Read. I used to crush fiction books when I was younger. I currently gravitate toward books centered on self-improvement and development. Pick up a book and get lost for a bit.
Move your body. Take a walk and catch up on a podcast. Stretch. Do a yoga flow. Dance in the mirror to your favorite record. Whichever way you want to get active, do it.
Get cute. Style your hair; put on some fun eyeshadow; rock a funky outfit! I always feel fierce after applying a crisp winged liner. Spend time doing whatever makes you feel cute.
These are just a few self-dates ideas to get you started! Do whatever you enjoy.
Self-love is a journey we embark on each day of our lives. Some days are harder than others. But once we learn to savor the small joys of life, the good days begin to outweigh the bad.
I have been enjoying it. Meghan writes in a very conversational tone, similar to the one I try to emulate in my writing.
This book is written as a walkthrough of Meghan’s life lessons essentially.
I think I am enjoying it so much because I want to write a book in a similar style. This one is sparking a million ideas for my piece!
Today I read chapter 19, depression, which inspired me actually to begin writing this!
Mental illness is a stigma. WHY?
In reality, everyone knows someone who suffers from or has a friend/relative suffering from depression, anxiety, or another ‘mental illnesses.’
Yet if someone mentions the concept, heads turn.
In the chapter, Meghan recounts her spiral to the lowest point of her depression, and her inability to mask it any longer.
At the time, Meghan was a sophomore in college having issues with her ‘bestie’ roommates from the previous year and feeling like an outsider among her Greek life ‘sisters’. A tale I know too well.
With Youtube being her career, she couldn’t fake a smile in front of the camera anymore.
What did she do? She told her audience what was up.
That’s brave.
What is even more admirable about her choice to be transparent is that she kept along her mental health journey.
I use the term journey specificallybecause it is continuous.
I used to think that at some time I won’t be sad anymore.
That was naive.
However, what I have learned is that it is more important for good days to outweigh bad ones.
Here I am, being authentic, and telling you guys that I too am depressed.
I’m sure a lot of you reading this are!
It is okay to talk about it.
It is okay to own that aspect of yourself.
It is nothing to be ashamed of.
It is okay not to be okay!!!
I needed to write this post to remind myself of that. I’m here telling you guys too!!
If you’ve read this far, take a minute to understand that whether you see it or not, you are fantastic for being alive right now.
Times get hard, and seasons get dark. Each moment is a gift.
As we’re all aware the entire world is in a time of transition.
For many of us, the structures of our lives have been taken away. However, despite the impact of outside circumstances you are in control of your life.
Over this period of self-isolation, I have reflected inward and practiced grounding myself to our new reality. Regular practice of yoga and meditation (hippie-dippy sh*t) help immensely!
Even just a few minutes daily adds up.
I have been loving ADRIENE and KASSANDRA for yoga stretches and workouts. Adriene also has some pretty awesome meditations on her Youtube channel.
All of these can be found on Apple Podcast or Spotify! I also encourage taking a solo search for “guided meditation” to see what else is available!
Channeling my inner energy and thinking about what I want to do with this time has sparked many mini fires within me.
I have a ton of ideas in the works including a scholarly article on authenticity and its relation to success that I cannot wait to share with the world. And while I love creating content for my blog, other aspirations of mine are calling me.
I have decided to take a hiatus from blogging to pursue other projects.
I appreciate the time spent reading my content. More to come in the future.
The world is in a weird place right now to say least. Who would have thought in 2020 humans would be encouraged to stay indoors while penguins at the aquarium are roaming freely!
The adventure continues! 🐧🐧 This morning, Edward and Annie explored Shedd’s rotunda. They are a bonded pair of rockhopper penguins, which means they are together for nesting season. Springtime is nesting season for penguins at Shedd, and this year is no different! (1/3) 👇 pic.twitter.com/VdxN3oQAfe
Whilst participating in social distancing I have done a lot of thinking…
I need to prioritize myself. I have to be my own biggest fan. Practice what I preach!
I’ve decided to use this irregular period of ‘open’ time to further invest in myself.
Give all the thoughts I’ve scribbled on pieces of paper and shoved in notebooks space to expand.
I’m a go-getter. I’m ambitious. All that good stuff that creates a somebody.
However, with positives come negatives.
I have a very difficult time relaxing. Chilling out — doing nothing.
Previously I felt that time spent resting, reading, watching YouTube videos, or doing “non-productive” tasks was wasteful. I could be working to make money, brainstorming blog topics, or building other skills!
Not doing things that allow your mind to take a break and rest, ladies and gentlemen, is how you burn yourself out. 🙂
Hey guys. I’ve gotten quite a few messages on Instagram asking about my everyday makeup routine. Well, ask and you shall receive!
I’m using ‘everyday’ lightly. I definitely do not wear this look everyday. But this is my go-to day look.
I tend to focus on my skin makeup and brows because they’re the most important part of the look for me.
I use a mix of drugstore and high-end products. I’ve listed some budget-friendly alternatives too!
I hope you’re able to find a new product (or two)! 😋
Your skin is the canvas. Makeup is the medium.
So taking proper care of your skin will result in better makeup application and wear.
I’m in the middle of figuring out what skincare products my face likes so if you’re interested in a skincare routine in the future, let me know!
While my skin is going through its phases I’ve been switching between two face primers.
THIS Ciate London primer is great for hydrating dry or dull skin. It has a very subtle fruity scent that dissipates soon after application.
I like wearing this product when I’m having a relatively good skin day.
THIS Peter Thomas Roth primer is great for those with oily skin like myself.
I shine like no other, I swear!
For cheaper options of skin prep, I enjoy THIS Milani Prime + Correct Setting Spray.
It’s a primer AND setting spray — two for one!
You can grab Milani products at any drugstore. I think I got mine at Ulta!
While my primer sets on my skin, I move to eye makeup.
My go-to shadow is a bright shimmer color all over the lid with heavier application towards the tear duct and a neutral warm brown swept in the crease.
I have been gravitating towards THIS neutral shimmer set from Mac Cosmetics and THIS warm neutral palette from Thrive Causemetics.
The Mac glitter shadows do have a bit of fallout which is why I apply shadow before undereye concealer or foundation.
Stars In My Pocket (champagne shade in Mac palette) packed on the inner lid.
Frida (terracotta brown shade from Thrive palette) and Let’s Roll (red bronze glitter shadow) blended in the crease.
I picked up THIS undereye brightener by Becca a few weeks ago and have been loving it.
My under eyes tends to crease throughout the day resulting in an aged look.
Not cute.
I put some product on the back of my hand then use my ring finger to warm up and apply the brightener under my eyes, around my nose and any dark spots.
The product is a little heavy so a little goes a long way!
After the brightener, I go in with THIS concealer.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
The only other Bare Minerals product I have tried is THIS gel serum foundation. I unearthed it from my collection and admittedly don’t like it as much as the concealer.
This concealer is incredibly lightweight and natural-looking while providing INSANE coverage!
If you have more dry skin you may not need to set the Becca brightener.
However, I do have rather oily skin and find the concealer and brightener looks best when I set with a bit of translucent powder.
There is some under eye settling throughout the day. I just blend it out with my finger then I’m good to go!
THIS Maybelline dark circle treatment is a comparable holy-grail drugstore brightener!
I’ve been using THIS loose drugstore powder. I also really like THIS compact.
It’s made for oily skin and I do find my shine holds off longer when set with this!
I was recommended THIS Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer towards the end of summer by a girlfriend of mine and have been using it since!
I start by using a bit of the bronzer on a small contour brush and follow the “three-technique”.
If you’re unfamiliar, it’s when you sweep bronzer from your temples, accentuating the cheekbones and then along the jawline. Mimicking the number three with your brush strokes.
If I want more a more defined look I will follow up with THIS deeper bronzer by Becca in Bronzed Bondi.
