Are You Ready to Give 2017 a Good Whack?

December 26, 2016

2016 ends in less than a week, we're wrapping up our accounts, ticking off the final things that need to be done, and giving our thanks to all who have made our year. But there is still quite a bit that needs to be done.

December marks a time of reflection and creation of new goals. What better to end the year feeling accomplished for the little things rather than dreary about the unfinished. So, let's do this together. Open up an empty Google Doc file, MS Word file, or go old school with a notebook and pen, and let's get to the finishing line.

So, are you ready to get hit by 2017? or are you ready to give it a good whack?
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Meditate Peace

December 22, 2016

I was reading Gabby Bernstein's book last night; trying to catch up to my Goodreads Reading Challenge. And I got to the chapter where she mentioned Maharashi Maheshi Yogi's prophecy. 

Maharashi theorized that when groups of people meditate together with shared intentions of peace, their alpha brain waves become synchronized. The coherence of brain waves then causes people who are not meditating to receive the same properties in their subconscious minds. – Gabrielle Bernstein, The Universe Has My Back

As I was meditating today, I recalled what Gabby had written and I began to picture that I was with a group of people. We were sitting and meditating peace. I could feel the energy oozing and goosebumps started to grow. I could feel something lit up inside me, no idea what it was but it felt great. I feel like it's one of those spiritual experiences that sort of stick with you, you know?
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Keep Your Passion Train Going

December 19, 2016

The colder it gets, the more I want to stay in bed with a nice cup of hot coco, and binge watch Empire. Alas, the bills and subscriptions must be paid, and the passion train must keep going! Choo Choo!
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Let's Try This Again

December 15, 2016


"I have nothing to wear!"

No doubt everyone screams out this line at least once a week every time they look into their closet. It's a struggle when your mind can't pair that blouse with those pants since you've already worn it a dozen times in the past month. At the point of contemplation in deciding whether to just head out and buy a new pair of jeans, a voice swoops by and says:
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Simple Words to Make a Point

December 13, 2016

Have you ever had to listen to a whole speech from someone after you've told them about your latest breakup? An existential crisis? Or how you hate your job? When maybe you just want to hear the words "It's going to be okay." instead of a speech. I'm one in many of those people who recite a line or three from a self-help book when friends tell me that their life sucks, I can't help it sometimes. But what if we say what we mean in simple words; instead of giving a motivational speech, to make a point?

Let's make it simple for all of us.
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Appreciate the Change

December 5, 2016

I found myself scrolling through Facebook one morning when I came across a status from a friend. It was a list comparing how she was in 1995 and now. When I asked her to give me a year to compare, she chose 2012. Looking back at the years that have gone by and comparing the successes of then and now, is such an amazing way to appreciate the change. So, for this post, I thought I'd see how much time has changed
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The Benefit of Love Notes

November 14, 2016


Do you have post-its around your desk to remind you to do what makes you happy? or that everything is going to be okay?

After I put down The Secret  years back and started to change the way I thought, the first thing I did was create a Vision Board. And when Pinterest came along, quotes with gorgeous backgrounds and intricate fonts came to play, gave me more access to some eye candy; not men of course. Lol.
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Do You Believe in Mermaids?

October 31, 2016

The past few Halloweens were filled with the excitement of chocolates, decorations, pumpkin spice, and dressing up in all black. But this year, my Halloween spirit seemed to have taken a turn. Which is pretty sad.

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Your Moment in a Date Dress

October 17, 2016

Back when I was a hopelessly romantic young adult, I had purchased this dress with the idea of a casual dinner date in the summer. Now, still a hopelessly romantic young adult, a few years later, I've grown tired of waiting for the right guy so that I can wear this dress. One day, I decided to fuck it, this dress is cute, and I'm going to wear it whenever I feel like it. And from that day on, it has turned into something much more than a date dress, but a dress for all occasions.

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Your Eat, Pray, Love Moment

October 3, 2016

Ever since I watched that movie back in around 2010, I craved for my Eat, Pray, Love moment. I wanted to drop everything and leave. I wanted something more and something new, but of course, it didn't happen since I was only 16 years old and had just started Uni.

