My Summer Garden Party with FabFitFun

FabFitFun FabFitFunIf you’ve read this blog long enough, then you know that I’m ridiculously in love with summertime!! I love everything about it and simply can’t get enough — those longer (and warmer!) days, sunshine and blue skies for miles and the kind of green grass that makes you feel as though you’ve just stepped into a painting! And of course, the summer months are all about relaxing and for me, that means sitting on our patio enjoying all that nice weather, which is why I was so excited to kick off the summer last weekend with a garden party!! Thanks to the FabFitFun summer box, I had all the essentials for fun and good times…

FabFitFun is known for its seasonal subscription box full of fashion, beauty, fitness and lifestyle goodies and the brand is all about female empowerment; in fact, many of the products in the box are from female-founded companies.

Each season, FabFitFun also partners with a charity and this season’s charity is one that’s close to my heart. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 500,000 wishes worldwide to children with critical illnesses. I was one of those kids and have such wonderful memories of my trip to Disney World when I was 13, so it’s so great to see FabFitFun working with them!

And to help grant more kids’ wishes, FabFitFun will donate $10 to Make-A-Wish for every box sold from my code — see the end of this post for more details.

This is my third time partnering with FabFitFun (remember my chic spring hat?) and what I really love is that you can customize you box so it’s a true reflection of all the things you love!

“We believe that everyone is worthy of celebrating themselves just as they are” is one of their guiding principles and I fully agree! I mean, what’s better than celebrating you in all your wondrous glory?

FabFitFunSo, what about that garden party I mentioned at the beginning of this post? Well, I customized my summer box with everything I’d need — and by everything, I really mean all the essentials for the best snack tray!! I love my snacks, so lounging on the patio actually eating said snacks sounded like a recipe for the perfect afternoon — pun intended! My favorite summer snacks are definitely chips and salsa, so these festive bowls came in handy; since I’m not a big fan of guacamole, I put some delicious and spicy cheese dip in that bowl. Also, how cute are the tiny wooden spoons?? They definitely help you get the optimal cheese dip to salsa ratio, but really, you can never have too much of either one, right??

FabFitFunI also love how this tumbler kept my lemonade ice cold because it’s not officially summer until you’ve had your first sips of this tart drink!!

And speaking of lemonade, this lemon-inspired tray brought everything together — and so we didn’t have to make multiple trips back and forth to the kitchen! We were able to take our tasty treats outside all at once!!

We also used this bright pink cloth bag to take a few games outside to play after we ate!

Editor’s note: I say “we” because my mom was also in attendance, but she didn’t want to be in any of the photos! But rest assured that she did enjoy the snacks!

Wow! What a fun and relaxing afternoon!! If you’re looking to throw your own garden party this summer, I’ve got you covered! Head over to FabFitFun and use code MELISSABLAKE for $10 off your first box — available in the U.S., Canada, and U.K.

What’s your favorite summer snack, friends?? I’d love to hear!! xoxo

(This post is sponsored by FabFitFun, though all opinions are mine. Thanks so much for continuing to support So About What I Said’s wonderful sponsors!)

Saying Hello to Spring with FabFitFun

FabFitFunI don’t know about you, but I’ve been counting down the days until spring since, oh, early December — can you tell I’m not a big fan of the winter snow and cold?? Well, guess what?? Spring is almost here and I couldn’t be more excited about it!! More sunshine, warmer weather, colorful flowers and…a new box from FabFitFun!!!

FabFitFun, known for its seasonal subscription box, is all about “delivering happiness and well-being to everyone, everywhere” and it’s the ultimate in cheery vibes delivered right to your door!! I’m so excited to partner with them again — you might remember when I shared their comforting winter box — and one of the things I really love about the brand is that you get to customize your box and choose all the products you’ll love — everything from beauty to fashion to wellness to home and even tech.

