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Long story short, I literally have the worst oily skin. I've always had oily and acne-prone skin, but this last year has been to a new extent. I've finally gotten my acne under control, but my skin still gets incredibly oily within a few hours of applying my makeup. I've been desperately trying to find a face primer that would calm down all the oils in my face. I've been through many samples of foundation primers, you know, those small-travel sized tubes. My hope was to find one that was good and then get to use up the rest of the tube to fully see if it caused my acne to flare up. I found some decent ones... but by the end of the day my makeup was still coming off on my nose and cheek areas. A few weeks ago, I decided to go back to an old one that I had, the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. I was surprised at how good my skin was upon application, and then it perfectly put throughout the entire day. My nose and cheeks were the only areas where I had any oils peak through. I feel as though I never fully gave this primer a chance. For the longest time, I wouldn't see any benefits from using a primer and therefore would never believe any future primer would help either. I bought this primer a while ago because it was on sale, but I used it a few times when my skin was pretty good in the first place, so I wouldn't see any noticeable difference. I'd wear it once and then go weeks without using a primer again. Finally, after actually giving plenty of face primers a chance, I wanted to give up, but decided I might as well use the one primer I had in full-size. Well the first day of wear, I was extremely happy with my skin and my rather non-oiliness that hasn't happened in a long time. The primer perfectly fills in my pores for a smooth application, makes my skin feel extremely soft throughout the day, and most importantly, hasn't made me oily. No foundation primer will be 100% efficient, however this one is pretty dang close. If I apply my makeup at around 8am, I will generally start seeing just a little shine by 1pm, however it isn't screaming "you are an oily mess!". Instead, I will lightly blot my face mid-day and I find their to be significant less oils on my face. If I am going out at night, I will usually dust my face with powder one more time, and I'm all set. I've used so many less blotting sheets, reapplied my powder much less, and simply felt much better. If you haven't tried this primer, you are highly missing out. Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions posted on Bold Centennial are my own genuine and honest thoughts and reviews. The link provided is a personalized link designed to offer my audience a promotion. Based off the affiliate link, I will receive a small commission. Thank you!

Nowadays, everyone is addicted to technology, especially their smartphones. Mindlessly scrolling through social media, watching YouTube videos, or playing random games has become all too common. Many of us have dozens of apps downloaded, maybe even forgetting what's there. I personally have 271 apps downloaded, however which apps of mine truly serve a purpose in my day-to-day life? First app I have is my podcast app. I use the Apple podcast app but any app that lets you listen to publish podcast are great. The last few months, I have been listening to podcast when I drive, clean, or a mindlessly doing tasks such as meal planning. I love following health or lifestyle influencers as I find it motivating to improve aspects of my life. Next up is the Nike Training Club. I use this app almost every time I work out. The Nike Training Club app (or running club for the runners) is a free app that has made working out so much more fun. They're exercises are well-thought-out and the coaches motivate you at all times. I love how there are many collections you can join or you can choose a workout based off of time availability for muscle groups you want to focus on that day. I have made a post documenting the 4-week beginner collection they have, click here to read more! I've logged my finances since late middle school. I suppose my mindset for business started young. Mint has helped me stay on top of my income and spending for the last three years. The app has made it very easy for me to check my credit score at a quick glance or look at my budgets when I'm out and decide on if my potential next purchase is truly deserved and in budget. In addition to finances, I am a big saver so I've loved to use Acorns. I indirectly use this every single day, but I log in probably one a week. Acorns lets you roundup your purchases, make one-time or reoccurring deposits, with full customizability, to save money overtime. I made an entire blog post about this and I cannot recommend this enough. If you want to download the app and use my link, we both get $5 back. On a similar note, I love Robinhood. Robinhood is an app that helps you invest and manage your stocks. The app makes everything easy and streamlined. They help you gather current news articles about the company, live (and after-hours) stock trends, a watchlist for other stocks, and much more. I'm thinking of making full blog post about this app, let me know if you'd be interested! In the meantime, if you use my link, we both get a free stock (you don't need to spend anything to get this stock, so what do you have to lose?!). These apps are truly ones that I use every single day. I hope you find a new app you'll love. I'd love to know different apps you use as well! Any fitness, health, finance, educational (or other!) apps? Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions posted on Bold Centennial are my own genuine and honest thoughts and reviews. The link provided is a personalized link designed to offer my audience a promotion. Based off the affiliate link, my audience and I will receive the same benefit . Thank you!

