tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43643321212018862152024-03-17T23:04:02.617-04:00five sixteenths blogliving a creative lifeMoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.comBlogger1472125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-26327849582714935932021-05-21T11:00:00.001-04:002021-05-21T11:00:00.300-04:00Free Sticker Friday // Crafty Pride Long Vertical Planner Stickers<p style="text-align: justify;"> Long time, no post! Things have been rather ridiculous over here the last YEAR...if you scroll to the post after this you'll see it was posted nearly exactly a year ago. (And it was also a sticker kit!) But you all know what the heck happened in 2020 so there is no need to sum anything up.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Today I have a free sticker kit for you to celebrate PRIDE! I know it can be hard to find quality, free sticker kits and I wanted to make this available to you all incase you don't have a pride kit yet. I'd offered another kit over on Patreon but thought that I shouldn't hide too many important kits like these behind a pay wall so here we are.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQi9By9o4OgytfIBFMIyX9OqWs7yKMDIJ8eF81x8aKgJhlCNYrK7ZiItX4FfxIvHsep5qHRSH3p_LrqKCpom0rSf621HmggBFuASH9WBnaIKHJbchmzju01DqnPF-e9vgSNX_rWdQYU5fi/s2048/rainbow.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQi9By9o4OgytfIBFMIyX9OqWs7yKMDIJ8eF81x8aKgJhlCNYrK7ZiItX4FfxIvHsep5qHRSH3p_LrqKCpom0rSf621HmggBFuASH9WBnaIKHJbchmzju01DqnPF-e9vgSNX_rWdQYU5fi/s16000/rainbow.png" width="650" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved sourcing the photos for this one! I kept the 'Miss Maker' vibe in mind when I was creating this because I though it would be fun to be able to blend this kit with stickers we may already have in our collections.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">My spreads for June will be mostly Pride spreads except for the week of Juneteenth which will be <a href="https://shoppdpc.com/collections/new-releases/products/juneteenth-weekly-collection" target="_blank">this kit</a> from <a href="https://shoppdpc.com/" target="_blank">Pink Diamond Planner Co</a>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Please remember that this kit is for personal use only. Please do not share this kit as your own or sell it in any way. If you'd like to link this kit to someone please share the blog post.</p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_pnQX6GZ_ieOMbyhM5rEkahOG-z_tDEf" target="_blank">DOWNLOAD THE CRAFTY PRIDE KIT HERE</a></h3><p style="text-align: justify;">As always you'll get a Cricut Ready PNG file, a PDF, and a Silhouette cut file included in the download. Can't wait to see what you make!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">xoxo, Moe</p>Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-24449487106782253862020-05-15T12:04:00.000-04:002020-05-15T12:04:48.537-04:00Free Sticker Friday // Planner Girl Memory Planning Sticker Kit<div style="text-align: justify;">
It has been a long, long while since I have offered a free printable sticker kit on the blog. I mean...a loooonnnggg while! <b>I used to post a <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/free%20sticker%20friday" target="_blank">sticker sheet nearly every Friday</a> because I loved making them so much.</b> The last Free Sticker Friday post is from by birthday in 2017! I've been making stickers for myself and for <a href="https://patreon.com/moehoward" target="_blank">Patreon</a> for a while but I thought I'd share this guy over here just for you all.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPXG6IRDZ2fAOxF2XwiH5V3QQ-0njh0Hie74OvkiAyuKWuGr187MzIVxOlUDJP28lHgpA9H26yNhS4WBSewA_jBzu8S-gOEaXuzAtRTqwt1rB5uNCj1fRyvPNRLgIlrP1juoBJnQraIV_/s1600/phonto+%25283%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPXG6IRDZ2fAOxF2XwiH5V3QQ-0njh0Hie74OvkiAyuKWuGr187MzIVxOlUDJP28lHgpA9H26yNhS4WBSewA_jBzu8S-gOEaXuzAtRTqwt1rB5uNCj1fRyvPNRLgIlrP1juoBJnQraIV_/s1600/phonto+%25283%2529.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span></div>
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<b>Way back in the way back, you may remember, I did the no-white-space EC style planning.</b> I had an Erin Condren planner & I had inserts that mimicked the EC layout. I did both my regular, everyday planning and my <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/memory%20planner" target="_blank">memory planning</a> in this EC style. <b>My everyday planning really took on the no-white-space look while my memory planning had a little more white space showing</b>. Check out how I set up a Memory Planning spread <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2016/06/free-printable-memory-planning-stickers.html" target="_blank">here</a> (that was way back in 2016!).</div>
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Then I went into memory planning in my <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/05/5-supplies-you-kinda-need-to-start.html" target="_blank">horizontal Happy Planner</a>. <b>That was fun because I did like to journal and found the layout inspiring for memory keeping</b>. I fell off the memory keeping wagon for real in about 2018 right before our wedding. <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2017/09/how-i-print-photos-at-home-for-memory.html" target="_blank">This post</a> goes over how to print your photos at hom for memory keeping.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LBdQBcpI8kZjCGM2SODH_KVVLzk710LPXTwDFJEWHtQaHWqAuniaFBdU60mKmwBuNjRKpRMnXj3PMHidCqlZ0pOcsJVsVFhTPwPMmwcfPpD4HmJz4bTkg3GwHgS3KRRojwJUcE1LowFx/s1600/IMG_1703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LBdQBcpI8kZjCGM2SODH_KVVLzk710LPXTwDFJEWHtQaHWqAuniaFBdU60mKmwBuNjRKpRMnXj3PMHidCqlZ0pOcsJVsVFhTPwPMmwcfPpD4HmJz4bTkg3GwHgS3KRRojwJUcE1LowFx/s1600/IMG_1703.JPG" /></a></div>
<b>After getting pregnant with Marcus I wasn't feeling planning of any sort so I totally stopped all of it! </b>Now that he's here I wish, wish, WISH I was feeling it because it would have been very nice to have a document of all the things that happened & that I was feeling before and after his birth. But we can't really go back in time, so we just gotta start now.</div>
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<b>Since being in Quarantine, I've gotten inspired by the ECLP planning style again.</b> I've been watching a lot of my OG YouTube planner channels - think like Scribble Prints Co - and getting back into that style of planning. Since I've kept my Happy Planner starting in January and I've been documenting Marcus with a ton of pictures on my google photo account, <b>I've been able to do some memory planning or rewind spreads in my new memory planner.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrOZJtGoJx3jfgsEAgFwyV2wayNgvPRccbRZNKdhtXcBnes1NRH7gXh66jM6JqEovEiIhLeCsH69Of7-VPAlJ-T4dxzSW0fkhIliCDaQYoLAgF5hduUNhqoi1DzNCp9bPFJ0k1eqcgtxZ/s1600/IMG_1701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrOZJtGoJx3jfgsEAgFwyV2wayNgvPRccbRZNKdhtXcBnes1NRH7gXh66jM6JqEovEiIhLeCsH69Of7-VPAlJ-T4dxzSW0fkhIliCDaQYoLAgF5hduUNhqoi1DzNCp9bPFJ0k1eqcgtxZ/s1600/IMG_1701.JPG" /></a></div>
<b>This kit is very pink & very feminine so I used it to memory plan Valentine's Day week of 2020.</b> (Check out my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWSLVty3lzY&t=2s" target="_blank">Happy Planner Plan With Me video for this week here</a>.) I think it has the perfect mix of checklists and functional boxes plus some little icons that you can just supplement a little bit with stickers you may have leftover from other kits or character stickers.</div>
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The stickers in this spread have come from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/papershire/" target="_blank">Papershire Facebook group</a> & <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrintPetticoatBandit" target="_blank">Print Petticoat Bandit.</a> I've made some script stickers myself (video tutorial coming soon!) and my own DIY glitter headers <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBhUG8AFnEk" target="_blank">(check out the tutorial here!)</a>. This kit comes with 7 glitter headers already but if you need more you can TOTALLY make some yourself, for free, to cut with your <a href="https://amzn.to/2AzO1W5" target="_blank">Cricut Explore</a> or <a href="https://amzn.to/2AzOlEh" target="_blank">Cricut Maker!</a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pSAtH5hVMXg8X7gV28GpEdVATZcp6tEa?usp=sharing" target="_blank">DOWNLOAD THE PLANNER KIT HERE</a></h3>
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Go ahead and download the kit above and let me know what you think! <b>As always, these printables are for personal use only</b> - do not sell or reproduce these guys. You'll get a PDF to cut by hand, a PNG ready to cut with your <a href="https://amzn.to/2AzO1W5" target="_blank">Cricut Explore</a> or <a href="https://amzn.to/2AzOlEh" target="_blank">Cricut Maker</a> (size it to 6.75 in x 9.25 in in Design Space), and a Silhouette file to cut with your <a href="https://amzn.to/2Z85sqD" target="_blank">Portrait</a> or <a href="https://amzn.to/2T6gLfa" target="_blank">Cameo</a>. </div>
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I'll also link above my favorite sticker papers to use. I have two new favorites! <b>The <a href="https://amzn.to/3dSDp2R" target="_blank">weatherproof matte sticker paper</a> from Online Labels is AMAZING</b>. I bought this a few years ago to make one sticker for Zach and then never used it. I finally decided to bust it out again and it is perfect for super crisp, professional looking prints. <b>I also just found this <a href="https://amzn.to/3dSE7gx" target="_blank">Packzon sticker paper on Amazon</a> too</b>. While not as durable as the weatherproof paper from Online Labels, it does give crisp prints and is much more affordable. It is a bright, bright white just like the weatherproof paper too. <b>My OG favorite that is super affordable, kinda removable, and super thin is the <a href="https://amzn.to/3dMqb7G" target="_blank">Yens Full Sheet Labels on Amazon</a></b>. These aren't as crisp white as the other two but it doesn't look bad. I've used this sticker paper for YEARS and it has only been recently that I've switched. I like this paper because it is very thin and wont bulk up your planner. The paper isn't marketed as removable but it comes up easily unlike the other two mentioned above. The prints still come out acceptable...I was satisfied with the quality for years! It takes inkject really well and delivers a fine print! <b>I recommend all three, and based on your needs, think there is a sticker paper in here for you!</b><br />
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I hope that you've been having a fun planner journey and if you're just starting out be sure to check all the previous planning blog posts <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/planner" target="_blank">here</a> on the blog!<br />
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<b><i>What have you circled back to in your planner journey? What have you done from the very beginning?</i></b><br />
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xoxo, Moe</div>
Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-3973239738324503332020-05-13T11:00:00.001-04:002021-05-18T09:18:35.797-04:005 Mommy Routines to Track in your Planner<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a new stay at home mom, there are several things I didn't know I'd need to keep track of in my planner! With a little guy at home my routine has been shaken up, to say the least. And then every dang month the routine changes. Of course this is how it goes, right? But <b>when you're thrust into this for the first time, plus add in mom brain on top of that, keeping track of things can get daunting.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1R1X9zSHBt-9JzdvjXn5k2w09ZxY8sum4GlakK20A5J54fd0Q2f30Oa9oNGP8bOGTx1CIPTL20EiMzYp9xfzV7KV7QHz2z6Ql8nYXVG72zouhVzLmLG-9Qjn9c0EtVUbfDy_i09SUGHzE/s1600/Mom+Routines+for+Planner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1R1X9zSHBt-9JzdvjXn5k2w09ZxY8sum4GlakK20A5J54fd0Q2f30Oa9oNGP8bOGTx1CIPTL20EiMzYp9xfzV7KV7QHz2z6Ql8nYXVG72zouhVzLmLG-9Qjn9c0EtVUbfDy_i09SUGHzE/s1600/Mom+Routines+for+Planner.png" width="650" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i><br />
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I'm a planner girl and a planner person by nature. <b>With Marcus home for the first 3 months I was searching for anything that would give me a sense of structure. It wasn't until he was about 4 months old that we got any semblance of a routine.</b> Then we were throwing starting food in the mix, gotta brush the teeth, now we're eating solids 3x a day, AND at one point he had a prescription to take. That's a lot of stuff for one mamma to handle. I've got like 77 habit trackers in my planner right now!</div>
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Before we dive into the 5 routines stay at home mom's should track in their planners I want to share with you two things: first, check out this video on how I made a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBW2OQ-bGyM&t=236s" target="_blank">daily routine page for Marcus</a> at 6 months & second, check out <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2017/07/5-ways-to-track-your-spiritual-journey.html" target="_blank">this post on tracking spirituality</a> in your planner because some of the tools can be the same. But lets jump into the list.</div>
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If you've been following the blog for a while you'll know that <b>one of my biggest goals EVER is to have a <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/cleaning" target="_blank">sustainable cleaning routine</a></b>. I've got post after post on cleaning here on the blog but my two favorites are this one on <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2014/07/wednesday-decor-how-to-make-cleaning.html" target="_blank">creating a cleaning routine</a> and this one on the <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2016/01/wednesday-decor-incorporating-3-waves.html" target="_blank">3 Waves Cleaning Method</a>. Just like with the old house, when we moved I broke our new house up into zones or sections and clean one zone a day. <b>I created a routine page for my planner and then each day I clean that zone for 30 minutes.</b></div>
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Getting ready and unready for the day can really set the tone for yourself. <b> Waking up with intention and going to bed with intention can mean you get the most out of each part of the day.</b> I have a few chores I like to get done before the baby wakes and after the baby goes to bed. It is also important to <b>prioritize your time and couple time when you're a mom (or a dad)</b>. Baby's shake up a lot of stuff and getting <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search?q=morning+routine" target="_blank">down a simple morning and evening routine</a> that can revitalize you is important!</div>
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I am obsessed with structure. This is hard to manage when naps and appointments and big poop blow outs can throw things off. But you can<b> create a general daily schedule for yourself and the baby to track in you planner using hour stickers, daily pages, or an hourly planner.</b> I have a loose idea that Marcus will wake up at 7 am and eat, then eat cereal at about 8:30 am, then go down for a nap around 10 am. I started with an app on my phone when Marcus was born to kind of gauge his schedule, but again it didn't get really cemented until about 4 months. So don't stress about this in the beginning! I don't want you to get stressed out when the baby's needs are all over the charts but I can understand the need for some semblance of a schedule.</div>
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We bathe Marky boy everyday as a part of his night time routine. (Night time routines are important for babies, why the heck wouldn't they be important for us!?!) But not everyone does<b>. The Happy Planner has a <a href="https://amzn.to/3bw07gl" target="_blank">Pregnancy sticker book</a> with bath time stickers.</b> Use these to mark the days you give the little beeb a bath. Things can get busy so maybe you can't bathe them one night. If you start to track it then you'll know if you've gone a little two far between baths. Marcus has just broken two teeth so we've been starting to brush his teeth and gums. I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten to do this though! So I have a habit tracker dedicated to it in my planner now!</div>
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Of course we all know at the end of a long day - whether you're a stay at home mom or work outside of the home - the last thing you want to do is make dinner. I stink at this right now but meal planning is a great thing to track in your planner. <b>Use something like a weekly sticker to write out what you're going to make and track the use of leftovers.</b> I've not been doing this like at all! Even at the beginning of the day I don't want to think about dinner! And now that Marcus is eating food I've got to think about feeding him too?!?! I share in <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2020/04/lets-talk-baby-weaning-easy-ways-to.html" target="_blank">this post 3 ways I prep food easily</a> for him.</div>
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<b>Being a new stay at home mom has created a new routine for me and I need to keep track of it! </b>Whether you use different stickers for different routines or a planner layout (like the <a href="https://amzn.to/2x4xwQb" target="_blank">Teacher planner layout</a>), tracking what needs to be done when can give you an idea that you've got your day under control! I really have loved creating these <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBW2OQ-bGyM&t=236s" target="_blank">little daily schedule pages</a> for my planner. Marcus is constantly growing so it's been wonderful to see how his schedule has changed as he's grown.<br />
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<b><i>What mom life routines do you track in your planner?</i></b><br />
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xoxo, Moe</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>listen to this blog post below:</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div>
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Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-60670578512956414602020-05-05T11:00:00.001-04:002021-05-18T09:21:47.609-04:00My Happy Grimoire Book of Shadows<div style="text-align: justify;">
Going into 2020 I want to share more of my chosen spiritual path here on the blog. This place has always been a space for me to share what I'm doing and has evolved with me in the 10+ years I've been blogging....so let's jump in with another post! <b>Today we're gonna talk about my Book of Shadows, my Happy Grimoire!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHajePYuITaHKwb70Oag37ycDSTjf7ycZ_nBmUdVQxt3Mjh1h8HbbQooS-2J3LgtYBwrqOx-Rq1miOvruTyPDxqxDq735-gIEQV0dKsyr7YZO7HFv7dA7Df-DAYdiOnAeFiq30ZhGXxlAF/s1600/phonto.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHajePYuITaHKwb70Oag37ycDSTjf7ycZ_nBmUdVQxt3Mjh1h8HbbQooS-2J3LgtYBwrqOx-Rq1miOvruTyPDxqxDq735-gIEQV0dKsyr7YZO7HFv7dA7Df-DAYdiOnAeFiq30ZhGXxlAF/s1600/phonto.png" width="650" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>this post contains affiliate links, please see my full dislcosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span></div>
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What the heck is a Happy Grimoire? Well the Happy Planner has come out with quite a few woo woo type sticker books and collections (I don't blame them this stuff is super popular right now!) and that is the majority of what I've been using to set up this journal. <b>A Happy Grimoire is a Book of Shadows (or Grimoire) made with/from Happy Planner Products!</b> So let's go over the sections I'm working on right now and then we'll talk supplies</div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Grimoire Sections</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wheel of the Year</span></h3>
This is one of my favorite sections. <b>I love using the <a href="https://amzn.to/2xt7Htq" target="_blank">Happy Planner seasonal sticker books</a> to create these pages. </b> Since there are a ton of these sticker books (and now the new Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring books) there are a ton of new stickers I can't wait to use.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjvCplTF4Mmy_VCocF6DKm0r7wgBddAFgNUfklUt4bH33m1q33YBTjqd0E_UNAJxd__6RTpH-IRVO7eFVh-SapLDlhfLT4fuGfUTaiMqGFNRG82w3Jg4kd21vq61Wm5pJsl-gr-dhY9pY/s1600/IMG_1077.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjvCplTF4Mmy_VCocF6DKm0r7wgBddAFgNUfklUt4bH33m1q33YBTjqd0E_UNAJxd__6RTpH-IRVO7eFVh-SapLDlhfLT4fuGfUTaiMqGFNRG82w3Jg4kd21vq61Wm5pJsl-gr-dhY9pY/s1600/IMG_1077.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
This section cover the 8 modern pagan sabbats or holidays that happen through the year. Ones you may be familiar with are are the Summer and Winter Solstices, the Autumn and Spring Equinoxes, & Halloween. You may also be familiar with May Day/Beltane or Candlemas/Imbolc. <b>This section outlines the meaning of each holiday, when it occurs, what to do to celebrate, and any correspondences. </b>So far I have a few videos on making these pages in my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8At1fvdkMA&list=PLHw6-KlyViwBPRSideHG5zhm_SQxhFw3r" target="_blank">Grimoire With Me playlist</a> on YouTube</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Spell Work</span></h3>
Any good grimoire is going to document any spell work you've been doing. T<b>his section also includes any mantras or meditations I've been repeating or working with.</b> It's kind of like a prayer journal as I'll also reflect on spells, intentions, ore meditations. Decorating this section reminds me of recipe planning too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglujZm64US2fhJXUQEVY_E4MRqBtF_JiuAUqMTnXaVcBHjdNAs6W2r7tcdzh_CvD-AuvX1PcM7bqXsMcAodRQItUkHS9vZAtr0ZWDr8LrekOFgxGBc6hAgsTg5GTdfJuFkXiHGJKyaug64/s1600/IMG_1086.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglujZm64US2fhJXUQEVY_E4MRqBtF_JiuAUqMTnXaVcBHjdNAs6W2r7tcdzh_CvD-AuvX1PcM7bqXsMcAodRQItUkHS9vZAtr0ZWDr8LrekOFgxGBc6hAgsTg5GTdfJuFkXiHGJKyaug64/s1600/IMG_1086.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
Right now I have my ritual set up/prep outlined there with invocations, etc. <b> I plan to also draw out an altar to use on the go (how fun will that be!!) and include any other prayers, affirmations, and invocations that I come across.</b><br />
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I ended up creating some headers for each page using the <a href="https://www.dafont.com/belove.font" target="_blank">Belove font from DaFont.com</a>. This is nice because I stink at hand lettering! I used my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/778254949/diy-happy-planner-page-templates-classic?ref=shop_home_active_1&crt=1" target="_blank">Happy Planner page templates over on Etsy</a> to create a sticker page I can stick right into my planner.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">General Information</span></h3>
This is sort of a catch all section. Right now I have info on Goddesses, the planets, and crystals. But I plan to break out things from this section as I gather similar information. So right now Hera is the only Goddess in this section but as a I accumulate more information and create more pages I'll probably break this into its own section. I also have astrology info in there, but again I'll probably break this one out as I gather more info.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Faith Planner</span></h3>
<b>The biggest part of my Happy Grimoire is my faith planner.</b> I am currently using the <a href="https://amzn.to/2KRRzEU" target="_blank">Stargazer planner</a> from the Happy Planner Girl line released in 2019. I grabbed this planner up at the beginning of March when they all went on clearance and finally decided on the perfect way to use it! You can check out my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4RP7S_TVoc" target="_blank">faith set up in this video</a> but I'll share how I have it set up too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhno-UxT-7hyphenhyphenppYJbvD6jYlFBzfHW2NyMOQHXArbGy6-IGmjsKdWAFKXFyrvuWB-nVs2bq6NVxk4I-irJczQljqJkabcGe-skWz2pSU2MAIilzdsGCRMI2e9gphwMw6GetJry-MTLS20wrW/s1600/IMG_1089.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhno-UxT-7hyphenhyphenppYJbvD6jYlFBzfHW2NyMOQHXArbGy6-IGmjsKdWAFKXFyrvuWB-nVs2bq6NVxk4I-irJczQljqJkabcGe-skWz2pSU2MAIilzdsGCRMI2e9gphwMw6GetJry-MTLS20wrW/s1600/IMG_1089.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
I turned it into sort of an 'undated' planner by gluing the monthly view pages together and just using the other pages in the planner. <b>I use the first monthly dashboard to outline goals and plans for the month.</b> I love the intentions section on top of the right hand page. This has helped me to outline what I want to focus on each month. At the end of the month I go back to work on the reflection section.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH13fCpEojhlo9z1BQG0_OfqNYM5JpRB2KReM34WtK9yUfousgcXD6Qzlkh-FrYP3NmD7XY3tYd-47dpQc5L8F1VTtRJRRBrHHVcKIPshb6S3cy2PaECS3E2-cmnYINQzf-N69CNF9jOVH/s1600/IMG_1090.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH13fCpEojhlo9z1BQG0_OfqNYM5JpRB2KReM34WtK9yUfousgcXD6Qzlkh-FrYP3NmD7XY3tYd-47dpQc5L8F1VTtRJRRBrHHVcKIPshb6S3cy2PaECS3E2-cmnYINQzf-N69CNF9jOVH/s1600/IMG_1090.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
<b>The daily to do list pages are for daily gratitude. I ended up just dating each section and writing out gratitude instead of a checklist.</b> At the end of the month there is a gridded section that I use to brainstorm stuff for the next month.<br />
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And finally <b>the two blank notes pages at the end of the month are for my Full and New Moon intentions, ritual, and info.</b> I love that there are two pages right where I need them in this planner!! I used to use <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yv9CRewXwZ4" target="_blank">this planner for New Moon/Full Moon stuff</a> and tarot work but I don't think it's made any more. The monthly layout works perfect for my faith planning right now. You can read more about setting intentions with the moon phases in <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/06/how-to-use-moon-phases-for-self.html" target="_blank">this blog post here!</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Supplies</span></h2>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sticker Books</span> </h3>
<b>I've pretty much dedicated using the <a href="https://amzn.to/2z5nkaH" target="_blank">Stargazer</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2YmEpYj" target="_blank">Dream Seeker</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/2yhwnFE" target="_blank">Free Spirit books</a> to this planner/grimoire.</b> When it comes to the faith planner these three sticker books fit the design of the planner. It's hard to use Squad Goals, for example, because of the swooshes on the planner pages.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmkGD12J_zcoya5uFd4PXa-bHCfwdlxz0w_T4V6F5olp57_x0lhQYO73lUuiCEbO4mkxhqjTNVtIwFYwd98nybeg5NMUgb2t4-8SK3Sc1KXAgUwt_ZfiKEcQzY5pIeyACuLMo0fRiwSfD/s1600/IMG_1059.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmkGD12J_zcoya5uFd4PXa-bHCfwdlxz0w_T4V6F5olp57_x0lhQYO73lUuiCEbO4mkxhqjTNVtIwFYwd98nybeg5NMUgb2t4-8SK3Sc1KXAgUwt_ZfiKEcQzY5pIeyACuLMo0fRiwSfD/s1600/IMG_1059.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
