colemankastner

[colemankastner]

Heyyyy readers!! The final, and most important topic that I’d like to touch on in our discussion of becoming our best selves, and that is a lesson in kindness. While it may sound cliche (I’m sure we are ALL familiar with the Golden Rule), treating the people around us with kindness is hands down the best thing we can do for ourselves. Not only are we bettering the world around us through the spread of small joyful acts, but we are actually providing ourselves with benefit as well. Making others feel good makes US feel good. In environments where we are consistently meeting new people, interacting with others on a daily basis, and establishing relationships with peers, kindness is the most important characteristic we should aim to embody.

Our world is filled with so much bad, so many negative things broadcasted at us from every angle imaginable. While looking at the big picture is overwhelming and depressing, what a lot of the media fails to discuss is the small joys that humans are able to bring each other daily. The neighbor who compliments your outfit, the stranger who opens the door, the coworker who flashes you a quick smile between meetings. Whether it is realized or not, the small things we do for others have a big impact. By spreading little joys frequently, we are projecting positive vibes largely. For a feel-good read on the kind acts of strangers, check out the Reader’s Digest piece below.

Being kind does not only benefit those around us. Displays of kindness toward others actually have proven benefits on our own selves as well. Kindness can actually boost neurotransmitters in our brains that make us feel good about ourselves, in the process of making others feel good. For anyone interested in the specific scientific side of kindness, I’ve linked two medical articles below for more information!!

Kind people tend to have more self-satisfaction, contentment, and love for themselves. Isn’t that funny, how loving others helps us love ourselves? (See previous post for more info on self love😉) In our ever-changing journey to our best selves, what better way to cleanse our hearts than to lift others up. Becoming your best self is NOT limited to you makeup, hair, and clothes. While those things can be important, and can help you to feel your best, your inward appearance leaves a far more lasting impact that any material item ever could. After all, people will not remember what you owned, or what you wore, but how you treated them. So be KIND!!

I hope that this blog has helped you, dear reader, to become your best self. Whether that be finding your style, your favorite way to decompress and spend time with yourself, or even learning a few manner tips, I hope that this blog has been insightful and encouraging. If we want to change the world, we have to start with ourselves.

Thanks for reading!!! XOXO Coleman💞💞

Here’s to the BEST YOU!!

Posted 9/9/23, 1:11 AM

[colemankastner]

Welcome back readers!! In today’s entry, I want to touch on the most important aspect of becoming your best self- self love. Self love is a term to essentially describe the art of putting yourself and your needs first. It is impossible for us as individuals to love and serve others without caring for ourselves first. Taking time to nourish ourselves allows us to show up our best selves everyday, regardless of the situation. Throughout this entry, I just want to discuss ways that we can love OURselves better.

One of the most important first steps in self love is setting healthy boundaries. Healthy boundaries allow us to decide what is okay and what isn’t in our relationships. Boundaries are crucial in any aspect of life, whether that be with your coworkers, peers, best friends, or partner. They allow us to ensure and protect our OWN well-being. While it is important to prioritize those that you choose to have relationships with, you ultimately come first. There’s a reason why flight attendants tell you to put your own oxygen mask on first. It is impossible to be a servant to others without first serving ourselves. For tips on how to establish these healthy boundaries, click the link below!!

Another important thing to remember in your self love journey is understanding and valuing your worth. In a world filled with so much hate and cruelty, it is more important now than ever that we can stand on our own worth. By knowing that you deserve love and respect, you will be able to stand tall in the midst of negativity on your own worth. We can never ask others to treat us with kindness, intention and respect, if we do not first give ourselves that virtue. This comes with recognizing and valuing our own personal worth. Anyone interested in further reading on this sector of self-love, please read the Better Help article below!

The last point I’d like to touch on tonight, is the importance of self care. Self care is the cornerstone of loving yourself. It’s hard to love ourselves without making time for us!! Whether that be taking the last hour of your day to watch your favorite movie, or treating yourself to a Starbucks coffee before work, self care does not have to be extravagant and expensive. Caring for ourselves simply means prioritizing our personal well-being (mental and physical) and making time for the things that we want to do. Self care allows us to find a healthy balance within the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For some creative ideas to incorporate in your next self care night, check out the link below!!

