16 Reasons Why I'm Thankful

As many of you would agree, 2016 has been horrible. That may sound dramatic, but it really has been one of the worst years many of us have lived through. Police brutality skyrocketed, there were numerous shootings and bombings within our country and across the world, and we had the two worst options to be the next President of the United States. Kanye West is having the worst celebrity breakdown since 2007 Brittany. Harambe is dead (RIP) and people are dabbing everywhere. Florida experienced two hurricanes for the first time in 11 years, and Samsung phones are literally exploding on airplanes. What is wrong with the world? Is this what we get for the world not ending in 2012?

Despite all the crazy shit that's happened this past year, we can't forget to sit down today and really remember why we are thankful. I know we should be thankful everyday of the year, but that becomes difficult when people are idolizing a dead gorilla and finding out that not only did Blac Chyna produce an offspring, but she named her Dream. 2016 has been bat-shit crazy, but here are 16 reasons we should all be thankful:

1. We get to spend today with family who loves us
Most of us are spending today with all of of our family, even if we all don't live together throughout the year. That alone is something amazing to be happy about. And if you aren't spending today with family, call up your best friend and see if they have room for one more. There's always extra food on Thanksgiving and I'm sure they'd love to have you.

2. The best friends who manage to talk to you everyday, no matter what
You ever wonder how you'd survive without those few people you consider your best friends? Same. You wouldn't be who you are today without that group-chat always buzzing on your phone (even if we do put it on Do Not Disturb sometimes). The people who answer the phone, no matter what time it is (most of the time) and let you in their door when it's 2 a.m. and you're lost in their neighborhood. The reason you don't have one wardrobe, but three or four. If the thought of that isn't something that brightens up your year, then I don't know what will.

3. The friends you don't talk to everyday, but are still there for you
We all have them. The people we can talk to for hours on end when you hang out, even if it has been months since the last time you saw them. They make you feel like you just hung out last night and really are there for you to talk to or hang out with if you ever need them. You guys rock!

4. Education
We are so lucky to be receiving a college education in what we want to do. We might take this for granted, but it really is a major thing we need to appreciate.

5. Mexican Food
I eat tacos at least once a week and I'm proud. Mexican is probably my favorite cuisine. You just can't ever go wrong with it. If all else is wrong with the world, at least we have Chipotle, Tijuana Flats, and so many other delicious restaurants to drown our sorrows in. Queso anyone?

6. Forever 21
My closet wouldn't be what it is today without Forever 21. They even have really cute men's clothing, hello! My Thanksgiving outfit the past two years wouldn't have existed without Forever 21. So simply just for that, we need to give thanks.

7. Netflix
Whether you're having marathons alone in your room or "chilling" with bae, this platform has brought so many good shows to my life and for that I'm thankful.

8. Snapchat
How else would we know what we did last night? May the dog filter live on forever.

9. Our significant other
Not gonna say much here, but if you have someone who truly loves you, cares about you, and appreciates you, don't let them go and be forever grateful.

10. Our health
I can firsthand tell you that health is something to never take for granted. Never forget to be thankful, today and everyday, if you are strong and healthy

11. Uber
No one understands my love for Uber. Even if I have marked my territory in a few Honda Civics at 4 a.m. after one too many vodka crans, Uber is a life-saver and I'll always appreciate it. Sidenote: use my code nicoleg761 for a free first ride!!!!

12. Dogs
In a world of so many bad things, pups always seem to be happy and ready to do the next activity. We don't deserve such beautiful creatures in our lives, but we somehow managed to be able to have these face-licking, furry friends by our side.

13.  Happy hour
Need I say more? #DrinksAndApps

14. Closer by The Chainsmokers
Because although so many shitty things arose from 2016, this song is one of the best.

15. The fact that women are better than men
As if we even needed another reason, 2016 provided us with a stopped male birth control trial because they were experiencing acne, mood swings, and depression. LOL. Just another reason confirming that we women are indeed better than men.

16. That I live in the United States
Because although over 11,000 of our citizens might have voted for a dead gorilla for President, I'll never have enough thanks that the Pilgrims and Indians put their differences aside and came together for a what would soon become and All-American dinner. If they could do it, why can't we?

