All work and no play make Jack and Jill a dull couple, which is why it's important to take vacations and enjoy time away from the normal hustle and bustle. Whether you take the time to travel to another city, town, state or country, or you opt to stay home for a staycation, there are ways that you can kick back and relax. It's crucial that you plan what you'll do; otherwise, you'll be at the end of your time off wondering where it all went. Don't know where to start? We can help!

Find a Relaxing Location

Let's face it, the key to relaxing is finding a place you can let it all go. Resorts, especially those with all-inclusive deals, ensure you won't have to lift a finger if you don't want to. They cater to you with meals, cocktails and an environment designed to let your stressors melt away. Maybe a resort isn't your ideal and you prefer the solitude of camping, whether in a tent in the woods or a cabin in the mountains. If you're choosing to stay home, set up a comfortable space --- such as your living area, with elements that make it easy for you to let it go. Light a candle or diffuser to set a calming effect in the room and remove any stressors.

Indulge a Little

There's nothing wrong with indulging a little; after all, you're on vacation (or staycation)! There are a few ways you can do this. Maybe eat a dessert you wouldn't normally or enjoy some margarita ice pops. Perhaps indulging for you means hitting the local shops and buying a new accessory or outfit.

Get Out and Do Things

Getting out and doing things is a great way to step out of the norm of everyday activities. Take in a concert, take the kids to an amusement park or aquarium --- just get out and do something. No matter what your budget looks like, there are options available. Typically going to the beach is free; you just might need to pay for parking, depending on the area. You could also go to a nearby park. During the summer months, some parks set up water play areas perfect for the kids (or the adventurous adult).

Read, Read, Read

If you live a fairly active life with kids, you're constantly running to extracurricular activities or have a demanding boss that doesn't know the meaning of boundaries --- even if that boss is you --- it's a good idea to just sit and relax. Grab a book, light some incense if you like and just get lost in another world. Reading is a great tool to help relieve stress.

The best part about reading is you can do it from anywhere. Most destination locations have a library, or you can download an ebook. Take your book to the beach and let the sound of the waves wash over you as you read, or sit back on your couch and pretend you're diving into another world. It doesn't matter what you read, whether it's a romance novel, a magazine featuring your favorite celebrity, or a philosophy book focusing on self-care. All that matters is you set real life aside, even for just a little while.

Each of these activities will help you achieve that break from the normal grind of everyday life. If you're heading out for your vacation, make sure you pack the essentials and get ready to have fun. If you're staying at home, put your to-do list aside and focus on just resetting. Trust me, you'll thank yourself when you're in a better mental space.

Staying healthy as we age is a goal shared by almost everybody. Proper diet and regular exercise are essential. Avoiding drugs and alcohol is equally crucial. Limiting sun exposure, getting plenty of sleep, and keeping our minds sharp with hobbies and interests are also important. What else can be done?

While there’s no magic potion for staying healthy forever, several supplements have been shown to boost health and promote healthy aging. The following are seven to consider incorporating into your daily self-care regimen:

Collagen

The natural production of the protein responsible for keeping skin smooth and taut - known as collagen - slows as we age. The result is reduced skin elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles. Incorporating a collagen supplement into your daily regimen may help slow down the physical signs of aging. Collagen can be found naturally in foods, but many people turn to skin creams and capsules containing collagen as a way to keep their skin looking youthful for as long as possible.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is one of the most widely consumed health supplements available. It’s no surprise, given its long list of supposed benefits. Studies suggest fish oil helps promote heart health, improve memory, and even help us protect our eyesight as we age. The anti-inflammatory properties of fish oil have also been documented, as well as evidence suggesting the supplement helps improve bone health. It all adds up to fish oil being a useful supplement for those concerned about staying healthy as they get older.

Crocin

The spice known as saffron is one of the most valuable substances on earth. The primary reason for its high demand is its use in culinary circles, especially in India and Spain. However, saffron also contains the carotenoid known as crocin. Used as a supplement, crocin has been shown to reduce inflammation and provide protection against UV light. Other studies suggest crocin can even help prevent age-related cognitive decline, making it a useful anti-aging supplement.

Coenzyme Q10

Like collagen, your body produces its own coenzyme Q10, commonly referred to as CoQ10. It’s an antioxidant used by the body to safeguard against cellular damage. CoQ10 may also play a role in maintaining low cholesterol and healthy blood sugar levels. But as we age, natural CoQ10 production slows. Fortunately, red yeast rice with CoQ10 and similar products provides the body with a sufficient replacement. Simply mix a packet into your favorite beverage once a day to start getting the health benefits of coenzyme Q10!

Vitamin C

Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is one of the most widely consumed supplements on the planet. That’s because the human body doesn’t create its own supply, requiring individuals to get vitamin C through various foods and drinks. Low levels of vitamin C can lead to scurvy in extreme cases, but the most common health risks associated with insufficient levels of vitamin C include arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer. With this in mind, it’s essential for older folks to make sure they’re getting plenty of vitamin C in their diet, either through foods like citrus fruit or daily supplements.

Resveratrol

Another antioxidant found in various berries as well as red wine, resveratrol has been shown to promote longevity by triggering the production of an enzyme known as sirtuin. While further studies are required to bolster the correlation between resveratrol and living longer, existing evidence is promising.

Magnesium

The list of health and wellness benefits of magnesium is seemingly endless. It’s been linked to reduced risk of diabetes, stronger bones, better cardiovascular health, migraine mitigation, and managing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, commonly referred to as PMS. While PMS management becomes less of a concern as we get older, the other health benefits of magnesium seem like a perfect fit for those looking to protect health and wellness as they age.

Who doesn’t want to stay as healthy as possible as they age? Doing so is easier said than done but not impossible. While diet, exercise, sleep, and overall clean living are key to making it happen, the secret ingredient may turn out to be one or more of these supplements.

Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys covering topics related to business, finance, and travel.

With everything happening in the world today, everyone deserves a little time off. But chances are it’s been a while since your last vacation. As a result, your vacation packing skills might be a little rusty.

The last thing any traveller wants is to arrive at their scenic destination and realize they forgot essential items back home. While you might be able to track down substitutes and replacements, that’s contingent on where you are and what you plan to do during your trip.

With this in mind, let’s go over packing essentials for your next trip:

Documentation

Which travel documents you need will depend on where you’re from and where you’re going. Generally speaking, international travellers will need an up-to-date passport. With this in mind, make sure you remember to bring your passport! You may also need to bring proof of vaccination against COVID-19. It’s also smart to bring a copy of your passport and any other documentation you need to bring. That way in the event one or more documents are lost or stolen, you have backups to take to the nearest embassy.

Clothing

Chances are you won’t forget to pack clothes for your trip. But what about the right clothing? Something as simple as forgetting to pack socks can cause major disruptions to your long overdue vacation. There’s also the matter of comfort; pack clothing you not only want to wear but like to wear. From mens loungewear for him to comfy sundresses for her, the key is packing clothes that not only look great but feel great as well. Check your destination to narrow down the list of must-have clothing in order to suit the climate upon arrival; you don’t want to bring a wool sweater to Tahiti or Bermuda shorts to Moscow.

Footwear

Most travel plans involve a lot of walking. All those steps add up to lots of foot pain if you’re wearing the wrong footwear. Rather than choosing which shoes you bring based on style, make a point to pack shoes you know won’t kill your feet. Sneakers, sandals, and flats for the win! Consider packing a pair of espadrilles if you’re planning on going somewhere nice during your stay, as they’re the perfect blend of formal and functional.

Technology

You probably won’t make it out the front door before realizing you left your iPhone on the bedside table. But what about chargers, adapters, and your Apple Watch? Write a list of all essential technology and check them off one by one as they make it into your luggage. The list should include every powered device you plan to bring on your trip, whether it’s a sound machine, laptop, or e-reader.

Self-Care

What counts as self-care varies from one person to another. However, it’s safe to say the list includes toiletries, medications, and anything else you plan on keeping on and around the hotel bathroom sink. It might be a good time to think about self-care products you don’t normally use but sound ideal for vacation. Examples include bubble bath mix, melatonin gummies, and detoxifying cleansers. You may even want to buy a face mask kit for the trip.

