Life is Outside the Comfort Zone

For as long as I’ve lived, I have led my life through my eyes and my understandings. Sure they all have not been awesome judgments, sure there were many downfalls, but whatever it was, it was me. I hung out with people who always thought that I was right; I would take advice but make sure they always said what I wanted to listen. Irony was, I didn’t even notice when they were giving bad advice just to please me. I out of my understanding, tried mingling with people, who found me perfect – because that was the bubble I was most comfortable in.
It takes a lot for a person to pick out the negatives within and agree to the notion of being wrong. I of all people had the worst time accepting my flaws, for me I was always right, because being right was comfortable to me. You can only imagine the amount of work that goes into self-healing once you know, you are wrong, and you need to fix things. There’s facing yourself, than demanding change, than coping anxiety and what not. It’s easier to know you are perfect, and it’s even easier to find people who would impose your good qualities on you, just to get in your good books (for many obvious reasons).
This make-believe life of mine made me very confident and charming but this was just for the little world of mine, for the outside world, I still wasn’t aware of the amount of dedication that was needed to make my mark, in any field of life. You see, I didn’t even know, what it would be like, if I wasn’t correct all the time.
Then I met my husband, who believes in me like anything, but never agrees on anything. Being with him made me realized how the outside world would be like. With him it was obviously easier, because he was mine, no matter how bad it was, he would stay, say yes. But for the world outside, they weren’t there to butter me up, they would reject my presentations at meetings, they would tell me I look fat, they would cut me off during a conversations, they will not always appreciate my cloths. The outside world wasn’t as comfortable as mine, and my husband made me see it through his eyes.
The constant argument over an idea that I had, which excited me the most and my only hope was for him to love it –made me question a lot about our relationship. Why can’t he just be happy for me? Why is there always a list of questions after anything I speak about? The one thing that I missed over and over again was his way of polishing me up for worse situations. He knew about my comfort bubble, he knew I won’t be able to face the world. And so he became them, those who would negate me, those who would question me, he became them, to make me capable enough to face them.
We all have someone like this in our circles. For some it’s the parents, or an older sibling, or even a friend. Find out that person, and start listening to what they have to say. They may not always be right, I know my husband isn’t! But whatever they question you about, are the things you need to be ready with. The world only gives a few chances, and you need to be prepared enough in order to gain as much as you can in those chances only. Once gone, you’d be looking for a comfort bubble again.
I’ve had a long day today regarding following your dreams, and believing in yourself. It’s a campaign we are doing for one of our clients – and all the discussions and analysis made me think of my own self, and all the things my husband tells me. The time is now to believe and live your dream … he says “as long as you are in the bubble you won’t achieve”. Sure it will be tough, but won’t it be worth it?!
Find that person, and let him shake off your make beliefs. Look at the world with new found open eyes, and just take the steps forward!

Life is outside the comfort zone!

Happy Mother's Day! Although it should be celebrated every single day of the year...

Yes, it is that day of the year when you get to thank your mum, for whatever she’s done, been through and coped up with for you! Because sadly, all the rest of the year, you are either too full of yourself or too busy, to acknowledge her. Well now that, out of obligation you will be finally acknowledging it for this year, why not tell her she’s beautiful, she’s perfect, she is your inspiration and your motivation.

Mother’s Day is a holiday honoring motherhood that is observed in different forms throughout the world. The American incarnation of Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. Mother’s Day most commonly falls on the second Sunday in May but there are obviously different versions of it because honestly mankind could not have consensus over this matter too. As per the respective traditions, in Thailand, Mother’s Day is always celebrated in August on the birthday of the current queen, Sirikit. Another alternate observance of Mother’s Day can be found in Ethiopia, where families gather each fall to sing songs and eat a large feast as part of Antrosht, a multi-day celebration honoring motherhood. All in all, whatever way we choose to celebrate it, the essence is to honor motherhood, be thankful and behave, at least for this one day.

Can you imagine doing the same chores, running the same errands and tolerating you, your dad and your siblings every minute of the day, 365 days a year? Impossible! Only a super woman like her could do it all, and still manage to have a smile on her face and that is why finding perfect gift for mums is always so difficult. They are so easy to please, because you’re most snobbish, hug would make smile out of joy, yet the most expensive jewelry piece would make her angry. She would tell you to invest in good cloths, but she likes her old grumpy wardrobe because “it’s comfortable” – we all know that’s a lie.

