Self Love♥

Love Yourself!?!



"If you don't love yourself, you cannot love others. You will not be able to love others. If you have no compassion for yourself then you are not able of developing compassion for others.” - Dalai Lama
“Trust yourself. Think for yourself. Act for yourself. Speak for yourself. Be yourself. Imitation is suicide.” - Marva Collins

“Love yourself unconditionally, just as you love those closest to you despite their faults.” - Les Brown


Do you love yourself!?! Hmm..what a question. Answer is, I'm still learning to, after many scrapes, bangs and falls. Growing up, my answer would have been a straight no. The ridicules of life threw me in the black hole of self doubt and low self-esteem. People who were meant to be by my side only proved to be monsters of their own making. I developed this sense of trying to create or pretend this perfect world around me, only to know everything was falling apart on the inside. I've lived through abuse of all kinds, saw the sun come out, only for it to be taken away again. I've gathered strength from places I didn't know existed & fought back to live on and other times fallen waiting for a helping hand to come and help me up again.

When I started this blog, I didn't have a clue what I would talk about, it was just something to throw down what I was feeling. After spending time browsing other blogs, I'm surprised at how many of them are full of 'Look this way, dress like this' I mean really!?! I don't mind the sweet ones that show the cute things they've bought, I myself am a clothes fanatic and love dressing up, it makes me feel great. But, what about the inside?? I want to know how these clothes and what not make the person feel, some of their pictures you can just see how it makes them feel, but others are clearly trying to advertise how (not) cool they are. Where are the pictures of smart women and ideas of not being known just for what we look like on the outside, but be measured on how we come across as a person on the inside?? Our thoughts, feelings, beliefs!?!

I am a woman, I love clothes - just check my wardrobe, lol. I love getting all dolled up and expressing myself artistically through my clothes, but it isn't my whole life, it isn't my personality, it doesn't make up who I am. Haven't we been fed enough bull about how we should be by the media, only to now be doing almost the same things ourselves!?! I'm all for the blogs/people who love fashion & maybe want to be designers and use their blog for these purposes, and I can tell the difference between these people. I don't need to be a scientist for that. Thousands of 'followers' only to be fed watered-down rubbish of what someone thinks I should be wearing! I don't think so. There are people out there that have no self-esteem, who only end up feeling worse because they don't fit into this pre-designed cut out of what society thinks they should look like! And I am fed up!

If you don't love yourself, who else is going to?? And how do you know when the person is showing you love or the right kind of love, if you don't even express love to yourself!! I'd like to start a revolution of women & girls who decide enough is enough and stop worrying about their weight, how they look (meaning comparing themselves to other women) dress the way that makes THEM feel great and love the bodies their in and tell society to shove it where the sun doesn't shine!! Little girls all over are looking up to the pictures they see in the magazines, on the TV and all around, don't they deserve better role models!?! Teach them they can be doctors, lawyers, sports players, politicians, anything they desire because they deserve that right. Why do we not see that we're worth more than all the gold in the world!?! We were created individually not together, otherwise we'd all look the same!! Why not celebrate our differences & uniqueness instead of trying to fit in the box that frankly no one fits into!?!

No one should ever feel like their less than perfect, it breaks my heart to see young girls still trying to fit in and doing everything possible to do that, because I was that girl at one point and I tell you, it gets you no where, but broken. Growing up being of mixed race was even a struggle, I wanted to be void of any colour, but now I celebrate it. I didn't fit in anywhere, even though I had loads of friends. I didn't even feel I felt in at home, too many problems there. Why aren't we teaching self-esteem instead of other things!?! Love the fact that you are one of a kind, no one else on this earth will ever be you, laugh like you, be a good friend like you, achieve their dreams like you. You are perfect in your making, the only time you aren't is when you waste your time trying to be someone else! Screw the world, you only live once, dress up, love, laugh, explore the world, catch your dreams, do and live as YOU set out to live, never let anyone take that away from you....after all the horror I've been through that would be my advice to someone young, Love yourself - faults and all, because there will never be another you & you were created for a purpose. Change the world for the better - lend a hand to someone in need, because you never know when you'll need one extended back!! And importantly never feel like your less than perfect or your nothing..because you are everything to the world, each one of us who choose to fight on the side of love & good are the ones who make the world a better place for ourselves & others!! Remember, you are loved...just be who you are!!!

