Usually my days these past weeks have just consisted of school and gym, nothing else. But even so, I have to say I definitely missed the friends I was apart from this summer, it's truly nice to be reunited with my group.


I have to say for it being my fourth year of college, things feel different but in a good way. I'm a lot more open and carefree (in a good way) this year so it's been a lot easier to just meet new people where as all my other years of college I never even tried. Also, I've been able to grow closer to my existing friendships because of this.

It's definitely a promising semester. I have many exciting things coming up that I can't wait to share with you all.

Also my friend and I created a website called CurlsAndDumbbells definitely check it out if you have a chance! We're extremely proud of it and it's basically like our "baby."

In just the short time we have created it, it's growing fast and we are receiving support everyday.

Once again, if any of you have any questions about school or just need to vent, just shoot me a message. Even if its anonymous, I'm always here to help and listen!

I hope your first week of school has been great and I wish you all a fun and productive school year!

Remember, you are enough

It's that time of year again..

Yes, I'm talking back to school.

You either hate it or love it. 

All I'm excited for is to shop for new school supplies... 

I am starting my fourth year of college and I figured with a couple of years of experience, I could pass down some knowledge I've learned throughout my time here. 

Also, if you're interested in a college series just let me know through here or my tumblr!

Most of you seem to prefer to contact me through tumblr since I have the anonymous option. 

By the way, the picture above was my daily view from my dorm my freshmen year. 

1. Do not buy your books before class starts 

2. Keep every syllabus you get 

• The first day of your classes is usually known as "syllabus day" (unless you have a professor that actually starts teaching on the first day, don't be surprised). I refer to a professor's syllabus throughout the semester. It usually has all of your professor's contact information and office hours. It also has important dates like exams, no class, or final. Plus if you waste your professor's time asking them something that could be found in the syllabus, chances are that you may not get the friendliest response. Don't be that person. I like to store my syllabus in a protective sheet. I usually just have one binder for all my classes. All I do is separate my classes by tabs and the syllabus is the first thing you see in every section. 

3. Check your schedule the night before 

• Fun fact, the first day of college for me I sat in the wrong biology class. Apparently they had moved the location of my class to another building. I ended up having to awkwardly walk out in the middle of class and then I missed my first biology class entirely. Luckily, the professor posted the syllabus online. Some classes will change and shift around right before the semester begins so just double check your schedule the night before, it will save you from any surprises. 

4. Give yourself plenty of time in between classes your first few days

• If you're university is anything like the size of mine, it's a pretty huge campus. Especially your first year, since it's unknown "territory" it seems bigger than it really is. I remember thinking how far my dorm is to the bookstore, now it seems like a short walk. As you familiarize yourself with campus, you'll begin to develop what the best paths are to take for wherever it is you're trying to get to. Your first few days, I strongly urge you to go to your class earlier than you normally would. Plus it's better to be there early to claim a good seat! You just want to avoid the stress of being lost and not being able to find your class and then having to walk in late. I will also warn you, if you're commuting to school, usually traffic is crazy in the beginning of the semester. Also, finding a parking spot can be a challenge, so be an early bird and avoid the stress of aimlessly driving around and waiting for someone to pull out. 

5. Check the weather 

• I carry my umbrella at all times. It is an absolute must because I'll be honest, sometimes I forget to check the weather in the morning so if it unexpectedly starts to rain, I'm not completely caught by surprise. But because I know how my campus is, if it is suppose to rain heavily I like to wear my rain boots to school. It's more of a necessity actually because many parts of my school easily flood during a storm and let me tell you, it is no fun to walk around with shoes and socks soaking wet. You just want to make sure you're dressed for the weather. Even though it's ridiculously hot right now, many of your classes will be freezing cold so it doesn't hurt to pack a sweater! I always keep one in my studio. 

6. Pack snacks and bring a water bottle 

• You may have a really nice schedule where you're only on campus a couple of hours or certain days of the week, but you may also be stuck with a schedule where it feels like you're on campus all day. If you're dorming on campus, you probably have a meal plan so it's fairly easy for you to eat at school. If you don't, spending money on food on campus can get expensive fast. I like to bring snacks with me from home to eat throughout the day. I'm on campus for long periods of time and I like to have food that will satisfy me and not mess up my diet. The freshmen 15 is a very real thing, beware. I also always cary my water bottle to keep me hydrated throughout my day. Luckily, I have my own studio space at school and that is where I am practically 24/7 so we have mini fridges and microwaves. That way I can just keep my food at school since all my classes at this point are at the same location. But, if you don't have that opportunity, pack some snacks and keep it in your school bag! Most professors are cool with you eating in class just avoid something smelly or loud. You also don't want to feast in class. I've seen people bring McDonald's meals to class and get called out on it. 

I sincerely wish you all the best of luck for this new school year! If you think high school flew by, college goes by even faster so enjoy it as much as you can. Of course it can get insanely stressful, but it's also a lot of fun! You'll grow a lot these next years, allow room for change. 