I have come up, with the most effective list of gifts to surprise your mom this year. Why do I think my list is authentic, a) I am not bias to either party because not having a mum for myself has given me that extra edge to be a good critic and b) because I know a mothers worth, and I’ll be in a good spot to smack the attitude out of you. For all those who are expecting vase and lamp ideas, please leave I’m not going to blab about keepsakes and stuff. That’s something you do every year, with maybe a chocolate cake and a bouquet. This year we’re bringing in the laughter back, give your old girl a smile forever.

To the quirk this year! Why? Because it doesn’t always have to be so emotional and depressing every time you express love to your parents. Have a little fun with them, have a laugh – here’s how and the first one is my favorite:D

Etsy

Etsy

Etsy

Etsy

Etsy

Etsy

Etsy

Etsy

Etsy

Etsy

Etsy

Etsy

Go to Etsy and order now. Or even if not that, at least get inspired by these ideas and bring out the humor in life. Happy Mother's Day in advance!

We are celebrating HOME today!

 “Man shapes himself through decisions that shape his environment.” 
Rene Dubos

 I don’t know why love and care for Mother Nature has to be imposed on people. Isn’t it something everyone should have within them naturally? I mean it’s your home, its where you live, its where your fore fathers lived and your coming generations will reap too. This place, called earth has given you shelter, food, businesses, cultures and even the religions that you follow. Earth has given you LIFE! Imagine being born on Mars, no offense, I have nothing against that below freezing, red colored mysterious looking planet but honestly if ever given a chance, I’d like to be stationed on earth again, if there is another life. After all this is where my comfort zone is, this is where I know my plants, my people, and my temperature. Its Home! (Have you not seen Home?! Watch it to realize how important your planet would be to you, if you one day are thrown out for evacuation purposes, having no clue about what’s in store at the other planet - I mean let’s be honest, how do you plan to function without oxygen?)

It is not supposed to be pasted on every wall, not to throw litter! Do you eat a bag of chips and throw it in your living room - NO! (If you do maybe get yourself checked) Do you artistically clutter all your waste product on your porch – I hope NOT! Do you eat out of mud or drink dirty water – NO & NO! than why do you project a life, that forces animals, plants and poor people, outside your home, eat, live, drink and survive in such conditions? Firstly we need to get our game straight ASAP, or there will be no place to live soon and secondly we need to be a lot less selfish. Earth is not just your property, it’s for the entire human race, it’s for each and every plant that grows here, it is for every animal or creature that’s in it – So back off and start handling Earth with care!

Seriously guys, earth deserves your love and attention – it’s given you so much, all it needs is a little respect. Here are some small gestures to appreciate and cherish earth, not just on earth day, But make it a regular habit. I promise you will get the benefits too.

Take A Walk:

Breath the air that it has to offer. Feel the sun, walk on the grass – and for the most magical experience, walk under the stars. You’ll see what a great miracle this place is.

Plant A Tree:

For obvious reasons! Earth is in a bad shape, and it needs our help. They say, the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now. Plant one today!

Donate:

I myself am one of those, who have tons of cloths and yet I stand in front of my wardrobe every day thinking I have nothing to wear. Let’s start being more considerate, for those who have nothing to wear – let alone soft pashminas and comfortable fur boots. Collect cloths, toys basically anything that you have a lot of and which would make someone else happy.

Recycle E Waste:

Yes we have come to an era, where works seems impossible without technology. Everyday life seems pointless and merely functional if gods forbid the phone battery runs out. But trust me, these mean machines, that are either outdated for use, or are just an older version that doesn’t serve your class anymore need to recycle and not cluster.

Volunteer:

Bring good to someone else! Volunteer in community services and help those in need grow. Cook them food, built them shelters bring happiness and comfort to them in any way possible.

Go Cycling:

Say no to air or voice pollution. At least for smaller routes, opt for cycling – I’m sure you can use a little exercise too!

Plant Food:


Go the green way and help reduce the carbon emission. Global warming is a serious concern and we need to take precautions right now to eliminate concerns like food miles, energy, time and money.

Remember:

There is a reason this earth came into being, there is a reason you were chosen to be a part of this miracle. Earth started its journey from zero and by the time you got here to experience, enjoy and even abuse all that it had to offer, it had produced way too much. Cherish all that – thank for all the joys earth has brought to your life.

Own Earth, Save Earth! And for a Earthday movie night special - watch "Kooyaanisqatsi"!

“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.”
Elbert Einstein

Shibori is a Japanese Tie & Dye technique, looks beautiful with one solid base and tones of another contrasting hue with it. It is done by folding and twisting fabric to achieve a certain kind of pattern. Are we talking about tie & dye here, not exactly, but maybe soon - for now we are taking about HAIR.

Word just got out that Tanya Ramirez has created a master piece look for her passion - a dream she has had for over 3 years, using this very famous method. The hair not just looks colorful and pretty but sure is a one of a kind hair-do!

Shibori Hair

This is beyond beautiful and I hope we can get this look soon here but in the meanwhile, there a shout-out to the master mind behind this amazing work. Can you now try a "Chunri Tie & Dye" for hair as well. I think it'll look fab and I would be the first one to try it. I'm attaching a picture below for your inspiration and all the best with the hair magic!

Pakistani Chunri Tie & Dye

Hair Game For Life!

Reverse Your Make-Up Routine Now!!!

Conditioner Before Shampoo:
I tried it myself because I was skeptical about the result. I assumed conditioner is supposed to be the last things A) because the back of the bottle says so & B) because if you don't use it last, how will you achieve the soft and smooth texture. But then I read some things on this matter online and started questioning my choices, because really, life is so full of these pity issues. But hey! Hair is a serious subject. Anyways so I got into the shower,  picked up the shampoo bottle, soon to realize, today is the reverse day - "no honey not you right now", and splattered conditioner on my scalp. Felt fruity and nice but it felt like having makeup on without washing my face in the morning. After applying it on my roots and washing it off, I went on to shampooing. After which I again habitually picked up the conditioner bottle and thought - "oh honey not you again".
Did I feel any difference in my hair texture? Yes I did! The soft and smooth feel stayed in my hair, even after they dried. Now I don't know how this happened, and if this is the right way to wash one's hair why were we told otherwise on every shampoo bottle, but the trick worked and that's all that matters.

Still dont believe me? Major brands like TRESemme Expert Solution & Kerastase Resistance are here in the market with new product range for these reverse conditioning solutions. Try one now, and you can thank me later.

Makeup Before Blow Dry:
Fresh makeup always looks better but blow drying after the makeup is done works best for me. Why, I think because it helps the makeup to settle in and hey that BB cream also needs a little time to start off the glow magic right!
How I usually go about it - do my complete makeup, blow dry and finish off with lipstick and a few touch up puffs in the end.
P.S: This routine also prevents your hair from access heat exposure.

Eye Makeup Before Foundation:
This one has a simple explanation. You see there's this eye shadow residue that falls down your eyelid while application, plus few smudges here and there if you can't get the perfect cat-eyeliner!
I love this routine because foundation afterwards helps me clear all that mess and gives away clean and flawless makeup.


Bronzer Before Blush:
Because otherwise the cheeks won't look plump enough. Bronzer tones your face down, obviously for the chiseling and sculpting purposes, but applying blush-on afterwards brings out the rosy glow.
Why this works perfect?! I feel I don't look all one tone - which is the bronzer tone, because the blush makes a difference.

Makeup Before Eyebrows:
You've got to match the intensity - doing eyebrows is very tricky as it is, and you don't want to look like a clown with fake ones. Finish off your makeup and do your eyebrows as dark or as light as required, to match your look.
I have very light eyebrows and can't do without perfecting them, but sometimes when I'm going for a softer day look I like using a brown shade, otherwise for night outs I opt for black/charcoal tones - doing eyebrows in the end helps me tone it up or down.

Eyelash Curler Before Mascara:
I know it's tempting to give your eyelashes that extra boost, right after applying mascara, but the truth is, because of the product application, no matter how amazing the mascara brand is, your lashes are more prone to breakage.
I usually curl lashes first and do a double layer of mascara - gives me the desired effect always.

Love To All You Beauties!

Rainbows - Contouring, Highlighting & Strobing - All Questions Answered!

Max Made

A while back Contouring, Highlighting or Strobing would seem like some serious words, referring to some sort of cult movement on alien invasion, but thanks to the fashion and beauty revolution, its a part of our lives now.

But what are all these terms? Honestly speaking, they seem to be the same thing, but with a bit of difference in the kind of product you are using for it. Here's the run down - they all are not the same!

Contouring basically brings features in to make them more defined and more chiseled. This technique recedes light and brings everything inwards. Contouring is done to achieve an illusion of shadow with tones like beige, brown, taupe or grey and is done on areas like the hairline, under the jaw line and on the cheek bones. Well we do have contouring for other body areas as well, but I'll talk about butt contouring some other day - or maybe not.

