The Small Adventurer

Wednesday, 20 September 2017

A Time to Celebrate || Weekly Edit

♡ I celebrated my 21st birthday on Saturday! I had dinner with some family friends the weekend before, I have one with my friends planned for this weekend, and I had dinner with some family on my actual birthday. During the day, Daniel and I took a trip to the Melbourne Aquarium, where I took a lot more photos than the four I showed you in my first post about the aquarium over a year ago, so expect to see an updated adventure post soon!

♡ Speaking of which, here's some advice on how to enjoy a milestone birthday, even if you're freaking out about it (AKA me at my 18th, and again at my 21st!)

♡ I was going to say how excited I am about a Sailor V Pop Vinyl figure coming out, but then I re-read this tweet and realised it's an New York Comic Con Exclusive. Boo. Ah well, guess I'll keep waiting for the Chibi Moon Pop Vinyl to be released.

♡ This pastel n' pink popcorn by Studio DIY looks both gorgeous and delicious. I'll definitely have to give it a try next time Daniel and I have a movie night!

♡ I really need to start playing around with clay, there's just so many cute things that you can make from it! These palm leaf push pins by A Kailo Chic Life are absolutely adorable.

♡ I need these cupcake-shaped tea candles ASAP.

♡ Daniel and I finally got our forms in the mail to vote for marriage equality, which is great because I was worried someone had taken them out of our mailbox as I had heard people have been doing that. We are both very adamant on voting yes. I've even been writing on social media that if friends of mine don't want to vote because they don't care or can't be bothered, they can give their forms to me and I'll mail them out, but as far as I know most of my friends are also very passionate about voting yes. Now we've just got to hope for a positive outcome!

♡ William Shatner referenced Queen Serenity (from Sailor Moon, for those who don't know) in one of his tweets, and it made my entire day.

♡ The most I have ever spent on a mirror was $100 - and that was because it was a full length one, which I'd never had - and I would never dream of spending anything like that again on such an item, but this rainbow mirror is so damn cute I had to share it.

♡ This is the sweetest adoption DIY project ever. Adoption happens very rarely here in Australia, so it's quite interesting to follow numerous bloggers who have adopted children, or are in the process of doing so, as it's something that I know so little about. If I have learned anything from them so far, it's that no parents ache for a kid more than those who can't have them, and it truly is heartbreaking to see. Let's hope these guys find their baby girl soon!

Until next time,
Indya xx

Monday, 18 September 2017

Cupcake Recipe Round-Up for Cupcake Week

Indya S September 18, 2017 at home , cupcake week 0 Comments

At times when you start to question if there's any good left in the world, something magical like Cupcake Week comes around and you realise how blessed you are to just be alive. Okay, I swear I'm not that obsessed with cupcakes, but they are pretty amazing!

From trinket holders and handbags, to money boxes (collection post on them coming... eventually) and recipe books, my house is definitely not short on cupcakes! They hold a special place in my heart. They're basically mini-sized cakes, and anything mini is right up my alley!

Not only that, but cupcakes are a lot easier to decorate than large cakes, and you can do much more with them. Anyway, to celebrate this wonderful occasion that is held from the 18th to the 24th, I am sharing with you six awesome cupcake recipes for you to try out!

Sushi Cupcakes

These guys are from a recipe by Brit + Co that I tried out back in June. They were so much fun to make, and I am so happy with how they came out! I was expecting the combination of fondant, whipped cream, and coconut to taste strange, but they were delicious.

These are probably one of the nicest things I have ever made. My partner even liked them, and he doesn't like coconut! I really think you should give these a try if you're looking to be more creative in the kitchen, as they aren't too difficult, yet they look amazing!

Gumball Machine Cupcakes

I talked about these in my Amazing Recipes I'm Dying to Try post, but I needed to mention them again because I am just so in love. These gorgeous things were created by Aww Sam, and they feature a cupcake covered in fondant with a clear bauble filled with gumballs!

These are some of the most unique cupcakes I've ever seen and I wish I could have them in my house every single day. I actually do have a gumball machine at home, but unfortunately it's not pink!

Party Piñata Cupcakes

You guys know I love piñatas - and, clearly, I love cupcakes too - so when I saw that Sally's Baking Addiction had put the two together, I was in awe! If I was the type of person to throw a party for my birthday, these would be a must have... buuuut I'm not, so I just made them for Daniel and I! I am yet to edit the photos, but I already know that mine don't hold a candle to these beauties.

I didn't have cream or sour cream on hand, so both my cupcakes and my frosting were completely different to Sally's, and I just can't help thinking what I missed out on by not following her exact recipe! Sure, the sprinkles inside were fun (and will be a lot easier to do next time since I have now purchased a cupcake corer), but I really want to give this recipe another try in the future with all the ingredients!

Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes

How. Pretty. Are. These?! Sugar and Soul have managed to make a treat look so delicious appetising, yet way too pretty for me to want to touch, and I love it! These guys are another recipe that feature sour cream, and as much as I love smother my wedges in the stuff, I am so nervous to try it inside a cake! Obviously it works pretty well, but I am still so hesitant. I guess it's not hard to tell that I'm still such a novice baker 😅

The frosting on these cupcakes sounds super interesting too, as it features strawberry milk powder, and strawberry and creme instant pudding mix, which are two things I've never had! I've noticed a few recipes use instant pudding mix which I find interesting, but am also nervous to try as I don't think I've even had pudding before! I really need to expand my tastebuds.

Fairy Floss-Filled Cupcakes

These gorgeous treats were my first original recipe, and I couldn't be happier with how they turned out! Not only were they absolutely delicious, but the photoshoot also came together really quickly and the photos themselves hardly needed any editing at all! They are now my most popular blog post by far!

The buttercream icing is bubblegum flavoured, and that was easily my favourite part about them. I hadn't tried that flavour extract before and it is amazing. I have never tasted something so sweet and delicious! I am nervous to try creating my own recipe again as I just don't think anything will top this one!

Mermaid Cupcakes

These breathtaking cupcakes were brought into this world by the wonderful Sugar Hero, and I don't think there could possibly be a better name for her! Her creations are always amazing, and she is such a kind soul; always willing to help out those who are having trouble re-creating her recipes.

The mermaid tails actually seem a lot easier to make than they look if you check out the video on her post, but if you don't trust yourself drawing and following a template (like me), you could always put some Candy Melts into this mermaid tail mould and draw the scales on with an edible marker. There I go again, always looking for the easy way out!

~

What do you guys think of these recipes? Would you ever give them a go? Feel free to leave me links in the comments to any cupcake recipes that you love, I'm always looking for more ideas! Hope you enjoyed this post, and have a lovely Cupcake Week ✨

Until next time,
Indya xx

Related posts:

♡ Ice Cream Cake Pops ♡ Donut Sprinkles ♡
♡ Hamburger Cupcakes + Cookie Fries ♡

Friday, 15 September 2017

Enamel Pin Collection ♡ Collection Series #9 - Part One

Indya S September 15, 2017 at home , collection series 0 Comments

Wow, I can't believe I've shared nine collections so far! That sounds like a lot, but I still feel like I heaps to show you - my cookie jars, my money boxes, my books, my novelty salt and pepper shakers, etc..

My Sailor Moon collection, my cups/mugs collection, and cake moulds and cookie cutter collection all need an update too - and far better photos! I cringe every time I look at the latter two! I can't believe my cake moulds post is my most popular post?!

Anyway, I've been meaning to share this collection for so long now, but pins are surprisingly hard to photograph! The ones with gold or silver lines have a habit of reflecting in the light, which makes it harder to see the details of the pin, but I think I've finally got some decent photos for this post.

I had to split this collection into two posts because I have so many Sailor Moon pins that I decided to do them in a separate post, which will be coming shortly. Today's will be of the rest of my pins, including - but not limited to - pins relating to food, animals, SpongeBob, Pokemon, magical beings, and more.

