"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 

The Definition of 'Healthy'

What is healthy? What does it mean to be healthy? In today's society, the idea of healthy living is at an all time high. Whether its going to the gym, running, eating healthy or going vegan; so many people have joined the wellness living tribe and have become conscious of what they put into their body. 

Even though this is a great movement, I think that an important concept has been left out and ignored by so many people- the idea of self-love and acceptance, has been pushed to the side by tone and fit idealism. Being confident and comfortable in your own skin, should be what everyone is talking about. Acceptance and inclusion of all body types, should be included in the media; while support and understanding to those who have chosen to become a better version of themselves, shouldn't be questioned. 

Not only, do you have to worry about being too big- now being too skinny, is something to be concerned about. Whether people make assumptions about you; having an eating disorder or being lazy, you will never win against the impossible idea of the perfect body. Instead of trying to live up to unrealistic expectations and do things for the wrong reasons, why not be thankful for what you have? 

Believe that you are beautiful and that no number on a scale, defines you as a person. 

Once you realize this, you will feel amazing! If you choose to eat healthy and workout, that's fantastic. Make sure that whatever it is that you decided, you are doing it for yourself and not to fit a mold- you will feel at peace and will actually stick & reach your goals quicker. 

beYOUtiful! 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

10 Things Every 20-Something Needs to Realize

I recently read this article about a few realizations and theories about life, that I just had to share. There were a few that I could relate to and completely understand where they were coming from- Here are 10 of my favourite things that every 20-something needs to realize: 

1. You can’t redo the most important moments in life. So do them right the first time around.        
2. The way you see the world is your own personal version of the world — no one else shares the same exact version of reality.
3. It’s impossible to fail if you refuse to give up.
4. Your religion isn’t any better or more righteous than anyone else’s. It’s just a different version of the same theory.
5. Humans aren’t any better than animals. We’re just smarter; there’s a difference.
6. Change is always possible. Even if we can’t rewrite our story thus far, we certainly can change the way our story progresses and ends.
7. Changing the world starts with changing how you see the world.
8. Life should be spent creating and improving.
9. You never want to settle in life — in anything or any form.
10. If everybody loves you, then you’re not doing it right.

Find the full list here: 100 Things 

Happy Friday! 

xoxo, 

Natalie