Distractions

Long-distance travel is a mix of excitement and tedium. The lulls come in the form of long flights, layovers, and waiting for the train to pull into the station. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to pack plenty of distractions. Books, mobile video game consoles like the Nintendo Switch, and access to your favorite streaming services are just some examples to consider. It might seem like a waste of space when you’re still home imagining all the fun you’ll be having in the days ahead, but distractions will prove their worth when the realities of travel set in.

Many people have put their vacations on hold for the past two years. But with the pandemic waning and borders reopening, now’s the time to book your next travel experience. But before you head off to the airport, remember to pack everything you need. Once you’re on the other side of the world, it’s too late!

Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys covering topics related to business, finance, and travel.

Hotel accommodations are one of the largest expenses for couples planning a honeymoon. Unless you don’t mind a sub-par motel, you’ll have to pay several hundred dollars a night to enjoy your time away. Of course, there are other options like vacation rentals, but they too can be pricey and hard to find. Fortunately, housesitting provides a practical solution.

There are property owners that will pay couples to watch their home for several weeks. Housesitting is ideal because it’s a free place to stay and puts a little extra cash in your pocket to spend on your honeymoon. The idea of remaining in one spot as you immerse yourself in the culture sounds terrific. It provides you with the opportunity to live like a local and explore the area.


Before you get lost in the idea of wedding sparklers for send off and your airport departure, there are some things you should know to ensure your experience is a good one. Continue reading to learn more.

Required Documentation

Depending on your honeymoon destination (and where you reside), you may need additional documentation to take on a long-term housesitting project. For example, if you’re traveling internationally, you will need a travel visa for your extended-stay.


Consider getting an international driver’s license unless you plan on using other means of transportation. Lastly, you’ll need updated medical paperwork and shot/vaccination records. As it can take several weeks to obtain these essential documents, you should start well in advance.

Local Culture

Housesitting during your honeymoon means you’ll be spending more time in local neighbourhoods and communities. If you’re going to adjust properly, you must learn about the culture. What is the native language? Are there certain religious or cultural beliefs about what you wear or how you should interact with others? The last thing you want to do is offend anyone while you’re in a foreign place. Also, find out the local laws, so you don’t end up in legal trouble far away from home.

Everyday Needs

While bringing things like lingerie, beach gear, fancy attire, cosmetics, and a few mood-setters like flowers, candles, and 36 inch sparklers are common, you’ll need more things to enjoy your extended honeymoon. If you want to further save on your honeymoon, you’ll need access to everyday products and services. Whether it’s the grocery store or the local gym, you want to ensure that you can access everything you need. Fortunately, you can use applications to help you search for everything from haircuts and weaves in San Diego to nearby gas stations and doctor’s offices in the UK. Knowing all of this in advance will ensure that you don’t get lost once you arrive.

Your Budget

The house sitting gig will provide you with some income, but is it enough to live on for the next few weeks or months? Though you don’t have to pay for hotel accommodations, there are other expenses you’ll have to keep in mind. For starters, you’ll need to pay for food and transportation. You should also have room in the budget to participate in activities while you’re away.

If you have financial obligations back home, you’ll need to factor those expenses into your budget as well. If your budget is tight, research ways to save on long-term trips. Whether you use coupons, cook all your meals at home, or find affordable places to shop, every penny saved can make your honeymoon more affordable.

Income Streams

If it turns out that your house sitting gig won’t cover the costs of your extended honeymoon, you’ll need to think about other income sources. There are lots of companies that hire people temporarily that are worth looking into. Remember, you’ll need to have the right paperwork.

If you don’t plan on working retail or a traditional 9 to 5, you can always make money at home. You can start a travel blog, become a freelance writer, design websites, answer surveys, manage social media accounts, sell your photographs, and so much more. Research in advance to figure out what you’ll need to get started and how much you can expect to make to ensure your needs are covered.

Who wouldn’t love to say that they stayed in Southeast Asia, London, or even San Diego for a few weeks or months? While traditionally, this would be an expensive feat, taking on long-term house sitting gigs can make your dreams a reality. You can honeymoon wherever you’d like, explore different cultures, live like a local, meet new people, and try new things while earning a living. Before heading off on your long-term excursion, ensure that you’ve researched the above factors to ensure your experience is worthwhile.

I love decorating my front porch. It gives my house more life. I made a wreath for my front door years ago and it's beginning to look a bit dated and dull. It's time to freshen it up for Summer.

