My Favourite Series of 2015

Anyone who says "there is nothing to watch" needs to reevaluate their choices of words, because nowadays you can find something for absolutely everyone (there's a channel for DOGS). With school and work, my screen time has decreased and I've switched to the wonders of Netflix and watching shows online- I've watched a lot of shows, some didn't last past the first 20 minutes and others have consumed my whole life (no regrets).

Here is my 2015 Must Watch List (not in any particular order): 

1. Gotham (2014) | If you are a fan of all things Batman, then you'll love this dark show. This very thrilling series, showcases many of the beloved Batman characters: Catwomen, Penguin, Bruce Wayne and Commissioner Gordon- all the big names get their much needed origin story and interesting side stories in this series. This superhero, crime, mobster show is a definite MUST WATCH! 
2. Jane The Virgin (2014) | This series is the novela for the modern day Latina- it's exactly what you wish your Abuela had been watching all along. Smart, representative of the hispanic community and funny; this show makes you feel all sorts of emotions. Gina Rodriguez is my hero and the whole concept is refreshing to see. Finally, a series I can relate to and it's great! 
3. Hannibal (2013) | Dark, gory, psychological horror series- this is a psychology students dream! As a fan of Silence of the Lamb, this thrilling show was everything I could have expected and more- I couldn't believe I hadn't watched it before. The mind games, imagery and relationships illustrated in the series is beyond imaginative, it's a shame that this show has come to it's end. I've just started season two, so I have many more episodes to psychoanalyze. 
4. Jessica Jones (2015) | Hip, hip, hooray for the realistic portrayal of a woman with super powers. If you have had it with skin tight outfits, goody toe-shoes personality and dependent roles in Marvel women, then this brand NEW series is exactly what you've been waiting for. Also, the magnificent David Tennant is in this show and well..he's the Doctor! You have to love this show on that point solely. 

Have you watched any or all of these? Agree or Disagree? What series are on your 2015 must watch list? 

xoxo, 

Natalie

How to Handle Criticism

How something makes you feel is up to you. You have the power to let things go and ignore or listen and open up to all kinds of comments. I've doubted myself many times and needed reassurance every step of the way, but if there are three things I've learned about criticism, it's that: 

1. The comment may sting a little, it may make you feel insecure about yourself and it might piss you off but just cool down and be proactive. Don't react, think!
2. Is it Helpful or Hurtful? Can you use this new information to become a better version of yourself? Should you just ignore it, not take it to heart and smile?
3. You might not like it, it may have been purposely hurtful and your ego is hurt but every comment can only help you become a better person. Criticism, growth requires it. 

Free yourself of the insecurities and know that your heart is in the right place. As you continue to move forward, there will always be people who have something to say, judge and criticize. 

I am a control freak and need to realize that I can't control everything; people aren't always going to like you, things aren't always going to go your way and someone will always be better at something than you. And that's ok.

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Disney Princess: Role Model or Nightmare?

When did liking the Disney Princess movies become detrimental to your feminist status? It's just a movie, at face value it may not have many valid lessons but let's look a little deeper than simple- Princess needs Prince. Here are a few Princesses and the messages that I think they share: 

Belle (Beauty & The Beast) | Selfless, righteous and smart, this Princess is one of my favourites. One of the only characters (in early Disney movies) challenging gender roles, Belle is a bookworm and weirdo who doesn't care for regular norms. This princess selflessly trades her freedom for her fathers, staying in a creepy castle with a Beast (which she doesn't know is actually a Prince) not knowing what fate will bring. She single-handedly saves the Beast and though he has a temper, horrible etiquette and looks like a weird buffalo, wolf- she's able to get through to him with kindness and patience. 

Cinderella (Cinderella) | Kind and forgiving, this Princess is the epitome of the saying " turn the other cheek". Having lost her family, being treated like a slave and only having mice as friends- if that's not a recipe for losing your mind, what is? By being brave, staying hopeful and only seeing the good in those around her- she finds her happy ending, not the Prince but her courage to finally remove herself from an unhealthy situation and forgive those who did her wrong. 

