Back-To-School Quarantine Essentials

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No matter where you are of what grade you are in, school looks a little bit different this year. Primary and secondary education as well as universities are holding classes in a multitude of ways. Regardless of the situation, most people have lots of classes from home. While normally this would be every students dream to have school from home, it does drastically change your routine. From the clothes you wear to the tools you use, it can be difficult to get back to a “normal routine” when no setting will be a true normal. I have been back at school for a few weeks adapting to the new way of life. Here are some things that have helped me adapt that may help you too.

Sleeping Mask

Some days I just need a little more sleep than others. I love the Slip mask.

Planner

This is a MUST for organizing online classes. Everything seems so “easy” when it is online since it is right at your fingertips, but some things still tend to get away. This planner is the one I use is from Target.

Square Wine Glasses

These were a want that turned into a need. Definitely a self-care essential more than a back to school, but if you are in a college town 10/10 recommend (via Crate & Barrel).

Fresh Flowers

To make your inside living space a little more lively.

A Journal

Times are crazy, so right down what’s going on. I love the 5 Minute Journal as mentioned in my Digital Content You Need To Consume post.

A Workout Subscription

Yes, there are some great videos on Youtube, but a subscription service gives you something forward to look forward to. As mentioned in my Home Workouts Are Here To Stay post, I love Melissa Wood Health.

Sweatsuit

Want to feel put together while still comfortable? A sweatsuit is always the answer. Shop them form Aritzia, Boys Lie, MadHappy, Pangaia and more.

A Shower Routine

This sounds weird, but has been my best form of resetting during anxious and stressful times. Find a routine for you to unwind, relax and take time for yourself. School can still be stressful even though it is online!

A Workspace

As comfortable as it is, your bed isn’t a place to work. Getting out of bed for class is key to keeping a “routine”.

Go-To Podcast

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All summer I have listened to podcast while working, working out, making graphics, etc. so I have had plenty of time to find my favorites. Here are my favorite podcasts, and if you have any you recommend leave them in the comments (:

I Love You So Much With Kenzie Elizabeth

Kenzie Piper is commonly known for her YouTube channel, but I am so drawn towards this podcast. She is always on that “bread winning housewife” grind, and her mindset keeps me motivated and intrigued with every subject she talks about. From food to business to religion, she is my go-to.

Food, Sex & Money

Food, Sex & Money is hosted by Kenzie Burke, a holistic health and wellness influencers on social media. In this podcast she talks about what we are without people’s three most sought after things for happiness; what are we without eating good food, loving one another and wealth?

The Corp

The Corp is one of Barstools many podcast, taken to a more “professional” level. This podcast brings industry leaders to the spotlight to share their story to how they got to where they are today. This includes podcast with Ice Cube, Martha Stewart, Jeniffer Lopez and more.

The Viall Files

I highly recommend this podcast for anyone who has watched a season of the Bachelor, Bachelorette or Bachelor in Paradise. Nick Viall has been a part of the Bachelor Franchise for years. He brings on multiple guests such as Tyler Cameron, Reality Steve and more to talk about their experience involving the show.

How I Built This With Guy Raz

I have talked about this in my Digital Content You Need To Consume post, so check out that article for more information. This entrepreneur podcast is a must listen for any college student or business-minded person.

Okay Sis

Okay Sis is very unique in the sense that it is an “advice” podcast because the host are sisters that have. large age gap. They share their experiences with business, school, careers, etc. from each perspective and provide a welcoming atmosphere for their listeners.

Kneading Dough

Kneading Dough is a sports podcast about how athletes handle their income. Guest such as Klay Thompson, Jalen Rose and Simone Biles share about their fame and finances.

Cherry Acai Bowl

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If you know me, you know I love açaí bowls. These are a breakfast staple for me, I make them almost every morning. I have tried many different recipes and have finally found one that I will never get sick of. Loaded with antioxidants, protein and crunch this will be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you full until your next meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 Packet Sambazon Strawberry + Protein + Acai
  • 2/3 cup frozen cherries
  • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 cup coconut water

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup freeze dried strawberries
  • 2 tbsp cacao nibs
  • Drizzle of honey
  • Sprinkle of cinnamon

There is really no special way to prepare this. Blend all of the ingredients together, and add coconut water where needed. Pour in a shallow bowl and add toppings! I included how much of each topping I use, but you can make it your own. I can’t find bowl better than this, 10/10 recommend.

Home Workouts Are Here To Stay

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Working out has always been a large part of my life as my life revolves heavily around health. Before quarantine, my favorite way to workout was spin classes. While it is still my favorite way to workout, I have had to find alternatives due to not having a bike at home (or the money to afford one). Like many others, I have turned to YouTube and other workout programs. At first they were difficult to get used to, but now they are a part of my daily routine; and I am not looking back.

Since March I have found amazing at home workouts that I add to my routine every week. Staying active from home has opened me up to new ways of working out such as yoga, pilates and viewing my everyday activities as “movement”. Popularity in at-home workouts has increased immensely, and many people have become comfortable with discovering new ways to stay fit without being in a gym or class setting. You can purchase weights at home, build muscle using your own body mass and focus on yourself without feeling the pressure of being surrounded by others.

Below I have listed my favorite at home workout programs, Instagram accounts, etc. so you can discover them yourself.

***Side note, working out is for YOU! I stay active to make myself feel better, not to compare myself to others. That is much easier said than done, but focusing your mind to your muscles really allows you to stay centered. Don’t let the media (or this post) think you should be working out. Do what is best for you and everything will come full circle ☺

Melissa Wood Health

For yoga, pilates, treadmill workouts and more.

MadFit

For quick workouts to pair together.

@sydneyjfitness

On Instagram. My go to for at home circuits and weights.

Peloton App

The perks of the workout equipment, minus the hefty price.

Walking

This seems self explanatory, but walking is a relaxing form of just movement. Listen to a podcast while walking! (My favorite podcast will be linked here soon)

LinkedIn Post To Help With Your Job Search

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After college all students want is to graduate with a job and begin to build a life of their own. During a global pandemic and worst world recession to date, that vision many college graduates have seems near to impossible. Companies do not seem to be hiring, internships are canceled and millions of people have filed for unemployment. Of course this is not what anyone expected and this can put a damper on your job search; only if you let it.

Staying optimistic during this time of uncertainty is key. Remember if you are a recent or soon to be college graduate, this pandemic isn’t just a strain on you. Lots of companies are facing financial trouble, production cutbacks, etc. that are a loss for them. Instead of focusing on what you have lost, look forward to what you can do. What will you do with your time unemployed? How will you make the most of your talents and education? What pushed you to your fullest potential? Reminding yourself of these questions will keep your mind churning through the struggles and into success.

I spend as much time on LinkedIn as I do on Instagram. I have read multiple articles on networking, job searching and personal development that may be beneficial to other college students and recent graduates. Here are the best LinkedIn post I have found to help with your job search.

How Companies Are Approaching Recruiting And Hiring (via Aritzia)

Sara Nathanson, Talent Acquisition for Aritzia, shares how her company plans on recruiting and hiring new employees. While each company will have a different plan, Aritzia showcases a welcoming community and an opportunity to apply to a “General” application that will allow your resume to be reviewed and kept on file for when your talents could be needed.

Going The Extra Mile When Applying Online

The easiest way to find a job is by going online. Since this is the easiest way to find available positions, it is how most people apply for jobs. When you apply online and just submit a resume, it often puts you on the same playing field as everyone else. This LinkedIn post gives you an easy template to follow when reaching out to an employer or recruiter and will increase your chances of being seen and remembered.

Reach Out For An Information Interview

While not all companies are hiring right now, many would still love to share information about themselves, their brands, or their journey to their current career path. People love to talk about themselves, so don’t be afraid to reach out.

LinkedIn’s Featured “Here’s Who’s Hiring Right Now”

LinkedIn has curated an area on their platform which features companies who are hiring. Job positions vary, so this up to date feed is here to help people of all entry levels and education.

July Favorites

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My favorite music, jewelry, food and more for the month of July.

01

The M Jewelers Medium Ravello Hoops

These hoops are super light, and since these are gold filled they will not tarnish. Amazing (and a little thinner) dupe for the Jenna Fisher hoops.

02

Love & Bikinis Bikini Set

The quality on these is amazing! This is a one size fits most bikini I purchased at Hemline. Highly recommend the investment for the end of the summer season.

03

iPad Air & Apple Pencil

These devices have been the biggest game changer for graphic design.

04

5 Minute Journal App

This journal on the go has been my holy grail this past month. I featured this in my digital content you need to consume post, where you can find more information about why I highly advocate this to anyone.

05

July Playlist

My curated songs of the month. Please excuse the One Direction in the mix of the Pop Smoke songs, I have a very eclectic taste. If you don’t use Apple Music I made it on Spotify as well ☺

06

My Acai Bowl Recipe

After 5 months in quarantine, I have MASTERED the Acai bowl. I will post what I eat literally every day soon so y’all can make the same one!

