Sidewalks

Author: yachnaa

  • Lana Del Rey’s 20 Best Songs: Editor’s Pick

    Lana Del Rey’s 20 Best Songs: Editor’s Pick

     

     

    Hi Readers,

    This is our first music post. In the coming months, we will be going through different music artists that we love and adore around the world & telling you about their music in detail. We hope you enjoy these.

    Love,

    Sidewalks

    If there’s one word I could use to describe Lana Del Rey’s flawless discography, it’s poetic.

    Her music is a painting brush, and our minds are the canvases. Her voice, aesthetic vision, and lyrics take your mind into this dreamy unknown destination.  You keep walking until you’re lost but still feel found. Her intoxicating music makes me want to be a 1960s rebel girl.

    Today, we pick the 20 best Lana Del Rey songs whose beautiful, damned aesthetic changed the course of pop music forever. It was extremely difficult for me to make a limited playlist because I love ALL of her songs. Still, I made a playlist of the best Lana Del Rey songs that I could play on repeat forever.

    20. This Is What Makes Us Girls (Born to Die: The Paradise Edition, 2012)

    One of my all-time songs by the queen of melancholy. Through her lyrics, she portrays the complexity of women: the innocence, the heartbreak, the sexy, raw and dirty side all in one song.

     

    19. Venice Bitch (Norman Fucking Rockwell!, 2019)

    The magical blend of surf guitars and Lana’s voice. This song sounds like reading poetry under the cherry blossom trees. Not that I have done that. But that’s what I think it would feel like. 

     

     18. In My Feelings (Lust For Life, 2017)

    This track makes me never want to cry over a man ever again. When she says, “could it be that I fell for another loser,” I could relate to that deep in my soul. 

     

    17. Happiness is a butterfly (Norman Fucking Rockwell!, 2019)

    This Song is how poetry is written. It makes me sad in a strange way. I haven’t heard a more painful line: “if he’s a serial killer, then what’s the worst that could happen to a girl that’s already hurt? I’m already hurt.”

     

    16. Love Song (Norman Fucking Rockwell!, 2019)

    This song makes me want to write deeply melancholic romantic poetries and stories. If you have this song on your playlist, there’ll always be magic in the world. Lana is love <3

    15. Let Me Love You Like A Woman (Chemtrails over the Country Club, 2021)

     This song stirred something really strong within me. It taught me to embrace my soft and gentle femininity as a strength, not a weakness, and I love Lana for that.

     

    14. Brooklyn Baby (Ultraviolence, 2014)

     Without a doubt, Lana is the greatest storyteller ever. I lose myself in Lana’s fantasyland when I close my eyes while listening to this beautiful melody. My favourite lines from this song are: “well, my boyfriend’s pretty cool, but he’s not as cool as me.” ICONIC.

     

    13. Cherry (Lust For Life, 2017)

    I love the poetic style and lyricism of all her songs, especially this one. This song is so sexy, sultry and alluring. One of her best songs EVER!!

     

    12. Hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have (Norman Fucking Rockwell, 2019)

    I keep coming back to this song like a moth to a flame. It’s simply divine. It’s such a heartbreaking song. It’s so raw and poetic. It includes some of her finest and most chilling writing. As a fan of the work of Sylvia Plath, I love how Lana incorporates Sylvia’s work into this song. 

    11.  Young and Beautiful (The Great Gatsby)

    I am pretty sure this song is where my love for Lana Del Rey started. The beautiful lyrics, how her beautiful voice flows with the lyrics and translates them into this exquisite art meaning that no other artist has ever done. 

    This song explains the inner longing of women: to be loved unconditionally by a man who will stick with them their whole life. This song makes me feel nostalgic for love I haven’t even experienced.

     

    10. Doin Time

    Fun Fact: This Song was initially released by the American ska punk band Sublime in 1997.

    Lana Del Rey’s version is technically a cover. Either way, this song is seriously hypnotizing. I listened to it a million times, yet it still feels new and fresh. And it feels better than the original. 

     

    9. Dark Paradise (Born to Die: The Paradise Edition,2012)

    There’s something so heartbreaking about this song. It puts me in such a painful feeling of nostalgia. Lana is singing on edge between depression and mysticism with this track. With the words like, ” all my friends tell me I should move on. I’m lying in the ocean, singing your song,” Lana knows that feeling of being stuck on somebody even when all our friends tell us to move on. This is a song about death, heartbreak, and grief all in one. 

     

    8. National Anthem (Born to Die: The Paradise Edition, 2012)

    This whole song is a masterpiece. There’s something so unique and captivating about this masterpiece. I am obsessed with the video. I keep coming back to it over and over again. I am yet to see such divine goodness anywhere else. It’s beautiful, sexy, and alluring, especially in the video. The monologue at the end is so heartbreakingly raw, vulnerable and poetic. 

    7. Video Games (Born to Die: The Paradise Edition, 2012)

    The fact that this is her first song, and she filmed herself on a webcam and created this video, is legendary. This is a pure poetic masterpiece and an instant classic like her entire discography. 

     

    6. Stargirl Interlude (Starboy, 2016)

    Lana and Abel’s voices love each other. When they sing, their souls are making love to each other. The way she says “starboy” gives me chills. 