Snow White (Snow White) | As one of the first Disney Princesses, this character does not have much depth but if one thing can be said about this loveable character is that she's trusting. Keeping her innocence alive, she trustingly takes refuge with seven little men and accepts food from a creepy ass lady, like really? Maybe this is not the best message, but if some good could come from this movie is that you cannot focus on the bad in people; you have to have a little faith that people are innately kind and giving. 

Ariel (The Little Mermaid) | Troublesome and curious, this Princess is known for making less than ideal life choices but nonetheless is part of one of my favourite movies. Ariel is a character that's going through growth, she thinks she knows what's best and the only thing on her mind is exploring the world. Yeah, she may have Prince in the brain but don't all teen girls? This princess is a symbol of growing up, making mistakes and figuring it out along the way. 

Thought? Agree or disagree. 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Bad Day or Wake Up Call?

Do you ever have a really bad day?  Not only did you get your period, but you feel like you are getting sick. All your plans and everything that you had hoped, just came crumbling down.  Well, that day was today for me and it sucks! 

The perfectly outlined plan that I had made is no more- I'm stranded between a "I told you so" and "you should of known better". The hormones don't help because as someone who hates to cry, I've been feeling like yelling and crying all day. I may feel like giving up and just curling up, I'm probably more in debt now than I started but I will figure it out and I'm not alone. 

I feel like crap and my throat still hurts, but today is just one day of many. It always gets better, even if its just one day of many crappy days- there is always a silver lining. It gets you thinking about how if this is my worst day, than I must of had a lot of good in my life, this isn't a tragedy or a loss but a fallen branch on my path. 

I may be freaking out and it may seem like the end, but it's not. Everything is going to be different, I'm going to have to come up with a new plan and that's ok. I'll have to try new things and blindly enter the unknown, but it was going to happen anyway. I might wake up with no voice tomorrow, but I'll still have a roof over my head and food in my belly. 

I may be having a crappy day, but I am still blessed and have lots of things to be thankful for. I have to step back and put things into perspective, this isn't the worst day ever- this is a wake up call and I better answer it. 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Why Cruelty-Free?

There are a lot of people, who question why I pay extra money for a product, just because it is "cruelty-free". They say that I'm not vegan or vegetarian, and that I'm wasting my money when I could get the same product, for A LOT cheaper. All of this is very true, I am not vegan- I eat red meat, bake with eggs and drink dairy milk but I will ALWAYS buy products with the cute little Peta bunny logo. 

I firmly believe that testing on animals is cruel and unnecessary. We have all the information we need to keep creating innovative products, without hurting other living beings- who feel pain, just like we do. I think that the problem, is not the fact that we eat other animals because Lions and Chimpanzees do too, but how they are treated in the process. We claim to be the smartest organism in the world, yet we are the cause for its destruction and continue to not care. 

I try to do my part in making the world a better place; I talk about animal conservation and I choose to use cruelty-free products- it may not be as impactful as Peta, Green Peace or World Wildlife Fund, but I am creating a ripple towards change. Here are some of my favourite, cruelty-free companies: 

• Tarte Cosmetics | Found at any Sephora
• Smashbox Cosmetics | Found at any Sephora and select Shoppers Drug Mart 
• NYX Los Angeles Inc. | Found at select Rexall Pharmacy and Shoppers Drug Mart
• Urban Decay | Found at any Sephora and select Shoppers Drug Mart

Did I miss any of your favourite? What cruelty-free product do you recommend? 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Meditation Challenge

“Yoga is the settling of the mind into silence. When the mind has settled, we are established in our essential nature, which is unbounded consciousness. Our essential nature is usually overshadowed by the activity of the mind.” -Patanjali

My Practice is Stillness | Day 1: I didn't know what to expect when I decided to take this challenge, aside from a casual yoga practice, I've never meditated or done anything like this before. I'm the type of person, who in savasana is twitching- my body and mind are accustomed to constant thought and motion. 

