​1: BOOT DROP-OFF

As I just mentioned, Jonathan works in landscaping. He wears steel-toed boots to work every day. During the day, he is often walking through grass, mud, and mulch. I decided that we should probably have a rule about keeping his boots outside of our bedroom.

​2: KEEP THAT KEYBOARD CLEAN

I use my keyboard every single day. That means that the bit of dirt and natural oils on my skin will transfer over to my keyboard. We’ve all seen things like our keyboard or our phone case get dirty, and it isn’t very comforting. Keep your keyboard clean by using an old toothbrush to clean between the keys.

3: ADD BORAX TO NEUTRALIZE SMELLS

​We went through this with my grandmother. Her clothes and some of her washable items smelled terrible! We washed her clothes like she normally would, but we added borax into the mix and it really helps to neutralize any foul or overpowering odors!

4: USE AN OLD, THICK SOCK TO MOP

If you have one of those “Swiffer” mops, you can stop overpaying for those pre-treated cleaning pads and use an old sock from your sock drawer instead. Combine this with a cleaner meant for your floors and mop! Whenever you’re done, you can simply wash the sock and reuse it time and time again to keep your floors clean!

5: KEEP YOUR SHOWER CLEAN 

​If you’re like me, your shower probably gets neglected in the cleaning process. I saw this great hack where you can use one of those dish scrubbers with the fillable chamber and give your shower door and tiles a light scrub while you’re in the shower. You’re killing two birds with one stone!

​6: TURN CLEANING INTO A GAME FOR YOUR KIDS

I remember when I was young that we would dry the floors with paper towels and pretend we were skating! I’ve seen now where people get fluffy socks or slippers made for dusting while you walk. Put these on your kids and make a game of it. Your floors will look great, and you’ll entertain your kids for a while!

7: CLEAN OFF STUCK-ON FOOD EASILY

We all have that one casserole dish that never wants to let the food go. Food easily sticks in them and it is really hard to get the food unstuck during any hand-washing process. One thing you can do to make dishes like this easier to clean is to fill the dish with water, a dash of dish detergent, and a dryer sheet.

​8: KEEP MAKEUP BRUSHES CLEAN WITH A TRIVET

I love this hack! Many stores try to sell “makeup brush cleaning pads” that cost a fortune. However, you could clean your brushes for as little as a dollar with this hack. I like to use baby shampoo on my makeup brushes. ​Find a trivet that is raised in some areas.

CONCLUSION

Share

1: YOU'LL PROBABLY HAVE A BREAKDOWN

It doesn’t matter if it is because of stress from your classes, the fact that you’re really involved, or if you are struggling with homesickness, most undergraduate students face some sort of mental breakdown in their college careers.  This is somewhat normal, but it is important to address the issue ASAP.

2: IT'S OK TO SAY NO

I think that I’ve always felt that I needed to try harder than everyone else because of my plus-size status. Sometimes, I feel as though people discount me. I’ve actually experienced it before. I’ve been told my a number of people that I wasn’t ever going to be good enough because of my weight.

3: COLLEGE FRIENDS WILL BE YOUR BFFS

A lot of people say something like, “my college friends are my best friends to this day.” That is so true. Granted, I’ve only been out of college for four years. But, my friendships from college always stay strong. ​My friends from college were in my wedding and we still hang out and talk to this day!

4: ​PREPARE FOR DRAMA OF SOME SORT

Especially if you’re a female, you can expect a lot of drama in college when you live on campus.  My first semester, I lived in a residence hall all by myself for about a week while I was at marching band camp (geez, that sounds nerdy)! My roommate wasn’t really all that involved, so she would go out partying or go hang out until really early in the morning.

​5: YOUR PLANS MIGHT CHANGE, AND THAT’S OK

When I first started at my University, I was a Chemistry major minoring in Forensic Science. When I was a freshman, they didn’t have a stand-alone forensics program, so I had to take the science program. I decided after a semester that I didn’t think that would work for me. Then I switched to English, then to undecided, and then finally to Mass Communications.

​6: MAKE A SCHEDULE AND STICK TO IT

One of the most important lessons I’m just now starting to learn is that schedules can really help you. Your life is basically a huge schedule when you’re in college. You have your class schedule and your activity schedule. But, what you need to do is fill in those empty slots in your schedule and try to stick to it.

​CONCLUSION

Share

​Hello everyone, and happy Friday! I know that posts about passed loved ones can trigger some people, but I want to assure you that this is no ordinary “my loved one just passed” post.   I was fortunate to have a lot of time with my Grandy (grandpa) before he passed. Nothing was left unsaid and his passing was peaceful. ​I’ve taken more time to think about things and I’ve decided to try my best to remember the good times, not the bad.   I want to introduce you to my Grandy:

HE EITHER SAID SOMETHING FUNNY OR WISE

​My Grandy was certainly a man of few words. However, whenever something did come out of his mouth, you can bet it was funny or wise. ​And when I say funny, I mean shake-your-belly funny. Not that pity laugh kind of funny you might give your own grandparents.

HE LOVED ELVIS

​One of the things that I shared with my Grandy was a love for Elvis Presley. When we were visiting him in the hospital a few months back, I sang him “Ain’t Nothin’ But A Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.” I always loved watching him sing along. When he was well, he would also throw in a little dance!

HE WAS A PROUD VETERAN

​My Grandy loved the service. The day after high school graduation, he signed up for the Air Force. He was able to travel to places like Germany and India and all around the United States. ​He met my Nana in California before they moved back to his birthplace and started their family. He always displayed his Air Force hat proudly in his car when it wasn’t on his head.

HE WAS A CARING MAN

​A lot of people my age have grandparents who are mean or strict. However, my Grandy was perhaps the sweetest man on the planet. I remember one day after class in middle school, my grandparents came to pick me up and my nana handed me a PB&J. She boasted that Grandy has made my sandwhich the way I liked it: peanut butter on both sides so the jelly didn’t leak through.  He was that kind of man. He wasn’t afraid to do things for the people he loved.

HE WAS A GIVING MAN

​I learned some things about my Grandy after he passed. I wasn’t aware that he served in a lot of leadership positions in churches when my mom was growing up. He was a Sunday School teacher, a Sunday School Superintendent, a deacon, and a choir member almost everywhere!  ​But, personally, I remember him for giving everything he had to be supportive of me, my brother, and my mom. Without help from my grandparents, I don’t know if I would have been able to finish college. Additionally, my Grandy decided to get both my brother and me cars when it was time to. That’s just who he was.

HE WAS A GODLY MAN

​My Grandy loved the Lord. He was an avid reader of the Bible and put a ton of hours into his studies after he retired. I remember, when we were cleaning up my grandparent’s room earlier this year, that my Grandy had a ton of Bibles that were gifted to him, but none of them looked unread. Imagine having multiple copies of the same book, but giving all of the books equal love. I know that sounds silly, but there’s something about that that makes me smile. Most of them were gifts, and he probably wanted to honor the person who gave them to him by cracking each of them open every now and then.

HE WAS A SUPPORTIVE MAN

​Most of all, my Grandy was a supportive man. Without fail, I always knew he’d be at every band concert, play, and performance with a smile on his face. My Nana often tells me that Grandy loved to brag on my brother and I. He loved us so much, and that fills my heart with so much joy. Just knowing that there was someone who cared that much.

Share

RULES OF THE CHALLENGE

1. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR?

My favorite actor has to be Jack Black. I have always loved him in every movie I've seen him in. My favorite movie with him in it would have to be "The School of Rock." I just find it cool. Don't watch it with me if you don't want to hear me reciting all of the lines.

2. AT WHAT AGE DID YOU GO ON YOUR FIRST DATE?

3. WHAT IS THE ONE ITEM YOU CAN'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?

I can't leave home without my phone. Not only do I use it for my job as a marketing assistant, but I also live quite far from my family. A number of my family members are disabled, so I always keep it on me in case something happens.

4. DO YOU HOLD ANY CONVICTION THAT YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO DIE FOR?

Of course. I mean, I've never been put in that situation. I don't think I could stand for someone telling me not to practice my religion. I also believe in protecting my family and would pretty much do all I can to keep them safe.

5. WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE A LIVE-IN MASSAGE THERAPIST OR A LIVE-IN CHEF?

Whew, that's a tough one. I often tease my husband and tell him that, if I ever get rich, I'll hire someone to rub my back and my scalp. But, overall, I think I'd go with the chef. This is simply because I'm a foodie and because I know a chef could handle things while I'm at work!

6. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT AMAZES YOU?

The world. It baffles me to think about the clouds, the mountains, the canyons, the caves, etc. I'm also amazed by the human body and animal body. So much amazing stuff going on in there!

7. ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHITE 10 BEING THE HIGHEST AND 1 BEING THE LOWEST, RATE YOUR DRIVING SKILLS.

