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I Took A Break

In life, we need breaks from things. That’s why we have summer vacation, lunch hours and weekends. These can be things that we enjoy, things that we dread and everything in between.

When everything with the George Floyd shooting happened, it opened a conversation that I couldn’t comfortably blog because I wanted to give those muted voices a chance to be heard.

So I took a blogging week off.

Then, I went back to work full time — which was an adjustment since the COVID-19 happened, I had gotten so used to working from home. Chances are, in my sweatpants.

Between that and dealing with some things with my mental health, I just couldn’t blog.

And, that’s okay.

I am learning not to be so hard on myself. The pandemic really helped me gain some traction on the blog. It helped connect me to new bloggers and helped me grow. And, I am so grateful for that.

I know that I will never be able to be a full time blogger. For me, this is a hobby that I enjoy. And that’s okay. These last few weeks, I’ve really realized that I need to take some time for myself. Yes, that means that everything doesn’t get done. But, if I don’t take the time to give myself some TLC, how am I expected to put in that extra oomph in my other roles.

Bottom line? At the end of the day, putting yourself first is the most important step you can take. And, if you find things that fill you with joy, you do them. And if you need to take a step back, well that’s fine too.

Yes, Hello Fresh Is Worth It. Here’s Why.

Note: I was not compensated for this post in any way.

I will be the first to admit this: I actually am not so experienced in the kitchen. Since my mom died (she did all of the cooking), all I knew how to cook was pasta, pizza, and potatoes that I made in the air fryer.

What helped me a lot was going to the hot bar during Whole Foods. However, since the pandemic started, I realized something. I really need to learn how to cook, because I can’t rely on takeout forever.

Enter Hello Fresh. It is a weekly meal service that comes with at least three meals that are quick, already measured, and come with very clear instructions for a little over $60. For someone that lives alone, this equals one freshly cooked meal and lunch the next day.

So, I decided to try it.

And, I love it and do not regret it.

I have the basic of the basics for the plan — three meals for two people.

Here’s how it works: you can pick out whether you want meat or no meat in the plan. Every week, they give you a bunch of choices, and you can pick three of them — and even add in extras like garlic bread, avocados and extra meals.

Now, let’s talk cooking. Prior to this, cooking gave me anxiety. This help remedy it. It gives you a step by step guide of what you need to do. It helps that everything is measured out for you as well, since that is half of the battle.

At first, I was nervous about it. However, after following the directions, it came out amazing.

Since getting Hello Fresh, I have made tacos, burgers, and other various chicken dishes. Many of the dishes have a lot of vegetables, which makes me happy because I have been wanting to get more in my overall diet.

Overall, I highly recommend getting Hello Fresh for a number of different reasons. For once, it does help you learn how to cook. Two, for about $10 per meal, you get a lot. Three, it helps get you out of your comfort zone with food and try new things. And, if you live alone like I do, you get lunch ready for the next day as well.

It’s a win-win all around.

So, if you want to try to save some money on takeout and learn a new skill, definitely check it out.

Women Who Work: Shining Starz Owner, Theresa Shine

To kick off a new feature on my blog, I am interviewing one of my oldest friends, Theresa Shine. I have actually known her since we were in middle school, so yeah, we go way back. Theresa now owns a dance studio called Shining Starz, located in Branford, Connecticut. I took a moment to chat with her about her business.

A look inside Shining Starz Dance Studio. Photo Credit: Theresa Shine

What sparked your passion for dance?

I’ve always loved dancing. I began at 2 years old and always felt inspired when hearing music to create dances and express my feelings through it. It helps me become free.

Tell me about your career thus far.

I competed in many areas of dance for 13 years & hold a dance title “Senior Miss Power of Dance- Springfield, MA 2013”. I’ve performed professionally in New York City, Norwalk and New Haven, CT. I began assistant teaching at 11 years old, which turned into teaching my own acrobatics class at my old dance studio. From there I began choreographing duos, solos, and dances for Ross Woodward School in New Haven which inspired me to open up Shining Starz!