The challenge 

Sit comfortably and watch the space between the eyebrows. Don’t try to see anything, just watch. Remain unconcerned with your thoughts. Remember, you can’t stop thinking by thinking. When the mind wanders, don’t make a big deal of it, just observe your thoughts. This can be practiced for 5-10 minutes. If you practice regularly, you will cultivate more peace and greater intuition through the practice of silence.

I listened to the audio "seed" and found that it was very helpful- there was a voice and visualization that I could focus on. My whole body was twitching near the end, but I tried not to move and I wasn't uncomfortable so there was no need to. I look forward to the rest of the journey, this exercise was a great first step to a more mindful and peaceful living.  
   

“Worthiness, or unworthiness, is something that is pronounced upon you by you. You are the only one that can deem yourself worthy or unworthy. You are the only one who can love yourself into a state of allowing, or hate yourself in a state of disallowing. There is not something wrong with you, nor is there something wrong with one who is not loving you. You are all just, in the moment, practicing the art of not allowing, or the art of resisting.” -Abraham Hicks

My Practice is Worthiness | Day 2: Who am I? What defines who I am? I am made up of layers; I am a physical self, intellectual self and spiritual self- but is that who I really am? Or are all of these layers just a reflection of my true self- a self made up of the potential for unconditional love. 

The challenge 

Write down three areas of your life where you have experienced a feeling of unworthiness. Perhaps you didn’t think you were good looking enough, or maybe you weren’t a good enough mother, it can be anything. The first thing I would like you to do is a brief reflection to see if you know where these thoughts are coming from. You might know, you might not know. Just take a moment for contemplation. If something comes up for you, write it down and move on.

Today's meditation was insightful and thought provoking, it made me question; what defines who a person is, do those characteristics really make up a person or are they a reflection of one's true self? In my opinion, we are many things and we have many faces that we present to the world, we are not defined by one thing. 

"May I be peaceful.

May I be at ease.

May I be filled with loving-kindness.

May I be free." -Buddhist Metta Meditation

My Practice is Nurturing | Day 2: Self-love, compassion and care should be something that everyone incorporates into their day life. There shouldn't be a stigmatization, when a person focuses on taking care of themselves before others- one must be at ease with themselves to fully and whole heartedly care for others. 

The challenge 

Close your eyes. Take three deep, long breaths. What practices or rituals can you perform to bring reverence and self-love to truly embrace yourself? 

Mantra's and Mudras, why haven't I done this before? What a powerful moment to have the garuda, or angel wings over the heart, mudra and recite a mantra to myself, loved ones, community and the world! It's only been two days and I feel lighter and happier. 

“Just as you wouldn’t leave the house without taking a shower, you shouldn’t start the day without at least 10 minutes of sacred practice: prayer, meditation, inspirational reading.” -Marianne Williamson

My Practice is Devotion | Day 3: It's been an interesting couple of days; though I have only done four exercises and guided meditations, I feel as if it's something that has been part of my routine for a while. I start my day with a little enlightenment and feel focused, at ease and rested for the whole day. 

The challenge 

Say a prayer to your inner guide, or your higher power. Ask to let-go of what you think you need and surrender to your highest good, to your highest purpose. Sit in silence and listen. Jot a few notes down of what may arise for you in this moment.

In today's "seed", tantra's were incorporated- which are practices meant to channel a greater purpose or being. I found that the song was calming, even though my mind wandered a few times and I couldn't understand what was being said, the vibrations of the sound felt like they traveled into my inner being. 

“Fearlessness is the first rung on the ladder of freedom.” -Swami Rama

My Practice is Courage | Day 4: What are limitations? Who decides that we can't or won't be able to do? The power is in our hands, we set our own limits, we create shortcomings.

The challenge 

What would your life look like if you were fearless? How would it feel to overcome your inner voice that says “no”? Visualize this life of courage and write down what you see and feel. Be specific. Remember, to be effective, this meditation must be practiced with faith and without doubt.

Today's short meditation incorporated visualization- I visualized that I was in a rainforest as it's getting dark, I'm trying to get home, when I'm faced with a snake in my path. The snake, represents the limitation or fear we have in our lives- what we don't realize is that unless we face this obstacle, we won't be able to find out that this "snake" is actually just rope on a branch. It doesn't exist, it's just a figment of our imagination-fear. 

“Peace Begins With Me. Truth Begins With Me. It doesn’t exist out there. It exists in here."

My Practice is Independence | Day 4: When will you take charge? Stop looking outwards for answers, look within yourself and trust that you are enough to lead your life in your own way. 

The challenge 

You are the guru. In embodying this, you must know and embody your own truth. After you practice this Independence meditation, and repeat the mantra “Peace begins with me, Truth begins with me” over and over, make the following declaration:  

My truth is _____________________. Keep it simple. First thought. This is your truth.

Independence means finding truth and peace within yourself. The act of not needing others to tell you what you need to do or be- I am in charge of my own outcome and I know what is best for me. Realizing that you have so much control over something, that was thought to be unavoidable, is a blessing in disguise. 

“I measure my success on how much fun I’m having!” -Gabrielle Bernstein

My Practice is Playful | Day 5: Lighthearted, full of wonder and fun..when did we lose these feelings and grow up? Why does being adults, mean we can no longer be playful? 

The challenge 

A child’s capacity for joy is enormous! Children are oozing curiosity, creativity and happiness. On the following pages, ask yourself:
• What are your favourite qualities in children that you wished you still embodied?
• How can you intentionally bring these favourite qualities into your own daily life?
• What would you need to do to make this happen?

Imagining that I was a child; running around, smiling and not having a care in the world- brings to my attention that so much has changed since then. My life consists of a constant "what's next" and living up to expectations. There is a permanent sense of worry, that I carry all the time- feeling wonder and having fun, that may just be what happiness is all about so why am I not concerned with that? 

“A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them.” -Liberty Hyde Bailey

My Practice is Thriving | Day 5: The power of the mind, can you manifest your dreams into reality? Have you tried?

The challenge 

Listen to this meditation twice a week. When the meditation has finished, sit up and write down three things you can do until the next practice that will support your vision. Commit to this practice for thirty days. At the end of thirty days notice if you are bringing your dream to life. It really is all about thriving and cultivating your vision!

The mind is powerful! Through visualization, we can manifest our thoughts into reality- the good and the bad. By taking the time to imagine the life I desire, I am creating a guide towards achieving it; I know what I want, I can see it in my mind and I know how to get there. 

“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how 

good things really are.” -Marianne Williamson

My Practice is Joy | Day 6: We don't always have to be happy and put together, but we do need to know that these feelings come from within us. All we have to do is think about the things that make us feel joy, and watch as it radiates through your body. 

The challenge 

Write 100 things that bring you joy. This is going to elevate your cellular structure; I promise! You are going to be sky high on joy! Next, circle the top 10 which are super easy for you to do in your life. Now write down how you can incorporate these 10 that bring you joy into your week.

As human beings, we like to complicate everything! What I have learned the past six days, is that we have so much control over our lives, emotions and outcomes. We are not bystanders in this life- I can choose to forgive and let go, and welcome joy and lightheartedness into my life. 

   

“Everyday grace must be your reality, your norm.” -Yogi Bhajan

My Practice is Grace | Day 6: Grace is the love, light and kindness within us. 

The challenge 

In my everyday life, I need to _______________ in order to be open to grace. My commitment is to be open to grace. I am going to _______________ once every ________________ to open this space to grace for myself. When I am open to grace, I feel ____________________.

Though I didn't get much out of this particular meditation, I liked the incorporation of chakras- which are the centres of spiritual power in the human body. In total we have 7, my favourite and the one that resides the most with me is the 6th chakra- the third eye, the centre of intuition. 

    

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

My Practice is Gratitude | Day 7: Being grateful, showing gratitude and giving thanks is something so simple, yet we all tend to ignore these acts. Sometimes, we have been blessed with so much wealth- material and spiritual, that we feel entitled instead of gratitude.  

The challenge 

From now on, every time you sit down for a meal with friends ask everyone at the table to share three things they are grateful for. It is truly an amazing practice that is easily maintained. As long as you are eating food, you are practicing gratitude. Such an inspiring way to experience the power of gratitude!

In the coming months, I hope to keep a weekly meditation practice in my routine. Through this experience, I have been able to see things in a different light and feel a sense of ease- I have let go of negativity, trying to find the good in any situation. Gratitude, Worthiness, Playful & Courage - these are all messages and ways of life that I hope to incorporate daily. 

xoxo, 

Natalie

Do One Thing That Scares You

Have you ever heard the saying "Do one thing that scares you a day"? I bet you've seen this quote many times and thought "hmm...I like that". Well, I like it too! 

I like the idea of trying new things without fear, embarrassment or judgement. I'm not saying to go skydiving or get a tattoo, which if you want too then by all means go for it- what I'm talking about are those small goals, the things that you never wanted to try because you feared failure or simply got lazy. 

Those things that you kept putting off and never got around to doing because "life got in the way". These are the things that I want to tackle this school year, I want to prove that I can achieve everything I set my mind to, that if I want something all I have to do is try and that hardwork and determination, really do create results. 

I want to "do something that scares me everyday" and that's being completely free of the "what if". I am my own worst enemy and I won't let doubt get in my way any longer. 

What is your school year resolution? 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Retail Body Shaming

Body shaming is something men and women are exposed to on a daily basis- certain body types are underrepresented in the media or presented as undesirable. Clothing Brands are no exception to the rule; they advertise their clothes on models who are tall and slim, some stores do not carry xxs or xxl sizes and people leave feeling shame towards their body from interactions made during their shopping experience. 

Shopping should be like therapy! It should make you feel good and happy, after getting a cute outfit or finally getting that expensive dress on SALE, but that isn't always the case- sometimes the experience is ruined and you leave feeling bad about yourself by a few simple words or phrases. 

"This is final sale, you tried it on right?" Yes, thank you for letting me know for the tenth time. I did try it on, it fits great..thank you for implying I would need to return it. 

"Is this for you?" Uh-huh..this is for me. Is there a reason you would ask that? Like maybe you think this certain item wouldn't look good on me. 

"Do you need a bigger size" Thank you for loudly pointing out that my usual size no longer fits. 

Though these phrases may not seem like a big deal or sound rude in any way, you never know how someone feels about their body. Someone may be super confident and the comments won't mean anything, but if someone is insecure or unhappy with how they look- these simple interactions can seriously affect how someone sees and feels about themselves. If you work in retail, why not trying these phrases out? 

"Just wanted to remind you that these items will be final sale" "Oh this is super cute!" "Did you need a different size" "Can I help you with anything" 

The intention is never to hurt another's feelings but involuntarily certain actions and comments can have an affect. Being conscious and using positive speech can not only save you from sounding bitchy (sorry!) but you can really make a difference in someone's day.  

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Hectic Schedule vs. Healthy Living

You hear it over and over and over (x10) about how people have no time to exercise and live a healthy and balanced lifestyle. I am guilty of having used this excuse for many years, and I am sad that I didn't get on this healthy living bandwagon earlier. 

It took me a while to realize that the only person who was suffering from my "crazy" schedule and "no time" was me, and when you really think about it- you can always make time to do something great for yourself. It's not difficult, it doesn't take a significant amount of time, it just takes a few tweaks to your lifestyle and before you know it, you can't imagine your life any differently. 

Here are some easy ways to start living a healthier and more active lifestyle: 

• Balance | No need for a strict diet and restricting what you eat. Just make sure that you are getting enough of what you need and not going overboard in indulgence. If you want something, get it- one "bad" meal won't ruin good habits. 
• Prepare For Success | If you aren't filling your fridge and pantry with wholesome and nutrient filled food, then you most likely won't eat it. When grocery shopping, stock up on fruit, veggies and other healthy and filling foods that will satisfy your body's needs. 
• Set A Schedule | If you don't have time, make time! Wake up early and workout, not only will you feel fantastic the rest of the day but there are so many benefits to early morning workouts. If you aren't a morning person, try fitting short workouts or walks during and after work and/or classes.  
• Do Something You Love | Find something that you just can't live without - whether it's a fitness class, such as; Zumba, Yoga, Spinning or Barre. Do something that motivates you to do more-  once you start feeling great, you won't want to stop there and you will look for more ways to get moving. 
• Get Started | This is your time to do something great and to inspire those around you. You can be living an endorphin-high life, feeling and looking great and knowing that you were able to tackle your barriers and rise up over all the doubts and insecurities. 

It may not be easy at first, but if you just give it your all and commit to change- you will be on the road to success. 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Open Letter to People Who Have Hurt Me

Dear Unknown,  I forgive you. I do not hold any resentment, anger or ill-will towards you. You took part in shaping the person I am today; you made me laugh, cry and scream out in anger. I thank you, because you were an important lesson I needed to learn. This is goodbye. I wish you all the happiness in the world and that you reach your goals. I am saying farewell, because I need to move on and distance myself from this past. To reach my own goals and to find my own happiness. What you did is forgivable, but I won't forget. I won't forget; how you turned your back on me, said hurtful things and manipulated me. How you talked behind my back and judged me, while you put on a different face in front of me. The way you made me trust you, used my words against me and made me look like a villain. I forgive you for me. I forgive you, because I will no longer live with anger and sadness in my heart. I will continue to walk on my own path, leaving all the negativity behind.

Expressing your feelings and letting them out into the world is healthy. Don't bottle up and hold it all in, at some point, it will catch up with you. Don't sacrifice your happiness for the sake of others- that sadness or anger in your heart will make itself visible. If we can't resolve our problems, then saying goodbye can be the best thing to do.  

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Finals: A Survival Guide

Final exams can be a hectic, stressful and unpleasant time but it doesn't have to be. Here are some of my tips to a smooth Exam Season. 

1. Plan Ahead | Come up with a schedule, divide your time accordingly and know what courses will need extra attention. When you find that you are getting distracted..TAKE A BREAK! 
2. Get Organized | Get everything you need, don't wait until you have started studying to find notes, important pages and lecture material. Organize all your study material ahead of time so that you can just focus on that days study goals. 
3. Be Involved | Don't just sit there reading your notes over and over again. Try to find different ways to learn or review the material- make a study sheet, take an online quiz, or watch a video explaining the topics. 
4. Stop Procrastinating | Don't start studying the night before! I REPEAT, do not CRAM. I can assure you that the stress, no sleep and minimum reviewing will all be a recipe for disaster.
5. Stress Release | Exam Season shouldn't be about countless hours of studying, no sleep and caffeine overdose. You need to stay healthy and active by eating regularly, exercising and sleeping at least 8 hours- your body will thank you for it and your studying will benefit from it. 

Remember: A GPA does not define who you are or will be, you are much more than a number. As long as, you give it your all and aim for the stars then you will be successful in everything that you do. 

Good Luck! 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

How To Love Yourself

STOP ALL CRITICISM | Accept yourself as you are. Everybody can change so be positive and watch as those changes happen! 

DON'T SCARE YOURSELF | Erase all those negative thoughts in your head and replace them with the limitless happiness in the world.

BE GENTLE, KIND & PATIENT | Be gentle, be kind and be patient with yourself. You deserve all the best in the world so instead of expecting it from others, why not treat yourself how you'd like to be treated? 

PRAISE YOURSELF | Criticism breaks down the inner self. Give yourself credit for how far you've come and all that you have achieved. 

SUPPORT YOURSELF | It shows strength to ask for help. Don't let your ego tell you otherwise, reach out to your friends and loved ones.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY | Cherish and revere the person you are. Nourish and strengthen your body, learn about ways to become a better and healthier you. 