07

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

I purchased this before spending a week straight in the sun and it one hundred percent saved my skin. I use this with my everyday serums and moisturizers still and love it just as much.

08

Perfect Bars

The most filling and best tasting protein bar there is on the market. All organic and no processed ingredients makes this bar taste like straight peanut butter, and who doesn’t want that?

Digital Content You Need to Consume

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Living in a digital age can be challenging. Media such as podcast, social platforms, videos, etc. are produced and consumed everyday by billions of people. I gravitate towards content in all different categories. Yes, I love fashion and lifestyle but I also have other interest that range from the music industry to health and wellness. And I love them all. Here is my favorite content right now that you should consume.

Kenzie Burke Health

When I first had to go gluten and dairy free a year ago, I had absolutely no idea where to begin or where to start. I had seen Kenzie on Instagram and saw her twenty one day guide to all things food, fitness and a sound mind. I love everything in that guide and still reference it to this day. Since then, Kenzie has made more recipes, blog post, and has just recently started a podcast titled “Food, Sex & Money“, which discusses how these things drive humans and what we are without them. Her platforms are very inspiring, refreshing and something I recommend anyone to read if you are interested in bettering yourself for you.

kaysthetics3000

@kaysthetics3000 is an Instagram account I recently came across . The messages that are included in this account is ultimately what inspired me to start the Words of the Week section on my blog. Everyone needs to be reminded and refreshed of the good things in life, especially with all of the negativity that consumes our world. Whether you like her content for aesthetics or take each word mentioned throughout your day, I highly recommend the follow.

Five Minute Journal App

The amount of times that I have tried to commit to writing in a journal every night is insane. When I journal I always love how I feel afterwards, but it always seems like an inconvenience having to carry around a journal with me. I have found two solutions to this problem. 1) creating this website and 2) the five minute journal app. I have seen the physical hardcover journal and think it is a great idea, but the app is just as convenient and less expensive. The five minute journal essentially is a “toothbrush for your mind”. Five minutes for twice a day. Now that’s a commitment I can make.

Trader Joe’s Food Reviews on TikTok

Like everyone else and their mother, yes, I am obsessed with Trader Joe’s. It is relatively inexpensive and has great gluten and dairy free options so I am a regular. Even though I am a regular I never know when they have new products, or when they are getting ready to discontinue seasonal items. THIS ACCOUNT IS THE FIX. They post meals, products updates, drink ideas, etc. I always look at this account before I go grocery shopping to see what to pick up and it has never let me down.

How I Built This with Guy Raz

Yet another podcast, what a surprise. How I Built This with Guy Raz has been a frequent listen lately and is great for anyone interested in business and entrepreneurship. Raz brings on guest speakers of highly successful companies and they discuss their startup and how they got to where they are today. Companies like Supergoop!, Tatcha and Outdoor Voices have been my favorite listens so far but I have many more in my queue.

Speaking of digital content, you should subscribe to email notifications for more post and portfolio updates ☺

June Favorites

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Every month I recap things I have been loving from food to podcast. All links will be down below, and similar items will be linked if the original is not available.

01

Aritzia TNA Perfect Slides

They are called the perfect slides for a reason. Shop them here.

02

Drunk Elephant Sunshine Serum

I have a difficult time tanning my face, so this serum adds a little life back into me each morning. Highly recommend mixing this with Drunk Elephant’s Vitamin C Serum.

03

Rectangle Sunglasses

Easy, super wearable shape to wear on your face or head. I have a Quay pair that is no longer sold, but these Free People sunglasses are very comparable.

04

Trader Joe’s Individual Matcha Packets

I don’t really drink coffee due to its high acid content, so tea is a much better option. These matcha packets are from Trader Joe’s but can also be purchased on Amazon.

05

ILYSM Podcast with Kenzie Elizabeth

This podcast has been what I listen to while working every day! Kenzie is amazing, the guest hosts are so inspiring, really good entrepreneur/ motivational/ self love podcast. Listen to it here.

06

Daily Harvest Ice Cream

Being dairy free and gluten free can suck so badly sometimes, but THIS makes it not so bad. I have been purchasing Daily Harvest since January, and they just came out with ice cream and I am obsessed with it. All clean ingredients and taste just like the real stuff.

07

Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss

All I have to say is I put this on before I went to bed, woke up in the morning and it was still on. Buy it off here.

08

Claw Clips

These have been a go to because they are so easy on my hair, and don’t pull like a ponytail holder does. Shop here on Amazon.