I tried my best to name every shop that these pins are from, but if you're wondering about a specific pin, just leave me a comment and I'll be happy to help!

~

These are a few of my extra pins which aren't clustered in a theme like the rest of my collection. The two on the left are by Erika, who I am such a huge fan of. These pins are from her Drowning Series, which is a series of illustrations about her struggles with anxiety. I related to them and fangirl-ed over every picture on her Instagram so much that we ended up being friends! 😂

The adorable kitty on a donut is by The Pink Samurai, who is another artist that I really admire. She is so adorable and creative, and has the most amazing pin collection ever! I definitely wouldn't mind being her. The banana pin is one of the first two pins that I ever bought, both of which are from Punky Pins. I'm not even sure why I chose this one, but I do really like bananas and it somewhat reminded me of Andy Warhol!

I was lucky enough to win these gorgeous mermaid pins in an Instagram giveaway! I was completely blown away. I particularly like the cute little starfish and the two seahorse that are kissing, but they're all gorgeous, and I'd like to give them their own mermaid-themed display board in the future.

I tagged all the makers on the corresponding pins in this post if you're interested in getting some for yourself. They are all gorgeous pins, and they made me appreciate the mermaid trend that has been going on a whole lot more!

In case you can't tell, I definitely prefer my pins to be bright and colourful, which is why I only have three black pins - and I only actually bought one of them! The black bunny pin was a freebie that came with a Lulu Bloo order (who is one of my FAVOURITE pins creators of all time!), and I won the circle pin on Instagram, but I can no longer find the person who made it!

I purchased the bossy pin from The Good Twin a couple of weeks ago when I was in quite an empowering mood. I had planned to wear it on one of my collared shirts, but it's so tiny that I'm not sure people will be able to see it!

Daniel had a good analogy for it though; he said that it might be tiny because sometimes you feel all tough and strong, but it comes out a little quiet or not at all threatening. Kind of like Bubbles from The Powerpuff Girls.

On to my TV show pins! The heart is the second of the two first pins I ever bought from Punky Pins, although I can no longer find it online. I got because it reminded me of The Powerpuff Girls heart background, even though it's completely different colours 😂

I won the Gene Spoons pin on Instagram; it fits in well as Bob's Burgers is one of my favourite shows. The Luke's cup pin is a homage to my favourite character - Luke Danes - from Gilmore Girls, and the Friends frame pin was one of the first pins I bought, and it's definitely one of my favourites.

The Donut Gary pin was also one of the first additions to my collection, which I got because it incorporates my love of SpongeBob and my love of donuts. The Krusty Krab Pizza pin was a recent-ish purchase from Pintoons. It's unavailable now, but they have heaps of SpongeBob pins to choose from! I had to get this one though since Daniel and I constantly sing the Krusty Krab Pizza song.

Finally, my Pokemon pins! I love this collection so much, although it's nowhere near the size of my Sailor Moon pin collection. The Sailor Mew, Neopolitan Jigglypuff, Moon Meowth, Donut Pokeball, Adopt Me Eevee, and Alolan Vulpix are all from the shops tagged.

The rest are either from Really Big Dill or The Sunday Co! Since taking these photos, this adorable Jigglypuff pin arrived in the mail, which I love because it features her signature "Puff!" from the show (in case you can't tell, I really love Jigglypuff)!

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That concludes my non-Sailor Moon pins! Keep in mind that some pins are limited edition so a few of these may not be available anymore, although I'm pretty sure most of them are. My Sailor Moon pins feature a lot more limited edition pins that aren't available anymore, but you'll have to wait for part two to see that extremely extensive collection.

Until next time,
Indya xx

Wednesday, 13 September 2017

10 Things That Always Make My Day Better for Positive Thinking Day

Indya S September 13, 2017 life , lists 0 Comments

Today is Positive Thinking Day! I can't talk about the power of positive thinking enough; it really has transformed my life so much. I even have a Pinterest board dedicated to bringing more happiness and positivity into your life.

