How is it August already? This month’s free wallpaper is ready for download.
It’s been an interesting month, both fun and stressful. I’m still really into puzzles. I’ve been catching up with lots of people. I’ve been experimenting with having a no-plans week once a month (during the week of my period). I found a new therapist. I’m reading this book.
My self-reflection touchpoints this month:
I’m still joyfully making my way through my authenblissity reset. Only three chapters to go! I’m starting chapter 10 today — it’s on the topic of work.
I’ve been splashing around in a writing program called Seven Swimming Pools and very slowly starting the research for my next book.
August 4: New moon planning
August 19: Full moon planning
I’m also continuing with my core self-care practice of writing daily morning pages.
For more about what’s on my mind right now, you can subscribe to my newsletter, or read all about my 2024 goals and my new 101 in 1001 list. I’ve also got a few bits on my about page.
DAILY ROUTINE
My routine is my source of power. Each day is like a little puzzle, and everything always comes together. Read about my fluid time blocking practice.
Morning
The morning is the most structured part of my day. My alarm is currently set for 6am. I spend the first few hours of my day getting ready, oil pulling, making myself a hot herbal infusion, watering our houseplants, and writing morning pages. The rest of my morning depends on how busy I am with work. I’ll go for a walk at some point, which often includes a quick trip to the grocery store.
Afternoon
Since I practice intermittent fasting, I have my first meal of the day at around noon. The rest of my afternoon varies depending on how much energy and motivation I have. I spend the majority of my time on paid work and personal projects. Since I’m sleeping less at night, I’ve been taking longer afternoon naps. I spend another hour cooking or doing chores, and then I do some more work. Some days, I have a sweet video call with a friend. I try to finish eating dinner by 6pm.
Evening
After dinner, I do a bit of this and that. Hubby and I usually start to wind down at around 7-8pm. We spend this time together — sometimes together-together, and sometimes together-while-also-doing-our-own-thing. Each night is different depending on how we feel. I try to be in bed by 10:30-11pm on most nights.
SKINCARE ROUTINE
The general formula for my skincare products is toner + serum + facial oil + moisturizer. I’ll usually use up what I have before moving on to something else, but I also try to finish some of hubby’s products when he leaves them lying around. If you’re interested in which products are my favourites, you can find them listed here.
MORNING
Rinse my face with lukewarm water and towel dry.
Apply my skincare products in this order:
Divine Essence Damask Rose Organic Floral Water
The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%
The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
The Ordinary “B” Oil
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum
I’ve been loving Atomy AC Spot Solution as a spot treatment when I have breakouts. I use this when I first notice a pimple and then whenever I remember to reapply, in the morning and/or evening.
EVENING
Wash my face with Atomy Deep Pure Cleansing Oil, rinse with lukewarm water, and towel dry.
Apply the same skincare products as my morning routine. I’ve been using The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA (instead of the solution/serum combo).
Every once in a while, I use a sheet mask or the Atomy Evening Care Peel-Off Mask, or I exfoliate with the Cure Natural Aqua Gel.
Makeup Basket
I amassed a huge collection of makeup during my shopaholic days. Years later and I’m still in the process of downsizing my collection. One thing that’s helped me focus on using what I have is to keep a seasonal “makeup basket.” I use the products in this basket every day until I get bored, and then I switch them out. For hygienic reasons, I only use mascara and lip gloss for 6–9 months before discarding any remaining product.
Here’s what I have in my current basket. My makeup is very old, so some of the products may be discontinued.
Eyes
Laura Mercier eyeshadow palette (old)
Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Medium Brown
Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler in Rose Gold
Heroine Make Advanced Film Long and Curl Mascara
Face
Quo Baked Blush in Pinch*
FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Sun Stalk'r Instant Warmth Bronzer in Private Island*
Canmake Marshmallow Finish Foundation in MB**
*I use these products very rarely as I usually just wear brow powder and mascara.
**I use this as a powder concealer.
Lips
Jack Black Lip Balm
Carmex Classic Lip Balm
Hurraw Lip Balm
Atomy Lip Glow
Food & DRINK
Key Practices
Mindful eating. In 2015, I set a goal to focus on food while eating, which had a lasting impact on my life. I no longer multi-task while eating, so that means no watching TV, working, reading, etc.
Intermittent fasting (time-restricted eating). This practice has freed up so much mental space as I used to spend a lot of time thinking about what to eat for meals and snacks. I currently fast outside the hours of 12–6pm.
Operation lower-my-LDL-cholesterol. My cholesterol numbers have gone up in recent years so I’ve been trying to increase my soluable fibre intake. I’m also trying to reduce my consumption of saturated fats.
Eat at home challenge. I do the 30-day eat at home challenge at least once a year, usually in November. You can learn more about the challenge here.
DRINKS
In 2024, I started reducing my tea and coffee intake so I’m no longer caffeine dependent. I did this right at the start of the year, so I currently drink herbal infusions for the most part. On the rare occasion, I’ll have a tea, coffee, or bubble tea.
Since leaving my full-time job, I haven’t had much desire to drink alcohol. I’ve thought about cutting it out completely, but I’m not quite there yet.
MEDIA
LISTENING
Lots of music lately, mostly upbeat stuff. A few times a week, I’ll do a mini ecstatic dance session, which feels amazing.
READING
In addition to working through the exercises in my own book, I’ve been keeping track of the books I read in a blog post on my 2024 goals. I also posted a video on how I’m changing the way I read books. Reading has taken a bit of a backseat lately due to my interest in puzzles but I’ve still got a few books on the go.
WATCHING
Olympics 24/7!
APPS
Here are the apps I use every day:
Lists: TickTick
Calendar: Google Calendar
Podcasts: Overcast
Games: Pokémon Go, Toon Blast, NYT Crossword
Social media: BeReal
That’s it for now! If I forgot anything, you can let me know here. I try to update this page on the 1st of every month.