Book Challenge Update {2}

Happy last day of the month. Again, one month came and slipped right through the cracks. It's crazy. Today marks another three month update on my own personal reading challenge. I love books and the written word has always inspired and fascinated me at the same time. As I am, day by day, trying to find back to my happy self I am slowly easing myself into reading more. The first update I shared with you was, well, very short. I read three books. I mean, okay, one per month and I did read!! Yet normally I'd read a book in a week or maybe two weeks...so it surprised me that this tasks has been quite tedious at the moment. Yes, tedious. It's not that I need to report back to anyone on those books in time. There is no pressure. Yet, I never felt pressured to get lost in a fictional or real word all described through words. I never had an issue until last year, and now this year. I already read more than last year so I see this as a major step forward and progress!

Let's see what I have read in the past three months.

- I finished up 5 Habits of a Woman who Doesn't Quit

I started reading this during my first three months but with our book club we discussed one chapter per week and I din't want to rush. It was a book that allowed me to be me, look at my life and try to find ways to change it. I immensely enjoyed reading it because it was an easy read, spoke to myself and literally helped me look at myself from another perspective.

- Loving My Actual Life by Alexandra Kuykendall

This book was recommended to me by Amazon. Well, you know, the recommendations when you previously bought something? Yup, that was this one. And because it spoke to me right there and then I decided I'd order it because, well, I needed something totally different than what I have lined up in to read. It sure helped me look at my life and how I could challenge myself to work on my life and lifestyle differently. One step, each month, something new. She did it, so why shouldn't I?!

- If I Break by Portia Moore
I got it for free on my iBooks so I approached the "why not" phase in my life...I mean, if I don't try I won't know what I may like. I needed to read something else, something easy. It was an easy read but I wouldn't recommend it, unless you feel like you need to read something "cheap". It was quite boring, yet, okay to read. It didn't capture my attention though. It's definitely a great read for when you're soaking in the sun, not caring much about whether or not your book gets greasy from all the sunscreen, margaritas and sea/pool water. And apparently, there's a few more books following that story... 

Well, it's not a lot. I admit I could have done better, BUT I am reading, I am allowing myself to find happiness through the written word again. It shows progress, and a bright future. One step at a time. If I can manage to read four books by the next update I am going to be very happy! Fingers crossed.

xox

Reverse Your Routine With Tresemmé

Washing and treating my hair is important to me. I don't wash my hair every day, and I try to use as little chemical product as even possible on it as well. My hair is part of me so it's natural to want it to look and feel healthy. I even switch up my shampoos. Once a bottle is done, I choose another brand. I don't stick to just one. I know which brand works well and which one doesn't work well on my thin hair. Changing my routine is also part of how I treat my lovely hair. 

When I first heard about Reverse Your Routine by Tresemmé I wasn't sure. I didn't read what made it so special. So when I first got it I realized that it is exactly what it is...it is your daily hair cleansing routine just in reserve. You don't wash it and then condition it. You condition your hair first, and then you wash it with shampoo. Very easy. Very okay to try, too.

I have to say after having used this product for over three weeks I can officially say I like it a lot. It's easy to use as the conditioner comes with a pump. The shampoo smells delicious and every time I use it I feel like I am about to walk on the beach. My hair feels smoother when I rinse it, and when I brush it I don't get knots or don't have issues whatsoever. I really like it.  

Would I buy this product in the future?
Yes. Tresemmé has never disappointed me in the past. I'm hoping by then there will be something available in the Reverse Your Routine department that strengthens thin hair even more. :) It still leaves my hair feel thicker than normal but not as strong, yet, that doesn't stop me from loving this product!! 

Have you tried these two awesome bottles yet?!

Disclaimer: I received these items complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Weekly Hopes {48}

June is definitely my month. Yet lately I feel it isn't. I haven't given up and I certainly have not lost fate. I am a June baby and I believe in this month. I have had a few setbacks and it crumbled my positive vibes and hopes but again, I won't give up. Last week was yet another example of a negative week and blogging wasn't on my mind. I'm astonished I was able to write two posts. I had two more written but couldn't finish them up so here I am again, making sure this week will be a lot better. Fingers crossed!!

This week's Weekly Hopes consists of...

