OPEN THAT BOTTLE DAY

23rd of February 

Pretty much self explanatory but I like this holiday. We all got that special bottle of something delicious and naughty put away in a glass cabinet, as our pride and joy or locked away in a secret safe in the wall behind the picture.

The tradition started in 2000 when Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher from Wall Street Journal found it, and it has been practiced every since, last Saturday of February. Although they focus on wine and other grape juices, you can open any bottle that is somewhat special and has waited for this holiday to be enjoyed in.

Not only wine ages, whiskey does so, cognac, port and many others. Invite some friends over, or just a friend or two and Open That Bottle. I am not daring you to finish it, just enjoy it. Talk about it, smell it. Where did it come from, how was it made, how did you come into the possession of it, why is it special to you. On this day also, you can go out and buy another very special bottle of 'that' for next year for the same day.

It doesn't need to be all so special, aged and expensive. Could be that bottle of cheap champagne I told you to keep in the fridge for when you get bed news to pop it open, or very very good news. On this day, no matter the news. Have it! Even if its just a quite night, you and your TV, do open that bottle of wine and have a glass. Cheer to yourself and how fabulous, wonderful, lovely, fun, productive this year is yet to be.

Cheeeeeers!!!!!!!

GALILEO GALILEI DAY

In Pisa, Italy on 15th of February 1564 a boy was born to become a man which passions would become the foundation of the modern scientific method. His father, Vincenzo Galilei, named him Galilo.

His love of mathematics made him look up to the skies. Taking an interest in spyglass, a device that helps distant objects appear closer, produced the very first telescope. Through it, Galilo was able to be the first man to take a closer look at the moon and find out the it wasn't a smooth ball floating around, but that had an uneven surface, just like Earth. Also, he was the fist man to study Saturn, Venus, Jupiter and discover Jupiter's four moons. Yet, that is not why he spent the last years of his life under house arrest ordered by the Church. It was because he approved of Copernicus' theory that the Earth is not a centre of the universe, but the Sun. Earth and other planets revolving around the Sun.

In many ways, Galileo is similar to Darwin. His unorthodox thinking and observations had the same impact on the early sciences and almost the same effect on the church and its followers. That is why we should commemorate Galielo with the same honer and intensity.

If you really really wanted a telescope, today would be the perfect day to make the purchase. That being the case, I wouldn't expect you to invite friends over and have a look too, you'd want it all for yourself. Which is fair enough. But if you already do have the gadget, organize a little dinner/birthday celebration for your friends and family and gaze people. Or grab that sleeping bag, or a whole mattress, grab your children and sleep under the skies. Follow the constellations and the North Star. Count the shooting stars and make wishes. There is a StarWalk app through which you can see the starts above you, under you and there are names and lines connecting them too. Sadly, I find it more interesting than the telescope. If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, way under...you lucky! Read about stars and your stars. Go camping. Find your own star and name it. Organize a planetarium visit in your city or close by.

'I've loved stars too fondly to be fearful of the night' - Sarah Williams

Look up, its beautiful and intimidating.

Happy Galileo Galilei Day!!!!


 

MADLY IN LOVE WITH ME DAY

13th of February 

It is not surprise that such a day is before the Valentine's day. It's the day where 'me is more important than we'. I try to profess and preach about love. All shapes of love, but mainly, Self Love. And on this day is when it all comes to be useful. Also, I always said, you must love yourself first in order to love someone else. On the 13th you exercise that truth.

Try and organize your time better this year. Buy cards, present, or make them few days prior to the 14th so there won't be last minute shopping and preparation the day before. That day you take off, if possible and spend it madly in love with yourself.

Buy a present to yourself. Something you really wanted, something too cute, sexy, glittery. Treat yourself how you would treat your love the next day. Yes, get up, make breakfast and go back to bed, breakfast in bed while waiting for those flowers you order the day before. I know it looks and feels narcissistic, but once you receive them, you won't help but smile on your ingenuity. And it's all about smiling and being happy with yourself. Get up and have a looooong shower, bath and use those skin-care products you have bought, because the best gift that keeps giving to yourself is a skin-care routine. Dress up, dress like you never dressed before, dress for yourself! Walk, or take a taxi-have a driver for the day and go to the spa where you already made an appointment. Stay there and go to the pool, or sauna, or go all stress free in shopping, cinema, gallery, wherever you'd like to be taken on the perfect most romantic date. If you have a friend that is doing the same, meet up for dinner and talk about ideas and intentions to make your lives better, happier, productive and fulfilling.

But mostly, take time, maybe while you are having that breakfast in bed, and write about what you love about yourself, and I do not mean 5 things, I mean 100 or more you can think of. Believe me, once you start thinking that sense, they'll come. And then another list of the things you are not sorry about, or not going to apologize for anymore. Again 100 or more things.