<b>For the Wheel of the year pages and ot</b>her other general pages I do tend to use holiday sticker books where I know I'll find some correspondences. The new seasonal books from 2019 are great for this! The original Farm House book is great for Imbolc, the Dream Seeker book is great for Belatne, and a lot of the holiday books can have other correspondences for the other Sabbats.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Filler Paper</span></h3>
I did purchase a lot of accessories in the Stargazer line but I am also just using any filler paper that I like! <b>Grabbing up all the Happy Notes is a great way to build up your filler paper stash.</b> I really do like to use the lined pages as I'm doing a lot of writing and need to write straight but the grid or graph pages offer a way to add more info because the line spaces are smaller.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pens & Markers</span></h3>
To write in this book I'm using my favorite pen - <a href="https://amzn.to/2YpzxSu" target="_blank">the Frixion Ball Slim</a>. I would love to use a nice marker but I'm too afraid I'll make a mistake and using a Frixion pen means I can erase. I've not had any of the ink in any of my planners I've used these pens in disappear....yet!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKXUP6F6OE7kqON9kVZIMHOSY7IqREpXPvuAzzDmDIc2PvktLTACAZsWUFTbjbxa7WDdydgqy8UN6_83OegV2wDRlZV0OI288F52XfTHOS0u6QWlC2tzeO7yW2xEpuqboQAjR4TYIC3ao/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKXUP6F6OE7kqON9kVZIMHOSY7IqREpXPvuAzzDmDIc2PvktLTACAZsWUFTbjbxa7WDdydgqy8UN6_83OegV2wDRlZV0OI288F52XfTHOS0u6QWlC2tzeO7yW2xEpuqboQAjR4TYIC3ao/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
<b>When I need a marker to write I've been using the highlighters from the Happy Planner that came out with their faith line. When I want to highlight I'm using <a href="https://amzn.to/2W9XFpa" target="_blank">Mildliners</a>. </b> I like the thin, chiseled tip on the Happy Planner markers/highlighters for writing since I'm no good at hand lettering. It changes my handwriting just enough to be fun and doesn't frustrate me.<br />
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I am loving working in this book. I have tried to keep a Book of Shadows or a Grimoire before but the format didn't work for me. I had it all at first in a traveler's notebook, which while so beautiful looking, didn't allow me to add pages where I wanted them. I wanted something prettier than just a binder and I couldn't stand the idea of just a plain three ring binder! The Classic Happy planner is the perfect page size for this.<br />
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Be sure to follow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8At1fvdkMA&list=PLHw6-KlyViwBPRSideHG5zhm_SQxhFw3r" target="_blank">my playlist over on YouTube where I show you how I use my Happy Grimoire</a>. There are already a few videos on a few different pages!<br />
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<b><i>Do you keep a book of shadows? Do you keep a book of prayers or affirmations? How do you study your faith?</i></b><br />
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xoxo, Moe</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>listen to this blog post below:</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div>
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Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-33596692053180655132020-04-28T11:00:00.001-04:002021-05-19T10:32:13.103-04:00Let's Talk Baby Weaning // Easy Ways to Prep Solids for Babies<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the day I'm writing this post Marcus has turned 8 months old. He eats 3 meals a day and eats a lot during those meals. We moved quickly (I think) from purees to solids and he's been having fun with all of it. <b>At about 5 months we started rice cereal, then we moved onto jarred purees at about 6 months. At about 7 months we'd progressed to eating soft things like puffs and mashed fruit. And now at 8 months we're fully on board</b> with Chex, eggs, pancakes, chicken, fish, cut meat balls, cut strawberries, green beans, pasta...I mean he eats a lot of stuff. <b>Most of the time we just modify what we're eating for meals for him and he's loving it.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a></i></span></div>
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I was super afraid to start solid foods because choking was awfully terrifying for me. <b>But I really did let Marcus lead the way and if he seemed interested we went for it. If I could squish it between my tongue and the roof of my mouth I felt confident to give it to him.</b> Obviously you'll want to <i>talk to your pediatrician about starting and continuing foods and food sizes</i>, etc. But there are a lot of resources online about traditional weaning, baby led weaning, and accelerated traditional weaning, <a href="https://amzn.to/2VUqyFT" target="_blank">books galore on the topic</a> & other mommas out there that you trust can be a huge support system! I think ultimately with Marcus's readiness, we went with accelerated traditional weaning. Here are some definition breakdowns:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What are the Different Types of Weaning?</span></h2>
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<b><i>Traditional Weaning</i></b> - this is when you <b>start to offer purreed solids along side the baby's diet of breast milk or formula</b>. Most baby food manufacturers follow a system that involves different stages of foods based on age. You'll start with stage 1 foods which are single ingredient, smooth pureed fruits or veggies for babies ages 4-6 months. Then you'll move up to a stage 2 for babies 7-8 months which combine foods at a slightly thicker texture to introduce new tastes and textures. Then to stage 3 for 9-12 month babies which are chunkier in texture and must be chewed. Then you final out with table foods after 12 months old.</div>
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<b><i>Baby Led Weaning</i></b> - this is a <b>method of introducing foods so that a baby starts to 'self-feed'</b> as soon as they are introduced to solids. You are also<b> offering food to compliment their diet of breast milk or formula but instead of spooning food into the baby's mouth they are exploring food at their own pace.</b> While each method focuses on the idea of baby's readiness, BLW focuses on providing table foods in appropriate shapes so that a baby may reach, grab, pick up, and self feed. This method also allows for spoon feeding of foods like oatmeal and yogurt so that a child can learn to self-feed with a spoon.<br />
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<b><i>Accelerated Traditional Weaning</i></b> - this method combines the two above when starting to complement a baby's diet of breast milk or formula. Accelerated weaning <b>takes into account babies readiness for foods and moves from purees to softer and then to solid foods more quickly</b>. This method offers purees and then softer solid foods to encourage the oral skills needed to eat more advanced foods. <b>The recommendations here are that a food should be squishable or dissolve so that the child can learn to move food around in their mouths and chew</b>. Offering purees and solids at the same meal, one at a time, can be helpful to develop these oral skills.</div>
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Like I mentioned above we totally followed Marcus's lead and when it seemed he was interested in food and interested in what mommy and daddy ate, we offered it to him. <b>Again, be sure to check with your pediatrician when it comes to offering solids. I'm not offering any medical advice here, just sharing my experiences!</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Three Ways to Prepare Solids Easier</span></h2>
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<b>I can hardly decide what I want to eat and now I've got to feed a baby an actual breakfast/lunch/dinner as well!?!</b> This was overwhelming to me at first but as I slowly built the repertoire of foods Marcus would eat I found simple ways to offer them. Here are 3 tips I have to prepare food for your little one.</div>
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Microwave Eggs</span></h3>
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Something super simple to make for a baby is scrambled eggs. But you may have to dirty a pan and a few utensils if you make them traditionally. And sometimes in the morning I'm not eating a full on breakfast like I'm going to feed him! <a href="https://amzn.to/3avtk9L" target="_blank">Shallow salad bowls</a> work best for this method of cooking eggs - <b>simply crack and egg into the bowl, scramble, and microwave at 30 second intervals until cooked through</b>. You can an easier prepared egg and it's easier for them to grab with the second tip below.</div>
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<b>Slicing up foods like the scrambled eggs above or pancakes or toast can be made much, much easier with a <a href="https://amzn.to/35dykPD" target="_blank">pizza cutter</a>!</b> I spread some leftover puree on toast or a pancake and cut it into bite sized pieces with the pizza cutter. No more knifing up the food and squishing it while dragging the knife through. Less crumbs when it comes to cutting toast too!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Personal Blender for Meat</span></h3>
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We've offered Marcus both chicken and shrimp after its been blended in our <a href="https://amzn.to/2x67b4h" target="_blank">Nutribullet</a>. Of course you can use a <a href="https://amzn.to/3bCw4Ud" target="_blank">regular blender</a> but <b>a small blender like the Nutribullet (or any other <a href="https://amzn.to/3cJwxnH" target="_blank">personal blender</a>) means you're not dirtying up extra parts and pieces.</b> You can store the leftover blended meat in the cup with a cap for a day or two and not have to empty it into another container and then clean your whole blender. Plus I throw my blender blade thing into the dishwasher (not sure if you're supposed to) so it's way easier to clean. (Honestly, if it can't survive the dishwasher, I don't want it in my house!)</div>
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Starting Marcus on solid foods has been and adventure. I started off super scared he'd choke but gagging and what not is learning. <b> It is super important to listen to your baby as they start eating food. I didn't think we'd go the accelerated route and BLW kinda freaked me out but as he developed skills I felt confident following him and also challenging him with textures.</b> We run into things that he has trouble with or doesn't like and we work through it. Just the other day we tried something I can only liken to a thicker veggie soup and it was hard for him to navigate the smooth and chunky and chewy texture. Which is fine, he'll develop skills like that as we progress.</div>
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I hope this post helped you navigate feeding your baby a little bit and inspired your to not dirty too many dishes when making up some food for them! Hope you're feeding journey is fun & exciting!</div>
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Resources I consulted: <a href="https://www.verywellfamily.com/baby-food-stages-and-steps-2634465" target="_blank">Very Well Family</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby-led_weaning" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>, <a href="https://feedingbytes.com/2017/10/can-i-combine-blw-and-spoon-feeding-when-starting-solids/" target="_blank">Feeding Bytes</a></div>
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<b><i>What was your feeding journey like? What food are you most looking forward to sharing with your child?</i></b></div>
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xoxo, Moe</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>listen to this blog post below:</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div>
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Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-6268203829685269712020-04-14T11:00:00.000-04:002020-04-14T11:00:01.569-04:00Five Ways to Use Eggs for Ostara Spellwork<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of my favorite Sabbats to celebrate (after Imbolc) is <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search?q=ostara" target="_blank">Ostara or the Spring Equinox</a>. <b>It it as this time that we mark the days getting longer, fertility of the earth, planting season, coming out of hibernating winter, and over all the birth of Spring.</b> The Spring Equinox falls in March (in the northern hemisphere) around the 19th through the 21st and marks when both light and dark are equal. After the Spring Equinox, we'll start got longer days and shorter nights! At Imbolc we've celebrated the midwinter mark and at the Spring Equinox we're celebrating bursting forth from winter just as plants are bursting from the earth. Livestock are being born, eggs are being laid, and <b>for our spiritual selves we can start to lay the foundations for things we'd like to grow and cultivate</b> this year. </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i></div>
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What better way to celebrate new beginnings and fertility than with the symbol of the egg. There are a couple of symbols to work with around Ostara but I find that the egg is the easiest to use and the easiest to start with especially if you're new to celebrating. <b>The egg represents potential, it represents the womb, it represents the nurturing of mother earth, it represents the seed of life.</b> All of the things we can celebrate during this time. The egg is a perfect representation of what we'd like to align our minds with during this season - to plant, to nurture, and to grow. Here are a few ways to use eggs to celebrate Ostara:</div>
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Because we're now coming out of winter, the days are growing longer and the light is coming back. <b>There is no better way to represent light returning than with a candle.</b> You can either gently crack the eggs to create two halves or blow the contents of the egg out to create these small candles. Blowing out the contents of the egg can add a bit of a personal touch - you're using your breath to make space for you intention to grow! Simply poke a decent size hole in either end of the egg and blow. Once the egg is empty, open the top hole up just a little more so that you'll have room for the wax and a wick. Tape up the bottom of the egg so the wax wont escape and add your wick and a little wax. <b>You can color the eggs and/or color the wax to align with your intentions. You can also write on the outside of your egg in wax or in marker the goal or intention you're making this candle for. </b> Have your family all make one (or two!) and put them in a ceramic egg holder to light at Ostara dinner. Be sure to save those egg insides to cook with!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Write your Goals</span></h3>
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Speaking of writing on your eggs, <b>you can outline your goals, wishes, and dreams on the outside of eggs</b>. <b>Writing in white or clear wax crayon and then dying the eggs will <i>reveal </i>your goals just as you'd like to manifest them into your life.</b> Or keep them secret by dying the eggs first then writing in wax. Decorate your eggs with sigils you've created or spellwork you'd like to see to fruition. You can even anoint them with essential oils corresponding to your goals or diffuse some that work perfect for the season. <b>Decorate <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/02/make-it-monday-diy-dollar-tree-ostara.html" target="_blank">your altar with these eggs</a> and then bury them with a seed (either outside or in a pot!) that you can nurture as you move through your goals.</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Seed Starters</span></h3>
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The little shells of eggs are the perfect vessel to start seeds for your garden! Carefully cracking eggs a little off center will create the perfect little cup to start your seed. <b>You can incorporate the activity above and label you seed starters with the goal you'd like to accomplish. Consider growing an herb that corresponds to your goal or intention - like mint for prosperity, lavender for tranquility, rosemary for protection. </b>Once you're seeds are big enough to transplant either move them to your garden or into a pot on a windowsill. This would be perfect for children to learn about growth and to give them a little responsibility to help their little plant grow.</div>
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This is an oldie but a goodie, everyone loves an good egg hunt! This is a good, solid family activity to involve everyone. You can fill the eggs with candy or even with different wishes for others. Perhaps the <b>eggs are filled with some wishes or hopes for others in your family - have everyone sit down and write these things and then stuff the eggs</b>. Then when they are all found have each person read off the wishes or hopes they'd like to cultivate this year. <b> Add this wish to the bottom of your seed starter and plant an herb corresponding to the wish. </b>This is a great way to involve extended family in a tradition that could align with an Easter celebration as well. It's not too out there if perhaps parents or grandparents don't celebrate the Wheel of the Year.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bake or Cook with Eggs</span></h3>
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This is my favorite. I love to celebrate the Sabbats by cooking. <b>Saving the insides of your eggs means you can make a yummy breakfast, quiche, or cake</b>. My favorite way to use eggs is in Deviled Eggs. This speaks to me because my mother makes the best Deviled Eggs ever so using eggs this way carries on the tradition. <b>Bake sweet cakes or breads. Make egg salad sandwiches and head out for a picnic if it's nice out!</b> A picnic is a great activity to count the ways the earth is blooming and to listen for new little animals.</div>
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Ostara celebrates growth. The Goddess is transitioning into her Maiden form. <b>We're celebrating fertility, protection, purification, and the nurturing nature of the earth. Eggs are a great way to celebrate through the season and keep growth as your mindset</b> as we move through Spring. <b>The easiest way for me to keep the <i>reason for the season</i> in my mind is to have a physical representation. </b>We keep eggs and hares/rabbits on our family altar and I keep a willow wreath decorated with eggs, lavender, and greenery on my personal altar. (Check out that super easy and affordable DIY <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/02/make-it-monday-diy-dollar-tree-ostara.html" target="_blank">here</a>) Seeing these symbols everyday reminds me of what I'm working towards. <b>Having a physical representation of the things I'm looking to embody helps me to move through the seasons with purpose!</b></div>
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I also want to leave you with a last little tip: easy home made egg dye! Of course you can use natural dyes but this works with quite a few things we've already got in all of our cabinets:<br />
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You can learn more about the Spring or Vernal Equinox in <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/04/essential-oils-for-spring-equinox.html" target="_blank">this post</a>. I share info about essential oils, how I align this Sabbat with the moon phases, and give you three oil blends to work with this season!</div>
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Blessed Ostara my friends!</div>
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<b><i>What do you do to celebrate the turning of the wheel at the Spring Equinox?</i></b></div>
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xoxo, Moe</div>
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Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-8193127087050477492020-02-25T11:00:00.001-05:002021-06-02T10:05:33.126-04:00The Anatomy of a Ritual Bath in 5 Simple Steps<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>One of my favorite ways to connect with my inner self & grow in myself is through the use of a ritual bath</b>. A ritual bath can sound super intimidating especially in our world of Instagram aesthetics. As a new mom, my ritual baths have most times turned into intentional showers during baby nap times but that doesn't make them any less meaningful. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQDpr1s7O7jxSoh6IqxA5-SNB6KG6D0BaXcpynPW9hqAOzOLEQVA2NDEQxoJwyr2zHpPsZcX7u_NQDZpmivaLG5kAjKO-Qo2LEfsD4ynn3HiO6dPA0efm9MfA0Ty_DUMQrMfHpDQkqv-w/s1600/Anatomy+of+a+Ritual+Bath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQDpr1s7O7jxSoh6IqxA5-SNB6KG6D0BaXcpynPW9hqAOzOLEQVA2NDEQxoJwyr2zHpPsZcX7u_NQDZpmivaLG5kAjKO-Qo2LEfsD4ynn3HiO6dPA0efm9MfA0Ty_DUMQrMfHpDQkqv-w/s1600/Anatomy+of+a+Ritual+Bath.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i></div>
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<b>A ritual, put simply, is a </b><i><b>"ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order."</b> </i><a href="https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/ritual" target="_blank">(definition here)</a>. A ritual is anything you do in a certain order and, believe it or not, <b>creating your own ritual bath is as simple as following 5 simple steps. </b>These steps can be followed each time you'd like to dive deeper and connect with yourself, your purpose, and your deeper growth. Here is how to get started:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Choose an intention</span></h3>
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This can be anything from 'I choose to feel relaxed' to 'I choose to embrace my femininity' to 'I choose to release the burden of the day'. Y<b>ou can align your intentions with what you're currently going through, with the phase of the moon, with the current zodiac sign the moon or the sun falls under, with any spell work or meditations you're currently working with</b>. You can even base your intention around a mantra or quote you've been drawn to. An intention for a ritual bath just means you <b>choose what you're intending to mull over while your in the bath. </b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Choose corresponding oils, candles, crystals</span></h3>
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Adding in this step can help to <b>solidify your intentions by associating your thoughts with tangible things</b>. Looking for self love and relaxation? Choose something like rose quartz and feminine oils like lavender, neroli, frankincense, or rose. Looking to ground yourself? Choose smoky quartz or jasper along with a woodsy oil like cedarwood or black spruce. <b>Scent has a powerful memory association effect so choosing an scent to associate with your desired feeling can enhance your ability to enter that state of mind when you smell the scent later</b>. Don't have essential oils? Scented candles work perfectly too. And candle colors can help you to solidify your intentions by helping you to visualize the state you'd like to be in. Check out <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2017/05/make-it-monday-diy-diffuser-necklace.html" target="_blank">this post</a> on some essential oil pairings you may like and then read <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2019/10/getting-started-with-candle-magic.html" target="_blank">this post</a> on candle magic. My favorite book on emotions & essential oils is called <a href="https://amzn.to/2SfffaO" target="_blank">Essential Emotions and you can find it here</a> on Amazon. (There is even a <a href="https://amzn.to/38iwnlp" target="_blank">Kindle version</a>!)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Set the mood</span></h3>
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Turn down the lights, turn off the distractions, and take just this time for yourself. <b>Take a few deep breaths to clear your mind from any interruptions.</b> Take a the time to focus on the present moment. Draw your bath deliberately. Prepare your space with reverence. <b>Create a scared space for yourself and your intention by respecting this area for yourself, in this time</b>. Run the water and as the bath fills add in some Epsom salts and your essential oils focusing on your intention. Light your candles focusing on your intention. Grab your tea or your wine and lower yourself in for a soak.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEkscXOC30t_2yvqQD0gv45syRfZ8Ix21UlWFEOYKD13xFv9bFYjKLulDBTUKBs3Wun79GcBB12HAOT5icWpcIneLI07CUUypz3NA2r7umhk2KNhNpOs7Pf5eNBGxkPtSbl48io_OFr_T/s1600/Steps+to+a+Ritual+Bath.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEkscXOC30t_2yvqQD0gv45syRfZ8Ix21UlWFEOYKD13xFv9bFYjKLulDBTUKBs3Wun79GcBB12HAOT5icWpcIneLI07CUUypz3NA2r7umhk2KNhNpOs7Pf5eNBGxkPtSbl48io_OFr_T/s1600/Steps+to+a+Ritual+Bath.png" width="650" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Relax, focus, meditate</span></h3>
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Now that you're in the tub, relax. Meditate on your intention. Repeat a mantra that you may have chosen or thought of as you prepared your bath. You can also speak your intentions to the universe or speak your feelings. U<b>se this time to contemplate on how you'll move forward to manifest your intentions.</b> What can you do daily to manifest you intentions? What can you do daily to feel the way you'd like to feel. Relax. <b>Be in the present moment.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Give thanks</span></h3>
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As you decide your bath (or shower #momlife) is ending, give thanks for this time you've allotted for yourself. <b>Give thanks to the universe</b> for what you've received so far. A simple thank you spoken out loud can suffice but it's up to you and how you feel in that moment as to what type of thanks you can give. Take the time to clean up your space as an offer of thanks, too. Return the crystals and oils to their cabinets, wash any cup or wine glass you've had. Thank yourself as well by wrapping yourself in your favorite robe, or pajamas, or outfit for the day. <b>Giving thanks is showing respect for the process.</b></div>
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A ritual bath doesn't need to be too complicated. <b>When you're taking time to connect with yourself or with your intentions you only need to take the time to create & hold space for yourself.</b> Creating that space and continuing to hold that space means you're respecting yourself and your need for self care. We often rush through a lot of things in the day - shove the toast in our mouth while we grab the coffee and head out the door. A ritual bath is a time to do things with reverence, to be present in the hear and now, and to listen & honor ourselves.</div>
