Live Your Best Life

"I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I have lived just the length of it. I want to live the breadth of it as well." - Diane Ackerman

Thought For The Day

When we are unable to find tranquility within ourselves, it is useless to seek it elsewhere.
-La Rochefouchauld, French writer

Click Click Click

I'm going to go back to the challenge of acquiring a photo of the week. I figure that 1. I'm in my country and there are so many beautiful things to display, so many different opportunities for me capture that beauty that I love and share with you and 2. I'm kinda bored lol. I cannot guarantee that it will be done every week, but I definitely will share the beauties I can capture.

Hopefully I shall be able to go on a hike through the country to different beaches and there and then I will be able to capture some of the beauty my eye will behold. Let's hope it happens:)

THANK YOU!!

I would like to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who follows this blog religiously, occasionally, and even seldomly (if that's a real word lol). The feedback I have received is astounding and I really appreciate everything everyone has said.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!

Those of you who haven't became followers, feel free to become one! And don't forget to comment too :)

Physically Fit

Okay people, I'm back with a few more exercises to throw in the mix.

The following 3 are taken from the May 2007 edition of Essence (yes, I read a lot of Essence lol. It's a good magazine). The article is entitled "Bring It On" by Lynda Floyd.

As I mentioned in my Shape Up For Summer post, I love lunges. This exercise is an alteration to the traditional lunge...it's called the One-Legged Lunge. The starting position is similar to the traditional lunge position, but instead of having your back foot on the ground, place it on the seat of a chair (ie where you're bum would normally go on the chair). The article says to hold a weight at chest level, I'm using my reused water bottle as my weight. The movement is the same downward movement of a normal lunge. Your aim is to get your front knee at a 90 degree angle without making your knee cross over your ankle.

The second exercise the Stability Ball Ab Contraction. I wonder if using an old tire would give the same results?? Anyone willing to try lol. For this exercise, your starting position is The Plank with your legs on the stability ball, hands on the floor and body obviously properly aligned. Using your core muscles and legs, roll the ball forward, contracting your body into a cat pose. Now this one is a bit a tough one, but once you get the hang of it things should go a bit easier.

The third exercise again is in the Shape Up For Summer post, only difference is that the actual weight is added. This exercise requires a medicine ball (is that what it's called? the weight balls) but if you don't have one what can you use? A bag sugar seems like a good alternative or a dictionary. Something with weight! So the Tabletop Sit-Up: starting position - regular sit up position with legs raised making a 90 degree angle at the knees. Hold your weight extended behind you, raise and crunch placing the weight on your legs. Return to start position, crunch again and remove the weight from your legs, then return to start position. Remember to exhale when you crunch and hold your abs tight when you exercise.

That's all for now!! Hey I can see my mini keg turning into a 6 pack!! woohooooO!!

Busy Signal - Hottt ed Medley (OFFICIAL)

No special reason for this song. I heard the medley and kinda loved it :) Was kinda tired of posting videos on Facebook hahaha

You Never Know

Most people think they know themselves and can "guestimate" how they will react to certain situations under certain stresses. I used to think that way until a series of events changed my mind. Now my view is that we can hope we react one way but we never know for sure until we get in that situation.

You never know. You're never really sure...

Homemade Beauty Recipes

The info for this post was taken from http://slideshow.ivillage.com/igo_green/homemade_beauty_recipes/. I got lazy this time so I took it straight fromt he website. None of this is my own idea.

There are many tricks of the trade that might not be very glamorous like using mayo for a facial. Here are a few things you can do to to look your best and not feel crazy.

Sublime Sunflower Scrub

Sunflower seeds, rich in vitamin E oil, make an excellent facial scrub. This recipe can be used to cleanse your skin, leaving your face incredibly soft and smooth. You may also use it for an all-over, full-body treatment.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup raw sunflowers seeds, shelled
Distilled water for mixing

In a food processor or coffee grinder, process the raw seeds until you have a fine powder that resembles coarse sugar. Pour into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid. Mix 1 tablespoon of the ground sunflower seeds with a few teaspoons of water to create a smooth paste. You can do this in the palm of your hand or in a ceramic bowl. Massage the mixture into your face and neck, and rinse well with warm water followed by cool water. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.

