Girly Diaries ⪩⪨

✧˖° romanticizing discipline: why your study aesthetic matters more than you think

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heyyyy angels, mindy here!

okay, listen. we need to talk about something that people love to roll their eyes at. making studying aesthetic. every time someone posts a pretty study setup, there’s always someone in the comments like, “you don’t need pastel highlighters to get good grades 🙄” or “discipline is about hard work, not vibes.” and okay, sure. but also?

if your study routine feels like punishment, you’re gonna run from it.

the way something feels matters. if you walk into a cozy, candle-lit café with soft music playing, you’ll want to stay there for hours. if you sit down at a messy desk with harsh lighting and a chair that makes your back hurt, you’ll last 15 minutes max. same work, different environment, completely different experience.

so why wouldn’t you make your study sessions feel good?

the truth is, romanticizing discipline makes you want to be consistent. and when you crave the work instead of dreading it, that’s when everything shifts.

so let’s make studying feel like an experience instead of a chore.

✧˖° why aesthetics actually matter

people like to pretend that discipline should be cold, harsh, and mechanical, but your brain doesn’t work like that.

➼ your brain loves sensory rewards. if your study space looks, smells, and feels good, your brain will start associating it with pleasure instead of stress. ➼ habit-building depends on emotion. if studying is something you enjoy (even a little), you’ll do it more often. if it always feels miserable, you’ll avoid it. ➼ your environment shapes your identity. if your space and routine reflect the kind of person you want to be, you start stepping into that version of yourself.

this isn’t about making everything look cute just for the sake of it. it’s about creating a feeling that makes you want to show up.

✧˖° how to romanticize discipline (without making it a distraction)

because let’s be real... if you spend two hours making an aesthetic notion template and zero minutes actually studying, you played yourself. the key is to set up your space and then get to work.

✧˖° 1. make studying a full sensory experience

romanticizing discipline isn’t just about visuals. it’s about creating an atmosphere that makes you want to sit down and focus.

➼ sound: play a study playlist that makes you feel productive (lo-fi, classical, rain sounds. whatever works). keep it consistent so your brain recognizes it as a “focus” trigger. ➼ scent: light a candle, spray a room mist, or use an essential oil diffuser. scent is one of the strongest memory triggers, so pick one that makes you feel calm and focused. ➼ touch: make sure your chair is comfortable, your desk is clean, and your study tools feel good to use.

it’s about tricking your brain into thinking, this is a space where we focus.

✧˖° 2. design a study space that makes you want to sit down

your environment dictates your focus. a cluttered, uninspiring desk will make you feel restless. a cozy, minimal, well-lit space will make you want to stay.

➼ keep only the essentials. a clean, distraction-free setup makes it easier to focus. ➼ add a little inspiration. a vision board, a cute calendar, a motivational quote. just something that makes you feel like that girl when you sit down. ➼ lighting matters. natural light is best, but a warm desk lamp can make nighttime study sessions feel cozy instead of exhausting.

again, the goal is to create a space that makes your brain want to work.

✧˖° 3. make discipline feel like a lifestyle aesthetic

some people make discipline look miserable. but the people who actually stay consistent? they make it look effortless.

➼ romanticize the act of opening your books. make it feel cinematic. the soft scratch of your pen, the glow of your laptop, the warmth of your tea. make it feel like a movie (mean girls, gossip girls... etcc) ➼ dress like the best version of yourself. even if you’re studying at home, wear something that makes you feel put together. ➼ upgrade your study tools. if you like the way your planner, pens, and laptop setup look, you’ll actually want to use them.

this is about shifting your identity. when you see yourself as the kind of person who enjoys discipline, you become her.

✧˖° keeping the balance: romanticizing vs. actually doing the work

okay, but let’s not pretend like aesthetics alone are gonna get you an A. you still have to put in the work. the key is to use aesthetics to enhance your discipline, not replace it.

➼ set a “setup time” limit. you get 5-10 minutes to set up your space. after that? no more tweaking. just start. ➼ use a study timer. 50 minutes of deep work, 10-minute break. repeat. this keeps you from getting stuck in the “pretty but unproductive” trap. ➼ reward yourself after real progress. light a candle before studying, but don’t let yourself scroll Pinterest for an hour instead of doing the work.

discipline first, aesthetic second. not the other way around.

