There are so many benefits to daily journaling. I like to journal first thing in the morning as a form of “mind” dump. It really helps me to focus by clearing my head of extraneous information. Did you know you could use journal prompts for success?
Journal prompts are great to use when you want to write and need a guide. Sometimes we can pour words onto the page and other times we stare at the blank page for hours. Prompts help you focus your direction.
When you use these journal prompts for success, you specifically direct your energy towards achieving your dreams.
The path to success requires a vision and a plan. Consistent journaling using these prompts can help you realize your goals. Having an outline will aid in tailoring your roadmap to put you on the right path.
Whether you have professional or personal endeavors, here are 50 journal prompts for success. Try using one a day to build your plan.
50 Journal Prompts for Success
Today I want to accomplish…
Tomorrow I will…
In 5 years I want to be…
In 5 years I want to have…
Mistakes I learned from the past…
My recent failures are…
My childhood dream was…
A dream that would make me happy today…
Things I have succeeded in…
I will feel successful when I achieve…
If I could change one thing in the past, it would be…
If I won the lottery I would…
How can I use my time more wisely?
What are my biggest distractions?
If I could do anything I wanted, I would…
My biggest weakness is…
My strongest attributes are…
Where can I make changes in my life for self-improvement?
Things I can do for self-care…
How can my network help me right now?
What are my plans to accomplish my near term goals?
How will I achieve long term goals?
When I reach a milestone, I will celebrate by…
What do I need to do for financial security?
How do I handle failure?
How do I handle my achievements?
I’m passionate about…
I do what I do because…
I’m inspired by…
Who has been a good mentor to you?
What advice would you give yourself 5 years ago?
Are you happy right now?
What would make you happy right now?
What insecurities stop you from being confident in your abilities?
How do you overcome insecurities?
If you could time travel and meet anyone, who would it be?
What product/idea/thing do you wish you thought of?
What is your favorite book?
What success story stood out to you?
Who is your biggest cheerleader?
What are your favorite motivational quotes and why?
Where do you find your inspiration/ideas?
What problem do you need help with right now?
What are your favorite resources that help solve your problems?
How can you learn more about your goals?
What are 5 things on your bucket list?
What skills do I have that others need?
What opportunity did you have that you missed?
What would be an ideal opportunity right now?
I am thankful for…
These 50 Journal prompts for success will help you figure out what your goals are and how to pursue them effectively. Did you use any of these prompts? Comment below on how it turned out!
Do you have a hard time fitting fitness into your schedule?
What if I told you that you can get a mini workout in while you cook? I love multi-tasking and being efficient with my time. While waiting impatiently for water to boil, cheese to melt, and sauces to simmer, I came up with the cook and workout series.
When you cook, there is a lot of passive time. This time can be put to better use by getting your body moving! I love cooking as I find it therapeutic. However, I hate the waiting periods and find myself getting impatient. As a fitness lover, I naturally started incorporating squats and other exercises to pass the boredom in the kitchen.
Over time, I refined the exercises into mini cook and workout routines. It’s versatile and easy to fit into your schedule. Now, I’m not a fitness trainer, but I am an avid fitness buff. This workout was created by a civilian for a civilian.
But do short workouts even work?
It is so important to move your body. About 28% of Americans, approximately 80 million people are inactive. Inactivity can lead to health problems such as cardiovascular disease and premature death.
While longer workouts are usually more beneficial, shorter workouts can still help you with your fitness goals. Tabata workouts when done properly are only 4 minutes and popular HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts range from 10-20 minutes.
Can you lose weight with short workouts? If you’re consistent with it, yes you will. Any activity is better than no activity.
One study showed that shorter workouts are similar effects as continuous longer workouts in relation to losing weight.
Are you ready for a cook and workout?
Let’s make a Veggie Quesadilla and get some fitness in!
Cook and Workout: 5 Minute Quesadilla Workout
Disclaimers: You should consult your physician or other health care professional before starting this or any other fitness program to determine if it is right for your physical condition. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, stop. Do not continue if you hurt yourself. Always proceed with caution when introducing new workout elements into your routine. It is important to go at your own pace and increase intensity over time. Maintain proper form to avoid injuries and wear proper fitness attire.
