Secret Remedies to Anxiety

I'm rarely open up about my struggle with anxiety simply due to the stigma behind it, but if my experience with anxiety and how I've found ways to overcome it can help others than I'm more than willing to share with you all. Selma knows my struggle with anxiety and she's always been there for me. Thank you Selma! So what do I do when my thoughts are going a million miles per hour and I'm fearful of my future? Well, here are just a few things that have helped me. I love it when I can find hobbies and techniques that help me calm my mind instead of being anxious. I hope you can do the same.

Yoga

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I'm big on Yoga and really need to do this more frequently just because it helps me focus on my breathing. Yoga is designed to help you block out all of your daily stress and instead replace your mind with happy and calming thoughts. Anxiety really is about calming your mind and Yoga is what works wonders for this. If you start focusing on the positions you hold in Yoga while taking deep breaths you'll discover that your anxiety is dissipating. If you don't have the appropriate wear for Yoga you can find great clothing on The Clymb such as yogabottoms that will keep you super comfortable, but I digress. You must try Yoga, especially if you suffer from anxiety! 

Running

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I no longer run due to a leg injury I received from running a half marathon several years ago (I know, isn't that sad?!) but I've been meaning to pick this healthy hobby up again. When I was a runner my mind was clear and my anxiety was definitely less. It's really a great way to use up all of your energy on running, instead of other things that can build up in your mind. Take it from me and instead of sitting around and becoming anxious about things that will never happen, go on a walk or run! You'll feel so much better when running regularly. If your mind is still spinning while you're running turn on some favorite tunes on your iPod and focus on the nature around you. It's a great and healthy distraction and you'll get fit along the way!

Faith and Inspiration

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Do you have a faith or religion that you embrace? For me, God is what keeps me going and He's my ultimate healer. I love to pray when I feel anxious, and reading my Bible always calms me down. If you can embrace your faith and lean on God when the going gets rough I promise you your anxiety will be much less or disappear all together. You should never feel shame about how you feel because anxiety is hard to cope with. If you feel that your anxiety is getting out of control go to a professional. It's okay to get help (I have!) and know that people like myself can help you along the way. Take care of yourself and stay happy and healthy! 

Maleficent

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This film officially starts tomorrow.
I'm going to watch it tonight at El Capitan in Hollywood.
It's part of my birthday celebrations, part of being a Disney-lover, and part of a girls' night out.

I cannot wait for tonight.

So excited to see it with my girls...and then start my official countdown to Sacramento and my birthday. Yikes!!!

xoxo

Long Weekend

This weekend has been soooooooooooo long. Don't get me wrong. I love long weekends. I love to chill, sit back and drink endless coffee while I am watching cheesy Hallmart Movies or DVDs I have not seen in forever. I always feel more relaxed. This Memorial Weekend however felt so awfully long. No idea why. Didn't even do much but pack, organize, clean, get slightly pampered and enjoy freshly brewed coffee and the company of good friends.

One more week and I am leaving this wonderful place called Southern California. One more week until I start a new chapter in my life, and experience new adventures. I don't know if this is the right choice, or the right path. Maybe it is exactly this move, or me second-guessing my steps all the time that made this weekend feel so incredibly long.

I know I will be back in Southern California. Maybe just for multiple visits or maybe to live. But for right now, I am going for the unknown future. I am going to do and see whatever I can squeeze into this week and then I am leaving. There is so much I want to do and see before I leave - fingers crossed I can accomplish half of my list. Wish me luck.

One more week...I can do this. I just threw away all my excuses not to go through with this step!

xoxo

A Girl Can Dream and Wish

So, every year I have this desire to tell people what I want on my birthday. It's not just presents. I am not that greedy. A girl however always wants to get spoiled, and especially on her birthday. Some girls may not want to admit it but birthdays are fun, and should involve some fun spoil sessions.

Anyways, before I completely ramble on and forget what I initially wanted to write about...here's my wishlist for this year's birthday. I can dream, can't I?!

 Yes, I want an iPad. Mini or Air...I don't care. It even rhymes. :) 

 

  Love me some Kate Spade!

Doesn't have to be Prada, but this color, leather, and this shape please!!!

A comfy and cute dress.
This dress is from H&M and sadly no longer available.

Yes, this gigantic stand mixer by KitchenAid!

Purple or Turquoise of course!

A gluten free birthday cake because I don't want to end up sick on my special day!

But MOST OF ALL...I want a smooth move.

Yes, a smooth move.
If you don't know or have forgotten I am moving soon. I am also moving on my actual birthday.
Good thing is, I will be spending the day with my favorite person.
Also, once arrived in terribly hot Sacramento I am sure I will find a way to celebrate - even just a little.

