Cassey Ho's Blog, page 32
February 12, 2023
The 2000s Aesthetic is Resurrecting Digital Cameras
*This dive into 2000’s aesthetic and digital cameras may contain referral links for products we love, and all opinions are our own. We earn a small commission from these links, at no additional cost to you.
Do you remember the days when your friends and family would snap a picture with their point and shoot cameras? Whether at a family party or gathering, someone always had a camera on their wrist ready to snap a photo at a moment’s notice — for me, it was my great aunt (she was the designated picture taker.)
And you might think that since phones have become more advanced over the last decade that digital cameras are a thing of the past. However, that’s not true — at least during these past few months. Digital cameras are actually making a comeback all over social media. Yes, you read that right. People are dusting off their old point and shoots and getting to work (you’ve probably also noticed a rise in Polaroid cameras, too.)
@nadish_life My new Hobby#photographer#digitalcamera#digitalphotography#digiclub#digicam#62digiclub#cutecamera#cutecam#camcover#samsungcamera#samsungcam#цифроваякамера#самсунг#cutecamcorder#oldcamera#oldcameras#fyp#aesthetic#aesthetic#эстетика#fypシ#рек #врек ♬ maybe im in love – flo
TikTok’s obsession with 2000’s aesthetic
Similar to most comebacks these days, the uptick in digital camera usage comes from TikTok users and celebrities who can’t seem to get enough of this nostalgic device. The hashtag #digitalcamera has over 240.4M views on TikTok, where users are using these cameras to capture moments on solo travels, at weddings, and even during their day to day activities. And celebrities like Charli D’Amelio, Bella Hadid, and Emily Ratajkowski have been spotted with tiny point and shoots bringing them to the forefront.
While TikTok might be a part of the resurgence of digital cameras, many cameras have more settings to effectively capture pictures in a way that a traditional smartphone can’t — think composition and the trendy 2000’s aesthetic that everyone is trying to achieve.
Personally, I haven’t hopped back on the digital camera trend, but that’s not to say I haven’t thought about it. I’m always looking to be ITK and at the cusp of the latest social media trends, but this one seems to be out of my scope (at least for now.) I know myself enough to know that I’d buy a camera just to have it sit around and use my phone because of convenience. With that said, I think if people are keen on getting a digital camera to stay relevant and look cool, then it’s well worth the buy.
The perks of a point and shoot
@bettyboobp #friends #camera #pics #pictures #111 #333 #phone #digitalcamera ♬ original sound – 𝔼𝕚𝕒𝕟
Photographer, director, and storyteller Sophie Elgort says that although an iPhone camera never hurt anyone with its easy-to-use format, they still don’t provide the same effect as a traditional point and shoot.
“An iPhone photo looks like just that – an iphone photo, and therefore looks like everyone else’s photos,” says Elgort. “I think people are going back to digital cameras to get a different look to their pictures, to create something unique.”
You might get a different angle.
Additionally, many people have become so used to others taking phone pictures, that the reaction you get out of subjects with a traditional point and shoot may not be what you (or them) were expecting. It can be memorable and even fun to experiment with it.
“I’ll go as far as saying that maybe you’ll even get a different reaction from your subject when they find themselves in front of a camera versus a phone,” says Elgort.
If you want to put that idea to the test, then next time you see your friends, whip out your point and shoot and see their reaction. I bet they’ll either laugh, smile, or look confused — but either way it’ll be a moment that everyone involved will remember.
Not only may the reaction be different, but how the photo is taken is different. “Things look different through a viewfinder so you may choose to shoot something differently than you would have with your iPhone,” says Elgort.
If you have to look through a little viewfinder, then you might decide to change up the focal point and have a different picture as a result. For example, you might find a different angle of a flower you’d like to shoot that looks better than a head-on shot from an iPhone for instance.
Is it worth hopping on the trend? Probably.And the best news is point and shoot cameras aren’t as expensive as they used to be — remember when you went to Best Buy as a kid and saw them on stands for hundreds of dollars? That may ring true for some more higher-end cameras, but for the most part, you can find quality handheld cameras for less from well known brands like Polaroid, Kodak, etc.
What kind of digital camera should you get?
Keep on reading to see a few of our favorite picks for basic cameras you can use to hop on this 2000’s aesthetic trend while it’s hot.
Polaroid 16MP Waterproof Digital CameraTake this point and shoot camera with you on vacation since it’s waterproof for up to 10 feet. That means you can take it in the ocean as you snorkel or in the pool at your fancy hotel pool. It’s small and lightweight so you can carry it with you around without lugging around extra weight.
Vahoiald Digital Camera

At less than $50, snag this camera from Amazon which is a great affordable option for those who want to hop on the 2000’s aesthetic trend without spending lots of money. It has 16x zoom so you can get up close to your subject and has 1080p resolution to capture high quality video. Available in pink, green, and black.
Kodak PIXPRO Friendly Zoom Digital Camera
With an LCD screen, look at your pictures right on the camera after you take them to see how they turned out. The wide-angle lens makes it easy to capture an entire scene whether that’s a family picture or an image of your backyard garden. This camera is perfect for taking pictures in your favorite POPFLEX activewear, if we say so ourselves.
Minolta Wifi Digital Camera

