LEMON SODA

Happy weekend everyone! It’s been a week since our first resolution to incorporate more water into our daily routine; how have you done? I’ve loved it, personally. I found the perfect bottle to take with me so I can keep hydrated on the go, and my skin just feels overall softer. It isn’t a huge difference, but I can tell from the way my face and legs look/feel that something’s going right! So this is a habit that has to stick.

Today’s resolution/step is all about taking care of the ‘self”**. Life just seems to go by faster and faster; we expect fast results, we want shortcuts, and we have forgotten to savour little moments. I mean, everywhere I go I walk like I’m headed to this important meeting and I’m late, when mostly I’m just going for some groceries or to renew my bus pass. It seems like the only time I get to relax is on weekends when I have some downtime, and even then I feel like there must be something I’m forgetting.

Well lovelies, I think it’s time for us to stop all this madness! Stress doesn’t look or feel good. Take at least thirty minutes of every day to just sit and think, to relax in your garden or even to just sit on the couch and cuddle with your s.o without worrying about not having enough time for whatever it is you need to get done. Be selfish. Just leave your mind blank and enjoy it.

Easy? Even silly you might think, but trust me when I tell you it is more complicated than it seems! We always put ourlseves on hold for something else that needs our immediate attention, so really we end up working/stressing our life away instead of doing little things that relax us, inspire us and renew us.

Some ideas on taking a daily time-out:

• Do it at a time when you know you won’t be interrupted by anyone/anything else.
• Change it up every day, and you’ll find it will give you time to do all those things your little heart desires but seems too busy to get to usually (reading, watching that LOST episode, going on Oh No They Didn’t for your celeb gossip fix…)
• Lay down, have a rest. If you can spare another 30 minutes, take a power nap and wake up good as new.
• Do your nails. Make yourself feel pretty. Yesterday’s all-nighter might have drained you out, but you can still look fab!
• Sit still, preferrably outside (weather permitting), find the horizon and let your mind wander. Have some lemonade. Daydream.

Do you make time for yourself every day? What’s the best way to add a little extra downtime into every day?

* * Just a quick reminder: all Steps are organized into four main categories (Body, Self, Life & Living Space). Every week will follow that order, just because I think that alternating between them will make it more fun and motivating to see progress in the different areas :)

P.S Thanks for all the exam luck wishing! I’ve gotten 2 out of the way, have 2 more to go! Eeep.

It is terrifying for some but necessary for others: the art of dining alone is not so complex once you’ve gotten over a few barriers and actually come to enjoy it! Maybe you’re pressed for time, or you love sushi but nobody you know does (gasp!). This actually happened to me once, but as my love for sushi is above all else I happily went to my favorite restaurant and probably ate way more than I should have. But that’s besides the point.
For those of us who enjoy it, there’s really not much to it: get to the place, order what you came for and sit back, do some people watching or gather your thoughts. Unfortunately (though less so nowadays) dining alone is often associated with loneliness, being single, outcast…So getting out there can be a little intimidating.

First of all, know that you are some of the best company you’ll ever have. So take yourself out for a treat! There’s nothing like being alone with your thoughts — you can think whatever you like without worrying about hurting anyone’s feelings or causing controversy, you can daydream about where this summer might take you…If you are still unsure, try the following:

• Go somewhere you know so you’ll be familiar with what you’re ordering — no unpleasant surprises.
• Try to get a table near a window, for easy people watching and daydreaming!
• Make yourself comfortable. Good posture, no looking around anxiously. You’re having a meal, not waiting on the jury’s verdict.
• If you are at a cafe, try the book trick. I personally would just take it easy and be friendly with the staff at a restaurant.
• Make sure you’re looking good! Smile with your eyes, as you never know who might want to join you ;)

Once you’ve overcome the initial barrier, you’ll be more at ease facing the world on your own! Take yourself out for a movie, shopping and then sushi lunch! Although if you don’t like sushi (again, gasp!) you could go for something else I suppose.

What do you guys think about dining alone? Do you do it often?

A little unusual for Monday, yes: it’s the first day of hell week, shark week, whatever name you have found appropriate for your working days. For me, everything seems to go wrong on Mondays as I haven’t completely woken up from a blissful weekend full of fun and cake. I tend to forget things, drop everything, lose keys remotes and cellphones, as well as miss the bus. By the time I get home all I want to do is go to bed and let everything take care of itself. But preoccupying thoughts about looming exams and deadlines creep into my head, so I end up sitting around worrying and not being productive. Luckily for me I’ve found a few ways to disconnect (momentarily) so that I can charge back and own any and every obligation on my list.

1. Accept the fact that it is no longer the weekend and you are now required to wear appropriate attire instead of pj’s (or nothing, if you prefer your natural state of being while in the house.)
2. Breathe in. Whatever it is you need to do, you WILL get through it!
3. Grab your planner. If you don’t have one (gasp!), get yourself equipped! Look at your week and fill in things that need to be done by which day. If you are a little OCD like me, deadlines go in bright colors and are highlighted once taken care of.
4. Take a look. Is there anything you can finish today? Start with a few small tasks so that you can feel accomplished.
5. Once you have crossed off a few obligations, try starting on a bigger one. The aim isn’t to finish but to get the ball rolling so that starting tomorrow won’t seem like such a hassle.
6. Set a time by which you will stop working.
7. Once this time has come, drop everything and run into the shower. Get rid of all the germs you picked up at work and slip into your pjs (or stay naked, if you are so inclined.)
8. Sit back, have some dinner and rest your mind. Some light reading, bad TV or mindless internet surfing are some good alternatives. Sleep will get a hold of you, so don’t fight it. An early night will ensure a clearer head come Tuesday morning!

