Be Inspired..!!

Because Life’s Too Short to Miss Out on Good Food, Good Dates, and Good Skin

I really appreciate you checking out my blog! Just so you know, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you buy something through them, I might earn a little bit of money. There’s no obligation to buy anything, but it would mean a lot to me if you did! 😊

Let’s be honest: if there’s anything I’ve learned in my late twenties (besides the fact that laundry is endless), it’s that you can actually have it all—you just need a tiny bit of strategy. You can eat great food, go on spontaneous dates, and still take care of your skin so you don’t wake up one day wondering why you look like you fought a dust storm and lost.

First things first: eat the food. I used to be the girl who would pick at a salad at dinner while side-eyeing my boyfriend’s burger like it had personally betrayed me. But somewhere along the way, I realized life is too short not to order the fries. So now? I eat the burger. I eat the pizza. I love food—and not in a “cheat day” way, but in a “this-is-joy” way.

One thing that makes eating out even more fun is actually feeling good afterward. That’s why I started taking a digestive enzyme supplement before big meals. I swear by the Zenwise Digestive Enzymes—they’re lifesavers when you don’t want to feel like you’re carrying around a bowling ball after dinner. I keep a bottle in my purse like it’s a VIP guest at my personal food party.

Now, let’s talk dates. Whether you’re dating someone new or keeping things spicy with your long-term partner, dates are crucial. I used to think date night meant fancy outfits and uncomfortable shoes, but honestly, some of the best dates I’ve had were in jeans at a food truck or during a random Target run.

Pro tip: Make it fun by planning tiny surprise dates. One time, I packed a cooler with Stanley Adventure Quencher Travel Tumblers (yes, those viral ones) filled with iced coffee, grabbed some donuts, and told my boyfriend we were having a “parking lot breakfast date.” He thought it was the cutest thing ever, and we spent the morning laughing and people-watching from the car. Highly recommend.

The thing about great dates (and great food) is they make you happy—and when you’re happy, you glow. But you know what else helps with that glow? Retinol.

If you haven’t hopped on the retinol train yet, welcome aboard. I fought it for years because I was scared it would make my skin peel off like an old house, but when I found the right one, it changed everything. I started small with RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, which is super gentle but still works.

The trick is to ease in. I use it maybe two nights a week, sandwiched between a really hydrating moisturizer like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream. I swear my skin looked brighter after just a few weeks—and even better, it made me feel like the girl who could have pizza on Friday, laugh all Saturday, and still look put-together by Monday.

And while we’re on the topic of good skin, here’s something I wish someone had told me at 22: your lips age too. I know, I know, it’s rude. But now I always keep a good lip balm with SPF on me. My current obsession is Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm in the coconut flavor. It smells like a beach vacation even when I’m just sitting in traffic.

One thing I learned the hard way? Don’t mix food, dates, and skincare advice all at once if you don’t want to scare your date. I once tried to explain to a guy how retinol promotes collagen production right after splitting a plate of nachos, and let’s just say he looked like he needed a manual to keep up. Timing is everything, folks.

Honestly, though, taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be a 40-step process. It can be as easy as eating a damn good meal, putting on a little serum, and texting someone you like, “Hey, wanna grab tacos?”

Life’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present. About licking your fingers after eating wings and laughing so hard you cry at a drive-thru. It’s about saying yes to dessert and yes to midnight walks and yes to retinol because you deserve to feel good in your skin, literally and metaphorically.

And if you want to level up date night even more? Light a candle. I’m obsessed with Chesapeake Bay Mind & Body Balance + Harmony Candle because it smells like a spa and instantly makes my tiny apartment feel like a Pinterest board. Plus, good lighting = good vibes = great kiss potential. You’re welcome.

So next time you’re stressing about calories or your pores or whether you’re “doing life right,” just remember:

Eat the pizza. Kiss the boy (or girl). Use the retinol.

Everything else? You’re already nailing it.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases, but this does not affect my recommendations.I only suggest products I’ve personally vetted.