This is a relatively more expensive option, but it’s still not too shabby, especially considering it connects to WiFi and bluetooth connectivity for easy uploads and navigation. And the three-inch screen makes it easy to view images after taking them to make sure you’re getting the look you want.
Love the 2000’s Aesthetic? Get a Digital Camera
*This dive into 2000’s aesthetic and digital cameras may contain referral links for products we love, and all opinions are our own. We earn a small commission from these links, at no additional cost to you.
Do you remember the days when your friends and family would snap a picture with their point and shoot cameras? Whether at a family party or gathering, someone always had a camera on their wrist ready to snap a photo at a moment’s notice — for me, it was my great aunt (she was the designated picture taker.)
And you might think that since phones have become more advanced over the last decade that digital cameras are a thing of the past. However, that’s not true — at least during these past few months. Digital cameras are actually making a comeback all over social media. Yes, you read that right. People are dusting off their old point and shoots and getting to work (you’ve probably also noticed a rise in Polaroid cameras, too.)
@nadish_life My new Hobby#photographer#digitalcamera#digitalphotography#digiclub#digicam#62digiclub#cutecamera#cutecam#camcover#samsungcamera#samsungcam#цифроваякамера#самсунг#cutecamcorder#oldcamera#oldcameras#fyp#aesthetic#aesthetic#эстетика#fypシ#рек #врек ♬ maybe im in love – flo
TikTok’s obsession with 2000’s aesthetic
Similar to most comebacks these days, the uptick in digital camera usage comes from TikTok users and celebrities who can’t seem to get enough of this nostalgic device. The hashtag #digitalcamera has over 240.4M views on TikTok, where users are using these cameras to capture moments on solo travels, at weddings, and even during their day to day activities. And celebrities like Charli D’Amelio, Bella Hadid, and Emily Ratajkowski have been spotted with tiny point and shoots bringing them to the forefront.
While TikTok might be a part of the resurgence of digital cameras, many cameras have more settings to effectively capture pictures in a way that a traditional smartphone can’t — think composition and the trendy 2000’s aesthetic that everyone is trying to achieve.
Personally, I haven’t hopped back on the digital camera trend, but that’s not to say I haven’t thought about it. I’m always looking to be ITK and at the cusp of the latest social media trends, but this one seems to be out of my scope (at least for now.) I know myself enough to know that I’d buy a camera just to have it sit around and use my phone because of convenience. With that said, I think if people are keen on getting a digital camera to stay relevant and look cool, then it’s well worth the buy.
The perks of a point and shoot
@bettyboobp #friends #camera #pics #pictures #111 #333 #phone #digitalcamera ♬ original sound – 𝔼𝕚𝕒𝕟
Photographer, director, and storyteller Sophie Elgort says that although an iPhone camera never hurt anyone with its easy-to-use format, they still don’t provide the same effect as a traditional point and shoot.
“An iPhone photo looks like just that – an iphone photo, and therefore looks like everyone else’s photos,” says Elgort. “I think people are going back to digital cameras to get a different look to their pictures, to create something unique.”
You might get a different angle.
Additionally, many people have become so used to others taking phone pictures, that the reaction you get out of subjects with a traditional point and shoot may not be what you (or them) were expecting. It can be memorable and even fun to experiment with it.
“I’ll go as far as saying that maybe you’ll even get a different reaction from your subject when they find themselves in front of a camera versus a phone,” says Elgort.
If you want to put that idea to the test, then next time you see your friends, whip out your point and shoot and see their reaction. I bet they’ll either laugh, smile, or look confused — but either way it’ll be a moment that everyone involved will remember.
Not only may the reaction be different, but how the photo is taken is different. “Things look different through a viewfinder so you may choose to shoot something differently than you would have with your iPhone,” says Elgort.
If you have to look through a little viewfinder, then you might decide to change up the focal point and have a different picture as a result. For example, you might find a different angle of a flower you’d like to shoot that looks better than a head-on shot from an iPhone for instance.
Is it worth hopping on the trend? Probably.And the best news is point and shoot cameras aren’t as expensive as they used to be — remember when you went to Best Buy as a kid and saw them on stands for hundreds of dollars? That may ring true for some more higher-end cameras, but for the most part, you can find quality handheld cameras for less from well known brands like Polaroid, Kodak, etc.
What kind of digital camera should you get?
Keep on reading to see a few of our favorite picks for basic cameras you can use to hop on this 2000’s aesthetic trend while it’s hot.
Polaroid 16MP Waterproof Digital CameraTake this point and shoot camera with you on vacation since it’s waterproof for up to 10 feet. That means you can take it in the ocean as you snorkel or in the pool at your fancy hotel pool. It’s small and lightweight so you can carry it with you around without lugging around extra weight.
Vahoiald Digital Camera

