Author: Julie Ann

My Magical Night Routine

spirituality November 12, 2018

Hi, my loves!

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Today I am going to be talking about my magical night routine. I call it magical because I have been practicing being more mindful and bringing subtle witch rituals into my life.

To start my night routine, I take off my makeup as soon as I can. I used to hate taking my makeup off but recently my skin has improved drastically (due to Alani Nu) and I don’t feel so self-aware of my troubled skin anymore. I am so happy now to remove my makeup. I use a simple makeup wipe to remove whatever makeup is on and then I do my normal skincare routine. I’ve added in a step, which is using a black onyx facial roller. I purchased this at my local metaphysical store and I love it!

I will sometimes make a special hot chocolate drink that adds cinnamon and vanilla extract as well Himalayan sea salt and turmeric. It is a delicious way to end the day and curbs my cravings for super sweet treats at night.

After this, I will go into my bedroom and turn on my essential oil diffuser. I typically put in a calming blend such as lavender and cedar wood or stress away from Young Living. I usually will wipe down my surfaces each night and tidy my room. It is something that has been truly beneficial for me because my mind does not need to look at a cluttered space and I like seeing everything in the proper place.

Lately, I’ve been working slowly on writing a book – the one I’ve promised for ages (basically a guide to all things self-care/spiritual/lovely)! It is finally coming together but I am trying to decide if I want to release it as a book or as a course guide for an online course I’d love to teach. We will see, maybe it can be both! So, I’ll work on that for an hour or so each night but I don’t like to stay up too late anymore so I try to reign it in by 10 PM at the latest.

I will then sit down and do an angel card reading. I know it may seem late in the day to do an angel card reading but personally, my energy needs angels the most when it is at the end of the day because this is typically when my mind is the most receptive to receiving messages because I am about to be dreaming soon and I receive many messages through dreams.

Depending on the message, I may now meditate about it or try to journal or at least focus my attention on what the message that came through said. Sometimes (can’t lie) I will fall asleep meditating but often I will try to remain in my routine and will grab a crystal intuitively from my collection and will try to work with it as well before bed. Malachite is a crystal I am super sensitive to, and works well for me to receive messages – so try to pick a crystal you can work with over time but remember to cleanse them so they continue to assist your energetic needs.

I find stretching before bed is important or doing light yoga. I put on some zen music and try not to think of too much. I’ll often apply essential oils topically at this point and try to relax. I really have been connecting with my oils lately and I am so grateful to have them in my life for supporting me. After stretching, I will brush my teeth and sometimes shower if I feel I need to relax even more.

Lastly, I will write down a spell. This spell is usually regarding something I want to occur in my dream like healing or a message I want to be revealed there. Other times it is to try to wake up in a happy state or something on those lines. I’ve found each spell works when I put in a conscious effort and expect it to happen. It is all about energy work.

Then it is lights out and off to bed after I drink some lemon water to make sure I stay hydrated during my rest.

If you have any rituals you do, you should leave me yours in the comments! I love to hear about other people’s routines and I hope you enjoyed reading about mine.

Much love,

Julie

A Cozy Harry Potter Weekend

blog October 28, 2018

Hi, my loves!

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I hope you are all enjoying the weekend. I have been relaxing at home enjoying the cooler weather and getting cozy. With this weekend I’ve spent it re-watching (for the hundredth time…) the Harry Potter series. Today I’m going to share a few ways you can make your weekends or week a little more magical!

Get Sorted

Of course we all want to go to Hogwarts. So, why not find out your school house on Pottermore?

Pottermore is a website dedicated to the world of Harry Potter and can fill you in on some of the unknowns of the Harry Potter series. There is a Sorting Hat quiz you can take to decide which house you belong in. I got Hufflepuff!

You can follow the link here: Pottermore

Drink Butterbeer!

If you have read the books or watched the movies, you know that the most comforting beverage in the wizarding world is butterbeer, which is a delicious wizard drink, served warm and foaming in tankards or chilled in bottles. The drink is butterscotch based and you can make it at home and pretend you’re at the Three Broomsticks!

1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup butterscotch topping

2 tablespoons whipped butter, room temperature

1 1/2 cups vanilla cream soda

Old-fashioned butterscotch candy sticks, for garnish

Combine condensed milk, butterscotch topping, and butter in a glass heatproof measuring cup. Heat in microwave for 1 minute. Remove and stir until butter has melted and incorporated into mixture. Meanwhile heat cream soda in another heatproof measuring cup for 1 minute 30 seconds.

