New Year's Eve.. wow! I cannot believe a year has passed by already. Everything this past year happened so fast in both my personal and work life but it's been an unforgettable one.

If I could use the voice I have gained from this platform by raising even the slightest bit of awareness on what is happening in the world then I'll be content. For the most part my blog has been very fun and laid back but there's a time and place for everything; right now - it's time to talk.

Let's talk about Aleppo.
Let's talk about the biggest city in Syria and one of the oldest in the world. Let's talk about how it is being destroyed, or what's left of it at least, as we speak. Let's talk about how children are being killed and women choosing to kill themselves in fear of being raped. Let's talk about how the rest of the world, well.. the rest of the world is barely even acknowledging it.

Let's talk about Aleppo.
Let's talk about why the world cried for New York, Paris, but has remained silent for Aleppo. Let's talk about the 400 000 people who have lost their lives in Aleppo thus far. Let's talk about the hundreds posting their final goodbyes online for the world to see.

Let's talk about humanity.
Let's talk about how humans are being tortured and killed every second of everyday. Let's talk about these people living in fear 24/7. Let's talk about how they have been stripped of everything; hospitals, churches/mosques, houses being bombed daily. Let's talk about how there is absolutely nothing humane about that.

So, let's talk about Aleppo.
Let's talk and talk and talk until we are heard and Aleppo is given the help it deserves. Let's talk for these civilian who have fought for their rights just the same as you and I have. We have been silent for years as a mass genocide has taken place right before us. But now, I urge you to break the silence.

Let's talk about Aleppo.
Let's spread awareness.
Let's help.



"I decided it is better to scream. Silence is the real crime against humanity."
― Nadezha Mandelstam 


Click here to read about different ways you can help.
Click here for this photo and more.

Hey everyone!

After I published my holiday blog post I started to think of some New Year's resolutions I may have of my own but that just got me to thinking; why do we focus so much on what we haven't achieved or learned yet instead of noticing what we have? I took time to reflect on my past year, and at just 23, I am super thankful that I can say 2016 has taught me a lot of very important life lessons. It was probably one of my hardest years, emotionally, but looking back at it now I cannot be any more proud that I am walking away with some valuable life lessons.



10. You have absolutely no control over the big thing things in life, so make the little ones count:
You have no say in how everything in this world is going to turn out but you can control your own actions. Be kind to people who may need it. Put a smile on a stranger's face. People remember the little things a lot more than you think.

9. Communication will be the answer to almost all of your problems:
Whether its your job, your parent(s), friend or partner -- talk to them. Acknowledge what is happening or you're going to create a million other problems avoiding the original one.

8. Stop trying to impress everyone:
Seriously! I've said it before and I'll say it again. Someone is always going to have a different opinion than you. Don't try to please them.. focus on yourself.



7. The most important thing you'll ever invest in is yourself:
Take the extra classes. Read books. Meet new people. Volunteer. Travel. Keep learning and growing because knowledge is power. That's one thing no one can ever take away from you.

6. Pick and choose your battles:
Life is way too short, and dealing with drama you shouldn't have to is just a waste of your time. Sometimes letting things go means nothing more than that you're growing up. Not every situation needs a reaction. Let it go and move on.

5. Take advice:
It took me a hell of a long time to start doing this but it's probably one of the more important one's I have learned this year. Your parents, siblings, managers; they're only giving you advice because it's true. They want the best for you, and I know it's hard to see at the time, but they know what they're saying. Take their advice. You'll thank them later.



4. No one is perfect:
It's ok to be wrong. You're only human. Admitting you were wrong, or that you need help, is completely fine. It's not a sign of weakness.

3. "You are a combination of the five people you spend the most time with":
I've heard this quote many times before but it wasn't until this past year that I have really come to understand it. If you feel like you need to change your life, you have to start with the people you surround yourself with. The people closest to you should be your support system; if they're not contributing to your life positively than they're not contributing to your life at all.

2. Friends come and go:
Which brings me to this life lesson.. just because someone was in your life for ten, or fifteen, years doesn't mean they need to stay. People change and so do the relationships in your life. You grow and sometimes the people you were close to are no longer going to move forward in life with you. But that's the thing; you don't need to be sorry for any of this. It's life. We all change.

1. You create your own happiness:
If you think money, or a certain job, or someone is going to make you happy -- you're wrong. It took me 23 years to learn that happiness is something you create. You have to go out and chase the job you want. Any money you earn from a job you hate won't mean much to you. And you will never be happy with someone else unless you are happy with yourself first. So break out of your comfort zone and go chase your own happiness. It'll be worth everything.


If you gain anything from this post I hope it's that you take the time to look back on your year and realize you have something to celebrate. It may not always seem like it at first but when you look back, you'll realize how far you've come.

Cheers to 2016.

Photos taken by @akrmhyz

1. Appreciate others' presence more than presents:
Being so far away from home makes me often remember not to take the presence of my loved ones for granted and it is definitely emphasized during the holiday season. Having everyone I know fly back home to be with their friends and family makes me reflect on my previous holidays home. However, this year it also makes me very grateful for being welcomed with open arms into such a wonderful team at Aveda, and all they've done for me thus far.

Take the time to set your glasses down, push the presents aside and really be in the moment with the ones you love. Old or new, be grateful for the people in your life this year.


2. Give:
I usually go out and spend lots of my own money shopping for superficial items to hand over to my friends. I'm not saying that's not necessary, but if you have less people to give gifts to this year; give! Seriously, take some time (and money) out of your everyday routine and give it to someone who might need it a little more around this time of year. Here in Dubai, I find it very easy to give back to others' as it is something they focus on and encourage a lot of us to do. So no matter where you are, try it out.

It doesn't even have to be money; have a conversation with someone in the street who looks like they may need it. Give them your time.



3. Focus on Yourself Too:
As I've gotten older I've come to realize that while it's important to think of other's always, especially on the holidays, it's also very important to think about yourself. Take time this holiday season to reflect on how far you've come the past year and set goals for where you'd like to be by the end of this year. I know, I know.. it sounds so cliché to have New Year's resolutions, but seriously, it's actually a good thing to see how far along you've come. Congratulate yourself. Be proud of yourself. And set your mind in the right direction to only grow for the next year.

I feel super blessed for every high and every low in my life that's led me to this point in my life. I'll definitely be taking the next two weeks to reflect on my past year and refresh my mind -- set my own goals for the new year.

Jumpsuit: TopShop
Shoes: Bershka

Cheers!!
Enjoy the holidays :)