At less than $50, snag this camera from Amazon which is a great affordable option for those who want to hop on the 2000’s aesthetic trend without spending lots of money. It has 16x zoom so you can get up close to your subject and has 1080p resolution to capture high quality video. Available in pink, green, and black.
Kodak PIXPRO Friendly Zoom Digital Camera
With an LCD screen, look at your pictures right on the camera after you take them to see how they turned out. The wide-angle lens makes it easy to capture an entire scene whether that’s a family picture or an image of your backyard garden. This camera is perfect for taking pictures in your favorite POPFLEX activewear, if we say so ourselves.
Minolta Wifi Digital Camera

This is a relatively more expensive option, but it’s still not too shabby, especially considering it connects to WiFi and bluetooth connectivity for easy uploads and navigation. And the three-inch screen makes it easy to view images after taking them to make sure you’re getting the look you want.
February 8, 2023
3 Pretty Mocktail Recipes For Valentine’s Day
3 Valentine’s Day mocktail ideas – something flirty, something spicy, and something sweet. All very pretty.
I’m back with more festive mocktails! The ones we made for the holidays were so much fun, I knew I had to come up with some options for Valentine’s Day.
People go about V-Day in many different ways. Some of us go full force into romance, while others get a little spicy. And some of us just grab hold of any opportunity to celebrate our true ride-or-dies: our galentines.
You’ll find something here for everyone – something sweet, something spicy, and something more flirty. These mocktails have personality, ok?
Even if you think Valentine’s Day is kind of a sham, these drinks are fun for any occasion. It’s nice to have a pretty drink recipe in your back pocket for hosting friends or a casual at-home date night. Or for the Super Bowl, since that is this weekend too.

I am no mixologist, so if I can put these concoctions together, so can you! You don’t need a cocktail shaker (I use a jar with a lid), or really any special equipment at all.
The most complicated step out of all of these recipes is making your own jalapeño simple syrup. I know it sounds like more work than you might want, but trust me when I say it’s soo easy. I avoided making my own simple syrups for so long before I realized it’s literally just simmering sugar and water, then adding the flavor you want to infuse.
If you’re still like…nah. Not for me. That’s ok! You can buy whatever you need. No stress here, only fun.
Now, are you ready to unleash your inner mixologist?! Let’s make some pretty Valentine’s Day mocktails!
Rose Gin & TonicA gin and tonic, but make it flirty.
I added rose-infused simple syrup, which you can find on Amazon. But to be honest, I think it’s totally optional! If you leave it out, I would replace it with a plain simple syrup or another sweetener.
Isn’t the shimmer in this drink so mesmerizing?! Can confirm that the edible glitter is 100% worth it, especially if you want to impress your guests with an aesthetic mocktail that requires basically no time or effort.

I love a spicy marg, no matter the occasion. I used blood orange juice to make life easier, but you can absolutely use the deep red juice from fresh blood oranges – they’re in season in a lot of areas right now!
I love the tart orange flavor combined with a little lime juice, plus then the spice from the jalapeño simple syrup. YUM.
I left the jalapeños in the syrup while it chilled in the fridge and whew, it definitely had a kick! But in a good way. Feel free to take them out after the syrup thickens if you want to keep this more mild.
This pretty mocktail recipe mocktail is perfect for Galentine’s Day or maybe a Valentine’s Day double date. I can also see myself sipping on this poolside.
It makes a decent size batch (and is easy to double), AND looks so beautiful in a carafe. I just got the iridescent set in the picture above and I cannot wait to serve this for our friends!

This is the perfect dessert drink for Valentine’s Day. Or any time really…just switch out the sprinkles for the occasion!
Alcoholic chocolate martinis use chocolate liqueur for flavor. For this recipe, you just slowly heat white chocolate in your milk of choice to make the base. After it chills, just add non-alcoholic gin and serve in some pretty glasses!

Are you feeling flirty, spicy, or sweet? Let me know in the comments!
If you’re extending Dry January, interested in embarking on a sober curious journey, or just love a good mocktail, check out my non-alcoholic drink reviews!
February 7, 2023
My Joints Have Never Loved a Product More: A Peek at the CloudCushion Yoga Mat
This story features my personal opinion on a product from POPFLEX, Blogilates’ sister brand. All thoughts are based on my honest individual experience with the CloudCushion Yoga Mat, including what I love and didn’t love.
As a yoga teacher, certified personal trainer and just an avid fitness enthusiast who loves a sweaty HIIT workout or a lengthening pilates routine, I’ve tried a handful of yoga mats throughout the years as I sought out a surface that was supportive, comfy and grippy all at the same time.
My sweat sessions have taken place on everything from ultra-thin dollar section mats to fun and funky cork mats to brightly patterned department store finds to high-end athletic mats — and of course, whatever was offered at the chain gym I found myself in. And, after heavy trial and error over the years, I can confidently confirm: the mat matters.
So, after a few months of dealing with a sore spine, bruised knees and stiff wrists from the hardwood floors felt beneath my previous thin mat, I knew it was time to switch up my training locale and shift to a firmer, thicker mat.
Enter the POPFLEX CloudCushion Vegan Suede Yoga Mat. The luxe, thick mat caught my eye, and after reading reviews, I knew I had to give it a test run.

