Swarming Out Of The Beyhive

In light of Beyoncé's concert tonight in Miami, I thought she'd be a good topic of conversation. I want to start this post by stating that I understand many of you will disagree and roll your eyes at me, but I do feel like many people will come to agree with me as well. As a 20 year old girl, I've grown up listening to Beyoncé, whether it was through Destiny's Child or her solo career. Survivor is still one of my all time favorite songs, and Say My Name will never, ever get old. I remember singing along to Irreplaceable with my mom and sister on our way home from school, and I will sing Drunk In Love at the top of my lungs once a day as I have for the past two years. None of that is changing. What is changing, though, is my opinion on and the way I have always seen a woman who has given girls across the world someone to look up to for so many years.

Let's start with Bey's Black Panther-esque Super Bowl performance. I know we are in a time of racism and fighting for Human Rights, but I felt that was a bit offensive, considering the millions of white fans who have always supported Beyonce. I am not turning this into a race thing, because the violence in our country against innocent black people has been ridiculously high- but ALL lives matter, not just white lives or black lives. Every single person's life in this world matters. Bey's performance belittled her non-black fans and she has no reason to make her supporters feel that way. I want to listen to her music and feel empowered, not belittled. Obviously this issue blew over because America and Football and what's more important than that in February? (My birthday but whatever).

We know Beyoncé to be a huge feminist in our society today. Her whole Flawless album had so many positive messages about standing up for yourself and not taking shit from any man (and by man I mean boy). The #IWokeUpLikeThis movement is great and it gives me even more of a reason to not wear makeup, and it also gives us another reason to post selfies, as if us girls needed any more. Now, I am speaking from what I have heard and read on the Internet, because I don't have Tidal or Spotify accounts to listen to her newly released album, Lemonade (it couldn't have been released on Apple Music?? *eye roll* ). Apparently, the entire album is about Jay-Z cheating on her and her warning him to never do it again. From previous knowledge (see: Irreplaceable lyrics), we know that if anything like this happened, all of Jay-Z's things would be in a "box to the left" and she'd be out of there like yesterday's news. So this leaves us with one of two things: either Lemonade is not about Jay-Z cheating, or 99% of what Bey has taught us about being strong women is BS when situations get tough. Hopefully it's the former, but we don't know for sure.

Why would that upset me about Beyoncé? Simple. Everyone's relationship is different, and it is ultimately up to you whether you want to stay with someone who cheated on you. Circumstances are different and no one can know what's right except for you. The issue that bothers me is that we've grown up listening to Beyonce sing and speak about not allowing that, and then she goes and takes it from Jay. Hypocritical or situational? That's why I'm hoping all the issues brought up in Lemonade are not necessarily about her and Jay, but anything else. Perhaps her mother and father's marital problems? Issues with her ex-boyfriend? (Read more here).

I can't continue to be utterly obsessed with a woman who has been so controversial lately, and frankly racist. I can't feel the same about an artist who I once loved that thinks less of me because I am white. I don't agree with many of her views lately, which is sad because I always thought I'd love Bey forever. She is still a beautiful woman and she always will be. I'm still going to dance to her songs when they play, but my opinion on her has changed greatly from what it used to be. Oh, and who cares who Becky with good hair is? Move on with your lives please.

With love, always,

NG

P.S. I know some of you will not agree with some of the things I said about race and think that I have some sort of white privilege, but that's not the case. Non-whites can be racist too, and our beloved Bey is walking down that path. If you have any issues, please message me privately and I'd be happy to have a civil conversation or discussion with you. If you're going to attack me, just save your energy and handle your inability to listen to someone else's opinion elsewhere. 

There Are Two Sides To Every Green Juice

My generation amuses me greatly. As a borderline (I say borderline because my friends and I just turned 20, but I think we identify more with Millennials than our younger counterparts) Millennial, I encounter so many different opinions on life every day. They range from Trump supporters (gag), Bernie supporters (not feelin' the "bern"), people who refuse to wear deodorant, and people who I went to high school with that are having kids (I can't sustain the life of a few flowers, how do you do it?).

