lifestyle

Habits + Routines lifestyle

Why You Should Become a Cozy Gamer

When was the last time you did something just for fun? No pressure, no productivity expectations—just pure, cozy delight. If you’re like most of the women I coach, your schedule is filled with responsibilities, your brain is juggling a hundred open tabs, and the idea of starting a new hobby feels like one more thing to manage. But what if I told you that playing video games—yes, video games—could be one of the most aligned, intentional, and even productive hobbies you could cultivate?

Now, I know what you might be thinking: video games? Isn’t that for kids, teenage boys, or hardcore gamers? I used to think the same. Growing up, my brother and I had a Nintendo and Super Nintendo that our parents gifted us. He kept gaming—I didn’t. I dabbled a little after college with computer games, but nothing really stuck.

It wasn’t until 2020, during the pandemic and the rise of Animal Crossing, that I dipped my toes back in. I bought a Switch Lite and played that one single game religiously for a few months… and then put it down again. It wasn’t until late 2023 that everything changed—when I discovered the cozy gaming community and realized just how many beautiful, calming, and creatively fulfilling games were out there, especially in digital form. I was hooked.

Since then, cozy gaming has become one of my favorite hobbies—a daily ritual that supports my mental well-being, stimulates my creativity, and yes, even makes me a more focused and productive planner.

Let’s break the stereotype and redefine what gaming can look like for women like us. If you’re craving a new way to decompress, rekindle your imagination, or simply create more intentional joy in your life, cozy gaming might just be your next aligned action step.

Gaming Is Not Just for the Guys (Or the Kids)

We’ve all seen the stereotypes: gaming as a boy’s club filled with shooters, racing simulators, or high-stakes competitions. But modern gaming is anything but that—and today, it’s one of the most creatively diverse, emotionally rich, and inclusive forms of entertainment available.

What many women don’t realize is just how many games exist outside of the mainstream titles you see on store shelves. Some of the most beautifully crafted, narrative-driven, and aesthetically designed games are quietly living in digital storefronts—waiting to be discovered, downloaded, and loved.

That shift is what changed everything for me. Once I realized the world of indie games available through the Nintendo eShop, I finally saw myself in gaming again—not just as a nostalgic pastime, but as a new creative hobby that aligns with how I want to feel: relaxed, inspired, and immersed in a story.

Gaming today isn’t about competition—it’s about connection. Connection to stories, to your creativity, and most importantly, to yourself.

The Surprising Benefits of Cozy Gaming for Your Mind and Productivity

One of the most misunderstood aspects of gaming—especially cozy gaming—is how good it actually is for your brain. This isn’t just downtime or escapism (though those have their place too). Cozy games are immersive, mentally engaging experiences that support your overall well-being and productivity in powerful ways.

Here’s how:

They Boost Your Brainpower

Many cozy games are puzzle-based, story-driven, or rooted in exploration. This naturally improves:

  • Memory and attention span
  • Problem-solving and logic
  • Spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination

You’re not just playing—you’re practicing how to think, focus, and adapt in new ways, which strengthens your mental agility.

They Support Your Nervous System

Calm, slow-paced games help your body shift out of stress mode. Playing a relaxing game at the end of the day can:

  • Lower cortisol levels
  • Improve mood and emotional regulation
  • Act as a buffer between your work brain and your rest brain

It’s an easy, enjoyable way to re-regulate after a high-focus day.

They Encourage Mindful Flow

One of the most powerful states you can enter for creativity and productivity is flow—and cozy games are excellent at getting you there. That calm, focused feeling you get while decorating your virtual garden or solving a quiet in-game puzzle? That’s flow. That’s your brain fully present and engaged.

Gaming, when chosen with intention, isn’t a distraction from your goals—it can be a practice that helps you approach them with more clarity, calm, and creativity.

You Need More Hobbies—And Cozy Gaming Counts

Let’s be real—most women I know are doing everything for everyone else and leaving little to no room for their own interests. It’s easy to fall into the cycle of wake, work, scroll, repeat. But the truth is, having hobbies—real ones you look forward to—isn’t a luxury. It’s essential for your well-being.

Cozy gaming is a hobby that meets you where you are. It doesn’t require a huge time investment or lots of gear. You can pick it up for 15 minutes at the end of the day or get lost in it on a slow Sunday afternoon. It’s flexible, calming, and creatively fulfilling.

What I love most about cozy games is how they reflect and expand on other hobbies. Many titles are built around things you may already love:

  • 🌱 Gardening and nature (like Garden Story, Botany Manor, Sprout Valley)
  • 🧪 Alchemy and crafting (Potion Craft, Cottonville)
  • 📚 Magical stories and lore (The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood, Black Book)
  • 🐚 Exploration and slow travel (In Other Waters, Naiad, Dordogne)
  • 🎨 Visual art and puzzles (Gris, Gorogoa, Moncage)

These games are not just entertainment—they’re digital reflections of the peaceful, introspective, and enchanting hobbies many of us dream about but don’t always have time or space to explore in real life.

The best part? You don’t need to be “good” at them. There are no high scores to beat or bosses to fight (unless you want to). Cozy gaming is about how it feels, not how you perform.

What Is Cozy Gaming?

If you’re new to the idea of cozy gaming, let me paint the picture: Imagine curling up under a blanket, sipping a warm drink, and stepping into a beautifully illustrated world where the stakes are low, the stories are rich, and the pace is calm and intentional.

That’s the heart of cozy gaming.

So what makes a game “cozy”?

For me, cozy games are defined by a few key qualities:

  • Relaxing or comforting themes
  • Low stress or minimal time pressure
  • Little to no combat (and if there is combat, it’s usually simple or turn based)
  • A focus on narrative, puzzles, or life simulation
  • Aesthetically pleasing art and immersive sound design

These games often feel like digital versions of journaling, gardening, or reading a beautiful novel. They’re quiet companions that invite you to unwind, think creatively, and engage with a world that feels nourishing—not draining.

What’s powerful about cozy games is how they make space for stillness and softness in a world that so often demands hustle and urgency. They’re a reminder that progress can be slow, joy can be simple, and success doesn’t always look like winning—it can look like planting a tree, solving a puzzle, or just taking a deep breath.

My Gaming Setup + Aesthetic Touches

Let’s be honest—half the fun of cozy gaming is the vibe. And because I’m me, of course my Nintendo Switch Lite setup is fully customized and styled to reflect my aesthetic: feminine, elegant and playful!

My Custom Switch Lite

I personally customized my Switch Lite with an iridescent vinyl skin that I made myself using:

  • My Silhouette Portrait cutting machine
  • An opalescent adhesive vinyl with a dreamy metallic sheen
  • A Switch Lite template I purchased from Etsy

If you’re not the DIY type, there are so many beautiful pre-made options available online. I’ve been using DecalGirl.com for years to customize my tech—it’s one of my favorite sources for unique, high-quality skins. You can also find a wide selection on Amazon. Here are a few you might want to check out:

Switch Skins I Love

Protection + Comfort

Because the Switch Lite is super thin and lightweight, I use a screen protector, and I keep it in a clear plastic snap-on case that:

  • Lets the iridescent skin shine through ✨
  • Has built-in hand grips to reduce hand fatigue and cramping

It’s a game-changer (pun intended), especially for longer play sessions.

Thumb Grips + Storage

Of course, I couldn’t resist adding adorable thumb cap grips to my setup:

These small accessories make the experience feel more tactile, more fun, and just… more me.

For storage, I use:

That said, I vastly prefer buying games digitally—which is part of what made cozy gaming so accessible to me in the first place. Most indie cozy games don’t have physical cartridges, and I didn’t realize how many amazing titles were available exclusively through the Nintendo eShop until 2024. Discovering that changed everything.

A Note on Cost

People are often surprised by how affordable cozy gaming can be. Yes, big-name games can cost $60+ for physical copies—but most of the cozy indie games I’ve bought were on sale for $5 or less, and many were as low as $1.99. It’s one of the reasons my library has grown so quickly. Gaming can be a low-cost, high-value hobby when you know where to look.

How Cozy Gaming Supports My Productivity

It might sound counterintuitive, but cozy gaming has become one of the most productive habits in my life. Not because it helps me check more boxes or hustle harder, but because it gives me a reliable, low-effort way to rest, reset, and return to my work with more clarity and capacity.

Here’s how cozy gaming supports my productivity:

  • It helps regulate my nervous system: After a long day of focused work, cozy gaming provides a gentle transition out of task mode. It gives my brain space to breathe without completely checking out.
  • It keeps me present: Many cozy games are designed around mindfulness—whether you’re tending a garden, solving a puzzle, or guiding a character through a dreamy storyline. This invites a flow state that’s grounding and restorative.
  • It motivates me through reward cycles: I often use cozy gaming as a “treat” or transition after finishing my Top 3 tasks for the day. It’s a built-in reward system that keeps my motivation high without relying on endless scrolling or sugar.
  • It enhances creativity: Cozy games are full of beautiful art, music, stories, and world building. They refill my creative well and often inspire new ideas for content, products, or personal rituals.
  • It prevents doom-scrolling: Cozy gaming is a digital hobby that helps me cut back on negative screen time and endless scrolling on my devices. Yes, it’s another screen, but one that is helping me relax with low stimulation and a peaceful soundtrack.
  • It keeps me mentally sharp: Gaming isn’t a mindless activity, but one that can actually help keep your mind sharp through problem solving and puzzles. So it’s a great activity with real benefits that keeps your mind young and flexible. 

In my planning system, I always emphasize the importance of white space and aligned hobbies. Gaming is one of mine—and I never feel guilty about the time I spend with it, because I know it’s part of the ecosystem that keeps me well planned and productive.

My Full Cozy Game Catalogue

One of my favorite parts of cozy gaming is curating my game library. Like a seasonal reading list or capsule wardrobe, I’ve organized the games on my Switch Lite by seasonal vibe—with folders for Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter play. While I haven’t played every title yet (I do my research and tend to splurge during sales), each game reflects the kind of immersive, mindful experience I crave at different points across my year.

Here’s my full cozy game catalogue at the moment, I know it seems like a lot but most of these I scored during eShop sales—some for as little as $1.99. I calculated it once and the average price of the games I’ve purchased is $5.

  • A Monster’s Expedition
  • Abzu
  • Agent A
  • Alchemist Simulator
  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons
  • Arcade Spirits
  • Ashwood Valley
  • Aspire: Ina’s Tale
  • Beacon Pines
  • Black Book
  • Bloomtown: A Different Story
  • Botany Manor
  • Cabernet
  • Camper Van: Make it Home
  • Candivity
  • Carto
  • Catch the Stars
  • Child of Light
  • Children of Silentown
  • Chants of Sennaar
  • Clue
  • Cloud Gardens
  • Coffee Talk
  • Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly
  • Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood
  • Cottonville
  • Cozy Grove
  • Cult of the Lamb
  • Cereza and the Lost Demon
  • Disney Villains Cursed Cafe
  • Divination
  • Dordogne
  • Donut County
  • Down in Bermuda
  • Edna & Harvey: The Breakout
  • Edna & Harvey: Harvey’s New Eyes
  • Fe
  • Figment
  • First Time in Paris
  • Flood of Light
  • Flipping Death
  • Fran Bow
  • Fracter
  • Garden Story
  • GardenBuddies
  • Gemini
  • Genesis Noir
  • Gibbous
  • Goetia
  • Gorogoa
  • Grow: Song of the Evertree
  • Growbot
  • Harmony: The Fall of Reverie
  • Hidden in My Paradise
  • Hook
  • Hogwarts Legacy
  • In Other Waters
  • InnerSpace
  • Islanders
  • Jenny LeClue
  • Journey of the Broken Circle
  • Kaichu
  • Lego Harry Potter Collection
  • Lines XL
  • Lila’s Sky Ark
  • Little Misfortune
  • Lost in Random
  • Luna: The Shadow Dust
  • Magic Klondike
  • Mazm: The Phantom of the Opera
  • Mind: Path to Thalamus
  • Moncage
  • MoonLight
  • Moonstone Island
  • Moonlighter
  • Murder on the Marine Express
  • Naiad
  • Nature Matters
  • Neko Bento
  • Neva
  • Night of Reverie
  • Nora the Wannabe Alchemist
  • O.W.L. Project
  • Ori and the Blind Forest
  • Ori and the Will of the Wisps
  • Paper Trail
  • Pendula Swing
  • Pentiment
  • Pheonotopia
  • Pinstripe
  • Pixel Cafe
  • Planet of Lana
  • Pokémon Cafe ReMix
  • Potion Craft
  • Ritual of Raven
  • Roki
  • Secrets of Magic 1: The Book of Spells
  • Shady Part of Me
  • Space Papers
  • Spirit of the North
  • Spiritfarer
  • Sprout Valley
  • Stories Untold
  • Strange Antiquities
  • Strange Horticulture
  • Strange Telephone
  • Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical
  • Tales from Candleforth
  • Tales of the Shire
  • Tangle Tower
  • Tavern Talk
  • The Companion
  • The Garden Path
  • The Holy Gosh Darn
  • The Last Campfire
  • The Last Door
  • The Lion’s Song
  • The Mahjong Huntress
  • The Pillars of the Earth
  • The Procession to Calvary
  • The Spirit & the Mouse
  • The Wanderer: Frankenstein’s Creature
  • Tiny Bookshop
  • Tiny Lands
  • To The Moon
  • Universe for Sale
  • Verne: The Shape of Fantasy
  • Viviette
  • What Comes After
  • Witchy Life Story
  • When the Past was Around
  • Wytchwood

If you’re feeling inspired to explore cozy gaming for yourself, I hope this list gives you a helpful head start. You don’t need a Nintendo Switch to enjoy many of these titles—most of them are indie games, which means they’re often available on other consoles or on PC via Steam. 

I also want to mention that one of the reasons I have so many titles is because the cozy indie games I prefer tend to be shorter games that take anywhere from 3-10 hours to complete. So I can easily finish a game in a few days. 

To help you build your own cozy game library without overspending, I highly recommend:

  • GG.Deals – A price tracker where you can search for games and set up alerts for discounts across platforms
  • Metacritic.com – A review aggregator that gives you a general sense of how a game performs and what others thought of it

That said, keep in mind: cozy games are often misunderstood by the broader gaming community. A game that’s slow-paced or whimsical might not score highly with traditional reviewers—but that doesn’t mean it won’t be exactly what you’re looking for. I personally use reviews to flag any technical issues, bugs, or incomplete features—not to determine if a game is “worth it” emotionally. I also like to watch game play videos on YouTube before I purchase a game, to ensure the content is what I am expecting. 

Trust your vibe. Your cozy game collection should feel like a digital sanctuary—one that reflects you.

Creating a Cozy Gaming Ritual

Cozy gaming isn’t just a hobby—it’s a ritual. For me, it’s one of those small, sacred routines that helps me disconnect from the demands of the day and reconnect with myself.

I love setting the mood before I play:

  • My drink of choice, usually a coffee, soda, or my Stanley filled with ice water
  • Soft ambient music or the game’s own dreamy soundtrack playing through my headphones
  • A comfy blanket, soft lighting, and zero notifications

It becomes a moment of intentional rest—like journaling, reading, or lighting a candle. A pocket of stillness in an otherwise vibrant life. And because cozy games are so gentle and self-paced, I never feel rushed or pressured. It’s not about “winning”—it’s about relaxing.

This ritual has become a key part of my weekly rhythm. It helps me wind down after a workday, transition out of planner mode, and create space for creativity, inspiration, and ease. 

Final Thoughts

Gaming might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about productivity, personal development, or living a well-planned life—but I truly believe it deserves a place in the conversation. Cozy gaming has brought me joy, calm, creative inspiration, and even helped me become more focused and intentional in my day-to-day routine.

If you’ve ever been curious about video games—or if you’ve dismissed them in the past as childish, chaotic, or not “your thing”—I hope this post opens up a new perspective. Cozy gaming is thoughtful, soothing, and entirely customizable to your lifestyle. It’s a hobby that supports your well-being, encourages rest, and gives your mind the kind of gentle stimulation we often forget we need.

So if you’re looking for a new hobby that’s affordable, accessible, and genuinely fulfilling—maybe it’s time to become a cozy gamer gal.

I’d love to know—do you game? What are your favorite cozy or story-driven games? Are there any hidden gems you think I should check out? Leave your recommendations in the comments—I’m always looking to add something new to my library.

Here’s to planning what matters, including space for play.

xoxo,

P.S. Another element of cozy gaming I’ve been loving as I play more games, is pairing video games with books that have a similar theme or vibe. I’ve been sharing those game and book pairings on my Instagram @MissTrenchcoat, but I will likely also share another post on the topic in the near future.

lifestyle Productivity

The Charmed Life Gift Guide: Everyday Luxuries for a Beautiful and Productive Life

It’s Holiday Gift Giving Time and if you are looking for some gift ideas for yourself or the other ladies in your life, you have come to the right place. I know gift giving is a challenge for some people, but I was born with the gift. My friends and family know that I am very anti-gift card and cash presents. If that’s more to your taste, awesome, but for me, I look at gift giving as an art and an opportunity to surprise and delight my loved ones by finding something amazing they didn’t even know they couldn’t live without! Throughout the year when I come across interesting items that remind me of someone close to me, I keep track of it. Sometimes, I don’t have one specific person in mind. Sometimes the person I’m buying for is myself. But I’ve been told many times over that I find great gifts and things most people just wouldn’t think to buy for themselves. So much so that people come to me looking for ideas for gifts to give their circle. And the best part is, my gifts are usually quite affordable. Of course, what is considered affordable varies person to person and budget to budget, but on this gift list you are going to find some great everyday luxuries that retail from $10-$200, most being under $50 with just a handful of items over $100. Each item on this list has been chosen with a specific woman in mind- the one who loves functionality and beauty, and appreciates any little way she can improve or upgrade her life.

1: Burga iPhone Cases

I recently upgraded to the iPhone 16 Pro Max from a very old iPhone 8 Plus, so I have been spending an unnecessary amount of time and energy thinking about and browsing iPhone cases. I know I might be in the minority here, but I like my phone to have a wardrobe of gorgeous case options for different scenarios. In researching cases for my new phone, I ended up back with a brand I have used in the past with my last iPhone and was subsequently one of my favorite cases. That brand is Burga. You have probably seen their cases on Instagram, they do lovely designs and a few varieties of protective case styles. Here is the thing, they are expensive, dare I say overpriced, especially when you consider they come from outside of the US- Lithuania I believe- and are not made from any significantly more expensive materials than most cases. In the past I’ve had issues with shipping. My most recent order arrived in a little less than two weeks which is good. But all that being said, the cases are elegant and I love them. Sure, you could find dupes of the patterns online for less, but I couldn’t find any cases that had similar patterns and had MagSafe compatibility. These cases are definitely one of those splurge treats, but also make an unexpectedly fun gift for a friend as long as you know her taste and pick a pattern she’ll love!

2: Veger Portable Wired Charger 

Newsflash, diamonds are no longer a girls best friend, in 2024 it’s portable chargers. They are lifesavers and I cannot leave home without one or two thanks to the variety of gadgets we now rely on to live and work. The first type of charger I think we all need to have is a portable wired charger- one with those built in wires and different port heads compatible with a variety of gadgets. I have been using and loving this Veger charger because it’s slim, has a nice sized battery for charging multiple items, and works with most of my gadgets. Yes, I bought the lilac purple version because it’s my favorite color.

3: Anker Portable MagSafe Charger

Now, the second type of charger I think we all need to have is a portable MagSafe Charger as long as you have a MagSafe compatible phone and case. Now that I have the iPhone 16 Pro Max, I can use this amazing feature. So, all I have to do is stick this Anker charger to the back of my phone, turn it on and viola, I can charge while on the go, while talking on the phone and I don’t have any wires or bulky charging apparatus’ to deal with.

4: Chic Wireless LED Touch Lamp

Whoever came up with these wireless LED touch control lamps is an absolute genius. I have never been one to gravitate to table lamps because they just seem so impractical. You have to make sure you have a plug for them in the vicinity of where you want the lamp, and if you don’t, you are either out of luck or need to use an ugly extension cord. On top of that, they just sort of permanently live where you put them, but what if you want to move it around? Or you only need a lamp in a specific place sometimes? Impractical. But these wireless lamps are fantastic. I own a few varieties of these lamps, but this is my favorite because it’s pretty tall compared to some other wireless lamps and a chic silhouette that manages to look both classic and modern at the same time. 

5: Caudalie Fig Oil

For the longest time, I did not understand why people used body oils until I discovered oils like this that came in a spray form. Regular bottles of oil that come with a pump or even no dispenser at all can get messy and make it hard for you to evenly distribute product on your skin. Spray oils are fantastic and easy to use and now I get why people use body oil. I’ve just recently started using this Caudalie oil because I love the brand and the smell was so delightfully herbaceously bougie. 

6: Pfefe Cryo Sticks

If you’ve been following me for a while you may know I don’t use fillers or botox (at least not yet- if ever). I prefer using manual tools for facial massage to lift, tighten and stimulate collagen production naturally. One of the newer tools in my routine are these Cryo Sticks. You keep them in the fridge and use them to de-puff your face and tighten your pores. Icing your face has become such a big thing in the last few years and it does really seem to make a difference in the short term to the quality of your skin. 

7: Cloud Trinket Dish

When it comes to home decor, one element I always feel like I don’t have enough of are trinket dishes. How often do you put little things down on the table or countertop and they get misplaced, knocked off or simply roll away and you can’t find them. Trinket dishes are necessary, but of course basic ones will not do, I need lovely little works of art like this cloud trinket dish. I love that it comes in silver and gold chrome finishes because I think those will stand out gorgeously. 

8: Deborah Pagani Large DP Hair Pin

I am not exaggerating when I say that these hair pins by Deborah Pagani have been the find of the decade for me. They are elegant but sturdy, and are the single hair accessory that I can use to hold my hair in place for the whole day without worry. Hair ties always fail me, but the DP Hair Pin does not! I credit these pins for how I got my hair to grow out so long so quickly, because once I switched away from using elastics on my hair, length just kept accumulating unchecked! They are just so safe and gentle on my hair and help me create an easy protective style for my locks.

9: Simple Modern Mug 50oz

While everyone else is busy fighting over Stanley tumblers, I am living in my bliss bubble with my Simple Modern 50oz mugs. Yes, I own a couple, but for good reason- they keep my water amazingly cold for what feels like forever, they are more spill proof than Stanley’s, and I can fill it up once and drink it all day and feel like I got all the hydration I needed. Okay, sometimes I drink two in a day. The only downside to the 50oz size is that it’s more for home than travel because it doesn’t fit into a cup holder. And that’s why I also have a 40oz tumbler for on the go, but I use my 50oz by far the most.

10: Sleep Headphones

Are you interested in getting the best sleep of your life? Trick question, of course you are, and that’s why you need a pair of sleep headphones. This option is one part sleep mask and one part bluetooth headphone. Put it on at night, connect it to your phone or tablet, and play some relaxing sleep music with delta waves from either Youtube or Spotify and you will have the best quality sleep. When I wear mine, I fall asleep quicker, I stay asleep longer, and I wake up less frequently.

11: Travel Jewelry Case

I’m ashamed to admit it, but until recently, I did not keep my jewelry organized in one central location. I had bits and pieces all over, usually kept in their original bulky boxes and I couldn’t see everything I owned in one place. So, I finally purchased one of these travel jewelry cases and I love it. What is great about this specific style, because there are many options you can buy, is that this size and shape is great for home use or travel. It fits a good amount of jewelry inside comfortably and it looks pretty discreet. 