To recap, here's a step-by-step of how I made my wreath. I bought a 18" grapevine wreath from Michael's during their 50% sale and mixed various ferns and leaves for the wreath. It was an easy wreath DIY without having to arrange florals and stems. 

Then, I hung a wooden birdhouse that I got from the dollar store to the wreath and burned the word, "Welcome" with my wood burning tool. 

For this Summer refresh, I attached some faux lemons to my old wreath and instantly, my wreath became so much livelier and welcoming! The lemons were taken from 2 lemon bushes that I bought from Michael's during their sale. Each lemon bush comes with approximately 7 lemons and actually look like real lemons. I pulled the lemons out of the stems with a little force and glued each one onto the wreath, alternating various angles and rotations so that they look balance. 

This is a cute and easy DIY idea to liven up any old wreath. And the plus side, materials cost minimal.

Supplies I used:

• Artificial lemon bush
• Glue gun
• Old Wreath

I don't remember when's the last time I splurged and treated myself some new clothes. I might have gotten too comfortable in my loungewear and PJs during the pandemic that I almost forgot that I love dressing up and styling outfits. I needed some retail therapy. So I went on SheIn and started browsing. I've been a long time fan of SheIn for their affordable pricing and their fit requires no alternations on me. My order was shipped out quickly and took a little longer than 2 weeks to arrive at my doorstep. I love all the items I got so I wanted to share my thoughts from the first try-on here! 

White Snakeskin Flat Mules

I had my eyes on a pair of white slip-on mules for so long. I already owned a brown pair from Sam Edelman and they are my go-to on lazy days so I want another white pair to match my outfits. I didn’t want to pay too much for something that I don’t get to wear everyday. So these SheIn pair caught my eyes. I usually wear size 7 or 38. But after reading the reviews on the site, I sized up. They are half a size more loose than my liking. And when I compare them with my Sam Edelman (which is a size 7), the SheIn pair is actually shorter but the width is wider. The shoes are well made and good quality, almost as good as my Sam Edelman mules. The material on the other hand is synthetic and not real leather so it does feel harder and I can imagine it’d crease overtime. The insole is padded so it’s very comfortable to walk in them.

Brown Knee-High Boots

Although these aren’t meant for Spring but they were on sale for $25! So I snagged them before my size were sold out. I’ve always wanted a pair of brown knee-highs to go with some earthy tones outfit. These are perfect and fit true to size. I bought my normal size 7 and they were comfortable. The heels are a good height to walk in. They make my legs look like a mile long as well. I especially like the straps at the back so I can tie to secure the boots from sliding down while walking.

Dalmatian Print Split Thigh Skirt

I’m a sucker for animal prints and I cannot not include this in my collection. I’m 5’4 and the skirt is down to my mid-calves even though the waistline sits high. The skirt is A-line and the side slit just opens mid way of my thigh. It’s roomy and flowy. The skirt is not lined but also not see-through. I do find that the skirt does shift position and rotates at my waist from time to time but for the price, it’s worth it.

Floral Print Tie Back Cut-out Dress

I’m in love with this dress. The dress requires some steaming prior to first wear as it is made from cotton. I love the big puff sleeves that add more drama to the look. The open tie back is sexy with straps that wrap around the waist at the front. I got the size XS (I’m usually a size small) and feel that the dress is very forgiving. I can’t wait to wear this dress at a wedding with a pair of strapped heels.

Floral Tie Front Cutout Ruffle Hem Dress

This is another dress that I fell in love at first sight. I wasn’t sure if I could pull this off after having a baby but for $19 I couldn’t give myself a good reason to pass on this dress. The print is super cute and the material is stretchy. I sized up for this dress as I was worried that it’d be tight and short on me. And it fits just right with a size medium (I’m usually size small and have bigger hips), not tight at all and at a good length. The tie front is not as exposed as I thought and is easily adjustable with a looser or tighter tie knot. I like to wear with the puff sleeves but also love that the sleeves can be pulled down to become an off-shoulders dress. My husband loves this dress on me. So, bonus points there. 

