Ways that We Can End The Cycle of Bullying

Since I was a child up until High School, I was emotionally and mentally bullied and I know what it is like to be hurt so badly, being put down, always making fun of me because I was different then everyone else and it was the most toughest times of my life. I didn’t have friends, I didn’t have what others had when they were with each other in groups when I felt left out and being an outcast 99.9% of the time. They were moments that I will never forget, no matter if I have moved on or not. It sticks with you, however I have learned to live past it and began doing positive things in life, to move forward and to stop dwelling on the past. I have been taking a lot of new approaches to this matter and I am going to begin my own social group where people come together from all walks of life and make new friends, interact with others and just figure things out, hear other peoples perspectives on social issues.

There is always a solution and some form of ways to end this terrible cycle going on. Bullying is a very serious problem and it does need to be rectified as soon as possible. It is enough of torment, disgusting behavior that needs to be addressed quickly before it escalates even further.

Now here are ways that we can all come forward to end bullying:

– Creating small, intimate, or large social groups amongst you’re community for those who want to make friends and gather together to create a lovely group of individuals who can relate to one another, creating activities, discussing issues, doing fun, interactive, communication, group work.

– In this modern day society the importance of making it a mandatory course/subject that must be taken and taught in schools and institutions, also the workforce on the prevention of bullying, cyber bullying, social media safety, communications course which should teach students/workers what not to do, what not to say to their fellow peers/colleagues.

– Teachers, Parents, Guardians, School Guidance Staff, School Principals, and as well as outside of school grounds must always be involved in securing our schools, Implementing tougher penalties, more 0 Tolerance in Schools and also the workforce of any type of bullying that should not be allowed, suspension and expulsion.

– tell a person you trust about your feelings, what you are going through and never keep it inside you. Always tell someone you can confide into. Do not wait long to tell someone. In fact tell someone right away.

– Advocate and be proactive in this issue, write to your local papers, attend meetings, start a blog, use social media as a powerful tool to send messages, hashtags globally and come up with your own ways to prevent bullying

– Read up on inspirational quotes, save them on your computer, print them out and scatter positive, happy quotes where you can see them easily, and begin the journey to a happy road ahead.

– Always surround yourself with positivity, good people, do happy things for yourself, and stay away from negativity.

We are on the right road and path to make bullying history, and to look forward to a positive, happy and bright tomorrow. So start today, you can make a difference in someone’s life. No matter how old they are. Bullying has no age as it happens to kids, teens, young adults, youth, adults, and the elderly. Lets end this cycle now.

— If you have more ways to prevent bullying, write them below in the comments section. Thank you.

The Beginning of My Own Social Group of Positivity

Hi Everyone,

This has been on my mind for quite a while now, Every 2 weeks in the Toronto Area GTA(Greater Toronto Area), I want to gather a group together to discuss modern day issues, social issues, those who have been bullied, struggling with second guessing things and not being able to trust easily, How no one is perfect and making mistakes in our lives in social issues is proof that you are trying and bettering yourself for the present and for the future.

The purpose of this group is to strive for courage, positivity, growth and optimism about life, building confidence in speaking out, getting together to make new friends, meeting people from different paths in life and getting to know each other, accepting each other for who each person is, to share ideas and more.

I am not perfect as I have made mistakes too, however those mistakes should not define who a person is, because in the end we’re human. Life is too short to dwell on past mistakes. Especially in social settings. You live and learn. Thoughts on Moving forward, learning lessons in life, reading encouraging, inspirational quotes, and discussing about the deeper meaning to them. being positive and moving on with life is very important as were heading to that direction. Not backwards.

In the coming weeks, I will be working on setting up a place to gather around, which day to gather and so on and so forth. So if you are in the Toronto, Canada area and vicinity and would like to join in, would love to have you and to meet you. This is very important to me, I am passionate about making a better tomorrow for everyone, and gathering people together is what it is all about. I am anticipating, looking forward to a great turn out of people, and to make a difference.

 

Check back soon on the dates, times and the location of the gathering.

Hopefully I will get to meet some of my readers as well.

What are your thoughts? Do you think its a great idea to meet every 2 weeks? Or should this be a weekly event?