How did Shining Starz get started?

Shining starz began as “Ross Woodward’s Shining Starz dancers”. I was asked to choreograph dances for their school’s assembly’s, mainly in hip-hop and jazz dance with tricks thrown in. The students there all inspired me to open my own dance classes separate from my old dance studio. It eventually turned into a mini dance company.

What are the services you currently offer?

We offer traditional dance classes as well as acrobatics built into most classes, unlike other studios. We also offer private lessons and strength training for athletes of other sports.

Are there any options for older dancers (adults)?

Yes! I recently did an adult acro series (so like yoga but with strength added) through Facebook live and am hoping to begin an in person class once covid calms down a bit more. We also offer adult tap and adult ballet will be coming soon!

What is your greatest joy in starting your business?

Watching your dream come to life.

Where can someone find you if they are interested in classes?

They can find us on our website www.shiningstarzacrodanceacademyct.com Facebook, and Instagram.

What is some advice you have for those who want to open their own studio?

Go for it with everything you’ve got! Don’t let anyone tell you that you won’t be successful.

What I Love Wednesday: May 27, 2020

Is it me or short weeks seem to fly by?

That said, here are my favorites for this week:

Sweet Magnolias: I started the Netflix series last Friday, and binge watched half of the series in one day. It’s a drama about a group of lifelong friends, who went through ups and downs in life, and decided to open a spa. Add in some romance, and small town gossip, and you’ll love it.

Amigurumi: This was something that has been on my bucket list for as long as I started crocheting. So, this weekend I started to do so. I have been using the book Crochet Cute Critters, and I’m loving it. I’m making an elephant and I’m proud of myself for starting a new challenging project. So far, I’ve made the body, and might need to redo the head, but I am definitely enjoying the change of pace for my projects.

Little Words Project: I’ve mentioned that I am a huge fan before, but lately I have been gravitating towards these bracelets again as reminders for self love and encouragements. They just had a huge sale this past weekend, so I may have stocked up a lot. That said, I still have been wearing some of my favorites, which are warrior, badass, and self love.

I did recently order a bunch, including: Cancer (my mom and I both are cancers), Manifest, Be Gentle, Just Relax, Namaste, Reset, Love Yourself, and Manifest. Each of those bracelets serve as a reminder for me to relax and it’s okay to reset your batteries sometimes. I highly recommend these bracelets to anyone who is going through something major.

What have you been loving this week?

Millennial Money: A Reader’s Guide to Saving Money

I think we all know that I love reading. I have a lot of books, and I read an average of 2-3 books per week.

With that being said, reading can be an expensive habit. However, it doesn’t need to be. There are so many different resources that I have found that you can use to get major discounts on your books. Today, I am sharing them with you so you can learn my methods of madness and save some money — without sacrificing the quality or quantity of books that you read:

Use the library: The library is a great resource for a number of reasons. With your library card, you can access an unlimited number of books for free. And, if your local library does not have the book you want, you can request it through interlibrary loan and have it shipped to your local library. However, in the current pandemic, the libraries are still closed. But, many apps such as Libby and Overdrive offer e-books and audiobooks for you to check out. I love using Libby versus Audible because I can access audiobooks without the $15 a month price tag.
Become a Book of the Month Member: I love Book of the Month and I have been a member for almost two years. It’s $14.99 a month, and for that price, you can get one hardcover book. Normally those cost at least $20 — even if you get it from Target. What is also really cool is their add-on feature. For the price of $10, you can add up to two more books to your box — so if you can’t decide which book you want, or want another book from another month, you can do so as well. Finally, what I also love about Book of the Month is that there is so much variety. You can discover so many books that are not even released yet, and you can venture out of your comfort zone.
Ebooks: I have a Kindle and a Nook (accidentally). Ebooks as a whole are a lot less expensive. Typically, they are about 40 percent off of the regular list price, and if you subscribe to sites like BookBub, you can get emails daily of ebook deals. I have a large ebook library, but that’s because I paid less than $3 for some of the books in my collection. The initial price of one can be super expensive, but it definitely saves you both money and space in the long run.
Local Used Bookstores: I love going to my local bookstore for books, because you can find so many goodies for less. I love going there to find a backlist title, since many of the books they offer are a little older. Furthermore, most of the books are at least 50 percent off, and if you trade in your books, you can actually get a few extra dollars off as well. Another great resource is the library booksales/stores as well, as funds tend to go to your local library, and the books are cheaper than $5.
Book Outlet: Last but not least, Book Outlet is something that every book lover should check out. I love their selection of recent reads, which is something that I often struggle with other sites. And, they often have coupon codes as well, which only adds to the savings.