I still believed that it would happen someday, though. And that day is will most probably come in very soon when the days turn from color to dull gray's and time would feel like a treadmill than a race. But, when? Even if the day is at it's grayest and time just keeps going, there are times that when we just don't budge because of fear.

We're scared of big changes like spending a whole year traveling, staying in a foreign country for months, learning a new language, or even changing jobs or quitting because you know your soul is slowly dying. Why don't we just drop everything and go? Why don't we ignore our thoughts of what if's and but what about the's and just go for it?
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LUSH: The Cosmetics Store You've Been Waiting For

September 24, 2016

From a kilometer and a half away, you’ll be able to catch a whiff of it. From the steps down the escalator, your nose is filled with the aroma that some call the Lush signature scent. Lush opened recently in Bahrain, and I cannot tell you how excited everyone was when they announced that there were only three days left until the opening. And after months of anticipation, it’s finally here, and we’re hoping that they’ll be here to stay.

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3 Reasons to Love Floral

September 5, 2016

Do you get that feeling when you know that you have a whole bunch of something, and when you think about it, you really don't? As I was looking through my closet, I realized that I don't have as many floral blouses as I thought I did. How odd is that? It's been what? Almost 3 or 4 years since my love for floral patterns was unleashed that I didn't even notice half of my wardrobe is a mix and match of everything. But that thought doesn't diminish my love for it. I still feel that fire burn taller whenever I spot that one floral skirt in between all those other zigzag, polka dots, and tribal patterns. I see you. 

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3 Points to Overcome Your Anger

August 29, 2016


It sucks that one week back I was very aggravated, annoyed, and angry at the world and everyone around me. Anger keeps us still and mentally motionless. We're unable to move forward nor back because our minds are focused on the intense, angry energy that's boiling up.

Think of it like someone pushing down your shoulders as hard as they can, and as much as you try to get them off you, you can't because they're ten times stronger than you are; metaphorically, of course. And the only way to get rid of it is to let it out, scream at them for pushing your shoulders down, frantically moving about for them to release their pressure to lift their hands eventually away from your shoulders.
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Arhaus, Living the Dream

August 22, 2016
Arhaus Feature: Living the Dream

Creating the right space for your home, that's comfortable, cozy, and presents the right aura you want to give out when guests come over, is essential. The right space filled with colors and good energy, and the right space that could feel like home.

The living room set I put together is called "Living the Dream," for when we achieve what need to achieve and are literally living our dream. To get us prepared, why not start decorating now?
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Struggles and Trust

August 13, 2016

These past few weeks I've been laying back and walking in my flats instead of heeled boots. As much as I want my ass to look amazingly firm whenever I wear heels, I can't convince myself to put on these heels and endure the aches on my soles and my ankles. So, flat shoes and ballet flats, or even flip flops have been my go-to footwear; unless of course I have somewhere important to be and people to impress. So I make due with what I got on and trusted that it would make me feel fabulous!

Speaking of people to impress, it's been sort of a struggle finding something secure; regarding my job hunt as a writer or editor. Unfortunately, with multiple new businesses that start up in Bahrain, it is still a struggle to find a secure position in the publishing industry. I'm honestly so disappointed, but I'm trying not to let it get the better of me, we're stronger than that remember?
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Remember What You Stand For

August 2, 2016

You say that you're healthy and enjoy working out, and you say that you're positive and meditate every day but, there come's a few days or maybe even a week when you fall off the wagon. When you eat junk food and workout less,  and when you're stressed and can barely sit to breathe. And when you think about what you stand for; whether you're healthy, positive, etc., doesn't it feel like a lie?

YouTubers, Bloggers, and other influential people out there who stand for being badass, healthy, confident, and all that jazz, who has a group of followers that aspire to be just like them. So much so that they follow their routines, dress like them, and talk like them; guilty over here! People like Shameless Maya, or Chiara from Bold Self, or even Adriene from Yoga with Adriene. These type of people stand for something, and the world follows their lifestyle hoping to be just like them but, I'm sure they fall off the wagon too sometimes.
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Hotel Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

July 25, 2016


Bernard Shaw, an Irish playwright, had once said,
“The great advantage of a hotel is that it is a refuge from home life.”

The Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Hotel is a hotel that has proven to offer that said refuge. I had booked a one night stay with the wife, in one of their famous Luxury Club Millesime rooms. The lobby was an open-air affair, with high walls littered with beautiful lanterns which design was a true French-Arab flair.

The staff were diligent and efficient with their smiled “Bon Jours” all around. Check-in was seamless, and in within 15 minutes, we were in our room; granted, our room was a long walk to the end of the hall of the 2nd floor, but definitely worth it I might add. Read on to know why!
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Treat your Body with the Respect it Deserves

July 5, 2016


Treat your body like a temple. Treat it with love and the respect it deserves. It carries you. It takes you places. It helps you feel. It helps you exhibit emotions and take action. And it's you, so why not treat it well?

I'm not saying to eat your greens and exercise every single day; as much as it's preferred for everyone to do that, you don't necessarily have to. I'm saying that you should listen to your body and give it the love and attention it needs.

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Maintaining Your Positive Self-Image

June 27, 2016

After overcoming the issues of self-image, and after accepting that you are worth it and that you are amazing, you live your days where you feel like nothing can stop you, and that you can overcome absolutely anything and everything. But there comes a time when you struggle with keeping it together and maintaining the self-confidence you built up through time. You look at yourself and can't help but point out the number of imperfections you see, and can't help but feel envious when you see someone doing better and achieving more than you. How do we hold up the ladder to keep from falling?

Overcoming your issues with self-image may have been a little difficult, but maintaining your positive self-image and reminding yourself that you are good enough, is a challenge that you should take, because, why not?
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How Yoga Helped Me Recharge

June 20, 2016


A few weeks ago, my schedule got booked with things I don't even remember; this happens way too much, I barely remember what happened yesterday. But I do remember being so busy that I had to stop practicing yoga. My body craved for it, but I couldn't make time for it, at all. As much as I wanted to get down and do a downward dog and some sun salutations, my body was way too tired to roll my yoga mat out. It was the first time in a very long when the most exciting part of my day would be bed time. Crawling under my sheets as the AC blew cold air to cool down the blazing humidity that summer has to offer. Bedtime became the best part of my day.

Finally, one late night when my mind was working too much to sleep, my yoga mat miraculously rolled out in front of me and the next thing I knew it, my arms were sore from sun salutations. Here is how yoga helped me recharge in the past week.

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Overcoming the Issues of Self-Image

June 6, 2016

Self-image is one issue that majority of us face when growing older. It usually occurs when your mind is flushed with ideas of the perfect image, the perfect body, the perfect hair, and when you don't see the perfection that is already you. When we're conscious of our self-image, it deprives us of moving ahead into our lives and making the best choices. It diminishes our self-confidence and the pride we have for ourselves. It's an awful feeling that just plain out brings us down.

How do we overcome it? How do we find the true perfection that is us?
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What you Wanted still is What you Want

May 30, 2016


When I graduated from High School about 7 maybe 8 years back, the two things I wanted to be was a Chef or a Journalist. I remember the feeling of being in my culinary bubble and always turning to the kitchen to bake whenever I was feeling lost. It was peaceful. Of course, things happen and my peace turned to yoga and to writing. It's unavoidable, we grow. 

After spending years in University studying your butt off to eventually get a good paying job with benefits, and after living with a job for a few years, there comes a time when you think about what you used to want to do and be. The feeling of nostalgia rushes through you like flames and you discover that what you wanted still is what want. The question here now is; what's stopping you from going towards what you want? 
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Banana Leaves & Palm Prints

May 2, 2016

Whenever I go on Pinterest or Tumblr, one of the main things that I reblog and pin are elegant fashion pieces, boho-chic attire, and my dream house goals. I'm in the age where everyone around me is getting married and having babies, and I'm just here saving up my money to buy a house and furniture.

As far as I got to designing my own interior, is my room, and I've already maximized the space I got when decorating. Each four corners of the room have its own theme and feel to it. One side has the yogi feel, the other a boho feel, a successful badass feel, and the final side would be my free space for most of my hoarding properties. Yes, unfortunately, I like to keep every glass bottle, Starbucks cup, and moisturizer container I used up; you have no idea how useful they can be.

