Author Archives: Chanda

Self – Care Service Directory💋💆🏾👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/learning-self-care-from-mother-earth
http://www.theodysseyonline.com/learning-self-care-from-mother-earth

*ring ring*

Welcome to self-care service hotline🙌🏾

In today’s world, finding time for yourself can be difficult. Especially if you work full/part-time or have children, you can’t always fit in me-time. Spending time with yourself is important. It allows you to restore balance in life, make your body feel nice and to keep your mind quiet. Remember this internal dialogue  “Once you enter *insert your name here* ‘s world, everything else goes away ☁️”.

self care
The brainstorm of attributes. (Source: Google).

 

ine. For example, if you always go somewhere to do something, try doing it for yourself at home. You will feel good for being able to provide for your own needs, without needing to rely on someone else to fulfill it for you🥘💅🏾

Don’t be afraid to try out new things. You’ve been using the same product for a while, one day change it. This will add excitement into your day, as you anticipate the feeling this new change will bring. Spontaneous behaviour can get those endorphins buzzing 😂👩🏾‍🎨😍

Walks/Strolls. Stepping outside for even a brief moment allows you to feel and breathe in ‘fresh air’. You may come across stuff you weren’t aware of on your journeys. It’s a mild form of exercise too. You’re still working the full body. It helps you remain present. Furthermore, you can invest in home gym equipment, so you can be comfortable💪🏾👣

Massage – take time to get to know how your body feels; run your palms against your thighs/arms or your favourite body part. You’ll gain a connection to your body sensations. Note: if it feels awkward, you can go to a professional.💆🏾

Silence – reconnect back to yourself by just sitting and laying in silence. Focus inwards as you can hear what’s going on around you. Write down your thoughts, let it go on and explore what you’ve written. The emotions to your thoughts will become reality as you can see it in front of you. Don’t be discouraged if it’s painful *in and out breathing motion*. You may also have happy ones too.🖊📝

Soft materials – Blanket, comfy clothes, bedroom accessories.. anything soft you want. It makes you feel cosy and wrapped up in warmth. Take time to indulge in the moment. You’ll find yourself feeling like a baby again. Except you’re grown now, so you understand that you’re taking care of the child self within you. 🐻🙈

YES/NO – Learn how to use these terms appropriately. You can’t do everything and you are not expected to it either. Don’t be afraid to say no, if you do not want to do something. You are not obliged by anyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give if and when you want to. There are limits, reinforce them. Remember you are in control and have rights. You may feel guilty at first, but that’s just an adjustment. Keep on exercising it until you’re comfortable❌⭕️.

Healthy/Unhealthy patterns – Identify what is and isn’t working for you, thought wise, in life or in general. See if you can tackle them in a healthy way to overcome them. For example, if you rely on something which is unhealthy, replace it with something that gives you positive benefits. In my last blog post, I gave a couple of tips ( check it out) 🔅❕

Animals– spending time or looking at animals can take your mind of things; for those moments you spend observing or playing with them. There’s something soothing about it.

Last but not least, maintenance – once you have established what works for you, make a conscious effort to continue doing it. Don’t worry about slacking sometimes, as long you remember to pick it up again, that’s all that matters. It’s the thought that provokes action.🗣🏃🏾‍♀️🏃🏾‍♀️

TWO Bonus points: Music – listen to it through headphones, in your car, in your bedroom and get lost in the music. Put on your favourite tracks and dance 💃🏾. It will release good feels, so you’ll get pumped up or easily relaxed by your choice of genre. 🔊🎶

  • COOKING – making a nice meal for yourself can relieve you of distractions. Explore with the ingredients in your kitchen. You don’t need to go all out, just mix and match and see what you come up with. The fun is in the preparation, you’ll be satisfied when you eat it, knowing you made this, without no recipe or assistance #GIRLPOWER 

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Scattering Skies🌏☁️🌈

Quick Capture – Sunset
I decided to find out why and how the sky manages to change colour. I think that’s what’s so attractive about it. Usually it’s normally blue, so when there’s a slight deviation from the norm; it’s noticeable. It’s not something you see all the time, so when it does occur. It is eye catching, you want to stop everything you’re doing just to capture the moment, before it goes away. The sky is forever renewing itself, so it’s calming to pay attention to it.

Scattering is the term used to describe this effect the sky creates-

Scattering Skies – Science Daily

On http://www.sciencedaily.com , Ackerman says “Because the sun is low on the horizon, sunlight passes through more air at sunset and sunrise than during the day, when the sun is higher in the sky. More atmosphere means more molecules to scatter the violet and blue light away from your eyes. If the path is long enough, all of the blue and violet light scatters out of your line of sight. The other colors continue on their way to your eyes. This is why sunsets are often yellow, orange, and red.”

