Blog

It’s Friday The Thirteenth & I Literally Can’t

October 13, 2017October 13, 2017 justnickithingsLeave a comment

BOO! Haha, just kidding.

I woke up this morning and was immediately stressed out. Not only do I have an exam today, but I woke up to five texts asking me whether these ugly shoes were grey and mint or pink and white. WTF. It’s too early for this! Can’t anyone have a normal Friday?

October is hands down the best month of the year.

It’s the start of autumn and in *most* places, the weather begins to cool down. This year, we were blessed with having Friday the Thirteenth land in this ~spooky~ month. Contrary to popular belief, today was supposed to be a good day. But of course, life is life and it’s already shitty.

Everyone is arguing about these shoes. Are they grey and mint? Are they pink and white? Does anyone actually care? Yes, I did ask everyone in my class what they thought, but that’s just because I’m trying to fit in. Families are being torn apart by the minute with this arising issue. I see them as grey and mint, but I’m also semi-blind. I tried looking in the light, in the dark, and everywhere in between, and they ARE NOT pink. But plot twist, they are. Check it out.

On top of the fact that these shoes are pink, they’re $60. Do you know what you could buy with $60? Half of Forever 21, that’s what.

What was supposed to be a festive Friday the Thirteenth is now all about a pair of shoes, thanks to the Internet. I feel like I have a color issue going on with my eyes and my day is slightly ruined. Do I make an appointment with my optometrist? Someone tell me what to do!

I suggest we focus our energy on more important things, like Halloween costumes and plans, rather than our vision issues and these shoes. It’s the black and blue dress reincarnated into sneakers. Tragic.

P.S. I’m running a poll on my Instagram account (@nickiiiig) on what color combination you see the shoes. Head over to my profile and view my story to vote!

The best of luck on this traditionally unlucky day,

Nicki G.

Fitness

Barre So Hard

October 12, 2017October 12, 2017 justnickithingsLeave a comment

I’m going to start by saying that I definitely underestimated ballet barre exercise classes. I’m not sure why, considering that I haven’t taken a ballet class in ten years… but I thought it would be easier than it actually was. Nonetheless, I had a great time and a killer workout.

I love trying new exercise classes, so when The Bar Method was having an Open House week, I decided to try it out. New guests were gifted with a free class, so I brought along a friend of mine to join in on the fun.

barre so hard — Post work out! Sorry for the bad quality- it was saved from SnapChat

The class starts with a quick warm up, followed by different upper and lower body exercises. With each motion, you really feel each muscle being targeted and stretched. Read more about their workout here.

Since I went to the 9:30 a.m. class, I guess that’s prime stay-at-home-mom workout time. My friend and I were probably the youngest girls there, along with two or three more. It was actually kind of funny. Props to them, though, because they were all kicking ass the whole hour-long class, while I was getting my ass kicked (in the best way possible).

I definitely recommend this workout class if you wanna try something new. You feel the burn in all your muscles, and it’s more fun than going to the gym alone and having to come up with workouts. You also get nice stretches throughout the hour, which really help open your body cavities and ease your breathing. I’m adding this to my list of overpriced workout classes that I love! Can I be more basic?

Love,

Nicki G

P.S. I enjoyed a delicious detox juice from Dr. Smood after my class. It was packed with orange, celery, beet, spinach, carrot, lemon, ginger, & ashwagandha (I don’t know either). Great juice to finish off my morning cleanse!

*Featured image from The Bar Method Blog

Blog

Hangover Chronicles: III

September 18, 2017 justnickithingsLeave a comment

This was a weekend of spontaneity. Thursday night, my best friend and I decided to road trip to Gainesville, Fl first thing Friday morning. One of my other best friends & sister go to school there, so we had plenty of places to stay so last minute. We also had nothing school-related to worry about because of #Irma. RIP.

Friday night was a shit show (in the best way possible); drinks were $0.50. Yes. Fifty f*cking cents. Needless to say, everyone I was with ended up extremely drunk. Saturday morning’s hangover was masked by a harsh reality: Game Day. I woke my hungover ass up at 8:30 a.m. and tried to shower the pain away. It helped a little. So did my leftover pizza and Aleve.

