use two cotton balls to rub some Cosrx AHA/BHA Toner along my face to remove dead skin and then I spray some of the toner on my face, patting it in gently with my hands. I have to be careful with my eyes cause it will burn them if I get it in my eyes.

While the toner is still a bit damp on my face, I pump some Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence onto my cheeks, forehead, chin, and a little on my nose and pat it in gently.

I let the essence dry a little bit and then apply some Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid serum while it's still damp. I pat this in as well, as it's better for absorption than just rubbing it in. I used to use the ordinary brand one, but omg, the Good Molecules one is so much better, in my opinion!!

I need to buy a new one, but occasionally, I'll use a niacinimide serum on my forehead, nose, above my upper lip, and chin as those are my more oily areas. I used to use The Oridnary Niacinimide, but I want to try to Good Molecules niacinimide.

Next, I use my Cerave Eye Repair Cream (the blue one) under my eyes for extra hydration while the hyaluronic acid absorbs into my skin.

Depending on how I'm feeling, I'll use either the Cosrx All in One Snail Cream or the Etude Soon Jung 2x Barrier Moisturizer to lock in everything. I usually choose the Cosrx Cream as I prefer it, but it again depends on how I feel!

A little bit of vaseline to end the routine so I can wake up with soft lips!

I feel like this night routine is more complex then my other night routine but it always depends on the products I use.

🩷 PM Routine: Tues, Thurs, Sun

I do not oil cleanse and instead just wash my face with the Cerave Hydrating Face Wash, patting dry after rinsing with cold water.

I then use some of the I'm From Rice Toner, patting it into my face. I layer this one on twice, being careful with my eyes cause this one will burn them like crazy.

I follow up with the Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence, patting it into my skin.

Next is the Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid serum.

After the serum dries down, i apply a quarter to a half pump of the Beauty of Joseon Retinal Eye Cream underneath one eye and another quarter to a half pump to the other undereye areas, patting in gently while avoiding my actual eyes. If there's any leftover I gently pat into the surrounding areas. I'm not sure how my whole face will react to retinal so I'm careful with this one.

I then rub some Cosrx All in One Snail Cream over my face to lock in all the other skincare products and moisture.

A little bit of vaseline to the lips to ensure smooth, soft lips when I wake up!

I haven't noticed a difference with the retinal yet due to my inconsistent use but I do like how it feels the first few times after I use it, so I plan on continuing it.

Now, for some Tips:

Pat your face dry, never rub it with a towel. Rubbing it causes friction and pulling on the skin while patting is way more gentle on the face.

Initially wash with warm water but always final rinse with cold water. A while back I heard this helps with your pores, so I've just always done it and it makes my skin feel nice, especially in the morning!

Try to use either paper towels or a departed face towel (not your body towel) when drying your face. I myself use a separate towel for my face that I wash 2x a week and my skin doesn't typically break out.

Brush your teeth before applying skincare! This way, you don't disrupt the skincare surrounding your lips when brushing your teeth, flossing, or using mouthwash.

Always wash your hands before starting your skincare routine to minimize bacteria getting on your face.

Always try to patch test and figure out what works best for your skin, never just use what's viral or popular because not everyone has the same skin type. I feel lucky that my skin typically likes most products, but my skin is very picky with cleansers. I haven't found a cleanser besides the hydrating cerave one that my face likes. (The B.Lab Matcha Foaming Cleanser was so stripping my face turned red and peeled in certain places, a definite no go for me.)

Korean/Asian based skincare typically focuses more on hydrating the skin, while Western skincare tends to focus more on drying out the acne. I personally, as you have read, love Asian based skincare. Most of what I use is Korean skincare, and I'm still looking to expand my skincare collection because I love it so much!

Do your research! When I find a product that interests me, I watch pintetest and tiktok reviews, read the reviews on the actual shopping app, and read as much as I can on the Asian Beauty subreddit before making a purchase. I also like to read ingredient lists, application directions, and details on products, and I always Google what products can and can not mix together. it's helped me determine what to buy and what not to buy, and so far, my skin has loved it!!

