Staying Inspired.

Wednesday 26 December 2018


I know it's been quite a while since the last post. Alot has actually happened and when life happens, well you've got to take a break from Social Media to handle what you got to handle you know?

So a recap,

I went overseas in October and returned to a Halloween Trunk or Treat which I had put together my first DIY project (Refer to recent post) And now I'm at the end of December. So what happened in between?

1. Everyone was still reacting to my wedding on a comment I left on a post.

https://www.facebook.com/iwakeupwithtoday/photos/a.156573174377356/1415391775162150/?type=3&theater




2. I reconnected with a good friend of mine, Rosa. We walk for 2 hours in the morning.





3. Took a Pineapple Selfie in a store. 




4. Went to take my niece on her FIRST temple trip (2nd from the left) 



5. Uplifted a lady, who bought me a cup of coffee as a gift of gratitude (I will elaborate more on this on a seperate post)  




6. Taught these beautiful children about why we have Scriptures. 




7. Spoke at a conference at such short notice. 



8. Board Meeting/Dinner Date





9. Visited the Elderly. Made 2 new friends. Betty and Elsie.




10. Stayed up late/early morning Christmas Eve to bake traditional cookies and Pineapple Custard Pie to deliver to 5 families this Christmas and cook for our annual family Christmas Eve Dinner.




11.  Take care of my husband, who's unwell. 





You're all caught up! There may have been more but I picked out the highlight of the 2 months.
This blog is called STAYING INSPIRED. Throughout the times I've been away from blogging, I actually stayed inspired. I documented it and will soon share those inspirations with you all shortly.
Until the next post, have a good end of year! I will check in, in the NEW YEAR! Thanks for reading.

Lots of love,

- Corina Jane (CJM) 





I'LL BE THE CAPTAIN. DIY PIRATE COSTUME

Sunday 4 November 2018


Hi! So as the previous post stated, I was currently overseas (but I'm back now) and on the day I flew back, was also the day of an event I am a part of. In the weeks prior, not only was I preparing for the house inspection, along with packing, I had to also find a costume to wear when I return. I had already thought of being a "Pirate" but instead of buying the costume, decided to get creative and make one. In my mind I had visualised what I already wanted. I already had a corset to use but had to rethink the idea because my 'corset' (picture 1) was a bit too sexy for this event.

Picture 1

I knew the perfect place to find things of all sorts would be at a thrift store (second hand store) so I went "THRIFT STORE SHOPPING" and this was my final DIY PIRATE COSTUME. 




Instead of the corset, I went with two different pieces put together. I found these two both at the same second hand store. 

 


This skirt is actually 2 skirts in 1. I found a skirt layered with black lace and bought it from one second hand store, cut it straight down the middle and then found another skirt (white) at another second hand store and then attached the lace skirt to the white skirt. I didn't have time to sew because I was overseas so I quickly 'safety pinned' it together before the event (Hehe ain't no shame in admitting it) 

I used a hair tie to hitch one side of the skirt up a bit to make it a bit uneven and tied a red off cut material to add a bit of colour there to match the red sash which is also part of the off cut material bundle I bought. I tried to make a bit of the skirt seem dirty to match the pirate look but it still managed to stay white.


To complete the look, I went for fishnet stockings which you can find pretty easily in local stores.  Initially I was after red but couldn't find either red or black in time, so I took whatever colour I could find.

The boots are my own, bought them a while ago from ICE.


You can add as much as you like on top of this costume, like a bandana, eye patch, accessories 
and weapons, pirate hat etc.

Total cost: $22.



Hope you enjoyed and feel inspired! This is the first time I've actually done a DIY costume and I'm pretty pleased with the result, so were many others. Til the next post - have a great week!


- Corina Jane (CJM)











Brisbane to Samoa

Wednesday 31 October 2018




I write this post 3,916 km away from where I call home. We had busy couple of weeks and on the last week, we had a house inspection on Friday, a stake dance Friday night, a ward service project Saturday morning and a flight to catch Saturday night. When I say "we" I refer to myself, my son, my husband and my mom. We landed in the island of Samoa on Sunday morning at 4:45am (we were apparently really early since it was meant to land at 5:15am)

This would be the 3rd year I have travelled in a row and each time has been for a purpose. Hence why the caption in the picture says: "Never to Vacate, Always to Educate" When visiting Samoa, I've never really looked at it as a vacation. I've always wanted to find ways to better the living situations of my family and my husband's family there. Being here in Samoa has educated me in a way where it constantly reminds me to be humble. It always has a way of making sure I will always serve others where I can and to know that there are others who have it more worse than I, so I will always be mindful of how I live my life. But that's just me. I always want to find and do things that will educate me, remind me and uplift me based on my own findings, research and materials. Yup, I'm an autodidactic (someone self taught) I don't rely on what others tell me, I want to go experience it for myself, live it and learn from it.

In the time I have spent here, the heat is one thing I did complain about at one stage but then again, I thought: "I have only spent a couple of days in this heat with no air conditioning or ceiling fans but they have to endure this every day, all year round without the luxury I have at home" With this mindset, it has allowed me to look at every thing from a different perspective.

I'm only into Wednesday, we leave on Saturday but I will run down on most things in my next post! 

