My Current Cozy Evening Routine (Simple Ways I Wind Down at Night)

There’s something about evenings that just feel a little magical to me. After a long day of work, errands, and everything else life throws my way, I really look forward to slowing things down and settling into a cozy routine. It’s my way of telling my brain and body that the busy part of the day is over and it’s time to relax.

I’m definitely someone who needs a wind-down routine to feel calm before bed. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate or time-consuming — just a few small rituals that help me transition into a slower, cozier mindset.

Today I thought I’d share what my current cozy evening routine looks like. Of course it changes depending on the season or how busy life is, but these are the little things I’ve been loving lately.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love or think my readers would enjoy. Thank you for supporting my blog!

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Starting the Wind Down

My evening routine usually starts around 10:30 PM once I’ve finished work, dinner, evening activities and any other things I needed to get done around the house. I try to shift the mood in the house from “daytime busy” to “evening cozy.”

Sometimes this means switching the laundry to the dryer or folding clothes that need to be put away, or something as simple as just picking out my outfit for the next day so that I can relax without staring at a to-do list in my surroundings.

This small reset helps me mentally close out the day.

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Doing my skin care routine

One of my favorite evening rituals is taking time to do my skin care routine for my face. I feel like I hit this point where I needed to start doing something every day to help my skin. This includes putting on my headband and wrist guards (because I hate water running down my arms), washing, toning, moisturizing and eye cream. 

There’s just something about the process that feels calming — letting the water warm up, grabbing a clean towel and letting the steam fill up the room. 

Because I have such sensitive skin, I have to use specific skin care and have put together a fun little list of everything I use in the evenings:

If you want to shop any of these products, check out my home page over on BrandCycle here: https://collections.brandcycle.net/collections/97f64e2a-89f8-4a0a-b379-765b41a1cde7

It’s a small thing, but it signals that the busy part of the day is over.

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Lighting a Candle

Once the sun starts going down, I love switching off the bright overhead lights and lighting a candle instead. It instantly makes the room feel calmer and more relaxing.

Right now I’m loving the Pineapple Lemonade candle from Threshold at Target. Unfortunately, they don't have the candle right now but you can check out other ones here: Threshold Candles, which makes the whole space smell like summer and warm weather.

Candles are one of my favorite easy ways to make an evening feel intentional and cozy.

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Reading Before Bed

If you know me at all, you probably know that reading is a big part of my evening routine.

I usually try to read for about 30 minutes before bed. It helps me disconnect from screens and settle my mind before trying to sleep. When reading in bed I will either use my reading light or read with my Kindle depending on what book is on my current list. 

Right now I’m currently reading Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe, and I love curling up with a blanket and getting lost in a good story for a while.

This is honestly one of my favorite parts of the whole evening.

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Putting the Phone Away

One thing I’ve been trying to be more intentional about lately is putting my phone away earlier at night.

Instead of scrolling endlessly, I try to set my phone down around at the time I start getting ready to go to bed around 10:30 and focus on quieter activities like reading, journaling, or just relaxing.

It doesn’t always happen perfectly, but when I do it, I definitely notice that I sleep better and feel calmer. And I tend to fall asleep quicker. 

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Heading to Bed

Once I start feeling sleepy, I’ll do a few quick bedtime things like brushing my teeth, taking my evening medicine and feeing the kitties. 

Then it’s time to crawl into bed and wind down for the night.

There’s something really comforting about ending the day with a routine that feels calm and predictable.

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Final Thoughts

My evening routine isn’t fancy or complicated, but it’s something I genuinely look forward to every day. These little cozy rituals help me slow down, relax, and create a peaceful end to the day.

And honestly, that makes such a difference.

I’d love to know — what does your evening routine look like? Do you have any cozy rituals that help you wind down at night?

Have a wonderful day,
Jackie
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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above may be affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

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How I Organize My Week: Planner Tips & Tricks

If you’ve been around here for a while, you probably know that I love a good planner moment. There’s just something about starting the week with a fresh page, a cup of coffee, and a clear idea of what’s ahead that makes life feel a little more manageable.

I’m definitely not someone who has a perfectly color-coded schedule every single week (I wish!), but over time I’ve found a system that works really well for me. Today I’m sharing a peek at how I organize my week, along with a few of my favorite planner tools and little tricks that keep everything running smoothly.

