Back to reading

When I think of reflection on happy things in my life I have to say that I think of reading. The reason saying is that we do not have time to read any more. We read on the metro to and from work, or on the eliptical, we sometimes if we are not too tired read before we go to bed (5 min maximum). I find it sad to find myself in all of the above category. I used to be a book worm. Most of my knowledge and information comes from books. And in time when I was in college and hoping to finish up to have time to read for pleasure here I am 'too busy'.
The reason of this long awaited post is to remind ourselves that we spend too much time in front of the tv, computer or video games. We find pleasures in everything else but in the simple things. I pledge to go back to the roots and to read more. I truly missed it. I am reading two books right now and I plan to finish them soon. They are very different and non related which keeps my mind interested and challenged to remember what I have read. I am reading the Malcom X Autobiography as well as the novel Water for Elephants. I have intended to read both of these books for years. And now I am doing what I am preaching! FINALLY!

Here are the links to the books. Check them out! Tell me if you like them!

The inspirational man with no name

It's finally there..First day of spring?
The sun and the warmer weather has set up the attitude to be excited what is to come soon. I enjoyed going outside in a hoodie and no heavy winter jacket. I actually got to go for a long walk with my love instead of just being inside or slaving in the gym. It was really nice.
So what is next? Spring cleaning? Plans for barbecues and picknicks? Runs in the parks and basketball games/ How exciting are we all?

On the other side..Don't forget everything else around us. We have all of this..count our blessings. Enjoy it and take advantage of it but don't forget that this is a privilege and we have a great life that we should be thankful for.  My thoughts are still connected to those who need it the most and on a daily basis I try to find ways to reach out to people who really need it. To give an example there is a man that sells newspapers every morning at a stop light in DC, by which my love and I pass by every morning. I think he is there by 5 a.m. which means in the cold weather that we had in the past months he has been standing every morning to sell the Washington Post. We would pass by, nicely warm in our car, trying not to think that soon we have to step out in a cold for a couple of minutes to get to our destination. This man is an older gentleman, who looks to the cars with a hope that one of them will stop and support him in his endeavor. He would be on my mind all day but I would simply forget to take some change to get a paper. Until, he was so much on my mind that I decided to plan ahead and make sure that we have enough change in our car so we can stop by, exchange some friendly words, buy the paper and give him some extra change in case he wants to buy himself a coffee or something to snack on. It has become our routine and the reason why this man makes me think and appreciate my life is the fact that I know that he is as me hardworking. He does not just sit on the side of the street and be He works, he tries and he is changing his destiny. What an inspiration he is. He has a tube in his throat and we hardly understand him when he talks to us but his eyes are lightened when he does and it is such a delight to see him. Last week there were a couple of days that he was not there and we got concerned, on Friday he explained that he had an accident but he still was working because he cannot afford not to. It is a hard life and a hard society we live in, and the only way to survive is to keep pushing. I have so much respect for him and I am happy to be able to see him every morning knowing that my friend will be there and that we are supporting him even if that little might not be a lot. I do not know his name and it might be strange but we never had enough time on the stop light to get into it. I definitely will acquire about it but until then he is the inspiring man with no name.

Do you have people that inspire you? Were you an inspiration for someone else? It is a circle, we give so we can receive...I am so thankful and humble with my life.

Thoughts are with Japan!

With the recent happenings in Japan and the unrest in the Middle East it has been such a hard thing to watch news on a daily basis. I do not think that the pictures that we are shown on news stations are sinking in with our conscious. It just feels so far away and simply a sad tragedy. But for the most people it seems like a movie. Something we can switch the channel at any time. If we look out of our window we are able to see that we ARE NOT affected by it. We might feel sorry and bad but we move on with our lives unless.....UNLESS the gas prices go up and WE have to pay more at the gas station. My life is equally affected by the prices and my money goes in the same direction as everyone elses. Do I complain? Yes. But do I see the whole picture? I surely try to. It is important to understand the roots of this problem and not just blame it on the gas dependency of USA. It is the fact that at this moment people are fighting for freedom, for a better life but WE have it so bad.

