My 2021 Goals

I believe that writing down your dreams + goals can be so powerful. Do it. Put it out into the universe. It will reward + thank you. I promise!

Below are my intentions for the new year.....

1) Creating a strong daily routine for myself. This includes: meditation, going to bed at a decent time, waking up at a decent time, making sure I eat balanced meals, stretching + doing exercise that I enjoy.

2) Launch this website into the world!

3) Grow my business.

4) Dive deeper into my meditation practice.

5) Get out of my head + focus on the present. Enjoy every day to it's fullest!

6) Take time for myself by practicing more self care.

7) Continue therapy for my OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), Anxiety + Depression.

8) Reach out to family + friends more. Make time for a call, Facetime, Skype, Zoom etc.

9) Get better at photography.

10) Journal more + get my thoughts down on paper. I have an Erin Condren Life Planner™ which was gifted to me by my parents as a Christmas present...get yours HERE.

What are some of your intentions for the new year? I'd love to hear from you in the comments section below!

Journaling and Manifesting. Where Do I Begin?

One of the best things you can do for your growth and manifesting your dreams is journaling. I highly suggest you go out or order a "Manifestation Book" (a book with empty pages you can write in) that speaks to you.

There are so many inspirational "Manifestation Books" out there to help you get started. I have an Erin Condren Life Planner™ which was gifted to me by my parents as a birthday present this past July...get yours HERE. Besides finally seeking help and working with a therapist, virtually since March, this journal or "manifestation book" is a wonderful gift that has really made an impact on my mental health and growth.

What I do is take 10 minutes a day to write down everything I want in my daily life (day to day) and my future self. Once you gift your higher self an outlet to speak, it doesn't stop! It starts implanting affirmations of your future successes to write down now and speak into existence.

Make sure you use a pencil as there is something magical about this natural tool when it comes to manifesting and speaking to the universe.

Here are some tips on mindfulness and journaling:

GRATITUDE Section

As you may already know, as you celebrate more, you receive more, therefor I recommend you start your day by listing the things you are grateful for in the Gratitude section. I start by listing 3 things that answer the question, "What am I grateful for today?" which often includes, family, health, a roof over my head, a good sleep at night, etc.

In one of my journal entries I had the following.....

I am grateful for:

1) How far I have come since beginning virtual therapy during quarantine.

2) My entire family and their continued health and wellness.

3) My Dad having a safe surgery getting a pacemaker and him focusing on his nutrition & exercise. I am grateful to his doctors.

4) My Mom's early treatment by having two safe surgeries for her lumpectomies and radiation. I am grateful to her doctors and therapists and the kind people at the breast center.

I always have to remind myself how far I have come and that I am exactly where I need to be. Just a few months ago, I was really in a dark place and struggling with my OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), Anxiety and Depression. I was once that person who lived solely in this space where highs are high and lows are low. There are ups and downs and that is certainly life, but moving through my day with mindfulness and intention is much more calming to live in. I recognize that I am (we all are) a never ending work in progress , so I am really learning to love the process of growth because it is so ever changing. Reflect and remind yourself that you have come a long way! You don't need to be anywhere else except right here, right now.

POSITIVE EXPECTATIONS Section

This section refers to my intentions for the day. Some mornings, I can feel "off" as soon as I wake up. But this, I have found, is because my intentions for the day are not consciously established. This section answers the question, "What positive things do I want to happen today?" Where you can list 3 things such as, spend quality time with my family, one on one time with a loved one, be productive at work, take some self care time for me: a bubble bath or get a massage etc.

Something I do want to say on this topic is that life is not always a To Do List. Stop measuring your days in terms of how productive you are.

Measure your days in how present you are. Are you practicing mindfulness? Are you present in every action? Act and speak with intention.

ENTHUSIASM Section

This section reminds me of what I really like doing and focuses my attention only to the things that fill my heart with joy. The energy spent during the day is our most important resource, so by evaluating again what I love doing, I make sure I spend as little energy on the things I don't like. This section answers the question, "What makes me enthusiastic today?", where I list all the things that are cool about that day. What makes me feel good and inspired?

To this section I want to add: How are you really feeling today? Honor your feelings. Observe everything in front of you. Or even close your eyes & meditate for a bit. What do you see? How does it make you feel? I include in this section how I want to feel for the day so, I put the intention out there (no matter what) that I intend for my day to be peaceful, zen, focused etc.

I also sometimes call this my Vibes Section too. Here, I think about what are some self care fun things I am enthusiastic about to include in my day. This could be:

1) Listen to my favorite podcast

2) Read a few pages or a chapter of the book I am currently enjoying.

3) Music - I love to set the tone of my day with music, playlists. Even carve out time if I am working to stop and stretch my body through an entire song.

4) Workout - workouts do not have to be long. There are even so many short and sweet 6 minute workouts you can do if you don't have time on certain days. Or even better, get outside and go for a short walk or hike.

DETERMINATION Section

This section is self motivating and slowly gets me into the mood of achieving the goals of the day. This is the section where I list 3 things that I absolutely need to achieve that day and I answer the question, "What am I determined to do today?"

