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Some may seem silly or unexpected, but they were all genuinely important to my growth.
This year, for some reason, I have become really fascinated with quirky earrings. I found this Etsy Shop with handmade earrings that are just so adorable. I already have four pairs and one more on the way. I love supporting small businesses that make their own little creations, and wearing these earrings every so often makes me feel so cute and happy. The shop is called Luna's Made With Love.
There are definitely mixed opinions on whether blue light–blocking ($16.98 for three; Amazon) glasses *really* work, but I personally have had great experiences with mine. Since I've been staying home more than ever, I spent a lot of time in front of screens. I was actually developing way more headaches, and my eyes got tired way more often. Once I started wearing these, I felt improvement after the first day! I can see the difference when I put them on, and I can almost physically feel my eyes strain less to see a screen.
YouTube has honestly been a godsend for me during this entire year. From fun content to workout videos, it's got just about everything. I have been actively doing yoga sculpt videos from the channel Kaylie Daniels, and the classes are KILLER. Like, if you want to do yoga but also lift weights and just have an absolutely amazing workout, I highly recommend her videos. They're intense, and the video quality is so crisp, it's almost ethereal. It's as if she's this magical yoga goddess ready to destroy your shoulders and abs with planks.
Just look at this mat! I got it from Popflex Active, which is owned by the YouTuber Blogilates. I have been watching her videos for over 10 years, and when she released these stunning mats, I knew I had to get one...or two...or three. Okay, definitely three at this point, but that's okay. They're beautiful and very high quality, and they feel so amazing when I'm working out!
This isn't what you think it is, like those Blue Apron meal boxes. This is actually called PlantYou, and it's a weekly PDF sent to your email with recipes for the week to make. It's $7.99 a month, and you get the recipes as well as nutritional information and a grocery list to make the whole process so easy. I don't use it every week, but this subscription has seriously improved my day-to-day life during the week. I meal-prep all of our meals on Sunday and don't have to worry about cooking anything during the week. It has also saved my household a ton of money because I'm not ordering out every two days anymore. Yippie!
I save recipes all the time to my phone but never actually did any of them. Well, I finally found some that were easy enough for my lazy self to do, and I'm so happy I did. I found myself eating waaay more vegetables than ever before, and that alone made me feel pretty amazing. Also, I found this delicious cheesy hash browns recipe that has changed my breakfast game tenfold.
Read more: I Followed a Bunch of Tabitha Brown's TikTok Recipes, and Some Were Low-Key Life Changing
This is obviously just a "one-time thing" that I did, but taking a step so brave as seeking help for your mental health should absolutely be celebrated. It's hard admitting that you need help that a regular therapist can't handle, but it's something that could drastically change your life. The appointment isn't until later this month, but when I was finally able to find a psychiatrist and book the appointment last year, I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders and I immediately started crying. It was a really emotional day for me, and I won't ever forget it.
This is a really silly one, but it did (and still does!) bring a lot of giggles into my life and our relationship. This reversible plushy has two different emotions: happiness and anger. When I'm in a bad mood, I'll make it angry and comically put it in a place where James will see it. When I'm happy, I'll switch it over.
One time I got my period, and my cramps were awful. I hid under blankets and put the angry side up next to me. James left and got me some treats, which I snatched into my blanket and switched the plush to happy. It was just a silly, funny moment, so I truly love this plush. There is also a really cute octopus ($15; Amazon) one that everyone seems to love.
Oh yeah! This was a major improvement to my life! I feel like we leveled up as a couple. Nothing really has changed about our relationship, but we've been excitedly planning our wedding (for 2022, so we have so much time to plan!), and it's been keeping me busy during my bouts of anxiousness.
When I say I lived in it...I'm not exaggerating. At one point my anxiety was so severe, I was taking my 20-pound blanket ($55.99; Amazon) with me everywhere I went. I would curl it up in a ball and carry it to the bathroom, the kitchen, and the bedroom, and even on car rides. I don't think I would have been able to survive 2020 as well as I did if it weren't for my blanket.
Sometimes all you need is one good thing to happen, and for me...it could easily have been these vegan donuts. I swear, the second Dunkin' Donuts sells vegan donuts, I will buy them all out in every location near me. Gotta keep up the demand, ya know?
Book of the Month honestly might be one of my favorite subscriptions ever. Getting a book sent to me for $15 each month is just amazing. I now own way more books than ever before, and they've all been amazing! I love seeing my collection grow. The best part? Every month, you can add another book for $10 extra, ~and~ it's always free shipping. If you like to read, or even just collect books, this is a really fun subscription to be part of!