Finding Peace in Giving

On my birthday, February 17th, I did something different—I visited an old folks’ home. I didn’t know what to expect, but the moment I stepped in, I felt something I hadn’t anticipated: peace. It wasn’t just about giving; it was about connecting, about sharing a moment of warmth with people who have lived through so much.

That day, they all sang for me. A whole group of elderly residents, their voices soft yet full of life, filling the room with something so simple, yet so deeply touching. It was unexpected, and for a moment, I just stood there, in the middle taking it in. I had come to give, but in that moment, I was the one receiving. Love, kindness, and a sense of belonging in a place I had just walked into.

Today, I returned for my second visit. Unlike the first time, where everything felt new, today felt familiar. I recognized faces, and more importantly, I remembered names. It’s strange how something as small as remembering someone’s name can make a difference—it turns strangers into friends.

I spent time with Maria today. We played bingo (my first time!), and while the game itself was fun, the best part was just being there, sitting together, sharing conversation and laughter. There was no rush, no need to fill the silence. Just presence.

What surprises me most about this place is how it doesn’t drain me. Usually, social interactions tire me out, but here, it’s different. Here, I feel at peace. Maybe it’s because there are no expectations—just moments to share, kindness to give, and stories to listen to.

All thanks to Sister Marie Antoinette, who introduced me to this home. If not for her, I wouldn’t have experienced this quiet joy, this feeling of contentment that lingers even after I leave.

I don’t know how often I’ll visit, but I know I’ll keep coming back. Because sometimes, giving love is exactly what the heart needs.

TikTok on the Dot

Is it the End of an Era or a Fresh Start?

In a surprising turn of events, the social media giant TikTok has officially shut down, marking the end of an app that redefined how we connect, create, and consume content. For many, TikTok was more than just another social media platform—it was a lifeline during uncertain times, a daily source of laughter, and a mirror reflecting the relatable and often ridiculous moments of life.

Personally, my TikTok journey began during the pandemic, when boredom and isolation drove me to explore the app. Like many others, I spent hours editing dance videos, trying viral recipes, and marveling at the creativity of strangers on the internet. It was a way to escape, to feel connected when the world felt so far apart.

But as life picked up its pace again, my relationship with TikTok changed. I stopped posting as much, no longer crafting videos but scrolling through them during downtime. It became less about creating and more about consuming—a quick escape, a source of daily giggles, and a place to find those “OMG, this is so me!” moments to share with friends.

For me, TikTok evolved into a digital newspaper of sorts. It wasn’t just entertainment—it was a platform where trends were born, conversations started, and cultures collided.

From learning how to make dalgona coffee to discovering niche communities I didn’t even know existed, TikTok was a space where curiosity thrived.

Duck video with Adele’s song ‘Someone like you’

A positive reminder to myself and all watching

Now, with its shutdown, I can’t help but wonder: what’s to come next? Will a new app emerge to fill the void, or are we all about to experience a collective detox from the infinite scroll?

As we say goodbye to TikTok, it’s clear the app’s impact will linger. It brought people together in ways that no other platform had before, giving everyone a chance to be seen, heard, and entertained. And while the app may no longer be with us, its legacy lives on in the trends, jokes, and memories it left behind.

What about you? Was TikTok your go-to escape, or are you ready to move on? And if it does come back, what’s your move?

Stuck in the Fog

Lately, it feels like my brain is perpetually stuck in low gear. Every morning I wake up exhausted, and by the time I get to work, I feel as if I’m shutting down by lunchtime. It’s as though no matter how much I sleep, my mind is always tired. And while I try to push through, I can’t seem to shake off the fog that makes everything feel… slower.

It’s not like I don’t care about my job or that I’m trying to avoid my responsibilities—quite the opposite, actually. It’s just that I can’t seem to get anything done efficiently. I keep stalling, procrastinating, and getting distracted. It feels like I’m physically present but mentally absent, and the worst part is, I’m acutely aware of it. Every task feels like a mountain I can’t climb, and it’s like I’m watching myself fall further behind.