In this section, think about things you want to let go of and things you want to let in.

RESULTS Section

In this section, I imagine myself at the end of the day, looking back at where I have achieved. Thinking in results offers me the big picture and helps me feel connected to the BIG things. Also, I make my results visual. So, instead of saying I write an article about, "Non-toxic skincare", I tell myself that at the end of the day, I will have in my computer, a two pages document about "Non-toxic skincare." This section is one of the most important ones in the process and it answers the question, "What is the most important result for today?"

IMPORTANCE Section

This section makes me evaluate if what I have chosen to do that day is the most important thing for me at that particular time. As I mentioned before, there is nothing worse than spending energy on something that you don't like and it is not important for you. This section answers the question, "Why is this result important for me?"

DELEGATION Section

Many times we think "alone", without realizing that there are so many people that can help us. For example, if we are organizing a trip, you don't have to do everything on your own. If you do this exercise, and ask yourself, "Who can team up with me to achieve the result?", your mind will always find a way to take it easy on you and find "external contractors".

STEPS Section

The last section helps you break down into actionable steps, the result you need to achieve that day. Here is where I list, the 3 most important steps that will take me closer to achieving my result. It answers the question, "Which are the most important steps in achieving the desired result?"

As you can imagine, this exercise is not that powerful if done on the computer. You simply need to sit there, with your pen or pencil in your hand and connect with your inner self. This is because creativity is inside your mind and you have to get it out there by involving all your sense and body, not the computer.

Before you begin, (it may sound kooky crazy woo woo), but ask angels and your higher self to be present and assist. It's amazing to have something you can reference back to as proof when things manifest! Start off by manifesting small things...it's amazing how the universe always works in your favor.

Non-Toxic Skincare for Women - January Spotlight

Skincare can be confusing + overwhelming. The ingredients, the texture, the price +so on. I've tested out quite a bit of skincare products, specifically NON-TOXIC skin care + I'd love to share with you my thoughts.

A question I had in the beginning of learning more about skin care was:

"What is the difference between serums and oils?"

• Serums go on before oils because they are lighter. Always apply light to heavy for optimum absorption.

• Serums contain concentrated amounts of corrective ingredients based on your needs.

• Vitamin C serums are great for brightening, Hyaluronic serums are great for hydration, AHA/BHA serums are great for texture + tone.

• An oil at the end seals your skincare in + prevents moisture from leaving the skin.

NON-TOXIC

Skincare

RAEL

Miracle Clear Barrier Cream (Daily Moisturizer) - Ideal for acne prone + oily skin. Made with Vitamin B. Vegan + Paraben-Free. To purchase, click here.

Lightweight Nourishing Gel Cream (Essential Face Moisturizer) - Ideal for all skin types. Made with soothing sunflower seed oil. This vegan gel cream is great for deep moisture. To purchase, click here.

Miracle Clear Clay Mask - This lightweight formula goes on sheer + is safe for even the most sensitive skin types. Free of harsh chemicals + fragrances. Minimizes the look of pores + helps control excess sebum. Dried cica + tea tee leaves gently exfoliate for softer, smoother skin. High grade kaolin clay creates a silky base that draws out impurities while glycerin + panthenol work to keep skin hydrated. Jeju mugwort extract helps protect skin from stress while calming blemishes. To purchase, click here.

Miracle Clear Exfoliating Cleanser - Specially formulated for oily skin, acne + large or clogged pores. Silky, smooth cleanser exfoliates skin + removes dirt from pores, without stripping skin. Free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones + artificial fragrance. Non-irritating, non-drying + safe for daily use for all skin types. To purchase, click here.

Natural Balancing Facial Toner - Replenishes + soothes skin after cleansing while restoring skin’s natural pH levels. Preps your complexion for the rest of your skincare routine. To purchase, click here. Pro Tip: Apply toner on Rael Beauty SOAK IT UP Facial Cotton Pads & leave on areas that need a hydration boost for 5-10 minutes for a targeted, custom mask!

Miracle Clear Clarifying Toner - Specially formulated for oily skin, acne, large or clogged pores. Skin-mattifying formula absorbs excess oil + controls shine. Free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones + artificial fragrance. Non-irritating, non-drying + safe for daily use for all skin types. To purchase, click here.

Advanced Antioxidant Facial Serum - 172x more powerful than Vitamin C. Liquid-gel formula instantly absorbs into the skin without leaving any greasy or sticky residue. Suitable for all skin types. Formulated with fullerene, green tea leaf extract + H3O hyaluronic acid complex for deep moisturization + powerful antioxidants. Airless pump packaging that keeps out exposure to air + other impurities to active ingredients. To purchase, click here.

Miracle Clear Soothing Spot Gel - Fast-acting clear gel with succinic acid fights beneath the surface + active acne. Tea tree extract reduces inflammation + swelling while cica works to reduce the appearance of redness. Applies clear + dries fast, perfect for wearing under makeup + reapplying throughout the day. Safe for the most sensitive of skin types. To purchase, click here.