I hope everyone has a very happy Thanksgiving and takes the time to really appreciate all the blessings in their lives. Give thanks for what you have, materialistic or not, and give back to those who aren't as fortunate. With such a weird year behind us, taking a day to realize that we truly are blessed is so important.

Much love to all,

NG

P.S. PokemonGo... seriously 2016??!!

P.S.S. If you don't understand why 2016 has sucked, you probably don't have a phone, live in a tent, or are way to optimistic to be human. How are you even reading this post? Check out this Buzzfeed article for hilarious points that sum up 2016.

Happy & Healthy

A little over a month ago I decided to make a lifestyle change. Since September 10th, I haven't eaten red or white meat. It sounded like I was going to announce that I don't drink alcohol or something. LOL. No. Anyway, I still eat fish, though, because sushi > life. And because I don't think I'm ready to go fully vegetarian. Side note: tofu is absolutely disgusting. What kind of texture is that???  Since then, I've begun to eat way more vegetables than I would have ever imagined, and make overall healthier food choices. I've learned a lot about certain foods that I never knew before, like what times of the day to avoid eating certain foods, and how some foods are better for you when you pair them with others. 

I'm not a total fitness-health-freak or anything, because like all good things, moderation is key. Being obsessed with a specific diet isn't something I'm interested in doing. I don't want it to occupy my life and be the only thing I think about, but I do enjoy eating healthy foods that I would have never picked up at the grocery store before now. I do have cheat days- emphasis on the plural days, and I think that's okay. As long as I'm feeling good, I don't plan on straying from my recent dietary changes.

For those of you who are wondering what I eat, you can keep reading. If you don't care, then don't. All I want you to know is that making a change like this can really improve your overall health, mood, and just the way your skin looks in a short amount of time, and I think everyone should try to incorporate some of these things into their life. It's not even about losing weight or anything; on the contrary, I'm not trying to lose any weight. I just want my body to look and feel healthier, and it's great to be able to do so!

Breakfast
Since my school/work schedule has me waking up at different times every day, I don't have a set breakfast time. But, I absolutely do eat breakfast every single day. Some things I like to eat are avocado toast (sometimes with a fried organic egg) topped with chia seeds (rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids), brown sugar oatmeal also topped with chia seeds, or wheat toast with a fried egg on the side. Most of the time I have coffee (with very little soy milk, no sugar), and if I don't have time for a Starbucks run I'll just have a glass of water.

Half an avocado, a t-spoon of pico de gallo, half a lime (juiced), salt and pepper to taste, and chia seeds over honey wheat bread

Van's Power Grains waffle- totally original flavor, topped with a thin layer of peanut butter, half a banana, chia seeds, and a drizzle of light syrup (tip: skip the syrup for a less sugary meal)

Lunch

My lunches vary depending on the day. They can be anything from a veggie burger, to a spinach and garbanzo bean salad, to a grilled cheese. I also like Trader Joe's tuna burgers topped with cilantro and avocado. 

Grilled cheese on honey wheat bread and muenster cheese- opt for low fat cheese and whole wheat bread for a healthier option!

Snack

Quest bars and One bars (Oh Yeah Nutrition- highly recommend these) are high in protein, so I've recently started snacking on these since I'm not getting protein from any meat sources and don't wanna overdo it on the fish intake (mercury... doesn't sound like my thing). They are high in carbs though, so I try to only eat these on days I work out. I also like snacking on baby carrots dipped in light ranch or hummus, a banana with peanut butter, or Special K 100 calorie packs of chocolate covered pretzels. I also really like fruit bowls packed with yummy fruits and treats (granola, coconut flakes, nuts, seeds), but they tend to be very high in sugar. Treat yourself, but not every day! 

One protein bar in birthday cake flavor (side note: they only have one gram of sugar!)

Dragonfruit bowl from Roots Juicebar- $9.50

Homemade fruit smoothie- pre blending

Dinner

As with lunch, my dinners vary. I'll have anything from sushi, to a fish fillet with roasted zucchini on the side, to ceviche tacos. I also eat Trader Joe's veggie burgers or tuna burgers if I didn't have them for lunch. There are a ton of options that I've grown to love! A quinoa bowl topped with pico de gallo, pinto beans, avocado, and a pinch of shredded organic mozzarella cheese is my most recent concoction- and I loved it. It was kind of like a DIY Chipotle- without the line. I have a piece of Dove dark chocolate for dessert and I'm good for the night. 

All of this is with moderation. If I want a piece of cake, I'll have one. If I want pizza (which is often), I'll order it. I don't completely deprive myself of the things I like, because then I wouldn't be happy. A little over a month in, and I already feel a difference in my body. It runs a little smoother just from adding all those healthy foods I never ate (ate my first carrot this past month). I'm not sure how long my "no meat" thing will last, because I honestly miss croquetas so much, but I'm really excited about giving it a go and seeing how long I can do this. I think it was a great change to make in my life!

Love always, happy and healthy,

NG

TIPS!:

• Replace "white" foods with "brown" foods. Brown sugar, brown rice (if quinoa isn't available), brown eggs. Little changes like this help you out in the long run!
• Pair your bananas with a fatty snack like peanut butter for optimal nutrition
• Exercise at least three times a week
• Don't eat fast food- no matter how tempting it is at 4 a.m. after a night out. I'm going on a year and a half with no fast food!
• No soda! We all get cravings, so try to only have it when you really want it. Cut it out of your daily diet!
• Drink a lot of water. This is one of the hardest things for me so I try to carry around a bottle with me all day
• Cook with coconut oil instead of other oils or butter
• Switch to whole wheat pasta and some sort of wheat bread

If you have anymore tips, feel free to comment and let me know!

True Life: I Don't Like Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Yes, you read that correctly. Hi, I'm NG, and I don't like PSLs. I have pretended long enough and it's time to come clean before a new Fall season begins. You might be thinking "you wrote about them so much last year blah blah blah," and yes, I did. I fully admit to being a poser and pretending to like the popular Fall favorite. It's the sad truth, but Pumpkin Spice Lattes are f*cking gross.

I didn't base this off an opinion from when I first tasted the overly sugary drink about two years ago. Well, I initially did, but I didn't think that was fair. My taste buds have since then greatly evolved (back then I wasn't even eating guac...I know), so I decided to give PSLs another shot (no pun intended, but I actually added another shot to my latte when I ordered it). I went to Starbucks and hesitantly strayed away from my usual black Cold Brew with a splash of Soy milk. I already regretted it as they called my name, because I was embarrassed when they called my order and I had to walk up to the counter to pick up my "double tall nonfat no-whip Pumpkin Spice Latte." Criiiinggee. That order yells basic, and although I fit the "basic" stereotype quite well with most characteristics of my life, this one didn't feel right.

(Disclaimer: that tweet was to try and be trendy. I'm done pretending. Boo PSLs!)

I waited a few minutes to take a sip, partially because I was nervous that I just threw away $5 on a coffee that would be gross, and partially because it was 90 degrees outside and I needed to cool down from my walk back to my car (I know I'm dramatic but Miami gets HOT). I was literally sweating and had 12 ounces of hot coffee waiting for me. Exciting! *eye roll*

I tasted my first sip and was again disappointed. How could something pumpkin-based be so gross? Who invented this horrible seasonal favorite? Why do people voluntarily drink this? So many questions, and zero answers. Plus, they're so bad for you, I don't even think it's worth it! You probably aren't feeling caffeinated from the coffee, but a giant sugar rush from the loads of artificial sweeteners and sugar packed into the drink.

Courtesy of Food Babe

I'm not hating on all things pumpkin; on the contrary, I love pumpkin treats! But if you can, you should really think about skipping out on the PSLs this season, and maybe just adding some pumpkin spice seasoning and cinnamon to your regular cup of coffee! My PSL Trial 2.0 only reassured me of how happy I am to not enjoy these nasty drinks. I'm happy with my black Cold Brew, and I'll treat myself to a pumpkin loaf if I have a sweet craving. 