If not, I will pretend all week long it's my birthday! :) 

But really, all I would love is a cake, an iPad, and oh yes a job.
If I can sip on some bubbly too, my day will be more than just perfect.

xoxo

Southern California Ocean Adventures

I'm so excited to be guest posting on Selma's blog today, and even more excited to be writing about one of my favorite topics: ocean dreaming. I've gone on quite a few ocean adventures with Selma, from Laguna Beach to stopping by new beaches like Manhattan beach where we have created a lot of fun memories. Now that I live in Arizona and not Southern California I miss our beaches and ocean adventures dearly, but thankfully I have an ocean adventure coming up with Selma again. So what do I love the most about my ocean dreaming? Here are just a few things I love to do when exploring new coasting shores. You can do them too!

Walking the Pier

Walking on the pier is one of my favorite activities, as long as it isn't super cold outside. I love putting on my reef sandy flip flops and walking the entire pier. The ocean breeze is wonderful and on your way to the end of the pier you can peer out at sea and watch the surfers and the waves. I also like to wonder how it would feel jumping into the water from the pier, but I would never want to experience it. Sometimes I even like to go to Johnny Rockets, which is a yummy restaurant that is at the end of the pier in some of my favorite beach towns, such as Huntington Beach. You should try it!

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Shopping Near the Sea

Selma knows that I love shopping, and shopping by the ocean is no exception! I love looking at the boutiques near the shore, and many times you'll fine specialized clothing and accessories that are beachy, beautiful, and fun. I also love buying a new maxi dress or reef flip flops while I'm there. If you're not familiar with reef flip flops, they are super comfortable and supportive of your feet as well. I've worn them ever since I graduated from college 7 years ago (wow, that long ago?!) and I still wear them today. They're my favorite flip flop brand! So yes, definitely hit the shops when you visit your favorite Southern California beaches. I know I do and I also bring Selma along! ;)

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Walk the Beach

Last but not least, you must walk on the sand by the seashore when you visit the beach!  A visit to the beach is not complete without this. Maybe you can plan to lay out or put your feet in the water. I know I always want to and often times I do this if it's warm enough outside. I love, love to walk on the sand and just look out at the ocean and dream away. The ocean is so mysterious and should never be taken for granted. I can't wait to explore future beaches with Selma and there are so many more beaches to discover! Matter of fact, I mentioned this at the beginning of the post, but when I see her next we are headed to the beach yet again. I can't wait!!

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Done!

I am officially done with finals, and officially done with school...until I decide to go for yet another degree in yet another field...you never know when it comes to my education. :)

I went from this

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to this

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There was a moment I wasn't sure what my finals were about.
I forgot half of my formulas, or ways to calculate the simplest thing.

So I decided to go home and sleep.
And sleep.
And sleep some more.

Until I looked like a Frech Bulldog

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Needless to say I am very happy finals are over.
I am very happy I can now enjoy my week of freedom.
I am also very happy to start packing, organizing, and preparing my move to Sacramento.

Any tips on how to make this move smoother?
Not that I am freaking out...but OH MY GOSH, I have so much stuff (and no real furniture!).

xoxo

Final Week - MMG

What can I say...it is that time of the semester again. I have to say I prefer semester to trimester. Not sure why but I do. Glad my school still works the semester style...haha!

Anyways, can you guess what this week is for?!
YES. FINALS.

I will be fine. My last one will be Wednesday and then I am officially over.

I don't know if I can breathe or laugh or eat after that but I will be done, and over with tests for a pretty long time. I cannot believe it. Let's just hope I won't look like a Burrito once I am done.

If I do end up looking like one...then at least I know it was worth it because I need to have a good GPA in order to make myself feel good. HA! Ok, granted, in the end no one looks at your GPA and goes "Oh, you had a 3.91 - we hire you" but it will give me the gratification I need, and it will be proof to myself that I am capable of finishing school with good grades even when I don't feel like I can do any of that. I can and my GPA will show this. So...

Wish me luck!!

xoxo

P.s. linking up with Leeann and Kimberlee for Monday Morning Gossip

Making the Move

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 Guys, I'm moving.
I mentioned something earlier I know but today I wanted to make it official.

I'm moving at the very beginning of June.
I'm leaving sunny Southern California for Northern California.
Not that NorCal isn't sunny.

It will be hot as well.

My destination is Sacramento.

If you were hoping San Francisco or so, I'm sorry.
Sacramento might not be glamorous but it will be great.
I have no idea how long I will be up there.
One year, two years, or longer?
I'm ready to discover new restaurants, shops, cafes, and explore NorCal more.
I used to live in the Bay Area years ago, so it's not going to be very unfamiliar to me but it's not SoCal.

