Leap Day: What is it?

     Leap Year, It happens every four years and we sort of skip over it, leap over it if you will. We don’t understand the significance of the day. Some don’t even realize that it coincides with election day. That’s right, in case you missed it, we have 366 days this year which means one extra day to listen to people bicker about politics. Or, an extra day to be happy you’re alive, a day that you can use to relax, catch up, just chill, or do something you’ve never done before. 

     You may be thinking, where do we get this day from? Did it spawn out of the Earth’s buttcrack or…

     Leap year was created and February was given an extra day every four years to keep our calendars in sync with the Earth’s orbit. More specifically, the Earth takes 365.25 days to orbit the sun and to make up for the collective .25 days every year, we just give it to February so it’s not so short and left out, creating a leap day. If we didn’t add the extra day every four years, eventually, June, July and August would no longer be our summer months, it would shift to December, and us Californians really would have no hope of ever seeing a white Christmas. 

     A leap year with its leaping day affects more than our seasons, it shifts the days. Each year your birthday will be on the next day of the week, but a leap year causes the day of week your birthday is on to…you guessed it, leap. It also creates a bit of confusion for those born on leap day, February 29th. Since it only occurs once every four years, those born the 29th celebrate their birthday on the 28th or March 1st instead. Therefore, a leapling or leaper could have been born February 29th, 2000, lived through 24 years, and technically be turning six this year. Weird, I know. 

     While leap years and their leap days do cause a little confusion, there are many superstitions, random rules, and facts that apply, if you so choose. 

They are:

-women can propose to men on leap day

-leap day is not a legal day(must choose February 28th or March 1st as your birthday)

-most employees work for free because their wages don’t calculate the extra day

-Texas and New Mexico go big on this day(they’re the leap year capital)

-leap year is considered bad luck so couples don’t get married as often

-leap year is a bad year for sheep 

     So, ladies, propose to your man this year in New Mexico, but don’t marry him until the next and don’t plan on receiving a sheep as an engagement present.

     

     

     

     

Overcoming Injuries: My Journey Back from a Pec Tear

Wednesday, February 28th, 2024

Published by Nick Karoglu

Recovering from a gym injury, especially one as significant as a pec tear, is a journey that tests both physical and mental strength. My experience over the past seven years, engaging in advanced power-building exercises, has taught me invaluable lessons not only about recovery but also about resilience and the power of mindset. Also feel free to check out my recovery series on Instagram @nicholasgaren!

Without further ado, here are five key tips that helped me navigate through this challenging period, leading to my silver linings.

1. Embrace the Mental Challenge

Recovery starts in the mind. Post-injury, I realized the importance of mental fortitude. Accepting the injury and focusing on recovery required a significant mental shift. It was essential to reject the mental block that whispered of indefinite defeat and to believe in my ability to return stronger. This mindset was crucial, as it transformed a seemingly insurmountable obstacle into a hurdle I was determined to overcome.

2. Seek Professional Guidance

The path to recovery was paved with the expertise of medical professionals and physical therapists. Their guidance was instrumental in setting realistic goals and ensuring that each step taken was safe and effective. Incorporating corrective exercise therapy and recovery strategies tailored to my needs allowed me to rebuild strength methodically, avoiding further injury.

3. Diversify Your Fitness Routine

The injury presented an opportunity to explore new sports and training methods. Kickboxing became a new passion, offering both physical and mental benefits. This diversification not only aided my recovery by maintaining overall fitness but also enriched my expertise as an Integrated Fitness Specialist. Exploring new disciplines can invigorate your training approach and keep you engaged during recovery.

4. Start Slow and Stay Consistent

Patience was key. The eagerness to return to pre-injury strength levels had to be tempered with the understanding that healing takes time. Starting slow, focusing on form, and progressively increasing intensity ensured that my recovery was built on a solid foundation. Consistency in following the recovery plan, even when progress seemed slow, was crucial for long-term success.

