3 Beneficial Ways to Unwind

Life is hectic. With demanding jobs, family commitments and other responsibilities, it can get really busy. Taking time for ourselves to just unwind, however, is often not given enough priority. We need to remember to take some time for ourselves to unwind and relax . This is equally as important (if not more important) than eating your daily dose of veggie and fruit and being active. It helps us to stay balanced, positive, feel good, recharged and motivated to keep going.

Most of us associate unwinding with 'doing nothing' and I think this is far from the truth. For instance, there are some days where unwinding for me means sitting in front of the TV and doing nothing more than watching my favourite TV shows. Sure, I could do a lot of other things to unwind in a more productive manner - workouts, reading, etc. However, I don't believe this is entirely 'doing nothing' as I'm watching a show that I truly enjoy and brings me happiness. I think that's where a lot of misconceptions are - if you're doing something unproductive or not beneficial to your well-being, then that's not unwinding. This couldn't be further from the truth; unwinding can be so much more (or less, depending on your outlook on things). While doing nothing but watching TV boosts my happiness and comfort, I like to also unwind with activities that stimulate the mind, body and soul! There are other times where unwinding means doing something that feels fun for me but its still keeping my brain very active. Most of the time this means unleashing the inner creative side of myself! Here are three beneficial ways I like to unwind!

1. Adult Colouring!
To say I've been enjoying colouring over the last few weeks is an understatement. I've been obsessed with colouring! I've always been one to be creative and try artsy things, so I decided to give this new activity a try and I've been loving it! I think the rest of society has been catching on with this trend, as I've been reading and seeing a lot of talk about how adult colouring can be very beneficial, stress free and relaxing. I grab my book and coloured pencils and start colouring - its been my new favourite way to unwind! One of the reasons why this trend has caught on to many is because our lives are filled with technology, orderly processes and pushing creativity aside. However, colouring fulfills that inner creativity that is in each and every one of us. I've really been enjoying Johanna Basford's work in her latest colouring book, Lost Ocean. My only regret is that I wish  I started this sooner!

2. Reading
Reading has always been a favourite past time of mine. I love to get lost in a fictional novel that really gets me involved and engrossed into the characters and plot. I'm always reading something - sometimes it can take me from two weeks to 6 months to finish a single novel. But I love the idea of always having something to pick up and read when I want to unwind. Its very typical to find me reading right before bed where I like to calm my thoughts and busy brain. Reading is a beneficial way to unwind because you are using your brain in a different way that can be very effective to overall your body and well being - especially your mental state. Your shutting down one part of your brain, but by reading you are utilizing a different part that you may not always get to use.

3. iPad Brain Games
After a long day, I try to get away from technology as much as possible, but the reality is that we are always surrounded by it. It can be tough to deal with at times. When an iPad is close by and all I want to do is reach for that and watch YouTube videos instead of reading a book, I opt to play some brain games instead. Brain games can release your mind from the busy day and ease you into a different mindset by challenging you to solve interesting puzzles. I love these type of games! Not only are they fun, but I don't feel guilty about unwinding in this manner. The truth is that you are still utilizing your brain in a very effective way by stimulating different areas through solving puzzles. My favourite games to unwind are Threes, Next Numbers & Rules.

These are three of my favourite and beneficial ways to unwind after a long, hectic and stressful day. Again, while I like to sit down and watch TV just like anyone else, there are still times where it's good to keep that brain active in a different and more creative way. Finding the time for yourself to unwind is so important to our overall health and well being. It's a part of having a healthy diet!

What are some of your favourite ways to unwind?

~Usha

Lip Balms That Work

Lip balms are a staple in my life, no matter what time of year it is. They are essential for my everyday lip care routine as well as to ensure my lipstick applies with no fuss! As far as I can remember, I've always been obsessed with lip balms. I remember growing up and having almost every Lip Smacker scent under the sun (you remember those days too!). Since then I've moved up drastically in the lip balm department (obviously!). Here are my top picks that won't disappoint!

