Tales of the Tank - Quarantine Essentials

Since the Corona Virus aka Covid-19 has taken over the world about as fast as Love is Blind, the self induced hostage situation has started and half the population has freaked out and the other half, at least in my area, is still like meh which has led to grr. I will even admit that I started out that way too despite being a text book high risk person. I fell for the 'it's basically the flu' hype and once I pulled my head out and started keeping up with the CDC rather than such and such station, I've made my adjustments and continued on the self induced hostage situation for weeks...because days mean nothing anymore.

So anyways, if you're confused about the title, Tales of the Tank. Let me quickly explain, I love my bags and need them sturdy and a bit Marry Poppins-ish so that I'm relatively prepared for whatever the day throws at me. Peeps with quite a commute know what I'm talking about. So now that  you know, I have a few more posts like these and I'll pop them down below.

But any-whoville, I've juggled a few sizes and style and lately for at least the past year or two, I've been a die-hard backpack purse user. On top of that, since we haven't been hit with a full country lockdown, there are some times where I've needed to go out as safely as possible. So here's a few things that should be in your bag if you have to leave home for essential reasons:

1. Wallet- I don't usually carry cash because regardless of global viruses, IT'S DIRTY AF. If you have a debit or credit card, use it. More cards are becoming contactless rather than using the chip that sooo many love (insert sarcasm). Look for this symbol on your card and it should work if the place uses them. OR if you're super fancy or live in a bigger city than me, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Android Pay, just use something other than cash please.

2. External battery/ Charging cord - I will never stop carrying at least one of these around. No asking for a cord or looking for an outlet and risking sitting less that 6 feet from some random person.

3. Hand Sanitizer - As an avid and loyal customer to Bath and Body Works, this is the hand sanitizer I have and use because one, I have it and two, it's all gone as far as Purell is concerned. Now, according to the CDC, hand sanitizer is still good if it has 60% ethanol alcohol or 70% isopropanol alcohol so that physicians perform surgery. BBW hand sanitizer has 68% isopropanol...so it's not enough for surgery but maybe enough to pick up some laundry detergent and a swiffer wet mop. Now if you are out or everywhere is, there is a DIY on the Pinterest for 70+% alcohol and aloe vera gel mixture. Use at your discretion. [[If you can also get your hands on clorox or lysol wipes, it becomes very handy to have in your car.]]

4. Medication Pouch - I have this on me anyway. Remember I mentioned that whole high risk thing? Yeah, totally feel like a class A idiot but I've made a call to make sure that my meds are in and on hand. Also thank you Tylenol and Tylenol Sinus because these allergies and sinuses have also been hella bad.

5. Notebook/Pen - Yes I use my phone for notes, but I remember more when I write it down. Like if it's not written, it doesn't exist. So for the times that I've needed to go out, I'll write down where I need to go and what I need to get done. Plan it out, execute, and back to the hidey hole. Also don't need to ask for a pen to sign for receipts. Boom.

6. Extra Mask - Regardless of how you feel about the current times or how much it does or does not affect you, there are millions of people who are at high risk. Some are elderly and some are immunocompromised and those people can be of any age. ANY. AGE. The thing is that we don't walk around with neon signs. So please just be a good person and wear a mask of sorts. Paper, fabric, bandanna, whatever. You aren't required to care but a good person cares for someone else like they do themselves. And now I'll descend off of the soapbox.

And there we go, so wherever you are, I implore you to not pull a me and dismiss the severity of what's going on and stay well. Hopefully you're able to work from home and social distance without hoarding. Check your sources for news or multiple sources and if nothing else, the CDC is easily accessible.


In the meantime, here's some of my other posts that don't have to deal with a global crisis.

Tales of the Tank - The Clutch ~ http://bit.ly/TOTT50Cal

2020 Starting Out - http://bit.ly/2020TCoat

Medical Guide Part 1 - http://bit.ly/DrRxtips1
 and Part 2 - http://bit.ly/Med2appt



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Good Reads and the Like

Is there an age where you’re too old to read Young Adult books? There’s a good part of me that says you’re never too old for Disney so why should books be limited? I had to verify with my BFF this morning with that. He, an author going for his Masters and if he feels feisty possibly a PhD, assured me that reading YA is perfectly fine because obviously the people who wrote them enjoy it too and chances are they aren’t actual young adults either.

I really enjoy fantasy more than anything as I think that every Twilight fan has. Yes, I admit that I am part of that fandom that was created back in high school. It was the first book I read for fun that was unprovoked by a movie and really started my love with books and I fell hard. (I’d quote the part about being “irrevocably” in love but hey copyright – I see you) I did the midnight releases at Hastings (RIP) for Eclipse. Then I was completely Team Edward...down the blanket on my dorm bed to his poster on my dorm ceiling freshman year...of college. Oh yea, I was that person. Don’t get me started on the movies…different can of worms entirely.

But so my whole point of that little confession is that’s where I started. Young adult fantasy stories. And from there, I tried different ones. Eragon, Eon, House of night, Hunger Games, City of Bones, the Grey Wolves Series, Throne of Glass, etc. I did a lot. There was a sprinkling of other, arguably age appropriate, works in there, and one even made it to my favorites a while back here.

But it’s hard sometimes because the girls at work don’t really read, and my friends are teachers and/or parents and not close to my location. The local library has started a book club type deal but the last thing they read was Eleanor Oliphant is completely Fine…I haven’t heard of this book so it’s a sample sitting on my Kindle whereas for next month, the book it To Kill A Mockingbird….I remember reading it in school and absolutely hating it. Could it be different now reading the beloved classic as an adult, quite possible but I have no desire to read it.

