Flowing fabrics, clean colors, and a sense of freedom from the preceding winter months. That’s what spring means to me.
Spring is my favorite season. She’s a comforting, gentle presence that carries me in her warmth. She inspires me, provides chromotherapy when life feels dull. I want to adorn myself in the beauty of her colors.
The first kiss of the March equinox echoes in my mind as I wait with anticipation. I want to hear the birds chirping, see the trees sprouting, feel everything on my skin. I’d lay in the soft grass forever.
Spring fashion inspires me to add color back into my life. The maroons, browns, furs, and boots are swapped for soft pinks, cerulean blues, chiffon, linen, and sandals. The silhouettes are playful, meant to refresh rather than restrict. This is a time to embrace the beautiful weather ahead, and look beautiful doing it.
It may feel like accessorizing is difficult, especially since there were so many options to layer when the weather was colder. Scarves are an underrated accessory this season, they are not just for cold weather. Choose again, light fabrics that allow for lots of movement like silks and cottons. I love to use a scarf as a pop of color when wearing more neutral tones like creams and whites. Thrifting is a great place to find unique, up-cycled options if you wish to experiment with the look.
I love a good blow out, but as the weather starts to warm up, my think hair has a long standing battle with the increasing humidity. I think this is a beautiful time to embrace the natural textures of your hair. A good sea salt spray helps to define waves and minimize frizz.
I will continue to be inspired this new season, with clothes, new energies, and hope for what is yet to come.
Now that we’re about halfway through 2025, I thought it would be interesting to reflect on some of the new routines/products I have implemented into my life this year. Who knows– maybe my 2025 “ins” will inspire you to try new things as well.
#1: LAGREE
Y’all…. this semester I have really gotten into Lagree, and it has completely changed my outlook on fitness. Back in high school, I used to be really into going to the gym- lifting weights, progressive overload, all that stuff. Transitioning into college, I have found it so difficult to find the motivation and time to make my way to the gym. Quite frankly, it’s just gotten really boring for me.
Over winter break, when I was back home and didn’t have much to do, I tried Pilates and Lagree classes through ClassPass. Since then, I’ve been hooked. I’m lucky enough to have a studio located less than a five-minute walk from my college apartment! Naturally, I bought a monthly membership and have been attending classes religiously.
I will say… Lagree is on the more expensive side when it comes to fitness classes. However, the workouts are so worth (it in my opinion). I’ve never done anything quite like it. Lagree combines high-intensity, low-impact training into one workout. The shakes you will get during class are insane. That first class is definitely humbling- LOL. I enjoy a challenge, and no matter how difficult the class is, I always walk out of the studio feeling strong and accomplished.
Over the past few months, I have definitely noticed a difference in my body composition and overall strength. My muscles are more pronounced and toned, my flexibility has improved, and the muscle gain has made running easier as well.
My favorite thing about these classes is that every time you go in, you are bound to get a different workout. It never really gets boring! If you haven’t tried Lagree, I would HIGHLY recommend. You might just fall in love with it like I did.
#2: Weekly-ish Dinner Parties
Hosting/attending little dinner parties is the highlight of my week. Sometimes, it can feel a little lonely eating in college, especially if you are used to eating dinner with your family back at home. Additionally, college is an incredibly busy time in your life, and it can be hard to make time for social commitments. Dinner parties are a great way to solve both of those issues!
A dinner party does not always have to be some grand ordeal with five courses, caviar, wine, and the whole nine yards. Sometimes when I have a dinner party, I literally just invite one or two of my friends over. We each cook a little dish/cook together and then turn on a movie or play some cute music. It’s always a gorgeous time and a great way to unwind from the week.
If you need some dinner party inspiration I will attach some photos below of past dishes I have made with friends. There’s a range of simple meals to more complex ones.
My 21st birthday dinner celebration featuring a charcuterie board made from scratch. The charcuterie board had pickles, seed crackers, strawberries, cashews, red grapes, cheddar cheese, brie cheese, blackberries, and fig jam.
For my 21st birthday, I wanted to have a rager but also a classier celebration (two celebrations to represent my two personality types). For the classier celebration, I opted for a small dinner party with about six of my friends. My friend Joel and I cooked two pasta dishes: he made a green poblano pasta and I made a tomato-based pasta dish. As a side, I prepared a fresh arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and balsamic glaze. For the appetizer, we opted for a super cute charcuterie board. It was so much fun and a really great way to celebrate my birthday.
My friend Bella and I wearing out cute dinner party attire.
Because this dinner party was more of a special occasion, I had all my friends dress up in cute, classy, cocktail attire. This really elevated the dinner party experience and made it feel like we went out to eat at a fancy little restaurant.
Like I said before, dinner parties don’t always have to be a ton of work. Sometimes I like to host in my pjs and make super simple meals. Below is an example of a dinner party I had with two of my friends where we cooked very low effort (but still delicious) food.
Kale Caesar salad with chicken, avocado, and Parmigiano Reggiano. On the side we had air fried sweet potato fries sprinkled with Parmigiano Reggiano.
We were inspired by the classic ‘girl dinner’ meal: Caesar salad and french fries. We elevated the dish and tweaked it a bit by using kale instead of classic romaine lettuce and sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for the fries. Additionally, instead of deep frying we used an air fryer to get a similar crispy effect. Overall it was a super delicious meal.
#3: Eccentric Tights
Night out on the town.
This year, I feel like I have not had the time to play with my style. School, work, volunteering, and studying for the MCAT has kept me so busy that I don’t even have time to plan cute outfits as often anymore. Fashion is such a big part of my identity, and I see clothing as a way to creatively express myself. It’s hard to put effort into keeping up with my style amid all my other commitments, so lately I have really been slacking in that department.
One thing that I have found to be an easy, low-effort way to elevate my look is by adding an eccentric pair of tights to a simple outfit. Tights are a huge confidence boost as I always feel very good about myself whenever I put on a pair. Plus, I think tights are super chic and really elevate a look if styled correctly.
Lately, I’ve been playing with colored tights and animal-print tights to turn a basic outfit into a more editorial, high-fashion look. Not only do they look really good, but they’re also pretty cheap. I thrifted my leopard-print tights from Pavement (they have never worn before), and Amazon also has great options for cute, cheap, colored tights as well.
#5: Run Clubs
Lady Bird Lake running trail in downtown Austin, Texas.
Guys…. run clubs are not propaganda. The wellness girlies were right…. running is so much fun. If you want to hear my whole pitch about how I got into running and my running tips, you can read a bit about it here.
Anyways, back to run clubs. Run clubs are so much fun and a great way to meet people in your community. If your city/town doesn’t have any major run clubs, create your own! I love setting a weekly schedule with my friends and choosing a different trail/route to explore with them.
This past April I met my goal of running my first ever 10K (go Longhorn Run!). I owe part of my training dedication to my weekly run club. It’s not always easy to get out there and run. Some weeks you will feel soooo unmotivated. Having a group of people to help keep you excited and accountable is so inspiring. It truly helps you stay on track.
Go get out there!
That pretty much sums up my new 2025 routines. Like I said, a big part of my life is being consumed by the MCAT right now. Hopefully after I #ace this test in September, I can get my life back in order and start doing more things again. With that being said, I hope you enjoyed this little read and a peak into my year so far.
If you were inspired by any of my wise words of wisdom, let me know down below. Thank you all so much for taking the time to read my blog post, and I will see you very soon. Stay beautiful!
Love has always been a topic of fascination for me. Since I can remember, my favorite genre of movies were always those really obviously exaggerated romcoms like “10 Things I Hate About You” and “13 Going On to 30”. There is something so comforting about convincing yourself that your life will parallel those plots because everything always works out in the end.
In my ‘Intro to Psychology’ class, we had an entire lecture dedicated to love, sex, and the hormones involved. So naturally, as a full time, self proclaimed “love expert” (not really) I can’t help but reflect on my thoughts on the subject. I’m not going to go into the scientific aspects of what causes people to feel love, but rather I would like to talk about my views about being ‘in love’ from a hopeless romantic’s point of view.
Romcoms: I’m not saying that these films are meant to be a checklist of what one’s love life should look like, but many of the themes of love they touch on are not all that preposterous. To prove that, I’m going to go on a bit of a deep dive of the themes of love that lots of romance movies like to touch on. I’ll use them as inspiration to share my unsolicited dating advice to all of you.
Don’t Settle
I see this happen way too often. Whether that be with an unhappy married couple just ‘staying for the kids’ or even young adults convinced that their partner with way too many red flags is surely their ‘soulmate’. My experience in this subject has led me to come up with a few hypotheses for why this is so common amongst our population.
1.) People are afraid of leaving an unhappy relationship in fear of throwing away time that was invested to nurture a relationship that has now withered away.
Coming to terms with the fact that it’s time to finally let go is a hard conclusion to reach. Nobody wants to feel like they have wasted time, energy, opportunities, and maybe even money in something just to have it fail. However, my rebuttal to this is: how is spending time with someone who is not going to help you grow into a better person helping you and all your other relationships in the long run? Spending five years in an immature and emotionally stunting relationship is going to hinder your own personal growth journey. I have seen so many instances where unhappy couples have been together for years, and the result is an underdeveloped emotional complex.
I am not trying to say that growth in oneself cannot be achieved whilst in a relationship. I believe that two people who are good for each other can really help each other grow. However, when the relationship is lackluster and you’re just not happy- you are doing yourself no good.
2.) Some people are afraid of leaving an unhappy relationship because they can’t stand the idea of being alone.
For some, being with just anyone is better than the idea of having to spend any period of time alone. This hypothesis is sadder than the preceding one as it is rooted in deep self esteem and attachment issues. Nevertheless, it’s a bitter reality for many.
Therapy is always a great idea, but if this sounds like you, I would really look into it. The sooner you accept the person (you) who you will be forced to spend every waking moment with, the sooner your life starts to turn around for the better.
Be Patient- Your Time Will Come
This kind of goes hand-in-hand with the previous advice piece. Don’t freak out because it seems like you are the only single one in your friend group. There is so much beauty in being single, so focus on that. This is a time for you to devote your energy to being in tune with yourself. Take yourself on dates, explore what you like, and find out what you don’t like. Learn what flaws you may have and if there is anything you can do to better yourself. Most importantly, learn to enjoy time alone.
I was single for so long and I was actually convinced that there was not a soul out there built for me. Turns out, there very much is. It’s weird when I think back to how my current relationship flourished into what it is today. One day I was very single and the next I was very much not. I swear this sounds like the most cliché thing ever, but things like this always happen when you least expect them to. For me, it literally was like one of those romcom scenes where the two main characters confess their true feelings for one another. It all happened in a flash and I was definitely NOT expecting it.
The second you stop trying to force an outcome with someone, or expect yourself to be in a relationship by a certain expiration date, that’s when the most organic things happen.
Enjoy your time as a single person. Grow. You may even grow in the same direction as someone else.
Watch Out For Those Rose Colored Glasses
When you do first get into a relationship, don’t be too hasty. It’s important to realize that it takes time to really see what a person is like. Rose colored glasses can be a big issue, especially when you commit to something before truly knowing the person you are with. It’s important to learn how to look at your partner objectively sometimes. Learn their flaws (because we all have them) and find out if those flaws are things you can live with. Real love is loving through the tough times, through the odd quirks they have, and loving the not so romantic things about them.
Take the time to get to know the person you are with before seeing if the relationship could work as a long term thing. Take a step back to see if their quirks work well with your quirks. If they don’t, that’s okay too. There are so many people out there whose quirks will suit yours. So back to advice piece one, don’t settle.
Health. What a complicated topic. Health is determined by a number of different qualitative and quantitative measures, making it hard to define using less than holistic terminology. Not only that, but health can mean a vast array of different things depending on who you ask. Medical health, mental health, physical health… the list goes on.
How do you define health as a young college student and what qualifies as a ‘healthy habit’? The number of hours you spend in the gym? How much sleep you get per night? How many trips to your favorite take out place you’ve talked yourself out of?
For me, being healthy means getting three meals a day, at least 7 hours of sleep a night, and physically feeling my best. I’ve found that when I feel my best physically, it’s easier to follow suit mentally as well. Unfortunately, the past few semesters I have noticed that my healthy habits have taken a seat on the back burner for a little too long now.
In true ‘new years resolutions’ fashion, this winter break I am attempting to curate a plan to prioritize my health. I want to bring my health to the forefront of my priorities as it really is something that only you, the individual, can take charge of. So, here is a list of things I plan on doing (in no particular order) to motivate me and keep me consistent.
Staying fit: run with runners
My organic chemistry II professor, Brent Iverson, was a true inspiration for me to start up my running journey. Now, I know what you’re thinking, ‘Diana, I absolutely hate running. It is the bane of my existence. I would rather dunk my arm in HCl than start up running!’ To that, dear reader, I would tell you that I too was once in your shoes.
Growing up I always hated running (I was a chunky kid, I’ll spare you the evidence). I hated running so much that in seventh grade during my first ever soccer practice, the coach started practice off by saying, “everyone interested in being a goalie follow me. The rest of you, start running laps,” and you know what? Being a goalie sounded reeeeeally interesting to me if it meant I didn’t have to run. So, I became goalie of my soccer team to avoid the dread of intensive cardio.
That all changed last semester when I was inspired to start running. My professor, Dr. Iverson, was a huge spokesperson for the importance of physical activity, specifically running and endurance training. He shared a story with us about a friend of his who was diagnosed with a brain tumor and beat the odds his doctors gave him, all because of running. This friend, determined to make the most of his life, continued his training regimen, winning a marathon while pushing his daughter in a stroller. You can read the full story here.
