Guest Blogger What Failure Taught Me 4:55 PM A guest blog by Kristal Marie: "I have just started this new project. I am so excited; I have so many great ideas. I really hope it fails!" Said no one ever... Nobody sets out to fail, but it happens. The reality is if you desire to be successful you are going to fail at some point. Yes, failures are tough lessons, but they are also invaluable. The key to finding value in your failures is not to settle at failure's feet. Rather, if you learn from it, your failure is only one step along your path to success. What Failure Taught Me What failure really is Failure is nothing more than the omission of expected or required action. This is the literal definition. Failure is not the end unless you settle. You tried something and your expectation was not met. It is not over; it just means you try something else. Pick yourself up and try the next thing. Failure encourages change When you fail at something, you quickly realize that you need to change, your expectation, your process or sometimes both. Far too often we resist change, because change puts us outside our comfort zone. It took me many years to learn to embrace change. I avoided change like it was the plague. But, I have learned that change, in reality, is a good thing. Yes, it puts me outside of my comfort zone, but without change I can never improve. Improving life necessitates some kind of change. So it is when you fail. Unless you settle for your failure, you will change something, and that change will lead to improving you or your circumstances. Failure causes growth Here's the thing, success is great but the truth is, we don’t grow through our successes, we grow through our failures. When we are successful at something, we keep doing it over and over again. You don’t fix something that is not broken. But when we fail, it gives us an opportunity to learn new things to grow stronger and persevere through our failure. We learn to combat our fears and keep swimming forward. I was listening to an interview with Mary Shenouda, founder of the wildly successful Paleo Chef website and Phat Fudge. Shenouda was asked, “What if plan A doesn’t work out?” Her response was simply, “Sharks don’t swim backwards.” That attitude has made her the success she is today. No matter what obstacles or failures you encounter, like the shark, you keep swimming forward. Have this mind set, and your failures will propel you forward. Think of Michael Jordan, referred to as the best basketball player of all time. Guess what. He was cut from his high school basketball team.Thankfully, for millions of basketball fans, he did not settle for this failure. Jordan has said of his own career, “I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Failure creates new opportunities When something works for us, we tend to stick with it. It is not very often that we go out looking for new opportunities when things are going well. But when we fail we will encounter new and better opportunities. We can be so busy saying ‘yes’ to every little opportunity because we are afraid to fail, that we miss better opportunities. Did you know that Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard to start his own business? No, it was not Microsoft. He started a business with Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen called Traf-O-Data. Never heard of it? I am not surprised. The business was a complete failure. But this failure created the opportunity to create the global empire that is Microsoft. Failure forces reflection A failure is an opportunity for personal reflection on your goals and what you are doing to achieve them. Ask yourself, “Am I doing what I should be doing? Is there something I could do differently that would suit me better? What other avenues can I pursue?” Often, when we stop and reflect on a failure, we see the failure occurred because there is something better suited for us. Do not be afraid to change and do something differently. It is your failures that lead to your ultimate success when you don’t settle at failures feet. Learn the lessons uniquely provided by your failures and enjoy your new opportunities you are sure to encounter on your path to success. Gifs from Google images About the author: I’m Kristal Marie. I blog at www.itsmyfavoriteday.com where I aim to inspire you to make each day your favorite day, whether by encouraging a simple frugal life, new ways to manage your time, and pursue your goals. I am all about turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Travels The Ruins: Taj MaHal of the Philippines 6:00 PM There is beauty in the ruins, for even the phoenix rises from the ashes. -LG The Ruins in Talisay Negros are dubbed the Taj Mahal of the Philippines. I went there, and I was captivated by its beauty and fascinated by its story. (Click individual image to view in full size) The Ruins: Taj Mahal Of The Philippines The love story that built the mansion photo credit: filipiknow.net Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson was a bachelor who owned a 440-hectare sugar plantation in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. On one of his trips abroad, he met Maria Braga and instantly fell in love with her. With their family's blessing, they got married shortly after and had 10 children. When Maria was pregnant with their 11th child, she slipped on their bathroom floor and bled profusely. She couldn't afford to travel with her condition, so Don Mariano sent for someone to fetch a physician.Unfortunately, though the physician was only from the next town, there were no decent roads yet, and the mansion was in the middle of their plantation. So, it took 4 days for them to get to Maria. Maria and the baby were already dead when the doctor arrived. Don Mariano was so grieving when he lost his love. He decided to build the mansion known as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines in her memory and honor. Maria's father helped fund the building, and Mariano's son Felipe supervised the construction. Don Mariano lived in the mansion and allowed his children to stay, too, as long as they didn't marry. A Japanese gardener was hired to maintain the gardens, but he disappeared just before the war. Later, it was discovered that he was a Japanese spy. The Ruining Don Mariano's mansion was built in the early 1900s. They decided to burn it during the early part of World War II to prevent Japanese forces from using it as headquarters. The concrete structure remained strong. It's said to have a really good foundation because the cement was mixed with egg white instead of water. (When you touch it, the surface is really smooth.) Don Mariano wasn't just a sugar baron; he also owned a poultry farm. (Though honestly, with the size of the mansion, I can't imagine how many eggs they used. And what happened to the egg yolks?! Just me being overly inquisitive and silly here.) The Ruins: Present day The 903 square meter structure still stands tall today. If you take a closer look at the pillars, the design looks like the letter 'E'. They're actually two 'M's facing each other. Mariano and Maria are together until the end. Source: The Ruins website photo The top edges of the mansion also feature a shell-inspired decor, which indicates that the home is owned by a ship captain in New England. This design is in honor of Maria Braga’s father, who was a ship captain. The belvedere facing west lets one view the beautiful sunset through the bay window. Don Mariano was said to often be sitting in the glassed-in sunroom, watching the ships come and go along the coastal waters of Talisay. The floor is an original. Standing on a centuries-old tiled floor here! Aside from the mansion, I was enchanted by the vast garden. The fountain, the old chimney that has somehow grown a tree (due to bird droppings, according to the tour guide)... I love it! Soft piano music played from the cafe just across the mansion, perfect for a romantic date. The Ruins is a real stunner. It's even more breathtaking at dusk. No wonder it's one of the 12 Most Fascinating Ruins in the World. You can visit The Ruins in Talisay Negros daily. They're open 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the entrance fee is Php50 or 1.06 USD. Check here for directions. Sources: Travelog Philippines Choose Philippines
Fashion & Style Be More Than Just Pretty With Uncommon Goods 11:39 PM It’s not enough for me anymore that it’s a beautiful item or a beautiful piece. I want to know that it’s not leaving a negative mark. -Emma Watson It's more important to be a person of substance and purpose and not just be a pretty face. Agree? If there is a chance to pick between a fashionable item only and one that is aesthetic with value, it's a no-brainer which one you'll opt for. From dresses to accessories, there’s a wide range of gorgeous items available in the market today. Thanks to the internet, we can even purchase them without leaving the house. But is it enough for you to own just a pretty piece? Wouldn’t it be nice to buy something that’s more than just beautiful to look at? Be More than Just Pretty with Uncommon Goods Pretty for a cause It's ideal to buy a stylish jewelry and give back to the community at the same time. Thanks to Uncommon Goods, it is now possible to do so. An independently-owned business, Uncommon Goods supports causes that impact the world in a positive way. With every purchase you make, they donate $1 to the non-profit of your choice. They started their Better to Give program 12 years ago, and have since donated over $1 million to charities around the world. Uncommon Goods is a Certified B Corporation. Meaning, they met the rigorous standard on a wide range of issues, including wage levels, environmental impact, and giving back to the community. Handmade Jewelries Uncommon Goods have handmade jewelries that have intricate details and elegant designs. They’re perfect for gift giving or as addition to your collection. Since it's handmade, you can be sure that it’s been given the best attention and utmost care. They even have a short bio of the maker for each piece so you can get to know the beautiful person behind the exquisite art you're buying. Click here to see more of their handmade jewelries. Minimalist Design They have elegant, edgy, colorful, fun, and eclectic designs to cater each individual’s preference. What I personally like is their minimalist design. Leonardo da Vinci said it best: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Visit Uncommon Goods to see more of their sophisticated minimalist jewelries. Emma Watson wore a dress made of trash in the red carpet. She said and I quote, “It’s not enough for me anymore that it’s a beautiful item or a beautiful piece. I want to know that it’s not leaving a negative mark.” I couldn’t agree more. What do you usually look for before buying? Is it enough for you that it's just pretty? Be more than just pretty with Uncommon Goods. All photos are from Uncommon Goods website.
