Spectrum Skates

A fun fact about me is I am the secretary for the Lebanese Student Association club at California State University of Fullerton. This past Thursday, LSA had an event to welcome the beginning of the Winter season.

What was the event you might ask? Ice skating at the Irvine Spectrum! It was a very fun activity that brought members of the club closer to each other. 

Let's address the elephant in the room. I have been ice skating twice and the last time was two years ago. It took me some time to get used to the skates and keeping my balance. On the other hand, some of our members were skating with ease while others were falling with ease. 

The rink at the Spectrum was pretty small, but it did the job. In front of the rink there was a big Christmas tree to set the mood. It was lit up with Christmas colors. The turn out at the Spectrum was pretty good. The rink opened at 8 p.m. and maybe 10 minutes after 8, they were not allowing any new people to buy tickets. If I had to assume, 20% of the rink were people with our club. Really great turnout from our club.

May I just say, it was veery humbling to see people ice skating. I thought I was not doing that bad, but then I see kids maybe from around the ages 8-12 just doing miles better than me. Props to them!

My goal heading into the night was to not fall. But I must say, the highlight of my night was when I fell. I was skating and just going with the flow. Music was playing by a DJ, so I was feeling myself a little bit. Then all of a sudden, I seemed to lose my balance and just fell right on my knee. It hurt for a cool five minutes but after that it was funny to look back on.

The rink would go on to close at 9:30, meaning our event had ended. This was the first time LSA hosted an ice skating night and we could not be more proud with how it turned out. Bonds were made and memories were created. It truly was a great night. 

From Admiring to Inspiring: My Journey into Content Creation and Receiving PR

From the age of ten, I developed a strong fascination with the world of content creation. What began as watching YouTubers gradually evolved as they transitioned into influencers on Instagram, eventually making their way onto TikTok.

Over time, content creators lives have been glamorized, filled with glimpses of wealth, endless gifts, fame, and unique opportunities. One thing that always stood out to me was how receiving PR packages became such a defining part of their influence. Watching big brands eagerly send influencers products in exchange for content creation felt almost magical. I loved how their creativity and authenticity were rewarded in a way that aligned with their passion.

It was fascinating to see them create posts with the products they were gifted. Everyone loves free items, especially when it's expensive items you have always wanted. Watching influencer's lifestyle's sparked a dream within me.

As time went on and becoming an influencer became more accessible with platforms like TikTok, I started posting my own videos consistently. Many of them were lifestyle vlogs, haul videos, makeup tutorials, and outfit inspiration clips. I also became more intentional with my Instagram posts, curating them as if I were already an influencer, manifesting the dream I envisioned for myself.

Then came the day that changed everything—I received an email from an agency asking if I’d be interested in receiving a product in exchange for a creative Instagram post. I was overjoyed! I couldn’t believe that a brand wanted to collaborate with me and offer free products in return for my content. It felt surreal, as though all those years of watching others had come full circle. Now, it was my turn to share products with my audience and put my unique creative spin on them.

In 2022 Merit Beauty reached out to me to send me PR. They sent me their Flush Balm and highlighter, and I was ecstatic. Though it was a simple post, the opportunity carried weight—I had the responsibility of delivering content that met the brand’s expectations. A year later, I experienced a pinch-me moment when a luxury brand reached out to collaborate. Armani Beauty offered me their foundation and primer in exchange for an Instagram reel. Creating the reel was such a fun experience, as I got to showcase my makeup routine using these incredible products.

With immense gratitude, I heard from Armani Beauty again this year, gifting me their blushes and highlighters. Shortly after, another agency reached out with a collaboration for Valentino’s Born in Roma perfume—one of my all-time favorite fragrances but one I rarely indulge in because of its price.

These experiences have been nothing short of a dream come true. The transition from admiring others to actively participating in the world of content creation has been an inspiring and deeply rewarding journey. Although I’m far from being considered a “micro-influencer,” these moments remind me to always pursue my dreams and believe in myself. Even during times of doubt, there will always be someone who sees your potential, even if you don’t see it in yourself yet.

Affordable Gift Wrapping Ideas

If you’re like me, the Christmas season starts the day after Halloween is over.  While there is still over a month left before Christmas day, I have already thought about the presents I will be gifting my friends and family. I love showing my own personality through gift wrapping and have recently been looking into ways to make it affordable while staying unique. Whether it be adding ribbon, reusing paper, or finding different ways to create gift bags, there are numerous ways to wrap gifts. Here are three different affordable ways to wrap your gifts this year!

The first way is to reuse newspapers you receive at home. While the paper itself might not be the easiest to work with, it is very thin and tears easily, it is a great way to reuse something you already have. Adding in a ribbon can make it a little bit more festive, some of my favorites I have seen are using the comic sections in the papers. 