Not only did the man, Iram Leon, win the marathon, but medical imaging also showed that his brain tumor stopped growing. Hearing Iram’s story was truly moving, and it was the catalyst for my running journey. Additionally, a phrase that continues to ring through my mind is something Dr. Iverson would always say during lecture, “No matter how rich you are or how successful you are, when you become old it will all mean nothing if your health is compromised. Your health is something that no amount of money will truly let you buy, so take care of it now.”
I was determined to take charge of my own health, so my friend Joel and I started training for our university’s 5k race together. To seasoned runners, that may not sound like a big deal, but to Joel and I, it was a big deal. Sure enough, with lots of hard work, we crossed that 5k finish line and became better versions of ourselves on the other side. Thank you Dr. Iverson.
This coming April, we plan to tackle the 10k race.
Joel and I post 5k taking a celebratory photo.
How did we do it?
Some advice I would give people just getting into running is to not do it alone. It’s so much more fun and motivating to have a run buddy by your side. It’s harder to skip runs when you have someone counting on you to get out of bed and on to the trail with them.
If you don’t have someone willing to run with you, another great tool to keep you motivated is a running app. Personally, I like using the Nike Run Club app. It’s a free app that helps you train for your running goals as a beginner, intermediate, or even advanced runner.
My favorite features of the app include their training schedules and their guided run features. Especially as a beginner runner, it can be daunting to figure out where to begin. Thankfully, the app makes it so easy to follow a plan curated by professional running coaches.
Nike Run Club app: ‘Getting Started’ training plan
When I’m out on my runs, I always choose to follow guided runs. I like to hear the coach’s advice. It’s a good reminder to keep pushing hard and to do my best.
Another popular running app is Strava. Personally, I have not tried this app but I have heard great things from lots of my friends who use it.
Staying fit: fitness classes
Another great way to stay inspired to follow your fitness goals is with fitness classes. As college students, we don’t all have the disposable income to spend hundreds of dollars on classes every month (another reason to love running- it’s free)! However, I have found some cheat codes over the last few semesters on how to spend virtually zero dollars on fitness classes.
1.) Find free classes in your college town.
One of my favorite ways to find free fitness classes is by scrolling through the Eventbrite app. If you are unfamiliar with Eventbrite, it’s an app that showcases hundreds of different things happening in your city at any given time. You can sort by price, type of event/activity, and location.
Personally, I have attended numerous free yoga, pilates, and run club events that I found through the app.
Free yoga class hosted by Swift Fit Events that I found through the Eventbrite app.
2.) Become a ClassPass user
Option two is for those of us who have a little more money to dedicate to our health plan. ClassPass is a new development for me. From what I know, it’s an app that you pay for monthly and it gives you access to an array of different fitness classes in your area. The upside to ClassPass is that it gives you the opportunity to add variety into your workout routine, without having to pay for multiple different memberships.
ClassPass App homepage
I’m currently doing the one month free trial and using my credits to morph into a pilates princess. I’m soooo excited to finally try reformer pilates. Euro summer here I come!
Healthy eating to nourish the mind and body
Fun fact about me- I’m a nutrition major! Although I don’t plan on being a dietitian post grad (I want to be a doctor) I am a firm believer that nutrition is the most important element of healthy living. As a college student, it can seem difficult to maintain a healthy diet due to monetary and time constraints. However, I want to reassure you that it is possible to do so.
If time is your concern, consider meal prep. Now, I’m not talking the meal prep where you prepare the same boring plate of chicken and rice for an entire week. Personally, I need variety because eating healthy does not mean sacrificing taste and excitement. Consider preparing ingredients instead. Pre cook your grains for the week, pre cut your fruits and vegetables a few nights in advance, make your breakfasts the night before, etc.
Prepping ingredients in contrast to meals lets you mix and match so each meal is something new! It prevents boredom and promotes food variety, which is a very important aspect of a healthy diet. Grains that I love to prep include quinoa, brown rice, and oats. I also love making a whole pot of pasta at the beginning of the week that I can customize to my liking.
Below are examples of meals you can make with pre prepped ingredients.
Mediterranean stuffed sweet potato with hummus, marinated chickpeas, feta cheese, and tofu. Paired with a micro greens side salad.
For this meal, you can pre marinate the chickpeas at the beginning of the week and use them as I did above, or in a pasta salad, or as a topping for a DIY Cava bowl.
Cava inspired bowl with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and crumbled tofu.Lentils with cooked celery, cooked carrots, and a fried egg on top.
Lentils are another great food to pre cook. They are so nutritious and so easy to customize.
If money is a concern to you, I have a few tips on how to eat healthy without breaking the bank.
#1: Buy grains/legumes in bulk
Buying in bulk is always cheaper, especially if you go to stores like Central Market where they let you bring containers to fill up. Like I mentioned before, some of my favorite grains/legumes to purchase are quinoa, brown rice, oats, lentils, and various different beans.
#2: Purchase frozen fruits and vegetables
This is a great way to minimize food waste because fruits and vegetables tend to go bad very quickly, especially if you are the only one consuming your groceries. Contrary to popular belief, there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying frozen fruits and vegetables. In fact, it helps bring variety into your diet because it gives you the opportunity to purchase produce that may not be in season. Frozen produce has all the nutrients preserved, so you are not losing out on that front either.
Of course there are a few exceptions with buying frozen produce, especially for foods that have a high water content like tomatoes and cucumbers.
#3: My tried and true, Trader Joe’s
Many people consider Trader Joe’s to be a “bougie” grocery store as it often gets grouped in with Whole Foods and Sprout’s by the fitness forward moguls. However, it’s actually quite cheap in comparison to other grocery stores.
Trader Joe’s is noticeably cheaper with great quality products because they typically only sell products under their own private label. This allows them to buy directly from the supplier, allowing them to avoid cutting a check to the “middleman”.
So before you jump to conclusions about my favorite grocery store, take a look around and see how many great deals you can find. I’ll provide a link to my post where I talk about some of my favorite products in case you need a guiding light. Read about it here.
Practicing mental prosperity
If you are anything like me, you base way too much of your personal value on your grades. Personally, this was what facilitated the downfall of my healthy habits. I neglected so many of my other priorities to ensure perfect grades and an undeniable resume.
Please, you are so much more than a student in college. College is not only a place to study, but it’s a place to discover who you are as a person, find new hobbies, and a time for growth. You cannot hyper fixate and put all your energy into being the perfect student because news flash, you are human, NOT a robot (thanks for reminding me of that Emilia).
When I feel myself getting a little too crazy about my future and my grades, I turn to a few outlets that help ground me back to Earth.
#1: Journaling
Writing how I feel has always helped me. You can opt in for a digital journal or a more traditional paper journal. You can even get really fancy with it and find a super pretty book to write in to elevate the experience. Whatever helps you stay motivated and consistent.
#2: Go on a walk
This one is my personal favorite. There is nothing like going on a brisk walk while listening to your favorite album or podcast to elevate your endorphin levels.
#3:Meditate/listen to ASMR
This is a great way to unwind from a long day and help ease you into a great sleep. Sleep is so important for mental clarity and health promotion overall.
