the ward method

Author: kelly ann ward

  • My new bestie: hyaluronic face mask.

    My new bestie: hyaluronic face mask.

    Let’s be real, winter skin is dramatic.

    It flakes, it tightens, it screams for attention. And no matter how much water you drink or how loyal you are to your moisturizer, sometimes your skin just needs more. Enter: hyaluronic face masks. Aka your skin’s version of a giant glass of ice-cold water after walking through the Sahara (or just running errands on a windy Wednesday).

    If your face is feeling a little “crunchy” lately (no judgment), here’s why adding a hyaluronic mask into your winter routine might just save your skin, and your mood.

    1. Deep hydration that actually lasts

    Hyaluronic acid is basically a moisture magnet. It holds up to 1,000x its weight in water (not a typo), so when you apply a mask infused with it, your skin gets drenched in hydration and keeps it. Unlike some moisturizers that ghost you by lunchtime, a good hyaluronic mask stays loyal and keeps your skin plump and bouncy all day.

    (Bonus: it makes your makeup go on smoother. Think glazed donut, not flaky croissant.)

    2. Plumper, healthier-looking skin

    Winter tends to highlight every fine line and crease on your face, how rude. But hyaluronic acid helps to instantly plump up the skin, smoothing out those little lines and making everything look a bit more alive. It’s not Botox, but it’s definitely giving well-rested and thriving.

    (It’s the kind of glow that makes people ask what foundation you’re wearing when the answer is just skincare and sleep.)

    3. Soothing for redness and irritation

    Cold air, heaters, and over-exfoliating (we’ve all been there) can leave your skin red, irritated, or straight-up angry. Hyaluronic masks are usually packed with calming ingredients that help soothe inflammation and bring your skin back to a happy, balanced state.

    (Think of it as a cosy blanket for your face. With benefits.)

    If your skin is dry, dull, or generally giving “help me,” a hyaluronic face mask is your winter rescue in a sachet. Pop one on, drink something green, scroll Pinterest like you’re becoming that girl, because your skin deserves that kind of love this season.

    Bonus tip: Use after steaming your face or post-shower for max absorption. Thank me later.

  • The realistic habits that changed everything.

    The realistic habits that changed everything.

    by someone who still scrolls Pinterest for 30 minutes before bed but is doing their best.

    Let’s talk about the little things.
    The unsexy, everyday choices that honestly determine how your brain works, how your body feels, and how your life unfolds.

    At some point, I realized that the life I wanted didn’t require a massive overnight transformation. It required better habits. The kind that slowly rewire your self-worth, energy, focus, and even success. The kind that turn “ugh, I feel like crap” into “I actually like who I’m becoming.”

    Here are a few that have changed the game for me:

    1. Becoming a lifelong learner (even if I’m the dumbest one in the room)

    I don’t care if it’s a podcast, a self-help book, or deep-diving into articles about the gut-brain connection, I crave knowledge. And I’ve learned not to let ego get in the way of learning. I like not knowing everything. I like being curious. Reading every day keeps me mentally sharp, humble, and inspired. It’s a form of self-care that doesn’t get enough credit.

    2. Eating what makes me feel good

    Not what’s trendy. Not what Instagram tells me is “healthy.” What my body actually responds well to. I’ve been more intentional with meals, opting for food that fuels me instead of drains me. That doesn’t mean restriction or perfection. It means tuning in: Does this give me energy? Or leave me feeling sluggish and anxious?

    3. Matcha days > overcaffeinated girl meltdowns

    I love coffee. Like, love it. But I’ve started swapping it out with matcha on the days I know I need to be calm, grounded, and focused instead of bouncing off the walls in a jittery spiral. Matcha still gives me a kick, but without the crash. And it’s full of antioxidants, so I get to pretend I’m a wellness girlie while sipping it.

    4. Moving my body (even when I don’t feel like it)

    Let’s be real: I don’t always wake up thrilled to go to the gym or roll out a yoga mat. But I do show up for myself. Not because I’m chasing a “body goal,” but because I know how much better I feel after. Stronger, clearer, and more in control of my day. My workouts have become more about mental wellness than aesthetics. And that shift? Huge.

    The truth is, your habits shape your life far more than your motivation does. You won’t always feel inspired, but you can always choose to take care of yourself.
    Because when you take care of your mind and body, success stops being this distant thing you’re chasing… and starts being a natural byproduct of how you live.

