The Best Gift to Give Yourself This Season

Photo from Unsplash.com

With American Thanksgiving over and the rush of Black Friday finished, people all around the world are gearing up for the busiest month of the year. There are people to see, events to plan, and in Hagrid's words - "lots to buy" as we prepare for the holidays.

December isn't just about those holidays and all the busyness that comes with it. It's also about finishing off another year and preparing for a new one. 

Knowing this can stir up a lot of mixed emotions. Combine this with holiday stress, frequent interactions with other people, and cold weather and you've got a recipe for illness. 

If you're wanting to fully enjoy December, you need to approach it with a clear head - not a stuffed up one! Practicing some self-care (a.k.a. soul care) rituals is essential to keeping yourself calm and healthy this holiday season.

Here are some of my favourite ways to wind down. If you'd like to share some of your own, feel free to comment below!

Have a cup of tea. Or three.

There's nothing that makes me more content or relaxed than a great cup of tea.

My two favourite brands right now are David's Tea and Pukka Teas. Many teas not only taste good but have ingredients which can physically combat illness! For boosting the immune system, Pukka's Elderberry and Echinacea is great (and so delicious!) as is Pick Me Up from David's Tea with cold fighting turmeric and ginger.

Cuddle with a pet/significant other/blanket 

Cuddling is scientifically proven to release stress. Less stress = healthier you. Plus, it's chilly and cuddling keeps you warm. So grab a blanket and a buddy and snuggle up!

Watch or read something that stimulates your mind 

It's perfectly okay to watch/read a few things that are happy-go-lucky or escapist, however I encourage you to watch/read something that challenges you as well. Learning helps keep your brain sharp, makes you feel more enlightened and widens your perspective on the world.

At our house, we're currently watching The Crown and The Curse of Oak Island - both are based on historical events and real life mysteries - I learn something new with every episode!

Light a candle or use some essential oils

About a year ago, I purchased an oil diffuser and it's been a big part of my self-care routine. At the end of a long day, or in the morning when I'm preparing for a new day, I like to light up my diffuser with a beeswax candle and fill the air with a soothing scent. Not only does it smell great, but it adds a little more moisture to the air which is well needed in dry winters.

For Uplifting and Awakening: Orange + Peppermint + Grapefruit
For Calming: Lavender + Sage + Lemon
For Stuffy Noses: Eucalyptus + Peppermint

Work up a sweat

I'm guilty of slacking off on this one - especially in winter as it's cold and I want to stay under blankets. Working up a sweat however is a extremely beneficial to your heath physically and mentally (hello, endorphins!)

Make an effort to be more active - dance to some music, go for a job or even just do some yoga at home. It'll be hard getting started, but you'll feel amazing and more accomplished afterwards.

Wear clothes that make you feel good

What you wear does effect how you feel. Whether you spend most of your time at home, work or outside, invest in some clothes that truly make you feel comfortable and happy.

For me, this is leggings, some knitted socks, and a cozy vintage sweater. I like soft, eco-fabrics like modal against my skin whenever I can, and I prefer things that are loose and I can move easily in. But you choose what works best for you!

Keep a journal

Writing your thoughts down is therapy (and much cheaper than an actual therapist!) Sometimes just getting thoughts out of your head and onto paper is all you need to keep your mind from jumbling up or stressing out. It also helps you see over time your fears and growth as a person.

I've personally been keeping a journal since I was seven years old. While I don't write in it every day, I try to jot a few things down every so often, especially if I'm feeling stressed or angry. I find that when I read these thoughts later on down the road I can see how these experiences have changed me as a person (for the better). I try to write down postive things as well not only for my records but to practice gratitude more often.

Indulge in a good meal

For me, I like a good brunch. Waffles, fruit, bacon, eggs, orange juice, the whole bit but you can cook whatever you like (or go out to eat!) Don't be afraid to light some candles, put on some music, or set the table for yourself either. It's okay to treat yourself!

