Happy Birthday to my Inspiration

Wishing a wonderful day to the most beautiful Spring Flower I've ever seen.

You are my Inspiration.

T.G.I.F.

...Thank God it's Friday ... this is an expression which we all hear quite often, but of course we all put different thoughts and feelings behind it. Most often people cannot wait for the weekend to come because of the long work or study week they've had. Personally, I prefer to think of the weekend as a fantastic time to reflect on the week that has just finished. Celebrate my successes (small or big) , think of solutions to any problems I may have encountered and get myself excited for the new week that is to come. Every Monday is a new beginning. Sometimes we feel as if we don't get a chance to have a new beginning very often, but the truth is that every hour, every day, every week, and of course every new year can be a new beginning. This brings me to my next point ..
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS!

Of course it is great to feel motivated to change the things you don't like about your life or yourself, because of the new year ... but this doesn't mean that we have to wait for the old year to end before we start making plans and taking steps toward our goals.How many of us can say that on New Year's Eve they have set a goal to lose weight, get a new job or take up a new hobby? Probably everyone :)But why wait for the new year?The truth is that if we want to change something in ourselves or our lives, we can do it at any time on any day of any year :)

Problem:
Blue Monday is a name given to a date in mid-to-late January, as part of a publicity campaign by Sky Travel, declared to be the most depressing day of the year. This year Blue Monday was on January 21st. This is how it works.According to a press release by a mental health charity, the formula is:where weather=W, debt=d, time since Christmas=T, time since failing our new year’s resolutions=Q, low motivational levels=M and the feeling of a need to take action=N_a. The date was calculated by using many factors, including: weather conditions, debt level (the difference between debt accumulated and our ability to pay), time since Christmas, time since failing our new year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and feeling of a need to take action.What this all means, is that January.21.2013 was the most depressing day of the year. If you're reading this ...then you have probably made it through the most depressing day of 2013, which means there is another 11 months and 6 days to accomplish all of your dreams and goals... and of course.. time to celebrate your successes!

So why do we all give up on our resolutions so quickly?This is different for everyone, but of course it includes losing motivation, coming face-to-face with our problems/debts and feeling nervous and anxious. But these things are all just bumps in the road, and if you are trying to get somewhere, anywhere ...there will always be bumps in the road, but the important thing to remember is to enjoy the ride and focus on where we are going.


Solution:
Remember, that if you started a diet on January 1st, and were eating sweets and junk food by the end of the first week, it doesn't mean that you have failed FOREVER. It just means that there is a bump in the road, and we have to get past it if we want to get to our 'destination' aka goal. This works the same for all resolutions we make.A good thing to start doing is wake up each morning and set small goals for yourself for that particular day. These could be: go grocery shopping, do the laundry, get a haircut, study for a midterm, eat 3 healthy meals, or absolutely anything that you feel you want to accomplish that day.At night, when you go to bed, think of 3 things that you are thankful for. Be it, your family, your job or the fact that you accomplished the goals you set for yourself in the morning.

If we don't celebrate our small victories, we will never be motivated enough to move on to bigger and tougher dreams we want to see become reality, or solving bigger issues that are coming your way.Last year, when I realized it was time to finally lose weight, it was as if something happened overnight, that changed me as a human ...and made me feel completely different. It was not New Year's day, nor my birthday, it wasn't even a Monday. I just woke up one morning and realized it was time to change my life. And I did. The hunger and desire I felt when I thought about my end goal was enough to keep me going for months and months, and it is what still motivates me today. It all happened subconsciously. Of course, it wasn't easy. I changed my life completely ..overnight.and those three words were the magic that made it happen this time. And it was what had been missing before.I have tried all kinds of diets, weight-loss pills, and exercise programs my entire adult life... but I never thought about changing my life.
My weight loss took discipline and dedication, but because it wasn't just another fad diet, it was a lifestyle change, I never felt as if I was depriving myself of anything. And I still don't. I allow myself bread, sweets, and all other things that I love, but I do it in moderation. Because of this, I don't crave bad things anymore. The thought of eating McDonald's, or drinking a large frappuccino with whipped cream on top, not only doesn't excite or tempt me ... but it actually disgusts me. As awful as that word sounds, I no longer desire to put those things into my body, because I know that they not only will not make me feel good, but they will also worsen my health. I know that I will feel a short satisfaction while I am drinking or eating something naughty, but as soon as I am finished, I always feel guilty, full and regretful. The difference was that I thought about my future day and night, and whenever I would dream ... I never saw myself as a big, unattractive and most importantly unhealthy individual. I realized that if I want to change my life, I need to start focusing on my health, so I could make sure I am there for my family, my friends, my future children and of course myself. More than anything, I wanted to be healthy, happy and inspiring to everyone around me. 