Try to wash your pillowcases at least once a week and avoid touching your face with dirty or greasy hands. Also sanitize/disinfect your handheld devices/audio devices (cellphones, iPad or tablets, headphones, etc), eye glasses/sunglasses, and really just keep anything that touches your face as clean as possible. All of this helps to minimize how much bacteria and dirt make contact with your face.

Research different things that may help with improving skin. Ice rolling, gua sha, silk pillowcases, physical exfoliates, face masks, etc. Look into stuff that might help your skin or make a difference in your skins appearance and health.

This should've been higher up, my apologies, but drink your water!! Staying hydrated on the inside definitely shows on the outside, and being hydrated is an essential component to health overall!!

Wear your sunscreen!! Apply it in multiple layers to both your face AND NECK, as both are exposed to the sun for long periods of time and can suffer from prolonged exposure without proper sunscreen application. Along that line, don't be afraid to apply skincare to your neck!! I've seen photos of older individuals who took care of their face and not their neck and the difference between face and neck skin was astounding, so I personally like to rub excess hydrating serums and moisturizers into my neck as well.

Don't pop your acne! If you do get pimples, which I used to get all the time tho it's slowed down a lot, use a warm/hot washcloth or something similar to apply heat to the pimple. This will help it pop naturally, although popping your pimples may allow for the oil, dirt, and sebum to spread to other areas which may cause more acne. Popping acne with your hands may also cause scarring.

Love your skin!!! Skincare results take time, and there's going to be ups and downs while trying to find what products work for you, so try to love your skin throughout the process. Acne and other skin issues are caused by things sometimes out of our control, such as genetics, hormones, climate and weather, etc, so try not to be too hard on yourself!! Things will improve, and if they don't, after some time, seek out a reputable and trustworthy professional for an opinion and better direction on how to care for your skin!!

Wishing you all the best!! Does anyone have any experience with ice rolling or Gua sha being extremely effective? I haven't tried either, but I am looking into it as I feel like ice rolling, especially, might be beneficial, but I'm unsure. And can anyone recommend any Asian beauty water-based foam cleanser that I can use after an oil cleanse? I fear that my cerave isn't enough to fully remove all the cleansing balm residue from my face, which might end up being detrimental to my skin health.

Also, let me know your skin type and products or tools you recommend, as I am always open to including new things into my routine!! I love doing things for myself so expanding my skincare routine is definitely an interest of mine!

Til next time, lovelies 🩷

I need to really learn and implement all of this!!!

Basic Financial Rules To Live By 💰✨

Create a plan that shows how much money you get and how much you spend. This helps you see where your money goes.

Set aside a part of your money as savings. Try to save at least 10-20% of what you earn.

Be careful with borrowing money, especially if you have to pay back a lot of extra money (interest).

Save some money for unexpected things like medical bills or losing your job. Aim to have enough to cover your living costs for a few months.

Put your saved money into different things that can make it grow, like stocks or real estate. Be patient, as it takes time.

Don't spend more money than you make. Stick to buying what you really need, not just what you want.

Decide what you want to do with your money, both in the short term (like a vacation) and long term (like retirement).

Set up automatic transfers to your savings and bills so you don't forget to save or pay your bills on time.

Make saving money a top priority before spending on other things.

Regularly look at your money situation, adjust your plan as needed, and see how your investments are doing.

Pay your bills on time and use credit wisely (like credit cards) to keep a good credit score, which can help you get better deals on loans.

Save money for when you're older and don't work anymore. Use retirement accounts to help with this.

Think before you buy things. Don't buy something just because you want it; think if it's necessary.

Keep learning about how money works and how to make smart money choices.

Only use your emergency fund for real unexpected problems, not for things you just want to buy.

