3 Tips to Relieve Holiday Stress

Hello, beautiful readers!

The holidays are a joyous, exciting, but stressful time. With shopping, baking, and other activities to complete, there are several ways to minimize your holiday stress.

1. Set a shopping budget

This is the first step in my holiday shopping routine. While spending money throughout the holiday season is unavoidable, there are ways to control your spending. Plan ahead, review your finances, and develop a realistic budget for gifts.

2. Make a list, and check it twice

Creating a shopping and ‘to-do’ list is beneficial to keep yourself on track before Christmas. A list enables you to determine who you are shopping for, what you plan to buy, and organizes other activities to complete.

Forget the idea of perfection

Don’t stress about trying to be perfect. Focus your energy on the people in your life and enjoy the quality time you have during the holidays to spend with them.

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Positive vibes only

Hey guys,

It’s the start of a new week and I thought I might start it off with a positive/uplifting quotes blog post. You guys seem to like the last one about motivational quotes 🙂

So not only am I writing this post because I want to give some of you a positive start to the week, maybe you’re not looking forward to this week or your Monday hasn’t been the best so far, but I am also writing this post because I myself need some positive quotes to just get me going again, especially on this day, where a certain event is taking place that is close to my heart…

The world has so much negativity going on every where and I know that just by posting some positive quotes won’t make it any better, but at least it’s some positivity some where.

 

So there you guys have it! I hope you guys like the quotes and that they bring you some sunshine and happiness!

What’s your favourite positivity quote?

– Blissful Boho

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(all the images are from Pinterest)

Go-to YouTube channels for Fitness

Hey everyone!

Do you guys sometimes feel like you want to exercise and start being more healthy and achieve that beach ready body, but you just don’t know where to start or what to do. I find myself in that position quite often, too often actually. I love working out and healthy stuff, but a lot of times I find myself being too lazy to follow a proper exercise schedule or program (even though I have made hundreds of them for myself) and I know it’s actually really important, especially if you have specific goals you want to achieve.

So on these lazy days I tend to reach for my computer and go on YouTube and search for a workout I feel like doing and that is within my fitness level (which is not very advanced at the moment haha) and that would meet my personal goals. Let me just give some clarification; it is not always about the laziness, but it is just much easier to do your workouts off of YouTube videos cause it’s quicker, you don’t have to wonder about what workout to do today and you’re getting a workout from someone who actually knows what they’re doing.

I have a few fitness YouTube channels that I usually go to and I thought I’d share them with you guys:

POPSUGAR Fitness

This comes as no surprise cause I’m pretty sure a lot of people love them some POPSUGAR Fitness videos. They have so many different workouts to choose from and what I love about their workouts is that they are so simple and the instructors get right to the point, they don’t ramble about things you don’t really listen to anyway before getting on to the actual workout. They are really professional but yet fun and quirky!

Rebecca-Louise

You guys might recognize this name from XHIT Daily. Rebecca-Louise has her own YouTube channel where she uploads a new workout video every Sunday. On her channel you will find a huge variety of workouts to do. I really like the way she presents her workouts – with a lot of upliftment and motivation!

Boho Beautiful

My all time favourite channel to go to for amazing yoga sequences! Juliana has such a beautiful humble soul and she really knows how to make everyone want to participate in this mindful exercise. She also gives pilates classes as well as some other fitness workouts.

Blogilates

Everyone knows the famous fitness girl Casey Ho and for good reason! She provides her fellow fitness lovers with videos filled with excitement and of course some great moves to get those beach ready bodies! From pilates to HIIT workouts – she’s got them all!

Yoga With Adriene

When I first started doing yoga I would go to Adriene’s channel for some guidance, cause I had zero knowledge of what to do and she really guides you through each sequence with ease. And with her gentle soothing voice you’ll feel super relaxed after doing one of her yoga workouts. What I really like about her content is that not only does she focus on the yoga part, but she also makes a lot videos where it’s a yoga sequence specifically for back pain or to help with headaches, so it’s like a 2-in-1.