In honour of this wonderful day, I am going to share with you 10 things that always make my day better, because focusing on the good things in your life as much as possible is the key to positive thinking!

~

1. Having a cup of tea.
I'm not sure why, but I romanticise the feeling of being warm a lot. I am never more at peace than when I'm in a room with the heater going, a warm drink, and a bowl of soup.

I forego the heater and soup when it's Summer, whereas a warm drink I can appreciate at any time. There's something so calming about sitting and quietly sipping on a hot drink. Daniel has recently started drinking tea so I have it a lot more now, and I love being able to have a cup of tea with him and just talk.

2. Seeing animals.
Daniel and I love animals so, so much. Whenever we're out and we spot a dog being walked, we always make sure the other person sees as well. We also save photos and videos of animals that we see on social media and show each other before we fall asleep.

We also have annual passes to the Melbourne Aquarium and the Victoria Zoo so we can go see those animals whenever we like. We really do love animals; both of us can't wait until we're in our forever home and can get pets of our own!

3. Sunshine.
I've only recently realised just how much the weather affects how I feel. I thrive off sunshine; the sun being out can be the difference between a great day and a horrible day for me. I am so, so glad that Winter is now over and Spring is finally here.

I am so looking forward to warm, sunny days; flowers blooming; and fruit not being so expensive! I've been wanting cherries for ages, so as soon as they drop in price, I'm going to stock up!

4. Receiving mail.
It's no secret that I buy a lot of things. Nearly every second post on my Instagram* is of something I have bought. Most of the things I buy are online (eBay and Etsy are my favourite online places to shop!), which means that I am constantly getting mail.

I don't even share half of what I get online, I usually on share my pin mail, and a few home decor pieces here and there. Buying so much means I get something in the mail nearly every day, which has made me more willing to get up in the morning and go check the mailbox. It's like Christmas every day!

5. Being productive.
I love binge-watching TV shows and reading the day away as much as the next person, but I also love the feeling of being productive. Being able to cross everything off my to-do list is such a satisfying feeling; and being so organised that I even have time to dust, vacuum, and wipe down benches is even better.

Of course, sometimes a productive day for me means sitting at the laptop all day, editing photos and writing blog posts. Productivity and growth comes in all shapes and sizes, don't forget that!

6. Eating good food.
I don't necessarily mean healthy food - although I always feel less guilty when I eat healthy - I just mean good food. The few days after going food shopping is always the best because everything is stocked up and you have so much to choose from.

Some of my favourite things to eat at the moment are dumplings, chicken curry pasta, butter chicken (the most eaten meal in our house), sun dried tomato chicken and pasta, and anything on Cruskits. If I want something healthy, I'll often have a huge plate of random vegetables such as cucumber, cherry tomatoes, beans, celery, and pickled onions.

7. Spending time with Daniel.
This is an obvious one, but it's also easily the best one of the list. Daniel is my best friend and there's no one I would rather be with than him. Ever since he started uni we've barely been able to spend any time together, which has made me appreciate his company even more than before. I love it when he's home and we can just watch TV, make food or just sit and talk together. Five minutes in his presence can fix even the worst of days.

8. Watching something light-hearted.
I get stressed out very easily, and very badly. I can't do anything when I'm stressed out because I feel too overwhelmed and just want to cry. When this happens, I let myself wallow for a while (which usually involves lying down doing nothing), and then I watch something to cheer me up.

If Daniel's home, he'll look up cute animal videos on YouTube without me even asking until I'm happier. Otherwise I'll watch something like Fawlty Towers (LOVE that show) or SpongeBob - just something funny and uplifting that can distract me from my thoughts. After the pick-me-up, I can usually think a lot more rationally and do whatever I was stressing about - or I leave it until another day, so it becomes Future Indya's problem.

9. Baking.
I can't believe how much I have fallen in love with being in the kitchen. Finding a recipe online and successfully re-creating in my kitchen is such an awesome feeling. There are still so many normal, adult things that I can't do, but with each recipe I try I feel myself growing more confident in my abilities to follow instructions and conquer my fear of hot things in the kitchen (stove, oven).

