• Home
  • Blog
    • Lifestyle
      • Home
      • Recipes
      • Seasonal
        • Spring
        • Summer
        • Fall
        • Winter
    • Style & Beauty
    • Travel
    • Disney & Universal
  • Meet Shannon
  • Shop Devine Fairytale
  • Vacation Planning Services
  • Contact
    • Work with Devine Fairytale
  • Codes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Independent Travel Agent with Academy Travel

Categories: Lifestyle

6 Ways to Simplify Your Life

Are you looking for ways to simplify your life?  If so, you’re not alone. In today’s crazy world, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the things we have to do and keep track of. You are not alone in feeling overwhelmed. In fact, most of the world feels overwhelmed with their life, but there is a solution! How do you simplify your life? Let’s get started on figuring that out! 

Writing with Sharpie on different color post it notes - ways to simplify your life

Ways to Simplify Your Life

Below are six ways that you can begin to simplify your life. These are the perfect first steps to start your journey to live a simpler life. If you’re looking for ways to make your life easier, this is the list you need.

1. Leave Open Space in Your Calendar

One of the most important ways to simplify your life is to leave some open space in your calendar. We often fill up our days with so many activities and commitments that we don’t have any time left for ourselves. If you find that your calendar is always full, try leaving some free time each week for yourself. This will give you time to relax and do things that you enjoy, without feeling like you’re always on the go. This tip will help you learn how to drastically simplify your life!

2. Make a List of Your Priorities

Another way to simplify your life is to make a list of your priorities. What are the most important things in your life? Make sure that you focus on these things first, and don’t let other less important things get in the way. This will help you to stay focused and keep your life in perspective. Put these items on your calendar first and don’t budge on your commitment to them.

3. Learn to Say No

One of the hardest things to do is learn to say no, but it’s one of the most important things you can do if you want to simplify your life. We often take on too much because we don’t want to disappoint others. I have started to get better at this over the last couple of years because my plate was just too full. If you’re always saying yes to things, you’ll quickly feel it! Learning to say no will help you to focus on what’s really important in your life and avoid burnout.

4. Gain Control of Your Time

One of the best ways to simplify your life is to gain control of your time. Time is one of the most precious commodities we have, and it’s important to use it wisely. There are a number of ways to do this, including setting aside specific times for certain tasks and making a schedule. I use a timer for specific tasks throughout my day to really focus on my priorities and eliminate distractions.

5. Delegate and Let Go

Another way to simplify your life is to delegate and let go of some things. We can’t do everything ourselves, and trying to do so will only make us feel overwhelmed. Instead, learn to delegate tasks to others and let go of things that you can’t control. This will help you to truly focus on simplifying your life and working on those tasks that can only be done by you. 

6. Trial and Error

As you try and simplify your life,  you’ll likely find that some things work for you and others don’t. That’s okay! Everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. The important thing is to keep trying different things that will help you simplify your life and make it easier. Always be open to new ideas!

Looking to simplify your life in 30 days? Every year in January, Emily Ley hosts a Simplicity Challenge with one small actionable step each day to help you really move the needle and start the year on your best foot. Follow along on Instagram if you want to join in or view the whole list in her blog post. Here’s how to simplify your life in 30 days!

These are just a few of the ways you can simplify your life. By making some simple changes, you can declutter your life and make it more manageable. You’ll find that there are easy ways make your life easier and simpler, you just need to get started! 

Categories: Lifestyle, Style & Beauty

Tips for Shopping the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale

I love the bright fun colors and patterns that are synonymous with the Lilly Pulitzer brand. While the items can be a bit pricey, there are typically two times each year that hundreds of their pieces go on sale – some up to 70% off! This sale was previously known as the After Party Sale, but has been renamed the Sunshine Sale in recent years. During these sales, I have been able to grow my Lilly collection with some of my favorite pieces at great prices. The best pieces sell out quickly so read my tips below for a better chance of getting your favorites during the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale!

Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale Graphic

When is the Next Sunshine Sale?

January 5-6, 2023 Online at 8:00 am EST

Select signature stores will also have sale items January 3-6, 2023. Call your local store to find out if they will have Sunshine Sale items available.

Click here to shop the Sunshine Sale!

Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale Blue Pattern Wallpaper with female in pink tank dress
Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale Blog female in blue pattern tank on Peoplemover at Magic Kingdom

How to Shop the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale

Set up an account on the Lilly Pulitzer website ahead of time and save your payment information so you don’t waste any time doing this at checkout.

There will be a virtual queue for you to join in order to shop the sale. I try to have the site pulled up at least 10 minutes prior to the opening and then refresh right before the start time. If you have multiple devices available to use, it’s helpful to have options to see which one gets you in first. Login to the app on your phone or tablet ahead of time so you’re ready to go!

Once you are in the virtual queue, DON’T refresh or you’ll lose your place.

If there is something you REALLY want, checkout right away. Simply having items in your cart does not guarantee that they will still be there when you go to checkout.

Filter the items by your sizes so that you are only seeing items that will fit.

Remember, all sales are final so you won’t be able to return anything from the sale.

Due to the high volume of orders, sometimes it can take up to 6 weeks to receive your items. I will say, the items I ordered during the last sale (September 2022) were shipped within a few days – I was shocked. Also note, items may come in multiple shipments even if you only placed a single order.

Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale Blog female in short sleeve top at Disney's Riviera Resort
Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale Blog female in pink patterned tank with Minnie mouse ears in front of Cinderella's Castle at Disney

What Items Will Be On Sale

While we don’t know exactly what items will be on sale ahead of time, there are several items I always buy. I typically stock up on basics like the Etta top, Essie tank, Elsa silk top, popovers, and Buttercup shorts. There are usually several dress styles on sale too.

Some items to shop during this upcoming sale:

  • Adalee Shift $59 originally $198
  • Grace Dress $74 originally $258
  • Saige Silk Top $69 originally $188
  • Ferrara Sweater $39 originally $138
  • Caroline Top $54 originally $158

It’s also a great time to stock up on accessories and notebooks too.

Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale Blog Lilly Pulitzer x Disney pattern hat on female
Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale Blog female in blue patterned tank at Yellowstone National Park

Other Sale Tips

Try on several different Lilly Pulitzer items in a store so you know your sizing ahead of time, especially if shopping for Lilly is new to you. Certain styles require sizing up or down depending on the fit. If you can’t make it to a store ahead of time, you can view the sizing guide online.

Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale Blog Lilly Pulitzer store at Disney Springs dressing room
Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale Blog Lilly Pulitzer store display

They will likely be adding new sale items around 8:00 am EST on Thursday January 6th as well. Be sure to check back!

Throughout the year, if there are Lilly items you love but don’t buy, you can save them to their favorites list under your account. Check your list when the sale starts and add anything on sale to your cart right away.

Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale Blog female in front of Lilly Pulitzer store at Disney Springs

Good luck shopping, I hope you get something special to add to your collection!

Categories: Lifestyle

10 Helpful Self Care Ideas Anyone Can Use

Sometimes we get so busy with all of the day to day tasks that the last person we take care of…is ourselves. When you fly and the flight attendants are going over the safety instructions, they tell you to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others; it’s the perfect example. You can’t be helpful to others if you are so burnt out that you can’t take care of yourself. Take some time, schedule it on your calendar like any other appointment if you have to, each week to give yourself what you need to be your best self.

Bath Salts and Candle Set Up for Spa Bath Self Care

What is Self Care?

Self care is anything we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s often thought of as something we do for ourselves, self care can and should also be used to nurture our relationships with others.

Self Care Ideas

Self care is important because it helps us to stay healthy both physically and mentally. When we take care of ourselves, we are better able to take care of others and meet the demands of our everyday lives. There are many different self care ideas, but some of the most common are included below.

Eat a Healthy Diet

This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Try your best to limit sugary, fatty, or processed foods. Eating a healthy diet helps your body perform and feel its best. Give your body the fuel it needs!

Get Enough Exercise

Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety. If you don’t like to exercise, try going on walks and getting outside. You may actually find that you enjoy walking and getting fresh air! If you need something short and sweet, the Peloton app has a wide variety of different short workouts to stream even if you don’t have a bike.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Sleep is important for our physical and mental wellbeing. When we don’t get enough sleep, we are more likely to feel stressed and anxious. If you start getting enough sleep, you will start to see a positive change in yourself.

Take Breaks

When we feel overwhelmed or stressed, it can be helpful to take a break from whatever we are doing. This could mean taking a few minutes to yourself during a busy day or taking a vacation from work or school. Sometimes you don’t even know how big of a break you need until you take one.

