The holidays are meant to create memories and to spend time with your loved ones. As a mom, I know the holidays can become pretty stressful. From shopping for friends and family, family gatherings, to volunteering your time. You can be stretched pretty thin, leaving you with little time to actually enjoy those little moments, and time for self-care. A few years ago, I started incorporating self-care days during the holidays. In the past, I would typically host intimate holiday dinners at my home, which takes a lot of time and energy to execute. I started planning at-home spa days before and after those events. I feel so refreshed after my at-home spa day. It’s like having a mini-vacation but at home, whether it's just for the holidays, or you start to incorporate your at-home spa day into your schedule. Below, I'm sharing tips to assist you in creating the perfect self-care day at home.

Tidy
I've learned that it's not fun to have a self-care day if your home isn't tidy. Try to schedule your special day during a time when you clean or have your home professionally cleaned. For example, if you know for the holidays you typically have a cleaning service come a week before Christmas to clean your home, plan your self-care day for the same day in which they come if possible. It's one less thing you have to do, and you really can enjoy your home. If you typically clean Saturday mornings, schedule your at-home spa day for Saturday evening or Sunday morning.

Don't Over Think
It's so easy to overthink the first couple of self-care days, especially when your children are smaller. Once these days start to be on rotation in your schedule, it makes it a lot easier to incorporate them. Don't overthink the small stuff! If you forget something, add it to your at-home spa day list.

Wish List
Create an at-home spa day wish list. There may be products that you would like to try or even a wish list of products that you would like to order or books you would like to immerse yourself in on your special day. Write a "wish list" of items that would make your day extra special.

Plan
As a mom, our schedules can be pretty busy. Look at your calendar, whether you're using a planner or the calendar on your phone. At first glance, you may not see that you have any time for self-care. Perhaps you have to wake up a little early on Sunday to have the perfect spa day at home or go to sleep a little later than usual. Look to see what works for you, and implement those days.

Shopping List
Create a shopping list for your must-haves in order to have the perfect spa day at home. Do you need the perfect exfoliant or body wash? The perfect plush robe? A nail polish kit? Or a good book to conclude your perfect day?

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It's offocially the holidays, and the temps are already starting to feel like winter in Connecticut. Up until last year, I would get sick before and/or after the holidays. I remember one year, maybe about two years ago. I had a speaking engagement. I noticed waking up I just didn't feel right, and about two hours before the event I felt horrible. Of course, I didn't cancel, I felt so bad because I honestly didn't feel like myself. It was actually my last speaking engagement I had, and I vowed to myself that this wouldn't happen again. The event was about an hour away from my home, and I remember getting off the away to get some cold and flu remedies. My throat was swollen, and I could barely speak. From that point on, I've educated myself, and I'm happy to say that last year, was one of the first years in which I could remember that I wasn't out of commission for about a week. Being a mom, I did have obligations, and I honestly just had stuff that I wanted to do. Plus, it just sucks not feeling your best.

6 Simple Tips to Stay Cold and Flu Free

Immune Boosting Products
One of my favorite daily routines is drinking warm lime/lemon water in the morning. This drink has so many amazing benefits. I created a post all about it here. It's so important to make sure that you include immune-boosting foods in your daily diet in order to stay healthy.

Bundle Up
From trial and error stay bundled up! No one has the same immune system. What works for some. May not work for others. It's also very important to note that our immune system changes over time. So as a child, you could go outside during the colder months without a jacket. Though it's considered a myth. If you had gloves on and touched a door after someone sneezed on it, you inadvertently protected yourself.

Sleep More
Noting getting an adequate amount of rest can lower your immune system. It's so important to have daily nightly routines to ensure that you're getting enough rest.

Stress Less
Just like not getting enough sleep can cause you to get sick. Stress is also a leading factor.

Exercise Often
Since starting my healthy lifestyle, I've seen firsthand the difference in my health. It's so important to incorporate exercise into your daily life. Whether your goal is to take the stairs while out and about and/or at work or walk 5 miles each day. It doesn't matter how you start, as long as you start.

Wash Your Hands
Yes, hand sanitizer liquid and wipes are fine, and it's amazing if you do not have anything in reach. However, please, if you have soap and water in your reach. Use it!

Additional Resources

Products I use on a daily basis (as recommended)

Immune Boosting Recipes

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This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.

The holidays are very special, and it’s the perfect time to spend with your loved ones, and simply just be in the moment. I've been on the hunt for the perfect self-care products for myself, and to give as a gift to my loved ones. Practicing self-care is so important, especially during the holiday season. I always look forward to partnering with Babbleboxx, they always introduce my family to so many amazing new and exciting products. I love getting the opportunity to try new stuff and share them with you guys. Plus, I'm able to try some products that I've never heard of before. My most recent Babbleboxx was jam-packed with some amazing products for the ultimate self-care experience for this holiday season and beyond.

Vitamin C Cleanser & Vitamin C Peel Off Mask from InstaNatural

I am very selective when it comes to skincare products and I have to say that InstaNatural products were love at first try.

The InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser felt amazing on my skin. I love that it’s perfect for all skin types and it brightens skin, reduces signs of aging, and minimizes pores & blemishes. What I also love about this product is that you can use it twice a day, and it only requires a dime-size amount of this cleanser.

The InstaNatural Vitamin C Peel Off Mask has been a total game-changer for my skincare routine. I honestly can't remember the last time I tried a peel-off mask, and I’ve really been missing out. Not only was this mask super fun to use. It also has so many amazing benefits like:
Instantly exfoliates for softer, smoother skin.
Minimizes signs of aging and reduces enlarged pores, blackheads & blemishes.

My skin felt so soft after using this mask, and I'm so happy that it's now a part of my self-care routine.

Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub from Tree Hut

I was introduced to Tree Hut products for the first time last year, and I’m so happy that I’m now getting the opportunity to experience the Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub. I just love how this scrub makes my skin feel, and has so many amazing benefits for my skin. Sugar is a natural exfoliant that effectively polishes away dead skin while helping to boost circulation to the skin surface. Plus, Natural Shea Butter is known to deeply moisturize, nourish and soften dry skin while helping to promote elasticity, and the Natural Oils condition skin to help prevent dryness and balance hydration for a refined, healthy glow. The winter months can cause havoc on my skin, and I’m so happy that I have Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub from Tree Hut as part of my self-care routine. Plus, it also makes the perfect stocking stuffer for a loved ones.

The first day of winter is December 21st, and it’s fast approaching. I love creating a bucket list for the various seasons to ensure that I’m getting the best out of each month. Below, I’m sharing 8 Things On My Winter To-Do List.

8 Things on My Winter To-Do List

Winter Photoshoot
I would really love a cute snow photo. I always see so many gorgeous snow photos on Instagram, and I honestly don't think that I personally own one. My goal would be to take a photo that looks magical and dreamy.

Vacation
This is always on my list. I love vacations, and I love exploring new places. I don't have any places on my agenda. However, I'm open to taking any last-minute trips.

Bake
I can't wait to make cinnamon rolls. For some reason, I've been craving them lately. Of course, I plan on making a healthier alternative. However, I would love for them to look and taste like the ones I'm mentally envisioning. You know, fluffy, gooey with the frosting just dripping off.

Craft
I haven't used my silhouette machine in over a year. I typically use it around the holidays. I'm noticing that I'm struggling with really creating time for myself. I have to do better.

Read
You know the saying “out of sight, out of mind” as a child I didn't enjoy reading. However, after completing my bachelor's and master's degrees. Reading was something that I really grew to love. I remember the days where I would finish a good book in an afternoon. I have to get back in the habit of reading often.

Enjoy
This may sound so simple. However, I would love to enjoy a winter-inspired drink at a coffee shop or my local Starbucks. It would be so nice to really just be "at the moment".

Organize
I think I have enough fun stuff on my list, I have to get better at organizing my space. Though I love Christmas. It was so nice to have my space back from all of our Christmas decor. Our home is under 1000sq and it requires a lot of creativity when it comes to organizing. I've read a few books in the past that were really helpful. I just have to organize my space to its full potential. Plus, life is so much better when you know where everything is.

Winter Brunch
I'm a huge fan of brunches. I would love to attend a brunch and really just be in the moment. Try something that I typically wouldn't have, and just enjoy my own company.

Do you have a winter “To-Do List”?

Christmas is fast approaching, and for many people, it can be a stressful time. It really does not have to be though. When I learned how to say no, and not overextend myself, the holidays became a game-changer for me. This Christmas can be your best Christmas yet, once you create a plan, and determine what doesn't work for you. Below, I'm sharing tips for Surviving Christmas.