Tone It Up

Ahhh the girls that I have followed since day one (kinda). I love their workouts so much, especially their ones from a few years back. They’re so fun and quirky and that shows in their workouts. Karena and Katrina offers a wide range of workouts including yoga, HIIT, toning moves and so much more. So, you really do not have an excuse for not getting a few workouts in.

All of these channels have their own websites as well where you can find more info regarding workouts, meal plans, tips & tricks and a whole lot more fun goodies!

There are many other great fitness girls out there like Kayla Itsines BBG program, but unfortunately you have to pay a monthly subscription to have access to most of their workouts and meal plans and there are people who can’t do it and why pay a monthly subscription if you can just go to one of these YouTube channels and have access to TONS of workouts!

Hope you guys check them out!

Till next time 🙂

– Blissful Boho

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(Images used are from Google)

 

 

Travel Wishlist: GREECE

Hey guys 🙂

Hope you’re all doing well. So this morning I thought to myself that I always see other bloggers doing beauty wishlists, home decor wishlists and many different wishlists, but I’ve never seen a travel wishlist (although I am pretty sure there are a few out there) so I decided to do one and make it kinda like a series I will be doing. I will choose a different location every time and it’ll be places that are on my travel bucket list – which goes on and on ’cause traveling the world would just be amazing!

And of course I had to kick this off with the breathtakingly beautiful Greece, specifically Santorini, Mykonos and of course the capital, Athens – the three places in Greece I’d like to visit most. Prepare yourself for some jaw-dropping photographs (which I unfortunately didn’t take myself ’cause I’ve obviously never been there)

The city of Athens is one of the world’s oldest and most historic cities. What makes Athens so gorgeous is all the historic true Greek architecture and buildings. Athens is seen as the centre of arts, learning and philosophy. A city rich in culture.

I don’t know about you guys, but Greek mythology and history interests me so much. I don’t know much about just yet, because there’s so much to know, but I do know a thing or two about ancient Greek gods and goddesses!

Did you know that the ancient Olympic Games were held in Olympia and it took almost 1503 years for the first modern Olympic Games to be held in Athens!? I am telling you, Greece has so much interesting history and I definitely want to know all about it.

Athens is home to the most interesting and historic buildings, monuments and much more. If you ever visit Athens, pay a trip to these famous must-sees: Acropolis of Athens, Parthenon, Acropolis Museum. You better get out your travel guide ’cause there’s a lot more than that!

I also just really love how Greece has Greek script translations for all of the towns and cities and places, it just looks so cool and authentic!

 

Mykonos is a Greek Island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. In Greek mythology, the island was named after its first ruler, Mykons, the son or grandson of the god Apollo. It has also been said that Mykonos was the location of the great battle between Zeus and the Titans and where Hercules killed the invincible giants! What?! Many locals believe that the large rocks lying across the island is actually the petrified corpses of the giants – pretty cool huh?

But to us here in the modern days, we all know Mykonos for its vibrant and exciting nightlife. And don’t forget the beautiful views of the cute white buildings and the Aegean Sea.

So out of all three of the locations I’d like to visit in Greece, I would say Santorini is definitely at the top. Another Greek Island that lies on top of rocks and looks among the big blue waters of the Aegean Sea. With picture perfect white buildings and a pop of blue, who could not want to visit the beautiful island of Santorini?

Just imagine lying in the sun alongside an infinity pool or having a romantic dinner at sunset with the most delicious food! Doesn’t that sound dreamy? Santorini definitely offers some amazing photo opportunities for Instagram – actually the whole of Greece does!

When you’ve had a crazy party time in Mykonos, Santorini is the place to go if you wanna wind down and relax, which is why I think it makes a perfect travel destination for a family vacation. There’s just something about Santorini that really draws me in. I think it’s the beauty of the simplicity. Also, have you noticed how different Athens’ architecture is from Mykonos and Santorini?