Here are ten facts that you likely don't know about me. I thought it would be fun for you to get to know the girl behind the screen. 1. I am a second year in college studying Business Administration, with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship. I knew I wanted to be in business since middle school. 2. I have created an organization to help the homeless called Homeless Caring Pack. With the help of my sister, we hold numerous fundraisers a year to raise money and donate back to the homeless in our community. 3. I tend to do things on a whim ... that's how I got my current theater job and my marketing internship. I one day decided to apply to at the movies, another day I decided to start applying to plenty of internships 4. I am an extremely picky eater, but I am trying to do better. I now have a series called "Sandy Tries Knew Things" on my Snapchat now. 5. I am addicted to Takis, so much so that when I'm sick, all I crave are Takis and Cheez-its. 6. I love makeup. I may not do the most extravagant looks, but I do have a decent makeup collection and love to experiment a bunch. 7. When I was in 7th grade, I got hit by a truck as I was riding my bike to school on the 2nd day. I then texted my mom instead of calling her to tell her I've been hit. I left the accident with nothing but road burn over my entire leg. The police and ambulance said if I was hit a half a second later, I'd probably have flown over the car. 8. As a first year in college, I got accepted to a study abroad in Italy during winter break, a class I should have taken my senior year. 9. I've been into computers and technology for as long as I can remember. I remember my mom's friend when I was in 2nd grade being fully impressed and concerned I knew how to download games on a computer. 10. My favorite color is blue but I wear a lot of maroon and olive green (and blue of course). That's it for my facts! Let me know a fun fact about yourself too.

I've mentioned this before, but I take my skin care routine very seriously. This includes face masks. I've noticed that no many people use face masks, or use them religiously. I do. I use face masks at least once a week, twice if my skin is acting up. My main problem for the last year has been my acne. I got acne on my jawline and lately on my cheek areas too. For the last month I've also been very oily. A good face mask can do all the difference. Face masks are great because they draw out impurities better than anything else you are currently doing. Washing your face gets rid of the buildup on the surface of your skin, however masks get deep inside your skin. Due to this, your skin can also absorb other products much better. Your moisturizers, serums, or treatments will get in deeper, faster, and be more efficient. There's one face mask I've been using for the last 6 months and I can't find anything better, it's amazing. Reader, meet Shea Moisture's African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask. This mask is designed to draw out impurities as I mentioned before and is directed towards blemish-prone skin, but the ingredients make it suitable for all skin types. It contains Tamarind extract and Tea tree oil which are both amazing for oily skin. Now let's get into the details. African black soap is a natural healer for troubling skin as it contains many antioxidants and vitamin A and E. It also contains shea butter which helps hydrate your skin without clogging up your pores. It can help for acne, eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, or many other skin conditions. Tamarind extract is natural astringent which means it will brighten and exfoliate your skin. This is highly due to the alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) which promotes skin renewal in the form of natural exfoliation. It helps with discoloration and hyperpigmentation as it lightens and brightens the skin. It also helps moisturize and tone the skin. Tea tree oil contains many great antiseptic traits and anti-inflammatory. This means if you have dry skin or eczema, it can help the itching and irritation linked to it. It will also help with any form of itchy, painful, or inflamed skin you have in general. It will also help beat oily skin. One of the main concerns with those with acne is that some products are not good with open skin. Due to the antiseptic properties, don't be afraid to put it directly on your acne! It will help with the irritation, redness, while provide its antibacterial traits. So, what I'm saying is ... this mask is amazing. Whether you have oily or dry skin, acne or redness, irritation or inflammation, this mask has got you covered. It's only around $10 for a jar that lasts me 5-6 months and you can easily get if off Amazon. If you have never tried this mask, you're missing out. The last great thing is that the Shea Moisture brand is family-owned, cruelty-free, certified organic, a certified B corporation, and ethically traded. The product also contains no parabens, phthalates, paraffin, mineral oil, DEA, petroleum, formaldehyde, and propylene. Basically, they focus on doing a whole lot of good for you and the environment Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions posted on Bold Centennial are my own genuine and honest thoughts and reviews. The link provided is a personalized link designed to offer my audience a promotion. Based off the affiliate link, I will receive a small commission. Thank you!