12: Marshall Willen Portable Speaker

I actually own three Marshall Speakers. An Acton III, an Emberton II and this Willen. Some might think this is overkill, but each speaker serves a distinct purpose in my life. The Acton is a great non-portable home speaker that I can connect with my devices including my smart TV, but I mostly use it to listen to music that fills my house with a great quality sound. The Emberton is a portable model that I have used in the past as my office speaker to listen to music while I work, but right now I have it wirelessly connected to the smart TV in my bedroom and it acts as a soundbar which is great because you know how bad the sound is on most flat screen televisions. The speakers are normally in the back, which means the sound is pointing the wrong direction, and so you need something like a soundbar or sound system to get great front facing audio. My Emberton does the trick and can still serve other uses for me. But the Willen, this little guy is my portable little champ. I always travel with it. I take it to the beach, the pool, to other people’s homes. I’ve taken it to restaurants and used it while sitting out on their patio seating where you can barely hear the music playing from the interior of the restaurant (genius). Although the Emberton is another portable model, the Willen is more portable. It has a strap on the back which means you can attach it to things like a beach chair, or the strap of your bag. It’s awesome, I love it and it connects to your phone and you can take bluetooth calls through it as well. It’s also water and dust proof (so is the Emberton) so you don’t have to worry about it. Plus the battery life is solid, I think something like 15 hours. Charges with USB-C, it’s like essentially perfect. 

13: Chanel Baume Essentiel

What woman could say no to a luxury lip balm? I love the Baume Essentiel because it’s more than just Chanel’s normal lip balm. First it’s huge so you get a lot for the price and it lasts forever. Second its a multi use stick, so it can be lip balm, and a face highlight or a blush and even an eye shadow. I normally stick to the color Transparent and use it as my lip balm and a sheer but glowy highlight, but if you choose one of the colorful shades it can be a blush and shadow.

14: Chanel Nail Polish Ballerina

I am so glad that minimal clean looking nails are back in fashion. Technically, they never went out of fashion because they are classic, but with the rise of the quiet luxury aesthetic, neutral nails are back in. Nothing says quiet luxury, clean girl, neutral classic nails like Chanel’s Ballerina, the perfect wash of nude pink that gives you that your nails but better vibe.

15: Bala Workout Gear | The Power Ring & The Bala Beam

I am not a gym girlie. In the past when I had a gym membership, I used it for the unlimited tanning and massage beds. I much prefer home workouts. I don’t mean I want to build a home gym, instead I prefer to have a few key pieces of equipment at home that I can use to do a variety of exercises. In the past, this equipment was your standard run of the mill hand weights and kettle bell. I try to get them in a cute color so I don’t hate the sight of them, but the options are limited. That’s why when I found Bala I was in shock and awe. If you aren’t aware, Bala is a brand of workout equipment that is beautiful and functional at the same time. I have a few of their pieces, but the two I love the most and recommend are the Power Ring and the Beam. The Power Ring is a reimagined kettle bell that is so much more functional because you can use it with one hand or two, and because of the shape it sits and fits on various areas of your body during different workouts. I might put it around my neck and sit it on my shoulders to add weight while lunging. I might lay it on my abdomen while doing bridges. I can put my arm and leg through it so I’m not limited to holding it in my hand. It’s a very flexible and functional piece of workout gear. Next, the Bala Beam, this is essentially an EZ Bar, so I can use it as a dumbbell, one or two handed. Its ergonomic design means it also sits on my shoulders, hips or legs for different workouts in a circuit. The best part of these pieces are that you can just leave them out if you want almost like home decor, because they don’t look like what they are, they look like sculptural decor elements.

16: Hatch Sunrise Alarm Clock

I don’t use an alarm clock to wake up in the morning but if I did, it would be this one! These sunrise alarm clocks wake you up gently with both sound and light which really helps you manage your circadian rhythm. If you have a hard time waking up in the morning, or wake up startled by a fog horn of an alarm on your phone, you could definitely benefit from this sunrise alarm clock. I know you may already have something you use, and this might feel like an unnecessary purchase, but sleep is so important to your productivity and an alarm like this can really help you build more positive sleep and wake habits.

17: Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Braiser

My beloved Le Cruset Enameled Cast Iron Braiser is by far my most used piece of cookware. You can use it like a frying pan or like a dutch oven. Alas, Le Cruset is a heritage brand with a premium price tag, so my next best pick for you is from the brand Lodge. Still great quality cookware, similar shape and of most important it’s enameled cast iron (not the same as regular cast iron) so it’s easier to care for and retains heat beautifully. I fully believe that food cooks and tastes better when it’s prepared in enameled cast iron. 

18: Greater Goods Electric Gooseneck Kettle

I avoided purchasing an electric kettle for the longest time. It felt like an unnecessary kitchen gadget when I could boil or microwave water. But oh my goodness, an electric kettle really upgraded my life. You’d be surprised how often they come in handy. I use mine for tea, instant coffee, powdered drink mixes, making stock from bouillon, sterilizing, heating milk, and making hot compresses. I definitely get my use out of that kettle and I can’t wait to upgrade mine to this charming gooseneck version.

19: J.Crew Oversized Cashmere Wrap

When I think of luxury items, I don’t necessarily think of designer labels and high price tags. I think about what items would be a benefit to my life, that will be versatile and last me a long time. This Cashmere wrap definitely checks all the boxes for a fabulous luxury addition to your wardrobe. A wrap like this is a great wardrobe staple that will never go out of style, and bonus, it’s not just a wrap! You can use this as an oversized scarf or blanket, great for traveling or just getting cozy on the sofa. Cashmere is such a warm, luxurious fabric, and with proper care it’s long lasting, unlike many other wraps or blankets made from synthetic materials that feel fabulous on day one, but after use and cleaning become an itchy, shedding mess.

20: Dosey Pill Compact

As part of my productive, healthy lifestyle, I take vitamins and supplements! And using a pill organizer is a great way to keep on track of the habit and ensure you take your pills daily. Most pill organizers and pill planners as they are often called are basic and plastic. But this compact is chic and elevated. Great for travel or just leaving at home. I adore it and it’s not necessarily something you would think to pick up for yourself or give as a gift. 

I hope this Charmed Life Gift Guide has inspired you to add a little everyday luxury to your gift-giving this season! Whether you’re shopping for the beauty enthusiast, the productivity lover, or the woman who just enjoys a touch of elegance in her daily routine, these carefully chosen items are sure to make her feel seen, special, and pampered. Each item on this list was selected with the goal of blending beauty and functionality—gifts that are delightful, practical, and unique enough that she might not even know how much she needed them until now. So, as you wrap up your holiday shopping, remember that the best gifts come from the heart, with a little added charm.

Happy gifting!

xoxo,

High Vibe lifestyle

Transform Your Finances: The Journey to Abundance Begins with the Money Manifestation Techniques Activity Workbook

Transform Your Finances: The Journey to Abundance Begins with the Money Manifestation Techniques Activity Workbook

Do you find yourself trapped in a cycle of living paycheck to paycheck, with a nagging feeling that your relationship with money is holding you back from the abundance you desire? If you resonate with the struggles of financial limitations and negative stereotypes surrounding money, it’s time for a mindset upgrade. The signs are clear, but the good news is that change can happen swiftly when you embark on a journey of specific mindset work practices.

Signs You Need a Money Mindset Upgrade: Breaking Free from Financial Limitations

  1. Living Paycheck to Paycheck:
    • If the end of the month brings more stress than relief, and you constantly find yourself counting down the days until your next payday, it’s a sign that your current money mindset needs a shift.
  2. Inherited Money Beliefs:
    • Growing up in an environment where money was tight might have instilled beliefs that earning a living requires constant struggle. Recognizing and challenging these inherited beliefs is the first step to transforming your financial reality.
  3. Negative Stereotypes About Money:
    • Associating money with negative stereotypes such as greed, corruption, or a lack of values can create subconscious barriers to abundance. Identifying and reframing these associations is crucial for fostering a healthier relationship with wealth.

