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A Life Worth Living – Sheila Yale, Empty Next Lifestyle

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Hey there! I’m Sheila Yale the creator, writer, editor, graphic artist, janitor, etc. of “Empty Next Lifestyle”, a lifestyle blog where I discuss family, mental illness and showcase my handmade pottery. Someone recently asked of me, “What’s something we don’t know about you?”. I’ll tell you what I told her, “Nothing, because my life is an open book”. I’m here to encourage and support anyone who visits my site. I am an empty nest thriver, wife to my high school sweetheart, “LaLa” to my 4 sweet “Lovies”, newbie blogger, and rising pottery artist. Oh, and I have Bipolar l Disorder….

The holidays have come and gone. The Christmas tree and decorations are once again at rest in the attic and life’s daily schedule sweeps the festivities aside as it dictates where I must go and what I must do.

This is usually the point in the calendar where it starts to go downhill. You know what I’m talking about. The January blues is the place where my Bipolar I demon rears its ugly head and I travel down the road to depression and “hermit-ious” (the act of sitting in the dark, staring off in space). The Kleenex box holds a permanent position on my bedside table and I sleep in “Rip Van Winkle endless slumber” fashion.

But this year is different for some reason. I’m strangely stable and I’m not hearing that nagging voice bringing me down (That voice, by the way, is mine). As I ponder on this change I search for reasons that the January blues suddenly seem sunny yellow. Maybe it’s the changes that have happened over 2018.

1.  I have taken my medication daily and visited my doctor regularly.

There have been many times throughout the last 20 years when I felt “normal” enough to have this thought, “I think I’m ok now. I’ve learned a lot of coping skills and I’m sure I’ll be fine”. Six weeks and a raging case of paranoia later, I’m clamoring to get those pills in my mouth. 

This year I determined I would be faithful to my never-ending recovery and take them every day, as well as follow my psychiatrist scheduled appointments and be honest with him. It is amazing how well I navigated this holiday season. Looking back on the past few weeks I realize that the triggers I have normally encountered during the Christmas festivities were manageable and I maneuvered my way around and through them quite nicely. 

This is cool!

2. I am on a regimen of essential oil supplements. 

I often get teased by my family and friends for using essential oils. They call them my “snake oils” and roll their eyes when I mention how incredible they are. But believe me, when my husband and daughter have a stomach ache, or their sinuses are keeping them from breathing, or when their muscles are so sore they can’t move, they secretly turn to me. Heaven forbid they endure any eye-rolling from the family.

So this past year I have taken supplements every day to keep my body and mind strong. It’s working.

Sticking with the oils!

3. I have focused on my passions: pottery making, blogging and my Lovies (grandchildren).

Pottery came into my life back in college. I took one class and was hooked. Unfortunately soon after, I had a breakdown and it was years before I was diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder. During the past couple of years, I have found a reliable doctor who has prescribed the right “cocktail” (mix of medications) for me and keeps me in line. So creating pottery has resumed its position as a way to put my mind and body at peace. 

I started my blog back in May of 2018 and it is a daily source of inspiration. I love it! Literally, my husband has said, “Could you please stop for a moment and talk to me?”. I am able to express myself in a way I have never known. It involves creating, writing, researching, and problem-solving. It is an exciting outlet that will eventually provide a self-sustaining income. A paying job that I love – now that’s what I’m talking about!

And my grandchildren have spent a lot of time with me. We have had numerous weekend sleepovers at “LaLa Land” (my house) where we bake mounds of cookies and spend hours making play dough “food” to serve at the play dough “restaurant”. My Lovies are super important to me and bring so much joy to my life. Even when I am down, I only have to hear one of their voices or see them and I am smiling all over!

4. I found great support this year.

My family. A pottery mentor. Blogging communities.

When Paul Simon sang, “I am a rock, I am an island” he was wrong. We were made by God to be in relationships. He created “bonding”, so it is natural to surround ourselves with strong uplifting connections. I found my place this year as a “LaLa” to my “Lovies”, as a gifted potter guided and encouraged by a strong mentor, as a writer and valued friend to a group of talented bloggers I admire, and as an encourager to the people I come in contact with on a daily basis.