    And honestly? That feels pretty powerful.

  • Why you’re not lazy, you’re just scared of your own potential (and 3 ways to fix that)

    Why you’re not lazy, you’re just scared of your own potential (and 3 ways to fix that)

    Let’s talk about procrastination. Not in the “just use a Pomodoro timer” way, but in the real, raw, “why am I like this?” kind of way.

    Here’s the thing: procrastination isn’t always about poor time management or being lazy. More often than not, it’s rooted in fear. Fear of failure. Fear of success. Fear that once you do try, it might not be good enough. Or maybe, deep down, you’re scared that you actually are capable, and that’s a whole new level of pressure.

    Sound familiar? Same.

    The truth is, procrastination is your brain’s sneaky way of keeping you safe and small. But you weren’t made to play small. You were made to take up space, to create cool things, and to step into your full potential, even if it’s terrifying.

    So how do we break the cycle?

    Here are 3 powerful (and simple) ways to overcome procrastination, because everything’s better in steps, right?

    1. Do the first 5 minutes (even if it’s bad)

    Perfectionism is procrastination’s BFF. You wait to be “ready,” wait to feel motivated, wait to have the perfect plan… and suddenly it’s been a week. The hack? Trick your brain into starting. Tell yourself you’ll just do 5 minutes of the thing. Once you start, momentum usually kicks in. (And even if it doesn’t, you still did something.)

    Starting is the scary part. But it’s also the part where the magic begins.

    2. Remind yourself: it doesn’t have to be life-changing, it just has to be done

    If you’re a high-achiever or creative, you might secretly feel like everything you do needs to be impressive or worthy of applause. But guess what? Not every task needs to be revolutionary. Some things just need to get done.

    Let go of the pressure to make everything perfect. Get it out. Get it done. Refine later.

    Boring progress beats perfect procrastination.

    3. Visualize the afterglow (not the task)

    Instead of focusing on how hard or annoying the task is, zoom out. What does future you feel like after doing it? What does getting this thing done unlock for you? That sense of pride, clarity, or freedom? Focus on that.

    Your future self is already cheering for you. Go make her proud.

    You’re not “bad at time management.” You’re just human, with a brain that’s trying to protect you from discomfort. But the truth is, discomfort is part of the process. So take the leap, even if your hands shake. You don’t need to be fearless. You just need to start.

    You already have everything you need inside you. So stop ghosting your own potential.

    It’s time.

  • Double cleansing the negativity out my life.

    Double cleansing the negativity out my life.

    You know that feeling when your skin is clean, fresh, and glowing, and you suddenly feel like you can take on the world? That’s how I’ve been approaching everything lately. Not just my skincare, but my energy. My boundaries. My peace. Because honestly? Life’s too valuable to let negativity clog your glow.

    So yes, I’ve been double cleansing my face and my life.

    And in the spirit of rinse-and-release, here’s how I’ve simplified both, with a skincare routine that’s as affordable as it is effective (everything’s under $50!), and a mindset shift that’s made all the difference.

    It started with skincare, but it spiraled, in the best way. I realized the same effort I put into rinsing away impurities at the end of the day needed to apply to people, patterns, and thoughts that no longer served me.

    If it’s dulling your glow? It’s got to go.

    Negative energy can sneak in through old habits, draining conversations, overcommitting, or simply not resting enough. So I started double cleansing emotionally, first identifying the toxic buildup, then actively washing it off. Think: boundaries, journaling, saying no without guilt, walking away from the unnecessary.

    This shift? Life-changing.

    My 3-Step Simple Skincare Routine (All Under $50)

    You don’t need a 12-step routine or $300 serums to glow. Just some intention, consistency, and products that actually work.

    1. Every morning, I rinse my face with cold water. It wakes me up, de-puffs, and gives my skin a quick refresh. Bonus: it’s free, and it feels like a mini reset before the day even starts.

    2. In the shower, I use a gentle rooibos extract cleanser. Rooibos is packed with antioxidants and so calming for the skin, especially if you’re dealing with stress-related breakouts. My current one is from a local brand and costs under $15.

    3. After my shower, I steam my face using just the leftover heat, towel dry, then apply a moisturizer with SPF (under $20). I finish with a rose water mist (less than $10) to lock in hydration and give that dewy goddess glow.

    It’s basic, but effective, and my skin has never felt better (well depends on the month).