- Lots of love, hugs and kisses.

Corina Jane

I Just Haven't Met You Yet.

Wednesday 24 October 2018



So as I am writing this, I'm listening to "I just haven't met you yet" by Michael Buble.

This song always puts me in a good mood. It has such a good feel to it that just makes you smile and it makes me want to dance at a grocery store haha.

But hello! I have been extremely busy and I'm heading for a busier weekend. But I wanted to write about my latest experiences about meeting new people. So if 'I just haven't met you yet' one day I hope I will.

Lately, I have wriggled my way in to trying to get to know new people. Everyone needs a friend right? How can you make a friend if you don't get to know other people? With the way the world is, what people need is a good friend to help them through.

In this experience, I noticed one thing we all have in common. It's L O V E.  We feel it towards our families, our children, our friends, our pets etc.  There was a time, when I first started in film and television at the Gold Coast and this was the first experience on set and there was this girl who was also there. There was alot of people there but something prompted me to go talk to her. So I did. She was just as nervous as I was. But once she had someone to talk to, her nerves went away and so did mine. We instantly clicked and as we were filming an episode, we made other new friends too. And when we were filming for 6+ hours, having a friend made the day so much fun.

When we are focused on others, you will always want to meet new people and make a new friend. If you have qualities that you know will help and bless the lives of others, wouldn't you want to share it with someone? in hopes it may help them? People need good friends and if you are that 'good friend', don't shy away - the world needs more of YOU. Smile and go the extra mile and find a friend.

So if I get to meet you, don't shy away. If you need a friend, consider me your friend and a selfie together is a must haha! For memories.


- Corina Jane


Are you feeling me?

Saturday 13 October 2018



I'm an outspoken person sometimes. At times I have no filter on how I feeI. If my feelings are on a high, it may build up inside and suddenly it comes out like and I quote from "Mean Girls" - 'word vomit'. Like this one time, I got the hint a guy liked me, the feeling was mutual. It was obvious in our conversations, in his voice and his body language but it was too complicated. Remember me saying that when my feelings are on a high? Yeah I ended up being the first to admit that I had a crush on the person to his face and well, it was something that just found it's way out of my mouth (maybe my brain was thinking it and my mouth just said it haha) In reality, I was never meant to say it because I didn't want to complicate it. On the other side, this was probably one of those 'just keep it quiet and move on' moments but on the upside, atleast I was honest with myself. Once it was out, I was able to acknowledge it, accept it and move on.


Honesty. 
A major thing I learned from this experience was being honest with myself and my feelings. If I had never openly admitted to having a crush on him, I wouldn't have known how to handle it or what to do with it. This provided me with the next step to take. It felt like I didn't have to mask how I felt anymore, it made me think clearer. With this confession, it allowed me to see what I wanted or needed or how much growing I still needed to do and what was really important to me.

There are many different scenarios in life where it requires us to voice our feelings whether purposely or accidentally but one thing that they all should have in common is to be honest with yourself. 


Fear.
This is the biggest road block that we encounter. It's fear. This is sometimes why it can be hard for us to say how we feel. We fear the feeling of rejection or feeling alone where you're the only one feeling a certain type of emotion. We may fear of having no one that could relate to our situation or having no one that understands us. Some may fear the 'unknown' or being in a not so familiar state of emotion and be lost. We can fear disappointing others and also even the most popular one - fear on what others would say. All these reasons may also be a reason on why it may be hard for us to say how we feel. When we constantly live in fear, we are only keeping ourselves from progressing.


Pride. 
This would be another road block right next to "fear" that could make it hard for us to voice our feelings. Sometimes when we're in the wrong and we know that we've hurt someone, our pride may not let us come down to Earth and say how we really feel while being considerate of the other person's feelings. This is something that will harm any relationship/friendship we make and have if we let our ego/pride overrule how to human 101. Learn how to be humble and maintain. 


Circumstances. 
In some cases, depending on the circumstances or situation. Saying how we feel may have to be postponed until a more suitable time, I'm talking about light issues here. But if it is an urgent matter you wish to speak to someone about as it impacts you negatively, I highly suggest you reach out to someone immediately and if you can't - seek professional help. Going back to my confession experience above, the timing wasn't the greatest for us both and we knew it but fast forward to now, I love where I'm at right now.

Note:

If you are upset with someone, tell them in the most considerate way possible.
If you want to declare your love, do it without fear.
If you want to say sorry, then sincerely forgive.
If you want give advice, freely give and live by wisdom.
If you have like someone, tell them without expecting.
If you're not happy, speak up and be honest.
If you care for someone, let them know by words and actions.

Live with no regrets. Whether it works in your favour or not - the main thing is that you were honest to yourself and your feelings. 



- Corina Jane (CJM)







Home & Away



H i.

I'll admit it that I kinda slacked off a little with blogging. So much has actually happened in between and to be honest, my mind was literally E V E R Y W H E R E. I was too crowded in thought to actually know what to write about. My mind was about to explode with everything that was happening around me, I honestly had to detach for a little while to handle life and come back when it all settles down.

