Living Well: Three Things to Pursue to Live Your Best Life

If you turn on any television station or open any magazine, chances are you’ll be bombarded by all kinds of messages telling you what you need in order to live your best life. Cosmetics, fashion, hair, and vacation industries all publish tantalizing pictures of the joy you could experience simply by owning their products. Life, however, can often be simpler than all that, and your best life may come out of simple appreciation of the things that are already before you – things you could get great satisfaction out of protecting and cultivating. Here are a few basic things that can help you live your best life.

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Appreciation and Protection for the Earth

The happiest people are people who can be grateful for the beauty before them. No matter where you live, chances are there are small bits of joy each day that you may enjoy when you get outdoors and experience it. Take up walking or running on a consistent basis to infuse your daily life with opportunities to get outdoors. In this case, investing in a few pieces of active wear may help you stay successful in consistently getting out to enjoy the earth. Rue21 has great prices on leggings, printed tees for guys carried by Rue21, and printed tees for girls carried by Rue21. Make it your goal to clean up litter on your walk or to learn more about the eco-system in your hometown. 

Simple Style

Develop your sense of style and stick to it – and for most style icons, less is always more. We live in a society that’s obsessed with consuming, but choosing a few key pieces to mix and match your wardrobe will simplify your life, and allow you to spend money on other things, like saving the environment. Rue21 has palazzopants, which make a beautiful statement, or highwaisted jeans that can be paired with a variety of tops. Keep it simple with a few elegant pieces of jewelry, and let your natural beauty shine. 

Slowing Down

It’s easy to jump from thing to thing in this busy, fast-paced life, but slowing down will help you understand yourself and the earth better. Work hard to cultivate a schedule where you have some downtime to think, process, and pinpoint areas for growth in your own life. Invest in friends, the earth, and yourself to live the best life possible.

How to Confront a Friend In a Loving Way

Confrontation is hard, and most of us don’t really like to do it, especially when it comes to close friends or family. If you’re concerned about a friend or family member but aren’t sure how to approach the subject, you’re not alone. Don’t avoid the situation. Most things get worse when we avoid them, and chances are your loved one will appreciate your care in the long run. Here are a few things to consider as you prepare to talk to your friend.

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Put Yourself In Her Shoes

Have you ever been confronted about something before? If so, was it done well or poorly? Take some time to think through that experience and make a list of the good and bad elements. How would you feel if someone sat down with you and started making accusations? On the flip side, how would you feel if someone asked you a few great questions and quietly listened? If possible, it’s better to ask questions and get the perspective of your friend. She may know where the questions are leading and get defensive, but you are only responsible for your words and actions – not her reactions. Respond with love and compassion.

Be Prepared for Support

If your friend is dealing with substance abuse addiction, you may want to do a bit of research before the conversation just so he or she knows there are resources that can help. NJ addiction treatment centers can provide some signs and symptoms of addiction, as well as helpful resources for overcoming addiction. Don’t lead with a sentence like, “I think you have a problem, and I’m going to help you.” Start by asking questions and give your friend space to respond. It’s your friend’s job to admit there’s a problem and ask for help. If the addiction is threatening your friend’s life, or the lives of those around your friend, you may want to consider bringing other loved ones into the conversation and having an intervention. New Jersey alcohol treatment centers have helpful information you should all read before having an intervention.

Speak Truth and Be Loyal

Your friend may react badly to the confrontation – that’s a risk you’ll have to take. Consider asking another loved one to stay nearby in case you need a friend after the conversation. You can’t control how your friend reacts, but you can control your level of support. If she becomes upset, speak truth, and use “I” statements: “I care about you, and that’s why I’m asking. I truly want you to have the life you want. I fear that this problem is preventing you from having that.” If your friend storms out, consider writing a letter or sending an email afterward expressing your support, and leaving an open door for her to come to you if she needs anything.

Spring Wish List 2014

striped tank top / sleeveless tank / flared skirt / black flat shoes / pointed flat / ankle wrap shoes / handbag / monogrammed bag / bangle / tech accessory / circle scarf / wrap shawl / fragrance

Spring started over a week ago. I was too busy packing for my trip to northern Nevada and California so I couldn't share my spring wish list with you. Today, however, I am ready. Spring in Southern California could be mistaken for summer. We have had temperatures that would make most people jealous. Up north it was a bit chillier which made me miss the warmer, more steady temperatures. So I put together this little wish list with items I am longing for. 

I am a girl who loves her scarves, so naturally I had to put two in. Also, my love for loose and comfy tops, black, and one-colored items has not changed. I have started flipping my wardrobe - after all I am no longer 20. I am far beyond that. I got carded the other day which made me blush and feel special but to be honest it also felt awkward. The girl who carded me was much younger and gave me one stinky look. I don't know if I should be offended; she either hated the fact that I didn't look my age (or close to it) or she just didn't like knowing she looked older. I thought she was older. I blamed her make-up. So, after this awkward incident I felt like changing my wardrobe even further. I love my college shirts, my old worn in Tshirts and jeans but it is time to change. I don't want to look my age because after all you are always as old as you feel and I feel 26, but I want to look more mature, more girlie, more me. So wish me luck.

If you have any suggestions on how I could change, or what I should change first feel free to let me know. I have this gigantic pile of clothes I am giving away soon, too - cleaning out my closet so to speak. I cannot tell you what a wonderful feeling this is. The clothes I have put away already are not even missed. I bet that if I looked at all the clothes I would be surprised to see an item or two I didn't remember I had. Spring cleaning is literally happening around here.

Have a great weekend!

xoxo

California Dreamin' - QOTD #23

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“If you've had good gin on a hot day in Southern California with the people you love, you forget Nebraska. The two things cannot coexist. The stronger, better of the two wins.”
  - Ann Patchett, The Magician's Assistant

****

I may not hold a glass of gin or come from Nebraska but I do agree with the above quote.

I'm traveling.

It's Spring Break.

I'm not by the beach or near a pool soaking up sun.
I don't party either.
I'm exploring options and weigh them carefully.

Exploring more of this gigantic state as well as its neighboring state.

Will keep you updated.
Mostly via Instagram. :)

And maybe soon also on this blog.

Miss you all.

xoxo

A Month of Food

Seasonal Salad at PdM

If you follow my Instagram you have seen these already. 

I love food. I have to admit this.
Since I went gluten free I also feel the need to explore more.
Problem here is of course is that I cannot eat everything.
However, that's the beauty in this food hunt challenge.

So, one day I went to PdM.
It's one of my favorite places to get salads.
Not only are the portions huge, but I feel I get what I pay for, and feel healthy afterwards.

If I feel I need to get more fat and just that special feeling of meat...I go for what I long for.
Recently I bought Sucuk, which is traditional Turkish sausage - some call it garlic sausage.
I love it paired with eggs...preferably a sunny-side up or two. ;)

My love for Sushi is endless.
I can eat cheap Sushi for $4 for a roll but don't get fully satisfied.

About 15 minutes from where I live there's this place called Sushi Plantation (their website is so old but they are happily and busily in business I promise). It's been around for a long time and recently moved into a bigger and newer section of the plaza it was already in. If you enjoy simply Sushi this may not be the place. It's good don't get me wrong. You will be, however, far more satisfied when you ask for off the menu rolls.
My favorite?

Hip Hop, Tokyo Boy, and Oh My Gosh!

HipHop Roll at Sushi Plantation

I had to enlarge it...it's that good ;)

This post just made me hungry.
I guess it's time for me to find an exciting place to go out and eat today.
I might do this soon.

I am still away - happily enjoying my Spring Break.

So while you are reading this and while you might long for Sushi or a rich salad...

...just know I will be back with more food photos at some point.

Happy Monday, my lovelies!

xoxo

Friday Fancies - March

It is past beyond mid-March and it is officially spring!

