3 Simple Wellness Hacks to Add to Your Routine This Month
my go-to granola recipe & HOW to "double cleanse" your face
One thing I’ve been leaning into lately is finding the simplest hacks to add a little wellness and joy into my days.
You know, the type of habits that aren’t overly complicated, time-consuming, or expensive— yet still support my wellbeing.
Whether it’s a non-meditation addition to my morning routine, a boost in my evening skincare, or a great recipe for weekend baking, these are the little tips and tricks I’ve been enjoying recently in the spirit of ~romanticizing my life~ and upgrading my health habits.
✨ And, in this email, I’m sharing everything and showcasing just how simple it can be to take your routine to the next level:
8 simple ways to feeel grounded in the morning that aren’t meditation
A quick tutorial on how to “double cleanse” your face with cleansing oil (this is one of my favorite nontoxic skincare hacks!)
A super easy recipe for homemade maple-pecan granola. It’s. so. good.
As you know, I recently experimented with meditating for 30 days, and while I loved it in many ways… sometimes I just don’t feel like doing it.
If you ever find yourself in the same boat or if meditation just doesn’t jive for you in general, don’t force it! There are so many other things you can do in the morning to ground yourself and be present that simply might resonate more for you.
🌞 HERE ARE SOME IDEAS:
Stand outside in the fresh air with no tech distractions for 5 minutes
Grab your journal and reflect on this prompt: “My intention for today is…”
Take 3 minutes to do some intuitive stretching and get into your body
Take your time & be extra present during your morning skincare
Put on a song & dance it out, inviting some playful movement into your day
Say a few positive affirmations in the mirror “I am enough”, “I am productive”, “I am at peace”, etc, etc, etc.
Read 10 minutes of a self-help book, devotional, coffee table book, etc.
Have a phone-free morning for the first 20-30 minutes of your day.
While meditation is wonderful, it’s not the only way. Don’t overlook other ways to feel grounded, present, and productive in the morning! As always, find what works for you.
“Double cleansing” or “oil cleansing” your face may be something you’ve heard of or seen on TikTok, but is it just me or does no one explain how it actually works or what it does?? Today, that’s where I’ll come in.
Oil cleansing is a traditional skincare technique, thought to have originated in Korea in the 14th century. It is known for removing makeup, combating oil (without drying out your skin!), and giving an extra deep clean while still keeping your skin moisturized and plump.
Today I’m going to walk you through the steps for both an oil cleanse and a double cleanse. For my visual learners there’s a short ‘n’ sweet video for you to follow along with, but I’ve also written out step by step instructions below!
I looooove doing this specific cleansing method because it’s so relaxing and genuinely makes my bathroom feel like a spa— while helping my skin be the best it can be. I’ve incorporated it into my skincare routine for years and I truly love it.
🧖🏻♀️ FIRST CLEANSE
This step is done with a cleansing oil, which will dissolve and break down any makeup, dirt, and excess oils on your skin. Here’s how to do it:
Take a quarter-sized amount of cleansing oil and put onto your dry skin (even on top of makeup!)
Massage for least one minute (this is crucial since it’s the step where all the gunk on your skin will dissolve!). It feels really lovely so I promise it doesn’t feel like a chore ◡̈
Wet a soft, clean washcloth with super warm water and place it on your skin. Use the washcloth to massage & remove oil and makeup. Ahhhhh.
You did it! And you could be done here! Oil cleansing is a great way to wash your face on its own ◡̈ That said, if you are feeling the desire for an even deeper, more targeted clean…
🧖🏻♀️ DOUBLE CLEANSE
The second cleanse will address your particular skin type, do a deeper clean, and include ingredients to target your specific skin concern (aging, acne, sensitivity, etc.).
Splash skin with warm water and use the cleansing bar of your choice.
Cleanse in circular motions and pay special attention to problem areas — around the nose, the jawline, etc.
Rinse skin with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
That's it! Your complexion should feel fresh, clean and balanced. I love how my skin feels so clean *without* feeling stripped of all of its natural oils.
After I finish double cleansing, I follow up with the clarifying spray, the clarifying serum, & baby balm around my eyes to prevent wrinkles ◡̈ I like to keep it simple, nontoxic, & effective! If you’re looking for some new products to go with your new routine, this small business is my FAVORITE. Clean, organic, nontoxic products made with integrity— and I have a secret discount code!
PSSSST: You can always save 10% on everything with my affiliate code KATE10 ◡̈ Enjoy!
At my past job directing wellness at a local college (one of my favorite jobs ever!), I became friends with a math instructors, Ingrid, and she ended up gifting me her homemade granola a few times.
You guys, I have tried granolas from alllll the fancy grocery stores, from the farmers market, from everywhere and this granola is truly one of my personal favorites.
So I recently reached out to her for the recipe and she gave me permission to share the magical recipe with all of you (!). Ingrid’s maple-pecan granola is outlined below, and I can’t wait for you to try it.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup sliced almonds
3 cups organic rolled oats