Sidewalks

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  • Holiday Gift Guide #1: For Her (Beauty Edition).

    Holiday Gift Guide #1: For Her (Beauty Edition).

    20 Gifts That Will Make All the Beauty Lovers Swoon.

    This spooky and cute lipstick pin for just $12 (or, the sweetheart, pink compact and spooky baby eyeshadow pin). All of them are so adorable, I simply couldn’t pick one.

    Surprise her with BoxyCharm, a monthly beauty subscription box sent straight to her doorstep for as low as $25 each month.

    A very cute set to add to her nighttime beauty routine, this Avocado Melt Sleeping Mask Set for $59 is guaranteed to give her skin intense hydration this winter.

    This cute and trendy Velvet Caviar Airpod Case is an adorable accessory for her to store AirPods.

    The Daisy Travel Spray Set $65 is perfect in every way, a nice everyday fragrance that smells classy and sophisticated.

    A must-have (clutch) conversation piece from Fenben $30.86 to make her little black dress pop.

    This perfect confetti lip balm for $22 to give her lips a natural and plump feel with a hint of glitter. (Or, the Matcha lip balm, for ultra-soft lips).

    Perfect for your next sleepover with her while watching a movie, a must have cult-favourite TonyMoly All You Need Mask Set !!!!!

    #1 on my list this year, this game-changing, Drybar for $198, (a blow dryer and round brush all in one) for a beautiful blowout for her everyday use.

    How cute are these? Gift her with this George & Viv Holiday Bar Soap with the oh so beautiful and playful packaging for $10. Thank me later.

    This elegant Elephant Velvet Pouch $22, that she’s gonna love to store her beauty products.

    This bold and vibrant red rose lips wall art for $98.61.

    This 3D Eye Roll Compact Mirror for $13.70 would make for a cool gift.

    Love having your creams cold? Or, to keep your jade rolling nice and cool, this Cooluli Mini Fridge for $49.99.

    Picture by Gelcream of Cryo Rubber Mask, one of the best sheet masks EVER for hydrating and nourishing (dare I say glow-y) for $18.

    DIOR Advent Calendar 2020 (need I say more? ) for $592.22. A perfect luxury gift that she’ll always remember.

    This gorgeous House Of Jo Malone London, $ 210 that contains travel candles, room spray and bath & body essentials. A self-care heaven.

    With the amount of handwashing we’re all doing, treat her with this luxury Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash & Balm Duet, $161, leaving your hand feeling smooth, hydrated and moisturized with natural lavender and rosemary oil.

    Looking for the ultimate makeup book for her? Look no further because the fabulous Face Paint: The Story of Makeup $18.99 makes for a wonderful coffee table book with divine pictures.

    Support local with Nat’s Chocolate Lip Scrub $24 for an amazing self-care experience that will make her crave her favourite chocolate.

    A holiday lipstick set $ 50 for her for a dazzling holiday season.

    xx

    Yachna

  • What Hogwarts House Do You Belong To Based On Your Zodiac?

    What Hogwarts House Do You Belong To Based On Your Zodiac?

    Hi,

    Happy Tuesday y’all. How are we doing?

    Just for fun, this week, I commissioned the Horoscope Hero to write a fun zodiac post for the blog. Being a Potter Maniac, I thought what another way to kick things off with a harry potter post.

    Enjoy!!!

    1) Gryffindor

    Leo, Aries, Sagittarius

    It’s no coincidence that all three fire signs can be found in the Gryffindor House, these signs just can’t be ignored, they command attention. 

    The fire signs are known for their courage, confidence and leadership, which makes them the perfect candidates for Gryffindor. 

    Gryffindors are known to have an intense moral centre and are unafraid to act on their morals or seize opportunities to make changes, the same can be said about all three fire signs. 

    Gryffindors, just like the fire signs, are passionate, trusting, stubborn and will not back down when they know a fight is worth fighting for. “

    You might belong in Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart. Their daring nerve and chivalry set Gryffindors apart.”-J.K. Rowling

    2) Ravenclaw

    Taurus, Virgo, Cancer

    In this House, we can see a mix of a few elements coming together to form what we know as Ravenclaw. 

    Ravenclaw members are very analytical and intelligent, and they value knowledge and expanding their horizons to new ideas. They are fond of learning, are more often observers than participants. However, they are naturally curious about the world around them. They also tend to be very creative and humorous. 

    Both Taurus‘ and Virgos are earth signs. As such, they both tend to get in their minds and are known thinkers. They also value intelligence, which makes them both an excellent fit for the Ravenclaw House. They are a sign that purely enjoys learning for the sake of learning, they are also very creative and have a quick wit.

    Cancers possess great emotional depth, which can also be seen as wisdom, making them an excellent fit for this House. They are also quite imaginative and witty as hell once you get to know them. 

     “Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw, if you have a ready mind, Where those of wit and learning, Will always find their kind.” ― J.K. Rowling

    When I see a Ravenclaw

    3) Hufflepuff

    Libra, Pisces, Aquarius

    The Hufflepuff House really doesn’t deserve the negative connotation it has. It truly is an excellent house that anyone would be proud to belong too. 