Yields: 4 oz, enough for eight facial treatments or one full-body treatment

Chocolate Lip Gloss

This lip gloss, made from blending together cocoa butter and chocolate, is an excellent lip conditioner with a mildly sweet taste.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 teaspoons grated cocoa butter
1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
1/4 teaspoon grated chocolate or 3 small chocolate chips (milk or dark, depending on your taste)

In a double broiler or the microwave, heat the cocoa butter, coconut oil and vitamin E oil gently until melted. Stir in the chocolate and keep stirring until melted and well blended. Pour into a small lip gloss container and allow to cool completely. Spread on lips with a clean fingertip or lip brush.

Yields: 1/2 oz

(I don't know about this one...I think I'd lick it off in a heartbeat)

Cleopatra Milk Bath

Although no one knows exactly what Cleopatra looked like, there's no doubt that her beauty was captivating. One of her greatest beauty secrets was her milk bath. With this recipe, you can enjoy a milk bath like Cleopatra in your own home.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried mint
Peel of 1 orange
Peel of 1 lemon
2 cups boiling water
1 small (9.6-oz) box dried milk, enough to make 3 quarts; if you have oily skin, use nonfat milk powder

Combine the herbs and citrus peels in a large ceramic bowl. Pour the boiling water over the herbs and peels and allow to steep for several hours (even overnight). Strain off the liquid, removing all solids. Add the milk powder to this solution. Draw a warm (not hot) bath, and pour the entire mixture into the bath water. Soak in the tub for as long as you like, but at least 20 minutes. Rinse the milk off your skin with warm water; you don't want it to sour on your skin, creating an unpleasant smell. Pat dry and moisturize your body.

Yields: Approximately 16 oz, enough for one bath

(Hmmmm I don't know about this one...to use all that milk? That's a lot of cereal that could be ate lol)

Green Goddess Body Mask

It's important to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which help produce healthy skin and hair from the inside out. You can also put fresh "green" ingredients on your body; they add moisture to your skin, making it soft and smooth.

Ingredients:
1 cup sliced fresh carrot root
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
2 cups fresh, sliced zucchini squash
1/2 cup vegetable water (see instructions) or fresh water
1/2 cup French green clay or any natural clay

Combine all the fresh vegetables in a steamer or microwave-safe container. Steam until they are soft and tender and can easily be pierced with a fork. Let the vegetables cool completely and save 1/2 cup of their cooking water as the vegetable water. Place the cooked vegetables and water in a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Using a fork or whisk, stir in the natural clay. When you finish mixing, you should have a smooth, creamy, pale green mixture. Spread the mask all over your body using your fingers or a small paintbrush. Let it sit on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off the mixture in a warm shower and use a rich moisturizer afterward.

Yields: 10 oz, enough for one treatment

Give it a whirl and let me know how it goes lol

Coming Soon!

I believe it is in my best interest if I really start reading up and exploring the "Green" movement. And as the saying goes "Knowledge, if not shared, corrodes with time" therefore I shall share my knowledge with you my readers. So watch out for the GREEN tag with awesome ways to go green, and my views on controversial topics like Global Warming.

Shape Up For Summer

Hey Hey Hey!

I've finally decided to make a better effort to get in shape now that I'm back home for the summer. I kept saying oh I would love to go the gym but I'm broke, but seeing my little tummy stand out in front of me was not making me happy. I knew I could do something to start getting in shape without spending money going to the gym.

I put the radio on and started exercising in the little free space I have in my bedroom. The exercises i chose don't require a whole lot of space, just a good bit of concentration.

The first exercise I did was The Plank. Personally I'm not a big fan of this exercise, but that probably means its fabulous lol. I did two versions of it. First I held the starting position for a male push up. I can't say exactly how long I held it for, but let's say a count of 20. To make it easier for me I got a clipping from a magazine and placed it on the floor so I could read. I think this kept me there a lot longer lol. The next version I did was the one I usually attempt to do at the gym. The position is similar as the first, the only difference is that instead of having your palms on the floor, your forearms are on the ground. So this means that your center of gravity is a lot lower to the ground. Again I will say I held it for 20 counts. If you can hold it for longer go for it! I was trembling but I still held on for as long as possible.

