Friday Lessons

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1) Think before you speak

2) Don’t hold grudges

3) We’re all human, we all make mistakes

4) Accept that you’re perfectly imperfect

5) Don’t judge someone before you know them

6) Be considerate of all beliefs

7) Love fully

8) Never go to bed angry

9) Count your lucky stars

10) Be grateful for what you have instead of focusing on what you don’t

How to Get a Better Sleep

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Like many others I’ve fought insomnia too many times to count. Whether it’s stress or anxiety keeping me awake at night, sometimes it seems as though I can’t tun my brain off. I’m thinking about the next day, my plans for the week, what needs done around the house, what needs completed at work, what to buy my Dad for his birthday, and so on and so forth! This is a common occurrence in my immediate family. So, I began to research remedies and tips on how to get a great night’s rest! Here’s what has worked for me:

1. Don’t eat late at night, preferably not after 7:00pm if you can help it. If you indulge in a late night snack this may keep you awake as your body is working to digest.

2. Try to avoid drinking large amounts of liquid before bed. I found that throwing back water until I went to bed resulted in having to get up to use the washroom multiple times in a night which interrupted my sleep.

3. Keep your room cool or use a fan. If you’re too hot you will toss and turn and be unable to get comfortable.

4. Maintain a quiet and dark space. The darker your room, the better you’ll sleep. If you get up during the night to use the washroom, avoid flicking on the bright light. Not only will this light blind you, it can make it more difficult for your body to adjust to go back to sleep.

5. If you’re having trouble relaxing try light stretching before, or even in your bed. Practice deep breathing and muscle relaxation. If you find yourself struggling to slow your thoughts down, try reading a book to distract your mind from your stressors.

Sleep tight!

Pure & Simple

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Pure & Simple French Clay Purifying Mask:

This is a certified organic mask that leaves my skin feeling cleansed and fresh. This mask is recommended for those with oily or problem skin. I also use it as a spot treatment for blemishes. I apply a small dab overnight and it significantly reduces redness. This detoxifying mask is 100% vegan and nut free.

Pure and Simple products do not contain the following:

  • Parabens
  • Petrolatum AND Petrochemicals
  • Silocones
  • Sulfates
  • Chemical Sunscreens
  • Triclosan
  • Nanos
  • Synthetic colours, Fragrances, & Polymers

Benefits of Herbal Lemon Tea

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There must be some English in me because I am a tea lover. I do not drink coffee under any circumstance and have always reached for tea as my morning booster. I’ve tried many kinds of tea and lemon & honey takes the trophy as my favourite.

Lemon tea offers many benefits to your overall health. It is recommended to drink this tea warm rather than hot to avoid shocking your system. Whether you choose to buy the herbal tea bags or use a slice of lemon you will be reaping the advantages. If you find you need a bit more flavour add some honey to your mug.

I’ve been starting each day with a warm lemon tea and have noticed significant improvements in my digestive health. I drink my tea prior to eating breakfast each morning.

Drinking this tea promotes optimal digestion and aids in relieving the body of toxins and waste. With this being said lemon tea can also help if you’re trying to lose weight. Lemon tea is also recommended for people who are on a cleanse or detox as it helps to break down fats in the digestive tract.

Lemon tea is also good for your psychological health. It helps to decrease fatigue and lifts your mood.

Take a little tea time for yourself and enjoy!

Follow Along

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Catch up with the following blogs – Karamma

What do I enjoy more than writing blogs? Reading other bloggers posts from all around the world!

Here are my top 5 favourite WordPress blogs that you should be following:

1. The Beauty Lane

This blog features healthy recipes, DIY skincare, product reviews and beauty advice. The author is knowledgable in nutrition and wellness. Her smoothie recipes are wonderful, I’ve already tried two this week! I highly suggest checking out her blog!

2. A New Perspective Perhaps

This blog features advice, guidance and simple experiences. It is incredibly honest and real. It focuses on her family, positive thinking, parenting and love. For a great read and all around feel good blog follow this wonderful woman’s journey.

3. The Chicago Files

How thankful am I for Cher’s blog about Chicago. This fellow Canuck captures her life in Chicago through beautiful photos, funny stories and captures the history of The Windy City. Although it makes me miss the city more, I love reading her updates and adventures.

