Tag: Lifestyle Guide

UNDER-$50 Date Ideas

Published on by LeeLeave a comment

Cheap date ideas are a dime a dozen on the Internet—but cheap date ideas that don’t feel cheap (or, you know, creepy)?

Those are a bit harder to find.

So we decided to pull together a few of our favorite affordable date ideas that don’t skimp on the romance and bring all the elements of a great date.

All these ideas are lovely on their own, but the best part? Most of them can be mixed and matched with other ideas on the list (e.g., picnic + stargazing) and still come in under $50.

Get inspiration for your next date night below.

PACK A PICNIC.

Okay, this doesn’t scream “groundbreaking” at first, but hear us out. Picnics are very versatile—they work for a variety of settings, occasions, and budgets. We love a classic wine and cheese spread.

GO STARGAZING.

Lay out a cozy blanket, pour some hot cocoa (or wine), and take in the beautiful night sky.

Bonus points for downloading a guided astronomy app, like this one, to help you ID the celestial bodies you see.

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BUILD A PILLOW FORT + WATCH A MOVIE.

Watching a movie on the couch = is fine, average, just a regular night at home.

Watching a movie in a pillow fort = is nostalgic, has lots of ambiance, and shows that romance isn’t dead.

DESIGN YOUR TASTING.

You can’t go wrong with a DIY wine tasting, and the possibilities are endless. Of course, wine tastings aren’t the only option here—basically, anything you like to eat or drink could work.

For instance, one BLB has done this with veggie pizza. She picked up small veggies pizzas from a few local places, and then she and her date came up with a rating system and ranked them.

TAKE A CLASS TOGETHER.

Check out local resources to find in-person classes near you, or opt for a virtual class to do at home instead.

Uncommon Goods offers a variety of virtual classes/experiences at a range of price points. Options that are $50 and under include a tarot card reading class, a magic show and lesson, a focaccia and marinara-making class, and a DIY pretzel and beer cheese class.

Tips For Supporting Introverts When You’re An Extrovert

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Extroverts—we come in layers and all shades of intensity. If we qualify ourselves as one (because let’s be real, you can only self-identify yourself as one or not), we feel more comfortable putting our emotions and personality up at the front than our counterparts, the introverts. We like to share parts of our lives and who we are with others (for the most part) and we feel at home asking other people questions and getting into the mix. 

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And for those who don’t relate to this, that can be a lot. For introverts, it can be engaging and impressive to watch as we bound forward, in a way that seems fearless, into social situations, work events, or other vulnerable people-facing adventures. On the flip side, it can also be overwhelming to think of being that way when every fiber of who you are would fight that kind of attention or platform.

When it comes down to it, being an extrovert can feel unnatural to some. And just like holding ourselves back from certain opportunities or situations feels like a waste to extroverts, introverts may just not see it that way. This can be hard when we develop relationships, and friendships or have family members that don’t sync up with our outlook. You want to seek the world out alongside the people you love most, but how you do it can be a disagreement when finding the happy balance between these two personality types is not met.

Here are a few things to remember that could help you bridge any gaps as you face life alongside introverted personalities. 

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Use your extroverted personality to relate to introverts

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Sometimes as extroverts, since we open ourselves up to people easily, people often more easily return that gesture. This gives us an advantage in really getting to understand people better. This type of trait can build empathy, and when we are close to introverts, using that skill is crucial when making efforts to make the introverts you love feel more relaxed. Approach their perspective with empathy and it will allow you to more easily assess an introvert’s feelings.

Learn from introverts

Introverts have a lot to offer. Since they aren’t jumping into the thick of things naturally or since they are preferring to spend more time inwardly, they are usually very keen observers. Ask them questions. You will likely learn things from them that you never considered, and it will open up your mind to other ideas, perceptions, and possibilities. 

It’s OK to encourage, but don’t push

People are who they are. There is nothing wrong with being an introvert or an extrovert. One is not better than the other. Both offer wonderful things to the world. But remember there is a time and a place to encourage people to get out of their bubble, challenge and push themselves, but always be patient and respectful of their boundaries. Find that line and be mindful—that is what loving another person is, and it’s important to be respectful of it.

Take advantage of the balance

Similar to how it is OK to encourage introverts to go out of their comfort zone occasionally, let introverts remind you it’s also OK to reel it in. This balance will allow you to slow down. Enjoy it, it will help you grow as a person.

Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum of being outgoing or being more reserved, our differences are always a chance to learn, find more patience for others, learn from others and also share with others what we can teach. It is important to keep these things in mind as we learn to keep our relationships with those who we love and who are cut from a different cloth, healthy.