Strobing on the other hand is actually highlighting - where you use different layers of highlights to give a luminous look. Having said that, strobing and highlighting is almost the same thing - period!. This technique is to bring out your features forward, making them more apparent. It is done using dewy shades, over the Cupids Bow, Nose T Area, C-Zone (around Brow and Eye Area), above the Brow, closer to your Jaw Line and right under the Cheeks.

Contours is suppose to be matte, while highlight/strobing is suppose to be shimmery. However best results are accomplished when both the techniques are used together, using 2 different brushes of course. Now that we are clear on the contour and highlight debate, here is a fun new trend, for all those who were into rainbow pony's and Lucky Charms - Rainbow Highlight! the biggest most fairy-tale like upcoming fashion trend.

This interesting new beauty trend is straight out from Etsy, a product of BitterLaceBeauty. This very beautiful and pretty looking beauty product is amazing for its extra sheer and luminous effect. It can be used as it is, for the rainbow effect, or if blended, it would give out a silver tone, also great for eyelids and stuff.

Bitter Lace Beauty

Miss Jenna you are a genius - and FYI the product is called "Prism", how apt is that really!

Accessory Alert 2016!

 The very 90's thing making it big in the fashion world right now is the Choker. We have seen celebrities flaunting it in all the current international festivals and parties. From Taylor Swift to the entire Kardashian squad, even models from the Pakistani scene were seen flaunting it at fashion week. 

The best thing about Choker is, they make quite a big statement as well as can be worn even with a minimalist look. They are fun plus if you don't wish opt for expensive designer wear, with Swarovski’s or Gold, you can go for the causal yet chic looks with simple fabric bands, laces or even mix and match old chains and straps together.

You can find an interesting choker collection at Etsy but for head ups here are my favorites:

METALLIC STATEMENT COLLARS

LEATHER MACRAME

VICTORIAN LOLITA LACE

MINIMAL GOLD

So I hereby announce the lovely fashion to be back, though hopefully with more creative looks this time rather than just the Gothic Black Beading.

Go for Choker chains in gold if you are into adding sophistication to your look. For a more casual effortless look, try Leather collars, and you can make them look less punk with a bit of bead work, or color addition. The ultimate for the season is the crystal collar with colored jewels and lace. Also try out combinations of textures and patterns for your next DIY project. Look into tribal motifs and geometrical shapes.

Always make sure to wear the right shirt collar with a choker, nothing too loud to over shadow the choker. Solid colors and simple cuts are the best choice, but play around with options and find out your own style. Do style over sized hoop earrings and high wrist bangles for the perfect look.

Beard For Life

worldwidewardrobe

Been a while since the ‘clean-shaven chocolate-boy look’ came into demand. Actually this entire decade is all about the manly scruffiness but men have somehow gotten into the flow of it, not knowing what to really do with all that hair. To be honest, this world is a judgmental place, and first impressions are the most lasting. Nothing is sexier than a man with a well maintained beard, flaunting confidence and personality.

Pogonologists (people who study beards) raise the notion that having facial hair highlights a man's confidence and is turning on women all around the world. I have a bearded husband and I know for a fact that its true.

According to a new study, women and men find facial hair most attractive and so it has become the most celebrated fashion statement of the new age. From muttonchops to soul patches, beards take many forms. But the popularity of facial fuzz has waxed and waned over time. Sideburns peaked in popularity in 1853, sideburns with mustaches peaked in 1877, beards alone peaked in 1892 and mustaches alone peaked from 1917 to 1919, studies have found.

The only misconception is that people think that it's easy and you just roll out of bed. But you do have to maintain it because it does come with some cons. You can never ease out of trims and conditioning because honestly nobody wants dead and dry bristles around them. Another point is beards do add up years to your look, but if adorned with style and grace, a decent beard can transform a nerdy, baby faced, chocolate boy nobody into Beckham. No harm in trying!

There is a whole wide range of beards for men of all shapes and sizes to experiment with. Why not learn a bit more about them and find out your perfect look.

Goatees peaked in 1990's and was a bit of a statement but having them now is like being stuck in the past.  Elvis looked love in Sideburns - you can flaunt it too if you have a playful personality, make sure you carry them well though.  But since the beginning of the beard fad Scruffy Stubble has been the most liked look. You see it in every magazine, every commercial and all the bearded celebrities are sporting it. But what next?!