How do you guys fight the ‘Monday blues’?

The “R” factor, as my third grade teacher called it, is unfortunately the only way some people find to relate to others. It is impossible to steer away from the jealousy cliché, because it is one of the determining forces behind rudeness. Why are people rude? The possibilities are endless; it may spring from the need for self-validation, a bad day, a stressful situation, ignorance, prejudices…Whatever the reason, the key lies in your reaction to it.

Above all, remember that you are classy and polite; these are permanent conditions of your being, while temper is a passing state, so be wise about when to let it play a part. Knowing this will allow you to act accordingly.

Those who brag
A lot of the time, these people are trying to convince themselves of something — of being capable, talented, rich, what-have-you — and the only way to gain validation is to shout it to the world, especially to people who they feel cannot obtain the same thing they have. The best thing to do is to let them shout it out as loud as they want. Though very tempting, replying with irony will only result in them believing they have made you jealous, which will be another ‘win’ in their book. A simple reply will do.
Another reason for bragging is attention. A person who brags usually does so about something they know will generate a response: “WOW! How did you do that?!” “Where did you get it?! I want one!” “You’re sooo cool!”. Again, this attention is self-validating, it makes them feel important. Look for a smug look on their face or a smirk; if present, attention is most likely their objective. Don’t give it to them. A simple reply will do.

Those who belittle
Much like bragging, belittling brings the belittler a sense of power and importance. They have not found a way to be brilliant through self-merit and resort to trying to make others appear dull in comparison, so they will criticize everything from your looks, to your achievements, to your country. Basically anything that is attached to your persona is fair ground for bashing. Again, these don’t deserve more than a brief reply. Be polite, but don’t spend too much time around. Anyone who tries to make others feel like they are any less are too energy and time consuming so sticking around would not be the most interesting option.

Those who snap
Snapping is a milder form of rudeness, mainly because a lot of the time it is caused by physiological factors (sleep deprivation, hunger, pain…) so we find it easier to forgive. I snap, you snap, we all snap sometimes! The important thing here is letting the person know that they are being snappy without reason. Often it acts as a wake-up call and the person will stop. Otherwise (like for instance bitter customer service people), kill them with kindness. Being overly nice and genuine will catch them offguard and will make them feel slightly stupid at the very least.

Those who don’t appreciate
Giving should be done without expecting anything in return, but when I give I do expect a thank you, even if just out of courtesy. When I do give something, it is also because I imagine that the other person would have no problem doing something similar for me if the opportunity arose. A lot of people don’t have this sense of compromise though, which can be hurtful when it has taken a great deal of effort on your part. There is not much that can be done about this, except learn your lesson and refrain from putting any more effort into them.

Giving simple replies instead of ironic remarks does not equal to being passive and lame. If someone is truly out of line, demand respect, but do it with respect. “I only respect those who respect me” will only lead to more conflict and waste of energy. Simply call them out on it, and if it continues, remove them from your life entirely.

How do you guys deal with rude people?

So you went on a trip to Greece with your besties and get back home to load up all the photos on Facebook, only to find that you look hideous in most of them, with the exceptions of the ones where your face doesn’t show (like me, minus the Greece trip.) Everything new slightly throws us off, which is why seeing our reflection in the mirror every day can be more comforting to us; we grow accustomed to it and come to accept and even like it (except for those inevitable off days…). Take a picture of us from a completely different angle in a different light and watch as we can’t decide whether or not to tag ourselves in there. Maybe you don’t like your picture taken, or you’re slightly awkward in front of a camera.

Natural beauty

• It is picture day; the entire high school has woken up an hour early just to get their hair right and to practice in front of the mirror. BIG mistake. It was 9th grade and I was one such individual. Once the photographer tilted my head and rotated my body a thousand times, I let my rehearsed smile shine. The result: a fake smile, unruly hair and earrings hanging awkwardly in the wrong directions. The only year I actually looked decent, was the year I didn’t put any effort into it. Be natural, especially when smiling! Think of something funny enough to make you smile but not overly hilarious to make you scrunch your face awkwardly. Tip: A real smile can be seen not only in the mouth but in the eyes.
• Experiment, take self portraits if necessary. Find your best angle and play up to it in photos, but vary enough so that you aren’t pouting with your head tilted slightly at a 30 degree angle, hand on your hip in every single photo. Again, keep it natural and relaxed!
• Posture! No slouching allowed, as it will make your belly pop out, your neck shorter and your boobage saggy. I struggle with this one, mainly because slouching is my natural state of being. I’ve tried to correct it, but I give up way too easily. At least photos are an incentive to be more aware of it!
• Spontaneous photos tend to turn out the best, or at least are good at capturing the moment!

Little touchups

• I’m not one to edit photos on Photoshop, regardless of where my pimple was, mainly because I find it tedious and it makes my computer incredibly laggy. Instead, I propose tackling those little things before the photograph is taken.
• If your skin is slightly oilier than average, a few touchups with those little blotting papers should keep the shine out of your face in photos. I hear great wonders about pressed foundation as well but have never tried it myself! Any other tips to eliminate shine?
• Concealer for panda eyes and little pimples or scars works, but don’t cake it on as this will show even more.
• For a radiant smile make sure you take care of those pearly whites! Same for skin and hair. Personally I think hands well taken care of go a long way in completing a stunning look ;)
• Remember the closer your hands/feet are to the camera the larger they will appear!

The rest depends on your style and whether it lets your personality show through; Knowing how to dress for your shape is always essential, but I don’t believe that wearing patterns is necessarily bad if that is your style. If it works for you then it works, period!

What tricks do you have for looking better in photos?