Hiatus Watch: With Love, Meghan season 2

The second season of the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle's lifestyle TV series With Love, Meghan, premiered today on Netflix. I found the first season to be interesting. And since it's a lifestyle show, there's tips and tricks for creating various food and drinks as well as home and garden projects. This second season looks good, it looks like there are more guests, more food and more home and garden projects. I'm going to go make some popcorn and then get comfy on the couch and watch the first two episodes tonight. And then I'll watch the rest of the episodes (there's eight in total) throughout the week.


With Love, Meghan (Netflix)

Description:

Meghan Markle invites friends and famous guests to a beautiful California estate, where she shares cooking, gardening and hosting tips.

What's On Tonight (Tuesday 3/4): With Love, Meghan

Since my usual Tuesday shows are not on tonight, I was going to watch the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle's new Netflix lifestyle TV series, With Love, Meghan. The show premiered today and all eight episodes are available to watch now. I think it will be interesting to see what some of her lifestyle tips are.


With Love, Meghan (Netflix)

Description:

Meghan Markle invites friends and famous guests to a beautiful California estate, where she shares cooking, gardening and hosting tips.

Five tips for dealing with not being able to come up with ideas

Are you having problems with coming up with ideas? Although, it can feel discouraging, it doesn't have to be. Some ways that might help are:

1. Don’t try and force things (i.e. ideas, answers, etc.). Give yourself time, because sometimes the answers or ideas just pop up when you least expect it.

2. Work on something else. Switching things up may help you find the creativity or answers with your original project, question, idea, etc.

3. To recharge, give yourself time by relaxing and clearing your mind. Meditation might be helpful. Or maybe take a few minutes and journal your thoughts and frustrations. It's a way to destress and unwind.

4. Get something to eat or drink. Sometimes when you get busy you might forget to eat or drink enough water. And being hungry or dehydrated could aid in making it more difficult to concentrate for work, studying, creating or thinking up new ideas. So, if you can, make sure you don't skip meals or forget to drink enough water.

5. And finally, don't forget to take a break from whatever it is you’re working on. Maybe stretch, go for a walk, listen to music, etc. And then when you go back to working on your project (idea, question, etc.) maybe things will start flowing better and you will get new ideas.

Monday Motivation: How to Be More Productive

Happy Monday! When I want to be more productive, here are some tips that I like to use:

1. Believe in Yourself. Make goals (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly) and set about achieving them.

2. Visualize Your Goals. So, after you make your goals continue to visualize them. For instance, what do you want to achieve? How will it make you feel when you reach your goals? After visualizing, write everything down. You can also create vision boards or notebooks so that your goals are always visual to you.

3. Do Challenging or Boring Tasks First. By working on these tasks first and getting them out of the way, then you have more time to work on the tasks or projects that you enjoy. Plus, it feels good to cross those difficult or boring tasks off your list.

4. Try Not to Procrastinate. I know sometimes you might dread doing sometime or you simply don't want to do it. So you end up putting things off. But try not to procrastinate. If it's something you have to do. Then just do it. Try not to waste time putting off things you have to do because then you will end up rushing to do something or not having enough time to complete it properly.

5. Time Management. I know it sounds so boring and stuffy. But it's a good skill to learn. It will allow you to make the most of your time. And if you have goals that you want to acheive, you will find yourself not wanting to waste time. Plus, having good time management skills will make you aware of your time. So that when you have free time, you can enjoy it without worrying about feeling rushed for time or thinking about things you want to get done. To learn more about time management, there is plenty of information online or you can find books that cover the subject. But for now just be aware of your time and how you are using it.

6. Create a To-Do List. After you become more aware of your time, then it allows you to plan and see what you need to do. If you know you have a lot to do then make a to-do list. If you have a lot of reading for one of classes or you have a huge work project then make sure to put it on your list. Also, don't forget the little tasks such as chores (so they don't pile up). And after you complete your tasks then cross it off your list.

7. Remember to Take Breaks. Being productive is good if you're trying to achieve your goals. However, don't forget to take breaks to relax. You don't want to burn yourself out overworking, over studying, etc. Take time out to enjoy life. Trying to achieve your goals shouldn't stop you from taking time out to enjoy life. Make time for your family and friends, enjoy a good meal, have fun with your hobbies, read a good book, work out, spend time in nature, watch your favorite shows and movies, etc. All this is to say that being productive shouldn't make you lose focus on enjoying your life.

8. Get Organized. According to various studies, we lose valuable time (and money) by being disorganized. If you have a difficult time finding what you're looking for when you need it. Or you have to re-buy something you know you have but you can't find. Then you may want to get organized. There is information online and in books if you need help getting organized. Then you can create or find an organizing system that will work for you. Also, being organized is not a one time thing, you have to continue to clean and declutter to keep your home, work or study space from being disorganized.

9. Get Enough Sleep. Try make sure to get as much sleep as possible. Being tired and lacking energy can make it difficult to be productive. I know we all have busy lives but you don't want to skimp on sleep. The body (and mind) truly need that sleep to refresh itself.

10. Reward Yourself. You've been working hard to achieve your goals and you should reward yourself for it. It doesn't mean spending a lot of money. A reward can be something as simple as spending more time on your hobby, eating your favorite meal, buying yourself a new book, pamper yourself with a new beauty product, etc. Rewarding yourself can be a good motivator but it also just feels good to treat yourself for all the hard work you've been doing.

When you're taking a break from being online, how do you like to spend your time?

Sometimes you just need a minute (or two) to unplug. Whether it's five minutes, 10 minutes or a few hours, taking time away from the internet is a good thing. So, when you take a break from being online, what are some of the things you enjoy doing?

Below are 10 things I like to do when I take a digital break:

1. Get cozy on the sofa while reading a book. Along with drinking a hot cup of tea.

2. Go for a walk or exercise. Walking is usually good enough for me but there are times when I want to lift some weights or do resistance training.

3. Hang out with friends. During the weekend, I like to meet up with my friends for coffee (well tea for me) and lunch and catch up.

4. Watch a movie or a few episodes from a TV show.

5. Self-care. From giving myself a manicure to putting on a face mask it's good to make time to pamper yourself.

6. Listen to music. Sometimes, I just sit down, relax and listen to some of my favorite music. Or find new or different songs or artists to listen to.

7. If it's the weekend, I like to go to the museum. I like to take my time and walk around and look at all the beautiful art.

8. Hobbies. I don't always have to time to draw or paint but taking breaks from being online totally gives me time to focus on one of my favorite hobbies.

9. Journal or meditate. Sometimes, I just have to clear my mind. So I will either write down all my thoughts or meditate to quiet my mind.

10. Bake cookies. I love to bake cookies whether from scratch from a recipe or with pre-made dough. For me, baking cookies is so relaxing and your home smells nice. Plus, I have snacks for #4 when I watch movies and shows.

Book Girl Thoughts: A Reminder about Holiday Stress

Just wanted to post this quick reminder, during these holiday seasons I want you to remember to take time for yourself. Use the time to take care of yourself especially if you find yourself feeling tired and overwhelmed. Take a deep breath, relax, slow down and take your time. Don't feel like you have to do everything all at once or for everything to be perfect. Have fun and enjoy this time of the year and don't let the holidays stress you out.

This reminder goes for myself as well.

Vogue: In The Bag: Emma Watson

Happy Monday!

I was wondering if you carry a bag, what do you have in it? Well, in my purse which is usually small, I keep my everyday essential: wallet, lip balm, small hand lotion, phone, keys and a small make up bag (in case I need to touch my make up). As for my tote bag, I usually have: a book (or two), a magazine (or two), pens and a note book, planner and depending on the day any odds and ends I might need.

I mention all of this because I watched this Vogue magazine In The Bag video featuring Emma Watson and had to post it. Aside from the usual essentials, she does have some interesting items. Such as her tarot cards. And as a bookworm, she has books. No surprise there. I guess it's a universal truth that bookworms always carry books with them.

As a bookworm, I usually tend to have a book with me when I leave the house. Of course there are exceptions when I don't carry one such as getting a meal with family or friends or at an event. But usually I have a book with me. I totally forgot to mention how cute her outfit is: a beige and black check bow tie blouse paired with a black skirt. Anyway, here's what's in Emma Watson's bag.

Monday Motivation: Slow Down

It's okay to relax and slow things down. So many of us to seem to be constantly rushing from one thing or task to the next. And never really taking the time to enjoy ourselves. If being over scheduled has become a normal thing, maybe you can try slowing down. See if there are things in your schedule or life you can get rid of.

For instance, if you're not enjoying something such as a book club you dread attending. It's okay to let it go and it's also okay to cancel or reschedule plans. Don't feel pressure to accept last minute invites, especially if you're tired. Slowing down allows us to enjoy our lives and to relax. So if you're feeling too overwhelmed maybe try slowing down.

How do you unwind during the holidays?

The holiday season can be fun but also stressful and draining. Which is why I try to make sure to relax and unwind as much as possible. And some of things I like to do are:

1. A mini stretching session to relax my body

2. Draw or paint

3. Look out the window. If it's too cold to go outside, I like to relax looking out the window. There are a lot trees outside my window and before the sun sets, I always see a lot of squirrels and birds sitting, roaming or flying throughout the branches.