This month's theme on Long Distance Loving is green - the color we might or might not have worn on St. Patty's Day and the color that stands for grass. Sorta. Either way, green is fresh, alive, and just perfect to celebrate this month. I wish I had more green in my wardrobe. I have one pair of pants, and a sweater. I might have to change that soon.

For this month and this weekend's outfit post...here's my contribution to the color green. 

Green dress / Zara shoes / C Wonder bracelets bangle / Kate spade glasses / Leopard scarve

Have a fabulous weekend, my lovelies! Stay tuned for my upcoming spring break trip via Instagram. :) 

xoxo

Traveling - QOTD #22

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“Every dreamer knows that it is entirely possible to be homesick for a place you've never been to, perhaps more homesick than for familiar ground.”    

- Judith Thurman

*****

I'm packing.
I'm flipping out because I'm not good when it comes to flying, even short distances.
However, my favorite person and I are flying and we are going to have a fun week away from home.

Stay tuned for updates and pictures via Instagram!

Miss you all already.

xoxo

Adrian Valencia

I love art. Lately, I have been obsessed with Adrian Valencia and his illustrations. An Argentinian living in London and working for the world...pure fun and awesomeness! You might not be familiar with his name, but you will be familiar with his art. You might have seen book covers or illustrations in magazines. I like his mellow style, how it all flows and makes you feel. Below are just a few of my favorites with the last one making me long for London on a warm day!!!!

If you want to see more of Adrian's work visit his website. :) I hope you love it as much as I do.

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It's a Happy Day - QOTD #21

I don't even need to add a quote today.
This is truly the only thing that sums up what I'm feeling this morning.
Coffee makes everything better! ;)

I have a week left before my second big math test (yuck) and a week left before spring break.
It is going to be hectic but good.

Spring break will be interesting...going away to Nevada and Northern California.
I am not entirely sure what to expect but I know I will be fine!

What have you been up to?!

xoxo

Kristen Bell - Girl Crush

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It is time.
This week, Veronica Mars arrives on the big screen.

I always loved this show.
 

Yet, today it's not about the movie.
It is about the actress.
It is time to share my girl crush again.

Kristen Bell has always been one of my favorites.
I guess it's her height (hello fellow shorty), or her way of living.
She acts and looks like the girl next door.
Her true beauty is simply just naturale. 

 

Who is your Girl Crush?

And yes, females are entitled to have girl crushes too...guys have guy crushes, too.

Trust me.

xoxo

Monday Morning Gossip - A little update from Moi

My best friend M. and I decided to start something regular called Tourist Day. We started in September of last year and have ever since continued. Sometimes we just stroll around unknown streets in our neighborhood and discover funny street names, random cafes, or fun houses to look at. We also go to the regular tourist spots in our great city/area. I mean, it is typical. You live in a place and hardly ever go visit the places your city is known for. Last time I went to Santa Monica Pier was about ten years ago. I kid you not. I have been to Santa Monica multiple times, mostly shopping and some eating...but I always ditched the pier, This weekend we decided to change that. We definitely had a blast!

Never mind my squinting eyes. I took my sunglasses off so no one complains about me wearing them in a photo. It was a hot day with 82 degrees or more, depending on where you were and all. Yes, it was early March. Gotta love California...then again, a little cooler would have been nice.

Loved the Ferris Wheel ride and the views!

Hope you are all having a fabulous start into the week.
I will be studying, studying, studying....grrrrrr...

Linking up with Leeann and Kimberlee for Monday Morning Gossip.

Time Flies

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Three years ago at pretty much this exact time I heard of an accident.
It is incredible and impossible to describe how one feels when any reality becomes one's own.

****

Three years have passed.

Three years you have been missed.
So much has changed and happened, you won't believe it.

Every day I am here I am thankful. I am here because of you.

Time flies and it is just crazy.
There are moments I still think you are around, and catch myself accidentally asking my mom if you went to a family event, too. I then clean up my mess and say something that rhymes with or sounds like your name.
I breathe heavily after that.