No more 405, 605, 110, 10, 2, 133, 73, 241, and 1.
It will be more the 5 (at least something that's VERY familiar), 80, 99 (sort of familiar), and 50 I guess.

WOW.

Am I ready?
Sort of.
I don't have much but tons of clothes, shoes, and bags - I'm a girl after all.

Hardly any furniture or big stuff, so that's good.

I will move in together with my favorite person.
It will be our apartment.
Not his, or mine, ours.
We shall see how this goes.
Don't get me wrong I love the fact that we are taking this step.
I just feel a tad bit bitter we can't make this move down here.
I'm still a SoCal girl at heart - always will be I guess.
YET, prices are so much cheaper up north that it was a justifiable decision.

Plus, he can finally finish his schooling and his dream and I can work. 

I will be a somehow housewife...the housewife of Sacramento. 

Yikes. 

So, yes, I'm moving.
Will get exciting on the blog once I do.
My life's a little crazy right now...never thought this would happen so quickly.
So stay tuned!!!

Happy Friday my lovely readers, and happy weekend!

xoxo

Thursday Happiness and an announcement... - QOTD #27

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One's eyes are what one is, one's mouth is what one becomes.
- John Galsworthy

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One's eyes are what one is, one's mouth is what one becomes.

John Galsworthy

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes_of_the_day.html#RLCoJPgXRXHMqHrM.99

One's eyes are what one is, one's mouth is what one becomes.

John Galsworthy

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes_of_the_day.html#RLCoJPgXRXHMqHrM.99

One's eyes are what one is, one's mouth is what one becomes.

John Galsworthy

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes_of_the_day.html#RLCoJPgXRXHMqHrM.99

Lately, I have been obsessed with coral or peach.
I blame the warmer (ugh, hotter) temperatures.
All I want is a peach iced-tea or a peach colored dress.
I hope I don't turn into a peach at some point.
That is how obsessed I am.

Anyways, I have one more week of school and then I am officially done.
I cannot believe this is actually happening.
This means though that I will have to pack right after finals.
Not that I already haven't done so.
I'm moving on my birthday!!!
(if you haven't known this little fact, then now you do!)
Can you believe this?
I can't.

That is also why I'm celebrating my birthday earlier than usual.
It'll be a blast and I will share the fun once the fun is over.
Yet, until then I have about 2 1/2 weeks left of southern California until I move up north.
So, wish me luck...and stay tuned.
Updates will follow.
For sure!


Happy Thursday!

Satisfied

Gosh, I love and miss my hometown.
Luzern will always be in my heart.
I think I took this photo last summer after my friend A and I had a fabulous dinner along this river. :)
Cannot believe it's been almost a year that I was home. Plus, I won't be going home this summer - not even to my beloved Istanbul/Turkey. My heart aches I have to admit that. I can only imagine how my mom feels. Yet, life took a different turn and it's been great so far, so I'm just going with the flow. :) 

Anyways, a while back I came across an article stating the most sexually satisfied countries in the world. There's countries in there that you wouldn't even think of. The U.S. is not among them. This needs to change. Yet, this is not my place and time to change it for this country. Haha. YET, guess which country was number 1!!!????

Switzerland.

Hmmmm, I was a little confused for a second or two. Really? Switzerland? So stubborn, so not flexible and so small Switzerland? But yes it is true. I have to say I'm proud to be Swiss - haha, even with this new fact of being the number one sexually satisfied country in the world. Who would have thought?!

And why exactly Switzerland? Well, with progressive views on sex work, licensed brothels, a liberal stance on porn, sex ed beginning as early as Kindergarten (so true my readers, so true!), and — on top of all that — one of the lowest teen birth rates in the world, Switzerland is both hot and safe. There’s no better combination than that.

We do it the Swiss style apparently!! 

Japan I believe is still number one with the lowest teen birth rates, and the second and third countries that are also pretty satisfied are Spain and Italy.  YAY. 

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If you were wondering were I got all my info from...then google it. :) It was in the news, on the unicef website, on blogs, on facebook, and I even recall newspaper articles...WOW. Too many to credit for.  Sorry.

Anjolee Jewelry

Every girl loves jewelry. When I was little I wanted to have the sparkly ring my mom wore, or constantly wear the necklace I was given on my birthday. It felt special, girlie, and just perfect. Now, as an adult, I still want jewelry. I may not want to wear five rings on one hand, but a little sparkle and perfection to a great outfit is always needed and wanted. So, when I was contacted a couple of weeks ago to write about jewelry by Anjolee I could not say no.

Since May is the first month of the official engagement and wedding season it is time to dream a little. I am not engagement or married, but a girl always dreams. Plus, I love rings, so what better way to ring shop a little at Anjolee. Their diamond bridal sets are fantastic. There is something for everyone, and they are all customizable, so the ring you get or want is really only yours. 

