2024 Goals –Welcome to a new year.

Can you believe it?

2024.

I know a lot of people are all about those New Year’s resolutions.

Not me. I truly suck at NYR’s because you go from holiday mode to strict mode faster than you can say…..”New Year.”

It just doesn’t jive with me.

Instead, I try to make new healthier habits throughout the year.

The break down to my pretty effortless approach? A planner you can check on, the will to build your habits around your lifestyle, lots of grace and radical honesty with yourself. Also, a bit of kindness goes a long way.

Your brain actually likes to do great things for you when you are actually nice to yourself. Who would have thought?

If you wouldn’t want someone to speak to a friend that way — don’t allow yourself to talk down to yourself either.

Things to Leave in 2024

People Pleasing

People pleasing serves no one. Not the person who’s on the receiving end of people pleasing and certainly not your boundaries or your nervous system. This takes work. For example, it could take a few years — It took me five.

Other People’s Opinions

Other people are entitled to have opinions about you, and it shouldn’t be any of your business.

Self-Depreciation

It’s not a flex to speak badly about yourself, or to expect others to meet you down in the dumps of self-loathing.

Fear of Failure

You’ll never be criticized by someone who is doing more than you. Most people are living their lives for others and other people’s approval. Not their own. If your life is your own and you have to give an account for your life — best to make it the truest life you can live for your soul.

No one is on your deathbed with you. You come in as a soul, and you leave as a soul to go back to God.

Make it a life worth your final account.

Let people make fun. They’ll be held to account and won’t need any help from you when learning to understand the error of their actions.

The bully.

The critic.

The liar.

The schemer.

The stealer.

The people who play in your face and hide their hands–

It’s all seen, all written down, and God will always have the victory.

So if you are failing? At least you are trying.

If you are failing — you’re closer to success.

Trust the process and trust God.

Self-Doubt

Self-doubt is normal. Letting it control you is not. Take action, and the self-doubt lessens. Move through every uncomfortable moment and see it for what it is — a mirage.

Things to Bring Into 2024

Radical Self-Honesty

It’s a tough pill to swallow — but it is worth every ounce of bitterness. To look at a situation, to look at yourself, to view the circumstances. Bravery at its finest.

Yourself

Your most authentic self is required in 2024. The chances of you being here (on earth) scientifically are slim.

Meaning your soul and genetic makeup are one of a kind.

“Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.”

Self-Validation

If you don’t know how to validate yourself, you will be gaslit into oblivion by someone who is banking on you not knowing who you are, what you like, how you feel, what you love and what you believe.

When you don’t know how to self-validate you will always be giving your power away — wreaking havoc on your nervous system.

Your Goals

Goals are a great way to make sure you are always mentally stimulated with your life.

Healthy Relationships

Healthy relationships….the final flex of 2024. Most people put up with people just to put up.

You don’t have to.

Let go of any and all dynamics that feel off and cultivate the emotional support system you deserve.

Remember.

All company is not good company and your best company is likely your own.

Happy New Year.

To watch the full YouTube video which has significantly less sass —- I will link it below.

xx

The post 2024 Goals — What to Leave in 2023 and What to Bring into 2024! appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

Fall organization is something that I look forward to almost every September.

As the daughter of an educator, you learn to really get excited for fresh notebooks, pens, and sticky notes…..

Like, really excited.

As one ages and enters into the workforce, you don’t tend to have the same set routine you’ve had from kindergarten until college.

Fall always marks the start of a new educational school year, and I go there in my mind mentally — as if I, too, need back-to-school supplies.

September is my Organizational New Year

It really is.

I love this time of year.

All I want routine, focus, and a bit of predictability.

It’s a time to set new goals, to get really honest with myself and get stern with how much better I could be doing.

I do this throughout the year, but September hits different.

Organizational Tools I am Loving – Home Finds

For my home office, I invested in two things that have been game changers.

The first is my white board.

It is great for writing things down, and remembering anything that I may forget.

Also, it helps that it is right in front of my face so I can reference it throughout the day.

The next is my pink office chair. I love it. This makes such a difference when I am working from home and adds a level of comfort to any office experience.

A great working space is also key.