Love, TimbarikaDoll
xoxoxo



Pink - Perfect!

(one of my inspirations, feel like I could of wrote her music)





Wisdom from Roald Dahl♥






"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it."
- Roald Dahl

What you believe is real & can come true!

Happy Wednesday




At Christian Dior♥

Christian Dior Haute Couture SS11 show


All images by Simon Procter. All rights reserved.


I would really love all of them, but the last two are my favourites!!


                                                            Happy Tuesday Dollfaces!!


Love Conquers All♥

Happy Monday!!

I'm still tired from the weekend as usual!! Don't you wake up some Mondays and think 'Oh no' and want to go back and hide under the covers!?! I do. Sometimes the things life throws at us can make you want to go and hide, you feel like you can't bare them, its just too much. But, how do we know, if we've not seen the other side yet?? I think the spirit is an un-breakable thing, if only we believed in our own spirits more. Sometimes someone else can do something that can cause us to be broken or not believe so much in others & doubt ourselves, I think that's when we have to dig even further and scratch with all our might to get back to the top. I think it can be done, I didn't always, but sometimes you find there is someone in your life that believes in you that much, you actually draw strength from them when yours seems to have run out. You begin to see the good things in life and the darkness ever so slowly begins to fade away. Just look around you, despite the bad things, there are incredibly wonderful things around that make life worth living and loving. And there can be people in the world that cause you to believe in humanity once more.

Have a wonderful Monday!!
xxxxxxx


                    "Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it".



Love this one...wish it would happen more :)



Belle-Vous Beauty♥


Hello beauties, Some time ago, I was checking my Twitter and discovered someone new following me, after checking them out, I discovered a place full of beautiful wonders. Their a new online Boutique store bringing you unique items not found anywhere else, ranging from vintage to handmade items. Being the accessory collector I am, It was as if they knew it already & fate was sealed. (I just love when that happens). Because its all well and good to put on a great outfit only to have no accessories to go with it. 
So, I browsed through their site & picked some random favourites to share with you, do have a good look at their site and treat yourself to something pretty :) If vintage or unique items are your love too, also check out: eclectic eccentricity am a big fan of theirs also!

Have a lush Thursday!!
xx


  
 

For your viewing pleasure, listen to some beautiful music



Mondialito is a Japanese indie band consisting of members Fueoka Toshiya (composer/arranger) and Junko (vocalist). They formed in 2002, and the group releases music under their own label, l'azur record. mondialito's songs are sung primarily in French, and they have 4 albums to date.

Do Not Go Gently!


Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rage at close of day:
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved in on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see the blinding sight,
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Dylan Thomas.




He wrote this poem about getting old and how we should fight against it and not think we have to die quietly, but rage and live strongly. I think it can be used in any situation, like good vs. bad, we have to rage against the dying of the light (good) and keep out the darkness (bad). Everyone can apply this poem to their lives and be lights wherever they may be and not accept the darkness that tries to creep in and steal our sunshine away. Rage, rage against the dying of the light & the world, your world can be a much brighter place!

xo

{Painter} Ben Slow

Hi Hi!! I was scrolling along on flickr and found the work of this amazing painter, Ben Slow & he just so happened to have painted Audrey Hepburn on some walls & I had to share!! I love Audrey Hepburn & I think he's captured her rare beauty very well. I like how its just black and white as well, no colour, pure elegance - which was her to a tee. I'd love to have any of his work on my walls, it would be unique and fantastic!! She was a wonderful actress & also a great humanitarian who used her celebrity to bring awareness to children who were in need. Not many celebrities do that these days. I hope you enjoy them, you can find Ben on flickr to ask questions or browse more of his work & you should, as its super!! Have a great Tuesday!!

