Friendship is a very powerful thing. I have found that I am happiest around my tight nit group of girls. I am fortunate enough to still be close with my high school friend group. We have known each other through a lot of life changes and they know everything about me. Lately, I have felt closer to them than ever.

I remember feeling scared graduating high school because I thought that meant that since we were going to different schools that we would grow apart. To my surprise it actually brought us closer. We have a group chat that we talk in everyday, and although we have new friends and different lives, we still have a connection that no one can change, the past.

Whether you have a group you have known for years, or someone you have known for two months, realize how special and important they are.

Attached below is a 30 day self care challenge. What I like about this list is that everything is pretty accessible to do and doing one thing a day for 30 days is a step in the right direction that doesn’t take too much time but makes a world of a difference. You can even cheat a little and hop around to different things if you don’t feel like doing the set thing that day.

By channeling these positive activities will bring a more positive energy to your day. Comment below what some of your favorite activities are that you did!

No matter what your style may be, I have found that it is very important to look your best. When you look your best, you feel your best. As fall is in full swing, it is very easy to wear a cute but comfy outfit.

I also use fashion as a form of self care when shopping. I go into stores with a ‘ treat yo self’ mentality because we deserve to splurge on ourselves every once in awhile! It’s fun to wear new outfits to change it up. People will also notice too. If you are ballin on a budget like most of us, don’t disregard consignment stores. I am a big Goodwill fan and find a lot of really awesome articles of clothing there. This has its perks cause not only can you get more things for the same price, but you also don’t have to worry about anything shrinking because the majority of things have already been washed.

Below are some of my fall favorite outfit ideas. Just doing this a few times a week can help change your attitude and make this chilly weather a little more desirable.

Yoga is a great way to keep mentally sane, let out stress, and become more physically fit. Adding this to your weekly routine will be extremely beneficial for you. I couldn’t believe how flexible I became even after just a month. Also you might even meet a new friend in your class. Below are some of the benefits of yoga and why you should give it a try!

In this day in age it is so hard to get away. Even if you are laying in your bed, odds are you are on your phone. I want this post to challenge all of us to take a break with social media. Lately, I feel like I have been on it more and more. And when you truly think about it, how sad is it that we live a big part of our life through a screen. I recently just turned on my notifications to update me on my social media consumption. I was disgusted. I was on my phone for an average of 6 hours a day? How is that possible. SO this post just might be me venting about my social media issues but odds are you are on your phone or tablet more than you may think. And it’s scary.

Lets take on the challenge of less social media and more public interaction with one another. Even if its just taking an hour out of your day to have coffee with a friend, I promise you it won’t be an hour wasted.

At times, it can be hard for me to get my veggies in. I have found it helpful to incorporate them into snacks as I am a big snacker. By mixing vegetables with other healthy ingredients it not only changes your mindset on the greens but it also makes it accessible and easy for on the go or when you aren’t in the mood to cook.

Here are some of my favorite recipes with a link to their board on Pinterest:

Roasted Carrots https://www.pinterest.com/pin/353884483218980635/?nic=1

Apple Cinnamon Chips https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AfffJMd3LzK-8jCToeuyJgTM4DfgPpK2YotRqEMR1MuDRIjYk6r-jIE/?nic=1

Parmesan Zucchini Chips https://www.pinterest.com/pin/353884483213365836/?nic=1

Side note: Pinterst is a great app when looking for fun and quick food ideas. Enjoy!

I have found that one of the most important things you can do for yourself is stay motivated. In times when it is hard and you just aren’t feeling your best, surround yourself with positive quotes, music, and books to change your mindset.

It is also important to remember that small steps make the biggest impact. By focusing on your day to day activities and blocking out your thoughts on the future will help you in the long run. Living in the present is one of the hardest things you can do, but also one of the best things.

Below are some of my favorite quotes that have helped me change my mood around and remember who I am.

Todays topic is on the topic of focusing. Focusing on you, and letting everything else play out. Recently, I saw a quote that read, “I focus on what I can control, and I let go of everything I can’t.” This made me realize that we really can only control ourselves. And that is a huge responsibility. By focusing on our heart, soul, mind, and body, will allow for everything around us to fall into place.

I don’t know about you guys, but I love to be in control. It’s just my personality. But lately I haven’t been able to control the things that I have for so long. My relationships, my future, and just life. But I need to remember that I still have complete control over myself and who I am/ want to be.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself while you are becoming your best self and letting life just do its thing!

1. What 3 things can I do everyday that will help me succeed in the future?
2. What are some positive traits about myself?
3. What are some things I need to work on?
4. What are 5 goals (big or small) I want to set for myself within the next 3 years. How can I achieve them?
5. What is my ideal life?

Much of what we put into our body affects our overall mood for the day as well as for ourselves. I am big on easy, healthy, recipes. I can’t sit in the kitchen for hours making a meal. Therefore, I am an advocate for Pinterest and Yummly.

On Pinterest I created a board and called it ” Quick and Easy food ideas.” This is my go to when creating a grocery list for the week. You can even search ‘3 step dinners’ if you really want an easy meal. The directions are very easy to understand and there are lots of visuals to look at so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into.

Secondly, Yummly. I just found this app and quickly fell in love with it. If you are vegan, vegetarian, have sensitivities, ex. this app is especially made for you. There are specific categories for things such as dairy- free and is very easy to navigate. You can save dishes for later and create a grocery list. Not only is it convenient, but it’s fun and allows you to explore dishes from around the world.

Go check out each of these apps and let me know what you think in the comments below!

Alone time is good for the soul. Whether you take time to read a book or catch up on some good Netflix shows, everyone needs time to their selves at some point. It is important to give your body and mind a break. This allows for self evaluation and for you to get to know yourself. It sounds silly but by creating time to think about whats going on in your life- both good and bad allows for you to asses if there are changes that should be made or things you should challenge yourself to work on. This creates growth. Not only is it important to challenge yourself mentally but also physically. Start working out and trying new things. Not only will this make time go by faster, but you will quickly realize all the amazing things you can do on your own. Here are 15 ideas of uplifting activities to do when you have some spare time:

1. Cook a new recipe
2. Try out a fitness class
3. Paint
4. Create a playlist
5. Watch an inspiration video on Youtube
6. Dance
7. Organize your room
8. Read a book
9. Jot down your future goals
10. Take a bath
11. Watch a comedy show
12. Look through old photos
13. Go for a walk
14. Meditate
15. Journal