Perform exercises away from stove or heat sources and ensure you are safe at all times from injuries.
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. Thanks!
Step 1:
Turn your stove to medium heat. Spray pan with oil and place a tortilla on the pan. Sprinkle cheese on top. Now since we’re working out, we probably should make this a healthy-ish quesadilla. So go ahead and add some veggies in. I love onions, bell peppers, green onions, corn, and zucchini. Spinach is also a good option too! Top with black beans.
Want to make it even more healthy? Use wheat or corn tortillas instead of flour.
Step 2:
Standing Toe Touch (20)
Raise your left leg up straight in front of you. As you do this, touch your toe with the opposite hand while keeping your leg extended in front of you. Switch leg and repeat for 20 total reps.
Here is a great tutorial on how to execute the move properly.
Why this move works: This exercise raises your heart level (which is important for cardio health), gives you a full-body workout as multiple muscle groups are used, and works your stability/hand and eye coordination skills.
Body Parts targeted: glutes, hip flexors, quads, hamstrings, calves, core, and arms
Step 3:
Check to see how the cheese is melting and under the tortilla to see how it’s browning. Lower heat if it browns too much.
Step 4:
Jumping Jacks (50)
Yes, I said 50. It’s only a 5-minute workout so give me the best you can do. Go ahead and bust out 50 jumping jacks.
Check out the video below for a proper Jumping Jack tutorial.
Why this works: Jumping Jacks are a great exercise for improving cardio health. With this total-body move, you can quickly improve your blood circulation and pressure. With higher reps, you build stamina and breath control.
Body Parts targeted: This total body cardio workout engages biceps, triceps, glutes, adductors, hamstrings, calves, quads, chest muscles, core, and lats.
Step 5:
Fold Quesadilla in half. Lower heat to low if you haven’t already.
Step 6:
Squats (15)
With your arms in front of you, widen your stance to about a foot apart. Keep your torso aligned and core in. Slowly lower your body into a squat, being sure to keep knees in line with toes. Repeat 15 times.
Learn how to do a proper squat:
Why this move works: Strengthens your core, easy to do anywhere, burns calories, builds lower body muscles which are important for everyday use.
Body Part targeted: Glutes, quads, hamstrings, hip flexors, calves, core
Step 7:
Turn off heat and place quesadilla on a plate.
Step 8:
Double arm punches (20)
Yes, we still have time to fit in one quick exercise while your quesadilla cools.
Punch each arm twice before switching sides. Repeat for a total of 20 times.
Use this guide for proper technique. Instead of one punch, you will be doing 2 for each arm before alternating sides.
Why this move works: Helps with speed, agility, strength and cardio
Body parts targeted: Upper body: shoulders, triceps, lats and core
And you’re done! A mini total body workout accomplished in the time it took to make a meal. Have a glass of water and enjoy your veggie quesadilla! Hope you enjoyed this cook and workout.
Disclaimers: You should consult your physician or other health care professional before starting this or any other fitness program to determine if it is right for your physical condition. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, stop. Do not continue if you hurt yourself. Always proceed with caution when introducing new workout elements into your routine. It is important to go at your own pace and increase intensity over time. Maintain proper form to avoid injuries and wear proper fitness attire.
Does it get any cuter than little hearts confetti for Valentine’s Day?
Confetti has so many uses and it’s fun! Ever since I got my Cricut a couple of months ago, I’ve gotten into making my own confetti. Making confetti hearts with your Cricut is easy, fun and so useful.
I sell the confetti I make on my Etsy store and use it professionally when I’m packaging orders. It adds such a nice touch and my customers love it. It’s also super cheap! You can make over 150 pieces from 1 sheet of paper that costs about 10 cents.
Since Valentine’s day is coming up, making confetti at home would be a fun DIY project. I’ll show you how easy it is to make confetti hearts with your Cricut and some nice cardstock.
This Cricut tutorial is also beginner-friendly. You’ll be a confetti pro in no time!
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. Thanks!