So again, here I am totally in a puddle of isolated meh. Maybe I’ll try and branch out and I’ve been trying to with my current reading challenge that I found in a different book club Facebook group for a podcast I listen to and I think it’s going well…Still got a couple to find that fit the criteria but I think that’s part of the fun.

What are you reading? Let me know below!!


Check out some of my other thoughts...


Planning Away - http://bit.ly/HLPlanner

Adulting Win - http://bit.ly/Adultwin

Sick Tips - http://bit.ly/SickTips18



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Winter/ Christmas Tag - You're it!

Hello and Happy after-Christmas day everyone. I hope that everyone had a good holiday. Emily and all her wonderfulness at The Weird Girl Life had tagged me in a tag for fall but obviously that one hasn’t showed up and I will have to save it for some time. That got me to thinking that I had a saved post from last year and BEHOLD!!!! I did and I still have some time to send this out to the world. Now past me didn’t think to save the blogger who did this tag or else I’d have it all kinds of plastered so if you’ve done this tag and think you may have done it, comment me and let me know!! (And then when fall comes around as it always does then I’ll have a different one then.)

1.       What is your favorite Christmas/ Holiday film?
It has to be National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Always watched it with my dad and it’s hilarious!

2.       Where do you usually spend the holidays?
Usually with my familia

3.       What’s your favorite Christmas song?
  I’m a bit of a nerd so I’d have to go with Star in the East. It’s a song we did in choir and you can seriously look up any high school or college all state choir and find it. It’s different but I love it.

4.       Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?
  Lol I used to. My dad’s side of the family usually celebrated the ‘noche buena’ so we’d all go over to my grandma’s house and pretty much have a party. Young and adult were up all night. Now that we’re older we have more of the party than present opening

5.       Is your Christmas tree real or fake?
Fake – my house is kinda small and so far I can only keep a cactus alive so full out tree is probably not a good idea

6.       Favorite winter scent?
It was Twilight Woods from Bath and Body Works FOR YEARS!!!! Up until they discontinued the scent so now…Marshmellow Fireside – still from Bath and Body Works

7.       Scarves or Beanies?
Scarves. I still love wearing beanies but I can’t wear those to work

8.       Favorite Holiday drink?
Hot chocolate duh

9.       Favorite Winter/Holiday essentials?
lip balm, scarves, and boots

10.   Favorite winter activity?
Movies and blankets – would like to say Netflix and Chill but soooooome people get the wrong idea…

11.   Do you use advent calendars?
  I did this year and it was fantastic!!! My boyfriend gave me my gift early so that I could enjoy my NYX lippie countdown. So worth it.

12.   Candy cane or gingerbread men?
Gingerbread man. Not the biggest fan of candy canes unless it’s a fruit flavored one

13.   Without cheating, can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph

14.   What made you realize the truth about Santa?
I realized he was real because I have the friggin Christmas spirit yo! Don’t even try to fight me on this.

15.   Hot Cocoa or Apple Cider?
I don’t mind apple cider and I think it’s really good when someone else makes it. I’ve tried and it doesn’t work so Hot Cocoa for me

So here's the whole enchilada as far as the questions are concerned. There's still time for the the spirit towards the end of the year so go for it and let me know that you did it so I can read your answers too!!! Or you can do what I did and save it for later ;)

1.       What is your favorite Christmas/ Holiday film?

2.       Where do you usually spend the holidays?

3.       What’s your favorite Christmas song?

4.       Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?

5.       Is your Christmas tree real or fake?

6.       Favorite winter scent?

7.       Scarves or Beanies?

8.       Favorite Holiday drink?

9.       Favorite Winter/Holiday essentials?

10.   Favorite winter activity?

11.   Do you use advent calendars?

12.   Candy cane or gingerbread men?

13.   Without cheating, can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?

14.   What made you realize the truth about Santa?

15.   Hot Cocoa or Apple Cider?

In the meantime, check out some of my other posts...

The Blues of my Life - http://bit.ly/2wnrtRc

Bra Talk - http://bit.ly/2ezvzOM

Smell Good Stuff - http://bit.ly/2vT879v
Travel Reality - http://bit.ly/2travelwoe

Operation Ducks in a Row - Relationships and Life.

The question is not do you like or love him, the question is do you like yourself with him.

So I've been out of commission for the last few weeks and it's given me too much time to think and ponder. Sadly, I didn't get much writing done but I had done a lot of reading and a bit of coloring. (Major shout out to my sister who found the coloring book that I was looking for from my faves post - LOVE YOU!)

Check out my masterpiece that is SFW lol

Check this out on my Instagram - Check the sidebar -->>

Like I said, I've been doing a lot of reading. Blogs, articles, books oh my! It's been great to hold my focus and ignore the state that I was in. My most recent book is one that I picked up on a whim since Hastings has gone belly up, the sales have been phenomenal so I perused the rows and found 10 Girls To Watch by Charity Shumway. 

I won't lie when I said that the cover caught my eye, but picking it up and reading the summary helped say YES FINALLY A BOOK ABOUT SOMEONE MY AGE! Don't get me wrong, I like reading books about people who are younger and older but to have a book about a twenty something struggling through life was something I definitely needed to read.

I'm almost done and I don't want this to turn into a book review just yet, mainly because I haven't finished it and also because there was a thought that popped up a couple times and it struck a cord. In terms of like, love, and relationships, the main character, Dawn, was told by her woman of wisdom that it's not so much about who you are with romantically, it's more important as to how you like yourself when you're with them.

