4 Hacks To Try When Studying While You Are Tired

 

If you are anything like me, a mother of two, a full time student, and running a business. Then you know how tiresome that can get and it begins to take it's toll on you and your school work. So here are some tips you can use to get you through that study session. My favorite one to do is rewrite my notes by hand, that allows me to read aloud a few times and it sticks into my memory bank. What are some of your hacks you do when studying? 

 

Starting and Building Your Home Gym

 Recommended Items For Home Workouts

    I, like many, had a gym membership before and during Covid, but unfortunately, my gym felt it would be a liability to open back up the daycare section, which forced me to end my membership. If I allowed this to bum me out and set me back on my fitness journey, I would have disappointed myself. So this caused me to look into starting and building my personal home gym. At the beginning of the Covid shut down many of the gym accessories were becoming few and in between because many had the same idea as I did. Now, since things have opened back up you will have no problem getting items like dumbbells with no hassle. One may feel slightly intimidated by building a home gym because there are a number of things you can buy. So to begin I jotted down the weight loss goals I wanted to achieve. For me, I had some baby weight I wanted to shed and then some toning up to do. Being aware of this I then began to research many exercise moves and different home workouts I can use to achieve my goals. Next is finding the equipment and what better place to shop other than my trusted Amazon.com. We all know that they have pretty much everything and they helped me get my home gym where it is now. Below are some of my must-haves and items I recommend with pictures and links you need to get for your home gym.   

1. Resistance bands, use to help build and strengthen your muscles.

https://amzn.to/3xYdUZH

2.  Jump rope is one of my go-to for cardio. Jumping rope builds and strengthens muscles, builds stamina, and endurance.

https://amzn.to/39UxkXk

3. Dumbells are good for building muscles and stimulating and promoting muscles and joint flexibility.

https://amzn.to/3yjr18Y

4. Workout mats are important to prevent you from slipping and falling and helps reduces stress on your body when completing many floor moves.

https://amzn.to/3njsh5S

5. Treadmill is another great option for cardio exercise. The treadmill works the full body and helps with muscle building and fat shedding. Many can be stored to prevent having your place look cluttered.

https://amzn.to/3xTJVlA

6. BONUS, not necessary but an amazing investment. Sweet Sweat waist trimmer is used to produce a great amount of sweat increasing your calorie loss and helping tone and shrink your waist. When I tell you it works like a charm and has helped me lose inches on my waist and tighten up my mommy pouch area. 

https://amzn.to/3xXpWSS

The items listed above were my go-to for the beginning of my home workout journey, I have now added more items to my gym and will share those things in another post. Please feel free to utilize the links I provided. Share some of the items you may have if you are also someone who workout from home. Until next time, be blessed. 

“Simplyrikaswo-20 is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.” (source: Section 5)

Amazom.com Basic Essentials You Need In Your Life

So guys let’s talk about this addiction I have with this website lol. I mean I cant be the only one right? Anyways lately I have been heavily relying on Amazon.com for all my needs since me going out into the stores are just not ideal right now with the new Omicron or Deltacron Covid-19 variants going around. I feel comfortable for my children and I to limit our contact with people. So, since having all this spare time it gave me the opportunity to explore Amazon.com for all its worth and with that I have found some gems that I have to share with you guys. These are clothing items from Amazon.com very own clothing line. The material they use is of very good quality. I’m telling you, you won’t be disappointed if you go ahead and buy these pieces. You can wash these items several times and they won’t shrink nor will the color fade. The material is soft on your skin and very comfortable to lounge around in. Since let’s be honest lounging around is pretty much all I have been doing right about now. Since being blessed to work from home.

Let’s just go on ahead and dive into the fact that these pieces are super affordable, you won’t be breaking the bank purchasing any of these items. The most expensive item is less than $25, come on you can’t beat that. I shared some pictures and links from the site to where you can get your hands on these items. There’s everything from under garments to clothing you can workout in. Again you won’t be disappointed. Let me know if you are familiar with any of the items I listed below and share items you think I should look into. 

