I'm not really ready for this but - The Holidays are coming!  (Say that in a foreboding Game of Thrones way.)  I have a love-hate relationship with the holidays like many of us probably do.  I like the fun events.  I like sequins and sparkles and festive things.  I like spending time with my friends.  I like apple cider and hot chocolate and lights and food and presents and all of that.  But I don't have any family (yes, I have Sean and his mom, and a sister that lives 3,000 miles away); but I don't like dealing with all the family-oriented events and conversations.  Am I better off without my family?  Yes.  They aren't good people, hence why I don't speak to them anymore.  But it is still something that can get to me from time to time.  My depression sets it and I just want to bah-humbug my way through everything.

So it's important to me to be kinder to myself this time of year.  I do extra self-care things and indulge in those more.  I spend more time checking off tasks I have been putting off so that I feel more calm and productive.  I spend more time watching movies and shows I've been wanting to see.  Generally, I try to keep my mind busy and my confidence up to help combat those feelings of worthlessness that my mind likes to hang on to.  And now I am going to share some of what I do with you in case you'd like to try a new product or pamper yourself along with me.

Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitening System

I've had my Smile Brilliant teeth whitening system for about a year now, and I LOVE it!  It's easy, painless, and extremely effective.  I am continually impressed with my results.  Even though I drink a lot of coffee and wine, the results hold up for a while.  Having whiter teeth makes me feel more confident and more prepared to face the world.  It has become one of those relaxing things I make myself do for me.  This set was gifted to me last year.  You can read about my full experience with my teeth whitening kit to get the details.  For me, it has been such a game changer.  I never thought I could get my teeth very white, nor did I think it could be done painlessly because I have very sensitive teeth.  Smile Brilliant proved me wrong.

And I'm getting into the holiday spirit by hosting a GIVEAWAY so that one of you can win your own teeth whitening kit!!  Follow the link to enter, or you can check out the Smile Brilliant website and use code 'divinemrsdiva15' for 15% off site-wide at checkout!

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

While you're relaxing and whitening your teeth, this is a good time to mask and hydrate your beautiful face.  I absolutely love these eye gel masks for refreshing and hydrating my under eye area.  I took a few sets on my summer vacation and was really glad I had them to beat the fatigue.  These gels lock in moisture, plump fine lines and wrinkles, brighten and help reduce puffiness, fight free radicals, and replenish nutrients to your skin.  Having a chronic illness means I have to be selective with my energy, but usually I have to keep pushing myself to get through.  My eyes tend to be the first things that start to pain me when I'm exhausted, so treating them to a bit of relaxation is super helpful.

The Better Skin Co. Lava Magik Face Scrub

This face scrub is one I received in my summer FabFitFun box.  It is so scrubby and exfoliating, which I love it! The scrub's ingredients include French lava rock, calendula, orange oil, grapeseed oil, cucumber, and chamomile. The citrus scent is vibrant, but not overpowering.  I generally use this a couple times a week and use a chemical exfoliant on the other days of the week.

Himalayan Salt Body Scrub

I bought this scrub when preparing for my recent boudoir photo shoot.  It had a lot of great reviews on Amazon.  I am not disappointed.  It feels hydrating, but exfoliates well.  When paired with the equally exfoliating mitt (see below), it feels SO good and helps my skin look wonderful!  The ingredients, along with the Himalayan salt, include sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, vitamin e, and aloe vera.

Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Mitt

This mitt is another item that came in my FabFitFun summer box.  I chose a mystery gift, one of which was this exfoliating mitt.  I was underwhelmed, but when I went to put it away I felt how scrubby it is.  It made me more intrigued.  I tried it in the shower and was sold immediately.  It is grittier in texture than most exfoliating mitts.  I like this super scrubbing power, but if you have really sensitive skin it may be a little rough for you.  It also did not lose it's texture when the mitt got wet.  I feel like a lot of other exfoliating gloves get softer in water, which I am not a fan of.

