Category: Personal Finance

Price Shock: Enough is Enough

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OG version: “The best time to start was last year. The second best time to start is right now.” — Seth Godin

Edited version: “The best time to quit was last year. The second best time to quit is right now.”

•• ━━━━━ ••●•• ━━━━━ ••

Why I’m Cutting Back at Tim Hortons

Okay, so picture this 🙌 You’re in Calgary, AB, it’s freezing outside, and you just want that little bit of comfort to start your day. For me, that comfort has always been a large or XL steeped tea from Tim Hortons.

It’s kind of a Canadian classic, right? This brand used to be a huge part of our national vibe a few years back #nostalgia. But now, every time I hit the drive-thru or walk up to the counter, I feel a little pinch in my wallet. The prices are getting out of hand, even with the Tim’s app which I use on a regular basis, and honestly, I’m [about] done. Seriously, enough is enough. 🙄

Image source: Image is my own. I took this at a local Tim Hortons coffee shop. Merry Christmas! 🎄✨

It seems like that so-called Canadian brand (which isn’t even Canadian, and you can totally tell) is losing its no-nonsense vibe that made it great. Now it’s all about pushing data, jacking up prices, and getting you to download their app. Honestly, I’m just a regular person; I don’t want a million notifications or fancy offers. I just want my tea at a decent price, for crying out loud. I sound like a cranky old person, haha. 😝

My Gameplan for 2026

As we venture into the new year, I’m switching things up. Yet again! I’m not totally ditching my love for steeped tea (there’s no way I can make it as good at home), but I’m definitely cutting way back. It’s a hard choice, but with all these price hikes and inflation, it’s getting too real to ignore, just like everything else inflation has sucked the fun out of.

Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever said this out loud, but I’ve gotta keep it real—Tim Hortons coffee? I’m not a fan at all 🙅‍♀️ There, I said it. I get that it’s still kind of a big deal in Canada, but hey, that’s how I feel. I’ve never really enjoyed their coffee. Now, McDonald’s coffee is a bit better, but still not my go-to beverage of choice.

My whole thing has always been steeped tea. It’s got this specific, comforting flavor and strength that I just cannot replicate at home in order to save money, no matter how hard I’ve tried. I’ve bought different brands, tried various steeping times, the works. Nothing hits the same. That unique, elusive taste is the only reason I’ve remained a loyal customer all these years. It was my one little luxury that felt justified.

But even my steeped tea addition and dependency has its limits when the cost keeps climbing. 📈

Image source: Image is my own. I took this at another local Tim Hortons coffee shop.

The Annoying Two-Tiered Pricing System

The thing that really gets me isn’t just inflation (that’s a whole other can of worms for another time). They’ve made this annoying two-tier system where the real deals and discounts are just tucked away in the Tims mobile app. But honestly, even that feels like a rip-off now. You’re not saving much money, and I’m pretty picky about what’s considered “a good deal” on the app. Sure, it’s better than not using it at all, but the points system is a total joke. Spend $40 (400 points) and you score a free tea or coffee. It used to be way better—buy 7 drinks, get one free! ☕💔

Why the Value Just Isn’t There Anymore

The global cost of things like coffee beans and packaging has definitely doubled in the last few years too, and I get that businesses need to find a way to survive. Prices inevitably have to go up so businesses can stay open. But for the average person standing at the counter in Calgary or any city in Canada really, seeing that total tick up higher and higher every few months is super frustrating.

When the price of my daily steeped tea starts creeping into the territory of a fancy, high-end, locally roasted latte from a modern, independent café down the street, I can no longer justify the cost of buying it anymore. I refuse to spend money at local coffee shops because of the same issue: cost. It’s too expensive for the average consumer.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

My current cutback is a reflection of how bad things have gotten. I know the issue of inflation and corporate greed is complex—it’s not a simple fix. But until things change, I’m going to have to get serious about perfecting an alternative DIY steeped tea recipe for most days I’m home. As of right now, the best tea alternative I’ve found is Yorkshire Tea, imported from the UK. It’s not remotely close to steeped tea from Tim Hortons, but at least I can live with it.

Your best bet would be to check your local Walmart or London Drugs, both of which sometimes carry the classic blend and even limited-time flavors. I know using a tea bag doesn’t quite replace a proper steeped tea, but it’s a step in the right direction. I’m a bit nervous about what 2026 will bring, but let’s hope for a prosperous new year. I also hope I am able to escape the tight grip that my steeped tea habit has on me!

✨ Wιʂԋ Mҽ Lυƈƙ! ✨

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ P.S. Enjoyed this post? ♥ If you want to support my quest to find the perfect, affordable steeped tea, consider fueling my motivation with a small donation on Ko-fi. Your support helps keep content like this coming!

🌸Buy Me a Coffee? 🌸

Help support Hilary & her caffeine addiction. Thank you very much for your support.

What are your thoughts on rising prices and corporate greed where you live? Are you cutting back on any daily luxuries? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation! ↓

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

Is Temu Addictive? An Honest Look 👀

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“In a consumer society there are inevitably two kinds of slaves: the prisoners of addiction and the prisoners of envy.” — Ivan Illich, Austrian philosopher

How gamification and deep discounts keep us hooked on #Temu.

Ever hit that “buy now” button on something ridiculously cheap on Temu and immediately wonder, “How the heck did I get here?” You are not alone, and that feeling is entirely by design. Temu, armed with its catchy “Shop Like a Billionaire” slogan, is a genius playbook in behavioral psychology. It seamlessly blends wild, and slightly dangerous, design tricks with gamification tactics to keep everyday consumers glued to their screens for hours on end. 📲💻

👉AI generated Image: Temu app interface showing bright colors, flash deals, and a “spin the wheel” graphic.

