social media

Life Skills 101

Date entry: Thursday the 5th of April 2018

Edited on: Friday the 6th of April 2018

I came up with this idea in the bathroom after I had a thought about growing up. As we’ve grown up, we have to learn how to do adult things. Even the minor stuff can seem to be a big thing because it’s something we haven’t done before. Automatically, as our parent/s have always done it for us. It can be so little but you realise after a while, how much of a difference it made in your life. This is when you had minimal responsibilities to take care of.

Below, I will be listing a couple of life skills I’ve learnt or observed along the way + hopefully, they will be of help to you in one way or another:

Teeth Brushing: you’ll need to change your toothbrush often. How you will know your brush needs changing if the bristles are not as effective as they once were. Usually, it goes spiky and leans out to the side; that is a major sign you need to buy a new one. Also, purchasing a firm brush over a medium or soft will do more, as it has greater strength to remove any excess build up of dirt and give your teeth overall a better clean. It will leave with better satisfaction, knowing its got up all in there. Electric ones are a good investment, so are Listerine Reach ones too.
Food Shopping: Either your mum or dad has been the main culprit of providing food in the house for you to eat right? Have you ever thought about doing a food shop for yourself? You may find as you get older, your taste changes. You want to branch out a try new things and find yourself not liking stuff you were once into as a child. Food shop is a good opportunity to test out a little independence. You don’t have to spend loads of money, set yourself a rough budget + see where the shop takes you.
Bills: Bills is a proper adult thing when you come to think of it. When you were younger, you were no way in any form thinking about that. Until you get to an age where you want the latest phone, so, therefore, you take out a contract. Or getting your first car, which requires high maintenance on a constant basis. The money is coming out of your hard earnings, adds to your adult boost.
Routine: It gives you a structured day, you can change it when and if it permits to do so. However, having a basic daily routine might make things easier for you in general. It gives you a well-rounded day of expectations. Or allows you to plan around (especially with work & meals). It can also make you feel comfortable, but everything is going as it should.
Expansion: I’ve spoken on doing new things before in the previous posts. It is great for your senses and your overall outlook on life. In some circumstances, you’ve been used to what you know. So, in this instance, expand out of your usual and do something different. It is up to you what you decide to do, just make sure you branch out into the unknown. Your body and brain will reward you, for teaching or letting you experience new things.

Thank you for taking time to read this post & whilst you are still here, check out other life-related posts here on my blog:

Stay tuned for more posts like this and don’t forget to follow me on social media:

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Chanda D

Tried & Tested: Basic Acrylic Manicure 💅🏾 #NailPost

Date entry: Sunday the 25th of March 2018

Hellloo,

“New post, new week, it’s Monday✌🏾”

This post will be part BTS of what I have been doing last week & on the subject in the title too.

I haven’t posted in a while because I haven’t had the urge or spark to. Also, I’ve been taking time out as well. However, that all changed yesterday when I got inspired to do something different. I’ve tested out two new things I’ll be sharing.

One of them being halloumi cheese; at first, I was a bit apprehensive to taste it, but I can say I did enjoy it. It’s nice in a wrap with salad, hummus/garlic sauce and lemon juice. (Thank you to Turkish and Greek people). I’ve realised doing new things activates your senses, to make you more adventurous in your own way. I’d recommend doing new things every week if you can. You never know what you could end up liking.

Another thing I tried last week was acrylic manicure. I came across a video on social media, which sparked my interest. I was already planning to remove the old nail varnish, but this footage kickstarted the process. I came to the conclusion you could do acrylics, without the use of false extension tips.

As you may already know, acrylic nails can do damage to your natural nails. So it’s essential to take a break from them once in a while. A benefit of not using extension tips is it allows your nails to breathe. This will give room for them to grow.

This time I went for a black and pink theme. The nail polish is from Rimmel London 60 secs collection, completed with their gel top coat. It’s true what they say (I came across a quote that went along the lines like this):- “not enough fingernails for all the colours you’d like to put on your nails”. Here are pictures of the outcome of the nail design:

Pro: it gives you a flat surface to work with and it removes minimal smudging, as it’s raised above your nail.

