2018 / ann of april

Intentions for November

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  • Wednesday, 7 November 2018

 

It's officially the New moon phase now (yes, I'm feeling slightly into these moony things hah) so it may be the perfect time to set new intentions for upcoming months.

It may sound quite silly but I've just recently realized that I've always tried to set goals for the month or week but it's not always an easy task and by the way not a pleasant activity for me at all ‘cause I always keep in my mind that fact that not everything depends on me and my actions. And if it's unpredictable in its core it can't be pleasant. And at the same time goals should be clear. Clarity is the most difficult part for me, besides goals in its common understanding aren't effective for me (uncertainty again) in case of planning or maybe I still haven't learned how to set them wisely. So I rather jot down little tasks than set big clear goals which actually make me anxious rather than inspire and motivate. As I've just realized I always have certain intentions in my head and the view of how I want to feel myself and who I am wanting to be. But setting goals ughhh. Anyway, I've realized that I've already set intentions instead of goals for quite long, just didn't understand that.

I would say setting intentions is an amazing replacement for setting goals 'cause these ones make me very anxious. Conversely, intentions resonate with my soul and cover my confusion about inefficiency and impossibility of some goals (similar to traditional new year resolutions like lose weight, read more and so on), calm me down and let me know that I am in the right place already now and I control the whole thing. No one can bother, steal or ruin my intentions like it can be with plans and goals. I'm living for feelings and little moments (wbu?), not for particular things or general achievements (of course, they are necessary but only for living your best life and using own potential with a help of these things, means and opportunities). Big accomplishments feel similar to small things (if even less) so we commonly don't celebrate these moments like they deserve and just go further for new achievements. So why we should put our energy into anxious things which we actually don't celebrate after hard work, when we able to live with ourselves with peace and contentment by setting intentions instead of goals.

Sorry, it was a pretty long introduction for this blog post but I've wanted to explain some things. Anyway here is what I'm all about today. My intentions for November, the last part of 2k18 and upcoming year too.


Yes, I always write about my productivity on here like I am crazy, literally from a post to post, but this time it seems I'm close to finding my ideal schedule for better productivity. And I can be productive already now. And keep up with desirable activities. No need to wait for special opportunities and circumstances. I know it'll take a lot more time that I think to settle this schedule down, and truth be told I'm feeling under the weather lately and very sleepy all the time but it's not the reason to give up on dreams and on maintaining desirable productivity level, right? We're mindful creatures so we can handle it.
No matter that I know my nature is inconsistent and controversial, and I often get bored easily and also can turn my life into a mess, I'm always trying to stick my plan. So it's a new cycle, a new freedom for my mind to get things done. Freedom of understanding that it's entirely up to me and I am actually able to do many things and in the short term too. I just have to plan smart and have a strong belief that I can.


As a common human, I don't know everything and even exactly what I need to know. I feel an urge to absorb more knowledge and be more resourceful to tackle everything I want to.. I objectively have fewer opportunities than many other people and creators too (especially in terms of money) so I have to be resourceful. I always write down sudden ideas... but for now, I intend to bring them into reality instead of only frequent jotting down. I want to soak any useful information about organizing own time depending on life I what to live, about setting intentions to live the life I what to live, about keeping of being in an authentic flow to live the life I what to live, about skills which help me live the life I what to live...


‘cause I'm tired of burnouts and being unmotivated without a reason (actually because of tiredness). And besides, I'm tired of feeling tired, stressed and overwhelmed though it's often my fault too. Just need to stop myself in the right place when it needs to not lose my productive pace.


and don't expect overnight success and significant changes in my life in a day. A life in a big hurry mess up all these little moments we live for. And it's obvious that people around don't know what's going on in my head how I'm growing, what I'm intending and how strong is my desire to advance... And it's completely normal I know. I should show it up instead of thinking that people should love my work already before I create something good and consistent. I have to create every single day to advance and only then people may notice me my work. Nothing comes easily and I'm used to it. I intend to cultivate the patience of a saint and just slowly go for desirable things, state of mind and so on. I intend to see a slow growth still as a growth (not a stagnation).


something beautiful instead of anxiety, fears, self-doubts and impatience. These all drain my vital energy but I have to consciously put all my power into a creative cycle to move forward and live healthily.


I often neglect my physical and mental health in the pursuit of quick (or long distant) results and achievements (or desirable life/work conditions). And evidently, it impacts my productivity very badly which I don't wish to impact. And have to admit it's very hard to find the balance and probably all my life is about searching this balance but I want to try, I intend to try it  a g a i n.


