Warm and Cozy: Embrace the Season with Nabila K Fall Bath Essentials

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s a certain magic in the autumn season. Fall brings vibrant foliage, the aroma of pumpkin spice, and the promise of cozy evenings by the fire. It’s also a time for self-care and nourishment as we prepare for the colder months ahead. There’s no better way to embrace the season than by indulging in a warm and relaxing bath, and Nabila K offers a range of luxurious fall bath essentials that are bound to make your autumn evenings even more delightful. In this article, we’ll explore the art of self-care during the fall season and introduce you to the exquisite products by Nabila K, including the ‘Tis the Season glycerin soap, Heart of Provence Bubble Bath, Nomad Spice Body Lotion with Shea Butter & Olive Oil, and the Organic Brown Sugar Body Scrub.

Setting the Mood: The Importance of Fall Self-Care

As the seasons shift, our bodies and minds often respond to the changes in temperature and daylight. Fall, with its cooler weather and shorter days, provides the perfect opportunity to slow down, unwind, and focus on self-care. Taking time for yourself during this season is not only a way to pamper your body but also to rejuvenate your spirit.

The fall season can bring a unique set of challenges, from cooler and drier air that can impact your skin to the increased stresses of daily life. It’s crucial to adapt your self-care routine to cater to these specific needs. One of the best ways to do so is by incorporating a warm bath into your regimen.

Heart of Provence: Lavender & Sage Bubble Bath

The Heart of Provence Bubble Bath is designed to create a spa-like experience in the comfort of your home. Imagine sinking into a tub filled with warm, fragrant bubbles, the cares of the day melting away as the lavender and sage scent envelop you. The warm water, combined with the aromatic qualities of these natural ingredients, can be a transformative experience that not only nourishes your body but also soothes your soul.

Nomad Spice Body Lotion with Shea Butter & Olive Oil

Shea butter is a natural emollient, rich in vitamins and fatty acids that provide intense hydration. It’s perfect for combating the dryness that autumn can bring. Olive oil, a classic Mediterranean beauty secret, is celebrated for its nourishing and antioxidant properties, helping to protect your skin from the elements.

With the delightful aroma of the Nomad Spice Body Lotion, you’ll be carried away to an autumnal world filled with the warm scents of spices and comfort. As you massage this lotion onto your skin, you’re not only sealing in moisture but also indulging in a sensory experience that’s as cozy as wrapping yourself in a soft blanket.

Organic Brown Sugar Body Scrub

This luxurious scrub features organic brown sugar as its exfoliating base, which gently removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin radiant and refreshed. Brown sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid, which can help in the regeneration of new skin cells and reveal a smoother, brighter complexion.

The Organic Brown Sugar Body Scrub is not only effective but also kind to your skin. It’s enriched with natural oils like almond and jojoba, which provide an additional dose of hydration and nourishment. Using this scrub in the bath or shower can become a mini-spa experience as you massage it into your skin, feeling the stresses of the day wash away.

The Ultimate Fall Self-Care Routine

While each of these Nabila K products is exceptional on its own, they can be combined to create the ultimate fall self-care routine. Begin with a warm bath using the Heart of Provence Bubble Bath. Allow the soothing scents of lavender and sage to wash over you as you unwind and let the warm water ease your tension. Once or twice a week, introduce the Organic Brown Sugar Body Scrub into your routine. Apply it in gentle, circular motions during your bath or shower. As you rinse it off, you’ll reveal skin that’s not only exfoliated but also beautifully soft and radiant.

After your bath, gently pat your skin dry and apply the Nomad Spice Body Lotion. Take a moment to massage the lotion into your skin, allowing the shea butter and olive oil to deeply hydrate and nourish. This step is not only practical for your skin’s health but also incredibly indulgent. During the coming holiday season, it is vitally important that you don’t neglect your self-care routine, or if you don’t have one…start one. It’s a gift you give to yourself. 