After I busted open the huge box that arrived on my doorstep, I was drawn into the CloudCushion Vegan Suede Yoga Mat’s aesthetic. The bold, sherbet-like colors are stunning, and I immediately felt encouraged to start on a set of sun salutations. Just like a new workout set motivates you to sign up for that hard strength workout or push yourself during sprints, a new mat motivates me. Who knew?!
Not only did the color pattern catch my eye, the mat’s cushy comfort did too. The CloudCushion mat is thick (rather, thicc) – measuring in at 0.5” of ultra-soft cushion. It feels plush and squishy, in the best way possible.

We all know that a product can look great — and end there. I was pleasantly surprised that the eco-friendly CloudCushion Vegan Suede Yoga Mat has the chops to back its cute looks up.
My spine, knee and wrist pain are now non-existent during my yoga flows and pilates sets — even if I’m applying deep pressure on any of my joints. Who knew my cat-cow, downward dogs and donkey kicks could feel so comfortable? And, if I’m feeling in the mood for restorative or yin yoga, this mat feels like the grounded version of a cloud: plush, soft, relaxing and cozy. I may or may not have fallen asleep during my last class…
Not only is the mat cushiony for a supportive feel, it’s still grippy so you’re not straining your wrists or ankles to stay stable and upright. Most thick mats lose their anti-slip qualities in favor of pillow-like comfort, but the CloudCushion mat stays supportive even in the sweatiest of hot yoga classes.
The velvety microfiber actually gets grippier as you sweat, making those last few poses or reps slightly less painful. If you are doing a low-impact, no-sweat workout, though, I recommend lightly spraying the mat with water or getting your hands wet prior to working out to activate this supportive, grippy quality and avoid any slips.
In this case, looks really do matter.

What I Didn’t Love About the CloudCushion Yoga Mat…Bulky to store and hard to transport to a gym Have to spray with water to get better grip at the start of a workoutGets dirty quickly (I recommend sticking to barefoot or socks only to avoid this!) Challenging to completely flatten
In the last few weeks, I’ve noticed an uptick in my motivation to do an extra set of bicycle crunches or add in one more chaturanga. Using the CloudCushion Mat has added a pop of vibrance during dark morning workouts (any other early birds out there?) — and the extra fitness push I didn’t know I needed. Plus, I’ve noticed myself getting lost in the the vibey prismatic shading as I hold longer stretches — offering a meditation of sorts (don’t knock it til you try it!).
And, my pain-free joints speak for themselves. End of story. This statement mat has been their dream come true.
Have you tried the CloudCushion mat? Tell me what you think in the comments!
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Products We Love

CloudCushion Vegan Suede Yoga Mat – Black
$ 79
Buy Now

CloudCushion Vegan Suede Yoga Mat – Cool Cosmos
$ 79
Buy Now

CloudCushion Vegan Suede Mat – Prismatic
$ 79
Buy Now

Blogilates Sweat Resistant Hat – Taupe
$ 17.99
Buy Now

Belladonna Duffle – Navy
$ 195.00
Buy Now
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Air Fryer Truffle Crusted Chicken Tenders
These Truffle Crusted Chicken Tenders are perfect as a meal or appetizer while you watch the game. Make them in the air fryer to save time!
We love a good “hack,” and this Truffle Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe is all that and a bag of chips (or in this case, Trader Joe’s Parmesan Cheese Bites With Black Truffles)!
It’s not just the fact that this healthy, inexpensive recipe puts dinner on your plate in 20 minutes. This chicken is so crispy and full of flavor that you may never go back to making chicken tenders any other way.
My Go-To Game Day AppTHIS is what you serve at your Super Bowl party. Trust me. Just work in batches and you can make a giant platter of these crispy tenders ready for a house full of hungry football fans.

The two main ingredients include Trader Joe’s “Oven Baked Cheese Bites With Black Summer Truffles” and their incredibly tasty Truffle Hot Sauce. Grinding up the crisps creates the perfect coating for the chicken.
Not only does it impart a tangy, crunchy and truffle-essence flavor, but it keeps the entire meal super high in protein. The dipping sauce is only mild in spice with a slight sweetness and more truffle goodness.
Trader Joe’s carries the crisps year-round. The sauce might be seasonal, so if you find it, buy a few bottles! A great alternative is Truff hot sauce.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken TendersIf you’ve ever made coated chicken before, you know all about dredging and dipping in egg before coating with your crispy component. Usually that involves panko or some type of crispy breading. For this, you’re using the cheese crisps, which you’ll grind in a mini blender until fine, like sand.
After the first dredge in flour, the next step is a quick dip in egg. The last step is coating with your crushed truffle crisps. You can totally make these in a regular oven. Just bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes or until cooked through. But to cut time and make them even crisper, use an air fryer, if you have one, which is how we prefer to make this recipe!