Cica Dark Spot Cream - Dark spot care without the use of harsh, irritating chemicals. Formulated with brightening cica extract, white willow bark extract & H3O hyaluronic acid complex for deep moisturization. To purchase, click here.

Calming Cica Cleansing Water (Makeup Remover) - Effortlessly removes all traces of makeup + impurities without stripping skin. Leaves skin feeling refreshed + hydrated. Safe for the most sensitive of skin types. To purchase, click here. PRO TIP - Use with Rael Beauty SOAK IT UP Facial Sponge Cotton pad for optimal makeup removal. Twice as absorbent so your cleansing water lasts twice as long.

Creamy Moisture Facial Mist - Skin-quenching mist instantly soothes + boosts hydration for dewy, glowing skin. Can be used under or over makeup to refresh skin anytime, anywhere. To purchase, click here. For the Miracle Clear Oil Control Mist, click here.

If you're looking for bundles, check out:

2 Piece Miracle Bundle (Exfoliating Cleanser + Barrier Cream) here

2 Piece Miracle Bundle (Exfoliating Cleanser + Clarifying Toner) here

5 Piece Miracle Bundle here

EPIONCE

Lytic Gel Cleanser - So refreshing! A must-have for oily + problem skin types. It effectively dissolves dirt, oil + makeup + calms the visible appearance of irritated skin without over-drying or leaving the skin feeling tight or stripped of its natural oils. To purchase, click here.

Enriched Firming Mask - Expertly formulated with botanical ingredients to help soothe + improve the visible appearance of elasticity + firmness of the skin. Helps calm visible redness + irritation. Gives skin a visible boost of hydration. To purchase, click here.

Honey Girl Organics

From bees to beauty! This brand was introduced to me by a Hawaiian friend of mine. It is USDA certified organic, made in small batches & handcrafted in Hawai'i.

Face & Eye Crème - click here

Face & Eye Crème (Extra Sensitive) - click here

Night Crème - click here

Night Crème (Extra Sensitive) - click here

Facial Cleanser - click here

Facial Cleanser & Makeup Remover (Extra Sensitive) - click here

Face & Body Lotion - click here

Face & Body Lotion (Extra Sensitive) - click here

Facial Toner - click here

Rejuvenating Mask - click here

Rose Crème (Face & Eye) - click here

Super Skin Food - click here

Facial Scrub - click here

Foaming Facial Wash - To purchase, click here

HoneyGlo Regenerating Face Serum - To purchase, click here

SUMMER Fridays

Jet Lag Mask

Hot Tip: Apply this mask in the shower. Pores open in the steam, so a mask sinks in better.

Enjoy your shower + just wash it off at the end!

To purchase the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask (Full Size: 2.25 oz), click here.

To purchase the (Mini: 1 oz), click here.

FOLLAIN

Toning Mist - click here

Eye Cream - click here

Ultra Hydrating Face Mask - click here

Firming Face Serum - click here

Brightening Serum - click here

Clarifying Spot Gel - click here

Hand Cream - click here

HONEST Beauty

Hydrogel Cream

Made with 2 types of hyaluronic acid for anti-aging. This cream is super hydrating! I love to put it on during my nighttime skin routine.

To purchase the Honest Beauty: Hydrogel Cream click here.

The YELLOW BIRD

A family owned business made with chemical free ingredients.

To shop The Yellow Bird, click here.

Don't forget to enter my 20% OFF Coupon Code at checkout: NICOLEDEROSA

JUICE Beauty

One of my favorite daily moisturizers with SPF.

SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Moisturizer

Enter my 15% OFF code below at checkout:

JBNICOLEDEROSA15

VERSED

Clean, cruelty free, vegan skincare that's high performance, not hype!

EYES

The Fix (Emergency Eye Mask) - click here

Zero-G (Smoothing Eye Cream) - click here

Smooth Landing (Advanced Retinol Eye Balm) - click here

Vacation Eyes (Brightening Eye Gel For Puffy Eyes) - click here

FACE

The Shortcut (Overnight Facial) - click here

Out Of Sight (Dark Spot Facial Gel) - click here

SERUMS

Press Restart (Gentle Retinol Serum) - click here

Sunday Morning (Antioxidant Oil Serum) - click here

Auto Save (Advanced Restoring Face Serum) - click here

Stroke Of Brilliance (Brightening Facial Serum) - click here

TONERS

Baby Cheeks (Hydrating Milk Facial Toner) - click here

Weekend Glow (Daily Brightening Facial Toner) - click here

CLEANSERS

Day Dissolve (Cleansing Balm) - click here

Wash It Out (Gel Face Cleanser) - click here

Day Maker (Microcrystal Exfoliating Cleanser) - click here

Keep The Peace (Acne Calming Cream Cleanser) - click here

TREATMENT

Hydration Station (Booster Facial Treatment) - click here

MOISTURIZERS

Dew Point (Daily Lightweight Gel Face Moisturizer) - click here

Skin Soak (Rich Moisture Face Cream - Non-Greasy Daily Moisturizer) - click here

MIST + SUNSCREEN

Back-Up Plan (Acne Control Body Mist) - click here

Guards Up (Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 35 Zinc Oxide Broad Spectrum) click here