Men are very much into Medium Hair with Thick Beard for this season, that's the in thing to be on the beard fashion squad. If you can afford to take a little more risk, go for Longer Hair with Beard, give life to the gypsy inside of you. Top Knots with beards are the big fashion statement, it gives you an edgy yet clean look. Man Buns with Thick Beard are also in, but you need to be patient with that bun. Other side of the fashion trend is the more corporate look, the Designer Beard, something expected to be the fashion trend soon. It is high maintenance but is perfect for people who cant grow a full beard with patchiness. In a way, its contouring for men. Designer Beards are sassy, attractive and appealing - give it a try!

Legend says every time you shave your beard you can hear a hipster scream.
Checkout BEARDEDLIFESTYLE or BEARDEDCULTURE on Instagram for some awesome beard inspirations and if you like having a little fun, do check out WILLITBEARD on Instagram as well.

And for all the Pakistani's in the house, for all your beardy needs take a turn to WABEESCO  and mane-up!

Stay Positive - Fake It Till You Make It

Source: Tumblr

You know that one thing people always advice you about, when you are on the verge of a breakdown. Yes that one epic advice to implement its benefits into your way of life. Like when you are clueless about your job, what people say is, let’s be positive, there’s something good in store for you – like they have some magic powers that tell them about people’s fate, which by the way is always good.  They never say things like, you are dying tomorrow, or cry as much as you want, and you’ll be getting robbed this week, no right?! How do they always know the good, and how are they so sure about it. I’m not even sure about half of my social network passwords. These are the same people who when your health isn’t well say, let’s look at the positive side, what you have isn’t that bad, they have cures for it. Like seriously? You can’t even manage through flu without your mother. And the most frequent of them all would be when your boyfriend dumps you, they go, oh it is for your own good, you can do much better than him. The positive note is, there are many other fishes in the pond – seriously, not a good pep talk to have right after being dumped, Alert! Low self-esteem + ego hurt. 

Having a full life experience a bit too mature for my age I have had many a personal experiences about this magical thing which is known as the Positive thinking and to be honest, it kind of works sometimes. But swear on my life is it the hardest thing to achieve. Lately I did some research, because of course when in doubt, Google it! I came across many different books, movies and even songs – oh those motivational songs are just perfect! And I being the expert on this matter decided to write some helpful notes on it.

Now some of these might seem kiddish or unpractical, but they work, all you honestly need is denial. Yes that’s right, the key to positive thinking is denial. Deny that you are in bad shape, fake it all the time. Look in the mirror and tell yourself you are doing wonderful and life is great. This is the same extract I got out from all the websites and content that I researched on for this topic. The only difference is, these positivity experts would tell you to focus, to breathe to believe in the good comings while I’d suggest a more realistic approach. The fact of the matter is, for a depressed soul, who doesn’t believe in life itself, will obviously not believe in something it doesn’t even have, for them my best solution is fake it – till you make it.

Here are some major points for being positive, with my inputs in them of course: 

#1. See the beauty in everything.
Now I know it’s difficult when nothing is happening right, when you are late for work and while rushing through dress up you find a tear in your blouse. Opt for a better looking dress for that day, which would make you look prettier or better would be, if you make a quick stop at the dress store and buy yourself a new dress! That’s how you see beauty in everything I guess.

#2. Realize that your thoughts do not own you.
Now while you are running late for that meeting, you might have thoughts of an angry boss awaiting you arrival – but don’t let them own you, put on some music and enjoy your way to work. If he furiously asks why the hell you are late, pretend you cramped your leg and you were in an accident.

#3. Don’t play the victim.
If you don’t – he'll fire you! So play along, its OK to fake accidents.

#4. Don’t make excuses.
You certainly can’t tell him you’re late because of a torn blouse – can you? Polite excuses are the best; you might as well want to shed a tear to give it more weightage. 

#5. Don’t place your future in someone else’s hands.
Well it kind of is in you boss's hand – if he’s about to fire you. If that job matters, make him your God for the moment.

#6. Get excited about all the possibilities that lay ahead.The only exciting thing would be lunch hour today. It’s so sad; life has come to a point where only food can make you excited. But get excited anyway.


#7. Take time to figure out what you really want.
Well what you really want is a pizza, a smoothie and a slice of cake for lunch. Now I would put on too much weight if I eat all of this, but you shouldn’t be so negative – think that you’ll be slim, and you’ll be slim my friend – size 0 all the way.

#8. Accept the good thing.
So what if the smoothie wasn’t chilled, and was hard to gulp down the throat. It still had yogurt and strawberries. Yogurt is healthy!

