3 WAYS I FOUND HAPPINESS WITHIN MYSELF

3 WAYS I FOUND HAPPINESS WITHIN MYSELF 

Sometimes we forget how to make ourselves happy and we often become so distracted with trying to "make it" that we lose ourselves in the process. I used to be the negative type person and thought I was charmed with bad luck but recently I've been doing things that makes me happy or rather happier and I wanted to share it with everyone...

Take up reading in your spare time

Yes, I read a lot of self motivational books because like I said I was really a negative person and I wanted to change and find a new meaning to life. Well to be honest I was looking for who I really was and how I could find peace. I started off by reading "The Secret" which basically states that having a positive mind is the major KEY to life, if you really want something in terms of career, relationships and general happiness. 

Apparently, celebrities have known this secret for centuries WHERE HAVE I BEEN, EH HELLO lol Now me too I know the secret and I have started to apply it to my life and I'm so much happier. I also read the book 'Feel the fear and do it anyway' it gave me such a great insight as to why I should really stop fearing the 'what if's' and start taking risks this is why today I am writing blog post and starting an online business.

Spend more time with people who inspire you and spend less time gossiping

THIS IS THE REALIST ADVICE I CAN GIVE TO Y'ALL, since I stopped hanging around people who want to gossip all the time I am able to focus on my goals and my dreams. I truly believe in the quote "show me your friends and I'll show you who you are" do not hang around people who want to gossip all the time.

I'm not saying I don't gossip I'm saying I have cut down dramatically on how much TIME I spend doing this and started filling my conversations with my friends with positivity and ideas. Gossiping takes SO much time and effort and in the same space you can achieve SO much. Surround yourself with individuals who are gonna motivate, elevate and push you towards your dreams. 

Being grateful for how far I have come

Sometimes I work so hard and I don't give myself enough credit, only because I feel like I should be doing more with my life. Especially when I see these young Instagram girls making moves I just think to myself "eish I'm not doing enough I need to do more to become successful" BUT I have come so far from where I used to be and I'm forever grateful for this. 

Thinking about it I am so proud of myself, In secondary school they told me I wasn't going to get GCSE's this year I am Graduating from University LOL. I'm very proud and you should be too, life isn't easy if your still alive and grinding everyday you should be proud.

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MY FAVOURITE TV SERIES RIGHT NOW

MY FAVOURITE TV SERIES RIGHT NOW 

I am currently loving all types of programmes right now and I can't help but share with the world, and also people always ask me what programme they should watch next LOL so if this is relatable keep reading. P.S. may contain spoilers 

1. Game Of Thrones - I've watching this programme ever since it came out and I must say six season later it is one of the best programmes invented. It's like a mixture of medieval times and fantasy, just amazing so many favourite characters some have died and some are alive. Jon Snow is just like the perfect man, if you have never watched this show I urge you too start ASAP!
2. Suits - I'm convinced I only watch suits to dribble over Mike and Harvey Lol, I'm weird like that I get obsessed with fictional characters really easily and unfortunately these two ended up on my radar. This is show is more for people who enjoy law solving crimes with a little bit romance. It has really interesting cases and leaves a cliffhanger almost every episode.
3. Daredevil - I only started watching this programme recently and I've nearly finished the new season that just came out. It gets addictive really quickly, like how can a blind man be so sexy and plus if you are a big fan of Avengers and Marvel you will definitely love this programme. You can watch it on Netflix which is amazing cause you can binge watch and finish it all in one day LOL.
4. Once Upon A Time - If you love fairytales and disney films like me then this is the programme for you. It's where fairy tale meets real life and its incredible, like how can this happen and it does all of this with a twist. The first few episodes may seem a tad boring but once you start getting into it properly you will be addicted. It will also have you questioning you if you can tell real from fake, ahh I love the confusion it creates lol. Also available on Netflix with loads of episodes and the recent season. Please I really encourage you to watch it lol.
5. Narcos - THE BEST EVER DOCUMENTARY TOLD IN A SERIES. Honestly I couldn't stop researching about Pablo Escobar after watching this series. I so cannot wait for season two it's almost unfair how it just ended like that sigh... If you are interested in druglords kingpin then this programme is for you, in fact it's for everyone because it is the BEST programme/documentary I have ever watched. Please it will teach you a thing or two about building an empire (not with drugs) but it will motivate you to do something with your life. It is of course a Netflix original so it is better to watch it on there in my opinion. 
6. Prison Break - Don't even get me started. The title just speaks for its self, two words WENTWORTH MILLER. That alone should make you watch it. I watched this programme a very long time ago but it is so good I re watched the episodes especially when I heard there was a new season coming out after TEN years or so. It was worth the wait though, this is also on Netflix.. BTW isn't Netflix amazing with all these shows to occupy your time lol. 
7. Person of Interest - Another show I started watching when I should have been doing my coursework lol. After starting this programme yet again I became infatuated with the main character Resse, anyway the programme is sort of like a suspense/crime solving programme where Resse has to save people's lives in a short amount of time according to their social security number. It's a very interesting programme and Taraji P. Henson stars as well BONUS! 
8. Charmed - I know this programme is beyond old but I honestly cannot help myself but to keep watching from season one to eight when I'm bored lol. I've been doing this consistently with this programme ever since it came out when I was a little girl. It's about three sisters who happen to be witches who also save innocent lives with the help of their white lighter (basically an angel). It has mixed elements of love, sisterhood and compassion, I think that's what draws me to this programme all the time haha. You will enjoy it too and guess what?? All seasons are available on Netflix :)