I have been using my aunt’s old desk from the 80s. I am not sure of its exact year. But you can shop thrifted or vintage to find a comfy older desk.

This is the closest thing I could find that looks similar.

Great Basic Supplies Are Key – Fall Organization

Great basics are key in having an organizational overhaul.

Here are some of my favorites.

My ‘S Gel Sharpie’ pens are my favorite pen.

I also crave a satisfactory pen to paper slide that can only be made by these blue pens.

Some dry erase pens.

Dry erase board cleaner. You can get pens and cleaner in the same kit. I just really prefer the option of pens that are not offered in the kits.

More Fall Organization Basics

I love having spiral notebooks over legal pads.

These are great to leave as markers in notebooks. It makes finding things a lot easier.

This just literally makes my brain happy and excited to look at.

Push pins are always great to have on hand. As well as a cork board.

A laptop/keyboard accessory I find to be helpful for posture. It is on my list.

As is this pop keyboard. I think I want the pink version. Not sure yet. It is a dream and I can only imagine how satisfying it is to click and clack onto the keys.

Closing with some fidget toys.

What tools help you to get into your fall organizational mode?

Let me know in the comments.

xx

The post Fall Organization – The Best Tools to Get You Organized appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

Spring Cleaning Tools

Spring cleaning and all things spring cleaning tools have arrived.

Let me tell you.

I personally love a good clean.

But can equally dread it at the same time.

All in all — my mental health always improves after a good clean and clear out.

I have been doing these regularly throughout the entire pandemic.

Before the pandemic?

Who had the time?

But now, with a healthy refocus that an uncluttered and clean space brings you.

I really do have to say — keep the clear out’s coming.

In this blog post I wanted to offer my favorite spring-cleaning tools.

As well as items that I plan on bringing into the spring cleaning mix this year.

These are items you may want to know about, or even items you may have wanted to be reminded of.

Favorite Tools

Cleaning would be nothing without the tools we decide to clean with.

My favorite tools to spring clean with are those that do the heavy lifting on dirt and grime.

Perhaps like me, you have a fur baby?

If you do, you’re probably of the mindset that animals are family.

Because they are (obviously).

In saying that, you probably also like it to feel and smell as if your home has a pet that never smells.

If this is you, let me introduce you to my favorite spring cleaning tools that are pet fur proof.

These tools are also really easy to use.

A bonus, really.

These are items that I use year-round, but really get their time to shine every six months or so.

Pet Friendly Vacuum

Who doesn’t love a good vacuum and clean floors?

Investing in a good vacuum is key to making sure your floor and carpets are fur-free or fur-free-ish.

I love my pet hair vacuum.

The great thing about this vacuum is I get to see exactly how much my dog is shedding.

Then I get to dispose of the fluff and re-evaluate my cleaning strategy.

To keep things fresh, I try to vacuum twice a week (more if needed).

Vacuum Selections

This vacuum by Shark is a powerhouse. If you have a dog that sheds — or just tends to need a lot of power in your cleaning –this is a great option.

I love how lightweight this one is. Perfect for all the hard-to-reach areas. Versatile and agility, which I love. Plus it is compact so it is easy to store away.

A furbuster? Yes, please.

Carpet Cleaner

At this point, I think we can see that I love a clean floor.

The Hoover carpet cleaner has become my new cleaning obsession…… (every six months or so).

Why am I obsessed with it?

Mostly because it’s really compact and adorable, but also packs a punch.

Firstly, it does not take up a lot of space and it is really easy to use.

Secondly, it has a built-in drying mechanism.

This means that the dry time on your carpet floor is reduced.

Thirdly, this thing takes out tough stains.

Pet-related stains or human stains (it does it all) and does so flawlessly.

But are there any cons to this carpet cleaner?

It’s a bit loud, but other than that I think it does the trick.

It’s great for small spaces, but it isn’t the typical strength of your everyday carpet cleaner.

I have the Hoover Power Dash. It’s on Amazon for $119.

This one by Hoover is also a great option — and a bit cheaper.

Winston Brands also has a great affordable option.

Bare Floors

I do eventually have to lead into the necessity of bare floor cleaning, right?

To clean my bare floors — I use this Swifter Wet Jet, and I love it.

