5 Love Languages

I think the one of the most valuable things I took away from college was the knowledge I gained about love languages. If you have not read The 5 Love Languages  by Gary Chapman, you really need to do so. I have always loved to read, but reading for school sometimes can be a challenge for me. However, that was not the case with this particular book.
This book is a Christian book, but it applies to everyone. It explains that there are 5 love languages - physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, and gifts.  These languages are not just for romantic relationships - they can be for your friends, family, as well as your significant others.
Everyone has a touch of all 5 languages, but typically one or two categories will stand out. For me, my two main ones are physical touch and quality time. This means that I feel loved and valued when I can hold hands, hug, or sit close to a friend or boyfriend. I also really enjoy just being together and doing activities that emphasizes our relationship - for my boyfriend and I this is playing racquetball and watching old movies.
I had kind of forgotten about the love languages recently - that is until my boyfriend got sick. I never realized just how much I value being close to him. I leave for a major trip next week and as a result I  cannot afford to get sick! I have been trying to keep my distance from Sky and it is simply no fun at all. Anyway if you are looking for a great read that will teach you more about how you best receive love or how to best express your love for someone, then check out this book!



All the best,
Malena

A Christmas- Filled Weekend

Oh the weekend I have had so far! Schuyler and I had the loveliest evening on Friday. We made homemade pizza with plenty of veggies, made cut out sugar cookies and decorated them, and made "puppy chow." It turned out to be delicious, though our cookie decorating skills leave something to be desired.

Cooking wasn't even the best part of the night! Schuyler and I headed to my room (My DVR is only hooked up to the tv in my room) and watched a Muppets Christmas Carol. I had never seen it and Schuyler has always been a sucker for the muppets so needless to say we had a blast! We literally just hung out. I know that sounds boring, but we had Christmas lights on in my room and my puppy came to lay with us. It was magical. Life's great moments don't always have to be grandiose. It felt so nice just to relax by the glow of my bedside candle and watch a silly Christmas movie.

Then Saturday came! I worked my usual 5am - 11am shift at the radio station. After that I dropped off some baby shower decorations for a friend from Taekwondo, then right back home for a MUCH needed nap! I woke up around 3:30 and got ready for Schuyler's company Christmas party. I even gave myself a fancy manicure using nail stickers I got on clearance for $2.

Unfortunately I had to miss the baby shower for the Christmas party, but it turned out to be quite a nice event. We had a fun time, but right as it ended we had to head to the Taekwondo Christmas party! This was a much more upbeat/laid back party - complete with Karaoke! Schuyler and I skipped the singing, but enjoyed the show. It was too bad we couldn't stay too long because I had to rush off to my overnight shift for the radio station!

Sunday, I get to sleep. At 2 Sky is coming over and at 3 we are heading to do a mini Christmas with his parents before I head back to Maryland for the Holidays! I suppose I should say Holiday. I will be in Rotterdam for New Years! After that little gathering it is off to the Radio Station's Holiday Party! Busy weekend, but I'm thankful for every second.

Keep on smiling,
Malena

Good Deals and Giving Back

The Holiday season is now in full swing and I couldn't be happier! I am preparing to go on an amazing trip and am taking the opportunity to be christmasy at every turn.

I needed a pair of black pants for my trip and decided to check out Marshall's. I really like to shop at discount stores. I can't imagine ever paying hundreds of dollars for jeans. Shoes, maybe, but not jeans. I like shopping, but I'm too aware of my bank account to splurge often. Anyway, as I was saying - I headed into Marshall's and found a pair of Michael Kors pants that fit perfectly! They were marked down from $110 to $30! Score! I was quite excited.

However, the awesome deal on nice pants was not the best part of our trip to Marshall's. Schuyler and I had a blast picking out presents to donate for Toys 4 Tots. I got a Lala Loopsy doll! I didn't know much about them, but apparently they are really big with little girls.

Schuyler wound up picking a big 24 pack of playdough. I think that was a great present because pretty much every little kid loves playdough! It was so fun to relive our childhood and pick out presents that we would have loved as kids.

Just remember that during all the hustle and bustle of the season to think about the less fortunate. Give back and spread the hope and love.

Malena

Starting Out

I have noticed that an overwhelming amount of energy - both on the web and in real life - are devoted to pointing out the negative things in life. I feel like as a member of society you are ambushed by negative images and concepts and I know from experience that it can really take a toll on your outlook on life. I have decided to start a space just for positive thinking and positive experiences. I will share things that I find that make me smile or things that I think may make one of you smile. That can range from a beautiful view to a great deal I found while shopping.

With that said, I'll start with the obvious - It is Christmas time!! I love Christmas. I love everything about it. I love the lights and Christmas trees and general good spirits. I had a wonderful time putting up the Christmas decorations with my boyfriend, Schuyler, and we have a few more Christmasy dates planned in the near future. I recorded the Polar Express and The Muppets Christmas Carol so we are ready for a wild weekend!

Also, I will be leaving on Christmas Day for the adventure of a lifetime. If you want updates on that go check out LenaLivingLife.blogspot.com.

Lots of Love,
Malena