Since the new year started I had an idea to create my vision/dream board. Ever since I read the book "The Secret" a few years ago, I've wanted to make one. In January I bought the materials to make one: a big poster board, glue, scissors, and magazines. I'm slowly working on it and so far it's been nice to read and go over magazines finding quotes and pictures that have to do with the vision that I have for my future. There are so many things in life that I want to do and hope to accomplish, and hopefully I can look back one day at my dream/vision board and smile because it all came true!
It's the law of attraction. I'm putting out the things I want and bringing it to life. The way it works is, you create your vision/dream board and put it somewhere you can see every day. And they say that visualization is one of the most powerful mind exercises we can do, so I'm going to practice it. I've always been good on motivating myself to do the things that I want to do, but now I want to see it and believe it. I also added on my vision board a quote that I love from the actress Gina Rodriguez. Her father would make her say everyday "today is a great day, I can and I will". Once again another law of attraction mindset. I wrote in big letters "I can, I will", because I want to always believe that and it just simply inspires me. So far I've included places I want to go to, career goals, and personal goals. I hope to finish up by the end of this month so I can hang it up in my room and see it every morning! I have a lot more magazine finding to do and cutting up to do, but It's a really fun and inspiring activity to do. My little sister who is 15 years old even got inspired to make one with me! The law of attraction is powerful. Live everyday with a vision, gratitude, and love.
0 Comments
When was the last time you laughed? So a lot is going on in the world, in my life, and in my mind right now! It's been over a week that things have been drastically changing around me. My mind has been at full speed thinking about everything and just draining me. We all have these moments, right? So, I decided to reach out to some friends to join me on a Saturday morning to get away from everything and go to the Hirschhorn Museum.
Now, I really want to give a shoutout to everyone that is standing up for humanity and justice for all. I'm so proud of all the people I see protesting and marching in Washington, DC. I was so overwhelmed with my personal problems and societies problems that I did not participate in these protests, instead I made the effort to take a mental break, and engage in some self-care. I got support from my friends and encouragement for future plans, I needed an ear or two, and a distraction. Going to the Hirshhorn museum and walking around DC with my friends was much needed. It took a few hours to just regain my energy for whatever is next. I will always encourage and remind everyone that your mental health is so important, please take care of yourselves! Self-care, self-care, self-care!!! I can't say it enough. At Hirshhorn I was able to relax finally and think about the things that I love like art. I love walking around an art gallery and just thinking about what an artist was thinking or what may have inspired them and then I get inspired by what I see. It's amazing how our minds work. I recharged my mental state of mind, back to positivity. Some of the artwork even reminded me of what I believe in. For example the "From Continent to Continent" piece by Mario Merz, it was such a simple piece with a statement that I interpret as the world being so big and beautiful, and our continents filled with beautiful people that have great souls, we need each other from continent to continent, helping each other (you can find a picture of this piece below). Also, my heart was so full after seeing everyones amazing efforts to speak up this weekend, from protests in airports to SAG-AFTRA awards, EVERYONE HAS A VOICE! I'm a big fan of self-care because Monday through Friday I work at a non-profit organization that advocates for immigrant women and girl, everyday I need to feel positive and strong to assist these amazing women that have been through it all. And overall, we all have things going on in our lives that can overwhelm us, so remember ladies...SELF-CARE! Take a moment for yourself. Go to an art gallery or museum, they're usually free! Go for a hike or a walk. Call up a good friend and have a little adventure. Watch a good movie. Read a new book. Do some arts and crafts. Just give your mind a break so you can recharge! Just so you know, Hirshhorn Museum is free in Washington, DC and there is a new exhibit coming Feb.23rd by Yayoi Kusama! Can't wait to go see it! It's been 11 months since I dyed my hair dark brown. I usually love getting highlights but last year I wanted to take a break from spending so much money at the hair salon. I ended up just buying at home dark brown hair dye and left my hair alone until this past August I wanted to re-dye it dark brown and cut it short.