✧˖° final thoughts

romanticizing discipline isn’t about making things look good for the sake of it. it’s about shifting your entire mindset so studying feels good.

when you make your study space feel warm, inviting, and yours, you stop dreading it. and when you stop dreading it, you show up more often. and when you show up more often? you actually get sh*t done.

so go romanticize the process. set up your space. light the candle. play the playlist. and then? open your books and do the work. because that girl you’re envisioning? she’s already you. you just have to step into her.

do not fall into the trap of "aesthetics over work" because there will be NO reason for you to romanticize studying, if you don't actually study.

with love,

mindy

Be high maintenance to be low maintenance: a checklist

daily

- AM and PM skincare

- shower (cold shower for the last 3 minutes)

- moisturize !!!

- floss, mouthwash, brush teeth, clean your tounge

- walk 6-10k steps

- 7-9 hours of sleep

- take your supplements

- drink 1,5-2 liters of water

weekly

- shape eyebrows

- wash hair 2-3 times

- exfoliate your body

- face, hair, feet and hand masks

- hair oiling

- full body shave (face and body)

- change bedding

- clean your room

monthly

- deep clean your room

- everything shower

- mani and pedi

- hair trim (every 3 months)

- teeth withening

- hair glossing

- laser hair removal

annually

- dentist appointments

- doctor checkups

- clean out your closet

- set goals for yourself

✧ if it doesn't align with the dream life, it's a distraction ✧

hey lovelies!! 🦢

omg, so, i was literally journaling last night & this phrase just hit me like… so hard. "if it doesn't align with the dream life, it's a distraction." i had to stop writing and just sit with that for a min.

because honestly? i've been feeling so scattered lately. like my energy is going in a million directions but none of them are taking me where i actually want to go. and i realized that's exactly what happens when we don't have clarity on our it-girl blueprint.

so what even is an it-girl blueprint? it's not just aesthetic or vibes (tho those matter too!!) but it's this deep knowing of who you're meant to become. it's that version of you who wakes up excited, who feels aligned, who's living in her dream apartment with her dream career and her dream people. she exists!! she's waiting for you to become her!!

this post is a bit different from my most recents, i wanted to take a little tinyyy break from my pop culture series', like the pll x glowettee and vampire diaries x glowettee series' and just focus more on self-improvement again. i also wanted to take a break from the overwhelming aesthetics i've been using in my posts, and justtttt write~~ (no small text, no crazy colors, just my thoughts) and i realized that distractions have been very prominent in my life lately... so i wanted to address it in this post, and some possible solutions <3

✧ what's actually distracting you? ✧

okay so grab your journal rn and let's get super real about what's pulling you away from your dream life, feel free to use these prompts:

that situationship that makes you feel anxious every time they text (you know the one)

the hours of scrolling that leave you feeling empty inside

saying yes to plans when your body is literally begging you to rest

the "friend" who always has drama and makes everything about them

that project you started because you thought you "should" but you actually hate

staying in that job/class/situation because you're scared to disappoint someone

comparing your chapter 1 to someone else's chapter 20 (guilty!!)

i've been doing this work myself and it's kinda scary how many things i was pouring energy into that weren't actually taking me anywhere i wanted to go??

✧ getting clear on your actual dream life ✧

before we can align with our dream life, we need to know what it actually looks like! not what instagram or your mom or society thinks it should look like, but what YOU want.

some journal prompts that helped me:

when do i feel most like myself?

what activities make me lose track of time?

who makes me feel seen, safe, and supported?

what would my perfect morning routine look like if i had zero obligations?

what kind of spaces make me feel calm and inspired?

what would i do with my time if money wasn't an issue?

what parts of my current life would i keep even if i could change everything?

i did this exercise last weekend and realized that so many things i was chasing weren't even in my dream life blueprint?? like i was stressing about getting into this super competitive program but when i really thought about it, it wasn't even aligned with what i actually want. wild.

✧ how to actually make decisions that align ✧

okay, so here's my little framework for making choices that actually build your dream life:

the body check: before saying yes to anything, check in with your body. does it feel expansive and light, or contracted and heavy? your body literally knows before your brain does!!

the future self question: what would the version of you who's already living your dream life do? she knows!! trust her!!

the energy audit: does this person/activity/commitment give you energy or drain it? only say yes to energy-givers (this one changed my life omg)

the alignment test: ask yourself "does this move me closer to or further from my dream life?" be brutally honest!!

the joy metric: if it doesn't bring you joy or lead to joy, why are you doing it?? (unless it's like… taxes or something lol)

✧ how to let go of the distractions ✧

this is the hardest part tbh. because we get attached to things even when they're not serving us! here's what's helping me:

remember that saying no to something is saying yes to your dream life

start with the easiest distractions first (for me it was unfollowing accounts that made me feel bad)

create little rituals around letting go (i write things down and then burn the paper)

remind yourself that outgrowing things is part of becoming

be gentle with yourself when you slip back into old patterns (we all do it!!)

i had to let go of a friendship a few months that was taking so much energy, and it was really hard but also?? i suddenly had all this space to focus on things that actually matter to me.

✧ your dream life alignment practice ✧

here's a little daily practice i've been doing:

morning: set an intention to notice what aligns and what distracts

throughout the day: when making choices, ask "dream life or distraction?"

evening: celebrate the aligned choices you made + gently note the distractions

it's not being perfect!! it's becoming more conscious of our choices. because every tiny decision is either building your dream life or… not.

i've been doing this for about three weeks now and i already feel so much clearer and more focused. like i'm finally moving in one direction instead of being pulled in a million different ones.

remember: you deserve your dream life. and it starts with choosing it, over and over, in all the tiny moments.

question from mindy:

what's one distraction you're ready to let go of? and one aligned action you're ready to take? (feel free to send me a message in my inbox, or just reblog answering this question.)

xoxo, mindy 🤍

Maintenance Routine?

This is pretty much what it looks like when I’m at uni.

Definitive Guide to Stop Checking Your Phone Compulsively

1. Set Specific Check-in Times – Limit phone checks to designated times, like after a relaxing activity or during breaks.

2. Keep Your Mind Busy – Engage in activities like reading, exercising, listening to music, or creative hobbies.

3. Practice Mindfulness & Breathing – When tempted, take deep breaths and remind yourself of your well-being goals.

4. Remember Your Purpose – Stay focused on your inner peace and personal growth.

5. Redefine Your Focus – Visualize how you want your day to end—calm and fulfilling.

6. Find Alternative Activities – Replace phone-checking with reading, journaling, or relaxing exercises.

7. Create “Phone-Free Zones” – Avoid your phone during meals, walks, or before bedtime to be more present.

8. Use Reminders & Affirmations – Place visible notes or phone reminders like “I choose peace over uncertainty.”

9. Take a Mental Pause – If overthinking, focus on your breath or something positive to regain clarity.

Stressed? Move. Heavy mood? Rest. Pissed off? Pick something up and throw it (safely). Low? Step into the sunlight. Spiraling? Walk it out.

Tips On How To Get Your Life Together

make a list of your top priorities: Figure out what actually matters to you right now. This isn’t about what you should care about, but what truly takes up your energy—school, your health, building confidence, relationships, etc. Keep the list short (3–5 things max) so you can focus. ‎

create a morning and night routine: Routines give your brain structure. You don’t need a 10-step ritual—just something consistent. Morning = stretch, drink water, check your planner. Night = wash your face, no phone 30 mins before bed, quick journal. That alone is enough. ‎

check in with yourself and journal frequently: Journaling doesn’t mean writing novels. Just note how you feel, what’s bothering you, what went well, or what’s on your mind. Use prompts if you’re stuck. The point is to stay connected to yourself instead of spiraling in your head. ‎

start saving money: Even a small amount every week matters. Start tracking what you spend. Make a savings goal (emergency fund, a trip, new laptop). Try a rule like “save 10% of what I get” or “no impulse purchases until Sunday.” ‎

learn something new every day: It doesn’t have to be academic. Listen to a podcast, read one article, Google something random. Write down one interesting thing you learned to help you remember it—and to remind yourself that you’re growing. ‎

spend time with the people you love: Text them. Call them. Make plans, even if you’re busy. Shared time matters. It’s easy to get caught up in fixing yourself and forget that love and connection are part of being okay. ‎

keep track of your sleep, hydration, nutrition: Start observing how your body feels. Are you getting 7–8 hours of sleep? Drinking enough water (2L/day)? Eating regularly? You don’t have to go full fitness-tracker, but noticing patterns can help you feel way more in control. ‎

list down your stress triggers: What causes you anxiety, procrastination, or overwhelm? Write them down. Knowing your triggers helps you build systems around them. If social events drain you, plan alone time after. If deadlines stress you, start earlier. ‎

