Most educational cartoon ever

Probably not, but I have still learnt a lot from it and I was surprised by its positive message. Which cartoon you ask? Happy Feet 2. I turned on the TV while I was eating lunch (yes, yes, I know, it's not good to watch or read while eating, but you would do it too, I usually always eat alone, and I sometimes need a "company" :)) and it just started. And I was like: "Oh, cute, penguins are so adorable and look at those little ones, fluffy and little." Seriously, penguins are one of my favourite animals. Ok, stop blabbing, get to the point.

Source: Pinterest.

Character that was so inspiring to me was Will the Krill. He decides to be different and starts swimming against the swarm, eventually he will come to an end. And he does. And what was there? He has never seen ocean in this way -no other krills, just pure beautiful sea. One of the other krills, Bill, joins him. Bill is constantly reminding him to go back where is safe and be normal again. He even says: "I fear the worst, Will." And Will replies: "I fear the worst too, but only because fearing the best is an absolute waste of time!" 
Little Will has such a strong will (his name must have been chosen wisely :)), he is brave enough to challenge himself to evolve. He even tries eating meat, he says: "I'm moving up the food chain! I'm gonna chew on something that has a FACE!". Even though at the end he loses his mind a little and says that he should have listened to Bill, who had left him eventually, but they meet again and Bill says to him that he was right all along. Surprisingly, he convinced all other krills to join him and they start dancing, because it makes them happy ("main point" of the movie is actually dancing after all :)).

Source: Pinterest.

Will the krill reminded me of strong (human) individuals, who decide to do something different, to change their lives, even though they are "small", unimportant, at "the end of the food chain". They not listen to what other people say and think, are not afraid to be bold and even though life is not a beach, but a mountain, they keep going. It can be hard, but small steps count. 
Always follow your heart, not listen to others and get out of your comfort zone. You'll never know, if you never try.


I know that I turned on TV, because it was meant for me to see this movie. I felt so happy and motivated afterwards. Movie also had many other messages, but this story was the one I wanted to share with you. Have you ever been so inspired and positively surprised by a movie or even better - a cartoon?

I know, totally random post, but I just had to share it. I love movies and cartoons ... maybe I'll share more inspirational stories from movies in the future, if you find it interesting :)

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Monday funday | Find a hobby

Today's Monday funday post is about finding a hobby. This is kinda self explanatory, but let's take a look what a hobby can give you ...

When you're doing something you like and love, you feel happiness, joy and peacefulness. When you feel all that, your stress levels are low. You'll see your energy raise above the clouds, you'll be more energetic throughout the day and your inner child will be awakened. Who doesn't want to feel that? :)

Source: Pinterest.

What hobby should you choose, you ask? Whatever you like and what your heart desires most. List is endlesssssssss ... If you don't know in which direction you should go, make a list what did you like to do when you were younger. Most people forget about those activities when they get older, but we're not most people, are we? :) Hobbies should not feel like another obligation, should feel like playing :)

Source: Pinterest.

And maybe someday, if you're really passionate about something and if you're doing it from you heart, a hobby (or even hobbies) will bring you money or maybe you'll even start a new career.

Be creative, curious and happy about it. Wish you all a happy happy Monday :)

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Birthday post

I turned 24 today. Happy birthday to me! And thank you dear mother who gave birth to this amazing person ;)
I got inspired to write this post months ago and finally the day has come to publish it! Most people at my age and older don't get excited about birthdays, but I will tell you why I am!

