Nope, I'm not turning my blog into a food blog but yes, this post will feature one of my favorite recipes. This one's for coffee lovers like me, or to someone who loves to boost their creativity with the help of a coffee-banana smoothie.

       I don't know if you've already read about this, but according to an article from NY Times, coffee helps in boosting creativity. So does beer, but nope, I'm not gonna promote alcoholism so let's just stick to coffee okay? lol Bananas, on the other hand, are rich in fiber, pectin, and potassium; making them one of the healthiest fruits in the world. Now, what happens if we combine both in a drink? you'll become a creative monkey! lmao just kidding guys What will happen is that you'll have a healthy drink that will boost your creativity and perhaps your productivity in work as well. If you want both, or if you just wanna enjoy a good drink, then this recipe might be perfect for you.

Optional:

• honey
• cinnamon powder
• crush ice

Directions:

1. Prepare all ingredients needed.
2. Dissolve the powdered coffee into a tablespoon of a hot water. Set aside.
3. Cut the bananas and place them into your clean blender. Add the yogurt, coffee and soya milk. Add your ice as well if you have it. Blend the ingredients for 2 minutes.
4. Pour the smoothie into a glass container. In my case, I used my mason jar :)
5. Serve the drink and enjoy!

     The recipe is good for a one regular sized mason jar or two 12 oz. glasses. And yes, you can modify the ingredients the way you want it. You can add more bananas if you want it thicker. You may also add more coffee if you want. Do what you want with the smoothie as long as you enjoy the drink.

      That ends this very short and easy smoothie recipe and I hope you'd like it as much as I did. Let me know how you would like to change the smoothie or what other ingredients would you like to add to it. Scribble down your thoughts in the comment section below. Thank you and have a wonderful week ahead!

love lots,

Tin

•    Do pair it with a denim jacket.

To pull off the casual leather pants look, you must pair it with a top in contrasting fabric and a denim jacket is one of the fabrics that is in contrast but greatly complements the leather material. Just simply put on a loose tank top and layer a denim jacket over it.

•    Don’t pair it with matching leather jacket.

You may be tempted to do this. After all, the monochromatic looking has become all the rage nowadays, right? However, pairing a pair of leather pants with the equally trendy leather jacket will be an overkill. You will end up looking like a member of a biker gang instead of a fashionable chic.

•    Do pair it with pastel colors.

Leather pants will give any outfit that instant rock star look. If you wish to tame it down, you can pair it with fun and flirty pastel colored tops.

•    Don’t wear it to work.

Sure, leather pants are one of the trendiest pieces of clothing in the fashion industry but it can be quite selective. You can wear it to a party, a club, a bar but you should never ever wear it to work. No matter how dressed up it may look, it will not be corporate enough.

•    Do layer.

The key to pulling off the leather pants look is to conceal the crotch area. That is why it is recommended that you wear long layers to conceal it. Plus, layering is also a great way to look stylish during the colder months.

•    Don’t pair it with a tight fitted top.

When it comes to choosing a top for your leather pants, you should keep it loose, slouchy and comfortable. Some of the items that you can wear with a tunic, a button down top, a sweatshirt, a tank top, a basic tee and much more. However, you should never ever pair it with skin-tight tops as it will look over the top. After all, this outfit is all about balance.

Alright so currently I am _________

READING

 Mireille Guiliano's Women, Work & the Art of Savoir Faire: Business Sense and Sensibility. This book isn't on my 'to read' list, but this got me at first three sentences when I checked out what's in my favorite local book store. I'm not gonna elaborate so much on what the book is all about, but I would probably write a review on it once I finish reading the whole thing. It's a must read book you guys and I can't wait to share to you all of my thoughts about it!

WRITING

Of course this post duh!!! lmao I just finished writing a news for our company's website (as part of my new job right now). Honestly, I'm not required to write at home, I just thought it would be good for me so I can accomplish more task once I get my ass in our office tomorrow. Anyway, you can read some of my works by visiting our website.

LISTENING

These days I find myself listening to the songs of Kanye West from his Life of Pablo album and to the songs of Cheats from their first album. Not gonna talk too much either about  Kanye or Cheats. I'm planning to write a separate post about their songs on my playlist.

THINKING

About the work that I need to accomplish tomorrow

HOPING

1. To accomplish the tasks assigned to me in good quality. 

2. For my online orders to arrive early this week.

WISHING

Success. Productivity. Positivity = for this week :)

LOVING

My job right now. I don't wanna compare, but yes, I'm gonna compare. This current job of mine right now is the best job I ever had so far. Not because this gives me the most benefits and the biggest salary, but because this gives me the most satisfaction and challenge. With all honesty, I've never felt so excited to work on something and to think of something for my work. I'm not saying that my previous jobs weren't good, they were. I just feel like I'm doing better in this job, which I fervently hope. 

Yes, I still have fears, insecurities and funny jitters in this job, but what I've learned so far from this job outweighs them all. Though this job is clouded by uncertainties that makes me cringe, I still feel hopeful and inspired to do my best for the company that I am working in. 

NEEDING

More time. we can have all the opportunities in this world, but no, never time. I have so many things in mind right now (one is blogging) and I feel like a day isn't enough for me to do all the things that I need and want to do. I need more holidays too! lol haha and money hahahaha Just kidding guys, what I really need right now is the courage to look at the bright side of everything. charot!

