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These days, almost anything from a coffee break to a languid bath can be considered an indulgence - but a real indulgence that harks back to the true meaning of the word? That’s a different story altogether, as I soon learned when I dipped into a tub of Kraft PHILADELPHIA INDULGENCE.

Straight from the annals of “Why didn’t they think of this sooner?”, this amazing spread combines the creamy consistency of classic Philadelphia cream cheese with the absolutely delicious taste of - drumroll, please! - good ol’ chocolate. It’s an adventurous combination that yields absolutely luscious results.

Available in milk, dark, and white chocolate flavors, PHILADELPHIA INDULGENCE gives new meaning to “sinfully good.” After a bit of hemming and hawing, I purchased a tub of milk chocolate with the intention of testing it out with some cookies. And so I did, running my favorite buttery tea biscuits through the rich concoction. Not content with just a couple of yummy bites, I then dipped strawberries and mangoes into the spread. More yumminess. Finally, I took the plunge: I downed an entire spoonful on its own. It was so ridiculously good that I spent another few minutes creating a dessert roll-up of sorts, consisting of a tortilla slathered with the spread, a sprinkling of crushed walnuts, and layers of thinly sliced strawberries and bananas.

The verdict? Rich, true chocolate flavor with a pudding-like consistency. There’s a versatility to PHILADELPHIA INDULGENCE that can’t be beat, especially given that such sweet treats are usually very limited in their abilities. This chocolate spread, though, is a worthy companion for everything from salty crackers to fresh fruits - and, of course, is completely acceptable and delectable (and perhaps even preferable) all on its own.

It also happens to have the added side effect of boosting spirits. We all know just how therapeutic chocolate is anyway, but this silky smooth spread puts an entirely new spin on things. Now, without an ounce of guilt, I can add it to my usual take-five-after-a-long-day regimen: turn off the phone, grab a pile of fashion magazines, and veg out on the couch, tub of chocolate spread by my side. Indulgence, indeed.

Real Chocolate blended with rich, creamy PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread

Simplifying your life is such a broad-sounding task that it almost - almost - seems impossible. What makes the somewhat arduous decision to change things so wise, though, is that actually doing it isn’t really that difficult at all. In fact, once you start, it’s downright easy.

Here’s why: the big payoff is that you suffer less stress. In this frantic, manic-paced day and age, when everyone is always on the go and people are always in search of the next quick fix, taking even a two-minute breather almost seems like a luxury. But when you consider the effects of simply making one or two relatively small changes, you start to wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

One of my favorite, tried-and-true simplification methods is also one of the oldest in the book. I make myself a to-do list every weeknight. While this isn’t very complicated, it has proven to be an enormous help in keeping my schedule on track every day. Sure, I could type notes on my phone or e-mail myself reminders, but there’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned notepad and pen to keep myself in check. And this isn’t just a basic “answer e-mails” and “respond to calls” list. This is a list that breaks down each day in such a way that renders it almost impossible to forget anything.

It serves as a daily manifesto, detailing whatever professional responsibilities I need to complete by day’s end. I aim for a reasonable number of tasks that can actually be completed in a day - no more, or I risk feeling disappointed or overwhelmed. When each task is complete, I cross it off the list. It’s as simple as that.

Seeing all those crossed out tasks inspires confidence, keeps me on my toes, and actually makes me look forward to the next day’s tasks. There’s something so satisfying about meeting goals, and that kind of organization makes my professional life much simpler - which, in turn, makes my personal life far more relaxed and enjoyable.

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Short of fantasizing about jetting off to some tropical paradise whenever the mood strikes, I’m not exactly guilty of indulging in too much me time. Like so many women, being extra busy and on the go is just a natural part of my routine. The chaos, the hustle, the insane bustle - I relish it in much the same way I anticipate the launch of a new fragrance or lipstick.

Yet I’m also well aware of the health risks - both physical and emotional - involved with being too “turned on” to everything, from technology to work to family responsibilities. I’ve recently realized just how important it is to partake in the aforementioned me time without worrying about every commitment on my agenda. And it’s not that I didn’t enjoy a little pampering before - I’m such a spa junkie I can fire off a litany of treatments at local establishments and the reasons why they’re worth every penny.

But not every indulgence should require a credit card and a drive into the city. I’ve become more than attuned to the practice of letting go without a care in the world right in the comfort of my own home. Though nothing I do can quite top the luxurious feel of a professional shampoo and a great color job, I can be just as gluttonous about skin and body care at home as the pros are at the spa. So, to wit, my favorite let-it-all-go-forget-everyone-and-everything tactic: transform my bathroom into a mini-spa.

This metamorphosis from “just another room in the house” to “most relaxing room in the house” is only possible if I take a technology break. Turning off the cell phone and laptop is practically the new secret to preserving sanity these days, anyway. With the electronics stowed away, I’m free to go crazy with all manner of beauty products: deliciously scented face and body scrubs, botanical face masks, hydrating hair care…the list is endless, which may explain why my bathroom often resembles an impressively stocked apothecary.

What I use, though, is ultimately not as important as the end result: a more relaxed, de-stressed me. Even the simple act of testing out a new product for the first time, sloughing away dead skin, or slathering on a nourishing hair mask is enough to whisk me away to another world - even if only for a few minutes.

The key isn’t even so much that it just feels good to unwind, but that it’s literally good for the mind. That I have the ability to permit myself this downtime is a psychological boost in itself, but there are also a few other reasons to embrace an at-home spa routine: it decreases anxiety and gives me something to look forward to when I’m especially stressed out. There are always going to be unavoidable concerns in life, but putting them on hold for a while (excuse the pun, but don’t worry - your worries can wait) is an incredible way to clear the mind.

What do you do to leave your worries behind? Join our discussion on Thursday, March 15th at 4pm PST for a chance to win a year-long Netflix subscription. 

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It’s been a while since I thought about my first car, but when asked by Subaru to create a custom illustrated story at firstcarstory.com, the memories came flooding back. Like most teenagers, my first car offered a sense of independence and freedom, and was my first taste of feeling truly grown up. Countless memories were created in that car, and I had so much fun reliving them as I customized my video, check it out:

Everyone loved their first car. No matter how beat up or broken down, it was a taste of freedom and you loved it. Even though it lasted only for a brief time, that emotional connection is an experience that unites us all. Check out my custom illustrated story, you can submit one too at www.firstcarstory.com and bring your story to life with animation and music and share it with your friends.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PINK. All opinions are 100% mine.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, PINK’s new Total Sweetheart Bra has arrived! Super soft, comfy and totally sweet, PINK’s newest demi is the perfect bra for those who want a little push but don’t like all the padding. Lightly lined, it comes in tons of fun, flirty prints and bold color combinations including leopard, lace, florals, and of course, nude. Be sure to pair the flirty Lace Trim Thong (a personal favorite of mine) with your Total Sweetheart Demi bra for a sweet set that will make you look and feel great all day long. 

Need help choosing the right bra for you? PINK has you covered with their Bra 101 (bra guide). Be sure to take the Bra IQ quiz to test your knowledge when it comes to bra basics. You’ll learn how to avoid bad fitting bras including straps that dig in, creeping back bands and overflowing cups. You’ll even learn how to care for your bras properly so they last longer, and how to know if your bra’s reached its expiration date and it’s time to shop for a new one.

Ready to give Total Sweetheart a try? Check them out, along with the full range of PINK bras and panties online or in store. Find the best fit in your favorite prints and colors and you’ll be ready to celebrate a sweet Valentine’s Day.

In the meantime, take a peek at the New Total Sweetheart Demi Bra in the video below:

Tell us what you love about the PINK Total Sweetheart Demi Bra!