Dec 16, 2011

Detox Recipe

Jillian Michael's Detox Water:

1. Use 64 ounces of distilled or tap water
2. Add 4 tablespoons of lemon juice (preferably fresh)
3. 2 tablespoons of pure 100% cranberry juice (its also great for your kidneys)
4. Add two Dandelion root tea 

Do this for about a week.
Remember your water intake should be varied throughout the day. Drinking large amounts of water in one go can lead to water intoxication, which will result in flushing out necessary electrolytes.

*Try to drink 64 ounces = 2 Liters (half gallon) of water daily regardless if you use this recipe or not.
Benefits of drinking water? Read my post below. 


Fab Friday Tip #1

Healthy: Drink more water.
- Water regulates your body temperature
- Helps with your metabolism
- Detoxifies
- Protects the organs
- Protects and moisturizes our joints
- Blood consists of 83% water
- Moisturizes the air in our lungs
- Great for weight loss
- It's calorie FREE


Happy: Snoozing in an extra 10 minutes. Somedays you wake up so tired, and that extra ten minutes of shut eye is exactly what you need to feel re-energized. There is nothing wrong with sinking into your bed to experience the stage of complete comfort. Feel guilty? Then take this time to plan out your day, and get your mind going so you'll be five steps ahead.

Positivity: Each morning right when you get up look in the mirror and tell yourself "I love you". By doing this exercise daily you'll help build up your self love, and gain confidence. It doesn't matter how unhappy you are with yourself, put all your complaints and quarrels between you aside and really appreciate yourself. If you can't appreciate and love yourself, then why would anyone else? 

Dec 15, 2011

The significant you

In the process of life most of us forget or lose track of ourselves. We give other priorities the bulk of our time and energy and let the "You" take a back row seat. However, do we ever think about that without "You" would any of these priorities have significance? No, we create their significance and their place in our lives, and then we forget to place the upmost importance to the one thing that makes all of this happen, You. Taking care of you is just as important as all the other priorities we have created for ourselves. A healthy, happy, and positive you will bring out the best in yourself. You'll feel more energized to do your best work, you'll smile more, and you'll be at peace in your mind. Remember the one person that you can rely on who will never leave your side is YOU. Be who you are, show you the upmost love, and stop focusing on the "significant other"!

 

Dec 1, 2011

25 days of giving

It's the most magical time of the year. The weather is getting chillier, coffee shops are selling our favorite seasonal drinks, twinkling lights are around every corner, Christmas music is filling the air, the aroma of pine trees are trickling up our noses, and the burning of wood fire is bringing warmth into our homes. This holiday season take some time to give back to those special people (anyone and everyone) who help us to be a first rate version of ourselves.

Such as...
1. Hold the door open for an elderly couple walking into the same building as you
2. Tip your Barista at Starbucks for making your cold mornings a little warmer
3. Sending hand-written Thank You notes
4. Smiling at a stranger on the train
5. Making an extra batch of cookies to bring to work just because
6. Leaving a post-it note in your significant other's wallet telling them how much you appreciate them
7. Buying a toy and donating it for Toys for Tots
8. Take an afternoon off and go help in a Soup Kitchen
9. Genuinely thank someone for their service
10. Look yourself in the mirror and say I Love You

Nov 29, 2011

Something to be thankful for

Alright so let's get back into the regular swing of things and start posting again! I hope everyone had a thankful thanksgiving holiday. There is so much to be thankful for, and we should count our blessings everyday. Ironically over this thanksgiving holiday I found something more to be thankful for: STORIES. I had the opportunity to sit down this past weekend and chat for hours with an elder couple born in the 1920's, hear stories, and look through their albums. It was fascinating to see how things have changed: clothes, cars, homes, technology, society, ideologies, politics, etc. All the stuff I was used to learning about through textbooks was now in live HD attached with emotions, facial expressions, and so many personal stories. During this short encounter I realized the basic human concept of living is the same. We all want things to turn out okay for us, and sometimes we may even spend too much time worrying how it will turn out. However, one thing is for sure in the end, it all works out.

Want to know for yourself, then go talk to someone who has lived a lifetime, be it your grandparents, uncle, aunt, cousin, family friend, etc. You'll soon realize that life isn't meant to be whiled away worrying and over analyzing. Its meant to be enjoyed...One thing is for sure, it'll be fine in the end and if its not fine than its not the end!

Oct 24, 2011

Thank you

Have you ever wanted to send someone a thank you note/card to show your appreciation for their kindness. Maybe you already have or maybe you never have. Showing your gratitude toward actions done by someone else is just as important as doing the action itself. When you show gratitude you acknowledge its importance in your life, and you open up room for more good things to come your way. Take the time to tell people how much their actions mean to you. Its very simply done, just by writing it down, and sending it their way.

Remember you only live once so give and take kindness, show your appreciation, and just do life!

"Tis the everyday things that really count, 
And the everyday people we know; 
And everyday kindness go very far, 
Toward making a heaven below". 

Oct 11, 2011

Life Lesson #78

Negativity is everywhere, even in social media. Now don't get me wrong, social media is the best thing to happen to society all in due part to the internet. It serves as the means to connecting and expressing yourself to the world. However, it comes with a price. We are taught at a very early age to look to others for self approval and acceptance. How we speak, walk, listen, and think are all molded by the world we live in. The definition of beauty, intelligence, success, failure, etc are all preset by the standards of society, and we all try daily to fit into these standards. Due to social media now being the primary source/method of communication and expression, what we see on the TV or the internet, we usually tend to believe. We start comparing our own lives with the people and things we are being exposed to and start seeking ways to stand up to par otherwise we feel unaccomplished or unworthy. Life is meant to be self defined and self approved and to be lived by your standards and definitions. Don't go looking for self acceptance otherwise you'll only get lost in the crowd. All you've got to do is look to yourself, thats where your true happiness lies.


No pleasure philosophy, no sensuality, no place nor power, no material success can for a moment give such inner satisfaction as the sense of living for good purposes, for maintenance of integrity, for the preservation of self approval. 

- Minot Simons 

Oct 3, 2011

Words of Wisdom


"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility."

"Live the life you wish to, date the man you wish to date, and stop looking to your family for affirmation for the choices that you make. Life is full of risks. You can’t live your life in fear of how people will judge you for following your dreams." - David Sullivan 



"Spend a little more time trying to make something of yourself and a little less time trying to impress people." - The Breakfast Club

Sep 29, 2011

The only power you have is the power of your decisions

Have you ever wanted to take an unplanned road trip? It could be for a night or a week to a location that is unknown. This little idea could be compared to the path of life. Nobody knows where life will take you and where you will end up. Be adventurous, be spontaneous, be alive! Take this opportunity as a chance for you to experience a journey without a sense of direction and planning. Exhilarate your mind, and gain a new perspective.

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Remember you only live once so fill up your gas tank, grab your friends (and your GPS), be ready for an adventure, hit the open road, and just do life!

Sep 28, 2011

One person can change everything

Have you ever sat at work, in class, or just somewhere and in walks a girl, a girl (or a boy) who instantly takes your breath away? Everyone has, but how many of you have just sat back quietly and never said anything to them? Why did you do this? Fear, fear of rejection, fear of embarrassment? You have to get past all these fears and realize, that you can’t pass up someone so ‘special’. Its time to stand up and make a move to say hello. People that take your breath away are people who are meant to be in your life. Whether be it as a life long love, or just a friend. You will never know what you will gain and learn from this moment until you take action and say something.


Remember you only live once so stop being the shadow and start being the sun. Get up, Speak up, and just do life!

Sep 23, 2011

In honor of the first day of Fall

This Fall '11

1. Go pumpkin picking & carve a pumpkin 


2. Order your favorite seasonal drinks at Starbucks


3. Take a road trip to see fall foliage 


4. Smell campfire 


5. Eat Candy Corn 




6. Dress up as your favorite Superhero/Disney Princess for Halloween




7. Go on a haunted hay ride 


8. Walk through leaves 


9. Eat Smores by the Campfire


10. Go star gazing


What things will you be doing this Fall?

Sep 22, 2011

Life Lesson #13

Life gives you some down hard things to deal with. The longer you let them kill you, the faster you will die. ~ Myself
We've all been there, the times we feel like we've hit rock bottom and it doesn't get any lower than this. In moments like this all that comes to mind is anger, frustration, hurt, pain, tears, and a lot of questions. Thoughts such as, "Why is this happening to me"? "What did I do to deserve this"? You know what the brutal truth is that you probably did something to attract this into your life and I mean not the literal sense of actually doing something, but on the pure basis of your thoughts. Believe me or not, but your thoughts define your life, the situations, the circumstances, the challenges you are facing today and everyday. And when you keep blaming "Life" for your problems, you'll never be able to find any solutions. The longer you let 'Life' control you, the longer it will take you to be happy. Don't let the things, people, words, actions, situations, or world make you feel like your a piece a shit. You're not that, you are one of a kind who is full of love. The first and the only step to deal with this to forgive yourself, and start loving yourself because without love you can't forgive and without forgiveness you can't love. Be YOU! 

Sep 21, 2011

Do the Anonymous

Have you ever wanted to do something ANONYMOUSLY for someone? Such as send your grandmother flowers, leave a note in book saying you are beautiful for the next person who reads it, donate money to a charity of your choice, etc. Simple gestures of kindness make a big difference in someone's life. It will instantly brighten someone's mood and make them feel special. Sometimes in life, its the little things that matter the most and usually its the little things that we all overlook. Dedicate today for doing something for others. Remember the actions counts not the words!


Remember you only live once so open your heart and make some room to share love and just do life!

Sep 13, 2011

The Sunscreen Song

If my previous post about the meaning of life didn't really help you out much, then maybe The Sunscreen Song will.

P.S. Live a little, actually a lot!

Life Lesson #99

The inspiration behind this blog came to me through my own personal outlook on life. As I observed my life till date, my surroundings, the people around me, different perspectives on life, and the situations I encountered I got to thinking: What is the meaning of life? I know this is quite a heavy question to ask for which there will never be a correct answer to; however, for me it all of the sudden became important to define what the meaning of life really is. As I tried to think of the words to answer the question I posed, I could not really gather a correct set of words that would accurately portray the meaning to this question. My mind was filled with a million words as it sorted between the rights and wrongs. Words such as: reproduction, career, money, love, passion, religion, environment, health, family, success, power, education, peace, purpose, relationships, etc came to me. However, I was still at loss in answering the question. After much thought, and observation this came to my mind. The meaning of life is to create a place where you can love unconditionally at first foremost yourself then others, and actually know what it is to live. Simply put the meaning of life is to LIVE. To live and not to just exist! I know live is a very broad word to use, but it is the only word that can be personalized by you. How you choose to live your life is a reflection of who you are. This is what creates meaning and purpose to your life that essentially can only be defined by you.

(Don't let others tell you how you should live your one and only life)

Your life is an adventure to experience, a novel waiting to be written, a journey to be taken, a movie waiting to be directed, and a story to be told. How will you do these things if you haven't even started living yet? 

Remember you only live once so stop being a mechanical robot that just exists and start living the life you've always imagined! 
Just Do Life! 

Sep 8, 2011

There is nothing permanent except change

Have you ever wanted to change your major in college? Or perhaps the correct way to word this question would be, College Students have you ever considered switching your major? Possibly to something you are much more eager to gain knowledge about or to a subject that has always caught your attention. Majority of us enter college with a decided major that may range from Marketing, Biology, Psychology, Political Science, etc. However, a very few of us actually stick through with the intended major during the four years. Everyone has different reasons for choosing the major they do. It could be possibly due to parental pressure, "it's the major that will help me make the most amount of money", or simply because of your love for the field of study. However, many of us fall into the trap of "I am studying what I am because there are expectations I need to achieve, and I need to make it rich otherwise I'm a failure". Let me tell you one thing you're not a failure, not till you accept that you are and no one can tell you otherwise. College is about self growth, finding your self, your likes and dislikes, your passions, and really learning how you fit into society. It's no shame to change your major in college. You'll be much better off studying what you're passionate about, and be able to look back with no regrets! This is where the true essence of your college education lies.

Remember you only live once so follow your passions, take your college major by storm, succeed, and just do life! 

Sep 7, 2011

Umm...Hello?

Have you ever wanted to speak to a random stranger? I know many of us don't think, "Oh, today I will talk to a random stranger", but still how many times a day do you sit, stand, walk, pass, etc by a complete stranger and don't utter a single word. Its very common to see this in today's "modern society" of all the ways how to NOT communicate with someone. Rather than thinking how can I be polite to someone and say hello, many of us are think how can I get out of this. We all are a representation of a book of stories, and when we pass that book by we miss the chance of getting to know some really great stories that might help us to look at life in different perspectives. You don't have to learn the full story, but a simple nod, smile, or hello will give a sense of appreciation for the people around you.

Remember you only live once so toss out a hello, see who catches it, maybe you'll get a pass back, and just do life! 



P.S. Check out our photography blog on Tumblr & Twitter for daily inspiration!

Sep 6, 2011

It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not

Have you ever wanted to try out for a sports team, intramural team, or just play with the group of people near your area who meet up to play Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, etc? I know you have (unless you absolutely loathe sports and its not your thing). What has stopped you? Humility? Not being good enough? I don't look good playing sports? Not winning? For the majority of us its the same underlying fact: FEAR (for others its maybe the I don't have time excuse go read this post). Let me tell you one thing fear is not your friend, but is neither your enemy. It's what I like to term your "protector" its only trying to protect you because it doesn't want to see you get hurt. When you can let go of fear, and politely say, "Hey look fear I know you're only looking out for me, but you know what? Its going to be fine". Now, that is simple to say, and very difficult to do. Keep at it for a while analyzing how your emotions change when fear pops up into your mind. You'll get to a realization one day, that you can master the art of not fearing by simply being confident in who you are and who you are meant to be.

Remember you only live once so stop waiting around with an umbrella for it to rain, challenge your fears, and just do life!


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Sep 5, 2011

Am I ready?

Have you ever wanted to move to a new place? You know pack up your bags, your life, and say goodbye to everything you've ever known just so you can start fresh. It takes a lot of courage, letting go of your fears, and accurate planning to actually go through with it. Maybe you've lived in a small town your whole life, and you've always imagined what it would be like to live in a big city? Perhaps its the other way around you've lived in a big city your whole life, but now you want a change of scenery and a slower pace of life. Whatever the reason is for such thoughts crossing your mind, just know one thing if you do not take the initiative to do something about it you'll just end up pondering about it your whole life. Change is a good thing even for those folk who are completely against it and will never adhere to the art of change. Follow your heart, and do what you've always thought of doing. It'll be worth it in the end!


Remember you only live once so pack up all your belongings, say see ya later to those you love (or maybe take them with you), get ready to have an adventure, and just do life!

Sep 1, 2011

A man's bestfriend

Have you ever wanted to be-friend a dog or even just pet a dog? The only reason you haven't done this, is because you have a fear of these furry little creatures. Many people develop such fears through a bad childhood experience when a dog "attacked" you. Now that's nothing to be ashamed off or feel what will everybody else think. Tell yourself and believe it that you will conquer this fear, which in reality is just an illusion of your conscious mind. Take it one step at a time. You know like start by getting yourself acquainted with dogs by just being around them: You go to the dog, don't let the dog come to you, sitting in the same room as one, petting it lightly while someone holds it, and in due time you'll gather up the courage to tackle that fear and gain a new friend. 

Remember you only live once so address your fear, prepare your fingers to feel the soft goodness of animal fur, and just do life!

Aug 19, 2011

Reach!

Have you ever wanted to raise your hand in class let it be for any reason, but you felt "too shy" to actually do it? I know I've been in that situation. The only reason most of us don't do it because we don't want to answer wrong or we are afraid what our classmates will think of our response. Now thats called inhibiting yourself and showing importance to your fears. So what if the answer is wrong and why does it matter what your classmates will think? Don't think that oh I "can't" change that. Yes you can! Its only about trying.

Remember you only live once so raise that hand up high in the air, answer with confidence, don't think about it twice, and just do life! 

Rain rain go away?

Have you ever wanted to dance in the rain? It's a perfect summer afternoon as the sun shines brightly down, and you're sitting on your back porch reading a book or shooting hoops with your friends. Suddenly, it gets really dark and you see storm clouds luring in the distance. In a way you're kind of glad because it will get cooler and shady. However, at the same time you are thinking I wouldn't mind cooling off in the rain. You're in a dilemma should I run inside quickly before it starts to pour or should I stay outside and embrace the rain. Now do what you may, but life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning to dancing in the rain!