#4:Join clubs at your university
Social isolation does nobody any good, and I understand that it can be difficult for some people to make friends in college. School clubs/orgs are a great way to meet people who share similar interests as you. I always recommend joining at least one school organization that relates to a hobby of yours. It adds a fun element to your school week and introduces you to a ton of cool people that you can lean on for support.
Clubs are a great reminder that grades do not have to solely dominate your university life.
What will you implement into your weekly routine?
Now that you have read some of the things I plan on implementing into my routine, I hope you feel inspired to do the same. Your health is important, and you should start taking charge of it as soon as possible. Thanks so much for reading this post, and I will see you soon my dearest reader.
Goodbye 2024 and helloooo 2025! It feels so weird to say that out loud- or on keyboard I should say. This year was an eventful one full of laughter, love, tears, growth, and prosperity. With each year etched as a tally mark on the metaphorical wall that represents my life, I become more and more grateful to be alive. This world has so much love and light to offer, and I’m so happy to be in it. With that being said, I’m going to do a recap of some of the moments that helped me grow and appreciate life. Maybe this recap will inspire you to try new things in 2025!
#1: Started my blog!
The very first thing I did back in January was start this website you are reading off of right now! I do have to admit that I have not posted or written as much as I would have liked over the past year. During my winter break last year I was very committed to consistently put out good quality content, but since school started back up and I began working two jobs, it has been so hard to make the time to write/journal/blog/create content. Moving forward into 2025 I want to dedicate more time to making posts on here. I’ve always loved creating content and sharing my life, opinions, thoughts, and so forth with the world, so I am really going to try and hold myself accountable.
#2: Left my teenage years behind (turned 20)!
This year I hit a huge milestone for younger Diana- I left my teenage years behind. I remember turning thirteen and imagining myself in the future. Turning twenty, BEING twenty, sounded so old and official because it meant no longer being a teenager. It felt so grown up to hear people talk about being in their twenties. I always thought that I would have my entire life figured out as soon as I entered that decade in my life. Safe to say I was being severely over dramatic.
As a twenty year old girl now, I am still so young and have so much to learn and grow from in life. If I could give a younger version of myself some advice, I would tell her: 1.) It is okay to not have everything figured out yet! Life is still so brand new and you have so much to accomplish. There is no rush! Just enjoy life at your own pace. You have so much time. 2.) Being twenty is just as fun and exciting as being sixteen. You find fun in every decade of your life.
#3: I walked in my first runway show!
Diana Farmer walking for Jiagia Studios in the Hook’d Magazine 2024 Runway Show. Photo from The Daily Texan instagram post. Photographer: Manoo Sirivelu
This was so much fun!! At my university I am a part of several fashion clubs/organizations, one of them being Hook’d Magazine. Every year Hook’d hosts a runway show that showcases designs created by university students. In April I had the unique opportunity to walk as a model for one of the designers, Jiagia Studios, created by Parth Ghawghawe. This experience was so amazing and I had a blast pretending to be a top model walking in NYFW. It was definitely a little out of my comfort zone as I was terrified to trip in front of hundreds of people in my six inch stiletto heels. Thankfully everything went smoothly and I felt like the third Hadid on that catwalk. 10/10 would do this again.
#4: Watched my little sister graduate
In June I got to see my little sister graduate, which was so emotional for me. As an older sibling, it’s hard to grasp the concept of your younger siblings growing up and hitting major milestones in their lives. She will always be four years old with botched bangs she used safety scissors to cut herself. Nevertheless, I am so proud of her and excited to see where life takes her.
#5: Experienced Italy as a diagnosed celiac for the first time
My mom and all of her family are from Italy (I am half Italian), so I have been going every summer to visit since I was born. The summer of 2023 I was officially diagnosed with celiac disease AFTER I had gotten back from my yearly trip to Italy. Summer 2023 Diana was still enjoying all the glutenous pizza, pasta, desserts, and breads that Italy is so well known for (unknowingly damaging my intestinal cells but it’s okay because at least it all tasted so good). I was so scared to visit Italy this past summer as I was unsure of how my diet would play out.
To my utmost surprise, Italy is so far advanced in the gluten free world. Because food is such a big part of Italian culture, the Italian Celiac Association (or AIC for short in Italy) has done an amazing job at making the lives celiacs living/visiting Italy so easy and enjoyable. For starters, Italian citizens/residents get a monthly stipend from the government to help them purchase gluten free foods. Secondly, there is a booklet created by the AIC that showcases every certified gluten free establishment (and establishments that have been recognized for their food safety) for EVERY region of Italy. You can find everything from gluten free grocery stores, gluten free gelaterias, gluten free bakeries, to restaurants that are safe to eat at.
The photo above shows some desserts I tried from a certified 100% gluten free bakery in the hometown where my nonna lives. Finding this bakery was so special for me because the tartlets above were always my favorites growing up as a kid. I was so happy to find out how tasty they could be made- despite being gluten free.
If you are a fellow celiac and you have concerns about traveling to Italy, I want you to rest assured that you will have no trouble finding delicious foods to indulge in.
#6: Moved into my first apartment
I’m currently a junior in college and this is my first year not living in a dorm. Having an apartment to call your own is so nice. Pictured is a view of the sunset from my room- I could not be more in love. This was another huge milestone because your first apartment is something that you remember for the rest of your life. It’s an additional step into adulthood!
Decorating was so much fun. It’s such a girl apartment and I love it so much.
#7: Got featured in magazines
Sophia, Montana from Spark Magazine’s issue No. 23, Motor.
Like I mentioned before, I am a part of several fashion clubs/organizations at my university, one of them being Spark Magazine. This is my first semester in this organization, and I am a part of the modeling committee. Modeling is one of my hobbies that I find so much fun. It’s kind of like theatre in a way because you get to put on a persona and pose in front of the camera.
This shoot was so much fun to execute and I really love how all the photos turned out. I hope to be able to be a part of this team again next semester!
Stoicism from Hook’d Magazine’s issue No. 7, Sanctum.
Another magazine I got to model in was for Hook’d Magazine. This is the second issue of Hook’d I have been able to model for but this one holds a special place in my heart because I loved this team so much! The garments we were modeling were hand made by two Textile and Apparel students. That in itself is incredible. Again, I hope to have the opportunity to model in future magazines.
#8: Saw one of my favorite artists, Clairo, in concert
Words cannot describe how much I love Clairo. She is one of my favorite artists and getting to see her in concert with my friends was unreal. This was kind of a spur of the moment decision as my friends and I all bought tickets to this concert like the day before. We all needed a break from our school work and studying, and this was the best way to unwind.
Clairo’s voice is so angelic and it truly healed something inside of me. This was one of the best concerts I have ever been to and one of the best days of my Fall semester. I will cherish this night forever.
