I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen a lot of Internet trends focusing on “glow-ups” lately. The “that girl” and “healthy/fit living” lifestyle is being promoted like crazy, which is a nice change from some of the toxic and unhealthy trends we’ve seen in the past. But unfortunately, a lot of these influencers just focus on a few aspects of a healthy lifestyle, like consistent exercise and a good skin-care routine. While those are both undeniably crucial parts of a glow-up, I believe a true glow-up must incorporate your mind, body, and soul. A glow-up isn’t just about how you look on the outside, it’s about how you feel on the inside radiating out and truly giving you a glow that no skincare routine can achieve. If we just focus on our outer appearance and don’t work on what’s going on inside of us, we will never experience that magical glow.
I am 24 years old, and I have underwent a serious glow-up since college. The people around me notice it and it does feel good to receive their praise. But even more importantly than external validation is that I feel so much better about myself and in my own skin. I am the healthiest and happiest I have ever been, and that is not by accident. I had to put in the work! So, in today’s blog, I want to share with you how I achieved a serious glow-up from the inside out. To reach my glow-up, I focused on improving my skin, hair, diet and exercise, mental health, spirituality, and relationships. This blog will be about my skin, hair, and diet and exercise glow up. My next blog will focus on how improving my mental health, spirituality, and relationships was an integral part of my internal glow-up that eventually shined through to the outside. So let’s just get right into it!
This will be brief, because I have an in-depth skin-care blog coming soon. But I want to let you all know that a few years ago, I had almost no skincare routine. I either did nothing at all, or just used a $5 drugstore cleanser on my face with a dirty washcloth, and that was it. (Cringe, I know!!) Luckily, I was young and had decent skin to begin with, so I could get away with it for the time being. But eventually our habits catch up with us, and by the time I was 21 I decided that I should probably hop on the skincare and anti-aging train. It’s way easier to prevent aging than it is to reverse aging that has already occurred. Listen, ladies, you are never too young to start your anti-aging routine. Anti-aging is not just for women in their forties and fifties, we need to start in our twenties if we want to look young for as long as possible. But whatever age you are, now is the time to get started if you haven’t already!
1. I invested in quality skincare products
An extensive review of all my products with links is coming very soon. But for now, I just want to emphasize how important it is to invest in quality products with good reputations. Ask your friend with picture-perfect skin what products they recommend, or spend some time reading online reviews. I was hesitant to get into skincare for so long because it is such a saturated market with an overwhelming amount of options and I didn’t even know where to begin. This is why it’s so helpful to ask the people around you that you trust for their advice and do your research.
2. I do my skincare routine twice a day
Like I said, I used to barely wash my face at all, but when I did, it was only ever at night. I didn’t even really know that double-cleansing was a thing. But, wow, it makes a world of difference. Make sure you are doing your routine in the morning and at night. Light some candles and make it something you enjoy. Carving this time for yourself every single day will not only benefit your skin, but your mental wellbeing too.
3. I always take my makeup off
There were many drunken nights in college that I passed out with a full-face of makeup on. I admittedly kind of enjoyed doing that, because the next morning I would “wake up in a glam” and look ready for the day. I cringe at this now because sleeping in makeup can truly wreak havoc on your skin! It allows bacteria to build up and can give you serious acne.
I know better than anyone that there will be some nights where you’ll be so tired that the probability of you doing your full skincare routine is next to zero. This is why I always keep some makeup remover wipes on hand, so at the very least I can take my makeup off if I don’t have the energy for my full routine.
4. I invest in facials every other month
If you think facials are just for rich people, think again. They are a pricy indulgence, yes, but it’s a lot easier to fit it into your budget if you make it a priority. The average facial costs around $150, but you can find some that start at $65 (just make sure you’re going to a reputable place!) You may need to cut back your Starbucks visits or your impulsive online shopping sprees to afford it, but I promise it’s worth it. These facials have made a world of difference to my skin, and it’s even better if you can form a relationship with your esthetician. She will get to know your skin and will be able to tailor each treatment to fit your specific needs that day. Facials are essential for anti-aging.