    Hufflepuffs are very fair and open-minded, they are also sincere, genuine and have a natural care for other people and creatures in the world. They are also known to be very kind-hearted, giving and accepting, qualities that we may all need to work on for ourselves. 

    Libras are known to be very fair, they are also very peaceful by nature and tend to be kind, they seek balance in life and genuinely care for others around them, making them the perfect fit for Hufflepuff. 

    The Hufflepuff house needs a water sign, and what better than Pisces for that. Pisces are very creative and are the nurturers of the world. They value relationships and enjoy taking care of others. 

    Aquarius may seem like the odd one out. However, Aquarius is very generous. They have a passion for helping others out and making sure that everyone is treated equally. They tend to be very self-less, making them the perfect fit for the Hufflepuff House. 

    “You might belong in Hufflepuff, where they are just and loyal, those patient Hufflepuffs are true, And unafraid of toil.” ― J. K. Rowling

    4) Slytherin

    Gemini, Scorpio, Capricorn

    Oh, Slytherin, my favourite most mischievous group! 

    There are multiple ways to look at the Slytherin House. However, today, I will be looking at the positive qualities needed to be part of the House. 

    Slytherins are ambitious, driven and laser-focused on attaining their goals. Whatever they put their minds to, they can achieve. They are very charming, assertive and can use their intelligence to make anything they need. They have the option to use their powers for good or for evil. 

    Geminis are very intellectual and have knowledge in a vast number of subjects, they are also very charming and chatty, able to get anything they want just by talking. 

    Scorpios are known the be one of the evilest signs, which perfectly pairs them with Slytherin. They tend to be emotional and ambitious, always going after what they want in life. They are also very assertive and bold and won’t let anything get in their way. 

    Capricorns may be the most ambitious and hard-working of all the signs, they are symbolized by a goat, goats climb mountains and don’t stop until they have reached the top, just like a Slytherin. 

    “Or perhaps in Slytherin, you’ll make your real friends, these cunning folks use any means to achieve their ends.”― J.K. Rowling

    Have a beautiful and fun week ahead!!

    xx

    Yachna

    (GIFs by GIPHY)

  • The Secret To Living A Happy Life.

    The Secret To Living A Happy Life.


    Lately, I have been thinking a lot about what it means to be happy.

    Everyone I have met has a different definition of it. Lately, I have been feeling some kind of way about everything that is happening in the world. I am angry, frustrated, sad and then all of it together.

    I could no longer keep going like this. Everything felt like a drag.

    To life myself up, I decided to re-read my journals titled ‘My Happy Days’.

    After going through all those journal entries, I realized for me happiness was synonymous with gratefulness and being content. The days I practised gratitude and gratefulness were in fact, my happy days.

    However, this was not always the case.

    When I was younger, I chased after materialistic things. Back then, I associated happiness with superficial and materialistic things. For instance, I thought having a good shoe collection would elevate my life. Or, fame, hot boyfriend, model looks, great ass, etc… The list is endless.

    I was naive to think any of it will be a factor in the quality of my life. They weren’t. Neither will they ever be.

    I have since realized that happiness remains hidden in little things…

    It is to stop and smell the roses. Savouring the present. Enjoying good food with the your people. Long walks. Night sky full of stars. Good coffee. Great wine. Ice cream on a hot day (or any day). Amazing sex. Caring for others. Practising kindness.

    Just open yourself up to the little joys of life. And, that’s the secret.

    Just a a few hours after writing this post, I stumbled upon this beautiful poem on Pinterest (of course, where else?) that ties in with this post. And, I wanted to share it with you…

    We’re waiting for tomorrow,

    But tomorrow never comes,

    Our last breath is right upon our heels,

    Yet we still refuse to run,

    86 400 seconds,

    And we’re in another day,

    All slipping through our fingers,

    As we look the other way,

    Days, weeks, months and years,

    Are made up of right now.

    A string of fleeting moments,

    That we never can pin down,

    We gaze into the future,

    As though it’s where we’re meant to be,

    Always planning for that day,

    When we can say that we’re happy,

    We spend so long looking forward,

    That we may as well be blind,

    Since we don’t see until the very end,

    All the things we’ve left behind,

    Now I know it’s just a theory,

    But I think I’ve worked out how,

    The only way to happiness,

    Is to love what we have now.

    P.S.

    So simple. Who knew?

    xx

    Yachna

    (Illustration by Yaoyaomva) (Poem by Erin Hanson)

  • On Becoming Actively Anti-Racist.

    On Becoming Actively Anti-Racist.

    The recent tragedies of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor have left the world in agony, outrage and doubt by the ones that should protect us.

    Basic fairness and justice is all that has been repeatedly asked for. And, it has not been given.

    I am frustrated. I am tired of being tired. If you feel the same way, then this is for you.

    I am no expert in anyway but here are five steps we can all take together to do better:

    1) Making the goal to become Anti-Racist:

    In the words of Angela Davis, “ In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist.  We must be anti-racist”.