Has everything settled down a bit? Not really. But I need to make an effort to write. The past couple of months I should say has been quite a rollercoaster ride, the one that goes up and down and just tornadoes through. In the beginning of August, we went through a loss but leading towards my birthday, August was going to be memorable for all the right reasons. I was endowed and entered into the temple for the first time ever! Also, had a seafood buffet waiting at home for me. In September, we received some life changing news and as we heading towards our wedding anniversary, September was going to be another milestone worth celebrating. A day before our wedding anniversary, my family and I were sealed in the temple for all time and eternity. Then our Wedding Anniversary on the 16th followed. My husband and I have now been married for 2 years.

I made new friends.
Such amazing people who inspire me daily.

Now fast forward to October 13. Which is today and yet there is another part of our journey to come.  Besides that, the weather has been crazy! We are supposedly in "Spring" but it kind of feels like winter with a mix of our usual summer storms. Til next time.

- Corina Jane

The lesson after breaking a heart.

Wednesday 25 July 2018



I was turning 19 when I made an older guy cry. He was in his early 20's. He met me at work. He took me out on dates etc he was really nice. He was starting to fall for me quickly and I thought I was to but at that age, you really don't know what you want. But I decided to give him a chance anyway. Later on, another guy liked me too and I worked with him. I spent more hours with the guy at work because we work together than the older guy. Before you know it, I was torn between two. I didn't know what I was going to tell the older guy, so I never texted him back or answered his calls and I kept making excuses as to why I couldn't meet with him. I didn't know how to handle the situation. I didn't want to hurt him (I know right? such an inexperienced mentality). I assumed that my delayed response would show him that I was no longer interested and he would just move on but I was wrong. He found out about the other guy who liked me on good old Bebo and saw that he worked with me and he called me. I picked up the phone and he was in tears. THAT DAY WAS THE DAY I FELT THE PAIN OF BREAKING SOMEONE'S HEART.  I felt sooooo bad and continuously apologised for the way I acted but he understood that I was in the age bracket of someone who was still learning on how to handle feelings. I didn't expect him to fall deeply for me. But since this experience, I never wanted to be the one to break someone's heart again and I haven't to this day and I don't plan to either. I'm grateful for that realisation because it made me much more aware of how I was handling someone else's heart. The moral? No matter how hard something is to do, like exhibit A (telling the other older guy what was going on) if it should be done, do it. Don't spare the other person's feelings because really you'll be hurting him more by not telling him at all. If you care enough for someone, you have to let them know how you feel even if it is difficult. They have a right to know.


- CJM

What to do with a guy?

Tuesday 17 July 2018



I'm not a shy type of girl. I don't find it hard making friends with the opposite sex or even starting a conversation with a male. I do, however, usually wait a while before I go ahead because in that space of time, it gives me a little insight on how to approach him. Don't get me wrong, there are times that I hesitate but it all comes down to confidence. My mom was like: "No boyfriend til after you finish school" But then I had this 1 boyfriend when I was 15 and it didn't even last cause I dumped him because I was more concerned with school and dance. After graduating school all the way until I got married, I dated many different types of guys. 4 of those relationships I took seriously and the 4th had me locked down. Through each of them, I've learned something that made me better and wiser. So I write this post particularly for the girls who are quite the shy kind, don't know what to do when it comes to a guy and also who lack the self love. Keep in mind, before you go chasing a guy make sure you  LOVE YOURSELF FIRST. That is the most important piece of advice I can offer you and that's the trick to being unforgettable. But keep reading.....


1. CONFIDENCE.

Confidence isn't knowing that you are better than everyone else. Confidence is believing in yourself that whether it works out or it doesn't, you know how to handle yourself and stand strong and be happy with either outcome. Confidence comes from within. It's how you think about yourself. How you view yourself as a whole and what you honestly think about yourself. If everything you think of and view about yourself is positive, then you are on your way to CONFIDENCE. You are beautiful.

2. BEAUTY.

Beauty shouldn't be the only thing that attracts the opposite sex but it does feel good to see yourself looking good. If you are happy with your appearance, along with how you feel inside, you will have a light or a glow coming from you that can blind someone. But take good care of yourself. If you like that natural glow, then stay away from make up but if by chance you like to enhance your features, try a little make up here and there, you don't have to CAKE IT ON like crazy but go with what you are comfortable with. Even, change your hair colour or hairstyle if you want to. There are many Youtube Beauty Gurus that offer great advice and even tutorials. My personal favourite is Carli Bybel - here's her link: https://www.youtube.com/user/CarliBel55/featured

3. UPGRADE YOUR WARDROBE

Find styles that you're keen to try and have a go. You will never know what clothes work for you unless you try them out. They don't even have to branded clothing, if you're looking for something affordable. Look for something that caters for your body shape. If you are slightly overweight and this is an issue for you, then look for something that is a little loose fitting. If you have short legs like me, then look for dresses or skirts a little shorter, so you can still see that you do have legs (Yes, that's why I never wear long skirts or dresses because my legs disappear) Remember the key is to LOVE YOURSELF first and feeling good about YOU will help with your confidence. Get to know your body, your body shape and tones that work for your skin colour also.