I would say I'm a 7. I know my family would say different. But, in several years of driving, I've gotten one ticket, which was defeated in court, and I've only gotten into one accident which really wasn't all that major!

8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY?

I don't do it too much, but I actually like to dance. I do dance around my house and in my car frequently, but I haven't danced with a group or in a class since I was young. It's just a fun way to exercise. I love to dance using the Just Dance game when I get the chance.

9. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH YOU WERE GIFTED AT DOING?

I often wish I was gifted with makeup, but that's just kind of a superficial thing. I really wish I was good at speaking different languages. I can understand some languages pretty well, but speaking them is another story!

10. WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD OF YOUR FATHER?

I am cheating a bit because my father wasn't very involved. I'll tell you what made me proud about my grandfather. He was a giving, loving man who always put others first. He welcomed me in his life with open arms.

11. WHO SENT THE LAST TEXT MESSAGE YOU RECEIVED?

My last message was from my mom. I left my dog, Maisel, at her house since I will be traveling back there later this week for my grandpa's funeral. She sent me a photo of my dog laying on her bed with her dog. So cute!

12. DO YOU HAVE A LOT OF ACQUAINTANCES OR JUST A FEW VERY CLOSE FRIENDS? WHY?

I have a few close friends rather than many acquaintances. I would rather keep my friend group small. Aside from my mom and husband, my closest friends are Jeremy, Lauren, and Tyler. I met them all in college and they've been there for me any time I needed them! Love you guys, if you're reading.

13. WHAT BOOK DO YOUR REMEMBER AS BEING IMPORTANT TO YOU?

Aside from the Bible, I would say the most important book to me has been "Cold Case Christianity" because it really helped me ground my faith in both facts and experiences. The book is by J. Warner Wallace.

14. WHAT DO YOU DO MOST WHEN YOU'RE BORED?

If I get bored, I usually try to write something, watch a movie or TV series, or play the Sims 4. I love all of these things, and they are things that help me destress.

15. WOULD YOU RATHER FORGET TO PACK CLEAN UNDERWEAR WHEN TRAVELING, OR FORGET TYO PACK YOUR FOOTWEAR?

I would rather pack my underwear because the U.S. is the most plus-size friendly country out there (I would say) and it might be hard to find something like that in a different country. However, I think I could find shoes and I seldom travel alone so I could have someone run to the store for me!

Share

My school recently offered training that taught the basics of bleeding control through a nation-wide initiative called “Stop the Bleed.” ​During this specific training, we received active shooter training as well as the bleeding control training.   I won’t pretend that I’m an expert on things like this, but I wanted to share some of my “civilian” knowledge on a few things you can do to help save the life of someone with a life-threatening injury.

1: KNOW YOUR TOOLS

​For bleeding control, the people who taught our course recommended having a tourniquet and hemostatic gauze.   Tourniquets are bands that can be tightened two-to-three inches above the wound. Keep tightening the tourniquet until the blood stops. Resist the urge to loosen it! These are best used on extremity (arms and legs) wounds.

2: CONSIDER MAKING A KIT

You know what it is like to be unprepared. I know that I never worried about jumper cabled for my car until my car battery needed a bit of a boost to get started. The best way to assure you will be prepared is to make a small kit that you can carry around in your bag or in your car. I would recommend, from what I learned in the training, to get a tourniquet, hemostatic gauze, and gloves for your small kit. Gloves are essential in avoiding blood-borne illnesses.

3: CALL FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Though you could save someone’s life with these tools, it is imperative that you get medical services coming on their way as soon as possible. If you are with another person, have them dial for emergency services while you begin helping the victim. If you are alone, start the call, put it on speaker phone, and get to work trying to help. The faster you can get to medical services, the better.

4: CONTROL BLEEDING UNTIL MEDICAL SERVICES CAN GET THERE

If you come across a situation where there is an injured person bleeding out, keep pressure on or control the bleeding until a medical provider can get to the patient. Some people may have the urge to release pressure on a wound to see if it stopped on its own. While it may very well stop before medical services can get there, you should continue to keep pressure on the wound until emergency services arrive.

5: THINGS TO REMEMBER

Bleeding control methods like the tourniquet, wound packing with hemostatic gauze, and pressure from the hands will hurt. The victim will likely scream or even ask you to stop. Pain does not indicate that you are doing anything wrong.  I have found no evidence in the United States that you can be charged with anything should your attempts fail or result in some other injury.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Share

12-PACK CELAVI ESSENCE FACIAL SHEET MASKS | $10.95

​So, back in December, my husband bought me a 12 pack of sheet masks off of Amazon for Christmas. I didn’t actually use them for a while, but I decided to add them in to my blog morning routine.    I post blogs normally on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. When I get up on those days, it’s straight to the computer to start posting and scheduling posts for the day. I put on one of these sheet masks while I’m working. ​They are really great for moisturizing, they smell amazing, and they leave your skin glowing. I liked that, when I reordered, I got a few different masks than I did the first time.