5. Turn Setbacks into Comebacks

Every setback in the recovery process was an opportunity for learning and growth. I leveraged my background in power-building, strength and conditioning, and my newfound interest in kickboxing to not only recover but to potentially surpass my pre-injury fitness levels. This journey has also fueled my passion for helping others as a personal trainer, using my experience to guide clients through their own recovery processes.

Silver Linings and New Beginnings

Recovering from my pec tear taught me more than just physical recovery techniques; it revealed the immense impact of mindset on overcoming challenges. This journey has shown me my own resilience and has opened new doors in my fitness career, including kickboxing and finishing my first Spartan "BEAST" Race being second to the lineup of their most elite races right behind the "ULTRA" that I plan to complete next. To anyone facing a similar challenge, remember that your recovery is not just about regaining lost strength but about discovering new strengths and passions. Believe in your ability to overcome, and you'll find that the path to recovery can lead to unexpected and rewarding destinations.

MLB Preseason Power Rankings: Top 5 Projected Teams to Look Out for in the 2024 Season

 The 2024 MLB season is quickly approaching and it's about that time that fans should start knowing what to expect from their teams. At the time of writing this there are still many key free agents available, however with that in mind let's jump into this year's top teams. 

5. Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies did not have the most exciting offseason by any means, but the team stayed relatively the same after resigning Aaron Nola. Last season they finished tied with the 6th best overall record but reached the NLCS for the second consecutive year before losing to the Diamondbacks. They have a veteran squad and are undoubtedly feeling close to getting that World Series win. With so many free agents still available the team feels as if they are a piece away from being a serious contender. 

4. Texas Rangers

Some might think that putting the reigning champions down at 4 is a little harsh, and that's probably true, but there are just too many questions regarding their pitching staff. Last year Jordan Montgomery proved himself to be a key part reason why the team finished above all others, but as of now, there is no news of him returning to Texas. The team still has 2 great pitchers in Max Scherzer and Jacob DeGrom, but each sustained a major injury last season it is only natural for there to be concern. As for the offensive side, there is nothing to be worried about. Corey Seager looks primed to be an early AL MVP candidate and players like Marcus Semien, Adolis Garcia, and Jonah Heim will be ready to recreate last year's magic.

3. Baltimore Orioles

Everyone knew that the Orioles would be a force to be reckoned with for years to come, however, it was a shock to many to see it come so soon. Last year the team overperformed everyones expectations winning over 100 games and coming on top of the always competitive AL East. With such a young squad that has shown what they can be, the sky is the limit for the team who got to taste the playoff atmosphere last season. Not to mention they have only made themselves better after trading for all-star starting pitcher Corbin Burnes. Adding Burnes to this team only adds to the ceiling of what this team might be.

2. Atlanta Braves

It feels like every year the Braves find themselves in around the top three teams in baseball, and this year is absolutely no exception. With a lineup that includes all-world players like Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olsen, Austin Riley, and Ozzie Albies anyone would be a fool to not put the Braves amongst the two best teams in baseball. Not to mention their already stacked pitching staff that includes Max Fried, Spencer Strider, and new addition Chris Sale. After a disappointing end to their 104-win season, the 2021 champions look to finish amongst the best in October. 

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

Last season was thought to be a rebuild-type season, however, the Dodgers did what they seemingly always do and finished the season atop of the NL West with 100 wins. Staying along the theme of the Dodgers repeating themselves, once again they saw themselves crashing out of the playoffs. However, this season they have strengthened unlike any team in the MLB, and frankly, you'd have to be living under a rock if you were not aware of their additions. After spending over 1 billion dollars on the best player in baseball and the hottest pitcher on the market, along with trading for Tyler Glasnow their rotation problems seem like a thought in the past. Only time will tell how they perform come the postseason, but it seems almost evident that the 2020 champs will finish with the best record in the league come season's end. 