Change Can Happen Quickly with Mindset Work Practices

The good news is that your current financial situation and mindset are not permanent. With specific mindset work practices, you can break free from limiting beliefs, redefine your relationship with money, and start manifesting more abundance into your life.

Introducing the Money Manifestation Techniques Activity Workbook: Your Path to Financial Freedom

The Money Manifestation Techniques Activity Workbook is a transformative tool designed to guide you through a four-step manifestation process. This 32-page PDF includes 20 worksheet pages, offering a comprehensive guide to upgrading your money mindset and manifesting abundance. Here’s a glimpse of what the workbook entails:

Step One: Decide What You Want – Abundance Budgeting

  • Learn the art of abundance budgeting to align your financial goals with your desires. This activity sets the foundation for a mindset shift towards prosperity.

Step Two: Identify and Replace Limiting Beliefs – Raising My Energetic Income Level

  • Dive deep into identifying and replacing limiting beliefs around money. The accompanying activity, “Raising My Energetic Income Level,” empowers you to elevate your energy and attract higher financial vibrations.

Step Three: Raise Your Vibration to Feel Abundant – Manifestation Journaling

  • Elevate your vibrational frequency with manifestation journaling. This activity helps you tap into the emotions of abundance, aligning your thoughts and feelings with your financial desires.

Step Four: Hold Space for the Manifestation to Arrive – Checkbook from the Universe

  • Embrace the power of holding space for your manifestations. The “Checkbook from the Universe” activity acts as a symbolic gesture, allowing you to welcome the abundance you’ve attracted.

Bonus Tools and Activities to Accelerate Your Transformation:

  • 50 Powerful Money Affirmations:
    • Reprogram your mind with affirmations that overcome limiting beliefs and attract abundance.
  • Daily Income Tracker:
    • Monitor your daily income to witness the progress in overcoming money boundaries.
  • Manifestation Resource Guide:
    • Dive deeper into money manifestation with recommended books, tools, and apps to enhance your journey.

Why You Need the Money Manifestation Techniques Workbook: A Call to Transform Your Reality

The Money Manifestation Techniques Workbook isn’t just a set of activities; it’s your roadmap to financial freedom. It provides you with:

  • A simple, four-step manifestation process for continuous financial growth.
  • Techniques to manifest money and abundance on-demand.
  • Powerful affirmations to reprogram your money mindset.
  • Daily trackers to monitor your progress and celebrate victories.
  • A resource guide to further your understanding and mastery of money manifestation.

Ready to transform your finances and manifest the abundance you deserve? The Money Manifestation Techniques Activity Workbook is your key to unlocking a wealthier, more abundant future. This digital gem, optimized for printing, is your tangible guide to a year of money manifestation. Embrace the journey – your charmed financial life awaits!

Click here to embark on your transformative journey with the Money Manifestation Techniques Workbook! 🌟💸

xoxo,

Alexis Giostra @MissTrenchcoat, Founder of Strange & Charmed

High Vibe lifestyle organization

Why You Need a Daily Uniform in 2024 and Winter Uniform Ideas

Why You Need a Daily Uniform in 2024 and Winter Uniform Ideas

Welcome, style enthusiasts! As we step into 2024, let’s talk about a game-changer that can simplify your mornings, save you time, and elevate your style: the daily uniform. Today, we’ll explore the compelling reasons behind adopting a daily uniform and delve into chic winter uniform ideas that prioritize comfort, warmth, and timeless elegance.

Why You Need a Daily Uniform

1. Effortless Mornings:

Picture this: a closet filled with pieces that effortlessly complement each other. That’s the beauty of a daily uniform. Selecting your outfit becomes a breeze, allowing you to start your day with ease and clarity.

2. Time and Energy Savings:

By eliminating the decision fatigue that comes with choosing from a myriad of options, you reclaim precious time and mental energy. A daily uniform streamlines your morning routine, leaving you with more bandwidth to conquer your day.

3. Comfort and Confidence:

Comfort and confidence go hand in hand. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, your confidence soars. A daily uniform ensures that every piece aligns with your style and comfort preferences, making you feel your best every day.

4. Efficient Shopping:

Know exactly what pieces you need to complete your daily uniform template, making shopping a breeze. With a clear vision, you can invest in higher quality items that stand the test of time, steering clear of fast fashion pitfalls.

5. Investment-Worthy Pieces:

With a daily uniform, you buy less variation, allowing you to invest in better quality pieces. Focus on timeless items made with superior materials that not only look polished but also last longer, reducing your environmental footprint.

Winter Uniform Ideas

Winter brings its own set of challenges and opportunities for style. Let’s explore some winter uniform ideas that prioritize comfort, warmth, and sophistication.

1. Material and Texture Take Center Stage:

Winter is the season to let material and texture shine. Embrace wool, silk, and cashmere for their luxurious feel and superior warmth. Quality fabrics elevate your winter wardrobe, ensuring durability and a polished appearance.

2. Layering Magic:

Layering is the key to staying warm in winter. Whether it’s blazers over sweaters or cardigans paired with blouses, layering adds depth to your outfit. Opt for natural fibers to ensure comfort and avoid overheating.

3. Neutral Palette for Versatility:

Stick to a neutral color palette that complements your natural coloring. Neutrals are timeless, making it easier to mix and match your winter wardrobe. This approach allows you to invest in higher quality pieces that outlast seasonal trends.

Winter Uniform Templates

1. Business Formal to Business Casual:

  • Lightweight Turtleneck Sweater
  • Slightly Oversized Wool Blazer
  • Trousers to Match

Image One | Image Two | Image Three | Image Four

This versatile “suit” template can be dressed up or down with different blouses or sweaters. Choose slightly oversized or looser fits for both the blazer and trousers, ensuring business appropriateness without sacrificing comfort.

2. Work from Home Comfort:

  • Oversized Cashmere Sweater
  • Wool Cardigan
  • Wool Joggers

Image One | Image Two | Image Three | Image Four

Embrace comfort without sacrificing style with this work-from-home template. Opt for slightly more fitted wool joggers to maintain a polished look. The cardigan can be swapped for a fleece jacket for a casual touch.

Join the Charmed Life Master Mind

Ready to enhance not just your style but your overall lifestyle? Join the Charmed Life Master Mind for more productivity systems and personal organization tips that will elevate your quality of life. Surround yourself with a community dedicated to mastering the art of living a charmed life.

Click here to join now!

Here’s to a year of effortless mornings, stylish comfort, and the joy of embracing a daily uniform that reflects your unique essence. Cheers to a charmed life! ✨👗

xoxo,

Alexis Giostra @MissTrenchcoat, Founder of Strange & Charmed

Image from IKEA Pax System

Business CEO Strategy lifestyle

Gift Guide: Best Gifts for Female Entrepreneurs

Gift Guide: Best Gifts for Female Entrepreneurs

‘Tis the season to celebrate the female entrepreneurs who inspire us with their passion and dedication. Show your appreciation with these thoughtful and practical gifts:

1. Canvas Laptop Bag: A stylish and functional bag for her on-the-go workdays.

2. A5 Leather Notebook Cover: Elevate her note-taking experience with this luxurious leather cover.

3. Blume Matcha + Chai Starter Kit: A delightful treat for her cozy moments.

4. Anti Aging Evening Skincare Set: Luxurious skincare for her well-deserved pampering sessions.

5. 15lb Bala Beam Workout Bar: Encourage her fitness journey with this innovative workout bar.

6. iPad Keyboard Case: A functional case for seamless work and creativity on her tablet.

7. 3 in 1 Wireless Charger: Keep her devices charged and organized with this sleek charger.

8. Photography Backdrops Kit: Enhance her photography game with professional backdrops.

9. TheraGun: Soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation with this muscle treatment tool.

10. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones: Immerse her in music with these premium noise-canceling headphones.

