Friday 20 November 2020

Must Have Accessories For Autumn

must have accessories

With a love for fashion so strong, it's no surprise that I'll often find myself swooning over dainty jewellery or luxurious handbags. Accessories are often what tie a look together. They're the finishing touch and in Autumn, it's no different. There's something so lovely about layering clothing and accessories during the darker, colder months. From soft scarves and fedora hats to sparkling jewels and hair ties, here's some must have accessories that I'll be raving about this Autumn.


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FRESHWATER PEARLS

Pearls are a trend which have seen ins and outs over the years, but will they ever truly go away? I don't think so. For me, they're back in this season and bringing sheer elegance to any outfit. Available in an array of colours, my personal top choices usually always come back to classic white or sophisticated silver. Stud earrings with metal hardware and minimalist pendants add a modern minimalist twist to this all time classic trend.


(Ad - Pr Product) Shop my pearl earrings above here




fedora hat


FEDORA HAT

Providing shade and shelter, the fedora hat is a good choice for the season with sunny showers and crispy leaves. Fedora hats are both a contemporary and a traditional fashion favourite. I like to style mine fairly casually with a big comfy coat and a polished pair of black boots for an all round country inspired look.



hair accessories


HAIR TIES

Hair ties aren't just for two year olds! In fact, they're a hot topic this season with options growing and growing. From the simple slide to the organza extravaganza, hair ties are becoming the new headband. I'm a fan of keeping it simple and creative so I'll often use branded ribbon, like Dior, to give my up-do the oomph it deserves. However, there are also beautiful hair ribbons available to order from our high street favourites which too make the perfect finishing touch.


face covering

FACE MASKS

It's the accessory that literally everyone is wearing and if they're not, they should be. After the year we've had so far, the face mask is certainly a must have accessory. I'm not the person to be writing about the science behind it so I'll stick to style. There's plenty of style now that the buyers and designers at our favourite brands have worked their magic! From patterned prints to bold colour choices, even without your smile on show, you can still express an element of your personality. Personally, I'm a fan of pastel colours and floral prints, which some might say represent my introverted but caring personality. 


What would yours be? Tell me in the comments or tag me at @evieroselane on Instagram.















Saturday 14 November 2020

5 Things To Get You Through Lockdown



As England is now into its second lockdown for at least the month of November, I wanted to write a lockdown list together of little things that have had a big impact on my day-to-day happiness during my time spent at home this year.


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SHEEPSKIN SLIPPERS


At the top of the list, it has to be my sheepskin slippers. They've seen me through working from home so well this year and I religiously shuffle around in them every single day, hardly ever taking them off. 
Shop my slippers here.


LOUNGEWEAR


I think we've all had a greater appreciation for loungewear this year. Not only is it comfortable, loungewear now has a place within fashion in its own right. Whether you're a knitwear lounger or a fan of the comfy sweat co-ord, loungewear has certainly been an essential during this lockdown period.




SELF CARE BEAUTY


Next up isn't just any old beauty product, it's beauty that makes YOU feel good. I despise that downward feeling of sloppiness. It's that feeling you get when you've not made an effort in a while - perhaps you've left your hair wash a bit longer than usual; not worn makeup in months; or maybe you've not bothered to fix that three week old nail polish that is chipping all over the place. We've all been there and my favourite way to fix that sloppy feeling is to use some of the most feel good beauty products. It's surprising how good a coat of fake tan, a face mask and a freshly painted manicure can make you feel!



TV ON DEMAND


Did someone say I can get Netflix, Amazon Prime films, and TV catchup hubs all in one place on my TV? Yes please! I'm not usually one to write about technology but this couldn't not be on my lockdown favourites list, it's the Amazon Fire TV Stick. As a couple, we've stormed through many Netflix series this year. It may be way overdue but we finally got to appreciate the genius of Vince Gilligan's Breaking Bad. If lockdown gave me one thing, I'm thankful it was that. 

Shop it here.


HOME WORKOUT KIT


Now more than ever, exercise has aided my wellbeing. In the first national lockdown, I went through an obsessive stage with my yoga mat and skipping rope. This time around, I've ordered a pair of pink boxing gloves and taken up jogging. I'll do whatever it takes to fill that gym sized hole in my life and these affordable home workout options have been a life saver.



