Life Hacks: School/Health Edition

I am extremely happy to announce that this will be my first collaboration on my blog! This post is in collaboration with Kaila, one of my absolute favourite bloggers. I hope to be doing many more collaborations in the future (and definitely more with Kaila). Click here to read Kaila's post for some more life hacks!

1. Oranges

The smell alone of oranges can reduce stress! This is perfect for the stressful time of semester leading up to exams or just any other time of year that you feel stress getting to you. It has been found that eating OR smelling an orange can reduce stress by up to 70%.

Memphis; Birthplace of Rock 'n Roll

Many of you will know Tennessee as being the place where Miley Cyrus is from but another, more influential singer/actor was from the same state. I am talking about Elvis Presley, the king of rock n' roll. I was surprised to learn that Elvis was actually born in a small town in Mississippi and I was lucky enough to visit the exact location. Seeing the roots of such an influential man was life changing for me. The house was small and built out of white painted wood. It was nothing special but it housed a very special person.

The Fosters

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'It's not where you come from, it's where you belong'

By far one of the most inspirational television shows I have ever watched is 'The Fosters' on FreeformTV. The show is described as 'a one-hour drama about a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids being raised by two moms'. This show deals with a large range of issues relevant to todays society that is not necessarily discussed in other shows. This is the reason why I (and so many others) love the show.

The forbidden love of foster siblings, Callie and Brandon, has to be one of my favourite love stories of all time. I am still holding out hope that these two will end up together (they are endgame, I'm sure). These two are a perfect pairing, the only barrier being the fact that they are 'family' and therefore forbidden to be together. I feel like now is a perfect time to remind you that they aren't biologically related so hang on to the hope that they will get a happy ending. This relationship can only be compared to that of Romeo and Juliet only without the fatal tragic ending (hopefully).

Once When I Was Little

"I could dream more then. I could believe more then that the world could only get better"

When you are little you can believe whatever you want. No one has clouded your thoughts with the 'reality' or 'normality' of life. I think that this is when we are completely ourselves. I think it's sad that we believe that our dreams could come true only when we are young. If only we could grow up with belief in those dreams then maybe the world would be a different, magical place.

"We could build a rocket, fly to the moon. Leave Tuesday morning, be back for noon. And there wasn't nothing, nothing that we couldn't do" 

James Morrison portrays this so beautifully in his song 'Once When I Was Little'. If you haven't heard this song have a listen, hopefully it will bring you back to your childhood dreams like it did for me. And if you are young and still believe in your dreams, then hold onto that for as long as you can because truth is, we all grow up too fast.

- Nicole Marie Ranz

Insomnia.

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Sleep is one of the most wonderful things we do as human beings. When we are asleep we are in a state of calm, where no one and nothing can hurt us. We are just there, comfortably lying still for hours letting our body rejuvenate. But now I begin to wonder, why is sleep such a struggle if it is so good for you? Just like why do we struggle to exercise regularly if it's so good for us?

Lack of sleep can be enough to singlehandedly make a person go crazy. And I am saying this, lying in bed at 2.13 am trying desperately to go to sleep. Me writing this shows how much I am failing while simultaneously going insane.

To some degree I think everyone will experience some form of insomnia in their lifetime and the question is, what causes our insomnia?

Personally, I go through spouts of insomnia. I have a few good weeks of going to bed with no problem whatsoever. That then moves onto not being able to sleep without reading a book for half an hour before hand. This then evolves to being unable to sleep even with hours of reading. This is the stage I am in right now.

But why does this happen?
There is an endless list of possibilities.
For me, it's probably my anxiety.
For others, it could be something as simple as drinking too much caffeine too close to bed.

Yet here I am, 2.17 am, lying in my bed with my laptop and a grumbling stomach trying pass time until the sweet escape of sleep takes over me.

You know what they say, 'Sleep is like a time machine to breakfast'.

- Nicole Marie Ranz

The Great Ocean Road; Victoria

I'm sure most Australians have heard of the Great Ocean Road but if you haven't, it's basically a long road that follows the coast of Victoria (for the most part). Recently, I went on a family adventure along this road and was amazed at the whole experience - both in a positive and negative way.

