"Good Riddance" as fictional characters

Have you ever listened to a song and thought that the story it tells relates exactly to a specific character or couple from a series, movie or even book? I know I have. So in honor of the “Good Riddance” album release by Gracie Abrams, here’s a list of fictional characters I relate to the tracks of her new album.

1. Best 

Paige towards Leo from “The Vow”. Paige treated Leo so badly after the accident when he was just trying to help and love her the way he was used to. He didn’t deserve that. This song is her realizing that wasn’t the best for him.

2. I know it won’t work

Rory and Dean from “Gilmore Girls” after she breaks up with him gets together with Jess. Dean keeps waiting for her to come back to him but she simply doesn’t want that. She doesn’t love him anymore.

3. Full machine

Tom falling for Summer in "500 Days of Summer”. He falls so hard and loves her so deeply while she’s not feeling the same way. He wants someone that doesn’t want him as much as he does.

4. Where do we go now?

Brooke and Gary in “The Breakup”. Their relationship hit a dead end and they both know there's nowhere to go from there but staying for so long, trying to make it work although they know it’s gone.

5. I should hate you

This one was a no-brainer: Kat in “10 things I hate about you” when she gives her speech in class about all the things she hates about Patrick but knowing that, despite all that, she still cares for him and could never hate him at all.

6. Will you cry?

Beth in “He’s just not that into you” with her boyfriend Neil. He shows no interest in getting married and she just wanted to end things to see if he would even care that she left.

7. Amelie

Jo in “Little Women” writes a book, reminiscing about her past life, almost not recognizing the person she is now compared to her younger self.

8. Difficult

Archer in “Archer’s Voice” struggles with a disability and he isolates himself because he thinks that he is a burden to everyone around him.

9. This is what drugs are for

Daisy in “Daisy Jones & The Six” takes every pill and uses whichever distraction to not think about Billy, but it doesn’t really work.

10. Fault line

Babi in “Three Steps Above Heaven” falling for Hache, a guy that has a whole set of problems and knowing he’s a bit dangerous, but she comes with her own set of problems to bring to the table acknowledging that they could crack at any time.

11. The blue

Ezra and Amira in “You People” finding each other and not expecting them to completely change each other’s lives; they fall in love in the best way possible.

12. Right now

Holly in “P.S. I Love You” finding and feeling like herself again after Gerry’s death.

I recommend listening to the album for a deeper understanding. It's heartbreaking yet beautiful. After listening, if you think of any other characters, feel free to let me know. :)

Stay In and Stay Warm

 It’s colder than usual in California, which means now is the perfect time to stay in and catch up on your favorite reality TV shows. Here’s a list of popular binge-worthy Netflix favorites that’s sure to keep you entertained till the sun comes back out. 

1. Is It Cake? 

Netflix took reality baking shows to a whole new level with Is it Cake? If you’re into baking competition shows, this may be your new obsession. In the show, 9 bakers compete to win $10,000 each episode. To win, you have to disguise your cake so it can’t be deciphered by 3 celebrity judges. As of now there are 8 episodes, about 40 minutes long streaming on Netflix, and a new season on the way. 

2. Selling Sunset 

Let’s talk about Los Angeles real estate. Selling Sunset is a reality show that highlights The Oppenheim Group located right on Sunset boulevard. Though the brokerage is owned by Jason and Brett Oppenheim, the women of the office steal the show. They bring the drama, well known buyers, and the high fashion on camera and make the show worth watching. Running 5 seasons strong, with season 6 on the way, Selling Sunset is definitely worth your while. 

3. The Mole 

If you like a good mystery, The Mole may be your new obsession. The Mole is a competition show that invites  individuals to Australia to complete a series of missions. But there is  a catch: During each mission,someone in the group is sabotaging the group as a whole. Their job is to find out just who that someone is. The Mole is a 10 episode saga that are about 40 minutes long each. 

4. Love is Blind 

A Netflix original turned Netflix classic, Love is Blind is one of the streaming services best shows yet. Nick and Vanessa Lachey host the hit show that calls singles to fall in love without ever seeing each other. It calls individuals to see if they can fall in love and commit to marriage with nothing but a strong emotional connection. Being that there are 3 seasons streaming now on Netflix, this is sure to keep you bundled up and entertained as cold passes. 