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Sometime we can get caught up in the fluff of self care. <b>We hear that we need bath bombs and spa days and girls nights out but what we really need is the time and the space to honor ourselves.</b> If you need more simple ideas for self care, check out <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2017/07/7-ideas-for-self-care-retreat-at-home.html" target="_blank">this post</a> with 6 more ideas for self care at home. You can also read more about mindfulness in your daily life through <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/mindful" target="_blank">these posts</a>.</div>
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<b><i>What do you do that honors your current state? How do you prep for a nice relaxing bath?</i></b></div>
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xoxo, Moe</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>listen to this blog post below:</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div>
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Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-12455575209392321842020-02-20T11:00:00.000-05:002020-02-20T11:00:10.049-05:00Boost Your Blog // 6 Places to Find Photo Props<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you've ever been super envious of those perfectly styled blog photos you see all over Pinterest, I've got the solution for you! You don't have to spend a butt ton of money to build your library of styling props you just need a keen & creative eye. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvZ8MSDZCdFE-irygrYTK2eof4fJrvomyyscoKjCugVI9U7vO3CG5NpmGxWUGYw70MLxr5AwRusKuqGP0pxrwlaGBA6YQu5Z9iiHjf3uqIgOtw9ftWggyYrvm1R5oAsMqkTMhx_UQgI59/s1600/IMG_8736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvZ8MSDZCdFE-irygrYTK2eof4fJrvomyyscoKjCugVI9U7vO3CG5NpmGxWUGYw70MLxr5AwRusKuqGP0pxrwlaGBA6YQu5Z9iiHjf3uqIgOtw9ftWggyYrvm1R5oAsMqkTMhx_UQgI59/s1600/IMG_8736.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span><br />
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First off, make sure you <b>have a rough idea of your blog's style.</b> You can start by <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2016/03/boost-your-blog-what-is-style-guide.html" target="_blank">understanding and creating a style guide</a> and creating a brand board of inspiring images over on Pinterest. <b>When you do this you're less likely to say 'hey that looks nice!' to something that may not fit in with your blog's (or other social media outlet) vibe</b>. Understanding the vision of the posts your write and the presence you want to create will help you say yes to better photo props.</div>
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I have six places I like to find my photo props, so here's my list:</div>
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Thrift Store</h3>
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Right now thrift store chic is super huge as it has been for quite a while now! You can find pieces like wooden cutting boards, baskets, & fabric for bigger background pieces but you can also find smaller accent pieces for your photos. I like to look for colorful glassware & dishes to use in photos as well. This is also a great place to find classic seasonal pieces that will stay relevant year after year.</div>
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Clearance Shelves</h3>
<span style="text-align: justify;">The Target clearance shelves are my jam! Not only can you find discount seasonal items that may be relevant the next time that season comes around but you can also find really cool textiles to use as backgrounds. Be sure to <b>snatch up small rugs, table runners, scarves, etc that will be great to add color & texture into your photos</b>. You can also check the clearance shelves of Micheal's' for knick knacks, desk accents, and more. I found quite a few variations of succulents at my local Mike's recently! </span><br />
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Target Dollar Spot/Bullseye's Playground</h3>
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This is <b>another great place to get affordable seasonal decor</b>. While I like to pick up fall or summer or spring decor in this area to save money I also like to find smaller specific holiday things there too. I'm not one to decorate that much for any holiday but Christmas so having an affordable Halloween prop stash is great. <b>Find things that can translate into multiple holidays - like silver can be for Christmas or Halloween, red can be used around Valentine's Day or Christmas, etc.</b> I found some fake apples in the Target Dollar Spot for the fall back in September! So shop often & shop early! You can also <b>shop seasonally here to find specific color schemes to fit in with your aesthetic</b>. If your blog has a lot of pastel vibes shop during the spring. If your blog has a lot of jewel tones or has a boho vibe, shop during the early fall.</div>
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Dollar Store</h3>
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Another place to find affordable seasonal decor is the Dollar Store! I've done a <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/02/make-it-monday-diy-dollar-tree-ostara.html" target="_blank">nice spring decor DIY</a> featuring some of their seasonal products and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0QdsbgAP8s&t=90s" target="_blank">this guy</a> will last me many spring seasons to come. <b>You can often find some nice little accent pieces that imitate pieces found in higher end stores</b>. Their floral sprig collection is awesome too! I also look back in the automotive section to find soft, fluffy polishing cloths that you can use as a faux fur background. <b>I use a piece of Dollar Tree foam core board with a plank style removable wallpaper vinyl as a backdrop for nearly all of my photos and YouTube videos.</b></div>
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Your Own Closet</h3>
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In one of my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/BkdrBpAl4Ee/" target="_blank">first IGTV videos</a>, I talk about using the fabrics from your own closet as backgrounds. <b>You can style any cardigans, dresses, or fuzzy sweaters as fun accents in your background.</b> Beach towels would work nicely too. Drape different fabrics different ways to create layers and textures. Use your own bedspread for amazing flat lays, add jewelry as an accent. You can see that I used jewelry to create some fun stock photos for you all in <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2016/04/boost-your-blog-free-creative-stock.html" target="_blank">this post</a>. </div>
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Scene Creators </h3>
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Don't want to have a closet full of props to make your flat lays? Well there is something cool out there I've recently found that can help you create amazing flat lay scenes...they are called Scene Creators! You can find them on a ton of digital design websites - <a href="https://thehungryjpeg.com/product/76305-desk-scene-creator-top-view/fivesixtee/" target="_blank">The Hungry Jpeg</a>, <a href="https://crmrkt.com/wvWBym" target="_blank">Creative Market</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=scene%20creator&ref=auto-1&as_prefix=scene%20crea" target="_blank">Etsy</a>, <a href="https://designbundles.net/doodle-and-stitch/213823-the-huge-scene-creator-bundle/rel=COfxsE" target="_blank">Design Bundles</a>, etc - and some of them will even work with online design platforms like Canva & PicMonkey. <b>These guys allow you to mix & match digital elements on a background to create your flat lays</b>. This is perfect for a consistent theme and really great if you're more of a digital blogger. <b>If you don't really need to take or style you blog photos and you just need a nice, clean, on brand photo to overlay the post title, this is a great way to create consistent flat lays!</b> I'm playing around with this idea for that reason - I don't always need to take a photo but I don't always like the stock images I find.</div>
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Once you have your props on hand you'll be more likely to create a cohesive vibe to your blog's look. <b>Its also great to be able to have a pile of your own stock photography to choose from when you may not have time to shoot. </b> If you've got only a few shots get creative with your cropping to use the same photo more than once. Get your design on by <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2017/07/make-it-monday-branded-blog-image.html" target="_blank">using this PicMonkey tutorial</a> to create a blog image template to use over and over again. You can also check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8U9uYh06EY" target="_blank">this Canva tutorial</a> over on the YouTube channel on creating blog graphics.</div>
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Keeping your blog fresh can be fun, but it also can be daunting. I've created a FREE resource that can help you get back on track (or just remind you to stay on track) that shows you 5 ways to revamp your blog! <b>This 10 page book will give you great tips on reviving old posts, automating your process, and keeping you on the right foot.</b> You can download it by signing up for the newsletter above.<br />
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Ready to do more with your blog? Check out all the Boost Your Blog posts right <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/boost%20your%20blog" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<b><i>What is your favorite thing to photograph? Do you have a prop library?</i></b></div>
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xoxo, Moe</div>
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Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-30308451757776401302020-02-11T11:00:00.001-05:002021-06-02T10:06:09.486-04:00Daily Actions to Use Your Word of the Year<div style="text-align: justify;">
Each year for the past quite a few years I've chosen a word to work with for the 365 days of that year. <b>Some years have been more successful than others</b>. Most years I choose a word and then say 'oh shit, I guess I picked that word 360 days ago. Yikes!' near the end of the year. But some years I've been super intentional. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5kmbPGf6afz-Ulyl7wtZUXSK9j4lKroFNqIeWcWomx25jfRFiyoBF9QKwXy0XpeOxVjplQQLDyVWquTKJvAxTZwnJCcAYpBM7qxYsXMk-R6bRqs8A6Kgdw5cbzkDkwEFbuEIR8-DiBTX/s1600/Bond+with+Your+Word+of+the+Year.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5kmbPGf6afz-Ulyl7wtZUXSK9j4lKroFNqIeWcWomx25jfRFiyoBF9QKwXy0XpeOxVjplQQLDyVWquTKJvAxTZwnJCcAYpBM7qxYsXMk-R6bRqs8A6Kgdw5cbzkDkwEFbuEIR8-DiBTX/s1600/Bond+with+Your+Word+of+the+Year.PNG" width="650" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i></div>
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Words I've chosen before have been <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/focus" target="_blank">Focus</a>, <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/explore" target="_blank">Explore</a>, <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/forward" target="_blank">Forward</a>, <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/mindful" target="_blank">Mindful</a>, & <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/authentic" target="_blank">Authentic</a>. I think that <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/mindful" target="_blank">Mindful</a> (2017) and <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/authentic" target="_blank">Authentic </a>(2018) were the first words that I really, really worked with a significant portion of the year. In 2017 I did the <a href="https://www.aliedwards.com/shop/classes/one-little-word-2018" target="_blank">Ali Edwards One Little Word</a> journal class which was very helpful to work with my word consistently. <b>In 2018 I created a <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/January%20Jouranling%20Jump%20Start" target="_blank">Journaling Challenge</a> to help myself find my word and connect with it in the beginning of the year. </b> I intended to <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2019/01/2019-january-journaling-jump-start.html" target="_blank">repeat the challenge in 2019</a>, changing the prompts a little for that year but I honestly can't remember if I completed it or not. <b>Unofficially I'm going to say my word for 2019 was GROWTH, better yet how about TRANSFORM.</b> I grew a whole damn human and grew myself too. If the word of the year is about transformation, boy 2019 was a transformation. I wasn't able to do this in 2020, but the prompts are perfect for anytime of the year! </div>
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<b>In this post though, I want to share with you four simple exercises to connect to your word</b>. You don't have to get elaborate or feel intimidated. This is to<b> help you take actions each day while only putting in the effort to create the actions once</b>! Here is how to connect with your word and work with it consistently all year.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Define it</span></h3>
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<b>First, define your word</b>. Put this at the front of your planner or on your mirror or on your fridge or in your car or at your desk. Put the definition in multiple places. Just be sure you put it where you'll see it everyday. <b>When you define your word you get close to what it actually, truly means.</b> This will help you to decide which aspect of the definition you want to apply to your life. Maybe there is a meaning you didn't know existed. Maybe the official definition is surprising to you. <b>When you define it you'll have a literal grasp of what the word means and then you can find out what it means to you.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Choose 3 areas to apply your word</span></h3>
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Since you'll want to work with this word each day <b>choose three areas of your life that you want to improve with your word</b>. Start with a broad area you want to improve like family or home, personal, work, or health. Then narrow that down with three more (or fewer) focus areas for each section. When it comes to creating your focus areas, <b>ask yourself how your word of the year can be applied</b> to your broad areas. My broad sections this year are family, personal, and online. Then I asked myself how I'd find HARMONY in these three ares.<br />
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<li>Harmony with my family means spending time together as a family of three, giving more, and nurturing our partnership. </li>
<li>Harmony in my personal life means focusing on my spirituality, moving more, and finding time for self-care. </li>
<li>Harmony for my online presence means prioritizing creating content for my blog, my Etsy shop, and my YouTube channel.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Create daily actions</span></h3>
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After you've narrowed down the areas of your life you'd like to improve or focus on with your word, <b>create a list of a daily action (or a few) you can take to apply the word to your life</b>. For example, to spend time with my family I can plan healthy meals, eat at the dinner table, and intentionally shut out technology (phones, computer, distractions, etc). <b>Once you create your daily actions you'll be more likely to take the steps to implement your word</b> rather than just choose it and be done with it. Creating these daily actions also gives you something that you can track. Use a habit tracker in you planner or in your phone to remind you to take these actions daily.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reflect monthly</span></h3>
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Once you've outlined what you'll attempt to do each day to incorporate your word into your life, be sure to set aside time each month to reflect. Maybe you <b>keep a journal each day of how you implemented your actions</b>. You could even do a monthly or weekly habit tracker. <b>Take time when your planning the next month in your planner or calendar to ask yourself how you'll take these daily actions in the future</b>. Remember, everyday is a new day and<b> don't think a missed day or a missed week is a failure. Resolve to do better.</b> Outline how you will do better. And then do better. The only person you need to be better than is the person you were yesterday....and it's ok if you fall behind. Just do the next thing! Just keep going!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bonus: Create a Vision Board</span></h3>
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A bonus activity to connect to your word of the year is to create a vision board. <b>Choose your word and define it on your board</b>. Then create some branches off of that word with your three areas. Under these areas <b>clip pictures from magazines or your Pinterest boards that represent success</b> in these areas. Be sure to <b>include some images of yourself succeeding</b> at those areas too! When you see yourself on your board you're more likely to identify with it! In fact I have a whole post on creating a successful vision board right <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/02/5-vision-board-tips-to-help-you-slay.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Connecting with your word of the year can be a make or break type of deal. <b>Spoilers: if you don't feel like you connect with your word, go ahead and change it!</b> This whole thing is about growth so if you outgrow your word or if it isn't serving you, change it! Doing the <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/January%20Jouranling%20Jump%20Start" target="_blank">January Journaling Jump Start</a> can help you to find a word that you can connect with by asking you questions about your current state. But if that state changes...feel free to change your word. It's your life to live!</div>
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I love breaking down my word in the these manageable chunks because <b>I'm more likely to take action if I have an outlined action to take.</b> Saying to myself 'I'd like to find Harmony this year' doesn't really help me to find it. <b>It's about creating space for your word to occupy through daily actions and behaviors.</b></div>
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If you want some inspiration for a vision board or working with your word this year check out my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWx2QQDGylc" target="_blank">Vision Planner</a> video over on my YouTube channel. You can also find a ton of <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/word%20of%20the%20year" target="_blank">Word of the Year posts</a> on the blog especially this one on <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2017/03/make-it-monday-diy-digital-mantra.html" target="_blank">Mantras</a>. Mantras are my favorite way to work with words each year! I shared on Instagram my mantra for my word Harmony, you can see it <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4aE45jpYrl/" target="_blank">here</a>. Read more about my vision planner <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/vision%20planner" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<b><i>What is your word of 2020? How did you discover it?</i></b></div>
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xoxo, Moe </div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>listen to this blog post below:</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div>
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Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-24274891570528280682020-01-20T11:00:00.000-05:002020-01-20T11:00:15.783-05:00Make it Monday // Easy Crochet Pen Case<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been a crafty lady for as long as I remember. I'd used to sit at my grandma's house cutting up her McCall's magazines. I'd color anything that sat still. I just loved to make stuff! <b> I've been a crafty person longer than I've been a planner person and my favorite thing is when two of my hobbies collide - crochet & planning.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxff3KYHCeWp_KNFKsBy9KbjJnXJTpiQJl1U-Vu1sOd7T1RZP-b16rtI7CW9Cc3PCTiMkY2tkK11HgP92m0J6sumCsaycPo4BQ4cB0JrUCNTV-V7duGRmyjEFrRqHCdSE1kAhFOK2Af2rZ/s1600/IMG_7556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxff3KYHCeWp_KNFKsBy9KbjJnXJTpiQJl1U-Vu1sOd7T1RZP-b16rtI7CW9Cc3PCTiMkY2tkK11HgP92m0J6sumCsaycPo4BQ4cB0JrUCNTV-V7duGRmyjEFrRqHCdSE1kAhFOK2Af2rZ/s1600/IMG_7556.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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I remember when I learned to crochet just a simple chain. I think I learned when I was in elementary school and I felt pretty cool. The first hat I made was bright yellow. I'd crochet a row and then ask my grandma what to do next. She'd tell me <i>'do two double crochets in every third stitch'</i> and I'd do that around, then she'd tell me the next step. Eventually I ended up with a bright yellow beanie! That was in maybe middle school or my freshman year of high school. My French class went to Canada my freshman year and I wore that hat!</div>
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A few years ago I crocheted a blanket in 10 days for one of Zach's siblings. When I was unemployed in 2012 up here in Michigan I crocheted a butt ton of granny square blankets. I crocheted <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2013/03/make-it-monday-65-crochet-blanket.html" target="_blank">this blanket for our first house</a> (and we still have it!). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5E7NKfgIOGZJQLdHczEYprjkcBJ2UjwOYiqR29RbWZlw-LJ42cZr_Da6Lu7Jb9KEFQB_eSI_sj-gXPgTwbMYIguCGyU4P7UdL15b1KB9N2fKFBFm2NQtABRY9TIrtS3PgiwcxIxMgI_Ch/s1600/IMG_7545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5E7NKfgIOGZJQLdHczEYprjkcBJ2UjwOYiqR29RbWZlw-LJ42cZr_Da6Lu7Jb9KEFQB_eSI_sj-gXPgTwbMYIguCGyU4P7UdL15b1KB9N2fKFBFm2NQtABRY9TIrtS3PgiwcxIxMgI_Ch/s1600/IMG_7545.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
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<b>I've been a planner lady for quite a while too</b> - ever since we got a planner in high school to use! I would decorate that little thing with magazine clippings, highlighters....you name it! I think <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2012/01/my-blog-planner-how-to-stay-on-track.html" target="_blank">this post is really the first post</a> I shared about a planner on the blog. That post didn't even begin to match where I am now in planning. Hell, you can even <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F_OLOZ9MM8&feature=emb_title" target="_blank">watch this video</a> where I outright say 'I don't understand why people use stickers in their planners.' And boy, look at me now!</div>
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Recently I've been seeing these <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=crochet%20planner%20pouch&rs=typed&term_meta[]=crochet%7Ctyped&term_meta[]=planner%7Ctyped&term_meta[]=pouch%7Ctyped" target="_blank">cute little crocheted planner and pen cases</a>! I can't stand how adorable they are. I definitely never thought I'd crochet anything for my planner but here we are. Now that I have a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjVyGju_4ZQ" target="_blank">Hobonichi Weeks</a> I plan to crochet a pouch for it as well. Man the possibilities have become endless!</div>
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So I'm here today to share with you the quick and dirty pen case crochet pattern - if you can even call it that! Seriously this is super easy and it will work through your yarn stash!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOCw_PprRtA6QKlAmF_FeFr0iP8EqBDPyCrHYTLO9_0wAUkXneaqT7_BwQP1Na8el82NtY6YORiwNnIRh2_9W3iW9zM1Ulkq3x0-5anKXw65rgA3jsDW_rS_G_jxa3VkqQAX52FHffyXH/s1600/IMG_7555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOCw_PprRtA6QKlAmF_FeFr0iP8EqBDPyCrHYTLO9_0wAUkXneaqT7_BwQP1Na8el82NtY6YORiwNnIRh2_9W3iW9zM1Ulkq3x0-5anKXw65rgA3jsDW_rS_G_jxa3VkqQAX52FHffyXH/s1600/IMG_7555.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
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<i>supplies // scrap yarn, <a href="https://amzn.to/380KmMf" target="_blank">size I crochet hook</a></i></div>
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Are you ready for this? </div>
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Chain 8, sc in second chain from hook and all the way across, 2 sc in last chain, do not turn.</div>
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Begin to work in the round by sc in back loop of chain across. Do not join.</div>
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Sc in the first sc from the first row and begin to work in the round.</div>
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Sc in each sc until pouch measures 5.5 inches, end on the side of the pouch with a slip stitch, weave in ends.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbJhphlPf2NoaOLPwS8Bg5p_X8cVOskmvFGPve-0rwy0ayw_ZVdk93s72YwgL92LhRku0JBRSACDcyuzzya0PnhYruppbRU_koqJ0Cv9xiOjRM9N_fihxfs9BdOfRJxUAMawc2pHB176V/s1600/IMG_7540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbJhphlPf2NoaOLPwS8Bg5p_X8cVOskmvFGPve-0rwy0ayw_ZVdk93s72YwgL92LhRku0JBRSACDcyuzzya0PnhYruppbRU_koqJ0Cv9xiOjRM9N_fihxfs9BdOfRJxUAMawc2pHB176V/s1600/IMG_7540.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
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<b>This pattern is so simple I don't know if you'd even call it a pattern! </b> You can seriously bust your stash and gift a ton of your planner friends with little pen pouches! Store your pens, tweezers, <a href="https://amzn.to/2TjKm5Z" target="_blank">mildliners</a>, highlighters...you name it. And maybe even throw a crochet hook or two in there.</div>
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I'm just gonna whip a few of these guys up with my yarn stash!</div>
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<b><i>What two hobbies of yours do you wish would collide?</i></b></div>
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xoxo, Moe</div>
Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-10219486705135191902020-01-15T11:00:00.000-05:002020-01-15T11:00:01.392-05:00Diet Culture and my Postpartum Experience<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let's start this off with the punch line - at my 2 week postpartum check up I was down 10 pounds. By my 4 week postpartum check up I was down 20 pounds total. To a lot of people that sounds great, right? Personally, I was at the lowest weight I'd been in a long, long, long while. But being 20 pounds down wasn't cause for celebration.</div>
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<b>I'd lost 20 pounds in a month because I flat out wasn't eating.</b><br />