These people motivate me to press on. I realize that the end of the holidays normally marks the end of excitement and a move toward nothingness. 2019 is not a new beginning. It’s a continuation of the wonderful things that began in 2018. In fact, I have so many things to do in the coming year that I have actually started scheduling my days and weeks in a planner. 

Will I have some down days in 2019? Yes, but I have the tools, focus, and support I need to stay the course.

Wow! A life. A life that continues to be worth living.

Website    https://emptynextlifestyle.com

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/sheilayale.5

Pinterest   https://www.pinterest.com/postsemptynextlifestyle

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/emptynextlifestyle

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SheilaYale7 

 

Thank you very much to Sheila for sending her inspiring story over for The Unsanity Blog to share with their readers! If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on The Unsanity, please send an email over to Koral.novak@gmail.com and we can have a chat about how I can incorporate you and your story!

It’s Time to Stop Punishing Yourself with Food – Nourish With Renata

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Hello Unsanity readers, as promised, here is another guest blogger for your Friday! This one comes from a fellow blogger of mine, Renata, who specializes in healthy easy recipes!

 

Hi! I’m Renata and I am the founder of NourishwithRenata.com, a healthy recipe blog focusing on delicious, easy recipes that not only taste good but are good for you! I am a mom, wife and foodie, living in Texas with my husband, 3 kids and trusty labrador. I love helping people rediscover healthy food through the recipes on my blog and e-books, as well as my personalized cooking classes. 

It’s the beginning of a new year and lots of people are making New Year’s resolutions. These resolutions might be about making healthier lifestyle choices, like working out or eating healthy. 

But what does it mean to eat healthy? Does it mean doing juice cleanses? Does it mean only eating one meal a day? Does it mean not eating carbs???

What some people don’t realize is that these kinds of restrictive diets are not sustainable long term. Depriving and restricting your body is actually punishing your body. It is not allowing your body the fuel and nourishment that it needs to not only survive, but to thrive. And that means that your body will try to find a way to get back the calories you were depriving it. This is why so many people gain back the weight that they were trying to lose, and then some. 

This begins the cycle of purging and binging, or what I call, the diet culture. It is a completely destructive way of treating your body and it forces you to look at food in a harsh, negative light. Foods are either “bad” or “good”. And more often than not, you feel guilty for giving your body the nourishment that it needs. 

Diet culture is a slippery slope. I think that is why so many people start having eating disorders. We are programmed by social media to think that we have to look and eat like everybody else. That a “quick fix” is the only way to change, that immediate gratification is the only way to get recognition. That in order to be “liked”, we have to be the same as everyone else. 

THIS SIMPLY ISN’T TRUE. It’s time to change our mindset. It’s time to stop trying to be like everyone else, and start being our truest selves. It’s time to bring a whole new perspective to how we think about ourselves and how we think about food. 

Instead of punishing your body, start building a positive relationship with food. Food is a fuel source, a way to nourish your cells, brain and muscles with the nutrients and energy that it needs to support you during the day. By giving it the foods that provides you with maximum energy and vitality, you are ensuring that you can achieve your to-do list, you can work out without feeling drained, and best of all, you can spend time with your loved ones without feeling bloated, lethargic or a slave to food. 

So how can you stop punishing yourself with food? Here’s a few tips:

  • Pay attention to how you feel after you eat: If it helps, make a food diary, so you can record how foods are making you feel. Focus more on eating the foods that help you feel energized for longer, and less time eating the foods that make you feel tired and sluggish. Food affect people differently, so your list of energizing foods may be different from someone else’s.
  • Don’t worry about fads: There are so many diets out there from keto, paleo, whole 30, vegan… the list goes on. Your friends may be doing some of these diets, and if so, let them! You don’t have to join in. Scientific studies have shown that the best diet for weight loss is one that is sustainable. So don’t worry about fads. Fads are a one-off that may help you lose weight quickly, but are not sustainable. Stay strong against peer pressure and focus on nourishing your body with whole foods that taste good and are good for you. 
  • Building a healthy, positive relationship with food takes time: This is real life. There will be times when you will go out to lunch with friends or go to big family gatherings that have a buffet of foods that you don’t normally eat. It is ok to eat different foods! It is ok to eat richer, more indulgent foods sometimes. It may make you feel less energetic than normal, but it’s ok. Building a healthier, positive relationship with food means that you don’t ever have to feel guilty for having dessert. 