It's also such an amazing creative outlet. I love making things in so many ways - writing, drawing, crafting, etc - and baking is a great way to bring an idea in your head to life. I've made one of my own recipes so far, but I have ideas for more that I'm really excited to try, I'm just waiting for certain dates to post them - you know me and my novelty holidays!

10. Knowing that I am prepared for tomorrow.
I am certainly no Queen of Organisation, but I do believe that I'm getting better. When I was at beauty school I was constantly stressing about both homework and classwork. At one point it got really bad and I had a meltdown on the way home, so Daniel took me on a spontaneous drive to the beach.

I felt nearly just as bad when I couldn't come up with any more Hot Chocolate recipes, and it was the night before a post was supposed to go live. I had tried four different flavours in one day and they were all horrible - such a waste of ingredients - and I was miserable. So, I gave up on the challenge, because my mental health was more important.

Now I try a lot harder to be more prepared. I write bulk posts so they're ready far in advance, and I have back up posts ready in case something goes wrong with the post I am planning. It's currently the 24th of August when I'm writing this, and I didn't post it until day because I had so many finished already!

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What things always manage to improve your day? Do you have a certain routine that you always do when you're feeling down? Leave a comment below, I'm sure everyone would appreciate some tips on how to make a bad day better!

Until next time,
Indya xx

Monday, 11 September 2017

Life Is Good || Weekly Edit

Indya S September 11, 2017 life , weekly edit 0 Comments

♡ Daniel and I recently got new neighbours and they own TWO PUGS! I am so excited about the possibility of seeing pugs from my lounge room window that I don't even care that we're the only people in a set of units who weren't allowed pets.

♡ These fake rock candy magnets from Handmade Charlotte are the cutest things ever - and so much easier to make than the real thing! I would love to decorate my fridge with them.

♡ The importance on creating a resting haven.

♡ I just discovered the wonderful store that is Ryman and now I need their entire catalogue. I could write an entire post on their sticky note selection alone. There's watermelon ones, ice cream ones, typewriter ones, rainbow ones, and my all time favourite, instant camera ones. (My birthday is coming up, just saying...)

♡ The perfect Halloween costume for your pup! This just may be the cutest thing I've ever seen.

♡ Saw this uplifting post on Reddit and had to share it with you guys. No matter how bad you think your life is, it can always get better!

♡ It turns out that money can buy you happiness, it just depends what you spend it on.

♡ I have had Christmas on my mind every single day since the first of September, and I recently discovered this Christmas DIY project and I am in love. If I can find some glass bowls that aren't too expensive, I am definitely going to give it a try! (Question for those in Australia: do you know where to buy fake snow? I've never seen it in stores before!)

♡ Some important life lessons that are often overlooked, but shouldn't be.

♡ I just discovered Tortik Annushka on Instagram and am completely blown away by their cakes! They honestly don't even look real. Every single thing they create is breathtaking, but I particularly like their telephone box, Christmas bauble, picture frame, and Campbell's soup can cakes. #Goals!

Until next time,
Indya xx

Friday, 8 September 2017

Favourite TV Shows for National TV Dinner Day

Indya S September 08, 2017 life , lists 0 Comments

Ever since I can remember I have heard the advice to not watch television during dinner. Many people believe that it stunts conversation and drives a wedge between family members, and I can see where they're coming from, but I think it depends on your situation.

I can't remember what I used to do before I was with Daniel, but since we've been together, we've always watched something while we eat. He's actually really weird about it and can't eat unless something is playing, but I don't mind. TV shows and movies are what brings out our fun side. We laugh, we debate, we quote our favourite lines - every night is like a date at the movies for us.

This Sunday, September 10th happens to be National TV Dinner Day. This day is actually about those frozen meals that you heat up in a microwave and eat in front of the TV, but since Daniel and I always eat in front of the TV, every meal is a "TV meal". We've watched quite a few shows over the 4-and-a-bit years that we've been together, so today I am going to talk about our favourites!