It reminded me of a post I did a while back about thinking positively. My boyfriend is a happy-go-lucky type of guy and is constantly looking at the brighter side of things. Me....not so much. You can read up on that here but it gets me thinking about relationships with people and with life. Not to boast, but thinking over the course of my relationship, I've liked myself more and more in terms of looking for and thinking more positively and for that I thank my beb. But from there, it makes sense to look at the other relationships in life.

So my recommendation to you guys is:

1. Find this book and read it. I think it's wonderful and something that us twenty somethings, who haven't quite led the life that we pictured or planned out, can relate to.

2. Look at your relationships, friends, significant others, jobs, life situations. Do you like who you are in these relationships?

I've been going over some of the relationships in my life and some are going great and there's definitely some areas that I need to break up with....just need some time and this duck will get in line.




Check out some of the other ducks I'm determined to get in a row

Saving - http://bit.ly/ODIARsave
Cutting My Store Card Losses - http://bit.ly/ODIARccards
Stop Complaining - http://bit.ly/ODIARwomp

Maybe the beauty route is more your thing
How much is my face worth? - http://bit.ly/MyFaceis


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Relationships and Things

I feel compelled to write a bit and pull a Carrie Bradshaw, well kinda. I woke up today and was super annoyed and bummed and it felt like a Monday on crack. Now that your "?" is fully above your head, let me explain.

(Thank you Google for the pics to choose from.)

Thursdays are a day that I look forward to literally every week. My boyfriend, a few friends and I have a thing and that thing is always where we know the peeps working and just have a good time with good friends. And this particular week something came over me...there's no way to explain it other than I passed out. I woke up this morning, fully dressed and wondering what time is was and then it hit me, I slept through our night out.

It really did feel like a Monday but worse because it's Friday. So I showed up to work and went straight for the coffee. Was texting my boyfriend about my dramatic woes because he had texted me about it last night and knew that I fell asleep. Then, he defeated me with his logic when I said that it just sucks that I missed out on the night I look forward to during the week.

He doesn't understand how something this simple just literally shattered my melodramaticness. He tends to have this affect on me and while part of me is asking why can't I just be pissy?! The other part is like woah.... he's right.

See last week, I was stressing about having my annual physical and getting a couple things checked that have been driving me and my nerves crazy. Turns out I did need some meds and am on my way to being healthy again. On top of that, I had an argument that left me super torn and he let me vent about it, comment free. So even with missing out last night, I am in a better place now than I was last week. I just had to look at the bigger picture.

It was, literally, a light bulb. He's always such a happy-go-lucky guy and while I tend to freak, he keeps it cool. He reminds me to look at the bigger picture or a different perspective and it reminds me of one of the reasons I love him so much. And I think that is what relationships should be. Whether it's a significant other or just a friend, we should be encouraging and inspiring each other to be a better person otherwise, Carrie Bradshaw has to wonder.....what are you bringing to the table of your relationship??

I am the person who pops up under the synonym of pessimist in the thesaurus. I'm not saying that it's hard to think positive, because it really isn't. I am the person who hopes for the best, but expects the worst. It's not a trait that I am proud of and it's one that I am trying to work on. He helps with that. With little things like that and my attitude changed for the entire day.

So be kind to others and just think, you may be in a better place this week than you were in some aspect last week. 

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What I've Learned in 25 Years

It’s been quite the eventful week. I’ve just turned 26 and it hit me, in a dramatic fashion of course, that I’ve completed a quarter century of life. Granted, I don’t remember the beginning ones but, the fact remains that there is a lot I’ve learned in this time up to now. Now that I’ve, technically, entered the later 20’s, there’s still a lot to learn but there’s also a ton that I have learned that I think everyone should at least consider. We brag about being in our twenties and being adulty, but it’s still a process for sure.

So take what I’ve learned and see if it works with you too.

1.       Life’s not fair. It’s not just a cliché of a phrase. It’s really not, things will get rough and then there’ll be good times. But you have to roll with the punches and go. The world will not cuddle you forever. You’ll more than likely get dropped like a new born giraffe. The trick is to get up and walk no matter how wobbly you start.

2.       Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I’ve definitely had my proud moments that I’m not exactly proud of. There’s a difference in having someone help you and having someone do everything for you. For example, if you don’t know how to change a tire by now? Call someone and have them show you step by step because if you are on the side of the road, someone may stop and help or they may keep driving.

3.       Go to the damn doctor! Since I’ve turned 26, I’ve officially aged out of my parents’ insurance plan. So now, that’s coming out of my pocket. If you are on the insurance of your parentals, take advantage of that because it’s better to nip something in the bud now than wait til you have to pay for everything yourself and by then what may have been a small issue could become a bigger one really quick. Trust me, surgery is scary in person and on the bill.

4.       Things won’t go to plan, but plan anyway. I’m pretty sure that every specific plan I plan out never goes the way it’s supposed to. I could take a Saturday and plan out work, laundry, washing my car and writing and end up doing two loads of laundry and forgetting/leaving one in the dryer til Tuesday. But plan it out anyway. Planners are the trend but it’s better to actually use it. Even if they don’t go on schedule, you still know what you have to get done eventually.

5.       Have an emergency plan – Speaking of planning, read my post on what I do and pack when an emergency hits. Some people plan in the event of the zombie apocalypse, I tend to plan trips to the hospital or emergency sick trips home. When you’re in a bind for time, you feel better knowing you’ve brought more practical things instead of losing your head.

6.       Communication is key – Even I tend to slack on this one but it’s one that will only become more important. You have to talk to the people in your life. Whether it be your family, especially those you don't see all the time and even the ones you do. They are all you have in the world, like it or not. You have to communicate with the people at work. You don’t have to be best buddies but often times, you see them more than anyone else. In my work, I talk to a ton of college students and I tell them all to talk to their teachers, professors, etc. The more of a relationship you make with those who could help you move forward, the better off you’ll be. Remember it’s not always what you know, it’s who you know.