EOS Lip Balm
Sure they look like an Easter egg... but there's so much more to these lovely little packages of lip balm goodness! Of course, the packaging is pretty and attractive. If you slip one of these into your makeup bag or purse, they are the easiest thing to find due to the unique round shape. Aside from the cute packaging, the formula is fantastic! It glides on easily, giving you a smooth, soft finish. Its hydrating and moisturizing as well. It leaves a clear layer of balm which makes a perfect surface when applying lip colour. I especially love that the product is all natural and organic. It's definitely a plus! I love all the scents. I haven't tried the Vanilla Mint or Coconut Milk scent but that's next on my list. They can be expensive but in my opinion, the price is completely worth it!

Burt Bee's Lip Balm
I have to admit that I got this lip balm as a gift. It wasn't one of those products I would go out and purchase myself. Given that I love it so much, I don't know if I could ever stop buying it. I have the pomegranate scent and it's amazing! The formula itself contains pomegranate oil, which is nourishing and replenishing to the lips. If my lips feel chapped from the weather or from wearing lipstick all day long, I will put on this lip balm with the full confidence that it will restore my lips overnight. It glides on smoothly with a slight sheen finish. The finish is a sheer tint on your lips which makes it perfect for wearing as is, or pairing it with a lip colour. It works great as a base for when I am applying long lasting lip stick. It gives added moisture to a lip stick that can be very dehydrating on the lips.

Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm
This lip balm was on my to-buy list for a long time and I finally made the plunge to purchase it this past summer. Mainly because the packaging looks so cool, but aside from that this is an awesome product! I've never been one to use Vaseline or to be fond over it. If you are a Vaseline lover, then you will definitely like the Smith's lip balms. They have the consistency and texture of Vaseline. Smith's just takes it to another level by making it glamorous. It has a smooth consistency and applies evenly. You may think it looks sticky but its soft and moisturizing. It smells glorious as well! I love anything with peppermint in it and this speaks to that perfectly! Its great to smell but feels even better on your lips with the added peppermint. I would wholeheartedly purchase another lip balm product from the Smith's line.

Those are my favourite lip balms that I have in my collection and they live up to my lofty expectations! Having a proper lip balm that works well is an essential as we head into the colder months (at least here in Canada). And of course, they are one of those makeup products that you can probably never have enough of!

What are your go to lip balms?

~Usha

How To Be Motivated To Work Out

Being motivated to workout consistently can be very challenging. For me, attending the on site gym at my workplace for the last four years has allowed me to really understand what motivates me to keep on going. Currently, I've been attending the gym about 4-5 days a week and I'm very lucky and fortunate to work in a job that allows me to use an on site gym everyday during my lunch. I find that if I try to work out after getting home, it just never happens...

Going to the gym at lunch is what works best for me and my lifestyle. It may not work for everyone but what I can share and talk about is how I manage to still go quite frequently without getting side tracked to watch YouTube videos, go to the mall or go out to eat during my hour long lunch break.

Go With A Friend

This is the best and most effective way to boost your workout motivation. I usually go with a co-worker of mine and we push each other consistently. On days that I don't feel like going or want to make an excuse, she's there to prevent me from backing out. Going alone is just boring but going with a friend, a co-worker, a neighbor, a family member or even your spouse can make it ten times more bearable, since you have someone to keep you in check and vice-versa!

Make It Routine

Once you implement a routine at the gym it is really hard to break... I started off by going 3 times/week and slowly increased that to 4/5 times/week. Routine becomes second nature and once you make fitness a part of your daily routine, it will become much more motivating to go. So instead of planning your workout around your day, try planning your day around your workout. You'll find that once it's routine, you'll find yourself automatically heading to the gym before you can think of an excuse to back out!

Gives You More Energy

Speaking of routine, when I don't work out or I stop following my routine for any reason, I usually find myself falling asleep at around 8 or 8:30 pm... (I know it's sad!). When I don't work out, I find that I have no energy to keep me going. Attending the gym gives you more energy to take you throughout the day. It helps with keeping you awake during long afternoons and evenings when you have a lot to accomplish! And besides, who doesn't like to be energized without the need to use sugary drinks or caffeine. 

Makes You Feel Good
Going to the gym will definitely make you feel good! You will feel proud, healthy, clean, productive and energized! It makes me feel like a new person and it gives me the confidence I need to tackle the critical things in my day. When I get this feeling, it prompts me to eat healthier as well. I find that I drink more water, eat more fruit and vegetables and I take a homemade, healthy lunch almost every single day. Making a small change, such as going to the gym, can have a larger and more positive effect on your whole lifestyle and make you feel good all around.