Inbox me any questions you may have! I'll be doing a post about the pros and cons of living on campus and commuting. 

Enjoy the rest of your summer and remember, 

you are enough. 

-m

I'm happy on the changes i've made in my life.

Physically and mentally. 

I'm not going to stop trying to develop myself as a person, every day. 

By the way, 

I've officially lost 20 lbs! 

I'm feeling so accomplished with myself and my fitness journey. Excited to see where I'll be in a few months. 

I wish you all a wonderful weekend and remember, 

you are enough. 

-m

Hello and happy Friday everyone!

These past few months I have been searching for ways to squeeze in some exercise during my daily tasks. Honestly it is all about leading an active life and having a stronger body so why not? 

Also, shout out to my model and awesome gym partner above!

These are just a couple of changes I've made:

1. Park far away 

2. Make stairs your best friend

• If you know me, then you know I have quite an "obsession" with butts. I do not discriminate based of gender either. I appreciate a good booty when I see one. So naturally, I am busting my ass (literally) to get mine in great shape. Gone are the days of taking the elevator. One thing I have noticed is that I can actually go up four flights of stairs without losing my breathe. Months ago, I would take the same stairs and I would be panting by the end. I also try to take the stairs when I am carrying something such as stacks of textbooks or my schoolbag. 

3. Talk and squat

• Ask my roommates or my parents, I will be holding a conversation with someone and I will start randomly doing variations of squats and lunges. I might be in the kitchen waiting for something to come out of the microwave and instead of just waiting normally, I'm squatting. Whenever I have the chance, I do something. My roommate and I even keep our weights out in the open in case anyone wants to do a set of hammer curls, for example. Fun fact, whenever I pull an all nighter in the studio, if I find myself falling asleep, I will do a set of push ups or other exercises to wake myself up. It may sound a little excessive, but I don't have the bad habit of being a couch potato and sitting on my ass for hours like I use to. 

4.  Bust a move

• Alone? Have a dance party to yourself! I usually always have my headphones, I listen to music practically all day. Especially if I'm at work or school. So whenever I have the chance, I will break down dancing in the elevator, in the middle of an empty library, an empty office. You name it. I'll admit I have gotten carried away and I have been caught multiple times, but if you do, it is okay just brush it off! If I am home at the apartment I'll just play music on my laptop and I'll dance in my room or in the shower. Plus you can practice those dance moves before going out!

5. Carry you water bottle EVERYWHERE

• Even if I am just watching TV, I have my water bottle by my side and I am constantly keeping myself hydrated. Plus, you're less likely to buy a soda or juice if you already have your water bottle with you. I honestly even put it in my purse and bring it into the movie theatre. Hey, I have no shame in my game. 

Every little bit counts. These may seem silly and excessive, but I feel like these have only helped me with my fitness. Plus, if you're feeling down, bust a move and tell me you won't be smiling after. 

Anyway, I wish you all a fun weekend, I'll be studying, but I may take a dance break Saturday night. 

Remember, you are enough.

-m

2. Family 

• Family. What can I say? My family would go to hell and back for me in an instant. That's not to say we are perfect. Just like any family, we each have our own set of challenges, but in the end of the day I know without a doubt they are always there for me. I have parents that support my dreams and even push me to travel the world and follow my passions. Then there is my big brother. My only sibling. These past months I have felt closer to him than I had been in a while. We talk almost every day and even though he can be the biggest pain in my ass. I love him. I hate him, but I love him. I have to remind myself not to take anyone in my family for granted and to just appreciate all the moments I get to spend with them. As we grow up, we move away, we start our own lives, our own families and we don't get to see our own as often as before. As I start preparing for graduation soon, the possibility of me moving away is becoming very real, so I am trying to soak up all the family time I can. 

3. Past

• It's no secret that I went through a big break up this year. I have my fair share of posts on this subject. The reason I haven't stopped bringing it up is because surprisingly many of my readers are dealing with break ups of their own and I have been told that reading my posts has helped them. Which is honestly the only goal I had when writing about it. Right now, I can confidently say I have let go of all anger and bitterness I had. I don't want to carry those negative vibes into my new year. There is absolutely no point in holding on to grudges and resentments. He may not be a part of my life anymore, but I can appreciate the beautiful moments we had together. Aside from our problems, what we had was definitely special and I'll always be grateful for the times he was there for me. He will always be my first love and I think a part of me will always care for him. Maybe that's what it truly means to move on in a breakup. When you can look back and smile at the good memories, learn from the bad ones, and wish your ex nothing but happiness - regardless of what was done to you. The truth is, I've had to grow outside of that relationship in order to really grow as a person. And that is exactly what I'm doing now. Growing, learning, and finally loving myself the way I deserve to be. 

I have to say, I am really interested in seeing what these next years bring. So much can change in just months. I think that's how your 20's are suppose to be - full of new experiences, lots of learning, growing, and lots of fun.

If any of  my readers are fellow cancers or July babies, I wish you a very happy birthday! 

Remember, you are enough.

-m