That's it for now but I will be doing an updated version when I find new programmes to watch or when I continue to watch my other programmes. Sorry if I made it really long but I'm really passionate about these programmes and I could write about them forever but I'll leave it here. Please leave a comment down below if you watch these programmes or if you start tell me what you think lets have a discussion :):):):) I would love that. Thank You For Reading My Blog Post, Also don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube Channel and follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest x One love have a Blessed Sunday 
      

LIFE UPDATE: WHEN YOU REMAIN POSITIVE

Hey party people lol, a lot has been happening since the last time I had a blog. I hardly talk about how I'm feeling or what I am going through but I think I'm ready to share a part of my life that could potentially help someone else. By now everyone should know that I am expecting a child in less than 3 weeks and I'm so scared but I think I am prepared, but then again I guess you can never be ready. 

Pregnancy week 37

I am now considered 'full term' and I feel so heavy it's a little bit annoying but the way I see it I am at the end and I'm very happy that Gemini could reach this stage. I was actually premature by 6 weeks LOL so she's stronger than me and made it till the end, she's making me proud already. According to these apps she now weighs about 2.8kg (same as 4 pints of milk and 2 cans of beans) and 48.5 cm... Lord help my tiny body cause I am tired. She is also gaining about an ounce of weight every TWO days. I am not enjoying this stage of pregnancy, I'm at the point were I'm just like please hurry up and come I wanna see you lol.

Health 

I haven't put on any weight at all but I find it extremely difficult to breathe, I feel like I'm being crushed sometimes and it's not a nice feeling. I am mentally healthy I would say this because I feel a lot more happier in myself and everyday when I wake up I find the motivation to be productive and complete my daily goals. The only disadvantage I'm facing right now is my Iron levels are mega low and although I've been prescribed Iron tablets I cannot personally take them as it affects my bowel movements. So I find myself sleeping more than usual but this is very common in pregnancy and it was an ongoing problem before I found out I was pregnant.

University

I can finally say I have finished university and I am currently awaiting my grades (I'm super scared to find out what I'm graduating with) I worked so hard on my Dissertation topic and I actually want to share with you what my topic was because I feel like it can help a lot of black women who have self-esteem issues (to be published at a later date). University has been a long rocky road for me and I am happy to have made it to the end, that is an achievement in it's self. Well Done to everyone who has also finished... WE MADE IT YA'LL 

Relationship

I am single and enjoying life I do not need a man to make me feel happy or complete. Yes I am also a single mum and I'm going to be a great one. I REFUSE to force a man to take care of his responsibility.

Secret Project

The main reason why I haven't returned to Youtube yet is because I am working on a secret project/website in hopes of helping single mothers and mothers in general who are looking for a bargain. I mean who doesn't love a sweet bargain. I will explain in detail closer to the time when the website is complete and ready to launch... So keep your eyes peeled and look out for that. 

What else is new?

- I plan to do a mummy series on my Youtube channel and my blog where I share my new found experience, products I will be using and daily updates on baby Gemini. I absolutely cannot wait to do a labour and delivery video LOL... I have a high tolerance for pain and it makes me wonder how I'm going to handle this type of pain!

- I want to do daily or weekly vlogs, I'm not sure which one you guys prefer but it's one or the other so if you can please email me or comment down below which ones you would love to see that would be great.

- I am and have declared myself to be an all rounder blogger/Youtuber, I know a lot of people have said but 'what's your focus?' and my honest answer is I do not have one. I just want to be able to share things I love and Do with people on the internet and who know's it might actually help someone out there. I am a multipurpose person - and my excuse is I'm a Gemini we are naturally confused and want to do everything LOL.

- Oh yes, I changed my name from 'Foreverbarbs' to 'Barbara Antigua' just because I feel like I am maturing and didn't think forever barbs suits me anymore. I hope this makes sense lol.

I think that is it for my life update, I don't think I've missed anything out. So far I can say I am 100% enjoying blogging and I hope you guys are loving everything about this blog and me. Not a lot goes on in my life but the little that does I share with you guys. Thank you for supporting me so far ... Let's Grow Together x 

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DINNER AT MANGO TREE

Mango Tree - Thai Cuisine At It's Best

I had the pleasure of visiting this exquisite Thai cuisine restaurant and I must say I really enjoyed my time there. The service was very efficient and the staff were lovely and the food was just AMAZING! even though the portions were quite small. I would say it was pricey and the main meals did not come with side dishes such as rice ( it is sold separately ). I did not drink but they had a wide selection of wines, cocktails and soft drinks... also they pour out your coke for you in your glass. 