5. Twenty Something’s : Austin 

The description is in the show name. Twenty Something’s: Austin welcomes a group of 8 twenty something’s to Austin, Texas that have never been on their own to see if they’re ready to spread their wings. They live in a house together for free but have to navigate their own problems and drama. By the end of the stay they have to make the decision if they’re going to leave where they came from and relocate to Austin for good, or go back home. The 12 episode series is sure to keep you hooked all the way through.

6. Perfect Match 

Now if you finish all of these, and want to see a few familiar faces from your favorites off the list, the Perfect Match is for you. Netflix created a dating show with singles that failed the other love show experiences, or that just wanted to have a shot at finding their perfect match. Netflix pulled people from Love is Blind, The Circle, The Mole, Too Hot Too Handle, and a couple of their other original series. It motivates singles to get to know each other and win challenges to be deemed compatible and be declared the perfect match. The series released its first half of episodes already, but the last 4 are getting released on Netflix February 28th. 

Whether your interest is baking, real estate, love, lifestyle, or all of the above, this list is sure to keep you inside. 

Happy Binging! 

"Chick Flicks" are not guilty pleasures

February was brutal. Social media was full of couples doing couples things and advertisement was at its finest despite it only making me feel more alone than I already am. So during those trying times, I decided to do what I enjoy the most: binge-watching Chick Flicks.

After a month-long marathon, I did a little self-reflection. For most of my life, I've felt ashamed of my love for Chick Flicks and Rom-Coms. Until recently, I actually considered them guilty pleasures. And then I asked myself: Why do I feel guilty for something I enjoy? If we think about it, yeah, some are really bad, but some are kind of revolutionary.

For years, the film community has disqualified most of the productions dedicated to women, as if our tastes were insubstantial, materialistic, and had boring plots. But the entertainment industry knows its female audience well and has evolved alongside it.

Obviously, with my self-given authority in the genre, I have some of my favorites that I believe stand out among others, so I thought: why not share them so that people give them another chance before the Month of Love ends.

• Pride and Prejudice (2005). An all-time favorite of mine. Of course, a Jane Austen adaptation should be on this list. Stories like this one invite us to ask ourselves what would happen if we were Lizzie in the 19th century: a strong and determined woman who is constantly questioned by a society that limits her possibilities. Plus, who doesn't dream of meeting Mr. Darcy?

• 13 Going on 30 (2004). Putting Garner's quirky performance and Ruffalo's adorable dance moves aside, this film deals with many relatable teenage girl struggles. From mean girls to puberty awkwardness, and even an interesting take on the 2000s society. Even now that commentary is relatable. It is a sweet romantic comedy mixed with time-travel fantasies and some funny situations that deal with the imagination and innocence of a young girl. What could be better?

• The Twilight Saga (2008-2012). The ultimate guilty pleasure, am I right? More reason to include it in the list. In addition to becoming a resounding success at the box office, they also marked the beginning of an era in which adaptations of teen fiction novels predominated in movie theaters. That must count for something. We have a rather self-conscious yet brave young woman who faces situations out of the ordinary and still, people hear "vampires and werewolves" and totally disregard the saga. Shame.

Since I can't fit all of my favorites, here are some honorable mentions: Legally Blonde, Clueless, The Devil Wears Prada, Bridesmaids, Mean Girls, 10 Things I Hate About You, Mamma Mia! and Love, Rosie.

So, if you ever think Chick Flicks and Rom-Coms are something to be embarrassed about or if you're ever questioned about your taste in these movies, just let them know that these genres are not superficial at all; on the contrary, they are a glimpse of the problems, dreams, and ideals of women in different contexts. That'll shut them up.

5 Tips to Motivate You to Exercise as a College Student

Growing up I was always active. I was a dancer for 8 years, loved running and always took my dog on walks. Once I got to college, I didn’t have anything to keep me active. There weren’t anymore physical education classes or many opportunities to dance. I then took up going to the gym to build muscle, but I wasn’t consistent.  I didn’t see results from going which just discouraged me further. I was spending about $30 every month for a membership that I didn’t use. 