#nabilakhashoggi #khashoggi #lifestyle #explore #habits #nabilaK #spartanandthegreenegg

“My motto is to love greatly, laugh freely, live naturally, do good when you can and stay productive.”

–Nabila Khashoggi

Stay Curious

If we’re always questioning, we’re not complacent. It’s a good idea to keep that inquisitive spirit about the world and those around us. This sort of attitude helps one to stay young at heart with their youthful glow intact. Of course, staying young is a state of mind, but it also has to do with wellness. This, to me, means drinking a lot of water and eating as well as possible (trying to avoid lots of junk food, GMOs, processed food, etc.). There’s nothing better than learning about food, planting a garden, watching it grow, and then reaping its bounty. I love enjoying summer salads with my family more than almost anything. 

Welcome the Ecstatic Experience

“The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience.”

 –Emily Dickinson

Make yourself aware of and available to the world around you and the good things it has to offer. If you are open and accepting of an ecstatic experience, it will happen. The other side of the coin is that, if you close yourself off, you might miss these wonderful opportunities. 

Keep Your Eyes Open

For more information on Nabila K Cosmetics, Spartan and the Green Egg, and other life lessons, musings and observations, check out the respective websites and read what’s on my blog. 

(Images used above include fairy and cottagecore film stills from Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette” and “Picnic at Hanging Rock.)

#OnTheBlog #inspiration #lifemotto #philosophy #nabilakcosmetics #spartanandthegreenegg #ontheblog #sparkofyouth #enthusiasm #staycurious #lookforbeauty #lifelessons #thinkadventure #fullcyclepublications

Show What’s in Your Bag

Many women seemingly live out of their purses.It appears others can name any items, and they can magically produce those items like magicians. In fact, some women have large purses that function almost like miniature suitcases. However, they also tend to carry far more than they actually need to carry. You may want to effectively stock your purse with the essentials without lugging around unnecessary extras. Here are the top 10 types of items you should always carry in your purse, in addition to your wallet.

1. Water and a Snack

If you have a busy schedule, you might have trouble squeezing in time to stop for food or drinks. Solve that problem by keeping water and non-perishable snacks in your purse. Water is especially important since your body needs it for many reasons, including joint lubrication. If you do not want to carry a large bottle of water in your purse, consider carrying a collapsible water bottle instead. That way, you can fill it quickly wherever you go, drink from it when needed, and quickly collapse it again.

When selecting snack foods to stash in your purse, be careful. Not all snacks travel well. One great option is to pack a few individually wrapped granola bars before you leave the house for the day. You can eat them anywhere, and they cannot spill in your purse. Other options include:

• Nuts
• Dried Fruits
• Trail Mix
• Jerky
• Crackers

2. Personal “Must Have” Items

Personal “must have” items are items unique to you and your preferences or needs. They are the items you simply cannot live without. You might feel attachments to some items for sentimental reasons. Others might be necessary for your work or personal activities. Some examples of such items include:

• House or Work Keys
• Family Photographs
• Reading Glasses
• Business Cards
• Lucky Charms

3. Something to Do

There is nothing worse than being stuck somewhere, such as on a commuter train or bus, with nothing to do. Try packing a novel or crossword puzzle book for longer trips. You can also pack earbuds if you like to listen to music. If you tend to amuse yourself by playing games on your cellphone, always keep a spare phone charger in your purse.

4. Medications

There are two types of medications you always need in your purse. They are prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Prescribed medications are most important. For example, you may need to carry an epinephrine pen (epi-pen) in case of major allergic reactions. Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, may also require you to take important medications with you everywhere you go. Carrying OTC medications like pain relievers is also important. You never know when a headache or other mild ailment may strike.

5. First Aid Items

According to the American Red Cross, it is always important to keep a first aid kit handy. You may not be able to store a full kit in your purse, but there are certain first aid items you can easily take with you on the go. Always keep items like bandages and disinfectant ointments in your purse for emergencies. Cuts and scratches often occur at the worst possible times and in the worst possible locations. Prepare for those situations, and you could save yourself or another person in a time of need.

