July 2, 2017

Hello July

Picking Up A Customised Diet Challenge, Embracing Global Forgiveness Day and Celebrating International Kissing Day.

Welcome to the second day of the second half of the year. In a blink of an eye, we are entering the second week of Hari Raya, yet the eid spirit is still going strong at our home this sunny weekend!

É and I are less than a month away from our summer holidays in Portugal. It is going to be my very first time visiting my husband’s country in summer, that means I’m in for Instagrammable beaches and fitting into cute bikinis while feeding on fresh seafood day and night.

We are very excited about creating picturesque content for this space, which ideally calls for fit bodies, so we are both taking up a 4 weeks no carb, no desserts and no heavy dairy diet. Meanwhile, here are some cinspirational thoughts I’d love to share with you.

What I Learned in June: Health is the most important element in life; then comes money, love, and everything else. Because you can’t chase your dreams for the future or love another when you are ill. Losing a friend to cancer whom I didn’t get to say goodbye opened my eyes and heart in two. If you know someone who is struggling with obesity, going through depression, battling an addiction or sickness; never give up on them. Listen to their pain, listen to your body. Support them, and don’t forget to love yourself. 

Special days to keep you cinspired this month:

4th July

is Global Forgiveness Day.

Even if you are not celebrating Eid Mubarak and sending out cincere “maaf zahir batin”, this month reminds us to forgive. As a person who finds it hard to forget (exceptions applied to: iPhones, hairbands, birthdays), learning about the existence of this day makes me rethink what holding grudges do to my heart and mental health. While we can’t ‘forgive and forget’ everything, we can decide to let go of unnecessary negative memories, or start by forgiving ourselves.

6th July

is International Kissing Day.

Whether it is kissing your parents’ hands for forgiveness this Aidilfitri or giving your partner a surprise kiss on the cheek, count your blessings, breathe in appreciation for your loved ones, and keep them close to your heart.

17th July

is World Emoji Day.

Here’s how I see it: “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.” If you really have to reply, say it with an emoji.

29th July

is International Chicken Wing Day!

This Saturday, try this crispy, crunchy, Korean fried chicken wing recipe or this Chicken Wing 4 Ways.