How to Make Confetti Hearts With Your Cricut
Supplies:
❤ Heavyweight Cardstock (I used Recollection brand in Rose Gold Foil )
2.) Select the shapes icon from the left panel and click on the heart.
3.) Resize your heart to your liking. For my project, I used a variation of .5 in as I wanted small hearts.
4.) Once your heart is sized, duplicate however many times you like.
5.) Change the fill color to match your cardstock. I changed mine to a rose gold color.
6.) Select make it in the upper right corner and proceed to the next screen.
7.) Set the dial on the Cricut to cardstock.
8.) On your screen, change the paper size to 8.5 x 11 and proceed to the next screen after clicking continue.
10.) Align cardstock on your mat and load it into Cricut. Make sure edges are properly aligned. I used the Recollections brand from Michael’s in Rose Gold Foil. This cardstock is 65 lbs and has a lovely sheen that changes colors depending on how the light hits it. It does have a brown back. You can get it on Amazon here.
Feel free to use any color you like!
11.) Hit the flashing button on your Cricut. Once the Cricut has loaded the mat, hit the C.
12.) After the machine cuts your project, lift cardstock up. Your confetti will be on the mat. Use a scraper to lift from the mat. My scraper is the Cricut brand and it works really well in getting the confetti off!
And, now the fun part!
How to use your homemade Confetti hearts:
❤ Send in the mail to friends and family
❤ Wedding table decor
❤ Jazz up bachelorette party or bridal showers party favors
❤ Use it for birthday parties
❤ Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner decor
There are so many options. Now you know how to make hearts confetti with your Cricut, have fun using it!
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. Thanks!
Many people neglect their self-care and it is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. We often find it selfish to take time for ourselves when we have busy work schedules, families to take care of, and fitting in the social life on top of that. I’m here to tell you that it is anything but selfish. It is so important that you make yourself a priority and having a list of self-care ideas will arm you with the tools you need to lead a happy life.
“You cannot pour from an empty cup.”
Similar to how we recharge our phones when they drain, we need to recharge our bodies. Self-care does not need to be complicated, and it will improve your mental health. If you are happier and aligned, you will be more focused and organized to deal with the crazy that life throws our way.
Here are 10 Self-Care Ideas for a Happier Life:
1.) Wake up 10 minutes before your alarm and take the time to journal.
Journaling is a powerful tool to organize your thoughts. Journaling in the morning allows you to dump anything that may be bothering you. When you do this first thing in the morning, you can move through your day more refreshed. Set a timer and write freely. By the time you’re done, you can read it back or let it sit and simmer.
This practice will not only make you lighter, but it will also start your day off on the right foot.
2.) Take a bath before bed.
From morning to night we are constantly on the go and if you’re anything like me, you might have trouble falling asleep or have bouts of insomnia. A relaxing bath before bed is a great remedy.
First, get rid of any distractions. Put your phone in a different room, have your spouse take care of the kids for this time, and allot the time you need to relax. Even if it is 10-15 minutes, it will help.
Set the mood for relaxation. I like to use Epsom salts and essential oils in my bath. Epsom salts are great for tired muscles and essential oils such as Lavender and Chamomile have relaxing properties.
3.) Take a walk.
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise. It’s low impact, can be done pretty much anywhere and it gets you out into the world. You also get the ability to choose how long you walk for. This self-care idea fits in really well with busy schedules.
Take 30 minutes during your lunch hour to get out and walk. 30 minutes is also all you need to reap the cardiovascular benefits of walking.
However, you choose to walk, make sure to stay present and enjoy your surroundings.
4.) Incorporate a weekly beauty routine.
There’s a reason why we long for spa and pampering days. We feel so zen after a massage or a facial. While we can’t always take the time to get weekly massages (I wish!), a weekly at-home spa day is completely doable.
Pick a time where you won’t be disturbed. Get in comfy PJs, slap on your favorite face mask, and put on your favorite Netflix show. Add in a glass of wine for an ultimate pampering time. My favorite mask is the Aztec healing clay combined with a drop of tea tree oil or lemon essential oil. It’s so invigorating and will leave you with clear, smooth skin!
5.) Take 30 minutes for a hobby you love.