InstaNatural Vitamin C Anti-Aging Skin Clearing Serum

This serum was one I stumbled upon by accident one day while browsing Amazon for skincare.  I love trying new brands, it was reasonably priced, and it had lots of great reviews.  I started using it and noticed a difference in my skin within the first week.  My skin was brighter, clearer, and looked smooth and clean and healthy.  If I don't use it for a while, I will start to break out and have more ingrown hairs on my neck. (I have to shave my face and neck, or I use an epilator to clear the facial hair.)  It really helps clear up acne when it comes up.  I just LOVE this stuff!  I even started my husband using it, and it's helped his skin too.  While I certainly love trying new serums and new brands, I always come back to this or wear it every other day because my skin isn't the same without it.  Ingredients include aloe, niacinamide, salicylic acid, retinol, rosemary, squalene, grapefruit peel, tea tree, and lavender.

Dermelect Self-Esteem Beauty Sleep Serum

Surprisingly, this is another item that came from my FabFitFun box.  I have only been using it a couple months, but I really love the smooth, hydrated feel it gives my skin.  The smell is a little odd.  Sometimes it smells like caramel or maple syrup, and sometimes not like either of those.  It uses "three types of concentrated amino acids to target the appearance of fine lines, wrinkling, and large pores resulting in a brighter, more even-looking complexion."  Ingredients include l-ascorbic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, aloe, grapeseed oil, coneflower, hyaluronic acid, and witch hazel.

Purlisse Blue Lotus Balancing Moisturizer

I bought this moisturizer through Ipsy.  I tried a sample through another subscription box (maybe Birchbox) a while ago and loved it.  It's a little more expensive but also about average for me as far as moisturizers go, but I really wanted a full size.  I finally bought one and it has quickly become my go-to and favorite moisturizer.  Whether I have skin irritation or acne, this moisturizer really seems to help clear and heal my skin overnight.  It contains blue lotus for anti-inflammatory benefits, vitamin e to prevent premature aging and improve skin texture, white tea to soothe, and marine plants to retain moisture and promote skin radiance.

I loved it much more than I thought I would, so I wasted no time in purchasing a few more products from the brand.  I also have the Matcha Green Tea Antioxidant Priming Moisturizer, Blue Lotus Daily Moisturizer SPF30, Watermelon Aqua Balm, and the Blue Lotus Brightening Serum.

Purlisse Blue Lotus Seed 5-in-1 Mud Mask

I've lost count on how many sample sizes of this product I have received,  but I am never mad about it.  This thick mud mask feels so hydrating and wonderful.  My skin feels smoother and looks much healthier after a nice relaxing, mask time.  It's also from the Blue Lotus line from Purlisse.

Voke Superfood Tablets

After you've done all this pampering to your skin, it may be time to get back to work on all your holiday prep.  I hadn't heard of Voke tabs until the company sent me some back in the spring.  I ended up saving them for my vacation because it was a long, three-week time away, which I knew would have me exhausted.  Both my husband and I took the tabs on our trip, mostly for a hit of energy (each tab contains 77mg of caffeine), but they also gave us a bit more focus, clearer thinking, and a better mood.  As fun as traveling can be, it is quite hard on my body, energy, and anxiety in particular.  I felt like this product really helped us through jet lag and to keep going during the day, even when we could have used some more sleep.  I will definitely take them on future trips.  I also find that during particularly tiring and stressful times, these do help take that edge off my brain and give me the energy to keep pushing through the day longer.  They also utilize raw guarana seed, red beetroot, acerola cherry, and green tea caffeine.

Stackable Storage Bins

So you are smiling bright, exfoliated, moisturized, and energized?  If you are like me, then this is the part where you really need to keep your brain busy.  If I am not in the mood to do something creative (painting really helps me relax and de-stress), you will find me organizing and reorganizing various spaces in my house.  I love containers and organizing  accessories, so I had to try out these fabric storage bins when I came across them.  I have the small and medium sizes and LOVE them for storing sweaters, lingerie, purses, and anything else you don't want to get dusty.  They are super easy to pop up, but can be folded flat and stored away.  The larger ones are perfect for comforters and sheets, while I use the smaller ones for clothing.