The Dreaded Cycle of Stalling

The struggle often begins in the morning when I log in or open my emails. It should be a fresh start, but instead, I feel like I’m already running on empty. There’s a creeping sense of dread that sets in. Maybe it’s because I know how long things will take me, or because I’ve been stuck in this cycle for too long. I’ll start a task, then quickly feel my attention wane. I’ll check my phone, stare at the clock, or browse social media. Before I know it, an hour has passed, and I’ve accomplished nothing.

It’s like the task itself becomes this overwhelming thing, even if it’s something small. I tell myself I’ll get to it later, but “later” never comes. Instead, I keep stalling, knowing I’m only adding to my stress. The guilt builds up, but then it becomes a familiar part of the routine, so much so that I almost feel numb to it. The cycle repeats itself, and I’m left wondering how I can break free.

Procrastination, the Silent Thief of Productivity

Procrastination is a tricky beast. On the surface, it seems harmless enough—a delay here, a detour there. But in reality, it steals time, energy, and focus. What starts as a small delay becomes a pattern, and eventually, I’m in a state where I’m spending more time thinking about the work I haven’t done than the work I actually need to complete.

I can rationalize my procrastination: I’ll tell myself I need to “reset” or that I need more time to think things through. But deep down, I know the truth—it’s a form of avoidance. I’m not avoiding the work itself; I’m avoiding the stress, the mental strain, the fear of failure, and the pressure I put on myself to get everything perfect.

The Wandering Mind

The worst part? My mind never stays on task. Even when I try to focus, my thoughts start drifting—sometimes to the smallest detail, other times to the most random topics. I’ll be writing an email and suddenly find myself mentally planning my weekend or wondering what I’m having for lunch. It’s not intentional. It’s like my mind is constantly searching for anything to latch onto that isn’t the task at hand. And when I do manage to focus, it feels like I’m moving through molasses, as if my brain is trying its best, but just can’t get there fast enough.

The Consequence: Time Wasted

The more I stall, the more I waste time—and not just work time. It’s personal time too. I find myself feeling drained and frustrated when the workday ends because I haven’t accomplished what I set out to do. And then, instead of feeling a sense of accomplishment, I feel defeated. I wonder if I’m just not cut out for this or if there’s something wrong with me. It becomes a vicious cycle that’s hard to escape from.

Even though I know I’m wasting time, it doesn’t seem to make a difference. Each day feels like I’m chasing something that’s just out of reach. I tell myself I’ll do better tomorrow, but “tomorrow” comes and goes, and nothing changes.

A Call for Help: Breaking the Cycle

I’m writing this not because I have all the answers, but because I need to acknowledge the problem and start working through it. I know that change won’t come easily, but it’s time to take the first step. I have to start by being kind to myself, recognizing that fatigue, lack of motivation, and procrastination are not just laziness—they’re signs that I might be burned out or that something in my routine needs to change.

Perhaps it’s time to break things down into smaller tasks, focus on the process rather than the result, or even take more breaks throughout the day. Maybe I need to reevaluate how I manage my energy, prioritize self-care, or take a step back to really understand what’s behind this overwhelming fatigue.

Whatever the case, I know I can’t stay stuck forever. It might be a long road, but I’m ready to take that first step toward breaking free of this cycle. Do you guys have any suggestions for me?

9 2 5

Elevator, buttons and morning air
Strangers’ silence makes me wanna take the stairs

The traditional 9-to-5 office job has been a staple of working life for decades, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Personally, I’ve come to realize that this routine doesn’t suit me. As an introverted woman, I’ve always valued my alone time and the freedom to work independently. Being in an office, confined to a desk for hours on end, just doesn’t align with how I function best. Especially now that my focus has been on my health and trying to manage my asthma and anxiety.

Don’t get me wrong—working alone has its perks. I find I’m more productive and focused when I can work at my own pace without the constant interruptions of office life and the nagging. The solitude allows me to dive deep into projects, think creatively, and get things done. But that doesn’t mean I want to be isolated all the time. I do enjoy the occasional client meeting, where I can step out, have a more personal interaction, and feel connected to the work on a more tangible level. Those one-on-one moments are refreshing and break up the monotony of sitting behind a screen all day.

