Shop for a Cause

This week I've been gearing up for a spring pop-up shop with a couple of other wonderful vendors. The best thing about this party is that 15% of every purchase will be donated to Justice Speaks, an organization that seeks to put an end to human trafficking. This will be LucyMint's first venture into the Shop for a Cause market and I couldn't be more excited about it! Since I launched the boutique last year, I have prayed about the ways that God could use LucyMint to benefit more than just women's closets. Now, He has revealed a way for women to support other women across the globe through something as fun as shopping! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to partner with Justice Speaks, which has served as my reminder that God can work through us and through our passions in multiple amazing ways.

Simple & Affordable Luxuries

Christian Dior gel coat nail polish / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics lip gloss / Kate Spade pink candle / Wedgwood pink tea cup and saucer / LSA International glass home decor / Gold Sleep Mask

While I can't afford long days at the spa and exotic vacations, I always look for little things that can help me unwind from a long week or provide a small pick-me-up throughout the day.

1. SLEEP // A typical night's sleep for me is 7-hours long. But, preferably, I'd love an 8-hour night in order to feel my best in the morning. Knowing home much rest my body needs is so important. If I haven't been getting good sleep, my body reveals it in the form of headaches and sore limbs. Now, the best part about this little luxury? It's free! (Disclaimer: So, I'm nowhere near classy enough to use a sleep mask at night, but I thought this gold one above looked so luxurious and soft, I just couldn't resist adding it to the list.) 

2. Sweet Smelling Candles // What's not to love about lighting a lavender vanilla candle while you unwind from a long day at work? Currently I'm working on getting in the habit of lighting a candle, grabbing a warm drink, and sitting in bed to read Scripture everyday. Setting this soothing scene challenges me to rest and relax in the Word and creates an atmosphere that I look forward to coming home to. 

3. Adorable Tea Cups // This may be a personal preference, but I just adore antique pink or gold tea cups. I use them as display and to hold small trinkets, but filling them with my favorite hot drink (chamomile tea or coffee) always makes my daily routine just a bit more whimsical and fun. 

4. Luscious Lipgloss // Adding a pop of color to your lips is an instant face brightener. Swiping on some Bobbi Brown lip gloss is something I regularly do that not only completes my beauty routine, but in some small way gives me an added boost of confidence. 

5. Gel Manicures // While getting a manicure once a month is a bit of a budget stretch for me, I try to fit it in when I can. There's just something about the look of freshly painted nails, typing away at a keyboard that brings me joy (remind you I'm a copyeditor). My regular salon charges $25 for a gel manicure (with a brief arm massage), which can last between 3 to 4 weeks. 

6. Fresh Flowers // My roommate has gotten into the habit of buying fresh white flowers to disperse around the apartment. She purchases one medium sized bouquet and separates it into three small vases to spread around the living room and kitchen. The bouquets, usually white daisies, never cost more than $5 and can last for up to three weeks. Fresh flowers can be a budget splurge, but definitely add to the appeal and happiness in your home. 

7. Tea Time // Though I'm also a coffee drinker, tea has become an essential part of my daily routine. As a woman, one of my favorites is chamomile as it drastically cuts down bloating on those days that, well, we'd rather not be a woman. Chamomile tea is both soothing and non-caffeinated, so you can drink it all day without the jittery veins and anxiety that coffee sometimes brings. 

Healthy State of Mind

Those who are closest to me know I get really cranky when I haven't eaten for a few hours. I simply don't understand the type of people who forget to eat or skip meals. When my head hits that pillow I'm dreaming about what's for breakfast--and even though I have a solid meal at 7:30 every morning, without fail, I'm hungry an hour later. I've been blessed with a fast metabolism, yes. But each year I notice a subtle difference in my body type, energy, and overall health. I'm no longer the field hockey, eat-whatever-I-want, girl that I was in high school. 

My bad habits of crashing on the couch and meals full of processed carbs have slowly, but surely, begun to attack the energetic and fit girl I once was. With that said, I'm writing this blog to actually ask you a favor. To ask you what truly motivates you to live a healthy lifestyle? The hardest part for me is exercising. I just can't seem to get back into the routine I used to be so familiar with. 

Above are a few goals of mine. Sharing these with you is a way of holding myself accountable. What are yours? What has worked for you? I'd love to hear about them and add your advice to my list of motivation. Thank you for your feedback!

xo,
Elissa