clean your room: Your environment reflects your mental state. Tidy up the space where you spend the most time. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just put things back in place, wipe down surfaces, and open a window. It shifts your mindset. ‎

practice gratitude and/or meditate: You don’t have to be spiritual. Just note what’s good. Try writing 3 small things you’re grateful for, or sitting quietly for 5 minutes. It helps your mind slow down and notice what’s okay, even on rough days. ‎

set boundaries: Say no when you need to. Don’t reply right away if you’re drained. Make rules for yourself about how much you give to others. Boundaries protect your energy—they’re not selfish, they’re necessary. ‎

declutter your phone, laptop, etc: Digital mess counts. Delete apps you don’t use, clear out your camera roll and downloads, organize folders. It helps reduce mental clutter and makes everything feel more intentional. ‎

plan 1 self care act every day: Something small, just for you. A walk, skincare, journaling, no-screen time, reading. Doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive—just consistent and kind to yourself.

xoxo, sally

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guide to becoming unrecognizable in 3 months ✉️

𐙚 do you desire to have clear and healthy skin? what about having the perfect morning and evening routine? we all want THE glow up. doing 75 hard challenges, cutting out toxic people, deleting our social medias, finding new workout routines.. the type of glow up where even you don't recognize you. so, here's a helpful guide with tips and tricks to becoming unrecognizable in the next 3 months :

༘⋆ healthy skin starts from within -

i. eat what's good for your gut, not what tastes good to your mouth. prioritize gut health by cutting out constant grease and sugar, drink lemon water and herbal teas. include skin loving nutrients in your meals: blueberries, almonds, spinach, cucumbers. 🍋

ii. try out a healthy skin juice recipe. the ultimate juicing recipe for glowy skin includes oranges, pineapple, ginger, and carrots. green juices are amazing as well! aim to have a juice every day or every other morning. 🍊

iii. let go of stress. stress and holding in any suffocating emotions can cause the stress to show in your skin. dark eyes, breakouts, wrinkles. i recommend keeping a cozy small journal to keep around you at all times to write out any heavy emotions. not attaching and letting it go = no stress = good skin. 🍒

༘⋆ invest in yourself and personal growth -

i. pick up a new book to read. SELF HELP BOOKS ARE A MUST! reading books give you a new perspective and are always better than doom scrolling. some of the best self help books i've read that changed my life are good vibes good life by vex king, the power of positive self-talk by kim fredrickson, and your faith is your fortune by neville goddard. 📖

ii. have a soft hobby. becoming unrecognizable means changing up what you do and what you engage in. what you absorb becomes you. having a soft hobby such as painting or knitting can make you more creative. reading next to candle light or writing while having a cup of tea daily can help soften your heart and calm your emotions. pick up a new hobby to become a new you. 💌

iii. love yourself more. i am a firm believer that self-love is the key to unlocking your best self. by loving yourself, you refuse to let yourself settle for anything less from others and yourself! loving yourself more means getting rid of old patterns, doing what's best for you, setting goals and achieving them. making yourself proud. say affirmations, have slow showers, buy yourself flowers. remember that you are human and this is also your first time at life. do what makes your spirit happy!

༘⋆ "becoming the best me" routines -

i. having a morning routine is important. the perfect morning routine sets the foundation for each day. a calm morning routine can include: no screen time, pray & meditate, make the bed, skincare & brush teeth, drink water & eat breakfast, journal, and take vitamins. how you start your day sets the tone for how your day will go. 💐

ii. create a skincare routine. to become unrecognizable, include skincare practices like icing your face, practice gua sha, have hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in your products, and dry brush your skin before showering. facial products from youth to people and tatcha are the best. glowy yet healthy skin is a must and will help you feel good too. make sure to stay moisturized! 🫧

iii. before bed i will. simple night habits allow for a peaceful rest. having a before bed routine creates a smooth mind and a cozy atmosphere. create a "before bed i will" list and include habits like putting your phone away, laying out clothes for the next day, pampering yourself, and reading 1 chapter of a good book. 🌖

iv. work towards your dream body. one of the best ways to become unrecognizable is exercising! getting and being active feels amazing. do morning yoga poses, have an afternoon wall pilates session, make time for at least 45min- 1 hour at the gym, or even do at home workouts with dumbbells. 🎀

𐙚 becoming unrecognizable won't happen overnight but as long as you're consistent and persist, you'll see results sooner than later. best of luck to becoming the best you!