Probably these things sound like common New year resolutions but I put into these words different mood. When you intend it's far more likely that you get things done, rather than just you just would like to. I know that it's kind of random post, no one need to read intentions of a stranger but probably it reminds you that intentions are more important and healthier for our mind than big distant goals (which we ought to keep in mind but not fanatically, of course). We're expected to live now and enjoy and fulfil current place and activities (like I am enjoying finishing this blog post).
What do you think about all this?

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Creative blocks and stagnation: how I deal with them

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  • Wednesday, 24 October 2018



It's a shame that I've abandoned my blog for a long time but I wasn't feeling like I want to write on here and I was entirely engaging in learning how to film and edit videos, and improve the quality of content with gears (if it's possible) I've already had (and evidently still learning)…

But now I feel like I want to write :) So, after all, I've realized that my blog is my missing element and I need these three things to express (at least for now) myself creatively. They're an expression in creative actions and moving inspiration (my youtube channel), in still images ~ capturing little moments and my arts (my instagram account), and in words and stories (my blog). After this realization, I see that things started falling into the right places.

But I can say after several summer months of creative burnout and stagnation I've realized that I was doing all things wrong again. Authentic creative flow can't be forced, can be strictly planned (yeah, sometimes it can be, but it won't be effective and impressive). It's always the hardest part of life for people who want to tie own life with creative careers. And yes, it's hard to admit that ideas and realizations of them can't be continuous and unbothered but it is what it is. We often need some time to slow down and look at own work from outside, rest up for a bit finally. We need to stop trying too hard ‘cause all things which we're doing will smell like desperate sh*t. I don't know maybe someone can work on his projects and goals 24/7 like a well-made robot (can't call it authentic creative flow tho) but that's not about me and most of the people on the earth too, I guess.


So after several summer months of burnout, inner stagnation and creative blocks popping up of the woodwork and simultaneous struggling and fighting for my big goals and dreams I've realized

Big goals don't disappear if you slow down for a little while

Everyone needs proper rest after proper work (even after not so good work in your opinion everyone still needs some rest). Ofc it's cheesy obvious but not everyone able to rest rightly (gotta say I have problems with this too). They said good things take time. And I gladly believe in it. You don't disappear if you take some time for preparation and stop showing up for a little. We all need time to step aside from time to time, slow down and gather our energy for further big or small achievements.

Nobody can steal your success and desirable life

Everyone walk on own path. And even if you meet those mean people who'd like to steal something from you (physically or in form of opportunities) I believe that all good people (you and me) will receive another better opportunities ‘cause kind and advancing people can't be actually robbed. Advancing people can create own opportunities even if they're not visible at the first glance, even though the starting point isn't beneficial. Every person feels own growth differently, nobody can steal your growth and your feelings so don't block yourself from developing. And you have all your time to grow as you're able to grow in this life.

Create only what's really inspiring you

Not things which are popular now (it can be coincidental ofc but mainly we should do what we genuinely love). This is the only thing we should do, this is the only things which is important and it isn't selfishness. It's the real unfoldment of initial abilities which we must use in our life to the fullest.
people pleasing hides the real you
Don't believe what you see at the first glance

Many things on social media are kind of fake or very fabricated stuff you know (especially overpopular people and accounts)… it's not just a genuine creative platform. It's a business platform and huge marketing (cheating) playground which not everyone can recognize. I'm not talking about genuine collaboration with brands you love and honest people, I'm talking about cheeky marketing which pops up everywhere. So don't compare your achievements with these people, you haven't known their backgrounds (or partially have known so it's obviously all people have different initial opportunities and we can't know what they do for it. Maybe we're not ready to do those things ‘cause they can be not pleasant at all). But anyway we don't need to talk about that. Just don't let beautiful pictures confuse you, walk your own path.

Don't compare yourself with other's strong points

Of course, not everything and everyone is fake. And we often compare our weak points with strong well-developed (sometimes innate predispositions) trails of real people. It can be hard and I've often crushed into this struggle by myself. But there is the only way out and it is concentrating on your strong points and working on your weak ones if you need it (if you see them you probably really need to pay attention to them more often). Concentating on yourself, not on other people.


Don't watch, read and listen to things which raise your anxiety or increase the feeling of unworthiness

Or you feel like the person who preaching them doesn't have enough competence for that. (Guess somebody can feel like this about me and my posts but it's up to those people and it's normal)

If a person doesn't inspire you to live your best life and use own potential to the fullest or even make you anxious, erase these people from your life (and not only from online life). Don't believe everything you read and watch. It can't suit everybody or even be harmful to you. Everybody must listen to own head, own body and soul. Don't fall for trends and strangers' beliefs. Be relevant only to your real self.