    5. Groupie Love

    Unpopular opinion: This is one of the best Lana Del Rey songs. Her vocals in this song sound like silk and honey. I’d love to hear your opinions on groupie love. Am I the only one with elite music taste?

     

    4. High By The Beach (Honeymoon, 2015)

    The way her voice blends in so well with the melody of this song gives it a very hypnotic vibe.

    Lana has never been more relatable than when she was lounging around in her nightgown, saying all she wanted to do was get high by the beach. There’s something about this song that’s… haunting and mesmerizing. You can’t help but put it on repeat. 

     

    3. Summertime Sadness (Born to Die: The Paradise Edition, 2012)

    Did you know summertime Sadness was written about Lana’s best friend who committed suicide? It’s so beautiful, raw, and painful. It makes me feel less alone that I am not the only one who feels this strange and unexplainable sadness during summer. It gives me a feeling no other song can. 

     

    2. Lust For Life (Lust for Life, 2017)

     The best duet of all time. The Weeknd’s and Lana’s voice together is the sweetest harmony. Their voices are soulmates, especially with these notes. There’s something so tragic and dark in the tone and music, but at the same time, it’s so calming. It gives me the vibe that you only get one life, so f**k it and do all that your heart desires. 

     

    1. Watercolor Eyes (Euphoria Season 2)

    The words of this song dive deep. Lana sings about how loving someone feels so good even though the relationship in question is toxic. The line, “your love stings like blood and a lemon.
    Why do you leave me with watercolour eyes?” Watercolor eyes represent crying, a poetic way of expressing tears.

    Another line: “So what if you taste just like heaven? That don’t make it right,” saying that just because you love someone doesn’t mean you have to put up with the toxicity that comes with it.

     

    If you had to choose, what are your all-time favourite Lana songs?  I had no idea my personal list would be so Iong. I just love a lot of her music! 

    You can now listen to the playlist on Spotify.

    xx

    Yachna



  • 14 Self-Care Rituals To Nourish Your Sensuality

    14 Self-Care Rituals To Nourish Your Sensuality

    If you’re struggling to find time in solitude and stillness for yourself or desire to do more self-care- because, let’s face it, life can get real hectic sometimes- you’re not alone! You’re drained, overstretched, and life is too busy.

    And then you need to squeeze in time for dating and sex too? Ha! In your dreams!

    So what if I told you today’s post would guide you into deep bliss of sweetness that will boost your libido and desire to be intimate with your honey? What if I also told you that self-care could be deeply sensual and yummy too?

    Ladies! To make this accessible and easy for you, we’ve created a 14 day-challenge to dive deeper into your sensuality. We hope you find value in this just as we did. 

    Day 1

    Luscious Vulva

    Look at and feel your yoni and see precisely what your beautiful flower looks like. Find your outer lips, inner lips, and vaginal opening. Touch it with tenderness. Study the colours, shapes, and textures of your unique flower. Take time to appreciate your yoni’s unique beauty and her amazing potential. 

    Day 2

    Treat your yoni well.

    Make your yoni a chemical-free zone. No soap or feminine hygiene around the mucus membrane or inside the vagina. Soap and all forms of hygiene products are harsh for your yoni. Treat it with love, care, and lots of tenderness. 

    Day 3

    Blossoming Yoni

    Place your fingers firmly on either side of your vaginal opening and press down, feeling through the skin and fatty tissue to the muscles and the bulbs beneath them. Explore the different ways you can rub, squeeze, and stimulate them, discovering what inspires them to enlarge. Take a look in the mirror and notice how the whole shape of your vulva is altered. Enjoy!

    Day 4

    Be Here. Now. 

    Right now, our world is moving faster than it has ever before. We are navigating new technological spaces and connecting virtually more than ever; in between these spaces, we often plan one thing to the next without really being present in anything. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    When your body and mind are at ease when you are not planning for the future or thinking about the past, that is what is truly special; those are the moments we feel- in our body, with our mind, a pure connection. 

    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Day 5

    It’s okay to want to be alone. 

    It’s okay to say no to a gathering you do not feel like spending your time. It’s okay to need some space and take time to yourself, give yourself the gift of giving, and schedule it even if you have to. Permit yourself to take care of your soul.

    Day 6⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Listen to your body

    Communicate with your body to align with your needs and desires. Create a conversation with yourself and ask your body, the most intimate parts, what they have to say. Allow the parts of you that often go unnoticed a space to be heard. 

    Dedicated time for stillness in your body and mind. You’ll discover new ways of touch or old ones continuously hitting the spot. After all, this is the time to awaken and be in your most divine feminine truth and sensual power. ⠀

    Day 7

    Take the time to learn about your body.

    We do self-pleasure in secret by staying quiet, performing quickly, and taking as little space as possible. We rarely give ourselves the time to notice the small things about how we like to receive pleasure and want intimacy when we are not with a partner. 

     Connect with your desires. Set aside some alone time. Take a relaxing bath. If lighting up candles, playing relaxing music, and putting on sexy lingerie gets you in the mood, then do it. Make sure to turn off your phone, lock your door, and be present with yourself. 

