Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts

Sunday, June 7, 2020

Quaratine and Chill?? - 10 Creative Things to Do While You Wait!

The COVID-19 has people across the world quarantined inside of their homes. If you are like me, you are bored out of your mind. On #DayThree, I began curating a list of things to do while you wait this thing out.

By the end of the quarantine, you can create, produce, and curate many creative projects. Sometimes it just takes some additional time in your week to complete it. Use this list as a starting guide for activities you are interested in.

Whether you are home alone or with some family members, you can look at this list as a way to get your day started with productive and fun activities. You can opt to do all of these activities all in one day or you can stretch them out over the course of the quarantine. It is totally up to you!


1. Have a Home Spa Day

What did the famous group XSCAPE say? "Kick off your shoes and relax your feet." Kick your feet up with a wonderful spa day in the comfort of your home. You can:

2. Update Your Personal Resume and Cover Letter

If you have recently had a new career transition, commissioned more art, started a new job, learned a new skill, or feel like tapping into your creative side, the COVID-19 virus has given my fellow procrastinators additional time to update their portfolios, resumes and cover letters!

3. Organize Your Space

Take a look around your residence and observe all of the projects you have put to the side. You can use this time to tidy up your bedroom, reorganize your pantry or bookshelf, or even sort through all of your clothes. You may never know what you may find until you clear your space.

4. Try a New Recipe

Since many areas are placing non-essential businesses on lockdown like restaurants, this is a great time to brush up on your cooking and baking skills! Take this time to re-create your favorite menu item from a restaurant or search your favorite foodie blogger for new recipes. (DISCLAIMER: I am not advocating eating all of your food in your home. Please do not eat all of your quarantine snacks to complete this!) 

5. Create a Bullet Journal

If you love itemized order, bullet journals are super helpful! The idea of bullet journaling is simple: you can write on any topic and organize a journal by particular themes. I have seen journals that list positive affirmations, exercise plans, recipes, movies or TV shows to binge, and more!

6.  Make a Bucket List

Quarantining makes an excellent opportunity to list of the things you want to do in life. By writing a bucket list during a time where you are not allowed to do many recreational things, it may inspire new experiences that you want to try.

7. Follow a workout video

During the regular (and normal) week, working out may be hard to fit into your schedule. If you have the space and ability, you can use this time to follow along to a workout video. My personal favorites are Personal Training by Dee for personalized virtual workouts and Yoga By Candace for any yoga practice.

8. Discover Passive Income

Ok, this can lead to greater things beyond the quarantine. I have learned that there are so many ways to garner passive income. You can start a blog, invest in stocks, curate an e-commerce retail store, or even research property management.

9. Curate a Playlist


You can create a playlist on any of your favorite streaming apps: Youtube, Spotify, Tidal, Soundcloud, Apple Music, etc. You can even curate a watchlist for your friends and family on apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.

10. Call Your Loved Ones and SQUAD!

This quarantine can be special in many ways because you can reach out to people that you haven't spoken to in a while. I know that this may be hard task for some, but I think it may have many benefits. Start a group chat with your closet friends or all of your cousins; reach out to a mentor for advice; call your grandmother and talk about the family history. The possibilities are endless!



Wednesday, January 29, 2020

11 Essential Vitamins for Women

Most of these vitamins exist naturally in the foods we eat and can also be ingested through supplements. To be fair, all of these vitamins are essential for women and men. However, sometimes a girl just like some special attention, ya know?

Vitamins and nutrients are vital to the functioning of the human body. Eating a healthy diet remains the best way to get sufficient amounts of the vitamins and minerals you need. Water-soluble vitamins moves freely throughout the human body, while excess amounts usually are excreted by the kidneys. The human body absolutely needs water-soluble vitamins in frequent, small doses. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body's cells and are not excreted as easily as water-soluble vitamins. They do not need to be consumed as often as water-soluble vitamins, although adequate amounts are needed. If you take too much of a fat-soluble vitamin, it could become toxic.

Incorporate these vitamins into your wellness routine by adding certain foods to your water, breakfast or dinner, and smoothie recipes!

11 Essential Vitamins and Foods You Can Eat

A - This vitamin fat-soluble meaning it dissolves in fat and is stored in the body's tissue for later use. It's main role is in eye health and vision as it can help protect and maintain the cornea and conjunctiva. It also maintains surface tissues such as your skin, intestines, lungs, bladder, and inner ears and supports healthy skin cells, male and female reproduction and fetal development. Foods you can eat: egg yolks, beef liver, liverwurst, butter, cod liver oil, salmon, cheddar cheese, liver sausage, king mackerel, trout, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, kale, spinach, dandelion greens, cabbage, Swiss chard, red peppers, collard greens, parsley, and butternut squash

B6 - This vitamin is water-soluble meaning it dissolves in water, is *not* stored in the body, and is released through the urine. This vitamins is one of the B vitamins that benefits the central nervous system and is involved in producing serotonin and norepinephrine. It is found in our red blood cells and carries oxygen to keep our lymph nodes, thymus, and spleen healthy. It may boost brain performance and has potential to protect our lungs against air pollution. Food you can eat: chickpeas, beef liver, yellow-fin tuna, roasted chicken breast, bananas, tofu, avocados, brown rice, carrots, fish, hazelnuts, milk, pork, potato, seeds, soybeans, spinach, turkey, vegetable juice, whole grains

B12 - This vitamin is also water-soluble and plays an essential role in red blood cell formation. Because your body is capable of storing B-12 for many years, vegetarian and vegan diets are prone to deficiency because plant foods don't contain high volumes of the vitamin. There are specific intake of B21 recommended for different age groups. Read into what your age group needs are. Foods you can eat: clams, beef liver, nutritional year, wild rainbow trout, sockeye salmon, tuna, cheeseburgers(!), haddock, fortified breakfast cereals, top beef sirloin, milk, Swiss cheese, roasted ham, hard-boiled eggs, chicken breast

C - This vitamin is an acidic water-soluble and can be found naturally in some foods. Since human beings are the only mammals that are unable to synthesize Vitamin C endogenously (develop or originating within an organism). Vitamin C plays a vital role in the body's immune system; it is required for certain neurotransmitters and protein metabolism; it has been shown to regenerate other antioxidants within the body. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamin C. Foods you can eat: Red peppers, oranges and orange juice, grapefruit and grapefruit juice, kiwi fruit, green pepper, broccoli, strawberries, brussels sprouts, tomato and tomato juice, cantaloupe, cauliflower, potatoes, spinach, green peas

Calcium - Calcium is super important for bone health, but many don't know that it is also important for your heart, muscles and nerves. How much calcium you need depends on your age and sex, so please be sure to research how much you may ingest. Your body doesn't produce calcium, so you have to acquire it through other sources. Calcium regulates muscle contraction (like the beating of the heart muscle), plays a key role in normal blood clotting, and protects the muscle that surrounds blood vessels. Foods you can eat: milk, cheese, yogurt, seaweeds (kelp, hijiki, and wakame), nuts and seeds (pistachio, sesame, almonds, and hazelnuts), beans, figs, broccoli, spinach, tofu, dandelion leaves, and fortified breakfast cereals

E - Vitamin E is important to the body's vision, reproduction, and healthy blood, brain and skin. THis vitamin has antioxidant properties that protects your cells against the effects of molecules that play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. Foods you can eat: Canola oil, olive oil, margarine, almonds, peanuts, meats, dairy, leafy greens, and fortified cereals.