The next exercise I proceeded to do were some squats! I love squats. For some odd reason, I just love them. Who am I kidding...I love them because they make my butt look AH-MAZ-INGGGGG!!!! I did 20 quats in all. I added a little twist to the squat which my good friend and gym buddy Gemma showed me. You squat, then as you come up you turn your torso and hi 5 the wall with the opposite hand. So squat (down), come up and turn touching the wall with your left palm (I hope that makes sense). I did one side at a time, and really stretched across to hi 5 the wall.

After squats are another favourite: Lunges!! I love lunges for the same reason I love squats lol. Great "bun", great thighs. I added a knee up to the lunge to give me an extra umph in my little space. So I lunged (backwards), brought the same leg that went back up towards my chest when I stood up without letting it stop to touch the floor. Again 20 done, 10 on each leg, and one leg at a time.

Sit ups/crunches are exercises I shy away from, but not today :). I got back down on the floor and putting my legs up, making right angles at the knees and the hips, I did 20 crunches. I don't put my hands behind my head because I find that I tend to pull my head up and strain my neck when I do that. So for me I pretend I have a ball in my hand and I'm trying to put that ball on top of my knees. I can only imagine actually using a weighted ball will give you ever great results.

Since I was down on the floor again, I did some bicycle crunches also. Basically you touch left knee to right elbow and right knee to left elbow. I couldn't muster 20, so I did 10.

The key to exercising especially your abs, as far as I've heard, is not to strain these muscles. They are easily strained so take it easy and gradually build up to get desired results. So whoever is laughing at me for only doing 20 :P I don't care with you lol.

I've realised that my arms are starting to look a little flabby and unshapely. I'm trying to be a green girl so instead of buying dumbells, what I did was take two water bottles (650 ml) and filled them to the brim with water and use them as dumbells. Eventually I will replace the water with sand which will add more weight to it. Save money and look great doing it :D Nice touch don't you think. Tomorrow, I shall do my arm exercises with my new weights. YAY!!!

Happy Summer everyone. Love the body you're in. If you love it, you will take care of it.

Feel free to comment or give suggestions for exercises you want me to try out! Thanks!

7 Ways to Jump Start Your Savings

Original article from Essence September 2007 entitled: 7Ways to Jump-Start Your Savings by Cindy Atoji, picture taken from http://www.ptboilerroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/money-saving-tips.jpg

I won't go into great detail as to why or how for the 7 ways. I'm sure you can source the article for yourself and check it out :P

1. Limit trips to the ATM. Make a budget and stick to it basically. Budget that you're gonna take out $X for the week and stick to it. Also you save on the ATM fees.

2. Get a money buddy. Whether it be a sou-sou or just someone to help remind you "Do you need this? Have you saved yet?" That kind of thing.

3. Divide bulk shopping. Costco!! A group of you go together and buy basic items e.g. toilet paper and then spilt the bill. You get quite a bit of goods for a good price.

4. Drive less, walk more. How about it's healthier anyway :). I could say about saving gas money and so forth, but yea, if you can, walk. I know it's not always possible, but whenever it is ;)

5. Go green! There are soooo many different ways you can do this. Want to exercise at home? Use old plastic bottles as dumbells. Do double sided printing. Even if you don't need the info on one paper again, use the back for reminders, shopping lists and other things like that. I'll have to do a green post for the blog...

6. Save a penny. You've heard this one for years now. Ask for your change. Keep it in a jar. See a penny, pick it up. Money is money man. You collect those pennies and bring them to the bank...CHA-CHING!!

7. Buy generic. This doesn't only apply to medication but beauty products, baby products, foods, and so much more. I use generic beauty products from face cream to baby wipes to baby oil. And sometimes the "no name" tastes a lot better than the brand. Money in your pocket and food in your belly...LOVE IT!! lol

That's the seven tips that Essence gives to jump start your savings. Give it a whirl. Try it out and let me know how it goes for you :D Leave your comments, opinions and suggestions below.

Religion v.s. Spirituality

Caution: The content of this post may offend some. If you are offended by this post, I am sorry that you are offended, however, I am not sorry for anything I have stated here.

When I was about 15 I got into a massive argument because of religion. Everyone always feels like their religion is the true religion.

Many moons later, I question Christianity on a whole, and wonder if Christianity will bring the downfall of the world itself. There are inexplicable things we experience, see or oddly believe. For me growing up as a Christian I was never taught about Mother Earth, but deep within me I knew Mother Earth was real. I knew that the Earth had this delicate yet ultra complex system that should not be tampered with. Although I was 9, or 12 or however old, and without a degree, it just made logical sense that certain things should not be done and other should be done. So in my youth I convinced myself that Mother Nature/Mother Earth was God's sister/wife/daughter and her responsibility was to care for the Earth.

I can go into great detail about how and why I think Christianity may bring about the end of the world, but I think for now I won't. My hands may get way to tired before I even reach half way (lol). I will say, there are things that I see and view them as contradictions.

Based on the little that I know (because I don't read my bible, I occasionally sleep during the sermon or daydream, I don't go to church regularly, etc) I think a Christian:
* should accept someone regardless of their sexual preference. If God is the only judge, why are we discriminating against others? The ten commandments (or was it Jesus :S) said "Love thy neighbour as thyself", and for sure Jesus said "Ye without sin cast the first stone." Why are we therefore bringing judgment on others by chastising them, ridiculing them, ostracizing them because of their sexual preferences?? I am not for homosexuality. I am for people. If I have a right to contribute to society, then why shouldn't they?
*have a better reverence and respect for the Earth. The way the world is set up money runs everything. You cannot do without money. You cannot advance without money. To advance you need money. It's a vicious cycle. I feel like in churches and from preachers, there is talk about God wanting us to have, God providing for us, Christians not suffering anymore and make money and being successful...but what about our responsiblity as Christians to take care of this Earth which God took his time, energy and effort to create for us? Where is the reciprocity? Where is the love, adoration, gratitude for what is provided for us. The way I see it, the Christians of way back when had the mentality that we use what is there and move on. And this mentality is still so present in our societies that exploitation of people and resources is done in one place and we move on, leaving behind us like a slug leaves its bodily secretions, trail of destruction, degradation, pollution, open wounds in Mother Earth's body. It's shameful if you ask me...but then again, no one thinks I know anything because I don't have my piece of paper yet. hm.

These two are the most burning issues in my mind. Maybe one day I will sit and actually write out all that I think about these things. Till then...I'll keep observing, commenting to whomever will listen, shake my head and weep for Mother Earth...

Words that dance off the page

I have some spare time, some quiet time, some time for me,
to sit in my balcony
daydreaming about the wonder
full memories I have of you that kiss the lips of
my mind back and forth,
round and round,
over and over again
you play with my emotions
unknowingly
but still I say nothing
I don't tell you how I feel.
I don't say to you you are me just in a different circle.
I don't say turn around and look at me
for I am the one who loves you.
No, I don't say it
especially now that you've said I wasn't so I still am not.
I still am not ready to have you as mine,
and only mine,
I'm still not ready to have you be the only one to take my breath away,
to blow my mind,
to make me smile forever
and ever
and ever
AMEN!! could be the voice of the people at our wedding,
but no,
you look the other way,
you don't see me that way,
you have your glasses on,
and on they will forever be,
because she is who you want to see.
But me,
I am there to give you the advice you want to hear,
which happens to be the advice you so seek,
the advice you need for that situation.

Maybe I'm stupid for not just telling you that I'm all you need,
and she, she is me when we were we,
and me is no longer she when we were we,
for I am me,
ready to give,
ready to receive
all of me
and all of you.

When will you see?


[Don't forget to become a follower and feel free to comment :) Thanks]