My Weekly Planning Routine

Every week, usually on Sunday, hubby and I sit down and map out what the next few days will look like. I like to make it a little ritual — grabbing a cozy drink, snuggling with a blanket and slippers and taking 15–20 minutes to get organized.

Here’s what my weekly planning session usually looks like:

1. Check my calendar
   I start by reviewing my digital calendar to see what appointments, events, or deadlines I already have scheduled for the week.

2. Check the weather for the week
   Because we live in Michigan, the weather is always inconsistent so we make it a point to check the weather for the week that way we have a general idea of what to expect. Especially if the weather is going to be rough and we could potentially lose power. 

3. Plan menu for the week
   Once we've reviewed the schedule and weather for the week, we typically will work to get our menu planned out. We've been working really hard to focus on cooking at home and saving some money because we ordered out SO much last year. So far this month we've been doing good cooking at home and it's exciting.

4. Add in extra tasks
   Since I spend time working on things like blog posts and other content, I like to assign specific days for those tasks so they actually get done. If I have other tasks that need to get done - errands, returns, etc. I will also add those in where I can. 

5. Review budget for the week 
   Finally, I make it a point to walk through the budget for the week. This helps me keep track of everything from a money perspective and keeps me on track as I plan groceries and other shopping throughout the week. 

Once everything is written down, I already feel more prepared for the week ahead.

My Favorite Planning Tools

Over the years I’ve tried a lot of different planning systems, and these are a few of my current favorites.

My Planner

Right now I’m using an embroidered journal from Rifle Paper Co. that I really like. As someone who is left-handed, I feel like journals are always something for which I am very picky. What I like about this one is the fact that it has nice and thick paper, lays flat and is just so cute.  

Some things I always look for in a planner are:

• Weekly spreads
• Space for notes
• Enough room for daily tasks
• A layout that isn’t too overwhelming

Sticky Notes (My Secret Weapon)

I’m a big fan of sticky notes because they make planning so much more flexible.

I usually use them for things like:

• Tasks that might move to another day
• Brain dumps when I have too many ideas at once
• Quick reminders

Plus, it’s very satisfying to peel them off once something is done.

Digital Apps I Use

While I love paper planning, I do keep some things digital for convenience.

A few apps I use regularly include:

• Google Calendar for appointments and events
• Notes App for quick lists

For me, the best system is a mix of both digital and paper.

Planner Tricks That Help Me Stay Organized

Over time I’ve picked up a few little habits that make planning a lot easier.

1. Keep a Running To-Do List

Instead of trying to remember everything, I keep a running list in my notebook and on my notes app on my phone where I can jot things down as they come to mind.

2. Plan Less Than You Think You Can Do

One of the biggest mistakes I used to make was overloading my schedule. Now I try to leave breathing room so I don’t feel overwhelmed.

3. Use Theme Days

Sometimes I dedicate certain days to specific types of tasks, like:

• Chores/Errands: If there is a specific chore that I need to accomplish or errand I need to do that week I'll make a note of it so that I can make sure it gets done that week. 
• Content creation: I am trying to focus on content creation and management so I have been adding dedicated time to my week to work on that as well. 

This helps me stay focused instead of constantly switching between different things.

4. Reset Midweek

If my week starts to go off track (which happens often), I take a few minutes to reassess and adjust my plans. Planning isn’t about being perfect — it’s about staying flexible.

Final Thoughts

Planning my week doesn’t mean everything goes perfectly — life always finds ways to surprise us. But having a system in place helps me stay a little more organized and a lot less stressed.

And honestly, there’s nothing better than the feeling of checking something off your list.

If you’re someone who loves planners too, I’d love to know:

What’s your favorite way to organize your week?

Have a wonderful day,
Jackie
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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above may be affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

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The Phantom of the Opera Sets All-Time Touring Broadway Record At Detroit Opera House

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA SETS ALL-TIME TOURING BROADWAY RECORD AT DETROIT OPERA HOUSE

Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has made Detroit theatrical history by setting a new record for the highest-grossing touring week ever at the Detroit Opera House. The record was set during the second week of its triumphant 2-week engagement this February, surpassing the previous record set by Wicked in 2015.

 

“We are thrilled by the overwhelming response from Detroit audiences,” said ATG Detroit’s General Manager, James Kuhl. “Breaking the long-standing record shows the passion this city has for Broadway and to the timeless appeal of The Phantom of the Opera.”

 

The Detroit engagement of the new PHANTOM North American Tour featured Maria Björnson’s brilliant original design and is based on the celebrated direction of Harold Prince, with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne. 

 

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular musicals. Since 1986, it has played to over 160 million people in 205 cities, 58 territories and 21 languages. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s romantic, haunting and soaring score includes “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” “Masquerade” and the iconic title song. It tells the tale of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerized by the talents and beauty of a young soprano, Christine, The Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, The Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness, and passions collide. 

 

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, originally produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Theatre Company Limited, has become one of the most successful shows in the world. The original London stage production is now the second longest-running musical ever. It opened on Broadway on January 26, 1988, directed by Harold Prince. It won seven 1988 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and reigned as the longest-running show in Broadway history since January 9, 2006, when it surpassed Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS, also produced by Cameron Mackintosh. The New York production played a staggering nearly 13,981 performances, been seen by 20 million people and grossed over $1.4 billion. After an unprecedented 35 record-breaking years, the Broadway production played its final performance on April 16, 2023. 

 

There have been three U.S. National Tours based on the original Broadway production.  The First National Tour played Los Angeles and San Francisco for a combined total run of almost 10 years, playing 3,902 performances to 6.6 million people.  The Second National Tour had an 8.5-year run playing 3,364 performances to 7.5 million people.  The Third National Tour had an 18-year run, playing 7,284 performances to 16.7 million people.  The three U.S. national tours played 216 engagements in 77 cities for an unprecedented total of 36.5 years and over 14,500 performances to 31 million people – making it the most successful and longest-running touring show in U.S. history.

 

The new PHANTOM North American Tour is produced by Cameron Mackintosh and LW Entertainment.

The next show ATG Detroit will present at the Detroit Opera House is Disney’s The Lion King March 12 – April 5.

ATG Entertainment is a world leader in live entertainment whose portfolio of venues includes historic theatres, modern live music arenas, studio theatres, cinemas and conference spaces. ATG Entertainment owns, operates, or programs 72 of the world’s most iconic venues across the UK, the US and Continental Europe, each year entertaining over 18 million audience members. Through its in-house Production companies and working closely with third-party top producers and promoters ATG presents over 15,000 live performances every year.

For more information on ATG Detroit, subscriptions, group sales and more, please visit us.atgtickets.com

Have a wonderful day,
Jackie
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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above may be affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

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My Cozy Spring Bucket List 🌸

Hello and happy Tuesday friends! Michigan finally had the most wonderful warm weather yesterday and suddenly I have the urge to open the windows, tidy up the house, and spend more time outside.

Spring always feels like a fresh start. The weather warms up, the days get longer, and suddenly everything feels a little lighter.

If you’re looking for simple ways to enjoy the season, here are 25 cozy spring bucket list ideas to help you slow down and enjoy the little moments.

Whether it’s fresh flowers in the kitchen, reading outside, or visiting a local market, these small activities can make spring feel extra special.

☀️ Simple Outdoor Spring Activities

• Visit a local farmers market
• Take a long walk at a park or nature trail
• Watch the sunset somewhere scenic
• Take photos of blooming spring flowers
• Plan a spontaneous day trip
• Have breakfast outside one morning
• Visit a new coffee shop and sit outside

🌷 Cozy At-Home Spring Ideas

• Buy fresh flowers for your kitchen table
• Open the windows and do a mini home refresh
• Light a new spring candle scent
• Declutter one small area of your home
• Rearrange or style your bookshelf
• Swap winter blankets for lighter ones
• Refresh your home décor for the season

☕ Slow Living Spring Moments

• Read a book outside on a sunny day
• Enjoy a slow morning with coffee or tea
• Try a new iced coffee recipe at home
• Spend an afternoon journaling
• Take a social media break for the day
• Create a cozy reading nook

🌼 Fun Spring Things to Try

• Start a small herb garden
• Try a new spring recipe
• Host a brunch or coffee date with friends
• Start a new book series
• Treat yourself to a solo coffee date

Spring doesn’t have to be packed with big plans to feel meaningful. Sometimes the best moments are the simple ones — sunshine through the windows, fresh flowers on the table, and a quiet afternoon with a good book.