The best thing about having my own empty space to design is using whatever interior design skill I picked up and going at it like a blank canvas to a painter. Plus, it's refreshing to actually sit in a space that radiates positivity and good vibes. So very very refreshing!
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Discovering Who You Are

April 25, 2016



The sea breeze rustles through your hair as you stand at the edge of the beach. Opening your arms wide to take the deepest inhale you've taken all day and exhale with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and love. 

That is the image that comes to mind when I think of the moment when we discover who we are. Of course, it doesn't happen that way, it usually happens over time, doesn't it? We do something for the longest time and finally ask ourselves, "Is this what I really want to do?" "Is this what I love?" "Is this me?" It is when you answer yes and/or no to these questions that bring you one step closer to discovering who you are.


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Maybe Those Goals Aren't for You

April 18, 2016

It's scorching hot again. We have to either go out with sunglasses on or a hat these days. Although, this little outfit was sitting in my drafts for a few weeks waiting to be posted up. My comfy, cosy, semi-casual, winter wear. When just a few weeks back, it was hailing for the first time in years and the weather was bipolar, now it's hot hot hooot and not very beach friendly with the strong sun burning our skin. But, that doesn't stop us from smiling while squinting our eyes from the bright bright ball of flame.

Let's take a moment to reflect on how the year was going so far. Are your resolutions intact? Have you accomplished 0.5% of your goals? Good for you if you have! Be proud of yourself! And if you haven't, well perhaps those goals aren't meant for you.


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Reconnecting to You

April 4, 2016

Through the days of over-booked schedules and passing out once we reach sanctuary we call our beds, we tend to lose ourselves in the process of achieving our goals. That was one of my major fears of getting a real job that gets me out of the house from 7-5, 5 days a week. A real job in a real office with different kinds of people in one building. A real job that would literally suck the life out of me and make me forget who I was. The fear that I would be too tired to think of my dreams and just think of the duties that come with my real job. The fear that I would be too exhausted to reconnect my mind, body, and soul. 

Through my 22 years, I've known a few people who would devote their lives to their job. There was a time when I would see them on a regular basis for coffee or dinner, but as they got their new jobs, I began to see less of them. When I do, they would always look so pale and drained, and all they would do is say how tired they were and how much work their bosses made them do. They would bring everyone down with their exhausted aura's and unmovable dreams of quitting and moving far far away.

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Two Years and We're Evolving

March 31, 2016



There was a point on the blog when I would just talk about the weather in every post. I would remark about how hot it was or how the spring and autumn time are my favorite time of year. Now that I think about it, the weather talk was small talk with my blog. It was my blog and I getting to know each other. With two years since Nada Más Que Amor launched, there is still a lot that'll be evolving through time. There is still a lot that my blog and I need to know about each other, but with every post marks a step forward and it's special.

From talking about the weather and nothing more, to mini-notes of inspiration and lesson of the day. I'm pretty happy to see how far Nada Más Que Amor has got in the span of two years. With evolving outfit posts, DIYs, and fun random posts, the blog began to feel like home. I'm happy with the way everything is turning out, and how much the blog and I are evolving together.
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Brightening Your Dark Mood

March 23, 2016

One of the fastest way to brighten up your bad mood is to brighten up someone else's. Make someone else feel good and the good vibrancy will flow right through you in return. It's an amazing phenomenon that feels almost addictive.

Something out of the blue happened a few weeks back. As my day went on as usual with many toastmaster meetings, outfit shoot's, and design work, I receive a message from a friend whom I've know for just a year. It was a voice note that melted my heart with kind words, enormous gratitude, and pure love. That message made my week a brighter one. It filled me with joy for as long as I can remember; and in fact, just thinking about it now just made the euphoria come fluttering back.
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3 Things To Consider When Doubting Your Gut

February 22, 2016

You know that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you’re deciding if something is right for you or not? It isn’t a feeling that one can explain in detail, but it’s a feeling that everyone has experienced at least once throughout his or her life.