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) - Folic Acid is a part of the B vitamin family. It is essential in preventing birth defects. If a woman has enough folic acid in her body before and while she is pregnant, her baby is less likely to have a major birth defect of the brain or spine. US Public Health Service suggests carrying mothers should intake 400 mcg of synthetic folic acid every day. IT does not occur naturally in food but is frequently added to supplements and refined grain products such as bread and cereals. Foods you can eat: Lentils, Spinach, Black beans, Sunflower seeds, Turnip greens, Broccoli, Orange juice, Peanuts, Liver, Edamame, Asparagus

Iron - Iron is one of the most vital minerals for women and women's health. While all human cells contain iron, iron is mostly found in red blood cells. It plays a vital role in immune system functions, treating anemia, boosting hemoglobin, and much more. The chief function of iron is to form hemoglobin, a red protein whose main purpose is to transport oxygen in the blood. Additional hemoglobin is important because humans lose blood in many ways, especially from injuries. Women lose blood every month during their menstrual cycles, which is one of the most common reasons women may be more likely to suffer from anemia. Foods you can eat: breakfast cereals and grains, beef, calf heart, chicken, eggs, liver, ham, pork, red salmon, and sardines, beets, dandelion, mustard greens, kale, leeks, spinach, Swiss chards, beans, lentils, peas, nuts, seeds, and whole grains

Magnesium - This vitamin is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body. This mineral is found in the earth, sea, plants, animals, and human body. About 60% of magnesium in your body is found in the bone, while the rest is in muscles, soft tissues and fluids (including blood). Magnesium is involved in converting food into energy; helps create new proteins from amino acids, helps create and repair DNA and RNA; is part of the contraction and relaxation of muscles; helps move blood sugar into your muscles and dispose of lactate; plays a critical role in brain function and mood development; and helps regulate neurotransmitters to your brain and nervous system. Foods you can eat: Pumpkin seeds, spinach, Swiss chards, dark chocolate, black beans, quinoa, halibut, almonds, cashews, mackerel, avocado, and salmon

Omega-3 - Omega-3is a polyunsaturated fat is key to optimal health. Since the human body cannot produce it on its own, it is essential to get omega-3 from your daily diet. This vitamin is especially vital to health health as it helps maintain regular heart rhythm, reducing blood pressure, lowers blood fat levels, and slows down clogged artery rates. Additionally, omega-3 has been found to soothe extreme abdominal discomfort and cramps each month and control hormonal fluctuations. Foods you can eat: Wild salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, tuna, scallops, krill, walnuts, Brazilian nuts, soy nuts, algae, flaxseeds or flaxseed oil, cauliflower, hummus, and collard greens

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Affirmations that Will Change Your Day

Negative thoughts can slip so easily into our minds. When we begin to think negatively, our confidence, mood and perspective of life can become negative, too. The biggest problem with having  negative thoughts is that they can quickly become self-fulfilling prophecies. When you wake up saying "I am not capable of accomplishing my goal", you may find yourself failing at your goal. Rather than succumb to your own negativity, affirmations are a beautiful way of grounding yourself and shift into a more positive mindset.

Affirmations are not to unrealistic "wishful thinking" because they are much more powerful than that. Like exercising and studying, consistently repeating positive prophecies each day, your emotional and mental health will improve. These positive mental repetitions can reprogram our thinking patterns so that, over time, we begin to think – and act – differently. Positive affirmations can calm your nerves, increase your confidence, and improve your chances of a successful outcome. So, why not give it a try?

Be intentional with your affirmations. Only affirm yourself using "I" statements. Try not to use words such as "can't", "won't", "don't". Repeat them multiple times until you feel better. You can even incorporate affirmations into your mindfulness activities such as meditation, yoga, and journaling.

Here are a few affirmations that can change your day:



I am BEAUTIFUL, CAPABLE, and ENOUGH 

I am thankful for everything that did not work out for me

I choose happiness in anything and everything I do

I am worthy of living the life that I want to live

I am grateful for every experience in each moment of my life

I am making progress every day

I am attracting positive energy

The Power of "NO" AND 99 Other Ways to Express It

1. No.
2. Nope.
3. No thanks, I won’t be able to make it.
4. Not this time.
5. No thanks, I have another commitment.
6. Unfortunately, it’s not a good time.
7. Sadly I have something else.
8. Unfortunately not.
9. I have something else.
10. Sorry.
11. Apologies, but I can’t make it.
12. Maybe another time.
13. Sounds great, but I can’t commit.
14. I’m booked into something else.
15. I’m not able to make that time.
16. Thanks, but no thanks.
17. I’m not able to make it this week/ month/ year.
18. I’ve got too much on my plate right now.
19. I’m not talking on anything else right now.
20. Bandwidth is low, so I won’t be able to make it work.
21. I wish I could make it work.
22. Not possible.
23. I wish I were able to.
24. If only I could!
25. I’d love to – but can’t.
26. I’m slammed.
27. Perhaps next season when things clear up.
28. I’m at the end of my rope right now so have to take a raincheck.
29. If only it worked.
30. I’ll need to bow out.
31. I’m going to have to exert my NO muscle on this one.
32. I’m talking some time.
33. Thanks for thinking of me, but I can’t.
34. Nah.
35. No way.
36. Darn! Not able to fit it in.
37. Rats! Would’ve loved to.
38. I’m a season of NO.
39. I’m not the girl for you on this one.
40. I’m learning to limit my commitments.
41. I’m not talking on new things.
42. Another time might work.
43. It doesn’t sound like the right fit.
44. My words of the yeat is REST, so I can’t fit another thing in.
45. I’m not sure I’m the best for it.
46. No thank you, but it sounds lovely.
47. I sounds like you’re looking for something I’m not able to give right now.
48. I believe I wouldn’t fit the bill, sorry.
49. It’s not a good idea for me.
50. Not now.
51. I’m trying to cut back.
52. I won’t be able to help.
53. If only I had a clone!
54. I’m not able to set aside the time needed.
55. I won’t be able to dedicate the time I need to it.
56. I’m head-down right now on a project, so won’t be able to.
57. I wish there were two of me.
58. I’m honored, but can’t.
59. I can’t give you an answer right now, will you check back with me?
60. I’m not able to commit to that right now.
61. I really appreciate you asking me, but I can’t do it.
62. I understand you really need my help, but I’m just not able to say yes to that. I’m so sorry.
63. I’m going to say no for now. I’ll let you know if something changes.
64. I’m honored that you would ask me, but my answer is no.
65. No, I can’t do that, but here’s what I can do.
66. I don’t have that to give right now.
67. Under different circumstances, I’d love to, but right now I can’t.
68. I want to, but I’m unable to.
69. I’m not able to do more than my share.
70. I’d like to, but I know I’ll regret it.
71. I can’t take on any more responsibilities.
72. I can’t do what you’re asking.
73. I can help you out next weekend instead.
74. Let me think about that.
75. Here’s what will work for me.
76. Can I get back to you?
77. That doesn’t work for me.
78. I’m sorry I’m busy.
79. Thanks for thinking of me. I really wish I could.
80. I’d love to, but I’m already over committed.
81. Unfortunately, that’s not something I can do at this time.
82. No thanks.
83. I’m already booked.
84. Maybe next time.
85. I don’t think I’m the right person to help with that.
86. Sorry I can’t help you this time.
87. Sounds fun, but I’m not  available.
88. That’s not going to work for me.
89. Sorry, no can do.
90. How about no?
91. Not in this lifetime.
92. Listen, I have to get going, but thanks for asking.
93. Sounds tempting, but I’ll have to pass.
94. It’s not my thing.
95. My body says yes, but my heart says no.
96. Look! Squirrel!
97. I have other plans tonight.
98. Let me check my calendar.
99. Are you able to better that offer?
100. Yes. With these conditions.

Monday, January 13, 2020

Make it Make Sense with Emotional Equations

As a sensitive person inside and out, it can sometimes be difficult to process, articulate, and perform emotions in a rational way. To be quite honest, the thought of controlling my emotions seems more of an afterthought than a process. (Un)Fortunately, I am not alone in having difficulties understanding the basis of my emotions. Is it internal or is it provoked by something in my environment? When one does not understand the root or cause of an emotion it becomes almost impossible to find a solution that effectively works long-term.