My hair was in a really rough state for years. It would make me cry because it just looked so awful all the time and I didn’t understand why. My hair glow-up has probably been the hardest part of my journey because having damaged hair can be incredibly demoralizing. It can take years to undo damage and get healthy, luscious locks, but that’s why it’s so important to start now and to have patience. My hair is still not quite where I want it to be, but I remind myself of how far it has come. Again, this is going to be brief because I have an in-depth hair care blog coming soon! But these are the main steps that I’ve taken to drastically improve the quality of my hair.
1.I stopped dyeing it
Since I stopped chasing after an unsustainable platinum blonde color and embraced my natural dirty-blonde locks, my hair is so much happier! And I actually like the way I look better with my natural color, and chances are you will too. If there’s no way in hell you’ll consider stopping dyeing your hair, see if you can color it less frequently or opt for a darker color that will cause less damage. And make sure you’re going to a quality salon instead of using cheap dye and doing it yourself.
2. I rarely use heat on it
My hair is very fine and prone to heat damage. I almost never curl and straighten my hair now, and if I do, it’s usually for a special occasion. And I always, always use a heat protectant. I do still blow dry my hair a few times a week, but I keep the heat on medium and only blow dry it for five minutes top.
3. I wash it every other day
I used to believe that the less often I washed my hair, the better, but that wasn’t actually true for my hair. I have fine, light, and oily hair that needs to be washed more often. My hair was constantly dirty because I feared shampoo, but that wasn’t doing me any favors. Since I started giving into my hair’s needs and washing it when it looked bad, my hair has looked much better.
4. I’m gentle on my hair
I used to brush my hair very roughly and aggressively dry it with a towel—God, I’m horrified just thinking about my old habits! I now treat my hair like the fine and delicate thing that it is. I brush my hair gently and lovingly with a quality hair brush and would never dream of towel drying it now.
Having a good diet and exercise regimen is an important part of being a healthy, glowing person. It affects us in so many ways beyond just the number on the scale. What we put into our bodies affects us from the inside out, and there’s no way you can look your best is you’re constantly feeding your body toxic foods. I have an in-depth blog on my diet and exercise routine coming soon, but for now, these are the changes I made to improve my physical health.
1.I changed my mentality towards diet and exercise
I no longer view diet and exercise as a chore or something I have to do to punish myself into looking a certain way. I now take care of myself because I love my body and I want it to feel its best, not because I hate it. Instead of saying “I have to work out”, I say “I get to work out”. This mindset shift was huge for me, because getting to workout and having access to healthy foods is a privilege that many people do not have. There are millions of people who do not have access to quality food, and people who are sick and immobile who are physically incapable of working out. We owe it to ourselves to acknowledge this privilege and honor our bodies for the miracles they are, and this starts with eating healthy and exercising.
2. I cut way back on sugar and artificial ingredients
I used to diet and restrict my sugar intake simply because I wanted to look skinny for an upcoming vacation. But this was never a sustainable or healthy approach for me, and my motive just wasn’t strong enough for me to give up on my favorite foods. However, once I started researching the mystery ingredients that no one can pronounce that make up the hallmarks of the American diet, I was appalled and vowed to make a change. This had nothing to do with wanting to be skinny, but with wanting to only put nutritious things in my body that are going to better me, not make me chronically sick. Making good choices for my health was just way better motivation for me than trying to look like a Victoria’s Secret model. Opt for organic, whole foods whenever you can and pay attention to ingredients! If it sounds like something that was manufactured in a lab, it’s probably best to avoid it.
3. I cut way back on alcohol
For years, I was a self-professed party girl, and I took pride in it. I could out-drink any frat boy and dance until the wee hours of the night seven days a week and still make it to my 8 AM class the next morning. But as soon as college ended and we were thrown into a pandemic, my partying ways drastically changed. I still indulge from time to time, but for the most part, I live a sober life and I look and feel significantly better because of it.
Alcohol takes a serious toll on your appearance in both the long and short-term. It not only majorly speeds up the aging process, but it can make us look and feel terrible the next day too. The quality of our sleep is inferior after a night of drinking, it often leads to mindless consumption of unhealthy food, it causes bloating and puffiness, and the list goes on. When I reduced my alcohol intake, everything changed. I wasn’t able to glow when I was drinking all the time, and now that I’ve stopped I feel like the healthy young woman that I am meant to be. One of the biggest changes I noticed when I cut back on alcohol that caught me by surprise was actually how much the quality of my hair immediately improved. This taught me that alcohol affects us in more ways than we realize. Try cutting it out for 30 days and see what changes you notice.