In any challenge that comes our way, whether it’s feeling adventurous while deciding whether to go left or right, or it’s trying to weigh the scales with a decision that could change our lives. When making the final choice, the one thing we listen to the most is our gut, our instincts, or that little voice in our heads.

How many times have you ignored your gut feeling and ended up in a situation you didn’t want to be in? No matter how much we tend to deny its impulses, in the end, our gut seems to always know what’s best. I don’t know exactly how that feeling in your belly is able to make the right choices, but I do know that if you ignore it, your decisions are often shadowed with regret. There are a few important things to consider when doubting your gut.
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3 Style Tips to Keep You Looking Fabulous

February 18, 2016


It’s challenging to dress for work in the morning. Especially when you spent all night binge watching your favorite shows, partying hard with your best girls, chatting it up with your hubby, or whatever kind of good night you had that kept you up until the wee hours of the night. Whatever it was, in the end, it makes waking up in the morning hard. But it makes it twice as hard when you realize you have to dress appropriately for work the next morning. It’s not casual Friday (or Thursday in some countries), so we can’t slack off and wear leggings and an oversized sweater all day long – unless your company allows it then we should all work there. But for those who have to endure the pain of dressing up professionally every morning, worry not; I have 3 tips to keep you fabulous for work when time seems to be too short.

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Why Some of Us Celebrate Valentine's Day

February 14, 2016

The last time I wore this cape on the blog was on my Highland Layers post. I remember feeling so much like a highland wife when I first got this, and now it just makes me feel super comfy. Today, I've decided to pair this cape up with my mint green heart sweater; that makes me look like mint chocolate chip ice cream, some olive jeans, and boots, to for a comfy cozy Valentine's outfit. 

Valentine's Day was called "Single's Day" and "All Black Day" because back in the day when we were mere teenagers and preteens stuck being single, the craze of getting a rose, paper hearts, or chocolates on Valentine's was floating in the air. So when the big V-day hit, anticipation for getting, at least, something from someone rose high as a kite. If we got a heart in our lockers or a piece of chocolate on our desk, it would make us feel just a little bit loved, giddy, and less like the whole world sucks. Sigh, the good old days.

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Fuck It and Get Out There!

February 11, 2016

I’ve always been the kind of person to run away from my problems; the kind to always hide whenever I get the sense that something in my life is about to drastically change. I would lock myself in my room, turn off my phone, hide under the covers and wait for it all to go away. Once I snap myself out of it, I would fall into a state of depression and complain that my life sucked. Along with that, I began to hate myself for acting like such a coward. I knew that I needed to get out and do something. Heck, I really wanted to, but I never got the courage to just fuck it and get out there. It all seemed too scary for me.

When a guy would show interest in me, I would run away, stop replying to his texts and block him out of my life for months, sometimes even forever. When a job opportunity would come up, I would over think so far into the future that I would end up running away and telling them no.
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Is The Universe Really Against You?

February 8, 2016
One of my favorite motivational sites The Indie Chicks has decided to shut down. When I received the email my heart broke a bit, but I realized that I'm more grateful for that they have given me than sad to see them go. They helped bring my 2015 to life with my first ever proper article published online and with so many other motivating, inspiring, and badass women out there who contributed to the website. They got me excited and gave me a space to write my heart out and help others. I will forever be grateful for the ladies who made The Indie Chicks happen; Julie, Chiara, and Chrystal, and for literally making me a better person.

Since they will be shutting down their website and magazine. All the articles on that website will be deleted. So I've decided to repost my articles on here for everyone to view once again whenever they need a boost of motivation.


You’re 20 minutes late for work, so you rush and drop your phone in the process. There is a little dent, but not a crack. As you’re almost to the office, someone bumps into you, and spills their coffee all over that new blouse you decided to wear today. On top of it all, you think you stepped on gum, your phone keeps buzzing with emails, and the guy who spilled coffee on you now blames you for the situation. Is the Universe really against you?

We all have our good days and our bad days. But there are times when our good days would turn into bad ones, and rare moments when our bad days would turn to good ones.