I am attaching some pictures from Washington Post from the Tsunami that hit Japan along with the 8.9 Earthquake is more than disturbing. I am still sitting here and keep looking at them. Is it all gone? What would we do if everything we own is gone, if the people we love are missing or hurting? Can we make that connection?
I believe that we can and that is the reason I am sharing these pictures and these words with you.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2011/03/12/GA2011031205446.html#photo=1

30 Things we need less/need more

I just came across this and wanted to share.
It is posted by Harvard Business review: http://blogs.hbr.org/schwartz/2011/03/30-things-we-need-and-30-we-do.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+harvardbusiness+%28HBR.org%29

WE NEED LESS: WE NEED MORE:


Information                            Wisdom

Shallow billionaires                 Passionate teachers

Self-promotion                       Self-awareness

Multitasking                            Control of our attention

Inequality                                Fairness

Sugar                                      Lean protein

Action                                     Reflection

Super sizes                              Smaller portions

Private jets                              High-speed trains

Calculation                              Passion

Experts                                    Learners

Blaming                                   Taking responsibility

Judgment                                 Discernment

Texting                                     Reading

Anger                                      Empathy

Output                                     Depth

Constructive criticism               Thank-you notes

Possessions                             Meaning

Righteousness                          Doing the right thing

Answers                                  Curiosity

Long hours                              Longer sleep

Complaining                            Gratitude

Sitting                                      Moving

Selling                                     Authenticity

Cynicism                                Realistic optimism

Self-indulgence                       Self-control

Speed                                     Renewal

Emails                                    Conversations

Winning                                 Win-win

Immediate                             gratification Sacrifice

The Recession aftermath...following your dream or barely surviving

Have you found yourself totally lost in this difficult job market? Are you looking for a way to gain experience and work in your field? Do you apply daily and try to reach out to your networks?...welcome to my world. It seems that whatever I try it is not working for me. It seems that I can only try to blame it on the recession, the hard times, the high level competition...I can only use this excuse for so long. At some point I turned it even against me in order to figure out what is actually wrong. As you can imagine, that backfired and I became so depressed thinking that I am a failure and everyone else is making it. But this topic is still hot. It is discussed daily on the news, experts are writing books about it and I feel I hear the same old advise from different people(that btw. have a great job in their career). So, I am soaking it in, I am networking, I am meeting people that I do not know(yet), I am reaching out to different networks, put myself out there..how agressive can a person be? Does it come down to luck nowadays? Connections? Who do I have to know? I certainly am starting to feel like I am back in Bosnia where my father has to either own the company or know the CEO of the company I wanna work for. If you have no ties or miraculous luck you are screwed.

So, I ask myself how do I come out of this as a WINNER?

We got to keep trying. I have recently found out these job listings that I never knew about. Not regular job postings that we can find on monster.com or even idealist (depending on the industry you want to tap in) but blogs that work with certain career industries to post the newest openings. I am not saying that I have been lucky yet but I hope to have more success in the future. How do you find out about these? I have no clue how I did not know about it before but I am researching and I am pushing. I really hope that by sharing our newest ideas and newest ways in this job market we can actually get hired and do what we really love. In the meantime, I will still be frustrated and sometimes feel down but NEVER EVER give up! I will keep you all posted if anything actually turns out good. I would love to help others to chase their dreams and make the best out of their lives. My sacrifices have been huge to just wait for it to happen. I am ready to make a difference in the world, just the way I intended when I dreamed abotu college, got to college and when I graduated. We have to take it in our hands and turn the way things are done. Obviously, the newspaper job openings are not even looked at..the position is already filled but the ad has to be published as a formality. Most of them for sure, I cannot speak for all of them. So, to increase the chances we have to be able to help each other..it is definitely a more personal approach. Get more personal with strangers and make your way through.

Good luck

The new hair do

As I have mentioned in my last blog, I have purchased a local coupon (Buy with me) to get a cheaper deal to get my hair finally cut. I have been debating about cutting off my long long hair for the longest time. It has not helped that my hair has not been cut for a year and that it was in need for some extreme cuts. People who know me well know that I do not like short hair on me. I have tried it once, at my brothers wedding 13 years ago and I did not like it.Lately,  I have been thinking to give it a renewed try and undergo a drastic change. Maybe my recent turning 30 had something to do with it as well. 30...that's a huge number...new decade, new experiences....OLD! haha...I have to admit i do not feel old(yet) but I was up for a change. I took this coupon as a challenge and I bought it without give it much thought. I knew once I pay that I will do it. That was motivation in it's making. I did not know much about the hair place, but I did the minimum research, I checked it out online, it looked legit and I called in to make an appointment.