Millennial Money: Simple Ways To Shop Smarter

I hate to be the one to break it to you. We might be in a recession. That said, now is the time to think of some ways that we can cut back and save money. One of the ways that we can do so is to shop smarter. This doesn’t mean that you need to stop shopping or buying things. It means trying to put more thought in the items that you purchase.

So, how do you do that? Here are some tips to get started:

Buy quality not quantity: How many of you have tried the cheaper option — only for it to be of lesser quality of the item that you really want. Then, you end up buying the item that you were actually wanting in the first place. Instead of trying to substitute the item and take the cheap way out, just buy the item that you really want and the quality will be there. Also when you buy items of lesser quality, chances are, you’ll be replacing them more as well. Therefore, buy items that are of better quality. Some of the items that I tend to be more for the quality include: purses, jewelry, shoes, and electronics.
Know what works for you: Do you not wear a lot of a certain thing? For example, if you know that in your everyday life, you don’t wear a lot of graphic t shirts because of your work, then try not to buy that many because truth is, you’ll only be wearing them a few times a week. Therefore, you don’t need that many. The same goes for things that are formal wear, etc. If it’s something that you don’t normally wear, don’t buy much of that item.
Don’t buy trendy: I try to stick to classics most of the time. The reason why is because after a season or two, it will be off trend and not look right. The classic items on the other hand? Well, those stay in your closet for years. So try to stick to those classics. And, if there is a trend that you love, try to get it on sale.
Picture when you’re going to wear it: Whenever you buy clothes or shoes, try to think of ways that you’ll be wearing them prior to purchasing. For instance, if you’re looking at a shirt, think of three ways you would wear it. This helps you picture whether or not it will go with the rest of the clothing, and give you examples of when you are going to wear it. Then, you’ll actually wear it.

Why We Need to Focus on Our Mental Health More Than Ever Before

Did you know that May is National Mental Health Awareness month? This year, the emphasis of mental health is more important than ever before. We are in a pandemic. We are in waters that no one knows how to swim in. We are adjusting to a new normal. Many of us are on furlough or unsure what the economic impacts will be because of the virus.

This is why we need to focus on our mental health. It is more important than ever before.

There are so many different ways someone’s mental health can be impacted negatively with this pandemic. There are so many things that are just getting cancelled — graduations, concerts, vacations, and so much more. Many people have lost — or have gotten furloughed from their jobs. We are in times of isolation, which as many of you know definitely does not help one’s mental health whatsoever. Furthermore, many people are quarantined with abusive partners or parents.

I am going to be completely honest here — this pandemic has taken an impact on our mental health. For those of you who don’t know, my mother died at home. Being home has without a doubt has amped up the grieving process on my end.

This is why we need to be kinder to ourselves —- especially in this difficult time. This is also why we need to practice self care.

But, how do you practice self care during a pandemic?

Well, first off, I think that it’s so important for anyone to recognize that they just need to get through it anyway they can. This quarantine is not a productivity contest. If you want to read all of the books, you can. If you want to just watch TV, you can do that too. Just as long if you are working from home,that you get your work done.

