Both count and both move me a step closer to my goals.

That’s the power of a mini habit. A small, doable version of the routines that matter the most.

A lot of habits are hard to keep up with because we expect too much of ourselves. We plan them when we are feeling our most ambitious and forget what happens on our days that we aren’t our best. So we all need routines and habits that can change and adapt to the reality of that day without falling apart.

But that’s where the Mini Habit Method comes in.

What is the Mini Habit Method?

The Mini Habit Method gives every routine two versions:

• The full version, for when you have energy and motivation.
• The mini version, for when you’re tired, short on time, or overwhelmed.

Both versions count towards consistency and habit building. You don’t lose progress by doing less. Your brain still recognizes that you are doing it and helps build that habit muscle memory

This is how habits become second nature.

Why it works

• It removes the all-or-nothing trap. A lot of us think that if we can’t do it perfectly, we shouldn’t do it at all. You end up quitting just because you can’t keep the streak going because real life got in the way. Mini habits remove this barrier.
• It keeps your momentum alive. Even tiny actions remind your brain, I still show up. You are keeping promises to yourself and your brain and body start to recognize that what you are doing is important.
• It lowers resistance. It’s easier to start when the task feels small and approachable.
• It builds confidence. Each checkmark strengthens your identity as a consistent person.

Consistency matters more than intensity.

How to set up your mini habits

To begin with, grab a notebook, planner, or sticky note and start brainstorming:

1. Choose the habit.

Pick something that really would like to establish as a routine but haven’t been able to stick with consistently.

2. Define your “full” version.

What does the ideal version of this habit or routine look like on a normal day when everything goes right?

3. Define your “mini” version.

Shrink it until it feels too small to skip. It should take one to five minutes. Make it so easy that even on a day when you got no sleep, have a head cold coming on, and are super busy, that you could squeeze it in.

4. Pick a cue.

Then link it to something you already do: “After I pour coffee…” or “After I brush my teeth…” Stacking habits into a routine that you are already consistent with will increase the chance that you remember to do them.

5. Track it.

Same checkmark for both full and mini. You did it either way. Don’t differentiate between which version you did that day. Just track that you did it and call it a success!

Real-life mini habit examples

Faith + Prayer

• Full: Read a chapter and write in your journal
• Mini: Read one verse and pray a short prayer of thanks

Skincare

• Full: Double cleanse, toner, serums, moisturizer, eye cream
• Mini: Rinse face with water and apply moisturizer

Movement

• Full: 30-minute walk or workout
• Mini: Stretch for 1 minute when you get up

Planning

• Full: Review calendar, set top three priorities, write today’s to-do list
• Mini: Jot one must-do task on a sticky note

Home reset

• Full: Tidy kitchen and sweep
• Mini: Load dishwasher and wipe sink

The “Never Miss Twice” rule

Another key to building consistent habits is the “Never miss twice rule.” Missing one day is normal. But missing two days starts a pattern and it becomes very hard to get back into the swing of things.

If you skip your habit yesterday, today is automatically a mini day. Don’t worry about yesterday, just show up and do the smallest version today. Then keep going and building from there. Remember it’s not about what happened in the past, it’s about the choice you are making today to show up for yourself.

Make it stick

• Keep it visible. Leave your list open in your planner or taped on your mirror.
• Bundle it with something you enjoy. Light a candle, play a song, or use your favorite mug.
• Review weekly. If your mini version feels too big, make it smaller.
• Reward completion. Mark it, smile at it, move on. Also, occasionally, reward yourself with a favorite treat for reaching a milestone number of completions. A walk on your favorite trail, an hour of window shopping, getting your nails done, buying coffee out. Additionally, you can keep a little reward bank to choose from.

You’ll be amazed how much consistency builds once perfection isn’t required.

Troubleshooting

“My mini habit still feels too big.”

Then cut it in half again. One minute is enough.

“I keep forgetting.”

Strengthen the cue. Tie it to something that already happens daily.

“I’m bored.”

Refresh your full version. A new devotional, playlist, or location can help.

“I travel or get sick.”

Create a travel-day or sick-day version ahead of time.

Keep Your Progress Visible

The best way to build consistency is to make it visible. So keep your mini habits front and center with this tracker so you can see the progress you’re making even on the busy days. Print it, fill it in, and let it remind you that showing up matters more than doing it all.