1 - Finding a new doctor and kicking ass at doing it {long story!}
2 - Sending out a big order
3 - Attending an online class for five days; all about Essential Oils {gotta educate yourself daily!}
4 - Finishing up Season 5 of Game of Thrones {I didn't last week...oops!}
5 - Date day on Thursday
6 - A trip to the lake
7 - Bake my peach blueberry pie or cake again!
8 - Walk more!
9 - Figure out a few things about my status
10 - Hoping for people to accept and love each other for who they are. It's a terrible world we live in.

Well, if you follow the news {and even if not} I am sure you've heard of Brexit. A funny word. What can I say?! I have mixed feelings about this whole thing. I'm very neutral, as a Swiss girl I think I always will be. 

Yet, for 1) it's not the end of the world that they are leaving the EU {hear me out!}. Personally, the EU is a good idea if we were in the year 1770. Or a bit later or earlier than that. The idea that was formed many decades ago and put to reality in 2001/2002 is based on the idea of having a European Union just like the United States of America. That being said, the US was formed many many years ago at a time when that was somewhat possible {yes, with consequences and war and all that history}. Europe was established already. You can't force nations who yes, have had their own problems, to leave their own rules/laws/morals/life/culture in a way behind and follow new rules/laws/morals/life/culture out of nowhere. Granted it took years and a lot of thinking and a lot of discussions but heck, as much as we all crave change at times, that is a huge change. Yes, Europe got hit hard during WWII and we all know why. Looking at it now...the man I won't name wanted to have a united Europe too...he called it differently but look at it...it's the same principle. NOW, there's always one or two countries that say NO. Switzerland is one of them. And yes, I voted not to be part of a European Union. I voted to live and be part of a country that keeps its freedom, its everything. Whatever that may be...but I didn't want to have my country change and follow rules made up by other nations who think their way is the best way. Has it ruined the country by not joining? No. It actually made it stronger. Yes, it pays the EU money but not as much as the EU members have to. That, has ruined those countries. Besides, the constant fights over who gets to be added to the EU or not is ridiculous. AND, the EU, like every western region, wants to be democratic. Democracy is important. Yes it is. Yet, there are leaders who will not follow that principle and do as they please. Yes, even today. They won't ask their people on a subject and just act upon it, or heck, force everyone to go with whatever they think is best. I am sorry, that is not a democracy. That should not even be called a Union. There's more but I leave it at this very superficial and quick rant... 

That being said 2) I do NOT LIKE why people voted for an exit. Fear, miscommunication, misunderstandings and what not caused people to vote out and not think. They didn't necessarily vote to be independent {besides, certain areas of the UK did vote to stay in..., so it is a divided country at the moment}. They voted out so they could keep "certain people" out, people who have shaped their country, helped it grow and develop. I fear for my dear friends and relatives who have lived there many many years and are now looked at as dirty foreigners who are no good, anymore. They were praised earlier and now....well, while some are open-minded and educated enough to appreciate "foreign" people in their country, others are not and start to hate even more.

In short, I welcome the Brexit because I don't like the idea of the EU in today's time BUT I condemn the reasons most people chose to vote in the first place. See? It's a crazy world and it won't get better unless we learn to accept and appreciate each other for who we are and what we can do for one another. Mixing nations is one thing...it opens our views, makes us eat different food and learn from one another. It's amazing how much we can benefit just by sitting together at a table and looking at each other's ways of eating dinner; or simple hand gestures, movements...we are all different but exactly that makes this world so fascinating and beautiful. I love the Mexican restaurant around the corner that is always packed, and the Turkish restaurant down the street who offers such authentic food it amazes me every time. I also love the Thai place downtown making you believe you are in Thailand, and the French bistro a few corners from that special Thai place. And if I feel like eating Sauerkraut and Bratwurst I head on over to the international market offering just that, and there I buy another sausage from Poland that I so love. IF we didn't mix, if we weren't open to change and to welcoming foreign people into our worlds and countries we would never know what I just described. Thai and Sauerkraut would be two were weird words, and Turkish would probably challenge your mind to see some camel and a tent {which by the way is oh so wrong!!!!}. 

History unfortunately repeats itself...and I fear for our future; no matter where we live...I fear for it to get more mad and anti-everything to the point that we will simply hate each other in the long run.

Rant over. Excuse the superficiality but these are my thoughts, my opinions for the past thirty plus years. Love one another, don't hate, and don't discriminate. 

