How to "Treat Yourself" // Life Advice

A lot of people throw around the term "treat yo-self" often, and its for a good reason. I am a firm believer in treating yourself within reason. You have to do it perfectly in order for it to work. Here is my advice on how to treat yourself reasonably, and well.

Little Things Frequently:
Little Things Frequently is a nice method of treating yourself if you're on more of a budget. I'd say if you're having a tough day or every two weeks you do this. Buy or do something small for yourself that will boost your esteem and/or attitude; such as a Lush bath bomb, some pastries, or a little reward to yourself for getting through the day/week.

Big Things Rarely:
Big Things Rarely is a nice method of treating yourself if there is something big that you really want. I'd do this about every few months to what your budget allows you to do. Buying something big that you really want is such a pleasure to do, especially when you've worked and saved up the money to do so. Things I'd get would be a pair of nice shoes, a nice article of clothing, or concert tickets you've been waiting for.

Without Money:
Without Money is a good thing to do if you're really on a budget, or just don't feel like spending the money. I'd do this as frequently as Little Things Frequently, or as frequently as Big Things Rarely depending on the treatment you want. Things you can do frequently that'd I do would be to take a long hot bath, dance around my room ridiculously to music, and bring my dog to the dog park. Things you can do less rarely, but still do, is take a day off from work if you can. Taking a nice mental health day every month is literally a blessing to the soul.

Your mental health should gradually improve with this method of "treating yourself", at least for me it did. It isn't something everyone can do all the time. That's why I provided different methods of things to do when you're feeling down, or just want an excuse to spend some time to yourself. Everyone deserves happiness, I truly am a firm believer in that.

See you LATER!
-Autumn.

How to Make Stickers

  
   Stickers are pretty great. You can put them anywhere; on any notebook, book, bedroom wall, journal, etc. The one problem with stickers is that it can be hard to find the perfect one for each occasion. Maybe you want a Frida Kahlo sticker, or the cover your favorite album. Yeah, hard to find. Luckily, I have the perfect recipe to create as many stickers you want, it's easy, simple and fast. When you're done making them, you'll end up with hundreds of perfect stickers for every occasion possible and they're great to add a personal touch everywhere. 

First, What You'll Need:

1. Wax or parchment paper
2. Scissors
3. Thick clear tape
4. Printed images or drawings

How To Make Them:

1. Make a Google Docs document with all the images you want (in the size you want) and print them up. If you're making a drawing, make sure the paper is thin. 
2. Once the images are printed, cut them up.

   

   There's Frida

3. Cut up a sheet of wax paper, make sure it's big enough to fit the images that you want, but small enough so that cutting isn't hard. 
4. Cover the wax paper with tape, every single inch is covered. If there are any bubbles just pop them with your finger, it's okay to have them. 

   

   The background is my bed comforter lol
5. Place the pictures on top of the wax paper. They have to be kind of far apart, you'll need a thick border for the stickers.
   
6. Then cover the images with tape. 
   
7. Now, cut up the pictures. Make sure to leave a thick border so that the top layer of tape sticks to the bottom layer. 
   
8. Ta-Dah, you have personalized stickers. To stick them; fold a little corner of the sticker and take off the wax paper (that gets thrown away) and now your sticker can actually stick pretty much anywhere. Later,

-Laura

ALBUM REVIEW // CLEOPATRA - THE LUMINEERS

In 2012, The Lumineers released their debut, self-titled album, featuring Ho Hey, a toe-tapping, hit tune you've most likely heard before. Four years later, after touring the world, they release their long-awaited sophomore album, Cleopatra. 

After listening to their first album for the better part of four years straight, I fell in love with its innocent, charming demo-ish feel. Almost never is there a band that can shove their first album out of fans' hearts and put a new one in it's place, but The Lumineers is a rare exception. Cleopatra is energetic and full, and although the difference is prominent, the band's unique flair still remains. Each track tells a story and has a meaning. With flavourful sounds and warm words, The Lumineers' second album might just be better than the first, and is bound to be one of the best records of the year. 

FIRST LISTEN: TRACK BY TRACK

1. Sleep On The Floor

"'Cause if we don't leave this town,

We might never make it out.

I was not born to drown, baby come on." 

Track one is the perfect introduction to the album. The first minute or so sounds almost exactly like something on their first album, but as it goes on, the professional sound and introduction to bold percussion makes the listener's stomach churn and immediately puts forth a strong impression of the album to come. 

2. Ophelia 

"Heaven help a fool who falls in love."

A tale about complications that arise from floods of attention. Brutally honest and mesmerizing, no wonder this song became a hit. The piano in the backtrack is absolutely amazing, along with a soft beat and captivating vocals.  As their first single released, it's catchy and certain to win the hearts of everyone listening, as it did mine. Gives a feel of The Lumineers sound without too much of that folk element that many are resistant to. If there's one song you would listen to on this album, let it be this one. 

3. Cleopatra

"I was late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life.

And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time." 

The title track does not disappoint. An edgy song, the lead up throughout is almost exhilarating. A song you'd dance to in a bar. 

4. Gun Song 

"One day, I pray, I'll be more than my father's son,

But I don't own a single gun." 

I first heard this song at their concert in 2013. A throwback to the 1800s, in the best way possible. I felt nostalgic, almost, for a time period I didn't experience. 

5. Angela

"You held your course to some distant war

In the corners of your mind". 

One of my favourites on the album. A lighthearted feel, with a Sufjan Stevens-esque backtrack and uninterrupted vocals. A low-key Lumineers song, less intensity but full of passion. 

6. In The Light 

"Time, give me my yesterdays."

The epitome of nostalgia. Makes me feel 70 years old, looking back on life. The instrumentals are wonderful, warming up your heart with major chords. A perfect sunset-on-the-beach song. 

7. Gale Song 

"And oh, this too shall pass

This loneliness won't last for long."

A heart-wrenching tale about long distance love during a war. The song first premiered in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, hence the title. Again, the band throws you into the shoes of another. It's an audible letter of a soldier. 

8. Long Way From Home 

"You're right next to me,

But you're a long way from home."

So, this song hit right in the feels. Heartbreakingly beautiful, a beautiful ballad that every album needs, Wesley Schultz' vocals making everything more emotional. Full of passion and sorrow. 

9.  Sick In The Head
"People say I'm no good...
Fuck 'em, they're just sick in the head...
I will not be here forever, dear
So let's just make this count a lot in here."
I love these lyrics. Words everybody needs to hear, gives a boost of confidence. One of the only songs I've come across where the lyrics are focused on more than the music, and rightfully so. Slay em, Wesley. 

10. My Eyes 
"You always confused your servants for friends
But you couldn't see how it ends
It's all or nothing to you." 
Another lovely ballad, another favourite of mine off of the album. The "Slow It Down" of album two. 

11. Patience
Although this one doesn't have any lyrics, I find it quite funny, because I was totally expecting it to, so I waited and waited. Therefore; patience. Ha, clever. 

OVERVIEW

A beautiful album, overall. A collection of stories, much like the first album, but fuller and warmer. An amped up version of the tremendous impact of the first. I'd listen to it for ages. Give it a chance, it'll capture your heart in 35 minutes. 9.5/10.

Link to buy is here, it's also available to stream on Spotify. 

- Tara x

Cures For the Sick Days// Health

Sick Days; who likes them? Ok, it's nice to have a day off to yourself, but it's hard to enjoy it when there are few activities to do in bed. It's also awful if you feel bad and can't do anything. This whole week I've had (and still have) food poisoning. I went to the doctor and I have to eat certain medicines all the time. Also I spent 3 days in bed. I felt better after drinking the right kind of tea and eating the right stuff. Also, I was able to do a lot of things that I normally don't do. Below there's a list of things that you can do while resting in bed.

1. Put on a movie

This is always a must-have, a movie can distract you for an awful lot of time. Besides who doesn't love a great movie?

2. Call a friend over

If you're illness is not contagious then you can definitely call a friend over. Everything seems better with someone by your side. You could catch up on each other's life and plans, or you could do some of the activities in this list.

3. Make Stickers

Making stickers is really fun, it's something that you can do seated or lying down. You can end up with a lot of personalized stickers that you can put in your notebooks, diary, sketchbooks, and just about anything. It's  not hard, but it really depends on how you do it. Google some tutorials and choose the easiest one (I'll be posting a tutorial of my own on Tuesday that you can check out).

4. Read a book

If you're not the TV type or the crafty kind then you could always get a good book and read for hours. Typically when I'm sick I like to read about people doing great things. I usually read Harry Potter, some poetry, etc.

5. Work on some sketches/ drawings

Maybe being distracted by other things interferes with your art. Although is hard to make a masterpiece when you're lying down, working on sketches is good. It's always good practice and maybe you can plan your next great painting.

6. Write in a journal

I keep a journal by my side at all times. However, homework, studying, work and other things take up my time and I can't write. Because you don't really need to deal with work because you're sick, you can take time to write about your feelings or what's been going on in your life. Pick up a pen and let your thoughts flow.

7. Play a board game

Whenever my brother  Rod is sick we play fun board games. We like playing Uno, Clue and other Hasbro games. It's fun and it can make you laugh for a long time. Playing is great, it's fun, it's amazing!

8. Text/ facetime some friends

Maybe you can't have people near you but that doesn't mean you need to be cut off society. Spend time with friends (even if it's through a screen), talk and just hang out.

These are just some few things that I like to do. The main thing is to do things that distract you, it'll make you forget how bad you're feeling. If there's anything else you'd like to add to this list feel free to comment. We like hearing from our readers. Later!

-Laura