Let me introduce to you Acorns, a super easy way to start building your savings account without realizing it. Before we get started, no this is not sponsored, I wish. The idea of Acorns is to round up all your purchases made with your chosen linked card(s) and it will keep it as a balance in the app (or website). This balance is like the Venmo balance that stays in the app until you want to transfer it over. The app makes it so easy to build up savings without you truly realizing those few cents left. In 4 months, I've saved nearly $250 and I didn't even know it until I checked my account last week. Now before I start off listing the ways you can easily save through the app, let me tell you this is not a sponsored post. All ideas are my own and I genuinely think this app should be used by everyone of any age. If you're sold on this, I have a link that lets us each get a free $5 back! That's like a free great drink for you and I from our favorite coffee shop. ;) Acorns is only $1 a month unless you want access to features that I will discuss later. There are several ways to earn money. First off, when you create your own account, you will answer a few questions about yourself and your lifestyle. This allows the app to determine your estimated projections for the future. It doesn't play a big role in how the app acts. I have it set as "aggressive" based off of my questionnaire. The app reinvests your money into stocks, however you do not have to manage the portfolio yourself. They use a diverse investment system in which your money goes across many stocks and they rebalance it as needed so that your money does not stay in one stock and go down with time. The app allows you to add as many cards or accounts you would like which I find very useful. I decided I wanted all of my bank accounts and cards (credit and debit) to be linked. Adding all of these to my account allows for these hidden "savings" to add up faster. This method of adding money to my savings is the easiest way for me to save more than I already am. I spend a few extra cents on a purchase and my savings just seem to magically grow. Under the "Round-Ups" tab, you can choose how you want your money to round up. If you prefer to not have each purchase rounded up, you can disable this. You can also choose to put a multiplier. I chose mine as x2, however you can choose x3 or x10 and from his you will build up savings faster. Say you make purchase costing $5.11, it will put $.0.88 into the savings portfolio. The multiplier means that instead, with the x2 option, I will be putting 1.76 in my savings. I really like this option because at the very most, I will be "spending" $1.98 extra on my purchase, however this does not seem drastically more than my initial purchase. With this said, at the end of these 4 months, I have a lot more saved than I would have thought and I never really saw that money leave. It's like a mini savings surprise when I open the app. Like WOW. I have $240 in this savings account?! Look at me goooo. You can also choose to where your roundup is. If that potential of 98 cents times how many purchases you make in a given time is too much for you, you can choose to make each round to the next quarter cent, 50 cent, or 75 cent. Another option with the app is to make a recurring deposit. I've chosen to deposit $5 ever Monday. If you prefer to do do even just 1 cent daily, you can. It's so customizable. If you want to make large amounts monthly, why not? If you want to do a one-time deposit, you can do this too! I love how the app is made to be customizable to fit every individual and your life. If you're on a very tight budget, you can disable certain features or keep them at very low amounts. If you have more wiggle room, add a few extra dollars in recurring amounts every week. There are also a few features I have not taken advantage of yet. Under "Earn Found Money", you can activate certain offers. If you make a purchase through their partners, you get a certain percent back for free or they will invest a direct amount back into your portfolio (I've seen these range from a few cents to $75 so far). This month, there's deal from Adidas, Groupon, Amazon, Chevron, or more). They've really made it easy. Recently, they've also launched their own debit card for only $3 a month which allows you to automatically do the roundups and the options above, an extra 10% back on all your purchases, unlimited free or free-reimbursed ATMs, access to their Acorns Later which is specifically for starting a retirement fund early and easily, and many free videos or courses about tips on finances, investing, stocks, and more. I'm considering doing this soon. You can also see if you continue the patterns and investments you're making now, what the potential savings you'll be making. For my current investments, my projected value when I turn 26 will be almost $5,000. Remember, I didn't even try to put this money in savings. This app invests the cents that you don't notice at a rate that suits you to make a portfolio that fits your needs. If I haven't already sold you on this, then I will assume that you don't like to easily save money and that's okay. On the other hand, if you do want to start saving today, be sure to use my link to create your account and we both get $5 back. Happy savings everyone!!! Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions posted on Bold Centennial are my own genuine and honest thoughts and reviews. The link provided is a personalized link designed to offer my audience a promotion. Based off the affiliate link, I will receive a small commission. Thank you!

Over the last 10 years, internet influencers have made their way into the lives of many. We likely have a favorite Youtuber, Instagram user, Podcaster, book writer... and I've loved them all even more recently. Over the last year, I've refined who I followed to be the ones who inspire me in one way or another and provide me with life lessons. Over the last few months, I've been specifically drawn to Lauryn Evarts Bosstick. I was first introduced to her and her brand, The Skinny Confidential, by listening to her podcast with her husband Michael Bosstick. The reason I'd love to interview Lauryn Evarts Bosstick is that she is a very well-rounded person. She has a love for creating in the digital world. She wants to improve her life through wellness and beauty. She is upfront on her opinions but admits when she has made mistakes or is unsure of certain areas. I had made my blog in January and a few weeks later, discovered her podcast and binged them all. She, along with her co-host and husband, have inspired me to follow my passions no matter what they might be. Ironically, I then discovered she was from San Diego as well, and created her blog during her time at SDSU, which I also attend. The similarities in our journeys start the same, however given the chance to interview her, I would get a lot more insight to it all. I'd like to talk to her on two main topics: her blogging and wellness routines. The Skinny Confidential Him & Her podcast is fun but very informative. Lauryn created her brand during her final years of college and started the podcast with Michael in early 2016. Together they provide the blogger and brand creator insight by Lauryn and the entrepreneur and business discussions by Michael. They interviewed plenty of guests and currently have over 170 episodes, to which I have listened to them all. Some of their bigger guests include Gary Vee and Kate Sommerville. Their topics range from creating a blog, fitness and health tips, girl talk, how to create a business, and insight into their lives. They cover it all and aren't afraid to discuss the taboo topics. Lauryn has been blogging for over 7 years now, meaning she entered the space when it was less saturated, however she has been able to stay as one of the top bloggers since. She has developed her brand so well and I know she‘d have a lot of advice as a new lifestyle blogger. She’s also created several products under her brand so it would be very interesting to know how she came to the conclusion that these were the right ones for her. If given the chance, I think Lauryn would make for an amazing mentor. She’s made mistakes but has found success through them. Over the last few months, I have been paying a lot more attention to my skin, how I treat it, and how working out or different foods affect me internally and externally. I am surely still on a growth journey with myself, however I believe Lauryn would give me great advice. Lauryn has beautiful glowing skin and prides herself on keeping a skin routine morning and night. I’d like to develop one myself that I can keep for years on. I know the earlier you start your routine, the more in tune with your skin you'll be, and able to have clearer skin when you're older. I also know she periodically makes appointments for different types of facials, but I have never done a facial and I know they’re are so many kinds, making it overwhelming as a newbie. Lauryn Evarts Bosstick has become a staple in my life. She has inspired me to grow my blog in different ways. She has given me many tips on improving my fitness, skin, and work routines. She has given me advice on topics I've always wondered about, but also on subjects that had never crossed my mind. She keeps me interested, informed, but also I get a few laughs here and there due to the funny dynamic between her and Michael, along with their team and interviewees. If you have not listened to them, I strongly recommend you to start.

Cover letters are so incredibly important. They are the first things potential employers will see, or not see. It is a short letter-like document to include with your resume when you're applying to jobs or internships. It is an extension to your resume, summarizing who you are and how you can benefit the company. It is you're first selling point. If you don't have one or poorly execute it, your resume is likely being tossed in the trash pile with everyone else's. A lot of the information you may need for both the cover letter and resume will be found on the job posting, the company's LinkedIn page, and their website. Here you can find what traits their looking for (so include some of those words!), the company's information, and possible connections you have that can help you get in touch with the company. Remember that each cover letter will be unique to each job application. Sure, you can have a basic format, however each experience or traits mentioned will vary. I have included the link to a sample cover letter you can use and customize for your own use. Now how do you actually make this cover letter? First off, ensure it is in a professional letter format. By this, I mean include your own address and information, along with the company you're applying for. If you do not know the company's address, try to look at their website or LinkedIn. Also, introduce your hiring manager by Mr/Ms, and if you don't know who you're in contact with, address the letter to "hiring manager". It should look like... "Dear Mr.LastName:". Be sure to use a colon rather than a comma. Now the letter itself should be kept short and divided in about three sections The first paragraph should be about who you are, how you found out about this job position, and how you would benefit the company. Do not just make a general statement about what you're good at. No, construct a strong point as to why the company needs you. The second paragraph should be along the lines of what past jobs, internships, or even volunteering and school projects prove that you have experience dealing with some of the responsibilities you will hold in the position you are applying for. You can also demonstrate what you bring to the team, perhaps a great team leader, a hard worker, or any other traits. Again, feel free to use some of the terms listed in the job posting. The last paragraph should be your final statement and selling points. What is one last reason you or your experiences are needed in the company? Remember to thank the reader for taking time out of their busy day to look over your resume. Insert your contact information one last time as well at the end. At the very end, include a final closing phrase such as... best regards or sincerely. Add a few spaces and type your name. Whether your sign it digitally or by pen, ensure you always have this cover letter signed as well. I know that writing a cover letter may be intimidating. It might take you a couple hours to get a solid first draft. However once you do this, your chances of being hired exponentially grow. If you'd prefer to look at a sample while writing your own, feel free to download mine and change it up to fit your job position.

"Hey Sandy, you have a few blog posts but what made you start blogging?" Everyone has their own reasons for starting something new but for me, I always thought that having a blog would be a fun and great way to spend my free time. But why did I truly start and what was the process you may ask? Let me give you more insight on me and what the future of this blog holds. Creating websites has been a fun and random pastime of mine since I was in third grade, about seven or eight years old. I still have access to a few of them and they're so cringy to look at again but it's entertaining and amazing to see my own improvement over time. I have this love of technology, creation, and business, which all come together when I design websites. After years of making dozens of them, I decided during winter break, during my second year of college, to finally create a blog that I'd be able to keep up with over the years and evolve its design and content as I find myself in my own way through life. I found a lifestyle blog would be the most appropriate for my life and what I like to share. My friends have told me for years that I give great advice, and I enjoy helping others. A lifestyle blog allows me to share my life with my audience, and talk about new experiences (good and bad), along with helpful insight I could have that may be relevant to others. Upon deciding my blog style, I created a list of possible blog post and it helped me decide the path I want to take with this site and establish what kind of content I want kids to publish. This brainstorming allows me to have a vision for the blog. The last step I had before designing and publishing the blog was my website name. From the start, I had this vision of a name containing "Centennial", the generation I am born in, also known as Generation Y. The word centennial gives my blog an identity and possible connection to certain people before they even begin reading my content. I couldn't just leave it at that though; I had to decide what else the name would contain. I believe that I'm a strong-minded individual. When I have an idea, I won't stop until I put in all efforts possible. In addition, I'm not scared of possible obstacles that come my way when I start a project. After brainstorming more, my mom proposed "bold", and I immediately loved it. I'm really excited to have this blog, a place where I can be bold and share my thoughts with the core audience. So thank you to everyone who has been part of it this.