    Day 8

    Breathe

    Focusing on your breathing helps build a deeper connection with your body and calms down the nervous system. It brings your awareness back to the present and helps you escape distracting thoughts. Just concentrate on deep inhaling and exhaling, and your body will take care of the rest. 

    Day 9

    Nourish 🌹⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Sharing with you this delicious recipe for Golden Rose Latte, my favourite thing to be sipping with a dose of adaptogen love and soothing colours as we transition to fall. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Brew in Milk:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    2 cups Organic Regular, Oat, Coconut or Almond⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    1/2 tsp turmeric, ground⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    1/2 tsp cinnamon⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    1/2 tsp ginger powder or fresh grated⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    pinch black pepper⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    1/4 tsp cardamom powder⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    1/2 tsp rosewater (add at the end) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    few strands saffron⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    pinch of rose petals to garnish⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    honey or maple syrup according to taste⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    xo

    Day 10

    Move those hips 🤸🧡⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Pelvic rigidity is a common condition affecting the free flow of energy in the spinal cord and throughout the body. The rigidity cuts off a direct flow of energy into the pelvis and creates stagnation and a lack of fluidity, emotion, and pleasure.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    This rigidity is commonly due to gender conditioning- boys are taught to control the sway of their hips as it’s too feminine, and women are condemned to swing their as it suggests being provocative and naughty.⠀

    No wonder there is such a massive gap in our connection to intimacy. It will feel weird at first if you are not used to it, but get a hula hoop, dance in your bedroom, practice making circles with your hips, and open the portal to what is your greatest power and pleasure source you have!

    Day 11

    Inhale ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Take a breath in through your yoni, and let it travel up your spine to your navel, all the way to your heart.

    Expand the ribs, drawing the breath up the throat. Exhale. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Release the breath out through the mouth. Let the breath flow like sweet, fresh waterfall water.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Repeat. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Until.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Bliss.

    Day 12

    Let’s talk self-care!!

    Most women usually have some form of routine or nurturing, although it could always be more intentional, and we often forget key body parts. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

     Do you massage your breasts? Do you care for your breasts the way you rub your legs or spend time rubbing the suds out of your hair? Our breasts, located right around our hearts, serve as beautiful reminders of our femininity, and they love to be cared for. How do they like to be touched, held, and cupped?

     Rubbing in a circular motion towards your heart increases circulation, awakens the heart chakra, and softens your nervous system allowing for more pleasure and presence. ⠀⠀

    Day 13 

    Sacred space.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    It‘s essential to have a clean, inspiring, beautiful and inviting space to call yours, whether in your bedroom, a meditation corner, or a room where you can work out, pray or nap in the sunshine.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    This is key to also having the pleasure time that you want. Just like our mind when it’s full of things we can not center, we can not find the clarity to ground and sink into deliciousness. 

    Day 14

    What is Pleasure Mapping? How will it transform your sex life?

    Pleasure mapping is a practice, like yoga or meditation, to better explore your body on a deeper level and expand your ability to receive more pleasure. 

     It’s the practice of getting to know your body and how it responds to various touches, sensations, and potential emotional stories held in those areas. In pleasure mapping, we’re just noticing everything. 

    Where do we feel resistance? What do we enjoy the most? How can we change up our routine to experience more pleasure? It’s an incredible way to practise slowing down and savouring the journey. 

     

    Your friend cannot miss this.  Share it with your BFF right now <3

     

    This post was written in collaboration with The Pleasure Plus. I’d highly recommend you check out the courses and other services that are offered by Simone Farschi, the founder of the brand. 

     

    xo

    Yachna

     

    P.S. The ultimate guide to becoming a sexual goddess. 

     

    (Picture Credits from top to bottom- Pinterest, Fertility Awareness, Alexasha_zmi, Valeriya Komarova, Vintage Feeling, Badass Limited, The Pleasure Plus)

     

     

     

     

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  • 15 of The Best Quotes From Our Favourite Books

    15 of The Best Quotes From Our Favourite Books

     

    Hello Readers,

    Today, Aug. 9, 2022, is National Book Lovers Day. This unofficial holiday is observed to inspire book lovers to celebrate reading and literature. Today, as any other day, you are advised to put away your cell phones and every possible distraction and pick up a book to read. Here’s a list of books we are reading this year.

    In honour of National Book Lovers Day, here are the 15 best quotes from the most hauntingly beautiful books we’ve read-

     

    “That same night, I wrote my first short story. It took me thirty minutes. It was a dark little tale about a man who found a magic cup and learned that if he wept into the cup, his tears turned into pearls. But even though he had always been poor, he was a happy man and rarely shed a tear. So he found ways to make himself sad so that his tears could make him rich. As the pearls piled up, so did his greed grow. The story ended with the man sitting on a mountain of pearls, knife in hand, weeping helplessly into the cup with his beloved wife’s slain body in his arms.”

    ― Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner

     

     “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second’s encounter with God and with eternity.”

    ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

     

    When you compare the sorrows of real life to the pleasures of the imaginary one, you will never want to live again, only to dream forever.”

    ― Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo

     

     “I hate this life of the fashionable world, always ordered, measured, ruled, like our music-paper. What I have always wished for, desired, and coveted, is the life of an artist, free and independent, relying only on my own resources, and accountable only to myself.”

    ― Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo

     

     “. . .sometimes one feels freer speaking to a stranger than to people one knows. Why is that?” “Probably because a stranger sees us the way we are, not as he wishes to think we are.”

    ― Carlos Ruiz Zafón, The Shadow of the Wind

     

    “Remember me, even if it’s only in a corner and secretly. Don’t let me go.”

    ― Carlos Ruiz Zafón, The Shadow of the Wind

     

    “I don’t know what’s worse: to not know what you are and be happy, or to become what you’ve always wanted to be and feel alone.”

    ― Daniel Keyes, Flowers for Algernon

     

    “Love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.”

    ― Khalil Gibran, The Prophet

     

    “So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they’re busy doing things they think are important. This is because they’re chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”

    ― Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie

     

    “Then you must teach my daughter this same lesson. How to lose your innocence but not your hope. How to laugh forever.”

    — Amy Tan, The Joy Luck Club

     

    “‎I know you’re still young but I want you to understand and learn this now. Marriage can wait, education cannot.”

    – Khaled Hosseini, A Thousand Splendid Suns

     

    “You can be lonely even when you are loved by many people, since you are still not anybody’s one and only.”

    ― Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

     

    “If I have learned anything in this long life of mine, it is this: in love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are.”

    ― Kristin Hannah, The Nightingale

     

    “Even though I’m often in a mess, inside me there’s still a calm, pure harmony and music. In the poorest little house, in the filthiest corner, I see paintings or drawings. And my mind turns in that direction as if with an irresistible urge.”

    ― Vincent Willen van Gogh

     

    “Life will break you. Nobody can protect you from that, and being alone won’t either, for solitude will also break you with its yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You have to risk your heart. You are here to be swallowed up. And when it happens that you are broken, or betrayed, or left, or hurt, or death brushes too near, let yourself sit by an apple tree and listen to the apples falling all around you in heaps, wasting their sweetness. Tell yourself that you tasted as many as you could.”

    ― Louise Erdrich, The Painted Drum

     

    Comment below if you have a favourite quote you turn to — whether it’s from a book, a famous person or someone in your life? <3

     

    P.S.

    What’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever read?

     

    (Featured Image From Pinterest)



  • 12 Sexy Ques To Spark Your Date Night

    12 Sexy Ques To Spark Your Date Night

     

    Are you too guilty of spending too much time mindlessly scrolling through your phone? A few days ago, I went out for dinner at a restaurant and noticed so many couples out for dinner, sitting in silence, faces lit up by the screens of their phones. 

    I am guilty of doing the same with my family or friends. It made me realize that my phone addiction is taking so much time away from being present in my life. It’s easy to get lost in other people’s stories while forgetting to live and love our own.

    We are slowly losing the art of communication, creating deep loneliness within us. I miss my flip phone days. No mindless scrolling that often leaves me uninspired. Now, texting is much easier than picking up the phone and calling someone. I hate that I am guilty of it.

    We are all secretly craving time to slow down. To feel a lot more calmer and relaxed. To have more time to sit and read a book. Reconnect with your people. And to be creative.

    Conversations are so important. Whether you’re a couple or just “close friends,” spark up your date night with these 12 sexy questions- 

    1. If we were role-playing an intimate evening, what characters would we be?
    2. What part of my body do you like the most?
    3. What part of your body are you most proud of?
    4. What is something better than sex?
    5. What would you do if you could take off a month of work and responsibilities?
    6. What thing about me turns you on the most?
    7. Does size really matter?
    8. What does food porn mean to you?
    9. Tell me a time when you felt really close to me.
    10. What was your first impression of me?
    11. What song puts you in a sexy mood?
    12. Other than your lips, what is your favourite part of your body where you like to be kissed?

    Thoughts? Would you ask any of these? What are your tips to spark up a date night? I’d love to know in the comments. 

     

    P.S.

    14 questions to get to know your crush on a deeper level <3

     

    (Pic Credits Itzan Escamilla and Ester Exposito)



  • A Spiritual Poem About Loving What You Do

    A Spiritual Poem About Loving What You Do

     

    Hello Readers,

    I hope you are all doing well.

    As you may have noticed, I haven’t been posting regularly on the blog.  This is mainly because I have just started a new project that I cannot wait to share with you all very soon.

    Also- does anyone read The Prophet by Khalil Gibran? This book is absolutely amazing, and I am very inspired by it, especially this spiritual poetic essay that I am sharing with you today-

    Here goes-

    Then a ploughman said, Speak to us of Work.

    And he answered, saying:

    “You work that you may keep pace with the earth and the soul of the earth.

    For to be idle is to become a stranger unto the seasons, and to step out of life’s procession, that marches in majesty and proud submission towards the infinite.

    When you work you are a flute through whose heart the whispering of the hours turns to music.

    Which of you would be a reed, dumb and silent, when all else sings together in unison?

    Always you have been told that work is a curse and labour a misfortune.

    But I say to you that when you work you fulfil a part of earth’s furthest dream, assigned to you when the dream was born, and in keeping yourself with labour you are in truth loving life, and to love life through labour is to be intimate with life’s inmost secret.