Changing your perspective on food can have incredible repercussions on other aspects of your life. Once you see the positive change from how you think about food, you will feel energized and motivated to accomplish other goals in your life. But best of all, you will gain back your self-confidence. Your relationship with food is in your control. And it’s time to make it a positive one. 

You can connect with Renata on the following platforms:

Nourish with Renata blog at www.nourishwithrenata.com 

Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/nourish_with_renata

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nourish-with-Renata-2030856650493733/

Twitter at https://twitter.com/NourishwRenata 

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Getting Into the Holiday Spirit – A Holiday Guide – BeautyMePlease

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This Black Friday post comes to you from a fellow Washington resident! Briana reached out to me regarding guest posting, and lo and behold she lives only one hour from me in my new home state! I’m sure you’ll see more collaborating between her and I in the coming years as we can easily work together to come up with ideas. Without further hesitation, I present BeautyMePlease!

As the end of the year approaches faster than ever, every year we still face the same problem: Getting into the holiday vibe. True story! You must be thinking, “alright Bri, Good luck with that”, well GRINCH, I don’t need your input!

Before we get started let me introduce myself, My name is Briana and I am the owner/creator of Beauty me Please! I am a beauty blogger and freelance makeup artist that blog about beauty as long as it is cruelty free & vegan! I also do personal blogs and self care because we all need that reminder to take care of ourselves. If you want to see more of me don’t hesitate to visit me at beautymeplease.com

Coffee up and take a seat because we are getting festive!

1. Smell like a SNACK

Ever here the term “Smelling like a snack? Yeah I have too and I am not too fond of it but it is relevant for this topic. One way to get into the holiday spirit to to bathe in the scents and oh so good beauty products. I am talking candles, shower gels, lotions, hair products and maybe as far as toothpaste. That sounds like a cavity. But it is a start! If your tree is up, spray some pine, need some candles? Hit up Bath N Body works for some sugarcookie or vanilla scented candles to make your house smell like a bakery all day everyday! Something fun and relaxing is taking a bath and using a really good scented bath bomb and then lotion up afterwards. Usually with smells that go well together. Careful not to go overboard though, it happens.

2. Baking and baked goods make the heart whole 

At heart, if there are no sweets of any kind I am a very very sad soul and many others are too. It is literally the unofficial tradition for thanksgiving or Christmas. Sure you have your buffets of food but your holiday will not be complete without  some yummy baked goods. 

So you can go out an check out and support your local bake shops because usually they have the good stuff. Or checkout Pinterest because there are so many really good and healthy dishes and recipes but the search will be unlimited! Best believe Pinterest has millions of recipes and more more are added everyday and since the holidays are here, you are boundto find the perfect recipe.

 

3. Facebook events

If you are looking to save money this year because you blew it all on decorations or presents but still want something to do then this is for you. Around this time of year, your town or city have many events happening pertaining to the holiday or celebrations. There are dance events, events for family and children,concerts, special mall parties, whatever it may be you are bound to something really fun and worth the experience. A lot of the events depending on the area will be free and also depending on the area or event in general there are fees but nothing too crazy. Definitely doable. Facebook events are easily accessible in the app and on desktop. Give it a whirl and see what you find.

4. Decorate!

This is the simplest and easiest way to truly get festive and feel one with the spirit! Decorating is like the soul or the door to feeling happy and good spirited with the harsh winter fall and winter weather. It keeps you sain, and you don’t have to leave your house if you don’t want after you make your place a living museum of decorative vibes. And every year you get to spend time in looking for MORE decor to compliment what you already have. It is the truest form of satisfaction.