Firstly, my birthday signifies that I'm alive. If we don't celebrate life everyday (which we should), birthday can be our "reminder" to do so. Yeah, getting old may suck if you think so, but age is just a number really. You are never too young or old to set new goals and dream big. You can achieve anything. Society creates this walls for us. You can get in shape in your forties, you can get a new hobby at sixties, you can leave school and pursuit your dreams ... you just have to overcome one thing - fear. And you create it yourself, it's just an illusion. No matter what people say or think about your decisions, at the end of the day it's still YOUR life. I got so many "recommendations" what school should I go to, what job should I choose, what partner should I date, what should I wear, where should I go or not go ... But you know what - that's what others wanted for me and I wouldn't feel myself if I followed their words.
Now to the physical body - with healthy lifestyle you can slow the aging process, face yoga, superfoods and loads of water are your best friends. Don't start thinking of curing your body when you're already "damaged". I have stretch marks to remind me of that :)

Secondly, 24 means that I've been alive for 24 years, I've been living on this beautiful planet Earth for 24 years and I'm looking forward for many more! It's such a blessing to be alive and I'm extremely grateful for everything in my life. I believe that everyone has a purpose on this planet, but it's up to a person what wants to do with his life. Stop worrying about that number, stop making old jokes, because they may become your truth, and start living - find your purpose, have fun and take nothing for granted. Put your negative energy of complaining towards finding yourself, education, happiness, be grateful for what you have, what have you achieved, what have you become ...

Thirdly and lastly, I have a theory that summer kids get excited about their birthdays more than others. It's summer after all :). And Leos can be really passionate about just everything. ;)

And here I am, 24 years old (or should I say young?), feeling amazing, I have never felt so strong (mentally and physically) and motivated to conquer this life. And I even feel younger as I felt when I was 18.

Now, go out and shine bright like a diamond ;), no matter  what age you're at.

Have a blessed day and weekend.

Monday funday | I CAN DO IT!

You know what are the most used words in every one's life: "I can't do it" without even trying. It's just one of the lame excuses and you already know what I think about them.

Source: Pinterest.

Life challenges you on daily basis, you get new opportunities, you set yourself a new goal ... And most of the time you don't want to take a risk and you just say "I can't do it", "I'll leave that to someone else" ... The opportunity didn't just come there for no reason, you attracted it in life. So, grab it. Without even trying you don't know how successful you can be. Maybe you'll surprise people around you, maybe you'll even pleasently surprise yourself. Nothing will happen if you don't go out and do it.

Source: Pinterest.

 

So take a risk, just jump in to the water and start swimming, believe in yourself. Later, if you don't like the road you're walking, you can start paving another one. You're the only person complicating your life right now, it's actually all really simple. Your mission for this week is to change words "I can't do it" into "I'll do my best" or even better "I can do it". Because when you truly believe in yourself, nothing can stop you. :)

Have a lovely Monday and blessed week!

Monday funday | Count you Blessings

Gratitude is extremely powerful feeling and counting your blessing is one of the most powerful practices. It can turn your life around if you do it on daily basis.

Source: Pinterest.

How does it work?
Whenever you say and FEEL gratefulness for a certain thing (material or non-material, no matter how small or big), you'll see it magically increase. You can magically repair relationships that way, you can increase your money income, you can become a happier, more fulfilled person, you can meet new people who will help you grow ...

How do you do it?
In my opinion, is best to write your blessings on a piece of paper (I use dairy for that), so you can revisit them at any time. Start with:

• I am truly grateful/blessed/thankful for      what?     , because _______________.
• Thank you for __what?___, because _________________.

Count anything you'd like, but always focus on the positive, it's the only way to call abundance in your life. For example:

Source: Pinterest.

I am truly thankful for my computer, because I can write posts on it and connect with my followers.
I am grateful for health, because I have energy and I can think positive.
Thank you for food/water, because I nourish/hydrate my body with it.
               etc.


You get the picture. Try to do this exercise every morning and before bed time (and in between the day), it will truly uplift you spirit. Reread your written blessings and say magical words "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." after each one of them. Try to really feel it. The best way is to do that first thing in the morning, so you start your day feeling grateful and blessed, the rest of the day will be magical, I promise ;)

Source: Pinterest.