Greece is such a beautiful country and it’s very different from other European countries I think and there’s definitely other places in Greece I’d love to visit as well. I’ve heard that the local Greek people really make you feel at home and are so generous! I would not mind enjoying some real Greek cuisine on a balcony in Santorini overlooking the sea as the sun sets over it. I could only dream.

Thanks for reading – till next time!

Tell me if you’ve ever been to Greece before and how your experience was!

– Bissful Boho

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(NOTE: none of these photos are mine, I got them from Google and I wish I knew who the real owners of these photos are so I can give them some credit ’cause they’re all amazing!)

 

Top 5 DIY beauty remedies

Hellooo everyone!

Happy Monday! I hope you all have a fantastic week 🙂

So today I’m sharing with you guys my top 5 favourite beauty remedies you can do at home and they are perfect for those days you feel like pampering yourself and just feeling like giving your body some TLC! These are all recipes that are easy to make and most of the ingredients are organic and can easily be found in your kitchen or wherever in your home.

I love to do all 5 of these remedies on one day, usually Sundays, because it’s one of those routines to make you more relaxed and to ensure your body that you haven’t forgotten to take some extra care of it! And what better way to end your week, right?

P.S. I wrote a post a while ago also on My Life Book by Naya that’s called “Sundays: relaxation & preparation” and it’s all about how you can prepare yourself for the upcoming week and I think this post fits in perfectly with the “Sundays: relaxation & preparation” post – so go have a look! 🙂 https://justnaya.wordpress.com/sundays-relaxation-preparation/

 Honey Cinnamon Nutmeg Face Mask

This is my all time favourite DIY face mask! I am sure you’ve probably seen a few recipes of this miracle worker across Pinterest. I have mentioned this mask before in my current skincare routine post. The honey acts as a natural moisturizer and it’s also antibacterial which helps in the treatment and prevention of acne. The cinnamon is antiseptic and in combination with the nutmeg, it reduces the bacteria on the surface of your skin and dries existing pimples out, exfoliates, reduces redness and inflammation and revitalizes your skin which gives it a healthy, radiant glow!

This face mask also fades away any acne scarring and dark spots. Ladies, (and gents) please be very careful with the lemon juice, especially when you have very sensitive skin! Just use a few drops rather, or you can leave it out entirely (the mask will still do wonders without it). It will make your skin feel a bit tingly, but it’s nothing to stress about. Unless your face starts to feel like it has caught on fire, I recommend washing it off IMMEDIATELY! (but it really won’t happen if you know your skin).

Mix 1 tsp of grounded organic cinnamon, 1 tsp of grounded organic nutmeg, 1 tbsp of pure organic honey and 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice (or just a few drops) in a bowl together. Apply it to your entire face (and neck if you want to), avoiding the eye and lip area. Keep it on for about 20-30 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. You can use this mask twice a week if you want quicker results, but I usually use it only once a week. 

Egg & Coconut Oil Hair Mask

 If you want beautiful silky smooth and shiny luscious locks, then you gotta have a go at this hair mask! And best part is, it’s only two ingredients. Mix together 2 tbsp of coconut oil (in its liquid form) and 1 whole egg. Evenly apply the mixture to all your hair, taking extra care of your roots. Wrap your hair up in a loose bun or clip it with a hair clipper and tie a plastic grocery bag over your hair (weird, I know but it’s to keep in heat for optimal benefits) Leave it on like this for at least 3-4 hours and then remove the plastic bag and wash hair as normal (you might have to shampoo twice). Make sure all of the mixture is out of your hair before applying conditioner. You can use this hair mask twice a month or once a week – it really depends on your personal preferences and goals. 

Your hair will be sooo soft and shiny and yes, I know that applying raw egg to your hair is gross and can be a little messy, but you’ll thank yourself after a few uses of this mask. It leaves your hair insanely nourished, which means less hair loss and more hair growth! Whoop whoop! 