    But if you in your pain call birth an affliction and the support of the flesh a curse written upon your brow, then I answer that naught but the sweat of your brow shall wash away that which is written.

    You have been told also that life is darkness, and in your weariness you echo what was said by the weary. And I say that life is indeed darkness save when there is urge, and all urge is blind save when there is knowledge,

    And all knowledge is vain save when there is work, and all work is empty save when there is love;

    And when you work with love you bind yourself to yourself, and to one another, and to God.

    And what is it to work with love?

    It is to weave the cloth with threads drawn from your heart, even as if your beloved were to wear that cloth.

    It is to build a house with affection, even as if your beloved were to dwell in that house.

    It is to sow seeds with tenderness and reap the harvest with joy, even as if your beloved were to eat the fruit.

    It is to charge all things you fashion with a breath of your own spirit, and to know that all the blessed dead are standing about you and watching.

    Often have I heard you say, as if speaking in sleep, “He who works in marble, and finds the shape of his own soul in the stone, is nobler than he who ploughs the soil.

    And he who seizes the rainbow to lay it on a cloth in the likeness of man, is more than he who makes the sandals for our feet.”

    But I say, not in sleep but in the over wakefulness of noontide, that the wind speaks not more sweetly to the giant oaks than to the least of all the blades of grass;

    And he alone is great who turns the voice of the wind into a song made sweeter by his own loving.

    Work is love made visible.

    And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy.

    For if you bake bread with indifference, you bake a bitter bread that feeds but half man’s hunger.

    And if you grudge the crushing of the grapes, your grudge distils a poison in the wine.

    And if you sing though as angels, and love not the singing, you muffle man’s ears to the voices of the day and the voices of the night.”

     

    Thank you so much for reading. Have an amazing, wonderful and magical day/ night everyone!

     

    xx

    Yachna

     

    P.S.

    If not now then when. 

     

    (Exquisite Artwork by Haylee Morice)



  • 10 Life Lessons I Learnt in My 20s

    10 Life Lessons I Learnt in My 20s

     

    When I turned 20, an older friend told me it was my time to explore. I had ten years to learn, grow, experiment, and push my limits. 

    In a few months, I turn 30. In the last ten years, I’ve travelled the world, quit my job, dated all the wrong ones, cried my heart out, suffered many losses, and created a career as a writer — something I could’ve never imagined. 

     It’s easy to forget that most of these changes didn’t happen overnight. We rarely ever wake up one day and suddenly notice these wild, life-altering changes in ourselves. 

    My 20s were a wild rollercoaster ride. Here are some ten life lessons I’ve learned:

     

    1) Without rain, nothing grows

    It’s inevitable to meet unexpected situations in life. Life rarely goes as planned. Even if you bring an umbrella, you’ll end up getting wet. So, dance in the rain. Embrace the storms of your life. 

    Remember, rejection is redirection. Keep moving forward and creating new doors. Preach your success from mountain tops. Because with hard work, determination and passion, the sky is the limit. 

     

    2) No one truly cares about you 

    I spent my early 20s chasing the people who didn’t care about me and giving no time to those who loved me the most- my family. Why do we ignore the people who care about us and care about those who ignore us?

     Most people do not care about you. As harsh as it may sound, it’s the truth. I learned this after my dad passed away. It doesn’t have to be sad but liberating, so we too can stop obsessing about what other people think.

     

    3) Be your hero

     Nobody is coming to save you. No one is coming to pay your bills, get you a better job, or fix your health. Wake up. Take responsibility for everything in your life. Be your hero. That’s where you start.

     

    4) Do it alone. Do it broke. Do it tired. Do it scared. Just do it!

    Six months ago, I quit my corporate job to pursue writing. The decision wasn’t an easy one. The only value that dreadful job provided me was financial comfort and safety. Now, I wake up excited and don’t dread Mondays. That, to me, is success. 

    One day, we are all going to die. Life is too short to be working jobs we hate. While your legs are strong and your mind is clear, it’s never too late to follow your interests, curiosities, and passions.

    Start a blog. Write a book. Share your voice with the world. Use your imagination to bring fresh and exciting things to the world. Do not leave it to others to choose your destiny. Make a plan, and work toward it. Take little steps every day, consistently. Never give up on your dreams, even if the whole world turns its back on you. 

     

    5) You’re going to be lonely

    When I look back at myself in my 20s, what I remember the most is being alone and lonely. Rarely, if ever, does anyone ask you, “how was your day?”

    You are no longer coming home to home-cooked meals. I wasn’t even coming home to anyone. I remember the frequent nights I cried in my room alone, staring at the depressing brown wall wishing I wasn’t feeling the way I was.

     Those lonely cold nights taught me to be strong alone. It made me wise, mature and fearless. 

     

    6) Most friendships don’t last

    Most friendships don’t last forever. There will come a time when you’ll naturally drift away from all your friends. You grow and evolve. You’ve moved on with your life, and so have your friends. It’s not their fault or that they are bad people. It’s just life. 

     

    7) You are going to feel lost

    For the longest time, I had my whole life figured out. In the last six months after quitting my job, I travelled. I met people who inspired me. I spent time reading and learning new things. 