How I Met Your Mother.
We are currently in the middle of our second complete watch-through (is that even a saying?) of this series, and we still love it just as much. It's hilarious, and I have an awful memory so it's basically like watching it for the first time - except this time around, Daniel can warn me when sad things are about to happen (season six and seven are killing me). I honestly don't know why so many people dislike this show, I think it's great! It's so well put-together; every key story was clearly planned right from the start, which is so interesting to see.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
Whilst we are yet to watch the latest season, Daniel and I really enjoyed the first two seasons of this show. It is so strange and random, but it still works. I love how bright and, well, unbreakable Kimmy is, and every other character is so exquisitely unique it's almost rude to consider them supporting roles.

Rick & Morty.
Daniel has been watching Rick and Morty for years, but I didn't decide to start watching it until I saw some of the Pickle Rick episode and thought it looked funny. So I started it from the start, and now we wait until we're both free before we watch a new episode.

Whilst it is both hilarious and very different to what I usually watch, I have this thing where every single TV show makes me cry so any moment where Rick shows that he does care for Morty - despite what he constantly says - really affect me.

Brooklyn Nine Nine.
If I ever name any other show except for this one as my favourite show, I am lying. I have re-watched this show more than any other show (Friends used to hold that title). Nearly every time I have finished it, I start it all over again immediately. I really love it.

I love watching Jake and Amy's relationship progress. I love watching Charles go through some pretty big character development, then watching Rosa go through even more. I love Holt, I love Terry, I love the whole thing. It never fails to put me in a good mood. Daniel has only watched it with me once because he doesn't usually re-watch anything unless it's the Back to the Future movies (he is obsessed with them!), but he still really enjoyed it.

Arrested Development.
Like Rick & Morty, this is a show that I probably would have never watched hadn't it been for Daniel, but I sure am glad that I did. This show is straight-up weird; there's so much in it that makes me gasp and shudder, yet I still watch it.

The incest between cousins, the adopted kid who is completely forgotten about, the inappropriate parents with a horrible marriage, the mean mother and her criminal husband, the fact that somebody's name is Maybe - this show sure has everything. However, I am yet to watch the last two seasons, so I'm not sure what they're like!

Friends.
Friends is one of my all-time favourite shows. I honestly think I could quote every single episode. I even have a Friends trivia book that I know inside and out; believe me when I say I know this show better than I know myself!

When Daniel and I first moved down to Melbourne, we didn't have Internet straight away so we watched Friends non-stop from the beginning to the end for a week. I actually think that was the last time I watched it since it takes so long to get through all 10 seasons, so I definitely think I'm due for a re-watch!

Will & Grace.
Whilst I haven't watched it since Daniel and I first watched it together, this show will always remain close to my heart. There's no denying that this show did very well for what it is at the time that it was shown. People certainly weren't as accepting towards LGBT people in 1998 as they are now, but this show did great anyway.

I'd like to think that it helped people become more accepting honestly; I think it had a lot to do with me never thinking twice about gay people being different. I grew up watching this show, therefore I grew up thinking that what happened in it was pretty common - which it is - and I am so excited that they're bringing it back!

~

Some other shows that I recommend if you're looking for...

Comedy: Bob's Burgers, Fawlty Towers, Mrs. Brown's Boys, The Big Bang Theory.
Drama: Jane The Virgin, Death Note, House, Prison Break.
Something heart-warming and soul-searching: Master of None, Gilmore Girls.

What are some of your favourite TV shows? Anything you recommend? Keep in mind that I'm not into violence, so Game of Thrones instantly gets a no from me!

Until next time,
Indya xx

Wednesday, 6 September 2017

How To Make The Most of Self Improvement Month

Indya S September 06, 2017 life , novelty holidays 0 Comments

September is a pretty wonderful month. Not only is it my birthday month, but it's also National Better Breakfast Month, Save Your Photos Month, Cat Month and Self Improvement Month. As much as I love breakfast foods and ~~storing~~ hoarding photos, I think the holiday that I am most excited about this month is Self Improvement Month.