Let us know if you make this!
How Ayesha Curry is Building Healthy Habits in 2023
The start of a new year is a great time to reset and focus on creating healthy habits for overall wellness, but that doesn’t mean you can’t decide to change your habits at any time you are ready. Wellness is a lifestyle and way of being and there’s no better example than Ayesha Curry – chef, cookbook author, wife of NBA star Stephen Curry, and mother of three.
Like many of us, Curry is on a mission in 2023 to reach new levels on her own wellness journey. She filled us in on what she’s learned on her journey so far, and the tools she’s using to build healthy habits.
Balancing nutrition with family lifeAs a busy mother and wife, Ayesha understands the challenges of maintaining a healthy diet while balancing the demands of family life. “Now that my kids are a bit older, I’ve entered a new chapter of life and wanted to reclaim my body and get into shape, but in an approachable and sustainable way,” she tells Blogilates. Recently, Curry also kicked off a partnership with the leading global nutrition and food tracking app, MyFitnessPal, to impart with others how food, hydration and exercise positively impacted her body.
Curry first started her wellness journey three years ago and has been consistently using the app. “It’s truly helped to keep me accountable by seeing how the food I eat and workouts I do impact my body when tracking in the app. For example, if I don’t eat enough protein in a day, I have less energy,” she shares.

Image: MyFitnessPal
As a chef herself with a successful cookbook, “The Seasoned Life,” Curry is aware of how nutrition and food play a part in creating healthy habits. Some of Curry’s favorite recipes to refuel include a tropical post-workout smoothie. All you have to do is toss in some banana, mango, spinach, almond butter, Greek yogurt along with your favorite protein powder or collagen powder, give it a blend and you’re done. In only five minutes, you’ll have a beverage packed with nutrients that will transport you to a tropical paradise offshore.
When Curry has more time to cook, she enjoys preparing dishes that her kids will like. This includes turkey burgers with smashed avocado or her favorite versatile grilled chicken with mango corn salsa grain bowl.
Learning to look at wellness as a wholeView this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ayesha Curry (@ayeshacurry)
Curry’s commitment to healthy eating is not focused on simply tracking calories. And of course apps that monitor food intake are not for everyone. However, one advantage of MyFitnessPal is that it allows users to visualize the nutritional breakdown in their foods. A macro breakdown is beneficial for some to ensure they are maintaining a balanced diet all day long to keep them energized and full.
Curry also shows that it is possible to make positive changes, no matter how busy your life may be. In addition to her focus on food, she also prioritizes self-care and exercise.
“I recently realized that aggressive workouts don’t work for me. But my body responds better to a quick 20-minute Pilates class than an hour pushing it in the gym. Mixing it up with a hike outside or yoga at home also helps me break up the monotony of the gym and keeps me motivated mentally to keep pushing towards my fitness goals,” she confesses.
The amount and type of physical activity that works for each person varies. Something that might work for you, may not work for others. Curry is a prime example of that.
“Do what works for you. It took me a while to realize this, but there’s no one size fits all.”
Of course, wellness is incomplete without having an established self-care routine.
Just like the rest of us, Curry has her bad days, but meditation, skincare, daily salutations and 5 minute journaling helps her remain composed and give clarity when she’s stuck in a rut.
“Begin to remind yourself that you’ll feel better after doing an activity and slowly it will become a habit. Keep in mind the ‘why’ of your health and fitness goals, have grace with yourself on the bad days, and celebrate the small wins that you accomplish to keep up momentum. This is a lifelong habit to build and skipping a day or two doesn’t mean you’re back at square one! It’s about balance.”
February 6, 2023
Feel the Self Love With These Journal Prompts
Self-love journal prompts to help you pause and remind yourself of how amazing you are.
Whether you’re feeling down around V-day or just want a reminder of how amazing you are, it’s always a good thing to take time and reflect on what makes you the one and only ~you~.
What is Self-Love, Really?Self-love. Sounds self explanatory, right? Well, it’s a little more complicated than just having a positive relationship with your own body and mind. Self-love means that you accept yourself fully, treat yourself with kindness and respect, and nurture your growth and wellbeing.
It’s a lot. And it’s easier said than done. Let’s be honest, there are plenty of times we look down on ourselves; we beat ourselves up for not looking or acting a certain way. No matter what we do, we could’ve done better. Focusing on our shortcomings is such an easy thing to do. What’s a lot harder is giving ourselves permission to celebrate all of the great things we accomplish each and every day.
Why is Celebrating Ourselves Important?Giving yourself some love is a form of gratitude. By reflecting on what you’ve accomplished, you are giving yourself the credit you deserve and thanking yourself for all you’ve overcome. Research says that gratitude is associated with greater happiness; it helps you feel more positive, enjoy experiences more, improve your health, and help you build stronger relationships.
That’s right! Focusing on improving your relationship with yourself can make your other relationships even stronger. How cool is that?
So what are you waiting for? Showing yourself some love starts right now! We’ve collected some self-love journal prompts to help you get started.

