Twice a year, Bath & Body Works pulls out all the stops and discounts holiday and everyday favorites up to 75 percent off, which new discounts throughout the week. The Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual sale for holiday 2020 is no different—actually, it might be even better. We’ve got the details on all the goods so you can game-plan your shopping trip.

Of course, deals will be online as well as in-store so if you feel safer shopping from your couch, you can still stock up on Bath & Body Works favorites. Now’s the chance to score the beloved holiday fragrances before they’re gone (until next year), as well as throwbacks including Secret Wonderland, Honeysuckle and Sensual Amber brought back just for this sale. Christmas body care will be just $4.95 and select Christmas 3-Wick Candles will be $11.95.

Source: Instagram

For the best of the best deals, you’ll want to dig for those 75 percent off products. These include body care, candles, hand soaps and tons of non-holiday items you’ll want to use all-year round. You’ll even be able to find some best-selling fall body scare scents and ones you haven’t smelled for months. It’s basically like a rummage sale where you never know exactly what you’ll find.

The sale begins Saturday, December 26. If you’re shopping in store, don’t forget your face mask and hand sanitizer and maybe even consider going on off hours to avoid the crowds. Or, there’s always delivery! As much as we want to shop and treat ourselves this year (we deserve it), we also have to stay safe too. Set your iCal and get ready to get your haul on. Then, have big New Year zoom with friends to share exactly what you got.

I’ve been journaling since the age of 10, when my mother gave me a journal to help me cope with the death of my grandmother, who’d been my caretaker.

Little did I realize that my mother’s seemingly simple gesture would set the stage for my life as a writer. While I no longer have the journal, my closet is filled with boxes of completed ones that I’ve kept over the years.

When to Journal?

I’ve turned to journaling during happy times, but more often during challenging times, to help me navigate my journey and attain healing and transformation. Writing has helped me make sense of what I was going through. Plus, the journal “listened” to me without judgment.

Many writers and great thinkers have written and spoken about the idea that from all bad comes good, and without the mud there is no lotus… and there is wisdom in those words.

Writer Hermann Hesse said it like this: “I have always believed, and I still believe, that whatever good or bad fortune may come our way, we can always give it meaning and transform it into something of value.” 

Through journaling, one can delve into those feelings that at first seem to come from a negative place, and then, through writing about them, see the beauty in the seeming misfortune.

A Transformative Experience

For example, living through a pandemic has been transformative to all of us. We’ve had to deal with personal, professional, and global shifts in our way of thinking, acting, and doing. And, during the past 10 months, there’s something that each one of us has learned about ourselves, others, and the universe.

Maybe you realized that the person you lived with is impossible to live with, or you developed deeper gratitude for your partner. Perhaps this year you learned what is really important in life.

And on a more mundane level, maybe you learned how to connect via Zoom and recognize how powerful video chatting can be. By journaling, you can explore these types of emotions and revelations in a positive way.

Begin Writing

January 1 marks the beginning of National Journal Writing Month, a perfect time to pick up your journal and write. Perhaps you already have a favorite journal, but if you’re on the lookout for one, please check out mine, called Writing for Bliss: A Companion Journal, which was released not too long ago.

Think of your journal as your refuge, your companion, your sanctuary, and the container for your thoughts. It’s the place to celebrate the amazing you, whether things are running smoothly or you’re going through a rough patch.

My lined journal models the famous Moleskin journals used by well-published writers over the centuries. It has writing prompts to help you along, and there are also some blank pages at the back for random musings.

Consider writing about what you’ve learned about yourself during the past year, and how you and your loved ones have changed and grown.

New Year, New Expectations

Most of us alive on this planet now are thrilled to ring in the New Year, as 2020 was almost too much to bear. Never did we think we’d live through a pandemic and all the ramifications it has presented, including compromised physical, mental, and emotional issues and challenging financial situations, to list just a few.

Events change us, and the events that transform us the most can be pivotal and life-changing – so stop what you’re doing and journal about them!

Do you think journaling is powerful? Have you kept a journal for some part of your life? Did you find it helpful? Would you make journaling your New Year’s resolution? Please share with us!

Smart devices in your home can help with every aspect of daily life, provide security, comfort, and convenience. Generally, all you need to set up most devices is a power source and Wi-Fi connection. A little guidance helps, which is what this article is meant to do!

