Wednesday 31 December 2014

Kitchen | A Journey

*new category alert*

Life Of Pix

Today I'm going to share a personal journey and I hope you can understand it.

Since the beginning of the year that I wanted to change my eating habits in order to follow a healthy diet, but never decided to make the move until September. 

In May I stumbled upon FullyRawKristina's Youtube channel and WOW. Kristina (vegan and fully raw) amazed me with the whole concept of her lifestyle and I'm glad I've found her channel. I knew about vegetarianism and some of it's variants, but I had never heard about Raw Veganism - vegan diet and no cooked foods - so I was really surprised. 
I was so amazed that I wanted to try her diet and Kristina was about to start a 14 days Fully Raw Challenge on June but at the time I wasn't ready to do something like that so I've decided to take a time to make some research and challenge myself later and I did it indeed in August.

I didn't enjoy being fully raw - during the day was totally fine but at dinner time something was missing - and I was craving cooked foods and things with eggs or milk (regular cookies and cakes) a lot so after the challenge I decided to take the change slowly and allow myself to eat those things if I really wanted to. Also, I was going be away from home during a week without knowing what to expect so I didn't want to commit to be fully plant-based and then feel guilty if I had to eat something with eggs.

The decision of taking the change slowly and allowing myself to eat some animal products wasn't working because I would feel guilty if I ate and I really wanted to totally exclude them. So one day (September 30) I woke up and decided to completely stop eating animal products.

I don't eat any animal products because I've decided to not eat them but apart from that I eat whatever I want and like, without strict rules (it makes sense?). As long it's animal-free, if I want to eat it I'll eat it because my diet consists upon my individual choices and I shape it according to my own personal tastes.
Basically, I'm a vegan, but I really don't like to use that word, 'vegan' because I think it reassembles a whole lifestyle concept that I don't have and I prefer to say I'm a plant-based foods lover.

I don't have any moral support and I'm struggling a bit with being social because of that. The people who know I've changed my diet make fun of me and don't understand my decision (they think it's just a weird phase) but no, this isn't just a phase, I'm fully committed to it.

I didn't started this journey to lose weight, conform to a fad or anything like that, I started it just for my own health but the more I learn the more I understand that this is more than just about my health.
I'm so glad I've found something that I'm passionate about and that I'm educating and creating myself upon facts I didn't know at all. When I first started this journey I only knew a few things and only watched 1 or 2 documentaries, but now I'm learning a lot of things, doing more research and watching more documentaries.

It has been a challenging journey and not an easy one, but I'm loving it because day by day I get the chance to learn. 

Everything started with changing my diet, but I'm gradually changing my lifestyle as I become more aware of certain things. I'm super curious so I'm always looking for information to keep learning.
The amount of personal growth I've experienced has been massive and I just want to share this part of my life with you.

To finally finish this loooong post (cheers to you if you read it all), I just want to let you know that I'm not trying to convert anyone. This is about a personal choice and I'm just sharing my experience, my personal journey.

Let me know if you have any questions

P.s.: check About page to find more about this new category

Lots of hugs, A 

Monday 29 December 2014

Reminders | Love yourself more

*new category alert*

Although no one answered my questions on last post, I've decided to launch this new category because I really want to and I had this post ready do publish so why not?

A new category for the new year that is just around the corner. This category kind of resembles new year's resolutions.

I search a lot for motivational quotes, tips to enjoy life and other similar things but sadly they only affect me for like 1 second and then everything remains the same. I feel lack of motivation to pursue those inspirational quotes but I want to change this situation so 'Reminders' are a way to remind myself that I need to think and act with optimism to keep going, love myself and live my best possible life. I know those things but for some reason I can't put them into practice. So what better time to star something new than in a new year? So let's go, let's prepare to start fresh and have an amazing year!!

This first reminder it's a big one. I think it's the one that leads to the others because everything starts with us. The way we feel about ourselves affects our lives and everything around us so


Why not use this reminder as your mobile background? Or write it on a post-it and read it every morning? I use it as my desktop background so it is the first thing I see when I turn on my PC and I love it.

I'm committed to star this journey of reminders and week by week become a happier person, are you with me? I hope reminders can help you too.

P.s.: check About page to find more about this new category 

Lots of hugs, A 

Friday 26 December 2014

The Script - Superheros

Hey, how are you? I hope you are having a good day!!

