Lilli Says: May 2016

Zip Zip Away!

Everyone always wants to do something adventurous...Well at least I do! For my 23rd birthday last year I decided to go zip lining. I wanted to do something different and something FUN other than going to the club till 4am (~~LOL~~). I never went zip lining before and I wanted to experience an extreme sport. It was either sky diving or zip lining but my boyfriend was too afraid to do sky diving. The zip lining place I went too had great reviews so I wanted to give it a try! I live in Massachusetts right now and the zip lining place was in New Hampshire, which meant a little road trip!

(I went to Alpine Adventures, which is one of the best locations to go zip lining in New England)

I recommend going zip lining on a day that it is not too hot or too cold. We went during June and it was the perfect weather. It was 80 and at first it was cloudy and I was afraid it would rain but it turned out to be a very sunny day! (yay) I would also recommend going in the fall time! The view during the fall season are AMAZING and will NOT disappoint at all. I also recommend going during the summer since I did but towards the beginning when it isn't that scorching hot. I am also sure the winter would be beautiful but scary because of all the snow and ice you know.

Another recommendation would be to invest in a GoPro or rent one from the zip lining site you decide on. Luckily the zip lining place I decided to go to had GoPros and I, of course, rented one for the ride! I decided to get the hand held GoPro which I have mixed feelings about. Even though it had a wristlet I still felt insecure like it was going to fall from 98352 feet. They also had an option of having the GoPro placed on your helmet but I wanted more control. I also wanted to record myself LOL. Nonetheless, the videos I took were amazing and will forever be a great memory to keep and show others.

The zip lining package I got had 5 zip lines and they all required a little bit of physicality. We had to walk through VERY wobbly bridges which was the scariest part of it all. Even though you had a harness it was still scary. Being on top of these big trees and throwing yourself from them was SCARY as well but it gave me an adrenalin rush that I loved.

The instructors were amazing and very helpful along the way and funny! In some of the zip lines I was able to throw myself backwards and also race my boyfriend side by side! On occasions the instructors had to pull me in because I didn't make it all the way LOL!

All in all we went through 5 VERY long zip lines (ranging from 800' to 1600' long), 5 bridges, dual racing zip lines. All of these zip lines were 80' to 200' above the ground! (how crazy) There was actually another package that was more intense and higher above the ground than this one but since this was my first time I went with a more "normal" one.

(This was the dual racing zip lines where you race someone to the finish line)

It was a GREAT time and something very different from what I usually do on my birthday and I would love to go zip lining many more times in the future. I hope this could be a great idea for you and your friends for an upcoming birthday or celebration :)

XOXO, Lilli ♥

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College Students: Keeping Organized & Motivated

Lets Get Organized!

Many people ask me, "How do you stay so calm and organized throughout grad school?" Well there isnt much to it to be honest. Yes graduate school is full of intense curriculia and intense courses BUT you can achieve all As if you stay organized and plan ahead.

I am doing my graduate degree in Elementary Education and also getting my add-on license in Special Education. I started the program as just a Elementary Education student but then I decided to add the special education license since it is a license that I personally think every teacher-in-training should obtain at some point in thier life. Also many states like to see that you have more than 1 license so I went for it.

I knew from the start that there WILL be more work and added stresses but I went through it and BOY was I right! But now I am fully done with classes and I am just working on my state certification exams now (which you need to get your teachers license aside from having a masters degree - ~~BUMMER~~). Now that I am done with taking college courses forever there is some relief!

But many people want to know how do you do it? How do you stay organized and motivated? Well its pretty simple (at least for me but many people struggle with staying organized) and I will be breaking it down here on my blog!

So here are my tips....

Write it down: Yes its that simple. You dont need a fancy and expensive planner something from the dollar store works just as well or you can always make it yourself or even put things up on your calender white board or up on your walls. Write anything and everything that you might think you will forget. A friendly reminder never hurts! I also tell people to write down positive and motivational quotes that can help them look forward to their goals.

Plan: It is always a good idea to plan a year ahead, a month ahead, a week ahead, whatever floats your boat but it never hurts to PLAN PLAN PLAN! Planning for me takes the stresses away. Especially when everything is done accordingly. While in grad school I would always do work that was due a week ahead so that I had that extra time to work on another class or even have some free time for myself. There were times when I would take a whole weekend and do all of the small homework tasks till I couldnt anymore. Yea it was hard work but the amount of freedom and time I had afterwards was amazing.

Lists: I LOVE to make lists especially on my computer and iPad. When I complete a task I just simply highlight/click it and move on to the next. This keeps me on track and focused. Making lists helps me get things done quicker as well. I would even add things that I knew I wouldnt forget like "wash hair" that feeling of being organized and having your day planned is a great feeling (well at least for me). I usually do lists when tasks are piling up, especially, when professors are inconsiderate and give you 3 assignments all due at the same time. I personally like the Wunderlist app! It is so organized and you can make separate lists for everything. I have a grocery list, school work, personal list and it has helped me immensely. You can set reminders, notes, completed tasks, etc. I recommend everyone to download it!

