Trivial Things that have Changed My Life

Undeniably, living in a first world country in the 21st country can often cause us to act like huge brats.  We get upset when things don't go our way, or when we don't get what we want (hence, the phrase, "first world problems"), and fail to remember that there are so many people out there who don't have it as easy as us.

But don't worry, I'm not getting all heavy and serious with you today.  Although it is always necessary to count your blessings and be thankful for things like clean, running water, a home, and other life essentials, I thought it would be much more fun to tell you some of the trivial things that have changed my life for the better.

Flannel Shirts 

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Over-sized flannel shirts are one of my wardrobe must-haves because they look good with EVERYTHING.  Thrown over any type of outfit, a flannel shirt makes you look effortlessly stylish and cool and kinda hipster and cute and you can wear it on your body or tied around your waist and, well, I just don't know what I would do without it.  It is literally my go-to piece.

Kale

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Did you know that kale is a super food??  You can't go wrong with adding more of it to your diet!  Find this image and some recipes here.

Okay, maybe this isn't exactly "trivial", seeing as kale has a thousand health benefits, but it has definitely changed my life.  In addition to having tons of vitamins, preventing certain cancer risks, and being a detox food, kale is delicious!  It may have a bitter, acquired taste for some people, but it can be included in sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and eaten raw, cooked, or baked...kale chips anyone? 

Pinterest

If it was possible to live inside Pinterest, I would move in a heartbeat.  I often call it a classier version of Tumblr (no offense to Tumblr users of course, I love Tumblr as well!).  Both have the same idea posting photos and quotes on your profile, but Pinterest is more organized, and can be used as an inspiration and aspiration board: you can "pin" quotes and photos that inspire you, but also create Pinboards that help you plan the type of life you want to live in the future (not to mention the amazing recipes I find on this website that turn out perfectly and make me feel like a top chef).

Liquid Eyeliner

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Ah, liquid eyeliner.  My mother actually gave me my first tube (is that what it's called? who knows) a few years ago when she found it too frustrating to perfect the technique herself.  And I am so thankful she did.  A normal pencil eyeliner provides more of a natural, everyday look, but liquid eyeliner does a great job at accentuating the eyes, and making your makeup look absolutely gorgeous.  Although it takes practice to steady your hand when applying this magical product, I think most girls can agree that when you're in the zone, and create two perfect wings with a good liquid eyeliner, you feel invincible.    

My cellphone as a TV remote

Being able to use my cellphone as a TV remote is one of the millions of things I love about it!

I don't know if an *cough* iPhone user can do this without having to downloading an app, but my cellphone acting as a remote control has saved me so much time searching for the actual TV remote between couch cushions or under my bed's comforters.  It can hook up to any TV, change the channel, adjust the volume, and more.  My phone can also tell me which of my favourite shows are on at any moment, as well as the channel and episode.  But iPhones are cool too!!! Ha. 

Frozen Yogurt

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I knew I was in love with frozen yogurt when I finished the 2L tub in less than a week (don't judge me).  I don't know if it is the fact that it tastes good with any topping, or that I'm justified by it being somewhat healthier than ice cream, but regardless, any flavour of frozen yogurt has my heart.

Pulled Pork

How delicious does this look?! (Source)

At first, I didn't understand all the hype around pulled pork, but eventually something clicked, and I've been in love ever since.  There is just something about braised pork smothered in delicious barbecue sauce, and served between two warm slices of bread or hamburger buns.  And if you haven't tried it, please do yourself the favour and get on that ASAP.

The subway

It may look dark and gross, but the subway is so convenient that you won't even mind. 

I know that many people have problems with this underground form of transportation being dirty, smelly, and unreliable.  However, coming from a city where the transit could arrive in 20 minutes or 40 minutes (or not at all...don't get me started), the subway arriving every two minutes is just heaven sent.  It is also a great place to people watch, and come in contact with a lot of different human beings (unless you hate coming into contact with human beings, because then I don't know what to tell you).

Smoothies

I am obsessed with green juice and will be posting my favourite recipe very soon! 

Find this photo (and the recipe) here! 

Even though I am not Catholic, during Lent, I decided to give up sugary drinks.  During this time, I relied on natural smoothies to get me through the 40 days.  And let me tell you, smoothies are wonderful.  With yummy fruits and vegetables and a little bit of milk, yogurt, or water, there is absolutely no need to include sugar.  Homemade smoothies are also a great way to sneak those fruits and veggies into your daily diet, especially if you are not a fan of eating them raw.  

YouTube

Casually writing this post while also watching one of my favourite beauty gurus, Meghan Rienks on YouTube.  Check her out!

If you know me or follow me on Twitter, you would know how much I love YouTube.  There is no shortage of entertainment on this website, whether it be funny tags and challenges, beauty or hair tutorials, vlogs, and of course, music.  I can honestly say I watch more videos on YouTube than shows on the television, and that I've learned (and laughed!) more as well.  Not to mention that I embarrassingly consider my favourite YouTubers my friends (I mean, they have tweeted me).