Second photo from Amazon

Non-Slip Velvet Hangers

You never think a hanger will make much difference, but when I converted all my plastic hangers to these velvet ones it really changed my view.  Not only does my closet look cohesive and tidy, but tanks and larger necklines don't slip and slide around.  They don't have various notches that get caught on straps. I just love them.  While you certainly get a better deal online, I have seen this type of hanger at lots of different stores now - Target, Wal-Mart, Home Goods, etc.

Photo from TeePublic, Amazon, and Fat Mermaids

IDGAF Susan Tee

I don't know about you, but I get far more direct as I age.  While I still am not a fan of confrontation, I am less likely to put up with anyone's bullshit.  Whether I feel more direct or like being a little passive aggressive, graphic tee messages are helpful in making me feel more confident and badass.  Particularly at the holidays when we seem to be bombarded even more with messages about foods and diets and judgment and comments on our bodies, I find wearing a defiant tee helps me stay positive.

My Body Is Not A Problem To Be Solved Tee by Rascal Honey

Another great option for that defiant tee, from Sarah Conley of Rascal Honey.  (I've had this tee on my wish list for a while and finally bought one.  The curvy v-neck tees from TeePublic fit pretty well.)

Daily Ritual Ponte Knit Legging

For a cozy day at home, running errands, or layering under a dress, leggings are a great throw-on-and-go option.  The Amazon brand Daily Ritual have a lot of great straight and plus size finds.  I have a few tees and all the hooded sweatshirts.  The clothes are comfy, the knits are soft, and the prices are very inexpensive.  I usually size up in any item I buy from them though.  I also purchased these  leggings in a 4X, and find that was a good idea.  They are thicker and stretchy and smooth, but I think the 3X would have been a bit too restrictive.  I was excited about the burgundy color because most of my leggings are black or grey.  I wanted a different color to pair with dresses and the like.

Photo from Amazon

Traditional Medicinals Organic Stress Ease Cinnamon Relaxation Tea

In the story of this post, you have had a busy day.  Unwind and decompress further with some calming tea!  While I am typically a coffee drinker, tea feels more cozy in the winter to me.  And if I need a warm nightly drink as the weather gets colder, caffeine-free tea is much more soothing to me than decaf coffee.

Photo from Amazon

Bonne Maman 2019 Limited Edition Advent Calendar

I love fun little advent calendars that give me something to look forward to during the holidays.  (Remember, I'm basically Hermey the Elf and Scrooge McDuck at the holidays, so I need little things that make me happy.)  The whisky advent calendar I wanted is way too expensive, so I settled for this new-to-me fruit spreads and honey calendar.  I heard it sold out fast last year, so I snatched it up early.
The calendar includes 24 1-ounce jars with unique flavors like raspberry and lychee, strawberry and verbena, pineapple and passion fruit, and peach and lime.  I'm so excited to try these flavors and have a little treat at breakfast or for a snack.

Smile Brilliant cariPRO Electric Toothbrush

I start my days with Smile Brilliant and end my days with Smile Brilliant in the form of their electric toothbrush.  They sent the toothbrush for me to try back in February.  You can read my review right here on the blog and check out more photos.  Everything I felt then still applies now.  This is such a quiet, lightweight toothbrush.  It is far lighter and quieter than the electric toothbrush brand my husband uses.  I still love the various modes and clean feel they give me.  I decided to test out the claim of the battery lasting a month without a recharge during my international summer vacation.  I used the toothbrush at least twice a day for three weeks without recharging.  It lasted well into my return home without being on the charger!  I was really impressed.  Of course, the lightweight feel makes it great for travel also.  We all know how important suitcase weight and real estate is!