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-Womens-2-Pack-Slim-Fit/dp/B0775G5Y8Q

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-Womens-Long-Sleeve-T-Shirt/dp/B079HJZM7B

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-Short-Sleeve-Crewneck-T-Shirt/dp/B07754XHM5

https://www.amazon.com/SheIn-Womens-Casual-Sleeveless-Ribbed/dp/B07F72QXYL

https://www.amazon.com/EttelLut-Running-Leggings-Athletic-Walking/dp/B07BKV2NT7

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07FFK1FTM/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/GRECERELLE-Womens-Summer-Casual-Dresses/dp/B07L993TQL

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-Womens-Seamless-Stretch/dp/B07HZ9SRV4

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-Womens-Seamless-Stretch/dp/B07HZ92BXM

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07CYH9MZX/ref=ox_sc_act_image_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Don’t Forget You!

 

    If you are like me then I know that you also are guilty of putting everyone before yourself. But ladies and gentlemen, this will be the year that we won’t forget ourselves any longer. I have made it my responsibility to love me first. I can’t give my all to my family if I don’t put myself first. Over the past many years, I have always placed my children, friends, and family before my own needs and got to the point where I lost myself. It was like the days just all seemed to begin to mesh together and feel the same, as though I was in the Twilight Zone and I was just living for them and not for myself. All my goals and dreams that I wanted to accomplish were placed on the back burner because I did for everyone else and failed to do for myself. So this year we are putting ourselves first. We are working on our health because a healthier me/you equals happiness and more years added onto our lives. Get up and put on that sexy dress, or that suit, fix your hair, and if you are into makeup apply it and add a bold lip to the look. We are pushing ourselves to accomplish or at least start something we have always wanted to but felt we never had the time to do. We are no longer making excuses that will hinder us from starting or finishing the projects we want to complete. We will be rewarding ourselves with little gifts that we have always wanted but never got because we spent that money on someone else. So sweeties buy that perfume/cologne, shoe, purse, and jewelry and don’t feel guilty about it. Valentine's Day is around the corner, but we don't need to wait until then to begin loving ourselves a bit more. 

We are all beautiful people and never forget that. Until the next post, be amazing and do amazing things. -Rika

Things To Do In 2022

Happy New Year is in order as we enter the year 2022. So I have come up with a list of 5 things that you as well as I can do in 2022. There were many things I must admit I struggled with or found myself wishing I just made just a little bit more time to incorporate some things into my routine that would place me on a better path in 2021 and years prior. Well, this year I made it a must to do everything on my list, and I hope you can as well adopt this list into your lives. So what can these things possibly be you may wonder, well let us go into it.

1. Become more active: Even though I am a mother of two very energetic boys and I am always on my feet I don't count that as my activity of the day. I want to be able to do something different from my normal routine. So I have begun to stretch more and took up lifting weights. Nothing crazy at the moment because safety comes first, but enough weight that gives my body a good burn without causing injury to my body. So if being active isn't something you are used to on a daily, please start off slowly. There are so many beginner-friendly workouts, yoga, stretching videos on YouTube that we are all accessible for free. But this is the year to keep on moving.
 
2. Pick up a hobby: Having a hobby is so beneficial to your life. Having a hobby can help your social life and create a bond with others. It increases your confidence and self-esteem. Hobbies help reduce or eradicate boredom. They give you something to do when you find yourself with nothing to fill your time. They also give you an activity that you can look forward to and get excited about. It enriches your life and gives you a different perspective on things. No matter what type of hobby you choose, you will definitely be exposed to new ideas and skills. So if you ever wanted to take up painting, do so. If writing or reading poetry interests you, go on and push yourself to create a piece. 