Clearly I need a makeup shopping spree
I’ve just about run out of THIS NYX WonderStick in Light but I was loving it while using it!
Super blendable. The primers I mentioned for sure help the product glide but even alone this contour stick is awesome!
If you’re willing to invest a bit more in a cream bronzer, I would recommend THIS one by MILK Cosmetics.
I am rather pale and do not find the shade to be too dark or muddy for my complexion. Another incredibly creamy, blendable product!
My go-to powder blush recently has been THIS darker mauve shade, Truffle by The Body Shop.
This winter I’ve been really into cream blushes. THIS Lip + Cheek Stick by MILK Cosmetics brings such a youthful, glowy look to the skin. Shade Werk.
For highlighter, I’ve been sticking with my tried and true layering duo.
The label has completely worn off but the highlighter I use is very similar to THIS Clinique cream one.
It’s a really pretty pink, pearly shade. It reminds me of Benefit High Beam which I used to death in high school.
I apply the cream product to the back of my hand, then using a damp makeup sponge dab the product onto the high points of my face.
Cheekbones, brow bones, the tip of the nose, and cupids bow.
Get nuts with it!
Then using my ring finger, I layer THIS Mac Mineralized Skin Finish in Lightscapade over the areas I applied cream highlighter.
BROWS
I’ve been getting my eyebrows threaded at Zara Brow Bar for about four years now.
I love the way my brows have transformed and I’m super pleased to not have to put a ton of work into them!
My brows aren’t super thick so I prefer a thinner style crayon/pencil to give a more natural look.
I used THIS definer crayon/pencil in Brunette or Dark Brown for a while.
But recently I switched up to an old favorite.
THIS $10 micro brow pencil by NYX. When I take my time to use this, my brows look BOMB!
LASHES + LINER
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper has been my eyeliner of choice for about four and a half years.
There was a stint of time — about 2 years — I wore winged eyeliner every day.
I really like makeup! And I really wanted to perfect wings.
Which I did.
I would typically wing it out but I’ve been trying to perfect baby wings.
That’s my new passion project.
For my lashes, I was really loving THIS Tarte mini I picked up at Sephora but the fallout was too much.
It was settling on my undereye area and irritating my contact lenses. 😔
I grabbed an old favorite on a recent trip to Sephora. Another MILK Cosmetics product.
L’OREAL Infalliable Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick in Dose of Cocoa; L’OREAL Infalliable Pro-Matte Gloss in Statement Nude; Sephora #LIPSTORIES in #9; Bite Beauty Amuse Bouchie Lipstick in Chai; Milani Lipstick in Naked; MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Twig. (left to right then down)
Variation of mauve/rosey mixes.
Spritz my face with Milani Setting Spray.
I’m good to go.
I always wash my hands immediately after because I wear a lot of dark clothes and touch a lot of product.
On Valentines Day I crafted an Instagram feed post and stories sponsored by Saxbys. This is something I could have never envisioned myself doing!
Saturday marked one year since I moved in with my aunt.
Tuesday I attended the media party opening of the new Dim Sum House in Rittenhouse Square hosted by the public relations company I used to work for.
Although these things may not sound incredibly crazy or important, they are huge milestones for me.
I’m not one to be sensitive but while reflecting on challenges I faced in 2019 I’ve been nostalgic! I am incredibly proud of the woman I have and continue to become, the emotional and mental progress I have made, and the professional growth I have achieved.
At this point last year I was in the process of expanding my world. Previously the lens through which I viewed life was incredibly distorted. I believed I was fighting all of my battles alone. Everyone and everything was against me.
I didn’t realize it at the time but I was a baby bird with broken wings.
At the start of 2019, I was still enrolled at Drexel University and the new quarter was about to begin.
I took Introduction to Western Philosophy which I accredit largely to enlightening me on the larger picture of life. I forget the professor’s name but he was cool as hell.