Tell me your at home essentials in the comments or tag me at @evieroselane on Instagram.





Saturday 12 September 2020

15 Ways to Wear Florals This Autumn

floral dress

As summer has met September, I've been considering how my current wardrobe can now transition from Summer into Autumn. This year I've embraced floral prints more than ever and I for one think its about time that we challenge the assumption that florals are just for Spring.

If like me, you're thinking of that 'Devil Wears Prada' quote that put me off wearing florals in my teenage years, I'm here to prove to you that yes, florals really are "groundbreaking". Here's 15 ways to wear florals this Autumn.


THE FLORAL MIDI DRESS


At calf length, midi dresses are perfect for Autumn and can be worn with tights or without thanks to their comfortable length. Below I've partnered some of my favourite new season midi dresses with high rise black leather boots and an oversized straw tote bag to add an extension to the Autumnal colour palette.

If you wanted to enhance your silhouette on a looser fit dress, try adding a thick waist belt like the one I have linked below to pull you in at the waist.




THE FLORAL MAXI DRESS


Offering ankle length coverage and being easily layer-able, the maxi dress is ideal for Autumn when you want to feel confident and comfortable. You can easily partner a maxi dress with ankle boots and a fine knit cardigan for cooler temperatures or even make it more of a statement with a seasonal fedora hat.





THE FLORAL SKIRT


Knitted or woven, the floral skirt is a lovely piece for your wardrobe. You can dress it up or down depending on your day. My go to choice for styling a floral skirt this Autumn would be to keep it chic with an all black colour palette, a high ankle Chelsea boot and a sophisticated structured handbag.





THE FLORAL TOP


For a more casual dress code, you may opt for a pretty floral top. You could choose to dress it up with a chic pair of tailored trousers and a pair of heels, or instead style it for a daytime look as I have below.




THE FLORAL ACCESSORY


Floral prints aren't just for clothes! I adore intricate gold jewellery with floral themes; luxurious handbags that offer a bohemian edge; and hair accessories that tie a look together beautifully. Here are some of my current season picks.



Share your favourite floral looks with me by tagging #styledbyevie and @evieroselane on Instagram or let me know what they are in the comments section below.


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Saturday 5 September 2020

7 Ways to Stop Comparing Yourself On Social Media

social media comparison

We've all been there - not feeling yourself, demotivated, perhaps doubting your successes in life. Then you log on to Instagram, and there it is, hundreds of highly edited photos from those travelling the world; modelling bikinis with the figure you've always wanted looking undeniably "perfect"; those getting the keys to their first home and having children in their perfect marriages; those moving to the big city to pursue your dream career; or even those sharing their expensive handbag collection which might be worth more than your life savings. Whilst I'm very much a person who loves seeing others thrive and share their content with the world, on days when you're not feeling quite right these posts can give your inner saboteur the fuel to make you feel ten times more worthless. Of course, it's not the other person's fault that you're having these feelings. 99% of the time, I feel empowered and inspired to set my own goals and I must like their content enough to follow them in the first place. However, it's always okay to admit that it's become too much and take temporary action to step away from it, even without the other party knowing. 


Why do we compare?

Often we find ourselves stuck in a comparison trap because we compare our behind-the-scenes mundane everyday moments with someone else's success and highlight reel. We each have our own insecurities which can often feel triggered by things we observe or see and that's no different on social media. We may question our accomplishments, appearance and even personality traits. 


I recently shared a poll on my Instagram stories of which 92% of you agreed that you had compared yourself on social media to someone you didn't even know. 70% of you had unfollowed someone due to these feelings of comparison, and 57% of you mostly compared your lifestyle whereas 43% mostly compared their looks.


So how can we stop comparing ourselves and our lives to others on social media?

There is a few actions you can take.

