The power of music

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"Music can change the world."

(Ludwig van Beethoven)

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Music is considered a cultural universal, even though its definition can vary from culture to culture and its origins are still unclear.

For most people, music is part of everyday life. It not only serves as entertainment, but usually also plays an important role in activities such as celebrations, cultural activities and religious rituals. Music is also used in advertising to promote brand recognition and create positive associations with products. The music played in stores can also affect our buying habits, and because of this emotional connection, music is also used in movies and TV shows.

Music can do more than just confirm our current emotional state, it can also influence our emotional destination. However, music and emotions are personal, cultural and linked to past experiences. A song does not trigger the same feeling in everyone, and it may even be that a song awakens different feelings in us as we grow older.

It depends on our mood and feelings what kind of music we want to listen to. Sometimes it's something classical, sometimes an energetic rock song, other times a catchy pop song or some hip-hop. There's also an old saying: when you're happy, you listen to the music, when you're sad, you listen to the lyrics.

For many people, music is also a form of personal expression. The music we listen to can be a reflection of our personality and our values. It can therefore also be a way to connect with others who have the same taste in music.

👉 Share your favorite song released so far in 2024 in the comments below. Whether it's a hit from the charts or a local gem, I'd love to hear about it. 😊

I will also leave here one of my favorite songs from this year to date, which is "Dance Alone" by Sia and Kylie Minogue.

Have a lovely day,

E

Happy Easter

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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🐰 Happy Easter, enjoy the holidays. 😊

🐰 Frohe Ostern und schöne Feiertage. 😊

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With best wishes,

E

The secrets of the color green

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"In nature you don't get lost, you find yourself."

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Thinking of the color green probably brings to mind some natural elements, such as grass, trees or plants. This is no wonder, because according to color psychology, green stands for nature, growth, harmony, but also for wealth and health. It can as well symbolize life and renewal, and the color is seen as positive in most cultures. Green is also known for its calming effect.

Green is a color that is present throughout nature and is also often used in design and decoration, creating a sense of freshness and connection to the natural world.

Today is Saint Patrick's Day, which is closely associated with this color. This day is celebrated on March 17th every year and honors Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. On this day, many people there wear green clothing or use green shamrocks for decoration.

This occasion inspired today's post, and below you will find some inspiration with this color, featuring items from Sinsay.

 

Source of items: Sinsay

🠊 Do you like the color green? What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear this color?

With best wishes,

E

Super Mario, the mascot of Nintendo

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"I think that inside every adult is the heart of a child. We just gradually convince ourselves that we have to act more like adults."

(Shigeru Miyamoto)

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Yesterday, March 10, marked National Mario Day.

Super Mario is a beloved, timeless and iconic video game character and was created by Nintendo in 1985. He is a plumber from the Mushroom Kingdom, known for his iconic red cap, blue overalls and moustache. Mario is often accompanied by his brother Luigi, and together they go on various adventures to save Princess Peach from the villain Bowser.

The Super Mario series has evolved over the decades, setting the standard for 2D and 3D platform games and is one of the most successful and enduring franchises in video game history. These games have entertained generations of gamers worldwide.

Nintendo Entertainment System (Source: Lego)

Super Mario has also had a significant impact on fashion over the years. His iconic look has inspired countless clothing designs, accessories and even collaborations with high-end fashion brands. There was even a movie about him in 2023.

The following items are just a little inspiration on this occasion. 

Super Mario Graphic Hoodie (Source: Primark)

Super Mario Ankle Socks (Source: Primark)

Super Mario Board Shorts (Source: Primark)

🠊 Have you ever played the game, seen the movie or had any clothing or accessories with Super Mario on them?

Wishing you a great week,

E

A lesson in prioritizing mental health

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love."

(Brené Brown)

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At the beginning of this year I decided to write a post every week if possible because I really enjoy it. It wasn't planned as mandatory, yet, last week, as the days passed and Sunday evening approached, the pressure grew as I hadn't written a post that week. The guilt set in, and then I realized I was being too hard on myself.

The expectations we often place on ourselves create unnecessary stress and affect our mental wellbeing. We need to self-reflect and understand that we need to allow ourselves some flexibility.

We tend to place high demands on ourselves, be it in our professional endeavors, our fitness goals or our personal projects. While ambition and dedication are admirable qualities, it's important to recognize the importance of self-compassion. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and we must learn to adapt and change our plans accordingly. And when we do, we shouldn't feel guilty or the need to constantly apologize.