Essentially, giving where the height of the sun is that day and the intensity of the air. This determines how much sunlight is passed through. It provides more chance, in the atmosphere to produce a variety of colours; if the molecules are able to travel long distance. So therefore, it’s a combination of many factors working together to create an eye-catching end product for certain parts of the world to see.

Next time you’re outside while this happens, don’t forget to stop and stare at this piece of art👩🏾‍🎨

That’s one science fact learnt for today.

Feel free to leave a comment or share this post 🌞

Chanda D

#EverydayTips 🔖📝🌏

 

https://steemit.com/writing/@dragonslayer109/top-tips-thursday-storytelling
Source: http://www.steemit.com via Google

I’m back again with a short post this Sunday, don’t want to keep you on this page for too long LOL.

I’ll be sharing a couple of tips I’ve discovered over these past couple of weeks. Also, for future reference, I’ll keep it updated whenever new ones come to mind.

Let’s get started..

  • Travel Pillow: most people use travel pillows, when traveling on holiday or long distances. I’ve found using a travel pillow whilst sleeping normally in bed is beneficial. It props your head up, allowing your airways to be clear making it easier to breathe. It also helps support neck issues or back pain, as one part is protected; making it easier for the rest of your body to function.
  • Powdered Spices: If you have a cold/temporary flu or have respiratory issues such as rhinitis or with your sinuses. It can help relieve the symptoms by encouraging you to sneeze, when your nose comes into contact with it. Obviously, you’re not going to sneeze into the food, because that would be unhygienic. Take yourself aside when you feel the urge coming on and restore your senses.
  • Exercise/Quiet Time: you don’t need to be a fitness fanatic or crazy about sports/going gym, but taking time out of your day just to stretch or focus on your body can make you feel better. You’re paying attention to what your body’s wants and needs are, so therefore you can develop a better relationship with it. You become aware when it’s time to relax and just let yourself be.
  • Activities: Everyone has their own activities they like doing, whether it’s doing make up, playing football, cooking or playing music. Or even praying/meditating. When you enjoy doing your specific activity, you tend to forget about everything else and immerse yourself in that one thing. It makes you feel good and so it should! It makes you present in the moment. Also, if it involves other people, the better.

Thank you for reading this post and feel free to leave a comment 🙂

Chanda D

 

 

Sunshine vs. Sunset.. How The Two Met 🌞🍂🍁

When you see the sun in the morning, it’s good to take advantage of the weather, to capture photographs. This is because the strong lighting coming from sky, helps boost the quality of the image.

It’s also a relaxing activity to do, as your mind is focussed, whilst soaking in the rays. Two-in-one 😅😉

I took some photographs earlier and here are my favourite ones:

Take one
Take 2
Take 3
Take 4

I hope you enjoyed viewing them 🙂
Chanda D

The Calm Before The Storm 🌲🍂🍁

The Fallen Orange

What about if there is no storm? It’s Autumn, the leaves have fallen.

The trees have time to rest before it’s time to grow again.

I previously wrote about changes, now it’s further on in the year.. close to Christmas.

The calm could just be a resting period for you to find your peace.

A realisation there is you without everything you do or own.

A restoration place for you to relax and appreciate life for what it is.

A packed out schedule doesn’t always equal a fulfilling one.

Sometimes take time out and see how things are run.

Sitting at home doing nothing is still an activity to a thinking one.

Chanda D

 

 

Three In A Different Light💡🍹🍓🕯

Photography is one of the only activities that stills the mind. I think that’s because you get into the zone trying to capture the best shot you can. It takes focus and precision, especially when concentrating on  the main subject. 

First three attempts at object photography:




Taken and edited by me

Chanda D 

Feel free to leave a comment or share the post 🙂

#SkincareRoutine: The Charcoal Facial Test💁🏾💅🏾🤳🏾


Hello,

Welcome, I’ll be talking about my experience with Beauty Formulas’ Activated detox cleanser and facial scrub.

I’ve been hearing about charcoal based products for a while now. It’s been advertised on various outlets, so I decided to satisfy my curiosity. I researched checking out other blogs/platforms and saw it had mainly recieved positive reviews, so this encouraged me to see what all the hype was about.

Likewise, you go into stores like PAKS, Superdrug or Boots and it’s hard not to resist wanting to browse and see what they have to offer. Unless you know what you want, then you’ll be in and out to do your business and go home.