It might not be a full-blown addiction, but you can’t deny that the site is made to deliver those sweet dopamine hits that totally make you want to splurge. Neil Saunders, a retail expert, even says Temu is as addictive as candy. It’s not just about getting what you need either. Shopping feels more like a game and you can’t help but love that rush of snagging a deal. The thrill of the hunt, combined with the satisfaction of finding that perfect item at the right price, makes you constantly come back for more. There’s also the community aspect, where people share their finds and recommendations, which only adds to the excitement of the experience. Honestly, I’ve tried hard to shop mindfully, but I’ll confess… I’m totally hooked. I find myself scrolling through Temu every week, all while trying to stay skeptical, yet inevitably getting caught up in the charm of the endless sales and promotions that seem too good to pass up.

The Gamification of Shopping & My Skepticism

Temu is all about having a blast while you shop, making it feel more like a mobile game than just scrolling through a dull store. When you hit up Temu, you’ll find awesome features that totally match the gaming vibe, way different from the usual online shopping stuff. Temu is notorious for gamification tactics, which include:

⭐ Spin-to-Win Wheels ⭐These casino-inspired features offer the brief thrill of winning big discounts or coupons, providing an immediate rush of excitement!

⭐ Daily Check-ins and Mini-Games ⭐Features like feeding a virtual fish or growing crops in “Farmland” to earn real rewards create a reason to open the site every single day, building a powerful habit loop.

⭐ Referral Programs ⭐The site uses a fun, multi-level marketing (MLM) style approach, encouraging users to sweetly recruit friends for delightful prizes and rewards!

•☽────✧˖°˖☆˖°˖✧────☾•

Honestly, I don’t bother using the app or getting involved in those schemes. The constant pop-ups for the spinning wheel really get on my nerves and make it super hard to just search for what I need. I have zero trust in how it works, and I’ve heard way too many stories about users not getting their full rewards or dealing with confusing terms and conditions. Plus, the app’s been called out and even faced lawsuits because of how much data it collects, so I just skip it altogether and stick to using the desktop browser in incognito mode. It’s still got its risks, but honestly, it feels like a way safer option than the app.

However, moving to the browser doesn’t make me immune to the appeal of a good deal. I’m still addicted to the hunt for value. I can skip the spin-to-win, but I can’t seem to resist the overall platform’s pull. I’m not immune to the promise of getting an item for a fraction of its perceived retail cost.

The Psychology of Impulse Purchases

Beyond the games, Temu pulls out some sneaky tricks—often called “dark patterns”—to get you to spend more money on stuff you probably don’t even need. And guess what? These tactics work just as well on the website as they do in the app. You might’ve seen messages like this:

✨ Sense of Urgency and Scarcity ✨Messages like “Only 3 left!!!” or “Deal ends in 5 minutes!” create a powerful fear of missing out (FOMO) and push users into making snap decisions without thinking about whether they truly need the item.

✨ Infinite Scroll and Personalization ✨The design uses an infinite scroll feature similar to TikTok or Instagram, making the browsing mindless and entertaining. Behind the scenes, the site tracks every click, search, and abandoned cart to constantly refine recommendations, ensuring the feed is hyper-personalized to your interests and price sensitivity.

✨ Social Proof ✨Seeing “50 people bought this in the last hour” or a flood of five-star reviews creates social proof, tapping into our desire to conform and join in on popular trends.

👉AI generated Image: Yeah, I know this isn’t a 100% perfect illustration, but you get the point.

Breaking the Temu Addiction (Sort Of)

So, how do we actually shop smarter and still treat ourselves to a few cool things? Learning their tricks is the first step to fighting the pull of those insane prices and endless options. Here’s a quick rundown of the simple hacks I’m using to shop with more purpose:

❖ The Stick-to-the-List Rule: I follow a shopping list like it’s my best friend to stop myself from getting caught up in all the sales and shiny offers. If it’s not on the list, it’s not coming home with me.

❖ The “Wait and See” Game: If I spot something awesome I think I need, I pop it in the cart but make myself chill for a day or two before buying. It’s wild how often that feeling of “gotta have it now” disappears when the pressure’s off.

❖ A “Win” is Still Money Spent: This is the tricky one. Even when you score a massive discount, you’re still spending cash. The platform is all about getting you to interact and buy, not doing you a favor. A pro tip: Use payment services like PayPal for extra safety when you finally decide to buy.

•☽────✧˖°˖☆˖°˖✧────☾•

Honestly, it’s cool how Temu connects us directly to manufacturers, which in theory should be all about efficiency and great deals. This structure certainly makes it easy to find low prices and unique items. However, the platform isn’t just a simple marketplace; Temu seems primarily designed to make us enjoy the act of shopping itself, rather than just the utility of a purchase. This creates a hard to break, continuous consumption cycle.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

Ultimately, I’m just as human as anyone else. Despite understanding every single one of their sneaky marketing ploys, I still can’t resist those amazing offers and the sheer thrill of snagging a bargain. Every time I open that shopping app, I feel that rush of excitement scrolling through countless products that promise to enhance my life—be it gadgets, clothing, or home essentials. I’m right there in the trenches with you, trying to save some cash without totally cramming my place full of stuff I don’t really need, and honestly? I’m still figuring out that balance. It’s a super delicate dance of prioritizing what actually adds genuine value to my life versus what just looks appealing in the moment.

What about you? Are you a regular Temu shopper who’s noticed these addictive patterns? Or maybe you have some brilliant hacks for shopping smarter? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation! ↓

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

I’m back, but don’t hold your breath.

