Simply Tasheena: March 2021

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There are so many amazing blogger events and if you are anything like me you love attending them I just feel so inspired after attending in person blogger events. I really don’t know how to explain it it’s just something that’s just so liberating. It is so nice to be in the company of so many like-minded individuals you learned so much from the sessions as well as so much from just communicating with other bloggers and business owners. Below, I’m sharing some conferences I’m looking forward to attending.

Alt

All is typically held in California. This event is just a game changer. It's usually at the beginning of the year so it's an amazing way to just kickstart your new year in full speed. Not to mention the ambience of the event this event is just so life-changing they have so many amazing sessions and I attended it for the first time in 2019 I learned so much I met so many amazing people and I’m looking forward to attending it again.

Blogher
In the past Blogher her has had so many amazing events from their health to Blogher Food and honestly I miss Blogher dearly. They typically always have something in New York which honestly living so close to New York it’s just so amazing.I attended my first Blogher in 2012 and it was just such a game changer. Blogher in the past has helped some of the largest blogger conferences so many amazing people so much amazing content I just have learned so much from Blogher And from the other bloggers that are there. and it’s just Blogher is just an experience in itself, they always put on such an amazing event.

WOWSummit

The wall summit location typically changes every year it was held online this year like many other conferences. This conference is typically one of the last conferences of the year. What I love about this conference is that you’re amongst so many other moms who just get it. It's a small intimate conference so you really get that one on one approach and you also get to really network and collaborate with so many other moms and brands. I love that this conference really caters to moms if you haven’t noticed that already.This conference is also held at the end of the year which to me a really helps me with figuring out what my target and strategy is for the new year.

What in person conference are you looking forward to attending?

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I have to be honest with you it’s super easy to be a procrastinator especially with social media, emails, and being a mom. It’s so easy to just not get things done we have every excuse in the world to not get things done. But you already know that you’re here because you want to figure out how I can get things done. I’m right with you I know what it feels like to pick up my phone and to put it down and hours have passed I know how it feels to scroll through social media and by the time you’re done saying happy birthday and congratulations to everyone else hours have passed. I know what it’s like to cook dinner, play with the kids and before you know it is time for bed and you’re half asleep trying to take a shower trust me, I get it I’ve been there done that I know what it’s like. Below I’m sharing what has worked for me. To simply get things done.

Dump List

Simply create a dump list. This is a list typically on a notepad that I have by my bed. In the event that I have things that I need to get done. I can simply write it down and re-visit my dump list every morning. This is a great way to not stress out about what you have to get done because you’re constantly thinking about it, you wrote it down instead. If you prefer to use technology please use your cell phone as a dump list as well but make sure you remember that you have to actually check while you’re looking on your phone because it’s so easy to get off task.

Schedule

Create a schedule for yourself and stick to it. Whether you work from home or you don't. Find a time that works for you to get things done. Whether it’s 6 PM or 4 AM. Create a schedule for yourself and stick to it.

To-Do List

Create a to do list for yourself and prioritize it by things that need to get done. You can highlight these items or you can simply just put priority near each item that has to get done that day.

Wake Up Early

Waking up early for me has been a game changer if you are new here at some point I was waking up as early as 4 AM so yes that means I was asleep by 9 PM. To ensure that I was up by that time, but honestly I got so much done by waking up early. This is perfect if you have a family you're able to get so much done in the morning time.

Routine

I just piggyback on getting up early. I had a routine every morning I would get up, I would do my hygiene, put on my workout clothes and walk 10 K steps. By the time I got back home I would have my breakfast and at that point I will check my emails. If you notice I did not check my emails until after I was done working out. Also while going for my walk I was listening to an audiobook or just some self help with self development books so in essence I was multitasking. It’s so important to create am/pm routines for yourself.

Reward System

I get it we all need rewards in this is the perfect time to reward yourself. It can simply be once you get done with “ABCD”. You enjoy your cup of coffee or tea. Once you get done with working you will go shopping. Figure out what reward works best for you and start implementing a reward system. If it’s simply once you get done with all of your work you have some time to check out social media, do what works for you. The most important thing is that you have a reward to motivate you to get stuff done.

Do you have any tips?

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This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx

It’s officially spring, and I couldn’t wait to share with you my spring essentials. I’m so happy that I learned about these products. This past winter was brutal and caused so much havoc to my skin. I’m so happy to kickstart this spring with so many amazing products.

My Spring Essentials: Spring Pick Me Ups with BabbleBoxx

Kerasal

Kerasal has such a vast variety of products to ensure that your nails and feet are ready for spring!

Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair has been a total game-changer for me, it’s a foot cream for dry cracked feet. I’m so happy with the results of this product. I love how visibly healthy my feet look. Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair Loosens hard, dry skin: Exfoliate & deeply moisturizes.

Kerasal Multi-Purpose Nail Repair is perfect whether you need repair from gel manicure damage to aging nails. Kerasal Multi-Purpose Nail Repair is super easy to use, and you can apply a thin layer two times a week.

Download and Save HERE!

LiftActiv Supreme H.A. Wrinkle Corrector from VICHY

VICHY is the #1 anti-aging brand in European pharmacies, and the #4 most recommended skin care brands by dermatologists worldwide. The LiftActiv Supreme H.A. Wrinkle Corrector from VICHY Facial Serum only has 13 ingredients, and it’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, silicone-free, alcohol-free, and suitable for all skin types. I love that LiftActiv Supreme H.A. Wrinkle Corrector from VICHY includes 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic and reduces the look of wrinkles. LiftActiv Supreme H.A. Wrinkle Corrector from VICHY is also clinically proven results of a 47% decrease in wrinkles and 60% decrease in fine lines in 6 weeks. I’ve been using it as part of my skincare routine in the morning and evenings.

Shave Oils from Tree Hut

Make shaving easier and more enjoyable with Tree Hut’s Bare Moisturizing Shave Oils. These shave oils ensure a smooth shave every time, minus the nicks and glowing legs to leave you feeling confident and ready to take on the Spring season.

Tree Hut Shave Oils are a must-have for your skincare routine. I’m all about self-care, and honestly. Using these products really feels as if you’re at the spa or on the perfect vacation. The Moroccan Rose has such a pleasant calming floral scent and the Coconut Lime feels as if you’re at a tropical paradise. The Shave Oils from Tree Hut really feels like you’ve created the perfect oasis at home.

How to use: Apply to wet skin. Shave. Rinse or wipe off.

A Year Of Weeks from Running Press

I’m so happy that I have a copy of A Year Of Weeks from Running Press. This book is a total game-changer for me. It really pushes and supports me to try new things. From something as simple as “Hand Lettering Practice” to “Practicing Gratitude”. Each day is broken down into bite-sized morsels and accomplishable goals, like dusting small corners or learning how to draw animal mugs. A Year Of Weeks from Running Press makes the perfect gift book.

Seasonal Favorite Nail Polish from Halo Hand
Has to be my favorite nail polish. Not only is Halo a nontoxic polish it also lasts and is super easy to apply. Halo Hand has such an awesome lineup of colors too. My personal favorites from this season are “Get Orchid-ized” and “Pearls of Wisdom”.

Halo Hand releases limited edition colors every season to help you stay on-trend, without all the muss and fuss. You can subscribe to their seasonal manicure kit and have it automatically delivered to your door every 3 months with a 15% discount already applied because even if you forget to treat yourself, they won’t!

Use my code MYFIRSTHALOGIFT for 10% off and a free gift with your first purchase on Halo Hand

Pool Float Sandals from REEF

The Reef site has such an amazing variety of shoes. I can’t wait to purchase a few pairs for this spring. I love my pool floats, and I can’t wait to wear them to the pool during my next staycation. My pool floats are so comfortable. The colorful pool float sandals come in two standout colors with a palm tree design on the footbed – Coral Palm and Yellow Palm. They are a must-have whether you're heading to the beach or pool this spring.

Give your feet the gift of sunshine for $35 on reef.com!

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It’s been over a year since the pandemic has started and honestly I can’t even say that time has went by really fast because at times it feels like moments have been so slow. So much has happened within this last year for my family and I. Though I pretty much consider myself an introvert. Being in the middle of a pandemic it’s pretty excessive right now. A year ago I had a trip planned and I was excited about spring break. I just returned back in January from a cruise and I was super excited to go on another cruise for spring break, you see my son and I missed out on our spring break trip for 2019 so we decided to go on our spring break trip in January. Unbeknownst to me January would be our last trip to-date. I remember seeing the cancellations of flights the cancellation of trips and everything. the last twelve months have been crazy. No day has been the same, no moment has been the same. Unlike many people anxiety levels are high stress levels are high because it’s just so much unknown, so many twists so many turns have happened within the last year. A year ago today, I was not wearing a mask I was not mandated to wear a mask now we are mandated to wear a mask every single day and then most days I have two mask on because that suggested as well now. A year ago I had no plans on starting a garden because I had all intentions on traveling and just living my best life all summer 2020. A year ago I was super excited about the blogger events that I would be attending just excited about life. Though a lot of places are opening up a lot of places are still closed and there’s just so much that has happened so many people have lost their lives or lost a love one, lost employment so much just has happened so much just has happened to our world. But at the end of the day I’m thankful, I’m thankful for all of the things have that have come out of this pandemic because there are so many people who's life will never be the same. Life will never be the same for me there’s so many people...

Though they are so many things to complain about they are also so many things to be thankful for and today I’m thankful.

What positive change have you made in the last year?

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I can’t believe it has been almost 3 years since I went on my weight loss journey. Trust me I had no idea that this was going to turn into a lifestyle. I remember returning back from my trip to Mexico and just not liking how my clothes fit. I decided that I was going to take it day by day and I wasn’t gonna put any pressure on myself. I remember that spring I went on a trip with my son to Canada to Niagara Falls and at that point, I really started to implement more discipline. Trust me it wasn’t a walk in a park it was hard. I have a major sweet tooth and I can eat an entire container of ice cream. I love cookies and candy. I am just a total foodie, a bread person, and a rice person. Give me all the carbs! However, I knew I wanted to change and I started off slow and it honestly has become a lifestyle.

Though you may not be trying to lose weight you may just simply want to continue to be healthy. Below I’m going to share some tips with you on how to stay healthy this summer.

Define
Your definition of healthy may be completely totally different from mines. Define what it means to you to be healthy it could simply mean to take your supplements daily he could even mean to just go for a walk daily or to exercise or go to the gym. Define what it means to be healthy for you and again do not compare yourself to others because what your definition of healthy is can be completely different from someone else’s.

Goal
Why do you have a goal weight or just a daily goal of what healthy means to you to create a goal this summer? Your goal may be to stay a certain weight or simply drink a certain amount of water a day. Create a goal for yourself. You can have as many goals as you like. But make sure whatever goals you create are obtainable.

Community
One of the biggest things that I recommend to people is to have a community. Around the time that I went on my journey, my sister and her husband were on a weight-loss journey as well so the process was really easy for me because they were in the process of losing weight as well. Find your community whether they’re in person or online whether it’s one person or thousands of people find your community and use them as your support.

Apps
If you know one of your goals for this summer is to stay healthy, or lose weight or maintain the weight that you have. One of the apps that I want to suggest using my fitness pal is a game-changer for me. I’ve used the apps to input my food daily as well as my weight and how much water I was drinking. This app can be great just to keep track of what your intake is each day to ensure that you’re staying on track with your weight loss goal or staying on track to maintain your current weight.

Reward
What is your reward going to be for yourself if you reach your goal of staying healthy for the entire summer? I am huge on rewards and having a reward system whether you have a weekly reward, a monthly reward, or end of the summer reward creates a reward for yourself once you reach your goal of staying healthy for the entire summer. This gives you something to look forward to once you reach your goal.

Do you have any tips?

Pin for Later!

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I remember it like it was yesterday the day that I applied for my passport. I placed my application for my passport and waited for my passport to return in the mail. I remember how amazing it felt to have this key to explore the world in my hand. Though you don’t need a passport to travel it was my key to be able to travel to places that I’ve always dreamed of. You see growing up my parents only traveled in driving distance locations and I believe the farthest they went was to DC. As a child, we didn’t go on family vacations and pretty much did road trips.

It wasn’t until I became a mom and went on the first trip that I realized how important it was to travel and to educate myself on various cultures, cities, and demographics. It’s been a year since the last time I went on vacation and boy do I miss traveling so much. I haven’t even driven to New York and it’s actually one of my favorite cities to visit. Like most people, I’ve just been social distancing.

I remember my first time on a plane I believe it was to Florida and it was one of the most amazing vacations ever. You see it was my first time in Florida and it was the winter months and all I can remember is being in all how warm it was especially coming from a colder State. I remember driving in my rental car and just smelling the aroma of the orange trees. I could literally smell the scent through the car window. At that very moment, my life changed. I knew I would not be the same. I knew life for me wouldn’t be the same. I’ve been to so many different places and have been able to immerse myself in so many different cultures. From traveling with my son to Columbia to going or my first solo trip to Puerto Rico. Traveling is a part of me traveling is me and it’s something that is truly dearly missed. But I wanted to take a moment to share what I miss about traveling.

Food
I have tried so many amazing foods while traveling and honestly, I wish I could say I had a favorite but I try so much that I can’t even just think of one. I truly miss trying different foods while traveling and I missed just meeting people at the restaurants, the servers, the owners of the restaurant's other customers. It has truly been a memorable experience. Thinking of my last trip on a cruise to try the different foods on the cruise is just such an amazing experience so yes I miss the food. I miss the freshness of the food, I miss how authentic the meals are. I miss the dining experience. I miss trying new foods for the first time, and being in all.

Immersing Myself in the Culture
Immersing myself in the culture has to be one of the favorite things. While I’m writing this I’m thinking about my first trip out of the country to Jamaica. And just walking with family through the market and purchasing fresh seasonings and just looking around and just seeing how everything was just so different everything was just so new it’s like you see the stuff on TV but to be there and to be a part of the culture was just such an amazing experience I remember having porridge in Jamaica in the morning time from like a food truck and he was the best porridge I ever had it was so good.

During my trip to Columbia, we went to the downtown area and it was just so amazing. I remember seeing the kids come from school and just going to the grocery store to purchase coffee and just walk around the grocery store and just to engage with people. It was such a memorable experience.

Hotels
I dearly miss the hotels. I miss the soaking tubs. I miss having a view of the ocean from my bedroom. Thinking about my trip to Fort Lauderdale for my birthday a few years back and how the view from my room was just breathtaking. Thinking about my first trip to the Bahamas with my son and how the ocean view from our room is just amazing I’ve never seen water that color before and it was just such a memorable experience. Thinking about my first trip to Mexico, how much the Jacuzzi tub had a view of the beach from my room. I dearly miss the hotels. I miss the sweet staff there. I miss the hospitality and I simply just miss the experience.

Sightseeing
I am truly that adventurer when I’m traveling reminiscing about my trip to London how everyone had jet lag and how I was trying to really take a vantage of every second every hour that I was there. I remember just waking up and getting the only thing on my schedule was to explore as much as I can in a day. I remember during my trip to London I got on the wrong double Decker bus and honestly, I should’ve been freaked out but the scenery was just simply amazing. I literally stayed on the bus until we got to the bus transfer station and it was just such an amazing experience I was able to sightsee. I mean honestly, it was probably one of my most memorable experiences traveling. Thinking about my trip to California and visiting the zoo and walking from my Airbnb to the zoo how crazy and funny was all at the same time.

Though I haven’t traveled in over a year I truly have so many memories that I’m super thankful for perhaps I’ll do a part two but until then I would love to hear what you miss most about traveling?