4. Saving Sammie

This blog is focused on a beautiful German Shepherd named Sammie. Of course since they are German Shepherd owners I resonate with them and love to see what their sweet girl is up to. Most importantly, Sammie was adopted from an animal shelter which I am a huge supporter of. Saving Sammie reminds us all of how important it is to consider a rescue when choosing a dog for your family. Follow this blog for adorable photos and funny stories!

Feel free to comment or post some of your favourite blogs! I’d love to check them out.

Thank you! 🙂

Hulk Smoothie

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Over the weekend we did not eat well whatsoever. With company and going out for dinners, we indulged quite a bit. So this week we’re getting back on track. My darling boyfriend got me a new blender and I’ve been experimenting with different smoothie recipes.

My room mate and I juiced on a regular basis throughout University but were always so frustrated by the amount of food that was wasted in the process. I’ve been blending to decrease the amount of waste, and although I love the smooth taste juices provide I am pleased that every ingredient and vitamin I add is consumed.

The Hulk smoothie is a great way to start the day. It’s filling and packed with nutrients to give you the energy you need to get out of that morning slum. I am a morning monster to put it gently (hense the Hulk title). However, this smoothie will start your day off right and allow your body and mind to wake up.

Quick tip* No one wants the mess of juicing or blending in the morning before they head to work. Make your smoothie the night before and store it in the fridge. This will allow you to grab it and go. Enjoy your hulk smoothie on the train, in the car, on the bus or walking!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 cup of kale
  • 1 cup of spinach
  • 1 apple (chopped)
  • Half a cucumber (chopped)
  • Half a lemon (squeezed)
  • 1/2 cup of celery (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1/3 cup of ice

Blend (or juice) well and enjoy!

Cheers!

Bring Your Winter Look to Life

Let’s face it, the winter does not bring out the best in our natural beauty. My skin becomes dry, my complexion drifts to that of Casper and my lips are constantly chapped.

Bold matte lips are a great way to play up your winter look. Since most of us become quite pale during the cold and gloomy winter, one way to make your lips pop is with a matte red, pink or burgundy.

For everyday winter wear my pick is Motives for La La Ultra Matte Lipstick. For date night or girls night out I would probably go with a bolder red or louder pink. However, since I am wearing this to work on a daily basis, this colour allows me to look more professional and less like Casper the friendly ghost.

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Colour: Potent

Price: $16.75

This lovely matte lipstick also comes in a bold red, pink and a more coral red. To view more colours or order yours today click here!

Time is Love

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“Love fears only one thing: Time.” – Anonymous

I think one of the biggest indications of love is time. They are perfectly intertwined. When I think about it, the people that love me most in my life are people that would make time for me no matter what. Whether it’s 4am in the morning or they’re occupied with something else, they’re there for me no matter what.

If you really think about it there are a select few individuals in your life that would drop everything for you. Time is love. You have to spend the time, you have to be there, as a friend, as a parent, as a relative, and as a spouse. Whether it’s convenient for you or not. This is not an easy feat, but it’s an important one.

Now this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be there in the flesh. For some of us that isn’t possible, but invest the time in supporting the person, whether that’s on the phone, through email or text. Ask how they’re doing, especially when someone is going through a hard time. Remember that the smallest things in life can mean the most to those in your life.

You can’t touch time, you can’t buy time, but it’s the most valuable thing in the world. Spend yours wisely.

Out With the Bad, In With the Good

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I often wonder why people keep toxic relationships in their life. Whether it’s a relative, friend, or their boss. Constant negative energy is poison and it’s bound to rub off on you when you’re constantly surrounded by it. You should not feel obligated to keep a negative person in your life no matter what your relationship is to them. If someone makes you more sad or upset then they do happy, this is not a healthy relationship. If they bring you down, out they go.

I’ve learned to keep my atmosphere and environment positive. I spend time with people who are outgoing, happy, and make the best of everything. When I’m with people who are smiley and genuinely love life, I find myself happier in their presence. Their energy and zest is contagious.

Make a healthy decision for yourself. Out with the bad apples, make room for all of the good people in your life.