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Hi everyone! It has been a few months since I wrote a blog post, which should be no surprise to anyone by now. I know I have been away forway too long, and I am trying to make it up to you all. I didn’t mean to leave you hanging like a forgotten Labubu. Life is just… ugh, a total mess. I lost my laptop mouse, so I am typing this on the family desktop computer. Normally, I wouldn’t have time for a personal blog update, but when the husband’s away… the wife will write, or at least pretend to! 😝 I’m back for now, but don’t count on me blogging regularly. I have #ADD brain (high functioning, no meds). I don’t know when I’ll find my laptop mouse, but its got to be somewhere in the house (hey… it rhymes!). Speaking of which, I need to finish refining and uploading my poems but I don’t want to get carried away and risk blogging burnout again. Just be happy there’s something new to read, okay?

Image: This is how I feel when I’m trying to write a blog post. Image source unknown.

Redbubble Broke My Heart 💔

Redbubble was my side hustle and it ate up most of my free time when I wasn’t gaming. Now? It’s more like #Deadbubble —it’s not going to be my side hustle for much longer. Remember my little sticker shop? I made 116 unique designs since I joined, and poured my soul into these whimsical designs. I used what little commissions I made for coffee money (hello, caffeine addiction), in-game purchases for my Infinity Nikki obsession, and to support small artists on Etsy. Last week, Redbubble sent us the most disrespectful email I’ve ever seen. Redbubble’s fee changes, starting September 1st, 2025, is straight-up unethical, taking up to 50% of artists’ earnings, plus an extra 50% if you dare set your margins above 20%. That’s almost ALL of our profit margins, which is straight-up theft and a slap-in-the-face to small artists like me. I joined Redbubble because it seemed fun to design aesthetically pleasing stickers and merch, using the knowledge and skills that I learned about image scaling, resolution, and vector design. To date, I’ve sold 190 stickers and 8 buttons. You’d think that is a lot of money, but I don’t make much in commissions.

Still, it was nice to have little $20 payouts from Redbubble every few months.

Redbubble artists are leaving in droves and I don’t blame them. I’m not closing my shop, but I can’t keep up with their greed and need to offset it in some way, which only adds to my side hustle struggle. That coffee money is coming to an end, and not only that, but my passive income is coming to an end. There’s currently $8.20 sitting in my account that Redbubble is holding hostage until I reach the $20 threshold. At this rate, come September, it’s going to take forever to even make $20. Redbubble’s new scheme for Standard and Premium tiers reeks of a scam at this point…. artist income no more!

🌸 My Redbubble Shop: @sereneluna 🌸

I left that message for anyone who stumbles upon my shop to warn them about what’s actually going on. I doubt it will be enough to bring about change, but it did force me to re-evaluate where I should put my time and energy. I mostly post my thoughts on Twitter/𝕏 (@serene_hilz) because it helps me with my scattered #ADD thoughts. Perhaps, it’s time to share my thoughts with you guys through long-form content, which ironically helps me manage my ADD (the one without the hyperactivity). You can also find me on Bluesky if Twitter/𝕏 isn’t your thing (@sereneluna.bsky.social) but DMs are deactivated on Bluesky.

Grateful for You, Always ❤️

I’m not giving up on my Redbubble shop entirely, but I’m pivoting to blogging to keep my creative block at bay while I search for a new side hustle. By the way, I started Ko-fi crowdfunding to fuel my caffeine addiction, so if you want to support me ($5 CAD or $3.50 USD is just a suggestion), I’d be forever grateful (link below ↓). The money will go toward keeping this blog alive—blogging ain’t cheap, folks!

If you can donate to help me improve this site, I would be really grateful! (◡‿◡✿)

I’m grateful for you, my readers and subscribers, for sticking around despite my silence. The sound of silence is uncomfortable, isn’t it? (cue the crickets….) Despite being MIA for months, this blog still manages to get organic traffic, which was another reason why I upgraded my WordPress Plan yet again. Like all of my hobbies, this one might not last because blogging burnout is real, but I see potential and hopefully, the start of something beautiful. 🐇💕

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! ♥

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 🐈‍⬛💕

Stop Dabbling and Start Winning at Life

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I feel like now is a good time to share my Medium article with you, as I am no stranger to the art of dabbling. In fact, I recently started dabbling in a new side hustle (all the details are on #Twitter), so I am not immune to trying out different things. However, I realize that in order to achieve my long-term goals or any lasting success, I need to first learn how to master my focus.

This article was originally posted on Medium on April 19, 2023. I don’t have new blog posts because I have been so invested in my side hustle. Don’t be surprised if I cross-post Medium articles for the time being. 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: Stop Dabbling and Start Winning at Life

Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/

Mastering Your Focus to Achieve Lasting Success

(っ◔V◔)っ Serious Questions: Are you a dabbler? Do you find yourself constantly jumping from one thing to the next, without ever really committing to anything?

If you found yourself nodding in agreement to these questions, then this blog post is definitely for you. It’s time to stop dabbling and start focusing on what really matters.

Dabbling may seem harmless, even fun, at first. You get to try out new hobbies, explore new interests, and network with like-minded people. But here’s the thing — it is actually a trap. The more you dabble, the less focused you become on your life mission. You waste time doing things that don’t really matter and forget about what’s most important to you. After a while, you may start to realize that you’re not really getting anywhere. You’re not making progress, you’re not achieving your goals, and you’re not truly mastering anything.