7.       Take a chance.  We always hear about our twenties being exciting and using this time to make mistakes and find out who we are and the person we want to be. Something make seem small but once you do it, then it’s huge. As I’m writing, a couple good friends are getting tattooed. One for the first time. That’s a chance I want to take more than anything and that plan will hopefully take place in the near future. Instead I’m rediscovering my love for the arts like I did here.

8.       Say “NO” more often. I don’t say this enough for sure and I’ve had my fair share of consequences for it. Do I want to go to a midnight release of a movie? I say yes but I really mean God-NO! I'll never get up in the morning. I do think I find myself using this more and I'm so ok with that.

9. Save your money and start your retirement. Sometime in your twenties, you've might've been working somewhere for a year and while living in the here and now is great, but chances are my generation may not get Social Security. So you need a back up plan to save you 30-40 years later. Unless you're married and/or with kids, your priority should be taking care of yourself. It adds up quicker than you think if you check out these scenarios.

10. And last but not least and this one is also a bit reaffirming for me, you are not going to be 100% ready. I like my comfort zone and have a guilty conscience from time, so you could call me a worrier. Really, I worry about everything, money, people, life, relationships, etc. It's all part of getting older and attempting to understand how the world works but honestly, if you have to wait until you're ready for it, I'm pretty sure you can count on it Not happening. I don't want to pull the YOLO or the Carpe Diem out but really think about it, fifteen years from now, what would you tell someone else about how to handle life? 

And now that I've turned the page on to a new chapter of life, I'm really wondering about where my life will take me and where I want it to go, but at least I have some of these locked down. :)

Do What Scares You

There comes a point and time, I think, for a lot of people where you become stuck in your routine, however routine-y that may be. I know it has for me because my routine for a really long time was work, home, boyfriend time occasionally, sleep, and repeat. It’s come to that point where the majority of my friends have moved on to their lives and we’re scattered across the country or even just scattered at work all day in the next town over. Work hours have kept me from keeping in touch with a lot of the groups I was in in college, namely my theatre group. I remember not long after I started my job I auditioned and was in a show and I didn’t have the best memories for that show. I was proud that I was able to do it and I learned a lot about myself but that was the last performance for me on the stage.

I came across this post on the Facebook from a friend who’s become her own little entrepreneur in town and it struck a chord with me.

Talk about a brick wall. A little backstory on me is that I’d been performing since I was five, dancing, singing, and in college acting and backstage work. Then I came into the workforce; everything just stopped. And I’ve wanted to try things but I fall into that category when I get home between 5:30 and 7pm, I don’t want to be out and about or around people for a while. “I’m tired and I don’t have a lot of time.” 

Then I ran into a few friends from a show that changed my life and talked me into doing a show. I can admit that I’m scared about it. My voice lessons have left my voice. My lungs aren’t as strong as they used to be and where I was not usually a person with stage fright, I don’t know what will happen when I get back on there.When I wanted to call and back out of the show, which, trust me, was a lot, I would think back to this pic.

So now I’m still in it. I’m panting in the choreography for our opening number to make sure I’m on time and have enough air to sing and I’ve started walking so that it will lead to jogging to get my cardio because girl….

We all need something to remind us that we are working to live and not living to work. I found that we need something to keep us grounded in who we are. Your work isn’t who you are. At least it isn’t for me. My work is very technical and I miss being creative. So this show may seem small to some but for me, this is as big as Broadway. Don’t be afraid to do what scares you, because life is too short and like this post, you are Strong.





Had you read my last post? 

Operation Ducks In A Row - Savings

The excitement on the “New Year – New Me” has finally begun to lose its shine and it is now tax season. And with me being the person making progress to be the person I want to be, I’m determined to be better about this adulting thing. And in my opinion, adults have a savings. My savings has very much short lived for a variety of reasons/excuses. Short term isn’t completely terrible but the fact is that even though I have a wonderful significant other, we share portions of our life that do not include a home or bills or finances so all of my life falls on me and while my parents are always willing to help, I just can’t do that. So, I’ve punched some numbers and strategies and put into play some tips that can help build a savings when you’re terrible at saving.

*Automatic transfers – I loathe automatic payments but setting up a transfer to go into your savings account every paycheck can take some of the mental stress off. Think about this: $20 a paycheck and if you get paid twice a month, there’s $40 a month that can turn into $480 a year. The trick is to leave it there so it’s harder to spend and has more time to be there when you really need it, like a tax return. (hint hint)

*Nickname your accounts – Most banks, if not all, have an online option and if they don’t, I don’t know how you’re surviving. But think about this: we are very visual so if your bank allows you to nickname your accounts, then name it. Are you saving for vacation or emergencies or Christmas? Have a plan and having that visual will put that more into perspective when you’re tempted to transfer out of it.

*Separate savings account – banks don’t have to be the devil and one does not have to be the be-all-end-all to your finances. Think about this: If you get the option for direct deposit through your employer then consider opening a separate savings account at a completely different bank. You’ll be able to split your paycheck and build a savings because it’s out of site and out of mind, unless you stalk your check stubs. Every paycheck, take out and send $50 of your check to that out-of-the-way account then that’s $100 dollars a month and $1200 a year because it’s not something you have easy access to for that compulsive purchase.