5. You’re the Grinch

If none of these are tickling you yet, I fear that it is too late for you! YOU GRINCH! Or possibly scrooge? You simply cannot be entertained! Getting festive and feeling the holiday is also wanting to really feel something else other than moping around and feeling unhappy. My advice? Go to that neighborhood where every house and lawn is decked out head-to-toe in decorations. Appreciate all the pretty lights and the effort that goes into that maintenance and dedication it took to get all that out. You know what I am talking about! When you were younger your family would drive around looking at all the homes that were bright and colorful SCREAMING for attention! If that STILL doesn’t get your blood flowing well, Netflix your problems until you feel better.

Well that is all I have for this year guys! I hope you guys enjoyed this read as much as I did but really, all seriousness aside you should really some of these out if you haven’t already, could make a difference, who knows. I’d like to thank Koral, for giving me the opportunity to reach out to you guys and give you some ideas and hopefully a laugh! She is a great person and I love her work as you do too! Thank you for having me, again my name is Briana and I hope you have the BEST Thanksgiving and Christmas and a Happy New year!

#FreebieFriday

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So today is Friday, and I know I already posted a guest blogger BUT I wanted to hand out a freebie that I made for ya’ll to print and hang up as you wish. I love chicken and waffles, and SO many other people have their own interpretation of what chicken and waffles is to them so I decided to make something for all you lovers of chicken and waffles out there!

Here’s a smaller preview of the image, but you can download it here from my Google Drive for the larger version to print and frame for your home. I’ve made multiple images for you with different colors so you can express yourself.

Have fun and if you download it and hang it up, send me a photo in the comments so I can showcase them!

Chicken and WafflesChicken and Waffles-2Chicken and Waffles-3

Chicken and Waffles-4Chicken and Waffles-5Chicken and Waffles-6

 

Five Tips for Creating Clickable Posts Your Audience Will Want to Share

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Hi everyone and welcome to the new renovated Unsanity Blog. I’ve changed a few things you might want to check out on the site, including the layout and URL – I have my own domain again! It’s been awhile and now that I have a bit more time to dedicate to my blog, I’m going to be updating regularly, scheduling posts and posting as much as I can, when I can. I’ve added some new widgets at the bottom, including a countdown and a link to my Facebook Page where you can find additional content and graphics I make for you to love and share.

Here, I wanted to highlight five tips for creating clickable posts your audience will want to share. This list is (or should be at least) known by all, but in case you don’t know this, feel free to share away! (Yes they still have my old website on them, since these were created awhile ago, and I am aware of that, but the website still works!) Each tip features a cute yet strong animal everyone can relate to in their own way.

  1. Be Relevant
  2. Use A Strong CTA (Call to Action)
  3. Use Smart Design Strategies
  4. Remember Each Platform is Different
  5. BE ORIGINAL (most important!)

    • Lessons From Anxiety – Marvelously Miranda

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    It’s Wednesday! And you know what that means – guest blogger number one!

    I want to give a big thanks to Miranda for being the first person to get a blog over to me and so quickly.

    Check out her story in my previous post and her Lessons From Anxiety.

    Despite having symptoms years earlier, I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at the age of 20.  I am now 24 and I can tell you that I have learned a lot by living with anxiety.  I would like to share with you 5 things living with anxiety has taught me in the hopes that they will help you as you strive to be victorious in the battlefield of your mind.

