Hello Stranger.. Or perhaps I have been the stranger in this equation. I never thought that after starting this blog, I would have taken more than a month break of not writing - as I just love doing it in my free time ; or more multi tasking as free time has been limited these last few months. However, 2017 has definitely printed it's mark already. If you have been following my blog - you would have read that since the start of this year I had a bit of a rough start - by the time I got to find my feet, I had to go through other several changes recently such as mourning a loss, leaving a whole life/country behind and starting from scratch. With that it entailed me quitting my job and having to say bye to a few people who have become like family these last few months so it wasn't easy to pack up six-years in a nutshell and pretend that life can just go on with no bruises along the way. Let's just say every time I got back up I got knocked the hell down twice over. Nonetheless, I am here now, might have taken me a bit longer to get here but it's important to listen to yourself and go at your own pace in anything that you do. This blog was a small project or diary if you'd like to call it that which I started for myself, and as much as I am writing in an open space - I wanted to keep it personal to myself and write my blog post with pure honesty and for this it's better to have quality rather than quantity - although I do apologise for my absence,  I can assure you that even I have felt it!

Whats the next step? At this point, who knows. Now that I have left my London life behind it's pretty much all about starting a new journey, which can be quite intense and daunting if I had to be completely honest, although at the same time can be quite exciting. I mean how often do we just get to start afresh? Ok granted, this is my home town - but having family here is just an added bonus. Although, finding an apartment is definitely a priority on my list - I need my own place... (I love you mom) I'm sure the feeling is mutual - after living alone it's hard to go back to living under someone else's roof. Although, being in my old room right now brings back such nostalgic memories and makes me feel like a kid all over again which I am not going to complain about but let's be honest; there's a limit of how long I can live like that. I need to snap back into adult life soon, at this point I'm just taking an adult holiday for a short while until I get things sorted and whilst I still have the opportunity to do so. Don't mind if I do.

A main key point and an important asset to have when starting over is organisation.  Here are a few of my tips to starting a new life and what we perhaps should do for an easier transition. Perhaps they may vary for you, or might be similar - at this point you can just take in and see what you might be able to gather from the below and my experiences.  

1) STRUCTURE PLAN YOUR FUTURE

First off, having an idea of which way you want your life to go is super important. Even if it's not precise, write down a few pointers as to what you would like to achieve and which direction more or less you want to take. It's true like myself, we might be at the stage where you have no idea what you are doing or in which route your life is heading towards but with a small vision and plan this can help in not feeling totally stressed and having a small inclination as to what to look forward to and work on - even if in time the plan changes along the way which 80% of it might change.  At least, like this it can help to look at things from a different perspective and evaluate.

2) MEET NEW PEOPLE 

This isn't particularly an easy one no matter how sociable you may be as a person. Meeting new people is very important on what you engage in and perhaps the best way will usually be once you start a new job. In my case, being back home I have several childhood friends which I am looking forward to have the opportunity to rekindle with again. However, I am open to meeting people and building new friendships, taking on a new step.

3) HAVE AN OPEN MIND 

Things will naturally be different, the way of doing things, places to go, certain habits. Especially changing country all together you have to take into consideration the different culture. Learn how to adapt to your surroundings and embrace change for every good and bad you had in your old life, try find the good and bad in your current situation - it's there you might have to dig to figure out what these things are. Accept that things will be different - different is good. You like it, take it in - you don't drop it, move on to something else.

4) TRY NEW THINGS 

Starting fresh, can be strenuous and God knows it is. Speaking first hand from my experience, try to incorporate a positive attitude towards the change despite of the mixed feelings you might be having, try look forward to what's to come. Starting over is the equivalent of doing new things - taking up activities you've always wanted to do or never had the time or courage to do so. Go for it, do new things. In my case I've been wanting to start boxing lessons - Something I've always thought about doing but never got around to doing. Maybe it's time.

