How I try to be Zen

As the name of my blog clearly states, my mind never stops...But, I'm a girl, over thinking and analyzing is what we do ;) But often now, my mind tends to recycle negative thoughts and bring them back up again and again.... Consequently, this can create some anxiety in my life. However, I have decided not to let it take over.

"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple" - Dr Seuss

For those of you who, like me, often find yourselves in a battle with the ugly little anxiety monster (or his cousin, panic), I just want to share with you how I push them away :)

- Get my beauty Sleep. If I don't sleep enough, I'm good for nothing. If I don't sleep, and I'm having a stressful day at work? That's it, all hell's going to break loose, the anxiety monster is going to show its ugly head...So sleep is the main key in going about my day in a calm manner.At least 7 hours please!

- Vitamins. Gotta have all the nutrients I need. Plus, I heard taking Fish oil really helps with calming down. I'm going to try it...

- Candles. They're pretty, they smell good and they can make any room feel cozy. Voluspa and Diptyque are the best.

- Baking, as I mentioned before. It definitely empties my head.

- Working out (gotta burn off what I bake!) So, Yoga twice a week, for an hour. I do my sun salutations, downward-facing dogs, and tree poses. Not only does it relax me, it counts as a workout so I feel good about myself! (and I'm developing some serious abs!) I also started running outside. It's so liberating!

- Reading. There is nothing like finding a really good book and completely merging yourself intp the story. It's even better if you learn something out of it. But I'm not always an intellectual, so magazines are also a favorite!

- Writing. Obviously :) Ever since I can remember (well, ever since I learned how to write) I've been writing. It's my main source of outlet, my main way to be creative. I started disciplining myself and writing every day about anything. It keeps thoughts and memories alive!
I also love to write to other people. Sending little cards and emails here and there make me really happy.

- Meditation. Yes. It sounds really silly and corny, but it works. It's really about challenging yourself to gather your thoughts and turn them into something positive. It's also about learning to rely on other things than emotions.

- Finally, bff, Nutella on bread, spending more than I make, dinner dates, Cosmopolitans and mani-pedis!

How do you stay zen?
xoxo

Gloomy day

Went down to the beach for a little stroll earlier... 

Gloomy days aren't so bad!

xoxo

Bottle

So lovely, original and poetic...


Had to share it
xoxo

Random burst of happiness

Ever had one of those days where everybody seems to be smiling at you?

Despite life's little annoyances, these past few days have been exactly like that for me :)
It turned my daily routine into pleasant moments.

It's kind of like that scene in 500 Days of Summer....

Might it only be the effect of sugar from all the leftover Halloween candies? Or simply the holiday season excitement building in? (They brought back the red cups at Starbucks today and boy was I smiling while sipping my morning coffee!)
Whatever it is, these past few days have been very fun!

"Life does not need to be perfect to be wonderful." Annette Funicello

There better be a smile on your face too ;)
xoxo

Weekend in pictures

Dear Weekend:

I love you. See you soon!

Warmest regards,

Olivia

Had breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien on a beautiful Saturday morning (my favorite part of the week)

Met this adorable little bulldog, all shy but friendly :)

Went to Santa Barbara for my aunt's birthday. We had brunch at a Bed& Breakfast owned by a French lady who certainly knows how to cook and decorate. It was soooo nice.

The reason why I am going to eat vegetables all week....

View from the pier at Goleta Beach

Tonight's view from my balcony...

Now time for Halloween!
xoxo

A bit of an addiction

I mentioned this girl on here before. Here's a little video of her.

I love her voice, her style and the cute melodies she composes.


xoxo

Let's keep in mind...

"It's not how much we have, but how we enjoy that makes happiness" Charles Sprugeon

xoxo

Favorite Things

Ah, les p'tits plaisirs, as we say in French. Simple pleasures.

Yes, I've been indulging lately, and it feels good! Now and then, we need to stop restraining ourselves, relax and enjoy life! 

So...

1. I bought the new iPhone 4S which I absolutely adore. Materialistic pleasures = short-term gratitude, I know, but hey! why not?? Money earned need to be spent!

2. Instead of pressuring myself into reading complicated novels about war, philosophy, or politically related topics, I started reading The Hunger Games (young adult section of the bookstore - no shame!), and basically, it's the type of book you can't put down :) 

3. Food. I'm not talking about pigging out and eating KFC fried chicken, I'm talking about homemade, delicious comfort food. Turns out, I'm a stress-baker, and in the past few weeks, I made 2 yogurt cakes, chocolate-raspberry lava cakes, muffins, pumpkin pie, a flour-less chocolate cake and cookies. Talk about enjoying life and relieving stress! (i had to make a few trips to the gym to burn this off...). 

 (Even better, is when sweet treats are delivered to you by even sweeter people)

"Simple pleasures are life's treasures"

Indulge, people! Life is short and sweet.

xoxo

Can you bring me Sunshine?

It's a Gloomy day here in LA...
Hmm, those gloomy days come at the right time sometimes, don't you think? (as long as they don't last too long!!)
They're so bittersweet, the good kind.

For me they rime with slow music, comfort food, books or movies...
They also rime with day dreaming....

Rejoice!

xoxo

Just because...

"Une femme sans amour, c'est comme une fleur sans soleil, ça dépérit"

I adore this piece of music...so dreamy...



Hope you've all seen the movie!
xoxo

Stay Hungry, stay Foolish

I have been reading so many quotes from Steve Jobs after learning of his passing last week...

They are really inspiring, and he will remain one of the most inspiring people of our generation because he seemed to always strive for greatness, and he definitely made us, consumers, beg for more!

RIP Steve (i love my iPad, and i'm definitely getting the new iPhone, just so you know :P)

xoxo

Remember....

"If you can see it in your mind, you can hold it in your hands"  Bob Proctor



xoxo

Overdrive

I haven't been able to write in a little while. September was a weird month. Too much thinking led to a little bit of sadness. Not good!
Things have changed so much that I often feel completely lost and frustrated mostly because I thought that, by now, I would have had everything figured out, everything planned out, a smile on my face and no real worries. Turns out, that's not realistic at all. That's not what life is supposed to be like. I'm learning.

So, my first step has been to start Yoga, like I so often said I would. Well, I love it! It clears my mind and tightens my body! It also helps me live in the moment, enjoy every bit of it and forget about the rest.
I've also began working on my anxieties...and let me tell you, it's not easy, but it's a work in progress!
However, the best remedy so far has been to take care of 3 little girls every week, and tutoring them in French. There is nothing better than kids to lift your spirit up!

"Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us" - Maya Angelou

Having a overactive mind can be quiet a handicap a times ;) but I keep being positive because despite all these negative thoughts that want to take over my head, life has been good to me. I need to remember that.


Happy Fall :D
xoxo

Refreshed

How was you guys' Labor Day weekend? (if you live in the US that is!)

My family and I decided to get away from LA's warmth and spend some time in Palm Springs' deadly heat!!
It was pretty great - but anywhere with family is great anyway :)

 "Feelings change, memories don't"

B)

xoxo

Favorite Things

Care packages from my grandparents :)

I don't think they could fit in more food in there than they did! It was packed with cookies, chocolate, French delicacies (crepes, rillettes, pate, terrine...).
Unfortunately for me, the weigh of that box is the weigh I'm going to put on over the next few weeks!!

Love, love, love this kind of attention from family members.



Hope you all had a good week!
xoxo

Future projects...

I want more, I need more.
Now that I'm basically completely free from getting an education and now that I have a job, my mind very often wonders about what it is that I truly want to do.
What I've concluded so far is that someday, hopefully sooner than later, I will be a bit more creative, and transform my ideas into a business, perhaps?

When I was little I always had in mind that I would become an independent writer. I always thought that I would travel the world, and write books and articles about other people, other cultures and the beautiful things I would see.
I'm not saying that it is exactly what I'm going to do. I'm only saying that sometimes, I'm afraid of disappointing myself by not making use of all that I am.

So this is my motivation of the moment. I think and think some more about all the things I would love to create...I dwell in possibilities :)
We will see what comes out....I'm excited!



xoxo

a little boost of courage!

If you only walk on sunny days you'll never reach your destination. - Paulo Coelho

I'm enjoying the sunshine today on this beautiful Sunday morning, but my week has been pretty dark.. I was worried about many things, and in the end, it triggered anxieties. My bad thoughts ruined my mood. 

But I kept on going, I put my biggest smile on and found the courage to get over whatever issue was bothering me.

It all works out in the end if you're prepared to go through cloudy days  :)

xoxo

Wise thought

"Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, first make sure that you are not, in fact, just surrounded by assholes." - William Gibson


Haha!
xoxo

Favorite Things

Nutella! 

...Need I say more?

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." - Charles M. Schulz

;P
xoxo

Note to self

 
1. Count your blessings - family, friends, health, financial stability....check!
2. Hear the music - all the time, especially in the morning when getting ready for work.
3. Snog. Canoodle. Get it on. - sometimes ;) it should be all the time!
4. Nurture your spirituality - I love meditation, I want to do it more often.
5. Move your body! - Yes....I need to go back to the gym :/
6. Laugh big! - always :D
7. Do something nice for somebody else - I try...it really makes me happy
8. Make more money than your peers- on my way there hopefully :P
9. Seek positive emotions as a path to success - hmm...yes
10. Identify with your heritage - my heritage is something I thought did not define me. Yet, it might not define me as a whole, but I've realized that it is very important to be in touch with one's heritage in order to avoid falling off the path, to avoid getting lost...
11. Use a happy memory as a guide- I use my childhood dreams because, to me, they are as motivating as happy memories. When I was little, I had a clear idea of the person I wanted to be and, even though my dreams might have been unrealistic or silly , I think they tell a lot about what I really want, still today.
12. Play the part of an optimist - "What ifs" and bad thoughts find their way into my head at times but I get rid of those very quickly!
13. Try new things! - I should...I try!
14. Tell your story to someone - why not!
15. Balance work and home - that's not a problem
16. Keep expectations realistic - indeed I do
17. Make time - for hobbies, self-discovery and exercise
18. Visualize happiness - hehe, yes
19. Smile - :)
20. Marry happy - I hope so!


Hope you had a happy Monday!
xoxo

hey there!

Whoops! I abandoned this blog for a while now! I miss writing silly stuff on here :)

The reason why I haven't found the time to write is that I finally started my first job! I feel so blessed to have been offered a position right after graduating college. So far I love it, even though it's not really related to what I've been studying in college (Political Science).
I'm so excited to be learning so much, to be independent, to be busy and to be happy!

I've realized how much I need to be productive. I need to be learning something, I need to be doing something and I need to be around people to feel fulfilled.
Don't get me wrong, I love to have some time by myself, but sitting at home on my behind wondering what I'm going to do with my day is difficult.

Right now, I'm happy to be, not only a working girl, but also to be finding out a lot of things about myself. I love it.
Things are changing, things are moving along.
I'm looking toward a bright future (hopefully), and I'm trying to learn how to let go, how to let things happen on their own...

Hope all is well on your side :)
xoxo

Love according to children

Actual children's answers to the question "What is love?"

* "When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouths"
* "Love is what makes you smile when you're tired"
* "Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."
* "If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend you hate."
* "Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday"
* "Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends after they know each other so well."
* "Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."
* "You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."


Too cute...

xoxo

Life is happening now

It often seems to me as though there's always something new to be accomplished for life to start. By that I mean that there was high school to be done with, internships, college, this and that. I hear myself say "Ok, after this is done, that will be it, life is going to start", but, hasn't life started already?
What does it mean to start life?
I remember being little and thinking that when I'll be 18, I'll be a real adult and I'll do adult things etc. Now, when I remember what I was like when I was 18, one word comes to mind: kid. It's funny.

So, in the end, these little obstacles to surmount, these things to get done will always be there. I will go from one goal to the next.
Then I wonder, is that bad? Will I always feel like I'm on "stand-by", will I always be waiting for my real life to start?

After thinking about this a little bit and doing some research, I've come to the conclusion that, as human beings, we are happy when we're growing. Growth is an important factor in living a healthy life. We always need to be working on the getting something done.
For example, let's say I have a research paper due. Apparently I will be happier when I'm actually working on it then when it's done. And when it is done, I will most probably look for something else to do, for another task to be done.
Interesting, no?

So life is never on stand-by, it is happening right now. Life is not about chilling on a hammock waiting for sunrises and sunsets (though, it is good to do that one in a while ;P ), it is about setting goals, learning how to make ourselves happy, accomplishing things that we need and want to accomplish. It is about making come true as many dreams as possible for ourselves and for those we love.

Happy 4th,
xoxo

Trying

Now is the time for me to try new things and go through even more changes. It is a choice I'm making in order to become something more.
I want to push myself to fulfillment, to accomplishment, to satisfaction. I don't want to be the person who stays in their comfort zone, who takes the easy way - wouldn't life be boring if lived this way?
I'm going to let go of fear and hopefully be brave enough to become the best version of me!

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are" - E.E. Cummings

Wish me luck,
xoxo

Footpath to peace

 

"Be glad of life...because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars; to be contented with your possessions, but not satisfied with yourself until you have made the best of them; to despise nothing in the world except falsehood and meanness, and to fear nothing except cowardice; to be governed by your admirations rather than by your disgusts; to covet nothing that is your neighbor's except his kindness of heart and gentleness of manners; to think seldom of your enemies, often of your friends; and to spend as much time as you can, with body and with spirit. These are little guideposts on the footpath to peace. "
- Henry von Dyke

xoxo

The Help

"All I'm saying is, kindness don't have no boundaries."

I just finished reading this great book. It really is the kind of book you just can't put down. I literally devoured it and was sad to reach the end....

I highly recommend it.

The story takes place in Jackson, Mississippi in the 60's and focuses not only on the lives of African-American maids working for white families, but also on the relationship between women. 

It is narrated from the perspective of 3 very different and endearing narrators, that you cheer for until the end.

Read it! :)
xoxo

Printemps

My attempt at translating the lyrics:

It was in 2003, during a show over the Summer, I spotted you under my many coats of mascara
And so many years later, I saw you and I was thinking to go up to you to see if you had some time for me
But you don't know that I would've given you everything the day my eyes met your glasses
And you don't know that I would really like to have you
It's kind of sad, only in this song will you know
The branches fall on the ground and nothing can change
In my preconceived dreams, I let myself imagine things
But my unclear desire remains a secret that is too heavy to bear
The branches remain on the ground and I won't ever say a thing
But you don't know that I would've given you everything the day my eyes met your glasses

And you don't know that I would really like to have you

It's kind of sad, only in this song will you know

The branches remain on the ground, the seasons got married

After days of doubt, I can no longer avoid you

And this internal scream won't stop

The branches remain on the ground and I finally found you.

Coeur de Pirate is a Canadian pop-singer-songwriter. I'm in love with her cute voice and her little "quebecois" accent.
I'm sure many of you can relate to this song. I know I can :)

♥
xoxo

To love is to be vulnerable

"Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket- safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love at all is to be vulnerable." -C.S. Lewis

Take chances,

xoxo

Hello Sunshine!

Summer is here!

"If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance" - Bern Williams

It's time to bask in the sun, wear light and bright clothes, plan trips and simply get to know and enjoy ourselves!

Summer has always been my favorite season.
I grew up in France, and summer there was generally the only time we had great weather for a reasonably long period of time. We would start eating outside, fire up the grill, go to the beach as much as we could, visit our family around the country and finally trade in our big sweaters for summer dresses. I also loved being able to enjoy the sun until 11pm....How dreamy it was :)

A decade and a half later, it is still my favorite season.
Even though I live in a city where we are blessed with great weather all year round, Summer for me now has a sort of romantic connotation and means freedom, creativity, tanned skin, silly books, naps and well-deserved fun...
It also means that we have a good reason to eat ice cream :P

I'm not sure what summer this year holds for me. All I know is that right now, I am thoroughly enjoying this moment on my balcony...

Let's have a great summer...and send me postcards!!
xoxo

Wishes

It's funny how children can be inspiring...

Today, while I was out enjoying a Nutella crepe with two kids I take care of, one of them asked me: if I had one wish, what would I wish for. I was really caught off-guard. I mean....what do you say to that?
Do you go with the cliche "peace in the world" miss America type of answer? or do you go with the selfish "millions of dollars on my bank account" answer?

It tormented me (yes, I really do over think everything!). It is simple to come with an answer, but the real issue is how do you know that it is exactly what you want, desire, hope to see, hope to have...

What do we wish for? Or better yet, what should we wish for?

"The ego wishes comfort, security, satiety; The soul demands meaning, struggle, becoming."

After much thinking, I'm not sure I can ever find an answer to this question...

However, I think we should be careful, and wish for something that defines us, that defines the person we want to be, the person we can picture ourselves being. 

I do think that it is important to wish once in a while, not because I believe in miracles, but because it is important to create within ourselves strong and tingling desires to make things happen.

And in fact, why not say your wish out loud? God knows we all need a little support and lots of motivation to make our wishes come true..!

"Our deepest wishes are whispers of our authentic selves. We must learn to respect them. We must learn to listen." Sarah Ban Breathnach

So, wish upon a dandelion, a shooting star, before blowing your candles or when it's 11:11 on the clock... and see what magical things you will do to make it all happen! ;)

xoxo

Your smile brings happiness to others

"His smile had a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself"- F.S Fitzgerald 

Even if things are not going so well, you should definitely smile because:
* it makes you attractive, oh la la
* it changes your mood, try it now, it works!
* it's contagious, you'll see, everyone around you is going to be smiling too...
* it relieves stress, ahhh
* it releases happy hormones, yay!
* it makes you look younger
* it makes you seem confident and approachable (no one wants to talk to the frowny person)
* it helps you stay positive


One person told me one day that I was always smiling and that it made them happy. From this moment on, I wanted to smile even more. I'll never forget these sweet words...

Obviously, no one can smile all the time (that's just obnoxious and weird!), but it really isn't hard to do it once in a while, so shall we give it a try?


"I want to be remembered as the girl who always smiles even when her heart is broken, and the one that could always brighten up your day even if she couldn't brighten her own"

:D
xoxo

Favorite things

I don't know about you, but one of my favorite things is to get letters in the mail. There's something so special about them.
I remember sending letters when I first moved to the United States, to my friends back home, and waiting eagerly for the mailman to come each day, in the hopes of getting a response. It was like receiving a present.
It's so personal, you feel as if the person is somehow with you...
I miss that.

I keep them all in boxes at my parents' house, and I love going through them once a while. It's magical.

"To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart".- Phyllis Theroux

Write to me? :)
xoxo

Summer!

It's weird to be on break. I have to admit, I was never good at it. A fast-paced life usually prevents me from being one-on-one with myself, and in the end, I get comfortable living like this.
Now that I am actually "free", yes, it feels weird, but I no longer have an excuse to not take real good care of myself and actually get to know myself a bit better. What a luxury!

I want to exercise, bake, go on a trip, write, dance, read, visit museums, shop, dream and laugh!
Hope to make it all happen...


Don't forget to smile,
xoxo

Graduation

"It always seems impossible until it is done" - Nelson Mandela

We were about 4,000 seniors on the field. It truly was amazing.

The sun was shining, the speeches were inspiring, we were all so excited!

I now feel as if anything is possible, and above all, I feel accomplished. I am so proud of myself. Looking back, it was a long and beautiful road.

Let's keep on going and hope for the best!

xoxo

Setting goals

I found this video on Facebook and was truly moved.

Claire is a 13 year-old girl who has been living with cystic fibrosis all her life. She went through countless surgeries and was in a coma for 17 days. Yet she remains beautifully positive and inspiring, and, as you'll see, her disease is really not what defines her.

Just thought I would share this with you.

It made me smile to see how smart, mature and confident she is...



http://clairesplacefoundation.org/

:)
xoxo

Dreams

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.”

“Yesterday is but today's memory, tomorrow is today's dream.”

There are so many things I want to do, so many things I want to accomplish...

Sometimes I feel like these dreams are not likely to happen...but then they reappear in my mind, over and over again. It must be for a reason, right?

:)

What are your dreams?

xoxo

Days like this...

...when everything seems to go absolutely wrong.

I lost my optimism and my motivation today..

Fortunately, it's all slowly coming back with the help of sweet voices.


Life is not perfect, I really should keep that in mind, enjoy the ride and not take every little bump in the road so seriously.

Lesson learned...I hope!

xoxo

Let's do this!!

I'm feeling the pressure, I'm feeling the excitement....

Almost there, almost there!

I'm burying myself in books today! It's going to be me, my laptop, my cup of coffee and later my study buddy.

I want this badly. I want to be so proud of myself, and it's all in my hands. 

Have a productive day, be the greatest :)

xoxo

Letting go

"I was born with an enormous need for affection and a terrible need to give it" - Audrey Hepburn

source

As I mentioned before, it's the end of not only the school year for me, but of school. That is it, i'm graduating!!! It's crazy...
Since this was the last week of class,  it has suddenly hit me that there are some people that I'm never going to see again. Ok, plans and promises will be made, but in the end, we know what will happen...
It made me a bit sad because I really have a hard time letting go of people that have entered my life. Of course I can let go of little acquaintances, but people that have somehow touched me, that I've created any sort of bond with, that I've developed a little bit of affection for...it's so difficult.

What saddens me the most is that, sometimes, as it is the case for me, you realize that there were no goodbyes, no see you...we forgot...

I wish I could detach myself more easily from the people who have been a part of my daily life.

Then I see the beauty of it, people coming and going in and out of our lives, at all times, touching us, affecting us in some way without us realizing....

‎"The are moments that mark your life, moments when you realize nothing will ever be the same. And time is divided into two part, before this and after this." 


xoxo

Wear your passions

Have a productive day ;)

xoxo