#9: Enjoyed an “all expenses paid for” 5 star meal
There was a new restaurant in Austin, Texas that opened up called Jupiter Supper Club that is completely plant based and has so many gluten free options on the menu. One of my friends had to ‘in’ and got us a table at their soft opening where we had the opportunity to try out their entire menu for FREE. Now, as a college student this is a huge deal. We are never passing up a free meal. Everything was so delicious and luxurious. The restaurant itself is beautiful and decorated with so much thought.
My friends and I dressed up and walked around down town Austin feeling like true A-list celebrities after our free five star meal. Definitely worth failing my biochem quiz the next day. Everything in moderation, right?
#10: Hosted a 100% gluten free friendsgiving
Let me start off by saying how much I love my friends. This Thanksgiving, I had the dream of hosting a friendsgiving with a huge group of people full of gluten free Thanksgiving foods that I miss eating. I invited 25 of my friends over to my college apartment and we had a huge potluck style feast. The best part? Everything was safe for me to eat. Some highlights of the foods that were made and brought go as follows: sushi bake, pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting, fresh baked bread, TWO turkeys, creamed corn, sweet potato casserole, the list goes on.
All the food was so delicious and I had so much fun hosting all of my friends.
To a wonderful 2024…
There are so many more events and days I could write and highlight, but I think 10 is a nice, even number so I will leave it at that.
All in all I had a truly wonderful 2024 and I am so excited to see what 2025 has in store for me. See you all in the new year!
I’m currently in my third semester of college and trust me, I’m no stranger to a busy schedule and a stressful workload. Some days I have 6-8 hours of back to back classes with no time to hit the dining hall. Because of this, I have learned what foods belong in my pantry to keep me fueled and fed. It’s so important for us students to take care of our nutritional needs so we can tackle all the tasks needed to get done. So, whether you live in a dorm room with just a microwave or even a small apartment, everything on this list will work for you.
#1: Quick Oats
Quick oats have to be one of the most important things on this list. Oats are an amazing, nutrient dense food that is great to add to your diet. They are a great complex carb that will help keep you satiated and energized until lunch. Additionally, oats are a great source of fiber and help regulate your cholesterol levels. The specific type that I choose are gluten free, protein oats. I like them with a little added protein for additional benefits.
Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Protein Oats
I reach for these in the morning, especially when I have early classes to get to (since I don’t feel like waking up even earlier to get breakfast at the dining hall). You can make these in the microwave by adding some water or milk, or if you want something even quicker, let them soak overnight in the fridge so you can eat them on your way to class.
#2: Microwaveable Brown Rice
Again, another great, easy way to get whole grains into your diet is with microwavable brown rice. Of course if brown rice is not your thing you can opt for white rice, but I prefer brown rice for a multitude of reasons. For one, it’s a whole grain (whereas white rice is a refined grain). This means that when you eat white rice, you are not getting all the nutrients that the whole grain version has to offer. Additionally, since brown rice is a whole grain, it is a complex carbohydrate which will keeper you fuller for longer. Besides all the health benefits, I just honestly prefer the texture of brown rice better. It’s a win-win for me.
Seeds of Change Organic Brown Rice
I love this specific brand because it’s a certified gluten free rice. If you don’t have to worry about avoiding gluten, any brand works fine.
Spice this up with your favorite seasonings to add an extra punch of flavor and variety to the taste. My favorites are cumin, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and cardamom. If you are vegetarian of vegan, pair this rice with a peas, chickpeas, or beans to create an easy, plant based complete protein source! You really can’t go wrong with this. It’s easy, fast, and filling.
#3: Canned Beans/Legumes
Beans and legumes are an amazing food group to incorporate into your diet. They are very nutrient dense and are a great source of fiber, protein, iron, and B vitamins. As I mentioned above, if you pair them with a whole grain such as brown rice, it creates an amazing plant based complete protein source.
Green Valley Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)
Some of my favorite beans/legumes are chickpeas, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Again, you can eat them straight out of the bag/can by adding your favorite seasonings! A good tip is to try and look for a low sodium variety for something a little healthier.
#4: Salty Snack- Hippeas Chickpea Puffs
Every once in awhile, you just want a satisfying snack to crunch on while watching your favorite show or while studying. The great news is, you do not have to give up taste/satisfaction for health! Some of my favorite chips that I reach for constantly are Hippeas chickpea puffs. These snack puffs are made from chickpeas which makes them a great source of fiber and some protein. Additionally, they are vegan, gluten free, and nut free! I highly recommend if you are looking for a savory snack with great flavor and crunch.
Hippeas Chickpea Puffs
#5: Sweet Snack- Siete Mini Bunuelos
Of course we need a sweet treat in the pantry to satisfy the sweet tooth cravings. So, I present to you: Siete mini bunuelos! Siete is another one of my favorite brands out there. All of their products are gluten free and made with wholesome ingredients (without sacrificing taste). If you had not yet tried their products, I highly recommend!
Siete Grain Free Cinnamon Crisps (Mini Bunuelos)
#6: Nut Butter
A good nut butter is such a versatile food that is also a great source of healthy, unsaturated fats (which can help keep you full). I recommend looking for a natural nut butter that is made from only your nut of choice and maybe some sea salt. There really is no need for all the filler ingredients that big brands like to add, so try sticking to the natural stuff as it is the healthiest option.
Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Almond Butter
Personally, I am a big fan of almond butter and peanut butter, so I switch between the two depending on what mood I’m in.
I love adding nut butters to my oatmeal, as filling for dates, or in sandwiches. Honestly, a drizzle of this stuff over anything is sure to be delicious.
#7: Dates (or your favorite dried fruit)
I could write a love letter to dates. They are one of my most used fruits when I am in a pinch. Dates are full of natural sweetness and offer a ton of carbohydrates, so they are a great food to eat when you need a boost of energy. My favorite way to eat them is filled with a nut butter. It’s like a healthy, natural version of a candy bar and is a great midday snack.
Another way I eat dates is in my oatmeal as a natural sweetener.
Dates last such a long time in the pantry and are a staple for my ‘kitchen’.
Natural Delights Fresh Medjool Pitted Dates
#8: All Natural Protein/Energy Bars
Like I mentioned before, life as a student is very, very, busy, especially if you are managing a job on top of your school work as well. One way I stay energized and fueled on days where I have a back-to-back schedule is with protein bars.
Now, I have a love-hate relationship with protein bars. On one hand, they are super convenient. You just put them in your bag and eat them whenever, wherever. On the other hand, many protein bar companies add in so many weird ingredients that I am not a fan of. I really try to keep my diet focused on whole foods, so for me those are a no-go.
However, throughout my years consuming protein/energy bars, I have come across some great brands that use good ingredients to create their products.
All Natural Protein/Energy Bars
Some of my favorite bars are made from the brands RXBAR, GoMacro, and LARABAR.
The RXBAR and GoMacro bars offer a larger protein content, so if that’s what you are looking for, I’d go with those. There’s also sooo many flavors to choose from so experiment! Some of my favorite RXBAR flavors are peanut butter, pumpkin spice, and chocolate sea salt.
LARABAR does not offer a lot of protein, but they are still a great bar made with real fruits and nuts. If you need some extra energy, these are a very good option for you as well.
