Luxurious Dreams

— Unknown

I. Always call and return your mother’s calls as promptly as you possibly can. Remind her in every conversation how appreciative you are – how much you love, miss and adore her. II. Make it a ritual to smile every morning. Doing so will send signals to the brain making it think it’s happy. Smiling is associated with happiness; this will naturally help the brain release endorphins (a chemical that promotes a healthy, elevated attitude). Maintaining a balanced diet and consistent workout regimen helps as well. III. Invest no time on men who feel indifferent towards your interests. A man who does not care what melodies ignite your heart strings with love, or exchanges words of endearment, is a man not worth getting to know. Real men know to cater to their significant other – internal and external. IV. Keep all negative social media activities to a minimum, no real lady engages or wastes time on things like Twitter subtweets or passive-aggressive Facebook statuses. Social media is démodé. V. Broaden your horizons. Become well-rounded, learn a new language, read more books, watch classic foreign films, subscribe to travelogue, take a culinary course! Culture yourself, actually know what you are talking about. No one likes a pretentious snob. VI. Stop looking at marriage as the defining endeavor in a woman’s life, no matter how much it has been ingrained into you. It should neither be something you actively disdain, nor something you seek out with deadlines. It’ll happen when you’re ready. VII. Never allow anyone to stop you from crying. Crying cleanses the soul. All you need is a rose petal bubble bath, aromatherapy and chamomile tea. Immerse yourself in a chocolate coma at Max Brenner if you must. Comfort food was made for moments like these. VIII. Your home should be a reflection of who you are. Keep fresh-cut flowers in your home, scented candles (personally, I love Diptyque and Jo Malone fragrance oils). Acquire a signature wine and master a delectable dish you can always serve to your guest – be a great hostess! IX. Show respect to people who don’t even deserve it; not as a reflection of their character, but as a reflection of yours. What you say about others says a lot more about you. X. Date the kind of person who will still respect you when you no longer love them. Date the kind of person who will still respect you when they no longer love you. Do not waste your emotional capacities on individuals whose respect for you is conditional. XI. Have at least one outfit ready in your wardrobe for almost every occasion: job interview, your first date, family events etc. The amount of headaches that can be spared by simply having a versatile blazer, LBD and pencil skirt at one’s disposal are incalculable. XII. What would Grace Kelly do? When in doubt, Rosé. XIII. Live by this quote: “Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.” —Kurt Vonnegut

— Rihanna (relaying advice given to her by her deceased grandmother)

I’m coming into the age of finally understanding the true meaning of respecting myself and my body. I’m not dressing certain ways and not eating certain things, and it’s not because I’m strict with myself but it’s because I respect myself and my body. I am becoming an adult and there are certain things I cannot do anymore and I have to understand that. I have to build that type of discipline now with myself, or else my future self will be all over the place.

Beautiful handwriting. At work, I always receive comments on my lovely cursive extravagant handwriting, it just gives off a regal polished vibe. Be very measured when you speak, THINK before you talk, and don’t talk when unnecessary. Be smart with your money, but prioritise investing in getting your nails done and having beautiful hair and skin. It’s absolutely non negotiable and always makes you look polished and put together. A structured morning and nighttime skincare routine is essential. Make sure your bag is always packed with daily necessities; green tea bags, a wooden paddle hairbrush, lip balm, makeup, a mirror, a toothpick kit, perfume, hand cream and a good book.

— Julia Quinn, Romancing Mister Bridgerton (via books-n-quotes)

VALDRIN SAHITI Couture 2019