Guest Blogger On A Happier Note 4:51 PM You are as happy as you decide to be. Guest blog by Chelsea. “She just wants you to make money since you are 24.” Who said this? My youngest sister of course. What was she doing besides subjecting me to ageism? She was using human reasoning to define me and God’s supernatural plan for my life. It was a day like that that I wish I would have said this to her: The Purpose Pusher The sad reality is that human beings today (you and me included) tend to think that if we had money, all our problems would be solved. Now don’t get me wrong. I’ve played the lottery a few times hoping to win it big. Yet, unlike so many others, my intentions were for good. If I won the lottery, most of what I won would not be spent on myself. I would try to pay off my parents’ house, fix it up, and give them a vacation for just the two of them. I would donate the rest to help out those who need it most (charities and worthwhile people who legitimately deserve a helping hand). Of course, I believe if I won the lottery there would be enough for all this because after all, my winning the lottery would be because my heavenly Father deemed it the appropriate time for me to come into that level of a harvest. Yet, even though I’m 24 years old and without steady income, I’m happier than I ever have been in my whole life. I bet you just read that above statement and looked at the computer screen and screamed: I mean my life is far from perfect or what I deem to be perfection in my eyes but I finally feel free. I work as a freelance writer for two companies currently and I also intern with a publisher doing public relations for authors. On the anniversary of Dr. King declaring his dream in one of the most inspiring speeches of all time, I also planted a stake in the field of dreams for my life and the goals I want to achieve. One of which is to become an author of multiple best-selling novels so I launched the site in order to expand my platform as an author. Yet, it also was a way for me to create opportunity in the area (and my dream career field) of public relations. Therefore, The Smart Cookie Philes was born. Yet, in the past five months since it was launched, I’ve never seen something grow into such a fruitful venture in my life, and I have only been paid about less than $100 for any sponsored work via the site. My point is this: Money doesn’t equal happiness because happiness isn’t external; it’s 100% internal. The only plausible reason my site is becoming a booming career venture is because: Another reason is because I’ve let the joy of the Lord be my strength. Family members (God bless their little hearts) may not understand what it means to be a remote professional, a freelance writer, or even a post-graduate who still lives with her parents. Yet, that’s totally okay. Why? Because I trust God. And I choose to enjoy my life every day. I’ve been reading Joyce Meyer’s newest book, Overload, which talks about freeing yourself from the pressures of stress, and so far, I find it to be one of Joyce’s best books yet (this coming from someone who has probably read at least thirty to forty of Joyce’s other titles in the span of three years so I may be a bit biased). In it, she mentions that, And a great attitude to take with you on this journey called life is “I’m not where I need to be but thank God I’m not where I used to be. I’m okay and I’m on my way!” I may not yet be a five star publicist or a best-selling author or even the most booked freelance writer but that’s okay. I serve a God who is limitless: Genesis 18:14: Is anything too hard for the Lord? No! Numbers 11:23(The MSG): God answered Moses, “So, do you think I can’t take care of you? You’ll see soon enough whether what I say happens for you or not.” And lastly, a verse that I read and said a thousand times before just became seen with fresh eyes, Matthew 19:26: With men, this is impossible. But WITH GOD, all things are possible (emphasis mine). A key point I want you to take away from this whole piece is that you can be extraordinarily happy while living an ordinary, everyday life. Expecting life to be one long series of exciting events is setting yourself up for disappointment, which ends up increasing stress levels and stealing your joy! Decide to be content and live life as it comes. Until next time, remember: Photo credit: Google Images (Tumblr) About the author: Chelsea DeVries Jesus Lover. 24 year old witty writer/poet/blogger. The Smart Cookie. I tend to see the best in people. Hoping to defend the media's greatest targets when I become a publicist. Saint Leo University graduate. Dog lover. Daydreamer. Believer. Child-like spirit. Hugger. Flower Child. Child of the One True King Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Fashion & Style The Newest Trend in Beach Bags and Totes 6:00 PM You can't buy happiness but you can buy a cute bag. And that's kind of the same thing. All the things we need for a day at the beach—sunscreen, a beach towel, a hat, your beach reads, and much more—are usually lugged around in hefty beach bags and totes. While it can be difficult to look cute and chic while lugging a large bag around, it's not impossible. It's time for you to update your bag collection with some stylish beach bags. Loud patterns and graphics have made large bags and totes more fashionable. There is also a variety of materials that you can choose from. Also, if you play your cards right, you can take your beach bag or tote from your day at the beach straight to dinner with your friends. Say “yes” to practicality and style with DONCEL handbags The good news is that DONCEL, a handbag brand, has been making great bags, totes, and shoulder bags that can make your beach experience great while making you look stylish and polished. DONCEL bags boast of hand-crafted graphics and designs that are inspired by traditional Chinese arts. The bags have great lines and can be a great match for the different personalities of the women that wear them. DONCEL bags are made of cowhide leather and lined with polyester. This makes them unique where beach bags and totes are concerned. Cowhide leather is much more durable and sturdier than fabric, which the majority of beach bags are made of. Also, cowhide leather bags retain their shape, which comes in handy when you need to stuff a large number of things in your bag without it looking awkward and bulky. Plus, your bag will be spending long hours in the sun—cowhide leather is resistant to sun damage. A DONCEL handbag is a great and more practical alternative to your usual beach bags. Get yourself a day-to-night bag Another concern people have about carrying beach bags is how awkward they can look while carrying large bags. Also, these bags are suitable mostly for the beach. It may be inconvenient for some to switch out their bags for a night out after a day at the beach. This is why DONCEL handbags are great for people with packed social calendars. A DONCEL handbag is perfectly fitting for the beach, as well as stylish enough for a dinner at a nice restaurant or a night at the theater. The bags also come in great colors that can add a lot of pizzazz to any outfit. Since summer is here, a day at the beach may not be that far away in your future. You may already be dusting off your swimsuits, bikinis, beach towels, and flip flops. Why not take it the extra mile and treat yourself to a new tote from DONCEL? It's easy to do, too, as these bags are available online on StyleWe.com. There's a great selection from DONCEL, which features a number of intricate and exotic designs. Go on StyleWe.com today and get your newest bags and totes from DONCEL. This article was submitted by site supporter and may contain affiliate links. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