That said, there is something else that I think everyone needs to do — be kind to you. This means setting boundaries. For example, just because we are bored at home, doesn’t mean that we have to always be on the FaceTime chat. Sure, it’s nice to catch up with friends and family. But, at the same time, I do believe that if you just want to sit and relax every once in a while in isolation, it is perfectly okay to stay out of it.

Being kinder to yourself also extends on one other thing — on my end at least. This is not a productivity contest. Throughout the past few months, everyone’s pretty much living day by day. I am pretty much a creature of habit, so as you can imagine, it is overwhelming to me.

Finally, the last thing we can do to practice good mental health is just to allow feelings. I feel as though we are asked to suppress emotions — and that is not healthy. Therefore, I think it is really healthy to do that. Remind yourself that your feelings are valid. Let yourself cry and feel. It. Is. Okay.

I am no means an expert, but I do believe that we need to focus on our mental health more than ever before. Therefore, let’s practice good mental health habits every day of every month.

What I Love Wednesday: May 20th

Happy Wednesday everyone. I am super excited to reach the middle of the week, because I’m one step closer to a three day weekend. My plans are consisting of pretty much sit in a kiddie pool all day and read with my Kindle. I also might want to take advantage of online sales, if they are offering a good deal on something that I am looking for.

That said, here is what I am loving this week:

Hello Fresh:

I subscribed to Hello Fresh a few weeks ago, and I am loving it. I am fairly new at cooking, so I am really loving the fact that I don’t have to rely on Whole Foods, my minimal cooking abilities, and delivery. Now, I can cook healthy food with ease, which is something that I am loving because it saves me a ton of money on food. Well, if you look at it from the standpoint that I would get delivery a lot versus the $60 for 6 meals.

Kindle:

I bought a Kindle Paperwhite last year, because at the time, it was the only e-reader that was waterproof. I recently went back to it, and let me tell you, it’s something that I am absolutely loving. I love that the battery is only down 26 percent after a week’s worth of use, versus having my Nook Glowlight Plus die many times a week. I probably will continue going back and forth between the two devices, especially since I have a ton of unread books on my Nook, but I am definitely enjoying my Kindle to the point where that may be my permanent one. Now, if Amazon can release a waterproof Kindle in white, that would be great.

My 2000’s Playlist:

Lately, I have been loving my throwback playlists. I know, the songs are over a decade old, but they are still really good. Some of my favorites are Paramore, early Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, and of course, all of the emo bands that I used to blast during my goth phase.

Such nostaglia.

7 New Book Releases I Am Really Excited For

Purple International Children's Book Day School Instagram Post

2020 is the year when there are so many exciting new releases from my favorite authors. Some are long awaited, while others are not. That said, here are the books that I am super stoked for. And, I’m sure that you’ll be seeing them all on my Bookstagram.

That Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin

I am a huge Emily Giffin fan. She is by far one of my favorite authors. I read every one of her books – many within the first week or month of their release. And, that’s a rarity to be honest.

The book is about 28-year old Cecily who moves to New York with the dream of being a reporter in 2001. She questions whether or not she should go back to her home – and to her college boyfriend. She then meets this guy, and they forge a connection. However, he then disappears in the 9/11 attacks.

I am super excited about this release, because like I said, Emily Giffin is one of my favorite authors. And, naturally, I will be actually buying that book versus getting the ebook since it’s my favorite author.

2. Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer

Okay, so I was obsessed with Twilight when I was in Middle School. Naturally, when I heard that Stephanie Meyer was writing the books from Edward’s point of view and actually releasing it, I was so there. As many of you might know, she was working on it, but then it got leaked. Therefore, I am so excited to actually get to read the book.

3. Love and Olives by Jenna Evans Welch

I love this series. With every book, you are experiencing a different country. With Love and Gelato, you are on the journey with Lena to Italy. In Love and Luck, you travel with Lena’s best friend, Addie to Ireland. Love and Olives takes us to Greece, and seems to be a spin on Mammia Mia. It got pushed back because of the pandemic to November, but I am still excited to read it.