Now, get your diaries (or piece of paper) out and start counting your blessings! What are you thankful for today? :)

"Better to lose count while naming your blessings than to lose your blessings to counting your troubles." - Maltbie D. Babcock

Monday funday | Just smile :)

I am starting with new post series (which I had in mind for quite sometime) - positive posts on Monday, because people are hating on Mondays and I think that there's nothing wrong with them if you love life! I am usually extremely motivated on Mondays. It's a good day to conquer the world ;). I know that everyone won't agree with me, and that's fine, but I want to share some motivational, short post about positive thoughts won't harm anyone :)

[Most people agreed on the name "Monday Funday", so I named it that way :)]

Source: Pinterest.

 

Let's just talk a little about the power of a smile. Most people don't realize how powerful a smile can be. When you smile at someone you let them know that they are appreciated, wanted, accepted, loved and you even encourage them. With a smile you make a situation less tense, you calm fear, anxiety, insecurity, hurt ... You can change and heal a world when you smile because smiling is contagious. 

Source: Pinterest.

 

If you want to be happy, act like you already are. Do things that you love and make your inner child giggly ;)). Smile at yourself (even at your mistakes, which are not mistakes at all, but lessons ;)) and smile at the world! Focus on healthy and constructive thoughts, memories and events that made you smile.
Well, if you don't like your job or feel like you're stuck in a miserable place right now, start making yourself happy with your hobbies. Sooner or later everything will fall into place and you'll be living a happy life and you'll be smiling on daily basis! :)

Source: Pinterest.

So, your homework for today is - just SMILE! Even if it's just in your reflection in the mirror, which is a really good exercise btw, can "prepare" you to start smiling to the world and you have to be happy and confident with yourself first anyways :)

Do you smile enough?

And remember:
Life is like a mirror. Smile at it and it smiles back at you! 
Happy heart is a powerful medicine!

Happy Monday!

Saturday Fitness Post: #fitfam tag

Today's Saturday Fitness post is a little bit different, because it's a tag, fitness tag. I was tagged by lovely Cantara from Gymbags and Gladrags - thank you girl! So, let's just get started ...

Source: Pinterest.

1. Why and when did you start your blog?
I started my blog 2 years and a half ago in cold February 2011. Friends encouraged me to start blogging, because they were asking me all the time about healthy foods and beauty. What a better way to share my knowledge and tips than with a blog. Now that people say I motivate them and inspire them, it keeps me going! I'm blessed with the best readers!

2. Do you feel like having a blog has helped you stay accountable and motivated?
I would have to say yes. I feel like when you say something publicly you'll be more likely to do it and when I post my fitness progress, people expect you to see a difference. Same goes for makeup. Participating in weekly makeup tag and doing FOTD posts keeps me motivated to try new techniques and getting out my comfort zone.

3. What are your overall goals when it comes to health and fitness?
I want to become the healthiest and strongest version of myself. I want to look back and see how far I've come. I want to inspire people and be able to help them. I was overweight almost my whole life and I was a really ill child - now I'm not anymore! Once you're in control of your body, you can achieve everything in life. Also, with healthy body comes healthy mind, it's all one. And I would like to become more flexible :)

4. Who are your "fitspirations", if any?
I'll have to say fitness trainers that have overcome their problems with healthy lifestyle - Zuzana Light and Jillian Michaels for example. And I secretly admire body builders and any fitness person in general really. Miryah Scott is also one of the biggest fitspirations.

5. How often do you work out?
Every day I do HIITs, because they are super intense and short, muscles recover quite fast. But of course I know how to listen to my body, so I take a day off if I feel like I need to and maybe go for a walk and sometimes no workout is the best workout. If I don't workout, I make sure my diet is clean, which is even more important than workout itself.

6. Do you take supplements?
Currently no. I just ran out of Spirulina tablets and these were the only one I've been taking lately.

Source: my computer. I have no idea where I got this picture!

7. What would be your advice for someone who wants to lose weight but is lacking motivation?
I have plenty of tips and recommendations on my blog! I have tips and trick for beginners HERE. I even covered some excuses people make: HERE. About fitness goals and motivation: HERE.
Now I just realized I need sections in my blog, don't I?

