So What's Up?

Hello beauties!

So as many of you know, I started college in August. Since then, I've absolutely enjoyed it here! I love the college life, and I'm learning more about myself each day.

But with that comes so much sacrifice. I've learned to make my own decisions, become independent, and just become an overall better person. I know that prior to starting college, I was trying my best to create posts, but I haven't been inspired. Now, since my time is ultra limited, I'll be having a harder time to create posts.

With all that said, I'll still be continuing the "Monthly Favorites", but anything out of that, will still be in the works. I knew that my time would be limited before college, but not to this extent. I apologize, for any inconvenience, but this is for me. I'm still learning to manage so much, that I've had to skip out on some of organizations I was interested in, for next year. (Hopefully my life would be at least halfway organized).

Here's where I need your help. I NEED ideas, topics, subtopics, anything. If you have a question and want me to answer it? Put it in the comments! Have an idea, and want my view/take on it? Put it in the comments! I want this blog to be an inclusive one and would love to have a connection with my readers. 

Thank you for your understanding, as I walk on this college journey. Please keep the support coming!

If you have ANYTHING, put it in the comments!

Until next time,

Raven

August Favorites

Hello beauties!

August has been jam packed! For me, August meant opening a new chapter, I left my job, moved to Mount Pleasant, and started college. I'm attending Central Michigan University, hopefully to get a double major in Psychology and either Sociology, Social Work, or History. (All depends on what I feel when I declare my major).

I'm really excited to be starting this new chapter in my life! With all that said, let's get started!

**(All products are not sponsored, and have been bought at my own expense and interest. All opinions are of my own.)**

• Music

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"Closer" by The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey

I don't what it is about these two! They both are past favorites, but I never thought they would work together! This is the best mashup of the summer. Now, if only we can get Sam Smith and Adele to collab, my life would be made. This song is simply beautiful, and the voices of Andrew Taggart and Halsey are really fantastic. I got addicted to this song through my Leadership Safari guide. Every morning, he would play this song for us to find him in the masses to college freshman. Surprisingly it worked. I really like this song and I'm really happy that is collaboration exists!

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"CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!" by Justin Timberlake

I heard this song during Leadership Safari and fell in love with it immediately! Justin Timberlake is another past favorite. I think I really love the beat and how it can work with many types of dance styles. I'm a huge dancer and I love music that does that. Timberlake has been really popular this summer and I'm just soaking in all his music. I feel that any song that he releases, I will be a big fan of it.

• Movies

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Suicide Squad

I saw this movie with a bunch of my friends as a "last gathering" meet up. I don't care what you say, but this movie was AMAZING! I loved the characters, the plot, everything! My favorite character was honestly Deadshot. But Harley Quinn and Joker have a spot of my heart. I'm really upset with some of the reviews, but after talking to my theatre friends, I can see why now. But it's still a good movie and if you haven't seen it, go see it.

• Events

(Team Frugal)

IMPACT
IMPACT is a program that primarily focuses on minorities of incoming freshman and first generation students. I loved this program because it focused on connecting and showing students that they're not alone on campus. Since Central Michigan is a predominately white college, it can sometimes feel lonely on campus. To know that there are people on campus like you is very comforting. Within the program, you are paired with a two mentors who helps you adjust to your first year of college. Also you are placed in a group of other students and they become your family. I was paired with two phenomenal people and an amazing group. We ask each other questions about campus and just general issues or struggles of campus. If you are a student going to CMU, I highly suggest you become part of this program!

(Team Termite)

Leadership Safari

Leadership Safari is a event that is unique to Central Michigan University. It focuses primarily on connecting students to each other, and creating the foundation of leaders. The program is a five-day event filled with team building, volunteer work, networking with student organizations, and much more. Events range from poetry slam night, leadership sessions, comedy night, etc. Some of my favorites were The Asia Project, Ebony Stewart, Eric O'Shea, Paul Wesselmann, and a host of others. Leadership Safari comes so much dancing, laughing, and interactions with groups. My group was Team Termite, and these are some pretty cool people!

(The Asia Project)

(Ebony Stewart)

(Ben Nemtin of The Buried Life)

• Life

College

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On August 18, I packed up both of my parent's cars, drove 2 hours to Mount Pleasant, and started the next chapter of my life. College has been a huge change for me. Primarily because I grew up in a small school of 400 people with a graduating class of 108. So being surrounded by 2,000+ people within the first week, was pretty overwhelming. But as time flew by and the returning students came, I could handle the large crowds. College is also a place where I could really become independent. Not saying that I wasn't before, but to truly be on my own, had been an eye opener. Within my first week of being moved in, I had a sense of what type of person I am. But I know that who I am now, is a very fluid concept. In other words, I'm bound to change who I am for whatever reason. But I know that college won't completely change who I am, but expound and grow on what I already have. I hope that CMU can help me find my passion, my leadership skills, and my true happiness.

August has been the beginning of a new chapter. Now we're in September! Only one more month until Halloween! Three more months until the end of the year! Let me know in the comments of what I should be on the lookout for!

Until next time,

Raven

July Favorites

Hello beauties!

Woo, July has been a hot month for me. I've travelled internationally for the first time! I'm slowly, but surly buying stuff for my college dorm. I start college on August 29th! I'm getting excited as each day pass by. 

If you want to read my June favorites, click here. During July, I found so many favorites, many of them are European bound, but some are local too. So let's get started!

• Music

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X Ambassadors

I discovered X Ambassadors via the "Discover Weekly" playlist on my Spotify account. The song listed was "Gorgeous". This is song was different for me. I love the pulsing beat that comes with it and the voice that carries along with it. It wasn't until that I started listening to "Renegades" that I like a few songs from the band. This is a good party band, and I recommend them.

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"Don't Let Me Down" by the Chainsmokers feat. Daya

I heard this song in a store in France and loved it ever since. The Chainsmokers have recently started to become popular and I'm joining their ever growing fan base. I love the beat that comes with this song and the drop that follows. If you're looking for a song to chill to, this is it!

• Travel

Europe

I recently travelled across the ocean for the first time and had the time of my life! I visited the United Kingdom, France and Italy. Visiting these three countries has made me a more humble person. Seeing the beauties of the world in person has truly affected me. Hopefully I can visit these countries and many more in the future!

(Tower Bridge view from London Bridge)

(The Eiffel Tower)

(Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy)

• Life

Ann Arbor Street Art Fair

The Ann Arbor Street Art Festival or the "A2 Art Fest" is a festival that sprawls downtown Ann Arbor. I've been coming here for the past three years and each year, it seems to be getting smaller. But this year, it grew and took over seven streets! I like coming here because it's a place where people come and showcase their works. This year my attention was caught by two people.

Alec LaCasse

The first person was Alec LaCasse. LaCasse is a Michigan-based sculptor of wood and stone. What caught my attention was the intricate detail of every piece of his work. In his booth he had a flower-themed piece of wood, and I absolutely fell in love with it! (I didn't get a picture). I was so impressed by his work, that I told him he deserved to be in my blog. I promise to buy something! Check him out if you love really good wood work!

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Michael

Second person was Michael. I noticed him through friends who was just standing around him, admiring his work. He specializes in handmade wire jewelry. I bought a copper ring and a black and violet charm from him, and I'm in love with them. Unfortunately he doesn't have a website, but the day that he creates one, you guys will be the first to know!

• Food

 

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Milka

OMG! This chocolate was a beautiful curse that was placed on me. I bought this in France and let's just say, I had to make this bar last three days. It's really creamy and you could really taste the chocolate, and there are literally no other words to describe it, unless you try it. I will make another trip to France in order to have this wonderful chocolate goodness in my life again.

Traditional Italian Salad Dressing

Coming from the Midwest, I'm a ranch dressing girl. I put ranch on everything. But in Italy, my Midwest, ranch loving spirit was replaced with a more simple food palette. The salad dressing we had (almost every day) was made with salt, vinegar, and olive oil. Who knew that these three ingredients would change the way I view salads.

European Food (in general)
The food over there in general is so much tastier. It's not overly salty, processed, and over done. Even the Starbucks in France was better! My favorite places food-wise was Grandcamp-Maisy in France, Florence, and Rome. I'm a big fan of pasta, and Italy delivered! The only thing I wished was to have more time to savor every last bit of it.

Chicken pie with mashed potatoes and peas (UK)

Pork steak with roasted potatoes and tomato (France)

Chocolate strawberry gelato (Italy)

So that's it for July! August is here and I'm looking for new and exciting things! Let me know in the comments of something I should check out!

Until next time,

Raven

My Trip to Europe (Part 2)

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Hello beauties!

This is the second leg of the trip, if you want to read about the first leg, click here. This part of the trip was by far the funniest, challenging, and eye opening. The night that we left, the attack in Nice happened. My heart and prayers go out to the victims and the families affected. Even though we weren't in the general area, the thought that it could happen anywhere hit me. But let's move on and talk about my favorite part of the trip, Italy!

ITALY

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We arrived to Italy, via night train. We stopped in Milan to transfer for a train to Florence. When we reached Florence, not even 20 minutes of being in the city, me and my friend were flirted. After that, I knew I was going to love it here. Italy has an atmosphere where, you feel included even if you're a tourist. I could see myself, maybe 5 years after college, living in Florence or Rome (definitely Rome).

• Day 9: Train from Milan to Florence, visited the Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo's David), tour of Il Duomo (Florence Cathedral), tour of Florence, visited Leonardo Leather and Gold.
• Day 10: Left Florence, three-hour bus drive to Rome, visited the Pantheon, tour of the Colosseum, visited the Trevi Fountain.

Il Duomo

Trevi Fountain

• Day 11: Explored the Domitilla Catacombs, St. Paul's Basilica, drive to Vatican City, tour of the Sistine Chapel, walk around St. Peter's Basilica, stopped at Della Palma (gelato), pizza party!
• Day 12: Left Rome, two-hour bus drive to Pompeii, tour of Pompeii, hour bus drive to Sorrento, shopping time in Sorrento, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Trevi Fountain was so gorgeous. Fun fact, when you visit the Trevi Fountain, there are two rituals, one must partake. If you're married you throw one coin over the opposite shoulder, one for "returning to Rome, and one for luck with your marriage". For single people, you do the same thing, but with three meanings. One for "returning to Rome, finding love, and luck with your marriage. The catacombs were really cool. To think that all of the holes in the wall were filled by men, women, and children blew me away.

• Day 13: (Last full day in Italy) Boat ride from Sorrento to Capri, boat tour of Capri, walking tour inside Capri, walked through the Gardens of Augustus, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea (again), boat ride from Capri to Naples, three-hour bus drive back to Rome.
• Day 14: Travel Day (Back home)

Flowers in the Gardens of Augustus

Mediterranean Sea near Capri

This trip has been the absolute dream of a lifetime! I'm so blessed and honored that I got to share this trip with some of the most amazing people ever! They have made my summer so much better. I'm also thankful for the amazing tour guide who was ever so patient with us and was an overall cool person.

This trip could not have been possible for me without the never-ending support from my parents and my family. I thank you all and God bless!

If you want to know more about my trip, please leave a question in the comments, or if you want to know more information, please visit eftours.com.

Until next time,

Raven

My Trip to Europe (Part 1)

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Hello beauties!

Almost two weeks ago I was embarking on my first plane ride, my first time out of the country, longest time being away from my family. I was on my way to the cities of my dreams. I was about to start the best two weeks of my life.

But let me rewind and give you the back story. One of my classes in my senior year, was AP European History, APEH. I took this class to be with friends, but also to have my favorite teacher, Ms. Wood again for a final time. Upon taking this class, one of my friends found out that there is a company, EF Tours, who has a trip that follows the curriculum of APEH. Fast forward eight months later and here I am.

I had the absolute time of my life! As said earlier, this was my first time on a plane, first time out of the country, and the longest I've been away from my family. Everyone asks me "Weren't you scared on the plane?", I respond with "No, because I'm covered with prayers." Another question that I seemed to get was "Did you have any expectations or which place did you want to see the most?" I'd say, "I tend to not have expectations for anything, because if those expectations aren't met to my standards, I'm the one who feels let down or disappointed. The place I was excited about the most was Italy and it definitely delivered!" But enough of the Q & A, let's start with London!


UNITED KINGDOM

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London was a pleasure to stay in. It reminded me of a much, much busier Ann Arbor, which was something I could handle. Although we were in London for two days we saw, and learned so much about the city. I could definitely see myself living here after college.

• Day 1: Travel Day
• Day 2: Arrived in London, went to the hotel, commuted by the London Underground or "The Tube" to Piccadilly Circus, visited The National Gallery of London, walking tour of London, dinner at the O2.
• Day 3: Guided bus tour of London, London Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Wicked at Apollo Victoria Theatre.

Buckingham Palace

The National Gallery of London 

 FRANCE

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When we first arrived in France, we arrived in Paris, but then took a three-hour bus drive NW to a little town called Grandcamp-Maisy. This little town is absolutely gorgeous! I wanted to just thrive in it. It's a fisherman town, right on the coast of the English Channel.

• Day 4: Travel Day, Eurostar from London to Paris, three-hour drive to Grandcamp-Maisy, free-time to explore the town.
• Day 5: Le Memorial de Caen, Pointe du Hoc Beach, Omaha Beach, Normandy American Cemetery.

Grandcamp-Maisy

The time at all the D-Day memorials, really struck a cord with me. I think it's one situation where you just learn about an event versus actually visiting the location of the event itself. The stories of brothers and families that sacrificed so much, whether it was their decision or not, really put me in a mindset of gratefulness and thankfulness.

• Day 6: Left Grandcamp-Maisy, four-hour drive to Paris, Notre Dame, shopping on Avenue des Champs Elysées, train to the Eiffel Tower, boat ride on the Siene, photoshoot at the Eiffel Tower.
• Day 7: Guided bus tour of Paris, Arc de Triomphe, Palace of Versailles, dinner at Le Boeuf Gros Sel, free-time in Montmarte.

Eiffel Tower

• Day 8: The Louvre (Mona Lisa!), shopping at Avenue des Champs Elysées again, board the night train to Florence.

The time in Paris was so much fun! Growing up I've always wanted to visit this beautiful city. When we visited the Eiffel Tower, it was around the time it was just starting to light up, and I truly understood why it'c called the "City of Lights". At night the entire area just brightens and becomes a beautiful sea of colors.

Well this is just the first half of this trip! I hope you've enjoyed reading thus far! Leave a comment or a question about the trip, and I'll be happy to answer!

Until next time,

Raven

June Favorites!

Hello beauties!

As May was crazy and hectic, so was June. With my high school graduation, my grad party, attending my friend's grad parties, working, and many more obstacles in my way. Also, since my laptop was a "school issued" one, I had to return my sole method of communication. But now I've bought my own, and I'm back!

To be honest, since June was everywhere, but where I needed it to be, I really didn't find many favorites. But I've tried really hard to remember some of the little things that are now my new favorites!

**(All products are not sponsored, and have been bought at my own expense and interest. All opinions are of my own.)**

• Music

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Justin Timberlake

I've been a JT fan since Futuresex/Lovesounds, but one day I was shopping and I found myself rocking to this song. I looked up the lyrics and discovered this song! It's called "Not a Bad Thing", and I adore it. I love the mellow vocals with the hint of pop in the background. I could see myself slow dancing to this song. So if you need a song to help you do the chores, or just to end the day, this is the song for you! There are two versions of this song,  I prefer the 11:28 because you get two songs for one track. 

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Parson James

Parson James was someone who I found through the TV show The Originals. I fell in love with his song "Waiting Game", to the point where it was on repeat for about two days straight. I finally decided to break the "Waiting Game" streak and listen to his other songs. I discovered that I already liked his song "Temple". He incorporates pianos in his music which I absolutely adore, and his voice is very gentle and easy to lost in.

• Technology

Apple

I recently bought a new laptop from Apple and I love it! I've been a "Apple girl" ever since I got my iPod Touch 4th Generation, way back in 2011. Since then I've gotten a iPad, a iPhone and now I have a MacBook Pro. My main reason for getting a laptop was for college and various personal reasons. I love the simplicity of Apple and everything about it.

Momentum

I added this to my Chrome account and it has been the best thing ever. Momentum is a personal dashboard where everyday you can type in your daily goals. For me I type in my main focus for the day. Whether it be college-related, personal, or random. Everyday I get so excited to check the background. They choose the most beautiful locations and at the bottom there is a inspirational quote. This is perfect if you need some serenity and peace in your life.

• Life

Top of the Park

Top of the Park or ToP is Ann Arbor's annual summer festival. It literally kick starts my summer! I've been coming here for the past two summers and I enjoy it every year. It lasts for about a month and every night is something different, a new theme, musical artist, movie, activity, etc. I love it because it brings so many organizations, communities, groups of people together. I specifically love it when they have Latin Night because, we have a free salsa lesson with live music for about two hours. It's the perfect way to avoid traffic in Ann Arbor and waste time with food and music. 

So these are my June favorites! I hope you find something that you'll enjoy, as much as I did! Let me know of some of other things I need to keep my eyes peeled for!

May Favorites!

Hello beauties!

So every month, I want to try new products, find new interests, and discover new things. Then at the end of the month, write a blog talking about some of my new favorite things! 

May has been a VERY busy month for me. I signed my commitment to Central Michigan University, I turned 18, went to prom, and had my very last day of high school. So my attention and focus has been geared to these things. But along the way I discovered some new interests in music and life.

**(All products are not sponsored, and have been bought at my own expense and interest. All opinions are of my own.)**

• Music

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Chance the Rapper

I'm normally not a rapper person, but something about Chance the Rapper caught my attention. I read about Chance, in this BuzzFeed article and made it my duty to listen to him. I think the one thing that drew me to him, was his ability to connect this faith with his career. I listened to his mixtape. Coloring Book and after listening to a couple of his songs, I realized that I had heard some of his tracks from friends. Off his mixtape, I really like "Blessings" (For reasons still unknown). But if you like new and fresh rappers, I highly suggest Chance the Rapper.

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Halsey

I had heard of Halsey before I FINALLY decided to listen to her music. I heard that she's mainstream artist of the summer. One night I finally looked her up on Spotify and listened to her album BADLANDS (Deluxe). Honestly how come I've never listened her before! I went to school the next day, talked to my friend, and said "How come I never listened Halsey before?!?", he said "You just started listening to her?? She's so good!!" My favorite song is "Colors" and I love the music video with it. If you're into alternative pop, or need to listen to someone new, listen to Halsey.

• Dance

Salsa Dancing

I've always been in love with Latin dancing, specifically with Cha-Cha. But now my new goal is to learn Salsa. I went to an open dance called Salsa in the Park in Ann Arbor, with my sister Neika. I truly fell in love with Salsa dancing. Even though I had little to none experience, everyone was so welcoming and accepting. One person in particular made my entire night by just allowing my many, MANY mistakes fall through and not stopping. But instead they told me to "just have fun, and if you mess up, just go with it,". I'm going to make it my personal goal to learn Salsa before I go to college in August. So wish me luck!

• Life

(Photo from Prom 2016)

Friends

With this being my senior year of high school, I made it my mission to make every lasting moment last. May had to be the shining month for me, and it was. My friends have been the absolute highlight of my senior year. From the parties at each others houses, to supporting each other's senior projects, to voting me on Coming Home Court (I didn't win, but whatever), these people have been there. For the tears, the equal anger of losing a favored teacher(s) each year, to making each other laugh until we had cramps, and much more. I love these people and I hope that one day, we can tell our children and grandchildren, the memories that we shared. (Or why that aunt is really rich and famous)

Big Dreams and Little Things (BD&LT)

This blog has been a huge eye opener to me. I've learned that sometimes the ideas that go through my head are often not heard, or spoken to people. So now, I just type them out and hope someone reads them. BD&LT had given me something to do when I'm out of school, and to occupy my time. I hope that I can continue writing and bring more information to the world. I hope to voice the opinions of those who aren't in the limelight.

This concludes my very first favorites blog! I hope that you enjoyed reading it, as much I did writing it. Let me know in the comments of other things that I should be on the lookout for!

Until next time,

Raven