Building A Sense Of Individuality Can Be A Battle in Decision Making

In life I am sure a lot of us have encountered people who always have a problem or an issue with how one individual gets things done, or how they think and feel, and there will always be people who will try to please everyone by always listening to everybody else, and not thinking about what that person really likes. For example, when someone or some people start planning a party, wedding, engagement party, special occasion gathering or just some simple gathering, and you start planning the venue, the colours, theme, music, food, decorations, and all that other stuff, and when it is time for people who are invited that come to the party and after doing your best to make sure people have a great time, there will be people who will always criticize you, and you hear it from other people who you should have done the decorations in another way, more better music, better theme of the party, but you know what, you have to stand up for what you created, the many hours and days and months it took for preparations, for the time you put into it, and having to hear from someone who it wasn’t up to par and being penalized for doing it that way, why didn’t you do this instead? Don’t you just hate that? There will be people who will say, thank you, had a fabulous time, everything was great, and some people will not even compliment the night or whenever the parties are held.

In this world the only impossible thing to achieve is to please everybody, you cannot, and it will never happen where people see eye to eye on things, people will always find something to say, people will always find a way to rain on someone else parade. It is unfortunate how that happens and it can be difficult to build a sense of individuality can be such a battle because a lot of us want approval and a lot of us wait for others to be impressed with you, but you know what, in the end we are all individuals and if we don’t build ourselves some sort of individuality, then everybody will end up being the same person and there is nothing new in the world to see, everyone will end up with the same kind of personality and there won’t be room for growth and a sense of independence.

I always believe that to be yourself, and to do things that you are capable of doing, if you want to have a party and do some event and if you want it to be a certain way, a certain theme, go for it. Nobody has the right to criticize and put any blame or point fingers on how its done and everything. You went out of your way to have this party or gathering to make it a great time and for people to come together and enjoy with each other is what counts right? Some people are so detail oriented and they always have to pinpoint what is wrong and what is right. It shouldn’t be like that. Yes although being detail oriented is good, but there is a limit to everything.

In this life and in my life, I have learned not to let others walk all over me, and tell me what to do with everything. I make my own decisions, and yes I do listen to advice and I do listen to people who give energy to me about something and what and how I should be doing something, but in the end if someone keeps on making decisions for you, then it will be a battle to build a sense of individuality. it is good sometimes to receive advice if you did something wrong or you approached something in a wrong way, or if you did some mistake or whatever, but people should not be on your case and put you on the spot all the time. you know what I mean right? Well, have you been in this situation before? Have you ever been through these problems where people always make a snide comment or tell you in a way not to offend you? What did you feel about how others criticize you?

I’d love to hear from you.

Natural Beauty is The Way

As I go through life seeing many people wear oodles of make-up on their face, I always say to myself, why they put so much? why they have to cover their face up with all these cosmetics? I believe and know that all women and girls have a natural beauty and they are simply covering up what they really look like. I am not saying do not wear make-up, you are free to make your own decisions as to how much cosmetics you put on your face, but in moderation. The trick to wearing make-up, you have to make it look like you are not wearing any at all.

I believe inner beauty is far more beautiful than our exterior. Make-up should not make a woman/girl believe that they are far more beautiful with that stuff on their faces. Many cosmetic companies starve for women/girls who constantly head to the stores to purchase their merchandise. Beauty comes from within. We are just carrying our exterior, but I am telling all women/girls of the world right now, you are beautiful, you don’t have to try to impress the guy next door, or when you go to a party or somewhere to wear make up to the extent that it does not make you look good at all. It makes it worse to be honest.

I have been to many parties and I notice women and girls look in the mirror in the restroom to maintain themselves, adding more and more make-up. Again, it is totally up to you on what you do to your face, but I would understand if you’re a bride, bridesmaid, or you’re in a modeling agency, or whatever, but then again, make-up should be worn within limits.

As my personal side of the story, I only wear make-up when it is absolutely necessary, I occasionally wear make up to a party or a gathering with my girlfriends, but I rarely wear it on a daily basis. It makes my face feel so heavy and it makes me feel like there are things on my face constantly. The mess of mascara, the mess of the bronzer and foundation powders and everything, just clog up the pores and clog up the face and your face won’t breathe.

Although it is important to maintain your exterior, with having your hair groomed, showered up, clean, nice smelling, and have great hygiene with brushing your teeth, flossing and everything which is very important, but when it comes to Make-up, it really isn’t a necessity, it is something that hides your beauty, being a natural beauty is far more attractive, than having all this gunk on your face, and putting too much make-up on no matter what type of product or name it is, can speed up the aging process.

I know you readers are questioning and thinking that this woman writing this has got to be crazy, that she herself is a woman and women are so revolved around cosmetics, fashion so on and so forth. Personally, I myself enjoy wearing custom jewellery, and matching up my outfits and going out with just lip gloss on my lips or a lip colour that suits my face and colour of my skin, rather than wearing way to much on my face. I already wear corrective lenses, and i occasionally wear contact lenses.