Poll For The Girlies 🎀

I’m wondering, what are your guys main form of working out? Pilates, yoga, weight lifting, cardio, etc? And why do you do those as your main and what do you recommend others? Let’s share the knowledge and help inspire some other girlies who are in or may be starting their fitness journey! I myself do lots of walking, mat pilates, and yoga. I am going to be trying reformer Pilates next semester and will be going back to weight lifting a couple times a week next semester as well. I recommend low impact exercise (yoga and Pilates) for keeping cortisol levels low, strength training to build muscles in whatever area if your body you want, and any form of cardio to increase endurance, stamina, and heart health!

please reblog/comment, I want to see what the most common answers are and share the inspiration and motivation for everyone who may be thinking of what to do to start exercising or how to switch up their own routine!

🎀 Summer Stuff 🎀

I had no idea what to title this, but this is a comprehensive list of my goals, habits, and "dailies" that I am going to accomplish this summer (before I head to Colorado in mid june for 8 weeks of work!)

🩷 Overall Goals/Habits

Daily movement - morning workout AND/OR a hot girl walk (5k to 10k steps a day is my goal for daily steps)

Spanish study - 20+ minutes a day, have a couple italki lessons (already have one booked!)

Daily reading - 30+ minutes daily, nonfiction and/or fiction

Consistent morning routine - hydration, movement, journaling, skincare, etc

Wake up at the same time everyday - debating between 5 and 6am right now (I'm a morning person!)

Try some new things - watch new TV shows, maybe self learn some kpop choreo, dabble in creative writing, try new classes, etc

Consistent night routine - unwind, read, shower/skincare, journal, etc

Go to sleep at same time every night: 10pm or 11pm

Incorporate more wellness into my days - stretching, meditation, yoga/pilates, fruit smoothies

Keep up with all necessary appointments - doctors, therapist, etc

Maintain a healthy diet - high nutrient (fruit and veggie), high ish protein, moderate carbs, moderate fats, lots of water, limited caffiene, highly limited added sugar (loosely track food intake to be more mindful of my choices)

Consistent cleaning and reset routines

Daily affirmations and work on Law of Attraction/Law of Vibration to help manifest my dream life and cultivate my new identity to live my healthier, happier, desired life <3

I am so excited. Something about this summer feels different. This summer feels like the one for me, like I'm seriously going to have my "that girl" summer that I've been hoping for. Lots of rest, recovery, and renewal.

til next time lovelies 🩷

Spanish Media/Input Recommendations?

Can you guys comment me some good media/input recommendations for someone learning Mexican/Spain Spanish? I' talking about any and all that you guys find interesting, whether you learned Spanish on your own or it's your native language!

Books

Podcasts

Tv Shows

Movies

Youtube channels

Songs/Musical Artists

Favorite Spanish teachers/tutors on Italki

Literally anything!

Thank you guys <3

No update for yesterday and most likely no update for today. I am struggling with a crushing amount of anxiety that's leading to panicked crying, anxiety attacks, and literal paralysis as I find myself unable to think or do anything clearly at the moment.

If anyone has any healthy coping skills or mechanisms for dealing with this level of anxiety, please comment them. I hate this.

Daily Check-in - July 26 2023 🎀

I am so exhausted right now. This heat and my job are making me worn out, but I need the 5 I need to push through these next few days. I woke up late this morning, so I didn't have much for my morning routine besides making my bed and a cup of coffee. I got off work today and have been on the verge of sleep ever since, so my night routine was also incomplete tonight. I apologize for the inconsistencies in my habits these first few days. I'm just trying to get a hang of my work days and my routines. Finding a balance is difficult but necessary right now. I got this though, I believe in myself!!

🩷 What I Ate Today:

Breakfast - One slice of toast with mashed avocado, a sprinkle of paprika, a fried egg on 5 a side of watermelon. Of course, I had my usual morning cup of coffee!

Lunch - A small serving of spaghetti with marinara, grated parmesean cheese, a small bag of grapes given to me by a friend, and one babybel cheese.

Dinner - Ten boiled chicken potstickers with some potsticker sauce and three babybel cheeses.