6 Essential Tips for Traveling to Mexico

Mexico, with its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history brings in many travelers from around the globe. The allure of its diverse Latin heritage is undeniable, offering an array of experiences from the beaches of the Riviera Maya to the bustling streets of Mexico City. However, as with any travel destination, understanding how to navigate safely through this beautiful country is crucial. Here are six valuable recommendations to ensure your visit to our enchanting neighbor is both enjoyable and secure.

1. Research Your Destinations

Before setting off, take the time to research the areas you plan to visit. Mexico is vast and varied, with each region offering unique attractions and experiences. However, safety levels can also vary significantly from one area to another. Consult travel advisories, read up on local customs and current events, and plan your itinerary with safety in mind. Opt for destinations that are known to be welcoming and secure for tourists instead of other destinations known to have danger. 

2. Stay Connected

Always keep a line of communication open with friends or family back home. It is good to have everyone’s location on if traveling in a group. This is only possible if there is service on your phone so please, beforehand, have your service provider allow the service to free roam in surrounding countries. This is possible many of the times with a small fee.

3. Use Reputable Transportation

When traveling within Mexico, opt for reputable transportation options. Pre-booked airport transfers, well-known taxi services, and official bus lines are generally safer and more reliable than hailing rides on the street. Be wary of unmarked taxis and always agree on fares before starting your trip. If you are taking your own transportation, have it insured in one of the many insurance offices located by border crossings. 

4. Be Mindful of Your Belongings

Petty theft can be a concern in crowded places. Keep your belongings secure, avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics, and use hotel safes for valuable items. When exploring, carry only what you need and keep your money and documents in a secure, concealed place. Keep valuables out of sight if possible.

5. Respect Local Laws and Customs

Understanding and respecting local laws and customs is vital. This includes dressing appropriately in certain areas, being mindful of your behavior, and adhering to local laws. Mexico has a rich culture that deserves respect; engaging with it thoughtfully enriches your travel experience. With so many IRL live streams currently taking place, we can now witness what not to do when traveling. Stay at your best behavior. 

6. Stay Healthy

Traveler's health is a crucial aspect to consider while exploring Mexico. To minimize health risks, it's advisable to drink only bottled water and ensure that your food is freshly prepared. While the allure of Mexico's street food can be hard to resist, given its reputation as some of the most delicious and authentic cuisine available, it's important to proceed with caution. Since our bodies might not be accustomed to the local food practices and ingredients, what is a treat for locals can sometimes lead to discomfort for visitors.

Mexico's charm and warmth are unmatched, offering an unforgettable experience to those who visit. By following these six recommendations, you can navigate through Mexico safely, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of this remarkable country. Happy travels!

The Best Celebrity Looks From The 2024 BAFTAs

The 77th British Academy Film Awards are finally here, and Hollywood’s blazing stars arrived on the red carpet shining brighter than ever. 

The highly esteemed award ceremony took place at the Royal Festival Hall in London on Sunday, February 18th to honor the industry’s best films, directors, actors, and many more from the previous year. 

With dozens of celebrities arriving in stunning red-carpet looks, the glorious award winners weren’t the only ones being praised at the prestigious event. 

Below, scroll to see some of the best celebrity looks from this year’s 2024 BAFTAs. 

1. Taylor Russell in Loewe

Taylor Russell’s angelic red carpet look was an evident crowd favorite and for good reason. This heavenly white gown was custom-made by Loewe and perfectly fuses a high-neckline and backless design. Completed with incredible white feather details on both the hip line and the hem of the dress, Russell’s choice of gown was a match made in heaven.  

2. Florence Pugh in Harris Reed 

Harris Reed had a vision when he designed this divine black gown and Florence Pugh delivered it perfectly. The slicked side part on her hydro-bob and the diamond necklace hanging over the silver bodice were perfect details for a stunner like Florence Pugh.   

3. Ayo Edibiri in Bottega Veneta 

Ayo Edibiri’s custom-made Bottega Venetta gown was truly a sight for sore eyes. The stunning peachy-pink shade of the dress followed by the lengthy white feathered shawl was an exceptional pairing for the beautiful actress. 