#9. Believe you can change.
Yesss... the calories won’t make you fat! You will change, just keep positive.

#10. Believe you deserve good things.
Oh yes you sure do deserve some Prada’s and Gucci’s. But until you have them, use fake bags and pretend to be a diva. 

#11. Stop letting negative thoughts control you.
Fake isn’t that bad, plus you’d probably get a raise this month. You just need to finish off that pending assignment.

#12. Start immediately.
Or you sure will get fired.

#13. Look at things with fresh eyes.
There is something good about to happen – maybe you’ll find your favorite flavor of ice-cream for dinner tonight.

#14. Change your vibe.
OMMMMMM! You are a positive person. You love nature and its people. Life is good and you are a fucking liar. OMMMM!

#15. Smile. 

So the next time you want to punch someone in the face, just make eye contact, tilt you head to the left, have dead eyes and stretch your lips.

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Source:Tumblr

Being positive comes from within and it sure is tough to achieve this quality. Imagine as if you have cameras hidden all over your office and house, imagine you are in a reality show, and start pretending – like you are an actor. Soon it’ll become a way of life, and you wouldn’t have to try so hard.

You don’t have to think positive all the time to be a positive person. When you calm yourself off the negativity, you start finding peace in everything, even if it’s not that great – and that when you become positive inside.

LIFE IS GOOD, JUST TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME!

P.S: That blouse was too outdated anyway :)

Family That Eats Together Stays Together

Homes are something you make out of love and care; it is a symbol of togetherness.  It’s a bond between the members of the family who share their space, time and it’s a place where you can be you.
Now that we are done with the emotional side and definition of it lets talk about facts! There is an immense effort invested in making a home, and I’m not just talking about buying or renting it, I’m more focused on the décor part. Now I know all of us want to do a lot, but keeping up with those budgets can be a task at times.  For reasons like these, and for the love of arts and craft, I believe in a lot of personalized things that reflect your personality. For e.g. if you and your husband/ partner like cooking together once in a while, make sure you give him that space so that he knows it’s his territory too  - plus these small gestures would be good for your relationship too.

Sign Boards

www.bystephanielynn.com

It’s always very amazing to see creative and unique ideas in a house, well it at least says a lot about the people living there. How about hanging up a black board with a chalk somewhere at a corner wall in your kitchen! You can use it to display the ‘menu of the day’ just like they have outside small, little roadside cafes in Italy.  Plus point, you can also use it to leave personal messages once in a while like “I love you” or “I’m at my mums, foods in the fridge, feed yourself”. It is also great for parties and get together, gives you extra points as a host for your creativity.

Recyclable crockery

www.jedzonkowo.blogspot.com

Remember those old grandma teapots and plates you had, that are so beautiful but come on, you can’t practically use them in today’s day and age until and unless it’s a special occasion or a themed party from the 60’s. So instead of stocking them up in a cupboard somewhere use them to highlight empty walls and counters in your kitchen area. A bunch of different sized colored and printed plates can be used as a wall display and trust me; it’ll look as beautiful as an expensive art piece. Cups teapots or even bowls can go on the counter as a center piece for candles, flowers or even fruits and nuts. Just try and explore your options.

Herbs and plants

www.themicrogardener.com

I know you are thinking pretty bottles with money plants but come one, what is the use? Instead how about all those small but very useful herbs and leaves that we use in our daily cooking rituals? For example mint leaves, coriander and rosemary … why not have them planted in mini pots (that can be decorated with paints or printed fabric) and place them on your kitchen window. It’ll be an easy excess for whenever you need them, economical plus the scents will keep your kitchen fresh and add color.

His and Hers

www.etsy.com

How cute are those his and her coffee mugs – and they look even more adorable when your offered coffee in bed as a surprise. Again, I’d say, pay attention to personalizing things. Even the kids can have their personalized utensils – engraved spoons and plates are a great idea too, but you’d think I’m going too over board with this! But it sure is a great gift idea.

Leave thank you and love you post it notes on your fridge, or a surprise dessert in the fridge for when he comes back home midnight – tired and hungry. Try and cook meals together at least on weekends, and cooking for him is not slavery, it’s a gesture to show how much you love and care (maybe I’m old fashioned but a man’s gotta eat. Share responsibilities, he can wash and you can dry the dishes – have kids join in on weekend nights too. From breakfast to dinner make it an experience worthwhile. Don’t just limit your kitchen for sweaty irritating cooking sessions – make it a part of your happy and healthy home where all of you can have fun and share memories.