Plum Chamomile & White Tea Toner Review

This is my personal favourite toner. I started using this three months ago.

The first reason for buying this particular toner was : it is non-alcoholic. Alcohol is an ingredient in most of the toners and it tends to dry out the skin. Though it may serve the purpose of the toner, I would never opt for alcohol based toner. Second reason : Chamomile! I love Chamomile. It has so many amazing benefits.

Anyways. Here's what I've got to tell you about Plum's chamomile & white tea calming antioxidant toner.

I use it twice daily - morning and night after washing my face. 

I received it in a white bottle containing 200 ml of it. It is 100% vegan. Plum gives 1% of their sales to non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting the environment.

Now, to the main part.

It has a soothing and calming scent. I have noticed that people around me also love the scent. They ask 'Umm...that scent. Did you just put on your toner?'

The best part. I rarely like perfumes or scents. I am a migraine patient. But these, have never caused any headache.

It is not a spray. You have to pour it into your palm or soak cotton pads and apply. Let it dry and then you can move onto the next step.
It is for normal to combination skin type. Since I have combination skin, it works well for me.

I used to have breakouts every now and then. After using it for almost three months, I get pimples only during that time of the month, which is natural due to so many hormonal changes.

I never had a time without a dark or red spot on my face. Now, its a rare thing.

I didn't get any burning sensation during the first application. I had read among some reviews that there are people who got breakouts and some even got slight burning sensation. This happens when you buy products without knowing your skin type. This is for normal-combination skin type. If you have an oily or dry skin type, it is better to use something like rose water or products that specifically mentions that it is for your skin type.

My friends who have oily skin type has also tried out my toner few times and it worked fine for them.

One place where I wished it would have been different is, I prefer a spray bottle. You can just spray it onto your face and not overdo it. But, this toner needs to be poured and then applied, which can sometimes become excess. If you are careful, it is not a problem.

Overall, this is my favourite toner and I would definitely recommend it. One bottle can stay up to four months. I have already bought another one so that I can use without break when it gets over.

If you wish to buy one, I would highly recommend buying from Amazon as it has amazing offers. I bought my first bottle on 25% off and the second one on 51% off.

Buy from Amazon.co.in : Plum Calming Antioxidant Toner, Chamomile and White Tea, 200ml

Doing Something For Yourself

Do for yourself for no one else will. - Johanna Lindsey

I am talking about some 'me' time here.

Time spent by myself is time spent alone with my thoughts, which I relish in a world of distractions. Once alone, I get to give attention to something mentally or not think of anything at all and simply appreciate the present moment.

I know when you think about yourself, most often, it’s viewed negatively by others and because of that you tend to stop thinking. But you can’t live your life pleasing others. You are not gonna get anything out of it. Accept it.

I am talking about a little ‘me’ time. Not asking you to be ‘mean’.

And if you really want to be happy with your life, you definitely gotta make some ‘me’ time. Keep the rest for others, but add ‘me’ somewhere.

Being alone with your mind, is one of the best things for your soul.

You don’t have to do great things like gifting yourself a car, well that sounds somewhat crazy. I’m talking about simple everyday things.

Here are few examples of doing things for yourself that can make you happy:

1.       Exercise.

I know you might be rolling your eyes, especially those not interested in fitness or health. I am not talking about any abs or thigh workout, I am talking about simple exercises like walking or swimming. That makes you happy. Just few minutes of walking in a place you like?

This has been scientifically proven to help you.

2.       Practice smiling.

There are few people I know who don’t smile because someone in the past told them they don’t have a nice smile. If you practice smiling every day, you can master it! The beginning is always uncomfortable, but when you continue you start to be really good at it and eventually a pro.

Oh, yes, you even learn to smile naturally with your eyes. No fake ones!

3.       Pampering your skin.

Use good products that makes your skin feel good. Like using a good quality moisturiser on your face every morning, every night, or if you live in a dry or cold climate area. I've got friends who say “I've got so many products, I have no idea what am I gonna do with them.” Use them! Once you start using them and you see your skin feeling all great and smooth, your skin likes it and it is thanking you.

4.       Stop to smell the flowers when you see someone selling it. Don’t just ignore. It may sound a bit cheesy, but try it. Why not try it when it can make you feel better?

If you are allergic, sorry about that, forget this one. I'm allergic to certain stuffs, so I totally understand that.

5.       Look nice on days when you have nothing special. Why do you only dress up for meetings or dates? Dress up for yourself. Look at yourself in the mirror and appreciate the way you look and give a thumbs up. We often dress up to receive compliments.

There are days, I dress up, do little make-up and click lots of pictures. And I've noticed how it makes me happy.

6.       Get some sleep.

This is very important. When you feel weak, don’t wait for yourself to fall asleep and later drag your body to bed. That’s more like a torture anyway. Listen to the signals your body gives, and get to sleep. Think of that amazing feeling you get when you wake up after a good sound sleep? Yes. You deserve that.