Many women, they might be your friends, are or were in abusive relationships. If you are aware of it, help them out. No need to talk about it. Make the 13th day for them. Take them on your quest. Show them it's possible, show them they are good enough, lovable and worthy of Love. It starts with them, from within, show them how its done!

Today, learn how to love yourself. Fall madly in love with you again, or for the very first time. If you are already in love with yourself, you'd know exactly what  needs to be done and how to do it even better.

Be bold and courageous. Be bubbly. Be in love with yourself. Spend the day attending to your needs and wants and wishes so the next day you can be all giving to your lover.

Happy Madly in Love with Me Decade!!!!!!!!!!! xoxo

DARWIN DAY

12th February Every Year

There is not much I can tell you of the revolutionary and evolutionary Mr Darwin that you already do not know or can not Google. But, I am going to talk about his birthday and of the ideas how it can be celebrated. Whole world is celebrating, why wouldn't you and your bunch?

Charles Darwin is accused of Theory of Evolution and many religious groups and people resented the day 'The Origin of Species' was publish. Since 1970's many discussions and debates were held on science vs. religion. Or, somewhat logical explanation how the Earth species have evolved through millions of years through Natural Selection vs. an intelligent creation from nowhere. So I urge you, even if you are not a church goer, do not pray to any God and solemnly believe in science, do go to church on this day. Sit in the quite and think what long way we came to be, why we are here, how and think of the Evolution in Modern World-which is the theme for this year.

Gather your friends and family and make a Phylum Feast. Do some research on food from different phyla. Make a dinner and tell your guests about it.

Host or organize a birthday party. Ask your invites to search which scientists were born on their birthdays, so they look them up, read about their work and life, dress as and talk their talk. Make a cake in a shape of Galapagos Islands or some kind of animal, plant... Let you imagination run wild while learning something new and most importantly, have fun.

Or maybe, just stay tucked in your favourite PJs at home and read about the incredible man Mr Darwin was, of his life and work.

Here are some links that may tickle you fancy:

Charles Darwin FaceBook page.
Darwin's influence on modern thought by Ernest Mayr.
International Darwin Day Foundation.


Happy Darwin Day!!!!

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!!

10th of February

Long, long time ago in a land far, far away a mythical beast Nion would come on the first day of New Year and roam the villages, eating livestock, crops, villagers and especially children. People would go to their families, stay together, strengthen the numbers, lock themselves in and pray against the worst. Until one year, a little girl wearing a little red coat was lost on the streets when Nion was paying his visit. Seeing the girl, the beast screamed in fear and run to never return to that village. Soon, all the people heard of the incidents and sure enough prepared themselves for the next New Year's day. Putting food in front of their door on which they hanged red ribbons, lanterns and spring scrolls on windows. And that is how the tradition of New Year's Celebration/ Spring Festival started in the country of China.

This year the celebration is going to take place on the 10th of February, reminding farmers to prepare for sowing of their fields. Christmas decoration will come down and soon the New year decoration would be put up across the whole country and people's homes all around the world. Decoration such as lanterns, cherry blossoms, orange-trees and loads of red colour. People would swipe and clean their houses, getting rid of the old dust and a previous year only to welcome new, happy and positive. The celebration marks the beginning of spring and a new year of a Zodiac which 2013 will be the year of the Snake.

The most important is a reunion family dinner on the New Year's Eve. Big feast, many courses, lots of noise and laughter.

Even if you are not a Chinese friend, have a little celebration with you family and friends. A good excuse for a family dinner and telling them of another traditions and cultures. Do it in a Snake, red, theme. If not, go on to celebrate the beginning of spring, it's always fun and liberating to celebrate spring few times a year. Wear red and be merry. Draw a dragon. Look up what kind of animal you are and live it up. Clean your home.

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

COMPLIMENT DAY

6th of February 

We don't need one day in a year baring this name, every day should be a Compliment Day. Art of articulating a positive expression of admiration targeted towards a friend or a stranger, ourselves, even the positive criticism is in receiving the same ourselves.

It starts with the mirror. It starts with self-realization, self-acceptance leading to self-love. It's the yearn not to reach perfection but wholeness. Embracing one self with all the flaws, talents and beauty. Striving for perfection is being something you are not, being fake. Being and doing something but not really being there. Nothing in nature is perfect, nothing! There are no straight lines in nature or absolute colours. But it is graceful and whole. It is exactly what is supposed to be, being the best self. Be the best you, authentic, unique, gorgeous and fabulous you, be present and that is only when you are able to give and receive.

We all need compliments, we all need validation. We all need to know that we were seen, heard, that we matter. We all need to feel worthy to be able to project love and goodness to the world around us. And once one feels worthy he/she allows to be loved, to deserve all the coincidences universe carefully and tactfully places where we can stubble upon, fall over, be hit with. The wake up call if you will. Some of us need a tsunami and a near-death experience to wake and start living.