More recently, I started going, and I’ve been consistent. I also found myself wanting to go on my days off. So here are a few things that have motivated me to go to the gym:

1. Buying athletic wear: I didn’t realize how excited I was to go to the gym once I bought clothes that I thought were genuinely cute and wanted somewhere to wear them. Being in workout clothes made me feel as if I had to go since I already had them on. I understand that as a college student, money is tight. I have gotten clothes on Amazon that are dupes for big-name brands and the quality is very nice. One of my new hobbies is collecting workout wear.
2. Follow fitness/lifestyle influencers: Seeing others achieve their goals by exercising is very inspiring and makes me want to go to the gym. Personally, I want to gain muscle and just be overall healthy, so I follow people that have also had that goal and achieved it. 
3. Find something you enjoy: Not everybody loves to go to the gym and lift weights. There are exercises that everyone can find for themselves that are fun and don’t feel like exercising. When I was a dancer, I had so much fun moving around and being active and it didn’t even feel like I was exercising. I also love to hike and it feels more like taking a walk and sightseeing. Find something that is fun and will keep you wanting to do it more. 
4. See if your friends would want to join you: It is fun to exercise by yourself, but when someone is with you, there’s someone to push you. Having a person with you allows for motivation and just overall fun for having someone to hang out with. My boyfriend loves to go rock climbing with his friends and they have a blast doing it. 
5. Have a goal to work towards: It is normal to not want to workout everyday. It’s healthy to take days to rest and time to recover. If you have a goal in mind, it will help you want to exercise. This goal could be small such as taking the stairs to class instead of the elevator, or it could be big as well. As long as you are making progress and putting in effort to move around, there’s nothing that can stop you. 

Everything is easier said than done. Life gets in the way and things happen. These are things that motivate me to exercise and I hope they could help someone else. Make sure to take every day one at a time and be easy on yourself. Find something that suits you and have fun while doing it. 

 

7 Tips For A Successful Thrift Trip

There are many ways in which people develop their style. Some get inspo from Pinterest and others just put together whatever they think works well together. One of the best ways to develop personal style is by thrifting. You never know what unique pieces you can find while thrifting. I believe that a unique piece can establish a whole outfit. It can elevate it from being basic to remarkable. Some people say that thrifting is hard and takes loads of time. Here are a few tips that can make the process easier and more enjoyable. 

 

1. Savers, Goodwill, Value Village, and Salvation Army are go to’s in the thrift world. They have the best stuff for the best price. Buffalo exchange and Plato’s Closet aren’t bad, but the prices are too overpriced. 

2.  Before going into a thrift store, make a Pinterest board for inspiration. Going thrifting could be overwhelming in itself. Therefore, having a guide to follow in the thrift makes the experience so much easier. 

3.  Keep an open mind, you never know what pieces you can repurpose. Many people thrift flip and alter many items. It helps you see a “vision”, which is seeing the potential in an item. You never know how you can reuse an item to fit your aesthetic. 

4.  Make sure you set money limits. You never know how much money you can spend at a thrift store. Most people underestimate how much they will potentially buy and prices may range depending on the type of item. 

5.  Don’t limit yourself to your specified section. Checking men’s, women’s, and even the kids section will help you find some steals. Sometimes there are hidden gems and you can style a variety of things from other sections. You never know what you can turn into a fit. 

6. Make sure you spend the time to go through every rack because you never know what you might miss. Even if it isn’t in your size section, sometimes things are hidden. Having an “oversized” look is always a go to statement. 

7.  Make sure to discipline yourself before you check out. During the thrifting experience, you could have had many ideas for a variety of items. Though, you have to make sure you will actually wear those items. Through the process of selection, you can condense your shopping cart. It makes everything more efficient and don’t worry- you can leave a secret stash for someone else to come across. 

   
   

   Thrifting isn’t for everyone, but it definitely is the first step to building your own personal style. These were just a few ways to make your thrifting experience better. For newcomers, the more you thrift- the more you get the hang of it. It’s like an art, it takes practice to find good things. These tips are good ways to perform your pre-thrifting tactics. Thrifting is the best way to build your fashion sense and help the economy. 