Note: whilst you’re still here, check out the other nail related posts:

Thank you for taking time to read this post, #StayPolished + enjoy the rest of your day💅🏾💁🏾‍♀️

Chanda D

Image source: chandademiphotography 📷

Teens & Social Media Use: How Much Is Too Much? – @TheSun

I came across this article on Saturday the 10th of March.

It reminded of how quickly teenagers have grown up these days. When you’re out and about, you can see teens who look older than you. It’s as if they’re growing up at a high speed. Obviously, growth is envitable, but they seem to be shooting from childhood straight to adulthood.

The increased access to the internet and technology has made this circumstance possible. For example, kids from a young age are introduced to mobile devices, which are used for entertainment purposes. It follows through the years as they grow, then they’re able to receive their first phone. iPhones are a brand heavily used in today’s society. Everywhere, you are most likely to see someone despite their age using one. Understandably, we have moved with the times.

However, as someone who grew up in early 2000s, it is strange to see how outdoor childhood play has been replaced with technological play. From a personal observation, it is less likely to see children playing out. Maybe this is due to parents feeling their kids are not as safe as it once was to let your kids play outside. Instead, they provide play time via iPads, mobile phones or any other electronic device. It raises the question – whether this form of play it is better or not? Well that would be up for discussion.

Social media is a integrative part of current society. Most likely, you own at least one account on a networking site. Either Facebook, Instagram or Twitter (the popular three main ones). The history as I remember it, started with Facebook first, then Twitter came afterwards; slowly followed by Instagram. These apps and sites can be a good platform when being used for positive changes, business purposes or harmless fun. Especially Twitter, which is great for allowing you to express your thoughts (What’s on your mind?”). The line is drawn when it is used to cause malicious harm or upset to an individual or group. It is easy for people to type something from behind a screen and not face the consequences of their actions.

The Media And How It Can Affect Body Image

When I saw the article above, it got me thinking in ways how kids use social media. It stated their time on there should be limited. I agree, because they should be able to grow up not affected by it. Kids are similar to sponges, they take in everything in their environment. They can get influenced by the content, disregarding the fact if it’s healthy or detrimental. Certain aspects may cause them to see lifestyles that doesn’t exist in reality, left feeling obliged to follow and do the same. One way this is damaging is parents could potentially be forced to pay (unless they have a job) for the constantly-changing needs and demands of the child. As, they want to keep up with everyone around them. This can be done subconsciously or giving into peer pressure. Peer pressure become another issue, when they are older enough to understand information and form friendship groups.

Sociology Theory: The Lightbulb Effect x Consumption in Society 🔅💡💬

The concept of article was the push for changes in how kids’ times are managed online. It’s suggested time management of the internet will help improve the mental well-being. As limiting their activity will help balance out the extent in which they feed into the information. This will also allow them to remain present in their lives, taking the focus of what they don’t have to what they do have. The idea to put laws in place to make the concept concrete, may shake up the way kids are made to deal and become accustom to change in their current daily routines.

Will it be more challenging for kids to find other ways to fill their leisure time?
If the government plans do succeed to go accordingly, do you think this will make a difference in their lives?

Share your answer below in the comment box

Thank you for taking time to read this post and don’t forget to check out the other media-related posts.

Chanda D

Curves and All The Edges🎶👙

I recently done a post a while ago talking about the The Media and how it can affect body image. I thought I’d do a follow up post to remind us all that our bodies are fine the way they are.

Here’s the link to the post – The Media & Body Image

On a daily basis, we are being bombarded with images that do not resemble what people look like in real life. Everything is constructed in a matter to drive sales, so people can be constantly chasing things that are unattainable naturally. In reference to the female body, there will be imperfections and flaws but in society, it may be harder to accept them without social media and the internet constantly making us believe there is one ‘ideal’ body frame. We’ve all got curves and edges, some more than others but we still have them. It doesn’t make you any less of a person, you are still valid.

