Brittany McTier

This list is a little love note to the North Carolina small businesses that always showed up for me…the creators, wellness pros, and service providers who poured real intention into their work. These aren’t big corporations. They’re talented locals building community, elevating their craft, and genuinely caring about the people they serve. If you’re in NC and looking for someone you can trust, these are my real go-to recommendations. I hope they help you find someone who comes through for you, too.

A curated list of essentials for a cozy, creative, and mindful stay in rural Catalonia. After three weeks at Casa Pardal, I’ve gathered the items that truly support daily life here: long nature walks, hands-on activities, shared meals, and quiet spaces for remote work or reflection. These essentials made my stay smoother, and they’re also some of the items I found myself wishing I had packed. They help you feel grounded, prepared, and fully able to enjoy everything Casa Pardal offers. This list also includes the reflection journal guide I created during my stay, along with a link to the Casa Pardal website so everything stays in one place.

Spain might look sunny year-round, but once the temps dip, those tile floors and unheated rooms tell a different story. This list is for travelers, digital nomads, and volunteers who want to stay warm and grounded through Spain’s cooler months, without overpacking or overspending. Inside, you’ll find everything from practical layering tips to my favorite cozy rituals and local pharmacy finds — all tested through my hostel mornings and long stays around the country.

When I’m feeling mentally or emotionally stuck, journaling helps me release what’s heavy and reconnect with what matters. Here are my favorite tools, books, and rituals that make reflection feel calm, creative, and freeing.

During my time living in Mallorca as an English teaching assistant, I learned that self-care isn’t always pretty or picture-perfect. When you're sharing space, navigating culture shock, or just trying to stay grounded far from home, the small things matter. These are the items that helped me find calm, protect my peace, and reconnect with myself when the noise got loud. From noise-canceling headphones and herbal tea to journaling tools and a portable door lock; this is my self-care survival kit, curated from real moments of overwhelm and clarity. The little things that protected my peace in a new country.

I don’t reach for just any memoir… I look for the ones by people whose stories, creativity, or passion truly inspire me. These books gave me perspective, sparked something new, and made me rethink what’s possible. If you’re into growth, reinvention, and real stories that hit, you’ll vibe with this list. Real stories. Real shifts. Real proof that you're not stuck, just starting.

Caring for yourself isn’t just about feeling good in the moment. It’s how I refill my cup, nurture my goals, and remind myself I’m worth the effort. The small comforts, rituals, and resets you’ll find here are part of how I stay grounded, and show up for the life I’m building. Maybe you’ll find something here that helps you do the same. Because taking care of yourself isn’t just a luxury…it’s a necessity.