4. Listen to music (and if I'm not too tired I'll get up and dance)

5. Lounging on the sofa curled up in a warm blanket enjoying some of the following:

- Drinking a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate

- Reading my book

- After popping some popcorn, watch a few episodes of some of my favorite shows (which also includes lots of sitcoms and cartoons) and some of my favorite movies

- Put on a moisturizing face mask

- Eat a snack (or two): fruit, chocolate, cupcake, holiday cookies, etc.

So, how are you unwinding during the holidays?

What Are Some of Your Favorite Fall Essentials?

With the leaves changing colors and chilly fall weather, I was wondering what are some of my favorite fall essentials. Here are a few of mine:

- Fall clothes (especially cozy sweaters)
- Being out in nature (going for walks and taking pictures of all the leaves changing colors)
- Cozy blanket (perfect for curling up in when I'm reading or watching TV)
- Drinking hot cider, hot cocoa (with marshmallow or whipped cream) and hot tea
- Some good books to read
- Watching and rewatching some of my favorite shows and movies
- Soup
- Fall décor (pillows, throw blankets, mugs, etc.)

What are some of your favorite fall essentials?

Monday Motivation: Practice Self-Care

Happy Monday, I hope everyone had a really lovely weekend!

If you've been neglecting yourself regularly, you need to start taking care of yourself or practice self-care. Self-care is not some trend, it's simply finding time to take care of yourself from making sure you're getting enough sleep to beauty care and everything in between. Even finding a few moments of quiet time to relax and recharge after a busy day is self-care. Everyone's self-care needs are different, so you have to look at your life to see what areas may need a little more care whether that's beauty, fashion, fitness, health, etc.

I've been following my own advice because I noticed that I haven't been getting enough sleep. I had been feeling so tired and groggy in the morning. I've been making sure to go to bed as early as I can, so that in the morning I don't feel tired and in need of more sleep. Self-care is not superficial, trendy or selfish, it's just making sure to take care of yourself.

What's something fun you've added to your morning routine?

Good Morning Everyone!

I was wondering what's something fun you've added to your morning routine? I've added watching cartoons while I eat my breakfast. Starting the morning reading or watching the news although informative can be a little depressing especially with so many terrible things happening. Which is why I started watching cartoons.

When I was a kid, I used to love starting my day watching cartoons while I ate my breakfast. Which made me think why not go back to doing that again. Since then it's been a fun way to start my day. I still check the news to see what going on in the world but starting my day with cartoons has been a really good decision.

So, what's something fun you've added to your morning routine?

If Laughing is Good for Us, Then Why Don't Adults Laugh more?

When was the last time you had a really good laugh or just laughed in general? I love to laugh but I feel like so many people are stressed out and taking everything so seriously that they've forgotten how to laugh. Studies have been shown that laughing is a good stress relief but as adults we don't laugh enough especially when compared to children. There's one study that states that children may laugh as much as 400 times per day, but adults mostly laugh around 15 times per day. Wow, that's a really low number and it really shows that adults really don't laugh enough.

Why as adult do we lose a sense of humor? Why do we stop laughing? I know as adults our lives aren't as carefree as they used to be when we were kids but we should still find moments of laughter. For anyone who would like to laugh more here are tips that can help:

- Watch more comedy shows and movies. Whether it's something silly and unexpected or warm and gentle, there's bound to be something that will have you laughing out loud.

- Read something funny. From articles and stories to collections of comic strips to funny memoirs or joke books find something that will make you laugh.

- Allow yourself to laugh. Being an adult doesn't mean you have to be serious all the time. Let yourself laugh when something is funny.

Four Ways to Have Fun During Winter

When it's too cold and snowy to go out unless you have to, wintertime doesn't have to leave us feeling cooped up and sluggish. Just because it's cold and we're staying in more, I think we should still have fun during the winter season. Here are four ways to keep from feeling the wintertime blues:

Have a TV Show or Movie Marathon

From DVDs to various streaming services, there is no shortage of shows and movies to watch. Whether it's new, new to you or something you've seen several times having a marathon watching a bunch of shows or movies is a good way to enjoy the cold winter days. Just don't forget the snacks.


Have a Beauty Night

Being indoors on cold snowy nights is the perfect time to pamper yourself with beauty treatments. Whether it's a mani/pedi, body scrub, face mask, etc. why not use this time to deal with any of your neglected beauty issues (i.e. dry skin and hair). And if you don't have any beauty issues to take care of why not use the time to have fun trying out different make-up or hairstyles to create different looks.


Have a Reading Night

Grab a blanket and get comfy on the sofa or in a chair and curl up with a book. As you're reading, let your imagination bring the book to life. From dating disasters to thrilling mysteries, imagine everything that's happening to the characters in the story. Really allow yourself to become immersed into the story.