Let's start with the positives.
The atmosphere around the whole road was an amazing experience and something that I will remember forever. Most of the towns that you will stop off at are quiet and small, creating a much different feel than the city life I am used to.

The view was beautiful. There is no doubt about that. Australia is known for it's beaches and these definitely did not disappoint. It is a once in a lifetime experience to see these views and I 100% recommend. I will, however, point out that if you have driven down Highway 1 in California then this won't be all that different.

The Fashion of Hanna Marin

"You can tell a lot about a person by their shoes" - Hanna Marin

I'm sure we all know the television fashion icon, Hanna Marin, from Pretty Little Liars who has been blessing our televisions with her girly but edgy style for six years. I would love to take personal inspiration from her style however her usual heels don't suit my lifestyle of studying and university. However, I can still admire her classic sense of style even though I usually never dress as girly as she does.

Here are a few of my personal favourite outfits she has rocked over the years.
Sorry in advanced for the quality of the photos - I wish I could have found better ones.

There is no doubt that Hanna can rock the formal wear.

I don't know what it is about the combination of the snakes skin jacket and blue shirt that I love so much!

Animal Testing & Make Up

Testing makeup on animals was something that I never had an opinion on. For some reason I never thought of researching what companies test on animals and to what extent. Recently, my opinions have changed and I now feel disgusted at the amount of large companies who still test on animals.

I was pleasantly surprised at some of the brands that are animal cruelty free (look at the picture for a full list). There are some really great brands who sell quality products like too faced, tarte, urban decay, Anastasia, Bare minerals, Hourglass and NARS. These are all amazing brands (but somewhat expensive). If you are looking for cheaper brands than elf and NYX are two great brands that I recommend.

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I realised that I do not own anything from these mentioned brands (except one make up brush from ELF and the naked palette from Urban Decay). I am so disappointed in myself that the few make up brands that I do own are all brands that test on animals in one way or another. The most important thing out of this post to remember is: make up is not a necessity. It is something that has been created by society and in all honesty, the world wouldn't end without it. For this reason, it makes me sick that people can hurt, torture and kill innocent animals for something so superficial.

- Nicole Marie Ranz

Top 10: Teen Drama TV Shows

The Vampire Diaries

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Although this show does revolve around supernatural elements, it still involves the innocence of teenagers in high school. And, the first few seasons have been done VERY well. The show displays the ups and downs of young love while still thrilling the audience with an encapsulating storyline. Definitely one to add to your list of 'teen' shows.

Gossip Girl

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To me, Gossip Girl screams 'drama' and is one of the legendary must-watch shows of all time. I guarantee you will be drawn into the lives of Manhattans elite and never want to leave. I mean, who doesn't want to live the life of rich and popular Serena Van Der Woodsen?

New Years Resolutions 2016

2016 is here! I am ready to welcome the new year with open arms and a fresh start. I did a video on my new years resolutions so I thought I would put the video into words and explain my resolutions more thoroughly.

1. Exercise more

Now I know this is the most generic new years resolution you can possibly have. Everyone says that they want to start working out and get fit for the new year. For me, it's more about restoring my old exercise schedule from the beginning of 2015 that made me feel healthy and happy. I used to have a weekly schedule for exercise and somewhere along the track I lost it. In the new year my goal is to regain this exercise schedule.

2. Start and keep a journal

Apparently, keeping a journal is very good for you. There is something therapeutic about getting all your emotions and troubles down on the page. Someone very wise gave me the advice to start the ritual of journal writing and I decided to take up that challenge. Of course, starting off writing everyday is ridiculously difficult and there is slim to no chance of me achieving that. Instead, I aim to write in my journal once a month (at first!).

3. Have more self control on social media

When I say this I mean in constantly being online. It is not healthy to 'stalk' people who you are no longer friends with or people who have hurt you in the past just because you are desperate for an update of their life (trust me, I've done this too much). I've come to realise that the most important people will know what is going on with you WITHOUT the assistance of social media. I think more blackout nights in 2016 are in order.