  • Mute Instagram accounts that you are finding triggering. You can do this either temporarily or for the longer term. The other party won't even know you have muted their account as they won't lose you as a follower. By muting them, you won't be seeing posts from them on your feeds anymore. You take more control and you only see their content if you search for it. To mute an account, head to their profile. Click 'Following', then select 'Mute' from the menu, choose whether you'd like to mute posts and/or stories.
  • Limit your time on social media. Instagram has a handy tool which allows you to set a timer for your daily usage on the platform. You'll get a notification once you've reached that set amount of time for the day and you can decide if it's now time to come off the app. To set your daily activity reminder, head to 'Settings', then 'Your Activity', and 'Set Daily Reminder' choosing an amount of time that suits you. Alternatively, you could consider deleting social media apps from your phone all together. You keep your accounts live but you won't be spending time scrolling as the temptation has gone from your fingertips. You can always re-install whenever you feel like it. 
  • Unfollow accounts that make you feel more negative than positive. This is a longer term solution which will remove that account from your following list and you'll no longer see posts from them on your feed.
  • Redirect your focus onto the things that really matter to you. Take time out to spend time on things that matter to you. This could be anything from practicing yoga or growing your own to volunteering at the local dog's home. These things that you do that help yourself or others can feel super rewarding and humbling. You'll remember that it's not all about what you have or how you look, but more how you feel and how you help others.
  • Remind yourself that everybody is on different journeys. You never know what anybody is going through behind closed doors so always, be kind. 
  • Learn to celebrate other people's successes with them rather than compare to your own. Instead of seeing a post and feeling down about yourself, why not comment a compliment and some love heart emojis. They'll hopefully reciprocate and you'll feel good that you were there to support them and be a part of their positive moment. 
  • Try to only follow accounts that inspire you or that you find relatable. 

"Never compare your chapter 1 to somebody else's chapter 20"

When talking about social media comparison, it is easy to forget that there are other aspects of social media which make it an incredible tool. Right now it's connecting us socially more than ever. I can think of so many inspiring people who are using these platforms to share their voice; freelancers who've felt more empowered to take the plunge into self employment; and start ups utilising the power of social media advertising and user generated content to build their brand. As a consumer, it can motivate us, inspire us, connect us and entertain us. We just need to ensure that we use social media in a way that works for us. 


Hopefully, the tips that I've listed above have helped you and given you some things to try next time you feel overwhelmed by social media comparison. Please continue the conversation by leaving a comment below or sharing this post to your social channels. I'd love to know how you control social media comparison in your own life and the steps you are taking to minimise it.


Continue the conversation with me over on Instagram @evieroselane or by posting a comment below.


     

Friday 28 August 2020

How to Make a Flower Crown

flower crown

Flower crown making is creativity at its best and it's surprisingly easy to do. In this post, I'll teach you how to make a flower crown for yourself with a few easy steps. We're all guilty of living in a whirlwind of work, social time, family time, eat and sleep, but I certainly feel its important to slow down and have quiet time to create. Plus, they say finding your inner child is good for you and this flower girl is one happy princess. 


What you'll need:

  • Flowers & foliage (I used "The Maya" by Bloom&Wild)
  • Wax floristry tape, like this
  • Wire, like this
  • 1 metre of ribbon
  • Scissors


Step by step guide:

First, measure your wire on the front of your head like a headband, leaving an inch or two behind your ears. Bend each end into loops, big enough for your ribbon to be tied through. Cover any sticking out wire by wrapping your floristry tape over the join. Layer the floristry tape at a 45 degree angle when wrapping, working down the wire as opposed to layering it directly on top of itself.

In preparation for adding your flowers, tear off pieces of floristry tape at about an inch or two in length. Start cutting the tops off of your foliage and flowers that you wish to incorporate into the crown, but be sure to leave a few inches of stem and don't cut them too short. Sort your flowers into piles by type, then choose your first piece of foliage. Hiding the wire loop, attach the foliage to the end of your crown using one of your teared pieces of tape. Next put together a small bunch of two and attach this to the wire, slightly downward from your first attachment. Each time you add a new piece, try to add in a left, right formation so that your flower crown is beautifully balanced. 

Once you've reached the end of your flower crown, be sure to add a piece of foliage in the alternate direction to conceal the second wire loop from sight. Cut your ribbon in half, and tie each piece of ribbon at either end of your crown. Take your crowning moment and tie your flower crown on your head. Ta-dah!