4. I move my body everyday
I used to work out a few times a week really intensely and would push myself to my limit every single time. But on my off days, I would lay around and do absolutely nothing. I have much more balance now, and prioritize movement on a daily basis. My workouts aren’t always as intense and I like to mix it up. Some days that will mean a 70 minute sweat sesh in the gym, but other days it will mean taking a long walk, playing tennis, or just stretching. Our bodies were meant to move and we’re not designed to live sedentary lives. Even if you workout for an hour every single day, if you’re a sedentary person overall, the time you spend in the gym won’t be able to combat that.
Conclusion
I honestly could have made this blog ten times longer because I am so passionate about taking care of myself on the inside and outside and there are so many factors that have gone into my glow up. But this is long enough already, so I thank you if you have made it this far and I hope you found some of these tips helpful! All-in-all, to achieve my glow up from the inside out, I worked on these external factors: skin, hair, diet and exercise, and I have noticed a world of difference because of the changes that I’ve made.
Congratulations- you’re engaged! Now it’s time to dive into one of the most exciting parts of your engagement- planning your honeymoon!
Deciding where you want to go on your honeymoon can be incredibly fun, but it can also feel stressful if you aren’t sure where to go, feel overwhelmed with options, or are constrained by a tight budget. My husband and I went back and forth with our options for a few months before ultimately deciding to go to Punta Cana for our honeymoon. If Punta Cana has come across your radar, you may be wondering, “is Punta Cana a good place for a honeymoon?” After spending a blissful and romantic two weeks basking in Punta Cana, I can confidently say that Punta Cana is an excellent place to go for a honeymoon! However, it might not be for everyone. Read on to learn why I think Punta Cana is a good place for a honeymoon, as well as the reasons why it might not be the right honeymoon destination for you. And make sure to check out my post on my best tips for having an amazing honeymoon, regardless of where you go!
Why Punta Cana is a good place for a honeymoon
If you live in the US, especially in the southeast, Punta Cana is a great place for a honeymoon because it’s not far away at all. It was a direct 3.5-hour flight for us from Atlanta, which was a shorter flight than going to the west coast! The flight was a total breeze. In my opinion, Punta Cana is such a great vacation destination because it is beautiful and tropical and feels like a far-away land, but you don’t have to spend two days traveling to get there.
If you’re like most of us, you can only take so much time off work and probably have limited days for your honeymoon. It was important to us to not spend too much of our limited vacation days traveling to and from our destination. Some of the places we wanted to go to would have taken a full day to get to, and we just weren’t keen on sacrificing our precious vacation days. Not to mention, when you’re traveling for that long, it can take a few days to unwind and recover from the long journey. With this simple 3.5-hour flight, we were able to immediately settle into relaxation mode when we arrived.
It is very common to want a relaxing, beach-centric honeymoon in a beautiful place, and Punta Cana is just that. The beaches are stunning, the waves are small, the water is warm, and the sand is white and soft. The weather is perfect all year round. Punta Cana is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, boating, and laying out. The one thing that we didn’t like about the beaches is that they accumulated a lot of seaweed, but if you’re staying at a nice resort, your hotel will actively be working to clear that out for its guests.
I’m going to be honest, Punta Cana isn’t cheap, but it’s far from the most expensive location you could go to either. I would say Punta Cana is in the middle in terms of pricing for luxury vacation destinations. It’s cheaper than places like Hawaii or Greece, but more expensive than Mexico or Bali. You can stay in a five-star all-inclusive resort starting at $450 a night, which you would be hard-pressed to find in the United States.
My husband and I were blown away by how incredible the Dominican people are! They are some of the friendliest and most genuine people we have ever met, and we had so much fun getting to know them. We made lifelong Dominican friends and had several people calling us family and inviting us into their homes. That just doesn’t happen very often in the US, so that was special and eye-opening to experience. Dominican culture is rich and inviting, the food is fantastic, and don’t even get me started on the coffee! If experiencing new cultures is important to you when you travel, then you will absolutely love the Dominican Republic.