My favorite idea, though, is the new phase of "going green." Yes, I am a strong supporter for eating organic and non-GMO, but I think it's funny seeing Millennials preaching about their healthy, yoga filled, infused water bottle life on social media, and then downing a bottle of Grey Goose every Friday and Saturday night. We refuse to drink soda with our kale salad for lunch, but it's no big deal to have a vodka sprite or a few Corona's on our weekends downtown. Why? I'm not saying I'm not guilty of any of this, but I do wonder what makes this acceptable. I am a victim of drinking green juices during the week, but you can catch me with a Stella Artois in my hand at happy hour. I won't eat McDonald's for lunch on a Tuesday, but I'll eat half a Papa Johns large pizza after a night out. We're all victim to this double life, but why? Does the healthy weekly lifestyle balance out the toxins we ingest on the weekend? I sadly don't think it works that way, as much as I'd like to think it does. Our generation refuses to order a coke with their dinner, yet single handedly drinks their own bottle of champagne while out on the town. I'm not ridiculing, I just find it amusing. We try to convince people to eat organic and non-GMO foods, but what we decide to do on the weekends suddenly doesn't apply to that rule.

I think social media plays a huge role in this funny hypocrisy that we've all grown to love. Take me, for example. I posted a picture of my delicious fruit bowl, but didn't include the slice of pizza I ate a few hours before. Everyone wants to appear "trendy" online and wants everyone to know about their Saturday morning yoga class *namaste*, but not about their Sunday morning struggle to reach the Gatorade bottle on their night stand after a fun night. This just further proves my point that people only post what they want you to see. Social media is not real, nor will it ever be.

The next time you're feeling down because Jenny posted a picture of her avocado toast on wheat bread, just know she probably had chocolate chip pancakes on the side. Continue your healthy habits; they aren't detrimental to you at all. Always choose brown foods over white foods, and make sure you eat enough fruits and vegetables. Just don't try to be something you're not. And yes, the majority of the time, there really are two sides to every green juice snap chat your bff sends you.

Your favorite quinoa (and extra-cheese pizza) loving writer,

NG

20 Things I've Learned By 20

With my twentieth birthday just a few days away, I've been reflecting on the past twenty years of my *awesome* self being on this Earth. Although the lessons and values I have learned are countless, here are a few that I think are worth sharing. 

1. Don't wish bad things upon anyone. God (or whoever you believe in, or karma) is always watching, and when you wish that your little sister's princess hairbrush would break, yours will fall out of your hands a few minutes later and crack in half.

2. Always eat breakfast. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and it is with reason. Try adding some food to your typical coffee and I promise you'll notice your day a tad bit better. Oatmeal and some fruit is always a great option, or a fresh fruit smoothie.

3. Be there for people when you say you will be. It doesn't matter if you haven't spoken to someone in months, if they need you, be their shoulder to lean on. 

4. Listen to your mom. It sucks, but unfortunately, she is usually right. 

5. Do not trust easily. As much as I want to believe that everyone is good in the world, many are not. Be careful who you trust (it's 2016... we can screenshot things). It's sad, but people don't always have your best interest at heart. 

6. Don't hold grudges. They aren't worth it, and they're probably giving you premature wrinkles. 

7. Three friends are better than ten. And before I leave it at that, make sure to cut out extra fat from your social circle. Giant squads are so 2013 (unless you're Taylor Swift... there's always an exception).

8. As much as you don't want to admit it, you will eventually turn into your mother. All those annoying habits of hers you make fun of? They'll sneak their way into your daily routines before you know it. 

9. Stay away from Bacardi Hurricane. 

10. If you wouldn't want your daughter/son doing something, don't do it. 

11. Love easily. Tear down the brick wall you have been building up and allow the right person to grow alongside you. It may take some time and it may be different for everyone. Just always open your heart. 

12. You aren't going to know what you want to do for the rest of your life when you walk down the stage and receive your high school diploma. It takes time, and that's okay. 

13. Save your money for things you want to spend them on. And I suggest these things be experiences. Want to sky dive? Have you always wanted to go to a certain music festival? Want to go on a trip with your best friends? Save. It feels good to be able to spend the money you earned on an experience rather than a material thing. You may think nice things make you happy, but in the end it's the vacations, concerts, and adventurous experiences that will fulfill your happiness. 

14. Disney World is always fun.

15. Never pass up an opportunity to see a play. 

16. Take advantage of family vacations, because you will soon be a poor college graduate who can barely afford a stay-cation on the beach. 

17. Take pictures. I can't stress how important having those memories will be to you when you're older. 

18. A wine night in can be just as fun (or more fun) than a wild night at a club. The club will always be there, but the genuine conversations you will have with whomever you're staying in with won't always come around. 

19. Work hard. Not only in school, but in everything you do. In work, your relationship, your friendships, and when you try and make a Pinterest meal. Always work hard and don't take the easy way out. It pays off in the end. 

20. No matter how badly you think you've messed up, and no matter how bad of a mistake you think you have made, those who truly love you and care about you will always be there for you. Through thick and thin, through the ups and downs, unconditional love will never betray you. My parents have shown me that and I hope to one day show that to someone. 

Like I said, I'm only turning 20. I have waaay more things to learn ahead of me, and I'm exited to do so. I'm looking forward to making this a year for growth, happiness, and prosperity alongside the people who mean the most to me. And I'm going to start that by eating pounds of cake and other treats throughout my birthday weekend (because a day isn't enough). 

Blessings, 

Birthday Princess NG

New Year, Better Me

The start of a new year. What a bittersweet time, isn't it? Everyone is happy to have a clean slate and make changes in their lives, but at the same time, all the fun memories and experiences of the previous year are left behind in our photo albums and Instagram feeds. Most of us are starting new classes, with the mindset of getting straight A's, and some of us are returning to our same old routine (work...high school...talk about excitement!).

Every year, everyone starts the new year off by saying "new year, new me". Why? You're yourself for so many reasons; don't change who you are just because it's a new year (and we all know after three weeks of trying to be a "new you," you're going to return to your same old *awesome* self). Don't be drastic and try to change who you are as a person. That's ridiculous. The new year should be a time for self-betterment. Don't become a new person, but a better version of yourself.

What does that mean? Simple. Think of bad habits you've been wanting to get rid of, and come up with a plan to help you do it for the long run. Whether its smoking, using your phone too much, or biting your nails- it isn't going to go away with a sudden cut-off (hello, withdrawals). Try and implant a system to help you actually follow through with it. Want to become healthier? Find a way that fits into your personal lifestyle. Not everyone has time to go to the gym every day. Replace white foods with brown foods and reduce the amount of soda you drink. After a few weeks, you won't even crave it anymore.

Too many people are caught up with becoming a new person when a new year arrives, and I feel like that's why a lot of New Year's resolutions fail after a few weeks or months. We have to focus on bettering ourselves, even with the smallest things. Once we make those changes, we'll slowly but surely feel like new people. Take the start of 2016 to focus on being more present. Put down your phone when you're spending time with people and give them your undivided attention. Your relationships will grow and you will appreciate people's presence more.

Happy New Year to everyone. May 2016 bring you health, happiness, and anything else you may need. Be grateful each day for even the smallest of blessings (like weather below 70 in Florida), and remind the people you love that you in fact do love them, even if you forget to tell them at times. Remember that people and experiences will ultimately make you the happiest, not material things that you will forget about in a few months.

Love always,

NG

What Do The Holidays Mean To You?

It's that time of the year. Everyone is all warm and happy because it's finally holiday time. The weather is cooler (only on given days in Florida) & spirits are lighter. Everywhere you look there are Christmas trees and lights on display. Everyone experiences this wonderful time of the year differently. Many people give back & volunteer, some enjoy spending their holiday bonuses on gifts for others, and some pack up and visit some place new with a loved one. I took some time to ask different people what this time of the year means to them, and here are some of the responses I got:

"The holidays mean laughter and joy, smiles and music, happiness and giving, and most of all it means family. It's a time for family to come together and set aside their schedules to share all the joy, laughter, music, and happiness. It's a time for homemade food and for love to be shared. As we grow up, we each acquire a very different schedule, but even with our hectic lives, everything is the same for us during the holidays: a break that enables us to all meet back in the middle and set aside our differences to share and receive (and enjoy) the life we've all been given together." - Maddie, 20

"It makes me happy. I love when it starts to get cold and I get to drink lattes and wear sweaters. I love celebrating all the special occasions with my family and friends. It makes me want to throw ornaments at people...literally." - Nat, 17

"It's honestly the same as any other time of the year in Miami, hot as f*ck. Oh, and I'm allergic to pine trees so I can't even go to Publix." - Luis, 19

"The holidays are just a time I can appreciate my family a little more than usual, and they give a new meaning to my life for the coming year." -  Iggy, 21

"To me, this time of year means spending quality time with people I spend my entire semester away at school missing. I also look forward to the holidays because everyone carries around a good attitude and the environment around you completely changes!." - Kristen, 19

"All in all, I like this time of the year 'cause everyone's in a good mood. I also get to buy presents, which is one of my favorite things because I love seeing people happy off of something I did for them. The holiday season gives me time to reflect on the end of another year in my life that I've been given, while looking forward to the start of a whole new chapter of my life. Oh, and I got invited to a holiday party up in NYC, so that means I could possibly find my wife." - Tarik, 21

"This time of the year means that everyone is happy and everyone is spreading joy to their friends and family. It's a time for giving back to people who need it and also the people who love you. The holidays are an opportunity to reconnect with people you lost touch with, and to help, grow, and reflect! It's a time full of opportunity." - Justin, 19

"The holidays mean so much. Dark lipstick stains on my coffee mugs, cute boots and scarves worn with a wanting of a cold night, endless Christmas shopping lists, and not having to share my boyfriend with his far away studies. Also, counting down the days to put my resolution into action. The holidays mean, to me, being surrounded by happy family and friends enjoying each other's company, making memories for the finale of the year and welcoming in new ones with happy faces and hopeful wishes." - Rachel, 21

Although this time of the year is unique to each and everyone of us, whether we are coming home from being away at school, or taking a few days off of work to enjoy the presence of loved ones, it is a time we all look forward to to spread love and joy. We mustn't forget the true meaning of the holidays while we get caught up in the gift giving and receiving. I think as we grow, we tend to appreciate the little aspects of the holidays more-so than when we were younger. Take the time to reflect on what this time of the year means to you, and be grateful of the people who make it to wonderful. Your parents, your best friends from home, your boyfriend or girlfriend. Let them know that they are lighting up your holidays; I promise they will appreciate that more than the gift you bought them on Black Friday.

Happy Holidays,

NG

Twitter Talk

If you know me, you know I'm an avid Twitter user. Actually, the word "avid" may not even suffice to how often I use the social media platform. It's my favorite app to use and probably can't go a day without using it. With that being said, I see a lot of things on a daily basis that catch my attention. Besides celebrities and funny accounts, most of the people who grace my timeline (news feed) are people who are more-or-less my age. Old high school friends, new college friends, and everyone in between. There are so many things I read throughout my day on the Twittersphere* that seriously make me want to face palm myself.

