My Winter Glow Up Guide
During this time of the year I go into hibernation mode with the intention of emerging in the spring bigger, better, smarter, and flawless. As the days get shorter and the months get colder I retreat into my cozy little Queens apartment and I create a personal development routine. I aim to improve everything from beauty to mindset to money. My winter glow up is a self love act of becoming a better version of myself. Its also an extended period of time for me to rejuvenate and re-energize my mind and body. Here’s what I focus on:
Beauty: Skin and Hair Glow-Up
My goal is to reduce dark spots and blemishes. I carefully select skin care products that will moisturize and protect my skin from the harsh winter elements. I use Shea Moisture Black Soap and wash my face twice a day. For daytime moisturizing I use Shea Moisture Daily Glow Priming cream. For overnight moisturizing and glow up I put a thin layer of Cococare 100% Vitamin E oil on my face an neck. Once a week I use my spa gloves and I gently exfoliate my skin using my Black Soap and I apply a mask. My favorite Masks are Shea Moisture Kukui Nut & Grapeseed Oils Youth-Infusing Mud Mask for anti-aging, Yes to Miracle Oil Argan Oil Mud Mask for Brightening & Conditioning, and Yes to Grapefruit Vitamin C glow-boosting Mud Mask for dull & uneven skin. For my body I do a full sugar scrub twice a week. My favorite scrubs are the ones I handcraft at home using brown sugar. When I feel like splurging I love Dove Exfoliating Body Polish. Every night I shower with my spa gloves and my favorite Dr. Bronner’s soap and I moisturize with Johnson’s Baby Oil Gel from shoulders to toes.
My hair routine is a little more simplified. I am natural, and I am focusing on retaining length and moisture. I wash my hair weekly and deep condition. I refrain from using heat and wear low manipulation hair styles. My favorite shampoo and conditioner is Renpure Advanced coconut cream or argan oil it is a sulfate free brand that is super cheap. My deep conditioner is Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Repair Conditioner. I use the Hydrate + Repair Multi-Action Leave in and let my hair dry naturally. This winter I plan to add a cherry on top an take Nature Made Hair, Skin, and Nails vitamins.
Health: Eating and Exercise Glow-Up
My eating habits have always been a major issue for me and as of lately I have made tremendous improvement. I will admit I have been slacking with working out, even though this is my strongest area. I remember at one point I was in the gym twice a day and doing 100 squats a day at home. This year I am excited because I will have both eating and exercise under control simultaneously. I reduce my alcohol intake over the last three years to zero. In the past few months I have done the same with sugar and carbohydrates. One of my major goals this period is to start a squat and sit-up challenge my good friend recommended. I want to maximize my results and reduce body fat. In addition, reduced the amount of animal products I consume weekly. I only drink Essentia water. I love this challenge I found on Pinterest.
Personal Development: Mindset and Intellect Glow-Up
Books, Books, and more Books. I love to read and although I read throughout the year, but I am more serious during this time. By serious, I mean reading two books a month as oppose to my usual one. I always choose books that help me elevate to the next level or teach me something new. This keeps me busy and there is very little time for anything else to happen especially social media and bullshitting. I have a Book Bucket list and I just started reading “How To Win Friends & Influence People” By Dale Carnegie. Other books on my reading list for this winter are below.
When I put the book down indulge in online learning and creative projects. I enjoy learning various things like building websites and painting abstract art. I spend a lot of time working on my vision board for the new year, journaling, and this year writing for My Very Good Year. I love to listen to Podcasts on my downtime and brainstorm ideas for future projects.
Money: Budgeting Glow-UP
My favorite part of the process is saving money. The cold keeps me inside and being inside is beneficial for my wallet. My spending is drastically reduced and all the fancy dinners, brunches, clothes shopping, trips, and Starbucks orders come to a complete halt. I have more self-control now that I have a mega financial goal in mind. I create monthly budget, debt, and spending tracker spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel. In addition, to prioritizing how I manage my money I review my credit reports, improve my credit score, and reduce debt. This is the best time to dispute items on your credit reports and start the new year off right. I recommend reading books about finance and money management. Check out Pinterest for a saving challenge like the one below.
I almost forgot to add lots of intimate time with family, friends, and boy toy. Let’s walk into 2019 on an elevated level.