However, focus on the reasons for your change and analyse which methods would suit you best to re-construct a positive change in your self image. Whether it’s going gym (maybe ask a personal trainer for advice/assistance) , watching what you eat, following accounts that encourage you to feel great about yourself. Write down what you like about yourself or stand in the mirror and feel your body, which you can the chance. Just allow your hands to flow all over and see that is all of you. It could even be picking out clothes that you feel comfortable in or that allows you to appreciate your body in a good way. I’m not here to promote excessive self-love but rather to aid a healthier self image to balance all other areas of your life.

I was chubby growing up, I didn’t even mind so much but you get to a stage where you become much more aware of yourself and it might make you become self-conscious thinking you need to change. I think this time comes during your teen to late teens. I know I’ll never be stick thin but I’ve learnt to manage and maintain my weight as it is.

It is about letting yourself be and knowing you already have pre-determined bone structure. Look into the different body types and identify with your shape. You could be big boned, smaller boned, but everyone is different. For example, depending on your bone structure, that will affect how muscle and fat is disposed around your body. There is much more to it than what meets the eye🙇🏾‍♀️👁

Body Types

A concept of thought..💡💬 The post isn’t directed at celebrities but I’d like to use them as an example in this paragraph. I’ve come across many articles that celebrities complain about their weight or the way they are spoken about in magazine. Later, reinforced on social media on various accounts. I understand they’ve put themselves in a position to be in front of the public eye, but that doesn’t excuse the fact they aren’t normal human beings who should be treated with respect like anyone else.

We’ve come to a time, where it’s very easy to criticise something or someone from behind a phone or computer screen. People are seen doing this through comments or tweets on social media. They are unable to feel the consequences of their actions, which impacts someone else. It’s clearly ignorant behaviour, which shouldn’t be tolerated. There are tough decisions to be made by you either ignore such comments or letting it affect you on a deeper level.

I know it’s not easy because negative comments stick more than positive ones. It is less likely to bother you as much, when you start to accept your body for what it is and understand how to make reasonable improvements in your life. This helps your self-acceptance which will hopefully increase well-rounded health. Sometimes it is the image or goal we have in our heads that disconnect us from what we can do or is going on now.

One other point to think about: Do you think men have face similar issues about ‘ideals’ towards their body shape/weight?

I hope you can walk away from this post with a better and clearer view of yourself and not a medialised version. Concentrate on the now and your stepping stones from today. You never know where you could be in a years’ time..

Note: baby steps, baby steps, small steps amount to bigger steps. All images source from Google.

Sociology Theory: The Lightbulb Effect x Consumption in Society 🔅💡💬

Close up glowing vintage light bulb. Isolated on black backgroun — #THELIGHTBULBEFFECT source: http://www.theenergycollective.com/enerquire/2411044/future-business-model-energy-utilities-u-s-quo-vadis

The lightbulb effect is a term to describe the construction of an idea. When the idea lights up, you take a mental note and/or write it down. It follows the same model of the energy light circuit. For example, when the brain is in the process of making a new concept. The activity in the brain replicates the energy flowing round the circuit, once you’ve hit the on switch. In real life, the switch can be found on your wall. Whereas, in this theory, the switch becomes active once it has been activated by external sources, imagination or a combination of both, to start the process. Once the idea has been established, that’s when you “switch off”.. not entirely but just that part of the effect.

(Back into relaxed mode)

Last night, I had a thought which came to mind surprisingly around 00:19 and I’m going to share it…

It seems consumption is at a high now in today’s society. Everywhere we go, we are being bombarded with stuff to buy. I think technology has made it easier for the consumer society to increase, as online shopping has become more prominent than ever. You’re receiving offers and deals directly to your mobile via emails or notifications. As well as, on TV adverts, the internet, magazines. Welcome to the age of the smart phone!. Moreover remember, when Instagram was picture platform, it still is but it is becoming the biggest online store. Twitter not so much, people still use it to express their ‘thoughts’. There’s no doubt that social media has helped businesses; it allows them to reach a bigger audience, as oppose to being confined to a shop on the high street. However it does raise the question, will the number of shops decline as the years go on and will this mean social media shopping will continue to grow increasingly?