Have a Dance Party

Who needs to bundle up to go out into the cold to go to a nightclub when you could put on some of your favorite music and have a good time dancing at home. It doesn't matter if you're a good or bad dancer, let loose and have fun losing yourself in the music.

Here are Some Things that Have Been Bringing Me Joy Lately

Do ever feel like your life is so busy that you barely have time to enjoy it? Well, something I'm trying to do this year is slowing down so that I can enjoy my life. And one of the things I’m trying to do more of is to enjoy things that brings me joy, that interest and amuse me. And what better time to start doing this is by noticing some of the things have been bringing me joy lately:

- Finding more time to read.

- Finding books 50% off at bookstores.

- Putting on music and dancing.

- Wearing some of my favorite t-shirts that I've forgotten about.

- Uninterrupted time to polish my nails.

- Calling friends and catching up.

- Enjoying a warm mug of tea or hot chocolate.

- Hearing the birds sing in the morning or when out for a walk seeing something interesting out in nature.

Four Things I Do to Get a Good Night's Sleep

According to numerous reports, we as a society are not getting enough sleep. I like to think I'm well rested and despite whatever crazy schedule I might have, I always try to make sure to get a good night's worth of sleep. Here are four things I consistently like to do to make sure I get plenty of good quality sleep.

1. Unplug: According to medical reports, the blue light from computer and phone screens tricks the brain into thinking it's daytime. So I like to step away from being online at least an hour or two before going to bed.

2. Journaling: Sometimes my mind is way too active to go to sleep. So before going to bed, I like to clear my mind and organize my thoughts by writing everything down in either in a journal or a notebook.

3. Stretch: Right before going to bed I like to do a few stretches. Nothing too strenuous just some relaxing stretches to relax my body along with some calming deep breaths.

4. Unwind: Before going to bed, I like to read, do Sudoku, crossword puzzles or word search to let myself and my brain unwind and disengage before going to bed.

Doing these four things really does help to relax so I can easily fall asleep.

Enjoy a New Hobby

Life shouldn't always be about work, obligations and responsibilities, you have to find time for things you enjoy like a hobby. Plus, a hobby is a great way to take it easy and enjoy a little solitude throughout the week. What I like about hobbies is that it doesn't have to be something expensive or complicated just something you enjoy. I really think embracing a hobby can be fun and relaxing.

To find one, think about something you find interesting or something that might challenging you and will give you room to grow with it. One of my hobbies is drawing and painting, I enjoy taking time to simply create. I like that a hobby can be anything you want it to be, just remember two things: don't create so many hobbies that they feel like a new form of work. And try not to turn your new hobby into a side business or monetize it. Also don't worry about being perfect, the fun in having a hobby is simply doing something you enjoy.

10 Things I Do to Feel More Energized

There are times when I feel really sluggish and tired and during those times, I try to listen to what my body needs. If I'm sitting in front of the computer for too long I like to get up and move around. A short break is usually what I need. But for other times I have 10 more things I do to feel more energized.

1. Going for a walk. Whether for 10 minutes or an hour, it makes me feel more alert and upbeat.

2. Watching some of my favorite shows and movies or watching something new. If it's the weekend, I like to spend a few hours doing nothing except that. It's the perfect way to unwind and feel a little more energized.

3. A nap. If it's good enough for babies, kids and pets why not as an adult enjoy a relaxing, energizing and restorative nap.

4. I try to accomplish at least one thing off my to-do list. Crossing something off my list always makes me feel good and energized.

5. I get a cup of hot tea and relax.

6. Drink water throughout the day. Being dehydrated can also make you feel sluggish so I make sure I stay hydrated and energized by drinking water.

7. Stretching and deep breathing. Doing both relax and energize the body.

8. Dancing. I like to put on music and dance. Moving around is a fun way to energize.

9. Going outside. Sometimes it's nice to sit outside and enjoy nature. If it's a nice and sunny day, I love to take a book and read outside.

10. Reading. The simple act of picking up a book and getting engrossed in a story is usually exactly what I need to feel energized.

What do you do to feel more energized?

Brie Larson's 39 Ways to Calm Down (Video)

Stressed out and looking for a way to relax? Well, you're in luck actress Brie Larson has created a video that features 39 ways to calm down.

What are some of the things that you do to relax? I like to: read a book, watch funny movies or TV shows, exercise, meditate, listen to music, go for a walk, polish my nails and few more other things. 

Take Time to Relax

Are you making a habit to take time out to relax? On days when I'm stressing out, I make a point of finding time to slow down by either taking time out to savor a hot cup of tea or watching a funny movie or TV show. Doing this helps alleviate my stress and tension while also allowing me to recharge.

I have been trying to post these Slowing Down lifestyle post to get myself and hopefully others to relax more.