3 Budget-Friendly Strategies for Practicing Self-Care as an Introvert

3 Budget-Friendly Strategies for Practicing Self-Care as an Introvert

3 Budget-Friendly Strategies for Practicing Self-Care as an Introvert
Photo by Maik Kleinert from Pexels

As an introvert, a healthy self-care routine is crucial to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Without self-care, you’re not giving yourself the time and space you need to recharge your mind and body — and you risk mental exhaustion and social burnout. According to IntrovertSpring, some signs of introvert burnout include depression, fatigue, and irritability.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to care for your introverted mind and body —long before you begin to experience social burnout. What’s more, many of these self-care remedies can fit just about any budget — and they can be practiced from the comfort of your home.

To explore three budget-friendly self-care strategies for introverts, read on!

1. Exercise from Home

Whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert, regular exercise is essential to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Not only does exercise help to enhance your mood and alleviate symptoms of depression, but it could also treat or even prevent anxiety in some cases. When you’re an introvert who’d prefer to exercise at home or on your own, however, some workouts will benefit you more than others. To meet your exercise needs as an introvert, the pros at PopSugar Fitness recommend solo activities like running, swimming, cycling, or following along to a free online workout video or yoga class.

As you start a solo exercise routine, you may need to purchase some exercise gear and workout equipment that boosts your comfort and confidence. However, you can save on the purchase of your new athletic equipment and clothing if you shop online at stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and QVC. For instance, you can find QVC promo codes and coupons before placing your online order — helping you to save big on everything from exercise equipment and fitness trackers to vitamins and nutritional supplements.

2. Make Time to Relax

If you’re an introverted personality type, alone time and relaxation are key to recharging your energy levels, clearing your mind, managing stress, relieving tension, and maintaining good physical, mental, and emotional well-being. A few budget-friendly relaxation techniques for
introverts include:

● Reading a book or magazine.
● Meditating with a free mindfulness app such as Insight Timer or Smiling Mind.
● Napping when you’re feeling drained.
● Soaking in a hot bath filled with soothing homemade salts.
● Walking in nature.
● Journaling, painting, drawing, or coloring.

While you could certainly pay for a professional massage, manicure, or facial when you’re feeling overwhelmed with life and in need of some downtime, there are plenty of other ways to relax for free or at a very low cost.

3. Disconnect from Technology

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all self-care strategy for introverted personality types, but these three ideas will help you to find an affordable self-care remedy that recharges you and enhances your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether you unwind with a good book, deactivate
the social media notifications on your smartphone, or enjoy a solo workout like walking, swimming, or practicing yoga at home, you’ll be recharging your mind, body, and soul — all without spending a fortune on self-care.

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Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

5 Affordable Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Women

Gift Ideas for that special lady in your life

Can’t figure out what to get your wife or girlfriend for Valentine’s Day? Here are some fail proof Valentine’s Days gift ideas that fits any budget. 

Tip:  Start with a budget and work around that.

Don’t have money for a fancy dinner- then make it.

Don’t have money for a full bouquet of roses, buy just one or go to Home Depot and buy a nice plant. 

1. Bathtub Tray

Perfect for an at home spa day. Add other gifts like bath balms and a nice loofah.

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2. Jewelry Box

A jewelry box is a fantastic Valentine’s day gift idea. Just make sure the recipient has jewelry to place inside of it. 

Tip: TJMaxx is a great place to go or Amazon if you are on a time crunch. 

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3. An Online Club

You can format it to your budget. Choose for a couple of months or for the whole year. The great thing about this is that it is the gift that keeps on giving.

Birchbox- awesome beauty products and makeup

AdoreMe – lingerie and more

ShoeDazzle – for the shoe lover

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4. Ouai Gift Set

Ouai is a current cult favorite. Their hair products are sheek and of high quality.

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5. Yoga Mat

For your Yoga Enthusiast or Spouse that wants to get into Yoga. Yoga matts are also perfect for stretching in the house and meditating.

Shop Now

 

 
Natural Hangover Remedies

Natural Hangover Remedies

According to Instagram

Natural Hangover Remedies
unsplash-logoPaloma A.

Oh the Hangover. It is usually the aftermath of drinking irresponsibly and a painful consequence indeed. It is caused by dehydration which is caused by not hydrating properly and/or a toxic chemical within the alcohol that cause frequent urination.