MIRROR WORK | Express this growing sense of love you have for yourself. When looking in the mirror point out things that you like about yourself, was your makeup on point? Is it a good hair day? Say it out loud!

DO IT NOW | Don't wait until you get well, lose the weight, get a new job or a new relationship. Begin NOW and do the best you can. 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

"Ideal" Female Body

When you start looking back in time at how much the standards of women's bodies have changed, you see an evolution. Just like fashion and beauty trends, the ideal female body is constantly changing throughout time. What is normal in this era, may not have been desirable in the past or be desirable in the future. 

Personally, I'm not one for trends...I like what I like, I am who I am and you either like it or not (sorry, not sorry!). I was taught to be my own person and I grew up with the drilled idea, that is pretty much summed up by this saying: "if your friends jump off a bridge, doesn't mean you should too". Since then, I have made a point to always stay true to myself because when you look in the mirror, you should like the person looking back at you. 

Thigh gap, large breast, flat stomach or not! Someone is going to love you just the way you are (cue Bruno Mars). So love and be kind to yourself! Don't stress out over what you have or don't have- you are unique, beautiful and have so much to be grateful for. 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Moody Madness

Have you ever reacted to something in the most bizarre way ever? Had a DA FUQ moment? Today, during my class (which was probably horrible, sorry!) I wanted to cry when I heard La Quiero A Morir by DLG. I literally had to contain the tear shed and continue to dance, even though all I wanted to do was run away and bawl. 

What began as an "OMGOSH, this brings back so many childhood memories" ended in "He's gone, he's never coming back and Imma Gonna CRY!". This song is just magical, the musicality of it just makes you want to move and shake what ya mama gave ya. Instead, I pouted and looked at my feet half the time, trying to fake smile and not curl up into a ball. I can't explain why this happened! 

I started to think that though my reaction of wanting to cry doesn't happen often, I have a tendency to get angry really quickly (BEWARE BITCHES, just kidding! I swear I'm a nice person). So naturally, I started to analyze when these "incidents" occur the most and... surprise, surprise it's menstruation time.  Even though, I hate when people say "What is wrong with you? Are you on your period?" which is RUUUDE and just asking to get kicked in the face- it seems that at least for me, my moodiness is related to the changes in hormone. 

This is not an invitation to start saying that women are crazy during their period, which is an over exaggeration but we (or maybe just me) are more sensitive to our surroundings. This does not make me weak or weird- being able to express one's feelings is a sign of true bravery and strength, that vulnerability that you show is not an easy task. It is something that I am afraid of, because you open yourself to being hurt and judged. 

I think that we should embrace our own and other's feelings, we shouldn't think of others as less because they aren't afraid to live to the fullest. We should all try to express those feelings more often, instead of keeping them inside. Talking, writing or even dancing can help- even if you don't share them with someone, they are no longer a burden in your heart. 

Maybe my subconscious was trying to tell me that its ok to fall apart sometimes, that I don't have to be happy all the time but as long as I deal with it and get back up...that's what truly matters and defines me. 

xoxo, 

Natalie  

3 Things I Miss About Being A Kid

Like any other child, I had this great need to grow up- to finally "experience" life and be able to do things by myself. I thought that being an adult would be so much fun, I would be on track to a great career and I'd have no worries. Little me was WRONG, being a grow-up is not everything we make it to be and these are some things I miss about being a kid: 

1. Responsibility, what is that? Phone bills, work, university that was a distant future at 6 years old. The biggest thing I had to worry about was that my clothes matched, who my weekly crush was and what my mom packed me for lunch. Though I might have stressed about silly little things, nothing compares to the realities adults have to deal with on a daily basis.
2. Body Image! 4 year old me was the most confident, outgoing and loudest little kid around- I was a force to be reckoned with and nothing could deter me from what I wanted to do, say or wear. It's crazy how that quickly changes as you hit puberty and you start to compare yourself to every single person you see, that confident and happy little kid becomes insecure and needs reassurance every step of the way. Luckily, with a little soul searching and a lot of self-love you can be outgoing and confident once again. 
3. Relationships- no thinking, analyzing or complicated. You like me, I like you... BAM! We are now friends or boyfriend/girlfriend (for the week). Making friends and meeting people as a child was super simple, there was never competition, bitchiness, or mixed signals- everything was straight forward and said clear as day. 

