because self-care isn’t selfish.
Let me set the record straight: self-care is the beginning and end of everything. How you treat yourself is often a direct correlation to how others will treat you. When you are living your truest, most authentic life—you will be amazed at the opportunities that emerge and the joy you feel.
You truly cannot pour from an empty cup—and in a modern world, we are draining ourselves dry every day. That is why it is imperative to invest in those mini moments of joy—those minutes of rest, intention, and true self-care—amidst a chaotic life.
Self-care isn’t always fancy massages and an XXL pour of cabernet—it’s prioritizing you in a life that is constantly telling you not to. It is choosing to invest in quality, taking a few extra moments to sip your coffee slowly, being diligent in your morning routine, paging through a book before bed. It isn’t always glamorous—it is everyday choices where you “upgrade” a moment to best serve yourself. Have five minutes? Put down your phone and stretch your body. Drinking your coffee? Buy an organic brand and a mix it with some fresh cinnamon. This life is too short to settle for mediocre moments—even in the smallest of ways. I promise you, investing in yourself, little by little, moment by moment—creates the most beautiful momentum towards your best life. Are you in?
my everyday favorites for self-care
your whole life depends on how you treat yourself
Mmmm, my tried and true self-care helpers. The above are the little tools that help me incorporate slow living into my every day. None of them are fancy or over the top—just little things that help me pause and bring me back to here, to now.
Kindle: Let me guess, you “just can’t give up paper books.” I was the same way. But the Kindle has changed everything—I read SOooOOOo much more since getting it. And have saved a lot of money since Kindle books are cheaper than paper copies. BONUS! it’s waterproof—soooo say hello to long reads in the bathtub! Cannot recommend it enough—stop debating it + just go for it! I am so stinkin’ glad I finally got one!
Jade roller: You may recognize this lil babe from my morning skin routine blog post. This little tool helps with the AM swollen face and dark eye circles…but more than that, it really slooooows me down in my morning. It only takes about 30 seconds but it’s so stinkin’ relaxing and brings me back to the present moment.
Q&A a day journal: One writing prompt per day—for 5 years. It is soooo fun to see how life evolves and changes in 5 years’ time. It’s one sentence a day so it literally takes 45 seconds, but it will turn into hands down your fav keepsake, I promise.
Heated shoulder pack and blanket: This. Thing. You guys, don’t ask questions, just trust me—you need a warm shoulder wrap thingamabob and a heated blanket. One of these things that you heat up, put on your back, and just go “ahhhhhh.” same with the blanket— so cozy. i literally have this on all the time.
aromas to create a serene + welcoming environment
Essential oils: I get asked which essential oils I use on the daily—and here it is! Here’s a hard pill for many to swallow— essential oils are not made equally. I hate to break it to ya, but many essential oil brands use synthetic fillers, chemicals, and fragrances in place of the natural, pure oil. To ensure you get the good stuff— ALLLLLWAYS look for a brand that does GC/MS batch testing which ensures quality, potency, safety. I also prioritize companies that source with sustainability and the environment in mind. Which is exactly why I get all my oils from here: high quality, low prices. No pyramid scheme stuff happening here—just high-quality, lovely oils to incorporate mini moments of joy into your day. I get my oils, my diffuser, and this sweet + simple reed diffusser all from here.
This seasonal home collection: my fave for creating a cozy, inviting energy in your house that fits every season…without the use of toxic, chemical-filled candles you are getting from Anthro or Bath + Body. This collection is alllll-natural, completely nontoxic, and smells like a dream. The wild orange is bright + energizing while the cinnamon and cardamom notes make it instantly grounding + cozy. It’s so unique and lovely!
This palo santo scent collection: Another scent that instantly grounds + centers me is the palo santo collection. I use the roller ball on my wrists and temples for a little energetic shift and I loooove the palo santo room spray for our bedroom—it has such a soothing, relaxing energy and it’s perfect for fall! You can grab it here and save 10% with the code KATE10! NOTE: One thing that I just want to share about palo santo in general: PLEEEEASE always ask about the sourcing of your palo santo before you buy. This wellness trend *can* be done in a responsible, right way…but unfortunately, palo santo can often be harvested in ways that are not sustainable, diminish an endangered species, and take advantage of the working conditions of local communities. Thankfully, this option IS exactly what you’re looking for: Sustainable, responsibly-sourced, annnnnd has the most earthy, calming, beautiful scent. Enjoy!
Beverly & 3rd: woooooow. 10/10 would recommend to a friend. Clean candles, room sprays, and perfumes. Their owner was kind enough to give a 15% off coupon to all TFB readers— use the code KATE to save! Love, love, love this small, lady-owned biz. Their candles and room sprays and perfumes are gonna rock your world— in the best way!
an at-home meditation space
Along with the slower pace of fall, I have been craving a slower mental pace as well. A daily meditation practice has been SO impactful for managing my emotions, pausing for reflection, remembering gratitude, and staying grounded through the busyness of life Even if you just set aside 3–5 minutes every morning to be still, to reflect, to connect with your breath…it truly makes such a world of difference. here are the links for my two meditation pillows:
in the photo below: floor cushion + meditation bolster pillow.
bath time:
my self-care happy place:
This one is a short + sweet description, but wow— baths are one of my FAVE self-care rituals always. So simple yet soooo grounding and comforting. My set-up? A tub full of hot water, a cup or two of epsom salt, some essential oils, a nontox face mask soakin’ in, and my waterproof Kindle. (okay, okay and maybe a glass of cab too, shhhhhhh) BLISS.
face masks: the unofficial sponsor of self-care
Okay, can I just say it—putting on a face mask makes me feel absolutely fabulous. I kinda feel like I have my whole life together and I am a powerhouse woman ready to take on the world. Anyone else? Just me? Okay, cool. I also put these under the beauty favorites category, but to be totally frank I feel like face masks could be the mascot of self-care. It is the age-old portrayal of a woman taking time for herself—even though it’s simple. And ya know what, SIGN ME UP. I have learned to invest in things that make me happy. Like feeling like a fabulous diva with great skin, apparently. As you’ll come to find out on this blog, I change products up A LOT, so below are my favorite masks depending on the day and what my skin needs:
journaling + reading
your time to read, write, reflect, + manifest:
