Finding balance in the whirlwind that is life
Finding balance in the whirlwind that is life.
Hi Friends! It's been such a long time since I last posted on here. It's been a crazy busy second half of third year medical school, and is now wrapping up. It's crazy to think that only a few board exams stand in the way between me and my fourth and final year in medical school. It's been such a whirlwind of a journey and I'm so thankful for you all who have followed along!
Read MoreHappy Friday! Today, I'm going to be reviewing Medelita's Core One Tee. This review has been LONG OVER DUE so I'm very excited to share my thoughts with y'all. The Core One Tee by Medelita is not just an underscrub, but it's truly a tee that you can live in. I've actually only worn it once as an underscrub and loved it since it's thin and layers well. BUT what I actually LOVE wearing this for is: working out! Don't you just love double, even triple-duty items?! The tee looks sporty which is great because it doesn't look just like an underscrub - it really looks more like a workout top. I paired it with a printed Lululemon pant and it looked so great. TBH, I've worn it to the gym more than I wore it with scrubs. That's because as 2nd years, we didn't really have any reason to wear scrubs except for our occasional clinical skills lab.
The material is super soft, and comfortable against my skin. I will warn you though, although it claims to be a sweat-wicking shirt my 'pit sweat showed through while I was working out (sorry y'all - just keepin' it real). My workouts generally get pretty sweaty though, so it might vary for other people. Besides that, I love the stitching detail that makes it acceptable as a workout top as well as the "m" in the lower left side on the back of the shirt. The fit is also very feminine and I love that! It has also held up very well during washings despite the thinner material - I always get worried because some shirts don't hold up well and get holes - NOT THIS ONE. Did I mention that it's pill-resistant AND wrinkle-resistant? BTW, I got this in an XS and it fits perfectly!
If you're looking for underscrubs that you can wear once you're off-duty, to go work out or just to lounge around in, definitely check out Medelita's Core One Tee! They also have other items, such as whitecoats/labcoats (which they are highly popular for), scrubs, and more. Here is their website :)
What are your favorite underscrub brands?
*Many thanks to Medelita for sending me this top to try out!
Is anyone else, but me, over winter yet? I'm trying to envision the leaves turning green again, the flowers blooming & the warmth of the sun. I. CAN'T. WAIT!
With that said, I want to share with you all how I'm transitioning my wardrobe from winter to spring! I love being cozy and bundled up, but sometimes too much layers kill my vibe - I feel like a roly-poly sometimes with my thick, puffy coat on - ya feel me? So, I wanted to add more color to my wardrobe again by breaking out my lighter-weight scarves, jeans (and a colored one too), and booties! AND, what I consider would end up being my favorite spring time accessory, my new JORD Watch!
Y'ALL - I have never had a unique watch like this one. This particular one is made from Zebrawood (read more about it here), which gives it a very one-of-a-kind look and it complements the emerald-green face extremely well (more about the watch here).
As most of you know, I am a medical student which means that I'm always wearing a watch (okay like 90% of the time). So I'm really excited to be able to add a timeless piece to my watch collection!
Okay - back to these spring-time-ready looks. I love how the light-weight scarves can still add some "warmth-factor" since the temperatures are not as high as I'm hoping they'd be right now. Meanwhile, the colors add that pop of spring-time touch! As for tops, I tend to go with ones that are three-fourths sleeves or long-sleeve tops that I can also fold up. That way, I can have the option of rolling my sleeves up if it gets warmer or keep them down if it's chilly. Also, I love wearing colored jeans as another way of adding a pop of color for this transition time. Another fun way to transition the blush pink jeans I'm wearing is to pair it with a light gray sweater and a bootie, for another transition-to-spring look!
(Even just breaking out my trusty boyfriend jean is a great way to change it up & welcome the spring time).
Lastly, booties are ESSENTIAL for transitioning from winter to spring. Sometimes it's not quite cold enough to wear those knee-high leather boots, so booties are the perfect alternative & will still keep your toesies warm ;)
Now, for the exciting part - I've partnered with JORD to do a G I V E A W A Y. Yes you read that right! One lucky winner will win a $100 Gift Card to www.woodwatches.com! To those who don't win - fret not because you still get a $25off discount code once the contest ends - so really, it's a win-win! All you have to do is enter by clicking the link >>H E R E <<
(Giveaway ends March 5th @ 11:59PM CST!)
Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy these looks that will hopefully prepare you to welcome the spring time :) Add some fun colors by throwing on a colorful scarf, colored jeans, booties, and don't forget your timepiece!
To shop JORD Watches:
Women's watch - https://www.woodwatches.com/shop/women/#lifeinthemedlane
Men's watch - https://www.woodwatches.com/shop/men/#lifeinthemedlane
My watch - https://www.woodwatches.com/series/reece/zebrawood-and-emerald/#lifeinthemedlane
*Disclosure: Thank you to JORD for sponsoring this post!
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Okay ya'll, if you're getting on the "New Year, New Me" train just recently - IT'S NEVER TOO LATE! Today, I'm going to be posting a Back & Biceps work out. If you've read my previous post (click here), I talk about how exercising & eating healthy is a lifestyle. I don't go on diets (I really don't think they work), and I try to balance my schedule to be able to work out or get moving in some way. When it comes to working out, I try to focus on one to two muscle groups PLUS a little bit of cardio. Not gonna lie to ya'll, cardio is not my fave. If I do cardio, I try to do 30secs sprint + 30sec rest for about 15 mins on the treadmill, walk on an incline, OR jump roping, but that usually doesn't last as long TBH.
As with any workouts, it's important to switch things up so your muscles don't get used to the same exact thing, week after week. My typical schedule is as follows:
Now, I said this is my typical schedule. I don't ALWAYS do the same order. In fact, I've been switching it up lately depending on my energy levels and just so my muscles don't get used to the same routine. Also, I want to mention that most of the workouts I do are more-so weight-lifting exercises. Keep in mind that most require free-weights, dumbbells and and some machines! Don't be intimidate to use those and if you do, make sure that you are using proper form (Safety First! If something does not feel right DONT DO IT - you can always switch things up; just my disclaimer).
So today I want to share with you guys what I did for Back + Bi Day. FYI: I go to the good 'ol YouTube for lots of Fit-spirations such as: Whitney Simmons, Taylor Chamberlain, Christina Capron, and the like. So go check them out!)
Warm-Up:
1. So cardio is tough for me cus I find it boring (cardi-no). BUT for that day, I decided to speed walk on the tread mill, with an incline. Do a speed + level that is comfortable yet challenging for you.
2. Stretch the arms and back (I like to do some light stretching, and leave the deeper stretches for after the work out.
Actual Workout:
- Bent-over rows with under hand grip
- Bent-over rows with over hand grip
DO 4 sets of 10. (These are super-sets and what that means is you do 10 reps of the first one, then 10 reps of the second one and that equals ONE SET. Now do it for 3 more times).
(PS: you can do these with dumbbells as opposed to a barbell.)
-Lat Pull Down Variation: do a lighter weight than you normally do and you will pull on one side first, then the other, and then both (as you would normally). That equals ONE rep.
DO 3 sets of 8. (PS: I couldn't find a picture on the google but check out Whitney Simmon's YouTube vid here)
-Seated Cable Rows: Use the narrow-grip attachment and once you pull, squeeze at the end (think like you're about to snap the pencil in half that's in between your back muscles haha!)
DO 4 sets of 10
-Alternating Bicep Curls with one arm that's stationary: For this exercise, you want to start out with one arm at your side (holding the dumbbell) out at an angle and bent elbows. The other arm will be doing the bicep curls (same angle in which you are hold the stationary arm), while the other is stationary.
DO 3 sets of 8 reps (each arm)
(PS: the video shows the girl doing it at the same time: for this exercise you would one one arm at a time while the other is holding the dumbbell out)
-Hammer Curls: hold the dumbbells as you would normally and you will do a curl on both arms at the same time.
DO 4 sets of 10 reps
Don't Forget: Take 1-2 minute break IN BETWEEN SETS!
Cool Down:
-Stretch: here I take more time doing deeper stretches for my arms, side body, and even legs.
-Sometimes I get back on the treadmill for 5 more minutes and walk at an incline.
There you have it! I hope this helps you & your work out routine ;) Whenever I take some time off, I try to do some yoga or just rest my body. It's always good to allow your body to rest + recover so don't forget that! Also, I have linked a visual for the exercises as well as the links to the YouTube Channels of the people I like to get fit-spirations from!
What do you like to do for your workouts?
