Confessions- My First Time Riding A Bike

Okay, so it's not actually about the first time I ever rode a bike.

More along the lines of, the first time I rode my bike in the biking capital of the world.

I thought I would take you all along the little journey inside my head while I attempted to ride through the streets of Copenhagen, Denmark.

1. Yes! Today I get to be a real Dane and ride this bike!
2. Wow, this bike looks semi-intimidating..
3. It's okay Alex, you totally got this.
4. I'm on the bike, let's go!
5. Crap, I just turned left instead of right.  It's okay though, just loop around.
6. Okay, now we are looking good.  I'm off!
7. Wait, where do I have to go again?
8. This riding thing is totally easy, I got this in the bag.
9. I can even multi-task and look at the pretty birds flying around!
10. Oh, there is the sign that says where I need to go!
11. Wait, it's in Danish.
12. Oh my god, what do I do?
13. Umm, don't panic and go off of instinct!
14. So, braking in the middle of the pathway may not be the best instinct..
15. I'm gonna go left, I'm pretty sure thats correct.
16. That's definitely correct.
17. Wait is it? I don't actually know.
18. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming swimming swimming swimming
19. Shoot, someone is trying to pass me
20. PLEASE DON'T HIT ME
21. Phew! He made it by and I didn't crash!
22. Hey look! I'm in the city.
23. Oh my god. So many cars, so many buses, so many bikers.
24. Stay calm Alex, just get in the heard of bikers but stay in the back so you don't die.
25. This isn't so bad!
26. BUS PULLING INTO BIKE LANE. BUS PULLING INTO BIKE LANE.
27. This is it, I'm saying my goodbyes now.
28. Wait, did I just survive that?
29. I really am a rockstar
30. Mental self high-five
31. Okay wait, where am I going again?
32. Oh yeah, the queen's palace.
33. I wonder how I am doing on time?
34. Literally thank you Copenhagen for being a flat city.
35. Time to turn left in the city, you got this.
36. What's the hand signal for that again?
37. I'm just going to copy that person in front of me.
38. No wait, she's putting up her right hand so never mind.
39. She just turned left!
40. WHY IS THE RULE TO PUT UP YOUR RIGHT HAND WHEN YOU WANT TO TURN LEFT?
41. I don't understand biking.
42. Now that I missed my left turn, I should try again probably.
43. My right hand is raised, soo I'm just gonna go ahead and turn left now.
44. Wait why is that car headed straight at me?
45. I definitely just went not at my turn.
46. Stop laughing to yourself Alex, you look like an idiot.
47. I definitely think I'm on the right path now
48. Yah you got this!
49. This old woman in front of me needs to hurry up because I'm too scared to pass her.
50. I'm going to pass her
51. I'm doing it...this is is giving me an adrenaline rush.
51. Don't forget to check before moving into a different part of the lane..
52. Okay, bikers coming; I'll wait until they pass by.
53. Okay hurry up now
54. Oh my god why are there SO many of you
55. Finally a break! My time to shine
56. Makin' moves passing old ladies, Ohhhh yeahhhh
57. DID IT!
58. I see cobblestone, this can't be good.
59. This is the worst thing ever invented.
60. My head is bouncing up and down and my feet are slipping from the pedals.
61. Dear Europe, please invent new forms of road that are not cobblestone.
62. Why is there even cobblestone for a bike path?
63. Wait, what is this dude yelling at me for?
64. OHH THIS ISN'T A BIKE PATH ANYMORE
65. How the hell did I manage to ride onto cobblestone?
66. Am I ever going to get to this palace?
67. I need a mental health break
68. Wait, what is this building in front of me it's so pretty!
69. It's the palace.
70. I MADE IT!!!
71. This biking thing isn't so bad!
72. Now, I just need to get off the cool way the Danes do it.
73. Sliding my leg over and carefully coasting, got it.
74. Anndd my boot is stuck.
75. Oh god, going down.
76. Brush it off, no one saw that.  Right?
77. Actually, I don't care if anyone saw.
78. That cute boy just saw..
79. Greeeaaattttttttt
80. Just gonna walk my bike now and call it day.

Sincerely,

Alexandra S.

Making Spring Happen

Though it is technically still winter, daylight savings has occurred which essentially translates to the welcoming of spring in my mind.  While spending a semester in Denmark has been incredible, the lack of sunlight was a tough adjustment for me. Thus, when the sun started shining and the temperature raised to a high of 47 degrees, I ran around like a crazy person welcoming the first signs of spring.

I like the welcoming of spring because it seems to have the most distinct seasonal transition.  To get in the mindset of spring, I enjoy changing up my routine a little bit.  Take a look and see what gets me ready for the spring time.

1.  Adding color and fresh flowers
     At the first sign of spring, my host mom and I went on project 'make spring happen' in the house.  We set fresh flowers at the table and swapped out the more ordinary table runner for one with lots of color and flower prints on it.  These two simple steps added so much life to the room and compliment the pictures hanging on the wall.  The dining room has a lot more light and color that is perfect for spring.

2.  Changing up my look
     Of course, spring requires a different look than winter because of temperature, but it is also fun to embrace the essence of spring by adding some color, patterns, and textures.  For me in Copenhagen, it is still too cold to completely ditch the winter coat however, I have been trying to swap out my all black regime to adding a little bit more white and color.  I think adding new textures adds a lot as well.  I have started to incorporate some lace which gives a more spring vibe in my opinion.

 Lips and Nails
   As I mentioned above, it is still very cold in Denmark so I can't transition to bright orange nails just yet, but I can add some more fun colors.  Shout out to my mother for sending me nail polish ( I was not feeling the bare nails look).  Also, I like to add some color to my makeup!  I typically stay pretty neutral with makeup, but I picked up this Revlon Lip Color in Darling Chérie which adds a subtle lavender color to my lips that I surprisingly really enjoy.  Who knew purple lips could be a thing?! I swear it's not weird...

3.  FOOD
    My favorite part.  Obviously.  Spring is all about colors right? So incorporate that into your diet!  Switch out the heavy winter staples like meats and stews for seasonal fruits!  My host mom and I went to the farmers market and picked up a ton of new fruit and I want to sing out loud because I am so happy about it (cue Pharrell and his hat).  This time of year I like to start making more salads and less sandwiches for lunch just because that seems to fit the mood a little bit better.  I always like to keep in mind what my mom taught from the beginning: the more colors on your plate, the better!

   I mean seriously, this look like heaven.

4.  Take advantage of the outside
    This can take so many different forms.  If I was back at college in California it would probably include going for hikes, laying out at the beach, or playing a pick up game of ultimate.  Here in Copenhagen, it means it is time for me complete my transition into Danish culture and ride my bike.  Since cycling is the most used form of transportation here, I can no longer use the cold weather as my excuse to take the train.  Today I hopped on my bike and rode around for about three hours simply exploring and getting used the roads.  I went into the city and learned how NOT to die, and I explored little neighborhoods too.  Being outside is amazing in general, but throw in some exercise, friends, Vitamin D, and of course picnics and it makes for the perfect spring life.

This is my way of making spring happen faster.  I feel that if I wish it come sooner, it should just happen.  Leave a comment letting me know your favorite things about spring!

Sincerely,

Alexandra S.

Health- My Fitness Routine

Is anyone else trying to redeem themselves after this past holiday season?  I certainly am.  Over this break, I was not home long enough to activate my gym account so I came up with this routine to do at home to get in a good dose of daily exercise.  Enjoy!

Breakfast:  Since I typically do my workouts in the morning, it is important to fuel the body pre-workout to maximize efforts.  I like to start the morning off with good old fashioned oatmeal.  I use regular, unsweetened oatmeal.  To cook it, I mix 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup almond milk in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Then, I add 1/2 cup oats and cook until it is done!  I like to add cinnamon, berries, flax seeds, and dash of organic agave to add some antioxidants and little bit of sweetness.  It is so perfect in the morning and gives the perfect amount of fuel!

Outfit:  Working out in the right gear can vastly improve a workout since comfort is key.  While I do venture off to other fitness brands, Nike is my favorite since I am continually inspired by their athletes and motivational efforts.  Watch these videos to get inspired and motivated!  

The Workout:  For the actual workout, I like to start off by doing a 30 minute run around my neighborhood.  I don't push myself too hard, but it is important to get the heart rate up and keep it there in order to continually improve your levels of fitness.  Since I live on a hill, I end my runs by doing hill sprints (4-6 X 60 meters) to work my 'fast-twitch' muscles and get a fully body cardio workout.  When I get back to the house, I do a medley of abs, arms, and legs.

My favorite ab workout is 8-minute abs which is simply 8 ab exercises held at a minute each.  I try to vary the exercises to work different parts of my core.  Exercises like plank, V-ups, crunches, side abs, and various lower-abs will give the best overall core workout.

Moving on to arms, I typically do a few sets of pushups as well as classic free-weight exercises like bicep curls, arm raises for the shoulders, and the tricep dip behind my head.  Using free weights is an excellent way to tone since it forces the entire body to be engaged giving benefits to not just the targeted areas.  I do free weights in 3 sets with reps of 10-12.  If I'm feeling super strong during pushups, I'll use the 'perfect pushup' which makes everything much harder (not that it ever ends well).

Finally, I end with various leg exercises (apologies for lack of pictures) such as lunges, squats, butt raises, calf raises, and wall sits.  I switch them up everyday depending on what I did the previous day. Again, I do these in 3 sets of 10 and if I want a challenge, I will add a medicine ball to all of the exercises.

So that's it!  I am no personal trainer, but I enjoy exercising and this is a fairly standard workout routine that is perfect to do without a gym.  Go ahead, give it a try.

Sincerely,

Alexandra S.

Ringing in the New Year

I'm not a huge fan of the sappy and cliche new year's posts, but I am a big fan of starting a new year with a fresh and positive mindset.  For me, my room is my favorite place since it is where I do everything- sleep, think, hangout, get ready, etc.  To ring in the new year with a fresh start, I thought it would only be appropriate to do a room project.  The mission:  Organize 'till the death.  Closet, drawers, de-clutter, you name it.  Once I organized, I actually found my room to look a bit barren so I decided to add a few little decorations here and there to add some liveliness.

Cleaning out rooms and drawers is a simple way to not only organize personal items, but mentally organize as well.  While some people prefer the "organized chaos",  I find it extremely helpful to have everything in a place so that I can pick it up in the exact same place I left it.  When I stay clean and organized in my room, I stay more organized with other tasks.

That being said, two small New Year's resolutions for me will be trying to make my bed every morning and putting everything away once I am finished with it.

How are you starting off the new year?

xo,

Alexandra S.

A Holiday Getaway

Merry Christmas everyone!  This holiday season, my family decided to switch things up and take a winter vacation to Playa Del Carmen in Mexico.  Soaking up the sun and exploring the local markets and indigenous history has made for an incredible holiday thus far.  Though the trip is not over, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite moments from the past few days.

 Ancient Mayan ruins from 900 AD

These are just a few pics that have been taken over the past couple of days.  The rest of the week holds many more adventures that I cannot wait to share!

Happy Holidays

XO,

Alexandra S.

Inspire- Study Playlists

I'm guessing everyone else is drowning in work just as much as I am right now.  Welcome to finals?  Although every time I sit down to study for finals I feel like a massive rock has been tied to me, I have created this playlist that has been making the studying…dare I say it…bearable!  Check it out below and comment what you think!

Wait for Me- Kings of Leon
Revelry- Kings of Leon
Old Pine- Ben Howard
Thunder Clatter- Wild Club
Cigarette Daydreams- Cage the Elephant
Cough Syrup- Young the Giant
My Darlin'- Miley Cyrus, Future
Who You Love- John Mayer, Katy Perry
Tennis Court- Lord
Brave- Sarah Bareilles
The Monster- Eminem, Rihanna
Good Life- Tyler Ward feat. Heather Janssen
Floats My Boat- Aer
All Bad- Justin Bieber
Hang Loose- Alabama Shakes

Hope This Makes Your Studying a Little Better!

xo,

Alexandra S.

Health- Working Out For YOU

I went to a workout class a few days ago while I was back at home for Thanksgiving and during the class, the instructor was chanting to the beat of the song to "really work up a sweat so that you can eat the thanksgiving pie later".  In the moment that seemed like a valid statement to make since Thanksgiving is quite obviously notorious for over-indulgence.  However, after the class I started to resent what the instructor was saying.  Working out to simply look a certain way, or to be able to justify certain foods should not be the primary focus of exercising.  I am not denying that it plays a role, but it should not be the sole purpose for working out.  I've come up with a few reasons why you should work out for YOU and also some reasons to simply work out in general.  Enjoy!

1.  Endorphins:  Endorphins are peptides that function as a neurotransmitter and are stimulated during hyperactivity.  Need a translation?  Endorphins are what give you that mysterious "runners high" and general lift in mental health and are stimulated during exercise.  If you are having a bad day, it can be so tempting to lay in bed and watch chick flicks all day and you can do that, but exercise first!  You might be surprised at how much your spirits will be lifted after even a simple workout.  Exercise in any form is one of the best ways to cure those lethargic, mopey, and tired feelings that every college student experiences.

2.  Self Sufficiency and Empowerment:  It is incredibly easy to slip into the pattern of letting others determine how happy you are going to be.  My advice is to not let that happen.  The purpose of exercising should be about making yourself happy and feeling good.  Whatever intentions motivate that statement are personal, but do not let other people decide if you need to exercise or not.  That is 100% up to you and I promise, you will feel better about exercising when it was your idea and no one else's. When you do it for you, and not for your mother, the new dress, or society, you will feel empowered.  It feels good to be strong- physically and mentally because it feels like you can conquer anything.

3*.  Mother Nature: Being a collegiate athlete, I've learned that a gym is a luxury and privilege.  If you do not have access to a gym, that is not a reason to skip the exercise!  Mother nature is the world's greatest gym if you ask me since you can run, hike, bike, ski, play games, etc!  Those girls who stand on the elliptical for hours at a time are doing nothing but burning empty calories.  They aren't even the calories you should burn!  Being active by running around and working different muscle groups simultaneously will help you burn fat as well as sculpt your entire body.  Pretty cool right?  I think so.

4.  Fit is a Lifestyle:  Being fit is about exercising to be mentally and physically strong, eating clean, and treating your body right.  If you want to be fit and healthy, don't attend the exercise classes five days a week to burn the calories on the breakfast you ate earlier.   It doesn't count to exercise for two hours just so you can drink at a party later.  Not drinking, or watching your intake in addition to working out is living a clean lifestyle that makes up being fit.  Your body is a temple, treat it carefully.

Those are some of my reasons for working out.  It makes me feel good and that helps me in other aspects of my life as well.  Working out is not that hard, dedicate an hour a day and that's it!

* a gym is not necessary *

xo,

Alexandra S.