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Hi, hello, how are you.....I've not regularly posted in quite a while because I've been very busy. <b>Very busy is a very big understatement.</b> I was growing a baby over the last year and nothing I used to do really gave me any excitement. If you've followed this blog for a while you'll know that I don't force things if I'm not feeling it. The blog, YouTube channel, Instagram, Facebook, my planner.....none of that sounded like a fun idea so I didn't do it. It wasn't the plan to leave all of these things high and dry...yet here we are.</div>
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<b>So, I lost 20 pounds.</b></div>
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After I gave birth to Marcus I lost a lot of blood and my blood pressure dropped. It wasn't scary in the moment to me because I do this thing now where I speak up because my doctor has made my comfortable enough to do so......so <b>I said 'hey I feel dizzy, I think I may pass out' and then I heard my blood pressure reading being called out every few minutes as they monitored me</b> and my doctor stitched me up. In the days after giving birth my iron was also low. I was also sent home with very little breastfeeding support (in my opinion), with a newborn, and a set of whacked out hormones.</div>
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<b>Long story short when I got home I just stopped eating.</b></div>
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I'm not sure if I cut out eating subconsciously because there was so much going on or what but there just wasn't enough time for it. I'm not sure if it was the ridiculous hormones, the pressure of breast feeding, the fact that my child was dehydrated, the lack of sleep, or like I said JUST PLAIN ALL OF IT. But I literally just stopped eating.</div>
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When I start to tell my story I make a point to mention that in a month, in 4 weeks, in 28 days I lost 20 pounds. That means I almost lost a pound a day. <b>When I tell this to people the first thing they say is 'OMG congrats! That's so great!'</b> To which I say 'No, its not. I wasn't eating anything.' And that doesn't seem to give them pause like it would me. <b>Not eating meant I wasn't getting the nutrients I needed to heal let alone the extra nutrients I needed to produce milk. My lack of milk production lead to even more stress which compounded not eating.</b></div>
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If you're not familiar with the term, you're probably familiar with the definition. <b>NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) defines Diet Culture saying:</b></div>
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<li>Diet culture conflates size and health, pathologizing some body types. (This means that the view that fat = bad seeps into the medical field and instead of prescribing evidence based medical intervention patients are told to 'lose weight' as the cure to their ailment. I am so thankful that my OB/GYN did not treat me this way...man I love that woman!)</li>
<li>Diet culture encourages following external rules about what, when, and how much to eat.</li>
<li>Diet culture suggests that people are more or less good/moral/worthy based on their body size.</li>
<li>Diet culture creates thin privilege, which makes thinness a gatekeepr for jobs/benefits/comfort/accommodation.</li>
<li>Diet culture suggests movement as a punishment for, or prevention of, being fat, rather than for other reasons like fun or personal goals.</li>
<li>Diet culture views fat people as less valuable and more risk-able.</li>
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<b>More long story short - Diet Culture means that losing 20 pounds by any means, at any time, especially after pregnancy, is a good thing.</b></div>
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While diet culture can affect anyone, women truly feel it the most. Being a woman means your body open for commentary and is meant for either the enjoyment of, or disapproval by, others. Your body is not yours. Your body is seen so your body is expected to conform. It's ok to be 'fat' while pregnant but afterwards, if you drop the baby weight and more - that is to be celebrated! <b>But what about the mental and physical health of the mother during this weight loss?</b></div>
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My stress, my hormones, my inability to cope with what just happened to me exacerbated by the anxiety I felt when the sun went down and while breastfeeding led me to stop eating. I stopped eating and thus I stopped producing milk and thus it was impossible to feed my child. The life I'd just brought into the world was jaundiced, dehydrated, hungry......and in a few short weeks it would be 'great that I'd lost 20 pounds.'</div>
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When I was 10 pounds down at my 2 week appointment I thought I was lucky. <b>By my 4 week appointment the second 10 pounds concerned me. It also concerned my doctor.</b></div>
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When I stopped breastfeeding my hormones balanced and I have to say currently, right now, I literally feel 200% better. And I'm not using the word 'literally' in a figurative manner here. The way I felt from week 1 to week 5 compared to how I feel now and how I felt even 2 days after stopping breastfeeding is literal night and day. <b>I was 100% not myself and I didn't realize how scary that was until I started to feel me again.</b> I also gained my appetite back.</div>
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Why am I sharing this with you all? Because <b>it is important to tune into our bodies</b>. It is important to listen to gut feelings, to listen to our bodies, and to have the courage to tell someone (like your doctor) that you're scared. It is also important not to get discouraged and if someone doesn't give you the support you need you continue to search for it. I am thankful that my friends & family were with me during the first few weeks postpartum. I think I would have given up on seeking any answers if it weren't for them. </div>
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I'm not sure if it was the hormones that balanced after stopping breastfeeding or the fact that stopping breastfeeding meant there wasn't one more thing on my plate.....but stopping breastfeeding made me sane and allowed me to eat. <b>I am able to show up better for my child and for myself. </b> And as for my body after pregnancy? It just grew a life and delivered a child so<b> I don't care if my belly is a little jiggly still and my boobs hang a little lower, I care that it is still carrying me and I'm able to carry my child.</b></div>
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I want to share this with you all because <b>I want at least one person out there to realize they are seen</b>. Our postpartum bodies do not need to get back into shape, we do not need to bounce back to what we once were. <b>We are jiggly and saggy because we are clay. We are being molded into the women we are meant to be.</b> And that journey is not the same for everyone. I want women to know that your body just did a thing that we still don't fully understand and we are on the other side of it.</div>
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Did you know that we as homo sapiens evolved to walk up right, accommodating our huge brains, but that the plates in our scull overlap each other as we exit the birth canal in order to fit? Did you know that the cervix stretches an enormous amount and is under enormous strain during birth but then will shrink right back to pre pregnancy size with no problem? Did you know the elasticity the cervix tissue when not pregnant is dramatically (and I mean dramatically) reduced? Did you know we still don't understand a lot of this? <b>Woman literally have life erupt from them. You try giving birth to the universe and being the person you were before that. <i>It is hard to become. </i></b></div>
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I wrote the majority of this post in the beginning of October 2019. It is currently January 2020. Rereading this made me happy that I'd written this down because I've already forgotten a lot of the trauma that I'd experienced immediately after Marcus's birth. I am in such a better place right now that I even was in October 2019. I transformed into so many women since giving birth and I can't wait to see who else I can become. <b>The truth is though you will discover the you that you become is the you that you were all a long.</b></div>
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xoxo, Moe</div>
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Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-43387179833690290012020-01-13T10:52:00.000-05:002020-01-13T10:52:11.064-05:00Best Sticker Books to Bullet Journal your Planner<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you've been following me for a while you'll know that my <b>current favorite planning system comes form <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search?q=happy+planner" target="_blank">The Happy Planner</a></b>. The Happy Planner was introduced in 2015 I'm pretty sure and I've been using it since at least 2017. I posted <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90q2wdn6h-c" target="_blank">this unboxing/review video</a> in November of 2015! Can you believe it? <span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtoRRQUU-w8gR4PTKFl4-ypF-h21oQqROHb-B0gPXyAZ74qUSksr_5fgkv2zcHDa1iaNLx9vllL6ppCj8cjpN3ulnPsHY6v7oU89EJukWwcTLA8SgYWD16vBreB3bZsjLQdVTyAjsAgAm/s1600/IMG_7473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtoRRQUU-w8gR4PTKFl4-ypF-h21oQqROHb-B0gPXyAZ74qUSksr_5fgkv2zcHDa1iaNLx9vllL6ppCj8cjpN3ulnPsHY6v7oU89EJukWwcTLA8SgYWD16vBreB3bZsjLQdVTyAjsAgAm/s1600/IMG_7473.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure </span><a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/3a4VJVl" target="_blank">The Happy Planner</a> has come a long way since 2015 with both their planner styles and assorted stickers. I have no idea exactly how many sticker books they've released but it's a flipping ton! I remember when their tabs weren't laminated and we all came up with hacks to make them sturdy. I also remember when morning, afternoon, and evening were printed on the side of the columns. I <i>also </i>remember when their stickers were really glossy and thick. The best adjustment Happy Planner made was to make their stickers thinner and on a matte paper so we could write on them better. The planner community and planner brands have seen a glow up since 2015 (remember how crappy the <a href="https://amzn.to/3a2arfD" target="_blank">Webster's Pages</a> launch was and how crappy the planners were? They have become a leading planner company too!)</div>
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<b>In 2020 I am going to completely Bullet Journal my planner</b> by using the oodles of filler paper I have and the bazillion sticker books I own. My goal this year is to not buy any more planner supplies! Lord knows I don't need any more stickers! Creating your own planner layouts is super simple especially with the amount of <a href="https://amzn.to/36Pl3MN" target="_blank">sticker books</a> The Happy Planner has created! Here are the Top 4:</div>
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A Color Story Books</h3>
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These books are great because the <b>stickers are already curated for you.</b> These books are great for beginners too because of the curation of the stickers. If you're not too sure about creating layouts and using different elements these books offer full decorative boxes, empty boxes for appointments, and some deco all curated together. With these books you pick a few pages and use the elements there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZBejjeaPHt-1ZXWJl0tiTtOL8U8StfoH_B-rB1x321uifqlynNmgYa5ft2tHiBJSc4onPdYpohU1TkV3356PF3ldqMsGDxS2Ok4kne88MBDIhs24KZvwlUv6-vJX1tWFbaXsZKKTYd6J/s1600/IMG_7466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZBejjeaPHt-1ZXWJl0tiTtOL8U8StfoH_B-rB1x321uifqlynNmgYa5ft2tHiBJSc4onPdYpohU1TkV3356PF3ldqMsGDxS2Ok4kne88MBDIhs24KZvwlUv6-vJX1tWFbaXsZKKTYd6J/s1600/IMG_7466.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
Sometimes I get overwhelmed when flipping through and entire themed sticker book like <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">Simply Lovely</a> because there are so many elements that can be used. With the <b>A Color Story books you get 4 pages of coordinating stickers</b> so you don't have to figure out what really goes together. You can also create one of my favorite planning trends - the sticker cluster!</div>
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Journaling Stickers</h3>
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Bullet Journaling is traditionally done with just a pen. Some use highlighters and color coding but the majority of the spread is in pen. <b>The Happy Planner came out with a few journaling sticker books that can help you achieve that aesthetic with out having to doodle everything!</b> These sets have functional habit trackers, dates & days, boxes, etc but the book also have cute doodles to spice up your planner spread. Since they are black and white (or have a little bit of gold foiling) you can keep your spread basic or color in the elements.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXk5r9xhYFBVjrpTCUhgXsJjAKcw4kf9TPgj0a9guP8UYKgjik8yFnWvKVED4Kww8SFMGDw2LyJY0NUI20gHWGNgrwYms3o5qXQhykxAwy4rvBCS20HDgpJjpwQPbhvOoQ-HZNZTPLLe6/s1600/IMG_7463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXk5r9xhYFBVjrpTCUhgXsJjAKcw4kf9TPgj0a9guP8UYKgjik8yFnWvKVED4Kww8SFMGDw2LyJY0NUI20gHWGNgrwYms3o5qXQhykxAwy4rvBCS20HDgpJjpwQPbhvOoQ-HZNZTPLLe6/s1600/IMG_7463.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
I've seen planner peeps create mood trackers out of some of the elements and then color them in daily. I use these books mainly for the days and the date stickers but I'm hoping to branch out to a pen only spread!</div>
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Brights Sticker Book</h3>
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Another sticker book that offers a lot for bullet journaling is the Brights sticker book. This one has days of the week and number stickers for dates but it also <b>has some washi style stickers that can help divide your page and some tabs to help you break up or section off your planner.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCo0ZlDbgMVh97iHAaLh07y3cidLw3kDLzazQSRLu95lK6tMoIA4gEsCa8ljP5THeLwOS6n2YM9H56QMobLkhfO-hw3ECLFYq7rXhZoOYbRY8pKdZB6znLtIRxrbI80giwcwMMnX_A5OkX/s1600/IMG_7470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCo0ZlDbgMVh97iHAaLh07y3cidLw3kDLzazQSRLu95lK6tMoIA4gEsCa8ljP5THeLwOS6n2YM9H56QMobLkhfO-hw3ECLFYq7rXhZoOYbRY8pKdZB6znLtIRxrbI80giwcwMMnX_A5OkX/s1600/IMG_7470.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
This is one of the first books I thought of when it came to creating a bullet journal style. Like the name of the book says, the stickers included are very bright but still pretty functional. <b>If you had to get one sticker book to start you off on creating your own layouts I'd say grab this one because it's got so much.</b></div>
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Dates & Holidays</h3>
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An essential part of creating your own layouts is having numbers and months to add to your planner. <b>These books allow you to create some fun monthly layouts since they have the months of the year and some holiday stickers.</b> You could knock out all of your monthly layouts in one sitting (or a couple, it take a lot to make these damn spreads!) without worrying which stickers to use.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWH9YfVJjxBGWVDITezNLhzrCFrpRNRh1_stwmJjDg-N8w141mnA3qqpMwlPHmAkjm0F8JtoXpyXKAnf0VPR0uj8MjfzAs6a8CRJqP7c7ZRuE9ld5gqTPuShSuVIL_jI0G3JcVUOgTd-g/s1600/IMG_7469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWH9YfVJjxBGWVDITezNLhzrCFrpRNRh1_stwmJjDg-N8w141mnA3qqpMwlPHmAkjm0F8JtoXpyXKAnf0VPR0uj8MjfzAs6a8CRJqP7c7ZRuE9ld5gqTPuShSuVIL_jI0G3JcVUOgTd-g/s1600/IMG_7469.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
Plus you'll achieve a more cohesive look across your planner when you use the same type of stickers through out. Sometimes that is important to me because I love consistency! There are ton of dates and holidays type stickers too and if you've ever gotten (and *ahem* not used) various extension packs, those work too.</div>
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<b>I'm so excited to use the Happy Planner stickers and filler paper to make my own planner in 2020! </b>The Happy Planner system offers so much customization its inspiring. You can check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak56o_P77XM" target="_blank">my first bullet journal spread of 2020 in this video</a> and you'll peep a quick view of my classic happy planner set up. Be sure to subscribe to see more planner layouts this year!<br />
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Want more planner blog posts? Check them all out <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/planner" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<b><i>What are your favorite sticker books to use?</i></b></div>
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xoxo, Moe</div>
Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-22820432715917751042019-12-31T10:41:00.000-05:002019-12-31T10:41:54.802-05:00Five Family Goals to Set for 2020<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>It is hard to believe that the newest decade will begin in just a few short days.</b> We've ended this last decade with a bang - I paid off both my student loans and my car, we got married, we got pregnant, we had the baby, we paid cash for a car, we moved to a suburb of Detroit, and I became an accidental stay at home mom (hopefully its just temporary!). Typing that out, it seems like we jammed a lot into the last two years but <b>honestly our family really formed over the last decade</b>:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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I bought a 1997 Buick Regal in 2010 and <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2010/08/dorm-dec-wednesdays-my-new-pad.html" target="_blank">started my last year of college</a>. I graduated college in 2011. I moved in with my BFF and started my first job. I got another job. <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2011/08/wedding-recap-what-you-may-have-missed.html" target="_blank">My BFF got married</a>. <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2011/10/sum-up-sundays-lazy-life.html" target="_blank">Zach and I met in 2011</a> (<a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2011/10/columbus-day-last-week-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">this post</a> is about when we met but half of the pictures are missing!). After being together for a short 4 months Zach left the military, <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/LDR" target="_blank">moved back to Michigan, found a job and house</a>.....and then I moved up there in August of 2012. I talk about my life over that <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2012/05/on-growing-older-one-year-since.html" target="_blank">last year in this post</a>. We <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2012/08/4-ways-to-make-pit-stop-home-lifes.html" target="_blank">stayed in the apartment above the garage</a> at his parent's house for about a month-ish until we moved into the house. <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2012/09/wednesday-decor-our-dream-basement-redo.html" target="_blank">We remodeled the house</a>. <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2013/04/what-if-this-is-it-what-if-im-happy.html" target="_blank">I got a job</a>. We remodeled the house again. I bought a new car. Zach got a new job & went to Korea. We said we'd try that job for a year since it involved a lot of travel.....Zach kept that job for about 6 years. We lost our dog. We got a new dog. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/moetakeskorea2015/" target="_blank">I went to Korea.</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/moetakestokyo/" target="_blank">We drank too much in Japan</a>. We traveled the world. We decided to settle down. We <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/moetakeskorea2018/" target="_blank">went to Korea one last time with my BFF</a>. We planned a wedding. I paid off my student loans. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/becomingbergsma/" target="_blank">We got married</a>. We got pregnant. I paid off my car. We had the baby. We paid cash for a bigger vehicle. We packed up the house we built this life in. We moved to a suburb of Detroit. And now we're patiently waiting to start the next decade.</div>
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That was the last decade in a nutshell and it was a ridiculous ride. <b><i>I'm a vastly different person than I was a decade ago and I'm doing (and planning) vastly different things.</i></b> While long term goals involve things like finding a new job, there are a few goals I want to set for 2020. I hope they inspire you, too.</div>
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<b>Give More</b> </h3>
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Before I knew I'd have such a hard time breastfeeding I'd hoped to be able to donate breast milk. Since having a hard time breastfeeding I've decided to focus on donating to organizations that support maternal mental health. I hope to donate clothes, toys, etc to a second hand shop here supported by an organization that serves survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. I hope to start an annual birthday tradition to give to organizations we care about. I hope to pass this to Marcus as well - in honor of his first birthday we'll donate toys, money, or time to an organization we care about. Then eventually I hope he'll choose an organization to support. One of my biggest personal mantras (I'd guess you'd call it) is when you have, give. It is the reason why I tip well. It is the reason why I'm patient. It is the way I try to live my life.</div>
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<b>Start a College Fund</b></h3>
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We actually just got the info in the mail from our financial adviser on starting a college fund. Getting and paying on my student loans has really inspired me to start a fund to alleviate some of the burden of higher education. Zach decided to join the military to pay for his schooling and that has been a blessing financially for us while he pursues his master's courses. Seeing where the price of higher education is heading - like it's really scary - make me what to prepare him as best he can. The best part of this fund is that it can go towards trade training as well!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Icons made by <a href="https://www.flaticon.com/authors/freepik" title="Freepik">Freepik</a>, <a href="https://www.flaticon.com/authors/those-icons" title="Those Icons">Those Icons</a>, <a href="https://www.flaticon.com/authors/srip" title="srip">srip</a>, <a href="https://www.flaticon.com/authors/prettycons" title="prettycons">prettycons</a> from <a href="https://www.flaticon.com/" title="Flaticon">www.flaticon.com</a></span></div>
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<b>Eat Dinner at the Table</b></h3>
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Marcus is going to be moving into solid foods here shortly so I want to make it a priority to eat at the table. (We just put together <a href="https://amzn.to/369PYmF" target="_blank">this high chair</a> and I can't wait to use it - he's getting so big!) Previously, Zach and I would eat where ever. It was just us and it didn't really matter so we ate dinner in the living room off of the coffee table, ate breakfast in the bed, ate lunch at our desks if we were crafting and gaming. I can say we probably ate around our table maybe a dozen times the 7 years we were in our first house. We both grew up eating around the table and its important to us to build up a family relationship. I also want to start some dinner time conversations so we all can be creative and share what we care about.</div>
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<b>Practice Gratitude</b></h3>
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Gratitude turns what we have into enough. This is one of my newest mantras for 2020. We aren't in the financial situation we'd like to be...but we prepared for where we are. Zach had been looking for a new job since our wedding because we knew we'd be 'settling down'. It just so happened that right after I pushed out Marcus he got a call for the job that had us move. The possibility of our lives being uprooted in more ways than one was very real to us so we started to prepare. I realize that saving, budgeting, etc is a privilege that a lot of people don't have and in our situation we are still able to give...which circles back to the first goal to give and trickles down to the next two. With gratitude comes abundance. I <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl8gFR4l3s8/" target="_blank">posted this quote on my Instagram in August 2018</a> and I hope to continue to live by this as we move into 2020.</div>
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<b>Use Technology with Intention</b></h3>
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I've been zoning out to the TV and Instagram for a while now. Staying at home all day is lonely especially with a child that can't talk yet! I know when he starts talking he's not gonna be quiet! But things like Instagram have been a distraction rather than a productivity tool. There's time I'm spending zoning out to Catfish during nap time that I could dedicate to my online endeavors - the blog or YouTube or Facebook - and to finding a job. Job hunting is discouraging! I never thought I'd want to stay home with my kid but these past few months have been eye opening. Using technology intentionally should be a way to refocus on finding the job I really love.<br />
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Over the course of this blog I've struggled a lot with goals. I'd set them and then forget them. I'd set too grand an expectation. Eventually I started with something I called <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/Four%20Simple%20Goals" target="_blank">Four Simple Goals</a> where I set out to get a few things done each month. Then I set up a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWx2QQDGylc" target="_blank">Vision Planner</a> and started doing a word for each year and I think I've developed quite a good way of making my own progress.<br />
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I hope to be able to blend these goals with my word of the year for 2020: Harmony. There's a lot that is new so I've got to find Harmony with it all!<br />
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If you'd like to learn more about my goal journey, click through some of the links above. And if you'd like to discover how 2019 treated you and how you'd like to enter 2020 check out the past two years of <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/January%20Jouranling%20Jump%20Start" target="_blank">January Journaling Jump Start</a>. Even though one was for 2017 into 2018 and the other for 2018 into 2019 you can totally do them for 2020! Who knows...maybe I'll have a set of prompts for 2020, I just haven't had the time!<br />