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Author: BEAUTYLEEBAR

BeautyLeeBar consists of diverse contributors across the country. Interested in contributing for BeautyLeeBar? Send us an email!

The Journal Prompt You Should Try Tonight, Based on Your Enneagram Type

Published on by Lee3 Comments

The Enneagram test can be an enlightening tool for self-discovery. Knowing your type gives you insight into what motivates, challenges, and fulfills you, well as how you experience life’s ups and downs. If you want to delve a little deeper, pairing journal prompts with your Enneagram type is one of the best ways to process and reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and experiences from the day. By exploring your personality traits through journaling, you can gain a better understanding of yourself and the world around you. Kick off your inner dialogue with one of these journal prompts recommended for each Enneagram type.

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Describe in detail an emotion you felt today.

Type Ones strive for perfection in everything they do and often boast a strong sense of self-discipline. Although this type experiences the same range of messy human emotions as everyone else, they may not freely express their anger, sadness, nervousness, or even joy for fear of judgment. Tap into those feelings with a journal prompt that invites you to describe an emotion with as much detail as possible. What provoked this emotion? What did it physically feel like? How did you react in your words or actions?

How did I take care of myself today?

Empathetic, selfless Twos are all about taking care of others, but they tend to brush off their own needs. Making time for self-care isn’t always high on their to-do lists, so this journal prompt encourages Twos to reflect on moments throughout the day when they prioritized their well-being. It could be as simple as describing a nutritious meal or the feeling after a long, steamy shower. Make a list of the ways you put yourself first today, as a reminder that your nurturing nature should extend inward as well.

What value did I contribute to the world today?

The Achiever’s basic desire is to feel valuable and worthwhile, and they often seek this feeling through personal accomplishments. The challenge for this type is to separate their self-worth from the attention of others and other exterior signs of success. Instead of focusing on specific achievements or tasks on your to-do list, consider the value you brought to other people or your environment today. Perhaps you made someone’s day with a small act of kindness, or maybe you simply tended to your houseplants and contributed to the growth of new life. Practice finding the value in your daily doings, no matter how insignificant they may seem.

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Describe your day using as many sensory details as possible.

Type Fours can be highly emotive and introspective, which means they tend to spend a lot of time in their heads. Rather than ruminating on your feelings, challenge yourself to focus instead on the concrete details of your day. Think through something you did that day in terms of what it looked, smelled, sounded, and physically felt like. Aim to describe things exactly as they are, without exaggerating or minimizing. The goal is to practice being fully present in whatever state you’re in.

How did I step back and unplug today?

With their intense focus and unquenchable curiosity, it’s easy for Type Fives to get preoccupied and distracted from daily life. If you’ve ever gotten lost in a book or fixated on learning a new skill, you know what I’m talking about. For this journal prompt, think about what you did today to unwind and give yourself a mental break. This could entail cooking a favorite meal, chatting with a friend, or simply going for a walk. Jot down both the feelings and physical sensations that came along with this activity.

What is the best thing that happened to me today?

A Type Six is prone to worst-case scenario thinking. Craving safety and security, they have a habit of running through all the “what ifs” in a situation, fixating on problems that haven’t appeared yet. If you feel that anxiety creeping in, flip your fear-based thinking and focus instead on the best thing that happened that day. Did something turn out better than you expected? Did you solve a problem that was stressing you out or find a moment of unexpected joy? Describe the good in each day as a reminder that your anxious thoughts aren’t always your reality.

When did I feel most present and grounded today?

Busy-body Enthusiasts thrive on adventure and excitement, but while they’re flying from one activity to the next, they may forget to pause and enjoy the moment. This journal prompt invites you to slow down and think about how you managed your attention that day. Tune into the times when you felt wholly present and grounded in the current moment. What were you doing? Who were you with? How can you bring that same mentality to your interactions tomorrow?

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How did I practice openness today?

Self-reliant Type Eights prefer to take charge of themselves rather than yield to others. Always wanting to be in control of the situation, they often struggle with vulnerability. Instead of shying away from it, hone on that feeling and consider how you opened yourself up to others today. Did you accept help when you needed it, share something that made you feel vulnerable or simply choose to listen before speaking? Did it make you feel stronger or less so?

How did I show up for myself today?

The Peacemaker’s agreeable nature means they’re more likely to go along with others than stir the pot by standing up for themselves. They tend to tune out their own needs and wants as a way to keep the peace, which can end up creating more problems in the long run. For this journal prompt, turn your focus inward and consider how you participated in the world around you. Did you assert your own opinion, advocate for your needs, and lean in instead of zoning out? If you struggled with this today, how can you do better tomorrow?