Divide butterscotch mixture between two 10- to 12-ounce mugs. Fill mugs with heated cream soda and stir thoroughly. Serve garnished with an old-fashioned butterscotch candy stick.

When In Doubt..Go To The Library

Hermione is known for her wit and wisdom and she always is in the library. Try to go to your local library or pick out a book from your own library that intrigues you and spend some time reading. You can even read the Harry Potter series if you feel so inclined! This is one of the coziest activities you can do in my opinion and it expands your mind and perspective so much. Just remember no restricted section without permission!

It’s Not Much But It’s Home

We all want clean and tidy homes but just because your house is clean doesn’t mean it can’t be cozy! Try to find some home decor which makes you smile and feel Burrow-ish. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it can literally be a decorative pillow or a blanket to throw over a chair or adding candles or fairy lights to a room. Spend some time thinking about what makes you feel at home and add some of that into your space! Mrs. Weasley always made her house welcoming even if everything didn’t always fit into place.

Write A Letter And Use The (Owl) Post

Everyone tends to be on an e-mail, texting, etc, trend and we often forget how special it is to receive a hand written letter. Make time in your week to send a letter to someone you are thinking of but haven’t seen in a while, even if you talk to them every day. You could hand make a card and even write it with a quill or use calligraphy! Be creative and make it a point to do this more regularly. Send it off and you and your loved one will both enjoy the time you took.

Have a magical weekend, and a wonderful week~

Alani Nutrition Balance Supplement Review

skincare, Uncategorized October 25, 2018

Hello, my loves!

I have been through a major transformation lately. I have been spending time really focusing on what is important to me and what isn’t. This has resulted me being in a stellar mood because I am not choosing to hide behind a mask anymore. Anyways, why do I bring this up? One of the contributing factors of my steady and happy mood has been a nutritional supplement I have been taking for about three weeks. The supplement is called Balance by Alani Nutrition and it has been a hero in my daily life.

The backstory:

I have had chronic acne since I was ten or eleven years old and I have been on acne products my whole life. I took accutane around twelve years old and it cured my acne for many years. However, as an adult I suffer from mental illness which changed the chemistry of not only my brain but also my body. My acne has come back with much force due to this. Plus, I had a hunch my hormones have been out of whack for my whole life because I become extremely moody during my moon cycle and the days leading up and even after it.

The Results:

I originally had no idea what Alani Nutrition was but my sister who also suffers with acne found the company and sent me a bottle to try because she said the reviews were so fantastic. I did not question her and when I received the bottle I immediately started taking it. Within a week my skin had almost no blemishes and my mood had improved. I did not question that it was the Balance supplement that had cleared my skin but I wanted to test it further so I continued to take it since I had no adverse reactions. Two weeks later, I have noticed such an improvement in my skin that I could literally cry. Even my scars which have never made any improvement in my whole life have become lightened. I had a moon cycle during this time and it did not effect me as greatly as it would have if I had not been on this supplement.

Balance by Alani Nutrition retails for $49.99 for a 30 day supply. You take four pills a day with food in the morning and you do not have to worry about taking it at any other time during the day which is extremely convenient as many times with other supplements you have to take multiple servings a day.

Here is a bit of the science behind it:

Myo-Inositol– Promotes female fertility and restores insulin sensitivity. L-Glutathione– Brightens complexion and reduces wrinkles by aiding in hydration. DIM– Estrogen metabolism prevents drastic increases or decreases in estrogen. Prevents conversion of testosterone in to estrogen. ALA– Combined with Myo-Inositol has been shown to increase insulin-sensitivity in women who are overweight/have PCOS. Chromium– Has been shown to improve blood sugar control and decrease weight gain/fat deposition in the mid section. Folate– Has a positive action in cardiovascular, neural and psycho-emotional health. Some may take this product to become fertile. Folate helps to support fetal development.

If you are even slightly curious about this product, I recommend you read some reviews on their website which you can find: here .

I hope this review will help anyone who is suffering from hormonal acne or mood or anxiety problems. It obviously helps in other areas too, and I can definitely tell I have more energy and am just feeling like myself again. If you’ve tried this supplement let me know because I’d love to hear if it worked for you!

Until Next,

Julie

Belly dancing for self-care.

spirituality October 13, 2018

Hello, my loves!

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As you are reading this it is likely Sunday – which means self-care Sunday!

I have recently been enthralled by a certain type of exercise which has already changed my life. I love to work out, move, and dance but when I am in a depression I will barely be able to go for a walk. I wanted to find an exercise that I could do that would uplift my spirits and allow me to express myself as well as move. This is when I found belly dancing.

Belly dancing is a practice which has been around a long time, and it has not only physical benefits but it can also improve memory, self-esteem, and concentration. Who wouldn’t want to join?

There is a misconception I think that you have to be thin to belly dance but this is not true at all, you don’t have to be anything, you can be female or male, thin or heavy, and of any ethnicity.

The way I simply began was by watching a few videos on YouTube to make sure i understood what I could do if I worked daily on a routine. I then have been watching tutorials by belly dance instructors online. I have not taken an in person class just yet but I am actually rather keen to do so.

The reason I think belly dancing is such a wonderful idea for those who have mental health issues specifically is because it requires you to continually practice to get better and you can see your results every day if you continue to learn and grow with the dance.

You can make this a part of your daily routine and spend some time truly embracing the music, movement, and your body. Just the idea that our bodies can move around the way they do is truly an amazing thing. We can use belly dancing in gratitude and honor our bodies. Perhaps you could light some candles or burn incense or diffuse oils like I do during your dance to make it a true experience each time.

If you are not interested in belly dancing, I do encourage you to find some sort of movement that you find fun and interesting because those are the type of workouts that you will want to do when you are feeling down.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried to belly dance before or if you have any other activities you like to do as an act of self-care!

Until next,

Julie

Stay Hydrated With Seasonally Infused Waters

nutrition October 5, 2018

Hello, my loves!

No matter what the season, it is important to stay hydrated. While we often remember to drink plenty of water during the summer, it is equally as important to keep drinking enough of it during the colder months. Our bodies may not be in the heat of the sun, but we are being subjected to indoor heating and our bodies are adjusting to harsher, colder weather conditions. After even a short period of time this can cause our skin to look dehydrated and dull, and bodies can quickly become dehydrated.

Water, however, can be a bit plain. Do not worry, though! Infused water is here to save the day. Infused water is simply drinking the essence of fruits, vegetables, or herbs after is has been steeped in water for a period of time.

To infuse water, you simply add whatever ingredients you like to a pitcher of water and let sit in the refrigerator for several hours to let the fruit or herbs steep so that their benefits are infused in water. If you do not feel like waiting, there are also infusion tumblers which are available even at the dollar store! When it comes to measuring out how much to use, simply use your discretion and see what works for you. Part of the fun is creating new combinations!

For a crisp yet cozy combination of infused water, try adding apple slices with cinnamon sticks to your water. This will not only provide anti-oxidants from the apple, but it will also help you maintain your blood sugar levels (in case you have a treat or two).

We all need some vitamin C during this time of year, with cold season upon us. This is the perfect time to add some citrus to your water. You can add orange slices with basil. Orange provides the vitamins and basil provides relief for any stomach cramping or bloating.

We all love cranberry-white soda during the holidays, and there is an easy way to make it without all the sugar! You can add cranberries and mint to sparkling water and you have a tasty alternative. Add some lemon if you are feeling super risqué. The cranberries can help cure sore throat and overall provide nutrients for better health. The mint can reduce inflammation and help ease any stomach discomfort and the lemon can help with your immune system. See! You can have it all!

If you are in a rush, you can simply add some lemon and basil to your water and you can run out the door. It is important to remember that there is no wrong way to stay hydrated. If you must write yourself a note, buy a shiny new water bottle, or use an app on your phone, just know it is all for the greater good. We only get one body and it is important we do what we can to nourish and replenish it with what it needs. Your hydrated future self will thank you. Keep up the good work!

If you have a combination you like to drink, share it with us! Leave it in the comments below!

Love,

Julie

Young Living Essential Oil Company Review

Uncategorized October 2, 2018

Hi, my loves!

If you follow me on Instagram – you will know I have recently been using Young Living essential oils. I’ve used essential oils before, but nothing compared to what Young Living provides.

First off:

What are essential oils? Essential oils are the highly concentrated version of the natural oils in plants.

Why are they important? Essential oils have many medicinal as well as therapeutic properties which can aid in living a more joyous and healthy life.