4. SHAVE... EVERYTHING (haha quoting MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2)

I am literally saying this title in the voice of the lady in the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2" But I don't know about you but legs and underarms are not the only parts to be shaved or waxed (hahaha) I mean, it's up to you how you rock your lady garden but I do recommend to prune your garden with a trim or go Brazilian. Make it look pretty. It doesn't even have to be for a guy. I mean even bedazzling your Vajayjay can make you feel good.

5. MAKE HIM LAUGH.

Guys actually love to have a good laugh and he'll be fixated on you if you can make him laugh. Who doesn't like to laugh? Laughing is the best medicine and if in return you're laughing too that is a win win situation. Seeing him laugh will encourage you more to do so.

6. COMPLIMENT HIM.

I love giving compliments and it feels good to also receive compliments too. But compliment him. Compliment his eyes, his hair, his smile and his personality. A compliment goes a long way and when he hears that you like his laugh, his jokes and all the above etc - it gives him a confidence boost. This will also make him smile, it may even make him shy away or blush. Nothing good than an ego boost, trust me - I think it's a guy thing but just like how we like to hear how good we look, I guess the same thing applies to them (even when they lowkey be like ewww, really they love it)

7. TAKE INTEREST

Yes, if football isn't your thing but the guy you're interested in is such a big fan of it? It certainly does help to learn about the sport or even remember what team he supports. If he's more a gamer, pay attention to the games he's interested in. If you take interest in what he likes and enjoys, he'll see he has your support and interest at heart.

8. USE YOUR ASSETS THE RIGHT WAY

You don't have to wear skimpy outfits to get him to wonder what you look like underneath. What you do need to do is find out your strengths and use it. So, for me - my people skills are an asset for me, so I use that skill to connect to people including those of the opposite sex. My talents are an asset for me, so I use that skill to show and teach others how to dance and perform etc and so on. So find out what your assets are and use that to get you an upper hand. Show him. Some guys actually love a girl that's inspiring and smart and you will set yourself apart from the Kim Kardashians in the world. Not only does this make you unique but it helps you discover yourself and what you are capable of doing.

9. KNOW HOW TO HANDLE REJECTION

I haven't experienced this BUT I've seen it. You are not going to be everyone's cup of tea. Things may not go the way you had planned and you have to prepare yourself for this. So many girls forget that and therefore get absolutely upset when a guy isn't as interested in them as they thought. When you've worked on your confidence, handling rejection will be a piece of cake. But please don't think every guy wants you, when you think like that, you set yourself up for failure - not every guy has the same taste in girls. If by any chance you get rejected or friend zoned, pick yourself up and remember that, that he is only 1 guy in 1 billion guys in the world, there's many more out there to try haha.

10. FLIRTY

Don't forget to have fun and be flirtatious, even if you think you look ridiculous. Being fun and flirtatious can show how much of a fun person you are to be around.



You've reached the end.
Please remember to LOVE YOURSELF FIRST and if you see the guy isn't getting the hint or just isn't interested, move on. Some guys don't even know what's right in front of them and in the process, you've learned to build your confidence. Either way, you're winning!



A break from the fake.

Friday 6 July 2018



My husband and I took on the challenge from President Nelson on a 7 DAY SOCIAL MEDIA FAST. Meaning not going on Social Media for 7 days. This includes Instagram, Musical.ly and all other SM platform we use. We only kept Messenger active so we would be able to keep in touch with our families from overseas. But if we didn't need to check or be on FB, then we wouldn't. So we committed to it. We started on Wednesday night last week til this Wednesday.

In our 7 day journey, we found ourselves strengthening each other. Studying and spending more quality time together reflecting on our parenting etc. We would spend most of our time deep in doctrine and learning. It's pretty clear why President Nelson has addressed the challenge to everyone especially the youth to take part in. In this life, we are so accustomed to being glued to our phones than actually interacting with people in a 'real time' experience. It was good to take part in such a challenge that opens your eyes at what you can miss when your head is looking down rather than looking up.

Since this challenge, a different view on Social Media has influenced on my every day decisions. Something we both have used to grow from and a challenge that we've both successfully completed that has played an important part in our progress that we dedicated our year towards.


- Corina Jane

My body changes, can't change you. You change YOU.

Friday 15 June 2018




After giving birth, your body is never really the same. Your hips may have widened and you have marks that you never thought you'd have until your tummy grows bigger to occupy a little human. I still have evidence of carrying my son in my tummy. No, it's not the scar below my belly button, that scar is from a key hole surgery back in 2011 when I got my appendix removed but underneath the scar are little white stretch marks, not really visible until you like stare at them but I love them, they are a reminder of the time I had the opportunity to bring a child into this world. This photo was taken a month after giving birth to an 8 pound baby, my son. I remember after I gave birth and showered, I looked at the excess skin that hung because my stomach had deflated. I felt a little sad inside seeing my stomach in that situation but it didn't bother me because the child that lived in there mattered to me most. When I got discharged, my mom encouraged me to use a back support strap which tied around my tummy to push all my insides back to where they were supposed to be. I guess that helped with not having any excess skin hang, along with the exercises. CONFIDENCE. It's the main key to getting through issues such as body changes. If you don't like the way things are, then change them and if you can't, well change your thinking.