Spend Time with Loved Ones

Spending time with people who make us feel good can help to reduce stress and improve our mood. On the same token, it’s important to avoid people that stress you out and make things harder for you. Sometimes the best self care you can give yourself is surrounding yourself with positive people that bring joy to your life!

Do Something You Enjoy

Doing things that make us happy can help us to relax and feel more positive. This could include activities such as reading, listening to music, or taking a nature walk. Maybe it’s making a delicious latte and enjoying some quiet time. If you don’t have any activities that you enjoy, it’s okay to seek out new activities and experiences to see what you enjoy doing. There are free self care ideas out there! 

Practice Relaxation Techniques

There are many different relaxation techniques that can help to reduce stress and promote feelings of calm. Some common techniques include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization. The Calm app has some guided meditations for different situations and is really helpful for beginners to use in practicing mindfulness.

Pamper Yourself

Whether it’s relaxing in a bath or getting a pedicure, take some time to take care of you. If there’s something that you enjoy doing and you continuously put it off, now is the time to do it even if it’s just for an hour. A little bit of time to recharge and relax can do wonders for our mental health.

Remove Negativity

If there are people you are always comparing yourself to or others that are constantly negative, remove them from your life (or at least limit your interactions as much as possible). These things can really weigh on us and make us feel miserable. You don’t need that in your life. Make more space for people who lift you up, support you, and bring positivity to your life.

Seek Professional Help  

If we are struggling to cope with stress or anxiety, it can be helpful to seek professional help. A therapist can provide support and guidance to help us manage our symptoms. Sometimes the best self care you can give yourself is seeing a therapist! This is one of my favorite self care ideas for mental health. 

Now that you know what self care is and what you can do to receive it, you should put some of these ideas into action. The next time you’re feeling stressed or overworked, consider some of these self care ideas to recharge your batteries and feel rejuvenated. Self care can look different for everyone, so make sure to take the time to figure out what works best for you.

Categories: Lifestyle

Goal Planner for the New Year

Goal Planner Blank Notebook with Confetti

With the New Year just around the corner, it’s time to start planning for 2023. Setting goals and making plans is essential for achieving success in the new year, so why not make things easier on yourself? A goal planner can help you stay organized and motivated to achieve your goals. Let’s take a look at why a goal planner is so beneficial. Cheers to learning about goal setting in the New Year! 

What is a Goal Planner?

A goal planner is a tool that helps you organize and track your goals for the new year. It typically consists of templates for setting goals, planning out timelines, tracking progress, and more. You’ll be able to view your progress throughout the year to make sure you’re staying on track to meet your goals.

Why is it Important to Use a Goal Planner?

There are many benefits to using a goal planner in the new year. First, it can help you stay focused and motivated to achieve your goals. With a structured plan in place, you can break your goals down into more manageable steps, rather than feeling overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done. You’ll be able to plan out your action steps in one place and check in with yourself each month.

Setting Goals & Breaking Them Down into Smaller Steps

The first step to accomplishing any goal is setting one in the first place! A goal planner is great for this because it provides an easy-to-use format that allows you to clearly define your goals and break them down into smaller steps. Be sure that you are setting specific goals that can be measured, otherwise, you really won’t be able to track your progress. Using a goal planner worksheet makes it easier to stay focused on what needs to be done, and it helps you stay motivated as you move closer and closer towards crushing your goals!

Tracking Progress & Making Adjustments

A goal planner also provides an easy way to keep track of your progress. By tracking progress over time, you can identify areas where adjustments need to be made or where any additional focus should be placed. This allows you to reset your goals if needed and make a pivot so that they remain realistic and achievable.

Saving Time & Reducing Stress

A goal planner saves time because it eliminates the need to manually track progress or constantly reset goals due to shifting priorities or changing circumstances. Life happens and things change. Using a planner to keep track of your goals reduces stress by taking away some of the burden of having to remember when or what needs to be done next. Plus, with everything already laid out in front of you, there’s less room for error or getting off-track from your plans!

Helping You Stick to A Plan with Accountability

In addition to all of these benefits, a goal planner is also great for staying accountable. Whether you’re using your planner with a friend or on your own, it can help keep you committed and motivated to achieve your goals. Schedule check-ins either monthly or quarterly to make sure you are moving in the right direction.

