"The world is your oyster. It’s up to you to find the pearls." – Chris Gardner

 

 

 

White South Sea Pearl 13.0-17.0mm and Pink Tourmaline Cabochon Necklace, 18K Yellow Gold

Pure says: Oh, Baby!

Jewelry by De Vroomen for Paspaley

 

 

 

HOW TO BEAT THOSE CRUEL JANUARY BLUES 

 

Ugh. January is the WORST, am I right? Every year, it seems like it's January that just drags on into infinity and I always feel dragged into the doldrums until the month is over. For years, I thought this was a "me" thing, but it turns out I'm not alone. There are TONS of people who run smack into the January Blues. 

It makes sense though, when you consider the sparkly whirlwind of the Holiday Season; January just ends up kind of ... Blah. January is all about getting back to your normal routine, the freezing cold weather, too much introspection as you ponder what you can do better this year, perhaps the disappointment of not living up to your New Year's Resolutions and of course, having spent probably too much money on gifts during the Holidays.

To help keep us on track and shake those old January Blues, here are 8 tips to get some positivity back in your life and bring that smile back.

 

1) Get Outside

 

 

January has some of the coldest, shortest days of the year, which means our bodies are running pretty low on Vitamin D. Boost those natural D levels by getting out into the sunshine and help fight off seasonal depression and fight off colds at the same time!

There are a ton of winter activities to do like hiking, skiing, snowboarding and ice skating. And if you hate the cold and snow, then why not treat yourself to a sauna, go hot tubbing or try some yoga to get energized and beat those January Blues!

 

2) Skip Resolutions and Try a New Hobby Instead

 

 

Something like 90% of all New Year's Resolutions are ditched within one month, so consider skipping the angst and try something new this January instead? Look into an arts and crafts class, or take up knitting, painting, or pottery for a month. If you love it then great - you have a new hobby! If not, then you tried something new and can branch out to something else that's more meaningful for you. 

 

3) Get Your Body Moving

 

 

I don't know about you, but I ate WAY too much baked brie over Christmas. Way, way too much. All the fancy dinners, holiday snacks and drinks has a way of adding a couple inches to the waistline ... which can also drag your outlook into the dumps when you don't feel great about your self image.

Getting some exercise helps clear your mind, refocus on the important things in your day, and can help you feel better overall. You don't need any body-busting, expensive gym routines either - just 15 minutes of light exercise like a brisk walk or some yoga keeps things simple, cheap and helps you start the year off right with a new, healthy routine.

 

4) Get Dressed Up Just Because

 

 

An excellent little pick-me-up during January is to get all dressed up just because. Try some new make-up looks, dress up in an outfit you especially love, and don't forget the jewelry! 

National Wear Your Pearls Day is in December (in light of this blog post, maybe it should have been in January?!). This special day aims to highlight issues with depression and anxiety, and was founded by author and motivational speaker, DeAnna Bookert, National Wear Your Pearls Day represents the story of her life and how she struggled with depression. "I wear pearls as a reminder that I have purpose and value."  

While wearing any of the jewelry that you love is sure to bring you joy and make you feel pretty, pearls have special significance in that they represent how we can overcome even the toughest obstacles and irritants in our lives and grow into radiant, glowing and iridescent beings capable of helping others and ourselves heal and triumph over obstacles. So this January, wear your pearls with a smile!

 

5) Take a Trip

 

 

Going on a trip is proven to improve your mood and get you smiling again. Maybe it's the thrill of finding new places or hidden gems but it just seems that taking off for a day or two (or five if you can swing it!) is bound to beat those January Blues. 

Even if you don't have the time or the funds to take a trip, science has shown that even just planning a trip can boost your mood, because we're giving ourselves something amazing to look forward to. So break out the maps and a special planner and start dreaming! 

 

6) Hang Out With Friends

 

 

The cold weather and raided bank accounts can make us want to stay inside and just veg out in front of the TV, but it's important to keep making plans and getting out and about and hanging with your social circle. Nothing's cozier than getting together with a small group of friends and crafting together or learning something new - and most importantly, enjoying the company of others and having a few laughs!

Whether it's learning a new dance, or having a friend spend an afternoon teaching a new skill like crocheting, having a bake-a-thon or just getting together for a fun game night, enjoying time with some friends can definitely help beat back those January Blues. 

 

7) Be Sure to Eat and Sleep Well

 

 

Getting enough sleep is key to maintaining mental well-being; especially during the long winter nights. Make a pact with yourself to get to bed earlier, and catch some serious zzzzz's and wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day!

It's also a great idea to detox from the Holiday Season's myriad sweets, carbs and alcoholic beverages - overindulging in these treats can lead to low energy and make depression easier to set in. Try to add in natural, healthy foods to your diet, and give your body a jump start to the new year - especially mood-boosting foods like salmon, eggs, berries and plenty of dark greens which are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have been proven to be good-mood foods. 

 

7) Reflect on the Things That Make You Grateful

 

 

I love this idea! It's so helpful to reflect on all the wonderful things in our lives to remind us to be grateful for all we have. I like listing 5 unique things that I was grateful for during that particular day, and I know my Mom spends 15 minutes each morning during her "Quiet Time" when she gets up to write a letter to God and talk to him about all the things she is grateful for.

I really like the idea of beginning the day by noting something to be grateful for, which starts the day off right and puts you in a happier frame of mind for the day ahead. Definitely something I'm going to remind myself to do more often!

 

8) Finally ... Take It Easy On Yourself

 

 

If you're having a particularly yucky day, don't forget to take it easy on yourself. Run a warm bubble bath, throw on some Nina or grab a good book and take care of yourself!

It's a great idea to keep a list of ideas handy so when you do run into a stumbling block, you can refresh your mood and get back your smiling self. 

Take care - January is nearly over! ;)

Until next week ...

 

XO,

Ashley M.
 

 

 

 

URBAN CHIC

 

 

This striking black Tahitian pearl and Diamond "Jet Set" pendant has the perfect amount of sparkle for both day and evening wear. Each Tahitian pearl features your striking colorful overtones, and is hand-selected for its perfectly round shape, sharp, slightly metallic luster and clean surfaces.

The diamonds weigh 0.10cttw total and are SI1-GH quality. For the ultimate in custom pearls, choose your favorite pearl size - we offer a range of sizes from 8.0-9.0mm up through 11.0-12.0mm for those looking to make a splash. Diamond bale and chain are both solid 14K White or Yellow gold, choose your preferred chain length.

Each Tahitian pearl is completely unique and as individual as its owner - expect to see variations in shape, surface, color, size differing from the product pictures. Your new Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Jet Set Pendant arrives in a pretty Presentation Gift Box for you to keep, with a Certificate of Authenticity and Pearl Care Instructions.