    1. THE VOICE INSIDE MY MIND, lies.  I am sure you know the voice I am talking about….it tells you that you’re worthless, that you are a failure, that you have let everyone down.  The voice that’s heard desires to haunt during the night and remind of every little mistake made.  That voice that speaks so harshly to me, he is full of lies.  Anxiety will make everything bigger than it is.  I may read a text and forget to respond for a while.  Suddenly, I’m hearing I’m a failure, I’m proving how unworthy of love and devotion I am.  I know that this is not true, this is anxiety speaking to me and I just have to remember the voice I hear, lies.
    2. BOUNDARIES ARE IMPORTANT: If you have anxiety, then you know how easy it can be to worry about everyone around you.  Sometimes, we can worry about someone so much, we make ourselves sick (oh dear, ask me how I know…).  Unfortunately, there are people in the world who prey on those with anxiety and who like to “befriend” those of us with anxiety because our fear of conflict can be a reason to avoid saying “no” at all cost.  One thing I’ve learned is that setting boundaries are important both for my mental health and my overall safety and well-being.  Does setting a boundary and sticking to it make me nervous? You bet! but it’s something I have got to do even if it costs me some relationships.
    3. ANXIETY CAN BE USED AS MOTIVATION:This post is proof.  If I didn’t have anxiety myself, I wouldn’t be as motivated to write about my experience and try to help someone else in the same predicament. I try to let anxiety fuel my fire and passion for mental health.
    4. IF YOU HAVE TO DO THINGS AFRAID, THAT’S OK!: As mentioned above, anxiety can be a good tool to motivate an individual.  But, if you’re like me you may decide to allow the anxiety to motivate you to do something and then once you begin the process of doing what it is you’ve set your mind to, you become more anxious and begin to doubt whether or not you’re capable of what you’re trying to accomplish.  Sometimes, venturing out of your comfort zone can fill you with fear and dread but that’s ok.  If you’re afraid to write, write anyway.  If you’re afraid to change careers but have always had a burning desire to do so, then change.  You may still feel the fear while you’re working on your goals but that’s ok.  You can do whatever it is you desire to do even if you’re afraid.
    5. IT IS IMPORTANT TO SEEK HELP IF YOU NEED IT: I suffered with anxiety for years before finally seeking help.  Waiting to reach out cost me relationships with friends, family, and quality of life.  I was so sure that I could overcome anxiety on my own if I just kept exercising, eating right, and spending time doing activities I enjoyed.  My biggest regret about getting help is the fact that I did not do it sooner.  If you are struggling with anxiety and are desperate for relief, reach out.  Talk to a trusted friend, family member, etc…it may be that you need to access your support system more.  It may even be that you could benefit from medication (please talk with your doctor before trying any supplement or prescription).  If you do find that you need medication (as I do), there is no shame in utilizing it.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Anxiety can be difficult to manage but one thing I know is this, overcoming the challenges that come with living with anxiety is possible.  You have a talent that you need to show the world so do what you can to overcome the anxiety, ignore the voice in your head that lies to you, and do whatever it is you are motivated to do.  Even if you have to do it afraid.
    Thanks for reading and head on over to Marvelously Miranda for more!

    Bullet Journaling

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    So awhile back in probably February, after I got a little more comfortable with working in the PNW and my commute to work, I started a bullet journal for my tasks. I use this for both home and work tasks and split it up as evenly as I can.

    In here, you’ll see some photos of my original ones, to the middle to now, and to see my progress. (Some items are blurred out due solely for the fact that it’s me venting about BS.) I’ve brought my layout around full circle focusing on the minimal vs expanding it all, and now for July, I’m focusing more on design and flow as well as minimal content. I don’t think the days need to take up one page, but I’m also not sure how I feel that the entire week is only on two pages, with notes and goals. I think maybe 2 days per page and notes for each day or something similar to that. I don’t really use it on the weekends much, it’s more for mapping out the things that need to get done that weekend to keep track. It’s easier since I split up Saturday and Sunday into smaller areas for July, so it makes is neater but I just don’t know how I feel about it just yet until I start using it. Then I’ll know for August and moving forward.

    It’s always fun to play around with new layouts each month. When you find things that work or don’t work, that’s always an exciting time. For example: my habit tracker and mood tracker for June that I made. It’s combined into one page this time and I actually used Washi tape for the cupcakes to color in for the moods. It works and it’s pretty creative if I do say so myself. Michaels has TONS of Washi tape now at 3/$1 in the everyday pricing. I must have bought about … 75 already from them. Shhhhh. No one needs to know … Haha.