Hobbies are a great way to unwind. You have fun while doing the thing you’re passionate about. I love arts and crafts for my self care time because I find it to be relaxing and meditative. Crocheting is my go to.
There is no rule to what works, just what works for you. Maybe you like to draw or you like to bake. Reward yourself with something you love to do. Research shows that people who have hobbies suffer less from low mood and depression. Hobby away!
6.) Eat your favorite food guilt-free.
Self-care time does not have to be healthy time! If you want that piece of chocolate you’ve been eying, do it! Life is short to deprive yourself of things that make you happy. Moderation is the key.
I’m not ashamed to admit I love eating nachos during my me time. There is nothing like a bowl of comfort food, right?
7.) Read a book.
Reading is one of the ultimate ways to block out the world and escape into another one. While many of us listen to books on audio or read on our electronic devices, try reading a book you can hold. There is just something about turning a page.
It’s also better for your eyes and gives you a break from the digital world.
8.) Meditate for 15 minutes.
Meditation is a great way to center yourself and find inner peace. This is especially helpful if you’re like me and get easily distracted and/or have insomnia. Some people think meditation is a difficult practice, but it’s actually pretty simple.
You don’t have to shut your mind off. Instead take 15 minutes to sit or walk in silence. Focus on what thoughts you have and decide if you want to pursue the line of thinking or discard the thoughts. This will help you be more present with your thoughts and guide the flow of your thinking.
Meditating helps reduce negative thinking, increases creativity and gives you perspective on things that may be bothering you.
9.) Write kind notes to yourself.
We are often our harshest critics and the things we think to ourselves we would never dare say to another person. So why not write kind notes to yourself? Self-love is one of the best self-care ideas.
Write 5 things that you think is awesome about you. You can be as detailed or brief as you want. Hang these notes up where you’ll see them for motivation. Writing and visually self kindness will make it easier for you to believe in yourself. It might seem weird at first, but give it a try and see what happens.
10.) Treat yourself.
Sometimes we just need a splurge. You work hard, raise a family and are busy taking care of everyone else to think about what you need. Treating yourself can be as simple as a dessert from your favorite restaurant, or a extravagant shopping trip. Whatever makes you happy and won’t break the bank, do it! It might be momentary happiness, but it just might make your day.
You don’t have to do all of these at once to reap the benefits. Start with one self-care idea a week and go from there!
Today, I felt that dreaded tingle, the tingle that precedes a cold sore. Within minutes, it was a full blown creature and had taken over the bottom half of my lip. I was mortified!
I’ve dealt with cold sores on and off throughout my 20s. Thankfully they aren’t that common for me. My last one was three years ago. This also meant that I didn’t have cold sore medicine on hand.
Abreva was my choice in the past. It never was a miracle cure, but it did always feel like it was helping. My cold sores always last 1 week, no matter what medicine I use. Now that I’m focusing on a non-toxic life, I want to see if I can move this buster along with non toxic remedies, at home.
Day 1 of Healing a Cold Sore the Natural Way At Home
I started my journey as many do, a quick online search to see what essential oils would do the trick. I am a big oil lover and like when I get to use my growing stash.
Why Try Essential Oils For Cold Sores?
Essential oils are plant based and potent. This makes them a great ingredient for non toxic remedies.
My search led me to this article which has a great breakdown of which oils are good and some recipes. Ultimately, I used the resources I came across to experiment on my own.
The first thing I tried was peppermint and thyme undiluted. I always dilute, but I was curious to see if this would speed it along. It burned right away. I definitely would NOT recommend this route!
I decided to make a roller bottle blend that I could use a cotton swab with. It’s very important to avoid cross contamination when dealing with cold sores. Here is the blend I made:
• 5 ml roller bottle
• 5 drops Peppermint
• 2 drops Clove
• 3 drops Thyme
• Fractionated Coconut Oil
This blend was way more soothing and didn’t burn at all.
As Day 1 nears its end, I have come up with a plan for to combat this sucker. I will:
• Drink lots of water (at least 8 glasses)
• Use the roller blend 3-5 times a day
• have Emergen-C once a day along with elderberry gummies*
Healing is both topical and internal. I need to provide my body with the nutrients it needs to fight off this infection. In the meantime, I will destress and hopefully this sucker will be gone soon!