4. Read more books

Now I am very proud of myself for the amount of books I read in 2015. I didn't read many books at all (or as compared to some people) but for me, it was a big achievement. I used to HATE reading with a passion and over the last few years hate has turned into love. So, for 2016, I aim to read more books than I did in 2015.

5. Get into a regular sleeping pattern

I've noticed that when I go to bed around the same time and wake up around the same time, I generally feel healthier and happier. Somewhere around the middle of 2015 my sleeping pattern went from scheduled to whenever! The change definitely made it harder for me to fall asleep and make me feel tired more often. In the new year I would love to regain the sleeping pattern I once had.

6. Say yes more

Towards the end of 2015 I started getting these weird, spontaneous lapse in judgement that lead me to saying yes to a lot more things that I normally wouldn't have. Most of these times I have said yes have lead to great memories or just simply the reassurance that I can do it. I think it's important to start saying yes to more things more often, that way you gain more life experience and hopefully lifelong memories.

7. Start a self defence class

For my whole life I have wished that I started some sort of self defence (like Karate) when I was younger. It would certainly make me feel safer being by myself if I knew that I could protect  myself. After years and years of wanting to start, I hope 2016 will be the year that I actually do it.

8. Get a job that I enjoy

This one is kind of more specific than it sounds. Right now I work in a cafe and although I don't hate it, I also don't see  myself being able to do it for much longer. It would be a dream come true if one day I could follow my passion for youtube into something that becomes a job. I mean doesn't everyone dream of getting paid to do something they love?

9. Be organised

In 2016 I am going to do my very best to stay organised for the whole year. That means writing down university assessments, studying well before exams, finishing assignments early and being prepared for class. For youtube, that means posting weekly videos consistently all year. For my blog, that means posting at least once a month (a small goal I know, but I am trying to make youtube my number one priority for now).

10. Be happy

Cheesy, I know. But doesn't everyone just want to be happy? Well, I do. I am leaving the unhappiness of 2015 behind and taking a new, positive, happy approach into the new year.  2016 will be a wonderful and happy year, I'm sure of it.

Feel free to leave any of your new years resolutions in the comments! I would love to read them.
Happy new year to all my wonderful followers and I hope 2016 is the best year of your life <3

Love, Nicole Marie

Christmas Wishlist 2015

Every year I find myself creating a wish list for Christmas and my birthday. I never, ever get all of the things I have on the list (very rarely do I get any) which is okay because Christmas isn't just about presents. In saying that, I am always very curious as to what other people put on their lists so I thought I would share mine with you. It's almost like a little imaginary haul.

My Christmas Wishlist 2015:

Electronics -

• Frends Headphones
• Earphones
• One year subscription to the 'Calm' app

Beauty -

• Lush bath bombs - preferably the Christmas limited edition ones
• Nars Illuminator in Copacabana 
• Zoella Beauty - Mini fizz bar trio, bath bombinis bath fizzers, Soak opera, Tutti fruity bath fizz, fizz bar, body scrub
• Rapidlash or Revitalash
• Glasshouse Christmas candles (limited ones)

Top 10: Shows That Should Never Have Been Cancelled

There is nothing I hate more than becoming so emotionally invested in a show and the shows characters when suddenly, the show gets cancelled. Below is a list of my top 10 TV shows that, in my opinion, should NEVER have been cancelled. 

Eye Candy

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Don't even get me started on how mad I was that this show ended. One season was not enough, especially with the ending it had. The show follows an internet hacker, Lindy, on her journey to find her sister who was abducted years ago. In the process, she gains herself a stalker/serial killer which leads her to work with the police on various cyber crime cases. Victoria Justice and Casey Jon Deidrick did an AMAZING job acting in this. Their on screen chemistry was flawless as well as a flawless performance from Ryan Cooper. I suspect that the only reason the show ended was the lack of rating that came from being a show on MTV. I don't think anyone expected the show to be as good as it was purely because of the network it was with. Out of everything on this list this was a clear #1 for me. It's never too late to make a comeback... MTV please! Bring back this show!