    As I steadily continue my spread over the month, the first week is gone and done already and you can see my updates below as well. Not much went on and not much will go on until the end of the month and August. I also don’t plan on bringing it with me when I go to San Fransisco for work in August so that will be a little bare sadly. It’s not a necessity for then and I’ll be at a conference anyway. #ihateflying

    FYI, I’ve started this blog back in July because I thought I’d be posting it sooner, turns out I wasn’t. I’m back from San Fran now and can show you what I’ve done for August! I’m excited. It’s a simple smooth layout that I came up with to keep everything plain and to the point.

    The photos are a bit out of order but it’s okay, I’m sure you get the idea of them!

    Hope you enjoyed them, and sorry for not catching up with blogging recently. I’ve been overwhelmed with other life things (another blog coming soon) and living out here in the PNW.

    Much love,

    Koral

    Liebster Awards!

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    I was nominated many eons ago by Debs The Ninja on her blog. I’m super grateful, and never realized what it was until I read more up on it not too long ago (meaning like 3 months ago now, but still this was from back years ago… lol.) Since this is so old, I’m going to still answer the questions I was given by Debs, but I’m hoping this will translate into the 2018 version. The rules are simple and not hard to follow!

    These are the rules: 

    Thank the nominator and post a link to his/her blog
    Display the award on your blog
    Answer the questions provided by the nominator
    Include some random facts about yourself
    Nominate 5-11 blogs which have less than 1000 followers
    Prepare more questions

    The questions given to me go as follows:

    If you could visit any five countries in the world with no time or money constraints, where would you go and why?

    Wow, any 5? I’m not honestly sure. I know one would have to be Hungary because I’m Hungarian and Budapest is gorgeous in photos I see on the web. I know someone who lives there, and she’s a fellow Etsy seller (you can check out her stuff here!) My next would have to be Iceland. I’ve always wanted to head there and see the hot springs and mountains that I see so many photos of online and on Instagram. I was thinking possibly a honeymoon destination…. but I’d need to get the fiance on board first to go there, haha. Third would have to be Finland. My mom went some many years ago, and said it was gorgeous. Not to mention that the fact so much amazing music comes out of there… mainly Poets of the Fall which happens to be my favorite band. I have never seen them because they don’t have a presence over here in the states, sadly. But one day I hope to see them live. Also, northern lights, DUH! My last two would have to be Japan and Scotland. No real reason except that photos that I’ve seen are amazing. As someone who has an interest in photography and different food sometimes, I’d say it would be well worth it for me to explore more options. A lot of other countries are over played.. and make them more crowded. I’d like to go off the beaten path a bit and stay in locations that aren’t popular at these.

    What inspires or motivates you?

    Before my fiance… not much motivated me. I was in a crappy hole from break up after break up and didn’t want to do anything or be with anyone. Now, I like to think we inspire each other with ideas and we mesh well, making us both better people. I love nature and the organic shapes of flowers, leaves, and trees. In order to be surrounded by inspiration and find new inspiration, I think it’s important to get out of your office every day to take a short walk or find a new hiking path. I want to start to do this more, since the weather is starting to get amazing here in WA.

    How would you describe yourself in ten words?

    1. Outgoing 2. Loving 3. Crazy 4. Wine-Drinker 5. Passionate 6. Short-Tempered 7. Motivational 8. Understanding 9. SocialButterfly 10. Weird

    What is the craziest or awesomest thing you’ve ever done?

    Packed up and moved to the West Coast. No, seriously. I was living in PA and previously NJ, and was like you know what, I need a change. So I found a job out here and well, here I am! I decided that I wasn’t getting any younger and if I wanted to do something I had to do it. And thankfully my fiance came with me (LOL) or he’d be pretty sad back there without me.

    What is your spirit animal and why?

    The Wolf: A power animal symbolic of freedom

    The power of the wolf brings forth instinct, intelligence, appetite for freedom, and awareness of the importance of social connections. This animal can also symbolize fear of being threatened and lack of trust. When the wolf shows up in your life, pay attention to what your intuition is telling you. Wolf power or spirit animals point to an appetite for freedom and living life powerfully, guided by instincts. When a wolf manifests its presence as a guide in your life, it could be a call to live your life more freely, to bring the intensity of passion in your everyday endeavors. Wolves are wild animals that are not easily domesticated and when they appear as spirit guides, they could be an invitation to look at what supports your authentic self and the true expression of yourself. The wolf totem is a reminder to keep your spirit alive and trust your instincts to find the way that will best suit you. (Excerpt taken from here.)