Start from today, this morning, to your mirror, pay a compliment. 'Good Morning, Gorgeous!' Go out there and make sure to validate your friends, family, lovers, colleagues. Listen to them, see them, show them that they matter, pay them a compliment.

We are merely atoms, and what is atom if it is not energy. We all give out energy and heat, and receive the same, voluntarily or involuntarily. Make sure yours is positive and you'd attract the same. Make a difference in someone's day, and don't stop there.

Start with the compliment today.
   
YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY AND COMPLETELY FABULOUS! 

THE DAY THAT MUSIC DIED

This day was universally remembered in 1972 when singer Don Mclean memorialized 'The Crickets' in his No. 1 hit 'American Pie'.

On the 3rd of February 1959, plane crushed. Killing the rock stars Buddy Holly, J.P Richardson and Ritchie Valens. On this cold February day rock and roll music suffered a great loss and it is only fair that we now honer it. Play, really loudly, and hope the neighbors like it some of the great hits.

'That'll be the day' - Buddy Holly
'Maybe Baby' - Buddy Holly (my fav!)
'Chantilly Lace' - J.P. Richardson 'The Big Bopper'
'Come on, let's go' - Ritchie Valens
'La Bamba' - Ritchie Valens  (yes!)
'American Pie' - Don Mclean

The vintage music! Dancing right now!
If you are not a fan of this sound, play whatever noise makes you dance, twist and jump. Really loudly. Pay tribute to some of the greatest artists that are no longer with us: Amy Winehouse, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Johnny Cash, Whitney Huston, Nirvana, Bob Marley, and many more. Write  a note 'Today Music, Not Going To Die' and stick it to your door so the neighbors or roommates won't call the boys in blue. Have a theme party tonight or a party for one- sometimes they are the best!

Happy 3rd of February and have a ball!

WEAR RED DAY

1st of February 

If it wasn't on your Santa's list, go out and do yourself a favour. Buy a red lipstick. Put it on and live! To some, might seem too much, radical...but girls! it is so much fun! As soon as that lipstick hits my lips something changes, shifts. Man, I feel like a woman! Femme fatal. Confidence kicks in, I'm taller. Yet one rule must be followed when sporting such a detail on your face, that is the detail! Eye make up must be neutral or minimum. Focus is on the lips here. And if you want to round your look from head to toe, get the same colour number nail polish and some fabulous shoes. Go out and take over the world.

Or maybe a red big flower in your hair. Real or a hair piece. Scarf? Jamper? Red dress?

On this day wear red.

On the 1st of February is also Robison Crusoe Day. From today, you've got enough time, I shall say, to read this wonderful classic. And then, invite friends over and watch a movie staring Pierce Brosnan.

Happy first of February!!! xoxo

FEBRUARY WEEKLY

4th-8th of February
International Friendship Days

As a social species that we are, no need for an official holidays in this name, yet is still nice to give way to other priorities and concentrate on our besties. Have a ball with your friends one of these days.

Get in touch with an old friend. Technology permits us nowadays to share a bottle of wine via video chat and cheers together. Call friends over and host a game night. Invite them over, tell them to bring wine and cook together an awesome dinner, catch up. Bake a cake for a friend for no reason. If you are far away,  send a packet of beer via post. Call a take away pizza in their neighborhood and order for them. Have a night on a town. Print some photos and make a collage. Make a card, telling them how important they are to you and how very grateful you are for them to be around through thick and thin with you.  Have a sleepover and listen to the tunes from the past. Do that silly thing you used to do when you were little. Go out for a lunch and a happy hour. Watch your favourite movies. Remember what you wanted to be when you grow up. Buy them something they hinted they really really wish they had. Take them to a place they wanted to go for a long time. Organize a trip together. Go on a short road trip, or a long one if you've got days off. Take loads of photos. Start doing something together you were talking for so long that you will. Go back to basics. Have a small reunion and do so every year from now on.

Life can get pretty hectic. Whatever happens you must find the time for a coffee date with a friend.


18th-24th of February
Celebration of Love week

February is already a month or Creative Romance, but our partners, family and friends are not the only loves. Anything that gets your blood rushing is the Love! Anything that we do and makes us happy is love. This week pay your tribute to your other loves. Whether it be an extreme sport to get your adrenalin sky high. Shopping? Books shops? Loud music? Pets? Painting? Dancing like no one is watching? Food? Whatever it is, it is worth doing! Celebrate it, show the world! A whole week of doing what you love with no excuses, no guilt. Go crazy!

You have a capacity to love the whole world.

Happy February!!!

MONTH OF FEBRUARY

A month of February is a Creative Romance Month.