4. Phoebe Dynevor in Louis Vuitton 

Perhaps one of the most underrated looks of the evening was none other than Phoebe Dynevor’s powder white satin gown designed by Louis Vuitton. This classic white dress is the embodiment of elegance and luxury; a perfect choice for the notable British actress who is most commonly known for her role as the graceful Daphne Bridgerton in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton.

5. Emerald Fenell in Armani Prive

This gorgeous sleek black velvet gown could not have been sported more perfectly. The deep V plunge and the details on the red roses truly make this dress a divine piece, no one could have worn it better than the talented Emerald Fennell. The cherry on top was Fennell’s choice of makeup, a vibrant red lip and smokey eyeshadow. 

                    

6. Da’vine Joy Randolph in Robert Wun 

Da’vine Joy Randolph, the well-deserved winner of the 2024 BAFTA award for Best Supporting Actress, has once again set the bar high for red carpet looks. Randolph stepped out in the most angelic custom Robert Wun gown, the contrast of the satin pink corset and black opera gloves was beautifully done. Randolph brought the look to life with a soft glam and a gorgeous slicked side part reminiscent of traditional Hollywood hairstyles. 

7. Lily Collins in Tamara Ralph 

Lily Collins' execution of this velvet Tamara Ralph gown was absolute perfection. From the deep maroon lip to the gorgeous Hollywood waves, there was nothing not to love. The frilly white rose-inspired sleeves paired with the silver rosettes on the neckline of the dress make for the most remarkable red carpet look. 

!Stickers for Cool Girls!

 I'm not entirely sure if I would consider myself a “cool girl” per say, but I definitely have cool girl tendencies. I like to believe that everyone has an inner cool girl and all it takes is being confident about it. Right now my cool girl tendency has been crafting!

Lately I’ve been in my crafting era and I’ve really been trying to get some of my girlhood back by doing cutesy activities with my friends and on my own. Some of these activities include keychain making, journaling, hand making cards, and scrapbooking. I think the most enjoyable part of all of these is getting to decorate and be as creative as possible. Part of that creative process for me is adding decorative stickers.

I don't consider myself to be a creative person at all, however I do know what looks good and what doesn't, at least in my perspective. So I want to share some of the best, cutest, and coolest stickers that I think every crafty cool girl should know about!

Here are my current faves when it comes to stickers:

Cool Girls On a Budget

Daiso - https://daisous.com/

Daiso is my all time favorite place to get stickers! It is the only place that fuels my Line Friends obsession and has the best sticker sheets including some for Miffy, Rilakkuma, Tokidoki, and more. Aside from the character sticker sheets there are also other sticker sheets of flowers, bows, animals, and even puffy stickers. The prices range from $1.75 to $3.00 making it super affordable and easy to stock up on stickers. 

Coquette Cool Girls 

The Fairy Club - https://thefairyclub.carrd.co/

I discovered the Fairy Club at a local pop up event in Anaheim. The owner was so sweet and had such cute sticker designs so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to buy some. I purchased a total of seven stickers and she threw in eight freebies! I love supporting local and small businesses so these stickers were a perfect purchase for me. These stickers range from $2.00-$4.00. 

The Ultimate Cool Girl

miniSUPER Sticker Club - https://minisupersticker.club/

Sharing this website is proof that I am no longer a gatekeeper because in the past I would have never shared this with anyone. I can say that I've grown and would much rather share the coolest stickers ever with my fellow cool girls. The art on these stickers is amazing and the quality is even better. I've ordered from them twice and it never disappoints. Not to mention they have really great collaborations with different artists! These range from about $5.00 to $10.00.