#9: Protein Powder
Protein is a very important macronutrient that helps support strong muscles and is in charge of many functions in our bodies. It’s very important that you get an adequate amount of protein in your diet so you can live a healthy, enjoyable life. An easy way for busy students like us to up our protein intake is with protein powder! Protein powder can be added to oatmeal, milk, water, and smoothies for an easy protein boost.
Vega Plant Based Protein Powder
My favorite brand of protein powder is Vega. Their protein powder is plant based, gluten free, and nutrient dense because they are made with vegetables as well! The taste is amazing as well. My favorite is the chocolate flavor!
Plant Power!
There you have it, healthy pantry essentials for busy students like me and you. I hope you found this blog post helpful! If you try any of these or have added these to your pantry, let me know! As always thanks so much for reading and please take care of yourself! Until next time.
Ever since I was a young girl (seventh grade to be exact), I’ve wanted to pursue a career in dermatology. I distinctly remember my biology teacher giving us a lesson on skin cancer, and boy was I hooked. I spent the rest of my adolescent years doing way too much research on things like salicylic acid and ceramides. That’s where I fell in love with the world of skincare.
Throughout my years of scouring the web and watching dermatologists on YouTube such as Dr. Dray (shout out to her), I’ve found a pretty solid routine that works for me.
*Before you read my skincare tips and tricks, I’m going to make it very clear that I am NOT a dermatologist or medical professional! I am a nineteen year old girl with internet access! This is all just general advice! As always, PLEASE seek out a licensed professional for personalized advice for your skin concerns!*
Great! Now that we got that out of the way, here are my skincare secrets for a clear complexion.
First things first: SkinTok…
If you have internet access you most likely also have a TikTok account. If you have a TikTok account and an interest in skincare, you have probably heard of the term ‘SkinTok’. If you don’t know what SkinTok is, let me enlighten you. SkinTok is a subsection of TikTok for all things skincare related. Here, users can find millions of videos that give advice on what products you should be buying, what foods to eat for clear skin, and so on.
The problem with SkinTok is that most of these videos tend to overcomplicate skincare routines showcasing fancy, expensive products with the sole purpose to try to sell you those products. It can be easy to fall into the trap of a 10 step skincare routine because this is what all the creators with glass skin seem to be pushing. I promise you though that most of those steps are completely unnecessary and a waste of money. For some, adding more products into the mix can actually do more harm than good, especially if your skin is sensitive like mine is.
Additionally, almost all big creators are not telling you the full story. So many of these videos fail to mention the medical procedures that they have undergone to enhance their skin. Not only that, but so many of these videos are made with beauty filters that smooth skin texture which distorts your perception of what ‘normal’ skin looks like. Another huge thing to keep in mind when it comes to skin is that a HUGE part of what your skin looks like is solely based off of genetics. With all this in mind, do not beat yourself up over a pimple or two. You are human, not a computer generated beauty filter.
An Overview of My Routine
I’m a firm believer that simpler = better. A solid skincare routine has three major aspects to it:
1.) Cleanse
2.) Moisturize
3.) Protect
After you solidify those three steps and find products that really work for you, then you can add one or two extra products to enhance your routine. For the purpose of this post, I will first talk about the three basic steps. At the end, I will add the steps I use to enhance my routine.
1.) Cleanser
A good cleanser is very important, especially if you wear makeup, sweat a lot, or spend time outside. Look for a gentle cleanser with no added fragrances and ESPECIALLY no abrasive shards in the texture. In other words, stay away from products that are marketed as ‘scrubs’. These are physical exfoliants that are way too harsh for your skin. They can actually cause micro-tears in your skin overtime! OUCH!
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser For Normal to Oily Skin
On average I like to cleanse my face twice a day: A.M and P.M. If I wake up and my skin feels a bit dry, I’ll skip on the morning cleanse and go straight to moisturizer.
2.) Moisturize
After cleansing, it’s important to add moister back into your skin barrier to keep it nice and balanced. Similar to the cleanser, I recommend using a moisturizer with no fragrance. Fragrance is a filler ingredient that has no benefit to your skin. In fact, many people are actually allergic to fragrances or can develop and allergy to fragrance after exposure. This can lead to skin irritation.
Moisturizers come in varying thicknesses depending on your skin’s needs. If your skin is oily, I recommend using a lightweight moisturizer. If you skin is dry, a thicker moisturizer would suit you best.
I always moisturize my skin twice a day: A.M and P.M. Moisturized skin helps keep it radiant and healthy, so definitely don’t skimp on this.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin
Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion for Sensitive Skin
3.) Protect
Arguably the MOST IMPORTANT part of a skincare routine is skin protection (a.k.a SUNSCREEN)! Please, please, PLEASE do not skip on the sunscreen! It is so important to wear sunscreen everyday to help prevent skin damage and skin cancer.
Common misconceptions about sunscreen is that you do not have to wear it if you are staying inside or if it’s winter or if it’s a cloudy day. All these things are very wrong! Ultraviolet radiation from the sun still exists during the winter and cloudy days. Also, it can penetrate through windows so wearing it daily is super important.
UV exposure can cause so many adverse effects to your skin. It can damage the DNA that makes up your healthy skin, it can lead to skin sensitivity, skin irritation, and so much more.
Things you should look for in a sunscreen go as follows. Firstly, make sure the sunscreen is broad spectrum. This ensures that it protects against both types of UV rays: UVA and UVB rays. Secondly, I recommend looking for a mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens use ingredients such as zinc to create a physical barrier agains UV rays. They also tend to be less irritating. Thirdly, I recommend looking for a sunscreen that has an SPF factor at around 50. The higher the SPF factor, the more it protects your skin.
The sunscreen I am currently using is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 50. I like to mix that with the untinted version which you can find here. The reason I like to mix a tinted and untinted sunscreen is because it removes the white cast effect that sunscreens usually leave.
La Roche-Posay Tinted Mineral Anthelios Sunscreen SPF 50
La Roche-Posay Mineral Anthelios Sunscreen SPF 50
Enhance Your Routine
You could totally stop at those three steps and you would have a pretty solid skincare routine. However, I like to add in a few extra products that help my skin stay extra radiant. They go as follows:
a.) a retinol
b.) petroleum jelly to ‘slug’
c.) a hyaluronic acid serum
A Retinol
Retinols are typically used to maintain youthful looking skin and to prevent premature skin aging. They slow down the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and so on. Some retinoid derivatives can also help with improving skin texture and acne as well. In most cases, you do need a prescription to get more potent retinoids, however there are some milder formulations that have been approved to be purchased over the counter. I use a topical retinoid treatment that you can get over the counter without a prescription. It’s from the brand La Roche-Posay and it’s called the Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment. All my life I have struggled with skin texture on my forehead and stubborn pimples on my chin area. Since using this retinoid, I have seen a difference in my skin! Not only do I use it to minimize skin breakouts, but I also use it to prevent early skin aging as well.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
This is a great beginner retinoid because it is not too harsh on your skin. I have sensitive skin and I have not had any adverse effects. Retinoids can cause your skin to become a little dry, so it is very important to use a super hydrating moisturizer with this.