A huge part of becoming our best selves, is learning to love ourselves. In order to look AND feel our best, we must first love who we are in a world of comparison and images of perfection. Simple task, I know😜. While I may write about makeup, clothes, and hair, ultimately none of that matters if we don’t appreciate who we are without it. Loving ourselves is the best thing we can do for our own well-being, as it allows us to create the best versions of ourselves each day. YOU are worthy of love, and who better to show it than ourselves???

Next up- A Lesson in Kindness!! Thanks for reading, here’s to a better YOU!!🤗🤗🤗

09.02.23, posted 11:11 PM.

[colemankastner]

Hey everyone!! Welcome back to my blog, can’t wait to help you become your best self!! Today, I’m going to be talking about Manners and Etiquette!! Manners and etiquette allow you to display gratitude, kindness, and a sense of respect to anyone you may encounter. While it’s okay not to have the approval of others all the time, there are times when we each need the approval of others to succeed. For example, job interviews, business meetings, essentially any professional setting where you will be meeting others. It’s important to put our best foot forward, something that can be aided with the help of manners and etiquette!! Read through the lists below, for my basic tips on each one!!

Tips for Good Manners:

- Always greet people with a smile, and say hello.

- Say please, thank you, and no thank you, when asking for, receiving or declining something.

- Take care in choosing your language, cursing or using crude terms can come across as disrespectful or impolite.

- Learn to give others genuine compliments, let them know that you truly mean what you say!! (for a few tips on compliment sincerity, consider the Oprah Daily article below)

- Respect others’ personal space.

- Speak with kindness and respect, ALWAYS.

Tips for Good Etiquette:

- Know that you deserve the respect that you are giving to others.

- Listen before speaking and commenting on what someone else has said.

- Speak with kindness, confidence, and caution (THINK before you speak)

- Be punctual, remember “on-time” is 15 min. early!!

- Note that different cultures call for different etiquette procedures, and it's important to recognize these differences (for further reading, see the link below!!)

For more specific information on etiquette and it’s many rules, take a look at the Reader’s Digest article below, it takes a deeper look at the topic!!

Utilization of manners and etiquette in your everyday life will not only leave a lasting impression on those that you encounter, but it will also leave you feeling happier and more fulfilled. Studies have shown that treating others with respect and kindness allows us to feel better about ourselves, and what better way to do that than through the use of manners and etiquette!! Ultimately, as we strive to become our best selves, treating others the way we want to be treated allows us to take a step in the right direction toward our goal. I hope that this was insightful and helpful!! Thanks for checking my blog out!!

Next up - Self Love and Care!! Thanks for reading, here’s to your best YOU!!!🤗🤗🤗

Posted 9/1/23, 11:44 AM.

[colemankastner]

Welcome back friends!! Thanks for reading!! Seeing as we’ve already covered attire and makeup, it’s time to take the natural next step- HAIR CARE!! In this entry, I am going to be detailing four simple steps to elevate your hair game. Hair is so important to a look, because it can make or break your appearance. Ever seen a hairstyle that takes your attention away from the matter at hand? Hair can be super attention-grabbing and distracting if not given proper care. I hope these simple tips will help you step up your game in the journey of becoming you best self!! And hopefully help to avoid bad hair days… 😝

1 - Know Your Hair Type

Step one is absolutely crucial to your revitalized hair care routine. By knowing your hair type, not only will you know what products to look for, but you will also be able to formulate a perfect, personalized routine!! Knowing what works and what doesn’t is key to having healthy hair. Hair type dictates heat routines, wash cycles, and what products give you the best results. Whether curly and thick, or straight and fine, knowing you hair type is essential to perfect hair. To find out what hair type you are, and what styles work for you, click the link below!!

2 - Narrow Down Your Wash Routine.

Now that you know your hair type, figure out your wash routine. What shampoo you use, how often you wash, what products you pair with it, knowing all of these things allows you to fall into a great routine. Generally speaking, you should wash your hair every two to three days. For people with chemical treatments, less often than that is recommended, as the hair is more prone to breakage. Talk to your hairstylist and see what they recommend, normally their advice is pretty spot on.