The Secret Circle

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Despite the fact the the show appeared to be merely another supernatural show for teens, it was much more (even in its short airtime). The show followed a group of witches who found the final piece to complete their 'secret circle' when Cassie moves to town. The show proved to have intriguing story lines and loveable characters that I was able to form connections with. One season was definitely NOT enough. Even though it was only one season, I still recommend giving it a watch as it was a thrilling and exciting experience that I loved every minute of. Or maybe I loved it so much because of my love for Phoebe Tonkin... either way, it's a great show and should have had AT LEAST another season.

Stalker

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Again, don't get me started on how mad I was about this show ending. The show is about a group of detectives that focus on cases involving stalking. Each and every case is equally as fascinating and disturbing as the last, not to mention one of the best ongoing story lines I have ever seen. I must admit, the show was a little scary but that just added to the appeal. I have no clue as to why this show was cancelled but I know a lot of people would be upset by it. There was so much potential for this show to continue for seasons on end but unfortunately it was cut unreasonably short after the first season. CBS, why did you do this to me?

Book Review: Girl Online On Tour

I was so excited for the novel 'Girl Online On Tour' by Zoe Sugg to come out and I definitely was not disappointed with the result. The first novel was personally inspiring to me and Zoe definitely had big shoes to fill on the second book. Girl Online (the first novel) is a story of a girl called Penny who suffers from anxiety. Penny meets a famous rockstar and goes on Magical Mystery Day adventures while exploring her growing relationship with Noah. Their relationship is very cute and makes me smile from ear to ear. The second novel follows Penny on her journey around Europe with her rockstar boyfriend including all the ups and downs of life on tour. There are new characters, new places and new adventures to be explored! One of the things I love about both books is the travel. They travel to New York (one of my favourite cities) in the first novel and other countries around Europe in the second. Seeing as I have never been to Europe this was particularly exciting for me to read!

If you haven't read the first book I would 100% recommend it! It is an easy read so if you are looking for something to wind down before bed than the Girl Online series will be perfect for you. I would also recommend both books if you are suffering with any form of anxiety. There is so much comfort in these books for people with similar problems to know that you are not the only one. I am so proud of Zoe and all of team internet releasing books. The great thing about Girl Online is it is always able to re-inspire me.  Before reading it I was in somewhat of a slump; completely focused on studying and not feeling the slightest bit creative. Now that my exams are FINALLY over I am able to get this blog post up and hopefully many more in the weeks to come!

Let me know if you have/will read 'Girl Online' and 'Girl Online On Tour' in the comments!
I am also thinking of reviewing more books on my blog. I have become slightly obsessed with reading and buying books over the past two years so I thought it would be lovely to share more wonderful books with you in the future.

Love, Nicole Marie

Brave

Today's Music Mondays: Brave by Sara Bareilles

"Say what you want to say, and let the words fall out. Honestly, I want to see you be brave"

Although the song was originally written directed at coming out, this song can be applied to many situations in life. Whether that be telling a friend or family member a secret or just letting them know about something that is going on in your life. This song gave me the courage to finally speak my mind and tell someone something that I should have told them a long time ago. Actually, it gave me the courage to talk to a few people. The more you speak up, the easier it becomes. I was brave and I'm proud of that.

"Nothing's gonna hurt you the way the words do when they settle 'neath your skin"

Despite my short act of bravery the outcome was not expected. I expected everything to be okay after the truth was out but it was far from it. Things snowballed... and not in a good way. Although the majority of people will have positive reactions and become even more supportive, there will always be a few people who don't. I think in situations like this it is important to remember that you took the small act of bravery and that is an achievement enough.  If someone else can't accept it - that is on them, not you.

"You can be amazing, you can turn a phrase into a weapon or a gun"

It is also important to be aware of the fact that your words have the power to be hurtful. And you should not use your words as a weapon. Of course, we are all human and in the heat of the moment it is easy to say things you don't mean. But when this happens it is also where your true feelings are exposed. I believe that there is always some truth beneath the cruel things that people can say to you, that is the truth that THEY think about you. It doesn't necessarily mean that it is the truth. After all, most of the time people only see things from one perspective; their own.

Just remember that once things are said they cannot be taken back. Yes, it is good to tell the truth and yes, it is important to speak your mind but if you really care about someone, you shouldn't say things to purposely hurt them. Relationships are dangerous. These people who know you inside and out are the ones who know how to hit you where it hurts. Words have the power to destroy a life or the power to save one. So use your words for good. Be brave... speak up... and let your words change the world.