MORPHE 35M BOSS MOOD ARTISTRY PALETTE | $25
​

​I’d be lying if I said I went in to Ulta with the desire for this particular palette. In fact, I was actually hoping I’d find a James Charles palette. Alas, there were none in stock.   However, I was so excited to start playing with the palette, and I’m lowkey in love with it. There are plenty of both matte and shimmer shades. Both are super pigmented. ​I’ve never had a nicer brand eyeshadow palette. Most of the palettes I have are either the Ulta brand, or a drug store brand. I loved that I didn’t have to pack on the color as hard. I’m looking forward to getting the James Charles palette, though. I've already played with the brown and red shades, and I'm pumped to dive in to the purples and greens! Wish me luck!

LAC MATTE LIPSTICK SHADE: STARLET | $1

Whenever you find that "magical" lip color that you can't live without, it can be hard to give it a break. But, I've recently started wearing this lipstick, which I'm pretty sure Jonathan bought for me as an advent calendar gift when we did our little challenge this past Christmas. ​I just really like the red shade and the lipstick is truly matte, which I appreciate. It just goes to show that you can find great options anywhere, even at the dollar store!

“US” MOVIE | TICKET PRICE

​I think that some people are giving this movie hate because they don’t understand it. The message is a little more buried than the one that was presented in his movie, “Get Out.” However, I really enjoyed the movie and thought that it had some valuable themes and lessons. If you’re interested, check out Monday’s post where I dissect some of the themes and symbolism I found in the movie. There will be spoilers though, so go get your tickets and check it out quick!

WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO IN APRIL

Share

1. YOU'RE GOING TO FIGHT, AND THAT'S OK

If there is one thing that I've learned from two years of marriage (and nearly 5 years being in a relationship with the same person), it's that fighting is normal and relatively healthy for the most part.  Now, if you're fighting every day or things get abusive, that should be a hint that something is wrong. However, you can't expect to live in close quarters with someone nearly 24/7 and expect everything to be all sunshine and rainbows. One day it might be a fight over leaving boots in the middle of the floor (...ehem...) or it might be over who should take the trash out.

2. YOUR MAMA DIDN'T RAISE YOUR PARTNER

It is super important to remember that you weren't raised the same way as your partner. This isn't a jab, but it is more of a realization that things that you might find important may not have been instilled in them, and vice versa.  It is vital that you talk with one another and work out your differences to that they don't cause you any issue. However, a different perspective can be great and a refreshing change from your own.

3. GET A HOBBY TO STOP DRIVING EACH OTHER CRAZY

For me, that hobby is blogging and sometimes my freelance work. It gives us each a few hours almost every day to focus on something we want to do without distraction. Jonathan enjoys playing music and video games. ​I also enjoy games, but we don't always play the same ones. It is nice to not feel pressured to spend every waking moment with your significant other!

4. SUPPORT IS CRUCIAL FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE

My husband and I each have different things that we need support from one other to accomplish. For me, I struggled (and sometimes continue to struggle) with a personal health issue that can be difficult to work with while maintaining a healthy marriage. My husband (as well as my mom) has been my biggest cheerleader and supporter. He's done so much for me on my bad days, and even helps on my good ones. For that, I'm so grateful!

5. YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM CAN HURT YOUR PARTNER

Your support system that you had before marriage was always looking out for you! Therefore, they may not notice or care that some things that they say can be hurtful and can feel unsupportive to your spouse.  It's important that you let your spouse know how this makes you feel. They may address it with their support system, or they may not. Either way, at least your spouse knows your feelings.

6. BE BEST FRIENDS FIRST

When I met Jonathan, I was dating someone else. That didn't end well, but I had formed a friendship with him and, incidentally, he was my only friend who was available to comfort me when I broke it off with my boyfriend. Because we were friends, I don't feel pressure to look like a model, conceal my crazy, or cry in front of him. He's my rock and I know I can come to him with just about anything, and he'll be the first one there cheering me on and helping me.