The Sanrio Cool Girl 

Cheriblush - https://www.etsy.com/market/cheri_blush?ref=lp_queries_external_bottom-1e

 

Etsy has always been my favorite place to buy gifts and especially personalized items. The majority of my friends are huge Hello Kitty girls and I am always on the lookout for cute Sanrio gifts I can get. Cheriblush has an assortment of Sanrio stickers and other cute stickers too. The majority of the sticks cost $4.00 and there are even sticker pack deals that you can buy. 

I hope those of you who love stickers as much as I do find this useful. Or maybe seeing all of these amazing stickers sparks a new obsession for you! :)

 

Bad Bunny Back on Stage Tonight

No one knows what will happen tomorrow, but we know trap artist Bad Bunny’s “Most Wanted Tour” kicks off tonight in North America. 

The four-time Latin Grammy winner will perform for three months with 47 tour dates across the country, starting in Utah and concluding in the Sunshine State of Florida. 

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, aimed this tour as “only trap,” the genre he started his career with. The artist is expected to play songs off his album “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va A Pasar Mañana”(NSLQVAPM), which was released Oct. 2023.

The buzz cut hair reveal at the NSLQVAPM record listening party in Puerto Rico on Oct. 12, 2023, caused fans to connect the hairstyle to his early career. In addition, details regarding the concert have been kept quiet with no major teasers being released to fans.

The artist has created a western-inspired theme for this music set, as seen in “Where She Goes,” which was the lead single off his fifth studio album. This video also stirred up speculation that celebrity Kendall Jenner was subtly mentioned throughout the song. 

 

This record is sonically different from the hit “Un Verano Sin Ti,” the most streamed album globally for two consecutive years on Spotify. 

The countdown now begins for Los Angeles residents to visit the Crypto Arena for "El Conejo Malo" on

March 13

March 14

March 15

"Navigating Student Life: Top 3 Strategies That Transformed My Academic Journey"

   As a first-generation college student who experienced the challenges of transitioning in and out of school, I discovered three game-changing strategies that significantly improved my academic performance and overall well-being. In this blog, I'll share my top three tips—Time Management, Taking Breaks, and Reminding Yourself of Your Goals—and why incorporating them into your student life can make a difference.

Time Management:

Being a student is undeniably challenging, and I learned this firsthand during my first semester as a transfer student. The way my professors approached me changed significantly, highlighting the importance of being prepared. The first strategy that turned my academic journey around was mastering time management.

How I Do It:

Utilize a Planner: A planner is your best friend. Write down all tasks, assignments, and important deadlines to stay on track and avoid double-booking. This proactive approach ensures you manage your time effectively.

Plan Vacations: Writing down vacations not only gives you something to look forward to but also helps in steering clear of procrastination. Knowing your breaks in advance keeps you focused on your assignments and deadlines.

 Taking Breaks:

Recognizing the importance of rest!

Student life can be intense, and burnout is a real threat. In my journey, I discovered that taking breaks is not just a luxury but a necessity for maintaining a healthy balance.

How I Do It:

Small Breaks with Friends: Whether it's grabbing a coffee, going for a walk with friends, or taking a drive with loud music, these small breaks refresh my mind and help me unwind.

Scheduled Off Days: Intentionally setting aside off days in my planner allows me to prioritize self-care. These scheduled breaks are crucial for preventing burnout, especially during the demanding last month of the semester.

Reminding Yourself of Your Goals:

Staying motivated through the highs and lows. Student life is hard, and staying focused on your goals is the key to overcoming challenges and avoiding the temptation to give up.

How I Do It:

Mental Resilience: During tough times, reminding yourself of your goals becomes your anchor. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, but staying focused on why your goals are important to you fuels the persistence needed to push through.

Positive Affirmations: A simple "You got this!" can be a powerful motivator. Building mental resilience through positive self-talk helps maintain a strong mindset. Incorporating these three strategies—Time Management, Taking Breaks, and Reminding Yourself of Your Goals, has transformed my student experience. By implementing these practices, you too can navigate the challenges of academia with greater ease, reduce stress, and pave the way for academic success.

Remember, you've got this!