Who Are We?

Here’s another year old draft, because I’ve been figuring all of this out still. It’s ironic how this all connects now…

In life there are many times when we have to figure things out. You have to figure out your favorite color so you can tell all your classmates. You have to figure out what you want to be when you grow up. You have to figure out what you want to wear on your own once you reach a certain age. And then you have to figure out what you’re going to do with the rest of your life. Sound simple? Sort of…

All of these things contribute to a sort of system to lead you on the path of having a successful life – or at least that’s what the teachers, professors, and parents will tell you. However, somewhere along the line things can get confusing and you start to wonder; what is my favorite color? What do I really want to be when I grow up? Do these clothes really make me feel comfortable? These are all petty examples of some larger more serious notion of not knowing who you truly are.

I think everyone must go through this at some point in their life. Perhaps they go through it when they’re young and have everything “figured out”, but let’s not forget those in mid-life and quarter-life crisis moments. Whether you’re going through a weird phase or just simply feel lost, it’s perfectly fine to go through all the identity issues. Our surroundings, our environments, and our relationships all have an impact on this. Going through a big move and find yourself not wanting the same things as you once did? Well there’s fantastic news – you can change however you want. 

Want to be into heavy metal and wear bright pink? You go. Feel the urge to become the ultimate outdoorsy person? Power to you. Love your office job and watching sitcoms at home with your dog? Right on. We’re all just trying to figure this life out.

Now pass the remote, Friends is on channel 36.
CS

Moving On – One Year Later

DISCLAIMER – This is a draft from OVER A YEAR AGO. Judge away, but I am going to post it regardless. Here you are :

Moving on from things can be a difficult task. Whether it’s job related, relationship oriented, or a geographical thing we’ve all been there. At times things can be a breeze and change can seem obvious or “right”. Other times, there is struggle and hardship. However, whatever you are going through and whatever “moving on” that you may be doing just remember this – there is always a silver lining.

I recently did a little moving of my own out to the mountains (cheers for finally getting wifi). Although it’s hard to complain with my surroundings and supportive family and friends there have been some complications. I feel like there are universal jokes about moving and how much hatred there is surrounding the act of packing all your belongings, and then unpacking them in a frantic state because WHERE THE HECK DID YOU PACK YOUR UNDERWEAR?! Ok that’s a little dramatic but we’ve all been there. If you’re wondering – yes, yes I did forget where I packed it.

Jokes aside, as much as I want to rip my hair out at times I’m thankful to be where I’m at. It’s a dream and it’s literally like living on a cloud up here. So really, my silver lining has a hint of blue.

I hope you find peace with all of your moving and shaking over the holiday season.

CS
  
  
  

PS. These photos belong to and were taken by myself. They show a little look into my little bug and I en route to our new home. Hope you enjoy!

On Top of My World

A few weeks ago I went on a little hike in (legitimately) my own backyard. There’s a peak above the house with trails leading up to it and it is quite the workout. My mother and my friend Whitney were along with me although I did not include pictures of them below.

The views were stunning when we reached the top and it really felt refreshing to look over not only my neighborhood, but for miles beyond it to the beautiful Colorado horizon. Personally, I always find a sense of peace when I’m on top of a mountain. The feeling always leaves me a little speechless, but I like the capturing the moment through pictures to help get that sense again later.

I had been debating posting up pictures of my hikes but have decided that sharing these might bring others serenity so here we are. I hope you enjoy!
  
  

I know, “selfies” are pretentious but LOOK AT THAT LAND.

Have an adventurous weekend.

CS

P.S these photos are unedited and owned by Courtney Shea.

Micellar – Just Expensive Water?

New trends are not only interesting but sometimes, if they’re good enough, they can change your daily routine. I’m talking about all accounts here; good tech can change how you work, a new outfit can change how you want to dress, and even new food trends can change your diet. Although a lot of the time some of these seem like “fluff” just to get some larger corporation better sales, I cannot deny I love to look into trends anyway. Today, I want to talk about a skincare trend.

It may seem trivial, but over the past couple of years micellar water has gained quite a bit of popularity. However, the French have been using this water as a cleansing staple in their skincare since the 50’s (blame their awful plumbing systems). Over here in the US I notice a lot of ladies talking about making the switch from washing their faces with tap water, to simply grabbing a cotton pad and their new favorite micellar water to get the job done. Naturally, I was curious and gave it a go.

In sum, I have found that using micellar water is a great deal more gentle on my skin. It’s clearer, more soothed, and clean without being stripped. Here in Colorado the weather can be unforgiving and dry, but the water can be harsher in some areas as well. As I move around from one spot to another I like knowing that my cleansing is constant. Enough babble about my face washing – here is a micellar product I have come to love and it’s not expensive compared to others like Caudalie that I have tried. I want to be an informed citizen…obviously.  

The Frenchies knew it all along.

CS

Relax, Skip the Bath

There is a reason why, after hundreds of years, baths have stood the test of time. Namely, they are relaxing and even in ancient times bathing was a very social activity. That’s not to say that they do not have public baths (or springs) today where people can go, be social, and talk about the latest politics. However, sometimes the last thing you want to do after a long day is immerse yourself in a pool of water and your own sweat.

Want to relax but skip the questionable water? Well I have a solution.

A friend of mine was kind enough to send these little wonders to me long ago and they’re pretty fantastic. Basically they are shower tablets that you put on the floor of your shower while you are doing your routine. You can even put the tablets in a bit before you actually step foot in the shower just so the aromatherapy can really take over. It’s pleasant, it’s relaxing, and they dissolve without leaving a mess.

Don’t get me wrong – I love my LUSH bath bombs and occasional bubble bath, but there is something nice about enjoying your shower too. If you are a busy person (or too impatient to wait for the bath to fill) then these tablets would be right up your alley as well.

Remember, treating yourself does not always have to be a luxury…it can be a necessity too.

CS

An Unsung Hero

Hold on to your socks because I have some fantastic news. Behold! The watermelon has recently been dubbed the title “Superfood”. In previous years people have lost their minds over this word alone. The simple utter of “superfood” has had quinoa, kale, chia, and hemp seeds all flying off the shelves. Personally, I think some foods become trendy while most folks don’t realize the potential benefits of what they’re eating.

Watermelon is typically a flavor that goes first in the bunch. It’s great in candy, slushies, popsicles, and various drinks. Watermelons obviously have great hydration powers, but what might be shocking to some is that they contain a lot of lycopene – which is a powerful antioxidant. This antioxidant helps cardiovascular health as well as bone health and reducing stress! Here are a few other benefits:

• One serving contains 16% of your daily Vitamin C
• It has potassium to clear your brain
• Phenolic compounds in the fruit reduce inflammation
• Increases flow to urine (gross, but still healthy)
• In turn, easing strain on kidneys
• Being 90% water watermelon energizes you while hydrating
• Low in calories, fat, and sodium

So there you have it folks. Watermelon is more than just a great Jolly Rancher flavor. This summer fruit is the gift that keeps on giving.

Dig in, cut it up, or just grab a spoon – your body will thank you.

CS

De-Clutter Yo’Self!

Jokes and strange post titles aside there is a serious trend going on. People are actually talking about the de-cluttering that they are doing in their lives. Whether it’s in a Youtube video, a blog post, an Instagram shot, or a Twitter shoutout you can bet it’s out there. This trend is something I’m into. Very, very into.

It has been said that anxiety and stress lie in the piles around your house. In the useless things that really have no meaning other than a memory you’re holding onto there’s clouded mental health. Just hearing this and even writing it down, quite frankly, makes me uncomfortable. But here’s the deal – before I became aware of this trend I was doing some cleaning myself and man it felt good to chuck stuff into the trash, recycling, and Goodwill pile.

Think about it. You keep some article of clothing (that you no longer wear or fit into) or some random bit of, for lack of better term, trash – all because they hold some weird tie to your life or memories. These things aren’t functional and believe me you can go on without them. I have some tips if you feel like you can’t let go…

Take a picture. Literally grab the thing that you’re so desperately holding onto and take a picture of it. Take a few pictures if you want! They all can stay safe and sound on your memory card (pun intended). Next idea? Write it down. If you have something simply for the event or memory etc. that it’s tied to then get yourself a journal. If it’s really that important to you to remember then jot it down. Keeping organized without keeping so many “things” will lift a lot of weight off your shoulders.

As someone who finds it very hard to let go of things (sentimental or not) these changes have made a huge impact in my life. A book that has everyone buzzing is “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo. It’s a weird feeling of freedom from the things you no longer have to physically have with you.

After all, a nightmare of mine is being on the show Hoarders.

CS

Do Not Be Ashamed

There are lots of things in this world that people are ashamed about. Things that range from serious matters to petty things that (really) don’t matter – or shouldn’t at least. I’m here to give some advice on not being ashamed about a certain aspects of life, and I’m not talking about the boy band CD in your car.