Stay tuned for more updates on how these non toxic remedies for cold sores fare.
How to Make Reusable Crochet Face Scrubbies in 10 minutes (Beginner Friendly Crochet Pattern)
Reusable face scrubbies are a big trend these days. It makes sense to ditch disposable face wipes and cotton rounds that plug up our landfills and switch to the more economical eco-friendly makeup remover. Just look on Etsy, and you’ll see tons of options for homemade scrubbies. They’re much cheaper, last longer, and are easy to maintain with laundry or handwash.
Over the past couple of years, I started to ditch commercial one-use products for more economical reusable ones. They’re better for the environment and your body. Recently, my obsession is face scrubbies. I love these things and have made loads of them. They exfoliate my skin so well and leaves it super soft. I noticed with patterns I came across that the scrubby tends to get too “holey” when it’s dampened in water. This makes it a little hard to wash your face when the stitches don’t hold up against face wash and water. Due to this, I experimented with making a pattern with two yarn strands and was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy and still soft they were!
If you’re like me and love DIY projects, you’ll enjoy these crochet face scrubbies. They work up very fast. I can have one done in less than 10 minutes. And, they’re super cheap, costing around 50 cents for one. These scrubbies are also sturdier due to the two yarn design, plus it gives the scrubbies a cool two-tone look! This crochet pattern is beginner-friendly. The only stitch you’ll need to know is half double-crochet.
If you’re super brand new to crocheting, I would recommend a crochet kit. The one I have comes with a good range of hook sizes, stitch markers, and weaving needles. And, it comes in a handy bag so you won’t lose anything!
You are welcome to sell any creations you make using this project. I would appreciate credit if you do so. Since these work up fast, they’d be great for craft fairs, bath spa gifts, and to sell online. You are not allowed to sell this crochet pattern as your own.
Let’s get started!
Reusable Crochet Face Scrubbies Pattern
Materials:
2 skeins medium weight (4) 100% cotton yarn (I used I Love This Cotton yarn in White and Rosey)*
I-9 hook
Stitch marker
Needle to weave ends
*Feel free to experiment with different colors. You can also make the pattern in one color; just use 2 skeins of the same color.
Size:
The approximate finished diameter will be 3 inches.
Stitches:
Half Double Crochet (HDC): Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, and pull through loop. Yarn over and pull through all loops.
Slip Stich (sl st): Insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, and pull through a loop.
Notes:
Chain 1 at the start of rows does not count as a stitch.
Always slip stitch into the first stitch of the row, not chain 1.
Working with two strands of yarn can be a little difficult if it is your first time doing so. Make sure to keep your tension loose so you can easily insert hook into stitches. Keep skeins separate to keep yarn from getting tangled as you work. Always make sure you have both colors on your hook.
Directions:
Foundation Row: Chain 3 and sl st into chain one. This will create a circle.
Row 1: Chain 1 (does not count as stitch). 9 HDC into the circle. Sl st. (9 stitches)
Row 2: Chain 1. **2 HDC in same stitch**. Repeat from * to * in the next 8 stitches. Sl st. (18 stitches)
Row 3: Chain 1. **1 HDC in the same stitch. 2 HDC in next stitch**. Repeat from ** to ** 5 more times. Sl st (27 stitches)
Finish off and weave in ends.
And that’s all there is to it! If you make this pattern, be sure to comment below and tag @Paintingsbybindi in photos! I would love to see what you create.
Hello and welcome to ByBindi, you’re go-to guide for everything arts and crafts, health and fitness, and nontoxic living. I’m an artist, writer, and overall positive person. I believe that we are in charge of happiness in our lives and this comes from fulfilling our mind, body, and soul. It may sound cliche, but it works. When you are mentally and physically fulfilled, everything else tends to fall in place.
I’m a kid at heart and believe life should be fun! I’m creating this blog to put together tutorials, random musings, recipes, and advice that I have benefitted from. I’ve always wanted to start a blog and now seems like the perfect time.