Re-arrange your personal space

Whether it's your bedroom, desk, workspace etc, rearranging your space often can inspire you and help you keep things tidy. Do what you can to make your space uniquely YOU. Add some plants or art that speaks to you. Print out a quote that inspires you. Whatever makes your place happy.

Turn off your phone

I'll admit it, I check my phone a lot. And it's not because I'm always getting calls or emails - it's just a bad habit. It's a little upsetting to think about how much time I waste doing this, so I'm going to work on leaving my phone behind more often and taking more breaks from technology. If people could manage to live and be happy without being constantly connected 50+ years ago, then so can we.

Get more sleep

Most animals hibernate when the cold hits, so it's not a surprise that we feel more tired in winter. Colder temperatures, less sun, and a taxing schedule can easily drain anyone.

Our bodies and minds need rest in order to recharge and heal, so it's important to get enough sleep. Listen to your body - if you feel tired, give yourself a break and get to bed earlier, or take a nap. You'll feel much more rested and able to tackle the stresses of tomorrow after a good sleep.

There are many ways to engage in soul-care but the trick is building a routine that works for you. Only you know what makes you feel relaxed and happy and I encourage you to do more of that. 

Remember, you can't help others without helping yourself first. You have a responsibility to yourself to nurture and care for yourself so that you can replenish and refresh your body and spirit. Doing so is essential for good health, and allows us to fully share ourselves with others. Helping yourself, helps others. Make it a priority this holiday season, and beyond.

Namaste.

Brittany
@simplylynne

10 Tips for Having a More Ethical Christmas

Photo from Unsplash.com

While browsing some shops this past weekend, I found it easy to get wrapped up for a few minutes in the excitement and hustle of the holidays. The stores are filled with glittery decorations, a magnitude of gift options, countless stocking stuffers and everything you need to have a holly jolly Christmas. 

Or at least everything you think you need. 

With the mass consumption and commercialization that traditionally goes hand in hand with Christmas, it's hard to imagine how the words "ethical" and "Christmas" can be used in the same sentence. 

I'll admit, it took a lot of energy to walk away from the shops empty handed (okay, mostly empty handed - I'm still working on it). I had one or two rolls of adorable wrapping paper in my hand and was heavily eyeing up the fair isle flannel bedsheets. 

Before checking out I did what I always do when shopping - I asked myself if I really needed these items. 

How would these items benefit my life? How would purchasing these items effect me, and the world? Were these items made ethically or with the environment in mind? Do I have something I could use at home already instead? 

And then I put everything back on the shelf. I don't need new wrapping paper or winter themed bedsheets to be happy this holiday season. 

What I do need to be happy is to make choices I feel good about. This includes aspiring to make more informed and ethical choices - during the holiday season and year round. 

While I don't expect you to follow everything on this list, even doing a few of these things can make a better impact on the world.  

1) Instead of buying new wrapping paper, challenge yourself to use only things you have at home. 

This could range from old newspapers, scrap fabric, old tea towels to construction paper, yarn and left over ribbons for bows. Here's a great article on some other eco-friendly wrapping ideas!

2) If you do decide to buy wrapping paper, make sure it's recyclable. 

You may be surprised but most wrapping paper on the market (shiny, laminated paper) is in fact, non-recyclable! This means tonnes of garbage is made around the world on Christmas morning. Brown paper (which is often made from recycled paper to begin with) is your best bet and has limitless decoration opportunities. 

3) Borrow holiday decorations, or purchase from a thrift store. 

There are literally tons of Christmas lights and decorations already in existence. Most of these sadly will eventually end up in a landfill - or they could end up on your tree!

4) Buy less, buy good, or buy nothing. 

The less you purchase, the less resources are being used and the less that will (again) end up in a landfill. If you do make a purchase, consider if it can be recycled (right down to the packaging!) or if it was made ethically (more on this below). Buying nothing is of course, the best option.

5) Shop from small businesses or ethical brands. 