Coffee & Sugar Body Scrub

 Ladies, it’s not just our faces that need exfoliation, our bodies needs to be treated too! I have found that this body scrub works amazingly for dry and dull skin. AND because it contains coffee, it helps a ton for getting rid of, wait for it… cellulite! Get rid of all those creams and lotions you’ve purchased ’cause let’s face it, most of them don’t do the job that well anyway. This scrub will fulfill all your “cellulite free” dreams! ‘Cause not only does it truly help for cellulite, it gets rid of dead and dry skin cells while moisturizing, which makes it perfect to use before and after you shave!

Mix together 1 cup of grounded coffee (like from coffee beans, not powder coffee), 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp pure organic honey and 1/2 cup organic olive oil in a bottle or whatever container you like and shake it well so all the ingredients combine nicely. Apply the scrub to your whole body (do not use on face) and rub it gently and really focus on those spots where you have some cellulite. It’s really no need to rub vigorously, because the sugar and coffee is very rough already, otherwise you’ll just damage your skin. I’d recommend applying it before your normal body wash, ’cause otherwise you’ll smell like a coffee shop (unless you don’t mind it then it’s totally fine). You can use this yummy body scrub up to two times a week!

Coconut Honey Hand Scrub

This is another miracle worker! I used to have this one hard, dry patch on my one hand (I don’t know what it’s from) and I would try so many different things to get rid of it until I just one day accepted that it won’t go away. And then one day I made this hand scrub to make my hands softer and to make it appear younger (for the long run) and after a couple of uses I realized that the dry patch has reduced a lot and it’s less prominent. So I love this hand scrub! The honey and coconut oil are both excellent natural moisturizers and the brown sugar helps for the exfoliation – use this scrub once a week for baby soft hands! 

Combine together 1 tsp coconut oil, 1 tsp pure organic honey and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Use all of the mixture on both hands and move your hands around like you would when you apply hand lotion, just adding a little bit more pressure. After 2 minutes or so you can rinse it off with lukewarm water. Quick and easy! (P.S. you can use it as a lip scrub as well!) 

Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak

Putting on a face mask and soaking your feet in some warm water concoction, hmmm…. so relaxing. This apple cider vinegar foot soak really helps to fight of dry feet and promotes happy, healthy feet!

All you have to do is mix 1/2 – 1 cup of apple cider vinegar – using the unfiltered one is the best option – 1/2 cup of Listerine mouthwash (you can use any kind I guess) and 2 cups of warm water. The water shouldn’t be boiling hot, but it should be warm enough for you to handle ’cause it is what’s gonna soften your feet so the vinegar and Listerine can get working. Also, always make sure the ratio of your water is more than the vinegar and Listerine. Pour this mixture into a bowl or container that’s big enough for both your feet to fit in, but not too big that the liquid mixture is too shallow.

Let your feet soak for about 10-15 minutes and then scrub your feet with a natural volcanic rock foot stone to really get rid of dry skin and even calluses. Rinse off the excess with lukewarm water and pat feet dry. Apply a foot moisturizer of some sort and put on some socks. Sleep on it and your feet will be super soft the next morning! Use this foot soak twice a month.

♥ ♥ ♥

There you have it! My top 5 favourite DIY beauty remedies. They are all so easy to make and really affordable! Usually I just eye ball the amounts of the ingredients, but for the sake of this post and for you guys, I did go and find the correct measurements and amounts for each recipe. Hope you guys like it and give some of them a try 🙂

Tell me in the comments below if you have tried any of these remedies before!

– Blissful Boho

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(all of the photographs used are my own)

Sundays: relaxation & preparation

Ahhh Sundays. A day where you can either be lazy and happy or a day where you feel stressed, because the weekend’s almost over… The last few weeks I have actually grown fond of Sundays, because I have decided to change things up a little bit. There is really no need to have these mixed feelings about this last day of the week. Sundays should be seen as a day where you can relax and get prepared for the new week to come.

