How to give yourself the 'princess treatment'.

Let's pamper ourselves, shall we?

So, if you follow me on Twitter, you know I’m dealing with a breakup. I know what you’re thinking, “Jacque, how many negative updates do you have?!”. And honestly…yeah, it’s been a lot, ha! However, I’m also super grateful. I survived a 'health scare', and although I’m single again, I was able to experience a connection that undid all the hurt from the one before. I was listened to, encouraged, pushed to create, and allowed a safe space to be my full self. I have no ill will toward my former lover, and honestly, we’re still cool, so it’s all good.

Even though things are fine with us, and I don’t necessarily feel torn up, I still feel like treating myself. I’m still deserving of ‘princess treatment’, even if I’m the one providing it. So here are a few ways I’m pampering myself during this time of self-love.

Getting Dolled Up

Maybe it’s vain, but taking a warm shower, doing my skincare routine, and getting dressed up really helps to elevate my mood. I feel like I can take on the day and move through the world as the shiniest version of myself. If you want to know my favorite, most princess-like products, I’ll link them below!

These are not affiliate links. I just like to share:

1. Skincare: All the pink products from Glow Recipe. I purely use them for the aesthetic, but my skin hasn’t broken out, so they must be on to something!

2. Scent: Ariana Grande Sweet Like Candy Perfume. It smells amazing, and the bottle is SO cute.

3. Makeup: I’m obsessed with cat eyeliner, and my go-to is NYX liquid eyeliner. I can do my signature look in a few seconds, and it lasts ALL day. I love it! For lips, I use NYX butter gloss in the darkest brown.

Reading

Honestly, nothing makes me feel more like a princess than curling up with a good book after a long day of adulting. My taste in books is pretty odd. I love magical realism, tales about strange and unsettling women, and surreal stories. Here are some books I’ve enjoyed lately:

• Temporary - a surreal novel about a temp worker taking on strange odd-jobs, like filling in for a pirate, a ghost, and a hitman’s assistant. This book was so weird…so you know I liked it!

• The Visit- a short story by Chimamanda Adichie that describes a world in which women are the oppressors of men. I LOVED this story, and it really highlighted how unsettling our own society is

• Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 - This is one of my current reads! It’s pretty short, and so far, so good. It’s about a Korean woman who mysteriously takes on the personas of other women in her life…both dead and alive.

• How to Be a Better Adult- Would I really be me if I didn’t promote my own book? Ha! It’s only free on Kindle Unlimited through the end of this month! So if you’d like to read, now is the time! It’s so weird how my life has almost mimicked the story, as bizarre as it is. If you’ve already read it, please leave honest reviews on Goodreads.

If you’d like to see more of my current reads and follow along with my reviews and updates, follow me on Goodreads!

Going on Dates

Ok, so this may not be the best advice, considering I’m fresh off the heels of a hospital visit and a breakup, but going on dates with kind people while being honest about where I’m at mentally is always nice. It shows me I’ve still got it (ha) and that there are cool people out there. As someone who struggles with social anxiety, it’s also the best kind of exposure therapy. I get to socialize in a positive, structured way, and even if the dates are a bust, nothing is a waste! I either end up with a cool acquaintance or a character for a story later. Win, win!

Journaling

I have a confession. This newsletter is my journal. Is sharing my most intimate thoughts with over 35,000 people the most healthy way to emote? Maybe not. But, it’s what I’ve chosen to do so…ayyyye! Grab a fuzzy pen, kick up your feet, and jot down all your girliest thoughts. Be sure to lovingly sigh as you do it for added effect.

Knock Something Off Your To-Do List

After my breakup, I finally hung up a pile of laundry that’s been staring at me from the corner of my room. I did my dishes, cleaned my bathroom, and bought groceries. Being able to knock these looming tasks off my to-do list felt amazing. And sitting in a clean room feels even better.

If you’re also going through a breakup, it’s ok to cry it out. Wallow a little, and think about what went wrong. But don’t let it keep you down. With all the people in this world, you’re bound to find someone…or someones (I’ve been watching Seeking Brother Husband 😆). Good luck, fellow weepy princesses!

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Listen to my girly podcast!: The Magical Girl’s Guide to Life

Read my nerdy self-help book!: The Magical Girl’s Guide to Life

Follow me on Instagram!: @Jacqueaye