This is probably true of all-inclusive resorts in general, and Punta Cana is known for its incredible accommodations. This was our first time staying in an all-inclusive resort, and we absolutely loved it. Once you’re there, you truly don’t have to think about a thing. You could theoretically not even bring your wallet and live like royalty the whole time while you’re there (of course, it’s always nice to have cash for tipping!) Because our accommodations were so wonderful, we were able to just unwind and enjoy each other. We spent most days swimming, tanning on the beach, eating great food, drinking cocktails, playing tennis, and socializing with the workers and other guests. Everything was taken care of for us, which felt unbelievably luxurious. Just imagine how nice it will feel to simply relax after months of chaotic wedding planning!
Of course, it’s important to note that when you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, you’re spending the majority of your vacation there. This makes it even more imperative that you do a LOT of research to make sure you’re choosing excellent accommodations. If your hotel ends up being subpar, you’re probably not going to have a very good time. You don’t want to take this decision lightly.
Like I said, I thought Punta Cana was an absolute dream, but I recognize that not everyone will feel that way. Punta Cana is absolutely marketed as a place for a tranquil and slow-paced vacation. If you’re craving adventure, excitement, and the ability to go out and explore a lot, then Punta Cana might not be for you. I personally love an action-packed vacation, but after the hectic wedding-planning season, a peaceful two-week stay in Punta Cana was just what the doctor ordered.
Punta Cana is not a big city with exciting nightlife whatsoever. It consists primarily of all-inclusive resorts, and the resort you stay at will be the center of your vacation. If you’re the type of person who gets bored laying on the beach, you should consider a different type of honeymoon destination. But if five-star service, incredible swimming pools, and unlimited cocktails on the beach sound like heaven on earth to you, then Punta Cana may be just the place to make all of your honeymoon dreams come true!
Still have doubts or more questions? Regardless of whether you end up choosing Punta Cana, make sure to check out my post on my six tips on how to have an amazing honeymoon!
College is undoubtedly a privilege and a time in life that is unlike any other. Maybe you’ve been having the time of your life in college and are struggling to come to terms with it ending. Or maybe college has been difficult for you and you’re counting down the days until you get to walk across the stage. Chances are, you’re somewhere in between. Whatever the case may be, the transition from college into the real world is a big one and it can certainly feel daunting. Read on for six tips that will help you make this transition as smoothly as possible.
Most colleges have a career center and career counselors that are available for their students for free. This is a great resource and something you will not have immediate access to anymore after you graduate. Take advantage of it! Whether you need help with choosing a career path, fixing your resume, preparing for an interview, or submitting graduate school applications, the career center is there for you.
Now is the time to spend less time on TikTok and more time on LinkedIn. Many jobs nowadays ask for your LinkedIn profile when you apply. It’s a good idea to make sure it’s up to date and is painting you in the best light possible. Make sure you have a professional headshot done for your profile picture. You’ll also want to write a strong bio to share your skillset and what you are interested in doing. Go on LinkedIn every few days and add people that you know or are interested in working with. LinkedIn has thousands of job postings, so it’s a good idea to check out the ones in your field to get an idea of what is out there.
Do you have a professor whose class you particularly excelled in? Did you have an on campus job where you formed a good relationship with your supervisor? Start thinking about the faculty on campus who have seen you at your best and can speak to your value and what you could contribute to a job or a graduate school. It’s a good idea to ask for a letter of recommendation before you leave because faculty can be difficult to get ahold of once you graduate. Even if you don’t yet know where you’ll be applying, it’s always helpful to have a general letter of recommendation on hand.
The transition from college to the real world is scary and intimidating for just about everyone, especially as we are navigating these unprecedented times. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Start reaching out to people who have been in your shoes and ask them for their advice. If you have some friends who are a couple years older than you who have landed great jobs, ask them how they did it and to share their advice with you. Ask them if they made any mistakes and what they would have done differently. Reach out to your family members as well. Remember that you have a lot of people in your circle who want to help you and share their wisdom with you.
