New to nursing

First week of my first big girl job- complete. What a week. From orientation to my first night shift, moving to Baltimore and taking this new job was the best thing I could've done for myself! Two night shifts complete, several new people at work, friendly faces and new environments. So much has been going on! 

I had been so anxious about night shift, it's really not as bad as they say! But it might be. Here are my notes/tips to self so far...

1. Try to nap for a little while before your night shift, any length of sleep will do.

2. This might involve waking up early and exhausting yourself, so you can sleep, like I did. 

3. Coffee at 1 AM. Coffee and I are now friends.

4. Pack an exciting dinner/midnight snack... It'll keep you excited until it's gone.

5. Comfortable shoes make the shift twenty times better. I also recommend knee high TEDs.

6. Shower upon getting home, this will make you feel clean and I think it makes me sleep better.

7. Sleep until you want, but if you're converting back to normal people hours.. Wake yourself up at about 2pm.

8. Night shift nurses seem to have more time in their hands, be an extraordinary nurse and already have things completed for day shift nurses.

I don't have too many tips yet, but hopefully I'll master this thing.

Winter Running 101

So that time of year has dreadedly arrived- temperatures drop into the 20s, hats and gloves are a necessity, fireplaces are the attraction and chances are you're hibernating indoors. For me, and many others, winter brings fear and chills to runners and fitness gurus. Life in the winter doesn't have to be all about treadmills and staying under the covers. With these tips and necessities, you can keep in your running habits AND stay warm.

Top Winter Necessities for Runners

1. Waterproof Jacket: this is probably the number one necessity. And waterproof is key. One word... Snow.

2. Insulated Gloves: if you don't have gloves, chances are your bare fingers and bare head are making you chilled. Your fingers are often the first to get hot and the reason why you're cold. I like mine because they're iPhone friendly, which enables me to use music and emergency texts :) 

3. Headbands/: hats, head insulator, cap, or headbands... You'll be surprised at how much of a difference this makes! Pick a cute color and you're set.

4. Www.underamour.com will save you. A few of my favorites and essentials include a turtle top, and nice warm pants. Having a warm base layer will be lifesaving.

When you have the right gear, running in 20 degree weather isn't so bad. Remember, the faster you run, the sooner you'll be inside!

DIY for Days

DIY: do it yourself. This common hobby or craft can often signify failed-attempt-at-being-thifty-and-cute. I know it's not that easy, and most likely nowhere near as easy as it looks. While I was crafting for my apartment, I found myself like WOW diy is awesome...  I feel like I saved so much money and made exactly what I wanted instead of spending hours searching for it. Here are some examples of some DIY decor I easily finished.

Chances are you've looked at Pinterest, said "wow that's so cute and cheap!" And then proceeded to replicate what you saw, and you might look at your creation like, "what in the world was I thinking"!?!? It doesn't have to be so hard if you keep it simple, and So I listed a few tips on how to successful DIY.

DIY (do it yourself) & DIW (do it well)

1. Research! Pinterest has so many amazing crafts and DIYARBAKIR ideas that you'll never be bored. When researching, make sure you think about materials you need, if this is even possible for you to accomplish, the realistic outcome, and if you'll be happy with it! Make sure you look at several ways to do the same project so you know an easy route. 

2. Upcycle! Whenever possible, use what you have! I used oatmeal containers, painted them and made them into pencil holders. I've used the same gold spray paint on all of my bathroom decor, saves money! 

3. Materials; use what you have. Michàels is expensive... But amazing. I've gone into Michàels for feathers go make angel wings for Halloween and came out $70 poorer.  If you have mason jars and glitter, literally type "glitter mason jar diy" into Pinterest search engine. Wa-lah.

4. You don't have to be Martha Stewart! Remember you're probably not an artist, and your finished product might reflect that you're not one either. Know when you face the facts and buy the $40 version instead of DIY. You'll probably be more satisfied.

5. Simple sometimes means more. Sometimes you don't need ten thousand decorations in your newly furnished living room. I've used bulletin boards to create a chic atmosphere by cutting up an old pillowcase and attaching it to the boards. Super easy, super cheap.  Also, those plain glass vases that are sitting under your sink could be a decorative item on a shelf.

6. Take your time. Nothing ever good happened from a rushed crafter.

7. Terrific tutorials; look for diy projects that include a tutorial, or step by step instructions. This will make it so much easier and allow less room for failure.

Using these tips, anybody can become a DIYer! Next time you're on Pinterest, look for your next DIY project and get started!