Loves n' Loves
xo

Contact Ben Here:




Please do not take these images & alter them in any way, photos used only for display purposes only, ©All rights reserved to the artist Ben Slow.
Thank you!










Copyright All rights reserved by BenSlow




MLK♥





"We are all links in the great chain of humanity. We have before us the glorious opportunity to inject a new dimension of love into the veins of our civilization."  Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today, many will be celebrating Martin Luther King Day, mostly in America I think. But, still being American even though I now live in the UK, I still like to think on this day & what it means to so many. He was a great man who stood up for the freedoms of many people at that time & suffered a lot for it. Just like when people go to war to fight for freedom (or so they say its for) so did he. He didn't want everyone to be fighting and arguing, but he wanted equality for ALL!! He wanted us to be able to walk side by side in love and understanding for our differences as well as our likenesses! I don't believe you have to be black to understand or to celebrate this day...but just someone who can love a person no matter where they come from or the colour of their skin. Because freedom belongs to us all & right now even in this decade there are people struggling and fighting for their freedom still, we can all lend a voice to their cause and keep Freedom and alive and thriving for them & future generations to come!

Love Love


Question of the day: From one of King's speeches..."What are YOU doing for others"?


Undercover Prettiness ♥

Happy Saturday!!

It just so happens to be raining, so I will spend the day inside baking and relaxing!! But, just wanted to share with the ladies one of the items that I came across in the sales while out shopping. It's from Ann Summers & its gorgeous! I appreciate anything with a vintage appeal to it & I just so happen to adore stripes, so needless to say I ran straight for this once a foot was through the doors.
Why not wear something beautiful underneath wonderful clothes, no one has to know about it, just something to make a woman feel feminine and enjoy being feminine. Maybe I am leaning this way due to the fact that I can't exactly fit into any of these exquisite things right now, due to being pregnant, but I will be sure to treat myself afterwards. But, I enjoy everything womanly, feminine and Lady-like, we should embrace being women and enjoy it!! And BEST of all its on sale :) So, why not grab a bargain if you can!!

Have a love filled Saturday!!








Kitch Time: Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes



Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes




A modern take on an old favourite

Serves 6
Time 30-35 minutes

Ingredients:

125g (4oz) light butter ( I used Flora buttery)
125g (40z) caster sugar
2 eggs beaten
125g (4oz) self-raising flour
To decorate:
4tbsp raspberry jam (I used strawberry)
200g (7oz) low-fat crème fraiche (I used cream whipped)
Icing sugar to dust

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to Gas mark 4. 180 degrees C or 350 degrees F. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in eggs then fold in flour. Divide mixture between lightly greased bun tins (or silicone moulds). Bake for 12-15 minutes until just firm to the touch and golden.

2. Cool for 10 minutes then turn out of tins to cool completely.

3. Whip the crème fraiche (or cream in my case) until is just holds its shape then spread on to the base of one cake, spread the jam on the other base and sandwich together. Dust with icing sugar.

4. Unfilled they will keep for up to three days, once filled they should be eaten the same day (which we had no problem doing, lol - although a few got kept in the refrigerator)

5. Enjoy J
xxx

Heart Shaped Clouds - Much Love Mondays





Hi hi!! A lil' posting, I'm doing this one after reading Much Love for Much Love Mondays & decided to join in with the love, its a great idea! Be sure to check out her cute cute Japanese chocolate biscuits with the heart shaped eyes, I wouldn't want to eat them either, they're sweet!!

Well, what I heart today is seeing heart-shapes in the clouds as I drive past or ride past in my case, it always reminds me that love is all around even when its hard sometimes!! I see at least one everyday - no joke! And it makes me smile every time - what do you love??

