Today’s post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own!

Where to start… If we are being completely honest, 2020 has been the year that everything was turned upside down. We all ventured into 2020 thankful that 2019 was over and ready to tackle the world full force. But then -everything- life as we know it was changed. I am sure so many of us have taken the pledge to never speak of this year again, however; if you change your perspective a bit – 2020 is the year we all maybe needed a bit.  In fact, 2020 has taught us so much, especially that self-care is good for the soul and something we all need to embrace a bit more. Today I am partnering with BabbleBoxx to share with you a few things I have learned from 2020 – as well as a few brands and products I have been testing that really will help you dive into the self-care you deserve! 

1 // I LEARNED TO EMBRACE AT-HOME MANICURES AND PEDICURES 

I don’t know about you but I have never been one to be big on at-home pedicures and manicures. Not because I don’t like them, but because I paint my nails like a kindergartner- really it is bad! However, in 2020 we almost had no other way to make sure our nails and feet were in tip top shape. I recently started using the Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair and O-M-G the difference is literally night and day. With age and a few months of not getting a pedicure- I was starting to notice that my heels were starting to get really rough, and almost cracked- ONE day of using Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair and you can literally see a MAJOR difference. This is becoming one product that I never knew I needed but 2020 made me realize I totally do. 

BEFORE

AFTER 1 APPLICATION

Another product from Kerasal that I didn’t realize I needed was the Kerasal Multi-Purpose Nail Repair. Now this product is a MUST have for anyone who has done gel nails, dip nails, or nails that are just overall damaged. I am a huge gel nail polish person and have learned that my nails over time have become really damaged, dry, easily crack- not anymore. This stuff is like a power potion to help repair damaged nails all while it promotes thickness. And I have to admit my nails are feeling healthier than ever and are thankful for this product! 

2 // BREAKOUTS CAN COME AND GO – ALWAYS BE READY TO TREAT  THEM

Let’s be honest, no one likes pesky breakouts right? I know that as we are navigating through the new normal- that maskne can be a REAL thing. As someone who is very particular about their skin –I mean hello I am an esthetician– breakouts can be something that really is hard on my self-confidence. While I know we ALL breakout, something 2020 has taught me is to always be extra prepared for when they may arrive. I have been fighting breakouts and maskne breakouts using the Terminator 10 by AcneFree. This product is highly recommended by dermatologists as it contains the highest strength Benzoyl Peroxide to really help fight breakouts, clear surface bacteria and help prevent future breakouts from appearing.  Now is the perfect time to stop breakouts in their tracks thanks to Terminator 10 by AcneFree.  The best part- right now if you use code BABBLE at checkout on acnefree.com you can receive 15% off your order (no email signup required) PLUS a free sample size of the Oil-Free Acne Cleanser from now until December 31, 2020- sounds like a win-win, right? 

3 // I LEARNED HOW TO TACKLE AT-HOME DRY CLEANING LIKE A PRO

If I am being REALLY honest with you all, I have a pile of dry-clean only clothes that literally have been sitting there for almost a year and half. I mean it’s not like I don’t mean to drop them off- it’s just something I always tend to forget.  Until now…there is an at-home dry cleaning kit. You guys Dryel At-Home Dry Cleaning is a game changer. The Dryel At-Home Dry Cleaning is a super powerful yet gentle and effective way to remove bacteria and odors from fabrics. The best part? It works in your own dryer (AT HOME) in just 15-30 minutes. Not only is it cheaper than taking your clothes to the dry cleaner but the fact you don’t even have to leave your house to do it- is a miracle. I was originally scared that I would screw up and do something wrong- but this product is so easy to use. It also helps keep clothes and fabrics looking newer longer, is super gentle on clothes and fabrics so there is NO fading, shrinking or stretching. And best of all there is no harsh chemicals and it helps protect your clothing colors and restore their shape- that sounds like a win-win to me, right? You can pick this game changing kit at your local Walmart , Target or local grocery store as well. 

4 // I LOVE A GOOD MIDDAY SPRITZ

So something I used to be really into were skin refreshers but overtime I sort of just forgot about them. I have been loving the Humphreys® Witch Hazel Soothe with Rose Alcohol-Free Mist big time. Not only is it super refreshing on the skin, it really helps give you the perfect midday pick me up. I love that it is an Alcohol-Free blend of Organic Witch Hazel, Rosewater and of course my favorite ingredient Hyaluronic Acid. The blend of these ingredients help soothe, hydrate and soften the skin to leave you with the perfect healthy glow.  I love that you can spritz it anytime of the day, and over makeup as well. I like to keep mine in my skincare fridge and take it out to spritz on midday for a cooling skin treat. Trust me your skin will thank you especially on a hot day (or everyday if you live in Southern California like I do). 

5 // I HAVE LEARNED TO REALLY SLOW DOWN (AND TRY TO STRESS-LESS)

Before this year threw up for a curveball, I was always on the go. Between being preoccupied with family, friends, and work responsibilities I didn’t spend much time slowing down and focusing on me. Being forced to be home, with less noise, less hustle and bustle and more learning to slow down- has really been good for me. I have learned to not feel guilty about saying “NO” to things that don’t really suit me, I have learned to meditate (sorta- still working on it) and overall I have really learned to stress less and relax more. 

A product that has really helped me with that is utilizing CBD to help me relax and feel more calm. Thanks to Relax Bears and Nightly Dose from Green Roads– I am now more at ease, more calm, and of course I am getting some of the best sleep at night ever. I love having Relax Bears on hand especially when I know I have a jam-packed day of zoom meetings, and deadlines – or if I start to feel overwhelmed and a little anxiety coming on. Plus they taste absolutely delicious. Literally like a sour gummy candy- I am OBSESSED!  The Nightly Dose Sweet Sleep has been a lifesaver. I was starting to have an issue with winding down in order to get good sleep at night. But these bad boys which contain melatonin have really been helping me relax, unwind, and start getting some restful sleep.  Which has made all the difference in keeping me less stressed and more relaxed overall. The best part? I have a coupon code for you to save 25% OFF that is good until March 31, 2021 – the discount does not apply to bundles. If you want to try both of these head to their website and use code LIFELOVE25  at checkout for 25% OFF. I plan on stocking up on a few bath bombs and for sure more Relax Bears! 

So there you have it a few lessons that 2020 has taught me. While 2020 has not been the year we all thought it would be, it has been a year that some of us actually needed. My aim for 2021 is to continue to take the time to live in the moment and actually focus more on what I am doing- whether it is relaxing more, practicing more self-care, or just spending time with those that I love. 

What is something you have learned from 2020? Please be sure to share in the comments below… 

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