Hangovers usually begin a couple hours after the last drink and typically last for 24 hours.

Hangovers happen to the best of us. If you find yourself in this predicament, try these Natural Hangover Remedies. 

Here's our Top Hangover Remedies from Instagram:

*Please note that these are suggestions. We do not guarantee that these natural remedies will work. Try at your own risk.

1. CBD

The popularity of CBD is at an all time high. Many states have made it legal medically. It is popular because you get the benefits of marijuana without the psychoactive effects (the highness).

CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it is used for pain and nausea. 

Only use LEGALLY.

“This is the best hangover cure for those nights when I get a little sloppy.” -Anonymous from IG

via GIPHY

2. Coffee

You see it in almost every teen highschool flick. The kid parties too hard and the responsible best friend gives them a hot cup of coffee and they sober up. Some people use coffee as a natural hangover remedy, but it is debatable. 

via GIPHY

3. Tea

Tea is actually a great natural hangover remedy because of the natural elements and herbs that are in tea. 

  • Ginger tea – Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory
  • Peppermint tea- It is an energizing herb that is known to help upset stomachs
  • Lavender tea – It is Anti-Inflammatory and Soothing
  • Chamomile tea- Will help you sleep and soothe stomach pain
  • Green tea- A natural detox, to help you rid of the alcohol chemicals

“Tea is my go to for hangovers. Chamomile helps a banging headache.”- IG

via GIPHY

4. Pickles

This might sound funny, but pickles have electrolytes because of the salt.

Eating pickles in the morning will help a hangover, better yet drink the juice.

via GIPHY

5. Grilled Cheese or Greasy Foods

This method is debatable. The Urban Legend is that grease will soak up the alcohol. If you already slept your body already absorbed the alcohol. Eating greasy and tasty food will make you mentally feel better.

via GIPHY

6. Ginger Ale

Ginger is amazing. Drinking Flat ginger ale will sooth stomach pain.

“Instead of Ginger Ale, drink Ginger Tea, if available. It is stronger”

via GIPHY

7. Don't Drink

If you find yourself with a constant hangover, just don’t drink. Your body maybe allergic to it or you may need to learn how to be a responsible drinker.

A good night isn’t worth a bad day

via GIPHY

Healthy Smoothie Recipes

Easy Healthy Smoothie Recipes

Healthy Smoothie Recipes

Smoothies are an easy way to get a lot of vitamins, unsaturated fats and fiber. They are both a great snack and also quick to make. You can use raw fruits and add ice or frozen fruits and add juice. Do note that if you use juice, it does add to your sugar intake.

Here a 6 Healthy Smoothie Recipes:

Berries and Chocolate Smoothie

  • 1 beet root or pureed precooked beets (depending on the power of your juicer)
  • 1 banana frozen or fresh
  • 3 tbsp. raw cacao powder or cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp. almond butter.
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries 
  • 1/2 cup unflavored soy or almond milk
  • ½ cup of Greek Yogurt

Blackberry Melon Smoothie

  • 1 Cup of Melon (Honeydew or Cantaloupe)
  • ½ Cup of Blackberry
  • ½ Cup of Apple Juice
  • ½ Cup of Greek Yogurt
  • ½ A Lime

Raspberry / Avocado With a Touch of Chia

  • 1 Cup of Raspberry
  • ½ A Medium Avocado
  • ½ Banana
  • 1 tsp Chia
  • ½ Cup of Spinach
  • ½ cup of Apple Juice

Orange and Carrot

  • 1 Orange or Nectarine
  • 1 Carrot
  • 1 Grapefruit
  • ½ Cup of Greek Yogurt
  • ¼ tsp of Turmeric
  • ¼ tsp of Ginger* Optional

Bahama Mama

  • 1 Cup of Frozen Strawberries
  • 1 Banana
  • ½ Cup of Greek Yogurt
  • ¼ Cup of Unsweetened Coconut Milk

Blueberries and Peaches

  • 1 Cup of Blueberries or Berry Mix
  • ¼ Cup of Peaches
  • 1/2 Cup of Unsweetened Almond Milk
  • ½ A lemon

Melon and Kiwi

  • 1/2 Cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 Cups of  Melon
  • 1 Cup of grapes, halved
  • 2 Kiwis 
  • 1/2 Cup of Spinach 

How to Make the Smoothies:

Place all ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. If you do not have a strong mixer, do not use frozen items. Note that it will be of a juice. The ice is what makes it thicker. 