Here starts my journey. I was nervous all morning. When I finally made it to the hair salon, I had a strange feeling. Hm...first I couldn't spot it from a street. When I finally found it, I could see that it was an all black hair salon. I stood there for a second thinking...hm, if I walk in there are they gonna think I am crazy? This statement is not based on race but rather on  the fact that we have very different hair and in order to do one or the other hair you must have experience. I told myself I will give it a try. I have nothing to lose. I walked in one of the most friendliest environments I could wish for. I have expected this and adjusted easily. My assigned stylist is a young girl, who says that she is not intimidated but looks scared to death. I warned her that she is up for the challenge of her life and asked her if she has done hair like mine before. She assured me that she has a cousin that is mixed and has worked on her hair for years. Ok..well two hours later into the cut, she obviously cut too much, I said shoulders not neck length, the layers are not flowy I realized that this is now my look and I have to go with it. In her defense, she was really giving her best and working real hard on my hair. I understand how hard my hair is to control. So now, I have a haircut that I am learning to love and an experience of a lifetime. I really appreciated her and her patience with me and my needs. It was a learning experience for both of us. I might not return there specifically but I made sure I tipped her well before I left.

Moral of the story? Sometimes you need to try things differently. I might not have the hair that I have now without this young lady and she would have not have a customer like me. I am glad I did it, it made me go out of my comfort zone of what I know. I am posting before and after pics for everyone to check out. :)

Coupons?

Have you ever signed up for receiving coupons for your favorite store? Nowadays the businesses are using coupons to get people back into their stores. I tend to sign up for all kinds of websites and notifications, more so because it's a way to window shop for me and to check what kind of deals are out there. It is interesting for me how they market the merchandise to be up to 90% off although you end up paying the same amount as before. It is the art of selling. I am a sales person, as a matter of fact selling for me becomes personal. I like to make sure to advise someone for a good deal out of genuine feeling that it will be a good match for them and not because I have to make a sale. I have worked in the retail industry and have taken the opportunity to learn a lot out of it. The pressure to make a certain amount a day, the expectations, the constant push. I have to say I never let that get to me. I didn't sell to reach that goal but rather have fun with it.

The retail career is in the past for now, but I find myself advising my friends or telling them about the good deals I saw. I go less to the malls now, but rather check things out online. It feels like it's a totally different store and the deals online are different. I have also signed up for the local coupons, something like Groupon that gives coupons for local stores. I actually purchased one deal and will finally use it tomorrow. I will get my hair cut tomorrow. I have been waiting to do this for a long time, it was more a financial matter and now I am using the coupon to 'save' money. It is a great business move for the hair salon that I have never heard before hand. I will definitely keep you guys updated because it is important for me to get a quality  haircut, and my hair should be an easy task. I am more excited about the fact that I finally got a deal through the coupons that I get on a daily basis.

excited? definitely...will post about it...if good maybe even a picture :)

Break the Routine

As I am getting myself to be productive this weekend and get stuff off my big to do list, I am happy that I am out and about. It makes my day much more exciting walking up and down DC. My destination the Library of Congress. What a beautiful institution, filled with history, knowledge and inspiration. I took a little tour in the Jefferson Building before heading to get my Reader ID and begin some of my research. I feel so inspired and motivated to do what I have been missing in so long. Working my brain cells and foremost learning. The heritage of my nerdness always comes back to my love for books. As I am researching a topic that I am not familiar and not really interested in, it makes me feel good knowing that I have actually learned something and have maybe figured a way to contribute to this in the most effective way.

The rest of the day will be dedicated to find more about this city and what it has to offer. The fact that I used underground tunnels to return to Jefferson Building and that during the week I can take a tunnel to the capitol to get something to eat is kinda exciting. I remember reading the lost symbol book and wondering about the different paths and underground tunnels that have been described. That's what made this story even more interesting. Living so close to this beautiful city makes me feel like I don't know it all. It's time to explore the city and enjoy the beautiful sunny day. Everything else is just a great addition.

I walked so much today. I feel like it has made this week so much better.