Tag me in your floral crown creations on Instagram @evieroselane #bloomsbyevie 


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Wednesday 15 July 2020

Life After Lockdown & How It's Changed Me

life in lockdown

For the last four months, we've been locked up inside due to the dreaded Covid-19, otherwise known as the Coronavirus. It's been a surreal time in all of our lifetimes and although it's not over yet, the UK is slowly opening back up and easing back into normal life. Since we've been inside, I imagine it's been a rollercoaster ride for all of us and I'm sure we've all learned how to cope in different ways, or even not cope.

I suppose I am one of the "lucky ones" as I have managed to stay working from home full time for the whole of the lockdown. With working full time and my own projects, I've stayed quite distracted from the whirlwind of negative news and brain numbing boredom. That's not to say it's been easy though.

Who would have thought we'd be spending 2020 like this?

Like many, I've been separated from family and desperately regretting not getting all of the grandparents set up on the millennial crazed FaceTime before this pandemic (but then who would have thought we'd be spending 2020 like this?). I've kept up regular phone calls, but it's not quite the same as seeing them smile in person and them seeing for themselves that we're doing OK. Throughout the pandemic, the safety of my loved ones has been at the forefront of my worry and I knew I'd have to stay away for precisely that reason. 

The socially distanced new normal does lead me on to wonder how we'll be as a society moving forward. Will I wince every time someone gets too close to me in public? How will I feel now getting on public transport knowing the likelihood of the virus spreading in such close proximity? When will I stop feeling guilty for touching my loved ones? What do I do in a professional environment if somebody reaches out politely for a handshake? Will I ever feel fully comfortable wearing a mask even though I should?

We've had the opportunity to slow down and realise what truly matters. Before this, our modern world was crammed full of stressful commutes, overtime, hectic crowds, selfishness, greed, air pollution and a constantly buzzing mobile phone.

Despite it all, a big learning curve has come from this experience that we can all learn from. We now appreciate our NHS teams and key workers more than ever (and rightly so). We remember to check in more often with our loved ones and those living on their own. We now know (hopefully) how to wash our hands to the tune of Happy Birthday, twice. We've had the opportunity to slow down and realise what truly matters. Before this, our modern world was crammed full of stressful commutes, overtime, hectic crowds, selfishness, greed, air pollution and a constantly buzzing mobile phone. I've realised just how fragile life can be and how important it is to spend your time investing in yourself, your home, your health and your loved ones.

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Friday 19 June 2020

Comforting Soft and Chewy Flapjacks Recipe


soft flapjacks

Since spending more time at home, I've been on a baking craze. This is my favourite basic flapjack recipe for making soft yet chewy golden flapjacks. These are truly the melt in your mouth kind! Not guilt free, but a lovely sweet treat to share with loved ones over a cup of tea.

Ingredients

250g porridge oats
185g baking margarine
100g light brown sugar
100g golden syrup

Equipment you'll need

1x 20x30cm baking tray
1x medium saucepan
A wooden spoon
Baking paper
Weighing scales

Prep time: 10 mins
Baking time: 20 mins
Oven setting: 160 degrees or gas mark 3


Instructions


Firstly, line your tin with baking paper. I cut diagonal slits in each corner of the baking paper (about the same depth as the tin) so that it can be easily folded to fit the shape of the tin. Before you start preparing, be sure to set your oven to 160 degrees. 

In a large saucepan, melt the 185g baking margarine, 100g light brown sugar, and 100g of golden syrup. Heat gently, stirring occasionally until melted. Once melted, take the saucepan off the heat and fold in your 250g porridge oats. Once fully bound together, pour out the mixture evenly into your tin and spread evenly with the back of your wooden spoon or spatula.

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. When ready, take them out of the oven and allow the flapjacks to cool before cutting into squares.
  
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Tuesday 16 June 2020

My Care Tips for Cut Peonies

peony flower

Peony season is my favourite floral event of the year. It's an absolute pleasure to have these big blooms grace our home and gardens, if only for a few short months. It feels like an annual celebration of what the world can offer and I am always truly sad to see it pass.