- CJM


I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts - LION KING

Friday 25 May 2018



I remember when someone once called me a "Coconut" in an attempt to throw the racial card at me hoping that I would retaliate but I don't respond to ignorance. If only I could send this person this picture of me, a 'coconut' sipping on a coconut in the land where coconuts grow haha. But I'm writing about knowing which battles to fight.

There's no doubt that the world is filled with all types of people. Though we wish for this world to only consist of good, kindhearted people, in reality it's far from that. But even when you come across people who tend to stir the pot, you need to know where to invest your energy and where it isn't necessary. I've come across people who tend to make other people's problems, theirs. I've watched them wither away in despair, handling something beyond their control. In this case, it was already a losing battle because it wasn't their fight. They've already lost themselves trying to fix someone else's problem. I've also come across people who tend to fight but in the end, it could've been resolved if they had approached the matter in a different way. In both scenarios, if they had known which battles to fight and know when to do so, they probably would've saved themselves, the heartache, the anger etc. I'm not saying in anyway, that we can't help people but we must know when to back down or find another way, when it's affecting us and our mentality or when to simply ignore stupidity (just like I did with the coconut guy)

Everyone has a problem but in some cases, those problems cannot be solved by others but by the one who owns the problem. Not everyone will approach you in a daisy dainty way, so it would be a good idea to learn the art of blocking out ignorance. How you respond says alot about you. Invest your energy on building a better you and the environment around you and not losing yourself to others or even to yourself.


- Corina Jane

Paint me in.

Thursday 24 May 2018



Pink. My favourite colour (you can probably tell when I dyed my hair pink) The colour PINK not only represents love but also romance and charm. But the colour of my hair or what my favourite colour is not what this blog is about entirely.

Did you know that if you look at the world as your canvas, you can basically paint it in any colour or design you want? Not literally but in a figurative way, you can. I don't necessarily have to write blogs but I enjoy letting the world get a glimpse of my world. Since I started writing again, it's actually inspired me more on this project I'm working on. With each post, you will get to know me a little more. Having "Blogger" under my belt may not seem much but it actually adds more to my life timeline. I can say that I decided to start an Online Blog writing about all sorts of things that matter to me and though I haven't monetised this yet, it still something I'm 'doing' instead of wondering what to do. I've already started adding more to my canvas even if it's as small as 'writing'.

How you approach life, is how life will react to you. So once you start looking at life as a blank canvas awaiting for your hand in creating the best art you can, you will then start to see all the colours in your palette waiting to be used. The best part? Just like art, you are bound to make errors but that's just it - ART IS MESSY and life can be messy too but with both you can still create a priceless piece of art with each stroke and each colour and it all tells a story. YOUR STORY.

Life is your BLANK CANVAS, what masterpiece will you create?


- Corina Jane

I did it, you can too.

Wednesday 23 May 2018



I live for this boy.  Our journey is something that drives me everyday and so I dedicate this post to the SINGLE MOTHERS.  

I've been there in your position and I was raised by a single mother myself, so believe me when I say that I know first hand, as the child of a single mother and as a single mother (before I got married). No one wants to be a single mama but in some circumstances, you have no choice but to be one. And that's when you find the strength in you that was buried underneath the surface. Nothing will seem more important than doing what is necessary for the little human that sees the world in you. You will throw away anything that doesn't serve you purpose because on the top of your priority list is your child. You will have days of tears. Yes. And it can be hard. Yes. But try to focus less on the problems and more on enjoying the days you have together with your child. Don't let them see or feel your sadness. My mother did a good job not letting us see but I thank her for that because I know that if I had been exposed to that at a very young age, mentally I would be scarred and it will affect me as I grew up. Remember that a strong woman is built. I always have people asking me how I became so strong? I'm thinking: "Have you met my mother?" haha. But yes, a strong woman is built. This happens over time by the challenges she faces and overcome, by the sacrifices she has made and will make, by the unconditional love that she has for her family and her dedication in her duty as a mother. She is YOU. You are a STRONG WOMAN. With or without a partner, you need to know this.

The world is a better place because of mothers in general but SINGLE MOTHERS, you have shown the world the extent of a mother's love to take upon yourselves, roles of both a mother and father. My mother has done this, I have done this and so have you too. Each challenge strengthens a person but this experience will not only strengthen you but build you as one of the strongest women in the world. Be proud of this opportunity. Never look at what you are missing but look at what you are fulfilling.


- Corina Jane

Can you VICKS me? Down with the FLU - Ah-choo! Bless you.

Sunday 20 May 2018



I don't know about you? But sometimes I get the flu and it'll be in the middle of Summer and now I actually do have it in the appropriate season (since we're approaching Winter) and well... it sucks haha! But this morning, I woke up with no voice (my husband probably loves it because I'm not asking a gazillion of questions haha kidding!) and the last couple of days I was burning up (no, my roof wasn't on fire haha but my temperature was)

But other than that, I can still find things to be grateful for. Even though I'm over the runny nose, I'm still grateful I can smell. Even though I'm over the coughs, I'm still grateful for my respiratory system. Even though I'm over the body aches, I'm still grateful I actually have a 'body' and though I'm over the fevers, I'm still grateful to be alive. There is always something to be grateful for even when your situation isn't very ideal like being sick but I'm also thankful for a wonderful husband who attends to my every need and a son that prays for your wellbeing. I'm truly blessed.