3 - CONDITION!!

Use conditioner. End of story, point-blank, period. Conditioner is the center of a good hair care routine, as it adds moisture back into your stimulated follicles. A good conditioner can give your haira shiny and glossy finish, and makes detangling and brushing much easier. If you have coored hair, or swim often, conditioner is even more of an essential. It rejuvenates your hair, prevents hair loss and breakage. In other words, it’s a must-have. Check out New York Magazine’s article on the top-rated hair conditioners, linked below!!

4 - Heat Protectant. Always.

For my final hair care tip, invest in a quality heat protectant. Essentially, heat protectant acts as the barrier between your hair and the hundred-degree styling tool. It secures your hair’s health, while also giving your follicles a healthy finish. To prevent dead hair and tons of breakage, add a solid heat protectant into your styling routine. The results will be game-changing. To learn more about heat protectant and how to use it, see the article below!!

I hope that these four tips have helped you add to your hair care routine, and cultivate a basis for lively, healthy hair!! Everyone’s hair is toyally different, and that is what makes it so fun!! Getting to express ourselves in our own individual, unique way, is something that can be used to our advantage as we become our best selves!! Having healthy, happy hair will leave you turning heads and leaving the best impression of those that you meet. Thanks for reading, happy hair-ing!!!

Next up- Manners and Etiquette!! Thanks for reading, here’s to your best YOU!!🤗🤗🤗

8.31.23, posted 11:47 PM

[colemankastner]

Hiiiii readers!! Since we’ve already covered Dressing Your Best, the natural next step is discussing makeup. Makeup can elevate your look to something more than confidence and a great outfit- it’s an extension of you!! Like clothing, the way we do our makeup is something completely personal to us, it’s completely customizable. It’s something that is uniquely US, making it advantageous in the process of becoming our best selves.

I recommend using makeup to enhance what you feel are your best features. If you love your eyes, applying complimentary eye makeup can allow them to pop and shine. If you favor your lips, a shimmery gloss or statement lip can amplify their look. Show your favorite features off!! Chances are, with the right makeup, others will begin to notice them too. Complimenting your natural beauty with your favorite products allows you to fall in love with you look. For more feature-enhancing tips, check out the link below!!

Walking into an Ulta or Sephora can be one of the most overwhelming feelings ever. With rows and rows of endless products, each with different uses and nuances, its difficult to know where to start. Not to mention that designer makeup can get pretty pricey. Don’t get me wrong, I love these stores as much as the next person, but when looking to build your makeup collection, consider drugstore options. Way less expensive and still great quality, pharmacies often offer great alternatives to their expensive counterparts. Give them a chance!! For the highest rated drugstore makeup right now, see the sites linked below!!

Now that we’ve covered some makeup basics and my inexpensive tip, go explore!! Makeup is meant to be fun, something enjoyable for YOU, not others. Discover what you like, what works and looks best for you, and your confidence will flourish. While natural beauty shines on its own, sometimes a little enhancement can work wonders. In your journeys to become your best self, its important to cultivate a look, style, and routine that pleases you. I hope these makeup tips have sparked some inspiration, have fun cultivating your look!!

Next up- Hair Care Essentials. Thanks for reading, here’s to a better YOU!!🤗🤗🤗

08.30.23, posted 10:22 pm.

[colemankastner]

Welcome back readers!! Last post I did my best to introduce you to the art of becoming your best self!! While that was an introduction of sorts to the topic, today we will actually be diving into a piece of the topic- How to Dress Your Best!! The way you choose to dress plays a huge part in looking and feeling your best, and picking out great outfits doesn’t have to be super difficult. There a plenty of ways to put your best fashion foot forward, but today I am going to outline three simple steps. Let’s dive in!!

1 - Find What Works for YOU.

Each person has their own unique and personal style- that’s what makes fashion so fun!! Developing your look isn’t as intimidating as it sounds, but it can make all the difference in the process of becoming your best you. Think about what what you like- what styles and shapes you like to wear, which colors are your favorite on yourself, what you’ll be most comfortable in. With social media and a million different internet sites to help, inspiration is not hard to find. Make notes of what looks you like, which ones you aren’t a fan of. The most important thing when contemplating your personal style, is to account for what you will feel the best in. For an additional nudge in the right direction, take this ProProfs Personal Style Quiz!!