Seriously though, that's what a pessimist like me constantly needs.

FEELING

Sleepy and tired right now, so I'll bid you my good night's kiss now. It's almost 2AM guys and I need to get up at 6AM so good luck to me tomorrow. lol

I hope you are doing all well and sorry if I wasn't able to check your blogs recently. Promise I'd really try my best to get in touch to you as always.

Good luck and let's all start the week positively!

love lots,

Tin

     To say that life after college is overwhelming is an understatement. You've probably thought that graduating college will give you freedom from all other responsibilities, but nope. I would rather say that life after college is just the beginning of the endless roles and responsibilities that you have to deal with. It is the point where to have to face the "real world" where you are expected to be capable of being an adult (and to pay the bills).

     While some might choose to relax after graduation, some eventually set out to find the road that could lead them to the path where they can make a mark in this world. There is no concise path to how we should live our lives, but if you just graduated from college, it would be really cool to spend some of your time being productive. That is for you not to be ready for the new life that you will face, but for you to be prepared. (There's no such thing as being ready but good preparation exists.)

       As somebody who graduated college two years ago, here are some of my "survival" tips on how to survive life after college. This is also for those who have what I and my friends used to call post-college graduation depression. lol aka I don't know what I'm doing with my life/ I don't know where I am heading.

      It is always great to achieve success on your own, but a little help won't hurt you. One way of getting the right help that you need is by building connections with the right people. May it is a brilliant professor that you know or anyone who is knowledgeable in your field, a good connection can give insights that can be beneficial in your future plans. They can also give you recommendations, tips, notes on where to apply, where to study, or even how to get by in the corporate world.

       Many people failed in getting their "dream job" not because they aren't capable, but because they fail at one of the basics in landing a job just like acing in a job interview. I used to think that interviews aren't very significant. I used to think that they are just random questions, but lately, I've found out that each question thrown by an interviewer has a significant role in determining whether you are the right person for the job or not.

      It would really do you good if you know the loops and holes in job interviews. As for myself, I watch videos, read tips and ask for advice before I go for a job interview. And yes, it would be extremely helpful that you research about the company that you are applying for. Also, don't forget to polish your resume and follow the basic steps in applying for a job e.g  proper job interview outfit. Girl, don't show up wearing crop tops and mini skirts unless you wanna be a lgjdfgkfdxdgf.

      Do your best, not just at first, but to all of your jobs. Build a good platform or base in your life as a professional, but make your first job experience a memorable one. Try your best to be at peace with your co-workers and your employers as well. I just want to highlight this one because I know how easy it is to get caught in a job that you are not passionate about.

      One best example is when you are doing your job only for money. If you are doing that right now, let me tell you, QUIT. Make your motivation an internal one. If your job is your passion, then your work won't feel like work. It may tire you and stress you out, but if you are passionate about it, then you can always find a way to get your work done.

         When I had my first job, I used to be so guilty about overspending. Not all of my money went for nothing, but I still wish I didn't let myself get caught into reckless shopping. One of the main differences between being a student and being a working adult is that you no longer get the allowance that your parents used to give you. If they still do, well, don't you think it's a bit odd?

         At my age right now, I am no master of budgeting or other things related to money. I suck at numbers, but I understand the necessity of it. I cannot give you a thorough detail about how to budget here, what I can only do, at least now, is to remind you to start learning a thing or two about it. I promise I'll do the same.

         It is important to accept that you're not in college anymore, but it is more important to stay being a student. Don't rely on what you have learned from your college days. Chances are, most of them would be a little bit outdated. Remember, experience will always be the best teacher and you can only meet that teacher once you venture out into the real world.

         Learning a new skill and mastering it is also a big bonus. No specific knowledge is useless if you know how to use it. Application is the key. You'll never know where a new skill would take you.

         Focus is very important in realizing whatever goals you have for yourself. Be it as simple as shredding some stubborn fat or as laborious as being in a job that you love. (As if losing fat is so easy lmao) I'd like to think that focus is synonymous to discipline; that both cannot exist without the other.

          As much as focus is a vital thing, it is important to project it in a right way. Focus on your self instead of focusing on others. Focus on what you have achieved other than what you haven't achieved (yet). I've found out that others gnaw into discontent simply because they tend to compare themselves to others. And I have to admit, there are times where I find myself in the same situation. However, when I would reassess my personal goals and divert my focus to what I really want, feelings of discontent would slowly vanish. Still, the battle is constant and we just have to remind ourselves where should we properly dwell our focus, again and again.

        I know exactly how easy it is to get caught in a moment where you ask yourself: "What am I doing with my life?" or if you are more paranoid, you end up comparing your achievement with the achievement of others especially to those who graduated with you. Raise your hands if you are guilty. I am raising mine. Things also get crazier when you find yourself doing something not because you love it, but because it's what expected of you. It's a real bullshit. Really.

       I'll leave you all my love and this wonderful quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and done his best; but what he has said or done otherwise shall give hint no peace.

I hope you'll find this post helpful. Do you have any tips on how to survive life after college? Please do share it in the comment section below. I will be more than happy to read it :)

Good luck!

love lots,

Tin