Ten ways to add some holiday sparkle
Are you ready to bring some sparkle into your holiday season? If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, it's all about long hot days, warm balmy nights, twinkling lights and LOTS of social obligations. Plus, there's the race to finish all the unfinished projects from the last 12 months before everything shuts down.
It can get hectic with everyone and everything pulling you in all different directions. But I’ve got some ideas to help you carve out some "me time" amongst all the craziness - just a few moments here or there can help boost your sparkle!
Grab your favourite holiday beverage and read on for ten ways to keep shining like a diamond during this busy season!
Add sparkle with a new hairdo.
Indulge yourself this festive season and get into the Christmas spirit with a glamorous new look! From glittery hair accessories to an entirely different style, a new hairdo can make a massive difference to your confidence. Hairdressers fill up early for the holidays, so book an appointment early.
If a costly new hairstyle is out of reach, get creative and head to Pinterest for some style ideas. Then invite your friends over, put on some cheesy Christmas music and pour your favourite seasonal drinks. Grab some styling products and transport yourselves back to your teenage years as you experiment with each other's hair.
Gift yourself a festive wardrobe refresh.
Treat yourself by investing in a beautiful new outfit that'll make you sparkle.
Whether you are attending a Christmas party with your friends, want to feel fabulous on Christmas Day, or simply inject an extra sparkle into running errands, a new outfit can lift your mood! Step out of your comfort zone and go all out with sequins and glitter this holiday season – after all, it's the perfect time of year to shine like a diamond!
Bonus points if you buy something locally designed from an independent boutique or market and make a small business owner do a happy dance.
If you're keen to keep it budget-friendly, don't forget your local op shop – you never know what precious items they have tucked away that could become your new showstopper. You can also consider shopping your existing wardrobe and styling pieces together differently. It's all about feeling amazing!
Treat yourself to a sparkly manicure.
Nothing says "Christmas" like sparkly nails! Whether you opt for red and green glitter or something more understated, getting your nails done is a great way to add some extra sparkle to your look.
Spoil yourself with extravagant Christmas nail art from a professional technician, or plan a joyful evening for you and your best friend. With pizza, snacks, and plenty of laughs, there's no better way to get into the holiday spirit than having a paint-and-chat party! Feel good doing each other's nails while creating beautiful memories.
Sprinkle self-love with fun holiday makeup.
Revitalize your spirits this holiday season by investing in a mini makeover!
Head to Pinterest again to DIY it and let your creative juices flow while adding a sparkle to your day. Try combining glitter with one of your favourite vibrant colours for a special festive feeling. Or go all out and treat yourself by scheduling a session with a makeup artist and indulge in feeling fabulous!
My friend Pavlina on the left with my sister Roxy and with the candles they inspired. Pavlina is holding the best selling Love, Bliss and Strength - Decadent summer nights candle and Roxy is holding the Enchanting Energy - Sweet Delights Candle.
Shine and shimmer! Add some festive bling with dazzling jewellery.
Treat yourself to some sparkly jewellery and let it remind you to stay shining and shimmering no matter what life throws your way! Whether it's a pair of earrings, a necklace, or some sparkly bracelets, adding glittery accessories is an easy way to make any outfit more festive.
I know the perfect place to find a unique piece to finish your holiday look! Head to your local Christmas market with your bestie. Discover stalls filled with designer creations and indulge in quality bestie time while you forget about life's craziness.
Get in the festive spirit by cranking up some Christmas tunes!
Get your holiday spirit revving with some jingle bell-busting, carol-croonin' music! Whether you're old school and love traditional tunes or more of a pop vibe kinda person - it's time to get merry and have fun.
Switch off all distractions, light a scented candle and as the music and fragrance fill your home, allow yourself to become immersed in the tunes and watch as your stress melts away. Even the most daunting task list will seem like a breeze with this happy atmosphere!
Take a grateful moment.
With gift wrapping (and unwrapping!), travel plans, and all the festive food, it can be easy to get overwhelmed during the holiday season.
While the Christmas tunes are playing, rekindle the season's magic and focus on positivity. Start by lighting your favourite fragrant candle, grab your gratitude journal or a notebook, and find a comfy spot. Take a moment to reflect on the past year, and jot down all that you're thankful for.
Bonus points if you then thank the special people who've helped you through the year, whether it's your colleagues, teachers or mentors. Show them how much you appreciate their help and support by giving a gift or simply sending a card with a heartfelt thank-you note (or make things easy and simply send a text message.)
An aromatic blend of juniper and citrus combine with lime and lemon verbena to set the scene to toast the awesomeness of friendship in the Sunset Drinks candle. Did someone say gin & tonics on the deck?
My sunny beach days candle features a summery blend of fresh coconut, lime and verbena with creamy vanilla to have you dreaming of lazy beach days with the sun on your skin, drinks in fruit, and your besties by your side.
Get your house looking merry and bright.
One of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit is to surround yourself with holiday decorations.
The key is not to let yourself get sucked into competing with Pinterest. Add some festive sparkle with a few simple decorations that spark joy. Try hanging up stockings and a wreath or fairy lights, and light a candle with your favourite fragrance.
You don't need any extra stress – imperfections are perfect!
Sweet Delights Candle is an enchanting blend of creamy vanilla and buttery caramel with dreamy hazelnut, aromatic rose and cozy cinnamon to fill your home with magical energy!
Spread holiday cheer, one cookie at a time.
It's the most delicious time of year! Whip up a batch of classic Christmas cookies and get sipping on eggnog.
Whether they are perfectly shaped stars or an eccentric mishmash of cookie bits, anyone lucky enough to receive such a thoughtful gift will feel extra special. Spread holiday cheer one cookie at a time – imperfect can still be delightful.
A word of warning: Be mindful of your energy levels, and don't take on more than you can handle – not everyone needs perfect cookies or even any cookies! With your inner sparkle glowing, just you will be more than enough for your loved ones.
Add festive spirit with a Christmas movie marathon.
Nothing quite gets you into the Christmas spirit like settling down in front of the TV and devoting an evening to a festive movie marathon - with added Christmas snacks, of course! There's something unique about classic festive flicks that can't be replaced.
Try nostalgic classics such as "It's A Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street", modern hits like "The Holiday", or family favourites "The Santa Clause" and "Elf".
Plus, there's the classic 'Is "Die Hard" a Christmas movie?' debate and the more recent, 'Can you classify yourself as a feminist and enjoy "Love Actually"?' one. Unless you're feeling particularly feisty, choose your audience wisely for these discussions!!
Turn on the fairy lights, and get everyone into the spirit by wearing cute Christmas-themed clothes. Light some scented candles, make eggnog and add popcorn, mini mince pies or other treats. With decorations and yummy snacks, it's the perfect way to create a magical atmosphere for your movie night.
This holiday season, don't just add a little sparkle – go all out!
Whether it's with a new hairdo, an outfit that makes you smile, some festive makeup or bling, get into the holiday spirit and have fun! And don't forget the classics like baking cookies, eggnog and, of course, watching Christmas movies.
Be mindful of your energy levels, and take on only what you can handle so that you enjoy the holidays stress-free. Don't dim your sparkle trying to add sparkle!!
What would make your holiday extra sparkly? Share your ideas in the comments below, and let's spread some festive cheer together this season – and maybe I'll see you at one of the Christmas markets around Adelaide!