I used to resist using Google Calendar. How could anyone focus with all those bright colors shouting at you? I just wanted something calmer. A pretty Google Calendar with aesthetic colors that matched my mood. Once I figured out how to customize it with my own hex codes, it finally felt like me. But along the way, I learned a few important lessons and made some mistakes you’ll want to avoid if you’re setting up your own Google Calendar aesthetic colors.

And it’s not just about having a pretty Google calendar. When your colors are intentional and coordinated, they give you clarity in your busy schedule. An aesthetic Google Calendar makes it more fun and interesting to do your planning.

In this post, you will learn how to set up your Google Calendar aesthetic colors the right way. Then your calendar will feel both beautiful and practical for your busy, every-day life.

Mistake #1: Relying Only on Google’s Default Colors

Why the default palette doesn’t work

Google’s calendar comes with 24 default colors for calendars and 11 for events. That seems like quite a few, but when you look at them, they all match the Google brand: bold, bright, and colorful. I think for most people, they are just too bright and overwhelming. Plus using them can make a busy schedule feel very heavy and in your face.

You calendar is something you look at often, so it should feel joyful to you. Maybe bright colors make you happy, but the ones Google Calendar offers aren’t your favorites. Perhaps you want something more calming, seasonal, or matched to the rest of your planner tools. That’s where custom hex codes come in allowing you to choose the exact colors to make your calendar feel like you.

How to add custom hex codes for aesthetic Google Calendar colors

It’s not hard to add a custom hex code to your Google Calendar, you just have to know where to look. First start out by logging in to your calendar on a desktop. You cannot add a custom color using either the mobile app or a mobile browser.

• Once you are in your Google calendar, navigate to the calendar list on the left hand side
• Hover over the calendar name until the three dots appear on the right hand side
• Click the three dots and then the + button at the bottom of all the colors
• Type in the hex code of the color you want to use and click Save
• Repeat for all calendars

Of course, even the prettiest colors won’t help much if everything in your life is crammed onto one calendar. That brings us to the next mistake: not creating multiple calendars to keep things organized.

Mistake #2: Not Creating Multiple Calendars

Why one calendar for everything creates chaos

Having only one calendar in your Google calendar list is a big mistake. Many people do this because they think it is easier. You might try to keep it “organized” by color coding events, but you’re limited to just 11 event colors and it quickly becomes a jumbled mess.

Placing everything on one calendar also means that everything is always visible. You cannot filter it to see just what you need to focus on right now. Kid’s activities, work schedule, and routines are all mixed in together. Instead of your calendar helping simplify life, it makes it harder to navigate what is going on right now.

How to use multiple calendars for clarity and a prettier Google Calendar

The real power of Google Calendar comes when you create separate calendars for the different parts of your life. Think: work, family, routines, personal, or even a calendar for each child’s activities. Each one gets its own color from your aesthetic palette, which makes it so much easier to glance and know exactly what belongs where.

The best part? You can toggle calendars on and off. If you just want to see your work schedule, uncheck the others. If you’re planning the family weekend, hide everything but home and kids. This keeps your calendar flexible and makes your setup both functional and pretty.

• Open Google Calendar on your desktop
• On the left sidebar, find “Other calendars”
• Click the + sign next to it and choose “Create new calendar”
• Give it a name (for example: “Family,” “Work,” “Meals,” or your child’s name)
• Click Create calendar
• Once it’s created, assign it a custom hex color as described above
• Repeat as needed for each area of your life

Mistake #3: Picking Colors Without Cohesion

Why random colors make your calendar feel messy

With endless possibilities, it might be tempting to pick all your favorite colors and add them to your different categories. But too many random colors will make your calendar feel messy, cluttered, and distracting. It can even make you look more busy than you are! The goal of using Google Calendar aesthetic colors isn’t to use every color available, but to create a calm, cohesive look to help you focus.

How to build a cohesive palette for your Google Calendar aesthetic

You don’t have to limit yourself to only a few colors, especially if you have lots of calendars to manage. The key is to choose a style of palette that keeps everything looking like it belongs together. Here are a few approaches that work well:

• Monochromatic: Different shades of the same color family (like dusty rose, mauve, and deep plum).
• Analogous: Colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel (like sage, olive, and teal).
• Complementary: Colors that sit opposite on the color wheel (like navy with coral). Use one as a main shade and the other as an accent.
• Themed moods: Earthy neutrals for calm, soft pastels for cheerful, jewel tones for bold energy.