11. A5 Stalogy Notebook: A high-quality notebook for her thoughts, ideas, and creative sketches.

12. Solid State External Portable Hard Drive: Keep her important files safe with this reliable external hard drive.

13. Digital CEO Strategy Planner: Boost her productivity with this digital planner designed for CEOs.

14. Chain Link Apple Watch Band: Add elegance to her Apple Watch with this stylish band.

15. Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera: Capture life’s moments in stunning detail with this DSLR camera.

16. Leather Desk Pad: A sophisticated desk pad to add a touch of class to her workspace.

17. Casely Power Pod: Keep her smartphone charged on the move with this power pod.

18. Blue Podcast Equipment Bundle: Professional-grade audio equipment for her podcasting endeavors.

19. Collapsible Luggage: A practical and stylish piece of luggage for her travel adventures.

20. Newer 13″ LED Video Light Panel Lighting Kit: Illuminate her workspace with this LED lighting kit for video calls and content creation.

Make her holiday season brighter with these carefully curated gifts tailored to her entrepreneurial spirit.

Happy gifting!

Founder, Strange & Charmed 🌟

P.S. If you’re looking for more support in living your best, most organized and successful life, consider joining my inner circle private group coaching community called The Charmed Life Master Mind. Each month we meet for live classes, Q+As and monthly planning sessions, plus you have access to an on-demand resource library with dozens of classes, workbooks, planner inserts and other tools to help you craft the life you want to live. Click here to learn more and enroll today for instant access to all my best content and tools!

Functional Planning Habits + Routines High Vibe lifestyle Productivity

Well Planned & Productive Gift Guide for Busy and Ambitious Women

Well Planned & Productive Gift Guide for Busy and Ambitious Women: Elevate Your Productivity in Style!

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate the ambitious, go-getter women in your life than with gifts that enhance their productivity and add a touch of elegance to their daily routines? Whether they are entrepreneurs, professionals, or simply masters of multitasking, these thoughtful presents are designed to make their lives more organized, efficient, and stylish. Here’s a handpicked selection of 20 gifts that are sure to delight the busy and ambitious women in your circle:

1. 2024 Master Planner: A digital planner system to help them plan, prioritize, and achieve their goals in the upcoming year.

2. Mug Warmer: Keep their favorite beverages warm while they conquer their tasks.

3. Wireless Charging Mouse Pad: Charge their devices seamlessly while working with this multitasking mouse pad.

4. Cork Board: A stylish cork board to pin important notes, inspirations, and goals.

5. High Vibe Bible: Give the gift of a strong mindset with this 90 day manifestation journal.

6. Amazon Jeggings: Comfortable and versatile jeggings for a chic yet relaxed style.

7. Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine: Fuel their day with the perfect cup of coffee or espresso.

8. Functional Planning Handbook: A comprehensive guide to mastering functional planning techniques.

9. Hatch Alarm Clock: Wake up gently with this smart alarm clock that simulates sunrise.

10. White Board Dry Erase Sticker: Transform any surface into an erasable whiteboard for brainstorming and planning.

11. Apple Watch: Stay connected and organized with the latest Apple Watch, a perfect blend of style and functionality.

12. Multipurpose Storage Boxes: Keep their space clutter-free with these stylish and versatile storage boxes.

13. Shark Flexstyle: Make their morning beauty routine quick and easy with this easy to use hair styler.

14. Skintone Hanging Files: Organize important documents in style with these skintone hanging files.

15. Crock Pot: Prepare delicious and healthy meals with minimal effort using a high-quality crockpot.

16. Printer: A reliable printer for all their professional and creative needs.

17. Marshall Emberton Speaker: Enjoy their favorite tunes with this portable and stylish Bluetooth speaker.

18. Rotating Desk Organizer: Keep their workspace tidy and efficient with this sleek rotating desk organizer.

19. Simple Modern 40oz Water Bottle: Stay hydrated in style with this chic and functional water bottle.

20. Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo: Effortlessly maintain a clean home with this intelligent robot vacuum and mop combo.

This holiday season, empower the ambitious women in your life to conquer their goals with these well-planned and productivity-boosting gifts. Wrap up the essence of productivity, style, and functionality, and make their holiday season truly exceptional!

xoxo,

Founder, Strange & Charmed 🌟

P.S. If you’re looking for more support in living your best, most organized and successful life, consider joining my inner circle private group coaching community called The Charmed Life Master Mind. Each month we meet for live classes, Q+As and monthly planning sessions, plus you have access to an on-demand resource library with dozens of classes, workbooks, planner inserts and other tools to help you craft the life you want to live. Click here to learn more and enroll today for instant access to all my best content and tools!

lifestyle

My Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

My Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

This article was first published on Strange & Charmed on November 10th, 2014 and is being reposted because every year I use this post to help me with my Thanksgiving meal planning and prep. So, I wanted to refresh the post this year with some fresh graphics.

With Thanksgiving a few days away, I thought it would be nice if I shared with you all my favorite holiday recipes for dishes I will be serving at my Thanksgiving dinner this year! If you are looking for a new recipe or some inspiration for meal planning, hopefully this will help you discover a new dish!

Appetizers

Since I am hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year for my family, I like to have snacks and appetizers out before dinner for people to munch on while they watch tv and chat! My husband has requested shrimp cocktail this year as well as a plate of his favorite cured meats to go along with the baked brie I will be making as a hot appetizer. Baked brie is one of our favorites and I love it because its super easy to make, but it presents very, very well. This is the sort of appetizer that’s great to bring along to parties because you can prepare it ahead of time and once you arrive at the party you can heat it up in the oven for a few minutes!

Baked Brie
Image Via Pillsbury

Baked Brie

Ingredients

  • 1 piece of frozen puff pasty (thawed)
  • 1 package of brie cheese, round
  • 1/4 cup of preserves (apricot or raspberry work very nicely, but use whatever preserves you prefer, you can also omit this if you don’t like preserves!)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425. Lightly grease a baking sheet and place your thawed puff pastry upon it. In the center, place your brie (removed from packaging) and top with preserves (optional). Wrap the pastry up around your brie working in a single direction until the brie is covered completely by the pastry, ensuring there are no holes or cracks for cheese to spill out of. Bake in oven for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is fluffy and browned. Make sure to keep an eye on the cheese to make sure it’s not melting out of the pastry excessively (a little spillage is okay, but if rivers are flowing out, remove it immediately!) Let cheese stand 5 minutes once removed from the oven and then serve with your choice of crackers!

Side Dishes

For me, a great Thanksgiving meal is made by the side dishes! Although I am hosting a small gathering of family, I still like to have lots of options! We will have the traditional mashed potatoes, a salad, rolls of course, but two of our favorite sides are always Corn Bread Pudding and Sausage Stuffing!

Corn Bread Pudding
Image Via Tastebook

Corn Bread Pudding

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks of melted butter
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 16oz can of corn (do not drain)
  • 1 16oz can of creamed corn
  • 8oz sour cream
  • 1 box of Jiffy corn bread mix
  • 2 Tbsp sugar

Directions

Combine all ingredients adding the bread mix last, into a large mixing bowl. Bake in greased bowl or pan at 350 for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Should be a light golden brown on top. Let the pudding rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven!

Sausage Stuffing
Image Via McCormick

Sausage Stuffing

Ingredients

  • 1 16oz package of Jimmy Dean sausage (in the log style or use equivalent in Italian sausage style of your choice. I prefer the Jimmy Dean Sage Sausage, but that is just personal preference!)
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 Box of Stovetop Stuffing (or whichever stuffing recipe you prefer)
  • Additional Ingredients on stuffing mix box or your preferred style of stuffing!

Directions

In a large pan on the stove, heat oil and distribute on the pan on medium. Place sausage in the pan of heated oil and begin to break it up with a wooden spoon or similar utensil until the sausage is in crumbled, bite size pieces. Cook sausage until browned, drain excess oil and move sausage to the side while preparing your stuffing mix. Prepare stuffing as directed. Once stuffing is cooled, incorporate the cooked sausage and transfer to the serving dish of your choice.