Lace Trim Satin Cami Top & Shorts PJ set

Not gonna lie, but I love satin and silky materials for my PJs. This set looks cute and sexy. The shorts are on the shorter side for me and barely covered my bum. I do find the materials to be thin and simply hemmed. But for $8, you do get what you paid for.

Plain Baseball Cap

I just needed a basic white baseball cap to go with my casual fit. And this does the job. It’s a rougher cotton material and holds the shape well. It has a velcro strap at the back and I couldn’t ask for more for $4.

Striped V-Neck Curved Hem T-shirt Dress

As a mom, sometimes I just want to put on something and get out of the door fast. This t-shirt dress is great for that effortless casual look. I got a size M as I wanted it to be more loose. The cut is straight with a slight stretch. I was actually expecting this to be a jersey cotton material but instead it was made from polyester. It is still very lightweight and comfortable for summertime without being see-through. This will go really cute with my plain baseball cap and white sneakers.

SheGlam Straight Velvet Lipstick - Beach Babe

I'm a sucker for lipsticks and this little velvet lipstick caught my eyes. I compared this with my Charlotte Tribury pillow talk lipstick to give you a comparison and thought the colours are pretty similar. It feels velvety without being too dry on my lips. It is a matte lipstick and it is a pigmented rosy colour that is slightly darker than my Pillow Talk on me. The packaging is nice and looks like it's from a luxury brand. 

SheGlam Straight Velvet Lipstick in Beach Babe (right) with Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk (left)

SheGlam Expert Creamy Eyeliner - Brown

Spring is all about lightweight and natural make up. I bought this creamy eyeliner in brown when it was on a buy one get one sale. Despite the great deal price, the eyeliner is very creamy and super easy to apply. The colour brown is pigmented but still look very natural. Comparing it with my liquid eyeliner, this creamy eyeliner gives a softer look and do not smudge after a full day wear. 

SHEGLAM Butter Up Eyeshadow Stick-FROST BOSS

Besides the brown eyeliner, I also got myself this butter up eyeshadow in frost boss colour to highlight my eyes. The colour is light and shimmery. Easy to blend and glides smoothly on my skin. I like to apply it to the corner of my eyes and outline my under eye to make them look bigger. 

Basic Solid Tank Top

Basic tanks are definitely worth an investment. These solid tank tops are comfortable and cropped at a flattering length. The neckline is especially cute and accentuate my collarbones even more. I bought both black and white tops.

Rib-Knit Crop Tank Top

This tank top is similar to the basic solid tank top above except it is more fitted and less forgiving. 

2 Pack Lace-up front self adhesive bra set

These adhesive bra set is a must for those backless dresses in Spring and Summer! I love these set as it comes with both black and nude colours. The adhesive is strong but does not irritate my skin. The wing design not only looks cute but it also helps grab your side boobs. The tie front allows you to create cleavage and give out that extra oomph.

I absolutely love my purchase! They are all packaged nicely in its own zip-loc reusable plastic pouch. The shoes are also packaged with foam to keep its form during transit. You can find all the links in the headlines of this post. Let me know which item is your favourite!

Are you the type of person that puts a lot of time and effort into getting ready every day? Do you spend hours selecting the perfect outfit, accessories, shoes, and makeup to complete your look? How about your perfume selections? Though fragrances don’t necessarily add to your appearance, they do affect your mood, boost your confidence, and leave a lasting impression. That’s why it pays to have a few different fragrances in your arsenal.

Changing seasons means switching up your style, personal hygiene, skin care, and beauty routines for beauty and fashion lovers. Why not add fragrances to the list? Below are a few spring perfume options for every occasion.

Daytime Fragrance

While schedules vary, most people are active during the day. If you’re not at work, you’re running errands, completing household chores, working out at the gym, or taking care of the kids. Though there’s no need to throw on a statement-making perfume, you still want to smell good as you tackle daily tasks.

It’s important to note that warmer temperatures affect your scent. The heat causes aromas to smell more potent and last longer. Therefore, it’s best to stick to subtle perfumes during the day. That’s what makes clean, fresh, floral, and citrus scents perfect for the spring.

Gucci Bloom 

As the name implies, this floral scent is ideal for the spring. It’s lightweight and suitable for warmer temperatures. It has jasmine, neroli, and tuberose notes, adding a subtle yet feminine touch to your spring attire. It’s a bit on the pricey side, averaging about $100 per bottle, but it’s worth every penny.