There are a lot of great brands out there that support a charity cause, or are made ethically and with the earth in mind. Here's a great list of ethical clothing brands. One of my favourite ethical and green clothing brands is Encircled - they offer luxuriously soft eco-fabrics in classic designs - and everything is made in Canada! Likewise, Etsy is a great place to find homemade gifts and support local small brands. You can even find me on there!

6) Help out a charity cause. 

Donate to a local food bank, sponsor a child or animal, volunteer at a soup kitchen, or fill up a stocking for someone less fortunate. Love is meant to be shared - not just at Christmas but year round. A generous heart can change the world.

7) Visit with an elderly person. 

It's a difficult time of year for many and the elderly are no exception. Whether you visit an elderly home or say something kind to someone you meet on the street, it could really make a difference in a persons life.

8) Make sure to recycle holiday cards. 

Since millions of cards are sent each year, it's important to keep them out of landfills! To make an even more eco-friendly open - go paperless instead. 

9) When considering gifts for children, consider starting a fund for them instead of toys.

The average child collects a lot of toys and clothes over the years, most of which are quickly outgrown and take up a lot of space. While a few fun things are okay, it's important to invest in their future, too! Maybe a college fund?

10) Make more gifts. 

Baked goods, a knitted scarf, DIY body scrub...the list goes on! With homemade gifts, you'll never have to worry about what the ingredients are, how the item was made and who made it - it's all you!

Remember, every dollar you spend is a vote towards the world you want to live in. Making more ethical choices this holiday season is a great way to vote for a better world - one that's based on ethical practices and is gentle on the environment. Having a more ethical Christmas is giving the gift of the future to many. Be generous with it. 

Brittany

@simplylynne

My Experience as an Etsy Seller + Special Surprise!

Shop here! Valid from today until November 28th. 

Some of you may already be aware that I run a little vintage shop called Recycle of Life.

After years of enjoying the thrill of the hunt and becoming more aware of fashion's negative effects on the environment, I became passionate about starting a business which was not only eco-conscious but where I could share my exciting thrifted treasures with others.

Recycle of Life started in 2013 where I first started shooting some thrifted finds against my bedroom wall. My first sale didn't occur for months after opening, and when it did happen I was sorry to get my first (and only to date so far!) negative review.

I sold a kimono that I had hand sewn some lace onto and the customer had good enough reason to not be completely satisfied - my stitching could have been improved. While it was disappointing, the experience motivated me to give a much better customer experience the next time around.

For the next two years, I began working on building up some inventory and managed several more sales all of which had much better reviews. I was starting to build a more established shop, however was interested in turning a hobby into more of a career (and I was saving up to travel!)

In the fall of 2014, I attended college to get my second diploma (first was in film studies) in fashion business. My program covered everything from marketing, trend forecasting, events planning, retail math to brand development and starting a business. I learned a little bit of everything which would become a great base for improving my Etsy brand. I began investing more time on product listings and in 2015 finally saw some sales that mattered.

I was also very fortunate during my studies to work an internship where I could further extend my development of social media, marketing and brand development skills with an already successful entrepreneur. My experience there was a great help and inspiration to starting the rebrand of Recycle of Life and following my own dreams.

As you also may be aware, I recently quit this internship to pursue my own passions for a while. Currently Recycle of Life is going through some major changes - mostly revolving around improving photography and use of social media (something I previously slacked off on).

It's a tough job to run a business, and mine is a fraction of the size of many other entrepreneurs that I know. It's time consuming to list product, it's expensive to start off and you can never really predict sales or customer response.

While I know it'll be a long while before my Etsy brand becomes a substantial business (if ever even - fingers crossed), I really am enjoying seeing the progress and I'm working on trusting in the timing of my life.

If you really enjoy doing something, it's important to do it often and at least give it your best shot - no half-assing it! So this is why I'm here today, briefing you on the short history of what I hope will one day be a success story. 

If you'd like to support my dream, now's a great time! We're having a Black Friday Sale from now until November 28th (see coupon code above). Comments and words of encouragement are also always appreciated!

Cheers,

Brittany
@simplylynne
@recycleoflifeca

Maximizing Holiday Cheer and Minimizing Holiday Stress

Photo from Unsplash.com

I'll admit it.

I'm one of those people that start their holiday shopping in October and put their tree up right after Remembrance Day. I'll watch the cheesiest of holiday movies for weeks on end and I relish making snowflakes out of paper in my spare time.

It's no secret that people are the most caring and generous around the holiday season which is for the most part why I start the festivities well in advance. I want to keep the excitement and jolliness around for as long as possible.

Starting my holiday mode early also means that I keep relatively organized with my holiday plans, shopping and scheduling. Of course, I know not everyone is like this and I know how stressful the holiday season can be.

In the hopes to minimize your holiday stress and maximize your holiday cheer, I'm sharing some of my own tips for keeping your cool this Christmas. You can do this!

1) Start any holiday shopping as early as possible

Immediately following Halloween, the malls double and triple their usual traffic. If crowds of people give you anxiety (like me) then it's best to avoid the malls as much as possible.

If you do have to pick something up at the mall, pick a time when the mall isn't as busy - right when it opens is best. If you already have an idea of what you're looking for, you'll cut down efficiently on time, too.

An even better option, do your holiday shopping online. You can beat the crowds, and stay in your pajamas. It's a win-win.

2) Minimize your shopping list

The thought of giving and receiving gifts can give people a lot of stress. Sometimes we feel obligated to get someone a gift because we know they're likely to give us one, or we're unsure of what to give someone. Not to mention, it's expensive and time consuming to buy holiday gifts. Just thinking about it is making me a tad anxious!

To make your life easier, make a list of all the people you'd like to gift this season and see if you can cross out a few names or acknowledge them in a different way. For example, give them a gift that you don't have to buy such as quality time, something that you've made or something you can regift. Even something as simple as writing a heartfelt note can go a long way in warming the hearts of loved ones (and cut down your stress levels!)

Likewise, if everyone in your family or friends circle swaps gifts, consider doing a Secret Santa style exchange instead so there's less gifts to buy. The less gifts you have to buy, the less stress you have.

3) Instead of buying gifts, consider gifts from the heart

It's no secret that money is a huge stress factor during the holidays, but it doesn't have to be. As concluded in The Grinch, Christmas doesn't come in a box - it's not about the gifts and commercialism, it's about sharing joy and love with those around you. 

This is why I'm pleased to hear that more and more people are adapting a "homemade Christmas" nowdays. The idea behind a homemade Christmas is to only give gifts which you either make, already have, or is in the form of quality time. It's much more cost efficient, and makes gift giving a lot more personal. I'm working at adapting this attitude more and more each year.

Another modern holiday concept is the "minimalist Christmas" - gifts in this tradition revolve around things which bring joy and practicality to life. Often this includes something to eat, something to read, something to wear, and something they need. You'll see no useless knick-knacks in a minimalist's stocking!

4) Don't go to every party

If you've got a lot of invitations for cookie swaps, family gatherings and parties it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and short on time. But guess what - you're not obligated to do all the things and you can still have a happy holiday. 

Instead of trying to fit everything into your schedule this year, pick a few favourite/essential events and just commit to those. Yes, you may miss out on a few things but you'll be able to more fully enjoy the few events you do attend without the extra pressure or stress.

5) If family gatherings are stressful, bring your own sunshine

I know how complicated family dinners can be - the obnoxious relatives, the embarrassing stories or haunting past - it's enough to make anyone dread a family event. But you don't have to do it alone. 

If you're able to bring a guest, bring someone that will laugh through the awkward conversations with you, or can make you smile around negative people.

If a guest isn't an option, try limiting your visits to shorter periods of time and if it deeply makes you anxious and unhappy, maybe consider skipping it all together.

6) It's okay to say no

If something stresses you out and causes you to loose sleep, consider whether or not it's absolutely necessary. While you may be convinced that you have to do certain things, stop and ask yourself - why? If something truly makes you miserable, why do it? You do have a choice and you do have power.

If you do decide to duck out on something and you know it'll hurt someone you love, kindly let them know why you're choosing to opt out. They may not understand, but you can offer to make it up to them at a better time.

7) Don't set expectations

We've all done it - dreamed about the perfect holiday. For some, it might be snuggling up by the fire on Christmas Eve and waking up to snow and the perfect gifts under a tree. Or maybe it's about doing all your favourite holiday activities before the year ends, and then finding out you don't have time/resources. Exceptions always set us up for disappointment. Always. Do yourself a favour and don't have any! Just be flexible with any changes and accept blessings as they come. 

8) Ask for help

If you're feeling swapped with things to do, ask someone for help. Invite a friend to come over and help you bake, or if you need to do some errands ask them to babysit. Most people are willing to help, if you just ask! 

For example, a few years ago, I was low on cash (#studentlife) and a gift exchange with friends was stressing me out - I brought it up with the leader of the group, and we were able to bring the gift amount down so I could still participate without the financial worry. Apparently I wasn't the first to mention the money concerns that year either, so it worked out for everyone!

9) Be realistic

You're a human being. As such, you have limits on your time, energy and resources. Set yourself a budget and stick to it. Don't overbook yourself, and remember to give yourself a break from the festivities and people. Know your limit, sleigh within it (oy, that was bad).

10) Take care of yourself

Being sick over the holidays can not only be uncomfortable, but inconvenient. It's the time of year you'd much rather be spending time with friends than stuck in bed.

While you can't predict when illness will occur, you can do what you can to prevent it by following a regular sleep schedule, eating healthy and staying active.

I personally like to stock up on echinacea and vitamin C over the holidays and take these vitamins when I feel stressed out or feel an illness coming on. While I'm not a doctor, I do believe it's really helped me have speedier recovery times! Tea and some quiet time is also beneficial - do whatever helps you reconnect, recharge and relax.

Above all, remember, the holidays are supposed to be fun. Don't let yourself get so wrapped up (pun intended) in the gift giving, event planning and holiday stress that you forget to enjoy yourself and share joy with others.

Brittany
@simplylynne

Confessions of a Minimalist

Photo from Unsplash.com

Minimalist. Hippy. Granola. Eco-conscious. Frugal. These words have all been used to describe me at one point or another and they're being used more frequently the older I get.

My journey to living with less started when I first moved from my hometown to another city for college. I was moving from a bachelor apartment and had a ton of stuff. A huge moving truck to be exact, plus some car loads full.

Over the past 5 years, I've moved about 7 times. (Thank you, shady landlords and bad roommate situations). With the hassle of each move, I really started thinking about the things I owned. I considered why they were important to me, whether or not I needed them, and how owning these things made me feel.

From there I began to question where my desire to own things came from. I thought about how society effected these desires and about how society's 'ideal life' differed from my own.

Once I realized these differences, I began to change my mindset to create a life which was more meaningful to me. 

It's a long and ongoing process, but here's some things I've learned so far on my minimalist journey.

1) I believe in re-gifting. It's the thought that counts! Besides, if I don't love something and know someone else will, I'm happy to pass it along to a new home.

2) I don't wash my jeans until they've been well worn multiple times. Unless of course I KNOW they're dirty or they smell. With the amount of water that a load of laundry uses, I do my best to practice sustainable laundry habits. Besides do jeans ever actually get dirty??

3) Over the years, I've drastically cut down my beauty routine. I started with 1 hour and a full face of makeup and blowout, to 20 minutes and just the essentials. I believe my time is more valuable than me looking perfect every day. A little mineral foundation, some all natural mascara and tinted lip balm and I'm good to go.

4) I don't keep old notes and cards, unless they're really, really special. I keep them for a few years, thank them for the joy they brought me, and then recycle them.

5) I believe the gift of quality time is the most valuable gift you can give a person. 

6) I make my bed everyday because it makes a room look so much tidier and I feel like starting the day by making a bed or doing some light tidying makes for a much more productive day.