Many of the belief systems and norms of Western cultures I was introduced to intrigued me. I was a great student for this course. I did most of the readings, participated in class, thoroughly completed the homework. I really enjoyed the course!
I was already familiar with the concept of self-reflection, or introspective thinking, but this class piqued my interest further.
Mindfulness, a state of awareness or consciousness, can be achieved through enough reflection and practice. This is a state of mind in which you’re able to truly think clearly.
It’s not a one and done kinda thing sadly. You have to learn about various methods and see which work best for you.
If you would have told me a year ago I would be preaching about the importance of mindfulness through meditation and self-reflection I would not believe you.
But ya know, 🎶 What a difference a day makes… 🎶
We must experience discomfort to grow.
My Pattern, an astrology app which I follow as religiously as Co-Star Astrology, has been telling me that I attract wild experiences.
I have indeed had some crazy life experiences thrown my way but to say I draw them to me is insane. However, sis isn’t usually wrong…
So I’ve been working on my methods of leadership to be able to control my life!
I cannot control what happens to me but I can control how I react to it.
Thanks Aunt Leen for saying that to me repeatedly until it eventually made sense!
Here’s to 2020! A year full of positivity, love, and growth for all!
Think about where you came from. Embrace where you are now.
When it comes to coffee some love it, others hate it.
I’m one of the coffee-loving fanatics.
I am actively cutting back on my caffeine intake. However, that being said, I’ve turned my coffee time into an event, or ritual, of sorts.
Branching outside of your typical at home medium roast black drip-coffee to more elaborate coffee house beverages makes the experience more lavish! Plus no cleaning up or work for you!
However, with the TONS of coffee drink available it can be overwhelming to choose. Not to mention costly.
I’ve compiled a list of drinks I’ve been grabbing lately. They’re yummy, affordable and versatile — something for everyone!
I have two ways I will order this depending on what my coffee vibe is at the time.
If I’m feeling average I will opt for the iced espresso and add a splash of almond milk.
I also love cinnamon so if I’m feeling ~spicy~ I’ll mix in cinnamon powder!
If I’m feeling a coffee but not looking for the heaviness of milk or want something a little different I will get the espresso with coconut water.
It might sound strange but it’s good.
Don’t knock it til ya try it.
TIP I always ask for espresso drinks in the smallest cup.
CHAI COLD BREW
I love chai scent, flavor, Pantone color — all of it!
When Saxbys launched the cold brew line I was super excited to try this one.
Love at first sip. The keyword being first.
It was a tad too sweet for my liking.
Then I tried it dirty (added shot of espresso) and I was obsessed.
But if you’re looking to keep costs low this isn’t the option.
However, I recently discovered the half-sweet option which keeps the sweetness at bay while delivering just the right amount of caffeine at a decent price.
So if I’m looking for a pick-me-up I’ll get a small chai cold brew half sweet with little almond milk!
I mentioned in this older post that I am “spending the semester with Saxbys” as a Campus Partner! Saxbys is a bit pricey if you’re accustomed to getting huuuuge low quality iced coffee from other more accessible places. However, the quality of Saxbys is worth it! I want to help you get the best deals, dawg! I’ve taken it upon myself to sample the menu (food, drinks, snacks, etc.) and let you know what’s worth getting. 🙂
If you download the Saxbys app here you’ll get $3 off your first order! That’s a free double shot, y’all.
If you’re really into coffee, check this place out.
Despite their array of espresso beverages, including something with tonic water that I am not sophisticated enough to enjoy, I often opt for black coffee.
The energy of the space is very welcoming. Something about sipping something so familiar in such a warm space is comforting.
I come here to do work, journal, daydream, etc.
It is hit or miss in terms of crowdedness.
If the weather allows I love sitting outdoors.
Red and white lawn chairs are set up along a South Philly street with cars passing by, neighborhood patrons walking their dogs, and all the other aspects of living life.
It may be because I grew up in the city but I find this space to be very pleasant and would recommend everyone sit outside and read a book, or just observe your surroundings.