7.       Compliment someone.

You compliment someone else, but when you see them happy because of your compliment, it gives instant happiness for you. Isn't that great?

Compliment anyone you know on something they do for you, or something they do every day without complaining. You can even compliment on their looks or clothes, but that’s more common.

8.       Let your loved ones know that you love them.

Yeah, yeah. We know they love us and we love them, there’s no need of saying anything. But, there’s something special about letting them know we love them verbally, even if they know it already. Their reaction can be sentimental at times. When was the last time you said ‘I love you for everything you do for me,’ ‘I love you for taking care of our family’?

We may think about it when it’s too late. Better do it now.

I can make the list even longer, but hey, you gotta add things that make you happy too. So I’ll stop here.

There’s nothing to plan for ‘me’ time, you can start even now. 

- Shark

Bahrah, Saudi Arabia

1:11 AM

18^th May 2016

-

Amour turns Twenty One.

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Different and Beautiful

Back home in Bahrah. 

I wrote this down last week in India.

-

Flawed and imperfect. That is what we all are.

The world would be so boring and monotonous if we didn’t have different people. I love change. I don’t like seeing the same thing again unless there’s some emotional attachment towards it.

You are beautiful, exactly the way you are. I am not saying this because I love inspiring. But because I have experienced it. I feel beautiful when I am myself. There is a unique feeling in being appreciated for being yourself.

One of the most important thing I’ve got to say is, feeling bad and comparing yourself to others will never, N-E-V-E-R change you or make you better. It will just make you feel more miserable.

You can never make yourself like someone else. That is the truth. So stop wasting what you have. Make use of it.

Accept yourself. Then, make the better you.

Eventually, you will be happy to see the real you. Be proud of what you are. Confidence comes in automatically.

Try to change only yourself, not others. You can advise them, but don’t ask them to follow what you follow.

And do not expect from others. It leads to disappointments. Having hope is good, but you must make your mind strong enough to bear the loss as well. Blindly expecting things is not being positive. It is called ‘being crazy’. You never know, you might end up being your worst enemy. 

Do for yourself for no one else will. There used to be days when I had headache and I used to think, let them figure out I am having a bad headache, let them take care of me.

Well, there are no mind readers. Tell them, if you seriously wanna let them know.

Help others. Doesn’t mean you need to do huge stuffs like paying someone’s debt completely. That’s the toughest thing in this materialistic world right?

Do simple acts, where all you need is, YOU.

Smile. If you are sad, don’t make everyone around you too sad. There are so many people who just need someone to talk to. Talk to them. You might be making their day just by talking to them.

The happiness you get by making someone else happy is priceless.

I am a kind of person who doesn’t believe that life depends on money. You need to have enough of it to live or survive. Save. But for emergency or for better future. Saving to make yourself feel like you have some amount is dumb. Totally.

Express love to your loved ones when you feel it. Never wait for a perfect moment. Sometimes it gets too late and you realize it only after the person is gone forever.

Enjoy being yourself. Try to stay in good health. It’s not necessary to be happy always. It’s nice to get pissed at times. Or even sad. Going in a smooth flow isn’t as great as it sounds.

The ups and down are to make us better and real.

Stay blessed.

Shark.

9^th April 2016

7:49 PM

Vengara, India

So many beautiful reasons to be happy.

I am writing this in one of my finest moods.

I have seen so many things unfold in my life in just these two months. When I turned down, depressed for one whole year, almost lost faith and trust, never did I think of God’s plan. Maybe because I was never into religion, I did all the obligatory things to be done, but my body not soul. I kept complaining about every single thing that went wrong. I continued on the dry land with no hopes, but continued, because I never wanted anyone else to know that I was depressed and lost, specially my parents. Sports being one of my greatest passions, lifted me up a bit. I could forget about everything I was worried about when I sprinted. Though, just few seconds.

Gradually I started to accept the way my life is and started to work with things around me. I came across the real good people, people who had the worst experiences and made their life beautiful, people who genuinely loved, cared and people who noticed inner beauty.

Inspiration brought me closer to happiness.

And almost a year later I made up my mind that no matter what, I am going to do things to utmost perfection yet imperfect. I will enjoy every single moment, cherish every moment I meet or see the people I love. It was a simple decision taken up in my mind. Never thought of it every day nor wrote it down anywhere, but something led me on the exact path I wanted to go. I stopped thinking about people who wanted to destroy me, who hated me because if I thought about them, my life was being under their control. And I have made myself stronger than ever to keep away from people who don’t deserve to be around me and right now I only have people who deserve to be with me and I with them.

If you are one of those I have around me, you are among those I love.

It even includes few people I have met through my blog and made friends, not just people I have spoken to verbally.

I choose to be happy, love every beautiful soul, and respect my family and religion. And move on in life no matter how huge the thunder is, and use the lightning to bring beauty in.

God is the best of the planners and he has even bigger dreams for you than yours.

Let Go and Let God handle it.

Cochin, Ernakulam

18^th February 2016

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Just wanted to share another piece of happiness, I was awarded on 17th February in IISJ for being national topper in Humanities Stream among all the CBSE affiliated schools in Saudi Arabia.

Even though I never aimed at being one, I believe whenever God gives, he gives the bestest of best. Seeing my family so happy and proud, just brightened me up. 

---

Nineteenth Year on the Planet ‘Earth’

When my 24 year old sister acts 14, why can’t I be 18? ;)

I can stay eighteen forever.

Like my previous posts, this is definitely not about being grown up or acting mature or even India.

Experience in simplest words.

I talk to God, almost every single day. Even when I am studying so hard and don’t even have a minute to spare a day before Zoology exam, I talk to him. Of course, I am alone during these times because I wouldn’t want people to judge me on that basis. I do it because it makes me feel good.

My inspirational sister always asked me to turn towards him especially when I get alone and don’t have anyone to talk to. There are certain things I don’t share with a-n-y-o-n-e. She says ‘don’t you know how much a mother loves her child, Allah loves you even more than that.’ She wrote that in a letter she gave me before I left Jeddah, I read it whenever I miss home.

The first three days of college, the fresher’s were given orientation to have an awesome start, on the last day, Beena Ma’m, who shared inspirational experiences from her life, said ‘even if we believe in God, it’s really difficult for us to say “Lord, Have your way in me,” because we are not sure whether God want’s the way we want or whether we would like the path he chooses for us.’

I have a huge collection of dreams, few more like impossible, but I wanted each one of them to come true at some point in my life. I was never gonna give everything in his hands, even though somewhere I knew everything was under his control. What if he skipped one of my dreams?

When I went to sleep, crying every night because I was too far from home, alone in hostel, missed the free flowing life, I asked him why can’t I just be strong and let the three years to pass especially when I thought I am not sentimental. I asked him too many questions and then went to sleep.

I don’t remember when was it that I made up my mind to accept his way in me and go through it no matter what. It wasn’t a decision taken one fine day, it just happened eventually.

I’m sure I see dreams every day, though I forget most of them. There are few dreams I can remember with exact details. About my future, my fears, my expectations and even my weaknesses. Obviously all of this didn’t start suddenly, it’s happening since the past few years, but it took time for me to notice the way things are proceeding in my life.

Sometimes I just look up, smile and say, “I know that was you Lord, Thanks!”

2:27 PM (IST)

17th January 2016

Vengara, India

Notice the 7 again. ;)

Best Days

Wasn't planning to post anything this month until one of my friends messaged me this.
Prompted me to post.

A cruise ship met with an incident at sea, on the ship was a pair of couple, after having made their way to the lifeboat, they realized that there was only space for one person let.
At this moment, the man pushed the woman behind him and jumped onto the lifeboat himself.
The lady stood on the sinking ship and shouted one sentence to her husband.
The teacher stopped and asked, "What do you think she shouted?"
Most of the students excitedly answered, "I hate you, I was blind!"
Now, the teacher noticed a boy who was silent throughout, she got him to answer and he replied, "Teacher, I believe she would have shouted - Take care of our child!"
The teacher was surprised, asking "Have you heard this story before?"
The boy shook his head, "Nope, but that was what my mum told my dad before she died to disease."
The teacher lamented, "The answer is right."
The cruise sunk, the man went home and brought up their daughter single-handedly.
Many years later after the death of the man, their daughter found his diary while tidying his belongings.
It turns out that when parents went onto the cruise ship, the mother was already diagnosed with a terminal illness. At the critical moment, the father rushed to the only chance of survival.
He wrote in his diary, "How I wished to sink to the bottom of the ocean with you, but for the sake of our daughter, I can only let you lie forever below the sea alone."
The story is finished, the class was silent.
The teacher knows that the students have understood the moral of the story,  that of the good and evil in the world, there are many complications behind them which are hard to understand.
Which is why we should never only focus on the surface and judge others without understanding them first.
Those who like to pay the bill, do so not because they are loaded but because they value friendship above money.
Those who take the initiative at work, do so not because they are stupid but because they understand the concept of responsibility.
Those who apologizes first after a fight, do so not because they are wrong but because they value the people around them.
Those who are willing to help you, do so not because they owe you anything but because they see you as a true friend.

Those who often text you, do so not because they have nothing better to do but because you are in their heart. One day all of us will get separated from each other, we will miss our conversations of everything and nothing; the dreams that we had. Days will pass by, months, years, until this contact becomes rare... One day our children will see our pictures and ask 'Who are these people?' And we will smile with invisible tears because a heart is touched with a strong word and you will say : 'It was them that I had the best days of my life with.'

Taught me so much.

4: 55 PM (GMT +3)
31st December 2015
Bahrah, Saudi Arabia

Last Day in India for 2015

The six months wait is over. Hoping not to make it a negative post like the previous ones.

First two-three months were tough, but the other three were smoother. It was my cousin's wedding today. I was meeting my relatives and cousins probably after months. Wedding is always a get-together.
I have made more good friends in these few months. Friends worth being called a friend.
Having the tag of 'NRI', born and brought up in Saudi Arabia, who can't speak proper Malayalam, I thought it would be difficult to make good friends, specially those who can understand me. Yes, it sure was difficult, but come on, nothing good or worth comes easily.

Nufa, who sometimes is shockingly great at understanding what I am just gonna say. She's from my district in Kerala, so she can understand at least a bit of my Malayalam.
Rizwin, she's our selfie stick, sounds like a guy's name, empathies, she can laugh at the lamest jokes and make others laugh too.
I love people who can make me laugh and those with a good sense of humour.
Mariya, who never misses an opportunity to show off  'the perfect teeth', or like I call it 'Smile worth million bucks.'
Lakshmi, who is madly in love with her place, Thrissur. She has got the Trichur accent too and the way she says 'A a aaa' in that typical Mallu tone sounds funny.
Sanjuna, the lipstick queen, she doesn't need a mirror to apply lipstick, she is a pro at it.
Parvathy, the tallest among us and the one with a lazy bum. She is so damn lazy to attend classes that one of her teachers once asked 'Did she get married?'

I love my class mates for bearing with me cause I have been the worst representative they could ever get, yet they selected me again for the second semester, which is hilarious. Maybe they like a lazy, irresponsible 'Rep' who is never in the class.
I have learnt to manage myself. I have experienced real hunger. When you know you have no other choice but to survive this period, you learn to adjust. Yes, I have learnt to adjust.

Staying away from home and family, taught me their value. I have never stayed away for this long. And this would be my story for the next two years to come. I have huge dreams and I am surviving this period for those dreams to come true someday.
Plus, I have shed more parts of the Tom boy. Though I still hate pink or anything too girly.
Now ready for the next challenges that life has to offer.

11:07 PM (IST)
17th December 2015

Notice the 7. ;)

A Huge THANK YOU to everyone I've met this year, for the changes you have brought in me. May Lord bless everyone with goodness.

College life?

Been in St. Teresa’s for four months, India for five months and ten months as an adult, though I can still feel the adolescent in me. This post is about all that.

Maybe a bit long post, but if you know me, I know you will read through.

I miss my parents, sisters, friends and Jeddah badly. I am at my Mom’s place. It is here that I update my blog. I can’t write regularly even if I want to. In the hostel I am too busy or lazy to write. I am going back to the hostel in two days and I thought I need to update things here before I go back.

I have my Semester exams going on. Ignoring that, I am going back home on 18^th of next month. Yeah, after S-I-X months! Will be back home in 38 days. Insha Allah.

I have come to love the number ‘18’ after ‘7.’ My name has got 7 letters, my birthday is on 7^th of Jan, 1997. I made it my favourite number when I was in tenth, when my class used to be XA7, Roll no, 07. Hah!

So.

St. Teresa’s, instead of calling it a College, I call it post-school.

As far as I have been told, this is the part of our life where we can enjoy the most or where we must enjoy the most because after this it is never the same. Later, you become someone’s wife, then mother and then the generation just moves on. Doesn't mean that the happy life just ends, it may be happier but with lots of responsibilities, losses and gains.

In St. Teresa’s I bunk less. Like very less. We are fined if we are seen walking around, 500 Rs for just sitting in the Gym Plaza during class hours. I have not been fined yet though. Gym Plaza is where you can relax and have a coffee break as our mini canteen is just close. Gym Plaza is actually our basketball court.

The reason I bunk less is not because of the fine, its cause I am the class representative. I am the one who has to carry the attendance register and take attendance every hour. Duh.

Bunking for me isn't jumping off the college wall or going to Centre Square Mall.

It is relief, when I am tired of listening to ‘….The body is leaf like, dorsoventrally flattened and bilaterally symmetrical and comes to about 0.5 mm in length and 0.25 mm in breadth…’ Here, I can be a teacher too.

My Mom knows I bunk certain classes, she doesn't have an issue until it affects me in a negative way. She understands, who can sit for two hours listening to one super fast express read out from the text about creatures we can’t see with the naked eye? Why, I could be a teacher too.

Zoology, two hours. I run to the hostel. Slowly sneak in and go to my room. Call Mom and tell her, “It’s Zoology and it’s the same whether I sit there or not.” I never miss Chemistry classes, because the tutor is good at fixing the topics in my mind. Coming from Humanities background, who knew I would kinda like Chemistry?

I don’t want to be a part of those who wanna sit in the class whether they understand or not and in the end doesn't even score well. And their attendance goes like

Xania Yas Zas        | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | Ab | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |

That ‘Ab’ you see right there, I am sure they are still crying at it.

Before joining St. Teresa’s few said ‘girls become bold, like very bold after joining St. Teresa’s’, someone told my Mother ‘The boys are scared of the girls from St. Teresa’s.’ Enough for my Mom to freak out.

LMAO. Like seriously. There’s nothing as such. Nothing’s like the way it looks from outside.

Adult life. I can say my thoughts have matured a bit or at least I still don’t think of dumb impossible things, the people I like and love and the way I think about certain people also have changed.  I used to prefer people who are a kinda soft or introverts but now I prefer more of the strong or kinda extroverts, not extreme either. I like people who speak up opening their heart and share their feelings. When you listen to them you know they aren't lying and their words are true. Yeah. I have got such friends too. Rest, it’s the same.

Right now, I don’t wanna think of what’s to come in future or what was life few months back, because the either makes me sad or scared or both. Right now, let me complete the next two years and wait for the goodness in store for me.

I write about me here not because I want the public to read about my life, I know they don't even care, but because I can mostly put up everything I feel and experience in a better way when I write. And behind my each post, I write for certain people to read. And also the people I believe read my blog, are the people I write the posts for.  

Ending with my sister’s quote. “On the path to your dreams you may come across temporary unhappiness. Dare to go on and at the end of the road your dreams will sparkle more than anything else you behold. Trust Allah. All the pain will be worth it.”

I received her quote as a message on 31^st of August 2015 at 11:05 AM, a day after her wedding anniversary. Quote’s value says the previous statement.

Little Things ♡

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”

-          Robert Brault

Little things mean a lot, but sometimes the smallest and the strangest of them can make your day. These little things, be they gestures, actions or words, are the many small things we do every day and that naturally expresses our heart.

They are not the result of calculations or intentions, but are rather spontaneous expression of what we exactly feel. Continued happiness does not come from occasional grand events or achievements, but from little things that fill our daily lives. There are so many of them that you would never realize till it’s late or you are made to remember.

Small doses of happiness.

·         The first time your feet slides effortlessly into new pair of socks.

·         When you wake up just few seconds before the alarm and you silence the beastly bell.

Hell Yeah!

·         When you just look at your friend and she understands what you exactly feel.

·         When someone buys something for you as well when they get for themselves.

           Coffee? Chocolates? Umm.

·         When you move around an area for someone to notice you or talk to you and that person does it.

           Yippieee!

·         When you wake up early in the morning for college or work and realize its Sunday!

·         When people respect your privacy and give you space when you badly need it.

·         Someone remembers everything you said that day and you thought they weren’t listening to you.

           How’s Regina? Is she fine after all the depressing events?

           (Aww. You were actually listening?)

·         Or someone remembers a random moment from the time you’ve spent with them.

           Remember the time when we used to send satirical messages to each other just to keep talking?

          (Gosh. I almost forgot about that. You remember all that?)

Some doses of positive illusions are valuable for long term love and happiness. Small manifestations of our love like linking arms when crossing the street or sending the warmth of a secret smile are natural and spontaneous actions that genuinely reflect more than any expensive gift or grand event. Those are few of ‘em that make my day.

Temme about the lil things that make your day.

Three months in India

It’s been almost three months in India and it seems like it’s been years since I left Jeddah. I have three more months to go back to Jeddah, but I will be there just for ten days. It’s like as if someone just picked me up from my comfort zone and dropped me in a desert.

My parents were here for two months, so I stayed with them for 15+ days. Excluding those 15+ days, everything can be read below.

So. Was I talking about being responsible after coming to India? Learning new things? What have I learnt?

I have learnt to adjust a little bit. Resist Al-Baik, sleep without AC, going to college without ironing clothes, eating food I dislike.

I don’t do any work. In my hostel, the ladies here, do the laundry, make food, and wash utensils. I eat (Most of the times I don’t even do that), pay the Mess Fee (Whether I go to the Mess or Not) Charge my phone & transformer book (5pm-8pm), Study and Sleep.

Oh wait, I do a little hard work to get drinking water.  We need to go to the P.G. Students Hostel to get water. Our hostel’s Water Cooler has leakage and no one bothers to fix it.

And the toilet, Indian closets, NO Jet spray, and NO Flush facility – we pour a bucket of water after we use. Its hostel na, that’s how it’s supposed to be. This is not about Kerala or India. This is about the people’s mentality.

Few students complained about the Breakfast, what did our Hostel Warden say? ‘This food is to just chew. Every Friday aren’t you getting a chance to go home? Fill your stomach at home. Or think about the ladies who are of your age itself, wake up early in the morning just to cook for you.’

I keep asking myself, ‘Why man? Why did you wanna study in India and stay in a hostel? Why? You know this is not just the only way to get the Bachelor’s degree.’ Never mind. I can’t answer that. That’s about being a hosteller, life isn’t always nice in the hostel, and I’ve heard a lot about it.

What about College?

College is divided into two. Arts and Science Block. Placed at two different areas. I am in the Science Block. It doesn’t even look like a College. It is just a building that provides education. The Arts Block or the main College Block looks like a college, huge building, but can’t accommodate all the students, therefore, it’s just for the Arts students. The Science Students need to walk to the Arts Block for every program, big announcements, celebrations, to collect cards/Diary and all the official events are held there.

English? No, we speak in Malayalam. If I speak in English, everyone gives a weird stare. Even the teachers take half of the class in Malayalam. They start in English and eventually land in the Malayalam zone. Chemistry in Malayalam, I understand it partially. But few teachers, speak in English and those are the only teachers I like.

Our College is Famous, famous because few celebrities studied here. Wow.

All this doesn't happen because it's India. It happens only because some people just don’t want changes.

Yet, I am not going to Quit, Hopefully. I will do my best to survive the three years to come. 

TRUST Matters

It matters...
So far whatever I have heard or read about Trust, I would say I haven't encountered anyone who could completely Trust me. I mean c-o-m-p-l-e-t-e-l-y. Nor have I trusted any human completely.
I am on my search for Trust, it is one of my goals in life to be achieved. Everyday when I pray, I ask for four necessities for my future, Trust is one of them. I want to meet someone Trustworthy, be it my best friend, someone I already know or any stranger. I want to experience it. I get jealous when people share their experiences related to Trust. I dislike or mostly hate people who don't Trust.
Trust makes a person feel better, relaxed, empowered and happier.
So TRUST tops my Goals List. 

Enigmatic Feelings

There are so many feelings that I can't figure out what they actually mean.  Just like having different feelings for the same moment at different times. You may be the happiest person when something really special happens but later isn't as happy as it is supposed to be. No exact idea why am I writing this up, but this is gonna be quick.
My enigmatic feelings.
Feeling low when you are supposed to be extremely happy or feeling extremely happy when supposed to be low. Having sympathy for someone you don't like. Acting sad to grab someone's attention. Enjoying it when someone is trying to embarrass you. Smiling and acting like everything is okay even when alone. Having hope even after the darkest time has passed. Wanting to take care of someone random. Not believing your own efforts. Acting like not interested in gadgets or smart phones. Acting not convinced even after being convinced. Faking anger. Faking the smile.

Maybe my mind is in a mess right now.

Being Eighteen and The Future

School's over. My Board results are out and I have achieved a good percentage. Masha Allah. I will be leaving for my College studies soon.

The best is yet to come.

I have changed, from being a shy girl to a confident leader.Yet, I am scared of the Future. There is not a single day I haven't come across with questions about my future. 'I wonder what's next?' 'Will I complete my dreams?' 'I wonder if I can...'
Trust me, it ain't easy. Before turning eighteen, I badly wanted to turn eighteen. Thinking about being responsible, independent and an end to adolescent mood swings sounded perfect. All that never meant on your eighteenth birthday  you would meet a fairy like Cinderella met and boom, wow, a responsible and independent girl.
I want to overcome my fears. I want to learn a lot from my life and experiences. I wanna do new things, be it anywhere. I want to bring goodness and positive changes in me. So many.

I am planning to go to India only because I want education, just for three years and for it I think I will deal with the problems. There are so many things I would love to have in my life during these three years.
# I need not mention my parents, their support and love will always be there and since I will be talking to them almost everyday, I will definitely be in contact with them. Oh wait, I will miss the Pepsi, Chocolates, Shawarma, Al-Baik dad buys and Mom's scoldings and unexpected support.
# Sarah and Raniya comes first in the list. I know I will make new friends, but friends like them are a must everywhere. Who will solve my everyday problems like Sarah does each time I tell her?
# My sisters, specially the elder three. I share a unique relationship with each one of them.
Shahmida, who actually is a major problem solver. Most of the time when I am confused I call her up and she solves it. During most of the bad times, her support has always brought me out of the depression zone.
Shamsheeda, even though we rarely talk, its nice to be around her and talk to her. She talks logic and sense. We share certain things in common like our handwriting is the same.  She has knowledge of a lot of stuffs.
Shaimah, she sounds stupid most of the time, but there's a smarty engineer in her. She keeps annoying me asking me to get married as if she already has a guy in mind.
Oh, who will ask me to 'get married' everyday?
# My Room. How can I not add it into the list? I will miss every single piece in my room, after all I spend most of my day with them.
# Cluster Meet. I wanna stay an Athlete forever.
# This Blog. Each time I come back, I will surely write a post.
# My Virtual Family. As in my school mates.

So many memories. Hope I can make more better ones in future.

Worth Reading

I saw this post on The Logical Indian's Page on Facebook. Couldn't stop myself from sharing it here.
This is beautiful. Masha Allah. :')

"I got married when I was 21 years old, but I knew my husband since the 2nd grade. Literally, we've fought with each other about everything - from the swings when we were young to copying homework when we were older. He used to have a Royal Enfield, so eventually we could skip college and go for long drives to Khandala. Even after we were married, I used to complain that he never wrote me any love letters and he would blame it on his bad handwriting and just laugh at me. Most of the times, I would say - 'am I talking to the wall you stupid fellow?' and he would continue laughing...till finally even I would laugh with him!"
"Did you ever think of remarrying?"
"I don't know if you'll understand this, but when you love someone with such a genuine heart you cannot look beyond that person - even after death. I don't know about your generation but for me, love cannot happen more than once and I've had mine. Cancer took him away at a young age of 32, but all my happiest memories are in those 10 years with him. He passed away in 1975 but till today from the time I wake up to the time I sleep - every step of the day I miss him with all my heart."

Via - Humans of Bombay

The Twelve years journey in IISJ ends

There ends the journey in I.I.S.J.
Yeah, now I actually feel 18.

Mahwish Zaman's Photography

It is IISJ who made me a Leader, Topper, School Captain in Cluster Meet and an Athlete.
Memories worth cherishing. :')

Stand Out

Are you having a thought?
Why does this happen to me always..
I'm stuck, deep inside
And there's none who can help,
All the colors are faint,
My life is all grey.

I've to tell you that every person breathing this very moment has thought about it,
Its not just you.
You're unique, Just like everyone else.
So why fit in, when you're born to stand out!

Days pass by,
People come and go,
And you're still stuck in the past,
Aren't you sick of living in weird-om,
Dreams are fading away,
It's time to stop running away.

You're unique, Just like everyone else
So why fit in, when you're born to stand out!

I've to tell you that every person breathing this very moment has thought about it,
Its not just you.
You're unique, Just like everyone else.
So why fit in, when you're born to stand out!

So why fit in, when you're born to stand out!

First Song | Three years Ago |  

March Update Plus Favourites

March has been the month of gifts. It was a blessed month.

I had my school academic session break in the beginning of March. An end to being an 11th grader.

* 12th grader now
* 2nd Stream Topper

March Favs! Just three for this month.

1. Vaseline's Aloe Fresh Moisturizer

VOTED NO. 1

I have dry skin and my skin is allergic to most of the creams and lotions. But this one suited my skin quite well. It makes my skin moist through out the day. It works kinda similar to Oats Extract moisturizer. I use it twice daily.








2, Indomie's Green Chili Flavor

I am in love with this. I love Spicy food. I can just have this the whole day! Spicy and Yummy.

3. Chamomile Tea

I've written about it on my other blog. Read it here : Hebal Tea
Its calming, relaxing and soothing. Mom loves it too.

The Power of Forgiveness

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Have you ever been wronged by someone? Our nature is such that, when it happens, we never forgive the person. We want to even them out. That's the reason why Gandhi's quote is appropriate. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. If you wanna live above the average then you must learn to Forgive.
The main reason why most of you can't forgive is because you can't forgive yourself. You might have made mistakes in the past and blame yourself for it. And when you can't Forgive yourself, it is difficult to Forgive others. So, first Forgive yourself.
Nobody is perfect. Every human makes a mistake. The difference comes when you rectify it or not. Therefore, there is no reason not to give yourself a second chance. Only by giving yourself a second chance can you give others a second chance. You will then learn to forgive others.
Forgiveness is a matter of decision and not a feeling. You might not feel like Forgiving a person but you can decide to Forgive. Make the Decision. Let go of it and let God handle it. 'Let Go & let God.'
You may think that by not forgiving them you are making their life miserable. But what about yours? It is more or lesser the same. Because there's no Peace. Peace comes from Forgiveness. No matter how much you own, inner peace can't be achieved. Do you feel like there's no problem? Have you forgotten what true peace is like?
Forgiveness is the key to peace, health and happiness.
Remember,
If we can find Forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self-esteem.
Make a list of all the people who you haven't forgiven, for its time for you to live a peaceful life!

Life's not fair, get used to it.

For one moment, take the time to enjoy your life. With the hustle and bustle of life, there are very few moments to sit back and enjoy what you see. Feel what you feel. And love what you love. Take the time today to enjoy your life!

My life has been full of ups and downs. There has been times when I felt like the only lonely one in this world. I always thought there was no one who could understand me, no one who actually loved me. I kept complaining to God for giving me such a miserable life. I could never achieve anything I wanted. I never worked hard, but I did try a bit. I thought only a bit of efforts could get me to success. But no, I was wrong. Things didn't workout the way I wanted. Everything went wrong... I went under depression for months. Never showed up. I have just recovered from it. Cos I learned a lesson...
God is never Unfair...
If he takes away something from you, he gives you back something good to balance the sorrows and happiness of life.We often get blind in our desires that we forget to thank that one person for what we already have. GOD.  Thank him for everything. He is the one who loves you the most, even more than your parents. There's a way to remind you of all your blessings. Whenever something memorable happens in your life, write it down on a piece of paper and mention the date. Roll it and keep it in a box. Open the box every weekend and read them. I'm sure you will feel like the best and the luckiest person in the world. I still do it. :)

Here are few of the things that didn't work for me last year,
1. Science Stream.
2. Asst. Sports Secretary.
3. Individual Championship in Athletic events.

and what God gave me instead,
1. Came up in the toppers list in the class - Humanities Stream.
2. I made last years Cluster Meet at Riyadh a memorable one. I did so much that I didn't know I could.
3. A best friend, with whom I can share anything.

For those who think that there's nothing left for you in this world cos someone you liked have betrayed you or exited your life...
Life doesn't stop whether someone comes in or goes out of your life. The length of your recovery is determined by the extent of your injuries. And its not always successful. No matter how hard we work at it, some wounds might never fully heal. You might have to adjust to a whole new way of living. Things may have changed too radically to ever go back to what they were. It might not even recognize yourself. It's like you haven't recovered anything at all. You're a whole new person with a whole new life.

That's life. These things are again coming up this year (Sports Secretary, Individual Championship..), maybe God wanted me to prove worth for the position? So. you see there is a reason behind everything. Ask yourself 'Have you been fair?'

- O - O - O -

Beginning of 2014 has been beautiful till now. Two of my elder sisters are expecting their second child this year. :') So, I'm gonna become an Aunt for the third and fourth time. Hehe. 

See ya.

The Liebster Blog Award.

That's my first award!
I have been nominated by Zoe Cayetano from That's Zoe. You can find her blog under 'Awesome blogs' category. Thank you so much for nominating me. It means a lot to me.
Please do check out her blog. She's inspiring and writes beautifully.

RULES

1. Thank the person who nominated you and post a link to their blog on your blog.

2. Display the award on your blog - by including it in your post and/or displaying it using a "widget" or a "gadget." (Note:  The best way to do this is to save the image to your computer / Laptop and then upload it to your blog post.)

3. Answer 11 questions about yourself which will be provided to you by the person who nominated you.

4. Provide 11 random facts about yourself. 

5. Nominate 5-11 blogs that you feel deserve the award, who have less than 1000 followers. (Note that you can always ask the blog owner since not all blogs display a widget and let the readers know this information.)

6. Create a new list of questions for the blogger to ask.

7. List these rules in your post (You can copy and paste from here.) Once you've written and published it, you then have to:

8. Inform the people/blogs that you nominated that they have been nominated for the Liebster award and provide a link for them to your post so that they can learn about it (they might not have ever heard of it.)

MY ANSWERS

1. What's your most favorite part of blogging? 

Writing always gets me into a world of fantasy and changes my mood. And yeah, Writing is the best I can ever do to express myself. I get to meet new people.

2. What do you do other than blogging?

Eat, Sleep, Read, Play, Dream, Workout. 

3. What are your interests?

Reading, Writing, Fitness & Sports, Art, Inspirational stuffs.

4. What is your favorite TV show?

I kinda like The Ellen Show.

5. If you were to be stranded on a deserted Island. what three things would you like to be with you?

Pepsi, A  never-ending Book and someone to talk to. That would do. =D

6. What is your main goal for this year?

I would love to make the last year of school, the best year of my life.

7. How would you like to see yourself in 10 years of time?
A happy and content girl. Then a Nutritionist, Makeup artist and an owner of a Gym. :)

8. Where do you want to travel?
Paris, Italy and Spain.

9. Are you a listener or a speaker?
I'm a better listener. I can listen to someone blabbering as long as it makes me sleep. But, at the same time to certain people, once I start talking its difficult to stop me.

10. What do you like most about yourself-physical and characteristic trait?
Well umm... Zoe, I have no idea what I like among my physical traits.
Characteristic traits: I never break promises. Determined, adventurous, optimistic, psychotic - these are the traits I like in me.

11. Describe a dream vacation.
 A dream vacation that should last a year. 
At least half of the world tour with my family.
or
3 months stay at France or Spain adopting its culture, language, food, sports, fashion and behavior. 

FACTS ABOUT MYSELF
(lemme make this short)

1. I'm an Adrenaline Junkie.
2. I sleep for more than 12 hours. 
3. I love big dreamers and inspiring people.
4. I'm known for my lame talks.
5. Its hard for me to solace people who are depressed cos I make them feel worse. :|
6. I loooove books. Once I sink into them I get up only after I finish.
7. My expressions are not what I mean. So, my sister gave me a tag 'Expression confused.'
8. I'm an Athlete.
9. I love meeting new people and hanging out with them.
10. I am addicted to Pepsi, that's what my mom says.
11. My favorite authors would include Agatha Christie, Jack Canfield, J.K Rowling, Richelle Mead, Rick Riordan, Enid Blyton and Robin Sharma.

NOMINEES

1. Zoe Cayetano from That's Zoe (Yes, you're one of my fav.)

2. Ayesha Samia from Mylilheartdesires

3. Shaimah from Starlight's Beauty Berries 

6. Cecilia White from Smiles Avenue

5. Jeni B from Elf's Beauty

6. Selina Rother from Selinalie 

7. Hristina V from 2Ferocious

8. Alina from Alinitinidaily 

9.  Hannah from Hannah's Heels

QUESTIONS for my Nominees

1. Why did you start your blog?
2. When was your last best vacation?
3. Tea or Coffee?
4. If you could meet someone dead or alive, who would it be?
5. Your favorite place to eat out?
6. What is your best childhood memory?
7.  If any character from a novel could be your best friend, who would you want it to be and why?
8. What makes you smile?
9. Do you like the way you are?
10/ What inspires you?
11. Whats your life dream?

Do let me know after you do it. :)