Another gift wrapping idea is using regular kraft paper, also called brown packing paper. This one is great if you are looking for a simple wrapping, the paper comes in bulk for an affordable price. One way to personalize is by drawing on the paper with sharpie or makers. You can draw holiday images, write the name of to or from, or even just doodle on it. If you have young kids, this is a great way for them to personalize the gift while entertaining them  too! 

                                                     

Another alternative gift wrapping idea is using the packaging as a part of the gift. Rather than enclosing the present inside wrapping paper, you can use a basket to gift the present in. Baskets are easily accessible at thrift stores and are a popular idea if you are not trying to surprise the receipt. 

While the holiday season means a lot more than just gift giving and receiving, these three ideas can be incorporated this season. And if you’re not a Christmas right after Halloween type of person, then feel free to reread this article after Thanksgiving!

Exploring the Huntington Library: A Hidden Gem in San Marino, California

 

During my recent visit to the Huntington Library in San Marino, California, I had the chance to explore its stunning gardens and experience the tranquility that comes with nature's beauty. The sprawling grounds offer a perfect blend of art, history, and horticulture, and it was an unforgettable experience.
Whether you're a plant enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this hidden gem promises a journey into a world where plants not only survive but thrive—protected, cherished, and on full display for all to enjoy.

The Desert Gardens

My first stop was the Desert Garden, which was absolutely mesmerizing. The cactus collection here is one of the largest in the world, and it’s easy to see why. As I walked through, I was greeted by towering cacti, their thick, spiny arms reaching up to the sky. The variety of shapes and sizes was incredible—some cacti looked like giant, spiky towers, while others were smaller and more compact. The most striking feature, however, were the cacti blooming into starfish-like flowers, their vibrant colors adding life to the otherwise harsh, dry landscape. The stark beauty of the desert plants was inspiring, and it was amazing to see how each species had adapted to survive in such an dry environment.

The Koi Pond

The Koi Pond was definitely one of the highlights of the garden, and for my girlfriend, being a Pisces, it was by far her favorite spot. The peaceful atmosphere seemed to resonate with her connection to water. After the desert, we made our way to the koi pond, which was a tranquil oasis. 

The Rose Gardens

Finally, I ended my tour in the Rose Garden, which was in full bloom. The scent of roses filled the air, and the sight of the countless blooms. The amount of hardwork put into the roses has to be precise and the hard work is due to the countless bees around pollinating each flower. Without bees the world would be a sad and colorless place. I would definitely recommend visiting the Rose Garden during peak bloom season to see these stunning flowers at their best.

A Sanctuary for All

The Huntington Library is more than just a place to see beautiful plants. It’s a sanctuary where nature is celebrated and preserved. The gardens, from the desert to the Japanese landscapes, are living examples of how plants can thrive in carefully curated environments. It’s a place where everyone, from plant enthusiasts to casual visitors, can connect with nature in a profound way. If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend visiting the Huntington Library. It’s a perfect escape into a world of beauty, tranquility, and nature’s wonders.

Día de Los Muertos: Honoring Our Loved Ones Beyond Life

Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant Mexican tradition celebrated in Mexico from October 28 to November 2. In rural areas, the festivities often begin on October 28, while in larger cities and metropolitan areas, the main celebrations take place on November 1 and 2, meant to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. Contrary to what some might assume, it’s not a “Mexican Halloween.” Instead, it’s a joyful time when families come together to celebrate the lives of those who came before us, believing their spirits visit to enjoy the festivities.

The celebration is filled with colorful decorations, beautiful ofrendas (altars), and intricate sugar skulls (calaveras) that symbolize life and death. Each altar is carefully crafted with photos, favorite foods, and mementos of the deceased, along with marigolds, known as cempasúchil. The marigolds are believed to help guide spirits back to the world of the living. Altars are decorated with candles, incense, and papel picado (paper banners), creating a sense of connection between the living and the dead.

Family and friends visit cemeteries, bringing food, music, and decorations to share stories and memories. It’s not a somber or spooky event but rather a celebration of life and a way to keep loved ones’ memories alive. The traditions can vary across regions and families, but the central idea remains the same: honoring our roots and keeping the legacy of those before us alive in our hearts.

Día de Los Muertos shows us that death is not the end. Instead, it’s a reminder to cherish our loved ones and embrace life fully, knowing that we are all part of a larger story.

How to get into an exercise routine

I never looked forward to exercise growing up. I always saw it as a chore and even bothersome. My parents made sure to always take me out on a bike ride, a walk, the park to play soccer or some other form of physical activity to stay healthy and active as a little girl. When I became a young adult, I realized I still felt the same even though no one was forcing me to work out anymore. I knew something had to change and one day as I was scrolling through social media, I learned that it was ok to take it slow and build myself up to where I wanted to be. So, I decided to try new ways to exercise including new environments, sports, and types of exercises. But most importantly, I learned to enjoy the process itself and be ok with starting from the bottom knowing that consistency would lead me to where I wanted to be. Here are some tips to help you get back into exercising or to start exercising.   

