Category: Lifestyle

How to Snack Smarter

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I am unsure whether to put this blog post under my recipe page since it includes more than one recipe. To avoid redundancy, I will publish it as a stand-alone blog post. If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, be sure to check out my recipe page:

Recipes 🍌

Got a Snack Attack?

When you’ve got a snack attack, you bite back! #chomp

Disclaimer: I did not come up with these recipes – I found them in a magazine, and these recipes were written by Dawn Jackson Blatner, R.D. I cannot take credit for any of these recipes. I am unsure which magazine it was, but it contained these “recipe cards.” However, I decided to recycle my collection of magazines, including these recipe cards. The reason behind this decision is that I am aware they would likely end up sitting in my drawer indefinitely, without being put to use.

It is similar to how I hardly ever use the Pinterest recipes that I save 🤦‍♀️ I have good intentions but buy the time I pin them on Pinterest, I had already forgotten about the recipe I wanted to try. Oh yeah, if you are new here you might not know about my Pinterest account that I seldom self-promote. You can find my Pinterest account here:

👉 Follow me on Pinterest: @serene_hilz

Before I get started, I also want to mention that these recipes include calorie counts. Although I personally don’t adhere to the concept of counting calories and believe in a more holistic approach (aka. intuitive eating), I understand that some of my readers do count calories. Hence, I have made sure to include the calorie counts in each recipe. Additionally, I understand that a portion of my readers follow vegetarian or vegan diets. Please feel free to substitute ingredients in the recipes to cater to your dietary preferences. Let’s get started, shall we?

Photo by S’well on Unsplash

1️⃣ Best Morning Booster

Mocha Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients:

  • instant coffee
  • low-fat vanilla yogurt
  • sliced strawberries
  • low-fat granola
  • other berries (optional)

Directions: Mix 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee with 6 ounces low-fat vanilla yogurt until coffee is dissolved. Spoon half the mixture into a bowl and add 1/3 cup sliced strawberries. Blueberries and raspberries are optional. Top with remaining yogurt and garnish with 1 tablespoon low-fat granola. (150 calories)

(っ◔◡◔)っ Did you know? Granola provides a healthy dose of glucose (aka. fuel for the brain) to help jump-start your morning. Calcium-rich foods help increase fat loss.

Photo by S’well on Unsplash

2️⃣ Best Afternoon Pick Me-Up

Superfood Trail Mix

Ingredients:

  • dried cherries
  • golden raisins
  • sunflower seeds
  • roasted soy nuts
  • mini chocolate chips

Directions: Combine 1 tablespoon each dried cherries, golden raisins, sunflower seeds, and roasted soy nuts with 1 teaspoon mini chocolate chips in a zip-lock bag; mix. (150 calories)

(っ◔◡◔)っ Did you know? For steady, long-lasting energy, choose snacks with a mix of protein and fiber. String cheese and grapes is another smart combo, as is low-fat cottage cheese topped with fruit. Soy nuts have more protein and fewer calories (just 126 calories an ounce) than most tree nuts.

3️⃣ Best Postworkout Refuel

Blueberry-Pineapple Protein Shake

Ingredients:

  • low-fat milk
  • frozen blueberries
  • frozen pineapple

Directions: Combine 1 cup low-fat milk, 1/4 cup frozen blueberries and 1/4 cup frozen pineapple in a blender; puree until smooth. (140 calories)

(っ◔◡◔)っ Did you know? The protein and carbs in milk help repair muscles and replenish cells’ energy stores after a workout. Eat dairy within 45 minutes of exercising, when the recovery process is at its peak. The pineapple contains bromelain, a natural anti-inflammatory compound, which may reduce post-workout pain.

4️⃣ Best Stress Booster

Hummus and Red Pepper Bites

Ingredients:

  • hummus
  • whole-grain crackers
  • diced red bell pepper
  • dried oregano

Directions: Spread 2 tablespoons hummus evenly over 5 whole-grain crackers. Top with 2 tablespoons diced red bell pepper and a pinch of dried oregano. (150 calories)

(っ◔◡◔)っ Did you know? Red bell peppers contain vitamin C which has been shown to help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Steer clear of coffee and soda if you’re having a hectic day. Caffeine triggers your body to pump out adrenaline, which can make you feel jittery and agitated.

5️⃣ Best Way to Satisfy a Chocolate Craving

Indoor Raspberry S’more

Ingredients:

  • raspberry jam
  • graham crackers
  • large marshmallow
  • dark chocolate

Directions: Spread 1 teaspoon raspberry jam on 2 graham crackers (don’t break the crackers apart), Top with 1 large marshmallow and 1/2 ounce square of dark chocolate. Microwave for 10 to 15 seconds until marshmallow begins to melt. (150 calories)

(っ◔◡◔)っ Did you know? Don’t deny yourself chocolate. Research suggests that indulging in a little bit can help control your cravings for it. Satisfy your sweet tooth with dark chocolate. It’s made with more antioxidant-rich cocoa beans and less sugar than milk chocolate. Look for bars with at least 60% cocoa.

