This weeks recap | looking like a chipmunk for mothers day

You guys has these last  one and a half weeks has been so crazy.

I literally was so swollen like a chipmunk running up and down to the dentist on different antibiotics.

Finally hallelujah the swelling subsided and everything was sorted out this Friday. I mean the agony of toothache is just another kind of pain. But honestly one total positive is how much it has shone a light on being thankful for being healthy. Like just the simple ability to have a healthy mouth to eat and drink whatever you want.

I swear I literally started feeling like I have to be more thankful on days I feel good. Its like that was Gods message to me. Have you ever felt that way?

This was this weeks / last 2 weeks recap:

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I took a mini social media break, this is what happened.

I have been finding myself totally addicted to being on my phone, basically living vicariously through Instagram and YouTube. It eventually dawned on me that I wasn't actually present in my actual life. I wasn't achieving my goals at a pace I really needed to. So I basically started a weekend phone off promise to myself.Starting this past weekend.

How did I manage? well keep reading.

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10 random facts about me

I absolutely love random facts about people videos and blog posts, its such an easy way to learn more about your favorite youtubers and bloggers.. its been a long ass minute since I've done one of these so today I decided to share 10 random facts about me.

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Why my gratitude list is my sanctuary and why you need your own...

No one is ever positive 24/7, its human nature to find yourself chilling in your sorrows. I've been there, done that, worn and owned that T-shirt.This is where my gratitude list has come in very handy. Not only does it force me to acknowledge my blessings. It gives me the pick me up I need. Realizing each day I have 10 things that is amazing in my life is a real kick up the ass to not be a Debbie downer.

Its such a simple life habit. Yet it makes all the difference. 

The best part is it doesn't have to be some huge fancy list. The daily blessings are just as important as the huge accomplishments. There is nothing too small to consider when it comes to being thankful.

This is actually the beginning phase of the law of attraction and manifesting ones dreams... But that's a post for another day.

So how do you go about starting your own gratitude journal?

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Maternity pictures and little chit chat

Its been a while, I feel like for the last year I have been saying that very frequently at the start of every post. I apologize for that...

After giving birth I at first had this insane sense of urgency... get fit, blog, get "normal" again. But in all honesty it was merely the most impossible thing to me, huge applause to the moms who bounce right back but that was NOT me. My little Matteo was feeding every one and a half hours, I was barely sleeping and I have been basically running on reserve for 6 months. Its been crazy. So I made the executive decision regarding my life, no blogging until he is eating semi solids and I can sleep train him. I will be brutally honest, I felt like I failed myself. You need to understand  I have worked on my blog for years, there has been many many late nights invested into this site of mine and I had many goals that had a sell by date. Not to mention I wanted to be that instant fit new mom but I seriously just couldn't do it. 

I swear more often than not I was new mom stalking. Comparing us on the most tiniest details ...oh she left the house, oh my gosh how did she snap back so freaking fast, oh my soul is she really the queen of multi tasking, it was endless and exhausting. Then I had this major epiphany after getting a instagram dm from another new mom wondering how on earth I found the time to still be active on social media. It was then that I realized we all just post our triumphs, our highlights and the real stuff happens to ALL of us behind the scenes. I started easing up on myself and really started to live in my new mom moments. 

You sometimes just need to have a serious talk to yourself. "Listen woman you are human, you just brought a whole new human into this world... chill the f out."

Anyway 6 months later, my baby is eating semi solids, I officially start sleep training him today and I feel ready to dive back in.

I decided to start back om the blog bus by sharing some of my favorite pregnancy pics which was taken by my friend Helen. Every time I look back at these pictures I smile because I can vividly remember how huge I felt. How the time was drawing closer and I was starting to feel very freaked the f out. The idea that soon I would be bringing home a little human was consuming my every thought. Today I feel like the luckiest person in the world.

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Advice for my sixteen year old self

Hey young Megs, 

I know you seriously can't wait to be done with school at this point, you just want to work and travel already. There's a burning desire to escape your current reality and you wondering what colour to dye your hair next. You also wondering if you should start having a boyfriend behind your dads back or if you will ever have really big boobs. 

Is Christina Aguilera's hair is your spirit animal or will it be a disaster like when you dyed your hair red to fit in with the cool kids?. 

You wondering if your friends will still be your friends 10 years from now and already fantasizing about what being on your own will be like. There's no doubt you will be a super famous something, not quite sure what yet but you will change the world. You also feeling crazy shit right now, you don't quite fit in anywhere and life is just not as easy anymore. 

I have some interesting things for you to consider, some will blow your mind ;)

love 

31 year old Meghan

10 random tips and lessons for my younger self:

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My holistic approach to kicking anxieties ass!

Hi my name is Meghan and it's been 1 month since my last panic attack!

These words are so joyful to me, I have severely suffered from anxiety since 2010 . I was on pills, I went to therapy, I tried so much and still couldn't cope. Living a numb life was not for me either I thrived to feel in control! When actually thinking about it I knew I had to share these tips with you guys because I know how disturbing anxiety it can be. 

These are things that assisted me but please note anxiety is different from one person to the next so do ask your doctor and see if these methods will assist you. My approach has become more holistic over the last few months and that's what has seemed to help me.

Just for a quick background on me I suffer from PTSD and social anxiety even walking in a mall would get me feeling light headed. Over the years the symptoms got worse and even attending small gatherings were daunting. Its been a nightmare really. Thankfully for the first time in ages I haven't had the numbing panic attacks, only slight heart racing but these tips usually get me grounded in a few short minutes.

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Read this when you over being single

Among my friends I seem to be the "how can I meet someone" expert. It's kind of flattering to be honest. I will admit I'm not one to live a lonely life for long after any breakup and my advice does assist in building your new brand. Because the best part of breakups is you leave knowing more about who you are. Most of the time it's about the fear that there isn't much out there, like you basically in a drought or single desert that keeps you single. That is so far from the truth. 

Understand this if someone as amazeballs as you found yourself single, there must be even more amazing people in the same boat. By the way my advice works for my fellow introverts too because I am an introvert and I refuse to apologize for it. If you a Kourtney I got you covered babe ;) 

If you curious about my seriously sage advice here are my 5 top tips:

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A few of my 2016 goals, what's yours?

I don't know about you but I prefer the term goals to resolution and for some reason the goals I set tend to get achieved faster than my resolution...

Is that crazy?

This year my goals are definitely about personal growth, so think travels, fitness, blog goals and more. I find this to be a good way to ensure the year will bring on more experiences and more happiness. The worst feeling in the world is seeing no growth in a year.

Create those goals people!!

1. Travel : Now I do my fair share of traveling but this year I want to experience more exotic places, Bali, Italy, Morocco, Greece the list is pretty much open to any place I haven't been before.
2. Complete the Kayla's BBG: The main reason is it seems to be the ultimate fitness challenge and I know what a great accomplishment finishing it would be. 
3. Follow the magic practice by Rhonda Byrnes: hey all I will say on this is if ones life can change for the better, I have to try it.
4. Create and launch my Youtube channel: Yip I want to branch out and create different content. Vlogging and actually being able to talk.
5. Learn how to sail: They have a sail school in Uganda I really want to try out. If you have been reading my blog for a while you know I am obsessed with boats.

Now you guys have to tell me what your number one goal for this year is, leave it in the comments below.

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Catch up with the "ME TIME TAG"

Hello my beauts,

The last time we caught up was in 2015 by 2016 you know somethings waaaay over due. :)

How was your festive season and how has the new year treated you? I hope great, because you deserve great, know what I mean?. Today I decided why not kick start the year with a fun tag about my favorite thing ever ... me time!

Just thinking of me time gets me all smiling, I love the pampering session that renews my mind, body and soul. The zero guilt of me time. So before I ramble over and over lets get started.

What do you watch or read during me-time?

Those in the know, know I love a good book and I am basically obsessed with series. I am currently reading Lunch in Paris by Elizabeth Bard and my series obsession is a hard one but this December I found myself watching Rizzoli & Isles a whole lot.

What do you wear during me-time? 

I am all about comfort during me time yoga pants, baggy top and comfy socks. 

What are your me-time beauty products?

I'm currently in-between products (is that even a thing?) but I usually need a mixture of oils for my hair, bentonite clay mask for my face and my trusty red gel essence nail polish.

Current favorite nail polish? 

I love essence gel nail polish. A new one I recently discovered form their range is the powdery finish no make-up look.

What do you eat/drink during me-time? 

Wine oh wine and savory snacks. Listen alone time for me isn't about dieting its about indulgence. So think crackers and cream cheese, pringles chips yummmm, gherkins, cheese sarmies... more cheese and did I mention cheese.

Current favorite candle?

I don't have any, I need recommendations people! 

Do you ever have outdoor me-time? 

Yes I love taking long walks with my dogs, they are the funniest adventure freaks out there. If you follow me on snapchat you know what I mean. (meghanssilva1 on snapchat)

Would you ever go see a movie alone? 

I actually love it, I used to date a guy who wouldn't see anything with under 8 imdb scores, so I would head to the movies solo on many occasions. (yip I dated one of those kinds)

Favorite online shop? 

SEPHORA and we don't even have a sephora store here in South Africa. That place is addictive.

Anything to add? What else do you do during me-time?

I find my blog to be the epitome of me time, its like a DO NOT DISTURB sign automatically is placed on my forehead. Me time could be a variety of things, its not only the pampering that is needed but the moment to catch a breathe from the demands of life. Everyone should be a bit selfish with their me time.