Game Day came and went, and plenty of platties (common college lingo referring to Bud Light Platinum- a less shitty version of the classic tailgating beer) were consumed… along with a shot of Aguardiente that I had to try really hard to keep down. That hangover I tried to suppress was slowly creeping its way back into my life- and I knew I’d soon be miserable. I tried napping before going out at night- but my headache was massive. I put my big girl pants on, ate some pasta, and got ready to go out. I went out with my little sister and her friends, which was interesting. Sidenote: let’s all get past the champagne shower phase. No one likes being wet and sticky in the club. Literally no one.

Keep reading to laugh at my Sunday morning misery.

Not only was I extremely hungover on Sunday, but I had to drive five hours back to Miami. Thank the Lord my friend drove down the whole way- I wouldn’t have made it.

We walked downstairs from my sisters apartment to find my friend’s car had been towed. Freaking awesome, right? We waited inside a Publix (the Publix that had our car towed- NOT a pleasure if you ask me) for my sister to come scoop us up to take us to the towing company. Suddenly, an unavoidable wave of nausea came over me. I knew it. My time was done. I found the bathroom and immediately started puking in the toilet. There was someone in the stall next to me and I felt so bad that she was listening to my throw up sounds. That in it of itself would have made me puke. She’s a trooper. I puked a lot and when I walked out of the stall, my eyes were bloodshot, teary, and I looked like defeat. I composed myself (as much as I could) and was gifted with the presence of a cute kid I went to high school with. Goals, right? I shoved a croissant down my throat to absorb any left over stomach acid and my sister pulled up outside. We picked up my friend’s car and went to eat breakfast.

I’m about to tell you a secret. Don’t tell anyone, promise? My hangover was still so bad at this point that… I… ate bacon. I know. I’m terrible. I was too hungover to be a vegetarian. I would have DIED without the bacon. Dramatic? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely.

Warning: graphic image below

unnamed-33 — My hungover self in the car on our way back home. Good look for me, isn’t it?

There you have it- part three. We made it back to Miami safely and soundly, and I’m currently still sleep deprived. Hope you enjoyed laughing at my misery. Laughter is the only way to get through it… or not drinking- but no.

Shotgun a beer in my honor your next game day!

Stay thriving,

Nicki G.

beauty · Blog

My Beauty Routine

September 13, 2017September 14, 2017 justnickithingsLeave a comment

I know. There are people and posts everywhere telling you how to “achieve glowy skin” and “have a flawless complexion“. Honestly, I can’t tell you if my routine will give you any of those, cause I’m not a dermatologist (or miracle worker). Perfect skin comes differently to everyone. I’ve always struggled with spot acne, which has always driven me crazy. Although it’s significantly cleared up after starting birth control, I still find myself randomly breaking out in certain spots on my face.

The products you use definitely play a huge roll in how your skin reacts. If you have oily skin, don’t use products that add more oil or “shine”. If you have dry skin, don’t use products that are going to make your face flakey. Beauty experts all around can help you find the best products that fit you & your skin. Your food intake also contributes to your flawless complexion. If you put shitty food into your body, you’ll have shitty skin. There’s no way around it.

Keep reading for some of my favorite beauty products.

All of Mario Badescu’s skin care products are to die for. They’re simple, effective, and most importantly, affordable. Shop my favorite facial spray here and my favorite toner here. Tip: spray some of the rosewater facial spray for some quick mid-day facial hydration!

0018824_facial-spray-with-aloe-herbs-and-rosewater

Sometimes I wake up with my skin feeling a little dull, so I start my makeup routine with Nars Radiance Primer. This primer adds the perfect illumination on my duller days! Opt for a matte primer if you wake up with shiny skin- like Benefit POREfessional. I apply each to different parts of my face- depending on the area!

Benefit_The_POREfessional_PRO_Balm_Primer_22ml_1363863105

My makeup must-haves:

No, I’m not a makeup artist (or anything close to it), but my best friend is- so I’ve managed to pick up a few tips and tricks along our friendship (P.S. follow her on Instagram: @catanoglam). The products below are my must-haves!