* Cash route – I don’t carry a lot of cash on me because it’s usually gone a lot faster that I like. But I also like having a better idea of how much I can spend for lunch, coffee, etc. So if I take out $40 in cash, once it goes from 20’s to 10’s to 5’s, I will use and spend, but once I get down to 1’s, it’s change that goes into a Jar, a Ziploc bag, box, something where you can just put it in and forget that it’s there. An incognito piggy bank so-to-speak. (And hey, pennies add up so give Abe a break and pick him up off the ground)

Different banks will also have different perks depending on the accounts they offer. Maybe look at interest bearing accounts or other bank specific perks. Bank of America has Save the Change and Wells Fargo has the Save As You Go where it’s linked to your debit card purchases and a little bit will just go to your savings account anytime you use your card. Again, saving without really feeling or realizing that you are saving. So go to your bank or credit union or whomever helps you with your finances and pick their brain. Find out how they can help you save more because that is kind of their job.

Doing this has helped me save for my trip to Vegas last year, save for Christmas, and save for those times that life happens and I’ve needed to compensate for other charges that I didn’t expect or account for. My accounts are still going up and down a bit more than I’d like but each month I’m seeing progress. And progress is good. Progress is fine. Progress is my friend. 




Check out the other ducks that I'm herding into this series
http://bit.ly/OperationDIAR
http://bit.ly/ODIARccards
http://bit.ly/ODIARwomp


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5 Things You Need If You’re Running Late

I know I’ve had my fair share of late mornings for various reasons including my own procrastination of the inevitable, so I’ve just about perfected my routine for such a morning. When running short on time, logic is your friend. I’ve been lucky enough to have some go to outfits for work or something planned either the night before or if I’m not particularly feeling it, then it’s best to stick to some basics.

1.     Coffee – it’s bad enough to wake up late or get out of the shower later than intended, so it’s better for the sake of everyone involved that if anything, you need your dose of caffeine. If your coffee pot has an auto start setting, then you’re ahead of the game. I have a Keurig, and it’s my life. I turn it on first thing in the morning and it stays on for an hour, just flip the switch, grab my k cup and a travel cup with a lid. Prefill my creamer and Truvia and let it set while I go wash up. Now I just have to get ready and make my coffee before it turns off

2.       Makeup – With my job, I normally have to be there about a half hour before opening. Why? I’m not sure because it literally takes me about 5-ish minutes to get set up for the day. So I have some travel makeup in my tank, aka my purse. I wrote about it some time back, so read ya some here about what I have in it. If I have a few minutes, I may start my makeup at home but I have no problem nor shame putting it on at work

3.       Perfume or Body spray – For days like this, I feel that when you smell good thought is put into your appearance regardless of how long it took you to get dressed. Also for this reason, I absolutely love travel size perfumes, thank you Birchbox, and sprays from Bath and Body Works. They fit in your purse, your desk, the console of your car or glove compartment. There is no excuse to not smell good.

 

4.       Scarf or staple accessory – On late days, when I don’t know what to wear or can’t decide, there’s a switch in my head to go with the basics like I mentioned at the beginning. For me this includes: some black slacks and a black blouse. To break up all the black, that’s when I grab for a vibrant scarf. I’m a total scarf addict and I feel like it’s easier to pick an accessory that’s dramatic and makes me smile in any weather when I just have to go by color(s). For me it’s a scarf, for someone else, it could be a statement necklace, whatever you have as a go to, go for it in less than 2 minutes.

5.       Bobby Pins – any girl knows that life isn’t complete without bobby pins. Pinterest gave me the best hack for carrying bobby pins in an empty pill bottle. There could be a few or a lot but it beats trying to find the 3 that you had in your hair last night because they tend to disappear like socks in the dryer.

So what you’ll do is:

·         start the coffee

·         go wash up (washing your face and brushing your teeth) get dressed and brush your hair

·         If time permits and if you can put foundation on in less than five minutes, put on your base

·         Make sure that your emergency makeup bag, perfume/spray, and bobby pins are in your purse

·         Grab a scarf and throw it over your head as you grab your already made coffee and you’re ready to run out the door.

This way if your make it to work even a few minutes early, just go straight to the bathroom and finish the makeup and pin your hair.

*I read this little article from the Huffington Post the other day about beauty products that every grown woman should have. Going through it, I can agree with most of them. They are pretty vague and basic, and sometimes we need simple and basic, but I think we can also just up it just a tad. So I want to go through Dana Oliver’s list with my two cents and you can take what you will and add your opinion in the comments.

1. Red Lipstick – Every grown woman needs some shade of red lipstick, or lippie as the new lingo goes. If you haven’t heard of the Lipstick Index or the Lipstick Effect, Google it and learn you some because this makes sense in an odd way. Red lipstick is always seen as a classic staple in makeup and has withstood the test of time. So what is noticed is that when financial times, like the stock market or the economy in general, is down or even in great or great tragic events, then the sales of lipstick, particularly in red, skyrocket. They saw it during the Great Depression, after 9/11, and the recession beginnings of 2008. This I totally agree with because anyone can stick with a standard drug store red and look like a million bucks without breaking the budget or have your designer but still not have to worry as much as say the purse or shoes from said designer. But I’d say the more modern way to go is the liquid lipstick or a pigmented lip balm. For people like me who lick their lips too much, it’s just important to know what works for you.