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<b><i>What are your personal and family goals for 2020? How do you plan to take action on them?</i></b><br />
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xoxo, Moe</div>
Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-34885012227235914532019-12-09T11:00:00.000-05:002019-12-09T11:00:06.704-05:00Top Five Survival Tips for New Moms<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>About four months ago I became a brand new mom.</b> I was immediately thrown into a whirlwind of a crying baby, sleepless nights, raging hormones, and the struggle to communicate with my partner. I honestly have never been the person I was in those first few weeks. It was scary for me. <b>Being thrust into motherhood is something I thought I was prepared for but I totally wasn't.</b></div>
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For some mothers, motherhood comes easy. And that is great for them! For others its a couple week long train wreck of survival. Neither of these is wrong. If you fall somewhere in the middle, that's not wrong either. There was once a time that I confessed to my mother that I regretted doing this, I didn't want to be a mom any more, and I wanted it to stop. Postpartum was hard. Postpartum IS HARD. As someone on the other side of a time I thought would never end (and now dealing with a sleep regression) I wanted to share with you the things I've learned that have kept me sane.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Use your Support System</span></h2>
Whether this is a sleep class, a mom friend, a counselor, your midwife, your doctor, your partner, a book.....there are resources out there. <b>Please do not be afraid to voice what you need</b>. I know this is easier said than done but the first few weeks after birth you & your baby are just in survival mode. Do not be afraid to reach for help, surround yourself with support. This is something I didn't know I'd need postpartum. I took a sleep class (Taking Cara Babies is the best, I totally recommend it), I read the literature the hospital gave us at various classes, I am a responsible person...I thought it was going to be a breeze. But <b>I needed more help postpartum</b>. Don't let anyone tell you that you are fine. <b>If there were any time in your life to be honest and truthful, now is that time.</b> Tell anyone and everyone you trust how you feel so that they can advocate for you if you feel that you can't advocate for yourself. I didn't know what to do so I just said how I felt hoping someone would guide me.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Create a plan of attack</span><b> </b></h2>
Following the above paragraph,<b> creating a plan of attack can give you some guidance to go forward as you move day to day</b>. Things probably won't go smoothing when you're sleep deprived which is why creating a plan can h<b>elp you keep a level head and know what to do and expect at certain times</b>. Go over this with your partner too so you both have a plan to support each other. Hell, go over this with your flipping mom, sister, grandma, best friend so they can support you too. </div>
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The example I have for this and one I keep going back to is the sleep class I took. I don't have an affiliate link for this class, I'm totally recommending it because its amazing - <a href="https://takingcarababies.com/" target="_blank">Taking Cara Babies</a>. I'd make schedules on my phone for sleep and eating and even though they totally weren't followed it gave me and idea of what to anticipate. I just did this the night before writing this post. I created a plan of attack based on Cara's suggestions for the four month sleep regression. <b> Create a plan of attack around what triggers you. Create a plan of attack around what will help you survive.</b></div>
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<b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Time moves fast but also incredibly slow</span></b></h2>
<span style="text-align: justify;">As a brand new mom I absolutely despised hearing 'it's just a phase' or 'this is going to pass' or 'things will get better'. <b>I wanted to feel validated. So, I want to tell you - I see you.</b> When you're in the thick of it you can't see the path to relief. Time moves unbearably slow. Sleep deprivation is real. You think you're losing it. <b>Right now, in the middle of all of this, focus on surviving.</b> Use your attack plan but you also need to survive. You need to make it through each minute. Your feelings are valid.</span></div>
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I mentioned above that I confessed to my mom that I didn't want to do this. Things became so overwhelming to me I stopped eating. In 4 weeks I'd lost 20 pounds. I weighed less than what I did at my first prenatal appointment. I wasn't surviving. <b>Use resources, create a plan of attack, survive. If you take care of yourself first then you can provide for your child the best. </b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mark the little wins</span></b></h2>
For the first few days/weeks postpartum any little win I felt I had or Marcus had I marked in my phone. It was a good diary to see progress. <b>This was a part of my plan of attack too - if I could see where we came from then I knew where we could go</b>. I marked my first poop (not his, mind you, but mine) after delivery. I marked that we were at the doctor's appointment on time. I marked that I brushed my hair, I took a shower, I ate, I slept. This helped me to feel like I was becoming more me. This helped me to see that I was getting through it.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cuddle them when you feel you can</span></h2>
If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed it's ok to go through the motions. Survive. Provide for your child but preserve yourself. Motherhood is hard. That being said <b>if you feel good if you feel like you want to hold him just a little longer please please PLEASE do it. </b>You’ll never regret holding him a minute more. This is something I struggled with. I was so overwhelmed that I just wanted him to sleep. I also wanted to lay a good sleep foundation for him from birth. But I've never regretted holding him a little longer. Because time moves painfully slow but also incredibly fast. Babies don't keep.</div>
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I can't stress enough how important it is to remember to survive the first few weeks postpartum. Self preservation is at an all time high along with your concern for your child. Motherhood is honestly a team effort. You need the people & resources in your arsenal that aren't sleep deprived, healing, and feeling like a hormonal train wreck. </div>
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Like I said, for some the transition to motherhood come easily. Do not compare yourself to anyone if you feel you're not 'getting it as easy'. The biggest thing to remember is that your feelings are valid and you're not alone. <b>If you're surviving, you're doing great.</b></div>
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Thank you for sticking through this post and reading parts where I've felt most vulnerable. I made a promise to myself to never tell a new mom 'it get's better' because that is not solid advice. Solid advice is listening and affirming. I see you momma. I know it's hard.</div>
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<b><i>What helped you navigate motherhood in those first few days?</i></b></div>
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xoxo, Moe</div>
Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-8584165714256482142019-11-12T11:00:00.000-05:002019-11-12T11:00:02.718-05:00Three Keto Dough Recipes I Always Have on Hand<div style="text-align: justify;">
While I was pregnant with Marcus I was advised to start eating low-carb toward the end of my pregnancy. Turns out I was growing a large baby and we needed to limit the carbs so that he didn't bust from my nether regions like bigfoot. Too much? Well, that's the truth!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.</span></div>
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Eating low carb was not what I wanted to do with my life, especially nearing the end of my pregnancy when I wanted ice cream and Oreos! (spoilers: <a href="https://amzn.to/2r35jpv" target="_blank">this is my favorite low carb ice cream.</a>) Honestly, when deciding to go low-carb one of my goals was to still be able to eat bread and sweets. Finding some <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/fivesixteenths/what-he-should-make-me-for-dinner/" target="_blank">Keto friendly recipes on Pinterest</a> was an obsession of mine...second to actually testing them out!</div>
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Over the last few months of my pregnancy and even into postpartum I've enjoyed finding and making new Keto recipes but there are 3 'dough' recipes that I always fall back on</div>
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This was the first Keto 'dough' I discovered and it quickly became my go to for everything. Fat Head Dough is basically mozzarella, cream cheese, eggs, and almond flour (or coconut flour). <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/183381016063604713/" target="_blank"> This is the recipe I use each time</a>. Making this dough can get really sticky. Most recipes advise you to wet your hands often when working with the dough but I find using <a href="https://amzn.to/338Z95q" target="_blank">food prep gloves</a> works the best.</div>
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I first experimented with <a href="https://theprimitivepalate.com/2015/01/20/everything-bagel-dogs/" target="_blank">these Fat Head Dough bagels</a> but quickly moved to using this dough to make pigs in a blanket (with <a href="https://amzn.to/34KLFNB" target="_blank">everything bagel seasoning</a>!) & little pizza pockets. <b><i>Let's also talk about how I paired these pigs in a blanket with red wine.</i></b> I've reached ultimate mom mode! I experimented with making little pizza rolls too...this is something I need to work on more. I just found this recipe to make <a href="https://www.mincerepublic.com/buffalo-chicken-empanadas-keto/" target="_blank">chicken empanada pockets</a> and can't wait to have these for easy meals!<br />
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For the pigs in a blanket just make the dough as normal & cut the hot dogs into thirds. With your food prep gloves on, grab a small ball of dough and wrap it around the dog. Place on your pan and then sprinkle with <a href="https://amzn.to/34KLFNB" target="_blank">everything bagel seasoning</a>! You can even brush a little bit of butter on them for that crescent roll taste but these taste great as is. I bake them at the same temperature and time as the bagel recipe.<br />
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It is also important to cook these bad boys on a <a href="https://amzn.to/2pCOVM5" target="_blank">silpat mat</a> I find this dough sticks to anything BUT this. Even greasing tin foil got me no where.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Chaffle</span></h2>
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The Chaffle is something I'm just getting into but I can totally see it being my go to for buns, bread, personal pizza crusts...anything that you need to be hand held & quick! The basic recipe is a cheese & egg mixture cooked in a waffle maker. The waffle maker I've found that works the best for these hand held size portions is the <a href="https://amzn.to/2pCP7eh" target="_blank">Dash Mini Waffle Maker</a>. You may be able to find it on Amazon - it sells out rather quickly - but Target is where I got mine. Plus you can either order online and pick up in store or get it delivered same day with your <a href="http://share.shipt.com/CFDhJ" target="_blank">Shipt subscription</a>!</div>
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I love to whip the simple egg & cheese mix up for a quick breakfast sandwich or a quick pizza lunch. One of my favorite quick lunches has been a <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2015/07/make-it-monday-thin-crust-tortilla-pizza.html" target="_blank">pizza made on a flour tortilla</a>. Prior to having to cut my carbs I'd use whatever tortillas we had...eventually I'd found <a href="https://amzn.to/2oKf2Au" target="_blank">some low-carb ones</a> BUT this chaffle cuts the carbs even more! Just mix 1 egg with 1/2 cup cheese (I usually use mozzarella). This will make two chaffles which makes it perfect for handhelds!</div>
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My favorite chaffle recipe that tastes EXACTLY like bread (so its perfect for sandwiches and toast!) is from <a href="https://www.buttertogetherkitchen.com/white-bread-keto-chaffle/" target="_blank">Butter Together Kitchen</a>. I added a few things here in my own experimentation - instead of 3 tbsp almond flour I went with 2.5 tbsp, then added a half tbsp <a href="https://amzn.to/2WAE5lW" target="_blank">vital wheat gluten</a> (this makes it more bread like) and 1/4 tsp of <a href="https://amzn.to/34mPc4A" target="_blank">Lakanto Classic Monkfruit Sweetener</a>. The <a href="https://amzn.to/2WAE5lW" target="_blank">vital wheat gluten</a> has been a real fun thing to play with and it is in another one of my <a href="https://mouthwateringmotivation.com/2018/07/03/the-amazing-10min-keto-cinnamon-sugar-donuts/" target="_blank">fave low carb doughnut recipes</a>. If you make this recipe my way & with the mini waffle maker you'll get three chaffles. So it might by worth it to double the recipe and make six so you can have 2 more sandwiches later/the next day. Its the perfect meal prep!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Psyllium Husk Roll</span></h2>
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<a href="https://lowcarbdietworld.com/6-years-of-keto-recipes/" target="_blank">This was the first 'roll' recipe</a> I came across and I'd used it to make buns and whatnot for things like pulled chicken sandwiches. (I love to make pulled chicken in my <a href="https://amzn.to/2PHbNVi" target="_blank">Instant Pot</a>!) This recipe also uses and ingredient I was interested in - <a href="https://amzn.to/32aoWcn" target="_blank">psyllium husk</a>. This is basically pure fiber so drinking water is a must but apparently this ingredient helps recipes stay together. <a href="https://amzn.to/32aoWcn" target="_blank">Psyllium husk</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/2WAE5lW" target="_blank">vital wheat gluten</a> are pretty fun things to play with in low carb cooking!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I didn't have a need to make these rolls recently so this image is from the <a href="https://lowcarbdietworld.com/6-years-of-keto-recipes/" target="_blank">original recipe maker, here.</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://lowcarbdietworld.com/6-years-of-keto-recipes/" target="_blank">This is the only recipe</a> I'd ever used the <a href="https://amzn.to/2O92wTV" target="_blank">psyllium husk</a> in and it turns out a pretty nice roll. The are a little odd though. When you first cook them they will come out hard on the outside and then a little gooey on the inside. I put them in a ziplock bag to store them and the next day they were soft on the outside and not gooey but still bread like on the inside. It was odd but this is the results other people got to! I'm excited to continue to experiment with different spices to make these rolls super versatile.</div>
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Another post I need to do is all the sweet things that I eat on Keto! I have a huge sweet tooth and a love of bread so eating those things was important to me when I went to switch my diet up!</div>
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I'm still doing a Keto focused diet though I'm not super strict on myself. I sub a few things here and there - like all these dough recipes, no sugar in my coffee, heavy whipping cream instead of creamer, monkfruit sweetener or stevia for sweetener - in order to just cut a few things out. Overall decreasing my sugar and carb intake rather than obsessing over macros is my long term goal!</div>
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<b><i>What are your favorite low carb recipes? Anything I should try out?</i></b></div>
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xoxo, Moe</div>
Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-53874114732204674442019-10-15T11:00:00.000-04:002019-10-15T11:00:12.538-04:00Getting Started with Candle Magic - Beginner & Advanced<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the very first spells I did when I started exploring witchcraft, paganism, and all around woo woo things was a candle spell. Then the next spell I did was another candle spell! Then I got away from candle magic and focused on a few different things. In the last year or so I haven't done too much spell work but as we move into our new house I'm ready to focus more on my practice/craft so I think I'm going to jump right back in with the simplicity of candle magic!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span></div>
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I am super excited to set up my altar in a new space (we have a sun room!) and it will be more out in the open rather than tucked away in our spare room. I hope that we can also have a family altar in the house!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why Candle Magic?</span></h2>
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<b>First off, candle magic is simple & you don't need much.</b> You need only a candle & matches (and a candle holder but even that can be improvised), your sacred space, and your intent. You can even add in the <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/06/how-to-use-moon-phases-for-self.html" target="_blank">moon phase</a> or day of the week to enhance your spell...but that's about it! You can also make this out to be a full blow ritual depending on the accessories you add - crystals, <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/essential%20oils" target="_blank">oils</a>, herbs....its up to you.</div>
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Candle magic can also be discreet. You don't need spell candles to do this you can use your Bath & Body Works candles, a Dollar Tree candle, a birthday candle....<b>you don't need too much fancy-pantsy-ness to get going and you don't have to be totally out of the broom closet</b>. Candle magic is also great if you maybe don't consider yourself a witch but want to work with sending out your intent into the universe and to work with your own power.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Supplies for Candle Magic</span></h2>
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Like I mentioned before you only need a candle, matches, space, and your intent but you can add extra oomph to a candle spell with other objects:</div>
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Candles</h3>
Like I mentioned above you just need a candle for this! <b>Choose a candle in a color that corresponds to your desired intent</b>. Orange for creativity, Green for abundance (or money!), Blue for communication, etc. If you don't have a candle in a certain color white will do just fine. You can add another layer of power by visualizing the color surrounding your candle giving it power.</div>
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<a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/essential%20oils" target="_blank">Essential Oils</a> (or scented candle)</h3>
Anointing your candle with an essential oil will amplify and add to the spell. I love this book for choosing essential oils to associate with emotions and use it a lot to choose essential oils for intention work. You can use your pink candle and cinnamon for adding passion to your love spell or your green candle and cinnamon for adding oomph to your abundance spell. <b>While I don't think all spells need to have a significant amount of research involved, the more you dedicate yourself to crafting a spell the more likely it is to mean something and feel powerful to you.</b></div>
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Alternatively<b> you can also choose or work with a scented candle</b>. Most of the time you'll find candles in the color associated with their scent - a red candle that is scented with cinnamon, for example. You can also use candles seasonally - a springtime Bath and Body Works candle in the color green for growth and prosperity. <b>Then you can cleanse and set the intention to the candle and each time you burn it reflect on that intention</b>.</div>
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Crystals</h3>
There are a couple of things you can do with crystals during and after your spell work. Again, choose crystals that associate with what you're intentions are: rose quartz for love, pyrite for abundance, carnelian for action, etc. When in doubt go with clear quartz! You can <b>choose a few crystals for your spell and create a crystal grid</b> to send you intention continuously out into the universe or <b>choose one crystal to imbue with your intention and then carry it with you </b>as a reminder.</div>
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Incense/cleansing herbs</h3>
To set up your sacred space and clear it & the candle to make ready for your intention you may choose to burn incense or use other cleansing herbs. <b>The smoke from these items can be used to cleanse the air and your magical objects</b> from anything that has been imprinted on them. You may also choose incense or herbs that have a magical association to your spell to add power to it. <b>Check out <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/07/three-ways-to-cleanse-your-sacred-space.html" target="_blank">this article</a> on 4 ways to cleanse your space.</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/tarot%20cards" target="_blank">Tarot Cards</a></h3>
Working with the energy of the Tarot cards is something I love to do to <b>add a little bit more energy to anything</b>! Choose a card that has the energy you want to work with. The Strength card for strength and courage, 10 of Pentacles for abundance, 2 of Cups for communication or relationship building, The Star for self care or self love, etc. My favorite decks are listed <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/05/current-favorite-oracle-tarot-decks.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/06/how-to-use-moon-phases-for-self.html" target="_blank">Moon Phases</a></h3>
You can track the moon phases and research which phase would be best to perform your spell. <b>This is another resource that isn't going to cost you much!</b> And this can lend to focused preparation to show the universe you are dedicated to this spell and that will make it much more effective.</div>
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Bits and Bobs</h3>
Alternatively to crystals you can <b>choose a trinket or piece of jewelry to enchant to keep as a reminder</b> as well. I am all for visual or tactile reminders of the things I'm attempting to manifest or work towards. You could also make a specific pendant or little ornament to pin to the inside of a jacket for protection, etc.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Casting your Spell</span></h2>
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First off be sure you're using your candle safely! Use a fire safe holder & don't leave your candle unattended. Use common sense when working with a flame.<br />
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<b><i>Candle Spell Basics</i></b><br />
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<li>Set up your space. <b>Make sure you have everything you need to work with</b> as you won't want to leave the space until you've finished the spell.</li>
<li>Cleanse your space with incense, cleansing herbs, or white light visualization.</li>
<li>Cast a circle if that is what you prefer to do. Say a prayer or invocation to set the space. <b>I usually envision a white light sphere encompassing me & my work space</b> and then invite my angles, ancestors, and guides in for protection & guidance.</li>
<li>Cleanse the candle and any other objects/tools you'll be working with. <b>This makes them a blank canvas for you to use in this spell</b> and gets rid of any remnants from previous spells or any energies that may have tagged along after your purchase.</li>
<li>If you're simply using a candle for your spell, light your candle and place it out in front of you. <b>Focus on your intent as you gaze into the candle</b>. Meditate on it. If using a white candle visualize a color association surrounding it. Repeat a mantra or affirmation. Visualize your intention manifesting - what does success of this spell look like? </li>
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Gaze into the candle focusing on your intention for as long as you feel necessary. You can also space this out over a few sessions/nights to help you visualize success over the long term. <b>When you're done be sure to snuff out the candle rather than blow it out</b>. Firstly because you'll be blowing away your intentions and secondly because you've invited the element of fire into your workings - would you be happy if when someone was done working with you they just slammed the door in your face?</div>
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If you want to make this little spell extra special with any added tools, here's how I'd go about doing that:<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Advanced Candle Spells</i></b></div>
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Cleanse your space, cast your circle, invite your guides...all as before.<br />
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<li>Focus on your intention now as you <b>dress the candle with your diluted essential oil</b> (or as you light the candle scented in alignment with your intentions!) If you're looking to bring something towards you anoint your candle (or rub your candle with the oil) from the wick down. If you're looking to banish something from you anoint your candle from the bottom up to the wick.</li>
<li>Place your candle in its holder and light it. <b>If you're using a Tarot Card for it's energy it might be helpful to set the candle on top of the card</b> (just be sure to take precautions against wax!) </li>
<li>Focus now on the candle and meditate on your intent. Repeat a mantra or affirmation. Visualize your intention manifesting. </li>
<li><b>Set up your crystal grid</b> around your candle with the candle as the center. Meditate as you <b>create the grid clockwise to bring things to you or counter clockwise to send things away</b>. If you're working with a single crystal or a trinket hold it between your hands or lay it in front of the candle and hold your hands over it. Send all the energy of your intention into that object. Ask that it help to be a reminder of your intention.</li>