You Will Be More Productive
The energy gained by going to the gym in turns make me a lot more productive throughout the day. I find that when I go to the gym, I'm much more likely to check things off my to do list or simply get things done. By accomplishing a major task by going to the gym, it will become easier to complete other tasks as part of your day.

As you can see, going to the gym has a huge domino effect on other aspects of your life. It affects your body, how you feel about yourself and your overall day. Going to the gym delivers nothing but positives and that in itself is a major motivator for me!

What drives you to work out?

~Usha

Why Kirkland Daily Facial Towelettes Are Awesome

Honestly, I've used different kinds of makeup remover products; whether it was a wipe or liquid product, but nothing compares to the Kirkland Signature Daily Facial Towelettes. Yes, this is a Costco makeup product... who knew!

These are a staple in my makeup/facial cleansing routine. In fact, I will not use any other type as this product works perfectly for my skin type. Here are some reasons as to why the Kirkland Daily Facial Towelettes are awesome!

They Are Cheap!
Let's face it, a beauty regimen can  be expensive... I certainly don't have tons of dollars each month to wipe some makeup off my face... Let's be real and honest. The Kirkland brand goes for about $12 a box and comes with six packages of facial towelettes! Six!!! There are 150 towelettes in total with four packs of 30 in each and two packs of 15 in each. That's $0.08 a sheet! Not bad! This is one of the things that attracted me to this product the most.

Large Quantity
I lead a very busy life and sometimes it's inconvenient to make multiple trips to the drug store to get a product. I found this was the case when I bought individual face wipe packs. However, when buying the Kirkland brand, I'm well stocked for a solid 3-4 months. I love it! No need to make emergency trips to the drugstore.

Travel Size
The Kirkland brand comes in individual packs that it make it easy for travel. With a resealable lid and a formula that moisten well, its definitely something I don't hesitate to pack with me when travelling. There are two packs with 15 towelettes in each that can act as a travel pack in case you are on the go.

It Doesn't Break Me Out!
I have very oily and sensitive skin. It has taken me years, time and tons of money to finally find products that work for me (and that's another story for another day...). The Kirkland brand doesn't break me out and leaves my skin feeling soft and clean. Having my skin under control is a major bonus in my eyes. I suppose this is the case since there are no parabens and the formula is made with cucumber, chamomile flower extract and aloe.

It Gets All The Makeup Off
Try it for yourself and see! No lies here. This product works and it works well. I've never had an experience where it didn't take off a makeup product. Sometimes I find that eyeliners and lip stains can be the most difficult to remove. Not with the Kirkland brand... it removes all of it completely! No need to use a special eye makeup remover or a special lip stain remover. In the end, it saves me money!

If you haven't tried this product yet, I definitely recommend that you give it a try. As mentioned above, these are a staple in my collection and I cannot live without them!

P.S. This is not a sponsored post. I've been purchasing the Kirkland brand for over a year and couldn't be happier to share my experience on the blog.

What facial makeup remover wipes do you use?

~Usha

Creepy Dolls vs. Creepy Clowns...?

With Thanksgiving over (at least for the Canadian folks) and Halloween right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to do a little Halloween Q&A! I love Fall and Halloween, so naturally I'm excited for all of the movie watching, candy eating and dressing up that's going to happen in the next few weeks. Let's get started!

Favourite Halloween movie?
Hotel Transylvania! So creative, fun and full of Halloween spirit! Can't wait to watch the sequel.

Fondest Halloween memory?
Going trick of treating for hours upon hours in my childhood neighbourhood. I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, so it was very common to have very cold and snowy Halloween nights. Despite the weather, Halloween spirits would always be so high, which is why it was always so much fun as a kid!

How do you get into the Halloween spirit?
Watching movies, decorating the house, buying pumpkins, carving pumpkins and searching for cool Halloween related pins on Pinterest!

Favourite Halloween decor?
Carved Jack-O-Laterns!

Favourite Halloween/Fall scent?
Caramel! Caramel apples, caramel sauce, salted caramel mocha, caramel chocolate... I think you get the idea...