    It’s not just about good skin (though that helps). It’s about energy. The way you care for yourself. The small, quiet rituals that remind you: you’re worth it.

    So here’s your reminder to double cleanse your life. To let go of the people, habits, and thoughts that feel heavy. To simplify what you can. To make your skincare feel sacred.

    Because glowing isn’t just about what’s on your face, it’s what you choose to leave behind.

  • I woke up feeling like sh*t.

    I woke up feeling like sh*t.

    This morning, I woke up feeling like I hadn’t slept at all. My body was heavy, my brain felt foggy, and even though the sun was out, I couldn’t get myself to leave my bed. I wasn’t sad, exactly, but I wasn’t okay either. I just felt… drained.

    No dramatic breakdown. No major crisis. Just an overwhelming sense of tiredness I couldn’t explain. And before I knew it, it was 2PM, and I was still curled up in bed, scrolling on Pinterest, overthinking, and wondering what was wrong with me.

    But instead of forcing myself to hustle out of it, I asked myself something different:

    What do I need today, not to be productive, but to feel human again?

    And the answer came quietly but clearly: the beach and a smoothie.

    Not a to-do list. Not a reset routine that overwhelmed me. Just that.
    So I went with it.

    I started slow. I stretched under my duvet like a sleepy cat. I drank some water, washed my face, showered and put on comfy clothes that didn’t feel like pressure. No makeup. No big effort. Just softness.

    I grabbed a smoothie from one of my favorite spots, something fruity and cold that felt like a tiny act of self-care. It was the first time all day that I felt a little grounded, like I was reconnecting with myself again.

    Then I headed to the beach.

    The second my feet touched the sand, something shifted. The sun hit my skin, the clouds were overlooking the ocean, the breeze tangled in my hair, and I let the waves be loud for me because I didn’t have the energy to be loud for myself. I didn’t check my phone. I didn’t need to post about it. I just existed.

    I sat. I breathed. I let the salt air hold me.

    And honestly? I didn’t come home feeling 100% better. But I felt lighter. Like I had listened to my body. Like I gave myself what I needed, instead of guilting myself into something I didn’t.

    Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is choose rest. Not the kind where you sleep all day and wake up feeling worse, but the kind where you meet yourself where you are and move with kindness.

    Today didn’t look productive. It didn’t look perfect.
    But it was healing. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.

  • Papaya is that girl (especially for your skin)

    Papaya is that girl (especially for your skin)

    If fruit had a glow-up era, papaya would be front row. This tropical icon isn’t just delicious, it’s basically skincare in a snack. Whether you’re blending it into a smoothie, applying it topically, or eating it straight from the fridge, papaya is loaded with skin-loving benefits that deserve a permanent spot in your wellness routine.

    Here are 3 reasons your skin will thank you for adding papaya to the mix:

    1. It’s packed with vitamin C (hello, glow)
    Papaya is rich in vitamin C, which is a key ingredient in brightening skin, evening out tone, and protecting your skin from environmental stressors. Think of it as your skin’s daily defense and glow booster in one. Regularly eating papaya (or using it in natural masks) can help you achieve that lit-from-within radiance that no highlighter can fake.

    (Bonus: it also helps your body produce more collagen, aka skin elasticity’s best friend.)

    2. Natural enzymes that gently exfoliate
    Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which gently dissolves dead skin cells. It’s basically a built-in exfoliator without the harsh scrubbing. When used topically in DIY masks or natural skincare products, papain helps smooth the skin, unclog pores, and leave your face looking fresh, not flaky.

    No 10-step routine required. Just nature doing its thing.

    3. Anti-inflammatory & acne-fighting powers
    Got sensitive skin? Dealing with breakouts? Papaya’s anti-inflammatory properties can help calm redness and irritation. Its antibacterial effects make it a natural go-to for helping manage acne without stripping your skin. Plus, it’s hydrating, so your skin doesn’t feel tight and dry afterwards.

    Bottom line?
    Papaya isn’t just for vacation smoothies, it’s your skin’s new bestie. Eat it, mask it, love it. Your face (and your gut health, tbh) will glow with gratitude.

  • My winter uniform: comfy, cool, and just a little bit chaotic.

    My winter uniform: comfy, cool, and just a little bit chaotic.

    Winter dressing doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort for style, or vice versa. Honestly, my cold-weather style philosophy is simple: if I could nap in it and still look cute on a coffee run, it’s a yes.