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<b>After you've spent a time you see sufficient performing the spell, meditating, and visualizing, snuff out the candle</b>. If you're spacing your spell out over a few sessions and are able to, you can leave the candle at the center of your crystal grid or replace it with a charged clear quartz tower. If you don't plan to relight the candle over the next few days or if your candle has burned down replace the candle at the center of the grid with your charged quartz and leave the grid for a while to continue to send out your intention.</div>
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Whether you're working a basic or more advanced candle spell, be sure to <b>close your circle or your sacred space</b> however it aligns with your practice. I thank my angels, ancestors, and guides for their protection and guidance and wish them well on their way. I also thank any others that may have come around during the spell and ask that they leave this place and do no harm on their way. </div>
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If you've used a trinket or a single crystal to focus your intention you can now put it where you'd like it to be a reminder of the spell.</div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">What is next?</span></h2>
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<b>Over the next few days, weeks, and even months reflect on your spell and see where your intentions are manifesting</b>. It might be best to journal about this spell and how you're seeing it manifest. Add in what actions you are taking as well.</div>
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After you feel you've spent enough time on the spell, you've seen the change, or you're just ready to do another, clean up the crystal grid or cleanse your trinket or crystal for work again. Alternatively, <b>you can keep your trinket or crystal empowered with your intention by charging it up with the spell again</b>. I think it is important as you reset your tools or your altar to thank each item for its help. Expressing gratitude is a great way to attract the desired result of your spell.</div>
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You may also see that your spell may not completely unfold until a later date!<br />
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If you're interested in learning more about essential oils you can use in your magical practice <b>download my Getting Started with Essential Oils ebook.</b> This short book goes over 10 essential oils that you can use mundanely & magically everyday.</div>
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Now that you've got down the basics and a little bit of the advanced ways to do candle magic it is time for you to try! <b>Because a magical practice is unique to everyone you may find you prefer the simplicity of using just a candle or you prefer the ritual of much more.</b> Anyway you practice is up to you!<br />
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<b><i>What is a practice you've neglected? What is something that is back to your roots?</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
xoxo, Moe</div>
Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-80975043224376575032019-01-01T11:00:00.000-05:002019-01-01T11:00:04.213-05:002019 January Journaling Jump Start<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, here we are again. <b>Another year over & a new on just begun.</b> Last year I did <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/01/january-journaling-jump-start-find-your.html" target="_blank">my own little journal prompt exercise</a> to discover my <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/word%20of%20the%20year" target="_blank">word of the year</a>. <b>It's not that other prompts & challenges out there were bad...<i>it was just that I was bad at them</i></b>. Sometimes I need something that fits me instead of me trying to fit in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv37wTtzu4taWqRN4_bsmQli8lxxVu9keAUGte_rG5T3zCHy02kRjiux4qgCIUqyzzTwYhfkBp5E-OtRIqKtHCqyITV2XJC3snX1iXaIMnPzfU0q42veoakVhbqjdc9fowL4w4eNDewmF/s1600/IMG_3203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv37wTtzu4taWqRN4_bsmQli8lxxVu9keAUGte_rG5T3zCHy02kRjiux4qgCIUqyzzTwYhfkBp5E-OtRIqKtHCqyITV2XJC3snX1iXaIMnPzfU0q42veoakVhbqjdc9fowL4w4eNDewmF/s1600/IMG_3203.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i></div>
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I will say, over the years there's been quite a few things I don't fit into and I've learned to blaze my own trail rather than try to follow along. And so the January Journaling Jump Start was born!</div>
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Last year was my first year coming up with the prompts and <b>this year I changed just a few of them to align more with what I'm looking to discover</b>. So here we go.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What is the January Journaling Jump Start?</span></h2>
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This is <b>a four week journaling prompt exercise to help you reflect on 2018, plan for 2019, research who you want to be, and outline your next action steps</b>. Each week has a theme - reflect, plan, research, outline - and 7 prompts to help you connect with each theme. You can take just a few moments to jot down the answer or get creative in your journal to do a little bit of self care.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8suCLivaYqHDwfu_cJ6V1XdMXYWll5eIZZbhNjID987ZiJA_5rF9OUj7-ZFNL1PUkZNmq8f8epvmKuQySAzFVC2GJpeofi_nzJDvMMXl14SFfEK7lsXQ14sHn7ZOADrXFNngBYmoWP3zY/s1600/ACS_0105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8suCLivaYqHDwfu_cJ6V1XdMXYWll5eIZZbhNjID987ZiJA_5rF9OUj7-ZFNL1PUkZNmq8f8epvmKuQySAzFVC2GJpeofi_nzJDvMMXl14SFfEK7lsXQ14sHn7ZOADrXFNngBYmoWP3zY/s1600/ACS_0105.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
This month long activity will <b>help you discover the perfect word to live by in 2019.</b> Your word should be personal & it should be something you can incorporate into your everyday life over the next year. It's all about <b>focusing on how you want to feel in the new year</b> not necessarily a physical thing you want to gain. It's about<b> making space for a new you so that you can become the person you'd like to be.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How Can I Get Started?</span></h2>
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First download the prompts in the link below. You'll find a set of journaling cards featuring the prompts as well as a link for a planner template download. <b>There are a TON of ways to do this though - use your current journal, <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2016/08/make-it-monday-diy-mini-journal-using.html" target="_blank">create a mini album</a>, make a dedicated <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2017/09/make-it-monday-diy-travelers-notebook.html" target="_blank">travelers notebook</a>, start a <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2016/09/inside-my-listing-journal-free.html" target="_blank">listing journal</a>, add it into <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWx2QQDGylc" target="_blank">your vision planner</a> - just get to it! </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapNhwwDGs4D5wxBqys34oKcu4jlLpfpNMpmi05k7QzSiYsFOkd1jYg87-toZxPbaK3baUboIJKQ7W2wS11qwNh-yPITzoCbLkBAh6riHyLCpbBf4ExcrkC4NVwNWyyXd3s3bMfF71d-mZ/s1600/ACS_0102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapNhwwDGs4D5wxBqys34oKcu4jlLpfpNMpmi05k7QzSiYsFOkd1jYg87-toZxPbaK3baUboIJKQ7W2wS11qwNh-yPITzoCbLkBAh6riHyLCpbBf4ExcrkC4NVwNWyyXd3s3bMfF71d-mZ/s1600/ACS_0102.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
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The best part is that you can be creative in the way that really connects with you! And hey, <b>if these prompts don't connect with you create your own challenge</b> and share it with us in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/fivesixteenthsblog" target="_blank">Five Sixteenths | Live Creative group</a> over on Facebook!</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eQCyAvr7BsKVqRU_U3gwxPJCy3T4RvZK/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DOWNLOAD THE 2019 JANUARY JUMP START HERE</span></b></a></div>
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If you want to check out last year's journal prompts (they are very similar so you can totally use those journal cards too), click <a href="https://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/01/january-journaling-jump-start-find-your.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <b>The journal cards for this year's prompts work perfectly with the December Patreon Printable of the Month, too.</b> If you're down to join in on an ever growing library of printables, <b>join the Printable of the Month Club for only $3 a month! </b><a href="https://www.patreon.com/join/MoeHoward/checkout?rid=1876646" target="_blank">Click here to join.</a></div>
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Happy 2019 my friends!<br />
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<b>What is your word for 2019? Have you chosen a word for your year before?</b></div>
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xoxo, Moe</div>
Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-12290779378831491012018-12-11T11:00:00.000-05:002018-12-11T11:00:04.975-05:00Trend Tuesday // Gift Guide for the Bookworm<div style="text-align: justify;">
So when I was in high school I had a couple of English teachers that really inspired me to read. I don't keep up with it nearly as much these days (I really need to invest in this Audible thing) but<b> I still remember the appreciation for the classics these teachers instilled in me.</b> I've added to intelligent conversations still yet to this day with literary comparisons and my knowledge of literary devices. 😏 <i>I will say, I can't spell or write grammatically correct worth shit though</i>....but that is for another post.</div>
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Recently, <a href="https://literarybookgifts.com/" target="_blank">Literary Book Gifts</a> reached out to me about sharing their product here on the blog and<b> I was hit with a bit of nostalgia upon seeing some of the books they offer printed on their products</b>. First, when you visit their website you'll see a super streamlined and easy to navigate page. <b>They offer a wide range of prints on just a few products - men's & women's tees as well as printed totes. </b> Personally I find this AMAZING because I'm not navigating a ton of items mindlessly! As mentioned on their about page, t<b>he design work is done in house & then professionally printed on the item with care.</b> I can totally see the detail in the line work of the art. Each design reminds me of a block print!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://literarybookgifts.com/collections/womens-book-t-shirts" target="_blank">Women's Tee Shirts</a></span></h3>
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So first off, I love that the have <a href="https://literarybookgifts.com/collections/womens-book-t-shirts/products/the-wonderful-wizard-of-oz-t-shirt-womens" target="_blank">The Wizard of Oz</a> as a tee shirt! It's also in men's and in a tote bag, which means I love all three! <b>The best part about these shirts is the variety of colors. Each design has about 13 colors to choose from from deep blue to khaki to bright pink</b>. I also love that they include a size chart right on the page + the mention that the shirts run a bit small. It's attention to detail like this that really shows a company that knows its stuff. Shop women's tees <a href="https://literarybookgifts.com/collections/womens-book-t-shirts" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://literarybookgifts.com/collections/book-tote-bags" target="_blank">Printed Tote Bags</a></span></h3>
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If you're looking for a sturdy tote bag,<b> these guys are printed with the same artwork available in the tee shirts and made of 100% polyester.</b> Featuring boxed corners, these bags are spacious! They are available in 3 sizes, feature black cotton handles, and a black lining. While the tee shirts come in a variety of colors you'll only be able to get one color way with these totes. <b>I think that each tote has been designed in the most striking colorway</b> so you're sure to get the biggest wow factor! Shop tote bags <a href="https://literarybookgifts.com/collections/book-tote-bags" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://literarybookgifts.com/collections/mens-book-t-shirts" target="_blank">Men's Tee Shirts</a></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-544Tb7_-xWZHAPW36XkOuyFUYOMtqZryPKtxSJIJgzGDlogbCbFnRFyq3ku-z_xvGpcpINmw6juY-GCqZzCsmYoUkw2MnGEaerEAhAfRqxmPfmAmutcqcJAFPxw38QpXR5rS-Iy7ahF6/s1600/mens+shirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-544Tb7_-xWZHAPW36XkOuyFUYOMtqZryPKtxSJIJgzGDlogbCbFnRFyq3ku-z_xvGpcpINmw6juY-GCqZzCsmYoUkw2MnGEaerEAhAfRqxmPfmAmutcqcJAFPxw38QpXR5rS-Iy7ahF6/s1600/mens+shirts.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
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Finally, if you like a little bit of a looser fit or are maybe shopping for a gentleman reader you'll find these <b>classic fit tee shirts in 100% cotton will do the trick</b>. Again, these guys are available in a variety of colors most offering at least 12 colors. <b>As mentioned on each men's tee shirt page these seem to fit pretty true to size and are recommended for unisex sizing</b>. How cool would it be to twin with your book obsessed boo as well this holiday season! Shop men's tee's <a href="https://literarybookgifts.com/collections/mens-book-t-shirts" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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So with all of that said, I want to offer you one more thing - you can use the code FIVESIXTEENTHSBLOG20 for 20% off of your order (no minimum)! This would be so perfect as a thoughtful gift for someone who may have a little bit of everything.<br />
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If you'd like to see some more gift lists that are on the blog, click here. I'm wishing you a very merry holiday season!<br />
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<b><i>What gifts are you giving this year? </i></b><br />
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xoxo, Moe</div>
Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-70093716336987536422018-12-04T11:00:00.000-05:002018-12-04T11:00:07.023-05:00Top Spiritual Practices the Modern Babe Should Get Behind<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over the last few years I've taken it upon myself to develop a spiritual practice. <b>It's been a priority of mine to dive deeper into my authenticity and outline exactly what I believe & why I believe it.</b> In fact, I used to not like the term spiritual or spirituality because it leaned too close to <i>religious</i> for my liking. But as I've grown through a few things in the last year or so I've realized that <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search?q=personal+development" target="_blank">personal development</a> and <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/spirituality" target="_blank">spirituality </a>have become almost synonymous for me. <b>My personal development has been enhanced by my understanding of many woo woo things.</b></div>
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Today I want to share with you three spiritual practices that the modern, self reflective babe should get behind, but I've also got something else to add:</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i></div>
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<b><i>First things first - the idea of spirituality, witchcraft, crystals, yoga, chakras, herbs, etc is nothing new. </i></b> In fact a lot of the things we're doing belonged to people long before we got here, long before we discovered them, and long before we decided they were something to make money from. <b>So, while you're walking down your own spiritual path be sure that you're not taking other's practices as your own</b>. A lot of these things do not belong to us. There is the quick assumption in the new age community that we are entitled to everything when in fact a <b>lot of the practices we are embracing as our own come from groups of people punished for their beliefs, denied their ancestral heritage, and now monopolized on because it is 'cool'</b>. <i><b>Witchcraft is cool is not the vibe we're going for here</b></i>. Honest personal development, education, reverence, and activism need to be a part of your spiritual path as well. Similar things we openly practice because they are hip now have been annihilated by colonialism. forced assimilation, and generations of practicing in the dark with sacred ritual dying with the last individual of a certain group. You can read a bit more on my thoughts here in my post titled <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2017/07/cultural-appropriation-in-my-communities.html" target="_blank">Cultural Appropriation in my Communities</a>.</div>
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With that being said, <b>I still think if you're approaching these few things I list below with honesty, authenticity, reverence, and an open mind your life will be changed.</b> You can embrace mindfulness and enhance your overall wellness by practicing these things & focusing on your personal development. So, let's get into it....</div>
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Diffusing Essential Oils</span></h3>
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<a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/essential%20oils" target="_blank">Essential oils</a> have the power to enhance our overall well being through the way not only scent interacts with our limbic system, but also how their chemical properties can affect our surroundings. <b>Scent is one of our most powerful senses and working with essential oils can allow us to enhance our emotional balance.</b> <a href="https://mydoterra.com/moehoward" target="_blank">DoTERRA</a> has a whole <a href="https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/emotional-aromatherapy-diffused-kit?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Emotional Aromatherapy line</a> to start with but I started with the <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/balance-grounding-blend-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Balance blend</a> to help me feel grounded and focused during <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search?q=meditation" target="_blank">meditation</a>. </div>
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<b>Certain essential oils can help us bring in emotions we'd like to feel & counteract emotions we don't want to feel.</b> Developing this connection can help us to feel more emotionally balanced as we move through our days. Read more about creating your own diffuser blends in <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/09/beginners-guide-to-blending-essential.html" target="_blank">this post.</a></div>
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Reading Tarot for Personal Guidance</span></h3>
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<b>My relationship with the Tarot is that the cards are a mirror</b>. Reading Tarot, for me, doesn't involve any psychic abilities....it is merely a tool to reflect back to me what I may already know and dive deeper into the solutions. <b>Reading Tarot for yourself can be a way to understand yourself, situations, and your actions regarding those situations.</b> I think the Tarot and other oracle or affirmation cards (here are <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/05/current-favorite-oracle-tarot-decks.html" target="_blank">some of my favorite decks</a>) can reveal to us what we may not consciously know or confront us with the things we do know but that we have chosen to ignore.</div>
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I talk <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/06/how-to-combine-tarot-oracle-and.html" target="_blank">here</a> about how to combine tarot, oracle, and affirmation cards in a reading to get a well rounded message. You can download a free set of affirmation cards <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2017/04/make-it-monday-printable-positive.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</div>
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Meditating with Crystals</span></h3>
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<b>Just like essential oils certain crystals have certain attributes that can help us with our well being. </b>Choosing a crystal (much like choosing and essential oil) that fits the emotions you'd like to bring in or the emotions you'd like to counteract can enhance our meditation. There are also certain <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=guided+crystal+meditation" target="_blank">crystal journeying meditations</a> that I love to do to explore not only the depths of my mind & imagination but to tap into the meaning of the crystal. Angel aura quartz is one of the most fascinating crystals for me to meditate with!</div>
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<b>This is another way to develop not only your intuition but your visual and emotional libraries.</b> You'll know which crystals and attributes you connect with and which ones that may be too much for you. Carnelian is a crystal that I can't connect with in a way that is positive. It makes me fiery, feisty, and angry....not what I'm going for in my daily life!</div>
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If you're a modern babe who'd like to learn more about herself & her spiritually, these three things can really get you started on the right track. <b>Personal development is something only you can be responsible for so make sure you're doing it responsibly by honoring where certain acts, practices, and rituals come from.</b></div>
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If you'd like to know more about using essential oils both practically & spiritually, download the free ebook by signing up for the email list above. You'll get a few emails regarding using essential oils & other woo woo stuff, too. If you'd like to join others in support of your spiritual journey check out the Live & Create Facebook group here.</div>
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<b><i>How do you honor yourself & your practices? In what way do you connect with your spirituality?</i></b></div>
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xoxo, Moe</div>
Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-37891579467947219322018-11-20T11:00:00.000-05:002018-11-20T22:09:30.970-05:00Holiday Gift Guide for the Woo Woo Woman <div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Personal and spiritual development has been an important part of <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/authentic" target="_blank">my life this year.</a> </b> Connecting in with my authentic self comes from a <b>devotion to myself that I've found through various woo woo items & practices</b>. So today let's do an amazing little gift guide on the perfect gifts for the Woo Woo Woman in your life, <i>shall we?</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span><br />
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I can't wait to share this with you because<b> I love the thought of women cheering on other women to be the best they can be</b>. Through sharing my personal development journey I have discovered so many awesome women and watched them grow! Join all the fun over in the <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/fivesixteenthsblog" target="_blank">Live & Create Facebook group</a></b> where we talk woo woo and work life creating a space for planner people, mindful makers, and lunar lovers to come together in support of each other. All I want in life is for others to realize they too can do <i>it</i>....whatever the <i>it </i>is! <b>Every accomplishment - big or small - that puts us on a path towards betterment is worth celebrating.</b> Ok... on to the guide<br />
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<b>One of the greatest ways to connect with yourself is through reflection. </b> Various <a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/MoeHoward?listId=34EU5M0YE0G03" target="_blank">tarot & oracle decks</a> can help the querent with a little bit of self reflection. I've got a <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2017/06/4-tips-for-deeply-connecting-to-tarot.html" target="_blank">whole guide to reading tarot here</a> but you can also find some of <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/05/current-favorite-oracle-tarot-decks.html" target="_blank">my favorite tarot decks in this post</a>. <b>I've also been loving the <a href="https://alyssakuzins.com/shop/deck?aff=14" target="_blank">Journal Deck</a>, featured above, as an added journal prompt for my self reflection</b>. There is even a new edition called <b><a href="https://alyssakuzins.com/shop/?aff=14" target="_blank">the Goddess Deck</a></b> that I want to get my hands on!<br />
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<a href="https://alyssakuzins.com/shop/deck?aff=14" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="40" data-original-width="370" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxObIfuyCdDqDc6on5w0AfMtDMK5dI66dxkvSEUqcJtoyba_dJowt1SWuccHDw6hi1_ZmnVsWxva6tYOP3ng9koKvPpwraFwRMHDjhESumHjVaRLF7JZcaBuuQYgUgFTQBeDYAzaxiCvB/s320/button_shop-the-journal-deck-here.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Starting Friday 11/23 until Monday 11/26 you can save 25% on the Journal Deck & site </b><b><span style="font-size: medium;">wide! </span><span style="font-size: medium;">(no code needed!)</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Woo Woo Storage</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LdHaeoi_-84eGac-VYhWyhqXikSCFX_brhNudDUUXPwUq_gvU9NXVbKkKqJy18rB1eoAubu2-eesXRT-Anto4H-_xz4JwbGBEMssSTMOwbq8NWTEZ5yv11P7ip1Sf9LKYxaX1VMlTnKa/s1600/ACS_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LdHaeoi_-84eGac-VYhWyhqXikSCFX_brhNudDUUXPwUq_gvU9NXVbKkKqJy18rB1eoAubu2-eesXRT-Anto4H-_xz4JwbGBEMssSTMOwbq8NWTEZ5yv11P7ip1Sf9LKYxaX1VMlTnKa/s1600/ACS_0007.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
<b>Every woo woo woman needs a place to keep her sacred instruments.</b> In <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/09/how-to-create-personal-altar-in-shared.html" target="_blank">this post on creating altars in shared spaces</a> I talk a little bit about how <b>creating a sacred space when you share a space with others can be difficult.</b> If your woo woo woman isn't able to go all out with her altar <a href="https://amzn.to/2Dw7fLn" target="_blank">a little storage box may be just the answer</a>. I have one similar to <a href="https://amzn.to/2DsIgJ4" target="_blank">this</a> (pictured) but you may be able to find a box that more <a href="https://amzn.to/2Dsviea" target="_blank">aligns with here beliefs or vibe better here</a>. <b>These boxes can be great for keeping tarot or oracle cards as well.</b> Why not add in <a href="https://amzn.to/2DLLCrl" target="_blank">a few spell candles</a>, <a href="https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/moehoward" target="_blank">essential oils</a>, or the like so she can get the most out of it!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Quality Correspondences</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE6ihF_dmplgO0fJ_XsmxxVsrqBrNJKSsMtxAqmT85Y90Sh9GjRn_VZrckiwbiWYgcPePfhGKVRd05U-6NtsL2fH69OBhaikabOrZfChwGVHDKYailQXq576GL0pr9itvD0OBDecV8tvk/s1600/ACS_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE6ihF_dmplgO0fJ_XsmxxVsrqBrNJKSsMtxAqmT85Y90Sh9GjRn_VZrckiwbiWYgcPePfhGKVRd05U-6NtsL2fH69OBhaikabOrZfChwGVHDKYailQXq576GL0pr9itvD0OBDecV8tvk/s1600/ACS_0005.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