5) MAKE A TO - DO - LIST 

Blah blah, here we go another to do list. haha - I have my whole life written in a list almost. The good old to-do-lists we swear by them or at them. I am definitely the former. Having so much on your mind when moving, can be very overwhelming. I had and still have a lot of errands to run following my return, from bank appointments to sorting out a new phone contract , to other important meetings. A to-do-list definitely keeps things at bay, it also helps you rank the importance of what you have to get done and how urgent it might be as well as helps to NOT forget, which without writing down sometimes is very plausible and might cost you something important or charge you a great deal if you forget to cancel certain old subscriptions. I've been there in the past - not going to let it happen to me this time.

6) UNDERGO A NEW LOOK 

Hmm... I'm still considering this one myself.  Sometimes when you're starting over why not go ALL the way and change your look in the process to match your new lifestyle.  I have been one to always play with my style / looks. Before leaving to London I remember cutting my locks from long hair straight into a pixie hairstyle and god knows I loved it but over the years I've alternated back and forth - I'm at the stage where my hair is now mid-length and questioning what is next on the agenda. Perhaps now that I'm tanned and back to a Mediterranean lifestyle I might return to blonde, love the glow it gives me especially in the summer time. Getting in better shape is also a major plan on the list. New life - New you.  

7) LOOK FORWARD 

Accept change. Most times, we start from fresh to leave something behind, perhaps it's a form of escape, sometimes we have no other choice to start from scratch. Whatever the case, at this point it's time to leave the past behind and it's good to just look forward and take on the next chapter. Focus on the present moment and look forward always not backwards. Remember, the decision you took to start fresh was for a reason. 

8) NOTHING IS SET IN STONE

Decisions that we make can always be undone - for the most part. In this scenario, if you decide to leave home or turn your life around in a complete 360 - there is always returning back if worst comes to worst. When I left to London - I always knew I could return home if I wanted to, with this in mind it enabled me to have fun and live in the moment knowing that I am in control of any situation - now that I have made the decision to return home even at this point, it doesn't mean this decision is definite. You never know which direction your life will take you or what opportunity might come along. Either way you can always amend your plans down the line. so Just focus on the experience and not fear of the big leap of faith that you decided to take, because you are in control of your own life and what you chose to do. 

9) BE INDEPENDENT

It's important that taking this step we often find ourselves alone. Trust yourself - and your intuition always do what you think is best for yourself,  just trust that you can do anything you put your mind to do. Try learn how to be with yourself and to please yourself without having to depend on anyone - it will make you stronger and feel more empowered that you can do this, whatever journey you decide to commence. 

10) HAVE FUN 

I have just done six years in London - SIX. what? Where has all that time gone? I still remember the day I embarked on this journey - it feels just under a year ago... I can't believe so much time has passed  - I guess I am starting to feel the absence that I have left at home since being back. It's important to make the most of each day, because  life is passing at a speed for all of us and before you know it we always move on to another chapter in our life with or without our consent. So no matter on the situation you are currently dealing with, be it good or bad it's always good to appreciate the life we living at the moment, as before we know it we always end up missing the good old days and wish to go back in time. Have fun - make new memories that you can always look back on - your future self will thank you for this one. 

Start by adding the garlic with your butter before turning on the heat to allow the two to infuse together. Once melted, add the white onions and let them cook thoroughly untill they become translucent and softer, don't let them burn. You want the fire to be on medium to high heat.

Best part - tuck in & enjoy! 

Why Hello there! remember me? Sorry for being MIA over the last month or I can actually say since last year (It surely feels like a year), it probably wasn't the best idea to have stopped blogging for a month especially as Live Elle is still so fresh and starting out but what can I say my hands have been tied and going through personal obstacles has definitely put me on a roller coaster the last few weeks. With this regard, I still have to wish all of you a Happy New Year and wish you all the health, love and success in each and one of you guys - my readers. Hey! it's still January so my wishes still counts. I myself have entered 2017 with a bang but I am here now and willing to give my 100% and don't intend on going anywhere. Or at least if i do share it with you wherever I do decide to go....I know that Paris is coming up next - HINT!

We all go through personal struggles at many points in our life. Sometimes they pass and other times they consume you, no matter the issue I genuinely believe that it's 10% the problem and 90% your attitude towards a situation. Trust me it's easier said than done and most of the time it's only once you take a look from the outside do you truly realise this and your actions. We all go through moments in our life where we are not OK and decide to just give up by throwing everything away along with our self-worth but in the process only makes us feel worst down the line. Sometimes you have to force yourself to get things done and although it might be a real struggle it will help in the long run. Here is a glimpse at what I do to to help me get through and might hopefully help inspire you guys and get an insight or two.