2-5. Facial Cleanser, Moisturizer, Concealer, Eye cream – I don’t know of any woman or girl for that matter who didn’t have issues when puberty hit. In my case, I had and still have extremely oily and crazy sensitive skin. During puberty, I think there was a bidding war between countries to see who’d place ‘dibbs’ on my face. Now, I have the acne scars and the pores remaining from those tough times and still have oily skin. But I do know how to combat them. Part of it is a great cleanser but I think more of it is finding out how your skin reacts to certain cleansers and the chemicals in these kinds of products. Long story short –LOOK AT THE INGREDIENTS!! It doesn’t matter the reviews on a product, if there is oil or certain acids, I put it down and back away. And if times are tough, look into some at home remedies, like warm tea bags (I prefer chamomile or green) over the eyes to help with puffiness or my newer love with le Eye Panda. Pinterest is amazing that way.  

6. Hair Dryer- Now this can go either way depending on how many of you rely on blow drying your hair. I can’t complain when I say that getting the right amount of volume is nice and I agree with Dana when saying a few extra bucks for quality is worth it, but I also know that my $20 Conair hair dryer has lasted about 7 years going over my hair that has ranged in length from above shoulder length, to the middle of my back. So if I am to take or leave this one, I’d probably leave it.

7. Sunscreen – this is not new because Dana is absolutely right when she quote Kerry Washington who said that there’s no excuse to not wear sunscreen daily, even in winter. If your foundation, BB cream, CC cream, etc doesn’t show SPF, then it has no business on your face.

8. Fragrance – Now the post says that they don’t believe that you “need” a signature scent but I beg to differ. Scent is the strongest sense tied to memory. Now do you need to douse yourself every day? No and please don’t, because you’ll stop smelling it on yourself and everyone will smell too much. Mix it up every now and then but having that staple can and will make you memorable in a good way if you do it right. That’s why even now into my mid twenties, I have a mix of great perfume and body spray.

9. Top coat nail polish – ok I wasn’t even allowed to wear nail polish until maybe 9^th grade, the Quinceaῆera milestone, aka Sweet 15, in the Hispanic community is very much strong in my family. But even then I knew if you didn’t have a base and topcoat, then forget about keeping that mani. So I’d leave that off of the ‘woman list’ since that should be learned at a younger age.

10. Mascara- I left this one for last because the sad little single sentence does NOT do this product justice. I love mascara. If I could only wear one thing, it’s mascara. “The eyes are the window to the soul.” Your lashes can be accentuated, appear longer, fuller, and act as an accent without taking the importance away from the eyes. No offense to the false lashes, even I’ll wear them occasionally, but when you find your soul mascara, then you are on top of the world in my opinion. I've got my go-to's and some new loves here if you wanna look that way.


Here's the article btw

Tales of the Tank - External Batteries

First off, Happy New Year to you and yours. If you went out with your squad and were proud that you woke up on the 1st without a hangover, more power to you. I spent the night in with some awesome peeps and went to sleep and even better, didn't have to work on Friday. But if you did, sorry.

Anyway, so goes the never ending quest going through my purse which functions more like a tank. If you’ve read my other posts then you know the high regard I have for the tank. And so go the regard for the tips and trades that bring the essence of Mary Poppins to the modern world.

I mentioned in my Electronics Tale (Read: Here) about how I carry an external battery with me. Now in my mind, everyone knows about these, because they are literally everywhere. I have a few that come from Walmart, Rue 21, Office Depot, you name it. The point is that in this world of technology, ain’t nobody got time for a dead battery. 

This is my newest beauty from Amazon. Gotta love cyber Monday and all its discounted glory. It’s a bit bigger than I expected but that is what I get for not looking at the measurements. However, it does stand to reason because this particular beauty is at 10,000 mAh. Here’s the link on Amazon if you’re like me and add to wish lists as a form of window shopping.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JM59JPG?keywords=kmashi%20portable%20charger&qid=1451455266&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

The mAh stands for milli Ampere hour or milli Amp hour. Long story short, the bigger the number, the more juice it can hold for your charging pleasure. They really aren’t pricey if you look in the right place, but some can get up there. This beauty I got is about $14 on Amazon Prime but you could easily find some smaller ones around 1800-2200 mAhs at a drug store or other for about $10 and they've charged my old Iphone to about 70-80% and my Galaxy S5 to about 80% if I'm between 10-20% charge. 

With my smaller battery packs, there’s about 3 that I used to carry but of course this big one could easily replace those. Now will I throw these away? NO way. There is nothing wrong with being prepared. In preparation for Snowmageddon or winter storm Goliath, I had to make sure that I had enough battery power to last the weekend in case my power went out. And the smaller ones help out if I do have to carry one in my teeny pocket or a clutch.

Everyone knows that charging a tablet takes forever and a day and can literally suck the electrical juices out of a port, but these help ease that burden. Forgot to charge your phone last night before work and don’t want to be chained to an outlet??? Then seriously invest in one of these and they could change your life.

I won’t lie when I say that I’m hooked on my phone because I am. My calendars, contacts, unlimited text messages, social media. I’m all about it. And because of that, I tend to run my battery down pretty damn quick. I’ve got wall chargers at home and at work and a car charger in my vehicular, but what about times at a restaurant, or walking around a mall or outdoor event or roaming the strip in Las Vegas. The smaller ones don’t take up a lot of space but since I tend to have a tank on my person, having this big one with a lot more power and a dual hub, I’m gonna be covered for a bit from all angles. (And they make great non-lame gifts for guys and girls.)






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Sometimes You Have to Remind Yourself That You Are Strong

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about the person I was in college and the person I'm becoming. If it's not obvious as to the difference with that sentence, then think about it. Transitioning into this adult type person has taken a toll on the happy student I used to be. Not to say that I can't find happiness or I'm not entirely happy, but if you opened up the dictionary and looked up the word pessimist, then I would be surprised if my picture was not there under the 1st definition. I'm not the most optimistic person on the planet by far but I also really try not to attempt to disprove a good thing.