6️⃣ Best Nighttime Snack

Pear and Almond Butter English Muffin

Ingredients:

  • whole-grain English muffin
  • almond butter
  • pear slices
  • ground cinnamon

Directions: Top 1/2 toasted whole-grain English muffin with 2 teaspoons almond butter and slices of 1/4 pear. Sprinkle with a pinch of ground cinnamon. (150 calories)

(っ◔◡◔)っ Did you know? The carbs in English muffins may help you get to sleep quicker, according to recent research. This may be because they help boost levels of the sleep-inducing hormone serotonin. Avoid fatty and spicy snacks at night; they may upset your sleep cycle.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

Make sure to keep these quick and healthy recipes on hand for those moments when you find yourself having a sudden snack attack. With these delicious and nutritious options at your fingertips, you can satisfy your cravings guilt-free while still nourishing your body.

Would you like to ask me anything? Your questions are more than welcome! Please feel free to join the conversation by leaving a comment below ↓ and I will do my best to respond. Just keep in mind that I might be super slow replying to comments.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

Find Peace in the Madness

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Are you feeling overwhelmed by the constant chatter in your mind? Discover the transformative power of meditation. By stilling the internal chaos, meditation guides you towards serenity and inner peace. View meditation as a valuable practice to nurture a peaceful mind. It offers relief from concerns about hypothetical future challenges and enables you to concentrate on what truly counts in the present. By practicing meditation, one can find tranquility and perspective amidst life’s demanding chaos.

It’s a fascinating fact: breathing slowly through your nose, rather than just your mouth, can actually help alleviate stress. Give it a try and experience the relaxation it brings.

Photo by Ivan Samkov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/

3 Steps to Inner Peace

1️⃣ Breathe Deeply

  • Inhale deeply for five seconds, inflating your stomach like a balloon, then exhale for twice as long. Focusing on your breathing helps tune out distractions and slows your heart rate, so you produce less of the stress hormone adrenaline.
  • Continue as you follow steps 2 and 3.

2️⃣ Visualize Peace

  • Close your eyes and think of a place that makes you feel happy and calm.
  • Envision as many details as possible – the sights, the sounds. The positive associations you have with this place will help lower both your blood pressure and your levels of cortisol, another stress hormone.

3️⃣ Pick a Mantra

  • Continue doing steps 1 and 2.
  • Silently repeat a calming statement. Try “I am peaceful” or “I will succeed.” While your conscious mind is focused on breathing and visualizations, your subconscious is absorbing this mantra. Soon, you’ll begin to actually believe it.
A meditating Patrick Star

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ If you found this blog post enjoyable, then I strongly recommend exploring my other posts that focus on techniques for reducing anxiety. You can find a collection of my most popular blog posts by visiting the link below ↓ Your journey towards a calmer and more peaceful state awaits.

Managing Your Anxiety

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

great-vibes.regular (1)

September Goals | Autumn 2023

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Hello, everyone! As we find ourselves well into the beautiful month of September, I am thrilled to finally take a moment and share my goals with all of you. It has been quite the productive month for me so far, although my focus has primarily been on the responsible aspects of life – those adulting tasks that we all must conquer. Yes, I have fully embraced the art of adulting!

Lately, I haven’t been feeling very energized when it comes to writing, even though I have been more active on my blog. In a perfect world, I would have all the time in the world to work on designs for Redbubble, but adult life doesn’t work like that, especially one with responsibilities. To date, I have 54 designs available in the shop, and I plan on adding a few more before the end of the month. Initially, I had hoped to have 100 designs by the end of September but I would be lucky to have 60 designs in the shop by the end of the month. Due to my busy schedule, I won’t have much time for hobbies, and it may be challenging to meet that goal.

♡ Quick Link: Sereneluna.redbubble.com

♪·♫ 𝒜 𝒮𝑒𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝑜 𝑅𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇 ♫·♪

Image: https://www.thisisourbliss.com

Summer Drink Days Are Over

As the summer days at MCDs came to an end, many other things bid farewell with the start of a new school year. Gone are the days of sleeping in until 1:00PM, staying up late unless it’s a work night, and being scatter-brained 24/7. Okay, the last one is still mostly true but I have been improving. September is the month to embrace structure, discipline, and a renewed focus on responsibilities. September brings an opportunity for growth and success – so let’s make the most of it!

Summer treats at MCDs

SEPTEMBER GOALS 2023

Career Goals:

  • Bid on shifts as they become available
  • Catch up on work emails + finish CCP requirements → due this month
  • Work on side hustle → goal is 60 designs

Personal Goals:

  • Publish 1-2 blog posts + monthly recap
  • Scan paper documents → turn into digital copies
  • Start habit tracking using Posh Planner
  • Keep tabs on doctor’s appointments/pending appointments
  • Complete and submit Application A
  • Daily Duolingo practice 🇩🇪

Health Goals:

  • Exercise every day (hula hooping, treadmill, chores, etc.)
  • Finish low-cal lemonade and Kool-Aid drink mixes
  • Leave the house once a day and get some sunshine☀️
Becca enjoying the sunshine and her cats.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

I have decided to adopt a more mindful approach to eating, going back to the days when I trusted my body’s natural intuition. It’s time to break free from the unhealthy habit of turning to food for comfort or out of boredom.

As you can see, my health goals for this month are quite modest, mainly because I am extremely busy with various life responsibilities. Last week, my daughter started school, and this week she will begin tutoring three days a week, in addition to her weekly piano lessons. Hopefully, my son will be starting daycare later this week.

Baby Aaron says hi! 🙂

(っ◔◡◔)っ FYI: If you’re not already following me on Twitter (@serene_hilz), you can get real-time updates about my day-to-day life there.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

August Recap | Summer 2023

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Another belated blog post, another monthly recap. I am not apologizing this time! (see? I’m learning!). I often find myself losing track of time. It’s hard to believe that another month has passed us by, and just like that, September is here. But before I get too carried away, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the month of August.

August was a busy month, which included spending the first half of the month in Ontario. My birthday was also in August so August is a significant month for me. Lately, my top priority has been my family. I’ve been busy preparing my daughter for back to school after her time at summer camp. Additionally, I have been busy with paper work and expenses (which I’m not quite ready to discuss). There’s lots of paperwork and associated fees that have demanded much of my attention. Also, with the start of the school year comes a wave of additional expenses to handle. From tutoring fees for my daughter to license renewals, it feels like there’s an overwhelming amount of costs piling up. This is the first time I’ve experienced such discomfort in having to allocate so much money towards these necessary expenses.

My Side Hustle(s)

Although I have almost given up on Medium, I still need to post there in order to maintain my qualification for the Medium Partner Program (MPP). This means that I will continue to upload content every so often. However, my earnings from it have been quite disappointing. As a result, I have redirected my energy towards digital art. There are currently 54 designs available in my #Redbubble shop. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to work on this hobby in the past week, but I hope to dedicate some time to it again if I have any “down time.” I’m pleased to share that I continued to make sales throughout the month of August, which was absolutely fantastic! The valuable support and encouragement I receive from others serve as a powerful motivation for me.

👉 Follow me on Medium: @sereneluna

👉 Follow me on Redbubble: @sereneluna

AUGUST RECAP 2023

Career Goals:

  • Go back to work on August 27 This was the only shift I had in August. Going back to work after being OOP for a month was rough.
  • Catch up on work emails + look at CCP requirements I now check work emails on my phone, which saves time. The CCP is due soon, so it’s on my to-do list.
  • Work on side hustle I only added a couple of designs to the shop while I was in Ontario and hardly spent any time on a laptop. You can check out my #Redbubble designs here.

Personal Goals:

  • Publish 1-2 blog posts + monthly recap I did the bare minimum in August and only started posting more at the end of the month. In case you missed it, I recently posted a random blog post titled “So What!” which you can read here.
  • Find my Posh habit-tracking planner → I need to start using it Did I find it? Yes, I did. Did I use it? No, I did not. I think I will use my planner for habit tracking instead.
  • Keep tabs on doctor’s appointments/pending appointments Managing my family’s busy schedule is exhausting. Text message reminders are helping me stay on track with all of my appointments. I have been swamped with appointments!
  • Daily Duolingo practice 🇩🇪 I am doing so badly in leagues but I have stopped caring. I dropped down to Ruby league. Instead of overwhelming myself with marathons, I have adopted a more sustainable approach by committing to completing one lesson per day.
  • Watch the Barbie movie in movie theaters I added it to the list to ensure that I would actually accomplish the goal. Priorities, man. Anyway, I ended up watching the Barbie movie a few hours after posting this online. Manifesting works! 🙌
The 2023 Posh Planner that I’ve been neglecting 🙊

Health Goals:

  • Use new water bottle once it arrives (2000mL bottle) I decided to discard the water bottle as I struggled to assemble it. It was of poor quality and didn’t meet my expectations. I saw no reason to attempt returning it. I advise against purchasing water bottles from #Temu.
  • Hula hooping for 35-40 minutes daily for a minimum of 30 days I managed to stay committed for a couple of weeks to my fitness routine, but unfortunately, I hit a roadblock. My bedroom became cluttered with donation boxes, leaving me with no space to work out. As a result, I couldn’t complete the 30-day challenge and now feel hesitant about writing a blog post on my experience.
  • No buying junk food from Walmart, Dollarama, etc. I was doing fine until my mom took me to Dollar Tree! Since coming back home, I haven’t visited Dollar Tree or Dollarama. Instead, I’ve started shopping at Bulk Barn for snacks instead of Walmart. My go-to snack is coconut date bars—they’re my favorite!

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

And there you have it! During the month of August, I spent two weeks of August in Ontario. My daughter also had summer camps and I have been busy getting her ready for school. I am also drowning in a pile of paperwork right now and should probably do something about that. Procrastination at it’s finest! am sure you guys can relate.

Have something to share with me? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment down below ↓ Currently, email is NOT the most efficient means of reaching me as I behind in relying to emails. Leaving a comment is the quickest way to get in touch, unless you are one of the lucky ones who has my phone number.

(っ◔◡◔)っ FYI: If you’re not already following me on Twitter (@serene_hilz), you can get real-time updates about my day-to-day life there.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

Take Charge of Your Appetite

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Disclaimer: The captivating excerpt, Take Charge of Your Appetite, was derived from a popular fitness magazine. While the precise details regarding the year or edition remain unknown, I still wanted to share this snippet with you, seeing that it could provide value to my readers. Also, I added additional context to the original points, which were written by yours truly. I’ll try and keep this short and sweet (pun intended). Let’s get started, shall we?