Happy Monday everyone; that is if you made it this far down.

xox 

Confessions of a Girl {2}

Today I confess...

...that during my one year of sadness I gained 10 pounds, or maybe 12. Way too much. Way too much!

...I am overly excited and thrilled about my life with essential oils. Don't hate!!!

...I will not like or comment on anything my friends posts if that status is set to public {unless it is a page}. I know weird but I won't do it.

...I am jealous of whoever lives a more fun life than I am. There, I said it. In a good jealous way though. 

...I can't stand white socks, unless they are worn in white shoes.

...I'm obsessed with Game of Thrones. Never thought I would be but this show is exciting!!!

...I miss living in Europe or in or near a bigger city offering entertainment. 

...I'm still looking for the old Selma! The one that was excited to get up and get going and wasn't afraid of failure or disappointments {or the thought of failure/disappointments}. 

...that I get very much annoyed by people who do not know how to dress properly. Now this can be controversial, but I'm mainly talking about the ones who walk around like a you know what around the mall or even the supermarket. No one needs to fully dress up to buy groceries, I get it, but please have some style and wear pants, or a dress that looks like one!!!

...I ate six {6} donuts from Krispy Kreme and it felt soooo good. For like a day and then for one week I felt awful, thanks to my gluten allergy.

What do you confess today?!

Weekly Hopes {47}

Well, holy cow, another Monday welcomes us yet again. Sometimes a week goes by so quickly and sometimes it drags on. Forever. Last week flew by. Don't know what really happened but it was one of those weeks I simply  had so many wishes, hopes and what not...and then bam, another week starts again. Hello! Am I the only one this happened to?!

What did you do over the weekend? Celebrated Father's Day?! I didn't. Like Mother's Day it's one of those days I don't feel like celebrating; despite the fact I never had a father figure in my life. Now I have a father-in-law and yes, this guy is an awesome person and father, I still don't get to enjoy this day. I ran a few errands this weekend, got my monthly massage in, and got my eye infection under control. Having an eye infection is a terrible thing. I am not entirely sure why I got it but it is believed to be a combination of pet hair, pollen and dust...and possibly a dirty finger....oops!!! It's all good now. I can see and feel again. ;)

Since it is Monday I'm going to share with you my Weekly Hopes again. I can't believe this is already week 47. This sure shows how time flies. I won't give up on this weekly series because it is part of why I am feeling much better!!!! 

Here's my Weekly Hopes for this week:

1 - Recycle all can and bottles

2 - Chiropractor visit

3 - Doctor visit {finally, again!}

4 - Finish Season 5 of Game of Thrones

5 - Go to the movie theater

6 - Squeeze in a few Skype dates

7 - Window cleaning

8 - Donating more clothes

9 - Finish yet another book

10 - Think positive thoughts! Always!!

Number 10 may be a given but trust me, sometimes when things don't go the way we want them to we end up having negative thoughts. Life is not always happy, pink, and cute. It can be dark and it can be sad. There's a time for all those things, and I have been to the darker and sad side and I didn't like it. Positive thinking and happy thoughts and acts...that's what I want for this month and the months to come!! I'm so done with sadness; oh so done!!!

What are you looking forward to accomplishing this week?

xox

Dear Mom...

Dear Mom,

Hi. We miss you, you know. There's so much I want to tell you but I am sure you already know. It's weird not being able to hear your voice or receive your funky comments. Yes, I know, I complained about them but let's be honest, some of your comments were unnecessary and you even admitted that much. It's the little things we miss. Like, I really would love to know how you made those cheese pastries. I could look it up but it wouldn't be the same. It would come from you and now it comes from the internet or a book. 

What I really wanted to tell you though is this: besides missing you a ton {and I am sure I am not the only one} I am actually really glad you are not around anymore to see all this turmoil, this sadness, this political drama, and the nonsense we live in. As much as I want you to be here I am happy you don't see any of this. Well, you may have seen it but since you're far far away it doesn't affect you as much as it affects us. Maybe you are hugging me right now and if you are, thank you. I felt a chill and whether this was you or just me getting chills, I want you to know that it is okay. Everything you did to me is okay. You did it out of love. You did it because that was the only way you knew. You did it because you did not want to be alone. You did it purely out of love. And it is okay. I get it. 