Love Love,

TimbarikaDoll 

Dare to be Different♥

Good Morning!!

Well, is it a good morning for you!?! I hope so :) Here, it is slushy outside with ice, as it snowed again over the weekend. Taking my daughter to school was a laugh. Another week lies ahead of us, I hope it will be a great and fulfilling one for all of you.
Since its Monday & I usually like to start the week with something positive, I was browsing photos that I had taken last year & found one of a lady who I was struck by. I've later come to find out her name is Elaine Davis & she holds the record for the most piercings in the world. She currently has some 3,920 piercings and tattoos. She was incredibly friendly & warm, one of the nicest ladies I've met in a long time. When I first laid eyes on her, I was just struck by her vitality and spirit, she didn't care if anyone laughed, she is who she is & has no regrets. Knowing this look isn't for everyone, but I feel everyone can take something away from her diligence for life & its freedoms.
Which made me think, how many times in our lives do we put off doing some activity or wearing something or saying something because we're afraid to be ourselves? I know I've done this many times, I think society as a whole or people close make us believe we're not good enough if we don't fit into the little pre-designed box set out for us, but what about recycling that box and just giving yourself a platform instead!?! A platform to shout 'This is Me & you either deal with it or move out of the way because I am coming through'!! Wouldn't that be better?
Now, I'm not saying get confidence and be a complete arse after. But, confidence to be in your own skin and be ok with that, not over confidence to where you put others down, that's a bully. We're all different any way you look at it, even our friends are different, we're connected by common interests, but different in design and thinking & I think that's a beautiful thing & should be celebrated. I think we need people - blessings in my opinion like her to remind of that we only get one life, love it, live it, be happy, spend time with those who love you - truly love you and lift you up not for who you can be, but for who you are & the potential they see in your heart. Be kind & full of grace, because you never know when you might need it in return. Speak words of love that uplift even when you don't often find them come back your way (a hard one I know, sometimes even for me, but I am working on it) because you never know whats around the corner. Remember Elaine & just love yourself and show the world the beauty that lies within..it might just pick someone up from the floor of despair! Have a Beautiful Monday wherever you may be!!


* Love * Happiness * Freedom *


TimbarikaDoll
xoxox














Kitch Time: Almond Shortbread Sandwich Cookies!




Servings: 12 cookies or more
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12 to 15 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup confectionary sugar
1 teaspoon. vanilla
1/4 cup crushed slivered almonds
decor cinnamon sugar for topping
(I made my own)

Filling:
1 1/2 cup confectionary sugar
1/4 butter softened
1 tsp. vanilla & 1/2 tsp. almond extract

Directions:

cream butter and sugars together; add sifted flour to butter mixture;. Add crushed almonds; blend well. Put in fridge for 30 minutes. Form one inch balls, flatten out. Add cinnamon sugar on top; bake 12-15 minutes in 325 degree oven (roughly 160 for fan assisted or UK ovens). While cookies are baking, make filling by mixing the ingredients together thoroughly; then put in fridge till cookies are cooled for 15 minutes. Spread tbsp. of filling on cookies....enjoy.

P.S. so good & versatile, have eaten lots already ;)




It's a matter of small things♥

"Sometimes it's the small things that matter most"


Hello!!

I hope everyone's new year went in with a bang!! I've thoroughly been enjoying the break and sleeping in! I just wanted to share a few things I received for Christmas..how blessed we all were!! I love how the smallest presents are always my favourites, they always seem to bring me more smiles, maybe its because you know the person who bought them for you knows exactly who you are & this is just a simple way of reminding you of that! I hope wherever you may be, you are being loved by those around you!! Keep warm & safe!



"To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common--this is my symphony."
William Henry Channing (1810-1884), American Unitarian clergyman, writer and philosopher





     
   



Currently Reading: "The Happy Prince & Other Tales" by Oscar Wilde (another wonderful present received)

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