Image by Freepik

8 Strategies for sensible, healthy eating

  1. Make a plan and stick to it. By incorporating a consistent rotation of staple foods into your diet, you can shift your perspective on meals. Instead of viewing them as rewards, you’ll begin to appreciate the nourishment and sustenance they provide. This approach helps create a healthy mindset towards food and promotes balanced eating habits for long-term well-being.
  2. Don’t munch on the run. Make it a point to have your meals in your kitchen or dining room whenever you can. By doing so, you’ll establish a healthy eating routine and avoid conditioning yourself to eat anywhere and anytime, such as lounging on the couch while watching TV.
  3. Avoid snacking in the car. When it comes to eating in the car, your brain may not perceive it as a proper meal. As a result, you might find yourself prone to snacking habitually while on the road.
  4. Have a healthy snack, like fruits and vegetables, 30 minutes before you eat a meal. Boost your nutrition and satisfy your hunger by enjoying a nutritious snack, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, half an hour prior to your main meal. This smart habit not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also ensures that you make better food choices during mealtime.
  5. Downsize your dishes. By simply using smaller serving dishes, you can create the illusion of a larger portion while actually consuming a more appropriate amount of food. This small change can have a significant impact on your overall calorie intake, making it easier for you to achieve your health and wellness goals. So, why not give it a try and witness the positive effects it can have on your eating habits?
  6. Bust your eating triggers. If you find it difficult to resist snacking while watching TV, it’s best to avoid sitting in front of the television with a tempting bowl of snacks. By removing the temptation, you can better manage your snacking habits and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
  7. Exercise, exercise, exercise. Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine not only aids in maintaining a healthy weight but also acts as a natural deterrent against compulsive eating. Similar to food, exercise promotes stress relief and enhances overall well-being, creating a positive cycle of self-care for both your body and mind.
  8. Be mindful when trying to break old habits. After incorporating healthy habits into your routine, the satisfaction of resisting overeating is just as rewarding as the pleasure you once found in indulging. It’s a remarkable feeling to have control over your choices and prioritize your well-being.
Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik

And there you have it! In addition to everything I’ve mentioned above, I would like to take a moment to address a topic of great importance. Unfortunately, I was unable to complete the course that Ang generously gifted to me. While I don’t personally struggle with binge eating disorder, I believe her course could be immensely helpful for those who struggle with it. Ang runs a blog called, Lose Weight with Ang. Her course, titled “Weight Loss for Binge Eaters,” is designed specifically to provide effective strategies and tools for individuals struggling with binge eating habits.

Despite my inability to complete the course personally, I strongly encourage you to explore it further if this topic interests you. Investing in your well-being and finding support in overcoming obstacles such as binge eating can truly be life-changing.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

44 Superfoods that Fight Fat

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Disclaimer: This list was derived from a popular fitness magazine, although I don’t have the specific details regarding the year or edition. It’s worth noting that superfoods were incredibly popular and is still widely discussed. People were particularly fixated on diets that aimed to burn fat and achieve their desired fitness goals.

While millennials are well-versed in the concept of superfoods, it remains uncertain whether younger generations are as familiar with this term. So, let me explain what superfoods actually are. Superfoods refer to nutrient-dense foods that offer exceptional health benefits due to their rich content of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other valuable compounds. These foods have gained popularity for their potential to enhance overall well-being and support a healthy lifestyle. I have compiled a list of 44 superfoods that help burn belly fat. Let’s get started, shall we?

Image by Freepik

44 Superfoods that Fight Fat

Nuts and Seeds

  • almonds (raw, unsalted)
  • flaxseeds
  • sesame seeds
  • walnuts

Fruit

  • apples
  • blueberries
  • cherries
  • grapefruit
  • oranges
  • pomegranates

Beverages

  • blueberry juice (unsweetened)
  • cherry juice
  • green tea
  • pomegranate juice
  • vegetable juice

Vegetables

  • arugula
  • bell peppers
  • broccoli
  • cabbage

Herbs and Spices

  • basil
  • black pepper
  • cardamon
  • chives
  • cilantro
  • cinnamon
  • cloves
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • parsley
  • tumeric

Fish

  • flounder
  • salmon
  • sole
  • tilapia

Other Category

  • egg whites
  • yogurt (plain, non-fat)
Image by Freepik

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

I am curious to know what you think of this list of 44 Superfoods that fight fat! Do you think that there is merit to this? Let me know what you think in the comments section below ↓ I will make every effort to respond to your comments. Please understand that I am currently catching up on comments from previous blog posts, and I can only reply to 2-3 comments at a time before feeling mentally exhausted. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

So What!

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Disclaimer: I did not write this on my own. This blog post is composed of excerpts from an old Seventeen magazine. Over the summer, I spent a few weeks at my parents’ house where I ended up dedicating a significant amount of time to reading and recycling my old magazines. Before recycling the magazines, I saved a few pages that I wanted to share with all of you.

The blog post is titled “So What!” is actually from Seventeen Journal. I felt moved by it because I realized that my own physical and mental clutter (ahem, pages I ripped out from old magazines) is actually hindering my decluttering efforts. How ironic! I am unable to provide a proper citation for this article as I do not have the information regarding which Seventeen magazine it came from, the article number, or the year.

Let’s get started, shall we?

So What!

You have big dreams, and you want to achieve them now. But what you might not realize is that sometimes what’s holding you back isn’t coming form the outside (your friends, your family, school)—but from you! When you let go of all the negative stuff—regrets, times you felt embarrassed, anything that’s killing your confidence—it’s like taking all the obstacles out of your way. So use this space to get it all out, and give yourself permission to say, “So what!” and move on!

  1. I’ve been beating myself up about….. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ …..but so what!
  2. I feel ashamed that….. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ …..but so what!
  3. I can’t stop cringing about….. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ …..but so what!
  4. I’ve been holding in the fact that….. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ …..but so what!
  5. I felt like I effed this up….. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ …..but so what!

“I know it’s easier said than done, but acceptance starts with looking at yourself in the mirror and just saying, Okay, I don’t have muscles on top of muscles. Fine! All right. I don’t have long, flowing blonde hair. Cool. Once you learn to be cool with who you are, you won’t care what anyone else thinks.”

 — Ne-Yo
Source: https://www.europosters.eu/marketplace/

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

This journaling exercise is applicable not only to teenagers but also to adults. Even as an adult, I still face similar challenges to those I experienced as a teenager, but I handle them differently now that I am older and wiser. I am curious to know if you journal. Personally, I don’t, but I can understand why it would be helpful for gaining insight. Feel free to join the conversation below ↓ and I will do my best to reply to the comments within the next 48 hours.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

Belated August Goals | Summer 2023

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Although I am very late writing August Goals blog post, rest assured that I have been diligently working towards achieving my goals this month. In fact, I have them written down on my phone. If you haven’t had the chance to catch up on my latest blog post explaining the reasons behind my absence, you can easily find it here.

It should not come as a surprise to you that I have not been able to maintain an active presence on #Medium. As a result, I have unfortunately neglected the platform for the time being and haven’t had the chance to provide fresh content by adding new posts. However, I still prioritize engaging with my readers by responding to their comments, despite being a bit slow in doing so.

Lately, I haven’t been feeling very energized when it comes to writing. I much rather work on designs for #Redbubble. To date, I have 52 designs available in the shop, and I plan on adding a few more before the end of the month. Initially, I had hoped to have 100 designs in the shop by the end of September. However, due to my busy schedule, I won’t have much time for hobbies, and it may be challenging to meet that goal.

♡ Quick Link: Sereneluna.redbubble.com

𝒜𝓊𝑔𝓊𝓈𝓉: 𝐵𝑒𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒, 𝓈𝓊𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉!

☀️ Hello August Image from https://www.thisisourbliss.com ☀️

My Blog Posts Can Wait

Lately, I have been giving my full attention to my children, who require a lot of my time and energy. Additionally, I am striving to improve my skills as a housewife, and household chores consume a significant portion of my day. I have also taken up cooking more dishes, which is enjoyable but can be time-consuming. I have great ideas for blog posts, including recipes, but unfortunately, I lack the time and energy to write these blog posts . As a result, these ideas remain stuck in limbo….

There is so much I still want to do which is why I haven’t given up on blogging completely. No, I am not going to abandon my blog. Is it worth the renewal fees? Probably not, but if I need money, I can simply work more hours. Money is not the main concern here. You can always earn more money. What I truly need is more time and time is limited. Moving forward, here are my goals for the rest of August:

AUGUST GOALS 2023

Career Goals:

  • Go back to work on August 27
  • Catch up on work emails + look at CCP requirements → due sometime in September
  • Work on side hustle → there are currently 52 designs available

Personal Goals:

  • Publish 1-2 blog posts + monthly recap
  • Transfer appointments to my Posh Planner
  • Keep tabs on doctor’s appointments/pending appointments
  • Phone call with social worker Aug 25 → be prepared with questions
  • Daily Duolingo practice 🇩🇪
  • Watch the Barbie movie in movie theaters

Health Goals:

  • Track steps on Pikmin Bloom app
  • Track water intake on Water Llama app
  • Use new water bottle once it arrives (2000mL bottle)
  • Hula hooping for 35-40 minutes daily for a minimum of 30 days
  • Leave the house once a day and get some sunshine☀️

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

As you can see, I have decided to give up on the Pikmin Bloom app. While I do love the app itself, I have grown tired of counting steps and using the treadmill without seeing noticeable results. I am the type of person who needs to see tangible progress in order to stay motivated. Rather than walking, I have opted for an infinity hula hoop instead. So far, I am really enjoying it! My objective is to strengthen my core and reduce the excess weight around my midsection. The spare tire needs to go.

I am currently engaging in targeted exercises to assist me in achieving this goal. I’ll check in with you guys after 30 days, but in the meantime, you can follow me over on the #Twitter/X platform for daily updates. Let me know in the comments below ↓ if you have ever tried an infinity hula hoop or use hula hoops to work out.

(っ◔◡◔)っ FYI: If you’re not already following me on Twitter (@serene_hilz), you can get real-time updates about my day-to-day life there.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

A Belated July Recap | Summer 2023

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Warning: A Little Rant Ahead 🔜

I admit that I’m growing tired of feeling like I need to apologize for writing late blog posts. Are we still doing this monthly blog recap thing? Yes, we are. I know that that July has long passed, but that’s beside the point. The important thing is for me to continue showing up, even if my blog posts are late.

Mixed Feelings About Everything

After spending a month in Ontario and unintentionally taking a hiatus from blogging, I have been reflecting on the value that blogging brings to my life. It occurred to me that despite creating the illusion of friendship groups and circles online, the truth is that there isn’t really a deep connection within the blogging community. Earlier in August, I celebrated my birthday and it made me realize that unless I loudly announced it on a social media platform, nobody bothered to wish me a happy birthday. However, I don’t remember many birthdays myself, nor do I expect others to remember mine.

I have even contemplated whether there is any point in sending birthday cards or snail mail these days, even though I still love sending snail mail. What is making me feel unhappy is the lack of reciprocation and the amount of maintenance and upkeep. I find myself wondering if there is any point in doing anything these days. Perhaps, instead of writing for an audience, I should consider writing for myself. It seems that I have lost sight of the ultimate objective when it comes to blogging.

A Lack of Emotional Support

I recently became aware that both my immediate family and extended family read my blog. Sharing my opinions openly was once something I craved, but now I find myself doubting if using my real name was a wise decision. Regrettably, the negative reactions I have received in person have made me hesitant to address certain topics that I wanted to write about, such as future plans in my personal life. While I consider myself a fairly private person, there are certain aspects that I am currently grappling with and feel emotionally overwhelmed. Furthermore, it’s disheartening to feel restricted in expressing myself freely. Perhaps Alias accounts had it right all along, but it is too late for me to start over. It’s frustrating to have to filter what I say once again, knowing that certain eyes are reading my writing.

End of Rant 🔚

JULY RECAP 2023

Career Goals:

  • Possibly bid on available shifts I only worked 1 shift in July. I cancelled the other shift d/t unresolved stomach pain.
  • Catch up on work emails + check MLL courses I haven’t really looked at my work emails and need to catch up on them.
  • Work on side hustle → have 60+ designs by end of July I currently have 50 designs available in my shop. I believe I only uploaded 3-4 designs throughout the month of July. I didn’t spend much time on my computer while I was in Ontario.

➤ Click here to visit my Redbubble shop 

Personal Goals:

  • Publish 1-2 blog posts + monthly recap I am behind on everything right now.
  • Transfer appointments to my Posh Planner Did I find it? Yes, I did. Did I use it yet? No, I have not. I didn’t bring my Posh Planner to Ontario, so now that I’m back home, I don’t really have an excuse.
  • Keep tabs on doctor’s appointments/pending appointments These days, I use my phone to keep track of everything. It’s just faster and more convenient.
  • Daily Duolingo practice 🇩🇪 I stopped tracking Duolingo leagues end ended up dropping several ranks. The only thing I care about is maintaining my daily streak. Instead of overwhelming myself with marathons, I try to complete one new lesson per day.
  • Finish photo album for my dad → due July 12 I completed the photo album and gave it to my dad. He loved it! I had some extra photos and framed them for my room.
In Memory of my pug, Zoë.

Health Goals:

  • Track steps on Pikmin Bloom app → advance to Level 45 🌸 Unfortunately, no progress has been made on Level 44 even after numerous tries. I’m still stuck there!
  • Track water intake on Water Llama app I still have the app on my phone but I haven’t been using it.
  • Leave the house once a day and get some sunshine☀️ Ontario was warm and sunny, making it easy to get enough sunshine in July. However, I often get sunburns, especially on my face, so I have to be careful.
Baby Aaron enjoying the sunshine! ☀️

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

And there you have it! During the month of July, I unexpectedly ended up spending an entire month in Ontario. Consequently, I had little time to work on my hobbies, which include writing and designing stickers, among other things. Now that I am back in Calgary, my schedule is extremely busy, and I am prioritizing my children who require my undivided attention. I am also contemplating how much time and energy I want to throw at blogging. In the meantime, you might find me uploading new designs to #Redbubble.

BTW, I forgot to mention that I recently got promoted to the Premium tier on Redbubble! I’m extremely thrilled about it because it means I no longer have to pay any additional fees from my sales. I get to keep the full commission I earn, which really motivates me to keep pushing forward. Additionally, Redbubble is having this awesome sale where all merch is 30% off for the rest of August!

(っ◔◡◔)っ FYI: If you’re not already following me on Twitter (@serene_hilz), you can get real-time updates about my day-to-day life there.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

July Goals | Summer 2023

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Wow, can you believe how fast time is flying? Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana. Anyways, it’s hard to believe that it’s July! Guess what? My husband’s birthday is just around the corner, and although I’m uncertain where I’ll be for his birthday, chances are I’ll be out of province.

These days, I am contemplating where to put my focus and energy. Right now, it’s not in writing. However, I am feeling rather defeated with Redbubble and will probably slow down a bit with uploading designs. To date, I have uploaded 46 designs which is crazy considering that I only started beginning of June 2023. Due to their new “tier” system which takes an additional 30-50% from my already modest earnings, I am left with no option but to increase profit margins by 5%, which is less than ideal. That being said, my goal is to still add 100 designs to the shop by the end of September 2023. You can check out my shop via the following link:

♡ Quick Link: Sereneluna.redbubble.com

𝙷𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚘 𝙹𝚞𝚕𝚢! 𝙱𝚎 𝚊 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚑 𝚘𝚏 𝚓𝚘𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚠𝚊𝚕.

Everything is Awesome Exhausting

Lately, I have been experiencing extreme fatigue and a lack of motivation. It feels like every aspect of my life has become overwhelming and mundane. While I am not clinically depressed, these constant feelings of exhaustion and frustration are taking a toll on my overall well-being. Even activities that used to bring me joy now feel like burdensome tasks. When starting new projects, I often find my initial motivation fading away after a few weeks. The excitement and satisfaction I used to get from accomplishing tasks no longer gives me the same rush of dopamine.

This change in my approach to blogging doesn’t mean I’m quitting, rather it’s a decision to take a break during the summer. It could actually be beneficial for me to prioritize my creative energy and only write when inspiration strikes, without feeling obligated or guilty for not producing content consistently. Furthermore, I only have 2 shifts this month, which aligns with my need to slow down and recover from whatever this is.

JULY GOALS 2023

Career Goals:

  • Possibly bid on available shifts (optional)
  • Catch up on work emails + look for upcoming MLL courses
  • Work on side hustle → have 60+ designs by the end of July
➤ Click here to visit my Redbubble shop 🐈‍⬛💕

Personal Goals:

  • Publish 1-2 blog posts + monthly recap
  • Transfer appointments to my Posh Planner
  • Keep tabs on doctor’s appointments/pending appointments
  • Daily Duolingo practice 🇩🇪
  • Finish photo album for my dad → due July 12
The 2023 Posh Planner that I’ve been neglecting 🙊

Health Goals:

  • Track steps on Pikmin Bloom app → advance to Level 45 🌸
  • Track water intake on Water Llama app
  • Leave the house once a day and get some sunshine☀️

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

As you can see, my Redbubble side-hustle falls under Career Goals even though there is a lot of overlap between this and my Personal Goals. I am determined to make more sales this month and I refuse to give up, despite the frustrations I have with Redbubble. Even though I haven’t been actively posting on Medium, I have no intentions of quitting that platform either. It can be challenging to find a balance, but I am determined to figure it out. If necessary, I may consider a dopamine-detox reset to help me feel better. Do you struggle with low-energy? Have you ever done a dopamine-detox? Let me know in the comments below ↓ and we can talk about it.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

June Recap | Summer 2023

10 Comments

I apologize for the slight delay in publishing this blog post. Rest assured, it was for a good reason. I recently took a break and disconnected from the internet while exploring British Columbia and Washington state. It was important for me to recharge and enjoy some much-needed downtime. It was a refreshing break, and now I am back and ready to share this post with you. Thank you for your understanding.

And before you tell me not to apologize, I must inform you that I am Canadian, and apologizing is deeply ingrained in our culture. Canadians like to apologize for everything.

Mixed Feelings About Redbubble

I’ve recently ventured into the world of print-on-demand (POD) and it’s been quite a rewarding experience so far. Surprisingly, I managed to generate some sales during my very first month! However, it was disheartening to discover that Redbubble took a substantial portion of my earnings, approx. 90% of it even after including the profit margin! All thanks to their new “tier” system. I find the situation quite frustrating, but my only option right now is Redbubble. When it comes down to it, my earnings from Redbubble far surpass what I ever made on Medium. Although I still contribute to Medium, my activity on the platform has significantly decreased.

👉 Follow me on Medium: @sereneluna

Despite the challenges I’ve faced on Redbubble, my dedication to creating digital art and sharing it with the world remains unwavering. The valuable support and encouragement I receive from others serve as a powerful source of motivation for me. To provide you with a glimpse of the digital artwork I have been producing, I would like to share a screenshot showcasing some of my designs:

👉 Follow me on Redbubble: @sereneluna

JUNE GOALS 2023

Career Goals:

  • Plot shift availability for the rest of June to August I am away for the majority of July and I don’t know my husband’s schedule yet. Shift bids TBD.
  • Catch up on work emails + check MLL courses I am a bit behind on work emails right now but I will catch up on them this week. There are no MLL courses to sign up for at this time.
  • Start working on a side hustle → add at least 5 items to my catalogue I actually 44 items to my Redbubble shop and far surpassed this goal! I’m really proud of myself 💁‍♀️

Personal Goals:

  • Publish 1-2 blog posts + monthly recap I decided to repost a few of my Medium articles because there was a lot of interest from readers.
  • Find my Posh habit-tracking planner → I need to start using it Did I find it? Yes, I did. Did I use it? No, I did not.
  • Keep tabs on doctor’s appointments/pending appointments Managing my family’s busy schedule is exhausting. Text message reminders are helping me stay on track with all of my appointments.
  • Daily Duolingo practice 🇩🇪 While I may have slipped from the Diamond league, I am currently holding my ground in the Obsidian league. Instead of overwhelming myself with marathons, I have adopted a more sustainable approach by committing to completing one lesson per day.
The 2023 Posh Planner that I’ve been neglecting 🙊

Health Goals:

  • Track steps on Pikmin Bloom app → advance to Level 45 🌸 Unfortunately, no progress has been made on Level 44 even after numerous tries. I’m still stuck there!
  • Track water intake on Water Llama app I hardly used the app at all this month.
  • No buying junk food from Walmart, Dollarama, etc. I was doing great until we embarked on a road trip and my cravings for snacks kicked in. Now I’m back to buying snacks which I plan on cutting out again.
Some last minute shopping last week. I had to stop for steeped tea.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

And there you have it! During the month of July, I will be visiting my parents for a few weeks. However, I will still dedicate some time to pursue my passion for digital art and maintain my blog, if my schedule permits. Juggling multiple responsibilities has proven to be quite challenging, leaving me drained of energy. However, I have learned to prioritize and eliminate tasks that no longer serve me. One strategy that has been particularly helpful in keeping me on track is writing monthly goals blog posts. They serve as a constant reminder of what I need to focus on and help me stay motivated throughout the month.

(っ◔◡◔)っ FYI: If you’re not already following me on Twitter (@serene_hilz), you can get real-time updates about my day-to-day life there.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

6 Telltale Signs of a Wantrepreneur

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As requested by my readers, this article will cover topics related to entrepreneurial endeavors. Although this is only my second article of this kind, I have already written a blog post that discusses the potential risks of attempting to take on too many projects simultaneously (which is often referred to as “dabbling”).

Today I want to share something different with my readers that I am sure they will find interesting. Unfortunately, due to my side hustle commitments, I haven’t been able to write any new blog posts recently. The following post was first published on Medium on February 6, 2023. It is worth mentioning that if you use the following link to read this article and you are already a Medium subscriber, I will earn a small commission. It might be only a few pennies but it’s better than earning nothing at all. This article is behind a paywall on Medium but I want to make it available for everyone to read.

♡ Medium Article: 6 Telltale Signs of a Wantrepreneur

Photo by Alexander Mils on Unsplash

How to identify a wantrepreneur from an entrepreneur

(っ◔V◔)っ Serious Question: Are you looking to sharpen your skills and become a successful entrepreneur?

If you are a hobby blogger, Medium writer, freelancer, etc. it is important to differentiate a wantrepreneur from a genuine entrepreneur. Who knows — you might be a wantrepreneur, but you haven’t quite realized it yet, or perhaps you’ve noticed that the person you thought was an aspiring entrepreneur is more hype than substance. It could be that the people who keep popping up in your Twitter DMs are genuine people with a passion for business but are taking all the wrong steps to make it work.

Despite having just started my journey of becoming an accidental entrepreneur earlier this month, it has become increasingly clear to me that there is a growing trend of individuals who aspire to become entrepreneurs, especially within the online space. This trend appears to be gaining traction and continues to draw more people in everyday. Unfortunately, most of these individuals tend to be all talk and no action; I have rarely witnessed any tangible results from them.

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

What is a “wantrepreneur” anyway?

A wantrepreneur is someone who boasts of grand plans but fails to take any tangible action or steps towards achieving their goals. Such people talk a lot but fail to commit or put in the effort required to turn their dreams into reality. Despite seeming to be successful, they are actually not progressing and merely treading water.

Identifying a wantrepreneur can be a tricky endeavor due to their ability to mask their true intentions. To ensure that you don’t get deceived by a wanna-be entrepreneur, it pays to be aware of the signs and red flags. This quick list will help you easily recognize if someone is pretending to be an entrepreneur:

6 Telltale Signs of a Wantrepreneur

  1. They make big promises but don’t follow through. Wantrepreneurs often make grandiose promises but fail to follow through on them. They may talk about huge ideas and big plans but never actually produce anything tangible. If someone is always talking about their next big thing but never seems to actually get it done, then they’re probably a wantrepreneur.
  2. They don’t take feedback well. Wantrepreneurs tend to be defensive when it comes to criticism and feedback. They’re often unwilling to take advice from others and can be overly sensitive to any constructive criticism. On WordPress, I frequently observe a certain level of insecurity and fragility among bloggers with regard to their work.
  3. They focus on the short term. Wantrepeneurs are often focused on making decisions that will yield short-term gains, regardless of the potential implications in the long run. These decisions may be more lucrative in the short term but can have a negative impact on their overall business goals and objectives.
  4. They don’t invest in themselves. Wantrepreneurs often rely on free resources and don’t invest in themselves or in their business. They may not be willing to put money into courses, books, or other resources that can help them become more successful in the long run. If you are serious about starting a business, then investing in yourself is essential.
  5. They don’t take action. Wantrepeneurs may talk a big game, but when it comes to taking real action, they are often found lacking. They may post interesting articles and content online but rarely do they take the necessary steps needed to actually grow their business. They might have grand ambitions and ideas, however, without any tangible action those will never come to fruition.
  6. They don’t set clear goals. Many wantrepreneurs fail to set clear objectives and goals for themselves and their enterprise, resulting in a lack of direction and a lack of vision. As a result, they can find it difficult to achieve any tangible results despite putting in countless hours of hard work, as all that effort is being put towards something that is not well-defined or thought out.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

It’s crucial to be aware of the six telltale signs of a wantrepreneur in order to avoid getting caught in the same process. If you recognize any of these traits in yourself, other bloggers, Medium writers, etc., it might be time to take a step back and reassess. Becoming a successful entrepreneur requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Thus, it is important to focus on the long-term and take action to make your dreams a reality.

Did you relate to any of my points? Be sure to join the discussion in the comments section below ↓ If you’d like to access more of my writings, head over to my Medium profile. Are you curious to learn about my new side hustle? Come and take a look! 👀

➤ Click here to visit my Redbubble shop 🐈‍⬛💕