7) I don't spend money I don't have. When using a credit card, I make sure to pay it off right away, and avoid unnecessary spending.

8) Instead of focusing on how to make more money, I try not to need more money. It's easy to get sucked into the idea of needing this big a house, this car and that lifestyle, but it's 100% not necessary to live and be happy. In fact, it's that kind of mindset that distracts you from true and simple happiness.

9) I try not to get sentimental about "stuff". I'd rather have one or two really special things from someone, or photos than hold onto everything that reminds me of them (or a certain time etc.)

10) I don't have a lot of friends, just a small handful of really good, genuine, caring friends. Growing up you realize quickly who your true friends are. Keep them close!

11) I air-dry all of my clean clothes. Not only is it better for the environment and save money, but it's much gentler on your clothes and keeps them lasting much longer.

12) I'll go out for a good cup of coffee, but I won't go out and buy a tea. I can't get myself to spend money on a cup of tea, when I have a wide selection and hot water at home already.

13) I value authenticity more than anything else. Nobody's life is perfect and I appreciate when someone can be honest and open about both the bad and good.

14) I wish my parents had made me save all the money I made during my first part-time job instead of spending it on silly things like belts and band t-shirts. Lesson learned.

15) I used to be a huge online shopper - especially clothes. Now I never buy clothes online because I can't see the quality in person and can't justify spending the money without that assurance (or at least easy returns!)

16) I love sweets, particularly chocolate and baked goods. I believe it's okay to have these things in moderation but if I'm going to eat junk food, it needs to be good and high quality. Remember, your body is a temple.

17) I'd rather be somewhat poor than work a job that I don't like. My time is valuable, my thoughts and feelings have value and they are more important than making money. If these other things aren't being honoured, and you have another way you can survive and feel good about, go for it. Time is money.

18) I frequently remind myself that I won't always be healthy, young, alive etc. This may sound like a downer to some, however I feel it's important to keep our mortality in mind in order to appreciate what you do have now and work towards overcoming fears which may be holding us back. More on this here! 

19) 'Pick and choose your battles' has become an important mantra for me. We face injustices everyday - just open up a newspaper on any given day. We know that we can't make everything fair in the world so we have to pick what we find most important and fight for that. Let the little things slide.

20) I don't upgrade my stuff all the time. For instance, I had a flip phone up until just a few years ago when it broke and had to be replaced. I wear my favourite shoes until they fall apart. I'm still typing on my old laptop from my first year of college. If it ain't broke...

Do you have a confession you'd like to make? Let me know in the comments below!

Cheers,

Brittany
@simplylynne

A Tall Tale: The Old Gazebo

"The other day I drove past the old place that we used to play at. You know, the place across the river and before the forest starts, the old gazebo where we'd spent all our days in the summer. You had freckles back then, and the kids at school would tease you about the way your mom cut your hair. 

You liked to be called Jude back then. Not because it was your name, but because you loved The Beatles and insisted on it. Do you remember that? 

We used to spend hours pretending the gazebo was a boat and all the grass and trees were water. If a car drove past, it was a pirate ship and we had to defend ourselves with our stick swords and keep our treasure of snacks safe. Do you remember that?

Do you recall that one night when we both decided to run away? We were mad at our parents so we took backpacks and sleeping bags and set up camp on the wooden floor. Everything was great until we heard a coyote in the woods and we ran back home. We were both grounded for two weeks after that.

One summer we pretended the gazebo was a church and you asked me to marry you. I wore a white tutu and you had on an old top hat that you dug up from your dad's closet. We decorated the gazebo with wildflowers and I wore daisies in my hair. Our dogs witnessed our awkward first kiss and you told me you'd never love anyone else. Do you remember that?

The gazebo is older now, much like us. The paint is weathered and the steps creak. It reminds me of your wrinkled smile and our creaky bones. It has a worn in look to it, and the grass has grown wild around it. What once was young has grown deep roots into the ground and flourished with time. 

I think it's grown even more beautiful with age." 


                                                                                                                        - B. L. S.