So I wanted to launch a new category today, but I couldn't finish the first post (kind of a long one and I'm having difficulties to choose the right words and express myself properly so I don't want to publish it yet) but I also didn't want to not publish today as I normally do it every Mondays and Fridays or Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Also, the new category I was talking about is about food so let me know if you would like me to launch it or not. If you do, I will launch it next Wednesday because I already have another category to launch next Monday - about motivation and positive messages.

Enough of rambling and let's get to the actual purpose of this post.
I'm not a huge The Script songs fan, but I definitely love some of them and Superheroes is probably my favourite one.

I heard this song for the first time on the radio, but it was just a little bit and got me like, 'I need to find this song' and when I finally found it I couldn't stop listening to it. I love the message behind the lyrics and I feel they tell a story.


Do you like this song?

Let me know what you think about the food category. Do you want me to launch it or not?
And also let me know if you want a motivational and positive category on the blog.

Lots of hugs, A

Monday 22 December 2014

Closet | Personal Style

jaymantri.com

I find it really difficult to define my own style because I guess I just wear whatever I want. The only words I can think of that may define my style are 'comfort' and 'simplicity'. I wear clothes I feel comfortable in and I like to create really effortless and laid back/casual outfits.

I normally wear plain outfits with a pop of color. My favourite colors are grey, black and white (yeah I know, pretty basic). Jeans are my best friends. Sneakers are my must-haves. I love combat boots. I'm crazy about hoodies, sweatshirts and jumpers. I'm not into flats and I don't like heels. I love tartan and paisley patterns.

I don't wear dresses or skirts, they are definitely not my thing and I guess I never liked dresses, but I remember to wear skirts until my 13 or 14 years old and after that they were completely out or my wardrobe.
For a long time I would only wear shorts at home because I didn't like my legs and I didn't want people to see them. Finally, this summer I've decided to overcome that problem and wear shorts again, so no more spending the whole summer with jeans because of my lack of confidence.

My style is clearly not "girly" but I don't consider myself a tomboy. But yes, I guess that sometimes the way I dress is a little bit tomboyish, but I don't it on purpose. Plus, I also wear more "feminine outfits".
You can check my posts Fashion and I and Forever 21 Wishlist to get to know more about my fashion side.

Sometimes I think that the way I dress  is a subconscious process to show who I am but well, the whole 'the way we dress reveals our personality' could be a topic for a future post, so enough of rambling.

Now it's your turn. Let me know about your personal style. Do you have a defined style or not really?

Lots of hugs, A

Friday 19 December 2014

Youtubers | Will Darbyshire

Louis introduce me to Will last year and he got my attention because of his accent and glasses and he just seemed to be a nice guy so I've started to follow his social medias and later on he started a YouTube channel and of course I had do subscribe right away and now he's one of my favourite youtubers. His videos are a breath of fresh air

Will seems to be so intelligent and the kind of people that thinks a lot about life and the meaning of others stuff, why everything is in a certain way and things like that. He seems to be so interested about the meaning of life and how strange is this world, I don't know I just feel like he's always thinking.

There is something about Will that makes me feel a huge connection with him, but I'm not sure why.  I guess I just feel like we think the same way, plus I also see myself as an introvert.

I've never talked to him but I kind of think he understands me so I would love to just sit down with him and talk about life and our messy minds

Lots of hugs, A

Monday 15 December 2014

Conversations | Being Alone

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Do you like to be alone? Well, I am a person who needs space and besides the physical sort, I need distance from others. This may sound really awful and bizarre, but people kind of suffocates me so aloneness is something I crave because in some way makes me feel peaceful and free.

I think that being alone and being lonely are two different things and do I like to be alone, but I hate being lonely plus being alone does not necessarily involve loneliness. Can you understand me here?

I love to get my things done and kind of (re)connecting with myself because social life can be exhausting and sometimes I just need to be in my own world and relax, so the sensation of being able to appreciate some me-time it's amazing. Plus I'm more likely to be lonely in a group of people.

Some people say that being alone is a great way to discover who you are, learn to appreciate yourself and just the way you are, so go ahead and take some you-time and do something for yourself. Lie down on the grass, watch videos, appreciate the sky, listen to music, paint your nails, ride your bike, watch your favorite movie, read a book, experiment a new way to get your hair done, cook, dance, think about the things that are happening in your life, for a couple of minutes or hours just do whatever you want and spend some quality time with yourself.