Well now, I missed having pretty light hair color, so I gave into my hair temptations! A friend of mine started her hair-stylist journey and began instagraming all of her work and I fell in love with the caramel colors she was doing! (Follow her on instagram at studio_naomi, she's great) For the first time in my life, I did not have a breakdown at the hair salon because a hairstylist did not do what I pictured in my head. I always have a vision of what color I want it to come out, or how thin or thick I want the highlights to be. But finally! Naomi did it! No tears from me, no "please fix it, it's too blonde!" or "you can barely tell I got highlights!" and I have to sit there for another 2 hours waiting for the hairstylist to fix it. I went to see Naomi this weekend, she works at PR at Partners in Tysons Corner. I told her I wanted something like what she's been posting, the new balayage technique! She was very confident and sweet throughout the entire process. She told me it would take 3 hours and explained everything she was going to do. She created dimension and painted lightener and toned it to that pretty light caramel color I wanted. After she washed my hair and began to blow dry it, I began to see how amazing the color turned out. No breakdown, I was so happy! I finally found a great hair-stylist, I finally left a hair salon relaxed and satisfied with my new hair look. I'm happy to support another great woman in this world with her work and I'm really happy she did such a fantastic job! I am excited to see all the great work that Naomi will be doing in her new hair-stylist career. And I'm excited to show off my beautiful hair with you all! I started 2016 off so great. Although there may have been some moments, maybe days, that were tough to get through…I’m focusing on the great things that happened. I suggest you do the same! Here are some of the great things that happened in 2016!
I am so glad that I traveled so much this past year. That is one of my many passions and goals, to always travel. But I also got to be a part of amazing moments with my friends and family, and even at work. Some friends got married, some engaged! Some friends and family welcomed their first child. I helped a lot of my clients get through some difficult moments in their lives and I learned so much from them. I started my blog, and I got a new job as a Case Worker for an organization that empowers women. I also love that I made time for me, but also for my friends and family. I got to enjoy new restaurants (realized I love tacos and ramen). Great albums came out this year and I went to so many concerts (Drake, Kanye West, Camila, Chain Smokers, Guns and Roses). So I ended up fulfilling my dreams in 2016. I hope that I can do that every year of my life. DO THE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO! You really only have this one life, so make the best of it and follow your heart! Focus on the great things that can happen and do happen everyday! Take chances! I can't wait to keep blogging this year! I have so many ideas, thank you so much for your support and the time you take to read my blogs! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Holidays have brought me so much joy and FOOD! I have been non-stop enjoying food since Thanksgiving. I honestly try to be healthy 5 days out of my week. That means I eat oatmeal, no sugar in my coffee, almond milk, salads, smoothies, no white bread, no desserts, dark chocolate, etc. You know what I mean...But since the holiday season started, I've had weddings and friend events to attend and all we do is eat really good food! And I have no dicipline, I say "whatever" and eat the amazing carbs. It's also made me say "whatever" like everyday though! I also haven't been going to the gym or workout classes as consistent as usual. So I feel round. Yes...I said round, I like it better then fat. But seriously, I feel like I have been gaining some weight and I don't like it.