So now its your turn, please answer one of these questions because I really would love to get to know you all more too. If you have any series or candle recommendations leave that below too ;)

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The greatest 2015 lesson I have learned, and my challenge to you...

One major lesson I have learned this 2015 is have tons and tons of fun in every aspect of life and when its not fun its time to make some changes, do you agree?

When I sit back and ponder on the highs of my 2015 and where the lows were I totally see a pattern of accepting terrible situations as part of what should be "normal". When in reality the normal part of our life should be a daily sensation of bliss. There is not more to life than having fun, yip I said it. Work, love all that doesn't really bring it unless its legit 80% good ol fun.

Whether you apply this to working out, your job (which btw if you think about it you spend the majority of the your lifetime doing) should be more joy than painfulness. The crazy thing is I realized this while sitting in solitude in Uganda. I kept thinking I just want to be blissfully happy in all aspects of my life. I surely don't mind the hard times and I know I am very capable to handle whatever life sends my way but... and I mean capital letters BUT I will not think that's the normal. 

Blissfully happy people is the adventure, journey and destination I desire for my life... sounds all dreamy but if you browse around the web long enough you will read and see many astounding life changes happening in peoples lives. The ones who believe life is meant to be enjoyed. They on Instagram, on Facebook, motivational speakers.  They have chosen to live in bliss and to expect bliss.

Kinda on the same note I challenged my followers over on instagram to do one final thing that is doable on their 2015 goals they made last year or the beginning of this year. I mean seriously how good does completing any goal feel? is there any high quite like that?! One goal of mine was living with positive intentions, basically manifesting some epicness into my life and I plan on doing that this next 16 days.

So this is my challenge for you my gorgeous readers, make it  major goal to achieve one goal before the clock strikes 12 and brings in a new year with new goals. Don't do it for me, this one is all about you feeling thrilled with how you ending 2015.

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5 Thought provoking quotes

In this day and age Its so important to feed the soul with motivational words. So many things go wrong and drain your happiness from time to time that its extremely important to keep fueling your spirit with all those good thought provoking words. I have a long list of authors and quotes I turn to, they uplift me and really just help get my mind on the right track. With that said I just knew I had to share my current favorites with you guys. I mean what good is having notes and notes of quotes if you don't share them. I hope these brighten up your Monday and just get your week started on a great note.

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Read this when you feeling alone (You will feel better)

This is a topic I am enlightened in if I must say so myself. The 24 year old me would be devastated by the idea of being alone. No friends? no parties? no drag racing? shoot me now I'd scream. But I have grown in heaps and bounds in the last few years and really discovered how to enjoy being alone. Whether you alone because you staying in a new place, got an extremely busy partner, introvert type or in a long distance relationship. I kinda can relate to it all. Learning to be happy and to have a sense of home within yourself really is a great gift. Something not everyone gets. I know people who cannot go a day without making a new friend to escape their own minds and boredom and to be honest I  seriously I cant judge, once upon a time I was like that too.

But that feeling of an empty void needing to be filled doesn't always have to be there. That's my goal and main reason why I chose to write and share more about my thoughts on this topic. Often times you can be surrounded by tons of people and still feel extremely lonely. Its all about being happy with being in your own company. These are my personal tried and tested ways I beat the lonely bug. 

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Sorry for the silence

Life has been about lots of juggling around, personal, work wise and its been insane to get posts up. Its something I am determined to work on because without blogging I have felt like there is been a big void in my life. There is so many things I want to catch you up on and Ideas I have. So don't worry there really will be activity on here. But for now follow along on instagram where its a medley of food, inspirational words, epiphanies and much more about my life behind the blog. 

I do hope things are so amazing with you and I have a new post coming up tomorrow. Planned, done and ready to go!!! 

Sending you love & light !!

@MeghanSSilva

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20 Relationship lessons I learned in my 20's

There's so many things that changed for me about how I look at and am in relationships. Before it was all about love and my so very extremely handsome and charming bfs. But the truth is my tolerance for drama was nearly zero. Drama occurred and I was out. Like pack up and move to a new city out!!!. Things seriously changed these last four years. I no longer just focus on looks, it's all about kindness, being there for me and meaning what you say and saying what you mean. I have also started to see my qualities and how I have grown over the years.

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Have the best 2015 with positive intentions!

Hi my lovelies!!!

Wow can you believe we 5 days into 2015 already? I don't want this year to fly by its my final few months where I can say i'm in my 20's, where did the years go people????. Anyway before I go waaaaay off topic I know its been a while since my last post and I do apologize but a blog break was really needed. I will admit I waited until my blogging fire was back to full vibrant sizzling flames before starting up again... and I have no regrets. I have always believed you should do something with love and passion or not at all and that's exactly what I did. I have to say a huge thank you for all your patience and the love you have sent my way. You guys are simply amazing. Thank you thank you thank you!