Learn To Say No
It’s so important to know when to say no and how to say no I feel like a lot of times we overextend ourselves and we're unable to accomplish the goals that we have due to saying yes to everything and everyone. Really sit down prior to committing to something, ask yourself if he’s going to bring more stress on more joy to your holiday spirit.

Plan
I can’t stress the importance of how important it is to plan out your holiday season I am not perfect by any means however I’ve noticed that planning definitely does make things a lot easier and take the stress off of you. If you have a hard time finding the perfect dress for all of the holiday parties that you're invited to, purchase multiple dresses. I know that this may sound a little strange. However, it's better to have multiple options, than to wait last minute, and you just feel like not attending the event due to feeling overwhelmed. Just remember that when you purchase those items, make sure that you can possibly wear them to another event if needed. If you struggle with being a last-minute shopper. Create a printable monthly spread, showcasing the deadline and budget you have to purchase the gift for each person. When it's time to go shopping, you have already broken down your list, and know who you're going to buy for. I highly would suggest not having anything on your task list or to-do list a week before Christmas just so that frees up time for you to do the stuff that you love maybe. This could be going to the spa and maybe is having a countdown and/or creating an advent calendar with your family prior to the holidays.

Know Your Triggers
It’s so important to know your triggers throughout the holiday season do you get stressed out when you have to do stuff last minute do you not like being around crowds do you prefer to not overextend yourself. It’s just so important to know what triggers you and I feel that a lot of people find themselves stressed out during the holiday season because they overextend themselves. Don’t be afraid to say no to people if being, if last-minute holiday shopping stresses you out and you're really triggered to the point where you don't even feel like celebrating the holidays, take a moment to step back, and reflect on the situation. What's caused you to be stressed out. What could you do differently?

Do you have any tips for Surviving Christmas?

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Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Even though I am not hosting Thanksgiving dinner at my home this year. I thought I would share a few tips to ensure that you have a very pleasant holiday.

1. Location

I know, this might sound a little strange to some people who know in advance who's hosting Thanksgiving dinner. However, many people host Thanksgiving dinners and brunches last minute. Confirm who's hosting, and where it's being hosted at.

2. Travel

If you're visiting family/friends out of state. Triple-check your travel plans. Make sure your car maintenance is up to date. Make sure your plane tickets are all set and you have your rental car reservation taken care of. Pack everything in advance! Know what that states current guidelines, and mandates are.

Road trip essentials (example)
Snacks
Puzzles
Movies
Books
First Aid kit

3. What to Wear

Now is the perfect time to figure out what you and your family are going to wear. Budget if you're going to purchase new clothing for everyone or you're going to wear something you already have. Make sure that everyone try's on their clothing in advance. Don't wait until the day of to find out. The kiddos grew out of the pants that were too big last year or your favorite dress has a stain on it. Trust me. Have a try on the day to decide if you're going to be matchy and to ensure that everything fits properly, once you decide on what your family is wearing. Iron everything in advance to ensure that you're not running around last minute the day of. This is also the perfecct time to take your holiday photos or back up photos since everyone will be dressed.

4. Agenda/Schedule

Thanksgiving at times is one of those holidays that you can house hop as I would like to call it. Start creating a list of what your day will typically look like. It's super easy to lose track of time while you're having a great time. However, set the alarm on your phone when it's time to go. It's best to enter each event on your phone and add reminders.

Example
Thanksgiving Day parade at...
Brunch at Grandma's
Football
5. Hosts Gift

If you're visiting friends/family you should bring something. For the adults, I like to bring a nice bottle of wine. You could even bring a bottle of sparkling cider. The suggestion is to bring something. The person that's cooking will most likely appreciate it. Ask them first, though. If you're unsure bring a nonalcoholic beverage, you do not want to offend anyone. When you're invited to someone's home for Thanksgiving the first thing you should ask is “what shall I bring” if they have nothing “I would like to bring a bottle of wine if that's OK...” if they say no, no one drinks wine. Don't bring anything. You just want to make sure that you've offered.

6. To-Do List

Create a To-Do list with a time frame of when everything needs to be done. You can easily create a To-Do list on your phone or you can use the template on the number section on your iPhone or Mac products.

Example:
Confirm dinner time
Iron Clothing
Purchase hosts gift
Car maintenance
What's your favorite holiday tip?

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