10 Tips To Have A Great Week

by | Apr 15, 2019 | Self-Love | 1 comment

We all want to make the most out of our time here on earth, and we can think about that time in big chunks, but it really comes down to the smaller intervals. How are we spending each day? How are we setting ourselves up for success and taking steps to make ourselves feel good so we can achieve our goals right here and now? With that in mind, I wanted to point out ten tips that can help you have a great week, including checking out the latest trending shirts to boost your confidence and style.

Obviously not every week is a banger, but if you’re putting in the time, forethought, energy, and effort for self-care and self-love, which includes choosing the right apparel that makes you feel confident and comfortable, I bet it’s going to be much better than rushing around, flying by the seat of your pants, and not taking a second to rest because you’re already so damn exhausted!

10 Tips To Have A Great Week | Uncustomary

10 Tips To Have A Great Week

1. Don’t start the week stressed out! That’s where rituals come in. Morning and nighttime rituals are key. Even if you’re just devoting five minutes in the morning before you get out of bed and get ready to go to work, it makes a difference. It sets you up on the right foot and mindset for the day! The difference between doing a five minute morning meditation or reciting positive affirmations ten times in a row versus scrolling through Instagram or terrible news stories is huge. Ideas for your rituals: meditation, positive affirmations, yoga, stretching, making a specific beverage mindfully, journaling, put a crystal on your third eye, cuddle with a pet or lover, tapping/EFT, or simply open your arms wide and say, “I am grateful for this day“!

2. Plan your most important tasks out for every day this week on Sunday. Or at least every night for the next day ahead of time, so you know exactly what you need to get done. For instance, if you need a new loewe t-shirt for an upcoming event, make sure it’s on your list. It personally helps me to do the whole week at once because I realize that there’s a lot I’m trying to fit in, and I need to compartmentalize. MITs (Most Important Tasks) need to come first! Prioritize those first every day.

3. Prep for the next day as much as you can the night before. That means picking out your outfit, doing laundry, making your lunch, packing your bag, writing your to do list, setting alarms, sending/scheduling reminder texts/e-mails, prepping Instagram content, etc. Take the guesswork out of how you need to get ready the next day so you’re less stressed.

4. Take time to practice gratitude. There are so many ways to practice gratitude, and my personal favorite is keeping a Happy/Gratitude Journal. But simply taking a moment every day to list three things you’re grateful for will begin to shift your perspective. Did you know I offer a FREE Gratitude E-course? Sign-up here!

5. Adjust your attitude so you’re not “working for the weekend”. Obviously many of us have 40+ hour work weeks and many additional obligations that leave little “free time”, but how can you make sure you’re still making the most of your days? Check out 50 Ways To Change Up Your Routine, 50 Ways To Live In The Moment, and 10 Ways To Practice Self-Care At Work for some ideas! (Don’t forget to actually take your lunch break!)

6. Set one goal for yourself this week. Just because it’s a “regular” work week, doesn’t mean you can’t make stuff happen! The goal can be realistically achievable! You can set up a schedule to read X amount of pages every day so you read half a book this week, or take a walk outside three times this week, or hang out with a friend once this week, etc. Just make a measurable goal for yourself that you can work on because you believe in your ability to make things happen!

7. Do something for someone else or the world. It can be an act of kindness or making an eco-friendly decision. Check out these 103 ideas for random acts of kindness. The act of giving will make you (and the recipient) feel good, so it’s a win-win, and the karma will come back to you!

8. Schedule “free time” and time for self-care! You can take a bathroom break, right? So you can take five minutes for self-care. Here are 15 ideas for self-care acts that only take five minutes!

9. Try waking up earlier. I know, as a night owl, and a chronically non-morning person, this sounds hypocritical. But every time I end up waking up earlier than I normally do, I feel more productive and get more things done. And I’m so surprised by how much time I seem to have “leftover” in the day. Try just 15 minutes to start with and work with how you feel from there. Remember, 15 minutes added up every day for a five-day work week is an hour and 15 minutes. That’s a lot of opportunity for self-care and development!

10. Limit social media, screens, and technology. And while you’re at it, try to focus on one task at a time! You can set up apps that shut down your ability to be on Facebook at certain times of day, or simply alert you how long you’ve used your phone/certain apps that day. Check out my post 10 Ways To Disconnect And Unplug From Screens And Technology for more ideas!


Just so you know, my Uncustomary Babes Membership Group offers SO many of these resources every single week, and there’s already an impressive archive you get immediate access to when you join for just $5 a month! I’m talking about hundreds of digital images, positive affirmations, journaling prompts, EFT videos, meditations, self-love challenges, gratitude prompts, interactive worksheets, inspirational art, printables, Tarot readings, and so much more. Check out all it has to offer here, and join today!

Photo: Maura Housley




In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject:

Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.

🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

I’m so glad you asked.

DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.

The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.

There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.

There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.

The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.

And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.

I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.

I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.

That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

There are Merriment Makers everywhere.

People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.

Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.

I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.

And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.

There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.

I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com

🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle