Spring 2022 Edition

just begin People Who Just Begin:

Natalie Barbu

Are Mini Vlogs The Ultimate Productivity Hack?

How a marine scientist started her own beauty line “Miami Beach Bum”.

It's Time to Just Begin.

SPRING 2022

WWW.JUSTBEGINMAG.COM

TABLE OF

CONTENTS People Who Just Begin

Sustainability

In the 'People Who Just Begin' section, we feature small business owners and entrepreneurs who have taken the leap and started their own businesses.

In the 'Sustainability' section, we feature articles about eco-friendly tips, sustainable fashion brands, upcycled projects, and more.

Natalie Barbu Ayssa Di Pietro Kandace Sanders

Sustainable Swaps to Make Your Bathroom Zero-Waste Sustainable Living: Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps 5 Eco-Friendly Apartment Essentials for a Greener Home

Travel

Living

In the 'Travel' section, we feature articles about interesting or off-the-beaten-path destinations, as well as practical advice for traveling.

In the 'Living' section, we feature articles about home, interior design, and lifestyle.

A Guide to Visiting Italy: The Perfect Road Trip How to Create a Minimalist Travel Wardrobe That Is Stylish and Functional A Night in a French Castle: A Dreamy Getaway to the French Countryside

The Importance of Having A Dedicated Space Just For You in Your Home Why is Color Important in Your Home How to Upcycle Your Empty Bottles into Decor for Your Home Vlada Finsky: Miami Interior Designer

Wellness

Career

In the 'Wellness' section, we feature articles on mental health, spirituality, and positivity.

In the 'Career' section, we feature articles about working towards your dreams and making a living doing what you love.

Are Mini Vlogs The Ultimate Productivity Hack?

Slow Living in a Fast World: Tips for Balancing Your Life

Time to Grow: Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable How to Make A Mom Boss: The Recipe

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the 20th edition of Just Begin Magazine.

It sounds so surreal to even say that we are on our 20th issue! We started the magazine in June of 2020 and haven't looked back since.

I am so proud of the team that we have put together, they are all amazing people and I feel so grateful to be able to work with them. In this issue, we have a wide variety of content for you to enjoy. We have personal essays, one on one interviews, inspirational stories, and even a travel guide from roadtripping the Italian countryside to staying in a french castle.

I hope that you will take the time to read all of the pieces in this issue. They are all so different and I think that you will find something that resonates with you.

I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this issue. I am blown away by the talent that we have in our community. I hope that you will continue to support us as we move forward. We have some big plans for the future and I think that you are going to love what we have in store.

Thank you for your support,

Melly Diaz Editor in Chief

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY When we collaborate and support one another, we rise.

PEOPLE WHO JUST

BEGIN

PEOPLE WHO JUST

people who just begin

NATALIE BARBU

Meet Natalie Barbu, an influencer and tech startup founder of Rella social. Natalie has been a content creator for 10+ years, starting back in 2011 as an awkward 15-year-old on YouTube. She grew up on social media and after college was able to quit her corporate job to do YouTube full-time in 2019. However, she knew she didn't only want to be an influencer. She decided to use what she learned along the way to start consulting services for brands and influencers, where she quickly came up with the idea for Rella - an all-in-one organizational tool and app for influencers to run and grow their business (because let's be honest, it IS a business).

@NATALIEBARBU

Even with everything Natalie has going on I had the opportunity to sit down with her and chat about her story and how she started her business.

Immediately

I

learned

how

knowledgeable Natalie is in this space. She truly is an industry expert when it comes to being an influencer and content creator. As mentioned before, Natalie was consulting for brands and other influencers and had to use multiple platforms to manage and plan her work and found herself jumping around to multiple tools to do the same thing.

“There is nothing out there for content creators to run this as a business.”

Natalie said. That was when the idea of Rella sparked and she JUST BEGAN. “The first thing I did was put all my ideas on

LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVO ON THE JUST BEGIN PODCAST

paper and I had a google doc on everything I wanted Rella to look like, what I wanted it to do, who the user will be, and what I wanted the experience to be.”

However, she knew she didn't only want to be an influencer. She decided to use what she learned along the way to start consulting services for brands and influencers, where she quickly came up with the idea for Rella - an all-in-one organizational tool and app for influencers to run and grow their business (because let's be honest, it IS a business).

Natalie founded Rella in 2021, recruited 2 technical co-founders to help her develop the app, and has since grown the team to 8 people in just a few months. She is currently learning the ropes of raising capital, perfecting her pitch, speaking to investors, all while running Rella alongside doing social media full-time as an influencer herself with over 360,000+ followers on YouTube, Instagram, Tik Tok and her podcast, The Real Reel Podcast.

After brainstorming her ideas for Rella Natalie immediately did research to find developers to bring her idea to reality. Without having much knowledge other than googling the answers she didn’t let these roadblocks stop her vision in creating Rella.

Now Rella is live and available for users to download for free. You can begin planning your content and building your business right on your phone with Rella.

@RELLASOCIAL WWW.RELLASOCIAL.COM

people who just begin

AYSSA DI PIETRO

"As a marine scientist, the ocean is a part of my daily ritual. My expression of self-care means being active and around water. From constantly being in wet bathing suits I developed (and sometimes still develop) folliculitis on my bum.

Beauty shelves didn’t have a healthy or environmentally-responsible solution, so I formulated something for my own use. That became our signature Bum + Body Cream. Now with a growing collection, each product has become an essential part of my ritual and I hope they can become a part of your unique ritual too. With you, we’re redefining how to self-care.”

- Ayssa Di Pietro

So Ayssa took matters into her own hands and started developing at home solutions with oregano and once she noticed that these herbs were helping her heal she realized this could become a business but she didn’t want it to be just another skincare brand.

“Most people would really start by looking at the market in general and finding their niche in a more systematic, smart, research way. I really just jumped in and assumed oregano is super unique and went off running to make my own formulations”.

Since Ayssa has a scientific background she is very involved in the development of every product with the goal in mind to restore the skin back to its natural state. Since most skin concerns stem from a damaged skin barrier or an imbalance in the microorganisms in your skin

microbiome-

their

gentle

formulas

balance the skin’s biological environment with

LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVO ON THE JUST BEGIN PODCAST

IIf you are local to miami you probably have heard of Miami Beach Bum or have seen their gorgeous pastel containers on your instagram feed. But you may have not known that the company all started with Ayssa Di Petro, founder of Miami Beach Bum, who had been working as a marine scientist when she developed folliculitis on her bum, a common skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed. It's usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Due to always being in a wet bathing suit for work and research.

nutrients and metabolites that help soothe and restore the skin.

Not only does Miami Beach Bum have amazing products but is very community oriented. You can visit their store front in Sunset Harbour and take a photo with their iconic

pink

wavy

mirror

and

try

their

outstanding products. But if you can't make it to Miami you can also purchase their products online at www.miamibeachbum.com.

If you are looking for a brand that is committed to restoring your skins natural state, then look no further than Miami Beach Bum!

@MIAMIBEACHBUM WWW.MIAMIBEACHBUM.COM

people who just begin

KANDACE SANDERS

Did you know that “Black women in the United States who work full time, year-round are typically paid just 64 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men.1 The wages of Black women are driven down by a number of current factors including gender and racial discrimination, workplace harassment, job segregation and a lack of workplace policies that support family caregiving, which is still most often performed by women.2 Overall, women employed full time, yearround are typically paid 83 cents for every dollar paid to men.”

According to the National Partnership for Women and Families.

"OUTSIDE OF THE WAGE GAP THERE IS A PROFESSIONAL JOB OPPORUNITY GAP." "It really opened the door for me to finally start my non-profit so I can help those other women stuck in the corner of their office feeling like their is no other option." Kandace said.

Her goal with BWEPN is to not only shed light on the pay gaps between women of color, but also to offer financial, educational, and career assistance so that these disparities may be reduced as well as increased possibilities in their preferred industries.

Another method Kandace is employing to achieve this goal is by providing job listings on their website that have been verified and come

LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVO ON THE JUST BEGIN PODCAST

from businesses that share the same principles as the BWEPN. Her determination and positivity are both

This is unacceptable, and it’s time we do something about it. Spread the word, and let everyone know that we are not going to stand for this anymore. Luckily I had the pleasure of speaking to Kandace Sanders the founder of the Black Women's Equal Pay Network.

The B.W.E.P. Network is an equity focused organization helping women of color narrow the pay and professional opportunity gap.

In July 2021, Kandace decided to establish the B.W.E.P.N. Before starting, she had a kidney transplant in May, and after recovering from the operation, she realized it was time to just get started and launch the Black Women's Equal Pay Network.

inspirational. She genuinely wants the finest for others, and she wants all women of color to have the same chances and be given the opportunity to thrive in wealth and happiness.

If you are a non-profit, your hours may be long and your work may go on for months or years without earning money to support the cause, therefore if you believe in Kandace's purpose, she

is

searching

for

contributors

and

volunteers to help spread the message. Visit www.bwepnetwork.org to donate and learn more on how to help.

@BWEPNETWORK WWW.BWEPNETWORK.ORG

just begin magazine

JOURNAL PROMPTS What was the best thing that

What are three things you're

happened today?

grateful for?

What's been on your mind

What are your goals for the

lately?

next week? month? year?

What was the most interesting

Write a letter to yourself

thing you read or saw today?

Draw a picture of your day

Who is one person you admire and why?

What are your thoughts on

Write about an interesting

happiness?

dream you had.

REMINDER you are absolutely capable of creating the life you can't stop thinking about. stop living in your head. it's time to just begin. @justbeginmag

SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY

sustainability SUSTAINABLE SWAPS TO MAKE YOUR BATHROOM ZERO WASTE WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA DIAZ

Making the switch to a zero-waste lifestyle can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be! This article will discuss some easy swaps you can make in your bathroom to help reduce your environmental impact.

From switching to bamboo toothbrushes to using menstrual cups instead of tampons, there are many ways you can make your bathroom started!

more

sustainable.

Let's

get

One easy swap you can make in your bathroom

is

to

switch

to

bamboo

toothbrushes. Bamboo toothbrushes are environmentally friendly because they are biodegradable

and

made

from

a

sustainable resource. Plus, they work just as well as regular toothbrushes! Another great eco-friendly option is to use recycled toilet paper. Recycled toilet paper is made from recycled materials and is just as soft and absorbent as regular toilet paper.

Plus, it's a great way to reduce your environmental impact.

Consider switching to a menstrual cup if you're looking for a more sustainable way to deal with your period. Menstrual cups are made from silicone or rubber and can be reused for years. They are also much better for the environment than tampons made from cotton and plastic. Plus, they don't create waste like pads or liners.

These are just a few of the many ways

you

bathroom

can more

make

your

sustainable.

Making sustainable choices in your bathroom is a great way to reduce

your

environmental

impact and help make the world a better

place.

What

are

you

waiting for? Give some of these swaps a try today!

PHOTO BY DORIAN ASH

sustainability

SUSTAINABLE LIVING: ZERO WASTE KITCHEN SWAPS Are you looking to reduce your environmental impact by making simple changes in your kitchen? If so, you're in luck! This article will discuss some easy zero waste kitchen swaps that will help you live a more sustainable life. These swaps are simple and easy to follow, and they can make a big difference when it comes to reducing your waste. Let's get started!

One of the best ways to reduce your waste production is to make some simple swaps in your kitchen. For example, you can swap out disposable dishes and utensils for reusable ones. This will help you cut down on the amount of plastic and other materials in landfills each year.

Another great way to reduce your waste is to swap out processed foods for whole, organic foods.

Processed foods tend to come in packaging that can't be recycled or composted, so opting for whole foods instead can help reduce your environmental impact.

Finally, you can also swap out conventional cleaning products for eco-friendly alternatives.

Conventional cleaners often contain harsh chemicals and other toxins that can harm the environment. So, by using ecofriendly alternatives, you can help keep your home and the planet clean!

So, those are some of our favorite zero waste kitchen swaps for sustainable living. We hope you'll give them a try! Happy swaps!

sourced from nature. proven by science

HYGIENE HERO

www.hygiene-hero.com | @thehygienehero

sustainability

5 ECO-FRIENDLY APARTMENT ESSENTIALS FOR A GREENER HOME Living a greener life can be challenging, but it is worth it! If you're looking for ways to make your apartment more eco-friendly, look no further.

This article will discuss five essential items that every eco-conscious apartment dweller should have. From energy-efficient appliances to natural cleaning products, we've got you covered. Keep reading for more information!

Energy-Efficient Appliances: One of the best ways to reduce your environmental impact is using energy-efficient appliances. Not only do they help you save money on your electric bill, but they also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Some of our favorite eco-friendly devices include Energy Star refrigerators and washers, LED light bulbs, and programmable thermostats.

Natural Cleaning Products: Another easy way to make your apartment more eco-friendly is using natural cleaning products.

Many conventional cleaners are full of harsh chemicals and toxins that can harm you and the environment. Instead, opt for biodegradable, non-toxic cleaners that will do the job just as well.

You'll be surprised at how much better your home will smell, too!

Recycled Materials: When furnishing your eco-friendly apartment, be sure to use recycled materials whenever possible. This could mean anything from using recycled glass for countertops to investing in secondhand furniture. Not only is this good for the environment, but it's also a great way to save money.

Organic Bedding: One of the most important things you can do for your health and the environment is to use organic bedding.

Conventional bedding is often treated with harmful chemicals and flame retardants, which can be toxic.

Composting: Composting is an excellent option if you're looking for an eco-friendly way to dispose of your food waste.

By composting, you can turn your food scraps into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to grow plants. All you need is a compost bin and a little bit of patience!

less stuff, more meaning – @justbeginmag

These are just a few of the many ways you can make your apartment more eco-friendly. You can easily reduce your environmental impact and live a healthier, happier life with a bit of effort. Get started today! What are you waiting for?

sustainability

TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL

A Guide to Visiting Italy:

THE PERFECT ROAD TRIP written by samantha diaz photos by samantha diaz

travel

ITALY ROAD TRIP GUIDE Are you thinking of taking a trip to

Another great spot in Italy is Tuscany.

Italy? If so, you're in for a treat! Italy is

Tuscany

one of the most beautiful countries in

hillsides, olive groves, and picturesque

the world, and it offers something for

villages. It's the perfect place to relax

everyone. Whether you're interested in

and

history, art, food, or wine, Italy has

countryside. In addition, Tuscany is

something to offer. This article will

home to some of the world's best

provide a guide for planning the perfect road trip through Italy. We'll give you tips on where to go and what to see so that you can make the most of your time there!

is

take

known

in

the

for

its

stunning

rolling

Italian

wines, so be sure to sample some while you're there! If you're interested in Italian history, then a visit to Florence is a must. Florence is home to some of the most famous art and architecture in the world, including Michelangelo's David and the Florence Cathedral.

When most people think of Italy, they think

There is also a lot of history to be

of Rome. And while Rome is definitely

found in this city, as it was once the

worth a visit, there is so much more to see

capital of Italy.

in this beautiful country. For instance, have you ever heard of the Amalfi Coast?

QUICK TIP

The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline on the southern side of Italy that is

Italy is a large country, and it can take

absolutely stunning. It's home to crystal

some time to get from one place to

clear waters, cliff-side villages, and plenty

another. When planning your trip, be sure to factor in rest stops and

of vineyards. If you're looking for a

overnight stays. Also, be sure to pack a

breathtaking destination to visit, the Amalfi

map! Italy can be tricky to navigate, and

Coast is definitely it.

a map will come in handy.

Lucca is another beautiful historical city to visit in Italy. Lucca was once an important Roman settlement, and today it is home to some beautiful churches and Renaissance-era architecture. Finally, we recommend visiting Venice. Venice is one of the most unique destinations in the world, and it's a must-see for any traveler. Venice is like nowhere else on earth with its canals, bridges, and beautiful architecture. Trust us, a visit to Venice is an experience you won't soon forget!

Siena is yet another city with a rich history. It is most famous for its annual Palio horse race, which is in the city's main square. Siena is also home to some stunning Gothic architecture, which you can see in its cathedral and other buildings throughout the city.

Milan is the fashion capital of Italy and is home to some of the most famous shopping in the world. If you're looking for a city with plenty of nightlife and activities, Milan is definitely it.

Italy is a great country for road tripping. The roads are well-maintained, and plenty of scenic routes to take. When planning your trip, be sure to allow plenty of time to explore all that Italy has to offer. Trust us, you won't be disappointed! Buon viaggio! (That means "happy travels" in Italian!)

photo by samantha diaz

travel

HOW TO CREATE A MINIMALIST TRAVEL WARDROBE THAT IS STYLISH AND FUNCTIONAL Traveling can be a lot of fun, but it can also be stressful if you're not prepared. One of the most important things to pack is your wardrobe. If you don't want to drag around a heavy suitcase, you'll need to create a minimalist travel wardrobe that is both stylish and functional. In this article, we will discuss some tips on how to do just that!

