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Friday

"Even quiet days are part of the journey."

Welcome to Friday! Today, we're chatting about:

• Tips for designing the perfect patio space

• How to make your town feel fun again

• The perfect secret Santa gift

• Is paint the key to elevating your space?

• A tip for saving money on flights

Create a Patio That Feels Like a Getaway

Your outdoor space doesn’t need to be fancy to be functional. A few thoughtful decisions, like where you sit and what direction the sun hits, can turn your backyard into the most relaxing part of your home.

Start with purpose. Is it for morning coffee, weekend grilling, or end-of-day unwinding? Use that to guide the layout. Designers recommend placing things like dining areas near the kitchen and blocking wind or eyesores with screens or plants.

Comfort matters more than square footage. Add umbrellas or pergolas for shade. Choose durable furniture that fits how you actually relax. And don’t forget about lighting. It keeps the space usable (and cozy) after dark.

Even small touches like a trickling fountain, a fire pit, or bee-free greenery can make the space more inviting. You don’t need to do everything. Just start with what helps you want to be outside more often!

How to Travel Without Leaving Town

If you're craving a reset but can't hop on a plane, this one's for you. Exploring your own city can be just as satisfying, sometimes even more, when you slow down and see it like a visitor.

Try walking through a new part of town or riding your local train just to see where it goes. Ask friends or coworkers where they like to go on weekends. You’ll probably get at least one answer you’ve never thought of. You can even keep a list of suggestions in your Notes app for next time the weekend hits and you have no plans.

It also helps to switch things up. Eat at a new restaurant. Go see a local play. Visit a park across town you’ve never been to. If you want to level up, spend a night at a nearby B&B or just wander downtown like you're on vacation.

Big adventures are great, but sometimes a little one is all it takes to feel inspired again.

The best Secret Santa gift? A Pop-Tart heating pad.

For the friend who loves cozy comfort and a touch of nostalgia, the Happy Helpers Pop-Tart Heating Pad is a sweet standout on any holiday gift list. Designed to look just like the iconic Strawberry Frosted Pop-Tart, this microwaveable cutie delivers warm, soothing relief for period cramps, sore muscles, or chilly winter days.

Perfect for your bestie, parent, sibling, or anyone who could use a little extra warmth this season. Equal parts comforting and charming, this Pop-Tart is guaranteed to be the most delightfully unexpected hit of your Secret Santa exchange!

Get the Happy Helpers Pop-Tart here!

Thank you to Relatable for sponsoring Note To Self. 

The Secret to Expensive-Looking Spaces

If your walls are feeling a little… basic, you're not alone. But before you dive into a total remodel, know this: designers swear that a can of paint can go a long way.

The key is in the details. Skip stark whites and go for creamy tones with warmth. Try deep olive, rust, or soft earth tones in living spaces. And in small rooms like powder rooms or entryways, bold hues can make everything feel intentional, and not accidental.

One trend worth trying? Color drenching. Painting the walls, trim, and even the ceiling in one rich tone adds instant depth. Want to keep it simpler? Match your trim to your doors or choose a saturated shade for your cabinets or built-ins instead.

It’s not about picking the fanciest paint, it’s about choosing with confidence. That’s what makes a room feel expensive, without spending much at all.

Unlock up to 90% off Flights With Just $1 Today

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• New York from $68 roundtrip

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Take advantage of these amazing deals and save up to $2,000 on your next flight. Try Dollar Flight Club for only $1 today – cancel anytime.

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Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Feeling “stuck” mentally can shift just by changing your scenery.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers’ lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: You don’t have to travel far to feel refreshed. Sometimes the best discoveries are just a walk, bus ride, or side street away.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!