Think before you drink (catchy, right?),

NG

So I Just Saw The Finale To "The Office"

Let me start by saying that yes, I know I'm like 100 years late. And considering I have a class at 8:45 a.m. tomorrow (side-note: anything before 9 a.m. should be illegal), I probably should be sleeping, but Netflix > sleep. So back to the point of this post: the finale of The Office. No, it's not gonna be a summary or anything like that, but the episode really got to me. There are so many lessons to be learned from this last episode. Spoiler alert: if you haven't finished the series and plan on it, don't continue reading. Or do. You're an adult. Make wise decisions. 

Anyway, let's start with relationships. Kelly and Ryan, and Angela and Dwight show us that two people who are meant to be together, will ultimately end up together, no matter what obstacles they encounter. I don't suggest abandoning your baby with a stranger, but hey, whatever works for you (joking). At the end of the episode, Pam tells us that it took her four years to take action on something that was five feet away from her every single day. We sometimes tend to not take that leap to tell someone how we feel, or do something we want to do, because we're scared of how things may turn out. It's normal to be afraid, but we have to just take that chance and go for it. There's no point in staring at something (or someone... wink wink) just five feet away from us for so long and only imagining the "what-ifs". Go get your Jim (or Pam).

Another part that made me cry (yes another, and yes cry) was when Andy says, "I wish there was a way to know you're in 'the good old days', before you've actually left them." That's when it hit me: you never really do know you're in those good old days you're going to tell your kids about, until they're years and years in the past. We don't appreciate life's little things that contribute to our story. We all have a story, and the memories we'll share in our future, whether it's to our kids, grandkids, or husband, all take place while we aren't paying attention.

The entire episode had me in nostalgic tears. I'm not sure if it's because my hormones are all over the place, or if the producers are really that good at conveying a deep message through a comedy series. I don't want to ruin more than I already have, so I'll stop here. If you haven't watched the series, please find some time each day to watch a few episodes. It truly is a great TV show. How a show filled with so many strange and awkward characters is one of my favorites, says a lot about it. And finally, Pam Beesly-Halpert said it best, "There's a lot of beauty in ordinary things. Isn't that kind of the point?" Do what you want with that quote; what may seem ordinary now may be something beautiful that you look back on.

Love always,

NG

P.S. I also cried when Michael came back and said, "that's what she said," so I really do think my hormones are f-ed up. Either that, or I'm literally deranged.

Another Rant About 'Being Present' Because I Just Can't Even

Yup, it's true. I really cannot even right now. Before I begin, I wanna get one thing straight: I'm not a hypocrite. I've done everything mentioned in this post and I won't deny it. With that being said, I'll now go on with my "I hate people who are addicted to their phones" rant.

Technology is a blessing and a curse. Just twenty mere years ago, things were so different (cellphones were bricks)- I can't even imagine 50 or 100 years ago. It has brought us so many good things (like online ordering for Chipotle & Starbucks), and unfortunately a few bad things, like cyberterrorism (extreme, I know) and our lovely friends who can't sit at a restaurant or bar with us without continuously staring down at their six-inch screen (Hello!! I'm only a few inches away!! Pay attention to me, a real person!!) 

How many of you have been personally victimized by a one-sided conversation due to your best friend or sister or whoever being more invested in what's going on in his/her IPhone (or Android...) screen? *raises hand* I'm not saying I've never done that. It's 2016 and I've had a cell phone for about eight years now; I've definitely been a culprit to this annoying social crime. But it sucks, right?!

Why are we like this? Why are we all so caught up with things in a virtual world when we have great things going on right in front of us? Why are you having 100, meaningless, empty conversations, or scrolling through 75 people's photos when your best friend, or mom, or boyfriend is right in front of you? It's rude. It's a bad habit that so many people in my generation have and it needs to go away. I drove home from the movies last night with my sister in the passenger seat, and she did not put her phone down one time. The few words she did speak (to which I did not respond, because I refuse) were about a stupid Pokemon game. Total BS if you ask me. Don't mean to call you out, Sis, but come on! We've all done it, and unfortunately, I don't see it getting better in the future since technology is only evolving more and more each day.

I've written on this topic multiple times in the past and I'm writing about it again: we need to be present. Live in the moment. Tell whoever you're texting you'll talk to them later 'cause you promised your best friend a brunch date. "Like" Instagram pictures when you're home doing nothing. Tweet while you're waiting for your professor to walk into the classroom (unless something funny happens, then go ahead). We all know how utterly obnoxious it is to sit in a car, basically forced mute because your passenger doesn't give a shit about you and just wants to text other people. Or how annoying it is when you say a *funny* story over drinks and apps and whoever you're with doesn't even remember you're at the same table.