No matter which direction you go, try to make sure the colors feel related. Think of it like putting together an outfit: the pieces don’t have to match exactly, but they should look like they belong in the same closet.

Mistake #4: Never Updating Your Palette

Why updating your Google Calendar aesthetic colors matters

Even the best palette can start to feel stale after a while. When you see the same colors every single day, they eventually fade into the background and stop catching your attention. That’s when your calendar can start feeling more like a chore than a tool. Updating your Google Calendar aesthetic colors every so often keeps things fresh and motivating.

How to use seasonal palettes for a pretty Google Calendar year-round

An easy way to refresh your calendar is to change your palette with the seasons. Soft pastels work beautifully in spring, earthy neutrals feel cozy in the fall, bold jewel tones add energy in the winter, and cheerful brights make summer fun. I like to match my aesthetic Google calendar colors to my planner stickers for the month.

The key is to keep your categories consistent while swapping out the shades. For example, if your work calendar is always blue, you can update it from sky blue in summer to navy in winter. That way you still know what’s what at a glance, but your calendar feels new and inspiring.

This seasonal rhythm makes your calendar both functional and pretty, while also giving you something small to look forward to throughout the year.

Conclusion

Setting up Google Calendar aesthetic colors doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to avoid the common mistakes, choose a palette you love, and keep it simple enough that it works in real life. A pretty Google Calendar should help you feel calm and organized, not distracted. If you want fresh ideas for color palettes, I’ll be sharing seasonal updates, so make sure to subscribe and you’ll always have new inspiration ready.

With the start of a new year, it always seems to be a time when people are re-evaluating routines and self care practices. One that often gets overlooked is your morning skincare routine. Not only is a morning skincare routine important for glowing skin, it can help set the tone for the whole day. It does this by setting a tone of self-care and confidence. Even if you are a busy mom juggling kids, work, and a business, a morning routine with Oliveda skincare can help transform your day.

With a few simple steps, your morning skincare routine can be something you look forward to each day as a little bit of self-care before you throw yourself into caring for everyone else.

Why have a morning skincare routine

If your mornings at home look anything like mine, it’s a cluster of trying to get all my morning tasks accomplished while making sure the kids are doing theirs (with some gentle-ok, lots of times frantic-encouragement from me). You may be thinking “Lady, I don’t have time to add in a morning skincare routine.” And I get it. Some days I’m so busy I wonder if I even remembered to brush my teeth.

But there are a couple of important reasons to add in skincare to your morning routine. One is that it will cause you to take even a minute or two to do something for yourself. And taking care of yourself allows you to take care of all the other numerous demands vying for your time and attention.

Secondly, one of the best ways to regulate your nervous system is to just slow down. Walk a little slower, chew your breakfast a little slower, just take a few slow, deep breaths. The morning rush is just that- a rush. And it can leave your nervous system amped up and you stressed out. So by slowing down to do a quick morning routine, it can help regulate your nervous system. This leaves you feeling calmer and gives a more peaceful start to your day.

Lastly, a good skincare routine will help you look your best. Whether you are a natural look type or want a full face of makeup, good skincare is the foundation to having you feel confident and beautiful. With an Oliveda skincare routine, you may reach less and less for your make up and when I do, the makeup looks that much better.

Step 1: Cleanse your face

Why clean your face in the morning? I hear a lot that women don’t clean their face in the morning because it’s not dirty. All you did was sleep, right? But even though you were just sleeping, your skin was hard at work- repairing and rejuvenating itself. This can lead to a build up of oils, sweat, and dead skin cells on the surface of your face.

Cleaning your face in the morning removes these impurities to ready your skin for the rest of your morning skincare routine. Not only will it clean your face, but it will help wake you up a bit and signal your body that it’s morning.

How to clean your face: It’s really quite simple! Use some warm (not hot) water and wipe your face with a clean cloth. I prefer these microfiber cloths and I use a fresh one each day. If you have more oily skin, or you used a retinol or AHA the night before, a cleanser can be used. However, most people can get away with just using water in the morning.

