Staying Organized in University

• Momentum

This google chrome extension features some of the most breathtaking landscape photographs along with inspirational daily quotes. It definitely sets the tone for the start of a productive day and features a daily reminder section that can eliminate distractions. If I have a really big task that I have to get done, I normally place it in the 'daily focus' section to have that constant reminder for the day each time I open a new tab.

• Daily/Weekly Planner

Let's face it, life as a college student can be HECTIC! Beyond hectic even, with the occasional sprinkle of weeks from hell. I learned pretty early as a freshman how well staying organized would serve me all throughout my four years of college. Due dates, presentations, meetings, sports activities, social activities and work schedules can be all over the place sometimes and keeping track is not always easy. In order to survive these four years, I have been using a planner to keep track of my to-do lists for the day, as well as other social and work activities that I want to be involved in. Being balanced in all areas is important for leading a happy life. This year, I have been using my passion planner and I am so in love with how it not only allows me to incorporate school and work activities, but also personal goals that I want to achieve for the short-term and the long-term. Of course, I can't forget the daily quotes that gives me that extra boost needed to make it through the day!

                                                 

• Stay Inspired

It really can be a struggle to stay inspired and keep pushing through moments of adversity, whether it be that one bad midterm grade, missing the due date for a paper worth 20% of the class or just not knowing if your major (or college) is where you want to be anymore. One thing that has always worked for me is reading other inspirational stories of people in the field I want to be in or just in general, some of my favorites happen to be of women in male-dominated fields. This month I came across Grace Bonney's "In the company of women" which shared stories from over 100 influential and creative women from all disciplines and career fields. What I loved most about this book was how authentic and inspiring these women's stories were. i felt like i was having a 1 on 1 conversation with each woman from this book and could relate to at least one part of each person's story. It helped to show me that even though we think of each other to be so different, that's not always the case. Everyone has a vision and goes through so much to get where they want to be, on days when I struggle to see how my vision will become reality i just need to remind myself that these people that i look up to were once in my place as well.

• Meal Prep

If you're a college student trying to eat healthy then trust me, I know the struggle of trying to find time to eat, not to mention preparing an entire meal. Planning is key to successful meal prep, the first few weeks may seem difficult but once you settle into a routine it gets much easier from there. I've used apps such as cook smart or paprika to help with keeping track and for overall fitness I log my meals and nutrition goals into my 'fit happens' book that I got from from target. It comes in so handy when i'm trying to remember meals I really loved, or when I'm compiling my grocery list since all the ingredients is in one place!

• Yoga/Meditation/Workout

Mental, physical and emotional health are all important in the long run. It is important to make sure that you don't ignore one area just because you are so caught up with the rest. Find some form of physical routine that gets you moving at least once a week and see how that can improve other areas!

Shepherd's pie with Cauliflower Mash

Hello everyone!

Today i'll be sharing this shepherd's pie recipe with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes. It is a super easy one-dish meal and can last for several days. I normally make this during hectic weeks since it normally is able to last 3-4 days for my meal prep. I didn't add cheese to mine as a topping since I am dairy-free but it's such a good addition if you really love cheese!

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets

• 1 tablespoon coconut/olive oil

• Seasonings and spices

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 pound ground turkey or beef

• 2 small tomatoes, diced

• 1 can corn

• green beans, chopped

• 1 green pepper, chopped

• Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce (Gluten Free)
• Teriyaki Sauce (Gluten Free)

Instructions:

1) In a large pot, steam cauliflower and carrots until tender.
2) In a large skillet or saucepan heat olive oil/coconut oil. Add diced tomatoes, onions and garlic and cook until ingredients. Add the ground turkey/beef to the pan and cook until browned. Add seasoning for taste. I used himalayan pink salt, black pepper, garlic salt and old day all-purpose seasoning. Drain excess liquid and add carrots and green peppers. Add ketchup for thickening/ taste (optional).
4) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. While the meat simmers, start the cauliflower topping by draining the cooked cauliflower. Add 1 teaspoon butter, salt, pepper and mash with a stick blender until smooth.
5) Lightly grease casserole dish then assemble pie by adding the meat mixture on the bottom of dish. Add 1 can of corn and mix into the mixture. Top the mixture with cauliflower mash and smooth with a spoon. Cover with shredded cheese (optional).
6)Bake for 30 minutes or until the cauliflower mash is brown. Serve warm.

 

I hope you enjoy this super simple but tasty and healthy recipe!

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For the love of Nude

Is it safe to say that nude is the new black? I'm finding a serious liking for everything nude this fall. I wore this outfit for a simple day of classes but I can also see this being worn in the workplace, for running errands and paired with black pants for an interview. This soft blush top from H&M easily pairs well with pretty much anything. I got this top in a medium because I love the loose fit since it is a sheer top. These shoes from Aldo are perfect! They are extremely comfortable, stylish and goes with just about anything, find it here and of course, my bag is my Dagne Dover 13-inch tote in the color Bleecker Blush.

                                      Top: H&M  Jeans: H&M Shoes: Aldo Tote: Dagne Dover