Limit your social media time (for me Instagram is the most harmful)

If you feel you're ready to create something special, step away from social media and concentrate only on your creative process. Don't let disturb your creative flow by vibes of other people. It is amazing to get inspired by others' work in your leisure time, but when you're ready to work on own projects there should be no outside noise 'cause you gonna create something good on your own. Besides well-known fact that social media (especially Instagram) can raise your anxiety level and worsen the feeling of own unworthiness again (particularly when you can't succeed in your desirable field as quick as you see it on social media).

It's actually the truth, good things take time

And some of us need more time to achieve what they want to achieve in comparison of other quicker-succeded people (and I can relate to this too, nothing comes to me easily and I always put a lot of effort into my projects). But I also believe that success of slow-pacing people is more steady so I'm not striving for rapid overnight success, besides I want genuine relationships with my audience and want that someday I will able to chat with you as you're my real friends and we will openly have a conversation here and there (on any platform).

And finally sometimes it isn't stagnation it's just a period of waiting

Waiting the moment when you’ll be fully ready (even though it'll feel like you're ready) to step on your next stair of personal (and professional) growth isn't real stagnation. This is period for preparation your mind to make a leap. And this time always will come to you when it should come.

So little things but so significant for mental health and happy living.

How do you feel about that?

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My current morning skincare routine for sensitive acne-prone skin

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  • Friday, 17 August 2018

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Moodboard: summer vibes

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  • Wednesday, 27 June 2018

moodboard summer vibes, summer visual board

Today post is pure visual inspiration. I used to fill up my journal pages with colourful clippings from magazines when I was in high school and used to get inspired by visual boards which I saw on some of my fave blogs years ago. And while everyone is starting to forget about this type of posts and inspiration, I want to breathe life into moodboards again 'cause, girl, you know how it's important to picturing desirable things on a daily basis.

There are actually two moodboards which I've created today but you can never have too much inspiration! Btw you can follow my Pinterest for additional inspo and ideas. And yes, I'm going to make a series of moodboards on here so stay tuned!


moodboard summer vibes, summer visual board
pictures were found via Pinterest
moodboard summer vibes, summer visual board
via Pinterest too

ANN XOXO

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the Ordinary affordable skincare for acne-prone skin worth to try

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  • Saturday, 9 June 2018

the Ordinary skincare review, annofapril.com, annofapril, aprilannnine

Sometimes to find effective and affordable skincare products is hard and takes a lot of time which we actually don't have. And I'm glad to tell you that I've found these good and budget ones which definitely worth to try. As I said before in my previous post about June goals I'm going to write even more about everything that I'm interested in. And here we go! But let's be straight I can't call myself a skincare junkie (yet lol) but I'm a big admirer of adorable packages (oh these marketing strategies) and moreover worthy effective products. As a person who always had acne-prone skin and uneven complexion I've become concerned about my skin health finally this year 'cause that's enough for me, seriously. Every girl wants to have glowy good-looking skin in her possession. Yes, I'm not a pro in skincare world yet but I've already had experience of using some products and know how my skin can react to them. My first bunch of worthy skincare goodies is quite affordable. And I couldn't be more happy with this fact. It's amazing that almost everyone can afford own full skincare routine, even living on a small income. I'm lucky to order a good bunch of products which suit me well so what are these worth-to-try products? You can find all the information below.

the Ordinary skincare review, annofapril.com, annofapril, aprilannnine

1. Matrixyl 10% + HA. (here is cheaper one) Matrixyl is considered to be one of the most powerful anti-ageing components. I've ordered this one instead of Hyaluronic acid 'cause it was out of stock and besides Matrixyl has extra anti-ageing properties as I've already mentioned. I apply it on the forehead and undereye areas (where I've already had wrinkles) commonly in the evening after cleanser, before other products. Can't say that it's a superduper magic product for me (though probably it takes more time to see results) but as a additional care of certain areas with fine lines is pretty good.

the Ordinary skincare review, annofapril.com, annofapril, aprilannnine

2. EUK 134 0.1%. (almost two times cheaper is here) Strong antioxidant. In short, antioxidants prevent free radical damage which means the sun, pollutions, toxins, stress and tobacco cause forming these free radicals and that's unavoidable nowadays, you see. Antioxidants help to diminish this damage, can improve wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots, prevent sun damage and photo-ageing. Apply this one in the morning after a toner (use Pixi one), just a few drops. The consistence reminds me an oil but feels a bit denser so I dab in my skin only a couple of drops for better absorption. I think it can be a good support for skin especially if you live in a big city.