    Here’s what I’m wearing on repeat this winter. Call it a uniform, call it a vibe… either way, it’s comfy, cool, and makes getting dressed feel effortless.

    1. Oversized hoodie energy
    I love an oversized hoodie more than some people. There’s just something about being swallowed up by soft fabric on a cold day, it’s a hug in clothing form. Bonus points if it’s neutral, slightly structured, or vintage-inspired. Ideal for layering under coats or pairing with denim for a “yes I tried but also no I didn’t” aesthetic.

    2. The boots that go with everything
    Black, chunky, and walkable. That’s my boot criteria this winter. I want something I can stomp through my to-do list in, something that looks as good with a wide-leg pair of denims as it does with yoga pants. Versatile. Reliable. Down for anything, like me.

    3. Dad cap = mood stabilizer
    There’s just something about a great dad cap that makes me feel like I have my life together. Messy hair? Covered. Bad mood? Hidden. It adds the I’m not trying too hard touch to any outfit and pulls everything together when you’re just not in the mood to “fashion.”

    4. The comfy denim you’ll actually reach for
    Skinny jeans? Couldn’t be me. I’m currently living in straight-leg or baggy denim that feels lived in and easy. A little slouch, a high waist, a good wash, chef’s kiss. These are the jeans I’ll wear all season and never get tired of. They play well with hoodies, knits, and everything in between.

    5. The oversized long sleeve golf-style sweater
    A little grandpa, a little cool girl. This piece is the underdog hero of my wardrobe. Think preppy meets cozy. I throw it over a turtleneck or under a coat, and suddenly I’m in my “I read The Financial Times for fun” era, even if I’m just heading to the grocery store.

    Mix, match, repeat.
    That’s the best part. All of these pieces work together. Hoodie under the golf sweater? Cute. Boots with denim and the cap? Effortless. Throw in a coffee, a puffer jacket, and some good music and I’m ready to take on winter, without freezing or losing my personality to the cold.

    So if you see me in some version of this outfit three days in a row… no, you didn’t.

  • Midweek mayhem? 3 ways to calm your mind when you’re stressed out.

    Midweek mayhem? 3 ways to calm your mind when you’re stressed out.

    Let’s be honest, Tuesdays can feel like a weird emotional limbo. You’re too far from the weekend to relax, but deep in the thick of to-do lists, deadlines, and random life chaos (why does the fridge only break midweek?). And suddenly, you’re overstimulated, overtired, and over everything.

    Here are 3 realistic ways to calm your mind when the midweek stress hits hard, no 10-day retreats or perfect morning routines required.

    1. Take a “nothing break” (yes, literally do nothing)

    When your brain feels fried, stop trying to fix it by doing more.

    Set a timer for 10 minutes and let yourself just be. No phone. No multitasking. No productivity hacks. Just sit, lay down, look out the window, whatever feels like stillness. This helps regulate your nervous system and gives your mind space to decompress.

    Doing nothing might feel weird at first, but your brain? It’ll thank you for the reset.

    2. Do a 3-item brain dump

    Overthinking? Overwhelmed? Welcome to the club.

    Grab a piece of paper (or your Notes app) and list three things that are bothering you. Just three. Get them out of your head and into the real world where they feel less chaotic.

    Then, ask yourself: Is there something I can do about any of these today? If yes, do it. If no, let it go, for now. The act of naming your stress helps diffuse its power over you.

    3. Move your body (but keep it simple)

    You don’t need a full workout to shift your energy.

    Whether it’s a 15-minute walk, a few stretches in your living room, or dancing to your favorite throwback song, move. It reconnects you to your body, grounds your thoughts, and helps release stress physically.

    Pro tip: movement + music = double dose of midweek magic. Throw on some Charli XCX or Blink-182 and get out of your head.

    Midweek stress is real, but so is your power to calm it.
    You don’t need a perfect plan. Just a moment. A breath. A pause. And the reminder that it’s okay to slow down so you can keep going.

    You’ve got this. The weekend will wait.

  • 3 ways orgasms can actually benefit your skin.

    3 ways orgasms can actually benefit your skin.

    Okay, let’s talk about something that might not be on your skincare shelf but definitely deserves a spot in your wellness routine: orgasms.
    And before you roll your eyes, this isn’t just clickbait. There’s real science (and a whole lot of anecdotal evidence) behind why a good old-fashioned O can do more for your glow than some overpriced serum.