So after the past Christmas festivities I decided to give my stomach a break. I'm cleansing my body and my mind. I started my juice cleanse yesterday! If you're thinking that's crazy, it's actually not! Two years ago, when I was just starting my second semester of college, I started gaining stress weight. I would eat because I was stressed out with exams and papers and I would sit in the library for hours working on assignments and eat, then I'd go home and "reward" myself with desserts for working so hard on school work, and all the free food we got on campus didn't help. I was on a roll of no discipline with my meals. My college best friend had watched a documentary "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead" on netflix and said it inspired her to do a 10 day juice cleanse. After watching it, I said I would join her! Mentally I was just letting go of myself because I had anxiety and stress but that was just not the way to deal with it. So I needed this juice cleanse for my mind and body! I loved the documentary and Joe the Juicer in the documentary did a good job explaining why it's good to give our tummies a break. After the 10 day juice cleanse, I lost 11 lbs, and then another 8 lbs because I wanted just eat clean and healthy and work out. I stayed healthy for a year and did not gain weight until I got stressed out again with my last semester of College and after graduating from College I was able to lose weight again by just making the effort to go to the gym and eat as healthy as possible but I think juicing has really helped me to get my mind back on track. I decided to do a small juice cleanse this week. So that I can end my year off with a strong healthy mind set, and end this holiday binge eating! and I had the support from my great cousin Grace who decided to join me on our juice cleanse! Yesterday we went to Mom's Organic Market in Mosaic District to get fresh made juice. Later, we went to Whole Foods Market to buy vegatables and fruits to make our own juices and they also sell store fresh pressed juices there to take home. There are also many Jucieries around our area like, Jrink, South Block Juice Co., Robeks, and Your Juicery. I'm glad there are natural ways to get back in shape and take care of our bodies. I support everyones healthy lifestyles as long as they work for YOU. I woke up this Sunday morning ready to do things that I enjoy. Why? because we all deserve to fulfill our moments with happiness.
1st: I made my bed (clean life = happy organized life) 2nd: I got ready to start my day in an outfit I'd like, so I put on my new flannel shirt that I got on Saturday (comfortable and confident). 3rd: I decided to go sit at a cafe and have breakfast alone (some me time). I went to the SouthBlock juice pop up at Jammin Java in Vienna, VA, where they have acai bowls (my favorite guilty healthy pleasure), coffee, juices and smoothies. The atmosphere is also nice. 4th: Then I drove to Paper Source (one of my favorite crafty stores), I went there to buy thank you cards to send to my friends/ex colleagues that took their time to be my references for some job applications these past few weeks. While I was at Paper Source I could not help to browse for other things, I love that store! I ended up thinking of some other people that may appreciate a little thinking of you card. I also got great ideas for Christmas presents and saw a planner that I will get for the next year! 5th: I went to Church (keeps my spirits up and my faith strong). These five things that I did were part of my "me time" and are some great approaches to self care. I enjoy doing new things and living in the moment. After I worked on my self care rituals, I got to spend quality time with friends and family, which I truly value and enjoy. My Sunday was fulfilled with positive and peaceful moments! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends but also took sometime for self care! You control your mind and attitude towards every moment, make the best of them! Justo a tiempo para el día de la acción de gracias (día del pavo!), una de mis mejores amigas me sorprendió con girasoles el otro día (mis favoritos). Ella dijo que los vio y que ayudarían a hacer mi día un poco más brillante! Ella me mostró cuánto aprecio los actos de amabilidad. Estoy muy agradecida por su amistad. (foto: Allí están en mi escritorio, donde finalmente me inspiré para escribir esto!)
En este día, mi familia se reúne cada año desde que puedo recordar. La familia de mamá es muy grande y es agradable que todos podamos sentarnos juntos y ser agradecidos por el uno al otro y nuestra salud en ese día. ¿De qué estás agradecida hoy? Yo estoy agradecida por mi familia, por mis amigas y amigos, por mi salud, por mis experiencias de este año, por conocer a seres humanos increíbles en The Family Place, por hacer nuevas amistades, y por mi perro Rocky. También estoy agradecida por las bendiciones de Dios cada dia y por el apoyo para iniciar este blog, Y hoy bloggué en español por primera vez! agradecida por Google! Espero que todos tengan una feliz día de acción de gracias, y coman puré de papa y pavo! So, last year I got to visit the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, twice! But the East building was still under renovation.
I love walking around and looking at art for hours. This Gallery is beautiful and free! You can spend an entire day there. It's a good place to go on a date, there are cafes and outside of the Gallery is the sculpture garden that has an ice rink from November-March! Day dates can be so much fun there. You can also take your family or just spend the day with a friend to catch up. And that's what I did this year! I went back this year with my friend Camila, to finally get a look at the new east building, and it was great! It was well worth the wait, I loved the the modern and contemporary collections so much. If you plan on visiting make you sure you check the website out nga.gov and get a map once you get there, you will spend hours there! Fall is such a beautiful season! We are so lucky in Virginia to have so many beautiful trees transition into their autumn colors. I enjoy being outdoors and just obsessing over the amazing colors of the leaves. It all looks like a painting to me! Fall is like art, a masterpiece.