Do something you don't usually do, get out the house and culturally make a difference to your routine. I surely enjoyed the change and I am looking forward to add to it

:)

Beauty is truth. Truth is beauty (read on a column in the Library of Congress)

Move it

The hype about First Lady's Move it campaign is totally appropriate and definitely appreciated. As a strong role model in this country she portraits a positive picture of ourselves. The fact that there is a person of influence that is encouraging and motivating the youth to eat healthy and exercise is really inspiring.
The interesting thing is that those two things were the staple of my childhood. I don't remember being much in the house except for homework or after the lights go on. We would always spend our days playing,  being active with other kids. It makes me smile now and I am so thankful for that time. The energy levels of kids are so much higher and they need a way to use it. It's so sad to see the kids of today sit just in front of the TV or game consoles. I totally agree with Mrs. Obama and her efforts to wake up and push us to be better.

So, as an adult it is much harder to get where we used to be. I feel every year that passes I add another pound or two and it takes me much longer to get rid of one. So, in order to prevent and to be aware and with the plan in mind to one day have children of my own I plan to be healthy. I m going to be more than determined, I am going to try to be a role model. To speak about the change you have to do the change and I hope you can see it on me. I know you must feel it through the words. I have lost 7lbs in a week and a half. Ever since I started keeping track of my nutrition and adding more exercises and training in my routines it has been more effective. Although the number for me sometimes is frustrating, I finally feel my body shifting. I feel lighter, the clothes feel different and it is a great encouragement. It takes a little while depending on a person's metabolism to get where we want to be. I am gonna try to not be just motivated by the number but make it a great combo!

Today, a day after boot camp class(which was crazy, crazy hard) I feel sore but energized. I am looking forward to go and do some hardcore cardio and mix it up. Have you added jump rope to your routine? it helps so much. Check out your gym classes that are for free and shock your body into weight loss!

Be healthy, be strong and be happy!

Are we there yet?

Being healthy is more than just numbers. I am making this statement because in the past week, I have been either counting calories or weighing myself. Everything that I ate became a number, a yes or a no, a quick calculation and resistance to temptation. Although I find it very crucial to understand what i am putting in my body, I have continued to cook every day and to combine healthy food with healthy choices.

The good news is, if you have chosen like me to use the lose it website and keep track of what you have eaten and how much you have exercised you will see results...I have lost 6lbs so far...I have set a high goal and it feels like the pounds are not shredding the way they are supposed to but I am glad that I am sticking to it...it is definitely a struggle and sometimes I need some motivation. I am thankful to have a husband that goes and works out with me as well as friends who keep track of what I am eating through the amazing sharing that we can on lose it.

Have you tried it?

Here are a couple of tips:
1. Don't skip meals. ( I have learned this the hard way.) If you think skipping meals will help you lose weight it's not going to work out that way. In order to stay healthy and to keep your body energized it is better to eat more often but with healthier choices then skipping meals and opting for high calorie foods. You do not have to give up your favorite foods but be aware what it does to your body and do it in moderation.
2. Sign up for a gym membership. That changed it all for me. Be dedicated and make a goal to go at least 3 times a week, preferably 5 times and if you can squeeze it in the morning it's even better. Start off the day with a great kick in your metabolism. It definitely makes a difference.
3. If you can't go to the gym or can't afford it try this: Work out at home.. Dvd's are great and I know many people including me doing Dvd exercise in front of the TV or laptop. I recommend Jillian Michaels. She is just the best! You will be dying eight minutes in~ I promise! I ll promise you will see changes. Committ to it and don't give up. If you eat a little bit more on one day, just make sure you go back to the healthy you the next day. :)

Keeping up with the Healthy you!

I know that a lot of people come up with a new years resolution by the end of the year. I have stopped saying anything or planning anything because of the hype of the first month or two. I decided to make a pact with myself to get back in shape and do it on the down low and keep it up from now and forever. The reason why people should decide to be healthy, lose weight, go to the gym, change of lifestyle is not just to look good or lose the weight but rather because they want to be and keep healthy and be conscious and in control of their bodies in long term.

While I am writing this, I have to smile at myself. I am the perfect example of how good and bad a person can get. First change in life style happened for me in College when I realized that I am not in charge of my body. I decided to go to the nutritionist and to a personal trainer to learn from experts what is good and bad for you. After graduation I tried to keep it up with DVDs at home and running but slowly the pounds sneaked in and my depression and frustration grew. A year and a half later, I gained all the 30lbs I lost and more. I have been talking and complaining about my body weight for way too long.

 In addition, we are bombarded with products, offers and promises as well as what beauty is. We compare ourselves with models, actors/actresses and want to see immediate change. We forget that every person is built different, that the people on TV get airbrushed and fixed. It is definitely a lifestyle change, a mind change and motivation. Doing it naturally and back to basics by watching and tracking what you eat as well as how much you exercise can help you set your goals realistically as well as motivate you to work harder. PUSH YOURSELF.