Tips:

  • Add 1/2 a Avocado to any health smoothie recipe for additional good fats.
  • Swap juice for milk.
  • Ginger and Turmeric go great with Organes and Carrots.
  • Add Spinach for additional Nutrition.

Tag #myunboundedlife in your Healthy Smoothie pictures for a chance to be featured. 

summer to fall clothing

How to Transition your closet from Summer to Fall

summer to fall clothing

Cooler nights are ahead (for those of us in season changing climates) leaving us in the predicament of what to wear in that in-between time. Heres how to transition your closet from summer to fall in just 9 ways that won’t break the bank: 

1. Don't put away your Sundresses...yet

Add a jean jacket and a tee shirt underneath your sundress. Swap out the sandals for canvas sneakers or cute trainers. Add brassy jewelry. 

2. Maxi Dress

Add a knit button up sweater to your Maxi Dress. Since Maxi dresses are long and flowy, adding a shapely element will not also add layers, but give you a waist. Swap the sandals for canvas sneakers or trainers or add booties.

3. Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits/Overalls/Rompers were popular again in Summer 2018. Add a blazer or shapely cotton jacket. The key with layers are the clothing materials and also having one shapely piece.

4. Tights

Wear them under dress and skirts, the key again, is material matching. There are many different types of tights with different designs and colors. You can find a pair for any occasion. 

5. Go Darker

Swap out Neon’s or bright colors for more Jewel toned colors. That will make anything that you are wearing more fall-ish. Even a sundress. 

6. Darker Makeup

Wear a darker hue of lipstick and blush- this will automatically make anything that you are wearing look more fall-ish (unless you are wearing neon clothing lol). Cherry hued eyeshadow is also the perfect eyeshadow transition between summer- fall/ fall – winter.

7. The Boyfriend Shirt

Take his (or hers) button down-  aka the “boyfriend shirt”. Layering with a button down provides warmth and also a nice flavor to your outfit. An instant cabin feeling. 

8. The Cardigan

Invest in a new cardigan that you can throw on and off. Target sells quality and affordable cardigans. Instead of opting for black, try gray or tan. Both colors are neutral and work with almost everything.

9. Scarf’s

 Some fall days are almost as warm as summer. Use a lightweight scarf to keep you warm on the days were the weather is shifting in between. It will also add a pop of color to your outfit. 

How do you Transition from Summer to Fall?

E-mail us at info@myunboundedlife.com
or
tag us on Instagram @myunboundedlife.
BB creams, CC creams, and tinted moisturizers

The Difference between CC creams, BB creams, and Tinted Moisturizer?

BB creams, CC creams, and tinted moisturizers

With so many foundation alternatives how do you decide which one to use? Which one is the best one for your skin? What’s the difference between BB creams, CC creams and Tinted Moisturizers? 

Here’s the Guide:

Tinted Moisturizer- Moisturizer with a hint color

A Tinted Moisturizer contains moisturizer and a bit of foundation. It is great for people with dry skin that want a little bit of color to even their skin tone. If your only skin issue is dry skin, this is great for you.

BB Creams –a Beauty Balm thats main purpose is to even out skin tone

A BB Cream contains moisturizer, primer, some level of SPF and foundation. The color is light and the formula is also lightweight. Great to wear outdoors since it feels great on the skin.

CC Creams- Color Correction Cream

A CC Cream has everything that a BB cream has, but also includes a color correcting ingredient to brighten the skin or to get rid of redness. A common brightening ingredient is Vitamin C. CC creams also have a little more coverage than a BB creams and is a better option for people with uneven skin tones or acne. If you want minimal coverage this is great for you.

Tips:

CC Creams are the most popular foundation Alternatives. 

Maybelline and IT Cosmetics have some of the highest rated CC creams.

Tinted moisturizers are the easiest to make. Just mix your favorite moisturizer and foundation together. Make sure that they have the same base (oil , not oil ect.; so they blend together). 

