Pool Day Essentials

For me, nothing is better during summer than relaxing by the water. And, since I don’t like close to the ocean, laying poolside is my go-to. I wanted to show you all what usually goes into my beach bag- all …

A Night to Remember

Today is my birthday! And it snowed! Double win. Last Friday, my sweet friends surprised me with a birthday adventure downtown that was truly magical. We ate at a cute little house-turned-restaurant, walked around the streets of downtown, and caught …

Easy Ways to Stay Fit This Fall

Hey everyone! I know it’s been forever since I’ve posted anything; I’ve been super busy with school starting up. Anyway, I have a very special post for you today- ways to keep yourself healthy as we start into fall. I know I definitely eat more and exercise less when I’m in school due to stress and a lot of work. These tips are here to act as a guideline as you work your way into fall, but keep in mind that all bodies are different, and some of these ideas may not work for everybody.

Eat Breakfast – Breakfast is a crucial part of the day- it kicks your metabolism into gear and keeps you full so you can pay attention in class. After all, how are you going to focus on what the teacher is saying while your stomach is growling incessantly? I find that if I don’t eat breakfast, I feel worse through the day and snack more to curb my appetite. Try protein-packed foods like eggs and Greek yogurt to stay attentive all day.

Make Healthy Snacks – Sharing food with friends is always fun, but be contentious of what you’re putting in your body- a lot of snack foods are full of sugar and fat, even if they claim to be good for you. Pack light snacks like bags of almonds or granola to curb your appetite at any time.

Keep a Workout Journal – I don’t know about you, but I am more motivated to keep at a goal if I write down my progress. I like to make a calendar for every month in which I do a set of core, leg, and arm exercises in addition to any cardio. Checking off a box everyday keeps me driven to work out more.

Stay on a Sleeping Routine – As the most valuable medicine for your body, getting enough sleep is very important in staying fit. Sleeping odd hours or not at all can affect your waistline as well as your mood because if you are tired, you’re more likely to reach for an unhealthy snack for a burst of energy. Try to sleep the same amount each night so that your body can get into a nice routine. Eight hours is the ideal amount of sleep, but many of us with hectic schedules can’t always make it. The bottom line? Turn off your computer and get some sleep!

I hope these tips help you during these next several months! Again, everyone is different, so find something that works for you. I’ll be posting often this fall, so look out for exciting fall fashion and beauty. Comment down below if you want some trendy Halloween looks!

-MC

Beach Day Essentials

It is officially summer now, and like many of you, I am dreaming of the beach. I love going to the beach because I can cool off, relax, and be care-free for a few days before returning to the real world. For those who live close to the ocean, I envy you for having such a wonderful luxury so close by. Since I’m leaving for a much-needed seaside week in a few days, I decided to post a list of my beach day essentials. Even if you aren’t going to the ocean anytime soon, you can use these while at the pool or even just tanning on the grass. Without further ado, here is what I bring to a day on the coast.

1. Beach Bag – Hello- we need something to carry everything in! I like to bring something that has a waterproof lining in case I want to put my wet bathing suit in it. Beach bags are accessories too, so have fun with them and choose one that suits your personality. Mine is canvas with an anchor on it because they remind me of the water. Make sure to find one that looks durable and sturdy enough to carry all of your stuff.

2. Sunscreen – Of course, this is a given, especially for us girls with pale skin. Even for those of you who insist that you don’t need sunscreen or those who say your burn turns to tan, slathering on some SPF 25 will help prevent you from turning into a tomato or getting skin cancer in the long run. Tanning lotion is fun, but it also doesn’t contain much SPF a lot of the time, so be smart with your skin. Brands like Neutrogena have oil-free sunscreen that I like to use on my face to avoid breakouts.

3. Music and Headphones – Everybody needs something to jam out to while tanning, right? I like to make a playlist especially for the beach so I always have a fun song on. And, unless you are lucky enough to have a section of the sand to yourself, I recommend some headphones too (your fellow beachgoers will thank you!).

4. Change of Clothes – In case you are going somewhere after your fun in the sun, make sure to pack something easy to throw on if you don’t want to sit around in a bathing suit. I usually bring something simple and light, like a tank top and some denim cutoffs, but if I’m heading straight to dinner or a dressier place, I usually put on a maxi dress to keep with the relaxed vibe. Always bring some type of footwear, like sandals or flip flops, so that you don’t have to walk somewhere barefoot.

5. Sunglasses – You gotta protect your eyes from the sun! Sunglasses are my favorite beach accessory since there are so many different kinds. I like wayfarer-style glasses, and I usually bring a pair that is a little less expensive so I won’t be too heartbroken if I leave them somewhere or if they break. Like with your beach bag, have fun with your glasses and sport funky or colorful frames! Life is too short to be boring, no?

6. Lip Balm – I always seem to have chapped lips from the wind coming off the ocean, so I like to keep mine moisturized at all times. You can buy lip balm with SPF at most drugstores, and you know I love some sun protection! Lip balm is usually the only beauty-related item I wear to the beach, since makeup is too much of a hassle when you’re getting in the water and sweating and having fun.

So that’s pretty much what I bring to the beach- and the pool for that matter. Wherever you are going this summer, remember to wear your sunscreen! I hope you have tons of fun and get some relaxation time too.

-MC