Today, I wanted to reach out to people who want to do but lack the motivation, resources and goals. Let's start a virtual support group. You can start one for yourself and invite your friends. I joined this account called Lose it yesterday by an invite of my friend.
Link: www.loseit.com

You can write your food journal and track what you have eaten as well as how much you exercised. You set your goals and it gives you a spreadsheet of your successes and achievements. It's amazing. If you decide to do it and join me in this effort, add me :) I need support and motivation just like you. I did my first boot camp class yesterday and I have to say...I AM DYING! of course in a good way...join me to be healthy and better :)

Sustainable Fashion in H&M

As I have started this blog writing about organic and fair trade clothing only one big retailer has impressed me. It's maybe the fact that most of the fair trade/organic clothing stores and companies are small and have less publicity as bigger retailers, so we don't pay much attention to them. It is definitely not the price since it's as expensive or cheap as the stores we go to.The fact that big retail stores have a high demand and let their clothes being made in sweat shops is swept under the rug. People do not talk about it, people do not take it in when they shop. I understand that some people enjoy being in the state of blank than being conscious.

H&M has impressed me. That is the big retailer that I was referring to. It is a shop I have bought before and definitely fashion that is my taste. It was in conflict with my conscious. Although I am not sure where their garmets are made and under what work circumstances...I m feeling a shift. I hope they are not using it to just get publicity to get people who are conscious to buy there under false promises.

But if you are interested to see what they have to say...check out this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df5f0oqcPRQ&feature=player_embedded#

Let me know your thoughts! :)

Peace

Peace and the women of Egypt

My wednesday was dedicated watching the Egypt situation unfold. It was terrifying watching these people fight. These people were neighbors and brothers and sisters in faith only  10 days ago. The fact that the man that was asked to leave the presidency in the "so-called" democracy is not leaving caused this animosity between its people. What makes me mad is that he is sitting somewhere and not reacting. It shows how much he cares and how much he is concerned about the possible development of civil war? The term civil war might be an extreme but is it impossible? The violence that happened yesterday was shocking and disturbing. I hope you felt the same. No person should look away and turn off the TV while keeping up with the latest news in Egypt.


Here is what inspired me. Besides the above mentioned feelings and political talk, besides what exactly does Egypt unrest mean to us (how much will gas go up and how are we going to get our oil)....there is a story of courages women fighting alongside Egyptian man for their freedom. As you have maybe noticed, not many women are seen on the streets. It is out of protection to the family. Women are seen as the center of the family, rightfully so. The women have stayed at home to care for the children and to keep the house in tact (keeping family calm and together, helping each other and trying to put food on the table when there are not many resources). These jobs are very crucial and without these amazing women (grandmothers, mothers, sisters and daughters) this protest would not be as strong and dedicated. It is the support that they give to each other and their male counterparts that is of importance. They have been an important part of organizing the online movement as well as you can read in the below article coming up with tricks to treat tear gas victims with Pepsi to neutralize the pain and effects. KUDOS to the women and the strength that they have to fight so hard and continue to endure in the struggle.

I came across this amazing article in Huffington Post about women who have been going out to the streets to protest. I have seen pictures, with women at the front of the protests facing the Police. These are rare women that go beyond to voice their concerns. The article reports about a woman who is 7 month pregnant and on the streets protesting. She said: " If I wasn't pregnant, I would've just stayed home. I went out because of my baby. I owe this to him."  I say COURAGE! She left me with a proud feeling in my soul and heart and I decided last night that I would like to dedicate this blog for her. I hear her concern and her call for freedom. Do you?


Read full article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/02/egypt-women-protests_n_817822.html


I am so impressed and inspired. The risk of going out and being hurt and in danger is greater than anything. Marwa Rakha went out because she wants a better future for her own unborn child. I give my respect and send my support to them in this effort to avoid more violence but come to a better political solution. As we are watching the Egyptian protest become more violent, I sincerely hope that the situation calms down and the protest can be heard peacefully. If this is a "democracy' it needs to start to act like one. 