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Foods that may be causing your Acne

5 Foods that May be Causing your Acne

Foods that may be causing your Acne

Whether you are an adult or teenager acne is absolutely awful. Acne is commonly blamed upon hormones, but what you are digesting (eating) may be the biggest culprit, especially in adult acne. This article will review 5 foods that may be causing your acne.

  1. Refined Carbohydrates aka Processed Carbohydrates 
bread that cause

Ever heard of empty calorie foods? Well this is the same type of food and these foods may be causing your acne. 

How? Refined carbohydrates spikes glucose levels —> Causes insulin levels to spike—>  Creating a sebum buildup in your pores —> Leading to more clogged pores. 

Here are some example of food that contains refined carbohydrates:

  • Bread, crackers, anything with white flour (flour is processed from wheat germ to become white flour)
  • Pasta or other noodles (rice noodles/low mien) made with white flour
  • White rice
  • Sweeteners like cane sugar, maple syrup, honey or agave (soda and other sweet beverages and snacks contain this)

Food from the above categories may be causing your acne by causing overactive glands. 

2. Lactose 

lactose causing acne
*All daily products are not the same. Yogurt has less lactose and probiotics.

Some doctors agree that these food items may cause acne while some do not see the correlation. Let’s put it like this, cows have hormones and when you drink dairy items such as milk, you are drinking their hormones. The hormones can affect your own hormones or testosterone and can cause acne inflammation. Also protein powder, which is made from lactose, has been directly linked to acne…which leads to the next point. 

3. Whey Protein Powder

Protein Shake

Between the hormones and amino acids, whey powder can cause acne. Amino acids are found in whey protein and are protein building blocks. They are a great supplement for body builders to take, because it allows them to build more protein for muscle gain, but it might be causing your acne.

If you noticed an influx of acne after you started taking whey protein powder, stop taking it to see if this food is causing your acne. 

  1. Omega-6 
fried foods

These fats are found mostly in corn oil and vegetable oils. These are the common food items that contain Omega-6 :

  • Processed food
  • Fried food
  • Potato or corn chip
  • Cured meat
  • Nuts with oil and salt

These foods may me causing your acne by clogging your pores. 

  1. Food allergies

If you have food allergies like Gluten, these food items could be the cause of your acne inflammation. Gluten circumferences more than white flour and can be find in many food items. Luckily, for people with gluten sensitivity or have celiac disease there are so many gluten free options in today’s world versus a couple of years ago.

How to find out if food is causing your acne: 

If you have acne, the best thing to do is to start eliminating items from your diet. 

Refined carbohydrates should hardly be consumed anyhow, since there is no nutritional value to those items. Acne should be the least of your worries if you are consuming those items.

Replace lactose with alternative milk and try to cut some of the cheese to nearly all of the cheese out to see if this is the culprit.

If you are consuming whey protein powder as a supplement, try to eat more food items that have protein and eliminate the whey. There are plenty of athletes that are clean eaters that are building muscles without taking protein powder.

Replace Omega-6 food items with Omega- 3 food items because once again, this food category does not have any nutritional value and can cause more harm to your body than acne.

Problems with Big Boobs

13 Problems that Women with Big Boobs will Understand

Problems with Big Boobs

Because big boobs can be a problem. 

1. Utility bras only!

Cute bras are not dependable with big boobs and are only used for sexy time lingerie since they only cause problems with every day outfits.  

2. Forget button down shirts!

The problems is that they never fit the arms and chest. Buttons tend to pop open even if you wear an undershirt with the top buttons un-button. If you actually find a button down that fits, you must treat it with the dignity and respect that it deserves. 

via GIPHY

3. You have to try on at least 20 bathing suits to find One contender.

Forget swimsuits that are the same size at the top and bottom and one-pieces, they never work.

4. You always have back pain.

At a certain point in life you just began to ignore this as one of the problems with big boobs. Back problems are now apart of the everyday. 

5.  You have to hold your chest to run.

No matter how many sports bras you wear.

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6. Guys and girls are constantly looking at your chest.