So, thank you for the hug, for everything you did for me and for everything you did against me. Enjoy it where you are. You're better off there, all quiet, full of harmony and peace. One year ago we celebrated you and said our good-byes to you. It was quiet, peaceful and full of love. I can still smell the flowers, and I hope you can too. We miss you. We think of you. We love you.

Wherever you are we are sending you hugs, love, and sunflowers your way!

xox

Currently {9}

Thinking about: Married life. Yes. Married life. We are doing well. It's life. It's a relationship and like everything in life nothing is easy. There is no handbook telling you how to go about a relationship or marriage because, well, every single one is different. So, I am simply contemplating whether or not we are living the best relationship we could possibly be living. That's really it. So no worries. Besides that, I am also contemplating on future travels. I want to see family abroad, I want to see friends. I want to go out and explore. Granted, everything has a price but heck, I don't want to be stuck in one place forever. It's boring. 

Listening: My happy playlist. Yes, I make playlists. I needed something new inspiring me, something uplifting. So I made a happy list. I listen to it when I go out for a walk, when I work out, when I don't want to listen to anything else, and yes, I listen to it even when I cook. I feel more productive when I hear my happy songs which by the way range from oldies to contemporary, brand new singles that came out a few days or week ago. It's all over the place.

Watching: Game of Thrones. I didn't want to watch this show because I felt it was a silly show. It probably is BUT it's different and well, what can I say, we are hooked. Currently on Season 4 so we have a few more episodes to watch until we are caught up but I think we will arrive there next week. Maybe even before that. It may not be a silly show after all. 

Reading: Books I downloaded for free. I just finished Loving My Actual Life so I decided it was time to read some romance novels. Gotta love the cheesy-Selma, ya know?!

Loving: That I found a way to live a happier and healthier life. It took me a while, but I believe I have become the person I always wanted to be. Not to 100% there yet but on the way. Happy, healthy, and almost toxic-free. We feel healthier and we know we can thank my own intuition and belief in a better life for all of that. Here's to a long, happy and healthy life! :) 

Planning: Our anniversary. It's over two months away and it's okay if we don't do anything huge because last year we did celebrate rather big. However, whatever we do I would like it to be special and memorable. I don't only want to stay in and go out for a fine dinner. Sure, yes, that will be awesome, but I'd like to do something more special. I know on our actual date we can't do much. B's new semester starts right on that day {great!!, ugh!!!}, so we have to work around it...but something needs to be done for our anniversary. I am simply clueless...literally.

Eating: More Quinoa. I never thought I'd like it but over the past two years I have come to love. It all depends on what I make with it. Currently working on creating more dinner dishes with it, and soon even breakfast dishes. If you have any suggestions, let me know.

That is it for my current life!! What about you, what are you currently up to?!

Weekly Hopes {46}

Good morning my lovely readers. The weekend is over, and a new day and new week is upon us. What are your plans this week? Survive the work week? Rest up? Play with your children? Travel? Whatever you decide to do make it count and find time to spend for yourself, and yourself only!!

Here's to a fabulous week...let's see what this week has in store for me {or I hope to accomplish}:

1 - Bake a pie

2 - A morning massage {never had one in the morning so I'm super stoked}

3 - Getting a few very important things worked on

4 - Recycle our bottles to get some extra $$$

5 - Celebrate B's last week in one of his evening classes {finally!!}

6 - Apply some more

7 - Mail out a few things

8 - Have one dress hemmed

9 - Cook something new for dinner

10 - Feeling mentally better

Physically I am okay. I'm not 100% but I am okay. The immense pain I felt months ago, the agonizing and excruciating pain on my neck, shoulder or back is pretty much gone. Occasionally I feel it and it bugs me but knowing it is a pissed off muscle, a muscle I twisted and used wrong due to bad posture and the bad way I sit at times...it does not scare me one bit anymore. Ok, I lied. I still scares me because it hurts but I am okay with that tiny ache...it's what it is.
Mentally, well I am sort of okay. People ask me if I am okay and yes I am. However, there are always those moments that bring back a memory, or a moment of silence that reminds me of something or a photo or a film or tv show and then I feel lost. I feel lonely, sad, left alone and what not. Crazy. It's the sad feeling that makes me feel I am alone in this. Stupid I know, because I am not. Yet, it's what it is and how I feel and I am working very hard on not feeling that way, and not feeling that way all the time. Progress...lots of progress...but I'm not 100%. This week, I'm working hard on feeling 90% better. Almost there. Almost!!!