“Jack of all trades is a master of none.” — English Proverb

The Dangers of Dabbling

Whether you’re a blogger, a Medium writer, or a social media influencer, it’s important to avoid the trap of dabbling and focus on creating quality content that resonates with your audience. Despite my best efforts, I often find myself trying new things and dabbling in various projects, such as running this blog, writing articles for Medium, and recently starting a side hustle on Redbubble. I am all too aware of how easy it is to get distracted by the seemingly more exciting activities life has to offer.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/

(っ◔V◔)っ You might be dabbling without even realizing it if you’re struggling with any of the following problems:

  1. Lack of expertise: Dabbling in multiple topics or platforms can prevent content creators from developing expertise in any particular area, limiting their ability to create content that is both impactful and tailored to their specific target audience.
  2. Lack of focus: Without a clear direction or strategy, content creators may struggle to stay focused and make progress towards their goals, leading to reduced output and a lack of motivation to reach the desired objectives.
  3. Inconsistent content: Dabbling can lead to missed deadlines, inconsistent content schedules, and a lack of engagement due to an inability to create useful and engaging content that resonates with their target audience.
  4. Burnout: Constantly switching between topics or platforms can be a major source of stress and frustration, leading to burnout.
  5. Missed opportunities: When content creators don’t commit to a specific niche or stick to one platform, they may miss out on opportunities to build a loyal following or establish themselves as experts in their field.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

I want to bring awareness to the fact that dabbling in too many different areas as a content creator can be detrimental to your success. You don’t need to spread yourself thin across multiple platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Medium, YouTube, TikTok, starting a Podcast, writing a book, and God knows what else. You have a finite amount of time and energy — remember that.

Experimenting with different things and exploring new interests is an important part of personal growth. However, if you want to make a big impact in your life and reach your goals, it is important to stay focused on the tasks at hand rather than dabbling in a variety of activities. Finally, if you found this blog post interesting, or even if it just changed your perspective on things, please let me know in the comments below ↓ Your feedback really matters to me.

Thanks for stopping by! ❤️

5 Things I No Longer Buy

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っ(◔_◔)っQuestion: What are some items that you no longer buy?

A few months ago, I stumbled upon this blog post which made me reflect on my own life and spending habits. My intention was to answer her question in a timely manner, but we all know how long it takes me to post a blog post response. Bee is a 30-year old blogger who runs a popular blog called Mind. Beauty. Simplicity. She writes blog posts about intentional living, self-growth, lifestyle, and anything in between. I recommend checking out her blog and following her if you haven’t done so already.

These days, I am on a similar journey as Bee. When it comes to living intentionally, I am still far from perfect but I have learned to be more mindful about my spending and to avoid buying things that aren’t going to add value to my life. Keep reading if you are interested in learning what I added to my list! 🙌

•✽ 5 THINGS I NO LONGER BUY ✽•

1. Bath & Body Works I have nothing against Bath & Body Works. In fact, it is a great store and I still like their products. I am wiser now that I am older, but when I was a teenager, my life revolved around this store. I was in love with their products and the shopping addiction got pretty bad whenever there was a sale, which was pretty much every week 😆 I would buy all sorts of things: lotions, shower gels, candles, fragrance mists —you name it. When I couldn’t go through the products fast enough, I would make lists of the products that I wouldn’t have to replenish. The lotions and body mists lasted so long to the point where they would expire and end up smelling horrible. Once I realized that I was wasting money, I stopped shopping at Bath and Body Works.

2. Subscription Boxes These days, subscription box services are catering to everyone’s tastes. You can pretty much guarantee that the subscription box model isn’t just limited to food and books – there are monthly boxes for everything from candles to clothes. Want new socks and underwear but don’t want to think about it? There’s a box for that. And as tempting as these subscription boxes are, it is important to note that these services usually charge an upfront fee as well as recurring fees each month. I cannot justify paying a high price for items that I might not even like or use! 🤦‍♀️

Note: I want to make a clear distinction between subscription boxes and subscription services. We have access to Netflix and at one point, we paid for a Spotify account. We are thinking about renewing the Spotify subscription since my husband regularly uses that platform. We also have a Costco membership and I finally upgraded to a Premium WordPress Plan last year. When I was in nursing school, I subscribed to www.nursng.com after failing a clinical rotation in Spring 2019. At one point, I also subscribed to www.coursehero.com and even uploaded my own summary notes to share with other students. Subscription services are valuable tools when used for their intended purpose.

3. Bottled Water When you stop and think about it, it is pretty insane to pay for water when you can get it for free out of your tap. Sure, bottled water isn’t bad for you; there are worse things that you could be drinking such as soda or beer. If you are not active enough to need a drink with extra electrolytes and if drinking from a reusable bottle helps reduce your plastic consumption, then why would you bother spending money on something that is so easily accessible? The water you get from your faucet is much more affordable and safer for you. Also, by using a reusable water bottle like this one, you’ll be saving money as well as doing your part for Mother Earth. 🌎

4. Starbucks Did you really think that I was only going to throw shade at Bath & Body Works? I also like the fancy coffee drinks from Starbucks, especially their Frappuccinos. The vanilla whipped cream is absolutely divine! ❤ Plus, if you are anything like me, I do not go to Starbucks just to order a basic cup of coffee. I usually go to Starbucks to spend money on these fancy, empty-calorie Frappuccinos which typically cost around $5.50 -7.50 CAD. I prefer to save these treats only for special occasions rather than treat myself every time I go to the mall or local Starbucks coffee shop. ☕💕

If you are a coffee drinker like my husband, getting a good cup of coffee doesn’t require waiting in line. It just requires learning how to make a good cup of coffee at home. Next time you are shopping, skip the Starbucks line and make coffee at home. If Starbucks coffee is your thing (for the record, MCDs coffee is my thing), you can buy the coffee beans and make it at home for a fraction of the price. Even Costco sells Starbucks coffee beans. There is really no excuse to buy takeaway coffee anymore.

