Tag: relaxing

Categories
Travel

Saturdays are for the Souls

Happy Tuesday!

Today I’m sharing something that I’m trying to incorporate more in my life: self-care. Whether it’s a quiet night in with a good book or a girl’s night out with friends, we all need to take care of ourselves.  This past weekend, my best friend, Shay and I took a day trip to the city. We both have a heavy course schedule this semester and we decided to take some time before the semester got crazy to adventure and relax.

Walking through the streets of Pittsburgh on a rainy Saturday!

We left mid morning and got to Pittsburgh around 12:00, our first stop was the National Aviary. I had never been there before, but Shay had and assured me it would be an enjoyable time. It was a smaller, interactive place. We spent an hour there but, there were a lot of activities geared towards children that would be great for families.  There were lots of exhibits and it was very colorful, most importantly, there was a wide variety of birds.

Flamingo’s hanging out at the Aviary.
Can you spot the bird in this picture?

After we finished at the Aviary, we headed to Burgatory for lunch on the North Shore. It was a 10-minute walk, so we opted for the exercise rather than an Uber.

Although, I have eaten the delicious make your own burgers at Burgatory, I opted for a grilled ham and cheese sandwich was their fresh cut fries. I love their burgers but, they are huge and since we had more things planned I decided to go with something more manageable. I couldn’t leave without getting one of their famous milkshakes. I got the cookie monster and Shay got the S’mores milkshake.

I love grilled cheese, but grilled ham and cheese is even better!
Treating ourselves and our sweet teeth to a milkshake!
Checking out some artwork in the Warhol exhibit.

After a delicious and filling lunch, we walked to the Andy Warhol museum. It was a first for both of us. It was a 10 minute walk from lunch to the museum.  The Seven floor museum took us an hour and a half to get through. Tickets for students were only $10, which was a great deal for a few hours of entertainment. There were great displays of Warhol’s pieces as well as a great history of Warhol’s life. I personally loved his bright pieces of portraits of different well-known figures.

A few of my favorite pieces from the Andy Warhol exhibit. All photographs of Jackie Kennedy.
I love the bright colors in these flower paintings
We have to talk about the elephant in the room…
Warhol’s famous Campbells Soup artwork

Before, we headed back to school, we grabbed smoothies at Crazy Mocha. A cute café in the North Shore.

Smoothies at Crazy Mocha!
Definitely a must stop if you are in the North Shore area

Many memories were made during our fun Saturday excursion. We get wrapped up in our busy lives that we often forget to take care of ourselves. My challenge for you this week is to take some time out of your busy day/week for yourself. Have a great week!

Categories
Fabulous living

A Day in the Life

Wanna know what a typical Tuesday is like for a college student? Well, you are in luck. I documented through photos a day in the life (last Tuesday 10/10/17.)  Granted, every day is different and unexpected things happen but, here’s a peak into my life. Just a warning! I’m not that exciting! Today was pretty average, some days are busier than others.

6:15 the alarm goes off and it’s time to start the day. Rise and shine. I check my phone, emails and social media to start off the day!
7:00After I get up and moving  I go through my morning routine,  making the bed, choosing my outfit, getting my face washed etc. After all that’s done it’s time for my hair and makeup. These are my favorite products! I will be doing a post soon about my makeup routine but until then here’s a quick peek.
Here’s what I’m wearing on this fall day. Jeans, Peep toe boots,and a silk top. I have a few classes and presentations today so I want to look professional and comfortable.
7:15After I am ready for the day. I have a morning ritual. I will do a whole post on this later but, to get a glimpse. I journal  first thing in the morning (this is a journal dedicated to a whole year of saying Yes. Highly recommend.) I also have an app where I get a daily prayer and reflection. Laudate is a great app for Catholics. Starting my day with silence is a great way to begin a day whether calm or crazy.