First things first, my skin and I have not been friends for about 5 years, but particularly this last one. I currently have bad acne, particularly along my jawline, and if I use too many acne products, my skin will become very dry in the matter of one night. The rest of the time, I have oily skin. I have been trying incredibly hard to find a skincare routine that isn't absolutely crazy, something easy I can do, but that helps clear my skin. I have used the same routine for nearly 3 months now and there has been a very noticeable change. First off, I NEVER go to bed with makeup on. I can come home at 3am, but the first thing I will do is take everything off my face. The best thing I have found is raw, organic coconut oil. Coconut oil easily removes even the most stubborn waterproof makeup, while hydrating your skin as you take everything off. I take a little bit in my hand and gently massage my face until all my makeup comes off nicely. My jar is from Trader Joe's and lasts me at least 6 months. I used this for most of high school and I don't know why I ever went back to makeup wipes. I then use a fresh face towel to get rid of all the coconut oil and then wash my face with the Shea Moisture African Black Soap Face and Body Bar. This brand is incredibly amazing. All their products are organic with no parabens, no DEA, and a list of other harmful ingredients. In addition, they are a cruelty-free, ethically and sustainably traded, family-owned company. This particular face wash is easy to use. Its key ingredients include aloe, vitamin E, and shea butter which allows you to moisturize your skin while beating the oiliness with the african black soap. In addition, the oats allows you to gently exfoliate your skin while cleaning your skin. I tend to wash my face twice, once to remove the top gross layer of my skin to remove coconut oil residue, dirt, and any other gathered materials on my skin throughout the day. The next wash allows to attack my actual skin and clean in depth not just the top layer of my skin, but also my pores. Don't forget to clean your neck and perhaps chest too in the shower! I have one of these bars by my sink and another in my shower. After I rinse it all off, I towel-pat my face and spray a couple spritz of the Shea Moisture African Black Soap Problem Skin. This toner spray includes tamarind extract and tea tree oil. The tamarind soothes the skin of inflammation and irritation while reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Tea tree oil is one of the best things to combat acne or oily skin in general through helping acne scars, redness, inflammation, plus it has great antibacterial characteristics. After the toner dries, I use the Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum. This brand is also an organic company with non-harmful ingredients. This contains many ingredients to help unclog pores, fight acne, even skin tone, and renew the skin. A couple drops goes a long way. I usually use 3 drops for my face and neck, 5 drops if I'm bringing it down to my décolleté after a shower. The last two steps differ on if I am cleaning in the AM or PM. I always come in with a moisturizer followed by a form of acne-specific fighting product. MORNING: In the morning, I love the Clean and Clear Dual Action Moisturizer. I find this moisturizer to help my acne (it does contain Salicylic acid!) while ensuring my skin is moisturized. In the past, all these acne fighting products would cause dryness, however this moisturizer ensures my skin never feels dry, or on the opposite, too oily. As a makeup-wearer, this also provides a great based for my foundation. It does not move my foundation around or cause the oils to come through the makeup. I then follow up with a target acne treatment, the Clean And Clear Advantage Spot Treatment. It helps prevent future acne while reducing the size and redness of the current ones. It does contain 2% Salicylic acid and therefore smells a little strong but it doesn't last long. NIGHT: At night, I prefer a moisturizer and spot treatment that may be more to the extremes. The Shea Moisture African Black Soap Balancing Moisturizer. It contains the same two ingredients as the toner mentioned above. In addition, I'm not sure which ingredient(s) cause this, however my skin looks immediately matte after I use it. This does not make your skin look shiny which I love. The moisturizer is not and thick as well. I use this in the morning if I do not wear makeup, however I find it too thick if I put foundation on top. As far as the acne treatment, I use the Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion. This is supposed to be more of a spot treatment, however I apply a thin layer across my jawline, nose, and forehead. This is a very effective product, therefore if you have lighter acne, I will strongly urge to just use it as a spot treatment. Lastly, for very stubborn acne or problematic days, I will use the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. This spot treatment is the best I have ever found and have used this since I was around 13. You use a Qtip and dip into the pink ingredients at the bottom and then apply to your acne. If I'm being honest, I swipe this all along my jawline and occasionally all across my nose, along with the specific targeted spots around my face. This is such a strong product and dries out my skin overnight. Due to this, I will never use this more than two nights in a row, no more than three times a week otherwise I will become very dry everywhere. Once you know how to use it with your skin, this product is to die for. You leave it on overnight and clean your face in the morning, (repeating this skincare routine) and your skin will clear up overtime. I've spent so long trying to figure out what works for my skin and I am finally happy with my products. Now with the combination of healthy eating, I am starting to see even more results, and others have noticed! Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions posted on Bold Centennial are my own genuine and honest thoughts and reviews. The link provided is a personalized link designed to offer my audience a promotion. Based off the affiliate link, I will receive a small commission. Thank you!