2 - Quality OVER Quantity.

After you’ve narrowed down your personal style, it’s time to fall in love with some pieces. Acquiring a wardrobe that sticks to your style does not have to be a massive endeavor- or an expensive one. Look back at your research, what you’ve fallen in love with, and find pieces similar to your favorites. In today’s world, there are plenty of dupes, resale sites, or even options to rent different fashion items. There are plenty of ways to build your collection without breaking the bank. It’s more important to have a small selection of things that you LOVE, then a closet full of pieces you aren’t sure of. You’ll be more likely to wear what you buy. One method of doing this is a capsule wardrobe. This method of purchasing fashion believes in necessity, rather than the excess. It works by obtaining several simple pieces of clothing that work well together, and cover all of your bases. A dress shirt, camisole, or sweater that can all be pair with the same dress pants gives you three fun looks, rather than one occasional one. For a more in-depth look at this method, check out Modern Minimalism’s article below.

3 - Dress for the Occasion.

Know your audience. Or in this case, your viewers!! As we all know, for different events, there is different attire. The occasion may not call for a bikini or a floor length ballgown, and its imperative that we understand when to wear what. In doing so, not only do we save ourselves unwanted attention, but we gain a greater understanding of the setting and who will be in attendance. To ensure that you know what is appropriate, always follow the instructions noted in the invitation to the event. Whether that be an email or a wedding invitation, normally hosts are fairly good at informing you of the attire for the event. If interested learning more about attire terms (ie business casual, black tie, white tie), read the article below!!

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter exactly what you wear. If you feel good, nothing else matters. You are the only person that has to love your look, so let it be something you enjoy!! The confidence alone will allow you to be your best you. But, to anyone seeking to dress their best, remember: Find What Works for You, Quality OVER Quanity, and Dress for the Occasion!!

Thanks for reading, here’s to your best YOU!!🤗

Posted 08.29.23, 9:56 pm.

[colemankastner]

Hey readers!! My name is Coleman, and I’m creating this blog to help people look- and feel- their best, on our journeys to become our BEST selves!! In all of the hustle and bustle of today’s world, it can be easy to lose sight of taking time for oneself, especially in the midst of work, school, or whatever else is occupying your time!! Looking your best does not have to be a difficult, time-consuming task, and hopefully through the next several entries, you’ll pick up some tips on how to find a look you love, that can be accomplished without strenuous effort!!

Studies have actually shown that the way we feel about our appearance has a direct correlation to our moods and attitudes throughout the day. We’ve all experienced this, whether it be a bad-hair day, or an outfit that just doesn’t seem to look right. Taking the time to look our best allows us to actually feel our best, which then sets the stage for us to take on the challenges we are faced with in our lives!! The Kentucky Counseling Center has a great article on this, for further reading see the link below.

By putting in the effort to look and feel our best, we are setting ourselves up for success. You truly never know who you may run into, but by looking put together, you are able to give off the impression that you wish to leave. Believe me, I love lounging in my comfy clothes as much as the next person, but it is important to note that there is certainly a time and place for it. While my XXL t-shirt and sweatpants may be suitable for a movie night with the family, I wouldn’t wear that to a place where I will be meeting and leaving an impression on others!! For other tips on how to make a good impression, check out the MindTools article below!!

In our journey to become our best selves, it is important to note, that outer beauty is not a direct reflection of what’s within. I know it may sound cliche, but being a good person and showing kindness to others is the BEST thing that you can do to feel good about yourself. Ultimately, people are not going to remember the clothes that you wore, or the specific way you styled your hair, but the way that you made them feel. However, that does not discredit wanting to dress up and put effort into your appearance!! Looking our best, allows us to feel our best, both on the outside and the inside!! Linked below are 100 daily affirmations that can be used as great tools to help us love ourselves both ways- physically and mentally!!

Next up- How to Dress Your Best!! Thanks for reading, here’s to a better YOU!! 🤗🤗🤗

08.28.23, posted 7:55 PM

#self love #dress