For my main I ordered the seafood stir fry ( the image above )and I must say it was absolutely delicious, it was spicy and right up my street. I would 100% recommend this dish to anyone that wants to eat here. I was also being greedy (I tasted everyone's food images down below). If you do end up going here you will be spoiled for choices honestly, given the chance I would have eaten the whole place LOL.   

All in all I really enjoyed my night and it had such a relaxing atmosphere and wasn't at all busy. The only disappointing thing I could say is the fact that the toilets were quite far and not really practical for a pregnant women and disabled people but on the whole I would definitely visit again. I'm not going to say it's the best Thai food I've tasted but it was nice. 

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THE START OF A NEW BEGINNING

"A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope and a dream of possibilities." 

- Eda Le Shan

In October 2015 I found out I was pregnant and to my dismay I was really shocked and somewhat disappointed in myself. Only because I hadn't finished my university degree, I wasn't financially or mentally stable enough to cope with looking after ANOTHER person. Against all odds I kept my baby and lost a partner in the process resulting in me becoming a SINGLE parent - the start of a new beginning. 

Honestly, at this point I felt like giving up and just laying in bed for the rest of my life but in a weird way the life growing inside me gave me a reason to keep going. I knew what I had gotten myself into and I knew what I had to do. Some how I found the motivation to get up everyday work my two jobs and still commute to university every week. Truth be told I was really blessed to have supportive friends and family who kept me in their prayers and who were there for me to listen to me rant about the child's father (but thank God I got over him and the situation). 

I've never been so scared of anything in my life before but the thought of being a single parent scared the sh*t out of me. I was raised by just my mother and I saw her struggle sometimes and I didn't want this to be the case for my own child and TBH I pictured my life to be different before I even had children... a family.  

I was more concerned about if I was going to have a social life, have the freedom to get up and travel the world and just having ME time. It took me a while to get over this stage but once I did I realised how blessed I was for God to give me a child, a gift a true blessing and a sign I needed the most after battling Depression. 

I found a new love of life and motivation to pursue things in life such as actually attending lectures and starting a business. It wasn't an easy  journey being pregnant but now I am at the end I can appreciate the new blessing thats about to come and enjoy every moment with her ( my baby Gemini) thats her name by the way. It's funny because we could potentially share the same birthday and we are both Gemini's- a true reflection of her mummy. 

I am writing this post because I want to inspire other young females who have unexpectedly become pregnant and feel like they won't be able to still live their lives... This is never the case. There is a reason for everything happening at that time and no matter what situation you are faced with, there is a LIGHT at the end of the tunnel. God didn't bring you this far to leave you in struggle... there is a time for everything and everything in it's place. Now I understand when people say when you have a child everything changes- yes because more blessings to come and you develop a new profound way of thinking and it's TRULY amazing. 

For my baby shower I wore a lace 3/4 length sleeved maxi dress from ASOS, which was amazing because I genuinely felt like a princess. I had my make up done by an MUA who is also my friend (Instagram - @ajbeauty_) check her out she's amazing. Everything was so perfect that day I even cried so many kind and lovely souls attended and it filled me with so much joy, excitement and anticipation.

Thank you so much for reading my blog post and I hope you find a little bit of inspiration. Have a blessed Sunday and week, Also don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube Channel, follow me on Instagram and Twitter x

THE PRODUCT EVERY NATURAL HAIR GIRL NEEDS!

If you are subscribed to my Youtube channel, you'll know that I am currently loving this product and have been using it to treat my hair conservatively for nearly a year now, and I must say I am absolutely LOVING it !! I would recommend this product to anyone to you natural ladies and also those who are transitioning, as it has no DAMAGING chemicals, it's sulfate free and it leaves your hair feeling super SOFT !!

P.S. It smells nice too x

I have been natural for three years now and I have tried a range of products but and I've found this Cantu Deep Treatment Masque to be the most effective as takes to my hair really well. My hair tends to get dry really easily, like I'll just be there with my dry hair and I used to question my self like why is this happening to me :). After much research, I found this product and have been using it ever since. It restored the moisture in my hair and made it thicker too, which was a bonus !! 

How I use this Product:

1) I mix it with oils like; coconut oil, Jamaican castor oil, an essential oil and finally EGG YOLK. Some people may say ewww that's nasty but the protein in the egg yolk is so BENEFICIAL to your hair.

2) I comb out my hair and apply it to dry hair.

3) I Always, Always makes sure it's on the tips of my hair as well. After this, cover your hair with a heated steam plastic cap, If you don't have a steam cap, use a plastic bag. You can get this from your local beauty supplier.

4) Let the product marinate in your hair for about 30 minutes to an hour then wash it out with your desired shampoo and conditioner. 

That's it guys, this is how I use this product, I hope you found this helpful xx 

Let me know if you want me to share any of my other favourites hair care products. Leave a comment on what works for you or any products you want me to try out xx Thank You beauts, Also don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube Channel, follow me on Instagram and Twitter x