Luckily we live in the 21st century where the Internet can help lead you to information that will help. I came cross the terminology of "emotional equations" while doing my daily Pinterest scroll. "Emotional Equations" offer a way to identify and rationalize the things that we will. It will can help further assist in practicing self-awareness. Chip Conley is a leading researcher in the study of emotional equations. He has scripted books, presented at conferences and lectures, and even provided simple infographics to help explain how we arrive at our emotions.

How to process your emotions? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts, tips, or ideas that may help another Dreamer!

Thursday, November 29, 2018

"sEnd MoNeY": 4 Tips to Hustling For What You Are Worth


What is your value? Lately my fingers have been itching to find means of income by using the skills and dreams I have been scheming on. It's time to move forward with all of the ideas brewing in my head. So with a little research--which is really just hours of scrolling on Pinterest and Instagram using hashtags like 'how to wake up and grind' or 'how to get your sh*t together quick'-- I found some extremely helpful tips that I have been trying to implement in my life to start making money moves.

1. Expanding Your Network

Word on the streets is that you must know someone who knows someone to be someone. By expanding your network, I believe that it has potential to unlock a part of your personal character that will aid in your success. You can expand your network through random conversations with strangers about their work or reaching out to a company to pitch an idea. You never know the type of bridges that you can create with someone and it is a good way to get your foot in the door of your dreams. Besides, all sorts of successful people have lit circles that invest in their projects, motivate their best work, and hype the end product by endorsements. Just look at Cardi B--she was able to make substantial amount of progress in her work by connecting with New York producers, promoters, and DJs by capitalizing on the relationships she made out of the strip club, Instagram and eventually Love & Hip-Hop: New York. Get out there, say hello, and make business partners in your hustles.

2. Writing It Down

Tracking your goals, progress, and contacts down are by far the best way to visualize your hustle. There are plenty of ways to accomplish this: vision boards, journals, blogs, etc. How else will you know what you need and how to get there? Unless you have the necessary brain space to store, compartmentalize, and reflect on your business goals, I recommend recording your hustles. I store my ideas in so many places (which I think in light of this post I will need to put in one place), like my iPhone notes, Google Docs, and my journals. I write pretty much every idea I have and what I envision they would be like. When I think of things to write down and record I think of: 

    • what the projects are, what are the projects' mission
    • why do I want do pursue this project
    • what steps would I need to be successful
    • are there other people doing this/ who am I inspired by
    • what do I need to do to find my end goal successful
3. Start Working on It
Everyday do something towards your goal. Whether it is spending hours researching and asking Google and blogger boards question (with no spectrum of a good or bad question), anything helps. Chicago mayoral candidate and formal 2016 presidential candidate Dr. Willie Wilson once told me "when you are sitting down to rest, there will always be someone getting up, in front of you." In other words, never stop the grind. I love endlessly scrolling on Pinterest researching ideas that I have and how other people are doing it. When I began My Dream Stitch Crochet Boutique, I googled new projects all the time for basic patterns. I made the new creations then I put my original touch on the patterns by implementing the ideas I draw in my journal. There's no more time to wait around, start right now!

4.. Invest
-"It takes money to make money" -me (and if someone else, that's cool, too, send me their name). Even if it may not be your money in every circumstance (I'm learning that wise business people almost always have external investors), every dollar should be invested towards your plan. As frightening as it may seems, people receive loans everyday that are for their future. With all pride aside, putting aside money for your dreams are apart of the hustle. The money is the hustle and it must always constantly flow. Some ways you can begin to invest:

    • setting aside money weekly/bi-weekly/monthly/yearly
    • create a business/hustle budget
    • open a business account *not necessary for small ventures/ projects for obvious reasons
    • track your purchases and sales using booking keeping, receipts, and accounting templates
    • create business cards *necessary for anything and everything for everybody!

I personally know that entrepreneurship may seem confusing and even difficult to begin. I encourage that if you are looking for a hustle, hustling takes sacrifice, a little wits, and a lot of action.  However, I believe we all have that hustle spirit within us that allows us to make smart business and financial decisions. Until then,

sEnd MoNeY, pls.. 


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