how to de-stress

Hi all ❤︎ I wanted to do this post because I know that we are all feeling extremely vulnerable in these insane times. It has been such a stressful, sad week and I know we can all benefit from comfort and relaxing right now. I decided to gather some tips on how to de-stress and what to do if you want to untangle and take a day for yourself. You most definitely deserve it.

When there's so much going on and when we have anxiety, we tend to neglect our bodies and we might even forget to eat or drink water. But, this ends up taking a terrible toll because when we are stressed, our body is using up even more energy. It is really important to nourish with nice foods, veggies, and water because it is when our body really needs it. Make a smoothie, have an apple, drink extra water. We need to pay attention to what our bodies are telling us and what we are neglecting in that moment. It will also make you feel better not only physically, but mentally as well. Like I talked about in my 'tips for confidence' post, it is just always so important to listen to your body and soul. Especially during a hectic time ❤︎ also other little tips to help include taking a bath, giving yourself little massages, having green tea, and taking care of your skin. 

Reading, whether it be an actual book or through social media, can really help during stressful times. Having your favorite book to take you away from the world a little is always so nice, especially in a bath or after a nice shower. Read your favorite novel, watch your favorite movie, and feel happiness. Get connected to it.  Also, though it really depends on how you feel, I know there is so much going on in social media that it might be smart to take a little break from it and focus on the little activities that give you happiness. Almost like ignorance is bliss in a way. Or, if reading social media makes you feel better, do it! It really depends on what you prefer :-) I just know that, not even during this specific time, social media can sometimes make us even more stressed. Technology is always a good thing to take our minds away from time to time. 

Take a hot shower, slip into your favorite pajamas, have some water, and snuggle into bed with your laptop or book or journal. I know this is something so simple, but feeling comfy/cozy will make your mind feel so relaxed. It is great to unwind at night like this. It will make your body feel serene too. Open your window, get a little fresh air. Clear your mind of those negative thoughts. Watch a funny show on Netflix. It'll make your heart feel much happier ❤︎

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I really really hope this post helped you in de-stressing and maybe even convinced you to just take a little time away and dedicate an hour to yourself. It will really help in the long run. Also, if anyone wants to talk, please don't hesitate in sending me a message. Though I try to keep my social media politic/issue-free, just because I want this to be a nice, safe, happy environment people can come to get way from issues, doesn't mean I don't want to share my concerns or thoughts. I really do care and I would love to talk to you guys about how you're feeling. I love you all and you are all in my thoughts and in my heart.

Xoxo,

Christie

my weekend in Boston

  Hi guys! As you all probably know by now just because of my overload of pictures (as well as the blogpost named 'packing for Boston' on here)...I went to Boston this weekend with my man, Adam, to visit one of my high school best friend's and to scratch visiting Beacon Hill off my Autumn bucket list. But let me tell you, Boston is seriously way more than that. 

There was something just so beautifully nostalgic about it all, and different from the nostalgia you feel in New York City. It was thin sidewalks with cracked red bricks, tons of vintage bikes with brown and white details, tumbling red-and-yellow leaves against old brownstones. It was literally all my wishful vibes in a nutshell.

 First off, we ended up staying in an Airbnb for our trip! It had 4 floors, a library, wonderfully classic fireplace, an antique tub, and rustic wooden floors. Here is the link just in case you wanted to book a trip and needed a cheaper yet beautiful place to stay (but only if you are familiar with Airbnb/staying with other guests).

Now, let's get into the photos of Boston! This will basically be an overload of the photos I took and will be posting in the next months on Instagram because I can't seem to let go of the beauty. All these photos were taken in either Beacon Hill (where are those brownstones are), the North End, the Commons, or elsewhere that I wouldn't even know of if it wasn't for my best friend. If you want to know where a specific photo was taken, just comment below and I will try my best to tell you exactly where!

A beautiful coffee shop you must visit. It's really busy though so plan accordingly! 

I'm sorry he is just so handsome... 

And that is it! This whole trip just ended up making me feel so inspired and happy. Again, if you want any recommendations/specific places just let me know! Hope you guys enjoyed!

Xoxo,
Christie

packing for Boston

Hi guys! So I did say on Instagram that I'm going to Boston this weekend with Adam because I've yearned to see Boston in the fall (cough cough Beacon Hill) and visit my best friend from high school who goes to school there! This is the weekend we're finally going and I could not be more excited. So, whilst I was packing my suitcase, I decided why not photograph it a little and show you guys what I'm bringing along!