3. Read more: We all heard the phrase that reading is fundamental and I can agree that it definitely is. Reading improves your vocabulary, language skills, and gives you more knowledge of the world. Reading reduces your stress levels by offering you a place to escape. You get so caught up in a good book that during the time reading it nothing else around you matter and that alone is an amazing thing. Something I notice while reading is that it actually gives me more creativity and inspiration to use on my projects. I have been big on reading books based on being positive, having a positive mindset, and being motivational to give my all in everything I strive to do.

4. Strive to be a better person: There is enough going on today with this current pandemic that is taking loved ones away from every family that where is the time to be ugly to anyone. Why add on to the ignorance of others when you can be a blessing to someone. Negative energy is something I am limiting in my life because it does nothing but drain you when you give it the attention it seeks. I can contest to feeling so euphoric when I prescribe myself positive energy and radiate among all my loved ones and anyone I come in contact with. I honestly don't know how individuals wake up deciding to be a bully or rude, constantly in their life, nothing must not be going right in their lives. So if you need to incorporate meditation into your life to combat any stress that may cause you to lash out in a negative way please do so.

5. Build on something you are good at: So you consider yourself good at something, why not become better? Don't be okay with being mediocre doing something strive to become great or even master it. I started drawing again and right now since I haven't done it in a while I am just okay, but I am pushing myself to become better. I purchased myself a sketchbook and sketching pencils from my trusty site Amazon and I am going to see where it takes me. Watching YouTube videos is getting me back into the groove of things and giving me a new pointer I would have never thought to do. So like me, you may need to do some research to help you build on what you are good at to help you get to that next step of being great. 

Binge Worthy Shows

Now I’m not typically a person who has time to turn on the television being a busy full time mom of two very energetic boys and a full time healthcare worker. So I literally have to make sure to keep my sanity schedule some mommy time. So when that time does come there are some shoes that I kick back with a cozy blanket, some tea, and a few snacks on the side to watch. I like to stay away from the “reality” shoes because it’s honestly not that entertaining to me, to scripted and fake. It also tends to depict the female and African American women in a bad light. I’m into the gruesome drug, murder, thriller types of shows and documentaries. Lots of the shows I find entertaining is actually based on actual events that took place in the world and is relatable and informative. I guess me being a criminal justice major is truly what heightens my joy for most of the shows on my list. My top 5 binge worthy shoes currently are as follows:

1.) Law and Order SVU(Special Victims Unit) now this show is still currently going on. It’s actually the longest running prime-time drama series on its 23rd season, which is bananas but I’m so happy. It first debuted September 20, 1999 like wow. Saddest part was when they wrote off Detective Stabler, I mean him and Detective Benson was the ultimate partners  It’s takes things that are currently going on in the world and putting their spin

2.) Forensic Files: this show tells the story of real crimes and how they are solved through the work of the forensic scientist.

3.) The Witcher a Netflix series based off the book series  that’s sure to grab your attention from the very first episode. If you are into drama, fantasy, supernatural shows with a sexy lead actor this is the show for you.

4.) Narcos another Netflix series that captures the stories of the biggest drug lords that plaque both the U.S and. South America. It is gritty and full of murder and deception but oh so good. 

5.) The Expanse is a series adaptation from the novel and is a science fiction show based on the future. It tells a story about the rising tension between Mars and Earth as they battle different entities that threaten their everyday lives.


I would love to hear what your current addicting show to binge watch is, share them with me at the comment section. Let me know if you have watched any of the shows I placed in my top list.

Why Dossier

  

    If you’re anything like me, you want to smell like you just dropped a bag on some expensive perfume without breaking the wallet. So here’s my advice to everyone, don’t head out to your nearest Macy’s, Sephora, or Ulta if you are in the market for a new perfume or cologne scent. Simply log on to https://dossier.co 

    When I tell you, you won’t be disappointed. Why drop $100-$1000 for some Tom Ford or Gucci perfume or cologne when you can get that same premium quality for just $29-$59 and on top of that the more fragrances you buy from Dossier the more you can save. Buy 3 perfumes from $74 get 15% off, Buy 4 perfumes from $95 get 80% off, and if you purchase 5 perfumes from $116 you get 20% off. 