Missing our own deadline for a post or skipping a training session shouldn't be a reason to berate ourselves. It's important to listen to our bodies and our minds and understand when we need to take a break or readjust our priorities.

Putting extra pressure on ourselves will only affect our mental health and overall wellbeing. Instead, we should strive to maintain a healthy balance, be kind to ourselves and treat ourselves with the same compassion and understanding we would show a friend in a similar situation. - You wouldn't talk to your best friend the way you talk to yourself in such circumstances, would you?

So if you find yourself in a similar situation and feel guilty about missing your personal deadline or skipping a workout, be gentle with yourself. Life is a journey with ups and downs, and it's okay to stumble along the way. Be flexible, prioritize your mental health, and remember that self-compassion is the key to a fulfilling and balanced life.

With this being said, I wish you a lovely Sunday,

E

Spring is in the air: 5 activities to shake off the winter blues

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn."

(Hal Borland)

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As we approach the end of the winter season, I am already looking forward to the arrival of spring. The temperature is rising, the daylight is getting longer, nature is awakening.

The change of seasons also provides a great opportunity to shift our routines. Here are 5 activities that will help you to make the most of the changing weather and welcome the new season with its blooming flowers.

🌼🌷🌼 Spring cleaning - For most of us, cleaning is probably not our favorite activity, but decluttering and organizing can help us freshen up our homes and create a clean environment for the new season. Trust me, you'll feel better afterwards, and it's kind of worth an exercise too.

🌼🌷🌼 Spring decor - It's time to replace all the wintry decoration and bring a touch of spring into your home by updating your decor with fresh flowers and some vernal decor.

🌼🌷🌼 Outdoor activities - It's getting light outside for longer and the temperatures are milder, allowing us to enjoy more outdoor activities. There will no longer be an excuse that it's already dark outside after work, which is something I'm really looking forward to. Whether hiking, biking or simply going for a walk, enjoy the fresh air, the sun and the beauty of nature.

🌼🌷🌼 Spring getaway - Whether it's a day trip or a whole weekend, exploring a new place or visiting an old one, embrace the adventure and switch off your mind during this time.

🌼🌷🌼 Practice mindfulness - Don't forget to take the time to slow down too. Pay attention to the sights, sounds and sensations around you. Enjoy the awakening nature, the beauty of the flowers. I personally can't wait for this, and also to listen to the birds and bees. It's so calming.

As we prepare to say goodbye to winter and welcome spring, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the changing landscape and reconnect with nature. From spring cleaning to outdoor adventures, there are countless activities to help you make the most of the transition and celebrate the arrival of this new season filled with growth, renewal and blossoming possibilities.

What activities are you looking forward to with the end of the winter season? Share your favorite ways to welcome spring in the comments below.

With best wishes,

E

Finding joy in the little things: Valentine's Day inspiration

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"Love isn't something you find. Love is something that finds you."

(Loretta Young)

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Valentine's Day is celebrated every year on February 14. Over the centuries, the holiday has evolved into a celebration of love, whereby the exchange of cards, flowers and gifts is a common tradition. In recent years, Valentine's Day has also evolved into a commercial holiday, offering businesses the opportunity to profit from it, which has naturally led to numerous discussions about this special day.

In my opinion, you shouldn't limit your love to a specific day, but show it all year round. Regardless, a little extra gift on Valentine's Day can't hurt, of course. But remember that love is best shown through consistent actions that show care, support and appreciation every day, not just on a specific holiday.

You can show your love through small acts of kindness, such as leaving a love note, giving a warm hug or cooking a favorite meal, but also with small but thoughtful gifts. Remember that the price tag doesn't define the sentiment behind the gift. What matters most is the thought, love, effort and time someone puts into choosing a gift. This can be anything from a handmade card, to a personalized photo frame, a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers. Other options include experiences such as a dinner out together, a movie night or cooking lunch together.

🠊 Are you celebrating Valentine's Day? If so, how do you celebrate it?

💖 "You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection."

(Buddha)

💖 "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."

(Mother Teresa)

💖 "Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."

(Aristotle)

💖 "Love is being stupid together."

(Paul Valery)

💖 "You can't blame gravity for falling in love."

(Albert Einstein)

💖 "There are never enough I Love You's."

(Lenny Bruce)

💖 "The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."

(Audrey Hepburn)

With best wishes,

E