Putting yourself out there isn’t easy. Write about a moment when you felt brave.
So often we see the best in others, but not in ourselves. Write a love letter for yourself… really highlight all your great qualities!
How can you love yourself more today? Use some of these coping skills as a guide if you need some ideas!
Sometimes, we can be our own worst enemy. What current habits are stopping you from loving yourself fully?
Try to see things in a different light. Write down one of your weaknesses. Then flip the narrative; describe why it’s actually a strength!
It’s about the little things. Describe something you’ve done that makes you proud.
Something in your past that you can’t get out of your head? What can you make peace with? Writing it down might help you to let it go.
It’s important to know what places in your life are safe spaces. Where can you feel comfortable expressing your authentic self?
Putting others before yourself is so easy to do. But it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes. When are you saying “yes” when you really want to say “no”?
It’s hard to practice self-love when you feel like you’re constantly drained. When do you feel the most energized? How can you incorporate these moments into your life more often?
Create a self-love positive affirmation for yourself. Repeat this mantra whenever you’re feeling lesser-than.
Continue Your Self-Love Journey
Why not get fancy with it? Now that you’ve got some self-love journal prompts to work with, we recommend getting some cute journaling supplies too!
We love these positive affirmation stickers and these pastel journaling pens. Can’t get enough of journaling? Try the POPFLEX 90 Day Journal POPFLEX 90 Day Journal.
We put time and energy into strengthening our relationships with others and practice giving forgiveness and grace when our expectations for them fall short. So we need to make sure to do the same for our relationships with ourselves.
Your relationship with yourself is so important; it’s also the longest relationship you’ll ever have. So go show yourself some love! Take part in our 14-day Date Yourself Challenge, listen to some Self-Love Anthems or treat yourself to something a little something from our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide.
Feel the (Self) Love With These Journal Prompts
Self-love journal prompts to help you pause and remind yourself of how amazing you are.
Whether you’re feeling down around V-day or just want a reminder of how amazing you are, it’s always a good thing to take time and reflect on what makes you the one and only ~you~.
What is Self-Love, Really?Self-love. Sounds self explanatory, right? Well, it’s a little more complicated than just having a positive relationship with your own body and mind. Self-love means that you accept yourself fully, treat yourself with kindness and respect, and nurture your growth and wellbeing.
It’s a lot. And it’s easier said than done. Let’s be honest, there are plenty of times we look down on ourselves; we beat ourselves up for not looking or acting a certain way. No matter what we do, we could’ve done better. Focusing on our shortcomings is such an easy thing to do. What’s a lot harder is giving ourselves permission to celebrate all of the great things we accomplish each and every day.
Why is Celebrating Ourselves Important?Giving yourself some love is a form of gratitude. By reflecting on what you’ve accomplished, you are giving yourself the credit you deserve and thanking yourself for all you’ve overcome. Research says that gratitude is associated with greater happiness; it helps you feel more positive, enjoy experiences more, improve your health, and help you build stronger relationships.
That’s right! Focusing on improving your relationship with yourself can make your other relationships even stronger. How cool is that?
So what are you waiting for? Showing yourself some love starts right now! We’ve collected some self-love journal prompts to help you get started.

Putting yourself out there isn’t easy. Write about a moment when you felt brave.
So often we see the best in others, but not in ourselves. Write a love letter for yourself… really highlight all your great qualities!
How can you love yourself more today? Use some of these coping skills as a guide if you need some ideas!
Sometimes, we can be our own worst enemy. What current habits are stopping you from loving yourself fully?
Try to see things in a different light. Write down one of your weaknesses. Then flip the narrative; describe why it’s actually a strength!
It’s about the little things. Describe something you’ve done that makes you proud.
Something in your past that you can’t get out of your head? What can you make peace with? Writing it down might help you to let it go.
It’s important to know what places in your life are safe spaces. Where can you feel comfortable expressing your authentic self?
Putting others before yourself is so easy to do. But it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes. When are you saying “yes” when you really want to say “no”?
It’s hard to practice self-love when you feel like you’re constantly drained. When do you feel the most energized? How can you incorporate these moments into your life more often?
Create a self-love positive affirmation for yourself. Repeat this mantra whenever you’re feeling lesser-than.
Continue Your Self-Love Journey
Why not get fancy with it? Now that you’ve got some self-love journal prompts to work with, we recommend getting some cute journaling supplies too!
We love these positive affirmation stickers and these pastel journaling pens. Can’t get enough of journaling? Try the POPFLEX 90 Day Journal POPFLEX 90 Day Journal.
We put time and energy into strengthening our relationships with others and practice giving forgiveness and grace when our expectations for them fall short. So we need to make sure to do the same for our relationships with ourselves.
Your relationship with yourself is so important; it’s also the longest relationship you’ll ever have. So go show yourself some love! Take part in our 14-day Date Yourself Challenge, listen to some Self-Love Anthems or treat yourself to something a little something from our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide.
February 4, 2023
Chocolate Protein Baked Oats for Two
I’m just going to tell you right now that when I first tested this Chocolate Protein Baked Oats recipe, I ate almost the entire pan the second I was done taking pictures.
And no, this is not a cute single serving recipe baked in a ramekin like you’ve seen on TikTok.
Okay technically it’s only two servings, so I guess being like “omggg I ate the entire pan guys” is a little dramatic. THEY’RE GOOD, OKAY?! That’s all I’m trying to say.
Chocolate Protein Baked Oats ingredientsOats – I used rolled oats, but you can use basically any type of oats EXCEPT for steel-cut. Don’t use those.
Protein Powder – I used the Chocolate Shake flavor of Sculpt & Debloat Protein with Probiotics! You can also you vanilla protein powder since we’re adding cocoa powder!
Cocoa Powder – Mmm, chocolate.
Salt – Just a pinch to balance the flavor. A sprinkle of flaky salt on top after it bakes is also *chef’s kiss*
Eggs – We’ll talk more about this later. I wanted to make this baked oats recipe without banana, so I opted for eggs to bind the ingredients together instead.
Monk Fruit Syrup – For sweetness. This is important since we’re not using banana, but you can use any liquid sweetener you like (maple syrup, honey, etc.). Feel free to adjust to your taste!
Chocolate Chips – Yes. More chocolate. My tip is to add the chocolate chips the second you take the baked oats out of the oven. If you sprinkle them on before it bakes, they’ll sink. Still delicious, just not as pretty.
Btw you can leave the chips out if you want, or play around with other add-ins like nuts, hemp seeds, caramel chips, or maybe…a peanut butter swirl?!