    Of course, there were many days when I felt lost, not knowing what step to take next. But, not for a second did I regret having taken time off from my life in Canada to enhance my writing further. 

    This time to do nothing was essential for the journey I am embarking on. Have I achieved all that I wanted to do by taking this gap? No. Not even close. 

    None of this would have happened if I didn’t feel lost. We need to feel lost…to know there is a path to take…we learn in the dark..then bring in the light.

     

    8) Travel alone

    A few years ago, I wanted to go to Costa Rica. I asked all my friends. None of them could make it. So, I decided to go alone. I ended up staying in a beautiful villa deep inside a rainforest, sharing the space with other 20s-something travellers from Europe. It was so exciting to meet people from different cultures and live together under one roof. It was one of the best trips of my life. 

    Book that flight. Explore your favourite city. Don’t deny yourself the most memorable life experiences, even if everyone else says no. 

     

    9) Love yourself first

    No one will love you if you don’t love yourself first. It’s healthy to spend time alone. Take yourself out on dates. Schedule some alone time as much as possible because that’s the only way to get to know yourself on a deeper level. 

    Listen to happy/nostalgic songs, watch a funny film, make something, or take a walk. In other words, don’t wait for someone else to offer you the love you want and deserve. Start being intentional about how you love yourself. It makes all the difference.

     

    10) Honor yourself

    Listen to your mind, body and soul. Give it what it needs. Do the things that make your body feel good. Take your time moisturizing your skin every morning. Run. 30 mins a day. Stretch it out. Meditate. Here’s an app for meditation that’s been a game changer for me. 

     

    How old are you now? What life lessons have you learnt in your 20s? What advice would you give to your younger self? I’d love to hear in the comments below. 

     

    xx

     

    Yachna



  • 9 Hot Tips For The Best Period Sex.

    9 Hot Tips For The Best Period Sex.

     

    You should be able to have sex whenever you want to. Life is too short to NOT have sex for a week every month. Especially not when our bodies crave it the most!!!

    Of course, you may be strongly opposed to the idea, considering how disgusting we assume it to be (thanks, society) and think it’s the worst, and that’s fine, too. 

    Period sex can feel like stepping into an unknown territory which can cause fear. And, no, it will not be some insane bloody crime scene (although there will be blood). 

    With these hot tips, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect during period sex with a partner or sex with yourself.

    1) Goodbye cramps

    Orgasms are the best cure for your cramps! You may think popping your favourite pain killer will do the trick and can contribute to a degree. Period sex can be messy, but there’s nothing as powerful as orgasms during period sex that will take away all the period pain. It’s because, with every orgasm, serotonin and dopamine are released into the body, and it’s the best painkiller you can give all those cramps. Whether it’s sex with a partner or sex with yourself, that orgasm is going to deliver.

    2) There’s even more lubrication

     There’s nothing different about period sex, except that there’s even more lubrication. If your vagina is on the dry side or has difficulty producing enough lubrication naturally, then period sex will likely be a welcome break from needing lube. The blood acts as extra lubrication, which is incredible. The wetness feels unbelievable!!

    But before you start thinking the whole “ew, blood” thing again, think about this: Yes, you’re bleeding when you menstruate. But, most of what you’re seeing is the shedding of your uterine lining. Not all of what you see is blood, as there are other fluids in there as well.

    3) Heightened sex drive

    Do you also feel like your hormones are bat-shit crazy during that time of the month? Use that in your favor1 so you and your partner can both enjoy the intensity you have sexually. Since period sex is taboo, it feels a bit risqué, making it hotter. Plus, you are extra-horny during your period, so to have sex and not hold back just because you’re on your period is a liberating feeling.

    4) Use a condom

    Safety first, always!

     Using a condom (any form of barrier birth control, and for oral sex, a dental dam) during period sex is a must for STI prevention. It makes for easier cleanup, which is essential if your partner gets easily nauseated about blood and lessens your chance of contracting bacteria. If blood in the vagina or uterus gets exposed to bacteria during unprotected sex, there are more places for bacteria to grow. 

    5) Pick a comfortable sex position

    The position is everything. Missionary or any position that involves having you on your back—is your best bet when your blood flow is on the heavier side. It’s simple: if you’re on top, there’s likely to be more blood than on the bottom. If you want something gentler—or feel bloated and gross—give in to the endless joy of spooning. 

    6) Use a dark-coloured towel

    I know, this is super obvious but it needs to be said.

    You may worry about creating a mess, or your partner may be grossed out.

    It’s easier for all the bloody mess to distract you and your partner from enjoying the sex. Yes, I agree having sex on your period may seem a little messy in theory, it’s not the bloodbath you’re envisioning.  

    You can’t forget a (dark) towel to put on your bed because things WILL get messy. You can even invest in a “sex blanket” designed to absorb liquids if you’re feeling a little fancy. Doing this will keep you from thinking about the mess. Instead, you’ll be present in the act, not the sheets or the situation.

    7) It’s super intimate

    It feels even better than regular sex- as if being on your period makes everything more sensitive and receptive to touch. Exposure to bodily fluids like blood can create real intimacy; some even believe that period sex is soul-binding with the other person. Soul binding or not, it’s super intimate to be with your partner in such a vulnerable, un-perfect state.