For years, I had used the original Swifter.

However, I was constantly needing to replace the cloth midway through cleaning the kitchen –Not great.

With this, I only have to use one cloth and can rewet the mop with a push of a button.

I love this thing.

My next favorite is the O-Cedar Spin Mop, which is a great investment for great mopping results.

Dusting Tools

You cannot talk about spring cleaning without talking about dusting.

Fact.

I try to dust every week.

Tasking myself to dust is annoying, but I love the feel of a clean environment that is dust-free.

To achieve this — I use either the swifter duster or a microfiber dusting tool.

You cannot go wrong with the microfiber duster.

It’s great because when you need to clean the duster, all you have to do is throw it into the wash, and it’s as good as new.

Under the Bed Storage

Microfiber towels are also a great thing to always have on hand for cleaning or dusting.

Spring Cleaning Organizational Tools

Spring Cleaning is all about organization and decluttering– or putting things away until next season.

To help me along with these things, I always look for new ways to organize and store things.

Things that can stay in storage until they are needed again are a must when spring cleaning.

Here are some of my favorites.

Extra Storage

Closet Organizers

Closet resets are a welcome breath of fresh air these days.

What is in there?

Shopping my closet and finding treasures. All signs of a great time.

Clothes Pants Hanger

Stacking things like jeans on hangers and purse hooks can help when organizing your closet.

Purse Stacking

Hangers

I swear by these.

Dresser Drawer Organization

Now let’s talk about dressers.

I am the OG at shoving things in drawers.

Adding boundaries within the drawers is a great remedy for that, honestly.

Reorganizing things to combat bad habits so that you’re less likely to do them.

Under The Sink Storage

Another place organization can be lacking for a lot of people, can be underneath your sinks.

If you have ever needed a hand in under-the-sink organizing —

Amazon and Target can really help you out.

Kitchen Tools

Kitchen organization and all of its tools are also amazing.

Truly, I love tools for fixing the chaos that can sometimes come from the kitchen space.

Making room for little storage bins within the fridge allows you to see your fridge in a new way.

This will free up time wondering where certain items are.

Or even what items are in the fridge.

In addition to organizing, it really opens up the visual space.

Another great investment has been insertable swivel Lazy Susan turntables.

These turntable cabinet inserts are amazing.

Lazy Susan’s allows you to spend less time searching for kitchen ingredients, which is great.

And it also keeps the clutter to a minimum.

Bathroom Favorites

Now, to tackle bathroom clutter and the tools to fight it.

In all spaces and rooms within your home, organization is key.

Every six months or so, I replace my shower curtain liner.

Here is one you can purchase to keep your shower space refreshed for spring.

Bathroom Countertop Space

To combat even more clutter, I really love this countertop hair tool kit.

What is not to love?

There is freedom in making sure everything has a place is key to a clutter-free space.

These hair tool storage kits allow more counter space and more visually pleasing aspects of your home.

Plus, you do not have to wonder where things are.

A great way to live is living in a space that works for you.

That’s All

I hope you love the ideas for spring cleaning tools as much as I have enjoyed writing this blog post.

Honestly, I loved testing some of these products out.

Please be sure to let me know what you like to use to spring clean and organize in the comments below.

After all of this cleaning talk, perhaps it’s time to make a fun cocktail?

xx

(This blog post was originally published April 7, 2022).

The post The Best Spring Cleaning Tools to Reimagine your Living Space appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

Sustainable Bathroom Products

During the start of the pandemic, people were pretty freaked out and as a result…… people panic bought a lot of toilet paper.

Under no circumstances was I prepared to be a victim to this gross overbuying of paper for one’s bum……but I was running low before pandemonium had swept across the country.

Making my bathroom experience more sustainable, was kind of not on my to-do list at the time the pandemic decided to unleash its fresh hell on us all……..

Needs dictated that I had no choice but to step up my sustainable bathroom game……. and I am really glad I did.

My main issue was that I needed to get toilet paper and quickly.

I cannot remember if I had no toilet paper or enough toilet paper…….but I ran to my local Target (which is now my pandemic BFF and my one constant sanity stop) and I lucked out and got some toilet paper (people were not being panicked on that day).