On a regular day, I’ll usually start by applying some of the Elta MD sunscreen (I get the tinted one to reduce white residue), my Nars concealer in the shade Custard, and my Lancome powder in the shade matte honey. Depending on the type of day I’ll be having (just school, hospital day, errands, etc.), I’ll either stop there, or add some of the Hoola bronzer and glow kit. I recently started using the Lash Paradise mascara- and I’m totally in love. Don’t spend money on name-brand mascara- this one works just the same- if not better.

Now don’t forget cleansing.

And I’m not just talking about your face. Although it’s so important to have a daily cleansing routine, you cannot forget to clean your brushes. I’ve noticed I start having random breakouts when I haven’t cleaned my brushes in a while. I’m going to start getting into the habit of regularly cleaning my brushes in hopes of eliminate those mini spot-breakouts I told you about earlier.

I wash my face every time I shower with Neutrogena’s Grapefruit Acne Wash, and every morning with their new Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel. I’ll also use the latter if I feel my face needs a mid-day cleanse.

Washing your face daily, having products that suit your skin type, and not overdoing it with products on the daily are key factors in having awesome skin. I’m on my journey in transforming my skin- and I invite you to do the same! Share your favorite products/routines with me… I love trying out new things! I’ve also been putting a layer of Vitamin E oil on my face before bed a few times a week in order to improve my complexion. Try it out!

Love you always, and let’s wake up #flawless together!

Nicki G.

Blog

Up Your Lunch Game

August 29, 2017August 29, 2017 justnickithingsLeave a comment

A lot of us have long work/school days and don’t have time to go home for lunch. This then leads to A) spending money and eating lunch out (and chances are, it won’t be healthy), or B) taking our lunch with us to school/work. I try to take my lunch with me when I know I won’t have time to come home between classes, or when I have long clinical days at the hospital. Bringing my lunch from home saves money, and I get to decide what I eat and make sure it’s healthy.

Step up your lunch game with a cute lunchbox.

It’s that simple! Invest in a trendy lunch bag, and you’ll be even more inspired to take your lunch to school/work. Kate Spade and Urban Outfitters have adorable lunch boxes, but they can be a little pricey. Amazon also has a really good selection, just make sure you search for “trendy lunchboxes” and not “cute lunchboxes”- the word cute brings in weird dog and cat printed bags. Ew.

My kick ass lunch bag is from Fluf, an organic textile brand. This Girl Power classic lunch bag supports Plan International & Because I am a Girl, organizations that empower and support young girls with quality education and the tools needed to succeed, by donating $1 from the purchase of each bag to these organizations. Read more about this project here. These bags are also made from 100% organic cotton!

Ditch the paper bags and get yourself a lunchbox! Take it back to your elementary school days, minus the Lunchables. Having a reusable lunch bag is eco-friendly and a cute one adds an extra bit of oomph to your day!

Have a nice lunch,

Nicki G.

Blog

Vegainz: Update

August 28, 2017August 28, 2017 justnickithingsLeave a comment

I’m going to start this off by saying that being vegan isn’t for everyone. I’m surprised I even lasted as long as I did given that I am addicted to cheese. After three weeks of absolutely no cheese, eggs, meat, or fish, I decided to go back to my pescatarian ways. I wish I could be vegan #forlife, but it was a little too much, even for me.

Life is about balance.

Although many documentaries claim that “everything in moderation” isn’t good enough, I think it’s ok. And why does my opinion matter? It doesn’t. But I’m sure a lot of you would agree with me. I don’t eat red meat, chicken, and will continue cutting back on my fish intake (although I’m pretty sure it’s only the farm raised stuff that’s bad for you?). I don’t eat dairy other than cheese, and I will make a conscious effort to cut back on my cheese intake as well. Pro tip: switch from soy milk to almond or cashew milk. Studies show the latter are better for you!

Veganz: update — Contrary to popular belief, this is NOT a Silk Almond Milk official ad

I’ve learned to enjoy so many vegetables.