I guess just take a moment to realize how crappy it feels when you've been in that situation, and how many times you've done that to someone- even if you didn't realize it. Your phone isn't going anywhere, but the moment is. Oh I like that. Feel free to quote me. Put your phone in your bag (or your pocket if you're a man) and appreciate the moment. Appreciate life!! Whether it's a Sunday brunch, a long car ride, or Panera with a classmate in between class, give life and your friends and people the attention they deserve. Be present. I can't stress that enough. The next time you catch yourself giving your 6-inch screen more attention than your bff or your bf, take a second, click the lock button, and have a real life conversation.

I'm done ranting- for now.

NG

Before It's Too Late

I'd like to start this post by giving my deepest condolences to all of the Orlando victims and their families during this hard time. So many tragedies have occurred in a city that has been my home for two years, and it breaks my heart. Seeing text messages that some victims and survivors sent their loved ones just moments before encountering the shooter made me break down into tears. I can't imagine ever being in a situation like that, and I don't think any of us ever really think it's going to be us. Some of the victims were just in town on vacation. Others were regulars. This tragedy, along with the late Christina Grimmie and the poor young child who was attacked by an alligator, all took place in a city home to the happiest place on Earth; a city to which I owe the first half of my college experience.

Times like this make us realize that we never really do know when our last day on Earth is. I know- very cliché, but it's so true. You never think anyone you love, or yourself for that matter, is going to be the victim of a terrible crime. When these things happen, we pray and send our condolences, and move on with our lives exactly the way they were. In a way, I guess that's good. We can't live in fear every day and sometimes all we can do is pray for peace.

So, I know we hear it every day, and more than once a day after something terrible happens in our country, but don't ever hold back on letting someone know you love them. It's silly, I get it. We hear it all the time, but I can't stress how important this is. Whether it's your mom, your best friend, or your partner- stop right now to give them a call and tell them you love them. I'm sure they know, but remind them. Remind your grandparents, your parents, and your siblings. Your boyfriend, your girlfriend, and honestly, drink half a bottle of wine and shoot your ex a text and let them know. Unless they suck. Then don't.

We're human. We crave affection and want to be loved by others. We live in a dangerous world, and I sometimes wish I was blinded from all the terrible things going on in our society.  I'll never forget not being allowed to watch the news when I was a little girl because my mom thought it was too scary for my sister and I. With all this being said, please please please don't hold back on telling people how you feel. Tell someone when they make you smile, and tell someone when they ticked you off so you can work things out. There isn't time to hold grudges in a world that can unfortunately take away the ones we love in the blink of an eye.

Love always,

NG


Below is a list of all the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. Take a moment today to read through this list, and say a quick prayer to whoever watches over you up there. Or just take a moment of silence if you don't believe in any of that. The world lost 49 beautiful souls. Rest in peace:

Stanley Almodovar III, Amanda Alvear, Oscar A Aracena-Montero, Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, Antonio Davon Brown, Darryl Roman Burt II, Angel L. Candelario-Padro, Juan Chevez-Martinez, Luis Daniel Conde, Cory James Connell, Tevin Eugene Crosby, Deonka Deidra Drayton, Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, Leroy Valentin Fernandez, Mercedez Marisol Flores, Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, Juan Ramon Guerrero, Paul Terrell Henry, Frank Hernandez, Miguel Angel Honorato, Javier Jorge-Reyes, Jason Benjamin Josaphat, Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, Anthony Luis Laureanodisla, Christopher Andrew Leinonen, Alejandro Barrios Martinez, Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, Kimberly Morris, Akyra Monet Murray, Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez, Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, Joel Rayon Paniagua, Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, Enrique L. Rios, Jr., Jean C. Nives Rodriguez, Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan, Edward Sotomayor Jr., Shane Evan Tomlinson, Martin Benitez Torres, Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, Juan P. Rivera Velazquez, Luis S. Vielma, Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, Jerald Arthur Wright.

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.