Life has made me very cautious for reasons and excuses but I surprised myself a couple weeks ago. Mockingjay part 2 came out and I was ready to go finish the saga. I read the books a couple times before the movie was even thought of and honestly it's a pretty good representation of the series unlike a certain vampire series, just saying. The only problem was I initially didn't have anyone to go with. The few friends I have left in the area were both working and my boyfriend isn't huge on movies. I'll drag him if necessary but even he was unavailable. So I thought about it, can I go to the movies on my own???

Going to the movies alone is like going to eat alone. It goes against the societal norms because these particular activities are things that are generally done in a party of at least 2 because it's a social act. I had to think back to a particular time in college when New Moon came out. Yes, I was a total fan girl of the Twilight series and I had the stamina to go to every midnight release. But no one could go and that was not a small group of friends. It took me a split second to tell myself that well I'm going to go anyways because duh!

My mentality told me that if I could do it then, I can do it now. And I did, the theatre was packed and there was me with my small popcorn and pickle, because duh. Normally it would have been a pain to find a seat but because it was just me, then I had some pretty good choices. Planted myself and was on top of the world. It reminded me that sometimes you are ok to do things yourself. It was a risk I hadn't taken in a long time and I wasn't sure if I was going to take it again but I'm super glad I did.

One thing that hasn't changed in this life transition is that I'm strong and independant. Granted, sometimes I take it to a fault but one thing that every person, and I think especially women have to do is remember that we are who we decide we are. I think things like this are a testament of our strength and some self care. Take yourself out to dinner because you can treat yourself. Take yourself out to a movie because you can watch whatever you want and talk back to the screen shamelessly. I am strong and rest will follow and the same can be said for you.

Thoughts on Adulting

During this insanely busy month, the weather has changed and things are starting to slow down and thanks to Amazon Prime, I can basically binge watch one of my favorite tv shows, Sex and the City. I don’t have to explain the fabulousness of this iconic show.  Yea when it started, I was in elementary but I know that I’m not the only one who finds this show completely relevant to the world of women that not a lot of today’s shows have.

But while I was in the thresholds of season 2, the episode of going to the Hamptons with all the twenty something’s had me thinking about how far I had come as an “adult”. I’m 25 now and parts of me feel like an adult and there are parts that have me feeling like I’m still an 18 year old college freshman. Some aspects are exaggerated and there’s still a lot more that’s pretty on point.  Nina G’s party may have looked great and wild but handling pressure when things don’t go smoothly is something that only come from experience. I’ll give Nina G some props for branching out and doing her own thing, however comma, after how she quit Samantha’s firm, karma had put her in her place.

Experience trumps all when it comes to adulting and it’s taken me a while to find out that while there are days like today, where I’m feeling like I’m busy but on point, I can’t forget that I was still almost late from not getting out of bed on time. I think adulting comes slowly over time but the kicker is that you have to do something that gives you experience.  I liked to tell my friends in college who were hesitant about trying new things like wearing a tube top in public or sneaking out the dorm back door to avoid her parents, that ten or fifteen years from now when either your children or someone close to you has children who can come to you seeking advice, what do you want to be able to tell them? That you stayed inside went to bed promptly at nine and declined a spontaneous day trip to the city because you didn’t have parental permission?

We know that life is what we make it and I had some great times as a college kid and now, I can feel the adulting coming in and some days, the top excitement is binge watching SATC online. And sometimes, the awesome special times, I can get days in a place I’ve never been to do whatever I want. If that’s drinking a 48 oz daiquiri walking around the old strip in Vegas during the day and seeing Metallica that night, I can. (and I did and it was amazing.) It’s very easy to get caught up in work and life during this road into adulthood and I find myself doing it a lot. I can’t count the times that I’ve said that whoever glorified being an adult needs to be punched in the face with a chair because yea it’s hard but I find more now that I need to remind myself that it’s going to be worth it.

At least that’s what my plan is as I enter my later twenties and break that threshold into my thirties. Gotta get that experience one way or another because I’m too young to have the regrets I have. I have enough shoulda-woulda-coulda’s. Life isn’t easy and it certainly doesn’t get easier while learning the ropes of adulthood, but it’s all about getting that experience. I may not know where I’m going right in my life but I know where I’ve been and I know that I have to keep going forward and when I forget that, I look at this quote that I found on Pinterest via the Google, and it helps. Maybe it’ll help you too.

And remember to have a little fun because no one is too old for that, it’s like Disney movies.

Weekend Travel - I Got This!

Packing for a weekend does seem hard right? I was heading up to spend the weekend with my BFF, it is tax free weekend and since he lives in a bigger city, it just made sense. Part of getting myself together is a lot of throw it as you go and sometimes it works but more times it does not. It may be normal to feel like you’re forgetting something but it’s a totally different thing when you really are forgetting something and remembering it all when you’re twenty miles out. However, on the plus side I do have some things that never fail to work every time.

Now I will say that I don’t do as much travelling as I would like, but I’m all for having the right tools for the right situation. So when I go to town since my BFF and I are house sitting, he is using what will be his messenger back pack… If I could take a picture of the face I made I would but I can’t so I won’t. I had the same issue with my boyfriend. One of the first few trips we made, he carried his stuff in a plastic bag. This would not due. This is a guy who’s travelled a bit, like a lot more than I have. And the last straw was when he going to have another big guy trip with his crew. So I could Not NOT be a good girlfriend and let that happen. That was one year where I was so proud of my Christmas present.

I’m a huge fan of bags, big and small. There’s always something that can be compartmentalized, especially for a trip. I have 3 that I will always pack no matter what. One for makeup, one for bathroom stuff, and one for a few other things that don’t go with the other two.