I like to follow a ‘skin cycling‘ technique where I only use this retinoid every other day. This also ensures that my skin does not become too sensitive to the retinoid over time.
I apply this gel every other night on dry skin after I wash my face but before I apply my moisturizer. You only need about a pea sized amount for you face and another for the neck area. The formulation is very concentrated. Using too much can cause skin irritation so a little goes a long way.
Slugging
As I mentioned before, I like to follow a skin cycling approach to skincare. Skin cycling was adopted by Whitney Bowe, MD, F.A.A.D to prevent the overuse of active ingredients on the skin barrier. This approach to skin care has helped me reduce skin irritation, especially since I have sensitive skin. So, on ‘off’ days when I do not use the adapalene gel, I like to slug my skin with petroleum jelly.
Petroleum jelly sounds scary, but it’s just the stuff they use in Vaseline so don’t be worried.
For the past few years I have been using the CeraVe Healing Ointment to slug! I purchased the 12 ounce tub and it has lasted me such a long time. A little goes a long way with this product so you only need a thin layer on your face. I apply it as the last step of my nighttime skincare routine (after moisturizer).
CeraVe Healing Ointment
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The last major step of my skincare routine is using a hyaluronic acid serum. Hyaluronic acid helps give the skin more moisture (and who doesn’t love moisturized skin!). I use a few drops of hyaluronic acid serum after I cleanse my face and before I apply moisturizer, A.M and P.M. On nights when I am applying my retinol, I do not use the serum.
I’m still trying to find my favorite hyaluronic acid serum to use, so stay tuned on skincare updates from me in the future. However, currently I am using the Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum. So far I really enjoy it and it is a very affordable product as well!!
There You Have It
Well… now I have laid out all my not-so-secret skincare tips. I hope this blog post helped you realize that you do not need to spend hundreds of dollars to maintain healthy, radiant, skin. If you end up using any of these products or if you have used any of these products in the past, let me know! I always love hearing other’s thoughts on my favorite products.
Whether you suffer from celiac disease, are sensitive to gluten, or just need some tasty food recommendations to try, this post has you covered. Here, I list my top 10 must try gluten free items from Trader Joe’s (and you can’t even tell they’re gluten free!!!). Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Thank me later.
#1: Cauliflower Gnocchi
Now, I know what you might be thinking, ‘Cauliflower gnocchi?! Ew!’. No, no, before you judge it too harshly based off of first impressions, I’ll have you know… it’s bomb. The thing is, you can’t go into this expecting it to taste exactly the same as traditional gnocchi. Traditional gnocchi are made with potato whereas these are made with cauliflower (obviously they will differ slightly in taste). However, the cauliflower taste is not overwhelming at all. In fact, with my preferred method of preparation, I barely notice it.
I recommend pan searing them straight from the freezer. Add olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic and start sautéing away. When brown and slightly crispy, I add Parmigiano Reggiano and chili flakes on top. BAM! Easy and delicious dinner served to you in under 10 minutes.
(P.S. don’t feel bad about eating the entire bag. I do it every single time).
#2: Joe-Joe’s Cookies & Creme Inspired Granola Clusters
I AM ADDICTED TO THIS GRANOLA! Joe was NOT lying when he labeled this as ‘cookies & creme’!! It captures the taste of cookies so well I can’t even wrap my head around it. I love to just snack on this straight from the bag or add it to my yogurt bowl in the morning.
#3: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
These are seriously so addicting. They are a great, healthier alternative to Takis that us celiacs can indulge in. I have never met a single person who does not like these so I highly recommend.
#4: Jalapeño Seasoned Corn & Rice Puffs
One word: heavenly. These puffs are the perfect blend of airy and crunchy. Once you take that initial first bite, they seem to melt in your mouth. The jalapeño seasoning is not too overpowering, so even if you can’t handle much spice, I think you would still enjoy these. Another thing I love about these puffs is that they are a healthier alternative to a typical potato chip. Since they’re made with quinoa, they have a nice complex carb to help satisfy your hunger.
#5: Gluten Free Five Cheese Ravioli
Being Italian, my celiac diagnosis was especially hard for me. I felt like I had to turn my back on so many cultural foods that I grew up with. For the past four months I have been searching for the best pasta alternatives, and this one did not disappoint. The cheeses used add an amazing sharp flavor. The actual pasta blend itself is tasty and holds together fairly well once cooked! I like to add crushed chili flakes on top for extra flavor.
#6: Hearty Minestrone Soup
These cold winter months call for cozy soup to keep you warm. I love this soup because not only is it gluten free, but it’s plant based as well! There are so many great ingredients in it such as kale, beans, and quinoa, so it’s sure to keep you satisfied.
#7: Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies With Sea Salt
Trader Joe’s has perfected gluten free desserts. These cookies are to die for and taste just like traditional cookies. I love anything and everything chocolate-sea salt so these are perfection! (They are massive too so that’s a bonus).
#8: Gluten Free Madeleine Cookies
My mom is their biggest supporter. Every time we go to Trader Joe’s, she will buy like five boxes of these cookies. They are her morning staple and I can’t really blame her for that. These madeleine cookies will transport you straight to Europe. Light, fluffy, with a subtle sweetness, they pair perfectly with a smooth espresso.
#9: Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins
The first time I tried these muffins, I had to triple check that they were actually gluten free- they’re that good. My favorite part is the cinnamon sugar muffin top. I promise you will not be disappointed if you decide to try these for yourself.
#10: Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter Cups
I am a peanut butter cup LOVER, so when I saw these in store I had to give them a try. Let me start off by saying that there’s so much to love about these sweet treats. Not only are they gluten free, but they are also soy, dairy, tree nut, and peanut free. Oh, and they’re vegan! If you suffer from any other major food allergies, these are a great option for you. Another thing I love about these is that they are not too sweet! I feel satisfied and good about snacking on them.
Time To Go Shopping…
There you have it! 10 amazing foods from Trader Joe’s that you are guaranteed to enjoy- celiac or not.
I hope this list serves you well, and If you end up trying any of the these, I’d love to hear about it!
If you know of any other gluten free products from Trader Joe’s that you love, sound off below! I’m always looking for new foods to try.
Life as a college student is so odd. Sometimes I’m sleeping in until noon, other days I’m rushing out the door at 6:00 am. Either way, I seem to wake up exhausted and in a rush. For this reason, I’ve sort of perfected the 10 minute makeup look to help myself feel a little more put together on days where I can’t seem to catch a break. These are 5 of my favorite makeup products that help me nail the effortless look.
#1: A Tinted SPF
When I discovered tinted sunscreen for the first time, my world changed. I’m telling you, it’s truly a game changer. Sun protection is a daily MUST for my routine (and it should be for yours too)! Tinted sunscreens are a great 2-in-1 product that help you stay protected and offer slight coverage as well. Because I am so pale, most tinted sunscreens alone are too dark for me, so what I do is mix them with a regular sunscreen to tone down the color. Most sunscreens have white casts, so mixing the two helps lighten the complexion a bit.