Favourite Halloween candy?
Chocolate! Some of my favourites are KitKat, Oh Henry, Twix, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Crunch, M&Ms, Butterfinger and Mr. Big.

Which is scarier, creepy dolls or creepy clowns?
Creepy dolls for sure, because I used to play with dolls a lot as a kid.

Favourite Halloween drink?
Swamp water! It's made with a mixture of pop/juices thrown together in a punch bowl. Try it - it's a lot tastier than actual swamp water.

Favourite Halloween treat?
Baked goods like scones, cupcakes, cookies and any other Halloween inspired desserts or pastries.

Favourite Halloween activity?
It's a toss between carving pumpkins and watching Halloween movies!

What's your favourite part about Halloween? I would love to hear your responses to some of the questions above!

~Usha

My Favourite Nail Polishes

Every girl likes having their nails done. Nothing feels better than having a set of newly polished fingertips. It somehow gives you all the girl power and confidence that you need to tackle what's next on your plate, in an mysterious way. Today, I thought I would share my favourite nail polish brands that I've been loving.

Essie
This is a no brainer for me! My collection is mostly filled with Essie nail polish. I gravitate towards the wide spectrum of colours that are available. I have colours from red to purple and everything in between! I love the texture and formula of these polishes. The brush makes for easy application and the formula makes for a long lasting manicure. I only wished that buying this brand would be a little more affordable. However, it's definitely a treat when I do buy a new colour.

Rimmel - 60 Seconds
I wanted a nail polish that would dry really quickly for those times where all you need is a fresh coat of polish before heading out the door. If that speaks to you, then this polish is for you. The formula glides on with a wide brush for easy application. The name doesn't lie... it does dry in 60 seconds! The staying power of this polish is amazing! I can go a whole week with chores and barely have any chips. I definitely want more of this brand in my collection. My only complaint is that I wish they had more colours.

OPI
I've been a lover of OPI for a very long time. With a great formula, array of colours and great applicator brush - it's all you need for great looking nails. I have a few OPI bottles in my collection. Lately I haven't bought any new colours, as it can be quite expensive. Although, OPI colours are usually what I tend to pick when I'm out at a salon getting a pedicure. My absolute favourite OPI colour is Bubble Bath! It's the perfect shade of nude all in one bottle.

Sally Hansen
Sally Hansen has been in the nail polish business for a very long time. I remember seeing this brand while growing up and going to the drug store. I love the remodeled look and extensive nail product line it has become. The lasting effect of the polish is long and the colours are pigmented. The applicator brush is wide and easy to use. I personally love my sparkle nail polishes from Sally Hansen.

What are your go to nail polishes?

~Usha

What I am Looking Forward To in the Fall....

I'm sad that summer is over but super excited that Fall is here! I think that it's one of my most favourite seasons of the year. There's something enticing about the cool crisp weather outside while wearing warm snug sweaters, sipping a hot pumpkin spice latte while cooking up a warm stew inside a nice warm and cozy house... That's Fall for me. All about the cozy and comfort factor.

With the start of every season, I always have a bucket list of things I want to do... in my head. Then, the season comes to an end and I feel that I haven't done as much as I anticipated. So this year, I decided to put my Erin Condren planner to good use and created a special page that has a bucket list for Fall as well as a shopping wish list.

I've included some pretty random things in my bucket list, but most of it revolves around Thanksgiving and Halloween activities. I think these are probably on the top of list for favourite holidays after Christmas and New Years Eve. There's so much to do and get excited about! I'm very excited about Halloween this year, first and foremost because it's on a Saturday, and secondly because I live in a subdivision where almost every household has kids. Needless to say, I will have to stock up on lots of candy this year as the kids will be out in full force! I'm mostly looking forward to doing some Halloween related activities throughout the day - maybe watch a Halloween movie or two - and having a nice Halloween dinner before the trick-or-treaters come around.

I thought I would create a Fall shopping wish list as there a few things I want for this season. I actually just bought a slow cooker and I'm really excited to start using it! The thought of having dinner slow cook throughout the day and having it ready as soon as I get home from work is simply amazing. I can't wait to try new recipes, especially soups, stews and chili for the crisp weather outside. Of course, getting some new clothes is exciting too!

What's on your Fall bucket list and shopping wish list?

~Usha