Sometimes, though, I wonder why women are expected to go the extra mile to push themselves in the workplace. There’s this pressure to climb the corporate ladder and constantly prove ourselves, as if that’s the only way to be seen as successful. Don’t people realize that staying at home is hard work in itself? Managing a household, taking care of senior parents —it’s all so demanding, but society often undervalues that role.

Maybe I’m a bit more traditional in my thinking, but I don’t love that we’re expected to chase the same corporate ambitions to feel accomplished.

I’m comfortable with the idea of stepping back, slowing down, and maybe not feeling the need to compete in the corporate world. But then, with this economy, how does that even work? How does a woman maintain financial independence and support her own lifestyle if she decides not to play the corporate game? It’s a real struggle between wanting to ease the stress and figuring out how to be okay financially.

It’s a tough balance, wanting to live in a way that feels natural and comfortable while still needing to secure your future. At the end of the day, it’s not about hating work—it’s about finding a way to make work fit with your life and values. For me, that might mean letting go of the traditional 9-to-5 or feeling less pressured to “prove” myself. But figuring out how to do that while staying financially stable is a challenge many women face. How do you step down without losing your sense of security?

I’m still trying to figure that out –

Friendships Falter

Friendships are vital. They bring joy, support, and a sense of belonging into our lives. But sometimes, even the closest friends can start to drift apart. I know because I have experienced it myself with three other of my closest friends. Names are not going to mentioned of course but these three were near and dear to my heart. The picture below is definitely not one of them but she’s my first roommate Mo while living abroad in the States but hey, that’s another story for another day! Back to why friendships falter.

Why Friendships Drift Apart

1. Life Changes

Life is always changing. Moving to a new city (I moved to Chicago and moved back), starting a new job, or getting into a serious relationship can shift our priorities. When this happens, it’s common for friends to start feeling distant. For example, if one friend moves far away, it can be tough to stay as close as before. I’ve always thought I would never lose my friends because all the closest ones were always there for me even when it was moving away to study abroad, most of them came to say Goodbye at the airport. I thought to myself Wow, I have good friends. But as time went on, our lives all started to change with different commitment and jobs.

2. Poor Communication

Good communication is key in any friendship. My best friend and I talk everyday. And she’s in Chicago. Meanwhile, I’m in Malaysia. I send her reels on Instagram and we chat about anything and everything openly. At least once a week, one of us will share something. And that’s all you need really. If you don’t talk openly, misunderstandings can pile up, and small problems can turn into big ones. If you and your friend stop talking or avoid addressing issues, it can lead to feeling disconnected. Ghosting in friendships? Yes, that happens too just as it can in romantic relationship. It can be confusing and hurtful all together. While dealing with all these emotions can be challenging, focusing on self-care, seeking support, and reflecting on the experience can aid in the healing process.

Remember, friendships should be built on mutual respect and communication, and it’s important to prioritize relationships that are supportive and genuine.

3. Different Interests

As people grow, their interests and values might change. What used to bring you and your friend together might not matter as much anymore. If you’ve moved on to new hobbies or interests that your friend doesn’t share, it can create distance.

4. Lack of Effort

Friendships need effort to thrive. If one or both people stop putting in the work—like not reaching out or missing important events—the relationship can start to fizzle. If you feel like you’re putting in all the effort, it can make you feel unappreciated.

5. Broken Trust

Trust is a big deal in friendships. If trust is broken—through lies, betrayal, or unreliable behavior—it can be hard to fix. Rebuilding trust takes time and effort from both sides, and sometimes, the damage might be too severe to repair.

How to Heal

First, have a good cry and allow yourself to feel sad, angry, all kinds of emotions. Scream it out if you want

Aaaahhhh.

1. Talk It Out.

I know this is a tough one but if you feel like your friendship is drifting, try talking about it. Share how you’re feeling and listen to your friend’s side. Open conversations can clear up misunderstandings and help you both get back on track.

2. Work on Rebuilding Trust

If trust has been damaged, focus on rebuilding it. This means being honest, reliable, and showing that you’re committed to fixing things. It’s a slow process, but with effort, it’s possible to restore the relationship.

3. Put in the Effort

OK this one I believe is important. Both people need to put in some effort. Make plans to hang out, check in regularly, and show that you care. Even small gestures can make a big difference in maintaining the bond.

4. Accept Change

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, friendships might naturally change or come to an end. It’s important to accept this and understand that it’s part of life. Cherish the good memories and recognize that it’s okay to move on. That is also part of growing up.

Friendships can drift apart for a variety of reasons, but understanding these reasons and taking steps to address them can help. By communicating openly, working on rebuilding trust, and putting in the effort, you can often strengthen your friendships. And if things don’t work out, it’s okay to accept that and focus on new relationships. Friendships, like all relationships, require care and attention, and sometimes letting go is just as important as holding on.

Mid 20s Feels

the Quarter Life Crisis.

Life in your mid-20s can feel like walking through a maze without a map.

Not going to lie, most days, I feel so lost and confused. Thinking to myself, am I on the right track? Why don’t I have any friends? Where did I go wrong? —

After coming back home from studying in the States, I found myself back under my parents’ roof working in the family’s business which is not so bad except that my knowledge of it is pretty low. A comforting yet challenging feeling having to balance family expectations with my own dreams and passions in life. Here I was thinking by now I would have a stable relationship with a man hoping to get married. But life took a different turn for me in that arena.

Before returning home, I went through what the kids are calling it these days, “a situationship”. I absolutely hated that. The whole idea of it. After coming out from that toxicity, it left me unsure about dating and relationships as a whole. It wasn’t quite a relationship but more than a friendship for sure but also not a friendship. It was a dark place where I lost myself. Coming home was saving me in a way. After going through a painful period, it did teach me a lot about protecting my heart, setting boundaries and knowing my worth.

In the end, my mid-20s are about becoming the woman I want to be—strong (physically and mentally), independent, and true to myself. It’s about learning from experiences, shaping my own story, and finding happiness in the journey. I’m so glad to say I’ve already started executing those plans I have for myself and taking it one day at a time.

Career | Responsibilities | Family getting Old |
Relationships | Bills | Panic
Does it get easier?

Lungs of Lincoln Park

Fashion is not just about the clothes and what people wear but what you are, what you breathe, how the colors and textures make you feel. It’s amazing how much inspiration you can take off from just a walk in the park. At least for a creative individual like me. The one thing I absolutely love to do and find theraputic is heading out to explore the hidden gems of the city.

Recently, a friend brought me to the Lincoln Park Lily Pool which is now called the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. A 3 acres serene section located right next to the famous Lincoln Park Zoo. It was such a beautiful, tranquil and quiet place hidden in plain-sight. We sat there in front of the lily pond observing the greens all around us, the temple-like structures and babbling baby waterfall hidden behind. It was serene. Lots of birds. We saw hawks/ falcons in the trees and a sneaky frog peeking out of the pond which was my favorite shot from that day.

It was my first time in years since I’ve used my Canon PowerShot camera. Lost touch but I’m getting back into it thanks to my friend who inspired me to do what you love and I’m loving the results so far – So, I figured, might as well share the photos and reviews with you guys.

Location: 125 W Fullerton Pkwy, Chicago, IL (FREE)

The combination of colors in the photo came out really well. Take a look at the mustard yellow light reflection in the water and how it blends in with the red with touches of algae green surrounding it and of course, Mr. Froggy was the star of the show. Not sure if he’s happy or not but this entire pic reminded me a lot of the oil paintings from the French Impressionist Claude Monet’s ‘Water Lilies’

e x p l o r i n g with a photographer. He was in his zone.

Can you feel the texture of his brown feathers? I can! A soft, beautiful velvety coat you have there Mr. !

Lungs of a cloudy day in Chicago, Illinois.

Mercury Rising Chi

My first summer in Chicago. Exciting and also very curious as to how bad it could get. The National Weather Service (NWS) recently issued a heat advisory in Chicago that’ll go into effect on Tuesday, June 14 at 12:00pm all the way through Wednesday, June 15th at 8:00pm. Be prepared for boiling temperatures they say with a peak index between 105 and 109 degrees. Should I stay home or do I want to go out? If so, I still do want to look fashionably comfortable and I’m sure you want that too! Dressing appropriately offers advantages in any situation. The appropriate attire is essential for any major meeting, wedding, party, or simply summer.

With mercury rising, you’ll want to take precautions to avoid overheating, which is something we’ll have to worry about more and more as the summer progresses.

Here are the best fashion tips for dealing with the scorching heat:

Bring out the hats – You’ll feel hotter as your body absorbs more sun. While you could take an umbrella with you, a more practical and hands-free option is to wear a hat. Switch it up with the good ole bucket hat. The bucket hat is not DEAD! It is still in trend. Spotted Ms Charlette on a beach in a lilac colored bucket hat with cute floral motifs.

2. Wear breathable and lightweight fabrics – Heavier textiles are more densely woven, trapping heat and restricting airflow, which is a concern because airflow is what transports heat energy from our bodies. When you sweat and it evaporates, the heat from your body is transferred to the breeze. However, in order for sweat to do its job, airflow is required so that evaporation can transpire.

Madras fabric is typically made of cotton and has a light, open weave, making it ideal for the summer. Seersucker is also a smart choice because the fabrics unique rippling prevents it from sticking to the skin, enabling air to circulate. Fabrics made of linen and hemp are also more loosely woven, making them more breathable.

Meg wearing ‘Kimono Palm Beach’ captured by @coleneiers for Isabelle Gougenheim
Click here to view the Kimono
https://www.isabellegougenheimdesigns.com/products/kimono-palm-beach?pr_prod_strat=collection_fallback&pr_rec_id=f27baa69a&pr_rec_pid=7524389781653&pr_ref_pid=7524397318293&pr_seq=uniform

3. Choose light colors instead of dark or black – The darker your clothes are, the more light they will absorb and turn into heat. Lighter tones, on the other hand, reflect that energy away. Long story short, wear white clothes to keep cool.

4. Keep it loose on the silhouette– Clothes that fit close to the body might be your vibe, but it’s not the best option for staying cool in the heat. Slim-fitting clothes don’t allow air to flow as much as loose clothing. They can also absorb your sweat, leaving you walking around with damp clothes. Wider silhouettes don’t cling to the skin as easily, allowing room for air to pass over the skin.

5. Say no to sleeves! – This is also a good method to keep cool by flaunting your arms. Show them off gurl! You are not required to wear long sleeve tops that cover your entire body. For a more summery style, try a sleeveless vest or dress, or even simply a short-sleeved shirt. You should maintain a sophisticated appearance without overheating. You can always protect yourself from the sun by wearing a small scarf over your shoulders and arms. Isabelle Gougeinheim offers great lightweight scarves! Check her out @isabellegougenheim

Incroyable Isabelle Gougenheim

Looking for a way to add some color into your fall/winter wardrobe? A fabulous scarf is all you need to elevate your outfit. From just an average to a chic look within seconds!

I visited the Renegade Craft weekend market at Wicker Park in Chicago couple of weeks back where I had the pleasure of meeting the Incroyable Isabelle Gougenheim who is a french designer for her own brand ‘Isabelle Gougeinheim Designs’. She is based in Chicago but all of her art works are from Italy, so you know for sure that there is quality!

Hailing from the fashion capital of the world, France, Isabelle Gougenheim is known for her soft, luxurious silk, and eye-catching scarves made in Italy which is inspired by everyday life, travel, graffiti and unusual art on the streets. Isabelle Gougenheim scarf feels incredibly soft with a combination of silk, cashmere and modal fabrics.

‘AMOUR’ (2021-2022 Fall/Winter collection) $185

Hot (Island) Girl Summer

Picture yourself first time being out of the house, lying down on a beach sunbathing and working on that tan with a margarita in your hand. The fresh smell of salt in the air and sand in between your toes. All you want to do is serve killer looks brighter than the sun. Here’s what’s hot

Latest trends for summer 2021