What would you add to your spring bucket list this year?

I love making seasonal bucket lists because they remind me to slow down and actually enjoy the little moments instead of letting the season fly by.

Spring doesn’t have to be full of big plans to feel special. Sometimes it’s just fresh flowers on the table, a good book, and a warm afternoon with the windows open.

If you’re feeling inspired, this is your sign to make your own spring bucket list. It can be as simple or as ambitious as you want — the goal is just to create things to look forward to.

What’s one thing you’d add to your spring bucket list this year?

Have a wonderful day,
Jackie
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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above may be affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

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Mid-March Home Refresh

Hello and happy Monday friends! I hope you had the most wonderful weekend and your week is off to a great start! My weekend was crazy, but also so much fun between book clubs and birthday parties. 

There’s something about the middle of March that always makes me want to refresh my space a little. The excitement of the new year has worn off, but spring hasn’t fully arrived yet. It’s that in-between moment where a small change around the house can make everything feel brighter, cozier, and a little more put together.

The good news is you don’t need a big budget or a full weekend makeover to give your home a refresh. Sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest difference. Here are a few easy, budget-friendly ways I like to give my space a little mid-March reset.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love or would recommend. Thank you for supporting my blog!

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Start with a Quick Declutter

Before I add anything new, I like to take a few minutes to tidy up the spaces I see the most. A quick declutter instantly makes everything feel fresher.

Some easy places to start:

• Coffee tables
• Nightstands
• Kitchen counters
• Entryway tables

I usually take everything off the surface, wipe it down, and only put back the items I truly want there. It’s amazing how much calmer a room can feel when surfaces aren’t crowded. If I find that the space just isn't working for me, I will take a few items away and swap them out for other items to see what feels right. Or, if I feel like I don't want to take away, I'll get a tray or something to put everything on so it contains everything to one space. The best part is a tray can add a pop of color or a texture to your space. 

Here are a few cute tray options that would work for this (to shop just click the image):

Give Your Coffee Table a Mini Makeover

Your coffee table is one of the easiest places to create a cozy little focal point.

I like to keep it simple with just a few items that feel intentional. A small tray can make everything look more organized and styled without trying too hard.

Some easy coffee table combinations:

• A candle + a small stack of books
• A tray with coasters + a small plant
• A decorative bowl + a seasonal item

Right now my coffee table has:

A wooden tray filled with a book, coasters, a box of Kleenex and the tv remotes. If I want to switch it up for the season, I will add a few themed items that apply to that month or that season to liven up the space. I also will switch out a candle from time-to-time; however, I have to be careful with candles because I have cats and they're drawn to flames. 

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Swap Out Small Decor

You don’t need to redecorate an entire room to make it feel different. Swapping a few small items can instantly shift the vibe.

A few easy swaps for this time of year:

• Switch darker winter candles for lighter or floral scents
• Replace heavy blankets with lighter throws
• Change out pillow covers
• Add fresh or faux flowers

Here's a few ideas you could use to add some spring-y vibes to your space:

Throw a cream (or light) colored blanket on your chair or couch. Here's a cute option that is not only soft, but also add texture. 

Add a floral pillow with fun colors to add some fun to the space:

Add florals to the space to add some freshness and variety:

These little seasonal updates make a space feel refreshed without spending much money.

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Update a Wall (Without a Full Redesign)

Walls are another great place for a simple refresh. And the best part is you don’t need to buy new art to make it happen.

A few easy ideas:

• Move artwork from another room
• Create a small gallery wall with prints you already have
• Add a framed printable
• Hang a decorative mirror

You can also lean frames on shelves or mantels instead of hanging them, which makes it easy to switch things up later.

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Bring in a Little Bit of Spring

Even though it might still feel like winter outside, bringing a little spring into your home can really lift your mood.

A few easy ways to do that:

• A vase with fresh flowers from the grocery store
• A bowl of lemons or oranges in the kitchen
• Opening the windows on a warmer day
• Adding lighter textures and colors

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Sometimes the smallest seasonal touches are the ones that make a space feel the most welcoming.