5. Alcohol This is an easy one to add to the list because I was never really a fan of alcohol. I don’t understand the hype around it, I don’t like how it makes me feel, and I don’t crave alcohol like some people do. Sugar on the other hand is a different story, which you can read about here. Personally, I think that there is too much sugar in alcohol, which is not limited to Vex, Smirnoff, and those cocktails with cute little umbrellas! I am tired of harping on the fact that alcohol isn’t good for your health and overall wellbeing. When you think about it, what kind of benefit does consuming alcohol bring? None that I can think of…. so yeah, I seldom drink alcohol 🙄 I would suggest cutting out alcohol from your budget if you are looking to save some money. It is an easy way to pocket extra cash without feeling like you are missing out on anything. There are other ways that you can socialize with people: going for walks, playing board games, or setting up a game night at home. Remember, you don’t have to stop socializing altogether.

👉 Image: I went on a trip to NYC with Nick and his friends, but I don’t remember what year this was 🤷‍♀️

Choosing to live a simpler, more intentional life is a conscious decision that affects each and every choice we make. Try thinking about the things that you can live without, specifically things that no longer serve a purpose in your life. What are some items that you no longer buy? Let me know by joining the conversation below ↓ I look forward to reading your comments.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

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7 Ways to Stop Wasting Money 💰

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Disclaimer: I uploaded this post in 2019 as its own page, but nobody stumbled upon it. I added updates and edited the original blog post to reflect the direction that this blog is headed in. Btw, I searched high and low for the original Pikachu x Coffee & Donuts image(s) but I could only find them as re-shares on Pinterest. I cannot take full credit for these, so if you happen to know where they came from, feel free to let me know so I can give the artist(s) credit. Thank you! ✌💖

The Frugal Millenial

As a Millenial, I noticed that I do not fit the typical Millenial stereotype. Yes, I do enjoy homemade avocado toast once in a while, but you probably won’t find me frivolously spending money on daily Starbucks coffee runs or FabFitFun subscription boxes. Don’t get me wrong: there is nothing wrong with Starbucks…. more on that later. ☕ Since moving 2000+ miles away from home, I have learned to embrace frugality and started living below my means, which in turn, helps me save money. I am not saying that you should become frugal like me. All I am saying is that people are at risk of over-spending and buying sh*t they don’t need if they aren’t conscious of their spending habits. Surprisingly, cutting back on unnecessary spending is not as painful as it sounds nor does it have to be difficult. Below ↓ I have 7 practical tips on how to save money, whether you are a college student or a broke Millennial who needs to cut back on frivolous spending and curb your bad habits, once and for all. Let’s get started, shall we?

7 Ways to Stop Wasting Money

1. Think before you buy. When you receive your next paycheck, birthday money, etc. you don’t need to spend it immediately. How can you think like a wealthy person if you keep blowing your money on materialistic things or wants, rather than needs? It’s not about how much money you make; it’s about how much money you save.

(っ◔◡◔)っMy Two Cents: Is a daily Starbucks run really necessary? I go to Starbucks maybe once or twice per year, and even then, I am conscious of how much I am spending on these overpriced drinks. Sometimes, date night is a must so I do splurge from time to time but this is not a daily or weekly thing for us. Being frugal doesn’t mean that I don’t buy nice things. However, we buy what is on sale and only if we need it vs. want it. For example, a few years ago when my daughter was a toddler, we bought a Baby Gap hoodie that was on sale for $10 in the U.S.

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2. Less is more. Do you really need 4 tablets, 2 laptops, and 3 smartphones with unlimited data and roaming? If you are being honest with yourself, then you probably don’t need data on your tablet when you travel and you can still live well without the latest tech gadgets. This is not only expensive but it won’t keep you satisfied for very long. Soon enough, you will want the next latest, shiny thing that is within reach. Like video game, manga collecting, etc., it gets old after a while or you will grow bored of it. Most concerning, you will end up burning a hole in your wallet from this compulsive habit. Although some people might disagree, collecting stuff might not give you the sense of satisfaction that you have been searching for.

(っ◔◡◔)っMy Two Cents: We all gotta start somewhere. During the decluttering process, you might also benefit from reading this book: “The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo.

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3. Shop at discount stores. If you can find the same brands at a discount store, then shop there. In order to know if I am actually getting a good deal, I shop by unit price to save money on groceries, etc. My husband taught me this trick so that I don’t get carried away shopping at places like Dollarama where smaller items by weight are disguised as being a good deal 😆 Sometimes, upgrading to a larger size elsewhere makes sense, like dish soap or…. ahem! toilet paper! 🧻🙊 Most of the time, I can get away with shopping at Dollarama for the same brands.

(っ◔◡◔)っMy Two Cents: When we were still living in the NW of Calgary, I was excited when there was a Dollarama opening nearby. If you are familiar with the NW of Calgary, it used to be challenging finding a Dollarama within a 10min. driving radius. Since we moved to our townhouse, I happen to live close to a plaza with a Dollarama! 😅 This is the best Dollar Store in Canada in my opinion. I often shop here for discounted brand-name items and cute stationery (see photo of cute tropical stickers). The photo of the Dollarama signage was taken in the NW of Calgary before we moved across the city in May 2021.