Yup, this will be a tough week but a good one. One day at a time, one step towards a better and a happier me. Wish me luck!

xox

Happy Friday - I am Alive!

Happy Friday my lovely readers. I know, it's been a while. I honestly didn't feel particularly like blogging this week. This is not an excuse, it's a fact. I guess I was still very much enjoying my birthday week, and by that I mean I was trying to stay off the internet, off TV, and off social media. Yes, you read right. I missed some of it, that much I can admit. I am alive, I promise you this. I believe with summer having started in my neck of the woods {we already had temps in the 100s} I mainly focused on staying cool and relaxed. Sometimes, a girl's gotta take a break from it all. 

So, with a birthday week having ended yesterday {already!! What?!}, here's what made me happy this whole week...because, well, it's always great to look back at the fun, happy, cheerful moments we experienced in life. Let's get started with the ten things that made me happy this week and link up with Krysten, Lindsay, and Charlotte. 

1 - Family get together

2 - Lunch date on my birthday

3 - Homemade Birchermüesli {recipe coming soon}

4 - Game of Thrones

5 - Free Coffee

6 - Physical Therapy at my Chiropractor

7 - Most pain gone

8 - Costco Run

9 - Young Living Essential Oils

10 - Birthday cards

If we are friends on facebook you know that besides all this loveliness there is a ton that didn't make me happy whatsoever. I won't go into details but I have learned that silence isn't always the best. When we have something to say to a topic, we should voice our opinion because our opinion counts for something. Blame my education, but human rights, any misuse of any human {or animal of course} makes me so mad I can't even put proper words together. It practically leaves me speechless. Therefore, I tend to look at the little things in life that bring a smile to my face. Bring it on Friday!! Make me even happier today!!

Hope your week has been great...and that the upcoming weekend brings you much joy, laughter, rest and most importantly happiness!!

xox

Weekly Hopes {45}

Back to regular scheduling...last week was an exception that my Weekly Hopes got posted a day and a half late but hey, life happens, holidays happen, and we are all humans. I'm sure no one was fully online that day anyways. At least not in my neck of the woods.

Last week was lovely. I celebrated my birthday, and tried to embrace each day to the fullest. I didn't do much as work didn't allow us to have much fun but we tried. We went to the local Zoo, enjoyed a fabulous lunch date, indulged in a relaxing massage and watched a ton of Game of Thrones {don't judge}. Oh yes, we also survived the heat. It's been scorching hot here and although we love it hot, this is too early and too hot. Cooling air and temps in general are much appreciated...hopefully this week. With this week in mind I better get started on my Weekly Hopes for this week.

1 - Cooler temperatures {low 90s or high 80s would be great!}

2 - Family gathering

3 - TV decisions...to cancel or not to cancel cable?! and when...what's next?

4 - Cancel a monthly subscription

5 - Freeze a monthly subscription

6 - Date day with a movie, maybe?

7 - Read up on some of my favorite blogs {yes I am very behind}

8 - Finish a book

This is it for this week. Yes, we got to cancel a few things. I am sick and tired of the amount of money we spend on cable so I suggested to cancel it and B was on board. Question now is when, and what will come next? We have Netflix and Amazon Prime, so we are covered there. But I love my morning and evening news, and I loved the Free On Demand Movie and TV features we have enjoyed so far {I DVRed shows too but sometimes they kept piling up and that to me was a sign we weren't into TV anymore}. So we have to figure out how to compensate or how to watch our beloved shows, plus we love HBO, History and Discovery Channel. Sometimes Netflix rocks my world but lately it's just blah, and so is Amazon Prime with its movie selections. Plus, do I really want to buy an episode? NO WAY. 

Anyway suggestions are very welcome!!
Help a girl out, will ya?! I'm so tired of all this stupid money spent for nothing.

Happy Monday my lovelies!!

xox

Happy Birthday to me!!!

Today I want to celebrate.

Today I want to cherish every single moment.

Today I want to honor my mother.

Today I want to love.

Today I want to smile.

Today I want to give hugs.

Today I want to dream all day long.

Today I want to eat out.

Today I want to be free.

Today I want to be me!

I'm a June baby and I love it.
Excuse me while I am indulging in living and loving my life!

xox

photo and recipe to this delicious cake via here