From buds to blooms


Before they go for another year, I thought I'd pull together my top tips for how I get the most out of my cut peonies. If you've bought or grown peonies before, you'll know they begin as tightly formed buds, typically covered in a little sap. Within a few days, they'll begin to blossom into big bountiful blooms and give you the biggest surprise. Peony buds can actually expand 3x the size of the bud once fully opened up. Don't worry if the buds have a few dark spots or look a little stained, this is completely normal. You can encourage your buds to open if you're growing impatient by gently wiping the sap off with a damp cloth and placing in a warmer sunnier spot.

Keep them for longer


Although stunning, peonies tend to last for around 5 days or more once cut and placed in an arrangement. To help your peonies last longer, keep them cool in cold water when you first bring them home or cut them from your garden. Prepare them for arranging by stripping the leaves below the waterline or further up depending on your desired style. Cut the stems 3-5cm from the bottom in a diagonal chop. This will help the peonies absorb more water as soon as they get put into the vase. After three days, trim the stems down a few cm again and top up the water. Remove any petals that may look brown, dead or mushy as these will rapidly encourage your peonies to go over.

Clean vases for happier blooms


Ensure you have a clean vase ready as any bacteria may cause the peonies to die off quicker than normal. Fill your vase with cool water and mix in flower food to give the flowers the best chance for surviving indoors for longer.

Where to buy?


You could partner your peonies with other flowers, such as roses, lisianthus, or freesias for a seasonal bouquet or enjoy them as a stand alone statement. You can usually buy peonies in the supermarket with your weekly shop but if you're currently unable to go due to the lockdown rules, you can also order them as letterbox delivered flowers online from websites such as Bloom&Wild. For £10 off your first Bloom&Wild order, click here.

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Sunday 3 May 2020

How I Stay Fit and Motivated at Home

Since having to turn our homes into libraries, offices, yoga studios and gyms all in one go, it's harder than ever to stay fit and motivated at home. If you're looking for ways to stay active indoors or if you're a fellow gym-goer who's now needing to get creative to stay active, I can help. First of all, plan your day. Filling your time, goal setting, and sticking to your schedule will lead you to feel more productive and satisfied. While planning my own day at home, I factor in the following points to keep me active and feeling energised...
stay fit at home

Morning Yoga


Every morning, I'll lay out my yoga mat in my living room. I'll ask Alexa to play calming music and I'll stretch my body into yoga poses. I typically do this for 30 minutes, sometimes longer or sometimes less. Some days, you'll feel a lot more able than others - able to spend more time, able to feel the stretch, or able to hold that pose for a little longer. Don't let this stop you, because it is completely normal and the more you practice the more you'll improve in the longer term. Adding yoga into your morning routine gently wakes up your body, it frees your mind for motivation, and it sets a positive tone for your day. 

cobra yoga pose

yoga stretch

Practice Mindfulness


I'm sure we can all count times in the past few weeks where we have felt completely overwhelmed by everything that's going on around us. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by my worries, I'll set aside five minutes to focus on my breathing and calm my mind. My favourite way to do this is to sit cross legged on the floor. Place your hands comfortably out in front of you or softly place them on your knees. Close your eyes, and take a deep breath in through your nose, hold that breath for two seconds, then slowly breathe out through your mouth. Repeat this for a few minutes, allowing your mind to solely focus on your breathing. Once you feel ready to return to your day in a calmer state, open your eyes and slowly come out of the position. After doing this exercise, take note of how you felt before and after. Be sure to set aside time for it in your daily schedule.

mindfulness practice pose

Workout at Home


Working out makes you feel active and alive, it's no different when you're doing it at home. After finishing my tasks for the day, I'll change back into my favourite activewear outfit and conduct a home workout. Bodyweight exercises and abs circuits are excellent if you don't have much equipment at home. If you have resistance bands or weights, use them! Alternatively, don't feel afraid to get creative, a water bottle makes for a great dumbbell substitute. If you're feeling stuck for motivation, play your favourite workout playlist and plan your workout like you do your daily tasks. Ticking exercises off as you go is a great way to feel fulfilled and proud of yourself for getting your sweat on!

bicep curl exercise

home workouts

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Sunday 12 April 2020

Go-To Peanut Butter Brownie Recipe

peanut butter brownies


These nutty peanut butter brownies are definitely one of my most favourite treats to bake. They're a great surprise for special occasions and fantastic for sharing. Anyone with nut allergies or diabetes must avoid as they do contain peanuts and a whole lot of sugar, but the rest of the party will not be disappointed. 


Ingredients

225g crunchy peanut butter
200g dark chocolate
250g light brown sugar
3 medium eggs
100g self raising flour
Optional extras for decoration

Equipment you'll need

1x baking tray
1x medium saucepan
A wooden spoon
Baking paper
Weighing scales

Prep time: 20 mins
Baking time: 35 mins
Oven setting: 180 degrees


Instructions


Firstly, line your tin with baking paper. I cut diagonal slits in each corner of the baking paper (about the same depth as the tin) so that it can be easily folded to fit the shape of the tin. Before you start preparing, be sure to set your oven to 180 degrees. 

Put aside 50g of the broken up dark chocolate, adding the remaining 150g to the saucepan, along with the 225g peanut butter and 250g sugar. Heat gently, stirring occasionally until melted. Once melted, take the saucepan off the heat and beat in the 3 eggs. Once fully bound together, stir in the 100g of flour (I always use gluten free flour, it works well for this recipe if you're gluten intolerant too). 

Finally, pour out the mixture evenly into your tin and add any extras, including the 50g of chocolate that you set aside earlier. In the batch I made above, I substituted the 50g of dark chocolate for 50g of mini eggs - this is a great adaptation for something different.

Bake in the oven for 35 minutes. When ready, take out and allow the brownies to cool before cutting into squares.

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Sunday 5 April 2020

Tips For Working from Home Effectively


working from home

Working from home experiences vary, mostly due to your home circumstances. Since settling into working from home and from my previous experience as a freelancer and student, I've gathered my tips to help you work from home most effectively.

Stay as organised as possible


I always begin my working day by writing a list of tasks that I need to work on for that day, prioritising those most important. Doing this allows me to stay on track and ensures that I don't forget any crucial tasks. If I have work that doesn't require me to work in silence, then I'll ask Alexa to pop on my favourite playlist, but only do this if you can still concentrate. Try and start work at the same time each day, having a routine will help you feel productive. 

Keep a clean, creative workspace


Don't be shy to invest in cute new stationary as a little motivator to get writing or filing! Writing with a new pen or purchasing new storage folders can make a difference to your day-to-day and help with organisation. Have you ever felt frustrated for losing an important piece of paper? Not anymore! I also would hate for piles of papers to become part of my home interior, so keeping a clean, tidy and organised workspace is highly important. 

I live in a one bedroom flat with my partner at the moment, so I've not had the luxury of running off into a private office room to get focused. If you're in the same boat, I would recommend setting up a designated area as best you can. Mine is temporarily at the dining table during working hours, it's not perfect but it works. I also keep a back up area in the living room because every now and again, I have found that having a back up spot or a change of scenery massively helps.

On days I feel particularly unfocused, I'll light a candle on my desk. The comforting scent is pleasant and enables me to settle down far easier than the smell of what we've cooked for breakfast!

Stay comfortable but professional


It's so important to have the right posture support when you're working in a desk job. Most of us will have specifically designed office chairs or back supports at work so why settle for back problems when working from home? I'd encourage you to look for the most comfortable seating option or even look to invest in a back support for your chair to avoid back problems. I'd also advise stretching your back and neck often when seated for long periods. There are some great yoga stretches out there that will massively help, try googling "desk yoga" for ideas.

Lastly, I'd avoid staying in your pyjamas. I know so many of us will wake up feeling totally sluggish and unmotivated to get dressed when we are home all day long. I'm not suggesting you need to get your heels on and a face full of make up, but I do believe that our brains switch into 'work mode' when we feel like we are in work mode. For me, that's partly wearing clothes that I would normally wear to work, even when I am at home. It also means that you'll never be caught out in your pjs on video conference calls! If I do feel particularly sluggish, then I'll compromise for a casual outfit like a sweater and comfortable jeans. We all have down days, the important thing is to not pressure yourself or feel guilty for it, but to try your best to boost your day instead.

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