It’s been an eventful few weeks. I’ve been full of rage due to the news coming out of the U.S. I decided to cut back on sugar as of March 5th (I’m not cutting it out, just cutting back as I have a major sugar addiction and I’m not even being dramatic). I’ve been going to the gym. All this means I’m arriving in April with a lot of energy.
A lot of time opened up when I finished my 30 days to spring deep cleaning challenge. I’ve fallen back into the news rabbit hole but my morning pages practice and regular therapy sessions have helped moderate my consumption — so I can channel my frustration and anxiety in more productive ways. I made a couple of rage colouring pages, which I absolutely love. In April, I plan to repeat 30 Days of Procreate, which I did a couple of years ago.
Here are my moon planning check-ins this month:
Full moon on April 12th
New moon on April 27th
For more about what’s on my mind right now, you can subscribe to my newsletter, or check out my 2025 goals and my 101 in 1001 list. I’ve also got a few bits on my about page.
P.S. Here’s the April wallpaper. :)
DAILY ROUTINE
My routine is my source of power. Each day is like a little puzzle, and everything always comes together. Read about my fluid time blocking practice.
Morning
The morning is the most structured part of my day. My alarm is currently set for 5:45am. I spend the first few hours of my day getting ready, oil pulling, making myself a hot herbal infusion, watering our houseplants, and writing morning pages. The rest of my morning depends on how busy I am with work. I’ll go for a walk at some point, which often includes a quick trip to the grocery store.
Afternoon
Since I practice intermittent fasting, I have my first meal of the day at around noon. The rest of my afternoon varies depending on how much energy and motivation I have. I spend the majority of my time on paid work and personal projects. I’ll have an afternoon nap at some point, usually a power nap, but longer if I had a shorter night of sleep. I spend another hour cooking or doing chores, and then I do some more work. Some days, I have a sweet video call with a friend. I try to finish eating dinner by 6pm.
Evening
After dinner, I do a bit of this and that. Hubby and I usually start to wind down at around 7-8pm. We spend this time together — sometimes together-together, and sometimes together-while-also-doing-our-own-thing. Each night is different depending on how we feel. This year, I’ll be trying to do some more offline activities as I experienced a lot of eye strain in the last couple months of 2024. I try to be in bed by 10-10:30pm on most nights.
SKINCARE ROUTINE
The general formula for my skincare products is toner + serum + facial oil + moisturizer. I’ll usually use up what I have before moving on to something else, but I also try to finish some of hubby’s products when he leaves them lying around. If you’re interested in which products are my favourites, you can find them listed here.
MORNING
Rinse my face with lukewarm water and towel dry.
Apply my skincare products in this order:
Divine Essence Damask Rose Organic Floral Water
The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum
I’ve been using The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum when I remember. This is a very rich serum and can feel a bit sticky on the skin, so I try to apply it when I’m planning to spend a stretch of time at home.
I’ve been loving Atomy AC Spot Solution as a spot treatment when I have breakouts. I use this when I first notice a pimple and then whenever I remember to reapply, in the morning and/or evening.
EVENING
Wash my face with Atomy Deep Pure Cleansing Oil, rinse with lukewarm water, and towel dry.
Apply the same skincare products as my morning routine. I’ve been using The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA (instead of my morning solution/serum combo).
I’ve been using a sheet mask or peel-off mask every week as part of my self-care regimen (and also to use up my old products!).
Makeup Basket
I amassed a huge collection of makeup during my shopaholic days. Years later and I’m still in the process of downsizing my collection. One thing that’s helped me focus on using what I have is to keep a seasonal “makeup basket.” I use the products in this basket every day until I get bored, and then I switch them out. For hygienic reasons, I only use mascara and lip gloss for 6–9 months before discarding any remaining product.
Here’s what I have in my current basket. My makeup is very old, so some of the products may be discontinued.
Eyes
Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette (old)
Adelica Soft Brow Pencil in Brown
Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler in Rose Gold
Heroine Make Advanced Film Long and Curl Mascara
Face*
Atomy BB Cream
Atomy Healthy Glow Base
MAC Blush in Blushbaby
Diorskin Shimmer Powder in 001
FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Sun Stalk'r Instant Warmth Bronzer in Private Island
Canmake Marshmallow Finish Foundation in MB**
*I use these products very rarely as I usually just wear brow powder and mascara.
**I use this as a powder concealer.
Lips
Jack Black Lip Balm
Carmex Classic Lip Balm
Hurraw Lip Balm
Atomy Lip Glow
MEDIA
LISTENING
I’ve been listening to Tate McRae and Lady Gaga’s new albums on repeat!
READING
I just finished Lessons In Chemistry, which I loved! I’m reading You Like It Darker right now, and I’ll be jumping right into Fourth Wing right after.
I’m also slowly reading a few non-fiction books: Braiding Sweetgrass, The Gift of Fear, and Anchored.
WATCHING
Hubby and I just finished watching season 2 of Severance and I’m not sure what to do with myself while I wait for season 3.
APP-ing
Here are the apps I use every day:
Lists: TickTick
Calendar: Google Calendar
Podcasts: Overcast
Music: Amazon Music Prime
Books: Libby
Social media: BeReal
That’s it for now! Let me know if I forgot anything. I try to update this page on the 1st of every month.