I love trying out the latest tips or gadgets used to enhance or promote a healthier lifestyle. Over the last few months, I have gone from working out every day to very occasionally and I have decided that this can no longer occur. A few weeks ago I found the Nike Training Club and the Nike Running Club apps on the iOS app top charts and have tried multiple "classes" from both these apps. I have loved the classes on the app so far, and the best part is that it is completely free! Over the next 4 weeks, I will be testing out the 4-Week Guide to Get Started and examine whether I feel any difference in my workouts from beginning to end. Benchmarks At first, there is a benchmark workout to complete in order to see where you place before starting the plan, which is to be retaken at the very end. This specific collection contained 4 exercises to be repeated 3 times. The app encourages you with audio throughout your workout and gives you cues as to what exercises you should be doing, along with a video if you are unsure of what to do. Once you finish an exercise, you check it off the list allowing the app to switch to the next task. Classes I like to call each video a class. I mean there's an instructor who voices the class and gives you motivation to keep you going, feels like an exercise class to me. This collection recommends working out 3 times a week and adding a mobility class offered separately from the collection as a 4th workout if your schedule allows it. Each class is numbered and therefore there is no questioning what class you should be taking today. Each class varies between 10-30 minutes. My Personal Improvements and Check-Ins: Benchmark 1: Finished in 6:04 minutes. Average time for 18-25yo: 6:40min. Difficulty: 6/10 Week 1: I started off this week running an 11:34 mile and I did my 3 workouts for the week. I made sure to eat clean and I felt great. The workouts ranged between 15-20 minutes and I felt great after all of them. Part of my New Year's resolutions was to workout at least 30 minutes a day so I generally completed the workouts with a class from Tone It Up. Week 2: This week I ran a mile in 11:22. Hurray for small improvements. 🥳 The three workouts this week ranged from 10-20 minutes. Now at the end of week, I feel really good. I feel more confident when I workout and I feel more energized overall, likely with the help of my clean eating and much larger water intake. I have lost 3lbs in 6 days as well. I am not one to watch the scale very much but decided I would for this particular 4-week "challenge". Keep in mind I have also started a bi-weekly juice cleanse which may also play an effect in my future results. More on this on my last post here :) Week 3: This week I ran a mile in 10:40. A 40 second improvement is incredible for me to see in just a week. The three workouts this week ranged from 15-30 minutes. The fact that I write down whenever I do workout, and my new year's resolution to workout at least 3 times a week, I knew coming Friday I still had 2 more workouts. This said, I realized I was getting in the habit to workout. Even if I am lazy some days, I can't finish the week knowing I didn't finish my three workouts. Week 4: My mile time this week was 10:03 and the workouts ranged from 15-30 minutes again. I started off the week a little slow and tired, however after my first Tone It Up class, it felt so good. A few days later, I felt tired after studying late and waking up early for work, but I didn't question it and did my first Nike Training Club workout and I felt so good. Benchmark 2: Finished in 5:27 minutes. Top 25% for 18-25yo: Difficulty: 4/10 My conclusion is that taking the first step (quite literally) is truly the hardest. On your lazy days, do something light such as easier weightlifting or yoga exercises. After your first step on a run or exercise done, you will not regret it. At the end, you feel sweaty, sore, strong, and confident. I strongly recommend trying the app, and if you do, I'd love to know what you think of it along with your personal favorite workouts or collections.

Even people who have known me for a while don't always notice that I have a small tattoo on the inner wrist of my right arm. It usually randomly comes up when my friends or coworkers talk about tattoos and then they're surprised I have one, right there in plain sight. I've had it for almost a year and a half now. I had been wanting a tattoo of the same meaning, similar design since the middle of my junior year in high school. At the end of the summer of senior year, just before my 18th birthday, I went to a tattoo artist that I had heard of, asked him questions about his art, the design I created, and the placement of my tattoo. He suggested I switch out from words to graphics and I am so glad I redesigned it. Now, what does my tattoo mean? The overall tattoo was created during a point in my life when I was in a bad mental place, unhappy with myself, school, and my relationship with different people. During that time, I knew I wanted a tattoo that I could look at whenever I needed motivation at any point in my life. As I pushed through and graduated from high school, I had been working on myself and overhauling my life, a process that took over two years. I wanted a tattoo that I could look down at and remember that even when I was or am at my worse, I need to push through and I will be able to do whatever I want. The tattoo looks like just a heartbeat to anyone who looks at it, however, each aspect of the tattoo has a meaning. My tattoo starts with two chevrons. This is actually a Viking symbol for "create your own reality". This phrase has a lot of meaning to me. I am a creative and strong-minded individual, determined to create a