the Ordinary skincare review, annofapril.com, annofapril, aprilannnine

3. Azelaic acid suspension 10 % (way more cheaper is here, check it out). As an antioxidant, it has clarifying, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has a creamy texture, easy to apply. For now, I apply this one only on areas with breakouts or another problematic zones both am and pm (before that I used it on a full face but 'cause of big consumption I've started to apply it only on areas with breakouts) after water-based treatments, before heavier products. I've found on the Internet that his acid has a miracle influence on sore pimples and inflammations and it actually has, except for hormonal breakouts and reactions on new products, however it increases the speed of fading them away.

the Ordinary skincare review, annofapril.com, annofapril, aprilannnine

4. Marula oil, virgin cold-pressed. (way cheaper is here too) Become a miracle oil for me. Just like it 'cause it's dry and soaks up quicker and easier ('cause it has a similar consistency to our natural body oils). It perfectly nourishes skin and suits to different skin types (even oily and acne-prone one!) and also protects our skin against environmental damages as a powerful antioxidant. Apply it both am and pm after exfoliating solutions and water-based treatments but that still takes time to sink in as it's an oil. You can't just put it on and immediately go running your errands. This oil also can be used on hair to tame hair frizz, for example. Probably, I have to write about this one a bit more but I just love it at first sight and going to write about this one next time again.

the Ordinary skincare review, annofapril.com, annofapril, aprilannnine

5. Granactive retinoid 2% emulsion. (cheaper is here) The main target is comedonal acne (for me personally) and uneven tone. It was the most controversial product for me at first. Let me tell you what's happened. After using this one for a couple of weeks my skin started purging a lot, I mean, A LOT. {You can google the difference between purging and breakouts or read this one which I've found earlier} So I quit using it but shouldn't be. Though still don't recommend to start using this emulsion and any other strong treatments before important events 'cause you understand you'll have sore pimples even more than usual. That has an explanation, of course, viz Retinoids accelerate the skin turnover by several times so pimples pop out way quicker. That's awful but worth to wait, believe me. Only if purging continues during a month or month and a half, and if it lasts way more, you should stop using it 'cause it does not suit you, unfortunately. Once I stopped using it 'cause this face in a mirror as I said but later I decided to give it a second try. After a couple of weeks of purging (honestly, I was crying but decided to wait for results) it slowly started to fade away. Retinoids have another good benefit and that is reducing collagen breakdown what means they're pretty effective in anti-ageing strategies. And I've actually noticed that my skin is more plump and healthy when I'm using it. I apply this product in the evening after Matrixyl, before any heavier treatments. But remember while you're using this emulsion skin needs extra hydration and sun protection on top of your common skincare routine.

the Ordinary skincare review, annofapril.com, annofapril, aprilannnine

6. Rose hip seed oil, organic cold-pressed. (cheaper one) It's rich in linoleic (omega 6) and linolenic (omega 3) acids as well as pro-vitamin A which reduce signs of photo-ageing, treat pigmentation, hydrate and brighten up the skin a bit, tighten pores, fading scars, even out tone. Sounds good, yes? Apply this one in the evening too, after water-based treatments and retinoid, mixed with my fave the Ordinary Marula oil, gently pat it on my skin, two drops of both, yass I love using oils. This oil has a pretty strong odour due to its high omega fatty acid content but it's ok for me. The texture is heavier than Marula oil, this is a minus for me but it's worth to wait for results as you see the list of benefits. Still testing this product but as an accompaniment for Marula oil is definitely worthy.

the Ordinary skincare review, annofapril.com, annofapril, aprilannnine

I've found everyday skincare routine as a peculiar ritual which can be used as the right time for short meditation 'cause all these goodies take own time to absorb into the skin and you shouldn't rush at all, just use this time wisely. Sometimes it's hard to find a special time for ourselves during busy days but caring about skin is a perfect excuse to meditate twice a day without any efforts. 