On the topic of love and passion and all those amazing feelings, I had this goal that my first post of 2015 had to be about positive intentions. Reason being 2014 was a year surrounded with negativity. I was knee deep in oh so much bad bad bad bad baby and also surrounded by an abundance of drama and chaos which always felt out of my control. The minute 2014 was over and done with I knew I had to make a conscious decision that I will not allow 2015 to go down like that. Now those that know me, you know (points at you, you and yooooouuu) I am a huge believer in the law of attraction, positive thinking and having positive intentions and what I noticed was the minute I forgot to apply these to my daily routine things got very messy and negative. So this year I am completely focused on doing what has never failed me and that is having positive intentions for my life and year ahead.

You might be wondering what the heck is positive intentions ??? well in a nutshell its setting "this will make me very happy goals" so you can start living a happy and fulfilled life. Your intentions need to be very clear about what will make you happy and bring positivity to your day to day life. 

Here's an example of my positive intentions for 2015:

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Im back!!!

This trip was nothing short of a great adventure, experiencing new things and seeing life in a new way. I have to say a huge thank you to Bart for planning it ALL and showing me around his wonderful world and his friends and family for the loving kindness... you guys are awesome. I have to admit though I am thrilled to be back. The sunny days here even if they not extremely hot currently, I missed it, I missed it all. The little "nip" in the air with the heat of the sun on your skin and those amazing early sunrises. Oh my word how I missed sunny South Africa!!!

Yes I know I was planning to post more often but In all honesty a blog break was needed... I mean really really needed (Girlfriend was feeling burned out in many ways). I also wanted to be present while in Europe and really enjoy and embrace the beautiful surroundings and life had been so stressful prior to the trip that I desperately needed a minute to breathe ... know what I mean my loves? 

One more positive of being back is I have finally recovered from my pesty cold and feel alive whooooo ooooooh!!! I was a sick mess for two weeks. Anywhoozy hope things are looking positive on your side?  Posts will be back to normal very soon and I will be sharing more pictures from my trip on the blog soon. With that said, even though I want to share many many stories of my trip and share every picture I took I am really looking forward to getting back to topics other than just my trip... food, relationship talk, motivation, blog tips and so forth with the occasional travel stories in the mix. Hope that is fine with you? Let me know, your input is always important to me. 

Time for the dreaded unpacking,

 nothing is worse than packing than unpacking... can I get an Amen!

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From Bruges with love

Currently in a cosy hotel in Bruges

Cycling is not for me!

Perhaps I have romanticized thanks to the countless European movies I watched, but bicycle riding might just not be for me. The last 24 hours entailed a 2 hour straight bicycle ride through Knokke-heist to Holland. It was quite the ride for a first time cyclist. I always thought in my mind people who bicycled to discover a city found a little bench on the side, pulled out a baguette, some wine or in this case few Belgium beers and just took in the beautiful scenery. Not the case, instead I found myself reaching Holland with sore legs and sore everything else, if you know what I mean. Walking around was sore... have I told you I was sore yet? 

But, I decided to pull out my camera and just enjoy the place and capture as many moments as I could. But pretty quickly thoughts entered my mind "we came here by bicycle and we will be returning that way too.... help!" Some where along the way back I found myself daydreaming that one car would tow us back. The daydreaming got disturbed by a large shout from Bart "what the hell... slow down!." Yip I am still laughing inside (like a winner... from The other woman), because my legs have never been an autopilot like that in my life. 

I think its pretty simple to say cycling is not for me...!

Anyway another day another adventure... follow along on instagram for more pictures @MeghanSSilva

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What makes you happy?

When I first started my blog I wrote a weekly post where I shared things I am grateful for, things that I loved. I really want to get back to starting my week by acknowledging the things I really sincerely appreciate in my life or just general things I love. I feel it makes such a huge difference in ones life.

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Read my 5 valuable lessons on long distance relationships!

If you read my insta-recap post, you would've noticed I am now in a long distance relationship. I am often against long distance anything, but Bart had a sudden immediate/ urgent trip which turned into a "I am not returning to South Africa". But instead of us ending things he had convinced me to try the long distance thing. LDR is for some people and for people like me who need affection and to feel like you still in a relationship, not so much. If you an affection loving person like me and thinking of having a long distance romance I hope my lessons can keep the spark alive or better yet read it together with your partner ;).

This is one great LDR site to check out... I wish you all the best if you embarking on this journey and I hope my experience can eliminate future stress for you two love birds. The greatest lesson is asking questions and coming up with a great game plan, how will be in contact, for how long, build trust prior to leaving. That is the key to keeping the love alive. I have more tips including some of my worst moments of being in a long distance relationship, if you curious to read that let me know!

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