Seventeen

Hello, there !

It's been a while. A lot of things happened in the meantime. Not 'big' things. Not 'important' things. Just things that were important to me. Things that changed my perspective a little bit.

As the New Year is approaching, all I want to do is write my plans on paper. I know, I know. I did this many times before and it didn't make any difference at all, but this time I want it to be different. I want my plans to become reality. I want my words to have power. I want to know how to use my words properly, so that I can achieve what I really want.

In other words, my mom takes part in a handmade fair. She worked really hard for it and I even painted some wooden ornaments for Christmas. As I'm typing this post, she's still there, making magic happen :) To support her (and also because I've been meaning to do this for a long time now), this year I am making all the cookies, cakes, biscuits - you got the idea. I am SO excited about this! I love baking, cooking, although I had a bit of a love-hate relationship with food in the past (but I am glad to say that I moved on and now I am fine). So, I guess this makes me look forword to the days ahead! Christmas is just around the corner! :)

I used to be very excited about Christmas. This year feels different, though. Of course I love the holidays, the joy and kindness that they bring to people! I just think I grew up. You know, when you think about a year - 12 months, 48 weeks, you think it doesn't make a big difference in one's life. Or at least that's what I used to think. I know I am wrong now - a year can change so much. I can only be happy that I came to realize some things. I know I have a lot more stuff to understand, realize, feel . I just want to enjoy the whole process. I am 17. I want to be happy with myself and achieve as many things as I can.

Thanks for reading some of my thoughts :) I want to wish all of you a merry Christmas! I wish you warmth, peace, happiness, health ! I know you'll have a wonderful time, wherever you are! :)

Larisa

Lately

Oh, hello ! :)

It's been over a month since I've last posted here, but I am ok with that. I check my blog and my e-mail several times a day, I visit my favourite blogs everytime a new post goes up and I feel like this is pretty good. 

I am still working on having a balanced life style (or maybe that's what we all do?). School keeps me busy (and tired) all the time, so it feels really nice to be able to do something else too - like reading, watching Grey's Anatomy, painting, dreaming and sleeping. Yes, these days I'm really enjoying sleeping. Sometimes it's great to just unplug yourself from the real world and recharge, don't you think?

On the other hand, I think that Fall has finally settled in! The air is very crisp, leaves are changing their color and we even had a couple of rainy days over here. This season I am loving apples, cinnamon and pumpkin. This summer I've started to cook and bake all by myself and I'm very delighted to say that I keep doing this. Three week ago I've made pumpkin bread for the first time (because it's not an usual recipe here, in Romania) and it was delicious ! I've never thought pumpkin would make such a neat ingredient! Also, I have to say that cooking/baking gives me peace and makes me feel calm. It's like a therapy. Besides, I like to surprise my mom every now and then with a new dish. 

The photo above was taken this past weekend, when my city, Craiova, was celebrating it's days (every year, at the end of October, the city is getting festive - there are lots of events, theatre plays, handmade fairs, concerts). At the airport was taking place some kind of air performance - there were lots of planes which were doing all those loops in the air. It was a pleasure for the eye! Since the school started I've managed to go out in the weekends and even during the week. It's been fantastic to recharge myself and just breath the fresh air. Also, I want to make more time for drawing/painting. I've been inspired by the idea of taking 30 minutes every day for doing something you love - draw, paint, write, read. It's very important to make time for what you love, in my opinion!

In case you've read everything I've written above, you have to know that I really appreciate! I know I'm not posting very often, but I have big plans and mighty goals, so I'm always thinking about the amazing blogosphere. I hope to see you soon. Have an excellent week and, in case you're in doubt, go write down that idea that's been wandering in your head or make that thing that you've been meaning to do for so long! 

Much love,

Larisa 

P.S. Did I tell you? I've decided: Fall is my favourite season! Happy Halloween ( in case you are celebrating)! :)

Hello, beautiful !

Hey, there!

How are you, guys? It feels so weird to pop up here ( I know, it's my blog) after such a long period of time. Honestly, I am really bad at long term goals . I mean, it all started with the New Year's wishes and goals. I wanted really bad to blog at least five days a week and for a short period of time (like a month or so) it worked for me - sometimes better while other times with more struggle, but I managed to blog pretty often. Anyway, what I haven't thought about was the fact that I may not be able to write everyday something interesting (other than the fact that I had school, I did some homework etc) for a long period of time, so, after some time, I thought it would be wiser to take a break and breathe some fresh air. BUT I am still trying to educate myself to have more patience and find more time for the things I love :)

Here are some things that I'll start doing more often, in order to keep a balanced lifestyle :

• Write my goals/plans/wishes on paper. I am a visual person and I think this will help me a lot. Oh, two days ago I made a visual board (using a Feng Shui method). My gosh, does it make a difference!
• Stress less. I know, pretty common, but really. P!nk's song (which is really popular right now) really spoke to me. You should listen it, if you haven't already!
• Go to bed earlier. Do you know why kids are so happy? If not, then let me tell you: they get all the sleep they need. I've found out (genius) that going to bed earlier really changes my mood - I'm more positive, more enthusiastic, I have more energy and, obviously, makes me get up earlier (and this way, I have more time to do what needs to be done). Try it! :)
• Eat at least one fruit a day. I've started doing this at the beginning of July and I've been amazed by the results! I'm not making up this - I feel the difference. Not only my skin and my hair feel healthier, but I am also feeling good on the inside. 