Other - I drank one bottle of water containing a dissolved electrolyte tablet to rehydrate while at work, and had a second cup of coffee after work

Snacks - a quesadilla on a low carb tortilla

It was not the best day for me food wise, but the exhaustion is getting me to the point where I'm trying to eat to gain some energy, but it's only working against me right now. I think I'm going to eat yogurt for lunch tomorrow since I'll get off work early due to a weekly therapy appointment.

🩷 Workout - INCOMPLETE

Today was supposed to be a fun kpop dance cardio morning but due to waking up late and the constant and persistent fatigue, that did not happen. I will get back on track tomorrow with my scheduled workout routine.

🩷 Habits I Completed Today:

I made my bed today, and that is about it for the goals I wanted to achieve. Some days are going to be harder than others, and I expect that, so I am not going to beat myself up over one bad day. I was only capable of existing today, and sometimes existing is all we need to do until the next day comes.

🩷 Song of The Day: I Am - Baby Tate ft. Flo Milli

Thos song (and a lot of water) is the only thing that got me through work today. For me this is my ultimate manifestation song. I love the lyrics the music, the meaning. This is a new daily morning song for me!

Today was a bit underwhelming, but as I said before, all I was able to do was exist today. My energy was not there. The brain fog was intense, and even as I type this, I am fighting the urge to fall asleep. Tomorrow will be a better day for me. I found two meditation videos for morning and night that I plan to incorporate, and I will continue with my journey as planned, adapting to the situations I face as they come up.

Also, my skincare came in!! I'm so excited!!!

Thank you, lovelies!!! I believe in myself and I believe in you all! Let continue on the path to our higher selves, in whatever way that is for us, and continue to be compassionate and flexible with our constantly changing circumstances!

Til next time!!!

Mini Update September 3rd, 2023 🎀

Hey girlies! I was genuinely planning on restarting my routine last week but I ended up falling really bad on Wednesday and ended up with a moderately injured lower back and shoulders, whiplash, a skinned right knee, right wrist pain, and I have had trouble walking due to my ankles being the reason why I fell in the first place. (thank you pink platform vans)

I have also had to work at my semi-physically demanding job while injured so I had to buy pain patches and a heating pad and pain medication. Safe to say I have not been having fun.

I am going to restart my morning routine, my skincare routine, and all of my current goals (including some new ones - I'll post an updated goals/routine list soon!) and I plan on starting all this tomorrow as it's the beginning of a month and tomorrow is a Monday so i feel like it's the right timing alignment to push me into gear!

I've honestly fell off of doing my skincare, journaling, workouts, and waking up early overall. So I'm going to start out small, and once I'm physically healed, I'm going to incorporate more workouts and movement into my routine. So for now, school, nutrition, and my health are still priorities but in a different plan of action!

Thank you, guys, for sticking by me through my periods of inactivity, but I check my app every day, and I really appreciate you guys!

this blog is going to be more active, and I think I'll start posting some studyblr content as well since I am a student and want to stay accountable for that too!

here's the song that's been on repeat in my playlist!! I love this song!

til next time, lovelies!! 🩷🩷🩷

Day 13 - 90 Day Challenge 🎀

Yesterday was such a good day. Posting this a day late so by yesterday, I mean Monday the 27th!

🏋‍♀️ Physical Health

8 minutes on the stairmaster as a warm up for my workout

1 hour and 10 minutes of weight lifting- glite/leg day

ate a good amount of protein

drank a liter of essentia electrolyte water

walked over 10k steps

🧠 Mental Health

nothing I can recall

❤️ Emotional Health

nothing I can recall

📚 Intellectual Health

I know for a fact that I did nothing for that day

🏘 Adulting

made a list of financial goals I'd like to accomplish next year and am working on building systems to accomplish them

worked an 8 hour shift

🥰 Self Love/Care

morning skincare

shower

brushed teeth

had a really slow, nice morning

I'm posting this so late but the post for Tuesday will be up soon as well !

til next time lovelies 🩷