“Peace is not something you wish for; It's something you make, Something you do, Something you are, And something you give away.
By Robert Fulghum

You & Me for Egypt

One thing people should know about me is the passion for humanity, human rights, equality and peace. It is what I breathe and what comes from my heart. I sit hours in front of the TV and the computer, reading news and trying to understand the world we are living in. I try to read news from different countries and in different languages which helps things be less bias. It is also interesting to see the views..try it for yourself!

As a Bosnian citizen, that knows war and the outcomes of violence the situation in Egypt is of tremendous importance to me. I am not talking from a political viewpoint but more of a human prospect. I am concerned about the amount of violence that has been going on and the lack of action and support from the world. Of course political action is tightly connected to the human action in my opinion. Unfortunately, that's not how Politics function in this world. If there is no interest there is no or little action. As we can see from the past 9 days in Egypt, the clash of interest and humanity has not broken even. What else has to happen that people see the right from wrong? Simply from the human perspective, imagine our own families and lives being the "Egyptian way"?

So what can you do as an individual you may ask yourself? PLENTY OF THINGS!
Show sympathy. Reaching out your hand for peace and support means a lot. It shows compassion and it raises awareness. I got added to a group on Facebook called you and me for Egypt. Check it out. It encourages people to write a message on your hand in your language to show the support for those who are asking for freedom and change. Looking at those pictures I was inspired. I hope you will, too. Maybe you can write your politicians and ask for action and ask your president to keep the citizens first and Mubarak responsible. Encourage peaceful demonstrations and oppose the violence! YOU do matter! Your voice can be heard!

Here is the link for the group that you can like and share your message:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/You-Me-for-Egypt/185042261528173

Please join me in raising awareness, showing compassion and support in EGYPT!
YOU & ME for EGYPT!

Thank you.

What it means to me

I am a proud book worm. My life is surrounded by great books. No wonder that the book drive has been very personal issue for me. I grew up having access to books. I remember as a first grader asking my dad to take me to the library. In Bosnia and Herzegovina we lived up in the hill ( Sarajevo is a valley) and our place was right under one of the Olympic mountains. We would walk home, I would sit and read it right away (all my books) and ask my dad to go return the books and get new ones. I know, I know I am a nerd but very proud of it. I feel not much has changed today. It's just that I have less time to read. It is definitely a fortune to have books and it has been my dream to own my little library. I have definitely started and I am building on the books that have been recommended, gifted or borrowed to me.

Today I wanted to share some of my current favorite books. They are not the current best sellers but they have definitely found themselves on that list before. So, it is never too late to get them and enrich your mind with ideas, inspiration, real life stories, issues and facts that have impact on our lives. Don't ignore and think that if something is not in your close proximity that it does not affect you. It's always better to be prepared, it will save you from ignorance. Yes,I said it! I believe that more information we acquire more we understand the world we live in.

So here it is:

Not only because we recently commemorated his birthday and his life work but just because he is one of the most amazing historical figures of all times. I say that out of the deepest respect to a man that has sacrificed everything in a respectful and peaceful manner. We still have so much to learn and this book greatly highlights his true dedication to human rights, peace and justice! I ll share some more in the future. Take this one, or share if you have read it. :) As you can see from the picture my copy is worn out, because it has been shared and recycled just the way I like it!

"Occasionally in life there are those moments of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained by those symbols called words. Their meaning can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart."

As you can see it is very inexpensive to purchase this book but the enrichment is priceless. Consider joining me in learning and getting inspired by amazing people

Books for Bosnia-North-American Initiative

I am enjoying the fact that people are philanthropic and willing to help when there is need. The last post was about my personal encouragement to friends to donate two books to the University of Sarajevo Library. The power of social media is amazing. Upon a short chat with one of my dear friends in Canada we decided that since we both feel very strongly about this book drive that we want to help. Now it's not just a book drive, it's a North American Initiative. I am so pumped right now. It is amazing how many people we can reach if we just ask. The fact that most of us have a lot of valuable college books that can be used somewhere or the resources to buy and send some is great. It shows the little things that we take for granted and the appreciativeness of a student across the ocean. It is the connection that my friend and I want to capture and emphasize. We encourage people to join our effort to build on the fortune of a diverse library. We also encourage to share this journey with us and send or post a picture on our facebook page called: Books for Bosnia-North American Initiative. We want to mark and draw attention to the stars of this initiative...YOU. We want to give you the spotlight you deserve and let you connect and inspire others to do the same.
As I know from my own experiences, once people see that others are doing it they are more likely to do it as well. So let this book sharing be a personal matter and let me thank you from the bottom of our heart.