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4. Don’t collect multiples. This is an ongoing problem at my mom’s house. She often buys multiple items of the same thing because she forgets what she already bought. As a result, items like food in the fridge often get lost and forgotten. Not only is this a waste of money, but chances are you will end up tossing these expired products in the trash. I try not to buy multiples by keeping track of what I own which is easier when you own less stuff in the first place. Do you really need 5 bottles of soap from Bath and Body Works? Unless there is an amazing sale on soap and you plan on giving them away as gifts, skip the multiples. My husband often buys multiples so I have a rule that we have to use up what we have before going to the store to buy more. 🛒🏃‍♀️

(っ◔◡◔)っMy Two Cents: I got a discount on these items which I would normally buy anyway because I bought them in a gift set rather than individually. Best of all, these items are full-sized so I got to try new brands and scents that I would not have tried otherwise. They sell these gift sets at the beginning of the school year, so it is like Christmas in September! To this day, I still don’t know what happened to the dry shampoo… I think it got left behind the last time I visited Ontario. If anyone has ever tried dry shampoo, let me know if it is worth buying in the comments below ↓ I’m curious to know what you think! 🙋‍♀️

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5. Make it Yourself. Do you have a habit of getting takeaway every time you leave the house? Do you need that daily 3 PM caffeine fix at the drive-thru? Instead of buying drinks, fast food, etc., the frugal alternative is to make it yourself. It is much cheaper to make a smoothie at home but it requires a little effort. I prefer to take the DIY route plus I can control what I put in my body (calories, fat, ingredients). With the internet being readily available to us, there are DIY recipes on YouTube, from Starbucks mock-cappuccinos to bath bombs.

(っ◔◡◔)っMy Two Cents: I never understood why anyone would spend full price on hot water and a teabag at Tim Horton’s, especially when hot water is virtually free and tea costs roughly 10 cents per bag. For this reason, I only order steeped tea at Tims which I cannot replicate at home. Trust me, I tried every hack and my homemade steeped tea tastes nothing like store-bought, even after I tried filtering the teabags at home for a richer, bolder taste. *Le sigh*

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6. Cancel your subscriptions. As much as I enjoy reading magazines, much of what I read becomes redundant over time. There are a couple magazines that I really enjoy but even these get old after a while. Magazines are also quite pricey so it makes sense to order a yearly subscription. The only problem is that I was locked into a 2-year subscription to Cosmopolitan even though I got bored of reading them after a few months. I couldn’t care less about the advertisements, makeup, and fashion sections (more ads for expensive products that I don’t need).

(っ◔◡◔)っMy Two Cents: Before discarding my magazines, I made a vision board with snippets of positive messages. Before I moved to Calgary, I mailed my vision board to an online friend who lives in the U.S. For a while, we were sending each other snail mail. Since I reached most of the goals that I had put on my vision board and I didn’t have room for it in my new apartment, I gave it to her. What you are seeing here are some of the snippets I used. At this time, I am unable to dig up a photo of the vision which is probably buried in a file somewhere on our computer.

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7. Rewire Your Brain. I recommend having a broke student mentality, but not to take it too literally. If you have ever been in post-secondary school, then you will understand what I am talking about. Much of changing a habit begins with the way you think. By thinking a certain way, over time you can reprogram your brain to understand that the sacrifices you are making now won’t feel like sacrifices in the future.

(っ◔◡◔)っMy Two Cents: I have also adopted a minimalist mindset over the years and I am much happier with what I have these days. I no longer chase the latest, shiniest thing that is waved in my face. Learn to appreciate the good things in life and be grateful for what you have. 🙏💕

“Nothing worth having comes easy.” – Theodore Roosevelt

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To all of my Millennial and non-Millennial readers, I hope that you enjoyed reading this blog post! 🙌 If this blog post taught you something or made you think about things differently, feel free to join the conversation by leaving a comment below ↓ I will be AFK (working) this weekend, so I will reply to your comments when I have time.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

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Mango Coconut Bubble Tea

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Disclaimer: This recipe was originally posted as a separate page. I changed it to reflect the direction that this blog is headed in. Thank you for understanding! 

This recipe is a remake of the Taro recipe I posted on Yummly years ago. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate that recipe and it wasn’t exactly healthy. Taro bubble tea mix often comes in instant creamer-like packets. If you think about what is in these packets, it’s pretty unappetizing. Can we do better than that? Yes, we can, and I will show you how 💁‍♀️

At this time, I plan to make a collection of flat belly-friendly recipes for you all. However, bubble tea generally isn’t healthy, to begin with, plus it is often laden with calories. The horror! 😱 Yes, tea is good for you and should be consumed in your diet but the added refined sugar, tapioca pearls, and saturated fat in the drink outweigh the benefits of consuming the drink in the first place. I am here to give you a healthier version of this beloved beverage. You can sub any fruit out for the mango. I chose mango because it nicely complements the coconut. I added coconut milk for the healthy fats and extra vitamins.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚Mango Coconut Bubble Tea˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Servings: 2                          Time: 30 minutes                          Difficulty: medium

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/3 package of uncooked tapioca pearls
  • 1/2 cup of brown sugar
  • chilled brewed green tea
  • 1 cup of diced frozen mango
  • 1/2 can of coconut milk
  • ice cubes
  • milkshake straws (optional)

DIRECTIONS

  1. Brew some green tea and chill it in the fridge. 2 cups is more than enough for 2 servings.
  2. Using a pot, fill the pot with 4 cups of water and bring to a rolling boil. Next, add ~1/3 of the package (approx. 1 cup) of tapioca pearls to the water and 1/4 cup of brown sugar – half of the brown sugar you are using. Following the instructions on the package, cook the tapioca pearls. This step takes a while and it’s easy to mess up. It won’t cook properly if you cook it at the wrong temperature, hence the recipe being medium difficulty. Occasionally, stir the tapioca pearls so that they don’t stick together.
  3. Once tapioca pearls have risen to the top of the pot and they have the desired chewy consistency (I taste them to make sure), strain pearls under cold water and make a sugar syrup for the pearls using the rest of the brown sugar. Set aside.
  4. Using a personal blender or my personal favorite, being the Vitamix, add the brewed tea, mango chunks, coconut milk, and ice cubes. You will need to scrape the sides of the blender depending on the consistency you want. I recommend working in batches since a cheaper blender may get jammed. The Vitamix however, can handle it like a champ.
  5. Divide the cooked tapioca pearls and add them to the bottom of 2 tall glasses. Add the blended mango coconut slush to the glass along with a wide milkshake straw for pearl slurping. Enjoy!