EXERCISE:

One of my new year's resolutions was to commit to yoga this year, whilst getting that flexibility going. I have always been a Pilates and Yoga kinda gal but lost touch of my love for it. It happens. holding on to this commitment couldn't have come at a better time as yoga is known to help reduce stress, focus on yourself due to meditation, learn to love yourself and deal with your emotions. (As well as feeling amazing and all stretched out after your practice.) I have incorporated it into my daily routine first thing before breakfast where I after get to enjoy my morning coffee outside in the crisp fresh air - pure bliss. Exercise in general be it yoga, Pilates, HIIT, cardio just brings out the endorphins which let's be honest when we're not our best, we all can do with some. You don't have to spend money to sign up at something which is what I believed for a long time, all I've been doing is showing up on the mat every single morning and has been making a small difference mentally & physically. 

You can add anything to your buddha bowl anything that is nutritious and fresh that is.

  I just added mine with:

 Baby Plum Tomatoes, 

Baked Sweet Potatoes, 

Raw celery,

 Brown wholewheat giant couscous, 

hummus, 

drizzle  of extra virgin olive-oil 

 Pink Himalayan sea salt.

GO OUT: 

Is there such a thing as being an introvert whilst at the same time being an extrovert? Because if there is then that's what I am. I love to be outside, but I also love staying at home, having a beauty day putting the kettle on and watching some Netflix all cuddled up especially in the winter it just sounds like music to my ears. Although I agree, getting fresh air is a key point. Some mornings swinging by the coffee shop and going straight by the thames and meditating for a while can be more soothing than having a lie-in and staying warm in bed, plus it's good to take time to just think away from technology. It so peaceful and nice to have this place close to where I live, but anywhere will do just be outside and just try be one with nature for a bit.

DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY: 

I'd be the first to say that work can be soul sucking it doesn't leave you with a lot of time to do what you love to do. Me for one, blogging has been my passion for years and only at end of last year did I bite the bullet to actually get Live Elle to come to life, and she is a work in progress. (literally as she is me) As you are aware I did a month not blogging because of how stressful life got, I wish I would have blogged slightly along the way as I forgot the feeling that it gives me to be present here right now as I write this blog post. Although Pilates and Yoga has been mentioned as my exercise regimen they are also hobbies of mine which I have incorporated and that make me feel good so it's a win-win situation.

HAVE FAITH:

This has nothing to do with religion but holding on to faith sometimes can be more powerful and consoling than you think. You can't always plan what happens as much as you are not in control of what happens next, although your attitude towards life can make things better. What is meant to be will always be so let go and hope for the better, holding on to stress might not be the answer in getting better always try look at the positive side of things. Again it's a challenge but know that in the long run it won't change the situation but it can help immensely. Last but not least, don't forget to love, loving ourselves is more challenging sometimes than loving someone or something else, so do what it is that makes you feel good and happy, the way we treat ourselves is the way we treat others. Every one is fighting a battle of their own that we know nothing about so always be kind to those around you and shed a little bit of positivity. which I hope I've managed to play my part by writing this  and sharing this with all you! 

Have a fab Sunday!

X

I can't believe that my holiday has come to an end. Malta is obviously home. So when it comes to looking at it as a holiday we don't quite do the same things as we usually would do in another foreign country. However, due to having a friend come over from England we got to play more tour guides and explore the Maltese Islands with him, which made it a nice balance of home and holiday. it's true that if it was summer we would have had even more things to do to make the most of the Mediterranean sea but we still managed to do various things, such as Go - Karting, Horse Riding and visiting some key areas, that just makes you fall in love with the country all over again.

I have to admit - I was nervous at the beginning, I haven't ridden a horse since .. well never. I used to ride a white pony named Arabesque back in Paris when I was younger but this didn't quite measure out to be the same. Her name is Delilah, yes I stayed singing the 'Hey there Delilah' song all throughout and quite frankly she grew a liking towards it & that's how we bonded - Thanks Plain White T's.

You know what they say when in doubt follow the sun

Another true beauty is Dingli Cliffs. I have to admit out of the whole two weeks that day was the coldest - the wind had really picked up.  In the horizon, the first and only thing you get to see is filfla  - the tiny rock in the middle of nowhere that no one is allowed to step foot upon however, it's more the sea, and beyond that catches my eye. a true vision - the reflection of the sun was almost silver reflecting upon the sea which almost made it heaven like. You don't have to spend hours here to take it all in , it affects you instantly. 

I'm just going to come straight out and say it - Mdina wasn't so much for the heritage that we went but more for Fontanella coffee shop and the iconic chocolate cake that we knew was waiting for us. Ofcourse, we did a good stroll around - but our coffee break took the cake! (Literally)

We did manage to catch the view which you can see whilst sitting down and I was completely amazed how I got to see half of the island in the shade and the rest in pure sunshine, it's something I had never seen before and I am so glad that I got to catch it in the moment, it was way more striking off camera though - as are most things!

When I'm back home, there's always so much food involved, from grandparents cooking, to home cooked meals to going out meeting and catching up with friends, this time I went for a late brunch at U-Bistro for a catch up with a friend -  safe to say we did not eat all of this food! The omelette was amazing, and perhaps was our favourite part from this brunch (& the healthiest too) We both got super excited when we saw pancakes & waffles on the menu and couldn't make up our mind as to which to get; it was like Sophie's choice. We compromised by deciding to get both! We both managed to take a pancake each but struggled immensely with the waffles -  the coffee on another note was fantastic.

I went to one of my favourite restaurants which happens to be Gululu, it's Maltese cuisine - and I go for the same thing every time, the L-Gharbija Ftajjar Pizza. I crave this when I'm in London and never bother to change my order. It's made with traditional Maltese dough, hummus, lamb & topped off with feta cheese ; any one drooling yet? Half is enough, My friend took the fresh calamari with gluten free pasta, and I have to say after tasting it, it was absolutely divine - get a glass of wine - sit outside with the blankets like we did, stay by the sea and take in the breeze and the night is absolutely complete. We walked off our dinner by walking on the sea front, which we do often here and is an amazing way of helping digest, I love how easily accessible my little town is.

My spine right now is so bruised .. I wonder why. I have to say I'm an exceptional driver and I am questioning why it is I hadn't gotten my license the first time round! In a matter of fifteen minutes I managed to over cross the tyres to end up on the other side of the track, did a complete 360 twice whilst turning, and going full speed without taking my foot of the pedal - I am quite the adrenaline junkie , I love these things although I didn't quite follow the proper technique I had loads of fun. I could have come close to first,( that is of course, if I didn't get stuck in a pot hole for two minutes had to be rescued!) I haven't done Go- Karting in so many years & unlike horse riding, you are in control. Definitely, keeps you buzzing for a while after! It cost 25 euros for half an hour. In the UK its double that price at £50 so was definitely worth it doing in Malta!

One of my good friends Claudia took part in an exhibition, where she worked closely with the photographer & Stylist  - this art exhibition was inspired by a number of fairy tale stories such as beauty and the beast, little mermaid , sleeping beauty et cetera and twisted the story line with current social issues - bringing social commentary and awareness to problems such as abuse, arranged marriage, portrayal of beauty in the media, abortion, sexuality, malnutrition and so on. The was a description for each photo in Maltese but quite frankly the photos spoke strongly for themselves. I was very impressed with this exhibition, I love photography, and appreciate a good art piece, this was well put together and  looking forward for future works.

that's a small preview of my week, I was constantly on the go trying to make the most of my time, and with that naturally I saw the time pass much faster.  It's funny how I woke up in one country, and ending the day in another - I enjoyed being back home and being able to spend quality time with both my family & friends, however, I'm slightly content being back in the UK simply to get back into a routine. I am currently in my onesie, sipping on a hot yogi tea & adjusting back to the cold -  Tom and I decided to order some chinese for the evening & we're ready to knock out straight after. I better quickly recuperate because I start work again tomorrow, back to reality ... Next up is our seven year anniversary coming up today week!