Earth Day 2024

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"The earth has music for those who listen."

(William Shakespeare)

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ENGLISH

On the occasion of Earth Day, I'm linking to one of my previous posts here with some green tips on saving energy, avoiding waste and upcycling ideas.

If you have any other tips or advice, perhaps a clever DIY upcycling project, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

GERMAN

Anlässlich des Tages der Erde verlinke ich hier einen meiner früheren Beiträge, in dem es einige grüne Tipps zum Energiesparen, zur Abfallvermeidung und zu Upcycling-Ideen gibt.

Wenn du weitere Tipps oder Ratschläge hast, vielleicht ein cleveres DIY-Upcycling-Projekt, kannst du diese gerne im Kommentarbereich unten hinterlassen.

🠊 Click on the image to read my post with the green tips 🠈

Lots of love,

E

The power of music

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"Music can change the world."

(Ludwig van Beethoven)

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Music is considered a cultural universal, even though its definition can vary from culture to culture and its origins are still unclear.

For most people, music is part of everyday life. It not only serves as entertainment, but usually also plays an important role in activities such as celebrations, cultural activities and religious rituals. Music is also used in advertising to promote brand recognition and create positive associations with products. The music played in stores can also affect our buying habits, and because of this emotional connection, music is also used in movies and TV shows.

Music can do more than just confirm our current emotional state, it can also influence our emotional destination. However, music and emotions are personal, cultural and linked to past experiences. A song does not trigger the same feeling in everyone, and it may even be that a song awakens different feelings in us as we grow older.

It depends on our mood and feelings what kind of music we want to listen to. Sometimes it's something classical, sometimes an energetic rock song, other times a catchy pop song or some hip-hop. There's also an old saying: when you're happy, you listen to the music, when you're sad, you listen to the lyrics.

For many people, music is also a form of personal expression. The music we listen to can be a reflection of our personality and our values. It can therefore also be a way to connect with others who have the same taste in music.

👉 Share your favorite song released so far in 2024 in the comments below. Whether it's a hit from the charts or a local gem, I'd love to hear about it. 😊

I will also leave here one of my favorite songs from this year to date, which is "Dance Alone" by Sia and Kylie Minogue.

Have a lovely day,

E

Happy Easter

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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🐰 Happy Easter, enjoy the holidays. 😊

🐰 Frohe Ostern und schöne Feiertage. 😊

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With best wishes,

E

The secrets of the color green

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"In nature you don't get lost, you find yourself."

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Thinking of the color green probably brings to mind some natural elements, such as grass, trees or plants. This is no wonder, because according to color psychology, green stands for nature, growth, harmony, but also for wealth and health. It can as well symbolize life and renewal, and the color is seen as positive in most cultures. Green is also known for its calming effect.

Green is a color that is present throughout nature and is also often used in design and decoration, creating a sense of freshness and connection to the natural world.

Today is Saint Patrick's Day, which is closely associated with this color. This day is celebrated on March 17th every year and honors Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. On this day, many people there wear green clothing or use green shamrocks for decoration.

This occasion inspired today's post, and below you will find some inspiration with this color, featuring items from Sinsay.

 

Source of items: Sinsay

🠊 Do you like the color green? What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear this color?

With best wishes,

E

Super Mario, the mascot of Nintendo

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"I think that inside every adult is the heart of a child. We just gradually convince ourselves that we have to act more like adults."

(Shigeru Miyamoto)

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Yesterday, March 10, marked National Mario Day.

Super Mario is a beloved, timeless and iconic video game character and was created by Nintendo in 1985. He is a plumber from the Mushroom Kingdom, known for his iconic red cap, blue overalls and moustache. Mario is often accompanied by his brother Luigi, and together they go on various adventures to save Princess Peach from the villain Bowser.

The Super Mario series has evolved over the decades, setting the standard for 2D and 3D platform games and is one of the most successful and enduring franchises in video game history. These games have entertained generations of gamers worldwide.

Nintendo Entertainment System (Source: Lego)

Super Mario has also had a significant impact on fashion over the years. His iconic look has inspired countless clothing designs, accessories and even collaborations with high-end fashion brands. There was even a movie about him in 2023.

The following items are just a little inspiration on this occasion. 

Super Mario Graphic Hoodie (Source: Primark)

Super Mario Ankle Socks (Source: Primark)

Super Mario Board Shorts (Source: Primark)

🠊 Have you ever played the game, seen the movie or had any clothing or accessories with Super Mario on them?

Wishing you a great week,

E

A lesson in prioritizing mental health

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"Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love."

(Brené Brown)

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At the beginning of this year I decided to write a post every week if possible because I really enjoy it. It wasn't planned as mandatory, yet, last week, as the days passed and Sunday evening approached, the pressure grew as I hadn't written a post that week. The guilt set in, and then I realized I was being too hard on myself.

The expectations we often place on ourselves create unnecessary stress and affect our mental wellbeing. We need to self-reflect and understand that we need to allow ourselves some flexibility.

We tend to place high demands on ourselves, be it in our professional endeavors, our fitness goals or our personal projects. While ambition and dedication are admirable qualities, it's important to recognize the importance of self-compassion. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and we must learn to adapt and change our plans accordingly. And when we do, we shouldn't feel guilty or the need to constantly apologize.

Missing our own deadline for a post or skipping a training session shouldn't be a reason to berate ourselves. It's important to listen to our bodies and our minds and understand when we need to take a break or readjust our priorities.

Putting extra pressure on ourselves will only affect our mental health and overall wellbeing. Instead, we should strive to maintain a healthy balance, be kind to ourselves and treat ourselves with the same compassion and understanding we would show a friend in a similar situation. - You wouldn't talk to your best friend the way you talk to yourself in such circumstances, would you?

So if you find yourself in a similar situation and feel guilty about missing your personal deadline or skipping a workout, be gentle with yourself. Life is a journey with ups and downs, and it's okay to stumble along the way. Be flexible, prioritize your mental health, and remember that self-compassion is the key to a fulfilling and balanced life.

With this being said, I wish you a lovely Sunday,

E

Spring is in the air: 5 activities to shake off the winter blues

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn."

(Hal Borland)

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As we approach the end of the winter season, I am already looking forward to the arrival of spring. The temperature is rising, the daylight is getting longer, nature is awakening.

The change of seasons also provides a great opportunity to shift our routines. Here are 5 activities that will help you to make the most of the changing weather and welcome the new season with its blooming flowers.

🌼🌷🌼 Spring cleaning - For most of us, cleaning is probably not our favorite activity, but decluttering and organizing can help us freshen up our homes and create a clean environment for the new season. Trust me, you'll feel better afterwards, and it's kind of worth an exercise too.

🌼🌷🌼 Spring decor - It's time to replace all the wintry decoration and bring a touch of spring into your home by updating your decor with fresh flowers and some vernal decor.

🌼🌷🌼 Outdoor activities - It's getting light outside for longer and the temperatures are milder, allowing us to enjoy more outdoor activities. There will no longer be an excuse that it's already dark outside after work, which is something I'm really looking forward to. Whether hiking, biking or simply going for a walk, enjoy the fresh air, the sun and the beauty of nature.

🌼🌷🌼 Spring getaway - Whether it's a day trip or a whole weekend, exploring a new place or visiting an old one, embrace the adventure and switch off your mind during this time.

🌼🌷🌼 Practice mindfulness - Don't forget to take the time to slow down too. Pay attention to the sights, sounds and sensations around you. Enjoy the awakening nature, the beauty of the flowers. I personally can't wait for this, and also to listen to the birds and bees. It's so calming.

As we prepare to say goodbye to winter and welcome spring, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the changing landscape and reconnect with nature. From spring cleaning to outdoor adventures, there are countless activities to help you make the most of the transition and celebrate the arrival of this new season filled with growth, renewal and blossoming possibilities.

What activities are you looking forward to with the end of the winter season? Share your favorite ways to welcome spring in the comments below.

With best wishes,

E

Finding joy in the little things: Valentine's Day inspiration

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"Love isn't something you find. Love is something that finds you."

(Loretta Young)

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Valentine's Day is celebrated every year on February 14. Over the centuries, the holiday has evolved into a celebration of love, whereby the exchange of cards, flowers and gifts is a common tradition. In recent years, Valentine's Day has also evolved into a commercial holiday, offering businesses the opportunity to profit from it, which has naturally led to numerous discussions about this special day.

In my opinion, you shouldn't limit your love to a specific day, but show it all year round. Regardless, a little extra gift on Valentine's Day can't hurt, of course. But remember that love is best shown through consistent actions that show care, support and appreciation every day, not just on a specific holiday.

You can show your love through small acts of kindness, such as leaving a love note, giving a warm hug or cooking a favorite meal, but also with small but thoughtful gifts. Remember that the price tag doesn't define the sentiment behind the gift. What matters most is the thought, love, effort and time someone puts into choosing a gift. This can be anything from a handmade card, to a personalized photo frame, a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers. Other options include experiences such as a dinner out together, a movie night or cooking lunch together.

🠊 Are you celebrating Valentine's Day? If so, how do you celebrate it?

💖 "You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection."

(Buddha)

💖 "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."

(Mother Teresa)

💖 "Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."

(Aristotle)

💖 "Love is being stupid together."

(Paul Valery)

💖 "You can't blame gravity for falling in love."

(Albert Einstein)

💖 "There are never enough I Love You's."

(Lenny Bruce)

💖 "The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."

(Audrey Hepburn)

With best wishes,

E

Letter bead bracelets: A fun and meaningful craft for all ages

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"It all started with one little bead."

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Making letter bead bracelets is fun for all ages. They are easy and quick to make and a perfect craft activity for both children and adults.

You can completely personalize these bracelets and you can freely choose the size, the colors and of course the word you add.

You can choose positive and motivational sayings, but also your name, the name of your partner, your children or other loved ones, your horoscope, not to mention a date or a monogram, perhaps a place you would like to remember.

To make the bracelet, all you need is a handful of colored beads of your choice, some letter beads, elastic string and, of course, a pair of scissors. Optional are glue and a piece of tape.

Choose any material you want, there are different types, sizes, colors, pick what you like the most and what best expresses you. There is no right or wrong here, the design is entirely up to you.

💛 The first step is to wrap the elastic string around your wrist to find the right size. Cut a piece of string that is about twice the size of your wrist so that you have enough room to tie the knot later.

💛 Next, thread on the beads. Make sure that the beads do not fall down on the opposite side when threading them on. If you are a beginner, you can tape the beginning to your desk with a small piece of tape. When threading on the letter beads, make sure that the letters are facing in the right direction. 

The letters should be in the center of your bracelet. I always start with one side and if it's not right, correct it in the end by taking off or adding more beads at the beginning, but some people start with the word and then add the beads evenly on both sides. Choose what works easier for you.

There's no need to worry about not finding the symmetry on your first try. You can always adjust it accordingly by adding or removing beads once you've checked it. Just make sure you end up with the same number of decorative beads on both sides of the letter beads so that the pattern is symmetrical on your wrist.

💛 Once all the beads have been added, it's time to bring the two ends of the string together and tie them into a knot. Some people also secure the knot with a bit of glue, but I personally don't do this.

💛 Finally, cut off the excess string at the end of the knot with scissors leaving you as close to the knot as possible.

That is all. Beaded bracelets are a great addition to any jewelry wardrobe. They are colorful and personalizable. You can even stack them or combine them with other types of bracelets, but they even make a great gift.

🠊 Do you have a letter bracelet or are you planning to make one? Which word have you chosen for it?

Get started and have fun making your own beautiful beaded bracelet! 😊

With best wishes,

🅔

Uplifting words: 15 motivational quotes to brighten up your day

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"Always remember you matter, you're important and you are loved, and you bring to this world things no one else can."

(Charlie Mackesy)

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I've always liked motivational, inspirational quotes. They can always cheer me up somehow, and that's why I decided to collect my favorites here today. That way, not only me but everyone else can come back here in our not-so-happy moments and find inspiration. Hopefully they'll brighten your day too.

These quotes also have something to do with my previous post about bullet journaling. Pick your favorites and add them to your journal to always have them on hand and remember the wise words.

1. "Nothing is impossible. The word itself says: I'm possible!"

(Audrey Hepburn)

2. "Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you."

(Walt Whitman)

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3. "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."

(C.S. Lewis)

4. "Believe you can and you're halfway there."

(Theodore Roosevelt)

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5. "It is never too late to be what you might have been."

(George Eliot)

6. "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud."

(Maya Angelou)

7. "Just believe in yourself. Even if you don't just pretend that you do and, at some point, you will."

(Venus Williams)

8. "It always seems impossible until it's done."

(Nelson Mandela)

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9. "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."

(Confucius)

10. "Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better."

(Samuel Beckett)

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11. "If you can dream it, you can do it."

(Walt Disney)

12. "There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self."

(Aldous Huxley)

13. "Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree."

(Martin Luther)

14. "Don't count the days, make the days count."

(Muhammad Ali)

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15. "We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone."

(Ronald Reagan)

With best wishes,

E

Bullet journal tips for mastering continuity

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"Keeping a journal of our thoughts, experiences, insights, and learnings promotes mental clarity, exactness, and context."

(Stephen R. Covey)

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I had a (bullet) journal for many, many years. It was my own style, I wrote important dates in there, sometimes to-do lists, what I bought, how much the bills were, what happened to me or my plans and statistics for my blog - depending on my mood.

Then a few years ago I just stopped because of heavy workload (and last year, also busy life). I've tried to start again a few times since then, but it's only been a few days where I've kept going, even though I've missed it.

This year I started again, and reflected back on what stopped me before. Here are my tips that have helped me to keep going this time. I hope they are useful for you too.

✨ 1. Perfection is not necessary: Remember that your bullet journal doesn't have to be perfect. It's your personal tool for organization and reflection, so embrace imperfections and don't worry about trying to make everything flawless.

✨ 2. No pressure to write every day: Bullet journaling doesn't require daily entries. You can use it as often or as infrequently as you like. Feel free to skip days without feeling guilty and only write when you feel you need to.

✨ 3. Drawings are optional: Although many bullet journals include doodles and artwork, this is not a requirement. If you don't like drawing or feel overwhelmed by it, keep it simple with minimal or no illustrations. The main focus is on functionality and organization.

✨ 4. Customize it to your needs: Design your bullet journal to fit your preferences and lifestyle. Customize it to your specific needs, whether it includes habits, gratitude, to-do lists, financial planning or anything else. Your journal should support and enhance your daily routine.

Remember, it's all about making your (bullet) journal work for you. There are no hard and fast rules; it's all about finding a way that helps you stay organized, focused and feeling your best.

You can buy ready-made journals and planners, but this year I simply took a small blank notebook from my shelf. It's not perfect, but it doesn't have to be. - If you need some inspiration on how to fill the pages, there are lots of pictures on Pinterest and videos on YouTube, just type in "bullet journal".

Do you also have a journal, planner or similar? If so, do you have any other tips on how to do it regularly? Feel free to comment them below.

With best wishes,

E

6 simple tips for improving work-life balance in the New Year

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"Never get so busy making a living, that you forget to make a life."

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I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, but this time I did: I promised myself to have a better work-life balance in 2024.

Last year, I found myself constantly working overtime or not taking breaks and neglecting my personal time. So towards the end of last year, I started making a conscious effort to find a better balance.

This resolution has a huge impact, improving not only mental but also physical health and leading to an increase in overall wellbeing and happiness. By focusing on maintaining a healthy balance, this year can lead to a more fulfilling and enriched life.

If you too would like to achieve better harmony, here are some tips for an improved work-life balance:

✨ 1. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Set specific working hours and stick to them. Avoid working outside of the defined hours and - depending on your job - checking work emails or calls.

✨ 2. Prioritize and delegate: Learn to prioritize tasks effectively and delegate them when necessary and possible. Identify the most important tasks and focus on completing them efficiently.

✨ 3. Take breaks and rest: Make sure you take regular breaks throughout the working day. Step away from your desk, stretch, take a short walk and refresh your mind. Also try not to eat your lunch in front of the computer. Additionally, ensure that you get enough sleep every night and when you are on vacation, stop thinking about work and recharge your batteries.

✨ 4. Plan and organize: Plan your days and weeks in advance so you don't find yourself rushing at the last minute. Set realistic goals and create to-do lists to stay organized. This will help you to reduce stress.

✨ 5. Learn to say no: It's important that you learn to say no when your agenda is already full. Taking on too much can lead to burnout and negatively impact your work-life balance. Prioritize your own well-being and be selective about additional commitments.

✨ 6. Engage in self-care activities: Make time for activities that help you relax and de-stress. Whether it's playing sports, pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones or engaging in other personal interests, make sure you take time for yourself and enjoy the process.

Remember that work-life balance is a long journey and it may take some trial and error to find what works best for you. Be patient and persistent in implementing these tips to achieve a healthier balance in the long run.

How do you maintain balance in your life? If you have any other tips, leave them in a comment below.

I wish you a great journey. 💕

With best wishes,

E

Start the year with a smile: New Year's word search

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"We all get the exact same 365 days. The only difference is what we do with them."

(Hillary DePiano)

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First of all, happy New Year, may 2024 be filled with love, health and happy moments. ✨

Let's start the new year with a little game. I saw this type of word search many, many years ago and liked it very much, therefore I thought I would share one with you this year. I just googled it and found the one from NCCC Cinemas to be the best.

What are the first three words you see? - Comment them below, I am looking forward to reading them. 

PS, mine were marriage, career and dance.

With all best wishes for 2024,

E