I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments section below ↓ I love reading your comments 🥭💕

Thanks for stopping by!

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No Spend Challenge | Monthly Wrap-Up

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If you need a refresher, please go read No Spend Challenge | I Messed Up. Setting ambitious goals is one thing, but persevering despite a less-than-perfect month takes even more self-praise, motivation, and commitment. In total, I had 7 days where I “accidentally” bought non-essential items. Nothing is truly accidental because we are ultimately responsible for everything we do, including yearly subscriptions that we may have forgotten about 🤦‍♀️

Below is the PDF sheet that I printed off and taped to my wall for month of January. Whenever I had a good day, I got a sticker. I know it sounds silly but it keeps me motivated since I like to keep the positive streak going. I am also keeping a tally at the bottom of the sheet which indicates the number of days that I cheated or unintentionally spent money. I am aware that January has 31 days and felt that it was only fair to include that extra day in the challenge.

This is how I kept track of No Spend January.

Perfectionism Was Not The Goal

I received lots of feedback from my readers throughout the month of January, and your comments meant a lot to me – thank you so much! ❤ I couldn’t help but notice that several of you a) agreed with me or praised me for attempting such a challenge or b) were appalled that someone like me screwed up the No Spend Challenge or c) questioned this challenge with much skepticism. To clarify, I am human too and make mistakes just like everyone else. God might be a woman according to Ariana Grande, but last time I checked, I was an imperfect human being and still am to this day. Remember, perfectionism was not the point of this challenge. In fact, perfectionism can be quite damaging to one’s mental health and probably contributes a great deal towards neuroses.

Setting Personal Goals

Sure, I could have chosen to lie about my spending habits, but that would have defeated the purpose of this challenge 🙅‍♀️ Although the No Spend Challenge was annoying and inconvenient at times, it made me more mindful of my spending habits and helped me develop a better relationship with money and unnecessary purchases. Rather than go cold turkey during the month of February, I have decided to continue tracking my spending using a planner. I also realize that banning myself from places like Dollarama did not save me money in the long-run. Therefore, I am limiting myself to one Dollarama shopping trip per week with a budget of $20-30 since I also shop for the family. Honestly, this challenge helped heighten my awareness, and I am even more mindful about my spending habits these days. I learned that I do not need to deprive myself of the simple pleasures in life, as long as I continue to live an honest and intentional life 🌺

A Small Victory!

I accumulated $50 worth of Tim Hortons gift cards from Swagbucks, which helped me survive the month of January 2021. My husband decided to join Swagbucks using my referral link, after seeing that I was able to redeem $100 worth of e-gift cards in 2020! Because my husband joined and earned 300 swagbucks (SB) within 30 days of joining, we each received a $3 rebate bonus. In conclusion, Swagbucks is legit and rewards people for shopping online, submitting receipts, completing surveys, playing games, and completing daily tasks (they’re easy). You won’t get rich from Swagbucks but you will be rewarded for your efforts.

A shoutout goes to Nicholas Tan (my husband) for supporting me! Thank you for the delicious Steeped Tea(s)! 😊💕

If you sign up using my referral link and start earning SB, you will be helping me out A LOT. For every 10 SB you earn, I will be earning 1 SB which adds up over time. Also, if you acquire 300 SB within your first 30 days of signing up, you will receive a 300 SB ($3.00) welcome bonus on top of the $3.00 that you have already earned. As a thank you for earning SB to help support my steeped tea addiction, I will give you a shoutout in a future blog post (your blog link included) as my way of saying thank you. That way, other bloggers can find and follow your blog too! ❤

Thanks for stopping by!

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Affordable Self-Care Ideas

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Are you one of those people who could use a self-care day to recharge? Me! Pick me! 🙋‍♀️ If you happen to fit into one of the two categories below, then you would probably benefit from a self-care day. Personally, I fit into both categories depending on where I stand in my work and personal life. When I am unemployed, I learn more towards #2 and when I am employed or taking courses, I learn more towards #1. Not to mention that we are also dealing with a freaking pandemic, which has taken a toll on people’s mental health.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ So tell me, what kind of person are you? ♥
1. You are overwhelmed because you feel that you need to stay busy, or you have a hard time relaxing when you do have free time.
2. You do not know what to do with your free time so you end up doing nothing productive or rejuvenating.

Below, I have compiled a list of affordable self-care strategies that will not break the bank and will hopefully help you recharge and reground yourself. I cannot stress how important it is to take care of your mental health and well-being, especially during these difficult times. Obviously, I am not a party planner nor am I going to plan out the whole day from morning to night. What I will do is give you some free or budget-friendly suggestions for a self-care day. Self-care does not have to be elaborate or expensive! Let’s get started, shall we?

Go For A Walk Outside

What? You don’t walk your cat?

When my cat was sick, my husband took him to the vet. Afterwards, my husband spoiled the cat by letting him venture outside. And the cat loved it! ❤ Pet parents do not hesitate to take their dogs (and cats) out for walks, but when was the last time you took yourself out for a walk? Are you spending way too much time indoors and not enough time in the great outdoors? If you live in Canada like me, I totally understand why you may choose to stay inside the house. Canada is cold AF, especially in this province. If the weather is nice where you are, depending on what your definition of “nice” is, I encourage you to stand barefoot on the grass as a way to ground yourself and reconnect with Mother Nature.

Spending time outside can be incredibly therapeutic. I encourage all of you to leave the house at least once a day if you can, and spend some time outdoors. Right now, I am not getting my daily walks and my mood is suffering as a result. I am probably Vitamin D deficient because I hardly ever see the sun 🌞 My blinds are closed as I write this and I keep my windows shut due to the frigid cold. Also, the paths are icy AF outside so I try not to leave the apartment. The affordable solution is to suck it up and spend time outdoors, but knowing how terrible my balance is, I rather not deal with a sprained wrist or ankle. If you live in a warmer climate, then you are incredibly fortunate! 🌴

Enjoy A Hot Beverage

You can make a soothing tea at home for a fraction of the price!

There is something soothing about sipping a hot beverage any day of the week ☕💕 A hot beverage is fairly inexpensive if you make it yourself at home. Also, it is easy to make a basic coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, so there is really no excuse not to enjoy a cup or two. My favourite thing to do first thing in the morning is to enjoy a hot beverage while I read the latest blog posts from my fellow WP bloggers!

Read A Book

Got a book that you had every intention to read, but never got around to reading? Now is a good time to pick up that book and yenno, actually read it. I cannot tell you how The life-changing art of tidying up ends because I never finished reading it. Seeing my pile of unread books made me realize that there is no reason to buy more books when I haven’t even finished the ones I have. Reading can turn into an expensive hobby, which is why I encourage you to shop your own house first before buying more books.

Take a Bath

Source: Miku Hatsune from wallup.net

I used to be a shower person, but I have evolved into a bath person over the years. I take a bath 3-5 times per week, and thus, the shower gel and body butter did not last long. Enjoying a warm bath is honestly one of my favourite ways to relax. Also, I noticed that taking a bath is the fastest way for me to warm up after being outside in the frigid cold. Not to mention, baths can elevate a crappy mood, relieve muscle aches and pains, and reduce stress levels. Although I prefer to take a bath midday, I still recommend taking a bath at the end of day before bedtime. Why? Because baths have the tendency to calm an overactive mind, relax you, and make you sleepy. If you suffer from insomnia or anxiety like I do, then try adding this bath ritual to your schedule to help you wake up feeling more refreshed the next day.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Final Thoughts ♥

Finally, I would suggest journaling. However, I do not find it very relaxing. I use a planner to stay organized but that’s as much journaling as I do these days. I used to enjoy writing letters to pen-pals and still do to an extent, but it has been difficult for me to find the motivation and energy to send snail mail. I apologize to anyone who I have not responded to via email; I haven’t had the motivation to write my wordy, thought-provoking replies. It is not that I have forgotten about you ❤ Same goes with pen-pals – I have not forgotten about you either and I will send more mail when I find the desire to write again 💌

Thanks for stopping by!

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No Spend Challenge | I Messed Up

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I think I just screwed up the No Spend Challenge. I did not think it was possible to royally screw it up until January 8, 2021. One thing I learned about myself is how easily I call it quits as soon as I make a mistake 🤦‍♀️ And just like that, on January 9, 2021, the No Spend Challenge went out the window. Like I said in my previous blog post, No Spend Challenge | January 2021, I have an All or Nothing personality which can really hinder progress and prevent me from implementing lasting habits. I know I can do better and I plan to pick up where I left off… today, anyways.

Below is the PDF sheet that I printed off and taped to my wall. Whenever I have a good day, I get a sticker. I know it sounds silly but it keeps me motivated since I like to keep the positive streak going. I am also keeping a tally at the bottom of the sheet which indicates the number of days that I cheated or unintentionally spent money:

This is how I am keeping track of No Spend January.

Hilary, How Could You?!

This No Spend Challenge was going well until I received a disturbing email on Friday, January 8, 2021. This company had no problem telling me that they charged my credit card for a another yearly subscription of $30.00 USD. In all honestly, I completely forgot that my subscription was about to expire and assumed that I already unsubscribed from this service. I know that this is my fault and nobody else’s, but I wish they had sent me an email alerting me that my subscription was about to expire. Personally, I think that auto-ship and subscription services are dangerous when forgotten about, and I honestly do not know how all of you manage to keep track of your subscriptions. I will not mention the name of this company out of all due respect. Don’t get me wrong – this subscription service is pretty good, except that I no longer need or use this service. *Sigh* I tell myself that I am more forgetful than usual due to my pregnancy brain. Update: Rebecca is getting a baby brother in May. We are Team Blue! 💙

Calling It Quits 🙅‍♀️

I felt guilty. I felt shame. I was angry at myself because I was the one to blame. I was upset because I broke the promise I made at the beginning of January 2021. So, what did Hilary do to make up for this screw-up? She dug a deeper hole on Saturday. SHE SPENT MORE MONEY! 💲💲💲

I ended up spending money on sour watermelon slices, sour neon gummy worms, and OMGs ($13), postage for the US and international stamps ($17 + $8.20). and a few other miscellaneous items that I certainly did not need ($15). Even though I continued to avoid Dollarama like the plague, as mentioned in my previous post, I ended up spending more money by avoiding Dollarama, so avoidance was clearly a dumb decision. At least I learned from these mistakes; however, I still messed up the No Spend Challenge, nonetheless. Like I tell my fellow blogging friends, I do not expect anyone to have a perfect month, and this includes myself. Like you, I am human and I make mistakes. Like you, I need to start practicing self-love and forgiveness. It is okay to mess up, and the important thing is that we pick up where we left off. 🙏💕

Thanks for stopping by!

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