Uplifting words: 15 motivational quotes to brighten up your day

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"Always remember you matter, you're important and you are loved, and you bring to this world things no one else can."

(Charlie Mackesy)

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I've always liked motivational, inspirational quotes. They can always cheer me up somehow, and that's why I decided to collect my favorites here today. That way, not only me but everyone else can come back here in our not-so-happy moments and find inspiration. Hopefully they'll brighten your day too.

These quotes also have something to do with my previous post about bullet journaling. Pick your favorites and add them to your journal to always have them on hand and remember the wise words.

1. "Nothing is impossible. The word itself says: I'm possible!"

(Audrey Hepburn)

2. "Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you."

(Walt Whitman)

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3. "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."

(C.S. Lewis)

4. "Believe you can and you're halfway there."

(Theodore Roosevelt)

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5. "It is never too late to be what you might have been."

(George Eliot)

6. "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud."

(Maya Angelou)

7. "Just believe in yourself. Even if you don't just pretend that you do and, at some point, you will."

(Venus Williams)

8. "It always seems impossible until it's done."

(Nelson Mandela)

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9. "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."

(Confucius)

10. "Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better."

(Samuel Beckett)

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11. "If you can dream it, you can do it."

(Walt Disney)

12. "There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self."

(Aldous Huxley)

13. "Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree."

(Martin Luther)

14. "Don't count the days, make the days count."

(Muhammad Ali)

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15. "We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone."

(Ronald Reagan)

With best wishes,

E

Bullet journal tips for mastering continuity

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"Keeping a journal of our thoughts, experiences, insights, and learnings promotes mental clarity, exactness, and context."

(Stephen R. Covey)

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I had a (bullet) journal for many, many years. It was my own style, I wrote important dates in there, sometimes to-do lists, what I bought, how much the bills were, what happened to me or my plans and statistics for my blog - depending on my mood.

Then a few years ago I just stopped because of heavy workload (and last year, also busy life). I've tried to start again a few times since then, but it's only been a few days where I've kept going, even though I've missed it.

This year I started again, and reflected back on what stopped me before. Here are my tips that have helped me to keep going this time. I hope they are useful for you too.

✨ 1. Perfection is not necessary: Remember that your bullet journal doesn't have to be perfect. It's your personal tool for organization and reflection, so embrace imperfections and don't worry about trying to make everything flawless.

✨ 2. No pressure to write every day: Bullet journaling doesn't require daily entries. You can use it as often or as infrequently as you like. Feel free to skip days without feeling guilty and only write when you feel you need to.

✨ 3. Drawings are optional: Although many bullet journals include doodles and artwork, this is not a requirement. If you don't like drawing or feel overwhelmed by it, keep it simple with minimal or no illustrations. The main focus is on functionality and organization.

✨ 4. Customize it to your needs: Design your bullet journal to fit your preferences and lifestyle. Customize it to your specific needs, whether it includes habits, gratitude, to-do lists, financial planning or anything else. Your journal should support and enhance your daily routine.

Remember, it's all about making your (bullet) journal work for you. There are no hard and fast rules; it's all about finding a way that helps you stay organized, focused and feeling your best.

You can buy ready-made journals and planners, but this year I simply took a small blank notebook from my shelf. It's not perfect, but it doesn't have to be. - If you need some inspiration on how to fill the pages, there are lots of pictures on Pinterest and videos on YouTube, just type in "bullet journal".

Do you also have a journal, planner or similar? If so, do you have any other tips on how to do it regularly? Feel free to comment them below.

With best wishes,

E

6 simple tips for improving work-life balance in the New Year

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"Never get so busy making a living, that you forget to make a life."

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I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, but this time I did: I promised myself to have a better work-life balance in 2024.

Last year, I found myself constantly working overtime or not taking breaks and neglecting my personal time. So towards the end of last year, I started making a conscious effort to find a better balance.

This resolution has a huge impact, improving not only mental but also physical health and leading to an increase in overall wellbeing and happiness. By focusing on maintaining a healthy balance, this year can lead to a more fulfilling and enriched life.

If you too would like to achieve better harmony, here are some tips for an improved work-life balance:

✨ 1. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Set specific working hours and stick to them. Avoid working outside of the defined hours and - depending on your job - checking work emails or calls.

✨ 2. Prioritize and delegate: Learn to prioritize tasks effectively and delegate them when necessary and possible. Identify the most important tasks and focus on completing them efficiently.

✨ 3. Take breaks and rest: Make sure you take regular breaks throughout the working day. Step away from your desk, stretch, take a short walk and refresh your mind. Also try not to eat your lunch in front of the computer. Additionally, ensure that you get enough sleep every night and when you are on vacation, stop thinking about work and recharge your batteries.

✨ 4. Plan and organize: Plan your days and weeks in advance so you don't find yourself rushing at the last minute. Set realistic goals and create to-do lists to stay organized. This will help you to reduce stress.

✨ 5. Learn to say no: It's important that you learn to say no when your agenda is already full. Taking on too much can lead to burnout and negatively impact your work-life balance. Prioritize your own well-being and be selective about additional commitments.

✨ 6. Engage in self-care activities: Make time for activities that help you relax and de-stress. Whether it's playing sports, pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones or engaging in other personal interests, make sure you take time for yourself and enjoy the process.

Remember that work-life balance is a long journey and it may take some trial and error to find what works best for you. Be patient and persistent in implementing these tips to achieve a healthier balance in the long run.

How do you maintain balance in your life? If you have any other tips, leave them in a comment below.

I wish you a great journey. 💕

With best wishes,

E

Start the year with a smile: New Year's word search

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"We all get the exact same 365 days. The only difference is what we do with them."

(Hillary DePiano)

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First of all, happy New Year, may 2024 be filled with love, health and happy moments. ✨

Let's start the new year with a little game. I saw this type of word search many, many years ago and liked it very much, therefore I thought I would share one with you this year. I just googled it and found the one from NCCC Cinemas to be the best.

What are the first three words you see? - Comment them below, I am looking forward to reading them. 

PS, mine were marriage, career and dance.

With all best wishes for 2024,

E

15 Christmas quotes that will warm your heart

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"Believe in the magic of Christmas."

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This year is special as the 4th day of Advent falls on Christmas Eve.

I would like to wish you a merry Christmas and happy holidays with this list of quotes. May the festive season be filled with love, laughter, happy memories and delicious food.

Merry Christmas, happy holidays! ✨

1. "Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling."

(Edna Ferber)

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2. "At Christmas, all roads lead home."

(Marjorie Holmes)

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3. "Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."

(Norman Vincent Peale)

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4. "It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving."

(Mother Theresa)

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5. "Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends."

(Margaret Thatcher)

6. "Christmas is a togethery sort of holiday" said Pooh "Thats my favorite kind" said Piglet, "Togethery and Remembery."

(A. A. Milne)

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7. "If you want to experience the true meaning of Christmas, give something to someone who can offer nothing in return."

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8. "I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."

(Charles Dickens)

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9. "The smells of Christmas are the smells of childhood."

(Richard Paul Evans)

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10. "I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month."

(Harlan Miller)

11. "Christmas is not an external event at all, but a piece of one's home that one carries in one's heart."

(Freya Stark)

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12. "He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree."

(Roy L. Smith)

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13. "As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December's bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same."

(Donald E. Westlake)

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14. "To celebrate the heart of Christmas is to forget ourselves in the service of others."

(Henry C. Link)

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15. "We should try to hold on to the Christmas spirit, not just one day a year, but all 365."

(Mary Martin)

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Lots of love,

E

Happy December

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"We are like a snowflake. All different in our own beautiful way."

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I knew that today would already be the first of December, but somehow I only realized in the morning that it also means that the first day of the opening of the Advent calendar is also here and that means that there are only 24 days left until Christmas. This also means that the time for coziness and Christmas decorations has officially arrived.

I've been browsing the internet and would like to share some inspiration with you in the form of decorations, clothes and quotes and at the end of the post there are also a few links to old DIY's from the blog.

Be inspired and have a great start to December. 😊

"One kind word can warm three winter months."

Source: Ikea

Source: Primark

"Winter is not a season. It is a celebration."

Source: Ikea

Source: Sinsay

"Flowers grow back even after the harshest winters. You will, too."

Source: Primark

Source: Primark

"A snowflake is winter's butterfly."

Check out these DIY's too:

* P&P style made... a Magazine Star Ornament *

* P&P style made... a Paper-Snowman *

* P&P style made... a Paper-Fir tree *

Lots of love,

E

Celebrating 95 years of magic

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"The more you like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique." (Walt Disney)

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This is Mickey Mouse, but I don't think I need to introduce him, everyone knows who he is.

Well believe it or not, this little mouse is celebrating his 95th birthday today and he seems to know the secret to staying forever young.

For this special occasion, I checked out Primark's website to see what lovely pieces they currently have on offer and they are simply amazing. Below I've listed some of my favourites, but I've also linked to previous selections if you would like further inspiration and information.

All pictures are from the Primark website, but availability of items may vary in different countries.

I am curious to know which are your favourites. :)

If you liked this post, you might be interested in these too:

* Happy birthday, Mickey Mouse! *

* Little mouse, Mickey Mouse *

* A gift guide for every Disney-Lover *

Have a lovely weekend with full of magic. ✨

Lots of love,

E