8. What's your favourite part of #fitfam?
Motivation, inspiration and it's extremely encouraging. It's always nice to see real people with real results, it's amazing to motivate each other and keep us going.

9. Do you set little goals for yourself and give yourself rewards when you reach them?
Yes, I set a goal, such as: no sugar for one month, do 100 squats every day for a week etc ... and I usually don't award myself or I buy myself some new fitness clothes if I feel like it ;). But there's not finish line in fitness and health. There's always room for improvement and you have to be consistent. You can't eat super clean for one month and forget about it the other month. It's a life long journey.

10. What has been the hardest part of your weightloss journey so far?
Staying motivated. Some days I still think to myself: "meh, why would I workout or eat that today? I can start brand new tomorrow" etc. Yes, I am still a human and make excuses, even though I know how to move forward - I look myself in the mirror and I see I'm still not there where I want to be, or that my clothes don't fit me any better. Or I become lazy with food preparation and get sick and tired of eating the same things. I was actually thinking about writing a cook book to give more options to other people and myself! What do you think? :)
Oh and also, organization. I am the worst when it comes to this, even though I always say that organization is key to healthy lifestyle. I'm still working on that!

Source: Pinterest.

11. Do you prefer to do set workouts like Insanity, 30 Day Shred, TurboFire, Tone it Up etc. or do you like making up your own workouts?
I've done only 30 day shred, but haven't done full 30 days. I've been loyal to Zuzana Light from when she was still at Bodyrock.tv. Now that I've been workingout for 3 years, I can put together a really challenging and intense workout on my own. And you've guessed that right - I swear in my head, because I'm the the one who put it together :).
I like to keep my workout routine fresh, so I don't get bored of it, that's why I like hiits so much.


I hope you liked this tag! I really enjoyed answering these questions!
I don't have any specific people to tag, but if you're into fitness and health, you are more welcome to do answer the questions!

Saturday Fitness Tip: Beginner? No problem!

I am bringing Saturday Fitness Posts back! Who's excited? ;)

I asked you on Twitter if you have any ideas what should I cover in my next post and @Rbeautythoughts asked me to do "tips for beginners". Well, it's your lucky day, because I'll cover that today :). Let's just start ...

So, what can you do when you're a total beginner in healthy lifestyle and don't know where to start?

 

Source: Pinterest.

1. Start doing baby steps.
Make small changes in your everyday meals or fitness. For example: first week: start including fruit and vegetables in every meal, start moving, second week: eliminate sugary drinks, drink more water, third week: eat 4-6 times per day, fourth week: substitute white flour with whole wheat or try to eat gluten free, fifth week ... You get the picture, you can adopt this to your own needs and you know your body best, so you're your own best nutritionist or fitness trainer. Just don't let your ego win ;)

2. Clear out your taste buds.
We tend to spoil our taste buds. Pizza, for example, is very tasteful and flavourful dish, that's why we don't find simple, one-ingredient foods exciting anymore. The more you're used to man made food, the more you crave it, the less you like real food. I suggest you try to eat fruit and vegetables as much as you can during the day. Don't limit yourself, try everything at anytime. This will help you clear out your taste buds, after some time you'll find them tasty again as your taste buds will get used to them.

3. Cook for yourself.
When I started with 90 day separate diet for the first time, I started cooking for myself, because no one in family ate the way I did and no one actually supported me at the beginning. Since then I've been cooking for myself even though I still live at my mum's. They got used to it, I like preparing my own food - that's the only way I know what I put in my body.

 

Source: Pinterest.

4. Do not keep junk in your kitchen.
If you don't have it at home, you won't be able to eat it, will you? Don't go grocery shopping with an empty stomach, keep your food shopping simple - buy fresh (preferably organic) fruit and veg, beans, chickpeas, lean chicken, turkey, tofu, eggs, (dairy, almond, soy) milk ... One ingredient food, no man-made packaged foods. Simple as that.