HOW WE CELEBRATED

Share

1. NELSON MANDELA

Unfortunately, this generation probably knows Nelson Mandela as the father of the Mandela Effect, but he was much more than an internet phenomena.  Mandela was born in 1918 and began his career as a politician and social activist in his 20s. He was jailed in 1962 for 27 years because of political offenses. Along with eight other African National Congress members, he was convicted of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government. The only problem was that he was trying to dismantle the apartheid system, which was a racial segregation of the races that forced black Africans to live in reserves and kept them from begin sharecroppers. Luckily, Mandela went on to serve as South Africa's first black president from 1994 to 1999.

2. AUNG SAN SUU KYI

Aung San Suu Kyi was born in Myanmar, a land between Thailand and Bangladesh. After spending several years abroad, she became a dedicated activist against the dictator regime of U Ne Win. By 1989, she was placed under house arrest. She wasn't released until Nov. 2010.  During her imprisonment, she received the 1991 Nobel Prize for Peace. She was a member of the parliament for the National League for Democracy and later became the de facto head of Myanmar as the country's state counsellor.

3. DALTON TRUMBO

I didn't know much about Trumbo until I attended a production at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre in Fayetteville. He was a Hollywood screenwriter who lived his 20s-30s during the Great Depression. Because of the obvious and crippling financial inequality of the time, many people began to turn to communism (an idea that all property is owned and used by the collective public). Members of the film industry, including Gary Cooper, Walt Disney, and John Wayne formed the Motion Picture Alliance of American Ideals to combat "communist" tones in screenplays and movies.

4. MOST PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT

It is undeniable that many people who involved themselves in the American Civil Right's movement faced prison time or even death for speaking in the name of equality.  Notably, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated for speaking out against the inequality and mistreatment of African Americans. Other notable people who were mistreated include:

5. JESUS AND HIS APOSTLES

Jesus' death is well-recorded in the Bible, making them widely known to the people who know about him. But, what about his apostles? Let me tell you some of the deaths suffered by Jesus' followers:

Share

1910 - WINIFRED BANKS, FICTIONAL CHARACTER

This one is kind of old school, but I love Winifred Banks, the mother from the original Mary Poppins movie. She is a very strong voice for women’s voting rights and women’s rights in general. I just love her attitude.

1920 – HELEN KELLER, DISABILITY ACTIVIST

​Helen Keller lost both her sight and her hearing in 1882. At such a young age, Keller was instructed on how to live a normal life with a disability. She went on to graduate college in 1904. ​In 1920, she helped found the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU, which has since helped fight for equal rights for both women and for people of color!

1930 – ZORA NEALE HURSTON, WRITER

In 1937, Zora Neale Hurston wrote one of my favorite books, Their Eyes Were Watching God. She collaborated with Langston Hughes for a play that was never finished. ​She also served as a faculty member for the now North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C., my home state. I have a soft spot in my heart for writers, and Hurston really paved the way for other African-American writers to be recognized for their scholastic and academic achievements!

1940 – ANNE FRANK & MIEP GIES, WWII ICONS

​Image living in a small, cramped attic with your entire family and another family to escape a dictator who was out to kill you for something you couldn’t change. Anne Frank remained extraordinarily child-like in such a hard time. They were hidden by Miep Gies, a non-Jewish woman who helped to hide the Franks from Nazi soldiers. It took so much courage from both of these women, but only one escaped with her life. ​Miep is featured in one of my favorite movies “The Freedom Writers.”

1950 - ROSA PARKS, CIVIL RIGHTS ICON

​I can’t imagine how scary it was for Mrs. Parks to sit down in the front of a bus surrounded by men and women who were willing to do just about anything against people of color. But, when you've had enough, you've had enough! Parks serves as an inspiration to so many, including myself. It took real guts to do what she did!

1960 – SKEETER PHELAN, FICTIONAL CHARACTER

​Skeeter Phelan, played by Emma Stone, is an aspiring writer who decides to work with African-American house workers to uncover the reality of their every-day lives. While Skeeter isn’t one of my favorites of the movie (I fancy Minny Jackson, myself), I identify with her. I’m a writer and I was a journalist for a while.

1970 – GLORIA STEINEM, JOURNALIST

​As I’ve mentioned, I have a soft spot in my heart for journalists and writers, particularly ones that are motivated to expose wrong in the world. She went undercover as a PlayBoy club bunny in 1963. She is a champion of women’s rights and event helped form the National Women’s Political Caucus. I don’t agree with absolutely everything she stands for, but I love her persistence and opinion!