Yours truly,

Zummie

Book drive

In the past couple of days I have spent thinking of ways how to encourage people to help me help the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina build up a library that has been burnt to the ground. I am talking about the Sarajevo National Library also called Vijecnica (Town Hall-which one was during Austrian-Hungarian rule). This beautiful building in the center of my home town has represented the rarest academic books and papers. The atrocities during the most recent war has deleted this pride of the city.

Today, 16 years after the war, the reconstruction is not completed yet. The Sarajevo citizens have not given up on the building and on the potential of this institution. As a part of the Humanity in Action organization, Bosnian students have started an initiative to ask for books to be donated. The wish is to contribute to a greater future of students but as well to the citizens of this wonderful country that I come from. It is with a great commitment and desire that I am writing this blog and ask of your assistance.

The organisation asks for two books to be donated to the University of Sarajevo.
Excerpt from the letter of request


"We kindly ask you for:
-  the  first  book, you send us to be a contemporary publication in one of  the world languages,
related to common knowledge in social or natural science (Philosophy, Law, Medicine, Literature
etc...),  which can benefit  our  students in many ways  (please see the list  of  suggestions on our
webpage)
- the  second book to be in your own language, related to your city,  culture,  history,  geography,
architecture etc...,  so that  our  library users  can benefit  from this  multilingual  and intercultural
exchange."

Here is the link to the website: www.books4vijecnica.com
if you want more information. They have a great summary of the Library, the meaning, the loss and the future. Check it out, I promise you will be inspired.

The address where the books should be sent is:
University of Sarajevo
Campus Zmaja od Bosne bb
71 000 Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Attn:  Mr. Muris Rahmanovic

So here I am asking for your college books, high school books or a donation of textbooks that you can find inexpensively on amazon.  For example: Introduction to Philosophy: Classical and Contemporary Readings, which might not be a lot of money for you but is a great deal for the students of my country.
Hop on the train to make a difference.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and thank you for taking the time to read this blog and get informed. I appreciate you.

Recycled Fashion

Ever since I started to blog about Fair Trade Fashion and the value of organic clothing I pay much more attention to detail to retailers and what they are doing about it.
Today, I found out that H&M a leading affordable fashion retailer is bringing out recycled fashion to their stores. So how many of you would wear a recycled dress?

I took a look at the dresses and clothes that are coming into the stores and I really like them. They are fashionable and fun. This proves my point that recycled and organic cotton clothes are fun and beautiful. If more retailers would incorporate that it would make such a difference. I commend H&M for doing this and I hope you guys go out there to check it out!

Here is the link to the website:

http://www.hm.com/us/sustainablestyle#/sustainablestyle/

Let me know your thoughts and comments :)

Fair Fashion

It amazes me that there is not a lot of concern about the world we live in. As I posted in my last blog, every decision we make can make a difference. You have a choice. Are you going to change your habits and start recycling the plastic, paper and other materials. Are you going to try to fix things rather than buy new ones. Are you going to re-gift the furniture that you no longer need?

Most people don't ask themselves questions like that. Their whole world is circled just around them. As a matter of fact, it's filled with a lot of complaints. It is never enough. The NEED to have the newest thing amazes me. I need more, more and moreeeeeeeeeeeeeee. This blog has done some awakening for me. It's all these thoughts and feelings I have deep inside but I could not live by because of circumstances I found myself in. It takes some soul searching and determination as well as sacrifice to get on the path to be aware of your own choices.
In this new year let's try to be less selfish, less materialistic, less needy, less self centered but more giving, reasonable, inspiring and aware!!!

I am going to try to share some really good websites to buy some amazing fair trade clothes. These young people inspire me. When you get to this website, go to the about us section and read about their own motivation and hard work to make a difference in this world. I hope that it wont leave you untouched.

I have hopes for all of us(including me). That we will ask more questions, inquire more information and make the ethical decisions to buy consciously. I am not saying give up everything right now forever. But I am sure that once you start learning more that it will make you feel good.

http://www.autonomieproject.com/

check out this website for fair trade fashions. It has a wonderful selection of organic clothing. You can ask for prints that are by your own taste which allows you to be individual and different. Don't be a follower, be a leader!