Even though, being an adult can be a lot of work- there are many things that are great! Growing up is your journey to yourself, you learn so much about the world and are able to see things so differently. You are able to create, enjoy and do things on your own terms- being able to define who you are and sharing that with the world. That is something that little me couldn't do- I found my voice, my aspirations and I am on my path of choice. 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Why I Love Dancing?

There's something about music and the way my body can just feel the beat. From my feet all the way to my head, something takes control and I just need to move. 

As a child, dancing was everything to me. I loved being in front of an audience and showing off, the way people smiled and praised me was amazing. Dancing made me feel invincible! In my pre-teens, dance was something of the past- I was morbidly shy, never getting out of my chair when music was playing, even though every muscle in my body wanted me too. Being the centre of attention was not on my agenda, I just wanted to disappear and dance in secret. 

It wasn't until I attended a Zumba class, that I was able to let loose and just be. I realized how much I had missed dancing, it was something that made me feel limitless and strong. Getting certified and being able to share something I love, changed me. I feel confident, happier and more myself - when I am dancing, I am 100% me. 

Being able to be creative, silly, care-free that is something that I am able to do everyday and sharing that feeling, the feeling that nothing else matters at that moment,  is what I hope to do. 

The way I can't help but smile when I dance, is the reason I love it so much. 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

6 Beauty Products I Can't Live Without

Make-up says so much about you. It can change your mood or tell a story, it gives the world a peak of who you are or want to be for that day. It gives you complete creativity and the ability to express yourself - there are no rules! Whether you never step out the door, without your "other face"(as I like to call it), or have never worn make up in your life - here is a list of my favourite beauty products, that I use on a daily basis: 

1. NYX Cosmetic Mineral Stick Foundation, $10
• Don't feel like looking like a racoon? Well then, this product is for you! This product is perfect for brightening around your eyes (use a shade lighter) - I only use a primer and tinted moisturizer, so this foundation stick is perfect for making me look awake, bright and having had a full 8 hours of sleep. 
2. Eyelash Curler
• MUST HAVE! Makes your eyes look bigger and gives you a sultry look, if you are not already using an eyelash curler - well gurl..you are missing out. My curler is from Tarte and I recently got one from Swissco that is AHHMAZING. 
3. Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner, $16
• If I was on a deserted island, this is something I would have with me. No smudging, long-lasting, super easy to use - no matter what your signature eye look is, this product has got your back! La-la-love it 
4. Tarte lights, camera, lashes 4 in 1 Mascara, $20
• Bye bye flakes, clumps and thin lashes! Not only does it look good, it's good for you - the formula is infused with conditioning that treats and protects your lashes. Look fuller, longer and just Ahhmazing. 
5. BaByliss Pro Argan Oil
• If you have naturally curly hair, you understand the struggle of finding a product that works for you. This Argan Oil is fantastic for my hair; its not greasy, it prevents frizziness and my hair has never been healthier. This product came into my life when I had to chop my hair off from damage, it's been 2 years and my hair is super long and in great shape - it was a match made in heaven. 
6. Eos Smooth Spheres Lip Balm, $3.29
• Chapped lips, ugh...see you never! I have tried every lip balm product, have gotten allergic reactions, skin burns and experienced disappointment from so called BEST lip moisturizers out there (LIARS!). This cute little sphere of happiness is all I need, EVER.  

There is it! My "Can't Live Without" Beauty Product List which are cruelty-free and organic (most, not all). If you've never heard or tried some of these brands and products, I highly recommend that you do. 

xoxo, 

Natalie