The best part:
The most extraordinary thing of all, is that we all hold the power to influence and help everyone and anyone we meet and see, everyday. Something as simple as smiling, can make such a huge difference in someone's life. We don't realize how such small things can really help others feel great, which in return, makes us feel even greater.All of this, came from a spontaneous meeting I had with a stranger yesterday. I had a long hard day at work, and after that, I met with a group of amazing people, who are doing incredible things with their lives and careers, all because they are motivated and positive. I then got into a taxi, and I just happened to meet a great person. It took me 10 minutes to get home, and in those 10 minutes, I had a deep and thoughtful conversation with the driver of the cab. It all started off by him asking me if I had just finished work. He said he was very surprised that I am so positive and happy, after being at work all day. I told him that even though my day was tough, I met amazing people, who made me smile, which made me feel great. After that, the driver - Vasko, shared some personal facts with me. He told me about his life, and how tough it had been for him. Every time he mentioned something bad that had happened to him, I tried to answer with a positive outlook on the situation. When we got to my destination, he told me that I had changed his mood entirely. He said that after our conversation, he felt great and positive, and most importantly, that it made him smile. This was the best ending I could have asked for to a rainy, long day. Knowing that I made someone feel good, and have a positive outlook on life made me feel even more amazing.


Bottom point is: 
smiles are contagious, share your happiness with everyone, because it will change the way they feel, which will make you feel encouraged, satisfied and accomplished.Although this is a long post, it is all quite simple ...and somehow profound. Reading and sharing it can help you stay motivated, and put a smile on yours, or someone else's face. 

...and since humans are very visual beings, I have collected a few simple icons that can keep you motivated with your goals. Take five minutes out of your day and search for something which motivates YOU! Whether it is a photo from the internet, or a bikini you have kept in your closet for years, or a beautiful home you would like to own one day, find it and take time each day to look at it and think about how you can make this dream come true. You may find that it is easier that you thought. 

Don't be BLUE, be RED, BRIGHT and BOLD, and BELIEVE in yourself. You are more powerful that you can imagine!

Smiles, 
S


x

Thursday Treats

Thursday, in my opinion, is the perfect day for a treat or indulgence. It is almost the end of the work week, and having a sweet little something, can be the perfect way to push yourself and power through Friday, and get to the weekend quicker! 

My Thursday today is a rainy one, so I have decided to make today, is traditional Italian Tiramisu!

I have used this recipe for a while now, it is extremely easy, doesn't have a lot of ingredients...the Tiramisu is very quick to make and is sure to impress any guests and family members.