Shop Similar Style Workout Clothes:
xo, Dorothy
Everyone needs that one tried, and true pair of black leggings amirite? I think I've found mine. Last year around November, I ordered the Girlfriend Collective legging because I kept seeing on Facebook how it was only $19 which was the price of shipping. I mean come on, who can resist that? After browsing through the website, and reading about how one of their designers spent her past time at Lululemon (hello? another favorite of mine!) - then I knew I had to check it out.
If you ordered these too, you know that the package took a while to come in. I believe I ordered them late summer and they came in early November. This I'm guessing is because they're made and shipped from overseas, and maybe due to demand? Not sure.
My first impression, honestly, was: "oh no I don't like these". I didn't like them at first because as I was putting them on, the waistband kind of curves in (if you know what I mean) and was a little tight around my waist. I didn't like that feeling because I don't like feeling constricted when I'm supposed to be in my comfy yoga pants. Yet as I wore them more, and maybe after a couple washes, I felt that they started to fit much better, conforming to my body.
Is this the legging that gets better with time?!
So far, I have not noticed any pilling or threads coming loose. Also, the fabric seems to be holding itself up well! I love wearing mine to workout (obviously), and to class and while I'm studying - really, anywhere! I've dressed it up (not TOO dressed up, because you can definitely tell they're workout pants due to the stitching), and I've dressed it down. These leggings also has some compression - not too much, not too little. Especially over time, I feel that the compression is perfect (remember, they take some time to conform to your body).
Another thing I like about this brand is that they are making these leggings with sustainable means. Read more about their brand and how each pair of leggings are made from 25 recycled water bottles here.
Hopefully the rest of their line (whenever it comes out), will live up to the expectations! I'm excited to see how this brand grows & what kind of products they come out with (maybe I'll have more review for y'all, who knows?)
Let me know if you've ordered/tried the Girlfriend Collective leggings below!
Shop my other favorites:
Xo,
Dorothy
HNY Everyone! With the new year comes new things for the blog. I'm super excited to announce this series which will highlight some places in Jacksonville, FL - or as I refer to it "Jax" - that I love going to. This post will highlight COFFEE SHOPS that I personally love to go to, as well as those that I have yet to go to and would love to visit.
Whenever I'm home for the holidays or any other type of break, I cherish going to these places because this city is near and dear to my heart as it is home. I hope you enjoy & one day if you're ever visiting the area, check these coffee shops out!
1. Bold Bean: With three locations and counting, this is one of my favorite places to get a latte at. One is located in Jax Beach. One in Riverside. And the newest one is located in San Marco. These three locations totally fit within the neighborhoods/area that they are in and I adore each one of them. It's a great place to sit and have coffee with your friends, or try to get some work done. If you go, try: a latte with Spicy Chocolate syrup, or Vanilla.
2. Brew - Five Points: Located in Historic Five Points (and next to other places I love going to), Brew has once of the best Matcha Lattes in town. TBH, I haven't seen other coffee shops with matcha lattes, and if you know me, you know my love for matcha. Their matcha latte is definitely a more traditional in a sense that it's not sweetened already like it is at Starbucks. That way, you really get that flavor of matcha goodness. YUM! If you go, try: Obvs the Matcha Latte. Hint: Get it with soy milk if you like a little more sweetness.
3. Southern Grounds & Co.: If you want to breathe in fresh sea breeze, go to Southern Grounds & Co which is super close to the beach. Also go here if you want to have a big slice of cake along with you coffee. If you go, try: Chai Latte, with a slice of the Salted Caramel Cake. Hint: I believe they rotate out what types of cake they have so really just get what you like ;)
4. Sippers Coffeehouse: If you have some serious studying to get done, or have a deadline due while you're in Jax, go here. The environment is a little bit more quiet which makes it great for a more intense coffee shop study sesh. It's also very cozy and home-y so it's not like you're in the library studying either. If you go, try: Chai Latte, with one of their muffins (some are available gluten free).
5. Three Layers: an oldie, but goodie - to many anyways because it's been a while since I've gone. But, Three Layers is such a great spot to just chill, sip on your coffee, along with their amazing pastries. They also have a garden in the back, which is super dreamy & it's called the Zen Garden.
Coffee Shop Wishlist (AKA where I still need to go):
-Vagabond Coffee
-Southern Roots Filling Station
-Breezy Coffee Shop and Cafe
What are you favorite coffee shops in your area?! (Recommend some down below, so one day if I ever visit, i'll know exactly where to go).
Bold Bean - San Marco
Bold Bean - San Marco
Brew Five Points