A lot of people leave college with no clear next steps. Many choose to move back home with their parents while they figure things out. Others want to go out on their own right away and dread the thought of moving back home. Identify what your goals and expectations are for yourself. Do you want to move back home and save money to buy a house? Do you want to move temporarily until you get a job? It is important to have clear goals so that you don’t end up in a rut. It is not uncommon for people to think they’re only moving back home for the summer and end up still living with their parents 5 years later. Don’t let this be you. Set timelines for yourself and have the discipline to stick to them. It’s okay to take a little time off to travel or spend time with your family, but you should know what your general plan is and when you would like to be financially independent.
Think back to the person you were when you first started college and how much you’ve changed since then. Be proud of yourself and how far you’ve come. Think about the friendships you’ve made and which ones are important to you. Many of our college friendships will fade as we go our separate ways, but other ones can last a lifetime if you put in the work. Identify who matters the most to you and prioritize staying close to them, even if you end up living thousands of miles away. Take the time to reflect on who has had the most influence on you during this transition time. One great way to do this is with a gratitude journal. Make sure to reach out to your mentors and tell them thank you. Tell them about how they positively changed your life. They will appreciate you taking the time to tell them this and may even be able to help you find a job in the future.
The transition from college to the real world is intimidating for everyone. It’s always important to remember that you’re not alone and it’s okay to embrace this period of uncertainty and change. It’s okay if you don’t know exactly where you’re headed yet. Just make sure you take the time to acknowledge this huge achievement you just accomplished. Have gratitude for the opportunities you’ve been given, and keep moving forward one day at a time.
Note: I have included a few affiliate links on this post, and I may receive a small compensation if you purchase any of the items mentioned using my links.
Hi! I’m Jensen, but I go by Jeni for short. I am a Florida-based 20-something year old with a huge zest for life. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to see the world. This undeniable urge to travel was especially ignited in me when I left the country for the first time at age 18 for a month to explore New Zealand and Australia. Two years later, I embarked on a four-month journey with my then-boyfriend (now husband) to “study” abroad in Barcelona. We learned a new language and culture, partied a little too much, ate strange foods, and journeyed our way through Europe on what was truly the adventure of a lifetime. Those four months changed us for the better, and our obsession for travel has only grown since then.
I certainly do not travel full time, but I prioritize it like crazy and travel whenever I can. Whether I’m exploring a new town 45 minutes away or across the world, I am always eager to discover a new place and learn from another culture. I’ve learned quite a few tips and tricks over the years that I am going to share with you here. I will also be sharing lifestyle advice because let’s face it, the vast majority of us can’t travel all the time, so we gotta find ways to make our regular, everyday lives as great and exciting as they can possibly be.
I decided to start this blog as a way to share my experiences, lessons, and passion for writing with the world. In addition to writing about travel and lifestyle, I am a freelance writer who writes about various topics from police, law, crime, and social sciences. I am available for hire and have extensive writing experience with a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology. Utilize the contact me page and let’s see if we can work together!
You can keep up with my daily journeys on my instagram @jetsetjeni <3 I’ll see you there!
Congratulations, you’re getting married! This is one of the most special and magical times of your life, but it can also be one of the most stressful. Planning a wedding can often feel incredibly overwhelming, and now you have to plan the most romantic vacation of your life on top of that! But it doesn’t have to feel so hectic. In fact, planning your honeymoon should be the easier part. You may even secretly be looking forward to your honeymoon more than your actual wedding. I just went through the whole wedding planning and honeymoon process, and I learned a few things along the way. Read on for my top advice on how to have an amazing and stress-free honeymoon.
This might sound like a no-brainer, but with so much attention going towards the wedding, planning a honeymoon can sometimes be overlooked and left until the last minute. Putting it off will only make things more stressful, as you will be dealing with higher prices and limited availability, especially in this post-pandemic travel surge. To be safe, I recommend you start planning your honeymoon at least 3-6 months in advance.
Maybe you’ve had a specific honeymoon location in mind for your whole life. Or maybe you’ve never thought about it and are feeling indecisive with all of the endless possibilities in front of you! Whatever the case may be, make sure to discuss it with your partner and compromise if you each have different desires about where you want to go. Remember, this is not the only vacation you’re ever going to take, so even if you can’t go to your dream destination now, make it a priority to go there for an anniversary or a birthday trip in the future!
My husband and I had different opinions on this, and we went back and forth for a few months before making a decision. I wanted to go to Greece and he wanted to go to Hawaii. Somehow, we ended up settling on the Dominican Republic, which neither of us saw coming, we are so thrilled that it worked out that way, as it is now one of our favorite places in the world. So, keep an open mind because there are so many incredible options!
If you’re having a hard time narrowing down a location, I recommend going over your top three priorities with your fiancé and choosing a place that checks off both of your desires. Some of your must-haves may include having a beach, affordability, short flight, a new culture, nightlife, etc.3
I didn’t know until I got engaged that honeymoon planners (and travel agents in general) are usually free! They get paid via commission when you book a hotel they recommend. My husband and I used a honeymoon planner from Zola. All we had to do was put down a $150 deposit which was used towards the price of our trip. She helped us narrow down a destination, sent us the best hotels in the area for us to choose from, and booked our flights, airport transfers, and activities. Because honeymoon planners are free and they take SO much of the stress and planning away, there really is no reason not to use one! Just make sure you do your research and use a reputable planner with good reviews.
The honeymoon of your dreams might be a two-week stay at an overwater villa in Bora Bora, but if you can’t afford it, then there won’t be anything stress-free about it. Again, you and your partner will need to communicate about this and come up with a number you both feel comfortable with. Don’t put anything on a credit card that you can’t pay off right away. Nothing is less relaxing than spending the next five years paying off a vacation!
If you know that you want to have a luxurious honeymoon, then it is even more important to plan ahead so you have time to save. We started saving immediately after getting engaged. Even though we didn’t know where we’d be going yet, we knew we would be going somewhere and that we wanted it to be nice. We often stay in average accommodations, but we felt strongly that we wanted to go all out for our honeymoon, so we planned accordingly. You both may have to sacrifice to save and make it happen, but this will ultimately bring you closer together as this is something you can accomplish as a team.
Personally, I think it is so important to take your honeymoon right away. I know this won’t be possible for every couple, but I really do think the excitement starts to wear off the longer you wait. If you wait too long, your honeymoon may feel like a regular vacation. Getting married is one of the most significant and sacred decisions you will ever make, and your marriage deserves to be celebrated while it’s still fresh. You also deserve to have that intimate, romantic, uninterrupted time together as newlyweds. Plus, many couples (especially brides) may feel post-wedding blues when all the excitement is over, but having a honeymoon to immediately go on will alleviate that.
Even if your life is too crazy right now to take a real honeymoon or you’re on a very tight budget, I still recommend doing something and you can go on your official honeymoon later on Just taking a two-day trip with your new spouse is better than doing nothing at all!
This may be my most important tip of them all. According to Murphy’s Law, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong! With travel in general, it is almost guaranteed that something won’t go according to plan. This is truer than ever now with airlines having record numbers of canceled and delayed flights. You and your fiancé need to be prepared for this. Discuss what may go wrong beforehand and have a backup plan.
To be honest, I was really anxious before my honeymoon that something disastrous would happen. Because we put so much emphasis on our honeymoon and having this dreamy, romantic vacation as newlyweds, I didn’t want anything to ruin it. Ultimately, we can only control ourselves so all we can do is be prepared and have a good attitude. Having a good sense of humor will take you such a long way! If your flight ends up getting six hours delayed, you and your fiancé need to be able to laugh it off and remember that the most important thing here is that you’re on this adventure together as a married couple! Remember to be patient and not get frustrated with each other. Whenever something went wrong for us, we let it roll off our backs and viewed it as something that would make a good story to tell one day.
The wedding and honeymoon planning process is a sacred time in your life that you will never get to experience again. Keep that in mind when you start to feel like ripping your hair out from all the planning! Certain things will probably go wrong, yes, but at the end of the day, all that really matters is that you’re marrying the love of your life, which is the ultimate blessing. With these tips, you will be prepared and you know how to have an amazing, stress-free honeymoon!