Everyone has different plans on this day, some of us prefer to stay at home and spend the rest of the day being couch potatoes and others like to go on little outings and adventures. Sundays also makes for a great time to prepare yourself for the week to come and by prepare I mean like organizing, writing your week’s schedule and even pampering yourself counts as preparing!

My Sundays differ from time to time, but I always make sure to see it as an opportunity to prepare. You don’t have to spend hours and hours planning and organizing, I mean who wants to do that on a Sunday? You only have to put at least one hour aside to just go sit down and write in your planner or diary about important things you have to be aware of or complete for the following week.

 

Making sure of any appointments you might have, events you have to go to, someone’s birthday, places you have to be, tasks or assignments that are due, checking emails… Having an overview of your week will ensure that you are prepared for the week and will prevent you from having a week full of mishaps or unexpected situations. It’s probably best to do this in the morning, because then it’s done and dusted and out of the way and you can enjoy the rest of your Sunday without stressing too much (hopefully).

Now for the next preparation and this does not require any planners and concentration. Sundays are a golden opportunity to pamper yourself from head to toe. I have created a list for myself which I named “Pamper me Sundays” and I have written down different treatments and pampering stuff that I like to do like putting on a nourishing face mask, doing a foot soak and giving extra care to my feet, a yummy hair mask, a nice full body scrub or whatever I feel like pampering myself with.

You can enjoy a nice hot bath with a bath bomb or some bubbles (even the alcoholic one too haha). You can even go book yourself in at the spa, whatever you fancy. The point is, Sundays should be the day where you take extra care of yourself. Giving extra TLC to your body or just even your mind and soul! Plus, it’s a great way to finish off your week, especially if it was a rough one. If you don’t take at least one day and put it aside for just taking care of yourself, you might get a little cray-cray.

Pampering yourself on this day will make you feel confident which in return will make you feel prepared for the new week AND it’s relaxing! It’s a win-win!

Try to make it a weekly goal for yourself or a small tradition to prepare yourself for the week and yes I know, we all get lazy sometimes, but just do it and get it out of the way. Trust me, you will feel so much better and you’ll feel like you can take the week by storm!

Till next time guys! 🙂

How do you like to pamper yourself? Tell me in the comments!

– Blissful Boho

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(images are gotten off of Pinterest, as usual)

Traveling & how it feeds the soul

Hey guys!

This is my favourite topic ever and I’m sure so many of you can agree. Traveling really is the best way to feed the soul. It makes you happy and calm in a way nothing else can. I love to travel, as you can probably tell, and me and my family used to travel a lot. We would travel and explore the different landscapes our beautiful country has to offer every August of every year. I love to go camping and I find it so relaxing for the soul. Just going on simple adventures makes me so happy. It is my ultimate dream to be able to travel the world one day.

I sometimes find it really difficult to understand why some people don’t love to travel so much, because I really only see all the benefits of traveling. I have made a list of the benefits of traveling for you guys and I hope it can convince someone to go explore more:

• Improving your communication and social skills – especially in a country where your mother tongue isn’t spoken that much. This gives you the opportunity to communicate with the locals and learn more about them.
• Learning to deal with the unexpected – we all know that not everything always goes to plan when traveling. Stressful situations can happen, but such uncertainties can help you to cope better with it and to work under pressure.
• Stimulates creativity and ideas – whether you’re an artist, a photographer or a blogger, traveling to new places that are different from what you’re used to, can give you some really good inspo!

• Improving your knowledge of cultures – every country has their own people with their own unique cultures. Getting to know these people and their way of doing things can really help you understand in what circumstances they live. Tip: whenever you plan a trip to a country you’ve never been to or have little knowledge of, it’s always a good idea to learn about their culture and etiquette beforehand.
• Creates memories that will last a lifetime – always make sure to take some sort of camera with you to capture those candid moments or beautiful scenery! Having pictures will give you something to look back to whenever you want to relive those memories!
• Improves your knowledge and confidence in general – you get to know the country, it’s people and cultures better and if you’re really into it, you just might learn a new language too!

