Archives for posts with tag: lifestyle

Wow, has it been a minute or what. Once upon a time I started this little personal hobby blog about spas I was visiting just to talk about that simply. I loved speaking about each interior, dissecting it, analyzing the service and services, you name it. Now, after 7 years, I have definitely visited quite a few spas. Yet, I haven’t felt inspired to write about an experience since almost exactly one year ago. I’ve written about spas so many times, and am also a design consultant that critiques spaces on the daily, so I just don’t feel that inspired to dissect them anymore because, well, I simply feel I’m at a point where I know what makes for a good spa and what doesn’t. & To top it all off, I ironically found myself in a relationship with a man who is a CEO of an international spa company. How’s that for serendipity?

As of late though, I have been itching to talk. About what? Things. Random things. Things that come to me, and I say to myself, “Oh I could really dive into that!” Then the thought goes, and I don’t get around to doing it. Time is money. So now, right here, I am going to officially denounce this “spa blog” as a spa blog and change it over to just simply, my blog. If a topic comes to me, I’m going to write about it, vent, get it out and just say I did.

I think the feeling of wanting to talk stems from a few things. Number one, and most obvious, if you know even the slightest about my last two years, I’ve become an expat. I live far far away from all my loved ones, friends, colleagues and a world I knew like the back of my hand (hence why I needed newness). So it goes without saying that at times I find myself feeling quite isolated – and yes, I know, that was done by choice. Another reason I feel chatty is because I am experiencing so many new and different things, ways of life, cultures, career changes, relationship challenges / successes, because I am living abroad. Not always does a caption to a photo suffice, for me, as space-enough for what I really want to say.

I’ve thought about doing the whole YouTube vlogging thing, a lot, because I have always been quite a social person, and so many people have suggested I do…however as I have gotten older I really tend to like my privacy. I could never get up the gumption to post that one video I recorded talking about my first 9 months abroad. Who am I to talk about this topic? Yea, I’m living it – or more like figuring it out as I go. Did I go into it naively? Sure did. Up until a certain point I was merely surviving every day life. At the end of the 20 minute video my only advice is a cheesy: just do it – go – have faith. Perhaps I could post it just to see initial reactions? Who knows.

Also, why open myself to people’s criticisms? No thanks. It all just feels so invasive. They say what goes on the internet is forever on the internet. Are you comfortable with that? I’m not. & I’m not so sure I want my person forever being there, long after I’m gone. Although, paradoxically I am already participating in another form of it all by posting photos on instagram and Facebook.

Le sigh…

What’s to lose though? If you’re a standup honest person, and you mean well, and you can see yourself being good at it? Why not? Although, there are those people from your past who love to come around and be internet bullies when you start to have a following,…so I have come to understand from people who post their lives on the internet.

I love when I hear advice about how to become an “influencer” or fashion blogger or what-have-you… it’s always: just start! Then, be consistent! It’s so simple, and so true. Kind of like my advice to just go abroad. The consistency thing is where I know I might fail for producing content because I don’t have friends here (or not a handful at least) to help me produce content I would need. Who wants to see a bunch of selfie productions? I’m also someone who likes to approach things with a bit of a strategy, or game plan, or mission and without that kind of structure I tend to think things become a bit of a waste of energy…like a chicken with it’s head cut off. Plus I wouldn’t initially be getting paid to do it. Again – need. structure.

So that’s where I have to narrow in on my “passions” and “talents” they say. What value can you provide the people with? And that, that question I cannot answer. I’m pretty self-aware and know myself. I know I’m passionate about health, design, travel, career, wealth, and family. The whole talent thing though? That’s where I struggle. I’ve always been a Jill of all Trades. Good at a lot of things but not fabulous at one. What can I do or say or provide that will attract the people’s attention? The views are what count!

Aside from the whole idea of vlogging floating around in my head I have more astute ideas like itching to go back to school for my Masters in Business. My brain has been so educated (or trained) for the arts that I am dying to activate the entrepreneur inside of me…rather than fallback on the trend of vlogging. Or even get a certificate of some kind whether it’s a nutrition degree, writing degree, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) degree or personal training certification.