Oliveda’s unique waterless formulas protect your skin’s natural barrier while removing impurities. It’s the perfect way to start your day with a refreshing, clean feel. F38 Purifying Cleansing Gel smells so wonderful and gives a nice lather. For more mature skin, consider F71 Corrective Cleansing Gel. And if you have sensitive skin or rosacea (like me), choose 009 Dope Your Glow Deep Cleanser.

Pro Tip: If you are using cleanser, massage the it onto your skin in gentle, upward motions for about 30 seconds to boost circulation and wake up your complexion.

Step 2: Pamper your skin

Why use serums and elixirs? Strictly speaking, this is an optional step. HOWEVER, this is the step that will give you the most benefit. Serums and elixirs are concentrated, potent formulas. They soak deeply into the skin and address specific concerns like wrinkles, hydration, or uneven skin tone.

How to choose: With a lineup of 15 different serums and elixirs, there is an Oliveda skincare routine product specifically designed for your skin concern, no matter what it is. For personalized recommendations on which product would work best for your specific needs, take the OliveBrain quiz for custom results.

Pro Tip: Mix a few drops of both the serum and elixir in the palm of your and and rub together before applying. When they are mixed they form an emulsion that is better absorbed and the products will work synergistically together for better results. Then apply to slightly damp skin and pat gently to lock in the benefits.

Step 3: Lock in the moisture

Why should I moisturize? Using a moisturizer as the final step of your morning skincare routine ensures that your skin will stay hydrated all day long. It also seals in the serums and elixirs, allowing them to remain on you skin longer which increases their effectiveness. Even those with oily skin should moisturize, just use a lightweight one.

How to pick: There are quite a few moisturizers available. Pick one that is suited for your skin type, such as dry, oily, sensitive, or mature. I’d be happy to help you choose! If you are more of a go-it-yourself type gal, here is a chart that might help a bit.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to moisturize your lips with the fabulous F75 Lip Balm!

Bonus Step: No makeup makeup

The mornings can be hectic and you just want to make it out the door, but still look good in the process. Boost your confidence with the Olive Rose skin tint. Based on the same waterless principles as the skincare, think of the skin tint as a serum with just a bit of coverage. It’s perfect for everyday where when you want your skin to look polished but don’t want a full face of makeup. By giving you a dewy glow and evening out skin tone and imperfections, the skin tint provides the perfect no makeup look. Find out your perfect shade here.

The ripple effect of self care

It’s not selfish to take 5 minutes for yourself at the beginning of the day. Implementing a morning skincare routine helps you slow down so you start the day more calmly. It can leave you feeling more confident and refreshed which will pour over into all aspects of your life. This one act of self-care sets the tone for the whole day.

Morning Skincare Routine with Oliveda Recap

1. Wash your face: Start with a clean, fresh face to allow other products to do their jobs.
   • Shop cleansers
2. Serums & Elixirs: Support your skincare goals with targeted treatments.
   • Shop the most popular serum and elixir combo-Love Duo
3. Lock in moisture: Finish off with a moisturizer for your face and lips.
   • Shop moisturizers
4. Complete the look: Top it all off with the waterless no-makeup makeup that feels like skincare.
   • Shop skin tint

Your glow, your way

A morning skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated to do it’s job. Even just adding in a quick cleanse with water and some moisturizer will improve your skin. Or if you already have a morning skincare routine, you may be ready to add in a few extras to target specific goals. Whatever you are doing, consistency is key.

Oliveda has a unique waterless formula which means that the whole entire product is actively working to improve your skin. With their high-quality, organic products, you can get the glowing, healthy skin you desire, even while keeping it simple in the morning.

New year, new routines— this is one routine that’s definitely worth the effort!

PS- Want to boost your skincare routine to the next level? Consider Oliveda internal products!

Your skincare routine is missing this one thing!

Getting beautiful, glowing skin doesn’t have to be complicated. Skincare routines play an important part. But like most things health related, getting the results you want almost always starts from the inside. To have radiant, healthful skin, start by nourishing your skin from within. Oliveda’s internal beauty formulas make it easy (and tasty!) to take your routine to the next level with products that hydrate, protect, and revitalize— starting at the cellular level.

No matter how you like to drink your skincare, these products are the foundation of the waterless beauty movement. Whether you like to take yours in a single shot or as part of a tasty recipe, you will get the aid of powerful active ingredients that deliver hydration, antioxidants, and anti-aging benefits.

