shine on

 

It's so easy to beat yourself up over little flaws and mistakes that you may notice over the course of a day. When we do acknowledge our strengths and accomplishments it can often make us feel conceited or boastful, but when we work hard or develop a special skill we shouldn't feel bad about it. It's important to take time to let yourself shine. Don't be afraid to show off from time to time. Confidence can often be mistaken for cockiness, but you shouldn't be afraid of that either. There will always be people trying to dim your light and bring you down. Ignore those people, for they are only trying to steal your light because they have yet to find their own.

 

 

Being confident is such a strong attribute that many people refuse to develop. Some are too scared, scared that if they show their true selves to the world they won't be accepted. Others truly don't believe they are worthy of the respect of others. Just like a trail of glitter, there is room for every single speck to sparkle, and we all shine even if we don't see it in ourselves all the time. Everyone does sparkle. Everyone has to sparkle in order to create one bright light throughout the world. So my advice for today (although borrowed from Pink Floyd): Shine on you crazy diamonds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embrace individuality.

Embrace uniqueness.

Embrace yourself.

 

With love,

 

Ciara

ed

When I went to the Taylor Swift concert last month, I was fortunate enough to be exposed to another talented musician as well: Ed Sheeran. I had heard a couple of his songs prior to the concert, but had somehow overlooked his talent and at that time found him somewhat overrated. To my surprise, he proved me wrong. From his beautifully strung phrases to his witty remarks in between songs, Ed proved that he is not only an incredible musician, but a humble and personable guy as well. After leaving the concert I knew I wanted to learn a few of his songs, and today I finally did. Below is a cover I did of his single "The A Team."

 

http://youtu.be/X80Ugm3SDb8

 

 

I knew prior to arriving at the concert that him and Taylor would definitely sing their duet "Everything Has Changed" together, and it ended up being one of my favourite songs of the night. What I didn't know was that they made a music video for the song and it's actually one of cutest things I've ever seen. Since the song I covered is little bittersweet, I felt it necessary to complement this post with some positivity and happiness, so I've included the music video for that duet here as well.

 

When I was discussing Ed with someone a couple weeks ago they said that it's a shame he's not "better looking" or else he would be huge. I completely disagree with that statement, firstly because he has already done incredibly well for himself and secondly, because it's evident that Ed really doesn't care if people perceive him in that way. I think the outlook Ed holds on life and his career are a large part of what makes him a true artist. Here are a few words of wisdom from the Brit himself...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With love,

Ciara

 

10 Reasons Why Jason Segel is the Perfect Human Being

It's been a couple days since my last post and the energy I had previously been lacking has now been restored to its full potential. Perhaps it's the fact that I slept more than three hours last night, but I'd like to think it's due to the Jason Segel marathon I had prior to going to bed. Whenever I need a good laugh I can always count on my favorite boyfriend to put a smile on my face. No matter how tired I am or how many times I've seen his films, his humor never gets old. For those of you who aren't as familiar with him as I am, his credits include I Love You Man, Freaks and Geeks , writing AND starring in The Muppets, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and The Five Year Engagement, dating Michelle Williams, kicking ass, and in a few years time, marrying me. I consider myself an expert on Jason Segel, which is why I also consider myself 100% qualified to have completed the following list:

10 Reasons Why Jason Segel is the Perfect Human Being

1. He is comfortable in his own skin

 

 

 

2. He is a mathematic genius

 

3. He is politically aware

 

 

4. He can speak multiple languages

 

5. He knows how to handle a breakup in a mature manner

 

6. He can appreciate your girly shows, such as Sex and the City

 

7. He's a supportive boyfriend

8. He's good in bed

 

 

9. He's not afraid to express himself through his personal style

 

 

 

10. He knows how to serenade a woman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And that my friends, is why Jason Segel is the perfect human being.

 

With love,

 

Ciara

 

20 Things a Woman Should Live By

One of my many obsessions, in case it wasn't already becoming evident, is the idea of lists. Top tens, how-tos, goals or contests: everything is just so much better in list form. Today I came across a list entitled "20 Things a Woman Should Live By." Below are all the recommendations from that list, as well a a series of images I've included to make it even more entertaining. Enjoy and share :).

20 Things a Woman Should Live By

(in the style of my favourite, girliest, TV shows and movies)

1. Men are an amazing part of life, but they are in no way the be all and end all of life.

 

 

2. It's OK to admit that you're young, fab, and NOT broke. Celebrate your success.

 

 

3. Don't waste time crying over little boys who talk too much. Someday you will find the one and then all that happens in between will just seem like bullshit. Some will be hot and unforgettable bullshit, but nonetheless bullshit.

 

4. It's ok to be 22, or even 32 or 42, and not know what you want to be when you grow up.

 

5. Many people will try to judge your spending and lifestyle habits, don't let it get to you. It's your life, your money and no one else's business.

 

6. If you like being single, it's ok to admit that. Maybe you like being alone. Maybe you just like dating and hooking up. Guys like these things and the world has no problem with it.

 

 

7. In business it's likely that men twice your age with half your brain capacity will be making triple the money than you do. Work hard anyway, never give up, you are the brain and the voice of tomorrow.

 

8. Your parents have already lived a bulk of their life. It's time to start living yours. It is possible to both respect them and be happy. Sometimes they may get mad at your choices, make those choices anyway, they will love you and will eventually come around.

 

 

 

9. It's ok to order extra cheese on your fries and not go to the gym after.

 

10. No matter how old you are by number, never forget what it feels like to be young and alive.

 

11. People are always going to talk, so just do your thing. You may as well give them something to talk about.

 

 

12. Having one too many shots with your girlfriends on a Saturday night doesn't make you an alcoholic, it just means you're having a good time. Anyone who tells you otherwise is jealous. You work hard all week and deserve time to get your party on.

 

 

13. Don't keep company with those who constantly compare themselves to you. Keep company with those who love you for you and enhance your life.

 

 

14. If you can't find your prince, there is nothing wrong with enjoying kissing all the wrong frogs.

 

15. Live your life for you: not your parents, not a man, not your friends. It is the only way you will ever truly be happy.

 

16. You're never too old to learn something new.

 

 

 

17. In your life you will wind up with a select few friends who are more like your soul mates. Cherish them, they'll be the ones around when the party is over.

 

 

18. You're going to make mistakes: the wrong career, the wrong major, the wrong boyfriend. Everything happens for a reason-you'll learn something, recover and come back better than ever.

 

19. Live each day with no regrets. Don't fret over the past, even the bad parts shape us for the future.

 

20. Share this list with other young women you love :).