You can start with one or two devices and then add on once you feel more comfortable. Here are some of the more popular smart tech options that are the easiest.

Speakers

Smart speakers like Amazon’s Echo and Dot or Google’s Nest Products allow you to get news, weather, and play music using voice commands. Also, it becomes the hub to control all home automation. Typically, these speakers are the first thing to purchase.

As an aside, a smart speaker is a great tool to contact a family member that doesn’t answer a cell phone or landline phone. It can be set up to “drop-in” to verify they are well. It can also be used to dial emergency services.

Thermostats

A smart thermostat is another simple tool that can connect to many existing HVAC systems quickly and easily. You can control temperature settings as needed from your phone while at home or on the go. Usually, installation takes no more than 15-30 minutes following the device’s instructions.

Lights

There are a few different ways to turn your existing “dumb” lights into smart lights: bulbs, plugs, and switches.

Smart light bulbs simply replace regular light bulbs while smart plugs connect to an existing outlet to control any connected device. If you are handier, you can install a smart switch, but only if you have electrical knowledge.

All of these options allow you to control lights using your voice or an app. You can also set schedules for when you are home, waking up, or going to sleep. They provide an added security level both by activating lights when you are not present or upon your arrival, so it isn’t dark and you don’t trip over furniture.

Smart plugs can be used beyond just lights. You can schedule appliances plugged into the outlet to be turned on or off.

Locks

Smart locks replace your house keys. A smartphone or a multiple-digit code is used to unlock doors. Newer locks allow for key use for the non-techie people in your household, as well as codes and the app. These devices also allow for creating permanent and temporary users and access schedules for specific days and times.

Vacuums

Robot vacuums are almost too good to be true. They can automate vacuuming the floors, whether hardwood, tile, or carpet. These robot vacuums can be activated with an app as needed, or you can set an ongoing schedule, so you don’t have to think about it. They have a limited capacity for dirt storage but still are very useful.

The list of smart home technology keeps growing. Some that we haven’t covered but are frequently used include: security systems, window shades, and faucets. There is no end to what you can automate and control with a touch in an app or a simple voice command.

In our household, we have smart speakers in several rooms. Lights, thermostats, and the security system are all controlled through an app or with voice commands. My non-techie husband is using most of these options.

I have lighting schedules set up, as well as automated arming of the alarm. I love using the speaker for news, cooking, music, as well as controlling smart devices. Using your voice to activate functionality is a game-changer.

Are you using any smart devices in your home? If so, which ones? If you have more than one, which one did you purchase first and why was that your choice? Do you have a smart speaker? If so, what are you using it for? What is next on your list to try? Please share your smart tech faves!

Usually, we look to Black Friday for a brand’s biggest sale of the year but Lush does things differently. On Black Friday, the retailer rolls out new products as part of the Green Friday campaign. The UK-based company’s big sale is on Boxing Day instead, which starts the day after Christmas. Lush’s Boxing Day sale for 2020 is its only big sale of the year and trust us—it’s worth the wait. 

Get 50 percent off on selected items (look for the items with the ’50 percent off’ tag online or in-store). As products fly off the shelves—and virtual shelves—Lush will continue to restock so you’ll want to check back. Holiday products and gift sets are included in the half-off sale, of course, as well as non-seasonal items like soap, shower goodies, fragrance, skincare and haircare.

Need some last-minute gifts? Here’s your chance to grab them at a discount. But don’t forget to pick up some self-care items for yourself, too. The holidays might look a little different this year but that doesn’t mean you can’t have your own celebration.

The Lush Boxing Day sale starts on December 26. Check out a few must-haves, below.

Lush.

Show Showers Gift Set

Be set with shower gel for the year, with yummy Sleepy, Yog Nog and Roasting Chestnuts on an Open Fire scents.

Lush.

Veganese Conditioner

This lightweight vegan conditioner is perfect for anyone with fine hair, including curls.

Lush.

Clean & Calm Hand Care Kit

Get your dry hands in check with hydrating 13 Soap Unlucky For Dirt and Sleepy soap, Dream Cream lotion, Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter and Tiny Hands Hands Serum.

Lush.

Jingle Bells Bath Bomb

This festive bath bomb has a gentle orange-patchouli scent.

Lush.

Once Upon a Time Body Lotion

Hydrate your body with murumuru butter and jojoba oil.