I’m going to go over what I’ve used from Young Living and what I think of the company as a whole.

So, first of all, Young Living has not only essential oils on their website, they also have skincare products, products for children or your family, and even nutritional products. I however, wanted to start with the oils because that is the basis of all their other products. I kind of stupidly picked my oils if I’m being honest with you, but now that I know what I can use them for, I don’t feel so badly. I picked Cedar Wood, Clove, Spearmint (why, lol), Citrus Fresh vitality (digestible), and ginger.

When I signed up for Young Living, I chose the basic start kit as well which meant I could get a look at some of the other products they sell – which included a sample of their Thieves cleaner, and a vitamin packed beverage called ningxia red. It also included Stress Away, which is one of their famous blends of oils. The packaging and care they took was remarkable, and nothing came damaged or even moved around at all.

Trying the oils was the best part of it all, and I could tell just by taking a smell of the oils that they were very high quality and I was immediately satisfied within minutes. I am so glad I spent the money on even testing out a few random oils because I knew this would lead to me buying oils which could help me out in the long run. I’ve had my oils for about three weeks now and I am smitten. I actually placed another order for Lavender, Lemon, and Inner Child (a blend).

I love to use them topically as much as possible and I have just started to diffuse them. I have noticed my general mindset has changed a lot just by purchasing these oils if I’m being honest. It makes me want to live an even more holistic life and thrive on nature’s gifts instead of ones produced in a factory.

If you are even slightly considering getting into essential oils and a holistic lifestyle with your skincare, household products, nutrition, I recommend looking a Young Living. The cost may be daunting at first but these bottles will last you ages since they are so highly concentrated and pure.

I also encourage you, strongly, to buy the premium starter kit because it is the best value for what you are receiving. I’m going to leave a link to the website just in case you are curious. Click Here

I will most likely be posting more on essential oils as I purchase more from Young Living. If you have any questions about Young Living or essential oils in general, feel free to leave a comment below! I’m eager to talk about it!

I hope you all have a lovely rest of your day,

Julie

How To Lessen Daily Anxiety

blog September 27, 2018

Hello, my loves!

I wanted to bring forward the topic of anxiety as my blog post because I know I myself suffer from anxiety and always have. I remember being quite young and getting so nauseous I actually couldn’t stop getting sick. It took until my adulthood to combat some of the anxiety and while it is still here I am able to cope with it a little better.

I am not a doctor or medical professional but I do have a lot of experience with mental illness and I hope it will help others who are reading this to know it is okay to feel the way you do and you are allowed to feel vulnerable. This being said, I want to talk about some things you can try to help lessen the anxious feelings you may have.

Breathe. Breathing is so important, and it comes naturally to us but when we are in a state of anxiety we often cannot breathe the way we would at other times. So, concentrating on your breathing and taking deep breaths until you reach a level of calm is a quick and easy way to at least let your body know you are going to be okay.
Talk about it. I know many of us cannot seem to express ourselves properly when we are under pressure or are feeling anxious but I’ve realized when I bring up my concerns to others, their assurance that everything will be fine is enough to get me out of the anxious mindset I was in.
Aromatherapy. I use aromatherapy to not only let my body adjust to the aroma of the oil but to also set an intention. This can simply be taking out the oil and smelling it without even applying it and affirming to yourself everything is okay and you can rest easy for even a moment or two. I recommend looking into lavender essential oil specifically for relaxation or even insomnia.
Write down your worries. This tool is a huge one for me when I am anxious. I literally write down everything in my head and let it out onto paper. Even if it is as simple as you need to clean your fridge, write it down. There is something so soothing about making lists or organizing your thoughts that can honestly eliminate a lot of fear. Having a plan is a great way to combat anxiety.
Sleep. If you can get a good nights sleep, I promise you whatever situation you are worried about will not seem as bad tomorrow. We overwork our minds their capacity and this can cause even more stress and fatigue. Try to get into a routine where you are finding yourself winding down before midnight and you will feel so much better.

Anxiety can be a treacherous and reoccurring thing that does not give up on making you feel horrible but it can be worked through. If your anxiety is causing you daily pain, I would recommend seeking professional help where they can assist you and walk you through what is happening. I know certain medications helped me in the past when mine was out of my control.

If you want to share how you cope with anxiety, please, please, feel free to leave suggestions in the comments so anyone who is reading and myself can learn more.

Virtual hugs for all!

Love,

Julie