What’s included in this Goal Planner?

  • 2023 Bucket List
  • Hello, New Year (a sheet to help you plan)
  • Daily Goals
  • Monthly Goals
  • Quarterly Goals
  • Habit Master List
  • Goal Master List
  • Project Planning Sheet
  • Year in Review Questions
  • Bright Spots for Each Month

A goal planner can make all the difference when trying to achieve something big! It helps break down complex tasks into smaller steps, tracks progress over time, and saves time by reducing manual tracking efforts, all of which result in reduced stress levels so that you can focus more energy on reaching those goals!

Categories: Lifestyle, Seasonal, Winter

Highly Rated Sparkling Wines to Pop on New Year’s Eve

NYE sparkling wines champagne ABC Fine Wines and Spirits

Sparkling wine is a New Year’s Eve essential, full stop. It’s the ultimate celebratory drink to pop and pour as you welcome the coming year. Whether you’re celebrating with your closest friends, family members or a few thousand strangers in Times Square – raising a glass of bubbly is a must.

But before you go sleuthing through wine shelves for the best sparkling wine, consider this – there are thousands of different labels and styles out there. How do you find the best wine for your New Year’s Eve festivities?

Thankfully, our friends at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits have taken the guesswork out of your shopping this year. They polled their team of wine experts to pin down the best bubbly picks for your New Year’s Eve bash. Check out these top 90+ rated sparkling wine selections for New Year’s Eve toasting, sipping and celebrating.

Charles Heidsieck Brut Rosé Réserve

: Charles Heidsieck Brut Rosé Réserve

ABC’s wine experts started out strong and swanky with their first New Year’s Eve pick: Charles Heidsieck Brut Rosé Réserve is one of the most awarded Champagnes in the world. The label has earned over 20 industry medals since 2012 and pulled a 97 rating from Decanter. This wine is the pick for New Year’s Eve.

If the ratings and recognitions don’t impress you, the flavors and mouthfeel will. This reserve rosé is rooted in Reims Champagne-making tradition and expresses with a trio of ripe berries and whipped cream on the palate. The extended aging helps produce a delicate, yet lively effervescence, resulting in an elegant, voluptuous Champagne.

Charles Mignon Cuvée Comte de Marne Grand Cru Brut Champagne

Charles Mignon’s Grand Cru Brut Champagne

Next on the list, the experts opted for a Grand Cru selection for celebratory sipping. This designation, meaning “great growth,” indicates the highest quality terroir and promises a sensational drinking experience. A Grand Cru wine is vinified from grapes grown in the most ideal conditions, from the amount of sunlight to the age of vines and the depth of the roots, along with strict growing and fermenting practices. All environmental elements must be in harmony to earn this sought-after status and the wine must also pass a 20-point blind tasting quality test.

Charles Mignon’s Grand Cru Brut Champagne is a striking representation of this recognition with a rich texture, delicate flavor and crisp finish. This prestigious (93 points from Wine Enthusiast) Champagne is a black-tie choice for your evening.

Haton Noble Vintage Brut Champagne

Haton Noble Vintage Brut Champagne

Wine expert Janessa Schuster revealed that all of ABC’s knowledgeable wine experts, herself included, concur that you won’t find a better vintage Champagne for under $50 than Haton Noble Vintage Brut Champagne.

She added that Haton is a value vintage Champagne that doesn’t compromise on quality or integrity. Haton is a famed and family-run Champagne house in the Marne Valley of France. If you geek out over wine regions, this is a name to drink, Janessa shared. You’ll find peach, apricot and plum aromas that lead to dry fruits and almond on the palate. The quality for the price point is phenomenal. A must-pop for New Year’s Eve!

Moutard Cuvée des 6 Cépage Limited Edition

Moutard Cuvée des 6 Cépage Limited Edition

This wine could make the list for its exquisite golden bottle alone, but the juice inside is also unparalleled. Beyond the aesthetics, the Champagne itself is one-of-a-kind, which makes it an ideal choice for midnight toasting. It is made with six grapes (versus the traditional three) and uses two almost extinct varieties: petit meslier and arbane. These rare grapes contribute to the Champagne’s complexity which many other producers have tried to recreate with their own cuvées. Imitation truly is the best form of flattery!