5. Do not diet!
Even though I started my weight loss journey with a diet and learnt a lot from it, I don't recommend it to anyone. Why? Because diets are for certain period of time and you're forced to start eating completely different in just over the night. Once it's over, you'll be more likely to go on your old unhealthy lifestyle. There's no finish line in Fitness and Health. It should be life long journey ... so return to the first point - baby steps and clearing out your taste buds will do the trick ;)

6. Read food labels.
I keep repeating that and I know it may be annoying, but let me tell you: it is NOT time consuming, because when you see a long list of ingredients, put it back on the shelf. Don't waste your time reading ingredients that are unfamiliar in the first place.

7. Keep a food journal.
This is not just for beginners, but it can help you to be organized with your meals and is an effective way you know when, how much and how many times a day you eat. It can help you even with any health problems - maybe you'll discover if you have any food allergies etc.

 

If you cheat, you only cheat yourself.

Source: Pinterest. 

8. Take before and after pictures.
When you'll see results, it will keep you going, you'll be more motivated, you'll continue with exercising. Also, take measurements or you could even weight yourself. I wrote about how to know you've progressed here.

9. Educate yourself.
Read health blogs, magazines, fitness sites, like them on Facebook ... (or just read my blog :P) It's good to be educated about food you're putting in your body, maybe you'll stop eating certain food this way or maybe it motivated you to start moving.

10. No excuses!
I think I'll cover excuses in next Saturday Fitness post, but in short words: If you want something so badly (fit body, health, look and feel better ...) no excuse/person will stand in your way. You're creator of your own life, every detail of it and you deserve only best.

 

Source: Pinterest.

11. Think positive!
Yes, you can do it, yes, you are worthy, yes, you are beautiful the way you are at any weight, but you'll feel better if you take care of your body - and your body will thank you! And keep in mind - we are all amateurs at the begining, no one can know everything overnight.


I hope this helps to some of you! I really enjoyed writing this post! :)
If you have any other tips and ideas ofr complete beginners, please share them in a comment!

P.S.: If you have any ideas/recommendations for Saturday fitness posts, please share them in a comment section ;)

Saturday Fitness Tip: Let's talk goals and motivation

In today's Saturday Fitness Tip I'll talk about goals and motivation.
(I found pictures on Facebook on Fun, Fit and Fab page).



Let's go back in time ... I was overweight and I wasn't happy. Maybe I didn't look as unhappy person on the outside, but on the inside I wasn't. I had trouble finding pretty clothes that would fit me, my dreams seemed so far away, I was lost ... When I started losing weight, I started to feel better, was healthier and happier. And then I started eating healthier and exercising regularly, people around me said that I don't need to lose anymore weight or that I should be careful not to become anorexic (really?) or that I didn't even look fat and that I was cute even when I was bigger.

Maybe I didn't have any more weight to lose, but I didn't want to lose body I earned! But then I had ups and downs, I moved a lot and wasn't truly consistant, I ate too much even though it was healthy or had really stressful era in my life and it showed. But last November after my Lasik surgery I didn't workout for whole month! That was the longest period of time I didn't workout. So, I made a promise to myself to go back on track and be the best version of myself ... for the rest of my life (I even signed a contract with myself! - mental thing)).

That's why I do monthly progress posts, to keep me motivated. My goal is to have defined abs and I already see some definition showing through layer of fat :P. I love eating clean, I don't feel deprived at all. Food is my energy and I don't live to eat, but I eat to live. (But I still eat too much sometimes and my body is so unforgiving!) I'm gonna steal Tina Maze's words: My way is my decision. ;) Being weak is a decision, so is being strong!

 

I work with what I have, I will never probably fit in XS size, because I am big boned and that's fine with me. Maybe I'll need more time to get to my goal than a person who was never overweight and doesn't have any excess fat to lose, but once you set your mind into something, your body will follow. 

Now little encouragment to skinny or slim girls that workout and eat healthy. Don't listen to people who say: "You don't need to workout, you're skinny already." Being active and eating healthy is much more than being skinny, it's about feeling great in your own skin. You can have naturally amazing slim body, but that's not a guarantee it will be like that your whole life. Skinny has nothing to do with being in shape.

My long term (fitness) goal is to be healthy and motivate others. It means world to me when someone writes me I inspired them. It inspires me to keep going. If you want something sooooooooooooooo bad, no excuse will ever stop you. If you have time for Facebook, you have time for 15 minute workout, if you can buy that chocolate bar, buy fresh fruit instead ... and so on. Excuses stink and you know you make them on daily basis!

I didn't workout on Wednesday, because I was lazy and now I kinda regret it. Nothing I can change it now. Next time when you feel unmotivated to workout or you want to indugle something you shouldn't, look yourself in the mirror to see if you are where you want to be. I know I'm not, but every day is a new day, day to make it right. The sooner you start, the closer to your goal!


Now stop making excuses and earn the body you've always wanted!
Have a healthy happy Saturday y'all!

P.S.: If you have any topics you'd like me to cover or give you any advice, please, share them in a comment and I'll do my best to cover them in my next Saturday Fitness post :)

How to have an amazing year/life

Perfect time to write this post! :)
I think we have all reached a rock bottom at some point when nothing seems to be going according to our plan, we become grumpy, people around us are unhappy, we are unhappy, stressed, we start hoping for better life. Today, my friend, I will introduce you some ways how to be a happier person and how to attract good things in your life.

Source: Pinterest

1. Start your day right: count your blessings. Feeling of gratitude is one of the most powerful practices you can do. When you are grateful with what you already have (family, love, friends, health, money, work, relationships, passion, happiness, love, life, nature, material goods), no matter how small it may be, you will see those things increase in your life. And this will lead you to happiness. When you are happy and positive, people around you will be happy and you will attract only good things. Start your sentence: "I'm truly thankful/grateful/blessed to have _(what?)__ because _(why?)__". Try to really feel it - you can write it down or just go through them in your mind, I recommend doing that in the morning, so you'll start your day right :). And one more thing, there's no such thing as too much gratefulness.

Source: Pinterest

2. Love yourself. Not in a narcissistic way - there is a HUGE difference between confident/feeling good in your own skin and "egoistic lovers" (everyone has 2 aspects of themselves: Soul and Ego, but that could be long discussion, maybe next time :)). Once you accept yourself the way you are, other people will start falling in love with you AND because I'm such a fitness freak, loving yourself is a good point when your body is more capable of changing (great, ay? :)) It all starts in your own head actually. The longest relationship you have to have your whole life is with yourself, if you can't stand yourself, no one else will. That's why is so important to have healthy relationship with yourself. Exercise you can do: start repeating in your head "I love myself" and "I appreciate myself.", try to really feel it. It really doesn't take any time, since you can do it wherever and you can do it up to 300 times a day (constantly repeating in your mind). And work on yourself, maybe meditate, go for a walk, talk to yourself ... Just be kind to yourself.

Source: Pinterest

3. Never do anything you wouldn't want to happen to you. In other words: dear friend, karma is a bitch, because what goes around comes around. Be a good person, be good to other people, and most importantly be good to animals and nature, they need love too. Don't steal, lie, litter, gossip, fight and other bad stuff ... So we will all end up in heaven :P

Source: Pinterest

4. Another good point is, don't sweat the small stuff ... and it's all small stuff!! Just stop worrying so much, calm down, slow yourself, enjoy the moment, don't stress, inhale deeply, exhale fully, just relax ... It's not even that hard when you stop being so stubborn and stop telling yourself you can't control your life. Guess what, you "wear" your brain, you are not on an autopilot! Life is (pardon my French) f*cking beautiful, don't waste it being worried and stressed. Be happy <3. You can try to meditate, go for a walk, dance, sing, clean ... try to do anything that relaxes you and calms you mind.

Source: Pinterest

And remember - man becomes what he thinks about.

Make this year the most amazing year of your life ever!! Enjoy life! Happy New Year! :)