Love, Nicole Marie

Support

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We all need someone to lean on. We all need that support at some point in our lives and the only hope is that when you support someone they will support you back and be there for you when you need them. It's funny how in the toughest of times you realise who is a true friend. Sometimes you can be there for a person and they can't return the favour. There is no doubt that this hurts but it's okay. Everyone has their own lives and their own worries.

Being friends with someone is a funny concept. Even though both of you have your own lives, at the end of the day you are expected to be there for the other. Even if it takes dropping what you are doing at that moment and just listening. Sometimes it's important to put a person before other things in your life, otherwise you don't know what could happen to them. It is also important to look at things from both perspectives, a lot of the time if a person is making you feel a certain way, odds are that you do the same to them. I think in situations like this communication is important. However, when communication fails, it might be time to simply move on. 

For me, the people who have been supportive are not who I expected. People who I haven't know for long have proven to be the most understanding. People who I never expected to be supportive and understand, actually understand the most. And people who I expected to be there for me, aren't.

What I am now trying to make myself realise is that it's okay. Not everyone can be your knight in shining armour and as long as you have a few close people that you can lean on you'll be alright. At the end of the day, whatever 'down' stage of your life you are in, YOU need to be the one to get yourself out of it. People can help you as much as they can but before you decide that enough is enough, no one is really going to be able to help you.

As they say, quality over quantity. 

Love, Nicole Marie

The Atlantis Hotel; The Bahamas

The Atlantis hotel.

Beachy, calm, tranquil, holiday in the sun. These are the words I associate with the island of the Bahamas and the breathtaking hotel that sits upon it. 

Between the private beaches and the private water park, the Atlantis hotel is a perfect location for a getaway (even if it is just a three day cruise from Miami like it was for me).

You may have already read my Florida post where I touched a little on the big step it was for me going on this cruise but in this post I am going to focus more on the island itself. The island that I have now named my honeymoon island (sorry future husband, it's already decided. We are going to the Bahamas for our honeymoon).

When arriving on this island we were met with streets of shopping filled with fine jewellery and make up brands. After spending most of the day wondering around the shops we finally made our way to the Atlantis hotel.

This hotel is home to an amazing water park which we unfortunately didn't have time to see BUT we did have time to explore the aquarium at the hotel filled with exotic sea creatures. I would 100% recommend adding this hotel to your bucket list! 

If you are interested in seeing some more of my time in the Bahamas then feel free to watch my Florida travel vlog :)

If you live in America I would recommend taking a short 3 day cruise out to the islands of the Bahamas, it really was the perfect getaway. 

Love, Nicole Marie

p.s. I know it has been a very long time since I actually went on this trip but I am doing a blog post on every state/city I went to! There are still a few more left so keep an eye out :)

We Are Who We Are

Recently I have been listening to 'We Are Who We Are' by Little Mix.
Yes, it's an old song.
Yes, they are coming out with new and amazing music.
But to me, the importance of the message in this song will never diminish.

The song talks about something that is so important to have within yourself and that is pride and acceptance of who you are. You are stuck with yourself forever so why not love yourself? There are so many amazing things about each and every human being that is individual to YOU. These are the things you should be most proud of and share with the world. I know, I know... it's easier said than done but it is worth a try!

While we are here... so much amazing new music is coming out! Little Mix, 5 Seconds Of Summer, One Direction and many more I'm sure. I would be lying if I said that didn't overwhelm me a little because thats twenty bucks an album to fork out all in the same time frame.

While on the topic of music, for an assignment for uni we had to create a blog (which personally I was very excited about). Anyway, our blog topic was music and I made posts like this on inspirational songs. I enjoyed it so much that I have decided to continue it on this blog. So, I will now be doing 'song reviews' on songs that mean something to me. Let's call it 'Music Mondays'. Hopefully this will allow you all to discover new and inspiring music that will make a difference in your life.