But not only can we be physically sick, you can also be spiritually sick too. Something, I know too well because I've been there but where I am now, I can honestly say, I'm in a better position than I was before. Back then, I only attended church once in a year and though my Faith was there, I did get led away and made some bad choices which led me onto a different path (nothing too drastic). Looking at that experience, my soul was in desperate need of something. It wasn't until I became a mother that my choices started to change and so did my mindset, I wanted to get myself back on track spiritually. I got married and step by step started that work towards being spiritually healed and like what medicine is to physical sickness, living the gospel of Jesus Christ is to spiritual sickness. In no way am I saying that I am perfect but I have definitely learned.


- Corina Jane

You're my handcuffs and I'm your prisoner.

Thursday 17 May 2018



What an odd title for a blog?
"You're my handcuffs and I'm your prisoner."

Look at my shirt. Can you see the stripes? Do you know that stripes were once used for prisoners?

Well there's one thing you can be sure of and it's that I'm not a criminal but I'm more so aiming at how we can be prisoners in our own selves and in our own minds. The handcuffs represents 'our thoughts'. Because our thoughts are what keeps us captive. Those negative thoughts. Negative thinking is what causes us to look for what is wrong to protect ourselves against danger. It is quite a dangerous strategy because it can lead us into depression. The longer we think this way, eventually it will become our reality. How do we overcome this way of thinking? Here are some ways: 


  • Be grateful - Instead of looking at what you don't have or haven't accomplished yet, look at what you have right here and right now. 
  • Talk to someone - Being alone is probably not the best way to be when you are constantly thinking negative. Sometimes it does help to talk to someone, get a fresh perspective. 
  • Think of the positive - It may seem too far fetch when you're in a different headspace but thinking positive, will help lesson the blow of what is going on. 
  • You can't control everything - Whether you are willing to accept it or not, there are things that will happen in life that's out of your control that you can't stop but it's not the end of the world, there's always a way to deal, a way that won't lead you in a downward spiral. 
  • Breathing - Take a moment to calm down. Let your mind settle. Take a couple of minutes to focus on breathing. 
  • Be YOU - Learn to love you and embrace the delightful person you are. The more you see just how wonderful it is to know YOU and love YOU, the more you see that you have created a barrier in your mind to block out the negative thoughts about yourself.

Our thoughts are what controls us. If we start thinking less of ourselves, we will in reality, see ourselves worthless. If we replace those thoughts with praise and gratitude, we will begin to see ourselves and others in a different light. If we start our morning thinking about our problems, then we have already set the mood for the rest of the day.

So will you remain a prisoner?


- Corina Jane 





A bendable BODY. A bendable MIND.

Wednesday 16 May 2018



Flexibility.  We usually know flexibility in a dancer, a gymnast, sports player etc but have you ever heard of your mind being flexible too? I came across this definition of Flexibility:

"Flexibility is the ability to adapt, to be willing to change, to be open, to bend and to respond with sensitivity."



We mainly focus on our bodies being flexible but so should our minds. When we are born, we are basically a blank canvas with an empty mind. We are taught and we learn things and go the way society leads. But as we grow up, we may still have that way of living and become so accustom to that, that we may look at everyone else who dresses, lives and makes choices that are different to what we think or do and in our minds, we have convinced ourselves that we're right and they're wrong. Try being accepting through differences. Having a flexible mind also allows you to take whatever negative situation you are in and look at it from a different perspective, a more open and positive perspective and instead of reacting to the situation in a downward light, you allow this to change you help you grow.

If you don't like what you are doing:

  • Try something new? 
  • Switch up your schedule? 
  • Explore other talents you may have? 
  • Do something you never pictured yourself doing?
  • How about finding a new hobby? 
  • Write a book?


Things you can do:
  • Stay away from expectations. 
  • Free yourself from thoughts of how things are supposed to be and enjoy just being alive. 
  • Keep in your mind, that things don't always go to plan. 
  • Don't be afraid to do something different. 
  • Be accepting of others who do things differently in your eyes.   
  • Let your mind be open. 

It doesn't matter if you're working on that summer body? or comfortable in your own skin? not only does your physical self need taking care of but so does your mind.

- Corina Jane 















My T-SHIRT knew my future husband

Monday 14 May 2018




9 years ago. I found this cheeky T-shirt online (the picture above) and then bought it and then took a picture in it. I never dated church guys (I don't really know why) I guess mainly because the guys I knew from church were whom I thought of as 'brothers' and I didn't really look at them as someone I'd date. I mean, that was my mortal self talking. For my soul, church guys were really beneficial for me but everything is such a blur. Anyways, I did go through a phase and did find myself liking 'church' guys. Sometimes, I found that guys who have no beliefs, well that's just it - they have nothing to live for or hope for. What is there, is there and that's it. And for myself, maybe my soul needed something more than that. It wasn't until 7 years later, I married a church guy (imagine the shock my family had haha) and since then I never looked back. He happens to be a Return Missionary. He does inspire me. If I had any questions or any thing related to gospel doctrine I wanted to understand, he is my 'go to' person. He's a great study partner and someone who reminds me of things that I may have forgotten or needed to hear at that exact time. I love the fact that he believes in something, that he has values and standards and that we share the same belief. Before, I never looked at a 'church guy' being on my 'to date' list but now being married to one, he is the 'must have' in my life, someone good for my soul. Haha I don't know where that shirt ended up but I wish I still had it.