4. Heart and Bones by Colleen Hoover
You know that I couldn’t resist posting a Colleen Hoover book. Colleen Hoover is one of those authors that once I start reading, I can not put them down. I don’t know much about the synopsis, however, I know it’s going to be one that I love, because I always love her books.

5. The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine

This book is actually getting released tomorrow, and I am so excited. I actually won this book in a Goodreads giveaway so that’s really exciting. That said, I didn’t end up reading it, but I am still excited to read it, because Liv Constantine is one of my favorite thriller authors, so I am sure this one will not disappoint.

6. Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett

Another book that was pushed back due to the pandemic. This was actually originally supposed to be released on May 5th, but was pushed back. The novel is about Josie Saint-Martin who is a budding photographer and moves place to place with her single mother. She ends up moving back to return to their historic New England town to run the family bookstore, where she knows isn’t going to be a permanent fix. Josie also runs into her childhood friend Lucky, who makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her — which is why she is baffled that he takes the blame for her when things go south at a pool party.

I am really excited to read this release, and even more excited that I have a little more time to catch up with Bennett’s backlog. I’ve read Alex Approximately and The Anatomical Shape of a Heart and liked them. Currently, I’m reading Starry Eyes, so I hope to get to Serious Moonlight before this release.

7. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

Last but not least, I am so excited for the Hunger Games prequel that is being released tomorrow. It looks like it talks about President Snow, and I am really excited to read it.

Fashion Friday: Jewelry Trends I Am Obsessed With

I think that I am obsessed with jewelry. I love jewelry for many reasons. I have a lot of it that was passed down, so I love that I have a bit of family history that I get to have. Furthermore, I love that certain pieces make me feel a certain way. I have hoops that make me like I can conquer the world when I wear them. I also have a lot of inspirational jewelry that help encourage me, and some of them just promote good vibes. That said, here are some trends of jewelry that I have been loving:

Gold Jewelry:

Top (L to R): Earrings S.V. Decker, Bangle Madewell, Middle: SV Decker Monica Earrings, Italian Horn Necklace Joseph Conte Jewelers, Bottom: SV Decker Ballsy Bracelet, and SV Decker Stars Bangle

For pretty much my entire life, I have been a silver gal. Recently, I have been into more gold pieces. I’m not sure where the origin of that comes from. Maybe it’s from watching a lot of YouTube. Maybe it’s because a lot of my favorite places have some pieces that come in gold-clad. That said, I really am loving the gold trend.

Stacking Rings/Bangles:

Bangles: Cut out star bangles, SV Decker

I love bangles. I am a huge fan of stacking them — especially mixing metals. I have a few that I love to pair, and they work well when I’m working at home on my laptop because they don’t clink up against it. Some of my favorite brands include Kate Spade, Mantraband, and of course, SV Decker.

Rings: MantraBand Grateful and Mantraband Warrior

What I also have been loving is the Mantraband rings. I have a few in different metals, and one of my favorite things to do is actually stack them. What I also enjoy about them is that they have different sayings. My favorite combination is the rose gold Always in my Heart, and the silver Grateful. Both of those mantras mean a lot to me. Always in My Heart reminds me that my mom isn’t that far away, and Grateful reminds me to be grateful for your blessings.

Hoop Earrings:

This is a new thing for me. I was always the small stud girl — pearls and ball earrings were my jam. However, lately I was looking to change up my earrings. It all started with a pair of huggie style that I got from SV Decker. What I liked about those is the fact that they are really light. I actually really hate having heavy earrings so that works wonders. Since then, I’ve accumulated quite a few new pairs, mostly from SV Decker and Madewell. What I like about those brands are that they are lightweight. I absolutely can not stand heavy earrings, so they are a nice change from my regularly scheduled pearls.