Being the shortest month, it contains our second favourite (anniversary being the first) day for us lovers. And we all are lovers. Although we all have a say on how commercialized it has become the 14th and object to the origins of it, we all like to be remembered on that day and asked to be someone's Valentine. Do a nice thing for our beloved and be recognized for it. Show a bit more affection, buy and receive flowers.

I urge you to make a whole month a Valentine's day. Scratch that, a whole year. Be romantic. Give a bit more, you've got it in you. Make another happy. Be naughty and sexy. Love should be easy and should come natural, blah blah blah...we all know it takes effort to tolerate another being so close up in our personal space. Put a bit more effort this month. That should not be hard.

Have a date month. Go for a dinner to a new restaurant. Go to cinema. Go to wine tasting. Go to a concert. Go bowling. Go out dancing. Go to a beach or a park, have a picnic. Go for a ride and lie on the car, star gaze. Go play tennis, or golf together. Go camping. Go to a spa together. Dress up for each other, get excited, fall in love again, feel like a teen again. Hold hands and kiss. Boys be gentle men and ladies, let them.

Stay at home and cook for each other, bake and have a flour fight-who loses-cleans. Take a nice, relaxing, romantic baths. Massage each other. Make mold wine and reminisce through photos. Snuggle and have a movie marathon. Have a dance off. Host a game night. Play a naughty game just for two. Be sexy, keep the romance alive, on its toes. Breakfasts in bed. Leave love notes for each other around the house.Strip. Roll play. Make loads of favourite cocktails and have a party for two. Order pizza and light some candles. Be boring, be together, love each other.

Message each other at work telling you miss him/her, that you cannot wait to get home and just be in your idea of haven. Also tell him/her what would you like to do to them in that Eden of yours. Spice it up. But most of all, say thank you and how much you appreciate that special person being in your life and being the part of you. Let go and love, love without reservation or agenda. Can't break your heart, it only bends. Nothing to be afraid. Can only gain from giving. Have fun!!

And if you happen to be your own the most beloved, same stays for you. There is no excuse why shouldn't you have a Creative Romantic Month. A Valentine month if you prefer it. I had it last year, whole year and I had a blast. Much easier, I know exactly what I want and like. Loved buying presents and flowers to me and being completely and utterly selfish! Go out of the way this month to spoil yourself. Do absolutely what you please and what makes you happy. And if my love is going to be seven seas away, nothing is going to stop me being romantic!!! Join me and lets have a blast!

Be creative in your relationships. Surprise & entertain yourself.

Happy Happy Happy February.

MMXIII RESOLUTIONS

I choose this year to be a Year when I learn how to BALANCE: time, my well being, finances. And the only thing that can throw me off Balance is my love, and there are so many loves to be fallen for (books, music, places, buildings and moments).

• Celebrate Life
• Do all the little things in the calendar
• Exercise them all, there shall be many to be experienced for the very first time.
• Get enough sleep, nutrition and exercise to be able to be excited 
• Try and get this year to be a perfect mix of work and relaxation time, of magic and merit, of parties and personal down time, keeping the BALANCE
• Really reward myself this year
• Keep the gratitude journal, diary, RSLB, CL documenting
• Write, write, write. Write regularly 
• Finish things and complete tasks before deadline- will make me happier
• Read, read, read. Read all the 12 book chosen by Sandra and myself, at least.
• Watch movies only in cinema. See a movie once a month
• Make a diet resolution and stick to it.
• Cook more. Make a Julia night once every two weeks
• Exercise. Do something, anything
• Only think positive, never dwell on the negative
• Strive to be a better sister, daughter, girlfriend, lover, friend, employee
• Strive to be more creative in my relationships
• Learn new words. More art, always more art. 
• Get more stamps in the passport.  

INSPIRE YOUR HEART WITH ART DAY

31st of January

Inspire your heart with art- it even rhymes. It is only proper that on this day we shall pay a visit to an art gallery, go see a theatre play, or any other kind of live performance, watch an Oscar winning movie or make art ourselves. Write a poem about someone-to someone. Get paper and tape it together, as big as you can, press play to up beat, party, dancing music, step into already prepared pain and dance away. Let your heart and hips take over the masterpiece. Could it be more authentic? No one can copy it as no one moves like you. 

Go, check out the prices and program in the art school. Take up classes, tell a friend, go together. Pay for a friend if you think you are not arty. Make an art evening at your home. Get mirrors and auto-portrait away. Let the inner Dali or Frida out. Set some still portrait material or paint something more abstract. Stick paper to the under side of the dinning table. Get your kids and brushes, lay down and be a Michelangelo for an afternoon. Make pop art, body art, etc. Read and get to know more of the people that inspire you.

It is important that we are surrounded with art. With what we think beautiful. It is important to make art ourselves in whatever form we can express. Start today.

Happy Art Day.