Furthermore, think about the idea that society is moving towards a place where most people are starting their own businesses. The years will go on and the big corporations will be decrease, because the small businesses will eventually take over. This would mean everyone will be supporting each other, rather than competing for sales. Everything will be interconnected, so there will be no need for it. Already now, you see people doing that. For example, it is easier to tag the company in your own post, benefitting both the company and the consumer. It promotes brand awareness online to reach masses. As, the individual influences others’ to purchase the goods, depending on how well it suits the person (I think then people will be more inclined to buy).

In conclusion, I think it would be intriguing to follow the trends into the future, through part participation part observation and see what happens in the world around us (you can’t always have everything or want everything, sometimes you have to take a back seat LOL) .

“A thought is expression so I’ll write it down” …

I’ll probably update this blog or do a follow-up to it.

Please do feel welcome to share your thoughts on this topic below, or you can find me on social media: chandademi and hashtag #TheLightbulbEffect with your tweet/post.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your day 🙂

Chanda Demi West

The Media And How It Can Affect Body Image

The Media is heavily influential for positive and negative changes. However, in regards to body image; How much images do we see a day, that is either photoshopped or quite proportionally edited, to appear to look ‘ideally’ perfect? Understandably, it is nice to want to incite an audience, but most of the time it is portraying an unrealistic standard for society to look up to. Instead, providing us with a box to fit ourselves into, anything else is deviation from what is expected.

Magazines, TV programmes, Social Media are top three in my opinion, which contribute to this matter. I’ve been looking at these three contents to see the way they project body image to the masses. For example, in terms of physical print, they will use weight as a main attraction on their front covers to sell their magazines. Personally, I just don’t understand how they can think it is okay to do so. Can you imagine you’re comfortable as who you are and then a gossip magazine comes along to make unwarranted comments about your appearance?.. It promotes unnecessary self-doubt because it can create insecurities about how an individual should look. This isn’t good for our mental health.

It works the same for both males and females, who are subconsciously misled to believe they must live up to societal standard. They will eventually become self-conscious about their body. This is manufactured by institutions to help keep their businesses running. How would the economy survive, if there was shortage of people failing to buy into their consumer demands. Furthermore, it would erode away the brainwashing techniques that has held society stuck within the way it runs now. There are so many homemade methods giving us ways to improve our appearance. As well as, there being a range of non/cosmetics procedure that are available to enhance your features. I don’t think people should be judged for using either methods, as long it makes you feel better.
There is no problem with wanting to look your best, everyone wants to appear look physically attractive. However, it becomes an issue when that is what you’re constantly striving for, because it doesn’t exist. You chase after it thinking somehow if you do this, maybe you’ll look different, or if you do that, that might tweak this. This is how you fall into a cycle with wanting to constantly improve on yourself. It’s even more challenging, when people are commenting on your body type. It can be hard not to internalise opinions, but just remember you’re the one who walks around 24/7 with it. Whether you work out, eat healthy, or even the opposite; you have a sweet tooth etc. Please don’t make yourself feel bad for wanting to eat it. You are responding to what your body wants at that time. Essentially, you’ll work out how to balance your diet to suit your needs/tastes.

Last but not least, it’s weird because you never really see in yourself, what others see in you. So it’s hard to believe a compliment given to you, as perhaps it does not align with the mental image of yourself. Although, knowing difference between compliments and flattery will help assure yourself, to know it is factual information. Nevertheless, everyone is unique and we should learn how to be comfortable with our differences.

There are no strict rules and regulations , just put in the work when it matters to you 🌻🦋

Chanda D

Disclaimer: all images were taken from Google images.

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