Set alarms & reminders: I personally never set alarms or reminders to do things like homework or study but I heard this works well for many people who need to be reminded to get up off their bums and start their work! Especially if you live alone it can be very forgetful.

Be consistent with these tips and you will feel less stressed and relief from the college load that is thrown at us on a daily basis. It is so hard to stay motivated when students are busy but it just takes consistency to get the goals that we desire! They are what helped me get by. and yes this might feel like common sense but you would be surprised how many people don't use these methods or use them then stop midway.

Hope you can use these tips and put them to good use! Comment below with what helps you be a more organized and motivated student!

XOXO, Lilli ♥

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Sweater V-Neck Daytime/Nighttime Look

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Living With Dark Circles

We have all dealt with under-eye dark circles. I in particular have severe dark circles. People like me who have hereditary dark circles are always online finding the next remedy or product that will diminish them but sadly those products never work.

My History with Dark Circles

Ever since I was little my dark circles have been BAD. Growing up I was made fun of because of them. People would say ~~“did you get punched,”~~ ~~“did you sleep,”~~ ~~“do you eat,”~~ and no I didn’t get punched and I do sleep sufficiently and I do eat tons (I feel like I carry a pretty good diet). But anyways comments like that always got under my skin and I always wanted to get rid of them till I got in my 20s and I learned to embrace my under-eye circles. I have tried everything under the sun but they will not go away and lets face it the average person does not have money for laser treatment! I, of course, have many simple tips to help the under-eye area stay hydrated, moisturized, and bright, which I will be talking about here.

(pictures of my dark circles without makeup)

Here are some tips that help me with my under-eye circles. This will not work on everyone but they are tips that can help improve dark circles for some. Also these tips can be effective right away or over a course of time.

Tip #1: Invest in a corrector & good concealer

This tip is to temporarily HIDE the dark circles! Lets face it who wants to be stared at for looking tired all the time. Before purchasing a concealer find a corrector that will help correct the color of your dark circles. The mistake I have made was not correcting my under-eye area. When I just applied concealer it wouldn’t look right and it would look ashy or gray. I use a salmon color corrector from Bobbi Brown that helps greatly. I would also suggest not applying that much corrector since it can look cakey after a while and make your dark circles look even worse.

I am the QUEEN of concealers! I have tried every concealer possible for my purplish dark circles and FINALLY I found 2 that work for me. I use the Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer which works wonders. It is not a heavy concealer at all and it blends in perfectly with your skin. It gives you that natural look without trying too hard or looking like a cakey mess. I have tried heavier concealers that look way too caked on and obvious. A more natural light weight concealer that you can build (just a little) works best for me.

I also use the bareMinerals' Correcting Concealer Broad Spectrum, which I have been using it for 2 months now and wow it has given me great results. I find it to be similar to Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer which I love but for a cheaper price tag.

Tip #3: Turmeric Under-Eye Masks

Many years ago I discovered turmeric and it has made a difference! I try to do a turmeric eye mask at least once a week or every two weeks. I mix in a pinch of turmeric power, lemon juice, and buttermilk (make a paste consistency) and apply it to my under eye area (with a cotton ball/pad) for at least 15 minutes. Afterwards I do my normal routine of washing my face. Turmeric does stain so be careful. Your skin might be a little yellow afterwards but make sure to use makeup remover wipes which usually does the job for me.

Tip #3: Eye Masks

I absolutely LOVE eye-masks. I recently started to use them and I LOVE them because they make my under-eye feel refreshed and hydrated. We all know how the under-eye area can feel droopy and dry sometimes and an eye-mask can help all of that. I also find it to temporarily brighten my dark circles. I use the Global Beauty Vitamin C eye pads and the Global Beauty Collagen eye pads.

Tip #4: Vitamin C Serum

I have recently been using a vitamin c serum which helps revive the under eye area! It is so important to keep the area moisturize to prevent fine lines, and flakiness. I find that my dark circles tend to get dry so a vitamin C serum helps moisturize the skin and help me look and feel alive.

Tip #5: Oils! Oils Oils!

I cannot stress this enough but oils have changed my life! If you have the dark circles problems I suggest you buy oils. The best ones for me that I have done extensive research on and work wonders are almond oil, coconut oil, and castor oil. These oils have multiple purposes, for example, helps with fine lines, dryness, hydrates, and fade away dark circles!

♥

Tip #6: Be Confident!

Sometimes I don't want to wear makeup or I don't have time to do masks I just want to go out with a fresh face! And so I have learned to do that over the years. God gave me these dark circles for a reason and I needed to learn how to flaunt them! (lol) Many people would tell me that my dark circles suit my face and that I am too self conscious about what others think and this is true. I started going out without makeup and embracing it and little-by-little I learned to love my dark circles. You have to learn the little things that make up YOU! XOXO, Lilli ♥

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Whats In My Bag?