 

Rocket by Alex G Album Review

        There are times where one wishes to escape to some vaguely described location with words such as “woodsy” and “full of nature” in the description. I feel that there are many people who have this desire but are often too accompanied by everyday responsibilities. In our modern society, it’s become common for one to get lost in their own cycle that they forget to refresh with a breath of fresh air. That breath of fresh air can come from a multitude of places, people or things. Rocket (2016) by singer-songwriter Alex Giannascoli (Alex G) is one of those places. 

The album kicks off with the twangy-folk track Poison Root, which follows repetitive lyrics that sing “Now I know everything.” This track is accompanied with a violin which allows the listener to be transported into a different reality, where nature overcomes all else and humanity is submissive to the strength of our green Earth. Bobby, Big Fish, and Alina all share a similar dream-like Irish feel. 

Powerful Man, track 11 off the record, acts as a story. The narrator reminisces on events that make him believe that he will be a powerful man, such as in the introduction where it opens with the narrator disappointedly stating that their brother broke the law again and that he’s being sent to jail for his crime. The narrator then goes to admit that his brother is not exactly the best person, suggesting that his brother has hurt him before, but overcomes any doubt of love for his brother by singing “but a brother is a brother, and that is that.” This is the beginning of his journey to be a powerful man, as to be powerful is to be forgiving. He ends his story by describing a conversation with his lover, appreciating that his lover will always stay at his side because they know he chooses love and forgiveness, which translates to strength. 

Forgiveness is a common theme in Giannascoli’s music. However, although this theme may be persistent, he also admits his own faults and is aware of his challenges to accept the fruits of his labor. 

Tracks Guilty, Judge and Brick presents as the darker side of the paradise the album sets itself to be in. Guilty follows the narrator’s inability to be open about his own desire to just be alone, without any of the people who wish to be around him. In a way, it plays a contrasting piece to Powerful Man, as this track discusses forgiveness, family and love, while Guilty exposes another view of this theme as the narrator questions if he is who he claims to be, or if he’s “buried all the evidence of what you used to be.” The jazzy instrumental acts as a dizzy subconscious, and it makes you feel reflective upon yourself as Alex G takes you through his own mindset. 

This record takes one to an entirely different universe, as it both plays as an appreciative piece towards love, nature and forgiveness but also admitting the faults one has to accept. It’s refreshing to sit in the middle of a woodsy location that’s full of nature, but if one stays there for too long, it may become difficult to escape your own mentality. Nature acts as a reflective place, and it’s important to acknowledge and accept your own mistakes, but it’s also important to strive to be better. 

Rocket by Alex G was released in 2017 and is available on all streaming platforms. 

Why LeBron James is the G.O.A.T.

     Imagine being born in the mid 1980’s to a mother who was only 16-years-old and still in high school. Your mother is a single black woman who was at the time a teenager and was left to raise her son on her own because her partner had a lengthy criminal record. Now imagine being poor in the city of Akron and growing up without heat in the winter, sleeping in your mother’s car at times, and having sleepovers at your friend's house not for fun, but to survive. This doesn’t sound appealing at all, but this is the sad story of how Lebron James was born and raised throughout his childhood. 

    
    Lebron James' mother, Gloria Marie James, had a tough time trying to find a stable home to raise her son. During his fifth grade, he had to move in with Frank Walker Sr., his teammate's father, in order to help out both Lebron and his mother. He started playing AAU basketball at that time as well and had perfect attendance at school averaging a B+ GPA. In sixth grade, Lebron’s mother was able to afford a home, so he moved back in with her. Fast forward to his high school days, Lebron led his freshman team to an undefeated season and a state title. He appeared on the cover of SLAM and Sports Illustrated his junior year, which made him the most popular basketball player of all-time. Even through all of this fame and still being poor, Lebron turned down a ten-million-dollar contract with Reebok as a senior in high school. He now has a lifetime deal with Nike. He was nicknamed, “the chosen one.” Now, let’s talk about Lebron James' accomplishments in basketball. 