One of my favorite workouts is just running, walking, or hiking at parks around my area. But when Spring or Fall hits for the past 3 years I have organized hiking trips with my girls. It all started in 2014, when I saw pictures of the top of Old Rag Mountain. I was so impressed at the beautiful scenery. I did my research to plan my hiking trip. Old Rag Mountain is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Shenandoah National Park located here in Virginia! From my house it is about a 2 hour drive to the Old Rag Parking lot, then you just pay your $10 fee to hike the trail. The circuit hike is 9.2 miles. It is a tough, but amazing hike! I absolutely love it! So, the first time I planned my trip in 2014, I went with two of my girlfriends. We went in May so it was Spring time and the trees were all green and beautiful. Once we got to the top of Old Rag it began to rain! We got soaked! It can be pretty dangerous to hike in the rain because of the rocks we have to climb. The rain made everything so slippery. On our way down from the hike we saw a rainbow, it was magical. The following year in 2015, I planned my hiking trip back to Old Rag Mountain, but this time in September so the season was fall and the tree colors were changing, and once again it was an amazing hike. Now, this year, I tried to organize a hiking trip to Old Rag Mountain with my girls TWICE! Both times we just could not get together to make this trip. Lucky for me, I was free this past Wednesday and the weather was just perfect to be outdoors so I reached out to my friend Claudia who I knew had the day off from work. She is my hiking buddy, we have hiked Old Rag before and Billy Goat Trail. She was up for the trip! The weather was in the 70's, the sun was out, and since it's November, the leaves were all orange, yellow, and red! Since it's about an 8 hour hike you have to take your lunch, snacks, and a lot of water! We left my house at 6:30am, began the hike about 9am and finished around 4pm. On our way up we made some stops for pictures, but the best stop was when we saw a baby black bear! Claudia ran away as soon as she saw the cute cub, but I took my phone out and started snap chatting! I thought we were so lucky to see the little bear. I am so happy I made my annual trip to Old Rag Mountain. I know I will for sure make an effort to get my girls to go with me every year, I want it to be my tradition. I enjoy nature and just being at peace. It is a good time to just hang out with your friends for 8 hours and catch up on life and uplift and motivate each other when parts of the trail gets rough. We encourage each other to keep going during the hike and in life in general. Once you get to the top you realize how worth it the workout is. So ladies, get your friends together and go for a hike! Motivate each other and believe in one another! You can always go that extra mile with great support! How was everyones October? I hope it was a great one! I finished off my October in Orlando, Florida for one of my great friends Bachelorette trip. We enjoyed our time at Islands of Adventure and Clearwater Beach. All of October was a great time for me, I got to apply to many new jobs and had great interviews, I got to spend a lot of time with my friends and family, worked out a lot and even joined Hot Yoga classes again after a year! So one thing I enjoy doing at the end of the month is reflecting and being grateful for everything that I did, but then the fun begins on the first day of the next month! It is the first day of November! That means we have 30 days to work on our goals. I always like to make a list of things I'd like to do and achieve by the end of the month. Be realistic but optimistic! So grab a paper, pencils, pens, sharpies, and make a list. First you can make a title in big pretty letters saying "NOVEMBER GOALS" , then you can number each goal and maybe add how you can achieve that goal. MY NOVEMBER EXAMPLE: NOVEMBER 2016 GOALS
So, there is an example! You can cross them off at the end of the month and just keep putting that effort into what you want for yourself! You can do this! |
Author¡Hola! Hello! I'm Estefani. I'm here to share some of the things I love and some of my experiences. I'm from Northern Virginia, U.S. I started a YouTube Channel a few years ago where I share my traveling adventures. Check it out!
Archives
February 2017
Categories |