"Oh No! I had a Cheat Meal. What should I do?" 5 Tips on How to Get Back on Track

16 August 2020 •


Imagine this. For a month, you have been strictly following your diet. Strictly. You ate clean and healthy. As a result of your hard work and determination, you reached your goal weight, yay! Now, you decided to move on to the next step which is maintaining it. Then comes a birthday celebration of one of your friends. Upon arriving at their house, you were welcomed by social distancing-approved greetings (no handshakes and cheek kisses). Plus, wait for it, the smell and sight of all the food you've been trying to avoid and you undeniably miss- pizza, pasta, bread, sushi, cake, and ice cream. This was my situation yesterday. I already know that I cannot say no to my friends and to the carbs. Hence, I had a cheat meal, and to be honest, I wasn't even guilty, not the slightest bit..... UNTIL MY STOMACH TOLD ME "I CAN'T TAKE ONE MORE SPOON OF ICE CREAM".

My stomach certainly got used to the amount of food I've eaten this past month- enough to make me full and satisfied. It got shocked when I devoured a large amount of food I haven't consumed during my diet. I, myself, was shocked too. Before, I am a small girl with a big appetite. I can finish a single serving of chicken biryani. To give you an idea of how huge this meal is, that is probably around 2-3 cups of basmati rice and a large chicken leg that is already ideal for sharing. Yes, it is THAT huge and that's how I eat before. I enjoy eating, it makes me so happy. However, ever since I planned on losing weight, I controlled my cravings and opted for healthier choices. Ergo, I followed a low carb diet, keto to be specific (which I will be sharing my journey and experience in another post). 

 
I never felt sick before when I feasted too much but last night, my stomach can't contain all the food I ate, as if it's asking for more space. I was controlling my breaths because I was scared that I will just puke in no time. Long (sick) story short, I've arrived home, drank green tea, and fortunately, did some business in the toilet (oops, sorry for the TMI!).

The next morning, I did a 45-minute HIIT, followed by a glute, abs, and arms focused workout- I tried burning the calories by doing a 2 1/2 hour workout! It was a punishment, yes. Of course, not all of it was burned but the guilt definitely came after. I felt that all the days I've eaten healthy was a waste of time and all were gone because of one meal- one huge cheat meal. I swerved off my healthy eating habits but here I am, trying to get back on track. 

But what should I do after a cheat meal? Below are some tips (I did them myself, so I can say they are proven and tested?) on how to get back on track after a cheat meal.

1. Accept and Release the Guilt
It will sound stupid and late to say you shouldn't have eaten that much. We've been there and there's no undoing it. We got tempted and dug in, then guilt kicks after. Guilt is normal, especially feeling guilty about food. We all think that we screwed up our diet and truth be told, we did. But, that doesn't mean we cannot return to healthy eating, right? We need to accept the fact that we will fall sometimes but it depends on us whether we will let things go this way or move on and recontinue healthy eating.

2. Drink lots of water.
This advice helped me the most. Increase your water intake to flush out the toxins in your body. Water also curbs hunger and gives a feeling of fullness. Aside from water, try taking some tea (without any sugar or other ingredients) to help with cleansing the grease you ingested and also for detox.

3. Exercise- but do not overdo it
I suggest not doing what I did- spending more than 2 hours working out thinking I will be burning all that I ate. Although, it is a good thing to sweat off the calories plus it uplifts your mood and reduces feeling stressed.

4. Fasting
I am already doing intermittent fasting (16:8 method), but this time I extended my fasting hour just so I can limit my extra food consumption and also burn more the excess glucose. Take note, you are fasting, you will eat after your fasting hour. Do not starve yourself, please!

5. Plan your meals
Since we went heavy on the cheat meal, we should now plan ahead our meals to kickstart clean eating. Along with veggies, incorporate protein, whole foods, and foods rich in fiber to help with digestion. Junk foods and snacks are oftentimes convenient that we can just reach for a bag of chips to satisfy our hunger. Meal planning helps avoid situations like this by having a prepared balanced meal that is filled with nutrients.

Cheat meals are inevitable and we easily fall for it, let's all admit it. We will feel bad about ourselves for ruining our "perfect diets" just because the word "cheat" already gives a negative connotation. How about we call it "treat meals" instead? Besides, it is harmless to indulge sometimes! At the end of the day, eating is a treat and we should not punish ourselves for enjoying it way too much. Agree? If you do, please share your thoughts on this post or suggest your post-cheat meal tips in the comments below. Till next time!


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Dubai - United Arab Emirates

My Work from Home Routine (How I Spend my 9-hour Shift at Home)

14 August 2020 •


These past few days, I am so into watching Youtube lifestyle videos such as "A Day in my Life", "My Morning Routine", "Grocery Shop With Me", and "What I Eat In a Day". Then I thought, why am I so entertained by finding out other people's daily routines? Hence, I decided to share my day-to-day pattern working from home. To be honest, my routine varies every day depending on the workload. There are days when I'm busiest in the afternoon so I get to squeeze a workout in the morning and there are days when I finish my work early. 


7:20 AM- Wake Up

I wake up around this time to prepare myself for the day- fix my bed, get out of my pajamas and change into something casual (because I don't want to get so comfortable in it that I will quickly return to bed), gather the devices I need- laptop, my phone, earphones (for clearer calls), notebook, and pen, and then make my tea or (first) cup of black coffee. 


While enjoying my drink, I list down my tasks for the day. I really like being organized in that way I won't be forgetting any tasks and ensure that I get everything done. During this time, like I said at the beginning of this post, my schedule can be flexible. After checking my unread e-mails from the day before and noticing that there aren't any urgent emails to respond to or tasks that need to be done immediately, I can do my workout early. I usually do workouts that last for 45 mins- 1 hour, still, depending on the free time I can utilize. Afterward, I let my body rest for a few minutes and head to the shower. I actually prefer this routine, completing my workout in the morning since it helps with my productivity and enthusiasm.


8:30 AM- Start of Work

Following my regular office hours, I will start working once I finally freshened up and settled. I will be checking and responding to my emails, coordinate with my colleague regarding some tasks she needs assistance with, and also reporting to my boss. 


1:00/ 1:30 PM- Lunchbreak

Since I am doing intermittent fasting, I take my lunch, aka my first meal of the day, at 1:00 PM, sometimes 1:30 PM when I'm busy and don't notice the time. This is also my chance to take a break and check my phone, play with my niece, watch some lifestyle videos, or look for recipes online to plan my meals for the upcoming week. I usually take 30 mins-1 hr of break, then return to work mode again until 6:00 PM.


6:00 PM- End of Shift + Preparing for Dinner

After my duty, I will be keeping my work-related items and take charge of preparing our dinner. At times when I didn't do my workout in the morning, I do it after work. I will either do my typical 45 min exercise or do a light and short stretch when I'm exhausted. A nice warm bath is an absolute necessity and my perfect choice of calling it a day. 


7:00 PM- Dinner

7:00 PM onwards is the time to spend with my family. We'll be exchanging stories on how our days went. Most of them attend to their office while I'm continuously working from home. Each of us has their own chores, equally divided, and we'll do it after a few hours of nonstop of storytelling. 


11:00 PM- Bedtime

Skincare- check, brush my teeth- check, comfortable PJs-check! Finally, it's time to rest. I will make myself sleepy by scrolling through my phone or reading my nightly devotions. I'm actually pleased with myself that my sleeping time improved. Before, I used to sleep at 2:00 AM, the latest. I find it difficult to sleep. Now, with the help of meditation, I calmly put myself to sleep earlier than usual. 


This is how my daily work from home routine goes by. It's pretty bland, I know since I spend my hours at home working. Nonetheless, I still see it as a blessing, especially in the current situation, I am thankful that I still have a job. 