The viral TikTok baked oats use mashed banana as the base. These Chocolate Protein Baked Oats are made without banana. I went this route because:
1. With every banana-based recipe comes several comments from people asking how to make it sans banana.
2. These are protein baked oats, so I thought I’d let eggs do their thing.
3. I didn’t want this recipe to be like the 5 million other baked oats recipes out there.
Can I make these baked oats vegan?One reason you see banana as the base in most baked oats recipes is because it replaces the eggs, making the recipe vegan-friendly. You can absolutely swap the egg in this protein baked oats recipe for mashed banana, pumpkin puree, or even 2 flax eggs.
Keep in mind that I have not tested these swaps for this recipe! Baked oats are pretty forgiving though – give it a shot and report back in the comments!
Let’s make chocolate protein baked oats!
Who doesn’t want to get 21 grams of protein while feeling like they’re eating cake for breakfast?! If you struggle to eat a balanced breakfast that actually keeps you full, you’ll love this. It makes a great snack too….and a dessert.
Not a chocolate lover? That’s ok! Just use vanilla protein and leave out the cocoa and chocolate chips. Add some sprinkles and you have something more like vanilla cupcake baked oats! I also hiiiiighly recommended Cassey’s Cinnamon Roll Baked Oats. IYKYK.
Let me know in the comments if you try these!!
PS – If you want some more easy, high-protein recipes check out Cassey’s protein cookbook!
What A Beauty Writer Would Buy From Alix Earle’s Amazon Storefront
*This list of product reviews from Alix Earle’s Amazon Storefront may contain referral links for products we love, and all opinions are our own. We earn a small commission from these links, at no additional cost to you.
As a beauty writer, I’m always on the hunt for the latest viral makeup and hair products to try out. So far, my favorite viral products have been Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer (which you’ll see on this list) and Youthforia’s BYO Blush Color Changing Oil.
However, I’ve decided to expand my horizons when looking for beauty products and turned to no one other than influencer and University of Miami student Alix Earle. After browsing through Earle’s Amazon Storefront, I came across several hair and makeup products that I knew I had to try (and review).
@alixearle SHES TAKEN#umiami #grwm #wedding ♬ original sound – alix earle
Alix’s influence on TikTok
Alix is known for her ‘get ready with me’ posts, where she does her full makeup routine while chatting about her previous night out or plans for the day. But it’s not just her stories of attending Miley Cyrus’s NYE party or meeting Channing Tatum at a movie premier that have everyone in a chokehold.
It’s the skincare and makeup products she uses. Suddenly everyone is using white eyeliner on their waterline, dotting their face with contour, and aggressively curling their eyelashes before applying the latest viral mascara she’s raving about.
People are running from TikTok to her Amazon Storefront to shop her entire routine. It’s not uncommon for her to sell products out completely.
Shopping Alix’s Amazon StorefrontKeep on reading to see what I thought of 5 of the top-rated viral products from her storefront, and whether or not they are worth a buy. Note that because some of these products are sold out on Amazon, I linked to other places to shop.
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm
I’m not one to opt for lip fillers, but when it comes to plumping lipsticks you can count me in. This vegan lip balm claims to plump the look of lips and smooth lip lines. Additionally, it’s made with ingredients including maracuja oil, grapeseed oil, acerola, blueberry, watermelon, strawberry, peach, and more.
Normally, I’m not a fan of makeup with fragrance, however, the coconut smell did not bother me. It actually smelled pleasant and wasn’t even noticeable after application. And for a lip gloss, it wasn’t too glossy, but offered more of a sheen to the lips.
I didn’t notice my lips change drastically in size by using this product, but I did appreciate the rosy color that appeared. It was a hybrid between a neutral pink and mauve color for a natural look that worked well with the rest of my makeup. I liked how buildable it was so I could either use it as a lip treatment or to add more pigment to my lips when needed.
I’d give the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm a 8.5/10. Plus, a few extra brownie points for the extensive shade range with 11 different colors to choose from.
It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner Spray
Miracle Leave-in Conditioner Spray
Since I have color-treated hair, it’s very important to use professional-grade products on my strands. I’ve heard wonders about It’s A 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In Conditioner Spray, but never used it up until this week when I snagged it from Alix’s list of hair essentials on Amazon. Now I don’t know how I’ve lasted this long without it.
The brand advertises the spray as being able to do the following 10 things:
1. Nourish hair
2. Protect from thermal damage
3. Detangle
4. Help protect hair color
5. Restore shine
6. Help reduce frizz
7. Provide natural UV protection
8. Help replace lost proteins
9. Enhance hair’s natural body
10. Help prevent split ends
Now, it’s hard to say with certainty if the spray was able to replace lost proteins per se, however, I definitely noticed my hair was less frizzy and more shiny after using this spray. And after a long day in the sun, I didn’t experience the typical dry strands I normally encounter which was a bonus. The best part? It helped detangle my hair super easily so I wasn’t tugging through the knots when I brushed it.
I can see why this product is viral and why people are quick to grab a bottle because it really is a miracle hair care product. I’d give this spray a 9.5 out of 10 because I can definitely notice a difference after using and a little goes a long way so you don’t have to replace it often.
Tarte Shape TapeI’ve been using Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer for a minute, probably since 2016 when the product was first released and was all of the hype on YouTube from popular makeup artists on the platform. When I came across this on Alix Earle’s Amazon Storefront I wasn’t surprised because it really is the ultimate concealer.
Available in 35 shades, this creamy concealer provides full coverage with a matte finish. According to the brand, it helps to smooth and blur the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while brightening the undereye area. Now, this may seem too good to be true, but I’ll tell you that it really does work.
Although the formula is a bit thick and creamy, it really does work to cover dark circles, blemishes, and dark spots with just a tiny bit of product. While I don’t think it makes my skin feel smoother, I can say it does create the illusion of smoother and less-textured skin with added brightness. It provides a “filter-like” effect so it’s a great product for people on and off camera. I’d give the concealer a 9.5 out of 10 because it gets the job done and lasts a while as a little really does go a long way.
e.l.f Monochromatic Multi-Stick
e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi Stick
E.l.f. Cosmetics describes this as being an all-in-one product that can work on the eyes, cheeks, and lips. It’s made with ingredients like shea butter and Vitamin E to nourish skin and add moisture where it can usually lack.
After using the product on the eyes, lips, and cheeks, I think it’s best suited as a blush. I don’t think it did much for my lips and didn’t provide enough sheen on the eyes as I would have hoped. However, for a blush, it gave my cheeks a rosy appearance and even a highlighter-like effect. Luckily, I have dry skin so the product didn’t look too greasy, but if you have a more oilier complexion, then you might want to steer clear as you’ll definitely experience even more shine and glow with just one swipe.
I’d give this stick a 7 out of 10 because although it can be used for the eyes, lips, and face, I’m not too sure if it should. On the other hand, the small size makes it great for using on-the-go when you can’t fit lots of makeup into your purse and you still want to touch up throughout the day.
Benefit Porefessional Face Primer
As someone who spends a lot of time in the sun, finding a primer that will keep my makeup on all day is a necessity. I’ve heard only great things about this primer in terms of reducing the appearance of pores and increasing the longevity of makeup.
After using it just once, I noticed a difference in my complexion. My skin felt ultra-smooth like it hasn’t been in a long time. My makeup went on seamlessly and the primer created a smooth base for it to adhere to. I can’t tell whether or not it was the primer that helped my makeup stay on all day, but it did last a full day out in the sun so that’s definitely something to make note of.
The only downfall with this product is that you need to use a few dollops to cover the entire face which means you’ll run out fairly quickly. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it means you’ll be buying it pretty often.
What viral makeup products have you in a chokehold?Are you shopping Alix Earle’s Amazon Storefront, or staying true to your ride or die products? Let me know what your must-haves so I can add them to my list to try!
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