To start, you will need to determine what clothing items you will need for your trip. Consider the climate of your destination and pack accordingly. If you are traveling to a warm climate, pack lightweight clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen. These fabrics will help keep you cool and comfortable in the heat. Pack clothes made from heavier fabrics like wool or fleece for a cold climate.

You will also need to consider the activities you plan on doing while traveling. If you are going hiking or camping, for example, you will need to pack clothing and accessories that can stand up to outdoor activities. However, if you are just planning on sightseeing, you can get away with packing lighter, more comfortable clothing.

Once you have determined what type of clothing you need, it's time to start packing! Begin by packing the items that are most essential to your trip. These items might include a few changes of clothes, underwear, socks, and a jacket or sweater. If you are traveling with a partner or friend, you can split up some of these items to save space.

Next, pack versatile clothing that can be worn in multiple ways. For example, a T-shirt can be worn as a shirt or a dress. A skirt can also be worn as a wrap-around skirt or a tube top. Pack items like this to mix and match them to create different looks.

Finally, don't forget to pack a few accessories! Choose items that are versatile and can be worn with multiple outfits. A scarf or piece of jewelry can really change the look of an outfit. And make sure to pack any essential toiletries, like sunscreen, bug spray, and shampoo.

With these tips in mind, you can create a stylish and functional minimalist travel wardrobe that will make packing a breeze! Happy travels!

"If you never go, you'll never know."

photo by margaux goubert

A NIGHT IN A FRENCH CASTLE: A DREAMY GETAWAY TO THE FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE written by margaux goubert photos by margaux goubert Who doesn’t dream of French countryside views, ancient chateaus, and fresh pastries in the morning? I know I do, and luckily for me, I was able to stay at one of these amazing places over the summer of 2021.

Some of these french castles have been turned into hotels, where you can rent a room and enjoy all the luxuries of a modern day stay, while being surrounded by incredible architecture, beautiful countryside views, and potentially live out your fairy tale life, even if it's just for a short period of time.

There is an area in France where you can specifically see, visit and stay at multiple different chateaus, built between the 10th century all the way through to the 18th. The Chateaux de La Loire are part of the architectural heritage of the historic towns of Angers, Montsoreau, Orléans, Tours, and more along the river Loire in France. There are around 300 chateaus in the area, including a multitude that you can visit as a tourist, chateaus which have been transformed into hotels or b&b’s, and chateaus that are still privately owned.

I spent the night at the Chateau de Chissay, which is a former royal residence located in the shadow of Chenonceau castle. It is the ideal place to discover the wonderful Loire Valley, The individual, and elegant rooms overlook the park, the swimming pool, or the renaissance courtyard. My room specifically was all the way up in what would have been the servant’s quarters, but it was truly such an experience and had been remodeled absolutely beautifully. The bathroom was incredible, and the bed was one of the most comfortable I’ve slept in.

Budget-wise, the stays in the chateaus can vary greatly based on the type of room you want and the experience you’re wanting to have. The cost for my room, dinner, and breakfast for one night was 240 Euros, which equates to about $262. I had a fourcourse meal at the chateau for dinner, and breakfast was delivered to my room according to the specifications I had set at check-in. It was honestly an incredible experience, one I will never forget and now highly recommend to everyone I know.

I AM CREATIVE MANTRAS

I AM POWERFUL TO START THE DAY

LIVING LIVING LIVING LIVING LIVING

written by Samantha Diaz

THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A DEDICATED SPACE JUST FOR YOU IN YOUR HOME Do you have a designated space in your home just for you? If not, you should consider creating one. A dedicated space can help improve your productivity and creativity and provide a sense of calm and relaxation. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of having a dedicated space in your home, as well as tips on how to create one that is perfect for you!

Are you looking for a place to relax and

Make sure the space is organized and clutter-free so that you can use it effectively.

escape from the world, or do you need it to be more productive and focused?

When it comes to creating a dedicated

Try out the space for a while and make any necessary adjustments.

space in your home, there are no rules.

It can be anything from a designated corner of a room to an entire room or

QUICK TIP

even outside in your backyard. The key is to make it personal and precisely tailored to your needs.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT SPACE FOR YOU: Start by identifying what you need the space for.

Decide on the specific activities you want to use the space for. This could include reading, writing, painting, crafting, or even just relaxing and taking a break.

Think about the types of activities you don't want to do in the space. For example, if you're looking for a place to relax, you may not want to include a desk or workstation.

Create a design plan for the space and make sure it's comfortable and inviting. You may want to add personal touches like photos, plants, or artwork.

When choosing furniture for your space, think about comfort and functionality. You want the space to be comfortable, relaxed, and functional to use effectively. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be well on your way to creating the perfect dedicated space for you!

The benefits of having a dedicated space in your home are many and can include: Improved productivity and creativity A sense of calm and relaxation Increased focus and concentration A sense of ownership and control over your environment So if you're looking for a way to boost your productivity or just need some extra

peace

and

quiet,

consider

creating a dedicated space in your home!

living

WHY IS COLOR IMPORTANT IN YOUR HOME? There's no question that color is an essential part of any design scheme.

But why is it so important in your

THE IMPORTANCE OF COLOR IN YOUR HOME

home? Color can affect your mood, creating

a

specific

feeling

or

atmosphere in a space. Different colors can also be used to highlight different features in a room. For example, if you want to make a small room feel larger, you might use light colors on the walls and floor. This will help to brighten up the space and make it appear larger. In contrast, if you want to create a cozy and intimate feel in a room, you might use dark colors on the walls and floor.

Another reason color is essential in your home is that it can reflect your personality. If you want your home to be a reflection of who you are, then you'll want to use colors that represent

your

personality.

For

example, if you're a vibrant and energetic person, you might want to use bright colors in your home. If you're more of a relaxing person, you might want to use softer colors.

No matter your reasons for wanting to use color in your home, it's essential to choose colors that will work well together. You'll also want to

ensure

choose

that

align

the

with

colors your

you

overall

design scheme. If you're not sure how to use color in your home, plenty of resources is available online and in stores that can help you.

So

don't

be

afraid

to

experiment with color and see what works best for you and your home.

The bottom line is that color is an important

part

of

any

design

scheme. It should be used carefully to

create

the

atmosphere

and

feeling you want in your home. So take some time to think about what kinds of colors you want to use and how

they

can

reflect

your

personality and style.

So, what are you waiting for? Start using color in your home today! It's a great way to express yourself and create a space that you'll love spending time in.

QUOTE

you are

CLOSER than you

THINK @justbeginmag

QUOTE

living

HOW TO UPCYCLE YOUR EMPTY BOTTLES INTO DECOR FOR YOUR HOME Do you have a bunch of empty bottles lying around your house? Instead of just throwing them away, why not upcycle them into some cool decorations for your home? In this article, we will show you how to turn those old bottles into beautiful pieces of art that will add some personality to your space! All you need for this project is a few empty bottles, some paint, and a little bit of imagination.

First, clean your bottles thoroughly and remove any labels. Then, decide what colors you want to use for your design.

Once you have your colors picked out, start painting! Get creative and make whatever design you like. We used a few simple patterns for our examples, but you can be as creative as you want.

Once your bottles are dry, you can start assembling them into a display.

You can put them together in any formation you like and be as creative as you want! We recommend using some adhesive to attach them to each other – we used hot glue for ours.

Here are a few more ideas to get you started: Glue your bottles together in a cluster and use them as a vase or flower arrangement.

Paint the bottles with chalkboard paint and use them as storage containers for things like spices, candy, or other small items.

Turn them into nightlights by adding a battery-operated LED light inside.

Mix and match a different design to create a unique look.

Once your bottles are painted, it’s time to put them together. Decide where you want to place them and start screwing the caps on. Once all of your bottles are together, sit back and enjoy your new upcycled home decor! You can either use the same design or mix and match different designs to create a unique look. These bottles make a great addition to any room and are a super-easy way to add some personality to your space. So next time you have some old bottles lying around, don’t throw them away – upcycle them into some cool decorations for your home!

We hope you enjoyed this article! If you have any other ideas for upcycling empty bottles, Thanks for reading, and happy upcycling!

VLADA FINSKY: MIAMI INTERIOR DESIGNER

By Isabella Canizares The face of real estate is changing in Coral Gables. Vlada Finsky is a developer and creative Director of Opus Design, which is an interior design company that develops residential properties around Florida. It was created in 2017 and they specialize in minimalistic and modern designs for their homes.

Finsky says that, “what defines my company is that we not only [do] renovations, remodeling, or new interior designs for their clients, but I also work on my own projects as a developer…

So you can design, build it and sell it, you know, in one whole process.”

WORK BY OPUS DESIGN

A normal day in Finsky’s life is extremely busy.

From checking her emails first thing in the morning,

to

being

at

construction

sites,

speaking with subcontractors, to finally getting home and designing plans, Finsky is hands on the whole way through.

Finsky says, “most of the time, it's not as pretty as it should look. Like I would say 70% is to be under construction, being in the dirt, and 30% is when you're creating the design work, you know the best part of it.”

Originally a law student form Moscow, she immigrated to the United States in 2010 and decided to pursue her passion of interior design, earning her degree at the University of Miami.

Finsky says, “As an immigrant, I had the great opportunity to develop the knowledge of other cultures because the United States, [is] a mixture of different cultures…so while I was studying at the University of Miami, I had the chance to evolve my new skills to learn about, other people, behaviors, culture, [and] I was always amazed by them. I was never scared to meet other people and to learn about them more.

One of her biggest inspirations in the design world is Kelly Hoppen, a famous interior designer from the UK. Admiring her monochromatic color schemes and clean lines she is known for, Finsky says she always tries to follow the same rules while designing her own projects.

Finsky says, “[I would] love to meet [Hoppen] and first of all to say thank you and to say I'm grateful to have the opportunity [to learn from] her books and her online courses.”

One of the projects she’s most proud of is a house on Tahiti beach which faces the water.

She said that, “what we were trying to accomplish there is to make a nice clean look, to modernize the engineering of the house, to bring light inside the house and to create different areas to enjoy.”

She says looking to the future, she would love to do bigger projects such as building town homes and also exploring different types of architectural designs. She plans to focus her business right here in Miami for the time being.

Finsky says, “Miami is booming now, and especially that real estate right now is going up.

[There are] so many opportunities for me as an interior designer.”

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ARE MINI VLOGS THE ULTIMATE PRODUCTIVITY HACK? Written by Lindsay Francois

What is your goal this year?

Have you ever heard of this phrase “Move in Silence” ?

Do we perform better when people are watching?

Why do mini vlogs inspire us?

What are your goals for the year? Is it to

Genzetters are attacking their goals

wake up early? Workout? Or drink more

differently in 2022. Gone are the days

water?

Tracking

of Etsy Habit Trackers , welcome 1

productivity in the early days looked a little

minute videos perfectly curated for

different than it does today. What was once

thousands of followers to see. Tik Tok

“Dear Diary”, is now a Social Media trend

users can’t get enough of it. The

coined “Mini Vlogs”.

dopamine high of watching another

To

be

“That

Girl”?

individual being productive is oddly Mini vlogs are a cumulation of short videos

motivating.

detailing morning routines, OOTD, work out

Genzetters to be more productive in

routine and everything else the girl next door

their own lives and most importantly,

does throughout the day. As this trend gains

document it.

popularity, we’ve become obsessed with the soothing lighting, the R&B rendition of "Happier Than Ever" by Billie Eilish, clipped with a series of mundane tasks to scream " I have my life together". The Mini Vlog trend on

Instagram

and

Tik

Tok

eludes

productivity and wellness, but is it the ultimate productivity hack or just a facade?

In 2020, we spent more time on our phones and social media than ever. More time at home meant we had to find creative ways to stay productive and active. At the rise of boredom and uncertainty, so did the “That Girl” movement, morning routine videos and mini vlogs enticing viewers to do just that.

Mini

Vlogs

encourage

Being “ That Girl” according to countless

I remember being a cheerleader for the first

vlogging research, generally means the same

time in middle school and being 1 of 5 girls on

thing across all platforms. It means waking up

the squad who couldn’t do a full split. Minutes

at 5-7 am every morning. Meditating before

away from my very first performance, I

taking a bath and getting started on a skin

couldn’t fathom the feeling of incompetence

care routine. Following it up with picking out

and decided to drop into a split, no stretching

an outfit for the day and heading to gym, all

necessary. I did it! I managed a full split at the

before 8 am. By 8 am, they already had their

end of the performance and the crowd went

healthy breakfast, walked their dog, and

wild! Needless to say, I spent that weekend in

journaled before heading off to their well

absolute pain. Knowing that my peers would

decorated

be watching me perform for the first time was

WFH

work

space.

#productivequeen, sounds great! Right?

the motivation I needed to excel. This is no different than the trend happening on social

According to Ayelet Fishbach, Author of “Get

media.

It Done” and leading expert on motivation, this trend might not be the motivator we think it is.

However, not even a couple of middle schoolers could ever motivate me to learn to

“In

terms

of

motivation,

it

serves

two

functions:

cartwheel

or

NOT

be

afraid

of

dogs.

Motivation, like trends are fleeting. Knowing

1. Precommitment: announcing to the world

that trends come and go, what are the

that you’re going to do something increases

drawbacks of relying on this method to

the cost of not doing it, so you’re more

increase productivity?

committed.

“Two potential drawbacks: 2. Social facilitation: When you’re being

1. It probably works mainly for extroverts, who

observed, you work harder and often perform

are willing to broadcast their actions in the

better. The audience increases your arousal,

first place.

which facilitates goal pursuit. “ she tells me.

2. There’s a risk of doing something only Social facilitation or motivating influence of

because it’s socially desirable. People might

observation, is the concept that when we are

gravitate toward pursuing activities that will

put under a microscope or in this case social

impress others but might not be in their own

media, to perform, we do just that…perform

best interest. I can envision extreme risk

and perform better.

taking, for example.” says Fishbach.

Are Mini Vlogs The Ultimate Productivity Hack?

At first glance, this seems like a great idea.

Especially if like me, you are always looking for new ways to be productive and motivated towards your goals. However, doing anything for the sake of attention and glorification from others, is never the solution to self-actualization.

If there’s anything I’ve learned from watching Justin Bieber grow up with millions of teenage girls looking up to him; it’s that it can be extremely pressing on your mental health.

If we work harder when we know someone is watching, how many people should be watching, especially considering mental health?

“Not sure there’s a magic number, though we found that the more the merrier and there’s research showing that athletes do better in front of large audiences. I agree there are mental health concerns. We don’t want people to do something that’s not good for them (e.g., risky behaviors) only to impress others, or even work too hard and stretch too thin because their actions are broadcasted. There’s a fine line between feeling noticed, which is good for our motivation and feeling monitored or overwhelmed, which is distracting and not in particular helpful” Ayelet tells me.

AHustle culture, That Girl, Girl Bossing Too Close to the Sun, Material Girl…are all trends that eventually lead to burnout for the creators and their viewers. But it does not mean with moderation and good intention it cannot have some positive outcome on our individual productivity and wellness.

“Sure, the right mixture of these tips can make us more organized and focused, but the outcome isn’t always a better work-life balance or a more structured morning routine. It’s the gamification of labor, where the pressure for output is exhilarating because it’s tangible and trackable.” writes Beatrice Forman.

I, like many of my followers, love an aesthetically pleasing mini vlog that romanticizes habits I often neglect. The calming melodies, minimalist décor, steamy coffee mugs and baths drive viewers with a sense of hope, fulfillment and accomplishment.

So in some sense, Mini Vlogs got it right, it can be a great way to track productivity and to glamourize tracking your habits . However, #selfcare starts with self. The ultimate productivity hack is intention not attention.

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wellness

SLOW LIVING IN A FAST WORLD: TIPS FOR BALANCING YOUR LIFE written by samantha diaz

How fast do you live your life? In a constantly moving world, it can be tough to find the time to slow down and enjoy the moment. We are always rushing from one thing to the next, and we rarely take the time to stop and smell the roses. This can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety. This blog post will discuss tips for balancing your life in a fast-paced world.

One of the best ways to balance your life is by creating a schedule and sticking to it. When you have a plan, you are less likely to feel overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done. You can also use your schedule to manage your time better. If you know that you only have an hour for lunch, you are less likely to spend time browsing the internet or watching TV.

Another way to balance your life is to make sure that you are taking care of yourself. This means eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep. When you take care of yourself, you will have more energy and be better able to handle the stresses of everyday life.

Finally, it is important to take time for yourself. This means doing things that you enjoy and that make you happy. Whether reading a book, going for a walk, or spending time with friends and family, make sure to set aside some time each day to relax and de-stress.

When you take care of yourself both physically and mentally, you will be better able to balance your life in a fast world.

CAREER CAREER CAREER CAREER CAREER

career

TIME TO GROW: GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH BEING UNCOMFORTABLE written by dr. claire muselman We

reinvent

ourselves

multiple

times

throughout our lives. Who we are can be recreated,

rebuilt,

throughout

our

and

enhanced

journey

and

life

experiences. A potter molds clay and if something does not work or look right, they break down the creation to rebuild again. Welcome to 2022. The year of what comes next after spending the past two in an interesting environment. Some of us found ways to thrive, some of us found ways to cope, heal, build. Whatever these past two years have looked like for you, now is the time to resculpt and redesign

your

life

into

a

beautiful

masterpiece that is YOU! It

is

time

to

get

comfortable

being

uncomfortable. Within the uncomfortable moments lies greatness not yet grown.

Who are you?

Such a simple three-word question many people have a hard time answering. Many of us identify ourselves by our titles, positions, or roles we play. Dig deeper. Look inward.

Who. Are. You? Getting uncomfortable and challenging yourself can help you discover the depths of your core you had no idea existed. We are a culture ruled by habits. Habits create comfort and routine. It makes life predictable.

Get an inspiring mentor.

Take stock in your life. You can invite five of the most influential people in your life to dinner. What do you love about these people?

What characteristics do these dinner party participants exhibit you would like to exhibit as well? Did any face adversity? Who has overcome hurdles to become who they are? Getting out of your comfort zone is easier when you know someone who has paved the way. Find this person. Seek them out and ask for a coffee chat, a lunch, or for a mentorship to learn how they got to where they are and be who they are so you can do the same. Once the road is paved, the invitations are open!

Check your television time.

Over the past two years, we have lived in a world with curve balls being thrown from different angles. Many people grasp at the need to feel control or power over their circumstances and thus, habits are an easy avenue to cling to for stability. Now it is time to break the stability and bloom. Add zest to your life!! Amp up your brainpower! Flex your cognitive muscles! What comes next is fully in your control to grow, shine, and be a different version of you. Where to begin? Here are 10 tips on how to breakthrough figuring out who you really are.

Read.

Reading can expand the mind through adventure, different lenses, or scopes of perspective. It is a safe way to get out of your head and look at things in a new light. Reading 20 pages per day can help you read 30 books in one year. Carve out some time to enhance your life! Reading also allows an increase in vocabulary, helps you express and create goals, opens your mind to new ideas, and stimulates your brain. This type of brain-stimulating activity can help reduce the risk of some diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Turn off the tech… for 24 hours.

When I look back on 2021, there are so many moments I feel that I missed. I was thumbing through my camera roll and realized, 2021 was a wonderful year! I simply was not present for a lot of the moments I look back on that mattered. I need to be more present, in the here and now, and mindful within these moments. I was constantly checking email for work, personal, academia, and then would move on to LinkedIn and Insta. Turning off technology for 24 hours is something I am going to do on Sundays when I can to reset my mind. This is to allow for an emotional reset, disconnecting from technology that runs our day-to-day life. Even 24 hours within a one-week period allows for a mental reset, an emotional release, and reminds you to flex your confidence and control muscle.

I will absolutely admit the pandemic had me binge watching shows for hours where I needed to limit myself to simply one. Why? Because life is meant to be lived not to be watched. We should be living our prime time rather than watching it. Take stock in how you spend your day. There are 168 hours in a week. How much time do you spend procrastinating? Procrastination keeps us in the comfort zone and while I have found power in some procrastination, I know I want out of the easy chair to get myself growing and finding out who I am in the here and now. Television provides a fantasy escape. I know we need that from time to time. Can it be limited? I know I can be more intentional about this aspect and in return, I am going to go explore more restaurants, tackle a to-do project list I have been creating, and make intentional attempts to connect with my friends, in-person when available. What will you do with this time?

Change up your routines.

Time for a brain overhaul. What got you here will not get you there. If you reach for your phone first thing in the morning, can you give yourself 30 minutes to do other things prior to checking email? Can you wait to check Facebook, Insta, Twitter until the evening? Tackling the most important and imperative projects of the day should be done first. There is an increased likelihood you will get them completed if you start first thing. As I have been exploring this Who am I initiative for myself in 2022, I put all the personal reflection items first thing in the morning. I meditate, journal on a reflection question, and get to reading my 20 pages for the day. I look at this as brain food to get myself cognitively awake, fed, and ready to take on the day!

Combine activities for productivity.

It has been stated time and time again we are unable to multitask as humans. Our brains are not wired for this time of two things at once mentality. I would like us to re-think what we mean by multi-tasking.

For example, I know I need to walk my dog and he likes to be walked in the morning and at night (and every other time during the day… my shoe is a constant in his mouth signaling to me he is ready to go). I take phone calls during the time I am walking him outside and when not on a call, I listen to an audio book or catch up on a podcast. The same can be true for commuting to and from work. While I prefer audio books when I’m walking to enhance my focus, I like to listen to podcasts while I’m driving for a bit of levity and tidbits of information to enhance my day. Rethink to restructure what we do and how it can be improved. Some people I know even walk on a treadmill while reading… maybe I will try that next.

Give.

Do good things. Make good deeds happen. Volunteer. Exhibit and perform random acts of kindness.

This is an easy jolt into stepping out of your comfort zone. Find somewhere you can volunteer that builds upon your passion and purpose to enhance an organization you adore. If you are an animal person, look up your local animal rescue league to see what opportunities are available. If you enjoy kiddos, look for volunteer opportunities in schools and other community programming. Figure out what you are passionate about from a care and concern standpoint and put some time into it. If you like to bake, make a fantastic creation to share with your neighbors or if you love to garden, share flowers with people who would not be expecting it. You will feel a boost from the endorphins, and you will light up someone’s moment.

Win: Win – The ripple effect is real.

Become a mentor.

You have so much to offer to the world. Regardless of your professional career path, title, or position, each of us have lived, experienced, and encountered events that have shaped us to who we are today. These are valuable moments that can be shared to inspire and help direct others either to do the same, or to not fail in ways we have so they can explore other avenues.

Regardless of age, everyone has something to offer. If you are a leader, find someone who can mentor you from a younger generation! You can both benefit from a mentor/mentee relationship. This matters.

The younger generations see things differently and receive information, find importance in different issues in life, and are our future. If you are shaping it, you should be talking with someone living in the now. We have historically found mentors to be older than us and positionally higher than us in life. We can all learn from one another.

Mentoring fosters connection through advocating, sponsoring, and showcasing paths not all have found easy to achieve. By becoming a mentor, you gain confidence in your own abilities, mentoring makes you feel good, and it assists in networking for an expansion of mentors for the future.

My favorite: Nap-a-Latte The work/life balance is something I am trying to find peace within myself. I love to work, I strive to accomplish, and I also run until I am burned out. Trying to find ways to be more productive while shedding the onion into the new authentic me can be tiring and thus, the nap-a-latte. Napping can feel uncomfortable but has a lot of benefits.

The 20-minute power nap can boost alertness while 30-minutes can help you physically recover, and 50-minutes heightens creativity. If you are feeling drained, try drinking a small cold cup of dip coffee (as it is high in caffeine) and then take a 20–25-minute nap. This sounds counterproductive; however, you will get enough sleep to lower your sleep drive before the caffeine kicks in and you are good to rock and roll for another four hours or so. I look back and think about the times I fought my parents on making me take a nap as a child… and I think about how great it would be to cash those in now…until then, nap-a-latte!

career Odalys Quevedo is a mother of 2 living in Miami, FL. As one of the Founding Mothers of Virtual Mom Collective, she empowers moms and women at home, in business, and beyond during #thisnewnormal. She also sits on the Board of the Women for Success Nonprofit working to create generational change and helping women define success on their own terms. As owner of Art Spark Design, copywriter, and online written content expert, she has helped many women build their

written by odalys quevedo

brands and grow their businesses with well-written content that converts. Her work has been featured in Miami Moms Blog, VoyageMIA, Shoutout Miami, Buzz Magazine, her personal blog, and numerous small business websites throughout the internet. Reach out to her at odalys@virtualmomcollective.com or on Instagram.

HOW TO MAKE A MOM BOSS:

THE RECIPE Becoming a mother is one of the most beautiful and difficult times of some women’s lives. In the haze of poor sleep, and putting a tiny human’s needs ahead of their own, some women get an urge. An urge for what? Maybe to ride the profound and powerful wave of creative energy that only forming a life inside your body can provide. Or maybe the desire to add a role to their identity - one in addition to the one they hold of "mom."

Whatever the motivation, this urge is a common one to a subset of moms - the urge to start a business.

Granted, not all women follow this path to entrepreneurship. And, honestly, it’s a hard and exhausting one. So, why do some moms do it? What makes a mom want to start a business? What makes some women want to add the role of “boss” to the one of “mom”? What makes some women want to become a “Mom Boss”?

Those are all questions I set out to answer when I started interviewing Mom Bosses in 2017.

My daughter was 3, and my partner and I had just enrolled her in preschool. So, as a stay-at-home mom, I suddenly found myself with 4 hours, 3 days a week, to do whatever I wanted. What was I going to do with that time?

After 3 years of putting my daughter’s needs ahead of my own, I had forgotten what it was like to exist in the world without a baby on my hip.

I started brainstorming ways to spend my alone time. And finally decided to exercise my love for writing to start a blog.

For about 2 years, my new hobby was bringing me joy and fulfillment that I hadn’t felt in a very long time.

Until one day, my husband got let go from his job, and I had to find ways to supplement our income.

After having a few conversations with other moms and women in my blogger community, I came up with a way to make money from home. I could do something I already loved - writing - but for other people.

That’s when I picked up a book about copy and content writing, read it cover-to-cover, and took on the role of Mom Boss!

I quickly realized that this Mom Boss thing was very challenging. I started to wonder if there were other Mom Bosses out there experiencing the same successes and setbacks. How did they do it? Why did they do it? What makes a mom a boss? What makes a Mom Boss?

So, I scheduled a coffee with another mom entrepreneur and picked her brain. It felt amazing to know that another woman had a similar entrepreneurial experience to mine, and I learned so much about what she had done to make her business a success.

After some thought, I got the idea to start interviewing other Mom Bosses for my blog to learn from them and inspire other women to start their businesses. That’s when my Mom Boss Series was born!

Fast forward to now, my blog has taken a backseat (because of life and work), but I am still interviewing Mom Bosses.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I founded the Virtual Mom Collective with my friend Denise Castro. And once a month, I go Live on Instagram to interview a Mom Boss.

After a dozen interviews, I can say with certainty that each mom has her own entrepreneurial journey. But, I can also say that there are commonalities between the personalities and experiences of the various Mom Bosses and I’m going to share them with you.

So, without further ado, I present to you the recipe to make a “Mom Boss:” 4 heaping cups of resilience 6 tbsp of stubbornness 6 tbsp of perseverance (this ingredient is interchangeable with stubbornness should you see fit) 4 tsp of organization (of schedules/inventory/business + family systems and processes) A whole lot of shushing naysayers A pinch of patience A little bit of self-confidence You

Did you notice that last ingredient?

Yes, you can be a Mom Boss too if you follow the recipe above and add your own spice.

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WE STAND WITH THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE Every edition we like to highlight the flower of the month, however, for this edition we decided to take a different approach and speak about the sunflower, Ukraine's national flower.

The sunflower has long held a meaningful place in the hearts of many Ukrainians as the national flower. But since Russia invaded their country, the plant has become a global symbol of resistance, unity and hope.

Sunflowers are resilient and can grow in difficult

conditions,

making

them

the

perfect symbol for Ukraine’s fight against Russia. The flowers can thrive even when surrounded by violence and destruction, and their cheerful yellow blooms provide a ray of hope in the midst of darkness.

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begin