This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Crest. The opinions and text are all mine.
In the spirit of a new year, today I’m sharing five simple ways to brighten your home, appearance and mind this year. Read on for my favorite ways to lighten and brighten all.the.things!
Try all-white bedding
I’m a longtime fan of all-white bedding. In fact, this year was the first time in five years that I introduced color into my duvet cover, which is now accented via a blush Greek key border. Our sheets (both fitted and flat), duvet cover, coverlet and pillows are all white and I adore the airy and fresh appearance it gives our space. Even our kids rooms have white duvet covers (but they have fun unicorn and construction truck sheets/pillow cases). There’s something about all-white bedding that’s reminiscent of a luxurious hotel room and it makes a room feel like a retreat. Plus, white sheets can be bleached!
I know patterned and printed sheets and duvet covers have had their moment – but if you haven’t tried this already, try switching to all white bedding – I promise it can transform a space! One thing to remember is that all-white doesn’t mean boring! There are plenty of duvet covers and sheet sets that are white but have texture or details like ruffles, scallops, tassels, etc. Ballard Designs, Anthropologie Home and Nordstrom all have great options. If you want to brighten your space but still crave a little color, add a duvet with a border (like ours) or a colored trim. You can also inject a little personality into your all-white bedding with your decorative pillows – I love the serene feel our blue velvet ones add to our space!
Whiten your smile
I’ve been using Crest 3D Whitestrips to whiten my teeth for over a decade now. I first tried them in college and have been using them annually since then to maintain my results. I took a break from whitening when I was pregnant and nursing/pumping for a year with each baby (it’s not recommended during these times), so all of the coffee and tea I drank (and still do!) from the early baby years definitely took its toll. I use Crest’s whitening toothpaste on a regular basis (I like the 3D White and Glamorous White) and they do help, but I still do a yearly whitening treatment to help remove those deeper stains and keep my smile white. I still remember the very first time I whitened my teeth with Crest 3D Whitestrips – I was totally awestruck by the difference they made. I loved that they were inexpensive and I could use them in the comfort of my own home.
My teeth aren’t perfect, but having a whiter smile makes me feel more confident. Crest Whitestrips are super easy to use and gone are the days where the strips slide around on your teeth – these STAY ON, feel comfortable and each whitening session takes just 30 minutes. I put them on at bed time after my night-time skin care routine and I ask Siri to set a timer for 30 minutes – done! Kevin is whitening with me right now so it’s part of our nightly routine – and in just two weeks, Crest 3D Professional Effects Whitestrips give you professional-level results. I have in the past used whitening trays from my dentist and I much prefer Crest 3D Whitestrips. They’re easier to use, my teeth are less sensitive when I use them and there’s no messing with the trays and gel.
One tip I have is that if you do tend to have more sensitive teeth, brush with a toothpaste that is labeled for sensitive teeth for two weeks before you whiten. It makes a difference! My other tip is to drink your coffee and tea through a straw while you’re whitening. It can help avoid staining while you’re whitening. You can purchase Crest 3D Professional Effects Whitestrips here if you’d like to brighten your smile in 2019!
Taken on day one and day 7 of using Crest Whitestrips
Make a weekly date with a brightening face mask
There’s nothing better than bright, glowing skin, right? If your skin looks great, you wear less makeup and feel your absolute best. Cold winters and using your car and home heaters can wreak havoc on your skin, making it drier and duller.
I like to use Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Sakuri baby facial mask once a week to slough away dead skin cells and reveal fresh new skin. I also love a hydrating mask once a week like Peter Thomas Roth’s rose stem cell mask or Tata Harper’s hydrating mask. These weekly treatments will help make your skin look its best even when it’s cold and dreary out. I usually mask on Friday nights – Netflix and mask! You can also add a hyaluronic acid serum to your skin care routine to hold even more moisture in your skin.
Add “baby lights” to your hair
It may still be winter, but if you’re looking to brighten your look, try having your colorist add some “baby lights” to your hair, especially framing your face. You can try just going 2-3 shades lighter than your natural color – baby lights are like a mini version of highlights where your colorist paints color only onto teeny tiny sections of hair that he or she pulls out by using a fine-tooth comb and weaving through it. It creates subtle dimension and brings your skin to life! You can even get the babylights done in underneath sections of your hair to make it majorly dimensional without going all the way to your roots. I adore this look!
Brighten your mood with gratitude
If you find yourself craving ways to brighten your mood or attitude, I’d love to recommend a few things that help me. First is listening to Podcasts – I find it really relaxing to listen as I commute to and from work and they’re something I look forward to. I also love listening to books on Audible – it’s a great way to keep up with the books on my list during a time when I can’t do anything else anyway (while driving).
I also encourage you to start a gratitude journal. It’s a great way to be more intentional about reflecting on your life because it keeps you accountable. I keep a journal at my bedside that prompts me with daily questions, but you can also use a notebook. Sometimes just doing a “brain dump” before bed or writing down things you’re grateful for each day can reduce anxiety and help you sleep better, which means better mornings and more productive days.
Lastly, call a friend! I know texting is the preferred method of communication for most of us, but there’s something wonderful about connecting by hearing someone’s voice and in-the-moment feedback.
I hope this post inspires you to make your year brighter in many different ways!
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