With all that said, currently, career-wise, I’m happily (if not a little anxiously, obviously) focusing on my career(s) at hand. One is being a Home Critic for Plum Guide, a company based out of London, here in Barcelona, by consulting the design and amenities of homes to be added to the luxury vacation rental website’s collection. The other job being a remote Consult Designer for the online Interior Design company based out of America called Havenly. Both jobs are really appealing to me, especially considering that I’m consulting…something I’ve always wanted to move toward as an Interior Designer, plus both jobs keep my creative thirsts satiated fully. Not to mention, one job is fully remote which is extremely ideal considering I love to travel and love the idea of being able to make money while moving around the globe.

So even though I’m fairly isolated, don’t have a whole ton of friends around me (yet), and am toying with the idea of vlogging, I’ve found the positive in my solitude and “free time”: writing here again now, and up’ing my career game by working two jobs and pursuing education and entrepreneurial endeavors (as well as some fitness goals!). Because recall that, “6 months of hardcore focus and alignment can put you 5 years ahead in life – you can’t underestimate the power of consistency and desire. You have what it takes to become the best that you can be. You can’t doubt yourself. Harness your power, exceed your expectations.”

And I will leave you on that note. Tell me though, what are your thoughts on vlogging? Do you think it is a worthwhile pursuit? Do you watch vloggers? Or do you prefer reading? Do you think I should give it a shot?

This is somewhat of a post to those who think you’ve got to be in shape to be at the gym. My physique may be in a “small” shape but these muscles couldn’t out run a zombie apocalypse if their life depended on it. Funny bc I’m totally not a zombie nerd (love you Vibeke!). But I am one who has always thought about being as fit as I possibly can be! One life. One body. #healthy = #balanced

I haven’t worked out in 3 months and today I am FEELING it. Please no stairs! 🙅🏻 (& I live on a second story) I am working out with @onefitathlete because I know my body can handle rigorous exercise. This might sound like the typical inspirational story, but im still going to tell it again, if only to inspire one person. There was a man at the gym while I was there who, out of 4 limbs (2 legs, 2 arms) had ONE. I just can’t wrap my head around how hard it must be to not only go thru that but to come to a place where you. are. DOING. IT!! 💪🏼🏃🏻 What’s even crazier is how there are people who have two legs and two arms but choose not to help themselves when their body’s are screaming for the strength, heart and mind training. Like, GO FOR A WALK! …with your new Taylor Swift album. Feel it. Start to wave those arms around. Skip! Let yourself get into it, move that beautiful sinuous, grace-filled body you OWN! Dance in front of your mirror for goodness sake.

I can’t eat any form of wheat flour bread without itching, bloating, getting backed up, or oddly enough feeling angered (anyone else? My girl friend Tati agreed with this the other day). I can’t consume too much of milk products without my stomach hating me. I can’t have coffee because I feel like I’ve burned my stomach to a thin layer that will have a whole in it the next cup I drink – which means any hot, or highly caloric temperatured foods don’t make the cut either. And obviously sugars I try to keep at bay, and I seem to love fats of all kinds right now (probably due to seasonal changes #ayurveda). A new one I am starting to tap into is all the “gums” they add into our food. No wonder my stomach feels like it’s in a knot trying to break something down sometimes, it’s gummy…not exactly an easily decomposable ingredient.

My point is: we’re all battling something when it comes to our health.

I battle keeping it 💯 organic, gluten free and mostly lactose free because that’s all my body will accept without noticeably affecting me and my mental state. Why or how do I know this? Because that’s how in tune I am with my entire body and that important ish.

I also battle with managing to get in exercise because of how busy I am: 2 jobs, one core class (3 units), and coaching girls soccer. But you’re damn sure it’s a priority…even if it’s only 2-3x a week.

Fight back. If you don’t feel great or something is off in your physical, internal or mental equilibrium, I can guarantee if you start with your physical shell you’ll be able to get to the bottom of what you’re not doing right.

I dare you to figure it out.

And trust: when there are all of the chemicals in food that there truly are out there, you’d best learn yourself knowledgable. Read ingredients. Ask Siri questions. Use google. Look up books. Use your resources! Success leaves clues.

Good luck. Go for a walk…one that turns into a dancing skip. 😊❤️