Focus On The Likes And Not The Wants

"The time is now. Stop hitting the snooze button on your life." — Mel Robbins

GLOW UP GUIDE FOR 2025⠀

READ: On average, it takes more than 2 months before a new behavior becomes automatic — 66 days to be exact. And considering that 2025 is precisely these many days away, why not start with our glow up plan already?

Physical Glow Up-

BODY

— 5-10K steps a day.

— 7-8 hours of sleep.

— workout everyday for 1 hr atleast- yoga/stretching/pilates/cardio. a workout may take one hour, but your mood will be boosted for the next 12 hours.

— posture training.

— sunlight exposure after waking up for at least 10 minutes.

NUTRITION

— 2-3 liters of water every day.

— limit your caffeine intake.

— avoid sugars as much as you can.

— high protein diet, pre and probiotics.

— more fruits and veggies (+ green smoothies if you like).

— no junk/processed food/trans fat.

— no eating after 8 pm.

SKINCARE

— be clear on your skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive).

— once you're clear, use these accordingly- cleanser, toner, targeted serum, eye cream, moisturizer, sunscreen (≥50 spf).

— keep your bedding clean as well.

— no picking of skin on your lips, cuticle etc.

— gua sha to help improve blood circulation and lessen toxins.

— cold therapy may take three to five minutes of being uncomfortable, but your energy levels will be boosted for the rest of the day.

— remove makeup before you go to bed.

BODY CARE

— shower every day.

— exfoliate 2x a week.

— use body lotion (shea butter/aloe vera gel/coconut oil).

HAIR CARE

— wash hair 2-3x a week

— oil your scalp 2x a week, at least 3 hours before shampoo.

— hair mask 1x per week.

— never brush wet hair.

— use silk pillow case.

HYGIENE

— brush your teeth 2x a day, clean tongue and the roof of the mouth daily.

— floss daily.

— cut your nails 1x a week, never remove the cuticles.

— glycolic acid under arm for odor and discoloration.

— never use soap on your coochie.

Mental Glow Up-

MINDSET

— set clear goals- define and breakdown your aspirations.

— start your mornings with positive affirmations.

— surround yourself with uplifting content and people.

— be shamelessly selfish to your career and mental health, remove anyone or anything that doesn't align with your priorities and wellbeing.

— boost your brain health by these 4 neuroscience tools:

difficult first: start your day with the most difficult task (cortisol and dopamine are high in the body meaning that your body/mind is primed to work).

rest your eyes: introduce a micro-pause after learning by resting/closing your eyes - will help retain information better.

tomorrow's worries: write tomorrow's to-do list before bed as it is proven to be effective in helping you fall asleep.

find time to play: engage in low-stake play. can be anything you find fun but where the outcome doesn't matter (induces neuroplasticity + reduces stress).

MIND

— meditation might take as low as ten minutes, but your focus will be improved for the rest of the day.

— no social media after waking up and at least an hour before bed.

— keep aside 1 hr of time to read daily! reading a new book may take five hours, but you will keep the knowledge forever.

— journaling, gratitude.

— digital detox once a week or for 12 hours.

— limit unnecessary screentime, unfollow or cut off people you don't want to see.

JOURNALING

— choose a regular time each day to journal, making it a part of your routine.

— find a quiet, comfortable place free from distractions. light a candle if you want.

— allow your thoughts to flow without censoring or editing.

— write about your feelings and emotions to understand them better. write about things you are thankful for to boost your mood. write about your short-term and long-term goals. identify what triggers certain emotions or reactions

— set a timer for 5-10 minutes and write continuously during that time.

— reflect on both positive experiences and challenges.

— make lists, journal your thoughts on these questions.

— journal at night to clear your mind before bedtime, because emotions and thoughts lose their power once we acknowledge them.

— a gratitude practice may take five minutes, but your mindset will be shifted for the rest of the day.

AFFIRMATIONS

— customise affirmations to your needs.

Personal Life-

WEEKLY TASKS

— initiate small changes: begin with small, manageable tasks such as making your bed or cleaning your room every sunday.

— celebrate your success: reward yourself when you achieve your goals or have a consistently productive week. consider treats like buying flowers for yourself or watching your favorite show.

DAILY WORK

— set achievable goals: establish realistic goals for the day, week, or month ahead.

— track your progress.

— organise your work space, declutter your shelves etc.

— embrace the power of lists: keep a list of tasks to be done and their deadlines. this way, you start each day with a clear plan. to make it visually appealing and motivating, consider using productivity apps like evernote, habit tracker, or notion.

PRODUCTIVITY TIPS

— wake up early.

— plan ahead everything, do scheduling. you can use:

google calendar / notion / tasks .

— if the task takes less than 2 minutes to finish, do it immediately.

— countdown rule, if you are procrastinating, count 1-2-3-4-5 and jump.

— start slow, don't rush and try to do everything at one time.

— follow a proper routine, use app locks based on screentime.

— pomodoro technique, 25 min work, and 5 min break.

— schedule longer break times as well e.g 30 min nap.

When you feel unsure about yourself and worried of what's going to happen in the future, Read these dua's insha'Allah!

حَسْبُنَا اللّٰهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيْلُ

Hasbunallahu Wa Ni’mal Wakeel

"Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs"

لَّآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنتَ سُبْحَٰنَكَ إِنِّى كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

La ilaha illa anta subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimin

"There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers"

لا حَوْلَ وَلا قُوَّةَ إِلا بِالله

La hawla wala quwwata illa billah

"There is no power nor strength except by Allah"

إِنَّ مَعِيَ رَبِّي سَيَهْدِينِ

Inna Ma'iya Rabbi Sayahdin

"Surely my Lord is with me, He will show me a way out "

رَبِّ إِنِّي لِمَا أَنْزَلْتَ إِلَيَّ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَقِيرٌ

Rabbi innee lima anzalta ilayya min khayrin faqeer

"O my Lord! I am indeed needy of whatever good You may send to me "

What Makes a Handcrafted Handbag Unique?

In a world where mass-produced goods dominate the market, handcrafted handbags offer a refreshing and meaningful alternative. Each handcrafted bag tells a story of artistry, skill, and attention to detail that sets it apart from its factory-made counterparts. But what exactly makes a handcrafted handbag unique? Let’s delve into the meticulous crafting process, the artisan skills involved, and the personal touch that makes these bags truly special.

1. The Crafting Process: From Materials to Masterpiece

Handcrafted handbags are the result of a thoughtful and meticulous process that involves several steps, each carried out with care and precision. Here’s a glimpse into what goes into crafting a one-of-a-kind handbag:

a. Selecting High-Quality Materials

The journey of a handcrafted handbag begins with the careful selection of materials. Artisans often choose premium materials such as full-grain leather, organic cotton, natural dyes, and high-quality hardware like zippers, buckles, and clasps. Unlike mass production, where synthetic materials are often used to cut costs, handcrafted bags prioritize quality over quantity. This not only ensures the durability of the bag but also gives it a distinct, luxurious feel.

b. Design and Pattern Making

Before any material is cut, the design phase takes place. Artisans conceptualize and sketch designs, considering every detail from the bag's shape and size to its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Pattern making follows, where artisans create templates that will guide the cutting of materials. This step is crucial, as it lays the foundation for the bag’s structure and overall look.

c. Cutting and Assembling

Once the design is finalized, the chosen materials are meticulously cut according to the patterns. This process requires a steady hand and an eye for precision, as even a slight deviation can affect the bag’s final shape and fit. After cutting, the pieces are carefully assembled. Depending on the design, this step may involve layering different materials, adding linings, and attaching hardware components.

d. Intricate Stitching and Detailing

Stitching is one of the most important aspects of creating a handcrafted handbag. Unlike machine-produced bags, where stitching is done quickly and uniformly, handcrafted bags are sewn by hand or using a manual sewing machine. This allows artisans to pay close attention to each stitch, ensuring it's tight, even, and secure. Some bags may feature decorative stitching, embroidery, beadwork, or appliqué, adding to their uniqueness and visual appeal.

e. Finishing Touches

The final step in the crafting process involves adding finishing touches that give the bag its character. This may include applying edge paint to raw edges, polishing hardware, or adding closures like buttons, zippers, or clasps. These small details contribute significantly to the bag's overall quality and aesthetic, enhancing its appeal and functionality.