Ingredients:

• 250 ml strong espresso
• 2 table spoons amaretto (you could also use rum)
• 4 eggs 
• 100 gr powdered sugar
• 400 gr mascarpone cheese
• 2 packages lady fingers
• 2 teaspoons natural powdered cocoa (to sprinkle on top)

Method:

• in a medium sized, flat bottom container, combine the cooled espresso and amaretto or rum together (you can make the syrup in larger quantities, and keep it in the fridge for other desserts)
• separate the egg whites from the egg yolks
• in a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the powdered sugar, until they triple their size
• add the mascarpone cheese to the mixture, and combine with a wooden spoon
• wash the beaters very well, and dry them..we want to remove all oil and moisture before we begin beating the egg whites
• in a clean, dry medium sized bowl, beat the egg whites until they form hard beaks, to help them keep their shape, you can add two drops of lemon juice or some cream of tartar, when the egg whites have formed soft peaks.
• fold the egg whites into the egg yolks with a rubber spatula, carefully
• dip the lady fingers into the espresso and amaretto mixture and place in a large rectangular pan, covering the bottom
• add a layer of the cream mixture on top of the lady fingers
• repeat the layer of lady fingers adding a layer of cream on top, and making sure to end with the cream mixture
• cover with plastic wrap, and place in the fridge overnight, to set. Tiramisu always tastes better the day after!
• lastly, when serving, sprinkle some powdered cocoa on top!

...and remember, if you can cut it.. it is not Tiramisu. Traditional, Italian Tiramisu is always served with a spoon!

and now, I send you off with a wonderful Italian song, to play while making this delicious tiramisu! For a more modern musical choice, to go with this recipe..play absolutely any song by Lana Del Rey :)

Renato Carosone - Tu Vuò Fa' L'Americano

Much Love
S

A Winter Welcome

The last few days here, have been quite cool. For the first time, yesterday I saw little specks of white frost flying through the air, and a dark, dense fog hovering over the city. As soon as I walked outside, I realized that the air had that unforgettable smell of snow. This could only mean one thing ...Winter is coming!
Although, the weather has been quite nice the last few months....summer was extended into October, and it seems like Autumn had just began a few weeks ago....it is now officially less than a month to Christmas, and very close to fluffy snow, boots, gloves and hats ..and little red noses everywhere.
The thought of winter, to me...is extremely comforting...being at home, with a warm, cozy blanket on top...a cup of warm tea, and a good book...or visiting the wonderful Christmas markets throughout Europe and North America, trying the delicious heated wine with raspberry juice...Winter to me is all about warmth, family, comfort and last but not least..wonderful food.

Here are a few photos, that I have been drawing inspiration from lately :) 

Fall and Winter attire, can become quite boring...this photo gives some nice, simple ideas of how to use old and new scarves, to add life and colour to different outfits...we cannot always afford the latest trends, fabrics and colours, but there is always something in our closet that we can make like new, we just need to look at it with a different eye! I have been going through my grandma's closet, looking at old pieces with exciting colours and patterns, and have chosen a few, which will make wonderful scarves..which are easy to sew and so fun to wear!

Another wonderful thing about the Fall and Winter, is the changes I see in my meals. I love the way warm, comforting spices fill the air in the kitchen, and put the entire house in a cozy and loving mood. This is a chart, of some wonderful things to start adding into your food, delicious and very very good for you...spices are really what makes a meal special. When it is cold outside, for me ..it is all about the curries! Ginger, red pepper, chilies, cinnamon..all of those different spices together in one colourful stew, can really brighten up the mood for me!

And lastly, a little bit of DIY inspiration. With the Holiday season coming up soon, it is definitely time to start thinking about Christmas gifts. I decided a little while ago, that this year I would give only homemade Christmas gifts. In my opinion, this keeps the holiday a lot more meaningful, saves money and gets us thinking about the real reason why we celebrate Christmas. I love giving DIY gifts, and will be making a special post about all of the things I have been working on for my loved ones this Christmas ...but here is my favorite idea of the year.... the Teacup Candle

..the simplest, and easiest of gifts, in my opinion. All you need is a candle wick, a beautiful, preferably vintage cup (you can find wonderful, inexpensive teacups at thrift stores), some essential oil for fragrance, and candle wax, or, recycled candles (i like to use colourless pieces of candles that i have, then add a few drops of colour and make it your own!) ...remember to use an old can, that way you can place it straight on top of the stove, to melt, and not worry about cleanup! 

That is all from me for today ... frosty kisses and warm hugs!

S