Love, Nicole Marie

You Need To Be Cold To Be Queen; Blair Waldorf

I am in the middle of a very exciting Gossip Girl marathon. As of right now, I am watching the finale of season 3 and what I have realised during these first 3 seasons is that Blair Waldorf is the most inspirational character. Despite her obvious flaws (the scheming, blackmailing and bullying other people to get what she wants) I think she is a good person. She is loyal, loving and hard-working. These are three things that I am working towards improving in myself.

Blair doesn't let anyone step over her. She doesn't let anyone stand in the way of what she wants. She doesn't let the pressure of life get to her. And whenever something DOES get to her, she will bounce back every time. The resilience of Miss Waldorf is another thing that inspires me about her. Throughout all of the pain and hardships, Blair still ends up happy and successful.

The power of Blair Waldorf's forgiveness is amazing. No matter what mistakes others make - whether it be Serena sleeping with her boyfriend or Chuck trading her for a hotel -  she always has the ability to forgive and forget in time. Holding a grudge will never do you any good and although Blair can hold a grudge, she will always forgive the people who are most important in her life. And this is a very fine line to master. It's important to figure out who is there to stay and who is just passing through your life.

She carries herself with grace and poise. She dresses to impress. She speaks clearly and articulately. She is one classy lady, that's for sure. And right now, she is my biggest inspiration.

Blair Waldorf is my alter-ego. Whenever I need to remind myself to be strong, to be powerful, to let nobody stop me, I think WWBWD (what would Blair Waldorf do?).

I desperately need this cup to serve as a constant reminder:

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Here are a few of my favourite Blair Waldorf quotes:

"You need to be cold to be queen"

"If you really want something, you don't stop for anyone or anything until you get it"

"I'm not a stop along the way. I'm a destination" 

"You can't make people love you. But you can make them fear you"

"Feelings never make sense. They get you all confused. Then they drive you around for hours before they drop you off right back where you started" 

This is my second blog post in a row dedicated to the wonderful Blair Waldorf, if you haven't seen my last post it was on the fashion of Blair Waldorf, so check that out if you are interested!

And remember... WWBWD?

Love, Nicole Marie
(All images from my pinterest board)

The Fashion of Blair Waldorf

"Fashion is the most powerful art there is. It's movement, design and architecture all in one. It shows the world who we are and who we'd like to be." - Blair Waldorf 

Blair Waldorf has impeccable fashion sense. Out of everyone on Gossip Girl I can easily say that Balir's style is my favourite. Her style could possibly be the classiest on the Upper East Side (even with her headbands).

In an ideal world, I would be able to dress like Blair everyday. But unfortunately money isn't on my side and for now I'll have to settle with admiring her style through pictures.

Here are a few of my favourite Blair Waldorf outfits (all images from my pinterest board):

I adore this dress. The cut is so flattering for her figure. 

Weekend Getaway; Queensland

Recently I went on a little getaway with my mum and my sister to Queensland. It was honestly such a beautiful time and I couldn't be more thankful that I had the opportunity to go.

We flew into Brisbane, only spending a few hours in the city before starting on our hour drive to one of my sisters friends house. The whole reason we flew up to begin with was to celebrate her birthday and it was so lovely to spend a relaxing weekend with people I have known my whole life. We then drove just over an hour to the Gold Coast and stayed at the Hotel Grand Chancellor. I 100% would recommend this hotel. Fabulous location and fabulous rooms (even though there was no free wifi). We spent the next two days relaxing, eating, walking along the beach and doing a tiny bit of shopping. We also got tickets to the Russian ballet and saw 'Sleeping Beauty' which was beautiful and well worth the money. We had a night flight back to Sydney from the Gold Coast (the airport was so cute!). 

While being away for just four short days I was able to face my fears (some of them) and I am glad to say I have come out alive! I don't know why this trip was such a big deal for me, maybe it's because I'm at a rough stage in my life right now where I am just trying to work things out. But this trip WAS a big deal and I'm going to say that I'm proud of myself. I'm proud of how far I have come in those four days and how far I have potential to go in the future. 

There is a long road ahead, I know that for sure, but this trip has given me hope that I can get through it. Sometimes all we need is a few days to ourselves to think and decide what we really need in life. And I think I've decided.

Here are some photos from my trip, hope you enjoy them!