A cozy self-care setup featuring a Strawberry Chantilly candle from Pure Intentions Candle Company, placed on a book with a matchbox, gold wick trimmer, and soft decor accents including pink flowers and sunglasses.

Your Self-Care Glow Guide: A Love Letter to You

Hey Friend,

Life has a way of pulling us in a hundred directions at once. We wear so many hats—parent, partner, professional—that it can feel impossible to carve out space for ourselves. But here’s the truth: shifting your focus, even a little, can make the biggest difference in your quality of life. Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming; it just needs to be intentional.

Through this guide, I want to share how I gently reframe self-care as something attainable, even in the busiest seasons. Inspired by my Through the Rose Lens collection, this guide is a reminder to view your life through a lens of love, curiosity, and care. I’ve also worked with some incredible small business owners and creators who have poured their hearts into tools and practices that can help you along the way.


Shifting Your Focus with Small Rituals

Incorporating small rituals into your day can have a grounding effect, even when life feels chaotic. My mornings are extremely busy—the fastest two hours of my day. With a feisty 4-year-old, I’m often totally flustered by the time the rest of the day actually starts. That’s why I try to begin my mornings with intention. This is when I light a candle, take a deep breath, and calm myself before planning and focusing on what lies ahead.

A favorite of mine is Abigail’s Self-Care Bingo Card from Little House Holistics. It turns

the act of caring for yourself into a gentle game. Maybe you take five minutes to sip your morning coffee without distractions or step outside for fresh air—small but meaningful actions that remind you to prioritize yourself. Check out Abigail’s blog for even more inspiring ideas: Little House Holistic

Candle Recommendation: First Bloom

Why: The fresh, airy notes of ocean rose, oak moss, and amber are perfect for setting an intentional and calming tone for your day. Light it as you sip your coffee or plan your morning to feel grounded and refreshed.


Cultivating Calm and Connection

Sometimes, self-care is about creating space to truly listen to your inner voice. Soul Flow captures this beautifully with her romantic playlist inspired by love in all its shades. It’s the perfect soundtrack for self-discovery, paired with her guided Rose Meditation, Peeling Back the Petals of Growth, which invites you to connect deeply with your inner light.

To experience this meditation, find a quiet place, light your favorite candle, and settle in. The soft glow of the flame mirrors your own steady growth as you visualize peeling back the layers of doubt and fear, revealing the radiant core of who you are. These tools make it easy to pause, reflect, and reconnect in meaningful ways.

For more inspiration and incredible vibes, follow Sam on Instagram: @soul_flow_hijabi_.

 

 

Candle Recommendation: Palo Santo 

Why: With its meditative and grounding blend of Palo Santo and Cardamom, this candle enhances the reflective mood of Soul Flow's playlist and guided meditation, creating a serene and soulful atmosphere.


Mindfulness and Movement

Having a community that is mindful about movement is so important for keeping me motivated. Emoni from Zen Den Yoga Studio offers daily and practical tips to make mindfulness and movement feel approachable and supportive.

Knowing I’m part of a community like Zen Den reminds me to show up for myself and embrace the power of intentional movement. It’s a beautiful way to care for both my body and my mind, with each stretch or breath creating space for clarity and calm.

You can learn more about my personal journey back to Zen Den and what yoga means to me in my blog post: Finding Balance: The Power of Intentional Self-Care.

Check out our signature candle, available exclusively at Zen Den Yoga Studio. With notes of lemongrass, jasmine, ginger, and nag champa, it’s perfect for enhancing your yoga practice at home and creating a serene atmosphere for mindfulness.


Cozy Reads for the Soul

My friends at Bonne Vie always keep things cheerful, and their focus on community and celebration is why I’m such a fan. I first fell in love with them through their delicious and fun macarons, but these women live by a culture that energizes me in full color.

If you’re like me and love to escape into a good romance, you’ll adore their curated list of cozy romance recommendations. These binge-worthy reads are perfect for curling up with a blanket and your favorite candle. You can check out their recommendations here: Romantic Reads by Bonne Vie.

While you’re at it, don’t miss out on their delightful macarons—each one is as binge-worthy as their book list! Visit their website for a taste of fun and whimsy: Bonne Vie Macarons.

Candle Recommendation: Strawberry Chantilly

Why: The playful and nostalgic notes of ripe strawberries and vanilla cream bring a cozy, sweet warmth to your reading sessions, making every page feel like a delightful indulgence.


Guided Journaling

Journaling is a powerful way to reflect, release, and grow. My journaling often involves chaotic pages of ideas, scribbles, and notes that somehow all seem to weave into a deeper connection. I enjoy flipping through old entries and seeing how my thoughts evolve over time.

Serenity Spot provided us with a wonderful list of journal prompts to help guide you

on this self-care journey. These prompts are designed to spark insight and encourage intentionality in your thoughts and actions. You can download the full list here: Ten-Day Serenity Journal Prompts. For even more resources and inspiration, visit Serenity Spot's blog: The Calm Corner.

Candle Recommendation: Fireside Fluff

Why: The comforting and cozy notes of marshmallow, vanilla bean, and smoky birch create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for settling into your journaling practice and uncovering your inner truths.



Start Small, Shine Big

If you're new to journaling, don’t overthink it. Start with a few sentences—Crystal’s tips in the Self-Polishing Journal make it easy to begin. Journaling doesn’t have to be perfect or lengthy to be impactful. Even a simple sentence about how you’re feeling can set the tone for deeper reflection later on.

To start, carve out a small, quiet moment in your day. Light a candle, grab your favorite pen, and let your thoughts flow. Think of journaling as a conversation with yourself—a way to check in and tune out the noise. Over time, those short entries will naturally grow into a meaningful collection of self-discovery and insight.

Crystal’s Self-Polishing Journal also includes practical strategies for identifying your goals, recognizing blockers, and implementing daily habits to make journaling a sustainable practice. Whether you're navigating a busy schedule or just need a little extra guidance, this resource will help you build a journaling habit that truly shines.

Candle Recommendation: Ghost Train

Why: The haunting yet grounding notes of anise, patchouli, and amber create a reflective atmosphere, perfect for digging deep into your thoughts and uncovering your inner truths as you journal.

How to Get the Journal:
Ready to start your journaling journey? Explore Crystal's Self-Polishing Journal for more tips and guided practices. Click here to purchase or learn more.


Through the Rose Lens

At its heart, self-care is about perspective. The Through the Rose Lens collection was inspired by the belief that small shifts in focus can transform your everyday life. Whether it’s lighting a candle that fills your space with warmth, journaling with affirmations that speak to your soul, or simply savoring a moment of stillness, these small acts create a life that feels more beautiful and intentional.

If you’re looking for more ways to nurture yourself, I’d also recommend checking out my article on Lafayette Mom, Finding Calm in Chaos: 5 Grounding Tips for Busy Moms. It’s packed with practical ideas and resources to help fill your cup, including a directory of tools to keep you grounded and thriving.

I hope this guide gives you permission to pause, reflect, and find joy in the little things. And don’t forget to explore the offerings from the talented creators and businesses who contributed to this guide. They’re all part of the journey, reminding us that self-care is a community effort as much as a personal one.

If you try any of these ideas, I’d love to hear about it! Share your moments on social media with the hashtag #RoseLensSelfCare and tag me. Let’s create a ripple of self-love together.

With love and light,
Rochelle


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