ELEVEN TELL-TALE SIGNS THAT IT’S TIME TO TRAVEL

Floating in the clouds, admiring the strange constellation of fluffy structures yet scared as if  the sky’s about to fall. Whoosh, that feeling of being up high in the sky.
The favourite time of the year- Summer- is here again (if I say so myself), and it’s time to lighten the bucket list. Let’s kick-start this infinite movie called traveling.

1.You’re  bored with the repetitive cycle of school or work: Sometimes, a welcomed break is all that your tired, overworked and overstressed body needs. Relax and reward yourself. Like they say all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. What a better way to do it than by travelling.

2. All your friends  are travelling: I don’t know about you, but my travel alarm begins buzzing loudly when everyone around starts packing and leaving; soon enough I'm on the next flight.

 3. You miss travelling: Memories and nostalgia has got the better of you. And Going through old travel photo has become the new hit habit.

4. Not to mention the unquenchable 'thirst' that the innocuous act of looking at travel vlog, posts and pictures erupt.

 5. You daydream about locations: It feels whimsical to be lost in the wonder of admiration of places-  the beaches, the hikes, museum, restaurants, etc.

6. You delight in comparing flight fares, sponsored travel deals and practically every travel opportunity.

7. You yearn to study abroad: The perfect way to be an explorer of nations and immerse yourself in a new language.

8. You crave for adventurous ways of celebrating the new and/or old:  If it's your anniversary, birthday or honeymoon and you desire for it to be special, breath-taking and memorable, then I highly recommend a trip to the Maldives, Zanzibar or Bali in Indonesia

9. The map is your best friend for now: Some choose to call it the travel bible. A sudden obsession with finding “unknown” continents is a sign that perhaps home is the next destination.

10. Curiosity: If you’re physically fit, enthusiastic and hungry to explore the world, wait no longer. As the Asian proverb goes it is better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times.

11. You are reading this; and it’s relatable!!!


The best education you will ever get  is travelling. Nothing teaches you more than exploring the world and accumulating new experiences. - Mark Patterson
Where is your next travel destination?

Still smiling in the dream world...
Xx, Liz.

THE LITTLE THINGS

The sound of laughter and giggles that filled the room was louder than the blast of a grenade. The smell of hot chocolate, fresh pancakes, the savoury pizza... It was the perfect homemade buffet! Call this the gathering of generations and you are not far from right. It is amazing how the festive season has a way of drawing us all together. And it is these little things light happiness.

Watching the raindrops fall with perfect dexterity, I realised how the little things could have the most profound impact on us: how smiling to a child turns to a therapy; how listening to music triggers our senses; how meaningful hugs and hand holding create the perfect attraction; how genuine acts of kindness give us a reason to smile and how recounting memories make us laugh.

I remember clearly how jogging down the road one morning gave me a deeper appreciation of nature. The freshly cut flowers, the crystal blue sky and even the misty dew sparked an inspiring sense of awe. It is easy to lose sight of the simple things in life, but when we become truly objective and begin to appreciate the little things in our lives that signifies the birth of great transformation.

Enjoy the little things in life because one day, you will look back and realise that those are the big things.

Still smiling in the dream world...

ONE OF LIFE'S GREATEST TREASURES

The sun beamed through the small openings through the blinds signalling the birth of another day of adventure. As part of my morning routine, I love to turn up the music to kick start my day.
While listening to the 1960s respect song by Aretha Franklin, the philosopher in me sought to dissect its lyrics. The climatic break near the end of the song:
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Connotes the idea that inherently we all have our own definition of respect. But perhaps the perfect definition of respect is found in the words of Laurence Sterne: ‘Respect for ourselves guide our morals, respect for others guide our manners ‘. Respect, in essence is the value we place on ourselves that which translates in our action.

It is not hard to see why respect is so important to our existence. I take this cue from Marilyn Monroe who said: “respect  is one of life’s greatest treasures. I mean, What does it all add up if you don’t have that?”

It is almost ironic that as we grow older that is when we give an appreciative nod to the cultivation of respect in the young.

Shopping for fruits in an unfamiliar market during the day, I selected only the best looking ones which signify quality. In a similar vein, the respect we give to others that signify the quality of our character.

I was curled up in the market as it was pouring buckets outside unexpectedly. There was this tempting desire to step out and dance in the rain barefooted, but I busied myself with the mundane task of scanning through the book titles in the magazine section. That was when I caught sight of the book, the power of respect: benefit from the most forgotten element of success by Deborah Norville.