How about you? How does your work from home routine look like? I would love to hear them in the comment section below. Till next time! :)


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Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Why I Love Weekends More (+ How I'm Slowly Becoming a Morning Person)

7 August 2020 •

I used to spend my weekends before asleep half-day and waking up, still feeling lethargic as if my 12-hour sleep was still not enough. I will take my super late lunch and waste the remaining hours of the day just scrolling through my phone. That is gone now, thankfully. Ever since I started my fitness journey, or what I prefer to call "journey towards body confidence", I like spending each day productively- either it is a workday or a rest day, I like the idea that I get to accomplish a bunch of tasks for the day. Aside from the fact that I am trying to change my mindset about how I feel and see my body, I am also learning how I can change or develop my outlook in life.


Now let me share with you, I love weekends even before because I can stay awake late knowing I can also wake up late the next day and expect nothing to do for the whole day. I am just asleep, there in my comfortable bed, covered with soft blankets and pillows, sleeping like a baby. Believe me when I say I dread waking up so early in the morning for whatever the reason is. I hate it. I REALLY HATE IT. I will wake up grumpy, even grumpier if you have woken me up inviting me for a morning jog. I will think "Walking? In the morning? Are you serious?!". I will hate you for that. But now, I love weekends more! I established a routine, although I am still trying to maintain it in the long run. Waking up around 6:30-ish AM to go out for my morning walk/jog (yes, it is slightly shocking for me to love what I used to think as complete nonsense). I spend an hour or two outside, soaking up the sun, feeling the wind touch my arms and mess my hair, and listening to my worship song playlist. I never thought that the idea of being able to go out and have an early alone time would make me love mornings, and I am kind of disappointed that I just discovered it now. 


I love mornings! I love that I get to witness the sunrise and feel its warmth intensify each hour. I love the feeling being around nature- the trees, the smell of the grass being freshly watered, the sound of the birds chirping and flapping their wings, and how can I forget, breathing such fresh air! I love having my alone time with God while listening to my favorite worship songs and taking the time to be thankful that He gave me another day to live and feel his presence in my life. I love thinking about myself, not in a vain way, but thinking about how I can better myself, how have I been the past week. I love that I always look forward to my tasks and creating a list in my mind and the sequence of doing them- from doing my morning walk, to getting some groceries, coming home and doing home workouts, changing my beddings, doing the laundry, having the best shower, preparing my meals for the day, and taking a well-deserved nap by midday. 


I love weekends more now by being productive and being the complete opposite of myself in the past, which is not being a morning person. I love weekends more, utilizing my energy for the whole day, doing tasks slowly and at my own pace. I love weekends more that I can dedicate time for myself, for improving self-care and self-love. I love weekends more because of family togetherness. Lastly, I love weekends more because it is a beginning of a fresh start.


Hoping this post influences you to not overlook and take each day for granted and to motivate you to think of and find things that you appreciate. I hope this post boosts positivity that each one of us needs especially this time. I would love to hear about your weekend tasks or your favorite thing about weekends! Share it in the comment section below. Till next time :)


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Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

26 May 2020 •


Ever since quarantine started, I enjoy baking more. Especially, I am able to satisfy my own sweet cravings. One of my favorite treats to bake are cookies. They are so easy to make and the smell of freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies is heavenly!

I have posted a video on my Youtube channel, showing you how I bake chocolate chip cookies. If you want to watch it or try the recipe out, please let me know in the comments below.


Ingredients:
1/2 cup soft unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 flour, sifted
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Bake for 10-12 mins at 180° C. Once baked, let them rest in the pan for 5-10 mins before plating. Enjoy the soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies!
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Dubai - United Arab Emirates

April Favorites- Beauty Products Worth Buying

30 April 2020 •


I have tried different products this month-makeup, skincare, and bath essentials. I have gathered the products that made to my "monthly favorites" and I am also sharing why I am so obsessed with them. 

This month, my current issues are my persistent acne (which I am still facing but luckily, it is improving) and dry skin. Due to the change of season here in Dubai, my skin gets dry and dehydrated. I searched online for products that will solve my skin problems. As for my acne, thank goodness for the tips I have found on Pinterest which are a total life savers! 

For each product below, I have put the link where I have ordered them online and the physical stores where I purchased them.

1. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash- iHerb UAE
I have tried various facial washes and acne bar soaps before. Some of them worked short term and some didn't really help. After 2 weeks of use, it lessened my breakouts, my skin didn't purge severely, and it makes my face hydrated. This product also contain salicylic acid which is an acne-fighting ingredient and helps unclogging pores. What I love more about this product is that it doesn't leave my skin dry and tight after every wash, reduces redness of acnes, leaves my skin smooth despite that it has salicylic acid which is also an exfoliant.

2. T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel- iHerb UAE
This product is so hyped up everywhere that is why I gave it a try. I saw this from a girl on Pinterest, who shared that she religiously used this everyday and it helped in cleansing her face, especially her pores, calms skin irritations, and reduces oiliness on the face. I was currently on a hunt to finding a toner that will cleanse my face without leaving it dry and rough. This witch hazel did help in removing unwashed dirt on my face and helps in minimizing my pores. The only downside of this product, for me, is its strong scent which is very alcohol-y. Aside from that, this product definitely does its purpose.

3. Nubian Heritage African Black Soap- iHerb UAE
This is the soap I use at night, which also fights acne. I like the scent of this soap and how soft it leaves my skin. It has solid particles in the bar soap, which doesn't affect its gentleness on the skin. It is not irritating, it is made from natural ingredients, and a bar will definitely last because it suds quickly. 

4. Vaseline Coco Radiant Lotion- Carrefour (it is available in any grocery store)
MY FAVORITE LOTION EVER!! Well, aside from the aesthetic of the packaging (it really attracts my eyes), it leaves my skin glowing! I am using too many exclamation point because this product deserves all the rave reviews. Before I use this twice a day, and only using at night now, because I bought another skin-soothing lotion (you'll find out later). Only 3 days of use and I was already seeing visible results. Even without touching my skin, I already know how smooth and soft it feels. It really gives the glow you want on your skin and the scent, oh the cocoa butter, lasts the whole day! One advice I can give you, buy this lotion!

5. Benefit Cha Cha Tint- Sephora UAE
Back when I was still attending to the office, this is my holy grail makeup product. I use this on my cheeks and on my lips and the pigment lasts all day. I don't need to reapply as it stays on my skin and lips despite the sweat and lots of water that I drink. Previously, I was using the Benetint, from the same brand. Nothing bad with this product except that I just wanted to try a different product and a different shade. Cha Cha Tint has a thicker formula than Benetint, but both gives color and life to my face.

6. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lotion- Carrefour (it is available in any grocery store)
We all know that this product, I mean the whole line from this brand, has been ins topres for quite some time now. I regret that I bought this lotion just recently. Why didn't anyone tell me how great a bottle is? One, the scent, cocoa butter, my favorite. Two, a little goes a long way. Three, it is so effective in leaving my skin soft and radiant. Four, it reduces the appearance of scars and smoothens dry and rough skin. Five, it is so affordable. What's not to love? (heart eyes everywhere indeed!)

7. MAC Lipstick- Paramount- MAC UAE
I love how this shade is so flexible- flexible in a way, how hard or soft you glide it on your lips, the shade is beautiful! It has a satin finish, although even MAC's matte lipstick are not drying at all, this gives my lips a moisturized feeling. Also, have I already told you this is the exact lipstick that Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green) used in Friends? :)

I want to hear your current obsessions for this month! What are your April Favorites? Share them in the comments below.


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Dubai - United Arab Emirates

7 Productivity Tips While Working from Home

28 April 2020 •



It is Monday again which means back to work. As for us here in Dubai, we have already started our week yesterday. Ever since the outbreak of COVID-19, most companies have been working remotely to observe social distancing. To be honest, it is not an easy transition. If you have been working from home even before the pandemic, you might find this mundane. However, for those used to attending to their offices, sitting in front of their monitors from 9-5, it can be quite challenging and indeed affects productivity. Personally and not trying to sound like "the best employee" or a workaholic, I still prefer working in the office. Why? The work environment motivates me more to work and focus on my tasks as compared to working in the comfort of my home, where I usually find other things to fritter away time that results to divided attention.