    8) Yes, you can still get pregnant

    Many things come up when people talk about period sex, and something that doesn’t come up enough is that you CAN get pregnant when you’re bleeding. So many people with vaginas have irregular cycles, so if you don’t know exactly when you’re menstruating and ovulating, you CAN get pregnant. 

    9) The Aftercare

    You may need to clean up after sex, especially on heavier flow days. Hopping in the shower after will make you feel the cleanest. Another option, keep a packet of baby wipes on hand for cleanup. Baby wipes are the holy grail for sensitive skin. 

     

    Is there anything you would add to this list? I’d love to hear in the comments below. 

     

    P.S.

    A 7-Step Guide To Becoming a Sex Goddess

     

    (Exquisite images by safiabahmedschwartz)

     

    This post was written for The Pleasure Plus. I’d highly recommend you check out the courses and other services that are offered by Simone Farschi, the founder of the brand. 

     



  • 6 Powerful Life Lessons Blair Waldorf Taught Us

    6 Powerful Life Lessons Blair Waldorf Taught Us

     

    She’s the best of the best. Never predictable, dull, or one-dimensional- Blair Cornelia Waldorf, otherwise known as the Queen B of Constance, Upper east side, and our hearts!! 

     The enigma of Blair Waldorf was in the complexity of her character. There’s no one as ICONIC as her. My life has never been the same since I watched Gossip Girl for the first time over a decade ago. I’ve always said that Blair is my spirit animal. Here are SIX powerful life lessons that have always stayed with me-

     

    1) Be ruthless and unstoppable in working towards your goals.

    Ladies, if you have a dream, don’t let anyone or anything get in the way of it!!

    Blair is notoriously driven, goal-oriented, and an influential leader willing to do anything it takes to accomplish her goals. Despite being a child of privilege with power and influence, she didn’t want things handed to her.

     For instance- going into fashion would’ve been a piece of cake for her. It would have been easier for her to ride her mother’s wave of success, but she didn’t want to lurk in her shadow and be labelled as a nepotistic girl. So, she chose the more challenging way up the ladder and proved herself worthy of her mother. 

     Her unstoppable drive to become a powerful woman was BEYOND comparison. She was a force to reckon with and was cut-throat and ruthless in getting what she wanted. You must be relentless and leave no stone unturned in making your dreams a reality.

    2) Never put your fate in someone else’s hands. 

    Blair imparted her powerful wisdom to me early on in life: You can’t leave your success to the moon and the stars. There’s no elevator to reach the peak, you have to climb up the mountain. Success is made up of blood, sweat, and A LOT of tears!!!

    She hustled with hard work, dedication and, of course, A LOT of scheming to make her way into the most exclusive clubs, sororities, and societies that would give her the power and status she desired. After all, “destiny is for losers. It’s just a stupid excuse to wait for things to happen instead of making them happen.”

    3) Know your worth. 

    Ladies, know your worth and recognize how amazing you are. Her magnetic presence and powerful energy charmed monarchs from across the globe. 

    She’s one of the most self-assured and confident fictional characters ever to grace our televisions. However, that wasn’t always the case. She struggled with deep insecurities, low self-worth, and an inferiority complex that led to an eating disorder. Yet, she knew her worth and wasn’t willing to settle for anything less. 

    The powerful essence of her story was rooted in the quest for self-love and being her person. Her quote: “I’m not a stop along the way. I’m a destination.”  has left a deep imprint in my mind. 

    4) You don’t need a man to fulfill you.

    Without a doubt, Blair was an inspiring role model for young girls, especially when she respected herself as a woman, embraced her sexuality and fought for her dreams. 

    Blair was always so passionate about being an independent young woman. She refused to let any man of her past or present define her. 

     Make yourself your top priority and focus on what you want from life before love or marriage is an option. How can you be happy with someone else if you aren’t happy with yourself?

    Blair had the love of Chuck Bass, a very powerful and wealthy man. But, she wasn’t happy being a trophy girlfriend or wife. She desired to create her path in life, make something of herself, and then stand shoulder to shoulder with Chuck as an equal.

    I loved that she refused to commit to Chuck until she accomplished her goals because “I have to be Blair Waldorf before I can be Chuck Bass’ girlfriend.” Ah, yes, feminism. 

    5) Never, ever give up

    Blair lost her acceptance to Yale, but that made her only more determined. She wasn’t the one to accept defeat. She was the writer of her destiny and still got into an Ivy because of her courage and perseverance. She took over her mother’s company. She started her fabulous fashion line. Let’s not get started about the legendary Chuck-Blair bond, which of course, wouldn’t have been epic without her love, commitment and sacrifices. 

    6) The art of fashion

     Blair Waldorf is famous for many things; her killer style is on top of that list. She used fashion as a powerful tool to show the world the woman she passionately desired to be. Her fabulous outfits made me want to throw away my wardrobe so I could make room for a style like hers. 

    Through her trademark headbands, bold and dramatic patterns, and ridiculously high-fashion pieces, she quickly became a force in the fashion world. 

    Her style exudes power and influence while also possessing a softness similar to her personality that not everyone sees, which is a trait I love about her most. She never failed to make a fashion statement, even when her world was falling apart, and she felt deeply sad and heartbroken. 