Whilst some may look at the words "self improvement" and be reminded of all the things about themselves that need to change, I look at those words and think about all the things I am still yet to do and become.

I love the fact that you can constantly recreate yourself and go in a new direction. That common saying "You're under no obligation to be who you were 5 seconds ago" is one of my favourites; you are not tied to your past, you are forever growing.

Anyway, since it is Self Improvement Month, I thought I would write a little post - that is half for me and half for you - about some of the things you can do to promote some self improvement within yourself this month.

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EVALUATE YOURSELF.
Okay, so this is kind of contradicting what I said above, but I do think it's a good idea to take note of what you do and don't like about yourself and your life. I am not encouraging focusing on your flaws or putting yourself down, but merely acknowledging what you like to improve on.

If you think you can't evaluate yourself objectively, it might be a good idea to ask someone you trust and respect what they think your strengths and weaknesses are. Sometimes we can be very unaware of ourselves and how we come across to others, which is something I have always struggled with.

SET SOME GOALS.
Goals are the most important thing when it comes to self improvement. How do you expect to change things if you have no end goal that you're striving for? Ever since I started setting myself small, monthly goals I have felt a lot more accomplished within my day-to-day life, not to mention more present and aware of my habits.

You don't have to set yourself extravagant goals. In fact, I would suggest starting small and working your way up. Sure, we all want to travel the world and be healthier, but both of those goals are very long-term and vague. Start with smaller goals that will help those bigger ones, such as implementing a holiday saving schedule or going for a walk once a week. They're both quite simple tasks, but will ultimately bring you closer to what you really want.

PRACTICE SELF LOVE.
Self love is also a crucial part of self improvement. Nothing can grow without being nurtured, and your body and mind are certainly no exceptions. Self love and care will be different for everyone, but the main objective is to keep your own best interest in mind.

Know when to say no. Know when to take a break. Know when to push yourself, and when to congratulate yourself. Nothing good will come from you working yourself into the ground. If you're struggling on how exactly to do something nice for your body and mind, there are lots of resources online - I even have a Pinterest board dedicated to this topic (and one dedicated to personal development, too).

DO THINGS FOR OTHERS.
Thing is something I definitely need to improve on. We as humans are naturally caring and empathetic beings, and I truly believe we thrive more when we help others. It feels so good to give back and do something completely unselfish. It doesn't even have to be anything big, just making sure your friends know that you're there for them makes a huge difference.

Make time for the important people in your life. Build others up when they try something new - whether they succeed or fail. Each time you interact with a person, try to think of a way that you could improve something in their lives or help them out some way. Heck, even if it's just a quick compliment! You never know what those words might mean to someone else, and you'll walk away feeling just as happy as if you had been the one who received the compliment.

TRY NEW THINGS.
This is also something that I need to work on. Whilst I am always looking to do something new, I only like to do the things that I want to do. If something sounds tedious or boring I simply won't do it, and in a way that's a good thing because my time belongs to me now, but we should always try to mix things up once in a while and try something outside our comfort zones.

Personally, I would like to try different foods and attempt to open myself up to new meals, as I am usually quite a picky eater. Another simple but effective thing you can do is read a few books that aren't usually your go-to books, but have been recommended to you by friends. Don't be afraid to dive into those bestsellers either, things are popular for a reason! You never know what ways a book or a different meal could inspire you.

~

Since I am certainly no expert on self improvement, I will also list some helpful blog posts and guides below so that you can be even more inspired to become the person you want to be! I truly hope you find something that inspires you.

♡ How to break the cycle of social comparison.
♡ Tips to overcome pessimism and negativity.
♡ 12 months to a better you.
♡ Stop waiting for permission.
♡ Become your best self.
♡ How to actually follow through with your goals.
♡ 6 things to help you be productive.
♡ The importance of prioritising.
♡ Common career mistakes to avoid.

Remember that there is always time for you to make a change, no matter how long you have been doing something. You are your own blank canvas, now go turn yourself into a work of art!

Until next time,
Indya xx