    Lebron James was selected as the number one overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 2004, he won rookie of the year and in 2005, he was already an All-Star starter in the NBA. He spent his first seven seasons with the Cavaliers winning two MVPs, but never won a championship in any of those seasons. In 2010, he was a free agent and decided to take his talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat to be teammates with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. He spent his next four seasons there and won two championships, two MVPs, and two finals MVP’s. In 2014, he decided to go back to the Cleveland Cavaliers and promised to win them a championship. He did win a championship with the Cavs in 2016 which was one of the greatest NBA Finals in the history of the league coming back from a 3-1 deficit to win in seven games versus the Golden State Warriors, who had a 73-9 record that year (greatest regular season record of all-time). Lebron left the Cavaliers again in 2019 to join the Los Angeles Lakers. In 2020, he carried the Lakers in the bubble during the COVID-19 pandemic and won a championship vs the Miami Heat. Lebron James' resume is stacked with unbelievable accomplishments such as 4x NBA champ, 4x NBA MVP, 4x Finals MVP, 19x All-Star, 3x All-Star MVP, Rookie of the Year in 2004, number one all-time in scoring, number four all-time in assists, and arguably the best postseason player in NBA history.

    Now let’s be real, everyone has their own opinion on who their greatest of all time player is. Most people will say Micheal Jordan because of him never losing in the NBA finals, and others can say Bill Russell because he has 11 championships. I’m a Warriors fan, so I’ve always hated Lebron James. Well, I always thought I did, but I don’t. The older I am getting, the more I’m realizing that I was one of the lucky fans of NBA basketball who got to witness most of the accomplishments this man has done. He’s the first billionaire basketball player ever, and he’s still in the league. He has a school called,” I Promise School,” that has helped so many kids who had struggled the way that he had when he was a kid. He’s always been a great father and husband to his family and has never gotten in any problems involved with the law. He’s not just an athlete, but a businessman and also someone who uses their voice when he feels like something in this country is wrong. Throughout all of this, he remains humble every day and motivated to continue to not just win more championships, but to give back to the world. The day he retires will be a very sad day for basketball fans around the world because there will never be another player like Lebron James ever again. He lived up to the hype that he got when he was in high school, and he’ll always be remembered as “the chosen one.” 

Zodiac Love Songs

As a hopeless romantic who has never had a boyfriend in my whole life, my relationship with February 14th has grown with me. I went along with it at first when I learned single people are supposed to hate Valentine’s Day. Luckily for me, I have a mom who taught me the importance of celebrating love in all its forms. Now, I see today as an excuse to do all of my favorite things and remind my friends and family that I love them endlessly. 

Expressing that love can be tricky. Music is a love language that transcends any kind of boundary. It’s my favorite way to tell someone how I feel without telling them. For this Valentine’s post, I curated a list of love songs according to how each zodiac sign shows its unique version of love.

Aries (March 21 - April 19) 

“Never Too Much” by Luther Vandross 

Every Aries in my life is energetic, bold, and enthusiastic, even if they keep it cool on the outside. They’re typically abundantly loving and soulful with their words. Their love is limitless. 

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) 

“I Will Follow You Into The Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie

I think the defining characteristic of the Taurus community is their stubbornness. This flows into their loyalty, devotion to loved ones, and ability to make deep connections. I’ve never dated a Taurus, but they sound like the type of person you would want on your team. 

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) 

“Red (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift 

I’m a Gemini, so I feel like this is my moment to say that I am over the Gemini slander. Two-faced? No. Extra thoughtful and capable of duality? Yes. They’re playful, curious, and the life of the party when they’re in the mood. I feel like this song encapsulates the many feelings Geminis can feel at once when falling in love. 

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)

“Arms” by Christina Perri

Protective, intuitive, and generous with their love, Cancers prefer a deep connection to a fun fling. Experiences in the past may cause them to put their guard up, and it takes the right person to take those walls down. 

Leo (July 23 - August 23)

“Lovefool” by The Cardigans 

Leos love attention, and they want their partner to be extra possessive of their love. Dating a Leo is a commitment in the sense that they require constant romantic reassurance, and they expect the same level of loyalty they give. 

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

“Love on Top” by Beyoncé

Virgos are organized problem solvers. There is barely a problem they can’t solve, and this idea can be applied to how they show love. If a relationship gets rocky, they will give everything they can to remedy it before ending it altogether. Beyoncé is a Virgo. 