Hair color trends come and go with the season but they’re also affected by what’s going on in the world. With salons continuing to be closed in parts of the country, the hair color trends for 2021 are more laid-back and even, dare we say, DIY-friendly. They’re also a lot more fun than usual and that’s probably because we’ve all been in the house for so long, we need a little excitement. A hair update can be a mood booster even in the not-so-best of times.

As usual, our favorite celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Jenner and Lana Condor, are all way ahead of the trends. Or maybe they even helped define them. Either way, these six looks are ones hair colorists are seeing get more and more popular with clients as we head into the new year.

So, bookmark this page for when you’re able to get in to see your colorist so they can find the right hue that works for you and your lifestyle. Trying to save some money? Go with darker roots so you won’t need highlights as often. Prefer to update the color at home? Pink is surprisingly do-able right in the shower.

Below, find all the inspo you need for next year’s vibe.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Source: Instagram

Shades of Red

Out of all the hair colors Kylie Jenner has tried, we were most surprised by her newest dark pink/red hue. The fresh, winter-ready color feels new and modern. Los Angeles-based colorist Liz Jung has been loving shades of pink and red this season. It works well with all skin tones and hair textures and never gets boring. Remember when Kerry Washington added burgundy highlights to her dark curls? We’re still dreaming about it.

Colorist and Matrix brand ambassador George Papanikolas is also seeing shades of copper trending. “This tone can be warmed up for golden skin tones or also cooled down to a more auburn copper,” he said.

To keep red fresh (it fades fast), try a color-depositing shampoo such as Matrix Total Results Keep Me Vivid Sulfate-Free Shampoo ($14 at Ulta).

Source: Instagram

Dark Roots

Jung says Hailey Bieber‘s golden blonde with dark roots is one of the most requested hair colors right now. And for good reason. The low-maintenance look doesn’t have to be touched up as often so you can go longer in between salon visits. Ask your stylist for “shadow roots” or a more ombré highlight style. Use a hair mask in between visits to keep your strands strong.

Try Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask ($30 at Sephora).

Source: Instagram

Pastel Pink

Pink has basically been the color of quarantine, seen on celebrities including Kaia Gerber, Madonna, Julianne Hough, JoJo, Faith Hill and her daughter, Ariel Winter, Joe Jonas and Charli D’Amelio. Phew! We told you it was a popular hue. There’s a good reason. Besides just being fun, pink hair is pretty easy to achieve at home without damaging your strands. While we don’t recommend bleaching your hair at home, if your mane is already on the lighter side, you can use a color-depositing conditioner for a temporary look that will fade over time.

Try Keracolor Clenditioner Hair Dye ($17.99 at Amazon).

Michael Buckner for STYLECASTER.

Glossy Black

We can’t stop drooling over Lana Condor’s glossy black strands from STYLECASTER’s Self Love cover shoot. Both Kim Kardashian-West and Dua Lipa recently went back to jet black, as well. Although it resembles a single color, the right black shade is a little more complicated.

“This sounds easier than it is since most people think of glossy black as one color,” says Papanikolas. “There are actually multiple tones involved to get the right shine and movement without looking inky and solid.” He says to have your stylist use a gloss with a sheer acidic brunette toner. Then, use green-based shampoo to neutralize unwanted red tones.

Try Matrix Total Results Dark Envy Green Shampoo ($14 at Ulta).

Source: Instagram

Bronde Foliage

“You’ll get a gorgeous balance of color by pairing delicate babylights and framing the face and roots with a stronger balayage,” says Papanikolas of bronde foliage like on Beyoncé. “This look has a universal appeal since it works for most hair colors within the range of dark black to dark blonde. Due to the unpredictable nature that is coming in 2021, this look is great for those who want something low maintenance and within a budget.”

Banish brash in between appointments with John Frieda Violet Crush for Blondes Purple Shampoo ($11.99 at Ulta).

Source: Instagram

Chunky Highlights

Yes, 2003’s heavy highlights are still back and maybe even better than ever. Jung calls these “McDonald’s arches” with bright blonde in the front and others call them money pieces. Either way, celebs including Bella Hadid and JLo have been going heavy with their highlights with tons of cool-girl contrast. Jung says clients continue to ask for this style and just looking at Jennifer Lopez, we can see why. Keep your bleached strands strong with fortifying shampoo.

Try Virtue Recovery Shampoo ($38 at Sephora).