Happy new year - unusual 2020 wishes

More than a week into the new year, I started realizing that we may not have made the best possible wishes for 2020. Why? Not because we have not wished each other great things, but because they were just not really thought through. What we really need are not simply those “happiness, luck, success”.

So I’d like to mention a rather neglected but very important thing that we need - decisiveness. Truth is that no one wakes up on January 1st happier, smarker, prettier, wiser or with a better life. So no matter how well we have planned our new year resolutions, written them in our planners or told about them to all of our friends - they don’t really mean a thing unless we get down to work and make them come true.

Soemhing great is the fact that we can literally any minute do something small that would accumulate to further success and getting closer to making those plans and dreams come true. :) Sometimes an email, a simple conversation or a phone call could be the first step and could both help us and motivate us so that we believe more in our success. . :)

It’s important to be decisive because no moment is ever perfect, the muse doesn’t come when we need it to and it’s all about getting to work in the very moment of NOW!

And since it’s very trendy to say how next year we’ll all be different, we’ll do things differently or we’ll start anew - I did the exact oposite and spend the first few days of the new year finishing tasks and projects I have started in the previous one. Because proving we are serious about getting things done is more important ad better than jus hittign the button of a rather fake Restart. And this was a great decision because this way I proved that I am decisive and really finish all I set my heart to. :)

And speaking of unusual, form all the wishes for the new year that I recently got, the most meaningful ones were actually the unusual because they were all about cherishing the small things in life, to keep on being artsy, to stay focused and ambitious ad to believe in myself and my dreams.

So I also have some unusual wishes for you for the beginning of the new year. Of course I also want to wish you health, happines, luck etc. but that sounds kind of generic while I would like to make it more personalized:

be decisive

don't postpone today's work on tomorrow

dont postpone making your dreams come true, don’t wait for tomorrow, or summer or any other time but now

dont forget where you wanna go and you have a 100% bigger chance to actually do so

start a new book - today

smile more

enjoy the sunset (and if you manage to get up early enough - the sunrise as well)

show the people around you how much they mean to you

finish what you’ve started

challenge yourself to try what you are afraid to to

believe that nothing is impossible

Thank you for visiting my blog in 2020 and I really hope you enjoyed reading about my weird approach to wishes! One of the things I have promised myself to do more often is write on the blog so see you around soon!

- Nicole

Last minute Christmas gift idea - for him, for her, for friends/family

Hello everyone, ready for the holidays? Are the lights everywhere? Does the house already smell like cinnamon? Have you started the “Home Alone” marathon? :D

Nail polish: Catrice Cosmetics & Golden Rose cosmetics

Christmas themed phone case: HM

Candle Holder: Royal Coppenhagen

1. Dreams do come true

...especially if you help them do. That's my favorite kind of gift to give, it's always unique and easy to come up with and it's guaranteed to never fail. Perfect, I told you. But it's only suitable for certain people that have decided to tell you some even small dream of theirs. The thing is you must have at least one friend/relative that has always wanted to visit France for example, or get a dog, or go diving etc. They have shared this dream but never actually found the time, courage or money to make it come true. So now it's your turn to do it. They will surely be happy and excited and you'll be part of a great memory in their life.

2. Ticket to ride

One of the things we find it hardest to pay for is actually experiences. Yes, they’re great and memorable but since we cannot see and touch them, we feel a little bit like paying too much for something imaginary. Sooo what I suggest is to get a ticket as a present – no matter if it is plane tickets for a trip, a SPA giftcard, a concert or theme park ticket – these are all really interesting ideas.

3. Homemade is best

This only works for you if you indeed have some special gift or craft talent but it’s a really cool idea. Maybe you’re good at drawing, creating scrapbooks, singing or anything else. Then put some effort into creating a custom made personal present - draw a card or painting or write someon a song. It sound simple but in many cases these are the presents we value most since they are most personal and shwo us how much people care. After all, remember that Christmas is all about caring and loving the people around you, not just buying stuff.

4. Sweets & giftcards

I know it may sound funny but I have had a chance to try out this approach multiple times and it worked so freaking well each time. You know that for some people no present is really good, they don’t like surprises and you never feel like they really liked the present you gave them. Then what do ypu get them? How do you make them smile? Luckily, one universal thing we all enjoy throughout the holidays is good food and treats. So my never-fail idea for a present is a generic giftcard accompanied with lots of cool treats. The giftcard is a delicate way to tell someone both I don’t know what to get you and I want you to have something nice as a present from me. And I think that the best thing to combine with it is some sweet treats or of course vegan sweet treats. You always know your close people’s love food brands are and it’s easy to choose their faves. Of course you could also choose some high end brand (e.g. botique chocolate brand) and add a more classy touch to it.

Thank you for reading, I hope I helped you out in the big search for presents!

Happy holidays! <3

- Nicole

5 last minute Christmas gifts for her

Christmas is almost here! And so is the pressure to find the best presents for the people you love. Becasuse when it comes to the women in your life, this is really important. But what if you were too busy or couldn't find a good present? This post is for all the people who are desperately searching for a good Christmas gift in the last minute, here are some ideas that will save you. I promise she'll like her present. :)

#1 Perfume

It's always a good choice to count on big brands and famous fragrances. If you know what brands the person likes or what scents they prefer it'd be easier. If you don't, you can always choose something new or ask the shop assistant for advice.

Versace, Cerruti, Bulgari, Betty Barclay, Lanvin

#2 Jewelry

Jewelry is a very classy gift and it's almost imporssible to make a mistake here. The best things is you can buy a set and it would be everything an outfit needs.

Swarovski

#3 Clothes

You know waht color she wears all the time so the choice is already easy. On the other hand you could get her a Christmas themed sweater and it'd be cute but still cool.

H&M, Shein

#4 Make up

Why not get her some lipsticks or nail polishes in different colors. But even better - search for a set since it'd probably be cheaper.

Golden rose

#5 Sweets

No need to say chocolate makes everything better. Then why not add it to your present?

Lindt, Ferrero Raffaello

Bonus tricks:

Add a rose

No matter if it's just one rose or a whole bucket, it would always be very sweet to get a woman flowers.

Wrap it all well and with a bow

The final touch for a good present is thw wrapping. If you're not very good at you better ask in the shop or go to a wrapping place.

I hope I helped you pick a good present for her. Thank you for reading my article and have a great time celebrating the holidays with your loved ones!

- Nicole