Self-Proclaimed Baddie Or Soft Girl? How to Romanticize Your Life On A Budget!

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Have you ever found yourself feeling stuck in a mundane routine, lacking excitement and passion? As someone who walked away from a long-term career, I know this feeling all too well. After leaving my job, I realized I was left with a lackluster version of myself that desperately needed change. I craved spontaneity and adventure in my life. It was then that I made a conscious decision to evaluate everything from my surroundings and wardrobe to my mindset and perspective on life. I wanted to create the life I had always dreamed of. Why settle for anything less? I embarked on a mission to turn my life into a romantic comedy, skipping the drama and heading straight to the happy ending. And, let me tell you, it’s possible even on a budget! In this blog post, I’ll be sharing some tips for romanticizing your life without breaking the bank, whether you’re a self-proclaimed baddie or a soft girl. These tips have helped me add magic and sparkle to my daily routine, and I hope they do the same for you.

Update Your Space:

Updating your space can be a great way to breathe new life into an otherwise mundane atmosphere. I took a look around and realized my space did not reflect the person that I had become. I looked at the walls and quickly became overwhelmed because I didn’t know where to start. The decision to rethink my space was largely influenced by the need to heal my inner child. I remember as a kid I loved the color and whimsical things like fairies and unicorns. I thought to myself here I am living in a home that is all my own, and I neglected to fill it with all the things that make me smile. I played it safe. I was thinking about my resale value. I soon realized adulting robbed me of the imagination and childlike spirit I once had. I decided It was time to take that back. I didn’t have a huge budget so I started new Pinterest boards and watched TikTok videos to try to come up with cost-effective ways to update my space. Ultimately, I decided to go with a cozy aesthetic adding soft lights and jewel tones to my space. Here are some ideas for updating your home decor:

• Use Soft Lighting: Adding soft lighting to your home can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, but it doesn't have to be expensive. There are many inexpensive ways to achieve this effect. For example, fairy lights are a versatile option that can be wrapped around bed frames or used to create a DIY canopy. Candles are a classic way to add soft lighting and can be grouped together for a stylish effect. Paper lanterns are another affordable option that come in a variety of colors and sizes. Salt lamps can not only add soft lighting but also have potential health benefits by purifying the air and improving mood. LED Strip lights are also a popular choice and can be hung on walls, wrapped around furniture, or draped across the ceiling for a whimsical effect. By using these inexpensive ways to add soft lighting to your home, you can create a warm and inviting space that is perfect for relaxation and unwinding.

• DIY Decor: Decorating your home doesn't have to break the bank. There are many inexpensive DIY home decor ideas that can transform your space without costing a lot of money. You can start by painting a room with a bold color or calming neutral. Creating a gallery wall with favorite photos or artwork is another way to add a personal touch. Adding plants to your space can bring life and color, while hanging curtains can add privacy and soften the look of a room. You can also make your own wall art using materials like paint, fabric, or washi tape. Trays can be both functional and decorative, and can be used to organize items on your coffee table or dresser while adding a pop of color or texture. Repurposing old furniture by painting, reupholstering, or adding new hardware can give a piece a fresh look. Adding a statement rug or creating a photo display with string and clips or a wire grid are other ways to add personality and style to your space. By implementing these inexpensive DIY home decor ideas, you can create a beautiful and personalized space on a budget.

Plan Solo Dates:

This has been one of my favorites! I have had so much fun planning solo dates for myself. Not only is this great for your mental and emotional health, but it is also a great way to increase self-worth. I try doing this at least once of month. It may seem awkward at first, but I have come to enjoy my time of solitude. Whether I treat myself to afternoon tea or a meal at my favorite restaurant the time that I get to spend with myself has truly been healing. I am a true believer in treating yourself like you want to be treated. Plan a solo date with yourself whether it’s a movie night with your favorite snacks or a spa day at home. Be creative! Plan a night where you make all of your favorite childhood snacks build a fort, and watch your favorite TV shows. You can even take a class that you’ve always wanted to take. In the past, if I didn’t have someone to go with, I would just not go. Planning solo dates for myself has helped me break out of that pattern. Having intimate time with yourself is one of the highest forms of self-love. Embrace that time because if you can’t adore yourself then who will? Here are a few solo date ideas that won’t break the budget:

• Check Local Museums and Galleries for Free Admissions: If you live in a city that has local attractions such as museums and galleries, check their websites for free admission days. Cities often offer free tours and events that are open to the public. Be sure to follow your local tourism pages on social media. They are a great resource to help you stay in the know.

• Explore Local Parks: You could start the day with a beautiful hike followed by a lovely picnic. Being surrounded by nature is a great way to not only ground yourself but also feel a sense of enchantment. Check with your local park commission website. Parks often host free events such as concerts and movie nights.

• Plan a Spa Night at Home: Here’s where the cozy lighting comes into play. Draw a nice bath, grab your favorite book, and throw on your favorite RomCom. Add a little Epsom salt, essential oil, and candles and you’ve got the ingredients for the perfect bath. Take it a step further and incorporate your skincare routine. There’s nothing more romantic than taking care of yourself.

Update your Wardrobe:

I am allowing the act of romanticizing my wardrobe to give me permission to be bold and define my style based on who I am as a person. The goal is to release the things that are no longer in alignment with who you are. Over the years, I’ve gone from working in corporate America to working in the arts. Both require a certain type of attire. My closet varied from business attire to athleisure. Everything was trendy, but my clothing choices didn’t represent my personality. They represented a person that was trying to fit in with the status quo. I found another area in my life where the color and fun had been sucked out of me. Plus I had been so busy wearing my athleisure ( really, no shade towards athleisure) that nothing I owned fit the current trends that I like. I am learning to not follow rules when dressing. If I want to dress like a child, I‘m doing it. At least for the time being, I am not concerned with dressing for my age.

We are not doing that to ourselves in 2023. If you like it, buy it, and wear it. Clothes are for everybody, and I can thank the new surge of midsize baddies for my newfound confidence. For the first time in my life, I am embracing and loving my body. I am choosing to live accordingly. While completely gutting your wardrobe can be costly, Here are a few ways to make subtle shifts that will get you closer to your future stylish self.

• Have a Clear Vision: I recommend journaling and asking yourself self-discovery questions to decide how you want to approach your new wardrobe. The main question I asked myself was “Who is the future you, and what does she look like?” I then broke that question down to include what a day in my life looked like. I envisioned my day from start to finish. Next, I went to Pinterest and made boards for styles that I liked. Then I went to Shein and created boards with actual looks of my favorite outfits that I felt fit my aesthetic.

• Take Inventory of What You Have: I recommend journaling and asking yourself a few discovery questions to decide how you want to approach your new wardrobe. Also, before you get rid of everything in your closet, take an honest look at what you have. Decide what can be repurposed based on your vision and check for garments that can be up-cycled.

• Thrifting: I am looking for unique statement pieces that I can incorporate into several looks. Thrifting is a creative way to add unique items to your wardrobe. It is cost-friendly. You can often thrift items for a fraction of the price of department stores. You will most definitely leave a thrift store with something adorable.

• Splurge Tactfully: I am carefully picking and choosing what I would like to splurge on. I am sharing this as a tip because if you are anything like me, you have your eye on an item that you would love to have. This could be a designer bag or designer shoes. For me, It’s a Puff dress from Selkie! If I could describe my journey in one garment of clothing, it would be this dress. I am absolutely in love with it. I say all this to say. If there‘s something you have your eye on that embodies your journey and who you are trying to become. It is okay to treat yourself. This journey is about self-love and self-improvement. You deserve the world and you deserve the dress!

Cultivate Deeper Relationships:

This one is free and maybe a little unexpected. Romanticizing your life requires change. Most of us have landed here because we decided something important and fulfilling was missing in our lives. As you make the changes to move toward the life of your dreams, It is only natural that this extends to your inner circle. Every aspect of your life will be under review. For me, this whole idea started with the need to form deeper relationships in my life. I was yearning for a sense of community. A community full of colorful people that light up the world and stand unapologetically in their truth. This journey has taught me to appreciate the people in my life that have shown up for me. This journey has thought me what I need and want in a partnership. This journey has taught me the value of authenticity. It’s not surface-level or superficial. As you allow yourself to discover who you are, seek a relationship with those who support you and encourage you to be authentic no matter what that looks like. The beautiful thing about being human is that we get to decide how we show up and honor ourselves.