Libra (September 22 - October 23) 

“Love Song” by Elton John

Libras are lovey. They’re also indecisive and get bored quickly. When they love, they love hard with lots of passion. Libras often go out of their way to make their partner feel special. Some people think that it takes time for Libras to truly commit, but when it comes to their emotions, they tend to fall very quickly. 

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) 

“Songbird” by Fleetwood Mac

Trust issues tend to run rampant in Scorpios. They tend to keep their cards a bit closer to their chest compared to other signs, and they are the last sign to wear their heart on their sleeves. However, a Scorpio will always have your back. If they choose you, you should feel secure in the fact that they have no intention of leaving anytime soon. 

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

“Just like Heaven” by The Cure

Unlike a Scorpio, a Sagittarius is much more trusting from the jump. They aren’t afraid to voice their opinion and tend to get away with it because of how bubbly and charismatic they are. Their outspoken nature doesn’t take away from their ability to treat others with sensitivity. They love to learn about worlds they are not a part of, and they rarely worry about the little things. 

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

“Make It With You” by Bread

When a Capricorn wants something, they are going to get it. Hardworking, persistent, and strong, they are not going to give up on the relationship. They’re level-headed, which explains they don’t jump into things too quickly. They tread cautiously in the beginning, but once they decide it is something they want, they are not going to let go of it. 

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

“You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain

This sign takes their time seriously, so they are not one to waste it. Especially when it comes to love. They’re strong individuals, logical, and straight up. This sign is in it for the long haul when they find the right person.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

“Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer

I tend to fall for Pisces men. I think it is because of their natural creativity, humor, and imagination. Pisces are emotionally driven, for better or for worse. They like to feel like they are serving a significant purpose in their partner’s life, so they go above and beyond in any way they can. 

I love how music can explain everything and anything. No matter your sign, I'm sure you can relate to these songs, and I hope you find ways to celebrate all the love in your life this Valentine’s Day!

Check out the playlist (on Apple Music, I'm sorry) of the songs I included in today's post! 

 

How to prepare for Valentine’s Day while doing long-distance

With Valentine’s coming up, people in relationships are getting excited and planning cute, fun date ideas for the 14th. Unfortunately for me, this year I will spend this holiday away from my boyfriend, but that doesn’t have to mean a sad thing! Here are a few ideas that I’ve come up with to celebrate Valentine’s Day Long Distance Style:

1. Have a Video Chat date!

It could be over FaceTime or Zoom, and you guys can dress up and have dinner together in your respective locations! You can also download some Google Chrome add-ons to watch movies together simultaneously, like TeleParty from Netflix or Scener for any streaming service. You could even look up games online and play together while video-chatting; I recommend Sketchful.io or a virtual escape room game!

2. Have someone deliver something to your partner.

If any family member or friend lives nearby your significant other, ask them to go get something as a favor. It can be candy, flowers, or a little something that will make their day. If this option isn’t available for you, have a delivery service do it for you. It can be dinner via Postmates or flowers via a flower delivery company, you get the idea.

3. Write a virtual love letter.

Handwritten love letters are always the best, but if you’re long-distance, go crazy on Canva! Choose a cute template, pick out a pretty font, add different elements or photos, and you’ve got yourself a virtual love letter! Make sure to write something meaningful that comes from the heart.

4. Be present throughout the day.

Keep in mind that Valentine’s can be a day that can make your partner a little sad because they miss you and wish they could spend the day with you, so be thoughtful and send them messages throughout the day to let them know you’re thinking about them. This will make your significant other feel loved and appreciated.

5. Host a Galentine’s.

If the time difference is an issue for a video chat date, get together with your dearest friends and celebrate together. Back in Mexico, where I’m from, we describe Valentine’s day as “the day of love and friendship”, so why not have a cute date with your friends? If you’ve got no idea how to do #Galentines, search it up on TikTok! Tons of girls are going above and beyond, doing different types of lunch/dinner dates during February. It definitely looks fun and aesthetically pleasing.

Although Valentine’s is a cute, little tradition that’s been going on since the year 270 C.E. (common era), nowadays it’s used as a form of capitalism, so don’t give it too much thought or let it define your mood! Valentine’s can be great if you don’t take it too seriously, just maintain good communication with your partner, and enjoy yourself.

I hope these ideas come in handy for you for the approaching holiday! :)