    Dossier was founded out of a desire to make premium fragrances accessible to everyone. They felt as though they needed to market something that didn’t cause people to feel they are making an investment on something they really can’t afford just to keep up with their favorite Star or Influencer. Me being a mother of two I can put all that extra money I have saved by shopping with Dossier into my household or on a trip with my boys. Dossier has fragrances fit for women, men, and unisex. They are a green company that uses 100% recycled corrugated boxes, 100% recycled glass that holds the perfume and they are becoming plastics for me. The formulas are clean vegan and cruelty-free, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. To top all that off they don’t throw away returned items, but give them to the Give Back Box charity. Give Back Box is a non-profit organization that shares the donated Dossier perfumes to over 60 charities throughout the United States.

                                                                            

     When you receive your perfume order in the mail they come very secure, haven't had any come broken yet. Again, they come in a nice recycled corrugated box with a slot for it to fit snug preventing shifting during transport. Along with your scent comes a card that gives you the description of your perfume. All the notes: top, middle, and base notes that make up the perfume. It also states the concentration percentage of the fragrance and what name brand scent it was inspired by, for example for Gucci-Bloom you would purchase Floral Honeysuckle by Dossier. So far in my collection, I have collected 7 scents from Dossier and I am so pleased with how well they hold the fragrance throughout the day. I'm telling you if you head over to Dossier.co you will not be disappointed. The quality is amazing and worth the money. Let's all remember we are here to save some coins, so go give them a try and let me know how you feel about the company.

COVID BLUES (poetry)

Let us out, it’s not fair, that is all I hear,

The sun is shining but we are compelled to stay clear.

Cover your face, comply it’s law, 

The health system is broken and it sees its flaws.

These mask we wear are stifling,

But there’s a short on mask so nurses are striking.

This virus I swear is not a joke,

I had a brother who never woke.

It takes on the form of the grim reaper, 

With every day that passes with lack of compliance through the streets it spreads deeper. 

It doesn’t judge, it doesn’t care about

Your race, your age nor the money you have, Your status doesn’t grant you a pass. 

We are all equal and it’s up to us to stop the spread of this killing machine,

By doing ones part with a social distance, and hand hygiene routine.

              @simplyrikasworld

15 Things To Do While In Quarantine

Whom else is tired of being stuck up in the house either alone or with very hyper children 😂. Though I am a healthcare worker and is considered essential and most leave the comfort of my home to assist in the caring of the sick. I do have days off where of course I’m home like everyone else and wondering what can I do to pass the time 🤔. So below are a list of the 15 things that I enjoy doing or on my list to do, not in any particular order.

Hopefully you can take from this list and apply some of the things in your daily quarantine routine. Or if you have anything else to add to the list please feel free to share them in the comment section with me.

Top 15 things to do while in quarantine 

1. Read a book ( I’m currently reading You Are A Badass by: Jen Sincero)
   
2. Organize closet ( put away your winter items and bring out the spring/summer wardrobe).
3. Organize makeup (dollar tree/amazon has lots of cute organization items for makeup).
4. Declutter closet/makeup (makeup does have an expiration date ladies and gentlemen so be mindful and know it’s okay to throughout old makeup. Don’t become a hoarder).
5. Play with children ( this is an everyday thing for me being a mommy of two).
6. Go for run/ stay active ( I bought a pair of rollerblades and I do a lot of youtube workout videos).
7. Bake treats
8. Give self a facial 
   
   
   
   
9. Take a bubble bath (I am long overdue for one, Dr. Teals here I come).
   
10. Zone out to your favorite music (I’m a oldies/doo wop kinda girl. Also throw in my 90’s R&B).  
11. Catch up on rest 
12. Write in journal (I love to jot down ideas for my son’s 8th birthday party).
13. Give self new hairstyle (I’ve been putting on and taking off wigs 😂). 
14. FACETIME love ones (my family and friends are on the East coast so I try to speak to them as much as possible).
15. Give thanks/ say a prayer for being alive and well (this is a everyday must for me).
    
    
    
    
    

Rika’s Christmas List

Rika’s Christmas Wish list 

Ollieroo Natural Bamboo Bathtub Caddy with Extending Sides Adjustable Book Holder Tray Organizer for Phone and Wineglass Walmart.com

Impressions Vanity Touch IV 3.0 Trifold LED Makeup Mirror bedbathandbeyond.com

 Stackable Makeup Storage X-Large 

Target.com

Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum Spray

VIKTOR&ROLF

Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sephora

Hail Ri Ri

Fenty Beauty For The Win

So Robyn Rihanna Fenty aka Rihanna aka Bad Girl RiRi launched her highly anticipated beauty line Fenty Beauty September 8, 2017 exactly one day before my birthday 🤗. Rihanna already made a name for herself with her Fenty sporty wear line so she decided to give the beauty a go. This passion for this line has taken her 2 years to perfect. She knew her name was on this and she was not going to just put out anything. 

Rihanna goal for her line was one that many other makeup companies have failed to do and that's put out a shade of foundation for pretty much every women. From the palest to the darkest women that walked this earth Rihanna wanted a shade made just for them. She knew that women have different undertones whether olive, red, yellow, etc.., she hit on it all. Neutral, cool, warm check, check, and check. Her and her developing team put everything on the drawing board and slayed like no other.

So here's the breakdown of all that you can get your hands on in the Fenty Beaty collection. 

1.) 40 Foundation Shades $34

2.) 20 Matte Match Stix $25

3.) 10 Shimmer Match Stix $25

4.) 6 Killawatt Freestyle Highlighters $34

5.) 4 Conceal, Contour, Highlight Shades $54

6.) 1 Universal Lip Luminizer $18

7.) Pro'filter Retouch Primer $32

8.) Foundation Brush 110 $34

9.) Highlight Brush 120 $32

10.) Makeup Sponger 100 $16

11.) Portable Contour + Conceal 150, Highlight 140, and Touch up Brush 130 $24

12.) Blotting Paper $16

13.) Blotting Piwder $32

14.) Blotting Paper Refill $10

This line price point isn't on the two expensive side like some brands such as NARS, Bobbi Brown and others. The amount you receive in tubes is enough to last a good while,  unlike Ms. Kardashian-West line who's price point is absolutely ridiculous for its amount of product received. It can be purchased at Sephora.com or on her actual Fentybeauty.com website.

Ms. Fenty has literally done the unthinkable and sold out of all of the darker spectrum Foundation colors 🙀. I have glued myself to my YouTube app and watched many reviews on this line and pretty much all of them were ecstatic on being able to finally have a foundation shade that matched them to a T without having to mix more than one to make their color. Trophy Wife highlighter has been the buzz of the slayage 😂. Many were intimidated by its bright yellow tone that they opted to use it as a eyeshadow instead of what it's actually for a highlighter. I feel with a light hand and confidence any skin tone would be able to pull it off as a highlighter. It's an overall consensus that the universal lipgloss is life, no one has disputed that. I'm so looking forward to seeing what else she plans on adding to the collection. If she keeps her mindset set on making every women feel included then I see nothing but products that will be home runs or touch downs for my football lovers 😂. So have you gotten your hands on any Fenty Beauty and what is your foundation color match and shade???

"Fenty Beauty was created for everyone: 

For women of all shades, personalities, 

attitudes, cultures, and races.

 I wanted everyone to feel included, 

that's the real reason I made this line."

-Rihanna ❤️