Let me know in the comments below if y’all try any of the drinks I mentioned! What’s your go-to coffee order?
One of my goals entering the new year is to read a new book every month.
I set aside time to read. This is a way I prioritize myself.
I’ve always liked reading.
As a kid I would crush teen romance books.
Now that I’ve matured mentally I’m able to comprehend material heavier than The Fault in Our Stars. I love absorbing knowledge and viewing topics through different lenses.
But wait, let me guess… “I want to read more but I don’t have the time,”
We’ve all got the same 24 hours.
If you really are driven to do it, you will make the time. It’s simple as that.
The average person has allotments of time throughout the day spent scrolling on their phone. You could read.
I spend a lot of time on public transit. Rather than shuffle through songs until I find one I want to listen to for half the ride, I read.
I made a list of some good stuff I’ve been reading lately for those of you who are interested in expanding your mind. However, while reading these books you must keep an open mind.
These are not your average bedside reads. Well, unless you’re someone like me.
The order of this list is not representative of anything.
During my senior year of high school, I participated in a dual-enrollment program with a local college. During the fall semester, I took Introduction to Sociology.
A reading requirement for the course was Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell. This book was my gateway to self-improvement, business-oriented, entrepreneurial reading.
Gladwell’s writing style is easy to read. It’s casual while still maintaining structure.
If you like reading my writing, you’ll probably enjoy his. I take inspiration from his style, as well as a few other authors later mentioned.
OUTLIERS: THE STORY OF SUCCESS A ‘self-made’ success story is all-encompassing.
In this book, Gladwell explores the background of successful moguls such as Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Why do some people soar and others fail?
Did you know a Canadian male born in early January is much more likely to become a professional hockey player than a male born during the latter portion of the year?
If not, now you do. For other cool and obscure knowledge, read Outliers.
BLINK: THE POWER OF THINKING WITHOUT THINKING… You’re more equipped than you think you are.
This Gladwell piece dives into “thin-slicing,” better known as a gut feeling.
We have a conscious and subconscious mind both of which are tapped into during the decision making process. What many of us often forget is that our subconscious knows a lot.
More than we realize.
I’m sure you’ve experienced intuitive feelings regarding the character of a person or the elements of a situation that have immediately rubbed you the wrong way. Were you right?
If you’re interested in learning more about how crucial your subconscious is when it comes to quick reactions and decision making I would highly recommend Blink.
TALKING TO STRANGERS: WHAT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE PEOPLE WE DON’T KNOW…
I have not finished this one yet. I am about a quarter of the way through and I’ve enjoyed it so far. Admittedly I’m not as hooked on this one as I have been on other Gladwell works. However, I started it during a rather hectic time so I do not have a vivid memory of it. I plan to restart the book sometime in the next few months to look at it with a fresh set of eyes.
13 THINGS MENTALLY STRONG PEOPLE DON’T DO by AMY MORIN Sometimes seemingly self-explanatory information must be reiterated in order for it to fully resonate with you.
Although I said the order of the books is arbitrary, this book, in particular, I would recommend the most. 😋
I may be biased because this was the first self-improvement genre book I dabbled in. Outliers is categorized as business.
Nonetheless, this book quite literally changed my life. Thank you, Amy Morin. I started reading in February 2019 and did not complete it until late May (??) 2019. Something like that. My copy is beat up.
Of all the reads this one took the longest for me. Oh but it’s less than 300 pages…
Yes, part of it is that I get lazy with reading. But also this book is dense with information!
After reading into one of the concepts I would take a break from the book to work on implementing the change in my life.
Although some of the concepts seem self-explanatory, there is something about reading it that makes it resonate and become applicable to you. Once I began to notice improvements, which sometimes took a while because not everyone is perfect, I would begin to dive into the next chapter.
As someone who has always prided themselves on their ability to do many things well this read made me rethink strategies.
I, along with others I have recommended the book to, believe the theory of essentialism would only exist in a flawless society where every individual acted highly selfish. ‘Selfish’ meaning they always prioritize themselves. But we all know that person who cannot say no. Maybe you are that person.