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Final Thoughts

A mid-March home refresh doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes just moving things around, clearing surfaces, and adding a few thoughtful touches can make your space feel brand new again.

I love doing these little resets throughout the year because they help me appreciate the home I already have.

If you’re doing a mid-March refresh too, I’d love to know:
What’s one small change you’ve made in your home lately that made a big difference?

Have a wonderful day,
Jackie
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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above may be affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

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Celebrating International Women’s Day at Home

Hello and happy International Women's Day to all my ladies out there. Every year when International Women’s Day rolls around, I like to take a little time to pause and celebrate the women who inspire me. Sometimes that looks like supporting women-owned businesses, sometimes it’s reading a book by a female author I admire, and sometimes it’s just taking a quiet moment to reflect on the incredible women in my life.

While there are lots of events and celebrations happening around the world, I personally love finding small ways to celebrate right at home. It feels cozy, intentional, and honestly a little more meaningful.

Today I’m sharing a few simple ways I like to celebrate International Women’s Day from home. Feel free to use these ideas as inspiration and make them your own!

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Start the Day with a Quiet Morning Ritual

One of my favorite ways to mark any meaningful day is by starting the morning slowly. Instead of rushing into the day, I like to take a few minutes to create a calm little ritual.

For me, this might look like:

• Making a cozy cup of coffee or tea
• Sitting somewhere comfortable with a book
• Taking a moment to think about the women who have influenced my life

Sometimes I’ll even text a few friends or family members just to tell them how much I appreciate them. It’s a small gesture, but it always feels really special.

You could also use this time for journaling or reflection. A few prompts you might enjoy:

• Who are the women that have shaped who I am today?
• What female creators or leaders inspire me right now?
• How can I support other women this year?

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Read a Book by a Woman Author

One of the easiest ways to celebrate International Women’s Day is by picking up a book written by a woman.

There are so many incredible female authors out there writing everything from powerful memoirs to cozy fiction. I love using this day as an excuse to finally start a book that’s been sitting on my TBR pile.

Some types of books you might consider:

• A novel by a favorite female author
• A memoir by an inspiring woman
• A nonfiction book about women in history
• A cozy romance written by a woman

Right now I’m reading:
Arcana Academy by Elise Kova


Some of my favorite books by women include: 

• The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
• Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson
• The Road of Bones by Demi Winters

If you’re a reader like me, this is honestly one of the most enjoyable ways to celebrate the day.

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Support Women-Owned Businesses

Another thing I love doing on International Women’s Day is intentionally supporting women-owned businesses.

This could be something small like ordering a coffee from a local café run by women, or purchasing something online from a woman-owned shop.

A few ways you can do this:

• Buy a book from a female author
• Purchase skincare, candles, or stationery from a women-owned brand
• Support artists and creators online
• Leave a positive review for a small business you love

Some women-owned brands I enjoy:

• Inscribe Books - Indie Book Store in Clarkston, MI
• Antique Candle Co. - Small candle shop in Indiana
• The Storygraph - do you know this app? If you don't, you should definitely check it out. 

Even small purchases can make a big difference when you’re supporting independent creators.

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Create a Cozy Evening Celebration

To wrap up the day, I love creating a cozy evening moment at home. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate — just something that feels relaxing and intentional.

Some ideas:

• Watch a movie directed by or starring incredible women
• Cook or order your favorite comfort meal
• Light a candle and spend time reading
• Have a mini self-care night

If you want to make it extra fun, you could even invite a few friends over for a small girls’ night. Think cozy snacks, comfy clothes, and lots of good conversation.

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A Reminder Worth Celebrating

International Women’s Day is about celebrating achievements, recognizing progress, and continuing to support one another.

But I also think it’s a lovely excuse to slow down and appreciate the women who make our lives brighter every day — friends, family members, authors, creators, leaders, and so many others.

However you choose to celebrate, I hope you take a moment today to recognize the strength, creativity, and kindness of the women around you.

And if you’re reading this: you’re part of that celebration too.

Happy International Women’s Day. 💐

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. I only share books, products, and brands that I genuinely enjoy or think you might love as well. Thank you for supporting my blog and the content I create!

Have a wonderful day,
Jackie
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above may be affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

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