Knowing that our country was pretty intense and on edge and clueless about where we were headed for the foreseeable future (remember, we had a reality tv personality sitting as president at the time)…..

I knew I had to actually have a backup plan to avoid actual at-home bathroom chaos…….

Which, was me…… just envisioning myself using cloth toilet paper and I freaking could not deal if I had to wipe with cloth, knowing that I was meant to wash it (the cloth) and not throw it away…….

That was really graphic.

I am so sorry.

So, what did I do about all of this chaos?

A Bidet

I bought a bidet.

I bought a freaking bidet.

I was like, what cleans you and leaves you feeling fresh?

I had no idea, so I googled it and google said that applying water to oneself via a bidet was the way to go and people in Europe do it all the time.

The verdict was that it was a pretty great way to start getting into a sustainable bathroom mindset via sustainable bathroom products.

I was like very much weirded out by a bidet in theory, but I invested in a bidet attachment and thought I could install it myself…..

Me…..

I thought I could install a plumbing attachment for all sustainable bathroom products intents and purposes………

In a pandemic.

I LOVE a DIY, but this was most adventurous……even for me.

The reality of said installation was that I was watching a lot of YouTube tutorials on how to install a bidet and was surrounded by toilet water on my bathroom floor trying to make it work.

There was a lot of……

“UM, WHERE IS THIS WATER COMING FROM? IT SHOULD BE WORKING…..THE DIRECTIONS ARE IDIOT PROOF”….. (until said idiot walks into the installation….making that statement null and void).

There were many points in the installation process that had me going……”oh, shit. What if I broke the valve?”

“What if this toilet is now out of use because I broke it?”

” Who can even help me install it in a pandemic?”

So, I called my friend and he talked me through it on the phone, as he and his wife had installed their own bidet not so long ago (sustainable bathroom products for the win)……

But as his directions were great and my panic was very much not helping, I decided I was never going to pee in this toilet again………Because it was not working.

I had apparently broken it.

When the bathroom was still pretty flooded I called the repair man and when he arrived (both of our masks were on), he looked at me like I was the biggest idiot known to planet earth……

This man only had to bend down and hinge the attachment tube onto the bidet attachment.

You see……I had installed it correctly except for the last part…..

For $80, a man came to my house in a pandemic and shifted the tube ever so slightly and my toilet began to work and not leak…..and……

It was worth it, because I really had to pee by the end of it.

Would I do it again?

You betcha.

Bidet’s are freaking weird man, but your toilet paper usage will go down and you can get the closest you’ve ever wanted to be with a toilet via the bidets instillation….

Plus, it is a step that allows you to grow your sustainable bathroom products.

Sustainable Bathroom Products Via Bamboo Toilet Paper

Next, I invested in trying a bamboo toilet paper service like Cloud Paper.

Why? It seemed like a no-brainer in how to add sustainable bathroom products into the mix.

Cloud Paper was a heavily influenced toilet paper subscription service that I purchased because I followed/ am currently following a very trusted businesswomen and CEO and influencer.

I was eager to try Cloud Paper.

Why? Because I knew that everyone was going to be panic buying toilet paper for a hot minute……..

I thought to myself, “why shouldn’t I try to add in more sustainable bathroom products?”

I tried Cloud Paper for six months.

TRANSLATION: I lied to myself for six months that this was the way of the future, and I think it is….

Except, maybe in a little while, because holy batman, it is NOT the same as literally any kind of quality toilet paper…..

It works, but it’s not like……..

Something I was needing more of…..unless people freak out on toilet paper again…..

I now know that Cloud toilet paper is a great addition to one’s sustainable bathroom products.

However, the real verdict is out.

My actual thoughts?

I think I will be using normal toilet paper.

While also still scouting a really good sustainable bathroom alternative toilet paper before returning to Cloud Paper.

I don’t want to get very graphic —

But I just feel like, absorption wise……

The product was lacking and it didn’t cohesively bind to itself like other toilet papers.

Cloud Paper did the job the way that say, a really cheap brand of toilet paper does the job…….and so……

I can recommend it but I can also say, shop around some more, especially when looking for a toilet paper that is a part of the sustainable bathroom products lineup.

If you tried Cloud Paper —

Or any bamboo toilet paper for six months, I want you to pat yourself on the back because at least you tried (pats self on the back).

Sustainable Bathroom Products Via Cloth Rounds

Finally, I invested in some reusable facial cloth rounds.

When I say that this is my favorite sustainable bathroom upgrade in my sustainable bathroom products list……. I mean it with my entire chest.

All I have to do now is use the endless supply of about twenty cloth rounds….. and throw them in my washer weekly…….while never uttering out loud that “I forgot cotton balls at the store again.”

(Forgetting anything at the store is the bane of human westernized existence and it wreaks with privilege…..I know.)

The cloth rounds are super soft on one side and on the other side, it’s more for exfoliation.

They are the best invention ever.

Conclusion

So, when I say that you can really upgrade your bathroom experience in three short steps.

When I say that there are three sustainable bathroom products that can make a real difference to becoming more eco-friendly…….

I really do mean it….but expect some hiccups while exploring your options.

Not to mention —

You can add in additional green products —

Like the Hey Humans Deodorant I mentioned last week (the entire Hey Humans brand is eco-friendly and expands beyond deodorant).

Just remember, any small changes you make to help change the way you contribute to the preservation of the environment, the better.

I also realize that not everyone is in the position to make small changes like that, so I don’t want to make it seem like you have to.

It’s always optional, and I think it starts with larger companies doing their business in a eco-friendly way that meets their consumers in the marketplace.

I don’t think that the responsibility should fall on the consumers entirely at all.

Thus concludes my blog post on sustainable bathroom products.

I hope this blog finds you well.

And I hope you try a bidet.

Is it weird that I kind of hope it weirds you out and that you still try it anyways.

I hope that you try new things in general.

To close, I hope you have a great week.

Let me know in the comments if you currently do any of these things or want to try them.

Talk to you later.

-Nikita

The post Sustainable Bathroom Products appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

When was the last time you used a diy makeup brush cleaner?

And……

When should you start to replace your makeup brushes versus just cleaning your makeup brushes? This is a valid question, and before I delve into the topic and the steps of cleansing ones makeup brushes, we should look into if you need to clean or replace your current set of makeup brushes.

Knowing when to throw out and when to clean is a simple two question inquiry……Are any of the brushes shedding?  Do any of your makeup brushes have a funny smell…..If you answered yes to these two questions….it is time to toss your makeup brushes aside and away and trade them in for brand new ones.

DIY Makeup Brush Cleaning Refresh

Winter is a great time to refresh your intention for the rest of the calendar year (not long now and it will be 2021…..Thankfully) and one of the ways I like to refresh and reset for a wintery makeup season is to clean up my makeup brushes.

Cleaning your makeup brushes is recommended once every three months (it’s even recommended that you clean them weekly), but it can depend from person to person and what your skincare and maintenance needs look like. Some people clean their brushes more frequently than the three month marker, but it is entirely up to you.

I will link an article in here that was published by Allure magazine, 2020 about this very topic.

https://www.allure.com/story/how-clean-are-your-makeup-brus

Finding a method of cleaning brushes that works best for me and for my brush set has been key to my brush sets longevity; I want to share because like many others who want to take care of their makeup brushes, I  have previously bought cleaning solution mixes for my brushes (thinking that was the only way to actually clean them) and what I found out is……you can make your own and with ingredients you probably already have lying around your home (BONUS).

DIY Makeup Brush Cleaning Directions

All you need is boiled water, a cup you can recycle afterwards or wash, dish soap ( I use “Myers Clean Day Dish Soap” in Lavender), Apple Cider vinegar (mine is the Natural Grocers brand), lemon (produce aisle) and vitamin e oil ( I purchase my vitamin E oil from Trader Joe’s).

When you have your solution made, let the brushes soak in the mixture for about ten minutes, but only let the water hit the brushes and not the handles where the stem of the brush meets the handle (this can cause the brush and handle to unglue…and that is NOT what you want).

Next, you want to carefully take the brushes out of the mixture and take the brushes, one at a time, rinsing the brushes out in warm water until the water runs clean.