A truly essentialist society, on a large scale, is off the table. However, there are practices within the theories of Essentialism that when applied externally lead to a positive result.
While I love Mark Manson’s writing style and delivery, I do not completely agree with all his ides. That being said, the man can argue his point well.
The overall theme of the book is to not give a f*ck about anything more than you have to.
Essentially figuring out what aligns with your personal values and goals then pursuing that life.
Sounds lovely! However, not always practical.
If you’re able to get a bit creative in applying the concepts, there are some really valuable lessons to take away from this read! If you’re into sarcasm, cringe humor and a blunt delivery, check out Manson’s blog or other published works!
DISCLAIMER: Most stuff is from Nordstrom Rack. I am not sponsored. But I should be.
Hey guys! At the start of the month, I picked up new fashion accessories! I also received some stuff over the holidays.
Thank you to everyone. I love you all. 😌
Needless to say, this month I have had a fun time trying out all sorts of new (to me) products!
staple basics
I have a worn-to-death pair of black high-waisted Topshop jeans with slits in the knees. Super cute. Love them.
Those babies were worth every penny! I’ve worn them to death for the past 3 years.
However, they’re ready for retirement.
But ladies, we all know how difficult is it to find those perfect jeans…
After the holidays, during the killer sales, I went on the hunt for a new pair.
‘In the Black’ Levi Mile High Super Skinny Denim
I stumbled upon Levi Mile High Super Skinny distressed black jeans. They are super flattering with the perfect stretch/structure ratio. They feature a chic single-knee slit and raw hem ankles, adding a little sass! 😉
They fit true to size. Andddd if you eat a little too much you can hide your open top button with a belt super easily! 😋
Retail price of $98.00. (They’re on sale on Levi’s site for $69.00 currently through the link above!) I snagged them at Century 21 for $29.99. Yup! – over 60% off.
Over the summer I picked up a cute v-neck crop top by Free People in white. I wore it to death. It is very similar to this one available at Urban Outfitters by Out From Under.
Absolute repurchase!
In late December when Urban Outfitters was running a sale on bralettes I picked up three new ones. All are seamless material and I am obsessed!
I love layering them under shirts or sweaters in place of a bra! The seamless material is fitted so it holds your body in place.
They are easy to wear on days when you’re busy running around and want to be comfortable without looking sloppy.
Aside from rings, I have never been a big jewelry gal. When I was in high school and early college, I had a necklace and rings I wore all day, every day.
However, now I like earrings. ☺️😋
This month I’ve been wearing mini sterling silver hoops constantly.
I’ve taken notice of a lot of others wearing hoops so it must be a trend at the moment. Feed into fast fashion and grab yourself a set! I got mine for around $19.00 at Target.
I dislike cold weather greatly.
For years I have been telling my grandmom I plan to move somewhere that doesn’t experience frigid winters. However, I still have a degree to complete in Philadelphia so I made the rational decision to invest in quality cold-weather accessories.
Free People makes a scarf blanket. Unfortunately it’s sold out on Nordstrom Rack at the moment but you can check out other colors here. Yes, a blanket that is socially acceptable to wear in public, guys!
It’s 100% wool and incredibly warm. I love it!
It retails for $48.00. I paid $21.00 at Nordstrom Rack.
activewear
Photos by Lingswallow
I was gifted a black pair of Lingswallow leggings from Amazon for Christmas by my lovely aunt. ☺️
These leggings are amazing! They are double banded and keep you feeling very secure. I was shocked by how well they perform during workouts!
I hate the feeling of loose-fitting leggings that make you self conscious while doing burpees at the gym, ya know? Not these. And they’re affordable!
I ordered myself another pair in a dark purpley-gray color. I plan to order more soon!
I tried out a bunch of beauty products and everyday essentials I wanted to share but this post will be way too long! Another time. 😉
What are your January fashion favorites? Let me know in the comments!