And there you have it, some of the superficial things that have changed my life.  My advice to you is that the next time you get angry over first world problems, you think about all the first world solutions that have made you a much happier camper.


What trivial things have changed your life?


Don't forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.  Have a fantastic week!

The Single Girl's (or Boy's) Guide to Spending Valentine's Day

We are now into the second week of February, and are quickly approaching what most people call Valentine's Day, and what I call Friday.  That's right, I'm single.  Please contain your excitement boys.

Anyway, as a single person who's never had a valentine before, I've had to be creative with how I spend this special love day.  And I thought I'd share what I've come up with.  This isn't a post to make you feel bad about your relationship status, and these aren't activities that should or have to be reserved for Valentine's day--as I said before, it's essentially just another Friday night.  You can choose to do one of these, or spread the activities out over the entire weekend.  SO without further adieu, here is your single girl's guide to how to spend Valentine's day...or any day.

Thanks but no thanks...

Bake something 

Click on the photos for their recipes, and visit my Pinterest for other recipes!

Look for a really easy recipe on Pinterest or Allrecipes.com for brownies or cake or something yummy, and pull a Betty Crocker (she's not even a real person, oops) in the kitchen.  The best part about creating these treats as an independent young person who doesn't need anyone to define you, is that you can indulge in them all by yourself.  Nothing's worse than having to give away half your cupcakes or cookies to others (kidding), when you can stuff your face with all of them, ha.

Get Pampered 

Do some primping and make yourself feel good.  Get a manicure or a facial and use this day to give yourself the TLC you deserve.  Go all out with what you choose to do at the nail salon, and for the next two weeks, let those pretty nails be a reminder of the wonderful day you had with yourself...the #1 person in your life.

Send V-Day cards to your loved ones 

Instead of sending a sappy text message to some guy, make or buy a few cards, and write personal messages to the people who will appreciate it the most: your friends and family.  Love isn't always professed to a significant other; your platonic relationships are important too.  Use this day to remind your loved ones how much you value, admire, and, well, love them!  I guarantee it'll warm their little hearts, and that your card will be the one they actually keep after V-day.

Surf the internet

This is exactly what I mean by surfing the net..yep.

If you read my last blog post, you know how much I love the internet.  It can be used for productivity, like searching for summer jobs or companies you'd like to work for in the future, but I also personally enjoy searching for vacation destinations, taking personality tests, reading blogs, or watching celebrity news or pointless videos on YouTube.  Try googling one topic, and see where it takes you by the time the clock strikes 3 am (because that's what the internet'll do to ya).

Go out with a potential new friend 

As much as you may be worrying and/or complaining about it, I'm sure not everrry single one of your friends is in a relationship.  And if they are, why not invite someone you've been meaning to get to know out for coffee or dessert (or, you know, both)?  This will give you a chance to engage in some stimulating one-on-one conversation, and you may even end the night with a new friend with whom you bonded with because of your lack of Valentines dates.

 Attend a school event (or any event)

Most schools plan some sort of event to "celebrate" V-day, whether it be a dance, traffic light party, or just a crazy bash for the student body to enjoy.  And I encourage you to go, not necessarily with the intention of meeting your next boy or girl toy, but to go out, have a good time, and meet cool new people.  Talk to someone or everyone, and keep an open mind.  You might be surprised at how much fun you have.  Show others just how charming and amazing you are, and maybe you'll meet your Prince Charming (you probably won't)!!!!!!!

Raid the discount DVD bins at stores

Big box stores like Walmart and Target always have those huge bins of discounted DVDs in the electronics section.  Visit one of these stores and purchase your favourite movie, a classic film you haven't seen yet, or even a $5 flick that looks terrible--that way you'll either be pleasantly surprised by how good it turns out to be, or entertained by how horrible it truly is.

Get some retail therapy

It's been proven that shopping for the soul is actually a thing now.  It can be relaxing and reduce stress, but it's also so much fun.  Head to the mall and buy some new pieces for your spring wardrobe, because getting new things is good.  And if you don't have money, tell your parents that because you're not in a relationship, you have to buy yourself gifts, letting a single tear fall down your cheek and guilting them into funding your mid-February shopping trip.

Stay Home 

If none of these suggestions tickle your fancy, something that never fails is spending the night wrapped up in a blanket like a little burrito, and engaging in the two best activities ever created: sleeping and eating.  It's nice to go out and have a good time with friend or partner, but there are times when I'm thankful that I don't have to dress up, make my face look decent, and leave the house (unless I'm stepping outside to pay the pizza man or something).  Ugh, there's just something so attractive about my bed...and the thought of me in it.

Count your blessings

Being single isn't the end of the world.  In fact, it can be a blessing, depending on how you look at it.  Take this time to focus on school or work, become more independent, and grow as a person.  Be thankful for what you have, confident in who you are, and have faith in what's in store for the future.  The right person for you is out there, and you will both benefit from how much more amazing you'll be after this time you've taken to work on yourself.  But in the meantime, be patient and enjoy your life!



What are your plans for Valentine's Day?



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**Click on the photos to be directed to their original web pages**

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