2. Artisan Skills: The Heart and Soul of Handcrafted Bags

Handcrafted handbags are not just products; they are pieces of art that embody the skill, experience, and creativity of the artisans who make them. Here’s what makes their craftsmanship so exceptional:

a. Mastery of Traditional Techniques

Artisans often use traditional crafting techniques that have been passed down through generations. Whether it’s hand-stitching, weaving, dyeing, or embossing, these techniques require a high level of skill and precision. Mastery of these methods allows artisans to create bags with intricate designs and superior durability, characteristics that are hard to replicate with machine production.

b. Creativity and Innovation

While many handcrafted bags draw inspiration from traditional designs, artisans also infuse their creativity into each piece. This creative freedom allows them to experiment with different shapes, textures, and embellishments, resulting in bags that are not only functional but also visually stunning. The fusion of tradition and innovation is what makes each handcrafted handbag a true work of art.

c. Patience and Attention to Detail

Creating a handcrafted handbag is a time-intensive process that demands patience and meticulous attention to detail. From aligning seams perfectly to ensuring the hardware is securely attached, every step is executed with care. This dedication to perfection ensures that each bag meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

3. Personal Touch: The Human Element Behind Every Bag

One of the most compelling aspects of a handcrafted handbag is the human element involved in its creation. Unlike mass-produced bags that roll off assembly lines, handcrafted bags carry the personal touch of the artisans, making them truly unique.

a. Bags with Character and Soul

Each handcrafted handbag carries with it the character and soul of the artisan who made it. The slight variations and imperfections found in handmade items are not flaws but rather a testament to the human touch. These details give each bag a sense of individuality and charm, transforming it from a mere accessory into a cherished possession.

b. A Story Behind Every Bag

Handcrafted handbags often come with a story—whether it’s the story of the artisan, the cultural significance of the design, or the inspiration behind the materials used. This narrative adds depth and meaning to the bag, allowing the owner to connect with it on a personal level. Owning a handcrafted bag is not just about having a functional item; it’s about owning a piece of art with a story to tell.

c. Ethical and Sustainable Choice

The personal touch extends beyond the creation process to the values behind handcrafted bags. Many artisans prioritize ethical and sustainable practices, using eco-friendly materials, fair labor practices, and traditional techniques that minimize environmental impact. By choosing a handcrafted handbag, consumers can support these values, contributing to a more conscious and responsible fashion industry.

"There is no glory in suffering just take the medicine"

I haven't seen it said much on many of these glow-up/self-improvement accounts, so let me put it out there for you all: Psychiatric medications can be among the most powerful of tools.

People talk a lot about "shifting your mindset" in a metaphorical sense. The right psych medication will do this for you on a chemical level. I have genuinely forgotten what it feels like to have an anxiety disorder.

Never feel ashamed for doing what you need to do to improve your quality of life.

hello! i am star ✧

i am a highscool student (in AP) from southern america! i enjoy reading, studying, kpop, and self-improvement ❀

on this blog i will post my studying, reading, music, and advice so we can all collectively improve our lives ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥

The first thing Allah removes from a person when he steps into Jannah is his sadness. The people of Jannah will say:

🌺 ❛…𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗵, 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘂𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳. 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗹𝘆, 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗯𝗯 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲. 𝗪𝗵𝗼, 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗶𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿; 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗶𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝘂𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁, 𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝘂𝘀.❜ 【𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗵 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗿 𝟯𝟱:𝟯𝟰-𝟯𝟱】

We’re constantly moving from one state of difficulty to the next. From happiness to sadness, and to the next state. This is just the reality of this dunya. We can’t escape from sadness, from disappointment, from worry, anxiety, and difficulties.

🌺 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗵 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀: ❛𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗹𝘆, 𝗪𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗶𝗹.❜ 【𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗵 𝗮𝗹-𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗱 𝟵𝟬:𝟰】

Why do we have to experience all these moments of pain? So that perhaps we may yearn for that life which is free from hardships — Allah’s Jannah. And one of the most beautiful things that happen when we enter Jannah by His Mercy, is that He will wipe away every single painful memories.

Your sister in Deen, Aida Msr ©