In order to work effectively, I am sharing 7 tips to boost productivity while working at home.

1. Ensure that you got everything you need. Laptop, stable internet connection, mobile phone/telephone with plan, and all the files you will be working on. Without these, you will be surely be lost.

2. Find a peaceful and organized workstation. It is proven that a clutter-free workspace helps in completing tasks. It is also important to find a workspace where you can work comfortable and far from distractions.

3. Wake up early as if you're coming to the office. Let's be honest here. Working at home has a space for flexibility, including being flexible with time. I have awoken a little later on the first day of WFH (working from home) and I totally crammed mid-afternoon due to my workload and ended up extending a few minutes past my end shift. Moreover, it is better to wake up early so you can prepare yourself- have a nice bath and a good breakfast, and to fix your desk tasks for the day.

4. Create a to-do list. I have always kept a list of my tasks even back in college. It really helps me to keep track and brief myself of what I should do throughout the whole day. Also, it helps with prioritizing work- what should be done first and what can wait. After each task, I crossed it out so I won't  be confused if I have already done it and it serves also as a log of my weekly work accomplishments.

5. Take little breaks. Frustration and tiredness can be experienced whether at home or in the office. I usually stand up from my desk, take a little walk around the office, have a little chat with my colleagues, or go to the washroom to freshen up. Here at home, I also take a break by playing with my baby niece, grabbing some snacks, or watching some fun videos online. Once my spirit has been uplifted, I go back to work and try to finish any pending tasks.

6. Stay connected. It is crucial not to put your phone on silent. Whether you colleague contacts you to ask a question or your boss gives you something to do, having your phone beside you and all your messaging apps running is very important.

7. Listen to music. Almost all of my daily activities, I always listen to music. It increases my energy and makes me want not to leave my desk especially if I'm playing music on my laptop. Furthermore, it lessens the possibility of me getting all sleepy and feeling worn out.

There you go folks. I hope these tips will help in boosting your productivity while working from home under quarantine. Let me know your thoughts and your additional tips down in the comments below.

Pin for later :)

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Dubai - United Arab Emirates

My Easy 15-minute Peanut Butter Oat Cookies Recipe

3 April 2020 •

I enjoy being in the kitchen- I love to cook, I love to bake, I love trying out new recipes. Hence, I  immediately tried out this recipe I found on Pinterest- oatmeal cookies. To be honest, quarantine got me doing things out of boredom. Lucky enough, this recipe spared my time and also satisfied my cookie cravings. 
It wasn't that sweet since I didn't mix in any sugar because I do not want to have more cravings after, but obviously, I still gave in to eating more of these irresistible bitesized oatmeal cookies. This recipe is very easy to make and follow. You can add raisins, chocolates, or nuts if you wish. Let me know in the comments below if you also tried this oatmeal cookie recipe and share how your cookies turned out!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of oats
- 3 tablespoon of peanut butter (I used the one with whole nuts)
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 tablespoon of milk of your choice
- pinch of salt

Procedure:
1. Preheat the oven to 150° C.
2. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl- oats, salt, & baking soda.
2. Melt the peanut butter and butter together. Add milk and eggs. Stir until all is well-mixed.
3. Mix both the dry and the wet ingredients together. Make sure that no oats are left unmixed as this will make the cookies crumble easily.
4. Using your hands, spoon, or ice cream scooper, shape the cookies into your desired size. Place them on the baking tray with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 10-12 mins.
6. Sprinkle some salt and/or sugar and let cool.
7, Enjoy!


Pin for later :)

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Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Quarantine Series: 8 Activities You Can Do At Home While Social Distancing

30 March 2020 •

Don't let the beach photo fool you. I am currently staying at home keeping myself safe from this pandemic. As the new cases of Covid-19 increases rapidly everyday, it is best to stay indoors and keeping yourself clean and healthy. Aside from working at home during weekdays, you'll probably find yourself wondering how you will spend your time during quarantine. Hence, I compiled a few at home activities ( to keep you entertained and, hopefully, help us all get through this pandemic.
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Seafood Fiesta: Off The Hook Restaurant Review

9 March 2020 •

In an alley filled with seafood restaurants, get ready to get your hands dirty and feast with a happy tummy!