If your skin is on the deeper side, tinted sunscreens are perfect for you! They eliminate the concern of looking pasty after application. No more white cast!
Image Source: La Roche-Posay
The one I’m currently using is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 50. I recommend always looking for an SPF that has a protection factor around 50.
#2: A Hydrating, Medium Coverage Concealer
Lately, I’ve been giving my skin a break and I have not gravitated towards a foundation. However, on restless days, a concealer is a must. I recommend using a medium coverage, hydrating concealer because those look the most natural. Especially since no foundation is being used, I find that an intense concealer gives a weird look on a natural face.
To save time and tools, I blend my concealer out with my fingertips (kill me!). Before you click off, give it a try! It creates a natural, seamless blend, especially with the SPF under.
#3: A Bold Mascara
This part is crucial!!! Mascara is a product that I have just recently been giving the attention it deserves. Last year, I stopped wearing false lashes (I was an Ardell Wispies 113 devotee) because I wanted to try and grow my natural ones out. That was the best decision I made! I never knew my natural eyelashes could grow in so long, thick, and full.
I have also learned that mascara is NOT a one size fits all. Finding your perfect mascara is a very personal experience but it is so rewarding in the end. I tore Ulta and Sephora apart testing out every cult favorite to try and find my perfect fit. After months, I found my favorite mascara to date: the Benefit Cosmetics BADgal BANG! mascara.
Image Source: Benefit Cosmetics
This product has been revolutionary for my lashes. I get so many compliments on my lashes because of this product. The length and volume it gives me is insane (and without a lash curler!). Again, I want to emphasize that mascara is not a one size fits all. I urge you to try different ones out to see what works best for you.
#4: Liquid Blush
Thank god we collectively decided to stop ignoring blush. The 2016 blush-less makeup days still haunt me. I was in seventh grade using a grey contour removing ALL the color from my face and making myself look like a corpse. I’m already pale as it is, so I really don’t know what I was thinking.
Luckily we can put those days behind us because blush is definitely here to stay. For my quick, natural makeup days, I find myself gravitating toward a liquid blush for two reasons.
1.) I find it looks the most natural because it’s easier to build.
2.) I can easily blend it out with my fingertips. No extra tools needed!
Recently, I’ve been obsessed with the Glossier Cloud Paint, however there are so many great liquid blushes out there with a range of different prices to fit every budget.
Image Source: Glossier
#5: A Lip Tint
I shamelessly have TikTok to thank for this next product, and the one I use costs less than a latte nowadays. Lip tints have become a staple in my routine. They add a nice natural pigment to my lips and last way longer than a lipstick or gloss.
I apply my lip tint like any other lip product and just let in marinate on my lips. The longer it’s on, the better. I love a rosy lip and it looks soooo good with a gloss over top. I could not recommend the Elf lip stain enough! My current favorite shade is ‘Power Mauves’. For only $6.00, you truly cannot beat the price.
Image Source: e.l.f. Cosmetics
Now You’re Ready
There you have it. You now know how to achieve a glowing, radiant look in less than 10 minutes (and using only your fingers as a tool!) I hope you got something out of this list! If you’ve tried any of these products I’d love to hear about it!
What’s your favorite everyday makeup product? Let me know! I’m always doom scrolling on the Ulta App so give me some recommendations to try.
I feel like it’s only fitting to start my food and wellness pages with the biggest part of my life right now- navigating the world as a newly diagnosed celiac.
2020
My noticeable health struggles date back to the early pandemic days. When the world ‘shut down’ I was a sophomore in high school. As did everyone else my age, I just thought I was getting an extended spring break. I decided this was the perfect time to reinvent myself. I started doing at home work out videos from famous fitness YouTubers, and I had recently become vegetarian. My diet drastically changed. I incorporated more whole foods, more vegetables, and more plant based protein. I limited foods high in saturated fats, added sugars, and added sodium (all the health buzz words really).
Green Goddess SaladProtein Packed Baked OatsSpicy Veggie Bowl with Tofu
Of course, my newfound fitness and diet caused me to lose weight (something I did not have intent on doing). I just wanted to become a healthier person overall, and I guess an aftereffect of that was slimming down and putting on muscle definition. However, with my slimmer figure I started noticing something else as well. After every meal, no matter how big or small, my stomach would inflate like a balloon. I literally looked like I was in my second trimester carrying twins.
My bloating started becoming physically uncomfortable. I had a constant pressure pushing out from my insides. My appetite started to decrease because it seemed like the only way to avoid the pain was to stop eating altogether.
After three months of constant pain and rapid weight loss, I went to a gastroenterologist to seek help. He did some bloodwork on me and my results came back with one marker positive for celiac. I was scheduled for an endoscopy the following week to officially test for celiac disease. To everyone’s surprise, the endoscopy came back negative. My gastroenterologist was a bit shocked, but he continued digging to see what could possibly be wrong with me. I had a gastric emptying scan done, a lactose intolerance and fructose intolerance test done, an x-ray of my intestines done, the list goes on. Nothing came back conclusive. I was left with no answers.
Fueled with frustration, I had to go on with my life. It seemed that this would be my new normal from now on.
2021
As time went on I began to lose more and more weight. My energy levels plummeted, I was irritable, constantly sad, self conscious, and always in pain. My family and teachers expressed their concern, but I brushed it off as being ‘fine’. This was in fact my new normal.
I had my yearly physical done for school and my physician noticed my rapid weight loss. I expressed my chronic fatigue and loss of appetite, so more bloodwork was done to see what could be the root of the problem. One of those tests being another celiac panel. This time around, two positive markers for celiac came up.
I was supposed to schedule another endoscopy, but with the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I never got around to it.
2023
The summer of 2023 was my breaking point. That summer I was visiting my family in Italy. Pasta, bread, and pizza made up a majority of my diet (I mean, can you blame me?). Although my tastebuds were more than happy, my GI tract was as upset as ever. My symptoms became the worst they had ever been and a switch finally went off in my brain. When I got back to the U.S. I decided to make another trip to the doctor. This time, I expressed to my physician that I believed I had celiac disease. She ran another blood panel on me. This time, three markers for celiac came back positive. I was referred to another gastroenterologist and she agreed with my concern.
So, I underwent yet another endoscopy. After two weeks of impatience, my results finally came back- I was officially diagnosed with celiac disease… And so my gluten free journey began!
As of right now, I have been gluten free for about four months now. It has definitely been a struggle adjusting to this new lifestyle, especially as a sophomore in college. My family is from Italy and so much of my cultural food has gluten in it. Not only that, but going out to eat is virtually impossible. I struggle to find places that are affordable and safe for me to eat at.
On the plus side, I have been having so much fun experimenting with new recipes, so stay tuned for posts on that.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read my story! Until next time!