Here are some qualities activated charcoal has:

  • all-natural ingredient (comes from planet Earth, it’s not a man made substance)
  • anti-bacterial/fungal properties (gets rid of unwanted/excess dirt)
  • unclogs pores (no blackheads and one layer finish)
  • deals with oily skin (it maintains a balance and doesn’t leave you looking dry)
  • smooth exfoliator (you can feel the particles working against your skin, massage it in gently)

Activated Charcoal Qualities

It is recommended to prepare and complete all skincare routines:

Step 1: starting with a slightly wet surface (preferably damp)

Step 2: applying the product to your face

Step 3: using the necessary toner, followed by your selected lotions/creams/serums etc.

Overall, I concluded the facial scrub was better than the detox cleanser. The three reasons for this statement are:

Firstly, the texture is thicker, so it resembles massaging cream in your face. You can work with that type of motion, using your hands. You’ll find the detox cleanser slips through your fingers.

Secondly, it makes your skin feeling cleaner and appear more radiant. If you use a toner, you’ll realise there is hardly any residue on the cotton wool pad. Rather, the detox cleanser is more of just one quick wash. In contrast, the toner, in this circumstance, will work to complete the jobs the cleanser didn’t do.

Now on to my last point, it’s less messier to use. Therefore, you’ll need a smaller amount and it will save you time (especially in the morning if you’ve got a busy work schedule) and money. Whereas, the detox cleanser will have you using more, so you’ll be expected to go back and keep on purchasing to make up for the losses.

The Beauty Formula range is priced from £1.99 – £3.00 in established retailers.

Feel free to leave a comment/questions or share this article using the buttons below.

Thank you for your time 🙂

Chanda D

 

 

 

#AlbumReview: The Odyssey: A Musical Journey by The HeavyTrackerz🎶👨🏾‍🚀👨🏾‍🚀

 

The HeavyTrackerz’s The Odyssey
The HeavyTrackerz are music producers, from Ivory Coast, Africa who have recently released their debut album The Odyssey: A Musical Journey. It contains 18 songs, featuring well known artists, MC and singers. Collaboratively, the project is described in the title of the album, as it takes us through a journey using different instrumentals and musicians, to provide us with stories from various angles. The story-like additions can be heard in the add ons (they use voiceovers to indicate where a new chapter has begun). It reminded me of reading a story book, with the cover pages stating each chapter. 

The songs effortlessly flow into one another and to bridge them together, they have used interludes at the beginning of most tracks. It involves a prepared speech to ease you in the next song. They have explored different themes: one theme I admired was Noel Clarke giving us an inspirational pep talk, on how to manage yourself in the music industry. I’ve noticed the length of the tracks are not too long and I think that’s what contributed to river flowing mood of the album.

Let’s get into it, I’m going to individually talk about a couple of tracks:

Rude Boy Flex is a perfect song for Lethal Bizzle, even the title is so signature to him. He’s known for catchy dynamic songs, which highlights the listeners to hear what he’s talking about on his music. This was definitely a good artist to feature on that tune. It has that unexpected punch-in-your-face vibe. You would listen to it and get pumped in the gym. This song features Ghetts and Face, who also know how to get the crowd hype, because they seem to project that loud energy in their lyrics. It makes you want to just let loose and get lost in the song, as you’re enjoying it so much.

Control features JME, P-Money & Donaeo. This song has to be one of my favourite songs on the album. The song is very well put together , as it includes melodic singing from Kurt and promotes a self-confident airwaves. It starts with JME (who also flexes his singing abilities on the track) , then P-Money slots in with his verse, MCing live and direct. Finally, Donaeo complete his minor verse with “We’ll be victorious”. Overall, the song has a calming but superior tone. You’ll listen to it and feel amped up to keep pursuing your goals.

Survivor features Doctor, Inch from Section Boyz and Joe Grind. We hear Inch’s signature Jamaican accent on this track and is accompanied by Doctor and rapper Joe Grind. The song discusses being a survivor and not everyone realising the types of battles you face every day.  Similarly, In The Air featuring Alika and Lady Chann has a urban touch to it. It would get your body moving in a club, because it has a sway-your-body from side to side type of vibe. Also, the end of the song has the skank out beat, similar to Skream’s material.

Everyone remembers Shola Ama right? Well she linked up with the duo to star on Lights. Her voice sounds so elegant on the track, that it will make you want to start singing along to it yourself. The beat definitely was well suited to match her.  It’s one of them tunes you would listen to in your car, whilst on a long drive or on your way to a motive (party, club, showcase). You can picture yourself listening to it whilst driving across Tower Bridge, in a fancy car. The song explains her transition and position in music, as she well-sought after by industry labels, but she won’t give in, as she is willing to stand strong within her own right.

In Black Widow, after the instrumental and chorus is left to run, it immediately goes straight into Capo Lee’s verse, followed by President T and Double S. This song talks about females playing hard to get, whilst being admired by many. Capo Lee touches on his history with high expectations, because he wants to stay simple and concentrate on his career, rather than be over-the-top with it. President T discusses the invisible resistance he places between himself and girls, preferring to remain being a serial independent male. Finally, Double S talks about factors he doesn’t want in the opposite sex, because he wouldn’t want to indulge in past experiences in new situations.

Last but not least, we have Manga St. Hilare, who’s known for the honesty within his lyrics. He has a flow that doesn’t beat around the bush, rather he says it as he sees it and is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in. I believe this is what helps his delivery and contributes to how he sounds on the instrumentals he chooses. It’s simple and easy for him to just flow over. You understand everything word for word. For example, in Kore Wa Odessei Desu, he talks about his current status in Grime and how he is still standing, without having to involve any unnecessary gimmicks to prop himself up; everything he does is authentic.

Overall, well done to The HeavyTrackerz and the participating artists for providing us with a solid album project. It gave us listeners the variety we needed, because it had a song for every theme or mood you’re in. They didn’t stick to consistency, rather ironically they explored all avenues. Hence the title “The Odyssey: A Musical Journey”.. I think they’ve completed their destination, whilst enjoying every aspect on the route there😅

The album is available for purchase/stream on all major music platforms: Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer etc. Also, there have been video releases for a couple of tracks. Check them out on The HeavyTrackerz’s YouTube channel.

Twitter : HeavyTrackerz

Instagram: theheavytrackerz

Feel free to leave a comment or share using the buttons below.

Chanda D

 

 

#MusicAnalysis – Mabel x Kojo Funds – Finders Keepers 🎶📝

http://vevo.ly/EyppyV – (the link to the video on VEVO)

Mabel McVey is a singer, who was raised in Stockholm but now spends the majority of her time in London, England. Recently, she has built a following due to her smooth easy-flowing attitude that can be felt through the approach in her vocals and heard in her songs. She has released Bedroom, Thinking Of You, My Boy My Town , Finders Keepers Remix and last but least, Finders Keepers (the original) featuring AfroSwing artist Kojo Funds. She released two remixes of Finders Keepers, since the original came to light.

In this post, I will be focusing closely on Finders Keepers, because it describes the infamous situationships that occur in today’s society.

The song talks about the impossibility of being able to get someone ‘special’ off your mind.  So, the consequence of this situation is the magnetic attraction it creates between two people. It’s the battle of feelings for and against each other, as the song represents the desire to become one. This is because they have the parts that each other is looking for.

As the song goes on, it explains them coming to an agreement about how to deal with the circumstance they have found themselves in, even though both/either parties don’t particularly appreciate the attempts to advance the progress. There is a wish for all the indirect digital communication to stop, because the status quo is fine how it is. However, they are willing to compromise so they can enjoy time together as a duo, to explore the chemistry between them.

From the male perspective, he’s already got his mind made up and is waiting to be approached. He’s determined to share an intimate encounter with his lady, away from everyone in their own bubble. Similarly from the female perspective, she’s ready to be embraced by him, as she is all that he needs. She proclaims she’s all for him, because of his ability to have found her, so therefore the relationship between them can get started in full effect.

Overall, this song is very pleasant on the ears, because of the chill vibe it has to it and most people will be able to seriously relate to the lyrics in this song. It tackles the implications of real life situationships, which is why I believe the song is popular. Mabel’s vocals combined with Kojo Funds’ AfroSwing twist produces a great harmony between the both. They are both in sync with each other, so everything runs smoothly and you can feel that when you listen to the track.

Once you’ve heard it, it’s “Finders Keepers” to the listener😉

Finally, her music is available on all major music platforms- buy/stream on Apple Music , Spotify, Deezer etc.

Twitter & Instagram : MabelMcVey

Thank you for taking time to read the analysis and I hope you’ve understood the interpretation on it.

Feel free to leave a comment or share (using the buttons below).

Chanda D

 

Sunset Reflection 🌅🌈

I think it’s nice to watch as the sun set in, because the sky tends to display a variation of colours, which blends to create a rainbow (despite there being no rain). I managed to capture the sky, right before it turned dark. 

I’ll demonstrate the before and after pictures below:

Before
After

I decided add a silhouette effect to the photo, to emphasise the difference between the sky and the objects around it. The shades that appear give the sky a dynamic appearance, because it paints blends of colour. The idea was to focus on promoting the lower end of the colour spectrum, with a hint of brightness. 

Feel free to leave a comment or share this post.

You’re never too busy to take a moment and notice your surroundings #VisualAwareness 😂. 

Chanda D