"What's In My Bag?" posts are definitely some of my favorite posts! So I decided to give it a whirl! My bag is always jammed packed with the most important things ever that I need at all times. My bag is a Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM purse which I bought a little over 4 years ago as a treat to myself. I remember being so excited to receive it in the mail! And of course I had to get the BIGGEST size of them all, which I kind of ~~regret~~ because everyone knows how heavy leather can be (sigh). But overall I cannot live without this beautiful and spacious bag! We have traveled together all around Europe and back. So back to business!

Below you will be seeing all the things I carry around on a daily basis. I was proud of myself since my bag is usually messy (typical student).

The everyday basics that I'll carry with me are of course my journal where I write notes throughout the day on ideas about blogs, especially, being a new blogger. My iPhone 6 which I cannot live without! (iPhone case was a gift from Japan) and also my keys which has to come with me at all times. (Flower keychain is from Italy and the other is from Supreme)

Some of my go to beauty essentials are, of course, my Bobbi Brown creamy concealer kit that I CANNOT live without! The best part of this concealer kit is that both the concealer and powder are all in one! Less products to carry around sign me up! And of course we must keep our lips moisturized so I always have either my Burts Bees lip balm or my EOS handy! I especially like to carry some chapstick since I wear a lot of lip stains and we all know how those can chap your lips badly. I also threw in my makeup bag because when I do have long days I usually throw it in there! (Why not!) I also like to carry some Dickson's witchhazel toner in a separate spritz bottle to refresh my face from time to time. Being a student teacher and a graduate student the days get hectic so a little refresher never hurts.

My "cannot leave the house without" essentials are things that will always be in my bag no matter where I go. My iPad mini is always with me to indulge in my favorite tunes throughout the day! I cannot live without my music. And also my portable charger! (Lepow) I am constantly on the go and my phone is always dying so I need some sort of recharge throughout the day. And of course some gum to keep me entertained (lol - not shown in the pic).

I absolutely love "What's In My Bag?" posts so if you would like me to check out yours just comment below with the link! I'll love to know whats in your bag!

XOXO, Lilli ♥

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Q & A with Lilli Says

Q & A With Lilli

Q: What is your name? How old are you?

A: My name is Lilliana but you can call me Lilli and I am 23 years old! (Birthday is on June 26!)

Q: What is your ethnicity/race?

A: I am Hispanic. My parents are both from the Dominican Republic! and yes I do speak both English and Spanish.

Q: Why did you start a blog?

A: I started Lilli Says as a hobby. I spend most of my time studying for school and nothing “exciting” came from it. Having something to look forward to and share with others made my life a little bit more exciting. I also tell people I am better at expressing myself in writing than actually talking. Its somewhere where I can share some of the things that inspire me in hopes that it will inspire others.

Q: What can we find in your lifestyle blog?

A: The great thing about a lifestyle blog is that it is not limited to just one topic. You can simply write about the things you love! I didn’t want to focus on just one topic I wanted to provide a range of topics so that my readers can connect more with me and also have a wide range of things to keep them interested in the long run! Lilli Says will be like an open diary where people can come and see the exciting, the boring, the fun, and everything in between about my life.

Q: What do you do when you are not blogging?

A: I am your typical girl! If I am not blogging I am in school (teacher-in-training) or doing other things that life throws at us, for example, homework, shopping, walking trails, indulging in reality shows, writing, and many more!

Q: What are you studying?

A: I graduated with my Bachelors in Spring 2014 in Sociology and I went straight into getting my Masters in Fall 2014 in Elementary Education. I am still currently working towards getting my teacher’s licensure! I hope to one day become an inclusion first grade teacher J

Q: How was it being born and raised in NYC?

A: Well…for me it was great I got to see many things that many people around the world wish for. I got to experience the “city” life and throughout gained a lot of patience through it all. Growing up in New York City just makes you feel more independent as a person at a really young age. From taking the subway alone and just walking long distances and experiencing New York alone at a young age just builds so much character in you!

Q: How is it living in Massachusetts?

A: I have had a tough time adjusting to suburban life! Like I said in the previous question I am from NYC so it wasn’t required to learn how to drive since everywhere you go you take the subway! Having a car in NYC is completely useless since you WILL be stuck in hours long traffic, therefore, I never found the need to learn how to drive. But moving out here in a small suburban neighborhood in Massachusetts has made me so grateful for NYC subway (LOL) it has been quite the hassle getting around. Also having to adjust to everything closing at 2am and very little to do sometimes. But a lot has come out of it as well… I can say I am “one with nature” now because I have learned to be more down to earth and go on trail walks (something you cannot do in NYC for obvious reasons) and just love the nature around me! Aside from that experiencing a whole new state and meeting new people has been refreshing.

If you wish to submit a question, feel free to comment below or email me at LilliSays@gmail.com. You can also DM me on my Instagram @Lilli_Says or send me a Snapchat @Lilliana.c

Pages

Zip Zip Away!

College Students: Keeping Organized & Motivated

Sweater V-Neck Daytime/Nighttime Look

Living With Dark Circles

Whats In My Bag?

Q & A with Lilli Says

The Start of Something New

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