Turning 24: My Intention Wish List

As I sit here eating a piece of cake and sipping on tea, I cannot believe that on Saturday I will be twenty- four! That number 24 to me represents: the number of hours we have in a day, the atomic number of Chromium (nerd alert), and the number of seconds to shoot the ball in the NBA. But on Saturday, it will represent a whole new meaning.

In the past, my birthday was a day that I really had to share with everyone. I felt a desire to let everyone know that its 'my day.' Alas, I have come to the age of knowledge (or so I hope). This year I have made no extravagant plans nor do I have a wish list of things I want to receive. For one, I just want to simply live in the moment and enjoy a day with my family. This year I want to feel content at the person I am and where I am in my life. So before Saturday approaches, I have made a list of things I want myself to answer. Over the next year, I want to frequently look back and see how I am growing and changing or achieving the answers to these questions.

My intention wish list:

1. My biggest goal for this upcoming year?
2. How can I achieve this goal and be active about it?
3. What area about myself will I focus on?
4. What's one thing I can improve on as a friend/sister/daughter?
5. When lessons do I hope to learn


"Aspire not to HAVE more but to BE more"

Until next time…

DIY: Facial and Body Scrub

Hello bloggers,

I am excited to share today's post: my very first DIY facial/body scrub and lightener.

What you need:

1/2 a cup of Rice (Brown OR White)- I prefer using organic brown rice because it is unrefined and it acts as an excellent anti-oxidant agent.

1/2 a Lemon: Lemon contains Vitamin C, a highly beneficial boost for healthy skin. The anti bacterial and anti fungal properties of lemon, also offer a natural way to treat blackheads and acne/acne scars.

2 tea spoons of Honey: You name it, Honey has it. It is an anti-bacterial that works great for acne treatments. It also contains anti-oxidants and is an excellent moisturize. The best part, it also unclogs pores.

To make this Facial and Body Scrub, begin by blending 1/2 a cup of brown rice. The brown rice should look like the picture above. It has a fine property to it after blending. Then activate the rice by adding 2 tea spoons of honey and mixing it in well.  If you feel the mixture is still dry, then add more Honey.

Begin the application process by coating 1/2 a Lemon on the mixture ( Rice+ Honey). Apply it on the face and body in circular motions. For the face, let it sit for 5-7 minutes before washing it off. For the body, you can apply the scrub with a loofah or the lemon. I personally prefer a loofah.

Try to do this scrub while in the shower because it reduces the mess! Have a wonderful weekend and begin each dawn onwards with a brighter look!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Vanilla cupcake (Home made)

a Twist on grill cheese!

House of cards marathon.

  A look into my Valentine's Day! Hope all of you guys had an amazing day, as well! Let me know if
  you want me to share the recipes from above. Love you all.

The Heat of Giving: Part 2

In my last post I discussed how this Valentine’s day you can approach the traditional holiday from a different perspective. First part of ‘the heart of giving’ post was all about SELF LOVE. In part 2, I want to focus on how you can translate the love you have for yourself into the ‘the heart of giving’ to others. I wanted to highlight an organization that I am very passionate about, out of many, that you could participate with/in to make a difference this upcoming month and year.

The organization that I love (that keeps to the theme of February and Valentines day) is The American Heart Association. Did you know Heart Disease is the number one killer in women? February is all about Heart health. Being a woman and being passionate about health, I thought it was the perfect thing to share about the ways you can make a difference. All this month you can learn about the  “10 ways to go red.”  The link will guide you to a 10 step process to leading a healthier lifestyle. You can make a difference and give to others by just being an advocate for the cause. It’s the easy things you do that can potentially make a difference. You can even go a step further by donating to the American Heart association or participate in a ‘Go Red’ Event near you. Remember, spreading awareness is the biggest way to give to others. Share more. #GoRed

“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”

-Dalai Lama

I hope you have gained a lot of perspective from this two part series on “the heart of giving.” I felt inspired writing it. Love your self and pass the love to others this season.

Until Next time

The Heart of Giving: PART 1

It's already February! So that means its getting closer to Valentines day. The past couple of years, I have found a new appreciation for this holiday. Yes, it centers around romance and professing your love for your significant other. However, I think it’s important to take this day to also love YOURSELF and give YOUR heart to those in need. So, I dedicate this post as "PART 1" for taking care of yourself (mind, body, and soul).

I think loving yourself is the most important thing in the world. We all have flaws and sometimes we tend to nit pick on these imperfections. It’s important to overcome these habits and appreciate yourself so if you’re looking for a way to celebrate Valentines day, then treat yourself and love yourself.  You can be in a relationship or single to enjoy the following suggestions. No matter what your "status" is, "self love" is important for everyone.

My first suggestion is to treat your mind. What better gift for yourself than a book. My suggestion is "Move Nourish Believe" by Lorna Jane. Lorna Jane is the creator of the activewear brand that originated in Australia. I began reading this book to get perspective on how she developed her brand and career. But she goes beyond this in her book by inspiring and motivating others to live a healthy lifestyle. The book also includes inspiring stories of the customers who followed these principals for a healthy lifestyle. As the brand says "Move Nourish Believe" it pushes you to "Move" everyday, "Nourish" yourself with good/healthy food, and "Believe" in your dreams. Here is the website for the athletic brand and explore. 




                              


My second suggestion is for you to treat your body. I think the best way to treat your body is with daily exercise. Exercise is not only healthy for your body but also your mind (see how it’s all related). When you exercise, you release endorphins. Endorphins react with receptors in your brain to give you less perception of pain. When you regularly exercise, the release of endorphins have shown to: reduce stress, gives you a boost self-esteem, improves sleep, and also ward of feelings of depression. So my suggestion is for regular exercise, be it walking, running, zumba (anything really)! I recently invested in a FITBIT Flex. This device according to their websites "tracks steps, distance, and calories burned. At night, it tracks your sleep quality and wakes you silently in the morning." The best part is that I have the app on my phone and my laptop, so it allows me to monitor progress. Personally for me, seeing progress allows for me to know that I am treating my body right! This is one of the best ways to treat your body! its a little pricey gift--but if its for yourself then I say why not!

                                           

 Now, we come to the soul. When I think soul, I think "soul food." So naturally I love eating a good meal that triggers a nostalgic feeling. For me "soul food" tends to have south Asian/Indian flavors. When I eat foods with these flavors, it just gives me the comfort I am looking for. It fills me with warmth and reminds me of my childhood and growing up in India. When I began writing I realize that "soul food" might be different for many people.  Then I recalled a recent post on my friends blog that takes a classic "Italian dish with a spin." The spin factor is its amazing south Asian flavors. I have to say it is pure genius. It will hit the spot for many of the people who read my blog so I had to share the post. Here is a link to the recipe.

The NotePad Diaries also posted a recent post called "Charitable valentine's day gift [for her]" so if you want more ideas explore their blog! It’s brilliant!

                       


Once you have achieved self-love through your mind, body, and soul, then you can give your heart and love to those around you.  Check back soon for "The Heart of Giving:Part 2".

Until next time…