Ok, I've finally did this! I am so happy to have posted on the blog today - I am visiting it every single day and today I've finally had the time and the courage to say something important (to me). Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and I'll see you guys soon! Have a good night (or morning/noon/evening, if you live somewhere else)! :)

A hard week

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Yeah, that's all I can say. Getting up early in the morning, doing homework and studying. Nothing worth sharing, but I thought it would be nice to say 'hello' :D

Hope you're having a great week!

A crush...

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I have a crush on this one!

Be happy!

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Just wanted to wish you a happy week! Start the week fresh - get up a little earlier, have a delicious breakfast, dress up in your favourite dress and be a love letter to the universe!

Have a beautiful week!

Looking back...

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This weekend I am loving these high sandals, this post, this inspiring idea, my mom's beautiful work and my best friend's smile!

Happy weekend!

British nails

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I love those nails! They make me so happy! What makes you happy right now? :)

Kony 2012

You can be the change you want to see in the world! Get involved! You can watch the video right here.

A word of encouragement

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You are stronger than you believe. You can do this. You'll do great!

Good luck! :)

I'm trying...

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These days I am really trying to do my best at school and think positive. It's very challenging for me as I am a sensitive person, but I am doing my best!

A piece of advice that I can give is to think of the things that you can do today in order to make tomorrow better. I encourage you to live in the present moment (but you can also make goals for the future to keep you fresh and positive!).Also, I always make imaginary lists. They help me a lot in the every day life, although I'm not an organised person.

Do something for you everyday. It doesn't have to be something big or important. You can paint your nails once in a while. You can read a book. You can listen to your favourite band. It doesn't matter. Just spend some time with yourself!

I am trying really hard to keep a balance between school and spare time. I know I need both of them in order to grow as a person!

How are you? :)

If you have a library...

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The quote is speaking itself. I can't wait to read something good!

Night-night! :)

These days...

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I haven't been feeling really well. I think it's because of the stress. I really can't take it anymore, but it's Sunday evening and I know that this week will be a challenging one. I want to do my best while staying fresh and positive.

I'll take a deep breath and try again. Wish me luck! (oh, and sorry for all those posts- I'm trying to remain as happy as I can)

Thank you for reading this! :)

Best friends

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Today was a really tiring day. I'm not feeling well at all. I am trying hard to overcome this feeling, but it seems like it won't go away in the near future. I am still hoping.

In other words, today I got to spend some priceless time with my best friend. I really enjoyed being with her - you know, talking and laughing. It was great! Tomorrow will be a big day for her (she'll do great).

How are you?

Friday, I'm looking back

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This week I am totally loving my best friend, the March 'Photo a day challenge', all the inspiration that comes from this blog , these shoes from Forever21, Paper Sparrow's four year anniversary, beautiful music and my wonderful family!

March, I hope you'll be the sweetest month!

Oh, hello March

Oh, hello March!

These days I haven't been feeling very well, but I am doing my best to cheer myself up and enjoy the beginning of the spring. It's no secret that I really like spring.

I can't wait to :

• wear dresses
• wear high heels
• write in my self-love bible (I'll share a few pages soon)
• follow my dreams
• be a good friend
• have a holiday (yeah, I really need one!)
• illustrate more
• take good pictures
• live life to the fullest
• enjoy myself
• be who I am

What are you looking forward to? I'd love to hear!

It takes time...

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Time is an important element in our lives. We often find ourselves saying 'I don't have time fo this' or ''I'm gonna be late". Blogging taught me that you can find time for the things you like. I am a person with limited time (like most of us). I am always late and I often find myself going to bed around 12 AM (considering that I'm getting up at 6:20 AM).

Since the beginning of this year I've been blogging every single day. I don't illustrate everyday and I am not happy every moment, but I'm trying really hard to find 5 minutes -yes, 5 minutes- to write a few words and leave you a meaningful picture.

This time I want to encourage you to find time for the things you enjoy doing. Also, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the lovely comments I am getting and for every single view. You're wonderful!

February

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February was a special month so far. I worked really, really hard at school. I slept very little. I cried a lot. I had hard times. BUT all in all, I think it was an unique month because it was worth it!

This month I've discovered the wonderful and ever-inspiring One Direction. I've also started my Self-love Bible (idea belonging to Gala Darling). I've made new friends. I've been myself. I saw my best friend happy -really, really happy - and it was wonderful.

How was February for you?

A quick something

This is just a quick portrait of a special friend of mine. It was made in about 4 minutes, but I really like how it turned out.

In other words, tomorrow it's a big day for me. I have a bunch of tests. I hope everything will be just fine in the end :)

How are you?

Sunday

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Today was all about catching up. I've done my homework and I've slept in! It was so goood! Tomorrow I have school so I have to come back to my lessons. I'll come with some actual work soon!

Larisa