I had a shopping day at the local mall with my sister. It’s a massive, several-floor marble affair full of shining storefronts. I’ve been having a makeup-free period lately, so I went out shopping au naturale.

I got:

A cinnamon shortbread latte at Starbucks.

Two books at the bookshop: A cultural anthropology and women’s studies read about modern girls and sex, and a collection of literature and social studies essays by one of my favorite authors on issues of color and race, Zadie Smith.

A warm Georgia peach scented candle for my bedroom.

A slice of pizza at the foodcourt.

It’s been a chaotic emotional day for several personal reasons, so it’s nice to be back at home after a fun day out with my sister. I am currently relaxing in my bedroom with my new peach scented candle open, listening to my tiny water fountain, and looking at my fairy lights with the lights off and the window blinds open to a quiet, snowy day. I’m off to enjoy a mug of herbal tea over a book here in bed.

A nice, calming self-care day for me.

I’m starting off my new reads with the girls and sex book. I’m crafting several original female characters for a novel I’m writing, and I thought that book in particular not only looks interesting but might be of use.

My current favorite herbal tea concoction is a relaxing chamomile and spearmint blend. Later on, The Great British Bake Off on Netflix is my “relaxing day” viewing.