1980 – MATILDA, FICTIONAL CHARACTER

​I can’t actually imagine a life without watching Matilda make magic while staying positive under the roof of an emotionally-abusive family. I really love how brave Matilda is and I think she taught the children of that generation that it is OK to be brave and speak out. Being little doesn’t discount you!

1990 - SELENA QUINTANILLA, SINGER/WRITER

​I don’t know about you, but Selena captured my heart when I learned about her during a project in my high school Spanish class. Selena was a talented singer/songwriter and fashion designer. Although she couldn’t speak Spanish fluently at first, but she overcame her challenges to become the “Queen of Tejano Music.” ​She was sadly murdered by the founder of her fan club after questions involving money fraud were addressed.

2000 – J.K ROWLING, AUTHOR

​While Rowling began publishing the Harry Potter book series at the end of the 1990s, I think it is fair to say that much of her work was recognized in the 2000s. She has openly spoken about her struggle to get published and has been an advocate for everyone to follow their dreams, despite any rejection letters they may receive. She gives hope to a ton of young writers and encourages them to pursue their passion!

PRESENT - SUSAN ISAAC, MOTHER

​This is my mom! She is without a doubt one of the most inspirational women in my life. I have a blog collaboration I recently did with my friend from Gratisoul.com!   To put it plainly and in simple terms as to not overshadow my collaboration post, my mom raised my brother and I as a single mother, and she always made a point to go the extra mile every holiday to make my brother and I feel so loved. If you’re reading this, I love you mom!

Share

STRAWBERRY GUAVA DIET COKE | $3.50/8 CT.

I am usually a Diet Pepsi girl, but Jonathan (the hubby) saw this in the store when he was picking up a few things and decided to purchase it so we could give it a try.  One thing I love and appreciate about this drink is that the taste doesn't seem overly synthetic. The strawberry and guava flavors taste very natural. The drink has zero calories and only 35mg of sodium. It also gives you 2 percent of your daily potassium needs. I love these and can definitely see myself repurchasing them in the future!

ILLUMINATOR/HIGHLIGHTER | $8.99

This isn't actually a new palette, but I found it while I was cleaning the other day. It is called the "I Came, I Saw, I Contoured" palette and I purchased it from Rue 21. I have never used illuminator before, and I rarely use highlighter because it just doesn't blend well with my skin. However, I used it the other week during date day/night and I felt so flawless and full of myself. The product was easy-to-use and applied nicely. It came with a handy guide on where to apply each product, so that really helped me!

THESE CUPS | $5 EACH

Both of these cups are perfect for different things. To begin, I was very shocked to see this Starbucks coffee tumbler on sale for only $5. Jonathan and I snagged two of them and they are perfect for your morning coffee, especially if you need to take them on the go.  Check your local Walmart or department store to see if they have any Starbucks tumblers on sale. This one has come in handy more than once, and I'm excited to take it to meetings at work and beyond!

I almost died when I saw this cup at Walmart. It is coated in whatever magic they use to make things look holographic. I've used it for actual drinking before, but I found that it fit well with my home office decor and it is the perfect height to store my white board markers. They had many different styles of cups and different colors, including green and pink.  Check from The Pioneer Woman brand in your local Walmart. These are called "pearlized tumblers."

DOVE OXYGEN MOISTURE CONDITIONER | $3.98

I have to confess something that may make some of you hair lovers a bit queasy: I haven't used conditioner in YEARS. Ever since a few years ago, when I started having an allergic reaction to my favorite hair brand ever, Aussie, I had to switch to more mild shampoos for sensitive scalps. I currently use Head and Shoulders, although I don't really suffer with issues from dandruff.  My hair was just getting out of control. After just one use, it made my hair feel so much better, and I'm so excited that I added conditioner back into my routine!

POP-UP PHOTO CUBE | $14.89

All of the photos taken of my products for this post have been taken inside of my brand new pop-up photo cube.  This one came from Amazon and had good reviews. It plugs in to a USB box or port on your computer. There is a flat at the top so you can take photos from the top down. This one also came with five different backgrounds. The flamingo one on the Diet Coke photo was one I made myself from 97 cent cloth from Walmart. Super cute and easy to use and would recommend this for bloggers to use for their product photos!

WUNDERLIST APP | FREE

So, I've always loved to put what needs doing into words. However, there was never really a good way for me to keep track of the things I had to do. This app has really helped. You put in your to-do lists for various parts of your life (mine are blog, home, and freelance), and you get to hear that satisfying "ding" sound when you check something off of them.

FAVORITE YOUTUBER | SAFIYA NYGAARD

Share