People don't seem to understand that Twitter is not a personal diary. If your boyfriend is annoying you, feel free to tweet an eye rolling emoji. Totally normal. Don't rant on and on saying things like "when my boyfriend is an ass" or "thanks for always making me cry." Everyone knows you are talking about your boyfriend- and we don't care. Fix your issues with him, talk to your best friend, or get a diary. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I've never been one to tweet my problems, but I've recently learned that seeing negative and overly dramatic things on my TL just annoys people. So I bought a journal. Maybe you should too. Or get a therapist. I don't know. 

You should also always remember that people only put the things they want you to see online. No one is going to advertise all things wrong with them, instead they will post hundreds of things that make them & their life seem perfect- but as a wise teen pop-star living a double life once said, "nobody's perfect." Don't let what people share online affect your day-to-day happiness. You'll be so much happier overall when you know that not everything is as it seems. 

Twitter is really fun and useful to find out what's going on in your friend's lives & in the world around us. I find out most of my information (breaking news: Kylie & Tyga broke up- @EOnline) from news accounts or more up-to-date and politically attentive friends I follow. I do want to read about the weird thing your professor did in class, or the kid you saw fall off his longboard; I don't want to read about you crying in your room at 2:00 a.m. You're better than that. Also, you know your tweets are ending up in a group chat somewhere, so be wise with what you say. Screenshots are forever. 

Tweet with caution (and watch out for typos, please),

NG

P.S. Follow me on Twitter for hourly updates on the ridiculous things that happen in my day-to-day life & the stupidities I encounter everyday. I promise you'll laugh at least once. 

@nicki_gee

*Twitter, the Twitter world

The 5 People You Meet During Halloweek

Halloweek. The term describes itself (the week leading to Halloween if you haven't caught on). People all around the world look forward to celebrating this festive holiday all year long- especially college students. The entire week is filled with going out dressed up as whatever you want to be. You can finally unleash your drunk alter ego with no shame, costume and all. There are certain people we will most definitely run into this Halloween weekend, if we haven't already throughout the week. Keep your eyes peeled for these classic Halloween sights this upcoming weekend:

1. The Shot-Taking Cat. You had to know this one would be on here. Don't lie; I know more than half the people reading this have dressed up as a cat (or some sort of feline) at least once in their dress up life. It's the easiest (and always sexy) costume to go-to; especially when you have a last minute halloween outing. If only looking like an actual cat was acceptable during Halloween. I don't think real cats dance on bars and swindle their way into getting free shots.

Don't worry... we see the resemblance.

2. That Couple. You know what I'm talking about. The cop and prisoner. Minnie and Mickey. Tarzan and Jane. We really can't be haters, though. At some point in our life, we've all wished we had a special bae to fulfill our couples costume dream. If you're single this Halloween, just roll your eyes and keep walking. No need to waste time hating when there are plenty of potential people a few steps away to claim for next Halloweek's couples costume. 

3. Funny Yearly Trend. Last year it was Ebola (too soon?). This year it's "Netflix and Chill". If you haven't already, I can almost guarantee that you'll see at least one "Netflix and Chill" costume out at your local bar this year. And face it- you secretly think it's funny. 

4. Mr. Too Cool To Dress Up. Honestly, if you're this guy, don't even go out this weekend. Why wouldn't you dress up the one weekend you can!? No one is "too cool" for Halloween. Throw on a costume or go home. You aren't fooling anyone with your "this is my costume" t-shirt.

5. Thirsty Vampire.  No pun intended. Ever since shows like Vampire Diaries and True Blood came out, more and more people have chosen the vampire look for Halloween. Don't be fooled- it isn't just a costume. Not only will these mischievous people suck your blood, they'll also suck a free drink out of you (& your poor wallet). 

Although you'll most definitely run into a variety of costumes throughout the end of the week, these are just a few that I'm certain you'll see. Take note of all the creative ideas you see this year; it sucks when it's just a few days before your Halloween party and you're running up and down the costume store's isles trying to pull something together. Have fun, be safe, and enjoy your Halloweek. It only comes once a year so take advantage. 

Happy Haunting,

NG