    Do you remember your dreams? If so, what was your weirdest dream?

    Sometimes I do. That’s something I’ve always wanted to keep track of at least for a little while. I haven’t been dreaming lately though, since moving to Washington. Which I find a little odd. Back in PA I was always dreaming and I’ve had a few strange ones, but none that I can remember vividly to be honest. I’d like to keep a dream journal by my bed to start tracking those, if I ever have another dream.

    What is your favorite band/song/genre of music?

    I like to say I don’t have a favorite band or genre at all. I listen to anything from Pop to Rock to Death Metal to Opera so I don’t think I can give myself a category specifically. I feel like there are a lot of people like this in today’s day and age, along with this being perfectly normal.

    How would you describe a perfect day?

    If you want to check out my previous blog I wrote about this you can – it’s too long to write in here!

    Do you prefer cold weather or hot weather? 

    Cold! Well, sometimes. You can always put on more layers to get warm, but you can’t take off anymore layers without going past naked. At least, that’s how I view it… I’m not sure how the rest of you do. I’d much rather pile on the blankets to be comfortable than dripping sweat when you need electricity for a fan or something to help that out.

    What are you most afraid of?

    Existential Anxiety: According to existential theorists, a universal fear of the limits and responsibilities of one’s existence.

    What do you love more than anything else and why?

    1. Learning. Learning is not necessarily about knowledge per se but it is also about developing the ability to think critically, about using one’s imagination and many more things. Ghandi once declared that “the future depends on what we do in the present.” If we are to have a future, we need to evolve.
    2. Nature. “We need the tonic of wildness…At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.” ― Henry David Thoreau
    3. 27752368_1624846487622569_4065434429084898169_n
      Need I say more?

    Nominated Blogs:

    1. Delux Does Life
    2. Discovering Life with Appie
    3. Sweet Lemons
    4. Anna Merissa
    5. Bay Area Beauty Blogger
    6. 4 Little Fergusons
    7. Butterfly Samurai
    8. A Guy’s Guide to Wedding Planning

    Here are my new questions to answer:

    1. What is your favorite quote?
    2. If you could go anywhere in the world for 3 months, where would you go and why?
    3. What are some things you’re passionate about and why?
    4. That’s the weirdest thing you’ve done so far?
    5. Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?
    6. What makes you feel accomplished?
    7. If you are in a bad mood, do you prefer to be left alone or have someone to cheer you up?
    8. Do you believe in second chances?
    9. What’s on your bucket list this year?
    10. What’s your biggest regret in life?

    Random Facts

    1. I’ve been to 26 states so far and hoping to do all 50 before 35.
    2. I have 21 tattoos.
    3. I’ve had my blog for 7+ years.
    4. If I go to a brewery, and they don’t have a pretzel and beer cheese sauce, they are immediately judged. It’s my go to.
    5. I drink wine like water sometimes.
    6. I’ve lived on both coasts now, and the weather on the West Coast is so far the winner even though I’ve only been here for 5 months.
    7. I hate flying.
    8. I work for the government.
    9. I’m marrying my best friend – someone who’s tried to get me for 4 years.
    10. I procrastinate everything in life … Except work most times.

    I’d Like a Drink

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    Sunday evening and I’ve spent about an hour and a half in the bath enjoying my “me” time making some designs. I remember today was Victor Hugo day and I chose something from Les Misérables because it’s my favorite movie.

    I’d like to watch it sometime here soon. I haven’t in about a year and a half, and that’s something I’d like to do usually once every few months. I’ve done it every year now for quite some time.

    We’ve been working on wedding stuff and it’s stressing me out, so I came up with this one for today! Enjoy.

    xoxoxo

    Koral Dawn