6. Your Favorite Cosmetics

Makeup has been a staple of the fashion world since the late 1800s. Although, today’s cosmetics are certainly far different from the early cosmetics offered by companies like Avon. Today, you have many different cosmetics options, including Nabila K! Some of the best contain natural ingredients and are free of harsh chemicals. Keep those cosmetics handy by getting a zippered makeup pouch to keep in your purse. Stock it with your favorite essentials, like lipstick, eyeshadow, and blush.

7. Personal Care Items

If you are like most women, you probably already keep sanitary napkins or tampons in your purse. However, there are other personal care items that can come in handy on the go. For example, you may want to keep an extra stick of deodorant or some perfume in your purse. You may also want breath mints or breath spray to help you prepare for unexpected business or social interactions. And, of course, in this day and age, some kind of hand sanitizer.

8. Hair Items

Short hair does not require a lot of on-the-go care. However, if you have long tresses, you may want to keep certain hair items in your purse. Bobby pins or hair elastics can help you keep unruly hair in check. You may even want to keep a hairbrush or hair spray in your purse. Then you can adjust your look on the fly wherever there is a mirror.

9. Safety Items

As an independent individual, you may travel alone quite often. If so, you must keep personal safety in mind. Today, there are many products designed for personal safety that can fit in a purse. Pepper spray is a common option. You can also opt to carry a light that might temporarily blind an assailant. A third option is a small alarm you can pull or press to make a shrill noise when you are in danger.

10. Pen and Paper

Now, most people do not think to carry a pen and paper. Texting and calling have become so simple that it is often unnecessary to write a note. However, there are times when taking notes, making lists, or leaving notes for other people is still important. When you keep a pen and paper handy, you are prepared for any situation and can also help other people out in a pinch.

What’s in Your Bag?

If you are like me, you have more than one handbag. There are purses for seasonal wear, and I have certain clutches that I like to use on more formal or festive occasions. Each of these are left stocked with a variation on the items listed above. It is a definite timesaver when you can pull out a purse to go out and know it already has everything you need in it. At the end of each day, upon returning, I set aside about 10 minutes to go through my purse to empty out anything that doesn’t belong there, like loose paper, wrappers, etc. That way, the purse is ready for the next time I need it! 

#nabilakhashoggi #khashoggi #lifestyle #explore #habits #nabilaK #spartanandthegreenegg

The Fine Art of Letting Go

When I was younger I can remember my step-mother reminding me that when I wanted to get something new I needed to make room for it by getting rid of the old. The item in question of course was a favorite sweatshirt of mine that had rips and tears in it. The shirt was totally in fashion those days (don’t ask me when!) but she was right….I needed space to put the new clothing in. The reason I was reminded of this little slice of my life was that now with the new reality all of us are facing, like many, I’ve had time to do a wholesale decluttering of everywhere in my space ….starting with my closet. You know what I discovered, besides a pair of shoes I’d forgotten I even had? Letting go of stuff is harder than you might think!

I’m Not Alone

There had to be a method to my madness with this decluttering, cleaning, throwing out, giving away frenzy. I would approach it with a plan. So, like most I turned to the Internet for useful information and I stumbled upon several psychological reasons why it is difficult to get rid of stuff. Most of them agree that it boils down to any or all of the following: 

• No time.
• Lack of Motivation.
• You save things “just in case”.
• connectionto something.
• You recall the amount of money you spent on that item!

The take-away from all this is that everyone procrastinates when it comes to cleaning out their space to make room for the new. Equally true is the sense of accomplishment you feel when it’s completed. 

How to Let Go of Your Things

Maybe you have items that have sentimental value to you but they are taking up valuable space. Experts suggest you take a picture of that item. That way you can still remember it and the memory associated with it without it taking up needed real estate in your closet. Another good thing to ask yourself is whether the item in question is something you really ever use, or will ever likely use. If you are like me you have made a purchase or two with the intention of using said item, but there it sits in all its glory. If the items are still in good condition consider donating them to a charity rather than filling up the landfill. Someone else may actually get around to using that item. 