     

    What is your favourite life lesson from Blair Waldorf? Would like to add anything to this list that I haven’t mentioned? I’d love to hear in the comments below. 

     

    P.S.

    11 Romantic Kdrama that’ll make you swoon xo

     



  • 9 Powerful Foods to Boost Your Sexual Health

    9 Powerful Foods to Boost Your Sexual Health

    Sex coach Simone Farschi, founder of the pleasure plus community has recommended these nine deliciously healthy foods that are good for you and help boost your libido. 

    Here are the top nine powerful foods to feel sexy-

    1) SPINACH: Popeye was right about spinach! Besides building big muscles, eating spinach can help you in a sexy mood by increasing blood flow below the belt. Packed with magnesium, a mineral that increases blood flow leading to crazy good orgasms!

    2) VITAMIN D: D is for desire. An essential part of every sexually healthy person’s diet. You can get vitamin D from both foods, such as mushrooms, egg yolks, fatty fish, etc. 

    3) MACA: boost your libido with this powerful Peruvian plant. MACA has been shown to improve semen production, increase sexual desire, and regulate hormones.

    4) GINSENG: Have you ever tried Ginseng Tea? Red ginseng extracts might be used as alternative medicine in menopausal women to improve their sexual life.

    5) WATERMELON: aka the new Viagra. Watermelon contains a compound called citrulline, which the body converts to arginine. Arginine relaxes blood vessels in the body like Viagra does, ultimately increasing libido. 

    6) ASPARAGUS: rich in vitamin B6 and folate (helps make red blood cells), which can boost arousal and orgasm.

    7) APPLES: regular daily apple consumption can boost sexual pleasure. They can stimulate blood flow to the sex organs, helping with arousal.

    8) CUCUMBERS: these are loaded with vitamin C and manganese, supporting sexual health, elevating energy, and increasing your sex drive.

    9) VITAMIN E: aka the “sex vitamin.” It increases libido and heightens desire. Consume 2 to 3 hours before any sexual activity 😉

     IMPORTANT: Eat at least three of these foods daily: the more, the better. 

     

    Do you have someone in mind that could benefit from this? Share with them here to show them you care ☺

     

    P.S.  juicy foods to eat before sex to make your night 

     

    (Pic Credits: Louis Fraga)



  • 15 Hottest Swimsuits For Summer 2022

    15 Hottest Swimsuits For Summer 2022

    Do you have a go-to swimsuit? For most of my life, I have been obsessed with one-piece swimsuits. But, recently, I went for a beachy vacation to Boracay and was in AWE of the variety of swimsuits I saw women wearing at the beach. It was a mix of sexy, cute, and comfy <3

    Since then, I’ve made it my mission to widen my swimsuit palette to accommodate different styles and colours. And also to find something that ACTUALLY makes me feel good in my skin.

    As you all know, shopping for swimsuits online is the definition of hell. Nothing is as it appears. One search online, and you are bombarded with endless options for bathing suits. Yet, it’s bizarre how difficult it still is to find a swimsuit that works.

    To your relief, I have spent the past week going through an endless sea of reviews for bathing suits of different brands that work for every girl with a ton of variety and sizes.

    Whether you’re poolside or heading to the beach, say hello to HOT GIRL SUMMER with this season’s 15 hottest swimwear for every girl in all shapes, sizes, and colours-

    Whether you’re by the poolside or heading to the beach, make a stylish splash in this season’s 12 hottest swimwear for every girl in all shapes, sizes, and colours-

    1. Frankies Bikinis

    Noura Tankini Bikini

    Buy it now

     

    2. Frankies Bikini

    Bond Eyelet Bralette Bikini

    Buy it now

     

    3. Urban Outfitters

    Oasis Double-Tie Sarong

    Buy it now

    4. J. Crew

    Ruched one-shoulder one-piece

    Buy it now

     

    5. Frankies Bikinis

    Colby Floral Ruffle Bikini

    Buy it now

     

    6. Shein

     Floral Print Triangle Bikini Swimsuit & Beach Skirt

    Buy it now

     

    7. Black Bough Swim

    Barbara

    Buy it now

     

    8. Make Me Chic

     Bikini Set Swimsuit with Swim Beach Cover-Up Skirt

    Buy it now

     

    9. Sense Of Shelf

    Blue Allium Textured Bikini Set

    Buy it now

     

    10. Monday Swimwear

    Azalea Pink Chevron

    Buy it now

     

     

    11. Sommer Swim

    Ada Leopard Floral – One-piece swimsuit

    Buy it now

     

     

    12.  Oceanus Swimwear

    Stella Bikini Lilac

    Buy it now

     

     

     

     

    13. Swimsuits For All

    Women’s Plus Size Ashley Graham CEO Lace Up One Piece Swimsuit

    Buy it now

     

     

     

     

     

    14. Amazon

    EastElegant Maternity Swimsuits 

    Buy it now

     

     

    15. Andrea Iyamah

    Mona Mustard Bikini

    Buy it now

     

     

     

    What type of swimsuit do you wear? Do you have any other recommendations?

     

    P.S.  10 Best Sunscreens