<b>In my personal spiritual path I use essential oils as a means of personal growth.</b> Different oils can have different correspondences - for example Lavender is the Oil of Communication & Calm, Rose is the Oil of Divine Love - and <b>when working with these guys, quality is key</b>. Some of our woo woo sisters may use <a href="https://amzn.to/2ToxYiD" target="_blank">dried herbs</a> in their practices while others may use <a href="https://amzn.to/2Tpq4FC" target="_blank">incense</a>. <b>Give the gift of quality essential oils with the Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade oils <a href="https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/moehoward" target="_blank">available from doTERRA</a>. </b> Throw in some <a href="https://amzn.to/2S2w8Cn" target="_blank">unscented incense sticks</a> & a <a href="https://amzn.to/2qSxIvb" target="_blank">diffuser</a> so that she can get all those <b>positive intentions going for the new year</b>! Grab <a href="https://amzn.to/2OThdZk" target="_blank">this book</a> to so she can remember each emotional association.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A Place to Keep it All</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyA6vKlR68Gm0YZi0n92nDhwrUv_WwwQd0WgQiLfN06I9Al_RcTuamiNuDZKvh1TUAV9fH6IV6l3TPf1b2MYRdRN7l7d7E4-kU6fXtawr-mvAOpO1guWk_18HswiZ1TL3P0RG8By97I9q/s1600/ACS_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyA6vKlR68Gm0YZi0n92nDhwrUv_WwwQd0WgQiLfN06I9Al_RcTuamiNuDZKvh1TUAV9fH6IV6l3TPf1b2MYRdRN7l7d7E4-kU6fXtawr-mvAOpO1guWk_18HswiZ1TL3P0RG8By97I9q/s1600/ACS_0004.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
<b>An amazing way to organize all those woo woo thoughts is in a journal.</b> While I have a hard time keeping a consistent journal - I have commitment issues and I need a lot of structure! - I love the format of the <a href="https://amzn.to/2QU2Vtt" target="_blank">traveler's notebook</a>. These guys feature small, bound inserts that make creating different sections in the journal super easy. <b>Plus there are ton of inserts available out there and you can even <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHou1iLe3Vc" target="_blank">make your own easily</a>!</b> <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2OT7KkS" target="_blank">Webster's Pages</a> is my favorite brand</b> because they are so affordable and because of the variety of colors. This walnut one is gorgeous!</div>
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<b>The journey towards self reflection is a great one where the only person you have to be better than is the person you were yesterday.</b> All of these tools can help you or the woo woo woman you love on her journey. Feel free to<b> grab the free Intro to the Tarot ebook below (it will be right in your inbox!) and print out a guide for you and your bestie</b>. Throw it in with your gift and she'll love it!</div>
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<b>Connecting with our intuition allows us to feel strength & confidence</b>. I can't wait to see what you give your friends this holiday season!</div>
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<b><i>What woo woo gift would your recommend? What gift would you like to receive?</i></b></div>
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xoxo, Moe</div>
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ps. Don't forget to snatch up the <a href="https://alyssakuzins.com/shop/?aff=14" target="_blank">Journal Deck here</a> to fill up that traveler's notebook!</div>
Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-57153973647442281402018-11-15T11:00:00.001-05:002018-11-15T13:00:31.371-05:00Boost your Blog // 6 Productive Things to do When You're Stuck<div style="text-align: justify;">
I took off the month of October to focus on enjoying life and being married...so when <b>I tried to get back to the grind of blogging and creating other content I had a bit of a struggle</b>. Thought I've created a content calendar outline (click <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2012/01/my-blog-planner-how-to-stay-on-track.html" target="_blank">here</a> if you want to read about my OG blog planner!) and that's helped me get back in my routine, sometimes I still feel a little stuck. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABt4jsy02eaLwz1Pq_1ZWLUvWNxJf0uJteOs0VAYndJ06TlRyXEpqXsuhmUPKr1ftlDA7k2bhm65zgi2nfCxFa8ljYWdzMkLkSGTp8OkP9SWDC0ZPcSF15v5LqOS1803e8AavMSWLM4qR/s1600/IMG_1910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABt4jsy02eaLwz1Pq_1ZWLUvWNxJf0uJteOs0VAYndJ06TlRyXEpqXsuhmUPKr1ftlDA7k2bhm65zgi2nfCxFa8ljYWdzMkLkSGTp8OkP9SWDC0ZPcSF15v5LqOS1803e8AavMSWLM4qR/s1600/IMG_1910.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i></div>
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When I feel this way there are a few things I like to do to get my full mojo back. <b>I work with existing content I've created and I interact with content that I love hoping to spark inspiration within myself! </b>Sometimes I just need a little push. So I hope that these 6 tips help you to get back into your groove:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Choose a hashtag. Like, Comment, Repeat</span></h3>
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Whenever I want to find new creators to interact with I choose a hashtag that I use frequently and flip through some of the images under that hashtag on Instagram. <b>When I'm scrolling through I will like and comment - genuine comments not just the heart emoji! - and follow who I find inspiring</b>. I'll save some of their content to my inspiration folders & try to pin what I can. That way I'm paying it forward for them! Then I choose another hashtag and repeat! Check out <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2014/08/four-ways-to-gain-followers-likes-on.html" target="_blank">this post</a> on how to authentically gain Instagram followers.</div>
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<b>This helps me because I'm getting inspired and because some of the people I interact with pop over to my feed to give my content some love</b>. Sometimes I get a follow as well! But <b><i>the goal is to interact and drive traffic to my content.</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Automate Something</span></h3>
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There is always something that can be automated - right now I'm contemplating automating my Instagram posting. <b>Automating something means you're taking the hassle out of a task that can now leave you time for something else</b>. One of the few things I've automated are pushing <a href="http://www.instagram.com/fivesixteenths" target="_blank">Instagram</a> posts to my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fivesixteenths/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page, publishing blog posts & <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/MoeHoward516" target="_blank">YouTube</a> videos over to my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fivesixteenths/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page, and batch scheduling series posts for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/fivesixteenthsblog/" target="_blank">Live & Create Facebook group</a>. I've also created automated emails through MailChimp that go out when you subscribe to certain lists. </div>
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<b>This helps me because I don't have to worry about a few mundane tasks that I always put off</b>. The biggest task I put off is batch posting to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/fivesixteenthsblog/" target="_blank">Live & Create group</a> so to be able to sit down and schedule posts right within Facebook saves me money and allows me to focus on other things that need to be done! (Track you social media posting with <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2016/01/free-printable-social-media-tracking.html" target="_blank">these free printable stickers</a>!)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Create Something Outside of your Online Space</span></h3>
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<b>If you're not finding inspiration with in your online space break out of it!</b> I have a few hobbies offline but even if I find myself wanting to make something just for me, I do it. I haven't filmed a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7gfUqguzOc&list=PLHw6-KlyViwC9NPyImMBzObTk2VUWT-n2" target="_blank">Plan with Me</a> in ages because I just want to sit down with my planner, my tea, and Ancient Aliens in the background while I have some me time. And that is ok! Take a class over at a craft store or community center if you need a little push to get started.</div>
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<b>This helps me because I connect back in with my creative self with out the pressure of perfection</b>. I don't need to take pictures, I don't need to share, I can just be myself. When we create for ourselves we can focus on our true creativity.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdvGNqIP4A8XM2sS3-afPQ3KM2LmQNijZ7ntCQUcOmKyEXO753-pEtmsh_pxp_tfCXt7oWOkLyUByg07FU-4RlnAKzHRMeEhW_rs3aHYngTXfRp0wyZD7CrKYzjUMVz6Y6F-5OW31QYXn/s1600/Productivity+tips+for+bloggers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdvGNqIP4A8XM2sS3-afPQ3KM2LmQNijZ7ntCQUcOmKyEXO753-pEtmsh_pxp_tfCXt7oWOkLyUByg07FU-4RlnAKzHRMeEhW_rs3aHYngTXfRp0wyZD7CrKYzjUMVz6Y6F-5OW31QYXn/s1600/Productivity+tips+for+bloggers.png" width="650" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pin Content to Group Boards</span></h3>
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<b>Group Pinterest boards are a great way to get your content noticed by other bloggers & creators. </b>By finding & joining these boards you're able to get your content in front of other people interested in your niche. You'll pin your content there, then you'll pin content from the group board to your boards. Other members will do the same and their followers will see your content. This is why <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search?q=creating+Pinterest+friendly+images" target="_blank">creating Pinterest friendly images</a> is important! Consider creating multiple images as well! You can watch an easy to follow <a href="https://youtu.be/a8U9uYh06EY" target="_blank">tutorial on using Canva to create your blog images over on the YouTube channel</a> and find an easy way to use <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2017/07/make-it-monday-branded-blog-image.html" target="_blank">PicMonkey for branding here</a>.</div>
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<b>This helps me because, again, I'm immersing myself in inspiration.</b> <i>I'm sharing my content but I'm also finding content to share</i>. This is a great way to find things to share in your Facebook groups too! Plus I may find an article like this that sparks something in me!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Beef up an Old Blog Post</span></h3>
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<b>We all have some old blog posts that can use new graphics, monetization, updated links, restructuring, or new info so choose 5 posts and beef them up</b>! Add in a call to action, create a graphic to pin, add in <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2014/02/boost-your-blog-how-to-make-little.html" target="_blank">some affiliate links/ads</a> and then turn around and <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2017/08/how-i-turned-my-lunch-hour-from-nap.html" target="_blank">promote that blog post</a>! Repin it, share in on social media, send it out in a relevant newsletter, etc. Do just a little to drive traffic to older but super awesome posts.</div>
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<b>This helps me because I don't have to write a brand new post, I only have to beef one up.</b> I may also find inspiration to write a follow up post or create a series of posts related to that one. I can also monetize something that I'm linking to in other posts to hopefully reap those benefits.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Research Hashtags</span></h3>
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<b>And let's go back to the hashtag - I have a love-hate relationship with hashtags.</b> They are great because they help people find your content <i>but they are annoying because they are often misused and I don't know what to do with them</i>! I use the <a href="https://thepreviewapp.com/" target="_blank">Preview app</a> to find my hashtags but I'll also flip through Instagram to brainstorm more hashtags to use. I also write down hashtags for the products I promote -<b> brand hashtags (like the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Q1SzdE" target="_blank">Happy Planner</a>), any challenge hashtags that are currently relevant, any app hashtags (I use <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2017/05/app-review-color-story.html" target="_blank">A Color Story</a>, A Design Kit, & <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/07/app-review-instasize.html" target="_blank">InstaSize</a>)</b>, etc - so that I can show up in those searches. </div>
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<b>This helps me because I'm making sure I'm optimizing my reach.</b> I want to make sure I'm using relevant hashtags and not just vague words that get likes. We're looking for engagement here!</div>
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These six things help me get me back in the right head space to keep creating content! <b><i>I'm in a bit of a rut/struggle now so I've been going through a few of these things to get me re-inspired</i></b>. I've written a free ebook on how to get back your blogging mojo and if you're feeling a bit stuck, I hope you'll download it below!</div>
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Be sure to check out the past <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/boost%20your%20blog" target="_blank">Boost Your Blog articles</a> here and keep a look out on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8U9uYh06EY&list=PLHw6-KlyViwBsQMNVjrkzPBWsHHy_Sdyw" target="_blank">this playlist</a> over on my YouTube channel. I hope to make more design videos for bloggers! Ready to get some creative inspiration? Join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/fivesixteenthsblog/?" target="_blank">Live & Create facebook group</a> for mindful living, creative planning, and personal development tips.</div>
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<b>What do you do to get inspired when you're in a rut?</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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xoxo, Moe</div>
Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-10987583744975103962018-11-13T11:00:00.000-05:002018-12-02T15:38:47.551-05:00The Top Essential Oils for Oral Health<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been actively using <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/essential%20oils" target="_blank">essential oils for nearly two years now</a>. When I first got started, I was completely overwhelmed but also eager to start incorporating essential oils into every aspect of my life. Today I have the first of a few posts outlining different routines you can totally make over with essential oils! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNq8JJl3MeZD4uebMJq1pOODI-Cyjk2fYWx18AS061THuGsM720SROakbvMMqRLExAhv2LEQ7N4rsY1xQa42qole1rGpeVUOGkZi5EoV1465aJI9MZD5lf_Hfa92t9648Ahj7wpZy7sYRX/s1600/IMG_1863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNq8JJl3MeZD4uebMJq1pOODI-Cyjk2fYWx18AS061THuGsM720SROakbvMMqRLExAhv2LEQ7N4rsY1xQa42qole1rGpeVUOGkZi5EoV1465aJI9MZD5lf_Hfa92t9648Ahj7wpZy7sYRX/s1600/IMG_1863.JPG" width="650" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i></div>
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<b>Oral health has to be one of the easiest routines to makeover especially when you snatch up a starter kit</b> so that's what I want to break down for you in this post. A big part of my personal growth this year was to move into a <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search?q=cruelty+free" target="_blank">better, non-toxic way of living</a>. This included <b>switching out my personal care products as I was able</b> and a great place to start was with the products we use first thing in the morning! So here is a quick guide to making over your dental hygiene routine super simply:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Essential Oils for Oral Health</span></h3>
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There are a couple of oils that are perfect for maintaining your oral health. Quite a few are included in the <a href="https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/family-essentials-&-beadlets-kit?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Family Essentials</a> & <a href="https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/home-essentials-kit?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Home Essentials</a> starter kits but here is a full list:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34hwbk13vmgc9B6lCl0CpzEgGbe2fslY2Os2zG0-HryxE6N_xR3gdWReQsto-3GfEktl-nJ0C5-2w6yrwFGdOBGtG0zBI2RKZnNOs0HYH8JSnfzIF_kg8S5DqU4zHW-niKir4oYE4Vzvp/s1600/essential+oils+for.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34hwbk13vmgc9B6lCl0CpzEgGbe2fslY2Os2zG0-HryxE6N_xR3gdWReQsto-3GfEktl-nJ0C5-2w6yrwFGdOBGtG0zBI2RKZnNOs0HYH8JSnfzIF_kg8S5DqU4zHW-niKir4oYE4Vzvp/s1600/essential+oils+for.png" width="650" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/lemon-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Lemon</a>, <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/melaleuca-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Melaleuca </a>(tea tree), <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/on-guard-touch-blend-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">On Guard</a>, <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/clove-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Clove</a>, <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/myrrh-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Myrrh</a>, <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/peppermint-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Peppermint</a>, <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/melissa-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Melissa</a></div>
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<b>Add <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/peppermint-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Peppermint</a>, <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/clove-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Clove</a>, <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/melaleuca-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Melaleuca</a>, and <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/on-guard-touch-blend-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">On Guard</a> to 2 tbs sea salt in warm water & use as a mouth rinse</b>. I find <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/peppermint-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Peppermint</a> to be super overwhelming so personally I'd only add a drop. You'll get fresh breath plus the cleansing benefits of <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/melaleuca-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Melaleuca</a> & <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/on-guard-touch-blend-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">On Guard</a>!</div>
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Suffering from any mouth irritations? <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/melissa-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Melissa</a> is a great oil to zap any thing that might show up on the outside of your mouth around the lip line. <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/on-guard-touch-blend-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">On Guard</a> can help there too! Both <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/myrrh-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Myrrh</a> and <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/clove-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Clove </a>can help relieve the irritation inside of the mouth.</div>
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<b><a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/clove-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Clove</a>, <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/myrrh-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Myrrh</a>, and <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/on-guard-touch-blend-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">On Guard</a> are also great to add to your <a href="https://amzn.to/2PXESMI" target="_blank">toothbrush</a> before brushing</b>! Place a drop of one of these oils on the bristles then add toothpaste and brush away.</div>
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Cleanse your <a href="https://amzn.to/2PXESMI" target="_blank">toothbrush</a>, retainer, or mouth guard in a class of water + a few drops of <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/on-guard-touch-blend-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">On Guard</a>. <b>Store your toothbrushes in a <a href="https://amzn.to/2T6WWTr" target="_blank">cutlery tray</a> tucked away in a drawer</b> to avoid any contamination from the environment.</div>
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<b>DoTERRA also offers a few other products that make switching personal care products super easy.</b> When I first started out on this journey I found it easier to use premade products rather than making my own. DIY can be great but sometimes we just want to have it done for us!</div>
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The <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/on-guard-touch-blend-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">On Guard protective blend</a> can be found in quite a few products including the <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/onguard-natural-whitening-toothpaste?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">whitening toothpaste</a> & new <a href="https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/doterra-onguard-mouthwash?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">mouthwash</a>. <b>I love the <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/onguard-natural-whitening-toothpaste?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">whitening toothpaste</a> because it tastes great and leaves my mouth actually feeling clean.</b> Other non-toxic/natural toothpastes have left my mouth feeling blah but this toothpaste really achieves the fresh and clean feel. I can't wait to try the <a href="https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/doterra-onguard-mouthwash?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">On Guard mouthwash either</a>. An alcohol-free mouthwash featuring the <a href="http://doterra.com/US/en/p/on-guard-touch-blend-oil?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">On Guard protective blend</a> is going to be the perfect compliment to my routine!</div>
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<b>Ease of use means you're actually going to implement these products into your daily routine and starting with something you do everyday means you'll gain confidence in using essential oils!</b> If you want more info about the Top 10 Essential Oils download the free ebook below!</div>
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My oral health is just one routine I've made over with essential oils. I've also made over my <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/06/my-top-10-natural-non-toxic-cleaning.html" target="_blank">cleaning routine</a>, & skin care routine! <b>These powerful oils can fit in perfectly to our existing routines to reduce our toxic load and maintain our emotional & physical wellness</b>. Get started with doTERRA essential oils by clicking <a href="https://www.doterra.com/US/en/create-account?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">here</a>. Fill out your information, choose your path (either Wholesale Customer or Wellness Advocate), select Continue, then <a href="https://media.doterra.com/us/en/flyers/enrollment-kits.pdf" target="_blank">choose your kit</a>!.</div>
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<b>What routines are you looking to make over with essential oils?</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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xoxo, Moe<br />
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Cardo; font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 1px;">*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.</i></div>
Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-44447118885323225882018-11-06T11:00:00.000-05:002018-11-06T11:00:08.485-05:003 Reasons Why You Need a Planner & You Don't Even Know it<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ever since I've gotten really <i>(and I mean really) </i>into <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/planner" target="_blank">this planner thing</a> others have said "<i>I think I'd like a fun planner like that but I'm not really that busy"</i> Well I'm here today to tell you that, once, I felt the same way. <b>It's just me, Zach, & the dog so it's not like I have Soccer practice to keep track of or report cards to sign but I'd dare to say a planner has been very, very helpful for me.</b></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">this post contains affiliate links, please see my full disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
I'd been <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search?q=blog+planner" target="_blank">blog planning</a> <i>(or creating an editorial calendar)</i> for quite a while and so my <b>planner really started out as a way for me to keep track of that but it evolved into so much more</b>. Sometimes, it's not necessarily for making plans but four housing all of the things I think about. So I think of my planner as <b>less of a planning tool sometimes and more as an organizational tool</b>. When I have an idea I write it down there. Then I know where I've written it down and it doesn't get lost. I can also keep all my thoughts organized - I used to have a ton of sections in my planner but now, not so much! It can be a brain dump area for me, a place to future plan, and place to make sure ideas are organized. Anything I ever need to know is in there and that's really why I like it. </div>
