Starting in January, I’ve been making it a habit to write more regularly – and sharing all about the new things I’ve tried. It’s something that I used to do years ago, when I was working as a freelance content writer back in 2012-2013. What started as a general practice VA company, ended up being primarily writing and bookkeeping, which was a really cool mixture. Every day was different; I was always learning and researching new topics for my assignments – and I loved it.
Back then, friends of mine would joke that ‘shannon was the one who knew things’ and always teased me about writing column called ‘Sh*t Shannon Knows.’ Well, here we are many, many years later and I’m rounding up new things I tried each and every month, and keeping you in the scoop on ones you should try too.
SPIRITUAL LEARNING
Reiki Session
$50 – $100 Depending on Area
You might have noticed a bit of a trend around here lately, but I’m opening up to a lot of new things this year. I’ve always been interested in the movement of energy, spiritual connections and the power of the universe, but shyness and insecurities held me back from exploring it further. So, here we are in 2020 exploring all of the things and I’m loving it.
My session with Eden (see button below for her contact info) was so great. She shared so much information with me, and I am so grateful for her willingness to share and answer every little question I had. She opened my eyes on ancestral lineage work, and totally showed me a different way to look at it. I’ve been doing tons of reading since my session and am already looking forward to a follow up visit and continuing my journey.
READING
Chakra Balance: The Beginner’s Guide to Healing Body and Mind | April Pfender
$19.99
The trend continues (but don’t worry, they don’t all pertain to energy work, I promise)! For what it’s worth, I bought this book as an impulse buy at Chapters Indigo and it wasn’t until I read this book that I started considering seeking out a reiki treatment. I loved that this book reads a little like an encyclopedia, divided into sections for each chakra – which is super easy to understand for those of us who are new to the concepts.
Also, if you aren’t familiar with the chakras, it was fascinating to learn that we develop them in different stages of our lives. Matching up where I’ve struggled, with issues that I’ve experienced as an adult was really eye opening and helped me understand where to focus my healing. Once you’ve read enough to gain an understanding where you might need work, April provides you with crystal and oil recommendations, along with mantas and meditations to incorporate as well. I totally understand that this might not be your thing, but I wanted to share just in case it is!
CREATING
Cricut Maker – Rotary Blade
$50
It’s no secret I love myself a good craft – and since the holiday rush is now over, I finally have the mental capacity to get a little creative. I already own the Cricut Maker, but haven’t had ANY time to have fun with it since I’ve bought it. So I treated myself to the rotary blade (unique to the Maker) and gave it a spin (pun totally attended)!
The Maker is kind of an incredible machine – and the rotary blade is a game changer for anyone who cuts fabric. I use fabric for my canvas banners – and this blade cut my raw shapes out in a fraction of the time that it takes me with my mat and rotary cutter! I’m looking forward to using it again to try my hand at quilting this year – or maybe bringing back my purse sewing hobby circa 2007 – lol!
CLARIFYING
Clarins – SOS Pure Rebalancing Clay Face Mask
$35
I received this as a gift for Christmas from my mama, and I’ve been looking forward to trying it out. I may be 34, but I’ve only started using face masks in the last year or so. I’ve never been quite good at the whole self care thing, it takes a lot of extra effort for me to make it happen BUT after using a mask last year and feeling how amazing my face felt, I was kind of hooked.
I’ve mostly used powder clay masks, where you mix up the mask right before you use it (with water, honey and/or yogurt). Those are great, but sometimes, you just need something that is ready to go.
I still used a brush to apply it (even though it’s thick enough that you don’t have to – I also just prefer doing it this way). I loved it! The quality was just as good as the ones I mix myself, and the price point is affordable enough that I don’t feel bad about using it regularly (I hate it when I subconsciously do that)!
(PS, I also write a 5 Fav’s Column, which I try to do every Friday. That one is more about things I’m crushing on, articles and tutorials I’m loving, and little things I experienced throughout the week). If you’re into that sort of thing you can check those posts out HERE. Otherwise, check back next month for February’s new things I tried article!
Till next time!