In her book, she talked of the tangible benefits of respect based on research. Deborah found that showing respect has positive results: In business, showing the proper respect can save about $64 billion dollars by not having to replace professionals and managers who quit because of perceived unfairness. Also, workers have been found to be more creative and enthusiastic about their jobs. In marriage, respect has repaired troubled marriages by helping couples see past their differences and appreciate each other. In school, teachers in school were respect is the standard have reclaimed 17days of teaching time, time that have previously been wasted by writing discipline reports and sending kids to the principal office.

Even though the fast pace nature of today’s society cause us to sometimes overlook the power of respect, let’s consciously remind ourselves that it is what compliment our existence.

Treat people the way you want to be treated. Talk to people the way you want to be talked to. Respect is earned not given. – Hussein Nishah
What is your definition of respect?

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The artist unearths magic! Just like the painter who dreams his paintings, then paint his dreams; our quest in life is to turn our dreams in to reality. And to fulfil that reality, we are to use the opportunities that come our way to paint our story. Like Walt Disney brilliantly said, "all our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them".

 2017 is our new canvas, let’s fill it with colour; turning our dreams in to reality. Begin to paint the picture of love and hope.
Persevere, sparkle, shine!

Throughout this year and beyond, let's mull over our choices and actions. But most importantly, let's filter out the noise, let the little worries ebb away, let's focus on the bigger picture.

...still smiling in the dream world. 

TWENTY ONE MUST TRY BEAUTY AND STYLE HACKS

The definition of beauty keeps evolving; trends fade then mystically return. Almost like a secret recipe passed on from one generation to the next, I'm sharing with you twenty plus beauty and style hacks that are sure to tickle your creativity.

1. Taming your flyaways with a toothbrush or rubbing them with paper

2. Exfoliating skin with brown sugar and olive oil

3. Drinking lots of water for glowing skin

4. Using baby wipes to remove deodorant stains

5. Spraying bobby pins with hairspray to give them more grip on hair

6. Applying castor oil to eyebrows to increase its thickness

7. Putting lip balm on lips before applying lipstick. This makes lipstick bolder.

8. Removing odour fom denim clothes by spraying them with a mix of vodka (preferably one shot) with drops of essential oils and warm water, then leaving then overnight. 

9. Applying petroleum jelly on arms, chest, wrist and neck before spraying perfume. This makes the swet scent last longer

10. Whitening teeth by brushing it with a paste of baking powder and lemon juice

11. Adding a little baking soda to hair to sop up oil in oily hair

12. Applying coconut oil to skin to prevent dryness

13. Putting vaseline on heels to make them softer

14. Using flat iron for ironing some clothes

15. Drying hair with a T- shirt to prevent frizzing

16. Wearing loose ponytails to prevent bald spots

17. Putting baking soda in flats to avoid smelly shoes

18. Converting an old lace dress into a skirt by cutting the top

19. Covering up spilt ends by applying lotion with a bit of oil

20. Trying out a couple of menswear for unique and creative styles

 21.Sleep, the best hack ever!


Do you have some infamous hacks you have under your sleeves?

FRIENDSHIP: A SWEET RESPONSIBILITY

 As a gaze upon the ebbing sunset while listening to Bruno Mars' song: "count on me", I felt so blessed and thankful for life and for the awesome people around me I can call friends. The lyrics of the song kept echoing in my ears throughout the whole day; and yes friends, true friends are angels without wings, heroes without capes and knights without armours, yet they are as rare as blue roses.

 It was getting dark and I was already missing the coziness of my bed. Walking back into the beach house, I had a keener revelation about friendship like a sudden rush of wisdom, almost like a downpour. When I was little I loved to play in the sand with my friends, we would build castles and pretend to be princes and princesses in 66BC. It was a very carefree time! Being with friends brings back that childhood euphoria. We could fight and argue, but at the end of the day we still remain friends building memories together. As years swing by, whether we see one another or not, it is these memories that keep as close.

The knowledge that we can speak to and seek counsel from our friends about our problems and worries without fear of judgement is as sweet as perfume. There is this ongoing belief that secrets are what hold friendships. I do not appreciate its full validity; but  perhaps, a harsh realisation that we might all have to face is that our friends are friends of other people and it is pretty hard to imagine how we are described and talk of in our absence. I've seen the truth in these words: "true friends are the ones who have nice things to say about you behind your back."

In a world where everyone seems to be living by the motto "scratch my back and I'll scratch yours", true and loyal friends have become rarer. Accepting anyone in to your inner circle should proceed after thorough analysis and evaluation of the person. Now fake friends are as common as air. They are present when conditions are favourable but no where to be found when calamity shows its ugly head.

I was a few more steps to the front door when I stopped to admire the beauty of the freshly trimmed flowers in the garden. Just like a plant needs soil, sunshine and rain to grow, we also need the love, critique and support of friends to develop.