Philosophy Amazing Grace 

The spring sunshine is an automatic mood-booster, but there’s nothing wrong with an extra dose of serotonin to help balance your emotions. Amazing Grace by Philosophy is the perfect daytime fragrance. It has bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin orange top notes paired with soft florals, and a touch of musk. This springtime scent sets the tone, whether you’re headed to the office or going out for lunch with friends. The best part is you can find it online for about $25.

Nighttime Fragrances

Although warmer than a winter evening, spring nights are a bit chillier. Ultimately, you can get away with wearing heavier fragrances. Again, consider your routines when deciding on a suitable perfume. If you’re a socialite who enjoys hanging out with friends, you might opt for a fun, energizing, and bubbly scent. However, if you’re usually at home, preparing meals, spending quality time with your family, and lounging around, a calming or even therapeutic fragrance is all you need.

Ariana Grande Sweet Like Candy 

While you might look at the name and assume it’s for teens, take a moment to be open-minded. The Sweet Like Candy perfume is a sweet and energizing fragrance that’s great for spring evenings. It’s a good match for women that are upbeat, spontaneous, and optimistic about life. Ariana Grande Sweet Like Candy combines aromas like bergamot, pear, and blackberry top notes with marshmallow, honeysuckle, and jasmine heart notes. This fragrance will impress you whether you’re hanging with the girls or going out on a date. You can stay on budget and purchase the Eau De Parfum spray for around $43 or the body mist for $11.

Bubble Bath by Maison Margiela Replica

What could be more soothing than soaking in the tub? Well, you can take in that aroma every evening. Bubble bath aims to replicate that experience by mixing jasmine, bergamot, soap, and bubbles. It’s a gentle, feminine, and calming perfume that will leave you refreshed and relaxed. At $180 a bottle, you’ll probably want to save this as a personal gift when holiday shopping for your kids.

Your scent is personal yet impactful. It plays on your mood, self-confidence, and personality. Fragrances help to complete your overall appearance and make a statement. As no person feels or dresses the same all the time, diversifying your perfume collection makes sense. There’s no time like the spring to start looking for fragrances that suit you day and night.

Justice is TWO!

I can't believe that we've been doing this parenting thing for 2 years! Wow. Where did the time go? 

I've always dreamed of hosting my kid's birthday party. But with Omicron numbers still high in Ontario, we kept his birthday party small and celebrated with just our close families at home. For his first birthday last year, his theme was One Superhero, purely because his IG handle, @Sueper.Justice sounds like a superhero. This year, we wanted to throw him a party with all the things he loves. Justice is obsessed with cars so nothing's more fitting than throwing him this Two Fast 2 Curious race car theme for his 2nd birthday!

This party was everything I envisioned and more! I had so much fun creating and DIYing all the elements since I couldn't source everything that match the theme and my vision perfectly. If you're interested in this theme for your little one as well, I've listed all the DIY details in this post.

Two Fast 2 Curious Race Car Themed Birthday Party

I knew right away that I wanted to make a backdrop for the dessert table and for his photoshoot. And a race car balloon garland would be perfect focal point for this party. I purchased a DIY balloon garland kit from a local party shop, Olive and Hare so that I could save some assembly cost. But I soon realized that I was taking up far too many tasks for the party. I ended up entrusting Will to take care of the balloons and assembly. And he did an amazing job! The race car foil balloon I ordered off from Dela and Bear party shop. I love the vintage-looking race car. And the balloon garland went so well with it as if it was the smoke coming from the exhaust which is what I was going for.

For the birthday banner, I drew the shape using my Adobe Illustrator and cut the shapes onto black cardstock using my Cricut cutting machine. Then I bought some silver metallic alphabet stickers from Walmart and just stuck them onto the banner. They look exactly how I wanted it. If you're interested in the banner template, you can download the cutting file here.

We got Justice a motorized Batmobile as a present. And I thought it would make a perfect prop for his birthday photoshoot. I designed some decals to put on the car so I could match it with the theme. I bought some white vinyl from the dollar store and cut the design using my Cricut. I covered the existing designs of the car with black coloured cardstock and adhered the decals on top. I must say that the car looks pretty sleek and nobody knew it was originally a Batmobile!