We went on a spontaneous foodventure over the weekend and our gang decided to go to Deira, a district full of retail shops and a plethora of restaurants- perfect place for the "where to eat?" dilemma.

We went to Off the Hook restaurant, our go-to seafood restaurant in the area. We were welcomed by the friendly staff and the satisfying aroma of fresh buttered shrimp. It was 5:30 pm when we have arrived and we were lucky enough to get a table because the restaurant was already filled with seafood lovers.

Ambience- 4/5
The place is not spacious enough to welcome more guests despite having a second floor. Talking about the interiors, I like the combination of faux brick walls and plants and the hanging yellow light bulbs- setting the stage for a casual and fun dining experience.



Food- 4/5
The restaurant offers set meals and per kilo order. We ordered the Trio Set which is good for 3-4 pax, based on their menu. Personally, I think the Trio set can feed more than 3-4 person since we were 8 and the set was already enough for us. The set includes crabs, shrimps, mussels, crab balls (Believe me when I say, you will order more of these!), corn (can be on cob or you can request if you want it grated), unlimited rice and drinks (either citrus soda or red iced tea). For the sauces, we ordered the OTH special which was their specialty sauce and garlic butter. Then you can choose the level of spiciness. 

Before digging in, we wore our plastic aprons and gloves. Then, we laid the rice and put the seafood and sauce on top and saved some for dipping- typical Filipino boodle fight. We ordered extra crab balls and a half kilo of squid. The spicy house sauce has a tangy, sweet, and hot flavour that compliments the natural saltiness of the shellfishes. The squid, on the other hand, tasted bland as if the sauce and the spices were not absorbed. 
Price- 5/5
The reason I gave the restaurant a perfect score is that you basically get what you paid for, which is very appropriate for what we were served. The food was nice as well as their service. The staffs were very accommodating and friendly. Our orders didn't take long to arrive and were delivered to our table clean, fresh, and delish. 





Final thoughts
The restaurant offers a variety of tasty seafood that makes their customers, including us, keep on coming back. I just hope that they can stretch their space to welcome more people. Also, in order to be eco-friendly, I suggest ditching the plastic aprons and gloves and provide biodegradable products instead. In addition, upon leaving the place, I can still taste the seafood and the strong smell clung to our clothes and hair. Lastly, after binging, expect that you will fall into food coma. We literally felt sleepy and super full after dinner.

Don't miss trying out this restaurant and include this in your list of must-tries! For more food and travel adventures, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest updates on the blog. 'Till next time :)
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Going Retro

18 January 2020 •


Whenever I say "I'm back after how many months" as an introduction to my posts, believe me, I also tell myself "What's new with that?". I've been MIA (again) for the past months since 1.) I am now a working girl and 2.) I find it difficult to figure out what I should post on my blog and once I got an idea, I do not know how to start the write-ups. Struggling, but still, here is an outfit post, clearly outdated, which I hope will serve the months I missed.

                        
To simply describe my style, I always go for comfort. Hence, a shirt and a pair of unfitted jeans is what I always go for- whether I'm having the "I don't have anything to wear" crisis or I didn't plan ahead what I am going to wear.
 
Since fashion from the past is making a comeback, which is undoubtedly a blessing because of the aesthetic & relaxed inspirations, I made a way to keep up. To be honest, retro fashion, particularly in the 90s where high-waisted jeans, fanny packs, block heels, vintage shirts, and all the other good stuffs were born, was not really afar from my taste. Hence, in this outfit, i opted for a vintage Michael Jackson shirt, a wide leg pants, and block heel boots.






Let's admit it- classics will always be well-loved. I love the fact that fashion from the past eras are making a revival and a lot of fashionistas are enjoying it, even experimenting with incorporating modern styles with it. Let me ask you a question, what trends from the past you wish would come back? Share them in the comments below!
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