Dear # SELF blog readers, it's December! And the last time we ask someone our 5 Q&A questions. We conclude with Stamatia from the Belgian beauty blog Beautyloves.be! Stamatia is a Limburg woman with Greek roots, she is a lawyer by day and blogger by night, she really enjoys life with her husband, has a passion for beauty, a soft spot for beautiful shoes and handbags, she lost her heart in New York and she loves food!
1. Everyone is busy these days. But at Self we attach a lot of attention to me-time! Do you plan enough time for yourself and how do you arrange the puzzle of work, family and me-time?
I certainly try to do that: on my smartphone I easily combine my personal and family agendas, notes and to-do lists. Balance is of the utmost importance - yes, there will always be busy(er) periods, but as a counterpart I try to build in sufficient rest. For myself, I find that me-time in my blog: it seems so futile, blogging about beauty, but it gives me incredible energy! I also really enjoy shuffling around the house in loungewear all day on Sundays and putting on a face mask. And together with my husband I curl up on the couch in the evening during the week or we go into town for a walk and a cup of coffee at the weekend. In essence, it is always the recurring little things that provide balance and peace in my head.
2.Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn in life. What advice would you give to your younger self?
It's okay to say "no" – in a respectful way, of course! We are raised with the idea that 'no' is necessarily bad, we want to meet the expectations of others, we may not always dare to speak out for fear of hurting people, ... While daring to say 'no' just creates the space to to say 'yes' to other things!
And also: let loose and live a little. No need to be so responsible and serious all the time.
3.What is your ultimate favorite address in Belgium!
I am an avid foodie and I love the sun, so any terrace under a bright sun appeals to me.
If I have to mention names, I would like to put the delicious drinks and baked goods from Coffee Café in Hasselt in the spotlight. Although I have to be careful not to advertise too much, because there is often a lot of drumming for a table now 😉
4.How are you doing with your ambition? On fleek? Which goals are at the top of your priority list in 2018?
I don't have an annual plan, although there are obviously goals or material things I'm working towards. Big and small things that I visualize by placing them on my vision board, such as a trip, a handbag or finishing our house that has really become our home. But I view those goals more practically and they are also finite.
Actually, I only have one priority, now and in the future, and that is to be happy. That sounds like a cliché, but it requires constant attention and (self) care. I aspire to that happiness not only for myself, but for all those around me. And I know that I can mainly achieve this by living very much 'in the moment', by enjoying every day. However, I am not a Sunday child: life regularly holds up a mirror to me, making me increasingly realize how short and vulnerable it is – and it is up to me to enjoy it to the fullest. In other words: YOLO!
5.Oh, you meet a genie-in-a-bottle and you get three wishes. They always say that you shouldn't reveal your wishes, but let's make an exception for once. What are your three wishes?
Here come the clichés again! However, I sincerely mean it: I would like to use my first two wishes for a long, happy and healthy life, not only for myself, but also for those around me. I have known my best friend for 24 years now and I am sure that we will be two great, spry oldies! 🙂
And that third wish… world peace, could that be possible? People are capable of so much good, it would be nice if we could put our energy into a constructive, supportive society instead of bringing each other down. And in the spirit of the end-of-year celebrations, I think world peace is absolutely appropriate.
Thank you Stamatia for answering our latest # SELF Q&A! Follow Stamatia via the following channels!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeautyLoves.be
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautylovesbe/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeautyLovesBE
Blog: http://www.beautyloves.be/
Other: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PerfectlyUnordinary1
photo: property of Stamatia