To me, you are still around.
To me, you just celebrated your 23rd birthday, and welcomed your brother back from Australia.

To me, you still roll your eyes on how silly your dad acts at times.
To me, you rock out to your favorites tunes in clubs.

To me, you travel and you smile and you want to come visit California.

To me, you live in all kinds of things but especially in sunrises and sunsets.

Life goes on. Life is good.
I am happy where I am.
Yes, I miss home incredibly. Every day.
I miss walking to my favorite cafe, I miss bumping into people I know - including you.
I miss the smell of the lake in the summer, and our Carnival season.

I miss our family. I miss my friends.

However, you know what?
You have showed me that life is short.
You have taught me to do what I want to do and be the person I need to be.

I sacrifice a lot by not being home, by not spending time with family and friends as often as I would like to.
Yet, I am living my life and I am being happy...

...but you know that already.

Thank you, J. 

Take care.

We miss you.

***

#1, #2, #3

Waiting For Superman

I am obsessed with the following song. 

I have always been a huge fan of Daughtry and this song just wowed me. Literally.

What made me love this song even more is the message behind it.
Have you watched this video before? Heard the song?
I mean, it's not about good old Superman. It could be, no doubt.
I believe it is about the Superman (or Superwoman) in all of us. When you watch the video you understand it better. It's the little things we do in life (or the ones we choose to ignore). My mom told me once to do good deeds at least once a month. I believe to do one good deed a day, if not twice a day.

By that I don't mean jumping into a fight on the street when there's a chance that you get harmed. By that I mean a simple thank you or bless you to random people; on the street, at the bank while standing in line, in class, at work, or at Starbucks of all places. By that I mean saving snails after a rainy couple of days. Holding doors for others, or giving up your seat to a person who may need it more. By that I mean a simple smile rather than a frown even when you feel like crying - pretend you are an actress or an actor working on a shitty day and performing to her or his best ability!!!

I have been saving snails ever day, smiling to people even though they gave me a stinky look, saying bless you when someone sneezed, and I have been holding doors. I have also kept up with going out and spending money on occasions I cannot afford but I saw it as a good deed. 

I feel like Superwoman.
I may not have saved people, or flown around but I feel accomplished.
Today's deed is unknown but we shall see.

So, what is your good deed of today or this week at least?
There has to be one!

Will You Build A Snowman With Me?

Ever since I was a little girl I have been in love with Disney Movies. Granted, some were good, some were not as good. Some movies even make you question what the real message is because when you get older you see and understand things a little differently. Plus, having a minor in Film Studies and the historical and humanistic approach to them makes me cry at times...but let's not go there.

I finally gave in, went to the movie theater, and watched my first Disney film in years. The last one I saw was Tangled and I didn't fully want to see it. I loved it, but Frozen? That was one of the cutest and funniest ones ever. I watched other Disney films on DVD but seeing it all on the big screen? So much better (and sadly more expensive). Guys, I fell in love. With Olaf. :) If you are familiar with this film you may know why. Also, quite ridiculously...the younger sister, Anna, is my twin - and well, her other half (not gonna spoil it for you if you haven't seen it) is basically my favorite person. We laughed so hard because of this - we couldn't believe it. Not that I am a princess but yes, Anna is me, or I am Anna. 

After the film we had to get frozen yogurt so we went to my favorite spot - Yogurtland.
This place is my favorite of all places. I never liked Pinkberry; probably because you have to tell them what you want and can't mix it yourself. Also, Golden Spoon isn't my favorite either; too creamy. There are other places that sell frozen yogurt in our area or everywhere but I could not find a place that made me enjoy a halfway healthy and delicious "snack" time that much.

So, after Frozen we had frozen yogurt. Best idea ever!

Have you seen Frozen? Or any other Disney Movie you think is worth seeing?
Let me know. I am in the mood to watch some more this month!

xoxo