In conclusion, you are beautiful, you are a person of our world, you have been put on this earth, no matter how your face looks, your facial attributes, sizes, shapes, were all different, were all ONE BODY, Were all in the same human race, were all on this earth for a reason. Nature will take its course. BE NATURAL, BE WHO YOU ARE, GOD LOVES YOU Just the way you are, SO LOVE YOURSELF THE WAY YOU ARE. Save that 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 dollar bill that you are going to spend on Make-up and Utilize it for something more worthwhile. So get up, stand up, Smile and look at yourself in the mirror and say these 5 WORDS Every morning you wake up — “I AM A NATURAL BEAUTY” and start your day. Try it, and you will see the difference.

Natural Beauty is The Way

As I go through life seeing many people wear oodles of make-up on their face, I always say to myself, why they put so much? why they have to cover their face up with all these cosmetics? I believe and know that all women and girls have a natural beauty and they are simply covering up what they really look like. I am not saying do not wear make-up, you are free to make your own decisions as to how much cosmetics you put on your face, but in moderation. The trick to wearing make-up, you have to make it look like you are not wearing any at all.

I believe inner beauty is far more beautiful than our exterior. Make-up should not make a woman/girl believe that they are far more beautiful with that stuff on their faces. Many cosmetic companies starve for women/girls who constantly head to the stores to purchase their merchandise. Beauty comes from within. We are just carrying our exterior, but I am telling all women/girls of the world right now, you are beautiful, you don’t have to try to impress the guy next door, or when you go to a party or somewhere to wear make up to the extent that it does not make you look good at all. It makes it worse to be honest.

I have been to many parties and I notice women and girls look in the mirror in the restroom to maintain themselves, adding more and more make-up. Again, it is totally up to you on what you do to your face, but I would understand if you’re a bride, bridesmaid, or you’re in a modeling agency, or whatever, but then again, make-up should be worn within limits.

As my personal side of the story, I only wear make-up when it is absolutely necessary, I occasionally wear make up to a party or a gathering with my girlfriends, but I rarely wear it on a daily basis. It makes my face feel so heavy and it makes me feel like there are things on my face constantly. The mess of mascara, the mess of the bronzer and foundation powders and everything, just clog up the pores and clog up the face and your face won’t breathe.

Although it is important to maintain your exterior, with having your hair groomed, showered up, clean, nice smelling, and have great hygiene with brushing your teeth, flossing and everything which is very important, but when it comes to Make-up, it really isn’t a necessity, it is something that hides your beauty, being a natural beauty is far more attractive, than having all this gunk on your face, and putting too much make-up on no matter what type of product or name it is, can speed up the aging process.

I know you readers are questioning and thinking that this woman writing this has got to be crazy, that she herself is a woman and women are so revolved around cosmetics, fashion so on and so forth. Personally, I myself enjoy wearing custom jewellery, and matching up my outfits and going out with just lip gloss on my lips or a lip colour that suits my face and colour of my skin, rather than wearing way to much on my face. I already wear corrective lenses, and i occasionally wear contact lenses.

In conclusion, you are beautiful, you are a person of our world, you have been put on this earth, no matter how your face looks, your facial attributes, sizes, shapes, were all different, were all ONE BODY, Were all in the same human race, were all on this earth for a reason. Nature will take its course. BE NATURAL, BE WHO YOU ARE, GOD LOVES YOU Just the way you are, SO LOVE YOURSELF THE WAY YOU ARE. Save that 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 dollar bill that you are going to spend on Make-up and Utilize it for something more worthwhile. So get up, stand up, Smile and look at yourself in the mirror and say these 5 WORDS Every morning you wake up — “I AM A NATURAL BEAUTY” and start your day. Try it, and you will see the difference.

The Joyful Moments Of Cooking. How Much I Love It

In my life, one of the most joyful and satisfaction I receive is when I cook, bake and enjoy my time in the kitchen with all my favourite kitchen appliances that make my cooking a lot more enjoyable and fun at the same time. I was 8 years old and I remember cooking rice for the very first time. It was the best feeling in the world when my mom taught me how to wash it and cook it. Now with my mom’s supervision she watched me as I cooked and she said, great job and it was my first time doing it. I got so excited. From then on, I started cooking a lot for my family and then as soon as I turned 14 years old, I did not need supervision anymore, and I could do everything on my own. I learned how to make lasagna, chicken soup, and other different types of food since I was 10 years old. When I turned 20 years old, I began to take over the kitchen and I would tell my mom to go relax, and I told her I got this. So now without my mom being in the kitchen, I do all sorts of dishes, I bake cakes, cupcakes, I make cookies, jello, home-made ice cream, fruit platters, salads, I marinate meats, I make meatballs, Ravioli, Armenian and Middle Eastern Dishes, I make my famous Chilli, different types of breakfast, dips, sauces, and everything, Among other delicious things that my family, and who comes over to my house, that always want seconds and even thirds sometimes. I sometimes think, I should have made extra, but I love it when there is no left overs.  I love making everything from scratch. I seldom go and buy ready-made easy stuff, I enjoy making it all on my own. The best way to make it and you know exactly what is going into your food without all the added calories and ready-made products. Sometimes you see ready-made pasta, and lasagna trays from the grocery store, I never even touch those. I make mine fresh. You never know how long those things have stayed like that. I’d rather do it myself and it is a lot more fun that way.

I remember a time when I invited my whole group of friends over for Armenian Style Ravioli Called (Mante, Manti, Mantuh, Mantee, However they spell it), and the whole extra-large pot finished amongst everyone and to this day, they want my Armenian Style Ravioli, but that day will come again when I will invite them over.  I remember a time when I cooked for over 20-25 people and all on my own. I had over 4 or 5 different dishes with salads, meats, and rice. It was a lot of fun although it was very hard to take it all on myself, but I made sure that the flavours were perfect and that everyone enjoyed it and they sure did. I love taking on big tasks on my own. Although it is great to receive help too, but I like taking on challenges and doing things on my own. especially when it comes to cooking. I don’t know, but I have become a perfectionist in the kitchen and I just love things to be cooked evenly, the sizes and I love the presentation. Even if it’s just for my family on a regular dinner night. I just love the presentation. I get the joys and satisfaction when doing so.

When I go grocery shopping, I also donate food to the less fortunate, and I put food in the food bank boxes that are put in front of grocery stores or in certain shelters, at my church they have food banks and I put a few non-perishable food items in the box. I love donating food to them. Knowing that a family out there who is less fortunate and needy is fed, that also makes me happy and that also makes me feel great that someone doesn’t have to go to bed hungry at night. It feels great to donate.

Food is my specialty and knowing that my family enjoys it and knowing that I made this with my love and care is what it important to me. I don’t cook because I have to everyday and I don’t cook for the sake of it, I actually love doing what I do and making sure my family is fed with the best possible nutrition.  Happy Cooking everyone!

The Joyful Moments Of Cooking. How Much I Love It

In my life, one of the most joyful and satisfaction I receive is when I cook, bake and enjoy my time in the kitchen with all my favourite kitchen appliances that make my cooking a lot more enjoyable and fun at the same time. I was 8 years old and I remember cooking rice for the very first time. It was the best feeling in the world when my mom taught me how to wash it and cook it. Now with my mom’s supervision she watched me as I cooked and she said, great job and it was my first time doing it. I got so excited. From then on, I started cooking a lot for my family and then as soon as I turned 14 years old, I did not need supervision anymore, and I could do everything on my own. I learned how to make lasagna, chicken soup, and other different types of food since I was 10 years old. When I turned 20 years old, I began to take over the kitchen and I would tell my mom to go relax, and I told her I got this. So now without my mom being in the kitchen, I do all sorts of dishes, I bake cakes, cupcakes, I make cookies, jello, home-made ice cream, fruit platters, salads, I marinate meats, I make meatballs, Ravioli, Armenian and Middle Eastern Dishes, I make my famous Chilli, different types of breakfast, dips, sauces, and everything, Among other delicious things that my family, and who comes over to my house, that always want seconds and even thirds sometimes. I sometimes think, I should have made extra, but I love it when there is no left overs.  I love-making everything from scratch. I seldom go and buy ready-made easy stuff, I enjoy making it all on my own. The best way to make it and you know exactly what is going into your food without all the added calories and ready-made products. Sometimes you see ready-made pasta, and lasagna trays from the grocery store, I never even touch those. I make mine fresh. You never know how long those things have stayed like that. I’d rather do it myself and it is a lot more fun that way.

I remember a time when I invited my whole group of friends over for Armenian Style Ravioli Called (Mante, Manti, Mantuh, Mantee, However they spell it), and the whole extra-large pot finished amongst everyone and to this day, they want my Armenian Style Ravioli, but that day will come again when I will invite them over.  I remember a time when I cooked for over 20-25 people and all on my own. I had over 4 or 5 different dishes with salads, meats, and rice. It was a lot of fun although it was very hard to take it all on myself, but I made sure that the flavours were perfect and that everyone enjoyed it and they sure did. I love taking on big tasks on my own. Although it is great to receive help too, but I like taking on challenges and doing things on my own. especially when it comes to cooking. I don’t know, but I have become a perfectionist in the kitchen and I just love things to be cooked evenly, the sizes and I love the presentation. Even if it’s just for my family on a regular dinner night. I just love the presentation. I get the joys and satisfaction when doing so.

When I go grocery shopping, I also donate food to the less fortunate, and I put food in the food bank boxes that are put in front of grocery stores or in certain shelters, at my church they have food banks and I put a few non-perishable food items in the box. I love donating food to them. Knowing that a family out there who is less fortunate and needy is fed, that also makes me happy and that also makes me feel great that someone doesn’t have to go to bed hungry at night. It feels great to donate.

Food is my specialty and knowing that my family enjoys it and knowing that I made this with my love and care is what it important to me. I don’t cook because I have to everyday and I don’t cook for the sake of it, I actually love doing what I do and making sure my family is fed with the best possible nutrition.  Happy Cooking everyone!

Building A Sense Of Individuality Can Be A Battle in Decision Making

In life I am sure a lot of us have encountered people who always have a problem or an issue with how one individual gets things done, or how they think and feel, and there will always be people who will try to please everyone by always listening to everybody else, and not thinking about what that person really likes. For example, when someone or some people start planning a party, wedding, engagement party, special occasion gathering or just some simple gathering, and you start planning the venue, the colours, theme, music, food, decorations, and all that other stuff, and when it is time for people who are invited that come to the party and after doing your best to make sure people have a great time, there will be people who will always criticize you, and you hear it from other people who you should have done the decorations in another way, more better music, better theme of the party, but you know what, you have to stand up for what you created, the many hours and days and months it took for preparations, for the time you put into it, and having to hear from someone who it wasn’t up to par and being penalized for doing it that way, why didn’t you do this instead? Don’t you just hate that? There will be people who will say, thank you, had a fabulous time, everything was great, and some people will not even compliment the night or whenever the parties are held.

In this world the only impossible thing to achieve is to please everybody, you cannot, and it will never happen where people see eye to eye on things, people will always find something to say, people will always find a way to rain on someone else parade. It is unfortunate how that happens and it can be difficult to build a sense of individuality can be such a battle because a lot of us want approval and a lot of us wait for others to be impressed with you, but you know what, in the end we are all individuals and if we don’t build ourselves some sort of individuality, then everybody will end up being the same person and there is nothing new in the world to see, everyone will end up with the same kind of personality and there won’t be room for growth and a sense of independence.

I always believe that to be yourself, and to do things that you are capable of doing, if you want to have a party and do some event and if you want it to be a certain way, a certain theme, go for it. Nobody has the right to criticize and put any blame or point fingers on how its done and everything. You went out of your way to have this party or gathering to make it a great time and for people to come together and enjoy with each other is what counts right? Some people are so detail oriented and they always have to pinpoint what is wrong and what is right. It shouldn’t be like that. Yes although being detail oriented is good, but there is a limit to everything.

In this life and in my life, I have learned not to let others walk all over me, and tell me what to do with everything. I make my own decisions, and yes I do listen to advice and I do listen to people who give energy to me about something and what and how I should be doing something, but in the end if someone keeps on making decisions for you, then it will be a battle to build a sense of individuality. it is good sometimes to receive advice if you did something wrong or you approached something in a wrong way, or if you did some mistake or whatever, but people should not be on your case and put you on the spot all the time. you know what I mean right? Well, have you been in this situation before? Have you ever been through these problems where people always make a snide comment or tell you in a way not to offend you? What did you feel about how others criticize you?

I’d love to hear from you.

Music is A Universal Language

Hello everyone, I don’t think I have ever emphasized my love for music and what is does to me and my soul and how it makes my world so great. Now, music has been part of me since I was a kid, but lately I have been listening to more and more, and plus it depends on the mood I am in that specific day and time of my life, but here are my favourite music genre’s and what the music reminds me of and how it is for me.

Reggaeton/Cubaton/Spanish/Caribbean/Soca/Reggae/Bachata/Salsa/Merengue/ — All these music genres remind me of my travels to The Caribbean, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and when I went on Cruise ships. I have a lot of this type of music and it just makes me feel like I am in tropical destinations around the world and it makes me feel like I am sipping a coconut by the beach, and just hearing this music in the background. It is awesome and great beats to soothe my mood at that point in time.

Armenian/Arabic/Middle Eastern/Greek/Persian/ — Now, this is what I usually listen to and I love this type of music too because it reminds of get together, parties, and outings within my Armenian community and we have all these types of music playing at our parties and among in our homes too. We love our Music and we play all these kinds. I know we are Armenian, but we listen to all these kinds of music and we dance and just have fun with it all. We also have Armenian Patriotic Music as I am sure with Arabic, Middle Eastern, Greek and Persian music too. We play that toward the ending of some parties I attend.

Pop/Alternative/Classic Rock/70’s/80’s/90’s/ — These I listen to when I am in the mood, but mostly I listen to them when I am with other friends and family and with those who like this music like me. Its something I listen to once in a while or a few times a month. Now when I go to parties too and when I hang out with people.

Dance/Freestyle/House/Trance/Rhythms/ — I listen to this a lot too. I have a huge playlist on my Ipod and I listen to it when I am just in the mood. Like I said, I am selective to music as long as it suits what I am feeling that day and when I am happy and jumpy, this is the type of music I get into.

Television Theme Songs are my favourite too.

So you can say I am into mostly everything and there are some types that are not my cup of tea, but I am sure that goes for everyone. I am into Country music too, but I am mostly interested in the ones above. I used to carry a huge cd collection, but now I have them all in my Ipod and carry it around. Times have sure changed, but nothing beats the Cassette tapes and music of the past, but although this time around the music has changed and everything, but music from the past is a whole different story. You could actually hear every word said, and you can actually understand the meaning behind what these artists would say, but then again times have surely changed, technology has changed a lot and advanced a lot. I think now with all this music talk, I am gonna go listen to some now. 🙂

Have a wonderful day!

The Joyful Moments Of Cooking and How Much I Love It

In my life, one of the most joyful and satisfaction I receive is when I cook, bake and enjoy my time in the kitchen with all my favourite kitchen appliances that make my cooking a lot more enjoyable and fun at the same time. I was 8 years old and I remember cooking rice for the very first time. It was the best feeling in the world when my mom taught me how to wash it and cook it. Now with my mom’s supervision she watched me as I cooked and she said, great job and it was my first time doing it. I got so excited. From then on, I started cooking a lot for my family and then as soon as I turned 14 years old, I did not need supervision anymore, and I could do everything on my own. I learned how to make lasagna, chicken soup, and other different types of food since I was 10 years old. When I turned 20 years old, I began to take over the kitchen and I would tell my mom to go relax, and I told her I got this. So now without my mom being in the kitchen, I do all sorts of dishes, I bake cakes, cupcakes, I make cookies, jello, home-made ice cream, fruit platters, salads, I marinate meats, I make meatballs, Ravioli, Armenian and Middle Eastern Dishes, I make my famous Chilli, different types of breakfast, dips, sauces, and everything, Among other delicious things that my family, and who comes over to my house, that always want seconds and even thirds sometimes. I sometimes think, I should have made extra, but I love it when there is no left overs.  I love making everything from scratch. I seldom go and buy ready made easy stuff, I enjoy making it all on my own. The best way to make it and you know exactly what is going into your food without all the added calories and ready made products. Sometimes you see ready made pasta, and lasagna trays from the grocery store, I never even touch those. I make mine fresh. You never know how long those things have stayed like that. I’d rather do it myself and it is a lot more fun that way.

I remember a time when I invited my whole group of friends over for Armenian Style Ravioli Called (Mante, Manti, Mantuh, Mantee, However they spell it), and the whole extra large pot finished amongst everyone and to this day, they want my Armenian Style Ravioli, but that day will come again when I will invite them over.  I remember a time when I cooked for over 20-25 people and all on my own. I had over 4 or 5 different dishes with salads, meats, and rice. It was a lot of fun although it was very hard to take it all on myself, but I made sure that the flavours were perfect and that everyone enjoyed it and they sure did. I love taking on big tasks on my own. Although it is great to receive help too, but I like taking on challenges and doing things on my own. especially when it comes to cooking. I don’t know, but I have become a perfectionist in the kitchen and I just love things to be cooked evenly, the sizes and I love presentation. Even if its just for my family on a regular dinner night. I just love presentation. I get the joys and satisfaction when doing so.

When I go grocery shopping, I also donate food to the less fortunate, and I put food in the food bank boxes that are put in front of grocery stores or in certain shelters, at my church they have food banks and I put a few non-perishable food items in the box. I love donating food to them. Knowing that a family out there who is less fortunate and needy is fed, that also makes me happy and that also makes me feel great that someone doesn’t have to go to bed hungry at night. It feels great to donate.

Food is my specialty and knowing that my family enjoys it and knowing that I made this with my love and care is what it important to me. I don’t cook because I have to everyday and I don’t cook for the sake of it, I actually love doing what I do and making sure my family is fed with the best possible nutrition.  Happy Cooking everyone!

The Music Of The World, To My Soul – My Favourite Music Of The World

Hello everyone, I don’t think I have ever emphasized my love for music and what is does to me and my soul and how it makes my world so great. Now, music has been part of me since I was a kid, but lately I have been listening to more and more, and plus it depends on the mood I am in that specific day and time of my life, but here are my favourite music genre’s and what the music reminds me of and how it is for me.

Reggaeton/Cubaton/Spanish/Caribbean/Soca/Reggae/Bachata/Salsa/Merengue/ — All these music genres remind me of my travels to The Caribbean, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and when I went on Cruise ships. I have a lot of this type of music and it just makes me feel like I am in tropical destinations around the world and it makes me feel like I am sipping a coconut by the beach, and just hearing this music in the background. It is awesome and great beats to soothe my mood at that point in time.

Armenian/Arabic/Middle Eastern/Greek/Persian/ — Now, this is what I usually listen to and I love this type of music too because it reminds of get together, parties, and outings within my Armenian community and we have all these types of music playing at our parties and among in our homes too. We love our Music and we play all these kinds. I know we are Armenian, but we listen to all these kinds of music and we dance and just have fun with it all. We also have Armenian Patriotic Music as I am sure with Arabic, Middle Eastern, Greek and Persian music too. We play that toward the ending of some parties I attend.

Pop/Alternative/Classic Rock/70’s/80’s/90’s/ — These I listen to when I am in the mood, but mostly I listen to them when I am with other friends and family and with those who like this music like me. Its something I listen to once in a while or a few times a month. Now when I go to parties too and when I hang out with people.

Dance/Freestyle/House/Trance/Rhythms/ — I listen to this a lot too. I have a huge playlist on my Ipod and I listen to it when I am just in the mood. Like I said, I am selective to music as long as it suits what I am feeling that day and when I am happy and jumpy, this is the type of music I get into.

Television Theme Songs are my favourite too.

So you can say I am into mostly everything and there are some types that are not my cup of tea, but I am sure that goes for everyone. I am into Country music too, but I am mostly interested in the ones above. I used to carry a huge cd collection, but now I have them all in my Ipod and carry it around. Times have sure changed, but nothing beats the Cassette tapes and music of the past, but although this time around the music has changed and everything, but music from the past is a whole different story. You could actually hear every word said, and you can actually understand the meaning behind what these artists would say, but then again times have surely changed, technology has changed a lot and advanced a lot. I think now with all this music talk, I am gonna go listen to some now. 🙂

Have a wonderful day!

Today For The First Time Ever, I Met With My Online Friend From The Miles – It Was Beautiful!

Since 2009 when joining The RADIO AGA Station online and joining and liking the fan page, I began to socialize with so many people around the world and since then we have all been conversing and we became a Facebook Radio AGA Family all thanks to the founder of RADIO AGA Jack Kojek who has made the world smaller and has joined and united everyone under one group which I am so happy to be part of. Today at approximately 12noon I met with one of my great friends whom I consider a sister from the many many miles. She came to my city and we finally met face to face. It was an incredible feeling. We hugged each other and couldn’t let go almost lol. It was a beautiful moment. It is so much more different and better to be in person and it was the most awesome feeling ever to finally have met her. We sort of blanked out in the beginning of what to say to each other and then as we settled down of our shock, we began to have awesome conversations and it was the most beautiful moment ever. I did not want it to end. I love her so much. She has a heart of Gold and she is such a beautiful person inside and out.

I know who is sincere, nice and very sweet just from the way someone writes online and the way someone carries themselves out. She is a beautiful person and today was one of the biggest highlights of this year. Last year I went through it by meeting someone from Boston in Montreal when I was there for a summer Armenian tent party at one of our Armenian Community Centres, and I had met another person from our RADIO AGA Family. It was an incredible experience just like today. I was thinking about that today. It felt so great today. I couldn’t believe myself after so many years typing and just seeing each others pictures, it became a reality and up close and personal. Hearing each others voices, and see each other face to face. That was so special this goes for everyone else who I have met from our lovely online family.

There are so many people I have yet to meet and I will get there eventually and hopefully especially those from many miles away. I was left speechless at one point today, but it was so beautiful. I am hoping to see her again before she heads back, which I probably will. I love her so much. Shes is a down to earth and wonderful lady. It only takes those special few people in life to call my sisters and she is one of them. I am so happy beyond words. I love her so much. God bless her and her family always.