Simply put; do not be ashamed of not wanting what other people want. Now this might seem a little confusing at first, but bear with me. Think about things like certain lifestyles, jobs and career paths, and even vacation spots. Have you ever seen a trend that you were confused about, a job that seemed utterly impossible to sit through, or perhaps a frequent abundance of photos from a place you really have no desire to visit? Well that happens and it’s OKAY.

Not wanting what everyone else strives for in every aspect of life is what keeps this little planet of ours diverse. Recently, with all my newly graduated friends and family I can see this stress sinking in more and more. People feel left out for not partaking in the traditional internship or sporting the latest fashion. It’s upsetting to see people feel so out of place when really they needn’t feel left out at all.

I’m not saying that we cannot all enjoy certain sports together or family vacations to a tropical location, because those can sometimes be the things that bring us closer together. However, if you’re someone who feels shunned or hurt from not loving what’s “hot right now” or doing things the “traditional way” have no fear. You are not alone. Perhaps you’re just more quiet than others…

Now get that CD out from under the seat and turn up the volume!

CS

Local (Travel)

You’ve heard it once and you’ve heard it again – stay local, buy local, keep it local, local local. Sometimes, you think it’s a little loco.

Here’s the deal, lots of people don’t like where they are in life. Don’t agree? Consider yourself and your friends lucky. Throughout the years people start to question what they really want. Before I get into something that’s a little too existential for this post let me get to the actual point I want to make in this write up. Local can be a word that’s a bit overkill, but I would like to politely remind you that traveling local can be pretty neat – much like nature.

I spent the last two weeks or so taking friends out and showing them around some local Colorado spots. I realize every day when I step outside how lucky I am to live here, but taking friends around make me a beaming bright proud Coloradan (that is what we’re called, right?). What’s interesting to me was not my newfound obsession with my surroundings, but my fascination with finding areas that were unique throughout the entirety of my life thus far.

When I had friends in Iowa who would visit me in Indiana, or friends who visited when I lived in Ohio or near Chicago – it was all the same. I would get all giddy about showing off hidden treasures and local spots I had held near and dear to my heart. Foodie spots, parks and trails, lakes and water features of sorts, and even local areas that were considered haunted. So, with all this out in the open, I invite you to find the local travel spots that YOU like best. Maybe they’re not the ones that appear on the Travel Channel or where headlining bands come to play, but that doesn’t mean they cannot bring immense joy.

We’re all part of this great world, and every bit of it is worth exploring. I hope you find bliss, and if it’s not that intense maybe a good spot for a mini photoshoot on your phone just for the memories.

Cheers if you got my nature reference above, by the way.

Keep trailblazing,

CS

I Graduated!…Now what?

Ahhh the infamous question of – so now what are you really going to do with your life? (As if college students don’t actually live at all).

From a very young age I have always found the phrases of getting to “the real world” repulsive. Why am I not in the real world now? Is what I’m doing not important enough? Also, why do you hate your “real world” job so much anyway – didn’t you pick it?

Seriously if we could all relax on those statements about life after college I think the world would be a better place. The people who say college is the best four years of your life (or sometimes high school) make me really sad. Really, really sad. What made you stop living? And why do you have to compromise with what you’re doing now just because you think you have some timeline to fill in? I obviously have a lot of questions.

Here’s the deal; sometimes people have crappy situations and they can’t help what they get themselves into after college. However, the way I see it is that the human being is a very capable mechanism. Yes, we get trapped in our own brains and think that there are no other options than a nine to five we hate. Yes, we can get stay in our comfort zones that bore us later on in life. And yes, that’s ok. BUT that’s not for me.

My plans are to make a difference (quite simply) and throughout my studies of rainforest deforestation, species loss, alternative forms of fuel, and so on I realized something – it may be less complex than the processes I’ve been looking at. I have always loved art and I have always enjoyed making it. From videos to photography and throwing clay on the wheel – I adore it all. So what you will see on here are more of my art based endeavors. If I move around the country like a banshee, well then you’re coming with me. I am undecided and ever changing – that’s ok with me.

Did I mention I was top 3% of my university? I’m sorry but I had to mention I’m a freaking brainiac and after all this higher education with four schools, four states, and all in four years – I DID IT.

Ok sorry I just had to take a moment…Now I’m blushing.

Your life, your journey.

CS