1. 1.Start slow: Start with a short amount of exercise and build up as your body gets used to it along with how many times you do it per week. 

2. 2.Be realistic: Acknowledge what you do and what you do not like. Don’t do what the popular people are doing, learn what you like or what works best for you and enjoy the process.  

3. 3.Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body feels and what it needs to recover successfully. Your body will only perform at its best if you treat it right whether it is diet or rest. 

4. 4.Be accountable: If you are on a set schedule or know that it has been a while since you last exercised, be responsible and get right back to it immediately. The longer you procrastinate, the harder it will be for your body to get back into shape. 

5. 5.Don’t be harsh on yourself: Try your very best and know that it is enough. Everyone has different body types and strengths, don’t compare yourself to others. As long as you know that you showed up and gave it your all, count it as total success! 

My Top 3 Sneaker Silhouettes

     Ever since fourth grade, I've always wanted a pair of Jordans. I loved playing basketball, and Jordan was one of the main reasons I ever picked up a ball. Sadly, owning a pair of Jordans at a young age was never an option, as they were expensive, and we didn’t have much money. It wasn’t until seventh grade that one of my uncles came from Mexico and bought me my first pair of Jordans. I still remember them vividly—they were the Jordan 1 Flight 4 in red, also known as "The Mexican Sneaker" (if you're familiar with its significance in the Hispanic community). He got them from Foot Locker at South Coast Plaza, and luckily, they were on sale for around 100 dollars. I wore them everywhere until they eventually didn’t fit me anymore. After that, I didn’t own another pair of Jordans until I saved up enough money to buy the Jordan 1.5 Bred but then they got stolen cause I miss placed them but that a story for another time. Since then, I’ve started building my collection. At one point, I owned around 30 pairs, but I eventually decided to focus on quality over quantity. Now, I have around 12 sneakers, though I add more if I can get them at retail price but I'm strict on what I want to get. This journey began in fourth grade, and now I’m fortunate to own some of the silhouettes I always dreamed of. Here, I’m going to share my top three sneaker silhouettes (in no particular order). I hope you enjoy it.

    A brief history of the Nike Air Force 1 (AF1) silhouette: First introduced in 1982 as the first basketball shoe to feature Nike's Air cushioning technology, the AF1 was designed by Bruce Kilgore and quickly gained popularity both on and off the court. Although Nike discontinued it in 1984, high demand led to a re-release in 1986. The AF1 has since remained a staple in sneaker culture, especially within hip-hop communities, with countless colorways and collaborations that have made it an iconic and versatile sneaker. Out of my 12 sneakers, I own more AF1s now, though I used to have more Jordan 1s and 4s. This AF1 is my favorite because of the Nike x CPFM collaboration, which I’d always wanted and was lucky to get at retail. For me, the white pair stands out more than the all-black AF1. If you’re looking to buy an AF1, consider sizing down—I’m a true size 12, but I wear an 11.5 in the AF1 Low. 

    A brief history of the Air Jordan 4: Released in 1989 and designed by Tinker Hatfield, the AJ4 featured innovative ankle support and customizable lacing, appealing to both athletes and sneaker fans. Its appearance in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing boosted its cultural status, and it remains iconic through various colorways and collaborations. Personally, I had always wanted the Jordan 4 Bred, but back then, I didn’t have the money, and it was pricey on the secondary market. When the Jordan 4 Bred Reimagined was released, I was thrilled to finally get it at retail—and even more excited that it featured the “Nike Air” logo on the heel tag instead of the Jumpman logo. It’s just a personal preference, but without that detail, I probably wouldn’t have gone for it. I highly recommend a pair of Jordan 4s—they’re comfortable, timeless, and don’t crease as easily as the Jordan 1.

    Lastly, the Air Jordan 1, designed by Peter Moore, debuted in 1985 as Michael Jordan’s first signature sneaker. Its bold black and red colorway famously violated NBA uniform rules, resulting in a fine each time Jordan wore them—an event Nike cleverly used in its marketing, dubbing it the “Banned” shoe. This rebellious image made the sneaker popular both on and off the court. As mentioned, it was Jordan who got me into basketball, and to this day, I still play in a well-worn pair of Jordan 1 Low Reverse Breds. The Jordan 1 and 4 are my favorite silhouettes—alongside the Jordan 5 Off-White Muslin and Jordan 11 Bred, which I’d love to own but probably never will due to their high prices on the secondary market. Those would be the only Jordan 5 and 11 silhouettes I’d add to my collection. Although I used to have several pairs of the Jordan 1, I decided to keep only this pair and the Mocha High. In my opinion, the Jordan 1 High goes with almost everything, making it a versatile, all-around sneaker that I highly recommend.

    As of now, I haven’t picked up any new sneakers since, as I mentioned, I’m more selective about what I buy. Hopefully, next year I’ll be able to add 3-5 new pairs, though I doubt I’ll get them at retail—but it doesn’t hurt to try (I aint hitting a pair).