I also bought some wooden cars from the dollar store and painted them with acrylic craft paints that I have lying around at home. They became cute decor pieces for my dessert table.

The party plates were actually normal paper plates that I customized. I couldn't find paper plates that match the theme and colour scheme, so I went with black paper plates and designed the decals to place on top. I love them so much! You can download my cutting file here.

As for the birthday cake, I decorated using my homemade marshmallow fondant! I added some food colouring gel to the marshmallow fondant to make it into the colour red. Then I moulded it into a race car just like moulding a play-doh. The race car took a few days to dry completely so I had to allocate enough time in advance for it. I love how the cake matched the balloon garland! And Justice kept wanting to steal the fondant car from the cake as soon as he saw it!

It became a tradition where I'd make Justice a custom shirt to wear on his birthday. For his One Superhero first birthday last year, I made a Superman inspired t-shirt with his initial and a red cape to go with it. This year, to match the Two Fast race car theme, I drew the graphic with Procreate app and cut it onto iron-on transfer vinyl with my Cricut. 

I then used the same graphic to make the "Two Fast 2 Curious" backdrop and cut it out onto 2 large pieces of black bristle board. I wanted it huge on my wall so using bristle board could not only make that happen, it also help save on material cost. If you're interested in the cutting file for this graphic, you can get it here.

The custom race track number 2 balloon was the easiest to make. I bought the black foil balloon from the party shop and had it inflated with helium prior to the birthday party. Then, with the remainder white decals that I had on hand, I cut out into strips of roughly, 1" x 2.5" size and just stuck them onto the balloon. I love how it turned out. It was so cute!

And that was all. Justice had a blast that day at the party with all his families. Although it took some time to DIY everything for his birthday, seeing Justice's excitement made everything worthwhile.

Do you like to DIY for your kid's birthday?

Wherever you look nowadays, you’ll find the words self-love, self-acceptance, self-help, and self-care scrawled. Over the past several years, the self-care market has undoubtedly skyrocketed. Its value sits at approximately 29 billion pounds, having motivated hundreds of UK citizens to start paying equal attention outwardly as inwardly.

Many self-care methods are available to individuals. And we can get tips from self-care books, subscribing to various meditation apps and choosing healthy meal alternatives.

Self-care is important and is proven to be beneficial to our well-being both physically and mentally. But there's no one size fits all method. Let's take a look at some simple ways to look after yourself and why they can be good for you in the long run. 

Eat Healthily

Research conducted by health professionals has shown that there's a strong connection between our mood and the food we consume. It also suggests the kinds of food we eat can in fact improve our physical and mental well-being. Making negative food choices regularly can have a massive impact on our bodies, whereas eating healthily and consciously can enhance our lives.

So, eating healthily is one of the best (and easiest!) ways to practice self-care. Begin your healthy eating journey by making minor substitutions like eating a piece of fruit when you crave something sweet instead of a chocolate bar. This selection of meal replacement shakes from Shake That Weight can be a nice substitute for your meal when you’re not feeling as hungry. Ensure you are using these shakes as part of a healthy diet, and accompanied with a workout routine where possible.

Get A Good Night’s Sleep

Much like our food, a good night's sleep can be beneficial to our mental and physical well-being. Failing to achieve the nightly recommended sleep allowance can reap havoc on how we feel both emotionally and physically and can lead to significant health issues should the issues persist. But how can you incorporate getting a good night’s sleep into your self-care routine?

Begin by evaluating your night-time routine and strive to make improvements. For instance, if you have a drink before bed, ensure that it is free of caffeine or sugar, as consuming these types of beverages before going to sleep can make it harder for you to rest. Or, if you tend to lie in bed on your phone – aim to put away your phone at least an hour before bedtime, as this will put you in a sleep-inducing mindset.

Go Outside

Another way that you can practise self-care is by spending time outside. Research has shown that getting fresh air boasts many health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, lowering fatigue levels, etc. As a result, spending time outside can help reduce mental health problems such as depression and anxiety or work-related health issues like burnout.


You could also get outside more by engaging in physical outdoor activities such as hiking, running, walking, or cycling. Exercising is not only great for your physical health, but it also provides you with all the health benefits the outdoors provides.