- Corina Jane



The Lobster Story

Sunday 13 May 2018




Who loves seafood? I know I do. Well this post is not about how to cook seafood. I'm actually going to tell you a story about a certain LOBSTER

Once upon a time, there was a mother and her two children who went shopping for seafood. The market they had in mind was 20 minutes away. So they all got in the car and drove to their destination. A certain occasion was approaching, so the two children paid very close attention to what their mother would say at random and used that for inspiration on what to get for her for this special day. As they continued on their quest to find seafood, they heard their mother say that she felt like a Lobster (no she didn't mean she was literally feeling like a lobster haha) But that she felt like she wanted to eat a Lobster. But knowing this mother, she always put the needs of her family before her own, so she just looked at it and walked away.

(picture a bright light bulb above head like they have in cartoons) "Aha!" said the girl as she faced her brother and said: "Do you know what I'm thinking?" 
....No? replied the boy and then he asked: "What are you thinking?" The girl stated that maybe it would be a good idea to buy their mother a Lobster. Her brother agreed and then scheduled another day that both of them would go and buy her the Lobster. 

A couple of days later, the girl and her brother drove back to the fish market and went looking for a Lobster for their mother. Due to the busy occasion, looking for a Lobster wasn't as easy as they thought, most of them were gone. So they bought one of the few that was there. It was all they could find. They both walked away, not very pleased with the Lobster they bought and hoped that their mother would like it anyway.

On the special day, the two children presented their mother with the Lobster. The mother looked happy and thanked them both and showed her gratitude towards their act of kindness. But little did this mother know that the two children had wished they gave her a better looking Lobster.

The following year, the boy asked his sister what they should do for their mother for Mother's Day. The girl replied: "We will go and get her another Lobster." The girl had been thinking about the first Lobster they got for their mother ever since the day they bought it and she knew that they could do better. She wanted to correct it and get her mother the best. Her brother agreed and so they scheduled a day to go back to the Fish Market and inquire about a Lobster. They placed their order in and paid the full amount and the next day, they picked it up. This time, they walked away feeling very pleased with this Lobster.

Unaware of what she's about to receive, the mother was wondering why her children were being so secretive about their whereabouts, until her children returned home and presented her with...

Not 1 but 2 Fresh Live Lobsters. 

And explained the story behind their quest for Lobsters.

The moral of the story is -
Don't leave things to the last minute. Haha. No, the meaning is that if you fail the first time, there's always a next time to do better and when you get that chance, go and make it the best.

and yes, the boy and his sister in this story is my brother and I hahaha.

- Corina Jane


No Money. No Problem. Just give her your time. [MOTHER'S DAY IDEAS]

Saturday 12 May 2018




Everybody wishes to be a millionaire so they could buy the world for their moms! But if you're looking at a more sentimental way of doing something for your mama this Mother's Day and you're in desperate need of ideas and maybe your account balance is looking a bit hungry (haha we've all been there) Well here are some simple but meaningful things you can do for your number 1! 

1. Make breakfast - This is pretty popular. But if you have eggs, milk, bread, pinch of salt - make her some french toast. If you have ingredients for pancakes, flip some pancakes for her. Or cook her something you know she loves to eat. I know she will appreciate the effort you went through to provide her with a meal in the morning. 

2. Write a poem - Shakespeare isn't the only one who can write some meaningful words. Try it out. Write her a poem. If you're stuck with some rhyming words, google it. But find a piece of paper, a pencil or pen and go for it.

3. Write her a letter - Many will say 'hand written letters' are so outdated but truth is, it is never out of style. In this day and age, emails and posts are easy to type up, it takes the emotion out of it. Hand written letters are meaningful. It takes effort. You can write her a letter of thanks and how much you appreciate her, whatever you wish to express. 

4.  Sing her favorite song to her - Serenading is not only used for romance. It can be used as a sweet gesture. It doesn't matter if you can sing or not? The main thing that she will look at, is how courageous you are and the thought of what you are doing. I mean what mother wouldn't want to hear her daughter/son sing?  Every mother does. 

5. Make a slideshow or video - Go through your photos, find some meaningful music and add them together. Voila! If you want to add an extra touch, add some meaningful words as text in your video. 

6. Watch a movie together at home - Find a genre she enjoys and put it on. If you have some snacks/pop corn at home, then bring it all out. Sometimes all she needs is company. YOUR company. 

7. Clean the house - If you're used to seeing her do all the house work, why not take some of the load off her shoulders? Mothers are used to doing so much, secretly they do wish for a helping hand at times. This would be a great gesture in showing her how much you appreciate her by also doing your part.  

8. Massage - Every mother would love a massage. But if you don't have the slightest clue on how to massage - get on to YOUTUBE and watch a beginners video (hehehe thank you for the internet) Mothers do alot of work in a household, spoil her with a little sweet escape. 

9. Bring out the board games - Quality time is all that a mother would want especially if she
is usually alone and everyone has moved on with their own lives. Whether it be Family Feud or Monopoly. Gather the family together and play. Hearing her children and family laugh is music to her ears. 