    Whether it’s solo or shared, here’s how orgasms actually help your skin from the inside out:

    1. They boost blood flow (aka natural glow-up)

    When you orgasm, your heart rate increases and blood vessels dilate, sending a rush of oxygen-rich blood to your skin.
    That means more nutrients delivered directly to your face = a healthier, more radiant complexion.

    Think of it as your body’s own version of a glow serum, minus the 12-step routine. This post-orgasm flush?
    It’s legit. It’s science. And it’s sexy.

    2. They help regulate hormones (aka bye, stress breakouts)

    Stress is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to hormonal breakouts and dull, tired skin.
    Cue: orgasms.

    Orgasms release endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin, your feel-good brain chemicals. These help lower cortisol (the stress hormone), which can reduce inflammation, balance oil production, and even improve your sleep. And better sleep = better skin.

    Less stress, fewer breakouts, and more chill? Count us in.

    3. They support collagen production (aka anti-aging benefits)

    Yep, orgasms could actually be helping you age backwards.

    All that blood flow and hormonal balance supports the body’s natural ability to produce collagen, aka the protein that keeps your skin firm, bouncy, and wrinkle-resistant.

    So if you’re all about anti-aging and keeping that skin juicy and plump, a little pleasure might be just the skincare step you didn’t know you needed.

    Taking care of your skin isn’t just about what you put on it, it’s also about how you treat your body, your hormones, and your happiness.

    Orgasms aren’t just about pleasure, they’re about well-being.
    And if they happen to leave your skin looking glowier, healthier, and more alive? That’s a win-win.

    So light a candle, put on your favorite playlist, and let your skincare routine get a little… more fun.

    You deserve it.

  • Real talk: balance looks different when you’re building.

    Real talk: balance looks different when you’re building.

    Let’s be honest: the whole “work/life balance” conversation?
    It’s cute in theory.
    But in real life, especially when you’re building a brand, chasing a dream, or trying to create a life you don’t need a vacation from, it’s kind of… BS.

    Because here’s the truth no one wants to say out loud:
    If you want a life that looks different, you have to move differently.
    You have to put in the hours no one sees, believe in yourself when no one claps, and keep going when most people would quit. That’s not balance, that’s commitment.

    And no, this doesn’t mean hustle until burnout or neglect your health. But it does mean realizing that in the beginning stages of anything meaningful, business, personal growth, your dream career, there’s sacrifice. There’s discipline. There’s choosing to stay in and figure it out while everyone else is chilling.

    You get what you give.
    What you pour into your work, your mindset, your energy, comes back. Maybe not tomorrow. But it will come back.

    If you’re thinking of starting a brand or business, here are 3 real, unfiltered tips you need to hear before you jump in:

    1. Start before you’re ready (clarity comes from action)

    Waiting to feel “ready” is a trap.
    You won’t suddenly wake up with all the answers, all the confidence, or the perfect plan.

    Start with what you have.
    An idea. A feeling. A problem you want to solve.
    Clarity comes from doing, not overthinking. You’ll learn more in one month of messy action than a year of sitting on the sidelines planning.

    “Done” beats “perfect.” Every time.

    2. Your brand is built in the boring stuff

    It’s not just about cute fonts and aesthetic Instagram posts (though those help).
    It’s about consistency. Systems. Emails. Following up. Doing the work no one claps for.

    The behind-the-scenes stuff? That’s what builds something sustainable.

    Show up for your brand like it’s already successful.
    Treat it like a job, even before it pays like one. That’s the energy that gets noticed.

    3. Protect your vision like it’s sacred (because it is)

    Not everyone will get what you’re doing. Some people will think it’s a phase. Others will straight-up project their fears onto your ambition.

    Do it anyway.

    This is your life. Your vision. And the truth is, most people don’t have the courage to build something of their own, so when you do, it can make them uncomfortable. That’s okay.

    Protect your energy. Unfollow the noise. And keep building.

    You might not have perfect boundaries every week. Your mornings might not be aesthetic and slow. And you might be tired sometimes. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

    It means you’re in it.
    You’re building.
    You’re growing.
    And one day, that freedom you’re working so hard for? It’ll all be worth it.

    So no, this isn’t about balance. It’s about alignment.

    And if the life you’re chasing lights you up inside…
    You’ll find a rhythm that works for you.

    Keep going.