Armenian Ravioli Dish – (Mante-Mantuh-Manti) however you like to spell it.

Hello
All,

Here is my recipe of my mante….

To simplify how to make the
dough and cut half the time of making mante, is you head to your grocery store
and some specialty stores have this thin/thick dough which they call it egg roll
dough. It can be bought in chinese/asian stores. You still have slice them into
squares and you still have to put the meat on them and squeeze
them.

Ingredients for meat

All Spice
Finely chopped or put in
food processor Onions. discard the water build up…
Ground beef thawed.

salt
pepper

now make sure all ingredients are incorporated
together really well…

before slicing the dough, baste or paint ONLY
WATER on it, so when you squeeze the meat with the dough, it will
stick….

to place on the little dough squares. make sure the squares and
meat are properly measured and put individually on each square. Now in order for
the meat to not get out of the dough shell, you must squeeze the meat and dough
tightly….

now on a baking sheet – place parchment paper or canola oil
cooking spray so it wont stick to the sheet… pre-heat oven to 350 only! cook
for 20-30 minutes or until you see it turn golden brown on top. do not over
bake… convection ovens would be
perfect…

———————–

ingredients for the soup
base.

Tomato paste
5 cloves of garlic finely chopped.
mint leaves
dried ground.
water
finely chopped onions
salt

Put the baked
mante bits the very last and serve instantly…
————
you can add
yogurt or sumac… your choice 🙂

BON APETIT!

Natural Beauty

As I go through life seeing many people wear oodles of make-up on their face, I always say to myself, why they put so much? why they have to cover their face up with all these cosmetics? I believe and know that all women and girls have a natural beauty and they are simply covering up what they really look like. I am not saying do not wear make-up, you are free to make your own decisions as to how much cosmetics you put on your face, but in moderation. The trick to wearing make-up, you have to make it look like you are not wearing any at all.

I believe inner beauty is far more beautiful then our exterior. Make-up should not make a woman/girl believe that they are far more beautiful with that stuff on their faces. Many cosmetic companies starve for women/girls who constantly head to the stores to purchase their merchandise. Beauty comes from within. We are just carrying our exterior, but I am telling all women/girls of the world right now, you are beautiful, you don’t have to try to impress the guy next door, or when you go to a party or somewhere to wear make up to the extent that it does not make you look good at all. It makes it worse to be honest.

I have been to many parties and I notice women and girls look in the mirror in the restroom to maintain themselves, adding more and more make-up. Again, it is totally up to you on what you do to your face, but I would understand if your a bride, bridesmaid, or your in a modeling agency, or whatever, but then again, make-up should be worn within limits.

As my personal side of the story, I only wear make-up when it is absolutely necessary, I occasionally wear make up to a party or a gathering with my girlfriends, but I rarely wear it on a daily basis. It makes my face feel so heavy and it makes me feel like there are things on my face constantly. The mess of mascara, the mess of the bronzer and foundation powders and everything, just clog up the pores and clog up the face and your face won’t breathe.

Although it is important to maintain your exterior, with having your hair groomed, showered up, clean, nice smelling, and have great hygiene with brushing your teeth, flossing and everything which is very important, but when it comes to Make-up, it really isn’t a necessity, it is something that hides your beauty, being a natural beauty is far more attractive, than having all this gunk on your face, and putting too much make-up on no matter what type of product or name it is, can speed up the aging process.

I know you readers are questioning and thinking that this woman writing this has got to be crazy, that she herself is a woman and women are so revolved around cosmetics, fashion so on and so forth. Personally, I myself enjoy wearing custom jewellery, and matching up my outfits and going out with just lip gloss on my lips or a lip colour that suits my face and colour of my skin, rather than wearing way to much on my face. I already wear corrective lenses, and i occasionally wear contact lenses.

In conclusion, you are beautiful, you are a person of our world, you have been put on this earth, no matter how your face looks, your facial attributes, sizes, shapes, were all different, were all ONE BODY, Were all in the same human race, were all on this earth for a reason. Nature will take its course. BE NATURAL, BE WHO YOU ARE, GOD LOVES YOU Just the way you are, SO LOVE YOURSELF THE WAY YOU ARE. Save that 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 dollar bill that you are going to spend on Make-up and Utilize it for something more worthwhile. So get up, stand up, Smile and look at yourself in the mirror and say these 5 WORDS Every morning you wake up — “I AM A NATURAL BEAUTY” and start your day. Try it, and you will see the difference.