    Confront privilege. Understand your own biases. Take some time out to sit and examine your patterns of thoughts and behaviours. This is the most difficult part. To look within and introspect if we are in anyway biased intentionally or unintentionally. And, then correct those patterns.

    Call out your friends and family when they say racist things. Speak up!!

    I have been racking my brain on what to say. No words I had seemed enough. No words will ever be enough. Nothing seemed right. But, then I realized it’s important to say something. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr. , “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

    Yes, I am brown. And yes, I have experienced racism.

    However, I know that I will never fully understand the systematic oppression and racism faced by my black brothers and sisters.

    I will never fully understand the vulnerability of being black, when any white person could end your life at any moment without little to no consequences.

    And, that is heartbreaking.

    The “I don’t See Colour” mantra is not the goal here. In fact, the goal is understanding the injustices that black people suffer because of it.

    So, “See The Colour”, accept it, and stand against the injustices that happen because of it.

     That’s THE goal.

    2) Reading Books:

    As a non-black person, I try my best to expand my knowledge in any way I can on Black Lives Matter.

    Here a few books you can read to educate yourself:

    a. Between The World And Me Ta-Nehisi Coates

    b. The Hate U Give Angie Thomas

    c. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

    d. The Autobiography of Malcolm X Malcolm X

    e. Born A Crime: Stories From A South African Childhood Trevor Noah

    f. I know Why The Caged Bird Sings Maya Angelou

    g. White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism Robin Diangelo

    I would love to hear some of your suggestions on this as well in the comments below.

    3) Listening, Watching, and Learning:

    There are a lot of other resources besides books to educate yourself.

    Thanks to the following accounts on Instagram that you can follow to expand your learning on race and racism:

    a. ShaunKing

    b. Blklivesmatter

    c. TheConsciousKid

    d.Naacp

    Subscribe and listen to these podcasts on important discussions about racial equality and justice:

    a) 1619

    b) About Race

    c) Code Switch

    d) Pod Save The People

    e) The Diversity Gap

    f) Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast

    I would also recommend watching, “When They See Us” a Netflix documentary. Many parts of the documentary were difficult to digest. But, it’s a crucial watch.

    4) Understanding That Racism Is A Systemic Issue:

    Racism is not an individual issue. It’s a systematic issue. The “justice” system is designed to oppress the people of colour. It has repeatedly failed people of color. Police brutality is the first step of a process that treats people of color as less than human. And unequally. This is deeply rooted in our system. Educate yourself on  anti-blackness North America was built on.

    5) Donate:

    Support by donating to black- owned businesses and organizations. Here are some organizations that you can donate to today:

    No Justice. No Peace.

    P.S.

    “There comes a time when silence is betrayal.” SPEAK UP!!!

    xx

    Yachna

  • The Powerful Reason Behind Chrissy Teigen’s Cravings!!

    The Powerful Reason Behind Chrissy Teigen’s Cravings!!

    “ I started Cravings because I wanted something for myself. I wanted something John didn’t buy.”

    I love Chrissy Teigen for a lot of reasons. She has consistently been hilarious, brutally honest and very relatable about a ton of issues on her social media. But, the newest reason to love her? Her tweet about the reason she started her cookbook, Cravings.

    Teigen reveals the reason she started Cravings was she wanted to have something that John didn’t buy for her. And honestly, is there a more honest and vulnerable statement?

    That statement could have come from every “housewife” who started their own side business to feel validated and it disheartened me.

    This statement was just another reminder for me, that as humans we have a burning desire for validation and approval. Regardless of one’s social status. 

    And, then I was reminded that everything that we do in our lives is a direct result of a type of approval that we look for from it. We look for approval from the people around us. Friends. Family. Spouse.

    And, on the off chance that we don’t get that validation, we crumble.

    Then, this reminded me of my own need for validation.

    Up until I was 20, I relied solely on my parents to buy me everything. And, I mean LITERALLY everything.

    It wasn’t until I got my first pay cheque working that something inside me started to change.

    I remember feeling proud. It was the first time I “earned” something in life. It felt like I had accomplished something to earn my family’s validation.Being able to make my own money meant everything to me from then. It was a self- validation that I didn’t even know I needed. Until, I got it.

    In fact, I started this blog because I needed to be something more than a corporate sell out. I remember having sleepless nights trying to wrap my mind around the idea that my day job was all that I amounted to. I felt small. I needed to prove to myself and others that I was more than what I did for a living.

    I needed to feel happy again.

    And, happy is exactly how I feel, every time I am ‘working’ on my blog. It’s meditative for me.To have this blog, to get to be a part of the process from start to finish, to see something go from an idea to a reality, I love that.

    And, knowing that ANYONE reads my blog, brings a HUGE smile on my face. It makes me happy. I feel validated.

    …And, this is what I imagine Teigen meant when she said, that she wanted something just for herself.

    Her passion project.

    For her, it was Cravings. For me, it’s my blog.

    What’s yours?

     I would love to hear your stories in the comments below.

    xx

    Yachna