Every 1 January, people are starting to change their life. They’ve set their New Year’s Resolution: Lose weight, do more sports, stop smoking, spend more time with friends and family, work less… If you’re like me, you’ve probably set some for yourself at some stage. This year, there are no New Year’s Resolutions. Except the elimination diet! And it’s not the one you’re thinking off!
2016 is almost over. Christmas was festive, although a bit quieter. We’ve enjoyed the time together and trust, with these (perceived) arctic temperature, I’m so glad we did! Today, we’re celebrating my mom’s birthday. The celebrations just continue.
2017 is soon upon us and I hear many people say “Let this year be over”. This year has seen many loved ones and celebrities leave this earth. David Bowie was one of my favourite stars growing up. That was a shock. Just like we witnessed the unpredicted Brexit and the win of some unlikely presidents. Climate change is worsening and stupidity seems to be rising.
My loved ones nonchalantly mentioned that they haven’t brought any Christmas presents yet. It’s the 12th of December! Christmas is just around the corner! For a lot of people, this could raise the pre-Christmas stress levels. Luckily, we have a rule in this family: No presents above EUR 30 (around 116 dirhams).
Are you also fed up with going in debt to give toys which, after only 3 days, are just laying around? Looking a disappointed expression on your loved one’s face when they don’t get the gift they wanted? It’s time to change your approach to gifting at Christmas! If you can’t or don’t want to give up presents just yet, present clutter-free, memorable gifts to your loved one!
Today’s Thanksgiving in the US and folks are sharing their gratitude and thanks. For some, today is the day in the year to reflect on what they have. Others do it more often or regularly. Do you know what you are grateful for? Do you keep a gratitude journal?
October was the second time that I’ve entered a “no spending month” in 2017. Knowing what would await me, I thought I was much better prepared. In a way, that’s also true. But this time, there were also some new developments which left me grateful and satisfied!
It’s a little bit later than my usual blog post. But today, I had a very good reason: I had to store all my groceries and other the other things bought while visiting my family last week. And how much I had to put away! Tons! After all, I flew back with 40 kgs (88 lbs). To my defence, not of it was for me. Some things were presents for upcoming birthdays or requests from friends.
Still, I’ve enough food till Christmas and am making October another “No Spending Month”.
It’s my birthday and it’s my favourite day of the year! Birthdays are a big deal and if you’ve met me, you know I love birthdays. Birthdays are a great way to celebrate and be celebrated.
Each year, I’m grateful for what I’ve achieved. Although, I admit at times, it doesn’t appear as an achievement. Celebrating another birthday today, I’m grateful. I’ve set up my own company, am getting work in, live in a beautiful home, have plenty of food on the table (and consequently a bit too much on my hips), wonderful loved ones and friends who I cherish, am healthy. I’m good!
The 200th article was posted on this blog today. This calls for a small celebration and a BIG thank you to all my readers!
Over the last few months, I’ve been working with a number of corporate clients who wanted to set up an employee recognition scheme and say thank you to their employees. Like many, they wanted to get the biggest bang for their buck. You’d be surprised how easy it can be to say thank you. Money doesn’t need to be involved and there are great ways of saying thank you.
In less than a week, the holy month of Ramadan will start. Muslims will bring daily sacrifices by fasting and will be rehearsing the Koran. It’s a time where friends and family come together. Regardless of their religions, Iftar meals are enjoyed throughout the country. The holy month is also a time for reflection which we so often neglect. This special month can also be a very busy one.
How can you prepare for Ramadan 2016?
February was my no spending month. While I had built in some provisions, it was a totally new journey and I’m glad I ventured out for 29 days! The results were rather surprising, despite not knowing what to expect from and for myself even. Here’s what happened: