ameliarogers

3 Things I Wish I'd Known Sooner

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 00:30:50 GMT

3 Things I Wish I'd Known Sooner

1. No one really knows what they are doing, so be true to yourself.

There is no t rue right way to live. I had given a lot of my power to people who shouldn’t really have had a say in what I did. Family/friends are amazing and they are great ad visors but do n’t blind ly follow anyone, sometimes the best thing to do is that risky thing that will bring you joy even if some people don’t understand.

2. Routines are worth as much as Gold

There is nothing you cannot accomplish with a well thought out routine to aid you. If you want to create a new life start with a new routine. You will watch your life change. You can also use routines to re-invent yourself when you are ready to become a different, more evolved version of yourself.

3. Invest in Yourself

Always make sure to put yourself first in your health, finances, relationships, mental health, and your interests. Make sure you make the time to truly take ca re of yourself, your future you will thank you. You’ll be leaps and bounds happier and healthier if you focus on living in a way that sets yourself up for an easier future. URGENT: Work obligations are not more important than your health or happiness.
Self-respect come s from self-control, n ot people pleasing or outside factors. This respect will help you with decision making skills, confidence, and your overall happiness.

Getting it Done with To-Do-Lists

Mon, 15 May 2023 22:54:30 GMT

Tip of the Week - To Do List's

To-Do-Lists can sometimes be quite daunting and make you feel as though you have so much to do that it almost paralyzes you instead of motivates you. I haven’t always been a list person, but I can say that once I figured out how they work best for me I use them daily.

I have two techniques that I use to make the most of everyday. One is a master list ; this is where I write down all the things, I can think of that need to be accomplished each month. The size of this list varies quite a bit from month to month but having a master list keeps me organized. Once I have my master list sorted out and all the things that were circling in my head down on paper I can begin to organize into categories and priorities.

Categories for me tend to be personal appointments, posting schedules, cleaning goals, and miscellaneous. Then I prioritize them by typically putting a star next to the items I need to get done with a deadline attached, the others I rank in terms of what I think needs to be my focus to have a better life. That may sound extreme but getting through the list in terms of what serves me most has been a huge game changer for me and my overall productivity satisfaction.

The second list; this is the daily list. I tend to take 10 minutes the night before and create a clear picture for what I want to get done the next day. With this list I pull from my monthly list and usually chose my top priorities and 1-2 easier to check-off items. For example, if I need to create some content for my website that usually takes me longer than cleaning the kitchen, so I’ll chose those two for one day. I tend to have a list of about 10 things but realistically I focus on my top 3-4 daily and knock them out based on how important they are from my master list.

Creating these lists has kept me focused and dialed in on where I really need to be putting my energy. I find that when I have a day where I don’t plan in advance, I get next to nothing accomplished. Now I’m not saying every day is going to be your top-notch productivity meter, but you will find that making small steps toward your larger goals compounds over time to get you closer to the “you” you want to be.

I’ll leave you with a quote to help inspire you! I have also attached a daily planner below that I use to prepare for each day.

“What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.” Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Moving to California

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 21:05:48 GMT

Moving To California

This was a move I was determined to make ever since I was in junior high school. We had gone on a family vacation to Southern California, and it was amazing. I instantly fell in love and wanted to be there when I got older. Naturally, once graduated from college and when an opportunity presented itself, I jumped on the chance to go. I took road trip to get there from Maine.

I highly recommend road trips to anyone with an adventurous heart. There is so much to see in the US and it's so beautiful. Nature is absolutely stunning and so diverse even just from one side of the US to the other. Even in California there are so many different wonders within the countryside. More to come on the road trip later! For now, here is all you need to know about making one of those massive moving decisions.

I was lucky and moved there with one of my best friends in the entire world. He is also my biggest crush. We were on the adventure of a lifetime. Young, bright, bushy-tailed recent grads with the future looking bright. We ended up in Orange County, CA. For those who are not as familiar, this is an area of California between LA and San Diego. It was not where we were originally planning to land but we didn't complain. We both got jobs after we got there and were starting to make a career in the place we both had dreamed of since we were little. We were in most peoples eyes "crazy" for leaving everything behind without having jobs, but I have no regrets.

Leaving family and friends behind is hard but I urge everyone with the desire, to go because time will continue to move forward and while you're young it's the best time to take the risks. Needless to say, if you are any age it's never to let to make the leap to go somewhere new. We happened to be in our 20's and were willing to fail because we could always go back home. Home was always an option, so why not take the risk?

We did have a couple thousand in savings to be able to get established prior to getting jobs. Where we were spontaneous we also did our best to plan out the how. How are we going to be able to make it work? Our biggest obstacle was money and by having a small amount saved up we were setting ourselves up for a smoother transition. The goal was to get a job within the first 3 months and then we would have made it. We got lucky and I got a position within our first month there and thus we got an apartment to establish ourselves.

I look back at this life moment and smile with how determined we were to make it work. There were a lot of tiring moments, more applicants sent out than I could even count, more networking events than I've ever attended in my life, and yet we succeeded. There we were in California living in the sunshine state for 5 years. Going on hikes, making friends, working on building our careers, and always exploring.

To recap, here are the top things to think about when making a move.

Pick the where based on true intentions, whether the culture, the outdoor adventure, or a lifelong dream.
Once you know where do your research to see what jobs are available and start applying.
Plan the best route or way to move there, whether by roadtrip or plane (route the trip and know the costs).
Know there will be resistance from family and friends so be prepared for the tough conversations (You got this!).
If possible, save up enough money to get established (more money will come once you start working).
Remember your why, there will be many tough moments and then one day you'll have made it.

I encourage those who are looking to take the jump to move whether that's to a different town, state, or country. There is so much self-growth and incredible amounts of cultural lessons to be learned. If you do it, you'll never look back wondering what if, you'll always smile and say "I did it."

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 13:43:31 GMT

Hot Air Balloon Ride - Bucket List Item

This has been a bucket list item since I was little. I always wanted to experience the peace of being in a giant floating basket. I have always found it so fascinating that we created a flying balloon that we could travel in. It’s closer to the freedom of flying than being in a plane, in my opinion. You experience the environment around you and get to feel the wind as it blows through your hair.

It was amazing feeling the flames on your back knowing they were guiding the direction you were going in. Getting into the basket was exciting, perhaps it was the nerves but just being in a basket was an adventure. From there once everyone was in, I went with my family, the take off began. It was surprisingly the most peaceful lift off the ground. It was as if we were Glenda the good witch just drifting off into the distance. The ground got smaller, and the views became more vast. It was truly breathtaking.

We did this balloon ride in Temecula, CA so our views were of the wine country and rolling hills. If you have been to California, you know that it has very gloomy seasons and we unfortunately were starting to experience it once we got up higher. I thought it was a crazy experience, but my parents felt like we needed another hot balloon adventure to truly understand it.

What might have tainted it for them? We ended up being in the clouds. Not the way you imagine from Disney but in the I can see nothing but white surrounding us kind of way. It was an out of body realization for me. Everywhere you looked it was white as though direction no longer existed. It felt like I was in a Hot Air Balloon ride on my way to the afterlife. I know I have a weird imagination, but it was such a cool yet baffling feeling.

When we descended from the clouds, we were getting closer to our landing zone. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I love roller-coaster and bumpy rides so I was curious if it would be as smooth as everything else had been. It proved to be just as peaceful with a light bounce in between. We came down grazed the ground with a slight bounce until we were a few more feet away and softly landed.

Being in wine country the place we launched from brought us back to their winery where we were offered complementary champaign and charcutierie. It was a great way to end the adventure and although I crossed this off my bucket list, I can say I would love to ride one again with my husband at sunset somewhere beautiful. There is no time to live like the present!

6 Tips for Unwinding and Preparing for a New Month

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 22:14:04 GMT

6 Tips on Unwinding and Preparing for a New Month

At the end of every month, I like to sit down and unwind. This reflection helps me be thankful for all the memories I've made and gives me a good look back at all that I've done in a given month. It's also the perfect time to get setup for the upcoming month. I like to build my monthly plans while looking at my year goals and making sure each thing I focus on gets me closer the the "me" I want to be. Here is what my monthly unwind and preparation looks like.

1. Reflection

a. Take a moment and look back on this past month, write down your wins and reflect on memories you made

2. Reset your space

a. “Spring” cleaning, go through and donate items that no longer serve you

b. Make sure everything has a home

3. Brain Dump

a. Write down all those thoughts that keep you up at night or are taking up space, rent free, in your brain

b. Create tasks out of those things or address those that require emotional responses so you can move forward

4. To-Do’s

a. Write down the big tasks that are needing to be completed and keep bringing brought over week to week

b. Get your digital space organized and setup for success

c. Set up appointments you need for self-care (doctor, dentist, etc.)

d. Plan your months events out (time with family, mini vacations, etc.)

5. Start/Stop List

a. Compile a realistic list of things to start doing this month and things you want to stop doing so you can visualize the best version of you for this upcoming month

6. Create your Monthly Goals and Weekly Goals

a. Go through and setup 3 top monthly goals

b. Make sure they are attainable and move you forward

c. Take those goals and create smaller goals for each week, feel free to add more as each week approaches as well

5 Pieces of Advice for College Students

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 01:06:14 GMT

5 Pieces of Advice for College Students

There is a feeling of excitement mixed with a dark cloud when preparing for or being in college. I always knew I wanted to go to college, but I had so many interests and things I wanted to study that picking a major was daunting. Those years were some of the best times but also led to some stressful times. Here is advice I would give younger me or anyone going into college ready for it all.

1. Join As Many Groups as You Have Time For

a. This is such a unique time in life where you can meet tons of people your age in one spot. You can develop yourself and gain new skills or hobbies. If you have always been curious about student government, go for it! If mountaineering is calling you name, give it a try! No school organizations are off limits. I would recommend looking online to see what programs are offered because it’s a mind-blowing amount.

b. This is also a great way to meet new people who have similar hobbies.

c. Another area is to join study groups to go through different majors or classes with a solid group of individuals. There are always study groups for different classes and majors so don’t be afraid to join them.

2. Follow Your Own Passions

a. If you have a calling to something, you should explore classes that give you a window into what that would be like. If you have family or friends who push you into certain classes or majors that you aren’t really excited about it will make your experience way more miserable. This is also one of those hard life lesson moments when you’ll truly realize adults don’t have it all figured out so be okay picking your callings.

b. You might have many passions so give the top ones a go!

3. Get Some Healthy Routines Down

a. It’s a great time to eat healthy and to find an activity to keep you in shape. Whether it’s going to the gym or taking a workout class or joining a campus fitness group, you will not regret getting started on that right away.

b. You might be worried about the freshman 15 and the senior 20 lbs. but if you set yourself up with a great routine you will enjoy the best of both worlds.

c. This will also carry over into your professional life and make it easier for you to continue your routine instead of star ting after your way overweight and unhappy with yourself.

d. It’s also a great way to unwind before or after stressful exams or classes.

4. Plan Ahead

a. Look at jobs in the corporate world that look interesting and see what skills they require you to obtain. Then go gain those skills, get certificates on the side, be aggressive about your goals.

b. Go through the internship or coop programs at your school. Do not waste your summers’ potential to give you a leg up on the competition. It’s also a nice way to save up some money for the school year.

c. Worry more about the friends you’ll make and keep for a lifetime than trying to find THE one. That’s not to say don’t mingle and enjoy yourself but prioritize your friendships that you want to last because it’s never going to be as easy to meet people again.

5. Live it Up!

a. This is the time to get your studies in, meet new people, but more importantly to have new experiences. Remember that college isn’t just about grades and being focused all the time. It’s about creating a better version of you in all areas. That means you’ll have a lot of self-exploration to do!

b. A moto that has forever helped me out is, if it won’t matter in 5 years than it won’t matter for more than 5 minutes. Let the drama go and just be in the moment and enjoy all the good times. Live in the bad times but let them wash off you after you’ve dealt with it. There are so many things that seem like a big deal but once you sit in it you realize how small it really is so don’t let it affect you long-term.

There will rarely be times in your life where you will have as much free time on your hands. Make sure that you seize the opportunities in front of you. Don’t be bashful about what you want and go after it. Your future self will thank you.

Hiking Mt Baldy

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 23:38:27 GMT

Mt. Baldy

Mt. Baldy is a wonderful hike full of spectacular views and elevation gains that take your breath away (literally). The hike is one of the top 5 highest Mountains in Southern California, with an elevation of 10,064 ft.

There are several parts on this hike that are incredibly steep and would not be safe in winter conditions. We hiked Mt. Baldy in June and there was still snow at the top so be prepared.

This is an 11-mile hike that takes about 7 hours to complete. To start you will want to get there early not only to start the hike during cooler weather temperatures but also to be able to get good parking. You might have to circle around the lot a couple times to find some if you come even around 9 AM the lot gets full. Once you find parking it’s best to use the bathroom at the bottom before setting off as the first couple hours of the hike there is no place to go except the wilderness.

The beginning trek is easy, it’s paved then turns to a dirt path that is fairly wide and well-traveled. It is a lot of switchbacks as you ascend to the first major landmark point, which is the ski lodge. This is a good place to get some lunch or enjoy your lunch and go to the bathroom. They have plenty of picnic tables to get at both inside and outside. It’s a good mid-point to take a breather. The views here are starting to be beautiful.

For those who are looking for an even easier start to this point there is a ski lift that will take you up the first part of the mountain. It does cost money and only runs at certain hours that vary so be sure to check online if this is your plan.

Once you have enjoyed a break, you head to one of the more challenging parts of the hike, in my opinion, the ascent to the next section is incredibly steep and if you’re there on a cloudy day you will quite literally leave the clouds or go through them during this portion of the hike. Be sure to have plenty of water and take your side going through this part, it’s not crazy long but it doesn’t feel that way.

After you summit this section it’s nice and flat in and out of the woods, you’ll start getting some truly amazing views along this part of the hike. The next notable portion is called the Devil’s Backbone. This is an amazing stretch where you can look down thousands of feet on both sides of you while you hike this backbone. In the summer this is quite safe but, in the winter, this is a section that needs to be handled with extreme caution if you proceed.

The end of Devil’s Backbone is a very sketchy part where you are looking straight down basically hugging the side of the wall as you move around a big bend on rocks that are constantly shifting. This leads to a very safe trail once you are around the bend, but this part gave me pause as I looked in the abyss below me.

From there it’s rather flat until the final assent to the actual summit. This is another part where you want to go slow and make sure you have enough oxygen. There were several people who were not able to go past here as the altitude sickness begin to kick in. Take it slow and be sure to drink enough water.

This section was still covered in snow in June for us so be prepared with some warmer gear as you might get hit with some end of winter weather at and near the top. The entire remaining hike up you have stunning views so you can truly take it in the whole way. Once you summit it’s a large flat area at the top to relax and enjoy some 360-degree views. There is also a sign as pictured above that you can get a picture with to enjoy your success!

There are two options when heading down the mountain, you can go the way you just came, or you can go down a steeper route. This is the option we went for, called Ski Hut or Manker Flat. It is a very steep descent to the hut where there is a bathroom but if you’re like me you’d rather go in the woods. This is where a good-fitting pair of shoes is essential for your comfort. There are rocks you’ll be partially sliding down, and you don’t want your toes slamming into the front of your shoes.

A majority after the beginning is normal hiking terrain but the beginning is a lot of loose rocks and comfort is so important since your feet will already be a bit of pain from the hike up. This trail will lead you right back to the gravel widened road from the beginning and then the paved road straight on to the parking lot. It is steeper and more aggressive switchbacks, but the views are stunning a majority of the way down.

There are also a couple food options at the bottom and a great live music/bar area so if you have some time to spare enjoy some well-earned food with friends. Then you’ll leave the park with a gorgeous sunset as you head back to sea-level.

If you have any questions or experienced anything awesome on this hike please share below!

Catalina Island

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 16:44:56 GMT

Catalina Island, CA

Catalina Island is located off the coast of LA, CA. This island has been known for all sorts of different things throughout it's time. Originally it was a getaway island for famous Hollywood stars and wealthy families. Then it was turned into a movie setting which was a Wild West film. They were the reason for one of the odd attractions of the island, buffalo. The director wanted real life buffalo and had them imported to the island, however as soon as they opened the cages the animals bolted off in different directions. They are now a controlled population on the island as well as a main attraction. Now it is a welcome tourist spot, however it is still quite pricey.

I spent a couple of weekends exploring the Avalon side of the island. I have yet to explore Two Harbors. However, Avalon is beautiful. There is so much too pack into a weekend or day of exploration. But first, you must get there. The island has two ports where you can take two different boats in, one is an express boat. The other way to the island, weather permitting, is by helicopter. Aside from these options there really isn't any other way to get to the island.

Once there, there are a ton of restaurants and shops to check out. There are beaches where you can layout and enjoy the sun, tiki bar, and relax. If you are looking for more of an adventure they have Scuba boat rides, general boating, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, adventure hummer tours, aerial courses, hawk catching experiences, helicopter rides, and more. They are also a great place to rent a golf cart and enjoy putting around going to the spa for the day or laying out by the beach. They do also have a massive Casino; however, this casino isn't for gambling it was for large gatherings and balls in its prime. The building is gorgeous and available for tours.

Catalina has so much to offer if you are looking to take a step into a new island experience. It has amazing views of the city that are breathtaking when the light is hitting just right. Catalina Island is a spot worth checking out if you are interested in a weekend getaway somewhere on the west coast. I think it's amazing if you are already located in the area and want to get away. I would recommend it if you were out of area, only if you are okay spending a lot of money for the experience. It is what you make it, but it can be pricey.

Let me know if you had any similar experiences or tried any of the amazing adventures. As always, any questions are welcome below!

Ted Talk - Nonverbal Communication

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 17:25:49 GMT

Pecha Kucha - Nonverbal Communication

Recently I was having a conversation with my best friend about public speaking which led me back to my Pecha Kucha (similar to TedTalks) from my freshman year of college. I have always been fascinated with communication styles and tactics both verbally and nonverbally. In college one of my primary focuses was within communications where I was constantly doing public speaking within my classes. I realized that where I might enjoy the challenge and those pre- presentation jitters a lot of people do not. I wanted to bring up my Pecha Kucha because I do talk through different body postures that you can do before a presentation that trick your body into thinking you are in a state of confidence and power. If you are interested in listening it's 6 minutes and 45 seconds of information about non-verbal communication and how it can help shape our lives.

When it comes to public speaking there are so many people who talk about pretending the audience is in their underwear or other tips that, for me, never really worked. In truth what made me feel confident going into presentations was all about practice and preparation. I always knew I would nail a presentation if I had my speech basically memorized with the ability to have fun and incorporate some impromptu points. The key isn't to have it completely memorized to the point of sounding like a robot but to have fun with your content. There is always a unique flair that you bring to the table.

With all of that being said, there will still be those jitters and nerves in your gut but if you are prepared you can transform those mentally into excitement. When I was getting up to present for the Pecha Kucha I was incredibly nervous but I was also excited and wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone. It was a presentation that I had to apply to, be selected for, and then we were given 6 minutes and 45 seconds to present. I was able to meet some amazing people who were presenting their passions as well. It was held in Colby College and on this particular night there were over 300 people in attendance. The classroom never prepares you for this number of people looking at you with expectations and it can get to you quickly if you let it. But I was prepared and excited to share what I knew about the topic and it went really well.

Public speaking is like a muscle that needs to be exercised and the more you prepare and actually present the better you will become. If you have any questions or want to know anything specifically about communications whether in personal or professional life, feel free to reach!

https://vimeo.com/72041212

Motivation

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 17:23:54 GMT

Motivation - Thought Journal

Motivation is one of those magical things that we all want to constantly have to achieve greatness; but what is motivation? I have been going through several different articles, videos, personal experiences, and quotes to try to come up with the perfect way to feel motivation coursing through my veins at all times. The truth is, it isn't that simple.

Motivation is fleeting and is not something we can rely on. Motivation is the spark in the beginning but it doesn't keep you going. There lies consistency. When you feel motivated to go after something you've been dreaming about the key is to use that initial momentum to create goals/habits because the motivation won't always be there when you've had a hard day at work or feel the electronics calling. The true key, in my opinion, to achieving anything great or small is creating lasting habits. Consistent actions that you put into place to achieve the end goal.

Consistency is the hardest part of many areas in life. It is hard to get into a rhythm were we want to wake up early, go to the gym, eat healthy, write something meaningful, or get after those smaller goals that are the building blocks to our dreams. The daily input can seem tedious and that feeling of motivation can fade to practically nothing, come back in waves, but it can never truly be the one source to keep you going.

Don't get me wrong, I think we need that feeling of motivation to get started. I think we need to harness it to put together a plan that is attainable. There are a ton of sources that can inspire motivation; speakers, pictures of your dream body, watching other people do the things you wish for, or hitting a place in life were all you can do is pick yourself up and try. Wherever your motivation comes from, harness it to set yourself up. There are a bunch of resources out there to help you create a plan, all you have to do is pick one that relates to your goals and give it a try.

The other factor that is notable to talk about it failure. Don't let failure deter you from feeling capable, instead use the failure as a launchpad to try something else that might work. Failure is never the end, it's another experience to learn from. If you find you are struggling after a big or small failure remember why you started in the first place. There must have been a dream or goal that made you want to grab it in the first place.

For me, motivation is the catalyst that sparks the action. Once there is action there needs to be a plan and habits put into place to support them. Use the motivation every time it stirs in you and get after it. One final thing, it's okay to start again or to have an off day. The key is getting back at it because if you have a dream you are the only one who can make it happen and I would love to see you make it come to life.

Vote with your Dollar Thursday - Eco-Fashion Brands

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 20:50:57 GMT

Eco-Fashion Brands

Welcome to another Vote with your Dollar Thursday! Last week we talked about different fashion terms for becoming more conscious about how our clothing affects the environment. This week I wanted to give a couple examples of different brands and different cost points for those who aren't able to dive into spending too much on new clothing. I'm going to list 8 different brands and what they are known for.

1. Patagonia

They are one of the first outdoor fashion companies that made a movement to more sustainable environmentally friendly clothing and accessories. They recycle a lot of there materials and they use organic cottons. They are a B-corp so they give back to the community as well. They are also fair trade certified. Their clothing and accessories are typically anywhere from $50-100+. They are more middle of the road in terms of pricing.

2. Pact

Pact is a company that has focused on their process from the materials they pick to growing and harvesting them and then to making sure all sewing as well as packaging are as eco-conscious as possible. They also offer carbon-offsetting shipping options. They are Fair Trade certified. In terms of cost they are very affordable and are typically from $20-50+.

3. Able

This company supports women who have overcome their own challenges. They are fair-trade, female-made, and a B Corp. They are affordable $20 to more expensive $200+ depending on what you are looking for.

4. Boden

This company is fair trade, they use eco-friendly practices and sustainable cotton, they have an ethical supply chain and they give back. They are a UK founded company and focus on all different types of. apparel from Men's to women's and children's. They also have a great accessories collection as well. They are middle of the road $50 to expensive 200+.

5. Reformation

They are made in the USA and offer sustainable as well as regenerative fabrics. They are carbon and water neutral. They support safe and fair working conditions while providing fair living wages. They are also very transparent and offer an environmental footprint for each article of clothing you purchase. They are on the expensive scale of $200+.

6. Thought Clothing

This is another UK company that offers organic and sustainable fabrics, safe and fair working environments, and lastly they give back to the community. They are great basic pieces and specialize in creating timeless pieces of high quality. They are on the scale from affordable to middle of the road, $20-50+.

7. United by Blue

United by Blue is a certified B Corp, they create their clothing and accessories from recycled and organic materials, they focus on ethical manufacturing, they are plastic free, and they give back to the community. They focus in outdoor and everyday apparel. They are on the scale from affordable to middle of the road, $20-50+.

8. Two Days Off

Two Days Off is a USA based company that is woman-owed. They provide natural and deadstock fibers, are ethically made in small batches, they offer plastic-free shipping, are carbon-neutral, and have made it a mission to prioritize inclusive sizing. They focus on everyday apparel as well as the basics. They are on the scale from middle of the road to expensive, $50 - 200+.

There are so many options out there that are both affordable and eco-conscious. This is where voting with your dollar can be huge. Instead of spending your money on fast-fashion brands like H&M or Forever21, you can move our economy towards more ethical practices by supporting those businesses that put an emphasis on the environment. If you have any additional brands that you love, please share below! Thanks for joining another Vote with your Dollar Thursday, make reasonable choices!

Decluttering 101

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 20:02:25 GMT

Decluttering 101

Decluttering is one of those areas that can get overlooked easily since usually it tends to land at the bottom of our urgency lists. Decluttering is organizing your space in a way that can make you feel lighter. Have you ever finished cleaning a room, you got rid of a bunch of stuff, and you look around feeling more peaceful? There is something to be said about organizing the space you live in and how it can affect you mentally.

There are a ton of research articles that show that the space you live in can affect your life in ways much greater than we think. The way we design our space can create certain habits that will change the way we behave. Aren't convinced? Think about this, you want to learn guitar. You bought a guitar and a nice case. You've set it up in your room to be in the case leaning against the corner wall. Now imagine this, you bought a guitar and you got a stand for it. When you get home you set it right next to the chair you frequent. Now it's not in the case, which is an extra step getting it out, and you can get comfy in your chair while to jam out on your guitar. Once you finished all you have to do is set it back on its stand. Which scenario would you feel more inclined to pick up and play in? The easier it is to do something the more likely we are to do it.

Setting up our living space and decluttering it, act the same way. If you have too much stuff piled up you can begin to avoid certain areas of the house or you can feel mentally cluttered, like something is not getting done. The physical space we are in can affect our mental happiness. Below are 3 tips I have to help get started decluttering even if you have a busy schedule.

1.Do an assessment of your space and what you like as well as what isn't serving you any longer.

For example I have a corner in my bedroom that always seems to be the spot where my clothes always end up. My goal is to get the clothes put away and to add a plant or something that makes me avoid putting clothes in that space.

2. Once you have your list of each area of your home then arrange them in easiest to most challenging.

I have some spaces like that corner in my room which is very easy to declutter while my cabinets in the bathroom pose a larger more time consuming declutter. Arrange the rooms or sections of the room based on how long it will take to get it to a state that makes you happy.

3. Finally once you have your list, start going through the spaces.

I like to plan out certain tasks for a day if they have been bothering me for too long. I also tend to prioritize the longer time commitment spaces for the weekends. With the intention of getting one section done a weekend. Sometimes I'm on fire and sometimes I make a bigger mess until I can get to it again but progress is progress!

I hope this helps you and makes you rethink the way you set up the space around you. I personally never thought it was a big deal until I was working and living with other people. I also have a dog, Maya, which makes keeping up with my space so important. I feel such a difference when my space is organized and decluttered. It makes me enjoy coming home and being in that space which is really important to me. If you have any suggestions or tips that have helped you please feel free to share below!

Havasupai Falls - What to Expect

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 20:28:19 GMT

Havasupai Falls - What to Expect

This hike isn't for the faint of heart and it will push you to new heights if you are not an avid hiker. This trip is an 8-mile hike in to Supai, the village, and then an additional 2-mile hike through sand to the campsites and falls. This is just one way so round trip it's about 20 miles. With that being said, Havasupai is located in Arizona so the climate can be quite hot during the day and depending on the time of year you go, quite cool, possibly cold at night.

Getting registered for Havasupai Falls camping can be a bit challenging. It takes a very flexible schedule as the days and availability go quickly, you might be about to click an option and then it's gone. Be prepared to be flexible and take whatever you can get. They open registration every year around February 1st and are sold out by the end of the week usually. Staying costs roughly $100-125/night/person. Once you are registered, bring your verification once you get to the Havasupai Village you will need to go to the Ranger Office to get your wrist bands and tent tags. They do check to make sure you are wearing your wristband once you are on the campground so make sure to put it on snuggly. Now that you are registered, let's figure out what to expect.

The hike in is beautiful and mostly downhill or flat. There is very little coverage so you will be exposed to the sun during 98% of the hike. With that being said, it's very wise to plan accordingly. Most people will get a hotel close to the start of the hike the night before, then wake up before the sun to get started. We started hiking around 6:30 AM and we were considered late starters. The terrain is mostly rocky and sandy but there are gorgeous red rocks and canyon walls sometimes on both sides of you that are breathtaking.

Next, let's talk about what to bring. This is an area that most people, including myself, tend to overpack. When hiking into the canyon you are going to have three options; you can carry your backpack on your back, you can hire a horse or mule to bring it in for you, or you have flown in via helicopter. We chose to carry our own bags. Remember this is a 10-mile hike in so be prepared for the pack to get heavy during that duration.

Speaking of duration, depending on how long you are decided to explore Havasupai will dictate what and how much you need to bring. We stayed 3 days and 2 nights. For me this required 3-day hiking outfits, 1 night outfit, 2 swimsuits, toiletries, 2 pairs of shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and 1 small microfiber towel. For shoes I would bring two pairs, one sandal for the campground and 1 pair of hiking shoes/boots. In terms of food, you can get dried food at your local Costco or outdoor store. I would recommend bringing 3 meals a day. The packs are very filling, but you will be burning a lot of calories. I would also recommend bringing a large water bottle filled initially but once you are there, they have springs you can fill from. If you are a snacker like me I would bring a couple granola bars and some of the energy chews. This just helps when you need a little pick me up from hiking for hours.

For accommodations they have compostable toilets at the campground so you will have those once you get to the campsite. They also like mentioned above have a natural water spring where you can refill your water bottles. The campsite is a first come first serve in terms of location. You don't have an assigned spot when you sign up. You can choose to stay next to the river or more in the trees. They have a lot of options for being around people or more secluded depending on your preferences. They also have a food stand in the village and right before the campground so you can buy food and drinks if you want to carry less in or try something local.

The best part of the experience is the vast beauty that Havasupai Falls has to offer. When you are hiking in and out the reds and yellows in the canyons are breathtaking. There are not many places in the world that have the richness in color. The hike doesn't even compare to when you get to the actual falls. There are several spots where you can get in and swim, but the main falls are as though a fairytale has come to life. The color of the falls mixed with the redness from the rock is memorizing. Truly a fantastic wonder to behold. When you are there at night the sky is filled with stars and the falls still look as vividly blue. Again, an experience that is worth more than words.

You do have options when you get there if you decide to stay a couple days. You can swim or you can hike down to where the Colorado River and the Havasupai River meet. If you decide to go to the Colorado River you will need to plan out the whole day for this and make sure to get an early start. This hike is about 16 miles. It is through the canyon along the river and is stunning. You will be getting in the water and some parts are up to hip level and beyond so be prepared. Otherwise, the terrain is rocky and sandy the entire way. There are several spots where you can swim and be secluded or in crowds depending on your preference. I did want to mention that if you decide to even go swimming down further towards Mooney Falls the descent is quite exhilarating. You will be climbing down the side of the wall and are going to be holding onto chains bolted into the rock. There is a ladder at the end as well. This might not sound too bad to some adventure goers, but it gets quite slick from the mist coming off the falls. The chains are slippery, and you will need both hands for the descent and ascent. The rest of the hike in and out from the Colorado point is an easy hike with lots of views.

Finally, when you are leaving and headed back to the car I also recommend starting very early. You will be in a similar situation as when you came in with little shade to protect you. However, the hike out is vastly more challenging than the hike in as the final hike out is switchbacks straight uphill. The hike out has more uphill challenges than the hike in so be prepared with extra water and snacks. Once you are out the views are still amazing and there is a parking lot right at the top where you have left your vehicle.

This is a fantastic hike and is filled with some of the most beautiful scenery. If you can get out there it will be an experience you will never forget. If you have any additional questions or want to add in your own experience, feel free to comment below.

Vote with your Dollar Thursday - Sustainable Fashion

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 17:39:44 GMT

Vote with your Dollar Thursday - Sustainable Fashion

On this week's Vote with your Dollar Thursday we are going to talk about something I am very passionate about, fashion. As a whole in society I feel like we are starting to see a movement toward more sustainable fashion pieces. I don't think this eliminates or demolishes fast-fashion but there is an emphasis on being more conscious about where the materials are being sourced from and how the company as a whole deals with carbon-emissions as well as it's environmental impact. There is also a push toward investing in clothing that is higher cost but will last longer and be "go to" pieces in your wardrobe. I wanted to dive into these trends but I wanted to start by going over what some of the common terminology out there means.

Eco-friendly - Clothing and accessories are made with minimal damage to the planet and more thought about where materials are coming from as well as emissions.

Vegan - Products that have been made with zero animal products or by-products, they tend to include more recycled materials.

Biodegradable - Silk, linen, wool, and hemp fabrics that are easily decomposed into natural elements.

Recycled - Means clothing and accessories were created from materials (plastic, rubber, metal, fabrics, etc.) that have been reused/repurposed.

Organic - The material was grown without using harsh chemicals during the entire process.

Fair Trade - Items were made by workers in underdeveloped countries who earn a fair living wage.

Ethical - Umbrella term that essentially means the people who worked on an item were treated safely and paid fairly

Sustainable - A combination of 'eco-friendly' and 'ethical'. It is also the movement towards more eco-conscious decisions in regards to textiles or products.

Given all these terms and more it can make shopping kind of confusing plus there are a lot of marketing tricks to make you think the company or product is eco-conscious so be aware. With all of this being said the best environmentally sustainable fashion is wearing what you already own or buying second-hand as this doesn't contribute to more products in the world and possibly in the trash. If buying second-hand isn't something that you feel comfortable with there are a lot of companies that offer amazing products that are better for the environment. Next week we can dive into different brand options and the costs associated with each, as there does seem to be a higher cost on the front-end with buying ethically and sustainably.

If you have any questions please let me know and we can dive into those as well! Thank you for joining and I look forward to next week.

The 4 Laws of Creating Habits

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 19:23:22 GMT

The 4 Laws of Creating Habits

Currently I am reading the book Atomic Habits by James Clear and I have been loving it! I am obsessed with getting more organized and reaching my potential. I want to make getting into good habits as easy as possible and his book has a great outline of just how to achieve this. He breaks it down into Laws and so far, I’ve gotten through the first 4 Law’s; Make it Obvious, Make it Attractive, Make it Easy, and Make it Satisfying. He also negates all of these to make bad habits seem unattractive and to convince ourselves to stop gravitating towards them.

**I did want to note that today’s post is largely information from this book and James Clear is credited for this information. I will be breaking it down into how I have set it up for my own life and what that looks like by trying out some of the principles he highlights in his book.**

The section I am implementing right now is Law one: make it obvious. This section of the book dives into what he calls implementation intentions. To simplify, he is saying make it incredibly clear when you are going to complete a task. An example I am implementing is;

- I will complete my gratitude journal at 7:30 AM in my bedroom corner chair.

This clearly outlines the goal and trains your brain to already assign this action to this time and location. By adding a time and location you are increases the chances that you will complete this action. It’s already penciled into your plans.

The other pieces of this section of the book are habit stacking and designing your environment. Habit stacking is quite simple and is basically when you put a habit you want on top of a habit you already have. For example,

- I brush my teeth first thing in the morning. I want to combine drinking a glass of lemon water on top of this action so once I complete brushing my teeth I will go into my next action of drinking lemon water.

It takes time and evaluation to make sure that you stack habits that make sense for you and that are as easy as possible. Which leads us into designing your environment. If you have designated spaces for certain things then your brain will associate you being in those spaces as go time for whatever action. An example,

- I do my morning yoga in front of my bed with the mat rolled out. This is the only thing I do in this space so whenever I get into this space my brain wants me to roll out the mat and get after it.

Once you have a designated space you can organize your life quite easily into tasks. The problem is that we have a lot of spaces where we do multiple tasks so it can get the wires crossed if we aren’t careful. I am in the process of creating spaces for specific tasks and will update you next week with how it’s going. The other component of organizing your environment is making it SUPER easy to do things due to them staring you in the face. For example,

- If you have your guitar sitting on a stand in the corner next to your chair than you will be more likely to play it than if it’s in its’ case in the closet.

By making the things you want to work on obvious and easy to access you are actually making it easier for you to complete those tasks.

Goals/Habits:

There is an endless list of habits I want to incorporate. I want to read more, to write more, to put myself together more, I want to drink more water, I want to learn another language, I want to learn an instrument, I want to get into the habit of making my bed every morning, I want to eat healthier throughout the day, I want to workout more, I want to learn something new regularly, and I want to let my creative artist out.

All of these things are something I want to work on throughout the next couple of months. I am going to give it all a solid try for the next 6 months while incorporating these principles from Atomic Habits by James Clear. The way I am going to lay it out is as follows.

6 AM – Wake up, workout, wash up.

7 AM – Healthy breakfast, tea, gratitude journal

7:30 AM – Make the bed, get ready for the day, put myself together.

8 AM – 5 PM – Work

5:30 PM – Healthy Dinner, family time, walk the dog.

7 PM – Relax, read, practice a language, create something artistic.

9 PM – Family time

9:30 PM – Get ready for bed.

10 PM – In bed, read and plan for the next day.

I will have to work on creating a location for each of these items as well as redesigning my space so that it can be easy to complete these tasks when I’m not motivated to do them. I’ll keep you all posted on what changes in the upcoming posts as well as areas that needed improvement for any reason.

I wanted to start off with this post so that we can expand on this in the next couple posts as well as share how they have worked or what needed tweaking. What habits are you working on creating or destroying? How will you design the environment around you to make accomplishing those goals easier? Will you be creating goals with times and location to help motivate you?

I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts and any advice you all have on the topic. Until next time, stay afraid, but do it anyway!

Joshua Tree - Climbing Day

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 02:13:13 GMT

Joshua Tree - Climbing Day

There is nothing quite like an exhilarating day climbing in Joshua Tree National Park. We would meet up at 5 AM and drive the 2 hours from Orange County CA to JTree. Once we were there it was go time, we grabbed our gear and knew exactly where we wanted to set up for the first part of the morning. Sometimes we had to adjust depending on how busy it was, each season changes things a bit. Once we were setup it was climbing from then until sunset, depending on what our hike out looked like. We would have a lunch break with amazing views and then get back on the wall. While climbing is a wild experience I always enjoy the sunsets as we head out of the park. They are always filed with pinks, golds, yellows, oranges, and purples.

Climbing was a hobby I picked up in college from a tiny climbing wall in the University of Cincinnati's gym. It was the perfect answer for me, I wasn't quite confident enough to be in the gym lifting weights with the majority of men who frequented the gym but the climbing area was a great workout and there were women practicing as well. I took the course to learn the basics; equipment, different gear types, and actual climbing techniques. I have been more attracted to sport climbing and top-roping since the start. Bouldering is fun and necessary to work on technique as well as strength but I like getting more height and repelling.

This isn't the cheapest or the easiest of hobbies to get into but once I moved to California and was close to some of the best climbing in the world I couldn't say no. I was lucky enough to meet some amazing people who had been climbing for 20 plus years and were excited to show us the ropes. My boyfriend and I got really invested in climbing to the point where we decided it was time to get our own gear. Once we hit that point we were out at Joshua Tree every other weekend to try gain more experience.

Joshua Tree has amazing climbing partly due to the type of rock that it has in abundance. The rock is Quartz Monzonite Granite which has large crystals making it great for all types of climbing. Joshua Tree itself has over 10,000 routes for all different level of climbers. It offers crack, slab, steep-face, top-roping, bouldering, and sports climbing. It is also known for its very peculiar tree, named the Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree isn't just for climbers as there are a tons of hikes, great photography spots, camping, and basically it's a giant playground for adults. I highly recommend paying a visit whether you are climbing or looking for some amazing stargazing. Definitely a must see for the adventurer!

Vote with Your Dollar Thursday - Whitening Tooth Gel

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 01:19:14 GMT

Vote with your Dollar Thursday - Whitening Gel

Welcome back to this weeks, Vote with your Dollar Thursday! This week I am going to touch on something that isn't a necessity but it is something that a lot of people use including myself, teeth whitening gel. I have been seeing a lot of people trying out the Bite whitening gel. I have sensitive teeth so I have not had great luck with Crest Whitening Strips or other strips in the past. I was using the Cali White teeth whitening strips but decided to see what other options there are that are better for the environment.

Turns out there are quite a few options for eco-friendly whitening. I opted for the gel due to the having less to throw away and the glass jar could be used for other things once it has been used up. The Bite Whitening Gel is the one I am currently giving a try. I was a little skeptical at first but it's been 3-4 days and not only does it seem to be making a difference but it also was really easy to incorporate into my routine. The process is incredibly easy; brush your teeth as normal, then dry them off, once you are prepped use the bamboo brush and brush it over the teeth you are looking to whiten, from there it sits on your teeth for 2 minutes before you spit out any excess gel, and that's it. Let's take a look at what is actually in the whitening gel.

Teeth Whitening Gel Ingredients:

Carbamide peroxide

Used in your ear as well, this is a natural tooth whitening chemical. It can have negatives effects on your soft tissue, ie your gums, lips, and inner cheek. However, if you are able to mostly avoid those areas you should be able to avoid a chemical burning. If on the other hand you feel any discomfort wipe away any excess gel immediately. This agent has a longer shelf life than its counterpart hydrogen peroxide. It does have a great initial impact and can last longer than products using hydrogen peroxide. It is still inconclusive on what the true impact is on both human health and the environment. It seems like if it’s kept in a concentration rate of 15-35% it is safe but above that can start to get dangerous and below that you won’t see any results.

Glycerin

This is meant to create a slippery feeling on the tooth that we recognize as feeling “clean.” There is some controversy over whether or not glycerin increases the plaque buildup, many articles say it does but after reading several studies they found it to be an insignificant difference. It seems slightly controversial with its impact on the environment as well. Most studies seem to show that it doesn’t have very negative impacts while others show that it has a slight effect when it mixes with water it depletes the oxygen around it and can cause marine life to suffocate. When dumped in large doses it can be lethal. Glycerin is a biproduct of the biodiesel production and if not handled properly can cause huge environmental impacts.

Xylitol

This actually attacks the bacteria that causes plaque and rewires it to bacteria that doesn’t cause decay. This ingredient can shift the ecology of the mouth to make it one that prefers certain bacteria over others.

Polysorbate

This ingredient also had mixed reviews. Some say it is a cancer-causing agent while other studies have shown no such indication. The substance is considered vegan. There were some studies conducted that showed that there were some increased side-effects with rats and mice that had high doses of this substance. Over a 2-year period male rats had increased cancer potential due the polysorbate. I’ll link the study here, https://ntpsearch.niehs.nih.gov/?query=Polysorbate+80

Peppermint oil

This does not have any negative effects on the environment assuming that there were no pesticides being used to produce the plants. Peppermint oil is not harmful to humans and can be consumed in small doses. On the flip side peppermint oil has many health benefits but for teeth whitening we will focus on these; it can be used to freshen breath, fight bacterial infections, improves your sleep and can relieve clogged sinuses.

Aloe Vera

Similar to peppermint oil, aloe vera doesn’t have any negative effects on the environment unless pesticides were used in production. Aloe vera is helpful in oral health by controlling bacteria that causes cavities. It has properties that kill and remove microorganisms that can be harmful to our oral health.

Carbomer

This ingredient stabilizes and thickens the whitening formula. There are some potentially negative health and environmental effects if ingested. There is not a lot of research concluding similar effects from carbomer.

Sodium Hydroxide

Increases the PH levels to increase the effectiveness of the whitening gel. It also makes it more difficult for plaque building bacteria to grow. In high concentrations sodium hydroxide can be bad for the environment by harming marine life however it is in several common items and does not cause any damage to us.

Final Thoughts:

After doing some research it is hard to say if I want to continue to use these products. I want to see what alternatives there are, but it seems like in the United States almost all toothpastes and teeth whitening products are made with the same or similar ingredients.

In terms of packaging this brand is one of the best for eco-friendly packaging as it uses glass for the container and bamboo for the applicator, so it does have that going for it. Sometimes there are moments on the eco-conscious journey where you have to decide what is best for you and whether or not you think a product/lifestyle change is worth it.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for joining me in another Vote with your Dollar Thursday. It’s all about the journey, stay vigilant and make reasonable choices!

Candle Making

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 16:47:08 GMT

Candle Making - Hobbies for the Soul

Candle making is one of those random hobbies I picked up in college. It was so relaxing to make and who doesn't love having candles around? It was something that brought me joy and allowed me to have a fun stress-free date night (whether with myself, friends, or my significant other). The process of making a candle isn't challenging but there is an art to be successful. I used to know all the details of how to make the perfect candle that is smooth on top with the perfect wick to burn the entire radius but now I am able to eyeball a lot of it.

When making candles you need the basic supplies;

- Candle wax (I prefer soy wax)

- Wicks (various thickness is ideal, I used wicks that have two threads and are covered in a layer of wax)

- Wick glue (optional)

- Jars (I love "thrifting"for jars, tea cups, or anything I can use for a candle)

- Container to melt the wax in

- Thermometer

- Candle scents or essential oils

The process is very simple, melt your wax, wait until it cools before pouring into your jar with the wick already in place, then add in your candle scent/essential oils, and place something across the top to keep your wick in place. Once these steps have been completed let the candle sit until it cools and hardens. The voila you have your very own candle!

There are a lot of factors that can go into making your candle, the type of wax you use can vary the technique, the temperature at which you pour in the wax can alter whether your wax caves in when it cools or not. The amount of candle scent you add can change the outcome of how it smells when lit (certain brands and oil works better in certain waxes than others). If you are interested in making your own candles it will take some trial and error before you get the hang of making the candle turn out the way you want.

Havasupai Falls

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 16:37:16 GMT

Havasupai Falls Adventure

If you're dreaming of an adventure to transport you into a new world, Havasupai was one of those places. I wasn't sure what to expect when we signed up aside from the 10 mile hike to the falls, overnight camping, and the 10 mile hike out. Here's an analogy in a small story form to give you an idea of what kind of aw-inducing experience this was.

When I was little I believed that both the fireflies and fairies were flying freely in our yard. That they were magical and elegant living in plain sight for those who believed. The fireflies would light up the nights with a dazzling twinkle. I believed that the fairies were using this glow for a night out dancing where they were more free than during the day with all the people out. When I saw the night sky twinkling and the water glowing a vibrant blue-green hue I was taken back to my childhood.

In fact there was little about this hike that wasn't breath-taking. If you are seeking something close to magical I would recommend taking a trip here. Enjoy some of the photos we captured below!

I have a separate page to help walk you through how to prepare and what to expect on the trek.

Vote with your Dollar Thursday - Q-Tips

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 21:34:26 GMT

Vote with your Dollar Thursday - Q-Tips

Happy vote with your dollar Thursday! This is where I talk about my journey to living a more eco-conscious and sustainable life. Here, I focus on one thing each time and go into detail about how it has worked out for me.

Today I am going to talk about eco-conscious Q-tips. This might sound weird and a little gross upon first impression but I have found that I they are very convenient and a lot easier to clean than I originally thought. I tried one that was made of silicon and is said to withstand over 1000 uses. If this is the case then that could be a substantial impact from me into the environment. Between me and my finance we go through 1-2 of the big boxes of Q-tips a year. That is a lot of waste going into the environment, each box has 500 Q-tips along with the cardboard and plastic packaging it is encased in.

When you break it down to how much you are using it becomes noticeably clear that this is an area we can drastically cut down on our wasteful habits. The flip side is that we don’t want to give up Q-tips completely as we are clearly using them and find value from having them in our daily routines. I wanted to know more about where they come from and how they are produced from both a sustainable point of view and from the Q-tips we all know.

In doing some research, I learned that 1.5 billion Q-tips are being produced daily in the world with the average person using about 415 annually according to the Acute Market Report. The biggest producer in USA is Unilever. It seems like they are trying to make a eco-conscious shift and have contributed 1 billion to the cause but I didn’t dive into what was actually being done. It also came to my attention that a large percentage of people flush their Q-tips down the toilet which can then lead to an increased marine pollution problem. Wildlife is then ingesting cotton swabs and plastic which is constantly leaking toxins.

You might be asking, “Are reusable silicon Q-tips better for the environment and safer to use?” I wanted to dive into whether they truly are a good alternative option. According to Dr. Kohan, MD otolaryngologist and neurotologist in New York City, it is much safer to use the silicon Q-tips in your ears since there is a lesser chance of them getting stuck in your ear canal. When cotton gets stuck in your ear canal it can lead to ear infections and if the cotton is pushed deep into the canal it can lead to greater damage.

Now are they safer for the environment? If someone where to accidently flush it down the toilet or to throw one out what does Silicon’s lifecycle look like? It turns out that it is very dependent on the environmental factors but it takes anywhere from 50-500 years for silicon to decompose. This does not sound promising, however if silicon where to make its way into the ocean it does not release any harmful chemicals and is much safer for the environment. Silicone is made from silica which is found in sand and if burned Silicon reverts into its original harmless ingredients, silica, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. Unlike plastic which when burned releases toxic chemicals at a higher rate than when it is at room temperature. Silicon has been proven to last longer and hold up better in cold and hot temperatures making it a great long-term alternative.

Finally, when your silicon has reached its end of life what are the options? According to Eco USA when you are recycling your silicon make sure to shred it up whether with scissors or in a blender. Some companies, such as Eco USA, will take the shredded silicon back to reuse it in combination with new silicon. This way it can be reused and recycled from your home.

Based on my research, I would say this is a fantastic alternative for me! I am looking to make a long-term switch to something that can help me reduce my wasteful habits. I have tried them out and while it was a bit strange the first couple times, washing them is not too hard once you get used to it. If you are someone looking to make a switch for the long haul, I recommend making the switch. If you are someone who is not looking to make the switch and clear your Q-tips then I recommend at the minimum getting the Q-tips that are not encased in any type of plastic. They are better for the environment and a small change that can make a huge difference.

This has been another Vote with your Dollar Thursday! This just shows the small differences we can make in our daily lives that can lead to a huge impact for the environment.

Yellowstone National Park

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 15:58:53 GMT

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is one of those places that has so many different features that all take your breath away. There are such magical natural beauties here in this park. I have traveled to Yellowstone twice in my lifetime and would go again. The first time I went was in the summer preCOVID and the park was open to all those interested in experiencing it's beauty. I was awe struck by the way the light caught on the mountains, the animals that roamed freely, and the sheer size of the park. It was a cure for the human world, a place were you could feel small and revel in the fresh air of nature. The second time I went was during COVID and in the spring. It was a much different experience with all the baby bison and snow covering the ground. There are also a lot more regulations in place now that COVID has made National Parks a must on everyone's list for the year. Be sure to make reservations and check that you will be able to get in.

I recommend this as a park must see for those who love nature and who want to see something remarkable in the United States. Below are the spots that are a must see for a future-goer.

Old Faithful - This is one of the most amazing yet terrifying natural geyser. It is also the most famous Geyser in the world. Old Faithful erupts every hour or so making it a spectacle worth sticking around for. They have a lovely viewing area and a path that can lead you around to some of the other popular geysers in Yellowstone. There are over 500 different geysers in this national park alone.

Lumar Valley - Lamar Valley is one of my personal favorites spots in the park. This valley is known for animal viewing and hasn't disappointed on either occasion for me. If you bring the proper gear or make friends with those who have the large telescopes you can see wolves, bears, bison/buffalo, prong-horned deer, eagles, osprey, and much more. This valley is thriving with wildlife and can feel like a mini safari since you could end up being stopped as you wait for the bison to cross the road. It's also a spot you want to visit at dusk or dawn. Wildlife tends to be most active during these times so you have a much better chance of seeing them than at other times.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone - I stared at this breath-taking view for as long as I was able to with people passing through. This is one of those sights that caught me off guard with how astonishing it was. The park has several spots for viewing the falls and beautiful walls hugging it. There is one spot where you can stand over the falls and look out from a middle of the river point of view, this is a must see spot! Truly a magical place that will make you feel at peace.

These are the top spots I recommend seeing and this will take you at least 2 days or a full packed day as driving through the park takes time. If you are looking to camp I suggest Mammoth campground or the Roosevelt Tower campgrounds. The do also have logging in several of their villages as well if you are looking for cozier accommodations. The park has several places to eat and shop for snacks for all the hiking adventures you go on.

Again, this is a wonderful park and I highly recommend taking a minimum of 2-3 days to explore this national treasure. Happy hiking!!

Vote with your Dollar Thursday - Deodorant

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 16:31:32 GMT

Vote with your Dollar Thursday - Deodorant

Vote with your dollar Thursdays’ are here! I wanted to talk about my journey to living a more eco-conscious and sustainable life. There are so many ways to go about becoming sustainable and honestly the information can be a bit overwhelming. I am going to focus on one thing each time and go into detail about how it has worked out for me.

Today I wanted to talk about eco-friendly deodorant. I was a total sceptic when it came to eco-friendly deodorant. I thought there was no way I was going to be able to find something that did the trick and smelled good all day long. I have tried a couple that were not for me but I did find one that I really like and so far it has held up in the smell test department.

The most recent one that I used and am going to get again is called Raw Sugar Deodorant. It comes in a cardboard tube which is plastic-free and can be recycled once you have finished using the product. It’s free of Aluminum, baking soda, talc, parabens, and propylene Glycol. It’s cruelty free and vegan, so it’s made

with all naturally derived ingredients.

I am not sponsored for this post; I am just talking about my experience because I had to go through quite a few before I found one that worked. For me, the one’s made with baking soda worked really well in the beginning but then they began to make my armpits red and tender. Needless to say, I switched deodorants shortly after.

I will be honest the application of this kind of deodorant isn’t as pleasant as a normal stick but once you get the hang of it it’s not too bad. I have thought about making my own deodorant and maybe I will give it a try and let you guys know how it goes but until then I’m voting with my dollar for truly plastic-free recyclable packing with products made with real ingredients.

5 Life Lessons

Fri, 08 May 2020 00:52:31 GMT

5 Life Lessons

I have learned quite a bit in my lifetime. Some of the stuff I have learned I wish I could tell the past me, it would make things much easier in the long term. I wouldn't say I have regrets but I would say that there could have been areas of improvement that would have shaped my life a little differently. The lessons below are some of the big ones that stand out to me at this time in my life.

1. The Little Things Make the Biggest Impact.

This might sound obvious but there were so many times where I was trying to see the big picture. What do I want to do with my life? Where can I see myself going in 5, 10 years? What is most important to me? There were so many questions that I was always looking at from a big picture perspective. I would tell younger me to not focus as much on that and look more at creating habits that I want to last. The little moments and the little habits are what make the big picture. If you can get lunch with your friends regularly, go on a date with someone special regularly, or workout consistently you will set yourself up far better for the future than focusing on all the things you need to become. Happiness, for me, has been in the little moments and small habits that make a big difference.

2. Figure out Finances As Soon As Possible.

It might be a daunting task to look at the money you are making and spending, then come up with a budget. The budgeting can be the easy part, sticking to the budget is another story. There are always ads and products in your face that you will be tempting to purchase them. Having you budget and finances in order allows for you to both spend money and save money while not feeling guilty. I have another post on basic budgeting to get you started, it is very basic but will help get an idea of some things to think about.

3. Family is the Most Important Thing.

Family is always there for you no matter what and sometimes you need the support that they can provide in times of need. I want to take a minute to describe how I define family; family is people who are so important in your life that you know no matter what they will never leave you. Family doesn't have to be blood related, family can be friends who are so close to you that they became family. These people are the ones who believe in you even when you don't. They are there no matter what you say in anger. They are the ones who tell you the hard truth that you might have been trying to avoid. They will shape your life and hopefully for the better. Siblings for me has been one of the best friendships I could ask for. My sisters are so important to me and I know no matter what happens we will all be there for one another. My parents have also shaped me and I'm lucky at how amazing they are. I hope I am able to show them how much they mean to me daily. Treat those people in your life with love and don't foolishly lose them.

4. Dream Big.

It is so important that you listen to what you feel and what you love. There were so many times when I was younger and I let the world sway my decisions. I wanted to fit in and feel like I belonged but in the end I wasn't being who I truly was. Dreaming big is a huge part of what makes life exciting and worth living for me. Take those dreams, even if people say you can't make a living doing them, and follow them anyway. I think it is important to be smart about your dreams as well. Make goals and small attainable plans to reach them, that is the key to gaining your success. Always follow your passions or things won't turn out the way you had hoped. It's okay to be afraid but don't give up before you have really begun.

5. Make Time for the Things you Love.

I put this one last because it encompasses a lot. Making time for the things you love is not just about material items, relaxing moments, or people; it's about spending time doing something that sets your soul on fire. It could be something simple like a bath and reading a good book or playing video games. It doesn't matter what it is as long as it makes you happy. The key to this is setting aside time EVERY day.

When it comes to the people you love, you need to nurture those relationships and make time for the people that are important to you. Whether that is going to dinner, having an hour long phone call, or texting for days back and forth. Make sure that those people know how important they are to you. A lot of times we take the people in our lives for granted. Make sure to make times for all the things and people you love.

Life is always evolving and moving forward whether you are ready for it or not. If you are getting the little things right and creating habits that help you dream big while leading toward being financially sound then you are ahead of most people. I have learned that time is truly the most precious thing we have so where we chose to spend it in the end will make all the difference. I chose to spend mine on the people and things that bring me joy. It took some time before I understood how to incorporate these lessons in a way that served me and not the world status quo. Follow your gut and understand that you are always able to evolve and change if something wasn't what you thought it would be.

5 Tips For Your First Photo Shoot

Amelia (Amelia Rogers) — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 02:58:11 GMT

Sometimes getting started is the best start. There can be many overwhelming thoughts that come to mind that can stop you from getting out there. Will the photo shoot be a success? What style are you going for? Do you want the backdrop to be as important as the model? There are many questions to ask before heading out. I am going to dive into the biggest questions I asked before I just went for it.

Background: I am one of the biggest planners in life, everything is planned out and I enjoy staying organized. However sometimes it’s better to just get out and start. You are never truly ready for your first of anything. I was pushing off something that I really did want to do so my advice is to just start.

5 Questions to Just Get Started: First Photo-shoot;

1. Who is your photographer?

I opted for my boyfriend because he is someone I am comfortable around which makes getting more natural shots a LOT easier. Working with a close friend or someone you are comfortable around is key to an easy photo shoot.

2. What is the “look” you are going for?

Sometimes I want to go classic, edgy, boho, simple, or I want contrast with the location. For example, I chose to do a photo shoot in the mountains near my home. I wanted the morning light so I woke up at 5 AM so go get the perfect shot. I chose several looks to bring with me, 1. a fur shawl that blended in with the surroundings, 2. A bright orange/red jacket that was both a contrast and earth toned enough to fit into the landscape 3. An army jacket with a turtle neck that gave me a hunter look, 4. A knit sweater to provide a comforted look, and 5. A colorful dress that was more boho in style. This was one shoot that allowed me multiple options to catch the look I wanted. Sometimes playing around with looks is the best way to figure out what you like best.

3. What type of makeup and hair look are you going for?

This is huge because it can change the entire tone of the shoot. If you want something natural wear less makeup verses if you want something edgy wear more dramatic makeup. I chose natural makeup and curled my hair slightly to add a softer look. Hair is one of my favorite things to play with. There are so many options that can completely change the look. I recommend making a Pinterest board just for hair ideas.

4. What type of backdrop goes best with the look you are going for?

I tend to migrate toward nature shots as it speaks with my soul in a way that makes me feel like all my photos are instantly better. With that being said, I do try to think about the backdrop and how it will mesh with the overall look. Some nature locations are more breathtaking and will be the star of the shoot so it does come down to thinking through the balance within the photo. Certain places can enhance your look. In fashion photography it is all about the whole photo but also letting the model be the focus.

5. How does the light work at your location of choice?

I know that when you are starting out this might not be something you get completely right, there are also times when the weather changes so you have to be able to be adaptable to those changes. There are locations where it is all shade verses locations where you are in direct sunlight. Knowing the light can help when shooting for the photographer and yourself. If you are in a sunny location, you want to pick certain areas that don’t have the sun in your face or too many bright blotches in the background. This will take time and is more for the photographer but once you get a hang of how the pictures take in certain lights you will be able to assess the location better.

These are 5 easy tips to just get you started so that you don’t have to keep putting off starting your desired Instagram account or blog. The more you get out there and practice the better you will become. Remember to enjoy yourself and happy photo-shooting!

Add any tips that you feel helped you get started! Starting can be the hardest thing to do.

ameliarogers

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