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Vana Black

Lifestyle, Fashion, Travel, Food

4 ways to practice self-love on Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2018 · 1 Comment

Self Love

Valentine’s Day is here, which means you’ll see happy couples exchanging gifts for there significant other, or those last minute folks trying to set up a last-minute date so there not alone on this day of love.

People tend to feel resentment towards spending this day alone, but what many people forget is that your relationship with yourself is way more important than any other in life, which is why Valentine’s is the best day to prioritize your own needs and show yourself some compassion and love. Learning to be comfortable alone isn’t easy, but once you’ve mastered the skill of loving yourself, getting away from life’s demands can be pretty relaxing and blissful. Self-care is really important for emotional health and living a life. Studies have show that it can help you manage the symptoms of anxiety, depression and more.

So sit back relax and block out the world and follow these self-care rules to have your best Valentine’s Day yet.

1. Step away from social media

One of the worst things about Valentine’s Day – whether you’re single or in a relationship – is the endless materialistic displays of affection on social media. The whole day seems like a big competition; if you’re single, you feel unloved and down, and if you’re in a relationship, you start to compare your relationship to everybody else’s. Instead of spending the evening scrolling, shut down the app for the day. Your brain will thank you

2.Cook Yourself a Meal

Cooking for others is one of the biggest ways many show how much they care and appreciate others. But, what about doing it for ourselves? Sometimes we get so busy in life we are quick to get take out or skip the meal in general. Not today, Not on V-Day. Today, you’re going to cook yourself a meal of love. Grab a glass of wine (or cup of h20) and get creative in the kitchen. Make some yummy lobster mac and cheese or indulge in that steak, whatever it may be enjoy making it for you.

3. Treat Yourself

There are so many little things we neglect just because we don’t think we deserve them. Do you enjoy flowers? Go pick up some colorful buds just for you! Have you been eyeing a bag at store? Go buy that bag girl! Have you been wanting a massage but no time? Book it Hunny. The time is now

4.Write A Love Note

Focusing on our flaws is a bad habit we are all guilty of. ( I do it a lot) instead of nitpicking, write down a letter to yourself outlining all the good things you see in yourself. The positive thoughts will help raise your confidence. Look in the mirror, and see what it is you love about yourself and embrace it.

Ideally, we should be practicing these rituals all year long, but Valentine’s month is always a good place to start! Hope you all have a great day full of love and happiness.

1 Comment
Filed Under: Health, Lifestyle, Personal StyleTagged: LOVE, self love, valentines day

Why Weight!!!!!

December 1, 2016 · 18 Comments

change

On December 1, 2010, I made the biggest decision that would affect me for the rest of my life. I decided to take charge of my health and have weight loss surgery(WLS). Most of my childhood and some of my adult life I battled with being overweight. My weight never really bothered me because I was pretty active doing dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading. I also didn’t suffer from any health issues. It wasn’t until one day I went to the store to try on some pants and I had to keep going up a size. I had to try on a size 26. It was at this point that I had to stop and ask myself “Girl when in the world did you lose control.”

Being only 5’1 carrying 300 pounds of excess weight was a lot for my body frame not to mention for my joints and bones. I knew then a change had to be made. I began researching different diets and exercise programs. While scrolling online, I came across a few videos and testimonies of people who had WLS and their amazing results. It was at that moment I knew this was the route I wanted to take…. I didn’t need a diet, I needed a total lifestyle change. After months researching weight loss surgery, I presented to my doctor the reasons why I felt I would be a good candidate. My doctor agreed with my choice and we started the discussion of the various types of weight loss surgeries. I chose to have Gastric Bypass. A surgical procedure in which the stomach is divided into a small upper pouch and a much larger lower pouch. The small intestine is rearranged to connect to both causing one to eat very little amounts of food.
I can honestly say if I didn’t have my surgery I wouldn’t be the person who I am today. I had to change the way I thought about food and the food I consumed. It really was a new lifestyle of eating and way of life. I learned about so many foods and different workouts that would help me succeed in life. I can now say I am more aware of what I eat and I try to make healthier choices with my food. There is a misconception that WLS is the easy out for overweight people. Which is not accurate. In order to be considered a candidate, you need to go through various evaluations/screenings. (to be discussed further in part 2 of my blog) Eating healthy is always a battle for anyone thin or overweight. I like to tell myself as long as I don’t give up on my journey all the lessons I have learned thus far weren’t done in vain.

This is a topic I am very passionate about so I’ll most likely make this a three part series as there is so much more to share. However, I just wanted to share this with my readers on my eight year anniversary in hopes that you may be that one person who needs some motivation. Life is about taking risks. However “The biggest risk you take is not taking one at all.

Winter Ball

Yes this was me Happy as ever
Me in the Hosptial bed sleeping fresh out of surgery rest for the change ahead

1 YEAR POST OP

POST OP
HAPPY

Have you or anyone you know made a major life change for better let me know . Thanks so much for stopping by and stay tuned for Part 2 to this topic where I dicuss life after a major change . as always Owl see you all later!!!

Love

Vana Black

 

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Filed Under: Health

WELCOME

October 28, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Well Owl Be The First Post of Many

After waiting and waiting and going back and forth with myself, Vana Black is finally Live people!!! *cue the confetti and balloons* I been told to make a blog for years but kind of kept pushing It off. One main reason is I was scared I didn’t think anyone would be interested. But with much encouragement from my mom and friends who I hold dear to me well here we are!
8-300x287
     Vanablack is a Lifestyle blog created to give the world a glimpse into my life. On this blog expect to see a post on everything I’m interested in. From my passion for fashion and thrifting . My Love for makeup to my wild crazy adventures traveling. I’m still shocked my site is finally LIVE, it’s been a long time coming. So here’s to new beginnings on this roller coaster called VanaBlack. Make sure to subscribe to be updated on all things new that are posted sooooooooo what are you waiting for subscribe already.
Oh yeah, I promise if you subscribe I won’t spam your email, ha ha but I will flood you with endless owl pics just kidding.
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Until next time Owl see you around!!!
Love
Vana

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Filed Under: Beauty, Cooking, Health, Lifestyle, Modeling, Travel

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