So, what does my curated box look like? Like I said, spring has me going straight for the cheery vibes and going outside to soak up the sun (thanks for all those reminders about getting fresh air, mom), so I wanted products that would help me do just that! Take a look…

FabFitFunFor those cheery vibes…

It’s no secret that my mom and I love playing games, though we haven’t been playing as many lately! So I’m thinking this tray will help remind us to just sit down and RELAX. If we keep all our favorite games in there, it should catch our eye every time we go past it, right?? Oh, I think so!!

FabFitFun FabFitFunFor those strolls around the neighborhood…

As the days get warmer, I’m looking forward to spending lots of time outside!! I’m pretty much a hermit during the winter, but it’s so refreshing to feel the sun on your face when spring (finally!) arrives!! And for those days when I’m in need of a little shade on my strolls, this hat will definitely come in handy! How cool is that spring-y flower design?

And to match that flower pattern? These pretty flower barrettes because nothing says spring like blooming flowers and pretty gardens!! I was a huge fan of barrettes when I was a kid, so this fashion staple really takes me back!

Of course, I love everything rose gold and this watch is a beauty — loving the simple, classic and sleek design, aren’t you??

As you can tell from my mini photo shoot, it was so nice to be outside again and I’m excited about more spring days ahead!!

Since spring is about all things growth and renewal, both the brand’s seasonal theme and charity partner reflect that very sentiment. The theme, aptly titled “Grow Forth,” encourages you to nurture yourself and to “create the space you need to grow. It’s your time to blossom.”

FabFitFun is also helping to nurture the environment too!! Each season, they partner with a charity to give back and this spring, that charity is One Tree Planted, an organization that is dedicated to planting trees to restore nature and biodiversity. For every $1 donated, one tree will be planted in one of three projects for California, National Forests in the United States and the Pacific Northwest.

If you’re looking to add a little “spring” to your life, I’ve got you covered! Head over to FabFitFun and use code MELISSABLAKE for $10 off your first box — available in the U.S., Canada, and U.K.

I can’t wait to see your box, friends!! xoxo

(This post is sponsored by FabFitFun, though all opinions are mine. Thanks so much for continuing to support So About What I Said’s wonderful sponsors!)

Enjoying a Cozy Winter with FabFitFun

FabFitFunWhen you hear the phrase “quintessential winter,” what is the first thing that comes to mind? A day spent on the ice twirling around? Sledding down a giant hill covered in a dusting of freshly fallen snow? For me, the chilly (OK, downright COLD!) Midwest winters have always been about one thing: Staying warm and cozy inside!! And this year, FabFitFun is here to help me have the coziest winter yet!!

FabFitFun, known for its seasonal subscription box, is all about “delivering happiness and well-being to everyone, everywhere” and it’s the ultimate in comfort delivered right to your door! That comfort comes in the form of 8-10 full-size products each season — everything from beauty to fashion to wellness to home and even tech.

I’m so excited to team up with them this month for my FIRST-EVER subscription box experience; yes, I know I’m late to the game, friends!! They recently released their winter box with the theme of “Shimmer, Spice, and Everything Nice.” Honestly, it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time! I was able to choose my own products, which meant that I could fill that box with things I’d love and use. What was my #1 requirement as I scrolled through the list of items?

COMFORT, COMFORT, COMFORT

Oh, did I mention COMFORT?

Yes, during these days when it’s getting dark at 4:30 p.m. and I just want to hibernate in my nice warm bed, I’m all about self-care as we near the end of 2020.

So, what does my curated box look like? It’s filled to the brim (Literally! Check out that photo…the box is bigger than I am!) with the essentials for the perfect winter weekend indoors!! Take a look…

FabFitFunFor holiday rom-com marathons…

For some reason, I’ve been really into cucumbers lately, eating them practically every day at lunch, so this cutting board set from Eparé (Retail price: $19.95) are going to come in handy!! Would you believe my family has never owned any kind of cutting board? People are always shocked to learn that and now we’ll be able to show off our kitchen know-how!!

FabFitFun FabFitFunFor holiday tree decorating…

We opted for our three small trees again this year instead of one big one. One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is turning the lights off and enjoying the glow of the twinkling lights on each of those three trees!!