10. Actually have a 1 on 1 with her - Get to know your mother. Ask her questions about her upbringing or her memories. Let her share with you, stories that makes her, HER. Listen and take a moment to understand her and appreciate her and her journey that took her to where you are today. 


I hope that this has helped as an insight on something to do for your mother if you don't have the funds or ideas. Remember, money can't buy happiness. Simple little gestures, change the world for the better. She will love you no matter what you do or buy.


- Corina Jane 



Lets be lonely together!

Friday 11 May 2018




Title of this blog comes from Avicii's song "Lonely Together" featuring Rita Ora. (Rest in Peace Avicii) 

But loneliness. What is it? I know many people who have felt lonely, who are single and even in relationships. It's a feeling of isolation, depression, rejection or having no company. Most people do go through this feeling at some point in their life. Is it that we are longing for acceptance? or wanting to be loved? or even gotten used to being accepted and loved, that without it - we are lost?

I was once in a relationship where I did feel this type of emotion. I left the relationship and went looking for something more fulfilling and complete. But in that space of time that I was single. It left me alone with my own thoughts. I knew that if I were to feel lonely and let it fill my life with emptiness and sadness it was because I let this emotion control me. But I wasn't having any of that. I started to direct my focus on all things I was grateful for and that was my strength to feeling completely comfortable with being lonely. I was raised by a mother who made me completely aware of my own self worth and being able to be independent (I thank her so much for that) and being raised that way helped me stay focused and built up my wall alot thicker!

But loneliness, can be a good thing. That's if you know you can be comfortable with company or no company. I've used my experience of feeling this emotion in a relationship as a way of knowing what I don't want in the next relationship. So basically used it as a method of knowing who I want and don't want or how I don't want to make my significant other feel because I know what it felt like. I've also used it as a platform to my own personal growth.

If you are experiencing the feeling of loneliness, surround yourself around your families and friends. People who love you. But know that, only YOU can overcome this feeling. At the end of the day, people go home and go about their own lives. It is YOU that can either take this feeling and let it drown you in misery or strengthen you and make you 1000x better than the person you used to be.


- Corina Jane


If you need to seek professional help, please do. 

Lifeline Australia
13 11 14

Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800



Poops. Wees. Mommy & Me.

Thursday 10 May 2018


As a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) You see many things in your life that makes you change your perspective of life altogether. Many would think SAHM are not contributing to society but the truth is - they are! They are at home raising the next generation, they are preparing the future as we speak.

As for me personally, having these years off, I have felt so accomplished. It isn't easy to birth a human, then have to start from scratch by feeding, teaching them how to eat, speak and use the bathroom, teaching them how to behave, groom and clean up after themselves, showing them how to do things all over again, teaching them to read, write and the importance of knowing values even showing them ways to deal with emotions and life's problems. It isn't only SAHM that go through this lifestyle, it's all mothers in general.

In celebration of MOTHER'S DAY this weekend, take this time to honour your mother whether she's a SAHM or a working mom, whether she was young when she entered motherhood or older, whether she is a single mother or not. All mothers are worth to be recognised and acknowledged for the work that they do.


- Corina Jane

What do you look for?


In someone you want to pursue, what do you look for? In a career, what do you look for? Choosing a movie to watch, what do you look for? In life's decisions, we would normally ask ourselves: "What should I do?" but maybe if we approached with: "What do I look for?" It may bring you closer  or narrow it down to the right decision you see fit.

In a partner, I would look for values, beliefs and sense of humour. (Who doesn't like to laugh?)
In a career, I would look for something I can learn and grow from, stable and something I enjoy.
Choosing a movie  to watch, I would look for something that can uplift me, make me laugh or get my mind working in problem solving.
In friendships, I would look for those I can inspire or who can inspire me. open minded, creative, has values, someone I can learn from, respectful and loyal.

Knowing 'what you look for' will tell you 'what you should do' which can give you an answer to 'what you need or want' in your life.

- Corina Jane




Continuously Working On It.

Tuesday 27 February 2018



For years, I have wondered about doing something in particular. I got so excited about it, I couldn't really sleep because I was up thinking about it & how I was going to start it. I had already found my inspiration, my muse and all that was needed was time & to continuously stay motivated. The middle of last year, I had officially started it. There were days where I slacked off but then there were days that ideas just kept flowing. Right up to this year, I am still in the process of creating something that to me, I will be very pleased with once it has been completed.

It is hard. Very hard. But once I had shared what I have started to create already with someone close to me, I didn't think of how emotional this project really is & will be once it is finished. I hope to accomplish this goal by the end of the year but I guess time, dedication & funds will play a big part in it's success. I can't wait to share it with everybody but in the meantime, I will keep everyone guessing ;)



- CJM

FIRST POST FOR 2018

Tuesday 16 January 2018



Quite the year it was LAST YEAR!

But my son turned the big 4 on the Sunday just gone. And my mom turned 60 last Monday.
2018 has kicked off with celebrations.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Many, many wonderful things planned for this year & I can't wait to share them. But life has been grand, there's always something good in every day. A truly blessed way to look at life as a whole.


- CJM x
 
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