Upon cleaning the brushes; lay them flat on a dry towel and set them aside for about twenty four hours until they are completely dry before reusing….

I hope this blog post was informative.

Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this post and if you found these tips helpful.

Talk to you soon.

-Nikita

I would love to hear your take on makeup brush maintenance.

The post DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

Work Week Goals

Who knew the quest for inner peace started on your last day of work and began the night before your next week?

I can assure you, as a young adult I did not. In fact, I would say the routine to living a successful adult life can leave you feeling very very dull, and if not done correctly can leave you in a clouded slump of chaos.

In these next few steps I am going to layout my guidelines to a successful work week and it may surprise you.

Step 1:

Know when to shut off from your day job on your Friday. I know that not everyone works the normal Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm grind and I totally understand. That life, if not unchecked can be a GRIND and NOT in a good way.

Setting aside some “ME” time is a Friday night MUST if you can find the time to fit it in.

Scheduling in some “You” time can be anything that makes you feel good. Normally on Fridays, I just want a shower, dinner, a cocktail and some much needed solitude, while some people love to have a night out with friends.

Having a time that you have for yourself is yours to dictate, so you can hopefully carve out a little bit of heaven out for yourself in whatever way you choose.

Scheduling time with friends in 2020, may look a little different from any time previously before, but with some creativity you can still unwind and uncork with a few friends, all while keeping socially distant and respectful of the CDC guidelines that are meant to keep the people you love and yourself safe.

Step 2

Pick up your home all week long, every day.

Having a clean home and a picked up home are two different things; but if you can commit to picking up your home for the week, you can commit to a deep cleaning your home on your Saturday/Sunday or a day of the week that works for your  lifestyle.

A clear mind has a clean home. I promise.

Step 3:

Wash and change your sheets once a week and make your bed daily. I feel like this is a no brainer, but I thought I would throw in the motherly reminder that ones sheets NEED to be cleaned weekly and making your bed lets your brain know that your bed has a boundary for its uses; sleep, sex and naps (if you do indeed like or need to take naps).

Sleep schedules are not to be toyed with. Not with infants and not with adults either.

Step 4:

Meal prep if you can but always invest in a healthy grab and go snack.

Meal prepping takes away the added stress of hanger, anger and famished decisions and snacks buy you more time to check in with yourself for your everyday decisions.

The added stress of staring into your cuboards can be a creative task, but if you know you have something already that is made for dinner or lunch to grab and go, it really allows you to have more free time to handle whatever else may be thrown your way and you won’t feel so rushed doing it.

Even if you don’t meal prep, you can meal plan so you know exactly what you are having on certain nights of the week. It does take the spontaneity out a bit, but you can always switch around menu dates and play around with how you plan your meals.

The plan is that it is just that…..a PLAN, and if something else comes along you can always change your plan.

the meal prep or meal plan is just a strategy to avoid chaos and confusion when dealing with your meals and to me, that is a huge win on the adulthood front.

Treat yourself like your best parent version of YOU would take care of YOU and I promise adulthood becomes way LESS crazy to navigate.

Step 5:

Make your weekly goals known to yourself the night before your new week. Pencil them in your to-do calendar or make a voice memo (I love a voice memo).

Side note: Set alarms and ask Siri to help you remember times and dates for things that are due; so you don’t forget to complete tasks, pay bills, etc.

Step 6:

Get your body moving in a way that you enjoy. I know that sounds annoying because not everyone loves to work out, but I do believe that we as human beings were meant to be active daily and that the day-to-day work life we lead is not actually how humans are wired.

We have so much energy stored in our bodies for exertion and it’s not all just to make it into work on time.

When we move our bodies our bodies exert energy, our endorphins raise which makes us happier and it tends to clear your head and clear your energetic field; giving you more energy and mental clarity. It can be a walk, a run, yoga, an online workout (YOUTUBE has a ton of at home workouts you can do).

Step 7:

REST. Do nothing.

Recharge.

Check in with yourself.

Pamper yourself.

Relearn your wants and needs and do it all again next week. 

Let me know if you found this post helpful in the comments below and please take care.

-Nikita

The post 7 Ways to Set Up a Successful Work Week appeared first on Bella Kate 22.