Don't want that this post was long and boring 'cause nobody wants to dig too deeply, I guess. And besides I love reading honest beauty reviews 'cause I don't want to spend my money on rubbish or only on pretty packages (marketing is powerful but actual content is more meaningful). This information is enough to know what, when and where to apply some of the Ordinary skincare products (which I'm using by my own, of course) to treat acne-prone skin. If you have any questions, let me know!

the Ordinary skincare review, annofapril.com, annofapril, aprilannnine

Have you tried already the Ordinary skincare? Any recommendations for acne-prone skin?
{This post includes affiliate links, I'll get some small commission if you buy something. Use these links if you don't mind to support my creative work, thanks!}

Ann XOXO


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How to wake up earlier if you really need it

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  • Wednesday, 23 May 2018


how to wake up earlier, annofapril.com, annofapril, aprilannnine

As a person who has experiences of running things as in the early morning as well as in the deep night, I can say that both times can be good for doing some stuff but I much prefer that feelings when you've done the bulk of important tasks in the morning and feel free for the rest of the day. And besides I believe the night is created for sleep, sweet dreams and proper rest.

But how to wake up earlier? This question really bothered me recently (waking up earlier is one of my May goals by the way), I couldn't recollect how I could get up from my bed at 5:30. And honestly I'm still not waking up at this time but I'd like to... to accomplish the bunch of desirable things before lunch and even breakfast.

I've read 'Miracle Morning' by Hal Elrod one or two years ago so I've decided to recollect some tips from this book and other things which helped me out before (writing the compilation of certain things is quite difficult gotta say).

Physical tricks which work but not so efficiently:
    1. Put your phone (with the alarm) in the far corner of the room where you sleep. You'll have to wake up 'cause you'll have to stand up and go. This should be good at first but then better think about your state of mind.
    2. Choose something pleasant instead of standard alarm sounds. But I much prefer wake up naturally, programming my mind the night before.
    3. Never ever tap on snoose button. It produces fatigue and indecision through the whole day. I was a chronic morning snoozer during my uni period but now I quit.
    4. Drink a glass of water right after sleep. The reason is obvious, 7-8 hours without hydration should be covered by morning glass of water. It activates necessary functions of our brain. But yes, it happens after you actually woke up.

    how to wake up earlier, annofapril.com, annofapril, aprilannnine

    Effective things to do:
    1. Plan the next day ahead (the previous evening).

      That's simple, in the morning your conscious mind will already know what you should do during that day. And you won't force yourself to remember what to do that's problematic due to limited room in our brain for decision-making.
    2. Prepare all necessary things (your bag, breakfast or meal-prep for the day, or other stuff) night before.

      It also unloads our mind operative system as well as the first point above.
    3. Add something enjoyable (special) in the morning.

      Favourite tea or another drink, few pages of the book which inspires you, watch a video or read a post of your fave blogger, eat square of chocolate (better dark one ofc) and so on, something which doesn't take much time 'cause it easily can turn into procrastination.
    4. Create your own morning routine which related to your needs.

      (the example of this routine is introduced by Hal Elrod, so-called 'miracle morning' routine: reading, exercising, reciting affirmations, practicing silence, visualizing daily tasks, journaling, taking care of MITs (the most important things for the day) - everyone has their own. I'm seeing his routine enough effective for maintaining good attitude for the day. At first this morning routine looks pretty overwhelmed but it depends on time you spend on tasks and besides you accoplish them in a group and in a row (chunking technique) that doesn't overburden you. This kind of routine helps to maintain the right mood for the day and when you successfully accoplishing the chuck of tasks you'll feel great anyway. While our mind still doesn't get overwhelmed by everyday chores and duties so you can efficiently complete other important tasks. You'll keep this fantastic feelings in mind after ticking off lots of stuff from your to-do list for a while so you'll definitely find the reason to wake up earlier finally.
    5. Waking up earlier is only our decision so it's up to us. 

      As I mentioned above I was a morning snoozer during the whole school and uni periods but I believe it was exactly because of a lack of determination.
    6. Think how it's amazing to arise in the early morning before others do.

      How it's terrific to wake up earlier to keep up with a lot more things than other people and enjoy this miracle silence of the beginning of the day. And how many things we could make!

      Quick overview of potential morning routine (everyone can change the order on own taste) :

      1. Wake up, drink water, brush your teeth.
      2. Read a few pages of a good book (much prefer about self-growth).
      3. Exercise for 10-15 minites, take a shower (practicing silence at the same time if you're not much into meditation), wash your face, apply skincare products.
      4. Recite affirmations.
      5. Visualize your day and how you accomplish tasks.
      6. Journaling (though I think this point better leave for the evening).
      7. Taking care of other MITs.
      Alright it turnes into a not-so-quick overview hah but you get it. If you wanna your mornings become more mindful and pleasing, you have to give this routine and the points above a try. You see, all these things are about the certain state of mind and preparing for the next day the night before.
    how to wake up earlier, annofapril.com, annofapril, aprilannnine
    Have a good day or night!

    Ann XOXO 

     

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