I hope you can understand what I was trying to say. I don't hate people or something like that.

Lots of hugs, A

Friday 12 December 2014

Hunter Hayes - Invisible

The first time I heard this song, almost a year ago, I cried (not in a sad way) and to this day I can't sing along to the song without getting emotional so you can already imagine how much I love it.

This song is really special to me and almost a year after still gives me chills every time I hear it so I guess there's not much more to say. I hope you like it 

I prefer the lyric video but you can also watch the official music video on Youtube.


Lots of hugs, A

Wednesday 10 December 2014

Closet | Forever 21 Wishlist

There's no Forever 21 where I live and I've never order online from there so I don’t own any Forever 21 item but I visit the site once in a while because I can always get some inspirations and then find something similar and more affordable in another store.

I’ve decided to make a collage and share it with you, because why not?


1. Popcorn-Knit Sweater - first of all, popcorn? Just the name makes me want this sweater. Simple and beautiful. Also, I love the necklaces that the model is using

2. Dip Dyed Cardigan - perfect for my plain outfits (aka every time) plus, this cardigan seems to be super fluffy

3. Floral Pocket Kimono - this kimono couldn't be more perfect. I love black and white, I love flower patterns, I love clothes with pockets and I love kimonos so this one is perfect

4. Scalloped Cutout Embroidered Top - super delicate top and I love the embroidered details on it

5. Textured Crew Neck Sweater - I love the mixed colors in this sweater and it seems to be super cozy

6. Marled Ombré Sweater - yes I love sweaters and I love this one with the white-gray ombré effect

7. Perfect Paisley Romper - the name says it all. I've become a huge romper lover last summer and paisley is my favourite pattern and this romper also has pockets and a cutout back

8. Abstract Floral Drawstring Romper - ideal for casual and sunny days


Just realized I said 'I love' way too many times. I love a lot of things x)

I also see this wishlist as a way to share some of my tastes with you. Do we share some taste in clothes?

Lots of hugs, A

Monday 8 December 2014

Conversations | University

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I finished secondary school this year and I'm not attending University so I guess I'm kind of on a gap year but not an exciting one and full of adventures yet.

My final year of secondary school was exhausting. I struggled a lot this year and I didn't skip classes or had bad grades at all but just because I was so unmotivated that I'd rather do anything than go to school or study. Gradually lack of motivation started to affect me and I started to force myself to wake early to go to school, do homework and study so routine started to consume my mind. I wasn't at my best.

I've decided to take a year off because I'm not mentally prepared to get back in the routine, I need a long term vacation and actually I do not have a strong passion in anything so what would I be doing in a random course? Just to attend University? No, it wasn't the right thing to do and I didn't want to attend University this year so I'm glad I've decided to take a year off to organize the mess in my head, find myself and some area I'm passionate about. I need time to reflect and do things.

I needed a break from Formal Education and I want to take the most of this year to find out my passions and maybe what I want to do in the future. I want to enjoy this year and I would love to travel, meet new people, new places, experience and learn new things and enrich my life.

I can always attend University next year and right now I want to spend time living and learning to own my life.

Lots of hugs, A

Friday 5 December 2014

Youtubers | FunForLouis

YouTube is a huge part of my life and Louis is my favorite youtuber so I couldn't write about youtubers without mentioning him. He's like my treasure, but I think he deserves way more subscribers and everyone should know this awesome guy so here I am sharing my favourite one with you.

I found his channel on august 2013 because of another youtuber and I'm a subscriber since then. I've traveled to England, United States, Mexico, India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Brazil, China and several other countries without leaving my room and it seems like I know those places so I'm basically traveling through his vlogs.

There's something special about Louis and he definitely has some kind of special connection with life, he seems to be such a humble and down to earth person, always spreading positive vibes and living the adventure and he just amazes me. Louis' the kind of people I want to have in my life and surround myself with so I would love to have him as a friend.

Did you know Louis? If not go follow him and find more about his adventures.


Lots of hugs, A

Thursday 4 December 2014

Closet | Fashion and I

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I do not fancy Victoria's Secret Angels, the only thing I know about Cara Delevingne is that she's a model, I'm not interested in designer clothes or accessories, I don't have a style icon, I don't read Vogue or Elle, I don't want a Chanel bag or Christian Louboutin heels and going to a Fashion Week is not on my bucket list. At the same time, I follow personal fashion blogs and I love them, exactly because they are about personal styles and not about the dictates of fashion.