This year, I’m going to be extra warm, thanks to this Summer & Rose robe (Retail price: $70) and these cabin socks from MUK LUKS (Retail price: $25). As you can see, I was loving them!! They were soft, comfy and warm, which is perfect since my feet always get cold!! Also, I’m pretty sure I could wear the robe every day and never get tired of it!

And speaking of cold, there’s no better way to warm up in the winter than with some hot chocolate!! I’ve always loved Lilly Pulitzer’s bright colors and now I can enjoy them with every sip of cocoa!! How cool are these ceramic mugs (Retail price: $42)?

Each season, FabFitFun also partners with a charity and for this winter season, they’re working with Stand Up To Cancer to raise awareness about how the ongoing pandemic has affected cancer care, which sees patients at a higher risk of infection and disproportionately affects communities of color — a group already underrepresented when it comes to cancer research.

FabFitFun I really enjoyed trying out all these cool products and I loved that I was able to choose items that both reflected my personality and that will make these dark winter days just a little bit brighter!!

If you’re looking to cozy up your days too, we’ve got you covered! Head over to FabFitFun and use code MELISSABLAKE to get your first box for only $39.99 — available in the U.S., Canada, and U.K.

I can’t wait to see your box, friends!! xoxo

(This post is sponsored by FabFitFun, though all opinions are mine. Thanks so much for continuing to support So About What I Said’s wonderful sponsors!)

How to Stop Procrastinating and Complete Important Life Tasks

ProcrastinatingUncertainty can make it very hard to get things done. It’s very hard for us to deal with procrastination because we believe we’ll always have a lot of time to complete projects. The problem is that most people who put off projects often never complete them. If you take immediate action, then you’re more likely to stop procrastinating and finish projects.

Let’s assume that you want to ask for a raise from your boss. Your boss might not like the idea of increasing your pay, so you may end up worrying about getting in some kind of trouble for asking. One way to push through this form of uncertainty is to justify your actions in your own mind. If you know for certain that you definitely deserve a raise, then asking for increased pay shouldn’t be a problem. If you don’t feel that you deserve a raise, then the problem might be that you need to simply perform better at your job. Building your skills will increase your confidence, and you won’t worry about asking for a raise because it’s something you know you deserve.

How to Avoid Putting Off Major Projects

Sometimes we procrastinate because a job seems too difficult to complete. This is certainly a problem for many people when it comes to home design projects. You might worry that you’ll first need to clean up your home or move furniture. Some projects are much easier to complete than most people think. Installing floating wall shelves may first seem challenging, but one of these projects can be completed in just a few minutes. There are certainly much harder home improvement projects that take a lot more time to complete.

One reason we put off big home-remodeling projects is that we worry about working with contractors. If we don’t select the right contractor, then they may end up doing subpar work. If you conduct research, then you’ll feel more confident about working with an expert. Learning to ask the right questions is very important.

Procrastination and Personal Relationships

People often put off improving personal relationships out of fear. Communication is an important element of all successful relationships. Healthy relationships require time and effort. If you aren’t willing to put in the time needed to build a strong relationship, then things may get worse over time. Some uncertainty is always guaranteed, but you can improve your chances by telling the other person how you feel. You should never feel afraid to express yourself. Problems occur when people are afraid to speak their mind and inform others about how they are feeling. This is why many therapists recommend couples occasionally engage in arguments to work through their problems. If you don’t take time to work out your problems, then the relationship may permanently fall apart.

Dealing With Uncertainty

Part of the reason people fear uncertainty is that it makes us irrational. Successful people develop ways to cope with uncertainty. Developing the right strategies can make it easier to take action. Successful people remain positive at all times. It can be very tempting to become negative when it comes time to make decisions, but remaining positive can help uncertain people cope with dilemmas. Successful people deal with uncertainty by accepting the fact that there are some things they cannot control. Many problems might be much easier to deal with than you think. People can also cope with uncertainty by:

• Becoming more knowledgeable
• Taking small steps in the beginning
• Working on controlling their emotions

You will fear uncertainty a lot less if you know as much as you can about the thing you are worried about. Taking small steps is important because you may get overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done. Just completing a little bit of work a day can make a seemingly impossible task manageable. Improving your emotional intelligence can help you reduce uncertainty. Many fears that people have are simply irrational, and people can dispel these fears by regulating their emotions. Try not to take action when you are in a bad mood. Avoid making rash decisions as much as possible. If you carefully design your project, then you’re more likely to know exactly what to do when it’s time to execute your plans.