Remember you only live once so spread your arms, let the rain fall, pick your best dance moves, and just do life!

Aug 17, 2011

Smile it's addicting!

Have you ever had the urge to smile at a stranger just because its something polite to do? You never actually did it because you're afraid of how that person will perceive it or you don't want to be that "weird" one smiling at everyone that walks by you. Trust me when I say this, your smile is the best accessory you can EVER wear and it should be utilized as often as possible. Its the fact of life, everyone wants to be around a happy person because they exude a positive energy that is addicting, and you know that it puts you in a better mood when a random stranger smiles at you. A smile is understood by every culture, race, and religion. Its most common thing that defines human behavior. Let go of your inhibitions, fears, or what others will think of you. Smile as often as you can because it will make such a difference to the person your smiling at.

Remember you only live once so start making that little upward curve with your lips daily, show the world how you feel, and just do life!

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Aug 16, 2011

The truth about friendship

Have you ever wanted to reconnect with an old friend? You know the friend you met during your High School or College years that you became inseparable from. This friend was fun to be around, he/she understood you, and you both simply had a good time together. Your favorite way to bond would be to watch "The Hills" on MTV every Monday night of the week and you both shared a passion for a common interest. However, in the midst of things life changed due to a certain circumstance, fight, a misunderstanding, and your friendship was no more. You could just sit there be like whatever I'll just make a new friend or try to make amends to solve and figure out what went wrong to gain your friend back. Now, you wouldn't want to go your whole life knowing that you didn't do anything about it, so what have you got to lose if you make an attempt? Nothing, but possibly a friendship to gain.

Remember you only live once so put the past behind, forgive & forget, and just do life!

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I should have..I could have..I wanted to..?

Have you ever wanted to try something new? You know like take a pottery class or take horseback riding lessons because you've always thought it would be super interesting. What's held you back? A busy schedule, family, work, travel, no money, or the lack of motivation? Or statements like such, "Life is just too hectic there is no me time" and "I'm too poor right now". Statements like these are overrated. If you want to do something you have to take the initiative to make time in your life; otherwise, you'll go through your whole life saying, "Man, I should have...I could have...I wanted to..."

One thing is for sure life isn't going to slow down, but you definitely can slow down and make room for those things you've always want to try and do.

Remember you only live once so find that thing you've wanted to do/try, reserve the date in your planner, and just do life!

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Aug 10, 2011

Furry friends anyone?

Have you ever wanted to adopt furry little friends? It's Memorial Day weekend and you are cleaning out your apartment because your moving out. Your landlord has given you an extensive to-do list to complete before moving out in order to get your security deposit back. Within this extensive list it says to cut the grass, which is ridiculously long because you've put it off all semester. So you go looking for the lawnmower in the dark dirty basement in the backyard. Suddenly, you hear movement in the bushes and your curiosity tells you to investigate. As you peek into the bushes you see little furry things looking at you wide-eyed, and your heart melts! You've come across baby kittens with no Momma cat in sight. Now, you think to yourself what should I do? I can't leave these adorable little kittens to suffer and die. You've always wanted furry little friends to play with, and now is your chance.

Remember you only live once so grab a cardboard box, an old bath rug, make some more room in your heart, and just do life!


Aug 9, 2011

What to do with a pool on a hot summer night?

Have you ever had the urge to jump into the pool on a hot summer night? Just imagine yourself sitting on your couch watching TV doing your usual routine you do every night. Be it that you just got home from work, class, dinner, etc. You just plop yourself down in front of the TV with a bag of M&M's while you "attentively" watch How I Met Your Mother. It's really hot outside, and the AC is just not cutting it right now. The thought of jumping in the pool crosses your mind, and man does it sound good. Wait, you think to yourself it's already 10:30pm and I'm extremely comfortable sitting on this couch, but your mind keeps going back to how amazing and exhilarating the cool water would feel. Now if you could only get up off the couch and go for it!

Remember you only live once so just throw on some clothes or not and just do life!