I'm not really that into fashion and I'm not one of those people who follow fashion trends or buy new clothes every season so I'm not into the “serious” fashion but I like it in a different way and with that being said I just want to let you know that my style is not unusual and awesome. I like simplicity, easy-going outfits and more than everything I need to feel comfortable with what I'm wearing.

I refuse to be told what to wear and refuse to listen to someone telling me that something is out. I may like some trends, but I won't restructure my buying and wearing decisions around what's in vogue, I'm not a fashion victim and I don't accept any new fashion trend. What's available in stores is affected by fashion trends so they end up affecting what I wear, but I only pay attention to what's trendy if it appeals to me. I wear what I want and everyone should feel comfortable enough to wear what they like regardless of what is “in or out of fashion”. We should use fashion and not let fashion use us.

This is my relationship with Fashion. How is your relationship with Fashion? Let me know

Lots of hugs, A

Wednesday 3 December 2014

Conversations | Why a blog?

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I wanted to start a blog since 2010 or 2011 and I created one back in December of 2012 (A Stranger in a Strange World) but I deleted it right away without posting anything and by the name you can tell I wasn't in a good place - 2012 was the year I started to feel unhappy.

So I finally decided to create my little space on the internet to share the things that make me feel better. I'm going through a tough time, but I'm trying to take my mind off everything that makes me so stressed and start focusing on the good things. I had multiples diaries and journals but they were all about me feeling sad, so I want this blog to be all about happy times, let you in on my thoughts and feelings and share positivity as I try following it.

The purpose of this blog is to share my interests and keep a more personal record of my life in general.

This can be challenging, but I want to hold on to it and I feel that starting a blog may help me to express myself and create a fresh version of myself.

Lots of hugs, A

Tuesday 2 December 2014

OneRepublic - I Lived

I fell in love with this song back in December 2013 and it's one of my all time favourite songs, especially the lyrics.

I think that anyone can relate to this song because it's like a wish and I guess we all wish to live and enjoy every moment, I mean I would be glad to say 'I swear I lived' or 'I did it all'. The official video came up this September and it's absolutely perfect, has such a strong message and story that made me a bit emotional.

Definitely my favourite OneRepublic song


An uplifting song. A song about life that encourages me to make the most of it

Lots of hugs, A

Monday 1 December 2014

Conversations | Fresh air

Welcome to my first blog post ever!!

Littlevisuals

First of all, English is not my first language or second one and I'm quite insecure about this, but I've decided to challenge myself so here I go.

Hi? Hi is a good way to start a conversation
You can call me A (not Pretty Little Liars related), I'm just an 18 years old girl trying to find herself and a place in this crazy and strange world. 

I just feel lost and surrounded by emptiness. My mind is a mess; I'm not happy and enjoying life at all. I'm feeling so tired and it's the kind of tired that sleep won't fix, I don't have the energy or motivation so I wake up late, I hardly leave the house and I'm always making excuses to not get things done. I often find myself thinking that everything is just too much and I have a million things that I want to do, but I don't know where to start.
  
I feel like I don't have a connection to the world as if I don't have a part in society. I've started feeling disconnected with others, having feelings of loneliness when surrounded by people and I've become antisocial, so I'd rather be alone because I don't feel good surrounded by others and I've become emotionally reserved and difficult to connect with.

Had enough of those feelings so I've decided to stand up for myself and start doing all the things that make me smile because it's about time. I've been focusing my time and my mind on the wrong things rather than focusing my energy on the positive aspects of my life. I'm nothing really special but I got a lot to say so I'm trying to stop caring too much about the opinions of people who do not matter and be courageous enough to share what's on my mind because I really really want to. I'm kind of pessimist, so I want to start trying to think more positively no matter what. It's time to take responsibility for my own wellbeing and I want to feel good and fulfilled so I'm looking forward to actually live, seek adventures, appreciate myself, others and the world around me because I truly want to and I'm sick of feeling like nothing is going fine without even understanding why.

Just by writing and sharing this text I'm feeling more content and ready to start a new journey. This is me trying to stop being so afraid of expressing my feelings and thoughts. 

Lots of hugs, A