7. When you wear strapless you are risking a nip slip.

via GIPHY

8. When you wear anything that doesn’t cover your breast fully, you are risking a nip slip.

9. When you don’t wear a sports bra or a bra that make you look like you have a uni-boob you are risking a nip slip.

10. You have become okay with the possibility of having a nip slip because unfortunately it has happened.

This may be a huge problem with big boobs, but you have learn to get over it. 

via GIPHY

11. You have to wear nipple covers with regular bras in case of a nip slip.

Nip slips happen regardless if your boobs are in a tee-shirt or v-neck. 

12. You have to become comfortable with the possibility of always finding crumbs in between your boobs.

Otherwise it would be gross.

13. You use deodorant under and between your breasts.

It gets so sweaty! 

skin care

Advice from a Wedding Planner: Top 5 Skin Face cleansing products

StaceyAnn Clayton
Wedding planner and Blogger

skin care
Curtesy of The Ultimate Planner

Beauty and skin products have always been on my priority list. I remember getting my first Optimum points card at the Pharmaprix, one of Montreal’s drug store at the age of 12. Since then I have always had a secret obsession with skincare products and makeup. At an early age I knew that my skin was super sensitive, so I tried not experiment too much. I started off with Aveeno because it was super mild and ideal for sensitive skin and now I am using mostly, if not only, Clinique products.

Amongst my sisters I am the “go-to” person for which face wash, makeup and lipsticks to get. When I got my first part-time job, it was nothing but saving and then spending at Pharmaprix. My very first experiments were done with Lise Watier’s makeup products, then I jumped onto MAC and now well, like many of us, I am in love with Sephora.

I love Sephora because they can find specific products and brands according to your type of skin and their products are just amazingly fabulous. Clinique won my heart because of how specific their products are: they pretty much have products matching every skin type and still giving a 3-step plan.

Clinique's Beauty face products
Curtesy of The Ultimate Planner

Now let me share with you my Top 5 beauty and skin products:

1. First things first: The Cleanser.

Clinique cleansers, toner and face lotions are the products that I use every day, day and night. I use the mild foam cleanser: a gel to foam activate with water. It does not have a strong scent and it deep cleanses your skin; I even use it as a makeup remover. To find out more about the product click here.

 

2. The Toner:

I use the Clinique Toner in number 4, the purple solution. What I love about Clinique is they have regime and products based on your skin type whether you have normal to dry, or just simply oily. I like to say I have combination skin type because my T zone is oily and my cheeks and around the mouth area dry. Toner is important because sometimes washing just doesn’t do the entire trick, so toner removes all the traces of dirt and oil that was a bit more stubborn. To find out more about the toner click here.

3. Moisturizer:

Also, from Clinique I use their face moisturizers. They have two types of face lotions; the gel formula and the dramatically different formula. I use the gel formula in the summer because my skin is already naturally oily, and I use the Dramatically different formula in the winter when its colder and dryer. To find out more click here .

4. Exfoliant/Masks:

If you follow me on Instagram, then you’ve seen me share my love for the glam glow line of masks. I have tried all of them and a great way to do so is at Sephora as they have the sample sizes of all the masks. That gives you an opportunity to try them all and see what works for your skin type. I use the green jar, which is the power mud; it is a dual cleanse mud to oil formula. This mud mask is LIFE!! I absolutely love it, love the way my skin feels after using it. Just. Love. It. To find out more click here.

5. Make up Remover:

I use the Clinique Take the day off. This is a balm formula that you rub on to take your makeup off. Its turns from balm to oil but girl when I tell you it works, IT WORKS. To find out more click here.

Beauty's Best Face Products
Curtesy of The Ultimate Planner

Recently I discovered these face cloths called “Face it” by cloth in a box. Its perfect for us ladies who love our cleansing products and like to be cute while doing so. The cloths have these hand pockets that make if easy for you to clean your entire face, Its a gentle face cloth and can be used up to 100 times, hand wash in mild detergent and dry on tumble dry. 

Beauty Face cloth
Curtesy of The Ultimate Planner
Beauty Facial Cleaners
Curtesy of The Ultimate Planner

Well beautifuls, this is it for my beauty and skin products. I hope this helped.

Happy Cleansing!

 

About the Author: 

StaceyAnn Clayton is a Montreal wedding planner and event stylist with over 5 years of experience. For more information, please visit: http://www.theultimateplanner.ca/. 

Follow StaceyAnn @theultimateplanner

Editor: @alavie