Veuve Ambal Crémant de Bourgogne Brut

Veuve Ambal Crémant de Bourgogne Brut

The first sparkling wine selection on the list is an absolute stunner. Veuve’s Crémant de Bourgogne Brut is not only highly-rated, but value-driven. This is the perfect label to purchase if you need several bottles for your New Year’s Eve fun.

Sparkling wines produced outside of the region of Champagne are known as Crémant wines and are labeled by region. Crémant de Bourgogne sparkling wines are the most like true Champagne and boast aromas of apple, grapefruit and pear. They are made from the same grapes, grown in closest proximity to Champagne, and vinified using the same fermentation methods while costing less. Janessa shares that no bottle of Champagne is going to be less than $30, but you can find a comparable Crémant under that price point.

If you are looking to save on several bottles – Veuve Ambal is fruity, floral and a fantastic choice to fill your flutes.

Cleto Chiarli Vecchia Modena Lambrusco

Cleto Chiarli Vecchia Modena Lambrusco

The experts had to include a wild card in honor of 2023. Let’s hope it brings the best for us all!

This lambrusco is distinctive in flavor, fizz and bottling. Unlike traditional lambrusco, which is sweet, Cleto Chiarli’s wine is very dry. It is a red frizzante (semi-sparkling wine) and vinified entirely from the Lambrusco di Sorbana grape. Janessa shares that this wine is a personal favorite of hers and that it brings a bright, Rainier cherry flavor.

The dark glass and unique metal closure add to the wine’s character as well. This label is lovely and offers a unique drinking experience if you are looking to pop something different this New Year’s Eve. Just remember that this non-conventional closure is best popped with a butter knife. Don’t let the clip intimidate you; it is so worth it!

Collalto Prosecco Superior Brut

Collalto Prosecco Superior Brut

Collalto’s Italian prosecco is a crowd-pleasing sparkling wine styled for celebration. It’s well-balanced and the bubbles are light, but plentiful—just right for toasting to upcoming prosperities.

This sparkling wine is made in Conegliano Valdobbiadene, the most recognized and revered prosecco producing region in the world. There, the land and winemaking practices are honored, and that care is reflected in the quality of the wine. It’s an easy sipping sparkler made with 100% Glera grapes with a light body and crisp finish. Each bottle is full of tiny bubbles, giving it a delicate mouthfeel that’ll make you want to pop a second bottle.

Graham Beck Brut Rosé

Graham Beck Brut Rosé

This next pick captures that feeling of anticipation that only a new year can bring. Graham Beck Brut Rosé is fresh, lively and invigorating. The experts share that it can easily stand toe-to-toe with any Champagne thanks to the extended time the wine spends on the lees, resulting in a richness in flavor and added complexity.

Despite it being in a dark glass bottle, this wine is a beautiful, blush pink color. The Graham Beck Brut Rosé delivers subtle crushed red berry flavors, livened by acidity. It’s brisk, yet delicate on the palate, making it the ideal wine to sip as the clock ticks toward midnight.

Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée

Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée

This 100% pinot noir Champagne is the budget bottle you’ll want to toast with, especially if you are popping bottles on the hour, by the hour. Moutard’s Grande Cuvée has been eagerly received with a 91-rating from Wine Spectator. Janessa shares that this Champagne is made in a style that is extremely palatable and offers easy sipping flavors to pour for all your friends. It has a zippy acidity with flavors of apple, citrus and spice. This wine has the profile of a pricey bottle at a party-friendly price.

Treveri Blanc de Blanc Brut

Treveri Blanc de Blanc Brut

Treveri Cellars rounds out the list with a dynamic wine from Yakami Valley, Washington. Treveri does one thing, and they do it very well: sparkling wine. Their blanc de blanc is one of their most acclaimed selections and a value choice for celebrating with intriguing flavors of citrus and spice. This family-run sparkling house is guided by a husband and wife team who specialize in sparkling winemaking. Their wines are a smart grab if you are looking for both quality and affordability.

Ready to get the best bubbly before the ball drop? Visit your local ABC store to grab some of these highly-rated sparkling picks or shop their full selection of Champagne and sparkling wines online.

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • …
  • 13
  • Next Page »

Search

Meet Shannon

Devine Fairytale Brand Image
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Devine Fairytale Vacation Planning Services

Blog Archive

Copyright © 2023 · Theme by Blog Pixie

 

Loading Comments...