Some friendships do not last but some friends are more loyal than brothers- Proverbs 18: 20
How do you rate your friends?

Still smiling in the dream world...

10 AMAZING TIPS FOR BECOMING A MORNING PERSON

Do you usally snapback in the middle of the day and ask yourself what productive thing you've done? Do you normally wake up bewildered and can't believe what time it is?

Photo @hotelgiraffe.com

The question is: Are you a morning person? Being a morning person has so many advantages eg. you get to do things early and on time. Like they say, "the early bird catches the worm." Here are some tips to push you to the zenith and help you become a morning person:

1. Mental preparedness: You must first make that resolute decision to be a morning person,  then make constant affirmations to that effect. Everything starts with the mind.

2. Make a routine: I've learned from May Sarton that "routine is not a prison but a way of freedom from time". Thus, make a routine for the morning that is eay to follow and to stick to.

3. Make a to-do list the night before: the list serves as a goal to be conquered.  The simple mundane task of making the list can get your creativity juices flowing.

4. Sleep early and well: Presumably the best trick to becoming a morning person is to start sleeping early.

5. Have an alarm:  Alarm clocks are there not just to wake us up but to wake us up at an opportune time. Due to lethargy and torpor, we usually want to smash them up, and there's this ever creepy temptation to put it on snooze and go right back to sleep. Solution: get an alarm with an electrifying ringtone and put your alarm clock at a distance from you.

6. Don't skip breakfast: Breakfast fuels you up for the day and helps to regulate your food intake throughout the day. I think we ought to follow Josh Bilings mantra that says "Never work before breakfast. If you have to work before breakfast, get your breakfast first. "

7. Morning music: Playing a list of your favourite songs in the mornings could get you fired up and ready to conquer the world. Music has a unique way of uplifting the soul.

8. Exercise/ workout: Exercising has so many benefits, delaying the aging process, reducing risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, but did you know that morning exercise in particular helps to increase your metabolism rate keeping active, alert and focus during the day.

9. Take a cold shower: It  gives a natural dose of energy for the day, increases alertnes and eases stress. There are so many added bonuses to taking the good old cold shower.

10.Reward yourself: rewarding yourself for work well done motivates you to do more.

The next time you feel too lazy to rise up, just remember that
"OPPORTUNITIES ARE LIKE SUNRISE IF YOU WAIT TOO LONG YOU WILL MISS THEM"

POWER OF LOVE VS LOVE OF POWER: THE ROAD TO PEACEFUL ELECTIONS

I was nearly killed. In a state of panic and utter fear, I hide behind the rock, hoping so dearly that I wasn't seen. I could see others at the other end who were running, hiding and swimming to dodge the bullets. Bombs kept exploding one after the other and I had this eerie feeling that my ears had also exploded. After a while, the town looked empty and was filled with the stench of gun powder. Two days ago this place was filled with life and joy, but immediately after the elections, things turned haywire. The incumbent president would not step down due to his sheer hardheadedness to clinch power for what seemed like eternity. That had triggered innumerable protests, violence, conflict and bloodshed. " Thank God!",I exclaimed and sprung up. "It was just a nightmare."

Jemi Hendrix once said, "when the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world would know peace". In this day and age, one can not speak of peace without stressing on the role of politics. Nevertheless, it seems we are gradually losing the true  definition of politics.

Politics is about commitment and devotion not unto one's self but to the service of others.  When I hear the word politics I picture an institution that  gives, empowers and enriches its members. Politics has always been beautiful, nonetheless, it is the lies, greed, deception and selfish ambition of some politicians that has tinted its image. Sometimes we, both supporters and politicians alike, are too over zealous to prove a point that we become oblivious of the maturity and diplomacy that should characterise our democracy and leadership.

Over the years,  our politics has become associated with hopelessness. But Marcus Garvey has taught us that "Chance has never satisfied the hope of a suffering people..." Thus, I believe that it is critical for the sake of peace for us to plan and strategise our elections making sure that they are credible and unbiased. Elections should not be reduced to commodities available on sale to the highest bidder. As politicians we should not only think about the next elections but also about the next generations and ways of raising the standard of living of the masses.

 Above all let's be respectful of the voice of the people, their votes.  One thing I've learned from Abraham Lincoln is that elections belong to the people.  It's their decision.  If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.

That nightmare was a reflection of a possibility, yet a call on us to tighten our reins on peace building. Some people before us have been killed for their unrelenting commitment to peace. Thus, it is our perogative to continually fight for it. For peace is not just a feeling, it's a catalyst for development. During this election period let's ring the bells of hope and if we must fight others,  let's do it through peace, dialogue and education.

Still smiling in the dream world...