My ‘beauty’ bag was probably one of the greatest finds at Forever 21. It’s small but holds a ton and a half. I have my primers, makeup basics, and brushes all in one bag. I have different brush brands so they are different sizes but the Lawd is on my side because they all fit and it zips into the little square shape. The bigger pink one is one that I have my must-haves, hair comb because my hair is so short now that I don’t really need a brush, my deodorant because duh, and a body spray. When my hair was longer, I had a slew of rubber bands and bobby pins, but kinda don’t need it anymore minus the bobby pins, those just tend to disappear.

Now don’t judge the giant zip lock bag, there is a method to the madness. Bathroom stuff is messy. Whether its shampoo and conditioner or the baby powder and baby oil, zip lock bags are the easiest things to use and to replace. If you’re traveling, definitely they will save your life and the rest of your luggage. When I went to Vegas, my friend had his toiletries in one corner of his suitcase and they leaked. On a different occasion, one of my aunts made a trip to the Land of Enchantment from back east, back in the Aqua Net days and her can of hair spray exploded. Just think about it. Would you rather have a mess over everything in your suitcase including the suitcase itself OR would you rather have it in a clear plastic bag that you can just dump in the sink and rinse it off?

I think everyone should have a few sizes as far as bags for travel. One for overnight, one for a weekend, and one for everything else. If you’ve read my Emergencies post then you’ve seen my go-to silver bag. I’d say it’s a solid weekender bag. There’s a ton of space and even though you know that the material is a bit thin, it is sturdy as hell. I’m kind of hard on my bags and yet, this one has made it thru every trip I’ve had with it so far. Moral of the story, if you’re going to spend money, make it count because quality can mean pretty cute and pretty practical.  

So Cosmo is Porn

If you haven’t seen it on the twitter-verse here’s a link from the Huffington post about what is apparently going on with some stores that carry the magazine. Long story short in not much nicer words with a dash of sarcasm, is that the magazine is the pornographic devil. If you read this with the movie appropriate accent, congrats you read it correctly.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/cosmopolitan-magazine-wrapper_55bbd005e4b0d4f33a02d9ca?ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000050

The “National Center for Sexual Exploitation” feels to me like the One Million Moms organization, a bit overrated. You want to be again sexual exploitation, great, there’s a ton out there but if you honestly think that the heart and soul of Cosmopolitan Magazine is out to steer people into the fiery depths of hell for talking about sex, then you obviously are talking without ever opening the magazine, let alone reading the articles.

Is there an emphasis on sex? Yes. Is it possible that it could be about different types, positions and what not? Yes. Is it all about pleasuring him? NO. Is it all about sex? NO. Does it in fact touch on topics like sexual exploitation and the struggles that women, and even people in general, do about sexual assault? Yes.

Cosmo talks about the topics that people don’t like to talk about. They bring into light some of the ugly realities that plague the world we live in whether it be overseas or on US college campuses. If you had looked on the cover that is in the Huffington post article, I won’t deny yes there are articles plastered all over the cover about sex, pleasuring yourself because God forbid that a woman have a sexual desire, pleasuring your partner because it’s all about him and not about the control you as a woman has over him that drives him crazy and makes you feel on top of the world. Giving you that confidence that pushes you to do better in other aspects of your life because that is unheard of. And if you look in the corner of the cover, the title “Are You Letting Your Dream Life Get Away?” Contrary to popular belief, it’s not all about sex.

Thank you for the gif via le Google and imoviequotes

It sucks that sex is vilified as much as it is. It’s dirty and shameful and because we are women, it makes it so much worse. Women are fearing being taken to different countries to be sold in the sex trade or suffering through FGM. But really, the issue is that this magazine talking about steering the children of the world into a dangerous lifestyle. But honestly, NCSE what about the pressure on the parents?

I don’t about ya’ll (yes my region is showing), but if my mom didn’t want me to listen to Tupac, I didn’t know who he was until high school. If I was listening to music at home, it was not allowed to have audible curse words. If a movie on TV was rated R, she would give me the look and yes let me watch Scary Movie, but I knew the when and where and what NOT to watch, hear, or especially repeat. I didn’t even start reading Cosmo until I got into college, not because it was ‘dirty’ but I wanted to know what else was in the world. 

The purpose of media is to discuss, educate, and share opinions but because everyone and their dog’s organization is offended and moral, everything besides what specific people like is wrong. So NCSE, if you feel that Cosmo needs a blinder like Playboy, go ahead and make your points and pressure more stores to put that magazine on the shame shelf. But realize what else you’re doing? How long until the goal is for the Republican mother of American history come back or as my mom and I like to say, barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen.

Bottom line is that we as women are so much more that for reproducing, for the nurturing and putting ourselves last. There are movements going on to progress gender equality, the paygap, sexual confidence, body confidence and while the media and the world has a way to go, it’s a start. It’s a start because we need more. More confidence and education about not being afraid of life because it’s beautiful at any size, it’s different from person to person when it comes to their love life and if it’s a journey that can be taken with the person you love, then it’s not just you alone.

I have a couple guy friends, who are straight, who read Cosmo because they are genuinely curious to see what we read about and what could be going in our minds. They want to know and they, too, want to please their women too, but who hears about that because that’s not what Cosmo is for right? Does anyone remember the video that went viral about the amount of differences between porn and actual sex. People of various ages still are turning to porn for the education that they aren’t getting from friends, family, or education. Save time with the computer viruses from going to shady sites of the no-no square and pick up some Cosmo. And with all the sass I can muster, Learn you some life and love.