Procrastinating–Sara Stringer is a freelance writer who most enjoys blogging about lifestyle, relationships and life as a woman. In her spare time, she enjoys soaking up the sunshine with her husband and two kids. Compensation was received for the editing and publishing of this article.

[Photos via Unsplash]

Caring for Ourselves and Keeping Our Skin Looking Its Best

SkinThe world we live in has changed in the last month with the global pandemic making most of us think even more about how to look after ourselves in the right way. One area that many of us will struggle with as we look to fight the onset of COVID-19 is that of living a life that keeps us healthy. One of the first signs of living an unhealthy lifestyle is the effect it has on our skin with blemishes, acne and a general lack of brightness. This can all be caused by our lifestyle choices, so here are 7 tips to keep in mind…

1. Sleeping on Your Stomach Is a Bad Option

We are always facing a barrage of options and news about the right amount of sleep we should be getting in the modern world, but we often forget about the issues we face when it comes to the position in which we sleep. We often question whether we get enough sleep, but we rarely think about how we sleep. Is it bad to sleep on your stomach? This question has been asked by those worried about getting wrinkles when sleeping. When our face is always on the pillow, we tend to see more wrinkles and we are also getting oil and other germs from the pillow.
Sleeping on your stomach can reduce how much sleep you get by causing pain in the neck and back. This only adds to your lack of sleep leading to you seeing more skin problems.

2. Not Exercising Enough

As the period of self-isolation because of the rise of COVID-19 has shown us, it is easy to slip into bad habits and not exercise enough. Sitting for too long and not getting the exercise we all need is a major problem. Remember that more exercise leads to better-looking skin. For most of us, exercise is a way of staying healthy, but without increasing your heart rate, you will usually fail to rejuvenate your skin cells for the bright, vibrant look we all want.

3. Not Getting Enough Sleep

This is one of the most common problems we all face as we live our lives. We want to know how to stay healthy and get enough sleep. The effects of not getting enough sleep are many, including the issue of the collagen that keeps our skin looking young not replenishing each day. Sleep is extremely important for us all. A lack of sleep can aggravate cases of eczema, acne and various skin allergies.

4. Too Little Water

I know we always hear about the benefits of water, but there is no doubt the more water we drink, the better we feel and look. Drinking eight glasses of water each day is one of the most difficult tasks we face, with eight glasses each day the recommended amount, according to The Guardian. By drinking the correct amount of water, we can remain healthy and keep our skin looking vibrant throughout each day.

5. Pimples

A pimple on the face is one of the things we all dread seeing when we wake up in the morning. Don’t pick at them because what we are doing is spreading the dirt and possible infection to other areas of the skin around the pimple.

Skin6. Don’t Use Hot Water on Your Face

When we feel our faces are dirty, you probably act like me and turn on the hot water before washing with my usual products. This may seem like the correct course of action, but, in general, you should stay away from the hot water that is too hot for your hands to handle. Our faces have a natural barrier of oils that can make it difficult for you to look your best when it is removed by water that is too hot for our faces. Tepid or lukewarm water should have enough heat to open up the pores and allow you to feel cleaner.

7. Not Reading the Directions on Your Products

When you begin using a new product for your face or body, it is always a good idea to make sure you are only using the correct amount of product that is recommended. Using too much of an oily skincare product can clog your pores and lead to acne and other blemishes.

–Sara Stringer is a freelance writer who enjoys blogging about lifestyle, relationships and life as a woman. In her spare time, she enjoys soaking up the sunshine with her husband and two kids. Compensation was received for the editing and publishing of this article.

[Photos via Unsplash]