Have fun, let me know what you guys think :)
Peace

The Fabric of Humanity

Please take some time to watch the video about an amazing woman and her business based on Fair Trade. It will definitely leave a mark on you.

http://www.vimeo.com/17848657

"At Maggie's Organics / Clean Clothes our mission is to produce and provide comfortable, durable, affordable and beautiful articles of apparel and accessories made from materials that restore, sustain and enhance the resources, including human, from which they are made."

Talking about inspiration. There is a person who is dedicated to have a business while helping and improving the whole cycle of production. Sometimes it is hard to put in words what difference this action makes, that's why I decided to share this video from their website. When you put faces to the issue as well to the positive things that this business is achieving it makes you feel better. The link to Maggie's organic website is:

http://www.maggiesorganics.com/index.php

The first time I ever watched this video it made me proud to know most of the people in the video. As a member of Bucknell Brigade, a student organization that in partnership with Center for Development of Central America (CDCA) provides community services to a small town outside of Managua called Nueva Vida, I was fortuned to travel there twice. I plan to go back because of the impressions that the people and the country have left on me. As an alumna, I try my best to talk to people about my experiences and ask to help this program make more changes in this amazing country. Step by step.

I encourage you to read more about Bucknell Brigade and CDCA. I will add the links where you can find it and maybe you want to be a part of this experience. It is amazing knowing that what you help/donate actually goes in the right hands.

Bucknell Brigade link:

http://www.bucknell.edu/x2013.xml

http://www.bucknell.edu/x2013.xml

CDCA website:

http://www.jhc-cdca.org/index.html

real people making real changes...chose to be one of them! join me and go to bed knowing that YOU did something amazing!

:)
Peace

Free Trade Fashion!

As an advocate of change I feel it is my responsibility to educate others about issues that I think are relevant to all of us. I am writing this not because I want to make someone feel bad, but rather to give a perspective and plant a seed in your mind.

I wanted to bring up an issue that we don't really pay attention to.It is the issue of the clothes we wear. Have you ever heard of fair trade? Where are your clothes made? Do you know? Are you aware that most of these clothes are made in sweatshops that provide horrible working conditions to the workers in the Third World? They get very low pay and sometimes they have to work 12-16 hours work shifts without a toilet break. Imagine being in their shoes.

These are just a couple of questions that I wish we all asked ourselves. I hope impact people that much to ask themselves these kinds of questions. Once these questions sink in, we might become much better shoppers. The difference between the clothes that are fair trade and the clothes that are not is in the change we create in the lives of others.

Today, when we are learning how to eat better and what we are eating I think we should ask ourselves what we are wearing and how to wear better. I know this might be a dream of mine, but I have met some amazing people that have been transformed through this experience.

I am guilty as well. I am a Fashionista, Maxinista and a deal stealer. Sometimes, I am more focused on the deal than on the story behind the clothes I am buying. I want to look good, I want a particular clothing item and I want it now. My closet is a testimony to it. I am starting from myself. It is the first step and it is called understanding the circumstances of where my clothes are made from. So, let's be more conscious, and let's do it together. Let's start looking where our clothes are made and question it...

I will dedicate the next few blogs to fair trade, organic clothing and WHAT WE CAN DO to contribute. I hope you all enjoy it and give me feedback.

How much are you willing to spend?

Are you a Fashionista or a Maxinista?

I love to see a well dressed woman and man. Without knowing the person it tells me two things:

1. The person cares about him/herself
2. The person dedicated some time in how the present him/herself

and on a side note...a clean looking and smelling person is always a plus! well it should be a MUST...

Investment in cleaning supplies is number one on the list. Washing yourself, putting some make up and doing your hair is high up there. It makes a woman feel good at the same time it is an easy eye catch for the opposite sex.
Number two is finding clothes that fit your style but that are in fashion. Fashion in my opinion is based on the individual. I find it boring to see everyone dressed the same. Ah..imagine everyone looking the same!!!! Look at what you have in your closet. Sometimes it's easier to keep buying new things but you (I AM SURE YOU DO) have some hidden treasures in your closet. Take a look! Try to maximize your look by using clothing that you already have and combine it with some new accessories! It's all about how you put the outfit together...it can make you look a million bucks.
And you know that's you

I am gonna post some links to some great websites to sign up. I find myself sometimes surprised how much sales are really going on. Who can afford buying a full priced item after all? I know I am not and as a matter of fact I refuse to. There is no need to, because fashion is not here just for a second, and for future reference it comes back at some point :))

so keep tuned..more to come!

Peace and Fashion,

Zummie