lifestyle – The Great Kaysby

The Joy Jar

What brings you joy? Do you find joy in the little every day things, or do you only find joy in big events? Maybe you experience joy in both! Perhaps, you are struggling to find your joy at all. No matter your current scenario, I have a little mental health exercise that might help you. I call it “The Joy Jar.”

First and foremost, let me provide this disclaimer. I am not a licensed therapist, psychologist, etc that has a background in mental health. My suggestions are not a replacement for their help. Also, this is not my original idea, but I think it is 100% worth sharing.

Now…

“The Joy Jar” is a simple concept. Throughout a given time frame, fill the jar with slips of paper describing something that happened which brought you joy. As the jar fills up, you will have a visual representation of all the things in life that bring you joy. Once the jar is full (or your time frame is up), empty the jar and review all of the things that brought you joy. Your heart will be warmed by the love and memories! For a long term joy reminder, tape the pieces of paper into a notebook that you can revisit.

The How To…

Find a jar like object (mine is an old flower vase) and decorate it if desired.
Find some paper (I use scraps of paper or those free pads of paper you get at vendor events), a writing utensil, and scissors that you can keep close to your “Joy Jar.”
As things bring you joy, write them down on the paper, cut them out, and drop them in the jar.
Fill the jar.
Empty and repeat.

For me “The Joy Jar” is a simple tool, but the rewards of it are astronomical. When I reviewed my 2025 jar, it reiterated my “why” in life, reminded me of wonderful moments, and filled my heart with an abundance of love and happiness! Side note, do not wait until an hour before midnight on New Year’s Eve to start going through your jar. I 100% had to finish it on New Year’s Day!

If “The Joy Jar” can help one other person, then my mission of sharing this is accomplished. I hope you find your joy in 2026!

XOXO,

The Great Kaysby

The Wonder of a Weekend Getaway

Who can relate to not being able to completely relax at home? Maybe you’re distracted by dishes in the sink, thinking about laundry that needs to be done, or just feeling like you’re “supposed to be doing something productive” because you’re at home. I can absolutely relate to this! That is why I struggle with the concept of a relaxing “staycation” even if going to do fun activities during the day. To combat this, I have found that one of the best ways to relax, recharge, and reset is the Weekend Getaway.

What constitutes a Weekend Getaway? In my book it is spending a night or two away from home with family, your significant other, a friend or friends, or yourself. My idea of a Weekend Getaway also involves a place that you can easily drive to in three hours or less. The location does not really matter as much as the ability to unplug from everyday life. You can spend your Weekend Getaway in a hotel, tent, cabin, rental property, etc…whichever you find the most relaxing! It might even change based on the activities that you have in mind for the particular Weekend Getaway!

For me the best Weekend Getaways involve things I cannot do at home. For example, one of my absolute favorite things to do is to order room service or have food delivered and eat it in my pajamas while in bed. I find it super relaxing to eat something tasty while also being super comfy! Another favorite activity is to write while I am on a Weekend Getaway. I find that when I am away from home it can be a lot easier for me to focus on my writing as there are way fewer distractions. This can also be applied to reading! If I am with other people, I also love chatting, playing games, and doing activities like hiking, visiting museums, going to zoos, attending food/beverage tastings, and shopping. I am also a huge fan of little things that I do not have at home like super hot showers, tubs with jets, and fireplaces! Oh, and if it is summer and water activities are available, I’m there!

But the most important part of the Weekend Getaway? Returning home feeling rested and recharged. There is restorative power in getting out of your routine (i.e. comfort zone)! I highly recommend a Weekend Getaway at least once a season as a way to restore balance!

Do you think Weekend Getaways work wonders? What are some of your favorite Weekend Getaways?

XOXO,

The Great Kaysby

Knock, Knock! The 90s and 00s Are Calling

As you may or may not know, one of my gigs is that of Professional Image Consultant. Part of that job means researching and trying the upcoming trends (aka reading magazines online and playing in makeup). During today’s research and try on, I completely felt like a teeanager again. Why? Because the Fall 2025 trends are straight out of the 90s and 00s! Forget Jerry Maguire and having me at hello, these trends had me at “Grunge is back!”

So what am I going to be rocking this fall besides blue, black, and gray (because are there other colors for a wardrobe)??? First things first, I’m laying the foundation using the Velvet Foundation trend! This is a take on the matte look that was so big, but instead of just leaving it matte, you add a serum and some facial oil under the foundation. This softens it just a bit without going full on luminous. Next up, break out the black eyeliner and a smudger brush because smudged smokey eyes are back! Think Avril Lavigne circa Sk8ter Boi! Match it with a single color on the lid like grey or maroon to bring the 00s to 2025! To make it extra trendy, use a grey or maroon that sparkles to make you look like the shining star that you are! Then accent those eyes with the BIGGEST lashes you can create. I like to layer two different mascaras to get this effect. Finally, somebody call Drew Barrymore because her 90s trademark lip is back! Get the dark liner and a light brown lipstick or gloss out because that’s what is on trend for 2025. I am so here for this look!!! Eighth grade me is BEYOND excited for this to return for Fall 2025!!!! Seriously, there aren’t enough exclamation points. If semi-goth isn’t your thing, then the wine stained look is worth checking out. FYI…I’m sorry to report that it doesn’t involve actual wine just wine colored lip shades.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. The Great Kaysby doesn’t usually dole out glam advice. BUT…I am too excited for the 90s/00s looks coming back to keep this info to myself! That’s MY ERA! Call it THE LIFE OF A MILLENIAL if you will! Want the full scoop? Google 2025 trends (ha ha we would not have said that in 90s!) and checkout the complete articles from the Trend Trio: Glamour, Allure, and Cosmo.

Which 90s/00s trend are you excited is back?

XOXO,

The Great Kaysby