These last 3 benefits are most definitely my favourite and the most important:

• FUN, FUN, FUN! Traveling really just is so much fun, despite sometimes being in stressful situations, it makes you smile and happy for ages!
• The best way to find yourself is with traveling and traveling solo makes it even better. Like I said, you will find yourself in stressful situations and the way you handle them will teach you about yourself. I don’t really know how to explain this one, but it just aids in helping to find yourself. I think if you just do it, you will know and understand how it helps.
• The last, but definitely not the least. Calm. Content. Collected. Traveling feeds the soul. I personally think it is the best way to relieve yourself of any stress or any negativity that is going on in your life. Just traveling to a breathtakingly beautiful location or country where you can forget about all that drags you down and just stare into the horizon. Or have a book in the hand and a glass of wine in the other. No matter what way you relax, traveling to a different place that doesn’t remind you of work, school, negative people and situations, will ensure you a peaceful mind and soul. It’s about finding pure bliss in that very moment.

Of course, traveling does have some cons, but I could literally only think of one and that is that traveling can be expensive. I, for one, would travel a lot more and definitely go overseas if I could afford it (but there are ways you can travel for less and save money – maybe I’ll write about it in a different post some time). That’s the thing for many of us who love to travel, we sometimes can’t afford it and the people who can afford it, doesn’t spend it on traveling. And if you ask me, traveling is a whole lot more worth than buying expensive clothes and shoes. It feeds the soul, the body and the mind. Traveling is not materialistic, it’s not something that can get old and dirty or be taken away from you.

♥♥♥

To travel is to live, so dream to travel.

Till next time! 🙂

– Blissful Boho 

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(all images are from Pinterest)

 

 

Appreciating the little things in life

Hey everyone!

Well, where do I start on this one – this is actually quite a difficult subject to put into words, but I’m gonna try my best and for some reason I just keep feeling that this should be something that I share with you guys.

Appreciating the little things isn’t always that easy. We all dream of having these big, luxurious houses and cars. To travel the world and live in the most expensive hotels. Marrying the perfect partner and having loads of money and wearing expensive brand names only.

Well have you ever stopped in the middle of your dream and just noticed who and what is around you? Really noticing who is around you and the things they do for you. Or just noticing the pretty different shades of colour from a flower. Seeing how happy your dog or cat gets when he/she sees you and how he/she actually smiles at you. The cute little note your significant other has left you that has the simple words “I love you” on it.

When you notice these things and realize how special they really are, you will feel your body fill with happiness and gratitude. How does the saying go – “The little things in life are in fact not little.” – because even though it might be the simplest, teenie tiniest of things, it makes us whole. And that is big and wonderful.

Of course there’s nothing wrong with having lots of money and living the lux life, but sometimes we tend to go through life with eye caps on. Even if you’re the poorest man on earth, there’s always something that will make you smile. Even if you’re the richest man on earth, there’s always something that will make you smile. You just have to find it yourself. You have to find that content and calm feeling you get when someone brings you a coffee or sends you a short text or just do’s something for you that’s of the littlest of efforts, but that you know that person does it from their heart.

We go through life always being in a rush, that the little things goes unnoticed. We’re afraid that we’ll miss out on that lux life we’re always dreaming of, that we forget to just sit back and breathe and look around us.

I believe that if more of us noticed these small things and appreciate and cherish them, we would all be a lot happier. Like genuinely happy.

It is sometimes difficult to just stand back a little and just notice. But doing this would make you so much more grateful and appreciative of the things you have in life.

Learn to appreciate the little things 🙂 because they aren’t all that little.

I hope you guys understand the message I’m trying to bring out in this post, it’s quite simple, but still tricky.

– Blissful Boho 

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(All the pictures are find off of Pinterest, except the cover/featured image)