 

7:30
Breakfast after quiet time. I am into milk and dry cheerios right now. Healthy and hearty. I eat while I am starting on work.
7:45
Getting some blogging done, emails returned, and editing papers for classes. If I have any tests, I do a quick review too. This time allows me to get some work done without distractions. Also, if something comes up I have some spare time to fit it in.
9:00
After getting caught up and ready for the day. It’s time for a little down time before the day begins. I’m currently binge watching Friends, and I’m loving every minute of it. Plus the 20 minute episodes are perfect for a little tv time.
10:00
Class #1 for the day. Children and the Media Studies. We had group presentations on research studies. My group went today and it was a successful class.
11:30
Class #2 Creative Writing, in class we talked about Micro fiction and Fantasy vs. Reality.
12:45
Lunch Break!! For lunch I ate pasta and broccoli. A balanced meal in the middle of the day.
1;30 So here is where my day gets crazy. Typically I would do homework until my class at 2:30 but it got cancelled (it was a gift from Augustine-kudos if you pick up on that reference, that my Philosophy Class got cancelled, this class is no joke!!!) so instead I went back to my dorm and did homework, blogging, and worked ahead on projects for the afternoon. I also relaxed a bit and took advantage of a free afternoon. I saw some friends and hung out on a beautiful fall day!
4:45
Notice how  I haven’t mentioned the gym yet? That’s because due to a full day on Tuesdays and Thursdays I don’t go to the gym in the morning. I try not to overbook myself and leave free time in my day if I need it.  Also I give my body a break after working out every other day. I do go to my Pound Rockout Work out class at 5:00 when I  can make it on Tuesdays where I am heading now. Beautiful day on campus.
5:00 Pound Class with my girls! Shay (my gym guru) and Danielle my other close friend. We went, we sweat, we left in one piece! Such a good workout!
6:00 Dinner with the girls! After a good workout I ate chicken and salad for dinner and we got to catch up for a bit!
7:00
So from 7:00-9:00 is a bit of a blur. I finished homework, got organized for the next day and went over what things I had planned. I showered and relaxed. I even watched another episode of Friends which doesn’t happen often. It was nice to have an easier day and with my class being cancelled I got more done!
While I was unwinding I was craving something sweet! Chocolate is my weakness. I ate these while I was relaxing! I forgot to document but I went through 2 bottles of water though the day. Always hydrating!
9:00 unwinding after a busy and productive day by watching This Is Us. One of my favorite shows. As a mentioned in an earlier post, my shows are my me time. Watching something i enjoy is the perfect way to end a day!
10:00 One of my favorite parts of my day is catching up with my mom at the end of the day. Let me tell you, my mom is the best therapist!
10:22
And good night. I try to go to bed between 10:30-11:00. It doesn’t always happen, on days when i can get to sleep a few minutes earlier…I love it!

And there you have it! That’s a typical Tuesday for me, classes, work, friends, unexpected surprises, There is never a normal day. The day when I am not running in three different directions, is when you should be worried about me. If you are ever not feeling productive. Just document your day and you will see how much you get done. Trust me, you will be surprised.

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #16

LOTD

One last summer look!

It’s time to fire up the grills and put on those swim suits one last time for Labor Day! Whether you are home with family and friends or hitting the books like I am, I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Labor Day.

This outfit is perfect for a picnic by the pool or a cookout with family.  I got this slip-on blue and turquoise dress from Francesca’s Boutique. It’s lightweight and a great summer color. The best part of it? I got it on SALE! You can dress it up with a pair or wedges for a night out on the town or you can dress it down with sandals or flip flops for a summer picnic.

This hat is a perfect accessory to go with it. I got mine from Francesca’s as well but you can find hats similar at many other retail stores. Hats are coming back in style more and more. You can wear a different hat every season and it could still work with any looks.

A perfect summer hat.

It’s a bold accessory that won’t go unnoticed and it will protect you from the sun. What more could you ask for?

Let summer go out in style and celebrate one last time with this look for Labor Day!