Which is something I’m really happy about. I would have never been caught dead eating so many green things, and here I am. Almond milk is my new best friend, and I’ve found so many protein sources from mushrooms and beans. While my veganism (is that a word?) lasted only a short while, it was a fun challenge I’m glad I took part in. I commend those who have a fully vegan lifestyle and encourage others to give it a try. Even if it only lasts a few weeks, you can discover a lot about your body & how to keep it healthy.

Seitan: newly discovered wheat protein source I’m currently obsessing over

unnamed-19 — This week’s meal prep, featuring seitan, brown rice, asparagus, assorted peppers, zucchini, & mushrooms

So there’s my update.

I lasted three weeks (that’s longer than most of you can do anything so shut up) and it was… interesting. I’m interested in any feedback regarding being vegan- share your journey/experience with me!

For those of you interested, I do most of my grocery shopping at Publix, but I love Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. I’d solely shop there, but Publix is more convenient for weekly shopping- especially with my busy schedule.

Love always,

Nicki G.

Blog

Hangover Chronicles: II

August 15, 2017August 15, 2017 justnickithingsLeave a comment

If you’re reading this, then I managed to survive yet another terrible hangover. Why was I hungover on a Monday, you ask? Because everyone knows Sunday Funday is one of the best trends going around & I might be diagnosed with FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). I had to go. I just had to.

I attended the famous Kiki On The River to start my night of fun. We ate, we drank, and we had a great time. I’ll make sure to dedicate a post about their food and dining experience one of these days. As if endless frozé (see: frozen rosé) wasn’t enough, my friends and I decided to make an appearance at a new club Mr. Jones on the beach. Been there? Maybe- it’s where SET Nightclub used to be & I see it being one of my new favorite clubs. Side-note: the club was slammed and it was a Sunday night… do you people not have responsibilities? Let me be you!

After a heart to heart conversation with my Uber driver & getting home at 4 a.m. to a very annoyed mother, I knocked out.

Hangover Chronicles — Actual text from my mom. Sunday Funday- that’s why!

Waking up to gardeners outside my window this morning was fun. My friend slept over, so luckily I didn’t have to do this alone. After many thoughts and considerations, I decided that being vegan and surviving this hangover were two things that didn’t go hand in hand. One had to go, and I wasn’t planning on dying today. Stay tuned for a post on my vegan experience soon to come.

It seemed like an eternity went by before the pizza was delivered. I ate some, (which did not sit well AT ALL… how could you do this to me, cheesy goodness?) and was somehow convinced to NOT be a couch potato all day. A few hours of nausea and dehydration at its finest, I somehow managed to hold down my stomach contents and didn’t throw up. I did almost throw up in the Sushi Sake bathroom, though, but again I escaped that horror.

It’s 10 p.m. and I think I’m now getting over my hangover. Either that or I’m just so tired & I can’t tell the difference between my exhaustion and usual shitty hangover.

Stay thriving (and I will too),

Nicki G.

Blog

Vegainz

July 25, 2017July 25, 2017 justnickithingsLeave a comment

As a lot of you already know, I’m a pescatarian. September marks one year of no red meat, while my chicken intake has varied throughout the past year. After watching the documentary What The Health (twice), I decided I’d try to go vegan. If you’re interested, follow me and my weekly journey! I’m not sure how long it will last, but it’s definitely worth a try.

For breakfast I’ll be having things like oatmeal made with almond milk & topped with fruit, toasted wheat bread topped with tomatoes and onions, smoothies, or my signature avocado toast (sans the egg, though). Lunch and dinner is where it’ll get more tricky for me. I don’t like tofu or tempeh, so I have to see what I figure out. I love Gardein products, so I’ll definitely be experimenting with all their delicious vegan options. I plan on incorporating new veggies, mushrooms, and pasta.

I think the most difficult thing for me is going to be giving up cheese. I’m a cheesaholic, so this really is a sacrifice. I’m taking it one week at a time to see how it goes. If anyone has any suggestions/recipes, feel free to share! I’d love to try them out and see how they turn out. Also, stay tuned to my Instagram story where I’ll be posting my meals as I go through the week!

Love always,

Nicki G.