My Turkey via Thanksgiving 2017

The Turkey

If I had to venture a guess, I would say that Turkey is probably the most popular type of meat served on Thanksgiving, however, I have been to several Thanksgiving dinners where it was served alongside a ham or even lamb. I will only be serving one meat option on Thanksgiving, because, let’s be honest, its hard enough to get one meat right on Thanksgiving and turkey is a difficult bird to master! I, however, believe I make one of the best turkeys… ever! I’m just gonna say it, my turkeys are good! They are super moist, filled with flavor and golden browned by the time they exit the oven! I think this has to do with the awesome recipe I developed based off this Alton Brown recipe!

Ingredients

  • 1 frozen Turkey (size doesn’t matter folks, but a rule of thumb is 2 lbs per person you’re feeding. I have made this recipe with a 16 lb turkey to a 23 lb turkey and they have all turned out great!)
  • 1-2 Apples
  • 1-2 Onions
  • Cinnamon (I prefer ground)
  • A few cups of water
  • 1-2 Cups of Apple Cider or Apple Juice
  • Sage (packaged seasoning is fine!)
  • Rosemary (again, stick to the stuff you have in your cupboard unless you really want fresh!)
  • A bulb of garlic
  • 1 stick of butter

Directions

Now, I just want to warn you, that for me, this is one of those recipes that is all about judgement calls. I don’t believe you can go wrong with anything except the cooking time, but just do what feels right!

2-4 Days before cooking, take your turkey out of the freezer and let it defrost in your fridge (the larger the turkey, the more time it needs, 4 days would play it safe, 3 is probably average, 2 days and I would worry about having some frozen innards still!

Day of cooking: Preheat your oven to 500 and make sure the racks of your oven are properly positioned to fit your turkey (there is nothing worse than having to mess with those once they are hot!) Remove the thawed turkey and place it in a completely clean sink (very important that your sink be as clean as possible and I would work with the turkey inside a large container of some sort as well)! Remove the turkey from the packaging and remove the neck and other misc innards from the cavity (if you have plans for those innards, put them aside, if not, toss them)! Rinse out the cavity with cool water to make sure there is no bits of ice or slush in there!

Place the turkey on a roasting rack that’s sitting inside a roasting pan. In a microwavable bowl, place an apple or two (chopped up), an onion (also chopped) mixed with a good amount of cinnamon and some apple juice/cider. This part is all eyeballing it! I like to make more than I think I need, because, trust me, this mixture will not go to waste, so maybe a good estimate is to make about 3-5 cups of this mixture! Cook it in the microwave for 5 minutes and you will start to smell all those lovely aromatics brewing together (that smell is what your turkey is going to taste like once this is all done)! Once that mixture is out of the microwave, spoon out the chunks of apple and onion into the cavity of the bird. Add additional apple and onion slices to fill the cavity if necessary!

Coat the skin of the turkey well with the canola oil. Take apart your bulb of garlic and skin each clove of garlic. Take your butter and cut it into multiple pieces. Then take a small knife and begin to cut deep slits strategically all over the bird. This part requires some thinking on your behalf as to where best to place these slits, because inside each slit you are going to place a pad of butter and a piece of garlic, which will then melt and soak into the meat of the bird. I probably make 1-2 slits on the legs, 1-2 on the wings, and 4-6 around the breast.

The last thing I do before I put the turkey into the oven is I like to put some water and a little bit of the aromatics liquid in the bottom of the pan (about an inch of liquid) along with any excess apples and onions I have chopped up already, and then I cover the turkey and the pan completely with aluminum foil!

Put this into the oven at 500 for 30 minutes.

When the 30 minutes is up, remove the turkey and the aluminum foil (gently, because you are going to put it back on loosely after this) and using the liquid from the aromatics mixture, baste the turkey! I also like to use a flavor injector to actually inject this juice mixture into the meat of the turkey as well, all over!

Lower the temperature on the oven to 350, recover the bird with foil, loosely, and put it back into the oven for the remainder of the cooking time! According to Alton Brown a 14-16 lb turkey needs 2- 2.5 hours of cooking time additional, but double-check that with the size of your turkey against this turkey cooking time-table (you can never be too careful)!

For the remainder of the time the turkey cooks, I like to remove it from the oven every 45 minutes to baste it and flavor inject it with the aromatics liquid! I do not count the time out of the oven as cooking time, I set my timer after the turkey is back in the oven! Also, as a note, during the last 30 minutes or so of cooking, I remove the foil from the bird completely, so that it can get that nice brown color and a crispy skin. You may notice that the skin of your bird may have lighter patches around areas that were sliced for the butter and garlic, and this is normal. You may also get streaking from the aromatics mixture because the skin of the turkey really only browns in areas that lack moisture, and you have been basting yours to keep the meat juicy.

Once the turkey is completely cooked and either the thermometer in the turkey has popped or your own food thermometer (always preferable) indicates an internal temperature of 161 for the turkey, you can remove it from the oven and let is rest for 15 minutes before carving.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about my favorite Thanksgiving recipes! Like I said, I will be making all these items and more this year! I would love to know what your favorite family recipes are and what you will be cooking up this Thanksgiving, so feel free to leave me a comment below! Also, if you use any of these recipes, I would love it if you took a picture and sent it to me on Instagram or Twitter! Happy cooking!

xoxo,

Founder, Strange & Charmed 🍂✨

P.S. If you’re looking for more support in living your best, most organized and successful life, consider joining my inner circle private group coaching community called The Charmed Life Master Mind. Each month we meet for live classes, Q+As and monthly planning sessions, plus you have access to an on-demand resource library with dozens of classes, workbooks, planner inserts and other tools to help you craft the life you want to live. Click here to learn more and enroll today for instant access to all my best content and tools!

Habits + Routines lifestyle Productivity

SEASONAL STRESS SURVIVAL GUIDE: Navigating the Holidays with Peace and Balance

SEASONAL STRESS SURVIVAL GUIDE: Navigating the Holidays with Peace and Balance

It’s November, and as the holiday season unfolds, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of festivities, responsibilities, and obligations. But fear not, for amidst the chaos, there are strategies to find tranquility and reclaim your peace of mind. Here’s your seasonal stress survival guide, designed to bring calm to the holiday storm.

 TIP 1: PRIORITIZE YOUR MENTAL PEACE OF MIND

The key to a serene holiday season lies in managing your mental capacity. Here are three strategies to help increase your mental resilience:

Strategy 1: Meditate for 30 minutes a day!

Meditation is a powerful tool for calming the mind and reducing stress. To get started, check out these meditation apps I recommend: [Top Meditation Apps for Finding Focus]

Strategy 2: Embrace Gratitude

A gratitude journal can transform your perspective. Consider using a weekly gratitude insert for your planner, available here: [Weekly Gratitude List (A5 Sized)]

Strategy 3: Brain Dump Regularly with Your Planner

Utilize your planner to unload your thoughts regularly. The Brilliant Ideas Inserts can be immensely helpful: [Brilliant Ideas Bundle (Printable PDF)]

TIP 2: GET AN IMMUNITY BOOST

The holiday season often brings joy and love, but it also invites germs and bacteria. Fortify your immune system with these simple steps:

Strategy 1: Get a Flu or Covid Shot

Consult your doctor about getting a flu or covid booster shot. Many health insurance providers cover it at low or no cost. Stay protected and keep those around you safe.

Strategy 2: Harness the Power of Essential Oils

Essential oils like Saje Wellness Fortify Oil can strengthen your immune system. However, it’s crucial to use them properly. Refer to this Essential Oil Resource Guide for guidance: [Essential Oil Resource Guide]

Strategy 3: Take a Daily Multivitamin

Speak to your healthcare provider about the right multivitamin for you. A daily multivitamin can fill nutritional gaps and support your overall health. I take a women’s multivitamin plus extra vitamin c each day to keep my immune system strong.

TIP 3: STOCK UP ON SHORTCUTS

Simplify your routine with these time-saving strategies:

Strategy 1: Embrace Crock Pot Meals

Discover delicious crock pot recipes to save time and effort. Check out my video for inspiration: [Crock Pot Recipe Video]. For more recipes, join me on Pinterest: [Misstrenchcoat on Pinterest]

Strategy 2: Quick Go-To Workout Routine

Stay active with a quick high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout. Here’s a routine to get you started: [HIIT Workout]

Strategy 3: Invest in Time-Saving Cleaning Tools

Efficient cleaning tools like a robo vacuum [Amazon Link] and a Swiffer Sweeper [Amazon Link] can lighten your cleaning workload. Plus, save money on Swiffer refills by using paper towel squares for quick cleanups.

By prioritizing your mental well-being, bolstering your immune system, and embracing shortcuts, you can navigate the holiday season with ease. Remember, amidst the hustle and bustle, your peace of mind is invaluable. Wishing you a stress-free and serene holiday season!

Warmly,

Founder, Strange & Charmed 🍂✨

P.S. If you’re looking for more support in living your best, most organized and successful life, consider joining my inner circle private group coaching community called The Charmed Life Master Mind. Each month we meet for live classes, Q+As and monthly planning sessions, plus you have access to an on-demand resource library with dozens of classes, workbooks, planner inserts and other tools to help you craft the life you want to live. Click here to learn more and enroll today for instant access to all my best content and tools!

Habits + Routines lifestyle organization

Elevate Your Everyday: Embracing the Power of Your Daily Uniform

Hello, Beautiful Souls!

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, streamlining our routines can be a game-changer. One area where this simplicity truly shines is in our wardrobes. Enter the concept of the daily uniform or outfit template – a sartorial lifesaver designed to not only save time but also enhance your confidence and style effortlessly.

What is a Daily Uniform?

A daily uniform, or outfit template, is a curated set of clothing that you feel comfortable and confident wearing. It’s not about wearing the same outfit every day but having a consistent style that reflects your personality. By defining your daily uniform, you create a go-to look that aligns with your vibe, making dressing a breeze every morning.

Time-Saving Elegance

One of the primary benefits of having a daily uniform is the gift of time. Imagine waking up, knowing exactly what you’re going to wear without the stress of choosing from a multitude of options. This streamlined approach leaves you with more time for your morning rituals, setting a positive tone for the day.

Confidence in Every Stitch

Your daily uniform becomes an armor of confidence. When you consistently wear outfits that make you feel fantastic, you exude a natural confidence that can transform your entire day. Whether you’re rocking a power suit or embracing the chic simplicity of a dress, your outfit can be a source of strength and self-assurance.

Banishing Decision Fatigue

Every decision we make throughout the day, no matter how trivial, depletes our mental energy. Simplifying your wardrobe choices minimizes decision fatigue, leaving your mind clear and focused for the tasks that truly matter.

Daily Uniform Workwear Ideas

*Now, let’s explore three versatile outfit templates for the empowered working woman:*

Outfit Template 1: Sleek Professionalism

– Bottoms: Classic slacks in neutral shades (black, navy, or gray).

– Top: Crisp blouse paired with a tailored blazer or a cozy cardigan.

– Shoes: Comfortable heels or elegant loafers.

– Accessories: Statement necklace, a quality watch, and a structured handbag.

*Pro Tip:* Play with textures and patterns. A silk blouse can contrast beautifully with a textured blazer, adding depth to your ensemble.

Outfit Template 2: Cozy Elegance

– Bottoms: Fitted skirt (pencil or A-line) in a complementary color.

– Top: Chunky knit sweater in warm hues or neutral tones.

– Shoes: Knee-high boots or ankle booties.

– Accessories: Long pendant necklace, statement earrings, and a chic tote bag.

*Pro Tip:* Experiment with color blocking. Pair a bold, solid-colored sweater with a subtly patterned skirt for a sophisticated look.

Outfit Template 3: Effortless Charm

– Dress: A versatile, well-fitted dress in a style that flatters your body shape.

– Tights: Choose opaque or patterned tights depending on the season and your preference.

– Shoes: Ankle boots, flats, or heels, depending on your comfort.

– Accessories: Minimalistic bracelet, stud earrings, and a crossbody bag.

*Pro Tip:* Embrace monochromatic dressing. Opt for a dress and tights in similar shades to create a chic, elongated silhouette.

By building your wardrobe around these outfit templates, you’re not only saving time but also investing in your confidence and self-expression. Remember, your daily uniform is a canvas; accessorize, play with colors, and have fun expressing your unique style within the template. When you look and feel your best every day, the world becomes your runway.

Here’s to embracing the simplicity of a daily uniform and stepping into every day with poise and style.

With Love and Style,

Founder, Strange & Charmed 🌟

P.S. If you’re looking for more support in living your best, most organized and successful life, consider joining my inner circle private group coaching community called The Charmed Life Master Mind. Each month we meet for live classes, Q+As and monthly planning sessions, plus you have access to an on-demand resource library with dozens of classes, workbooks, planner inserts and other tools to help you craft the life you want to live. Click here to learn more and enroll today for instant access to all my best content and tools!

High Vibe lifestyle Mindset

Embrace the Harvest: Cultivating Balance and Renewal in the Autumn of Life

Hello, Beloved Community!

As the vibrant hues of autumn paint the world around us, nature whispers a profound truth: this is the season of harvest. In the same way trees gracefully shed their leaves, we too can release the burdens of the past and focus on the bountiful harvest of our efforts. The fall season serves as a poignant reminder that life operates in cycles, and now is our time to reap the results of the seeds we sowed in the earlier chapters of the year.

Embracing the Harvest

Consider this moment a pause, a chance to reflect on the journey so far. Every goal achieved, every hurdle overcome, and every lesson learned is a testament to your resilience and determination. Just like a farmer tending to their crops, you have nurtured your dreams and aspirations. Now, it’s time to acknowledge and celebrate the abundance you’ve cultivated.

Letting Go

Much like the trees gracefully release their leaves, it’s time for us to let go of what no longer serves us. Just as nature sheds its weight to prepare for renewal, we too can release the unnecessary expectations and burdens that weigh us down. Acknowledge that it’s okay to let certain things go – whether they are unattainable goals or external pressures. The true essence of autumn lies in surrender, paving the way for new growth in the future.

Prioritizing Your Focus

Autumn teaches us the art of prioritization. Just as nature sheds its leaves but retains its core strength, we too can focus on what truly matters. Take a moment to identify the key areas of your life – your relationships, your passions, your well-being. These are the roots that sustain you. Nurture them. Pour your energy into the people and pursuits that bring you genuine joy and fulfillment.

Finding Balance

In the pursuit of balance, understand that it’s okay to relinquish control over things beyond your reach. Autumn is a season of acceptance, of acknowledging the natural ebb and flow of life. As you release the need for perfection, you create space for serenity. Balance isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing what matters most with unwavering focus and intention.

Renewal Awaits

As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, remember that within this natural cycle of life lies the promise of renewal. The energy you invest in what truly matters will bear fruit, fostering new growth and opportunities. By embracing the harvest, you not only honor your past efforts but also set the stage for a vibrant, fulfilling future.

Dear friends, as you stand amidst the golden tapestry of autumn, let this season be a gentle reminder that you are enough as you are. Your worth isn’t determined by the unrelenting pursuit of perfection, but by the love you give, the passions you pursue, and the authenticity you embody.

With a heart full of gratitude for the journey we share,

Founder, Strange & Charmed 🍂✨

P.S. If you’re looking for more support in living your best, most organized and successful life, consider joining my inner circle private group coaching community called The Charmed Life Master Mind. Each month we meet for live classes, Q+As and monthly planning sessions, plus you have access to an on-demand resource library with dozens of classes, workbooks, planner inserts and other tools to help you craft the life you want to live. Click here to learn more and enroll today for instant access to all my best content and tools!