Let’s take a look at the must-have products and some recipes that will get you drinking your way to glowing skin.

I01- ORAC and Camu Camu

The first product ever created by Olive Tree People, this powerhouse of antioxidants is the cornerstone of any Oliveda skincare regimen. Antioxidants help prevent cell damage and can improve health. One way they do this is by boosting your immune system, allowing it to fight off germs better.

ORAC stands for oxygen radical absorbance capacity. Basically this measures how antioxidant a food is (higher score=higher levels of antioxidants). Everyone has heard to drink orange juice to help prevent illness. Orange juice’s ORAC score is around 2,000 for a serving. Camu camu fruit (found in I01) has an ORAC score of 52,000. On top of that, the olive leaf elixir in the I01 has a score of 45,000.

With such high antioxidant levels, I01 will reduce inflammation, defend against stress and the environment, and boost your immunity. Not only will this support your overall health, but it provides the perfect foundation for glowing, youthful skin.

I70 Hydroxytyrosol + Hyaluron- The Beauty Molecule

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the joints, eyes, and skin. It has a unique quality of binding to and holding on to water molecules. This helps keep your skin moisturized and plump. As we age, our natural levels of hyaluron decrease. But we can replenish our natural stores through topical products and even better through supplements.

The Beauty Molecule contains both high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to make sure your body gets what it needs. As it works from within, you can see these visible effects:

• Tighter pores and firmer skin
• Smoother texture
• A natural, rosy glow
• Stronger, less brittle nails

It also contains hydroxytyrosol, a potent antioxidant from the olive leaf. This provides cellular protection and anti-inflammatory effects.

I66 Hydroxytyrosol + Collagen- The Beauty Fountain

If you haven’t ever tried a liquid collagen supplement, you need to right now! Collagen is a building block for the skin and it decreases as you age. Adding it back in will help maintain the structure and firmness of your skin. This will help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a more youthful look. The Beauty Fountain contains porcine collagen which is more easily used by the body than other types of collagen.

As a waterless product, the base of the Beauty Fountain is an olive leaf elixir, rich in hydroxytyrosol. The hydroxytyrosol fights inflammation. Not only will this improve the look of your skin, but it can improve your overall wellness. Hydroxytyrosol is more potent than Vitamins C and E in it’s antioxidant properties.

Delicious Recipes for Internal Skincare

Not sure about taking these straight up? That’s not a problem! Here are a few recipes (from super simple to super tasty) to have you drinking your skincare every day.

Holiday Mocktail

Wow your guests with festive mocktail. Or keep it just for yourself— it’s so good you may not want to share!

Ingredients:

• 5 oz apple cider
• 2 oz ginger beer
• 1 oz tonic water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 17.5 ml I66 Beauty Fountain
• 17.5 ml I70 Beauty Molecule
• 2 pipettes I01 ORAC and Camu Camu
• Optional apple slices for garnish

Mix all the ingredients, pour over ice in a pretty glass. Garnish and sip your way to glowing skin!

Oliveda Sunrise

Start your day with this easy, refreshing, radiance-boosting drink.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz organic orange juice
• 17.5 ml I66 Beauty Fountain
• 17.5 ml I70 Beauty Molecule
• 2 pipettes I01 ORAC and Camu Camu

Fill glass with nugget ice. Add Oliveda ingredients. Slowly pour OJ in for a pretty, layered drink.

Perfect Pick-Me-Up

Beat the winter blues with this delicious, skin-loving treat.

Ingredients:

• Coconut water
• Ocean Spray WhiteCran + Strawberry juice
• 17.5 ml I70 Beauty Molecule
• 2 pipettes I01 ORAC and Camu Camu

Mix, serve over ice, and feel uplifted with every sip as you dream of warm summer days.

Glow on the Go

Stay radiant even on busy days with this super simple recipe.

Ingredients:

• Your favorite Olipop flavor (I’ve been loving the Cranberry Fizz flavor this holiday season)
• Any Oliveda internal product

Simply mix and take on the go for a quick boost for your skin and health.

Takeaway

You may never have thought of drinking your skincare before. But internal skincare is a great way to nourish your skin, protect against aging, and enhance your natural glow. All this while supporting your overall health! With Oliveda’s innovative products and a little creativity, you can make skincare a delicious part of your day. Let me know which recipe or product you are most excited to try in the comments below!

Cheers!