I chose the Dazzling Dreams Diamond Wedding Band and love it. I do not want to take it off, that is how much I love it. It works with every outfit, and even works as an anniversary ring or a promise ring. It's simple, elegant, and really fits my style. Plus, I wear my new ring on either my ring finger or middle finger - it looks stunning both ways. The compliments I have received have been fantastic and made me blush every time.

If you are looking for a wedding ring, an engagement ring or any ring for that matter check out Anjolee and their selection; I know I would.

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Disclaimer: I was gifted a ring from Anjolee for review purpose and in exchange for an honest post. All opinions are my own.

Endless Love, Available Tuesday, May 13!

Endless Love is available on Digital HD™ on May 13^th, 2014

The Endless Love Blu-ray^™ Combo Pack is available on May 27^th, 2014

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When beautiful Jade meets charismatic David, her sheltered world of privilege turns upside down when the pair’s instant desire sparks a reckless summer love affair. While Jade leaves behind her inhibitions and innocence to fall for David, he works to prove himself worthy of her love. But when David’s mysterious past and Jade’s overprotective father threaten to tear them apart, their romance will be put to the ultimate test.

The story isn't new - two teens coming from two different backgrounds fall hopelessly in love. The remake of the 1981 film is a classic romance story starring Alex Pettyfer and Gabriella Wilde.
Viewers can related to this love that is both powerful and forbidden, and that is what makes it a great film. It made me believe in true love that can endure anything and everything - a feel-good film that does not disappoint. 

I'm going to get my copy of Endless Love this Tuesday, are you?

 

Generation of Idiots

For the past few days the following video has been going around...you either saw but never watched it, or you watched and shared it with friends. Either way, I'm sharing it with you now.


Have a great day now. I think once I am done with my homework (working on it right after I press publish) I am stepping outside and breathing in some fresh, and quite crisp air.

Without my phone on me.
Just saying.

xoxo

Love

Sometimes love is everything we need.

Sometimes love is all we strive for.
Forever and always I wanted to be different that my beloved mother.
My mom had her fair share of love, and I believe she got hurt badly.
I always admired her strength, her power, her will to overcome anything - even lost love.

I grew up not knowing what it meant to see mom and dad kiss or hold hands.
I grew up with mom working, and taking care of her daughter 24/7.

She is my hero.

Love for her was me.
I was and still am her one and only love.

I am the only one she could and can trust with, and knows she gets love returned back.

I always wanted to experience love.

You know, the passionate, can't stop thinking about this other person love.

The one you read about, see in movies, and all that jazz.
We all know it is a cliche yet one that can be accomplished. 

I have had my fair share of love over the past 14 years.
Some were fantastic, others not so much.

I gave up completely.

And then...I met My Favorite Person.

At first I didn't want to even think of him as anything "special".
He was just a friend.

He was also younger.
NO WAY.

Yet, the more we talked the more I learned that we had so much in common.
The more we had in common the more we had to talk and share.
I felt happy, I felt intrigued, and surprised.
Can a younger guy really interest me? And vice versa?
I ignored it and didn't think about it.

Though the feeling I experienced every time I spoke to him and saw him made me feel complete.

At some point I felt weird feeling what I did.

Then, I told myself to just go with it (ha, just like the movie).

I haven't regretted it since.

Love is what I strove for.
Love is what I have today.
My mom still doesn't understand it.
She questions it.
I don't know if that's okay.
Shouldn't she be happy for me?

Shouldn't she be excited for me that I found someone I can trust, have fun, and enjoy silly moments with?

I got what I wanted.
I have what she doesn't have today.
Maybe that is why.
Regardless of how she feels I know I should enjoy life and love.

Love is all we need (isn't that a song?!)...

...and therefore love is what I get.

I cannot wait to move in with My Favorite Person.

It will be a major move.
It scares but also excites me.
And yes, you read right...I am moving and that relatively soon.
Stay tuned my readers...new adventures are going to happen.

I found love and will move in with love.
 

What more do I need?!
A job, I know.

xoxo

Bella Pillar

Remember my Adrian Valencia post a few weeks back? Well, guess what? I am overly obsessed with his art and any cute and inspiring illustrations lately. I don't know what it is. It may be because it is spring and because the warmer (hotter technically) weather hit me, or it is because I am a happy girl and found my happy place and moments in life. It could be a combination of it all. Regardless of why I am on the illustration trip - I found a few more I just cannot keep to myself. I must share them with you.

It is Friday and I think this calls for some happy moments. The weekend is around the corner, so what is better than sharing what makes me happy? Exactly.

So here it goes... Bella Pillar's cute illustrations!