path in life the way I want it. I decided that I was tired of lettings others dictate what I should do, who I should be, and what steps I need to take. That was it, I was going to create my own reality. During the brainstorming of my tattoo, my mom also mentioned that we came from a line of Vikings, a random fact that I took as a sign this was the perfect start of my tattoo. The main part of my tattoo is actually mimicking a soundwave of myself saying "keep going." My original tattoo was going to have this written out, but I loved having the sound wave instead. This particular phrase was so important to me when I was in a bad place. I kept telling myself to push through and keep going and then I'd be able to make life how I want it. This was a few years ago and now I'm incredibly happy with all parts of my life. This said, at the time, I just wanted to be by myself and figure me out, graduate high school, and start fresh afterward. I just had to keep going. The meaning of the last part of my tattoo is more traditional. I wanted a way to signify the end of my tattoo, the fact that I have created my own path and pushed through when it was hard, and now I have reached the point where I'm happy. The triangle at the end means that there is more to look forward to. The triangle was originally open, however, the more I looked at that design, the more I felt as though it showed that something was missing in my life, but nothing was when I finally got the tattoo. The solid triangle means demonstrates that ultimately, I have everything I could want now. I am much more confident in myself now, I know when to put myself first, I am happy with my work and school life. I am slowly developing many more relationships with people too. I have so much more to learn about myself and my life, however, at the very least, I am happy with what I have accomplished so far. Through the combination of these three separate symbols, I can now look at my wrist whenever I am feeling down and remember that I am the only one who can control my life. However, if things don't work out, if I'm having a bad day or am in a rough period of my life, I just need to keep going. Finally, even if I can't see how things could get better, I've been at my lowest before and now I'm at my happiest. I know I can do it again. Now I have harnessed the power to control my life, be happy, and thrive.

I'd assume everyone would like to be healthier. I think it's also safe to assume that if there is something super easy to do to improve your health, you'd likely give it a try. I have decided to share just that! Here is a list of 5 simple and easy changes you can make to have a healthier life. WALK UP, WALK MORE, WALK ANYTIME A very easy change is to walk whenever you can. Whether that means parking at the farthest parking lot in order to get in extra steps, or walking a few blocks instead of taking the car, get in a few extra steps without much thinking. If you have must go up or down levels, skip the elevator and escalator and work out different muscles by taking those stairs. STAY HYDRATED, LADIES AND GENTLEMAN You hear this one everywhere, but do you actually drink enough water? Think back to how much water you've had today, how much you drank this last week. Have you even drank water today? I am so guilty on this one and I am trying my best to drink a lot more. Drinking more water not only hydrates your entire body, but helps you feel more awake, flushes out toxins of your body, decreases your chances for headaches and cramps, along with so many other benefits. START OFF YOUR DAY WITH A MORNING STROLL I've mentioned this before, and I'll mention it again. There's something about starting off your day with a morning working that gets me feeling happier, awake, and more productive. Sure that first step is always a struggle, but once you start, you'll be happy you did. If an AM working is not your style, at least walk around the block. The fact that you moved a little, smelled the fresh air, you're likely feel good and make better choices throughout the day. CHALLENGE A FRIEND, MAKE IT FUN There's something fun and exciting about inviting your friends to challenge and support each other on a mutual goal. Whether you use a fitness app or simple track your activity to see who walks the most, has the best mile time, works out the most often... or you see who can actually drink 64oz a day or get 8 hours of sleep. There are so many ways to involve friends and family while keeping you motivated, this is basically just a fun game that doubles as an easy life hack. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS, REACH YOUR GOALS There are a lot of different goals you might have set for yourself, for your business, your family, your health, or any other aspect of your life. I find that writing down that goal along with small steps to achieve them or a checklist to ensuring you've done them is a great way to keep yourself accountable. For example, if your goal is to run a mile a week, take a piece of paper and write down a week 1-52 along with a space next to it to write down your mile time or a box to checkmark it off. If your goal is to redecorate your house, use a notebook to brainstorm and make a checklist of different tasks you might need to get done before and during the remodel, along with due dates. If you prefer to do this on your phone, be my guest. My point is, by having to check mark each step of the way, you will want to motivate yourself to meet those deadlines. These are just 5 very easy ways you can switch up your routine just a little in order to be on the right track to a healthier lifestyle. I'd love to share more tips in the future, but for now, what are some easy ways you stay healthy?