Do you remember those few times when your day completely turned around and from waking up with a bad stiff neck and panda eyes, you fall asleep with a smile, and maybe still have a little bit of a stiff neck, but you felt good about the day nonetheless?

Sometimes, it seems pretty easy to turn a good day into a bad one. Just one negative thought or action can drastically change your entire day. Perhaps you stubbed your toe at the end of a table and you start to swear and groan in pain. While hopping around on one foot, you knock over your coffee mug and a stack of paperwork that you spent hours working on, so you end up in pain both physically and emotionally because your favorite coffee mug is now shattered and you can’t buy a new one now because you’ll have to clean up the mess and redo the paperwork that is now soaked in coffee.

Here is a virtual hug for all of you who have gone through a situation like this. It’s okay, everything will be fine.

Now how does a bad day turn into a good one? Well, that’s all up to you. As your day goes, everything that happens is all up to you. Whether you go to your favorite restaurant or try that new one across the street, the decision is all yours. But here are a few things that may help you along your way to a great day.

Have Faith


They say that hope is faith’s sorry cousin, which is true. Hope implies wishes and dreams, while faith implies action, goals and certainty. Wake up every morning, know and have faith that today and everyday of your life will be filled with great opportunities, excitement, and overwhelming feelings of joy. Sit in bed for a bit and repeat the words out loud or in your head, “Today is going to be a good day. Today is going to be a great day” and let those words sink in for a bit before you get up.

Smile & Be Grateful


Smiling is the best kind of make up. When you smile, the certain muscles on your face gets stretched and relaxes, and can instantly brighten your features. People tend to forget what you’re wearing or how your hair looks when you give them a bright smile. Start smiling and thanking others for even the smallest gesture as opening a door or holding the elevator. Thanking others with a smile may turn the other persons day around, and by knowing that it may even brighten your day.

Indulge in Something Great


Focus on things that calm us down like, knitting, reading, meditating, eating, or watching your favorite TV show. Sometimes we need that little something to help us boost our days. Now I’m not saying skip work to spend your entire day eating a tub of your Ben & Jerry’s and watching Netflix. I’m saying you should make time to indulge in the good things in your life. Read a chapter of your favorite book during your lunch break, or go to your favorite coffee shop and indulge, and savor every word and every sip. There is something about letting your senses take over that relaxes a person.

Don’t Forget to Breathe


When all of the above seems to slip away and your good day meter has gotten a little cray cray. It’s always good to breathe. Take a deep, deep, deep breath through your nose letting all that air fill your lungs and abdomen, hold that breath in for a few seconds, then breathe out slowly through your mouth.Repeat this a few times and focus on your inhales and exhales. Breathing deeply can relax your body mind, and allow you to think clearly. The slower you breathe and observe your breathe the more breathes you’ll take in your life.

The decision to having a good day is in your hands. It’s all you. The only way the universe will go against you, is when hell breaks loose. So don’t fret, have faith that the rest of your day will be a great one, smile, be thankful, indulge in the things you enjoy, and breaaaathe.

Have a wonderful day everyone, and good luck!!




Image Credit: Shutterstock and The Indie Chicks
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It's Okay to Say No

February 1, 2016

Let's face it, the whole world revolves around time. We schedule everything according to how much time we have in our day. Some of us plan a whole lot of things during the day that would eventually leave us with only 4 hours of sleep at night. We would do this for every single day until we give up and face the truth. We can't. Handle Everything. 

Why do we put so much on our plate when we know that we can't handle it? Why do we go on agreeing to things that we aren't really into? Why do we think that we can do everything but we really can't because it's just too much? 

I believe that it's just how we sometimes are. We subconsciously take on so many projects and so many extracurricular activities because what if these things won't be here tomorrow? And here comes that phrase that everyone hates, You Only Life Once (YOLO). It's inevitable, this phrase not only has become viral, but it also speaks the truth. Some of us subconsciously think "yolo" and accept the challenges and projects in front of them when in reality they don't really need to. 

Some of the things that we take on don't really need to be taken on. We don't have to sign up for every workshop out there or say yes to every client that emails you. It's okay to say no sometimes. We're only human. We can't reprogram ourselves to work like mindless robots because we aren't. We get tired, exhausted, anxious, and we crave for a weekend out once in a while. 









| Denim Shirt & Shoes - H&M | Sweater & Bag - Forever21 |
| Necklace & Jeans - Thrifted |

Photo Creds: Najla Qamber

So, it's okay to let things go sometimes. It's okay to say "I'm sorry, I'm swamped all week.". And it's okay to admit to yourself that you're tired and that it's time to take it easy.

Take it easy this week. Try not to stress on anything that doesn't matter as much.
Relax and just enjoy life, you deserve it.

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Book Review: The Changing Season by Steven Mancheter

January 27, 2016


The Changing Season by Steven Manchester
Genre: General Fiction, Young Adult, Coming of Age
Goodreads | Amazon
Synopsis
This was supposed to be a simple summer for Billy; one more lazy expanse of time before college began. He'd fill the hours playing with Jimmy – his canine best buddy – going camping and doing all the things he promised Jimmy they'd do before Billy left.

But that was before the accident that shook the entire town.

It was before the summer job that turned into something so much more than a way to get a paycheck.

And it was before Vicki.

This summer was destined to be many things to Billy, things he didn't truly understand until now. But it was definitely not going to be simple.

An enormously touching, richly textured, deeply moving novel of new adulthood, THE CHANGING SEASON is an experience to savor.

Review

When Steven approached me to review The Changing Season, I happily agreed. General Fiction isn't really my usual genre, but I was drawn to Steven's books, they sort of became my guilty pleasure. They're always so heartwarming and enthralling that they manage to get me hooked. I simply love where Steven's books take me. They take each reader from a disaster to a smooth, happy ending that always manages to leave us with a lesson to take with us when we close the book.

The Changing Season is a fascinating tale that revolves around Billy Baker and his dog; Jimmy. The book follows the two on what was supposed to be their best summer yet before Billy goes off to college. It started off with Billy and his friends; Mark and Charlie, on their last week of high school. In just a few days time, they'll be high school graduates and they'll be going off into the real world. But, before that, they've got parties to go to and they've got to make memories that would last a lifetime.

The Changing Season talks about struggles of a freshly graduate young adult, their existential crisis's, first loves, regrets, broken hearts, and most of all, gratitude. In the book, we see how Billy evolves from that naive young adult who struggles with finding his purpose in life to a man going off to the beginning of his fruitful journey. I found myself enjoying the book immensely. Despite the time I took to finish it, the book still managed to capture me.

At first glance at the book and it's summary, I never thought that The Changing Seasons would be much more than what it is. I thought it would be a typical YA novel with a typical happy ending, but The Changing Seasons is much much more. I highly recommend this books to all those who enjoy reading Coming of Age novels with true life lessons.


  

  
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Fake it 'till you make it

January 25, 2016

The whole point of the statement Fake it 'til you make it, is to gain confidence, isn't it? It is to gain the confidence to go beyond the things you fear the most. To hold your head up high and just go for it. 

I realized a few months back that the one thing I fear the most; besides tiny crawling creatures, is change. The big changes. Like when someone in your life moves away and you're forced to think of your days without them, or when you start a new job, or when you know that your life has to change because it isn't as healthy as it used to be. These changes tend to put me in a state of depression, but that statement subconsciously comes to mind, fake it 'til you make it, and when on the verge of a breakdown, I end up telling myself "No! This isn't who you want to be!" and I am forced to get my shit together. 

Half the time, people around us barely know what they're doing and are just winging it. We all pretend that we have our shit together when we don't really, but through time, it won't be pretend anymore. Despite all that doubt, and all that fear, when you know deep down that you're meant to do something greater but feel so small, swallow that doubt and fear and pretend to be greater than you are. Then through time, you won't need to pretend anymore.









Sweater - H&M | Pants - Thrifted | Bag - Forever 21 |
Shoes - Call it Spring | Necklace - Gifted | 

Photo Creds: Najla Qamber

Do what you can to be whoever you want to be. Dress the part, walk the part, act, eat and breathe the part. Then sooner or later you will find yourself living the life you were afraid to lead. 

Fake it 'til you make it, and unleash your inner badass!
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