Amy's Random Thoughts

I don't know if any of you is avid Sex and the City fans.

Or maybe I'm all old and everyone's onto new things like Girls.

But today I feel like Carrie Bradshaw.

I am sitting in my room, with my computer and contemplating life.

With Taylor Swift's new song, shake it off, as a background

and of course a glass of red wine.

Bloggers Off-Line

Calling all bloggers! Calling all bloggers!

Being part of the Her Campus Blogger Network has many perks but honestly the best part is connecting with other bloggers from all over.

Life Motto #4: Here is my thanks to the monsters...

Healthy Living with my Cacti (and other Succulents)

For those of you who haven't been living under a rock (or in a desert), we all know that the newest rage is cacti. Who doesn't love those adorable spiky plants? From tumblr to twitter, people are talking about the cactus, taking pictures with it, and making some really weird jokes about it...

Sadly for me, I have also joined this craze because let's face it, who doesn't want one of these buggers. To my surprise though, I actually found how healthy (and awesome) it is to live with some cacti. So for all of you who has also got sucked into this craze, here are some reasons your succulent is THE BEST (and here are some excuses when people look at you like some One Direction addicted teenager for owning a cactus):

1. THEY KICK INDOOR AIR POLLUTION'S BUTTS Houses today are weatherized and insulated to keep the owner's optimal temperature. We use harmful chemicals to clean our messes and paint with ridiculously poisonous substances. While does make our home more comfortable or aesthetically pleasing, it has also resulted in tainted indoor air that is full of formaldehyde and other sick (not in the good way) gases. However, there is a simple solution: keeping a house plant (yay cacti). Cacti and other plants can release fresh, clean oxygen into the home and can remove poison such as formaldehyde, ammonia, toluene, and xylem from indoor air.
2. THEY STABILIZE INDOOR HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE Plants moisturize the air (even in the driest ventilation system) and can significantly cool hot climates. So next time, combat your bad hair day with some humidity-killing cacti!
3. THEY'RE EASY PEASY LEMON SQUEEZY What other plant is this low maintenance? They rarely need to be watered and some cacti (probably not the small, household kind) can live up to 175+ years! If you're like me and want a companion (that doesn't talk back or make you clean up their poop) but suck at maintenance, then get the most resilient organism ever: the cactus!
4. THEIR FENG SHUI ISN'T ALWAYS BAD Although some people believe that sharp edges represents destructive energy flow in classic Feng shui, cacti also represents preserving, balance, and wise spending in ancient Chinese symbols. In fact, cactus plants are powerful Feng shui cures and protective talisman too. Thus, instead of shunning the plant for its bad mojo, place the plant in the right place. Here are some tips for placement:
• Not in the southwestern parts of your house
• Not on a coffee table, kitchen stand, or nightstand (too close to people)
• Place it near a bedroom or bathroom window
• Hide it behind curtains at night
5. YOU CAN EAT THEM?! Research has shown that the Nopal Cactus (also known as the prickly pear) is abundant in health benefits. By eating these sharp cuties, they can improve oxidative damages to lipids and improve antioxidants, prevent inflammatory diseases by inhibiting leukocyte migration, lower cholesterol levels, decrease blood glucose values and help diabetics, and treat gastric ulcers. 
6. AIN'T NO BASIC PLANT Cacti comes in a variety and no two are the same. They differ in color, shapes, flowers, etc. and can be quite aesthetically pleasing in a home. They are as decorative as they are helpful, so why not?

So next time you are deciding whether to buy that cute top or a cacti, don't falter no more and go for the healthier option (or both)!

Love,

P.S. Here are my babies

Wanderlust in the Summer

We all get it; that sudden urge to drop everything and travel across the globe to meet people you can only imagine and to live in places you have only dreamed about. For some, work or family gets in the way. For others, we don't have the capital to spend on such frivolous things. However, for the lucky few, that get their summer vacations or have the means to achieve this, embrace it! 

Go meet people you can only imagine! Go somewhere you have only dreamed about! 

For those lucky few, I say live in the moment!

Zhangye Danxia Landform, China

Lavender Fields, France

Mount Roraima, Venezuela

Tunnel of Love, Ukraine

Bonn, Germany

Great Rice Terraces, China

Black Forest, Germany

Aescher, Switzerland

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Huacachina, Peruvian Desert

Mount Ai-Petry, Ukraine

For those that can, go visit the places I can only dream about (for now...) and be the explorers I know you guys can be!

Love,

Angella

Life Motto #3

Truth.

Applies to all aspects of life.

Life Motto #2

Be the Rose

Life Motto #1

'Nough said.

New Years Inspiration -- Coco Chanel

Hey Darlings,

It's that time of the year; the time where some things end and others begin. During this change, who better than Coco Chanel to give us inspiration (with a background of young Johnny Depp and Kate moss *swoon*). Anyways, comment below what you did for New Years and what your New Years resolutions are. Don't forget to drink some bubbly!

Lots of love,

 Angella

New Inspiration

Times change,

experiences shape your life.

and everyone has a bad day.

please don't let that one bad day

change your perspective on life.

remember...

always remind yourself what is your passion.

and that the day will end.

a new beginning is literally around the corner.

What's your passion in life?

When did you need to keep your positivity?

and how will you inspire someone in need?

Inspiration Cellar

This is a personal rule

(wink)

Let's be real. 

You wanna look fabulous regardless of the situation. 

Overdress is always better than under-dressing.

You want to be prepared for anything.

You never know when you will meet Mr. Right.

Be prepared.

Skater Skirts

As a girl, one of my favorite things about the summer is the nice sundress weather and the ability to wear a skirt without catching pneumonia. However, as a former tomboy, I hate the fact that wearing a dress/skirt is so girly and typical. That's why, I am completely and utterly in love with the new summer trend, skater skirts. Firstly, they come in a wide range of colors including darker ones (not shown) such as black and navy blue. Secondly, they are so easy to match with. Just pull out that white tank top or chiffon blouse out (maybe with a cardigan or blazer if the weather is a little breezy) and then BAM! You're dressed for any occasion. Lastly, skater skirts are so flexible that you can literally accessorize with anything and look absolutely adorable. If you think wearing a plain tank top with the skater skirt is too simple, add a chunky necklace and you're good to go. If you are going on a first date and want to seem younger, wear some knee-length socks with some oxfords and you got the cute school-girl look pegged down. What do you think about them? Leave a comment below!

Items Above : circle skirt/Neon circle skirt / Pilot circle skirt / Denim skirt / Oasis chiffon knee length skirt / Long skirt

Inspiration Cellar

Sometimes you just need some inspiration

I know I definitely need some inspiration sometimes. 

This week has been hard and tiring and oh am I looking forward to the weekend. 

But a good movie, glass of vino and some peace and quiet changes everything. 

P.S. You are welcome to download the poster whenever you are in need of some motivation. 

Left click and save image as. It's yours.