My mom got me this vintage suitcase from Goodwill last year! I am so in love with it--and it is perfect for a simple, 2-day trip, since these babies can't really hold much. I'm bringing 2 outfits with me (Saturday, Sunday) and just wearing a simple outfit for the train and car ride there which consists of Re/Done jeans and a flannel. I'm also bringing along my huge teddy-bear looking coat from Free People (which you'll see on my chair in the next couple of photos).

What I have packed: Free People scarf (orange), Ray Bans, Free People Lieutenant Hat, Brandy Melville plaid pants, Zara navy turtleneck. I am bringing along the Aesop bags because I recycle the little bags I get from stores for packing toiletries, makeup, and underwear, which is a really simple thing to do and it is so handy! Plus they look cute!

That Aesop bag will be my makeup bag for this weekend! It's great because of the material it can just fit in anywhere in my suitcase. Seriously one of my #1 tips for packing!

And that's really it! I have pajamas and I am packing my night stuff later (I'm bringing Mario Badescu along with me for this one) and of course I will be bringing my camera to photograph and video our trip! I am so excited! Stay tuned for a blogpost about Boston next week when I get back :")

Xoxo,

Christie

tiny tips on how to feel confident

Hi guys! I've always wanted to do a post about being happy, healthy, and confident, because I know how terrible it feels when we get into our glum days or how easy it is to feel insecure in this ever changing, pressured world. In the future I definitely want to do an elaborated post or even a video talking about being confident, but today I just wanted to put together some little things you can do that can help improve your mood and view on yourself ♡

don't be so hard on yourself

When you say negative things about yourself, whether it be aloud or in your own head, your mind, as well as your esteem, is getting beaten by harsh words and it can take its toll. Try, everyday, to stop those thoughts. Instead, replace it with something like "I am okay. I am beautiful. I can do this." I know it sounds unbelievably cheesy, but you have no idea the impact that this can have once you try doing it yourself. In saying negative things, the only person you are hurting is yourself. Stop those words, stop being negative, and open up to positivity and kind thoughts. Not only will you start being positive about yourself and start feeling great about yourself, but your attitude towards life will change for the better as well. 

don't compare

We're all surrounded by books, magazines, and tons of social media that influence the way we see ourselves. Make sure that you don't compare yourself to all the commercials, the ads, the photos that you see every day. It is important to know the difference between something/someone who inspires you and something/someone that has a negative effect on your self confidence. If there's an Instagram account of a person that you find yourself comparing every little thing about him/her to your life, unfollow. It is only having a negative impact, especially if you're not getting any real inspiration from the account. I used to follow a lot of models, until I realized...seeing their beautiful selfies every day made me feel so much less than. I unfollowed, and that's okay! Just know that on social media, there is always more and lives don't look as 'perfect' as they seem, ever. There is nothing wrong with not following someone because of jealousy or if they are having that strong, negative impact. Surround yourself with people, magazines, books that inspire you to improve yourself and who give you motivation!

take care of your body, your soul, and your mind

It is really important that you take time for yourself and treat your body the way it is meant to be treated. Drink water, eat veggies, take a bath and do a facial every once and a while, have some tea. You're probably wondering...well how would things like this improve my self confidence? Because it will make you feel purely good. Once you feel good on the inside, your outside will shine with benefits as well. I love my little pampering nights because not only does it give my mind a sense of peace, but I just feel really great and even 'pretty' the next day. It just truly can enhance your mood. It is almost like if you were to go to bed at 3am versus 10pm. If you were to go to bed really late, you'll feel sluggish and just want to throw on sweatpants in the morning. But if you get those extra hours of sleep, you'll feel great and ready to go the next day! Taking care of the body, mind, and soul will just help you feel happy, healthy, and confident. tell yourself you are beautiful, until you believe it (because you are)

Another amazing tip for self-confidence that I found to be so helpful: fake it until you make it. I know, again, this sounds like huh?? But the fact of the matter is, if you truly start telling yourself you are beautiful, you can do anything you want, the future is endless...your mind will believe it. And soon enough, you're really start feeling this way. Self-confidence is no easy thing...it took me YEARS and years to finally feel good in my own skin. It is hard, it is trial and error, it might take some tears...but it is all about changing your perceptions and opening up your mind to happiness, positivity, and light. Again, I know I sound like a yogi, but it really is true. Take pictures of yourself, write down your features and details you love, accept your flaws (because literally everyone in the world has them). Accept and love accept and love.-I really hope you found this helpful in some way. I just really want to do a post like this because so many people send me questions about self-confidence, and the things they say about themselves just makes me really sad. Please love yourself, please treasure yourself, there is no one out there like you. Remember, you are beautiful and were put in this world for a reason. Xoxo,Christie