Can we talk about holding on to something that’s broken because you KNOW you can fix it? The chances are that is not going to happen and the price you’d have to pay to have it fixed for you is often more than what the item cost you to buy it originally. So. Not. Worth. It. 

Delegate, Designate and Donate

One of the best pieces of advice I received many years ago was to categorize everything I am getting rid of into several different groups: Keeping, Donating, Giving Away and Trashing.  I try hard to have very few items going into the trash pile because I just don’t want to contribut to the landfill chaos if I can help it. Going from closet to closet I have managed to get these designations in hand. I also advocate delegating some responsibility to other members of the family because they live there too and you just want to share the fun (ha). If you have children this is such a great way to teach them about making room for the new by getting rid of the old (see the lesson stuck with me!). It also gives you precious, often teachable moments with your kiddo as you discuss why something should stay and why something should go. Teaching them how to make decisions about things is a critical life skill and will stand them in good stead well beyond simply deciding if it is time to donate the Tonka truck and old Xbox games. 

Letting Go Feels Good

Once you get your closets under control you may find yourself wanting to tackle other areas of your home. But beyond the Konmari effect that comes from cleaning and organizing everything is the mind-clearing, soul-lifting benefit from decluttering. It is as if you are clearing away the mental clutter as you clear away your physical clutter. And, it can be said that letting go of things that no longer serve you, fit you, are broken, or you never bought in to works as much for relationships and self-image as much as it does for old shoes, chipped coffee cups or craft projects that, let’s face it, are never going to be done. My last thought on this decluttering adventure is that letting go is a freeing experience everyone should embrace. Is anyone else hearing the song from Frozen playing in the background? 

“Summer afternoon — summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” -Henry James

For a memorable European summer getaway, you’ll want to feel as good as you look and vice-versa. There are lots of tried and true ways to guarantee a sexy appearance, and Nabila K’s got you covered. Whether you’re looking to try full-on glamour with statement-making smoky eyes or natural sun-kissed beauty, Nabila K has all the inspiration via your favorite European glamour goddesses. With the right products, you can easily achieve romantic looks that will leave everyone breathless.

For all of the romantic looks listed below, ensure that your makeup is shiny, ethereal, and perfect with a bit of primer (tinted or clear) and setting spray. To get that radiant glow to immediately illuminate your look, try Nabila K’s Beauty Stix (“Glow Getter” will add instant glimmer and glitter).

For full, sumptuous lips, try lining them with one of Nabila K’s long-lasting lip pencils. This will give your mouth definition that won’t rub off in the water, sun, or even while sipping a cocktail. For a subtle yet romantic look, try a dusty rose hue; Nabila K’s “Satin” lip liner pencil is perfect for a look that’s just enough. 

• For full, perfectly manicured eyebrows that are natural yet done, try Nabila K’s “Brow Fixx” product in Blondie, Brunette, Chocolate, Dark Brunette, Fair Blonde, or Clear shades to match your unique hue. Of course, Sophia Loren would need the brunette option. 
• No romantic look would be complete without a good mascara.

Look 2: To get your eyes as dark and exotic as Claudia Cardinale’s, you’ll need a reliable dark eyeshadow, eyeliner, and false eyelashes. Look as sexy and seductive as you feel this summer with a little help from another Italian beauty (and, of course, from Nabila K). 

• For the perfect smoky eye, try Nabila K’s single well eyeshadow in “Blackest Black.” Now, it’s essential to remember that a little goes a long way with such a dark shadow, and with this (as opposed to eyeliner), you can create a gently smudged smoky look that is soft and not too garish. Because this eyeshadow is crease-proof and has impressive staying power, it’s exactly what you need to recreate Cardinale’s romantic look.
• To complete a romantic look that’s all about the eyes, you’ll need false eyelashes. Try a full strip of Nabila K’s “Feather” lashes or the individual “Ever After” option for a more precise, defined look that screams 1960s allure.

Look 3: For a gorgeous, dewy look that’s natural and glowing, take a cue from Catherine Deneuve. 

• Make sure your skin is hydrated and smooth with a clean, organic moisturizer or serum (we recommend Nabila K’s Manuka Honey Whip with aloe vera and shea butter), some aloe surge facial mist, and, by all means, do not neglect your lips! Keep them supple and kissable with Nabila K’s silky smooth lip balm (try the collection of seven travel-size tubes) made from the finest, most ethically-sourced ingredients. 
• For a little more pizazz, try one of Nabila K’s vibrant, romantic lip glosses (available in ten shades).

Look 4: For your most romantic European look this summer, take a cue from Virna Lisa and accentuate your beauty mark (or create one), apply a sexy cat eye, and play up your pout with a pink or coral lipstick. 

• For your eyes, look no further than Nabila K’s Ultra Black waterproof liquid eyeliner. Because it’s smudge-proof, your mysterious dark eye makeup will stay put (and perfect) all day and night.
•  Make everyone say “Ooh-La-La” when they see your shiny coral lips. For a romantic look that lasts, Nabila K’s lipstick is just what you need. For pink lips with high shine, smooth on the creamiest, most luxurious lipstick in the perfect shade of dusty rose. It’s no wonder Nabila K dubbed it “Bella.”

For more information on all the products mentioned in this blog, click the links below (it’s that simple!) and get started on your most romantic makeup looks!

(Nabila K products pictured in this blog include “Brow-Fixx” in Brunette and “Bella” lipstick.)

Check out the website for more (and don’t forget to read the blog for beauty and skincare inspiration). 

https://nabilak.com/product/clear-flawless-finish-foundation-primer/

https://nabilak.com/product/nabila-k-setting-spray/

https://nabilak.com/product/glow-getter/

https://nabilak.com/product/lip-pencil-satin/

https://nabilak.com/product-category/makeup/eyebrows/brow-fixx/

https://nabilak.com/product/blackest-black/

https://nabilak.com/product/feather/

https://nabilak.com/product/ever-after/

https://nabilak.com/product/manuka-honey-whip-face-cream-with-aloe-vera-shea-butter/

https://nabilak.com/product/aloe-surge-facial-mist/

https://nabilak.com/product/lip-balm-travel-size-0-15oz/

https://nabilak.com/product-category/makeup/lips/lip-glosses/

https://nabilak.com/product/ultra-black-waterproof-liquid-eyeliner-pen/

https://nabilak.com/product/ohh-la-la/

https://nabilak.com/product/bella/

#naturalbeautyproducts #gettingrealwithbeauty #nabilakcosmetics #nabilak #nabilaKcosmetics #nabilakhashoggi #OnTheBlog #cleanmakeup #summerbeauty #romanticlooks #summergetaway #europeangetaway #brigittebardot #sophialoren #catherinedeneuve #claudiacardinale #virnalisa #romanticmakeup #europeanvibes #cleanbeauty

But first, Coffee

Have you ever taken that first sip of morning coffee and wondered how it was even discovered or why we have such a love affair with this marvelous brew? Me too. I have had coffee in many places around the world, and I can tell you that I definitely have formed certain preferences for the type of coffee I prefer. But would I even know a coffee tree if I was looking at one? So, because I don’t like not knowing things, I did some coffee research. The information I discovered was, in a word, delicious. And, in some cases, surprising!

Through the usual trade routes, coffee made its way into Europe, but the Church in Italy condemned it, calling it the invention of the devil. Makes me wonder if that’s where espresso came from because you had to make it fast before the priest caught you. Actually, the truth is that Luigi Bezzera created the espresso machine in Italy around 1901, so my curiosity is now satisfied. Finally, the Pope became involved (Pope Clement VIII) and decided to taste this bitter brew for himself. As you can guess, he was won over and declared that it was not Satan’s drink after all. 

Finally, coffee made its way to America in 1668. And for a while, coffee overtook beer in popularity as New York’s best breakfast beverage, which is why, to this day it is still viewed as a breakfast beverage. 

In Search of the Perfect Bean

What makes coffee taste like it does? The beans, of course. We call them beans, but really, they are berries that grow on the coffee bush. Where the bush grows affects the way the bean tastes, just like the place where grapes grow affects the taste of the wine; so, where they grow matters as much as how they grow and what is done to them after they are harvested. There are two basic types of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta. Robusta has more naturally occurring caffeine than Arabica and is more ‘robust’ in taste. Arabica is milder and has less acid. 

The World in Your Cup

Not that I’ve done this yet, but I think it would be interesting to line up a good sample from each of the countries producing coffee to taste the difference between them. This is definitely on my to-do list. I do know that most of the Latin American regions have coffees that tend to have flavors that are nutty, with hints of chocolate. They mostly grow the Arabica varieties. Africa and Arabia grow both the Robusta and Arabica types of beans, and the taste is more along the lines of fruit, floral, and even earthy. Coffee from Nicaragua often has hints of vanilla and hazelnut without you having to add any of that by way of a flavored creamer. 

Jamaican coffee has an almost sweet quality to it, while coffee in Mexico has a little hint of spiciness. True Columbian coffee, and one of my favorites, is smooth, sweet, and very rich with almost overtones of nuts and caramel. In stark contrast is coffee from Brazil that can taste almost like you’ve bitten into a bar of dark chocolate (still VERY good, but strong). 

If you have not tasted coffee from Tanzania or Kenya, make plans to do so. They are unlike any of the others in that the coffee has an almost ‘bright’ taste with overtones of citrus and berries. Delicious! Also on the delicious radar is Indian coffee, which tends to be creamy, smooth, and even has hints of cloves and nuts. 

Guatemalan and Peruvian coffees, tend to be smooth, low acid, and offer hints of honey. And if you hate that bitter coffee aftertaste, then consider trying a coffee from Costa Rica, whose aftertaste is almost negligible. Coffee from Sumatra tastes super sweet without having to add anything to it, with an almost chocolate syrup taste. It’s like drinking a dessert and is also very tasty. 

Most Studies Show Coffee is Good for You Too!

Did you know that there have been hundreds of studies done on coffee and its effect on humans? Go figure. Vitamins such as B2, B3, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants are in your favorite breakfast beverage. Most of the studies agree that enjoyed in moderation coffee can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, lower the risk of liver cancer and Parkinson’s, and helps protect against heart failure. 

Top Brands to Try

Intelligentsia : This company has won numerous awards for its mostly Columbian and Peruvian coffee blends. What I love about it is their direct-trade practices, so you know exactly where they are sourcing their beans and that the farmers are benefiting from it rather than a large-scale commercial farming conglomerate. Try their Frequency Blend or the Borealis Blend. 

Stumptown: Located in Portland, Oregon, this coffee company started crafting its coffees in small artisanal batches. To this day, they still use the same production methods to create delicious whole-bean coffees that hail from Columbia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Rwanda. Try their Ethiopian Mordecofe, or Hair Bender from Africa. 

Lavazza: (best for espresso): This coffee company has been around since 1895, so they know coffee. In particular, they know espresso. Their espresso blends are exquisite. Expect to experience a hint of fruit and even floral fragrances from this coffee. Try the Caffe Espresso if you are a lightweight when it comes to espresso, or if you want to go for the gusto, try Crema e Gusto. 

Peerless Coffee & Tea: Located in California, this company won the Roaster of the Year in 2019, so they are very good at what they do. Founded almost 100 years ago, this company was started by an immigrant from Yugoslavia. Try their coffees using beans from Costa Rica, Jamaica, Hawaii, or Panama. Their coffees are sourced from direct trade or single origin, which means sustainable practices were used and the farmers weren’t exploited. 

Top Lists to Make Your Life Better

“Lists are a form of power” – A. S. Byatt

I have a confession. I’m a list maker. In fact, I might even be a serial list maker, if that’s a thing. I have lists for daily activities, lists for appointments, lists for things I plan to do in the future, and lists for my lists. I realize this may be a little extreme for many people (do they MAKE a 12-step program?) but having some organization in your life is also not a bad thing. Here’s a list of the BEST lists to make to keep yourself organized and productive. 

1. Household Chore List

If things tend to pile up in your house, then creating a list of tasks prevents this from happening (or at least happening as frequently). For me, doing just a little bit each day means I don’t have to spend a few hours on the weekend playing catchup. If you have a large home, then try the “zone” technique. Each area of the house is a zone, and you only focus a small amount of time on that one zone. Set a timer, put on a great audiobook or music, and before you know it, 30 minutes or less has blown past. 

2. !0 Minute Task List

Think about all of the things you need or want to get done. Select those that should only take around 10 minutes or less. When you get an unexpected chunk of time, drop one of these bad boys into that time slot. Believe me, these little 10-minute wonders add up when you are able to do about 3-4 of them a week. 

3. Travel Packing List

This is an essential list in my house because we are always on the go. Having a set list means a lot of the planning is already done, and all you have to do is put them in your suitcase. I also find it very helpful to have duplicates of my makeup and travel-sized items so that I can just leave them to live large in my suitcase. That way, they are already packed and waiting for our next adventure. Good travel lists could include a capsule wardrobe selection for the various seasons. Destination-specific lists with items and wardrobe are also wonderful. When I was first building my travel item lists, I took advantage of the return travel time to reflect on what items and wardrobe worked for me and what did not, and what I wished I’d packed but had forgotten. It’s a brilliant way to create a list that works for you and your family each time, no matter where you go. 

4. Kitchen List of Goodness

I don’t know about you, but it annoys me when we waste food. We don’t do it on purpose, but often after a meal is made, there are leftovers…which we promptly forget about until it becomes a science experiment gone horribly wrong. So, on the outside of our ‘fridge, we have a leftovers list, and down below that, there is a space for grocery items we want or need to replace. Same goes for the freezer…where things go in and often never come out. You can expand this kitchen list to include pantry items as well. 

5. Birthdays and Gift Lists

Remembering someone’s birthday is a great way to remind them how much they mean to you. Create a list on your computer or enter their birthdays onto your phone’s calendar. Then, set a reminder a week ahead, so you have time to order the perfect gift, or send them off a beautiful card. If your loved ones live farther away from you and you’d have to mail a gift, choose something that will ship well and arrive intact, like an elegant candle, diffuser, or a personal product like creamy body butter or lotion. 

6. Personal Goal List

I do not make New Year’s resolutions. However, I do focus on personal improvement at the beginning of each year….and I make a list. For example, it can be something small such as practicing better posture when I’m working at the computer. Or increase my yoga practice. This year I added to my list life skills that I wanted to make sure my children knew. I find this particular type of list also helps me with the planning of the other lists because it puts things into perspective and makes decision-making easier when you allocate your time and energy to something that matters. 

7. Gratitude List

I made doing this a priority many years ago, and it is an incredible tool for keeping me grounded, happy, and moving forward. Each year I read back through my gratitude list in a journal I keep specifically for this purpose. It’s often hilarious the things I wrote down in the past for which I was thankful. Because some days, all you can be thankful for was that someone remembered to put the toilet lid down. Or that the flowers you planted finally bloomed. 

Even if you implement only ONE of these lists above, I know you are going to find it brings a certain amount of satisfaction, as well as time, back into your life. And in the end, having more time to spend with family, friends, and personal pursuits is what makes life joyful. 

#nabilakhashoggi #khashoggi #lifestyle #explore #habits #nabilaK #spartanandthegreenegg