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Here are three reasons you need a planner, and you don't even know it</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You're a list maker</span></b></h3>
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If you are perpetually writing things out, making lists, and making plans - you probably need a planner. <b>A binder type planner like a <a href="https://amzn.to/2yRm8oG" target="_blank">Filofax</a>, Kikki K, <a href="https://amzn.to/2JCj83F" target="_blank">Carpe Diem</a>, and the like can really help you organize your thoughts. </b> You can pull pages in & out and add different sections if needed. You're not bound to the current set up like you would be with a spiral planner. I loved my Filofax because I could make different divided sections for different needs. Of course there is the calendar pages but the dividers with lists are the best. <b> I'm currently loving all the different ways <a href="https://amzn.to/2RB4Cfo" target="_blank">The Happy Planner</a> allows you to customize a set up just for you.</b><br />
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If you're a stationery lover too, you'll love having a planner. <b> Create your inspiring lists on your favorite note paper and <a href="https://amzn.to/2DlPcZh" target="_blank">punch it</a> into your planner.</b> If you are notorious for filling up two pages of a notebook then setting it aside or habitually losing your creative lists - you probably need a planner. Like I said, you can keep all your ideas in one place. <b>If you always put your lists in your planner then you'll always know where they are.</b> The flexibility of a binder like the <a href="https://amzn.to/2yRm8oG" target="_blank">Filofax</a> or a disc bound system like <a href="https://amzn.to/2RB4Cfo" target="_blank">The Happy Planner</a> is that you have the freedom to clip in, move, remove, rearrange, etc your lists. You can also dig in your stationery stash to feel like you're actually not a hoarder.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You're creative</span></b></h3>
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If you're the creative type that is constantly having ideas, needing to remember your crochet stitches, always forgetting that amazing idea you had on the train - then you probably need a planner. <b>A planner can be a brain dump sort of station or a station where you write out your next ideas.</b> I am a lover of brainstorming and having a section where I can just dump any related blog idea is amazing. <b>You can refer back to your ideas later and expand on them. </b><br />
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<b>Then there's the whole idea of <i>decorating</i> your planner.</b> This is unique to everyone. I started off <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F_OLOZ9MM8&t=41s" target="_blank">using sticky notes to add dimension</a> and slowly moved over to stickers. Currently my planner is <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/01/5-ways-to-decorate-your.html" target="_blank">functionally decorated</a>. <b> I use stickers to visually mark events much like one would color code, I use different layouts to achieve different goals, and I make <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/09/how-to-write-actionable-to-do-lists-and.html" target="_blank">actionable to do lists</a> in a creative way to keep me inspired. </b> Oh, and don't even get me started on the creativity behind the bullet journal!<br />
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Creative planning puts the FUN in functional. You can still achieve you goals with stickers and washi, believe me. This is a place to be uniquely you and a place that should inspire action in you. If you find that you're a creative person, you probably need a planner. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You want to take care of you</span></b></h3>
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Life can be a busy mess sometimes meaning the only <i>me time</i> you might get is limited to occasional uninterrupted bathroom breaks and the time you're staring at your face brushing your teeth. <b>Managing and planning your time can allow you to break off chunks to nurture yourself.</b> By making an appointment with yourself you're less likely to break it! I know it can be hard to put yourself above others but try to <b>focus on yourself first, then you're more full to give to others!</b><br />
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If you're a creative person you can also use<b> planning time as a <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search?q=self+care" target="_blank">self care</a> activity</b>! I know for myself the time I spend on my planner really enriches my soul. I feel more on top of my goals and plans & I feel I've spent time expressing myself. Bonus is I get to look at what I created everyday which is very inspiring.<br />
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<b>Planning, I think, is for everyone</b>. And just like everyone takes their coffee differently everyone can plan differently. That is the beauty of it - no one else's planner affects yours, so don't let anyone tell you your planning is less valid. Forget comparison too! If you see something you like in someones planner put your own spin on it and put it right on in yours!<br />
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<b>If you'd like to get some creative planning & productivity inspiration check out past <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/planner" target="_blank">planner related posts here</a> on the blog but also <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/fivesixteenthsblog" target="_blank">join the Five Sixteenths | Live & Create group</a> on Facebook</b>. This group is a place for imaginative individuals to focus on mindful & intentional living through heart centered productivity, creative planning, & personal growth. We talk woo woo and work life creating a space for planner people, mindful makers, and lunar lovers to come together in support of each other. I'd love to have you join!<br />
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<b><i>What ways do you use your planner to enhance your life?</i></b><br />
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xoxo, Moe</div>
Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-56464353969119874602018-09-18T11:00:00.000-04:002018-09-18T11:00:05.693-04:0010 Ways to Begin your Personal Development Journey<div style="text-align: justify;">
Becoming a better person. That's what we all want to do with our lives, right? <b>We want to be the <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/01/what-does-your-best-self-look-like.html" target="_blank">best versions of ourselves</a></b>. We're now quite far into the year and may have found that our goals haven't shaped out the way we thought they would have. This could be good or bad...but we don't have to wait until the new year to start bettering ourselves! In fact I think there are 3 times in the year we can start ourselves anew - January at the new year, March/April at the Aries New Moon, and September when we're used to going back to school.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html">here</a>.</span></i></div>
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September has always had the air of a fresh new start - we've got fresh pencils, notebooks, and sneakers, the leaves are slowing turning and nature moves into a new phase.....its just a very magical time of freshness. Plus we'll have Samhain in October which is known as the Witches' New Year. So the Fall in general can be a time of change - to shed the old and prep for the new!</div>
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We don't have to upend our whole lives to work on personal development. Nor do we have to feel pressured to change our entire beings to be these better, fantasy versions of ourselves. <b>Personal development is a journey where the only person you need to be better than is the person you were yesterday.</b> It's not a journey of comparison or defeat, its a journey of betterment. So, here are 10 ways to begin your personal development journey:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Listen to Audio Books & Podcasts</span></h3>
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Make time to listen to personal development books or podcasts. This may take some trial and error in finding podcasts/books that inspire you but <b>start off with a hobby or something you're interested in.</b> I wanted to learn to read tarot as a personal development tool so I thumbed through the tarot podcasts I found on iTunes and queued up a few to listen to. <b>The other part of this is prioritizing time to listen</b>. I used my 30 minute drive to work in the morning to squeeze in a podcast listen. You can listen while cooking, cleaning, driving, running, etc. Those times in between...those are good times to bust out your book or podcast.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Practice Mindfulness</span></h3>
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This is another simple task that can be done in those times in between. <b>Mindfulness is just awareness. Mindfulness is focusing on the moment and on the task at hand.</b> When making your <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2017/05/my-mindful-morning-routine.html" target="_blank">coffee in the morning</a> instead of going over your to do list and looking at the dishes in the sink<b> take the 5 minutes you're prepping your coffee to just be aware</b>: what does the world around you smell like? What does the coffee maker sound like? What does your mug feel like? What does the sugar entering the mug sound like? How do you feel in this moment? You can incorporate even breathing, etc. Just be aware of your surroundings. A great place to start a mindfulness practice is in your <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2017/08/3-reasons-why-skincare-regime-is-best.html" target="_blank">skincare routine</a> - you'll hopefully be alone in the bathroom for at least a minute and the act is very tactile. So you can take a moment to just be.</div>
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Mindfulness can help fill your cup so that you can show up for yourself and for others more completely.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Meditation</span></h3>
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Developing a mediation practice can be as simple as using the Breathe app on your Apple Watch (I do this so often!). <b>Just like mindfulness, you're taking a moment to be present</b>. You can have a <b>more intentional mindfulness practice with meditation by creating a space for yourself</b> to spend time with yourself. This can be a room or space in your home or even one of those times in between - like waiting for a friend to meet you for coffee. Take a moment while you're sitting in the parking lot at work to drift into a relaxed mindset. You can use something like <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/03/four-tips-to-get-started-with.html" target="_blank">visualization</a> or even an <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/essential%20oils" target="_blank">essential oil</a> you're fond of to help get you into your meditative mindset.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Practice Self Reflection</span></h3>
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Often this is outlined as journaling. I'm not a great journaler - I'll blog somethings and maybe include short self reflective tidbits in my memory planner, but all in all I'm not a good journal keeper. <b>I think it is more important to be self reflective and to examine myself, my life, and my actions often to see where I'm at</b>. Creative ways to do this aren't limited to journaling but to creating and keeping vision boards so that you can see how far you've come, keeping planner & expressing your creativity, or even blogging! <b>Self reflection ensures that you're actually growing and developing</b>. Sometimes those little time hop things on Facebook are very helpful for seeing where we've been compared to where we are now. And, if you're unhappy with where you are....then you are able to set an intention to change that!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Set Small Goals</span></h3>
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Speaking of setting intentions to change, try setting small goals. I used to set <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/search/label/Four%20Simple%20Goals" target="_blank">4 simple goals a month</a> because I realized I just wasn't really working towards anything. I was kinda coasting through life just hanging out and I really wanted to be doing something (anything!). <b>Setting smaller goals - go to bed earlier, wake up earlier, clean the living room each week, put the dishes away, make sure you moisturize - can help you develop and over all bigger routine</b>. This <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/05/why-you-need-morning-evening-routine.html" target="_blank">routine can enhance your daily life</a> be reducing the emotional burden you have by needing to make decisions that could be left to routine. Achieving small goals can also <b>build up your confidence & momentum</b> when it comes to accomplishing bigger goals.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. Try Something New</span></h3>
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Break out of your comfort zone. <b>Trying something new means you're not keeping yourself in a box. This box could feel restrictive or destructively habitual</b>. It is best to do something new as soon as you feel the urge. I signed up for a watercolor class at my local Micheal's as soon as I found out it was happening because I new if I thought about it I'd chicken out! If you get the urge, and it's feasible, try something new!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">7. Invest in Yourself</span></h3>
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Much like the one above, if you've been wanting to try something new make that a priority. <b>The more you invest in your desires the more you'll find personal success</b>. Want to start a new hobby? Prioritize that in your life. Want to go back to school? Prioritize that in your life. Need a new set of interview clothes? Invest in that! <b>You are worthy of your desires and you should invest your time & available resources into the things that will create a better you and better your life.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">8. Discover your Personal Mantra</span></h3>
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Working <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2017/04/make-it-monday-printable-positive.html" target="_blank">daily with affirmations</a> can help shift your mindset. You may find yourself drawn to certain types of quotes, words, or mantras that help you feel inspired. <b>Take time to develop a personal mantra to live by and make sure it aligns fully with who you are as a person.</b> Create a Pinterest board or even a wall of sticky notes with words that speak to you. Recite them daily until you feel their truth! I highly suggest you reading my post on self-deprecating <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2017/08/mindful-journey-why-i-stopped-being.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">9. Make Small Changes</span></h3>
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<b>Small changes in your lifestyle allow you to live more authentically</b>. For me, I've been attempting to reduce my <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/07/six-easy-ways-to-live-sustainable-summer.html" target="_blank">dependence on single use/disposable items</a>. Prioritizing using microfiber towels over paper towels, refusing plastic straws, and prioritizing reusable storage over plastic baggies have been small changes that have led to a bigger awareness in my life. <b>Take the time to make small changes that align with your personal mantra & you will begin to live more authentically.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">10. Practice Gratitude</span></h3>
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Being thankful for what we have can shift our mindset. <b> Not only should we be thankful in times of happiness but we should practice gratitude in our down times as well.</b> If you're frustrated with a situation finding gratitude around the problem can help shift your mindset into a solution. Take a moment during each day - when you wake up, before bed, at your lunch break, on your drive home - and list three things you're grateful for. Even the simplest things you can express gratitude for because it allows you to be mindful of what you really have in your life!</div>
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<b>Personal development also isn't extremely linear.</b> We can have up days and down days, we can have setbacks and comebacks...but overall we just want to be better than the people we were yesterday! Be sure to sign up for the newsletter above to get creative inspiration for being your best self straight to you inbox. You'll receive blog updates, essential oil information, creative freebies, and general chit chat.</div>
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If you're interested in working towards your personal development goals with a group of creative individuals like yourself, check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/fivesixteenthsblog" target="_blank">Live & Create group on Facebook</a>. <b>This group focuses on mindfulness & intentional living through productivity, creative planning, & personal growth. Request to join here!</b> You can also join the <a href="https://www.patreon.com/MoeHoward" target="_blank">Printable of the Month club over on Patreon</a> for an exclusive planner printable every month.</div>
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<b><i>What small goals do you set for yourself daily?</i></b></div>
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xoxo, Moe</div>
Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4364332121201886215.post-56631290172253356612018-09-11T12:52:00.001-04:002018-09-11T12:52:51.958-04:00How to Create a Personal Altar in Shared Spaces<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes our spiritual practices might weird people out. <i>Why do you have all those rocks?</i> people ask. <i>What's all this stuff on this table?</i> they'll say. Often as their picking items up and turning them over in their hands. <b>Keeping a discreet altar - whether in your home, office, or dorm room - can have an array of benefits with out having to explain things to curious folks.</b> Though, I am always down for it personally...it can be kind of distracting.</div>
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<i>this post contains affiliate links, please read my fulls disclosure <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/p/policies-disclosure.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></div>
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Creating an altar in your personal space is important. Whether it is for ritualistic practices or a place for peace and meditation,<b> we often don't want to have our personal spaces invaded or feel odd for having them in the first place</b>. Keeping a discreet altar space can be perfect for those still in the broom closet or those who share a common space - like a shared apartment or dorm room, or for a more intimate office setting. Personally, I have a big ol altar at home in my spare room that I don't care if anyone sees but <b>when it comes to keeping somethings on my office desk - for personal power, calming vibes, and just all around comfort - I choose to do something discreetly</b> that doesn't even seem like an altar at all!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Items to Include on your Altar</span></h2>
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While everyone has different things on their altars here are a few key pieces to keep in mind:</div>
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The Elements </h3>
You can represent the elements - fire, air, earth, water - in various ways. Add plants for earth, an essential oil diffuser for air & water, etc. <b>You can also charge these things with your intentions as you set up your work space</b>. The great thing about a diffuser is that you can choose certain oils with certain correspondences but you can also charge the water with your intentions as you fill your diffuser for the day.</div>
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Deity Correspondences </h3>
Different knick knacks on your desk can have different associations to certain deities if that is a part of your practice. You don't need to have an all out dedicated statue that may seem out of place (we're attempting to be discreet here) but just <b>a little tchotchke with your personal deities will add just a touch of reverence</b> to your space.</div>
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Current/Relevant Spellwork</h3>
This may be something that might only apply if you're currently doing any spellwork around your place of business - maybe keeping a money spell present, etc. Not something totally necessary but you may find a place for it.<br />
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Personal Power Objects</h3>
While a little woo woo for my office, I used to keep the current crystals I was working with on my desk. <b>These were visual reminders for me throughout the day for certain energies and emotions I was attempting to usher into my life.</b> Same with the essential oils I'd use. You can also choose other tchotchke like items that have a certain personal power significance to you but that aren't necessarily woo woo.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Creating Your Altar, Discreetly</span></h2>
Like I mentioned, at home I go all out with what I've got on my altar - crystals, boxes, oils, incense, animal totems, <a href="http://www.fivesixteenthsblog.com/2018/02/make-it-monday-diy-dollar-tree-ostara.html" target="_blank">sabbat decorations</a>, I mean it's endless (and often a mess!). But in smaller or more public spaces, we can be more choosy or specific.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Work Space Altar</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMBxbA7letc6wWooE8X0TBumq2PXog8y5Z0FdagX3hhwIPcgHF-pegTpTJnGpTvJAE5XdN8Uydm57Rj0AG7zG0Wa-N8_BtSjh9pwWNzT8aRO796uTGShtx0W8d6wrhYvVjn5AjE8zV1mv/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMBxbA7letc6wWooE8X0TBumq2PXog8y5Z0FdagX3hhwIPcgHF-pegTpTJnGpTvJAE5XdN8Uydm57Rj0AG7zG0Wa-N8_BtSjh9pwWNzT8aRO796uTGShtx0W8d6wrhYvVjn5AjE8zV1mv/s1600/1.png" width="650" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Shop this Look</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2x2admg" target="_blank">Diffuser</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/2O9wFRC" target="_blank">Air Plant</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/2x3Tb74" target="_blank">Terrarium</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/2CIqlzp" target="_blank">Crystal Points</a> // <a href="https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/collections-beginners-trio-kit?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Essential Oils</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/2Oa9I0u" target="_blank">Cat iPad holder</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/2x5srD5" target="_blank">Gold Hippo</a> </span></div>
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Depending on where you work, your personal space may have very different types of decor. The example above has a sleek look and features a lot of light. This is a great little space to feel inspired! I imagine the person in this office getting so much stuff done!<br />
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My personal desk space at work isn't as elegant as this <b>so I choose to express my quirky fun side </b>with some plant Shopkins (yes, I'm a 30 year old woman who thinks shopkins are the cutest), my diffuser, and other objects that remind me to lighten up. <b>My job can be kind of intense with a lot of frantic energy so fun little objects that lighten the mood and cheerful essential oils keep me in the good vibes category!</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Dorm Room Altar</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTt-e2OKtU2sc7jEME7IePiHVIt3KXo5SyiaVkj0AEsnvprOI_PvBzlPvdvqIWKtEAX-15IadpzAOX11ENRbkOTIln51mpPPy1QRgXUeEszuv-6NxBduPz1jA1G4fb3y6sTtmEzQJX00fb/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTt-e2OKtU2sc7jEME7IePiHVIt3KXo5SyiaVkj0AEsnvprOI_PvBzlPvdvqIWKtEAX-15IadpzAOX11ENRbkOTIln51mpPPy1QRgXUeEszuv-6NxBduPz1jA1G4fb3y6sTtmEzQJX00fb/s1600/2.png" width="650" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Shop this Look</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Ob53vh" target="_blank">Diffuser</a> // <a href="https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/collections-beginners-trio-kit?OwnerID=4042730" target="_blank">Essential Oils</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/2NynUDH" target="_blank">Balloon Dog</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/2x73uqY" target="_blank">Balloon Piggy Bank</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/2oV5JKu" target="_blank">Succulent Collection</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/2p0sTPG" target="_blank">Crystal Collection</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/2QgtLfr" target="_blank">Fluorite Crystal Point</a></span></div>
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I think most of the time in a dorm room or shared apartment we're among like minded people so it might not be too weird to have some of these things around your space. But we still might not be ready for a ton of questions. <b>Creating a small altar space on your desk, night stand, or little shelf in your room can make our shared spaces seem a little more sacred.</b><br />
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When I was in college I loved to have small collections of inspiring nick knacks. These little collections of things really made me fill at home and gave me a space to feel inspired.<br />
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<b>Creating these personal altars bring a feeling of safety to our spaces</b>. We feel at home and we feel like we can still work on our personal goals. Sometimes we are asked to be different people in different spaces - at work I'm not going to blabber on about chakras (unless someone asks) - so bringing elements of ourselves into these spaces can give us a sense of purpose.<br />
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If you'd like to learn more about crystals, essential oils, chakras, etc head on over to join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/fivesixteenthsblog/" target="_blank">Live & Create Facebook group</a> where we talk about mindful & creative living through productivity, planning, and personal growth!<br />
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<b><i>Do you personalize your spaces? Do you have a personal altar at work?</i></b><br />
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xoxo, Moe</div>
Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820449256097370869noreply@blogger.com0