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chicago blogger

Fashion, Lifestyle

The Juggle is Real

We have all heard about work-life balance, particularly now, but what can you do when work and home are happening all under the same roof!?!

  • Power Suit
    Shop These Crop Pants Here | Shop My GO TO Blazer Here

As a work-from-home mom with a full-time career in digital marketing and two kids who have been virtually learning since March 2019, I have definitely had to learn a few tough lessons.  Thankfully, these have taught me to work smarter, not necessarily harder.  Read on to see how I am doing my best to pull it all off.

Cut Yourself Some Slack

I pride myself on productivity.  During the pandemic, my sense of accomplishment took a hit, and now, I am ok with doing just enough.  That means letting the laundry sit an extra day (or two), taking some shortcuts in the kitchen, and generally just chilling out.  

Harness the Power of Technology

I have been fighting the need to do this for years, but THIS YEAR, I have finally integrated all of my work and family calendars on Google and also picked up a few tricks to help with the clutter on my desk.  I recently purchased one of these cases for my iPad which has made doing work on the go much easier.  I also purchased an Apple Pencil to eliminate all the notebooks, notepads, sticky notes that clutter my desk.  Pro Tip: Good Notes is an app that has helped me clear my desk by allowing me to write and store them digitally.    

  • Shop My Happy Planner Pouch Here | Shop the Apple Pencil Here | Shop the Apple IWatch Here

When my personal space is a mess, my mind is a mess.  So I have been doing little things to keep your physical and mental space tidy.

The WEE Hours

For the last few months when I wake up before everyone else, I make a cup of coffee and enjoy the peace and quiet.  The 30-40 minutes I have with my thoughts in the morning really set the tone for the rest of my day.  I use this time to JUST SIT, I look outside, check the news, maybe social media and within 30 minutes I already feel caught up and ready for whatever is in store for the day ahead. 

Chick Picks:

I am sure all of this seems easier said than done, but after doing these things for several months, they have become a habit.  A habit, I intend to keep long after things get back to normal.

Your Chick,

Rina

Fashion

Pour Some Sugar On Me

Ok, so I am guilty of being a slave to fashion. I saw this Def Leppard sweatshirt and wanted it so bad despite not being an active fan. Usually, I am not a fan of the ‘bandwagon’ type mentality, but I could not resist.

Target’s new collection of nostalgic sweatshirts under $25 is just too good to pass up. With so many of us working from home and trying to keep things casual-chic with loungewear, these are simply a must-have!

Shop This Sweatshirt for $21.99 Here | I am wearing a Large

With go-to fashion finds that are mom-friendly, I have to give Target credit for these edgy and trendy options.

Shop These Chick Picks Here

Here is to keeping things cute in 2021! To be fair, here is a small tribute to Def Leppard.

Your Chick,

Rina

Chick Picks:

Lifestyle, Wellness

Sweet Dreams: The Best Bedding Solutions

Being married to a Sleep Specialist means hearing a lot of advice about phone usage before bed, ideal meal times, and of course suggestions about bedding. After my recent pajama collaboration with Cozy Earth, I couldn’t help but wonder if their bedding was as soft as their pajamas.

Bamboo Sheets

I ordered a set of bamboo sheets from them and began researching what bamboo fabric actually is. Derived from the pulp of the bamboo plant, bamboo fabric is said to be the world’s softest and most breathable fabric (featured in Oprah’s 2018 Favorite Things) and after wearing it and sleeping on it for weeks, I have to agree (to learn about how it is made, click here).

Cozy Earth Pajamas
Cozy Earth Short Pajama Set (CODE: CHICKS50 for 50% off)

The sheets are not measured in thread counts like traditional sheet sets but feel like an ultra-soft and silky sateen. If you like the feel of mico-fiber sheets, then these sheets are NOT for you. These are super soft, lightweight, and breathable. I am not a night sweater, but people who are, swear by bamboo fabric.

This is a non-sponsored review of Cozy Earth bedding. Afterall, after finding the best sheets in years, I had to share it with all of you! If you are interested in trying out their collection of pajamas, loungewear, or bedding be sure to use code CHICKS50 for 50% off your order.

Bamboo Sheet Set ON SALE (Code: CHICKS50)

Pillows

Of course, a post about bedding would be remiss if we did not talk about pillows. Finding the perfect pillow can be a struggle, but I recently discovered a brand that will work for every single type of person out there. Luxome has a customizable pillow that you can create in your home to the height and firmness that you desire. I got one for me and of course one for the hubby and after customizing ours, they looked totally different. He prefers a flat but firm pillow (I call it a pancake-like pillow), I prefer a taller memory foam type feel. With the inserts provided by Luxome, you can truly make the perfect pillow in minutes.

CODE: RINA20 for $20 OFF

CODE: RINA20 for $20 OFF

I know that neither the sheets nor the pillow are cheap, however, I tend or splurge on home items like this that I use every single day. This combination for your bed is truly life-changing. So if you are looking to try something new that is vetted and on sale, check out these products and let me know what you think!

Your Chick,

Rina

Fashion, Lifestyle

Sonia’s At-Home Workout Essentials During #Quarantine

During this time of quarantine, a lot of people have put their fitness and health as a top priority. I’ve been using my at-home gym and have realized there are some staple products that I absolutely can’t do without. Aside from usual pieces of machinery like elliptical machines, treadmills, and stationary bikes, there are additional items that make for a good start to in-home workouts. Here are my few of my top picks.

Yoga mat: HeathYoga

In my opinion, not all yoga mats are created equal. The price points can be anywhere from $20 to $200. I’ve owned my HeathYoga mat for years and it has served me well. With a price point of $36, you can’t go wrong! Yoga mats allow you to do so much more with it than just yoga. You can do any core, leg, arm work or stretch on this.

Yoga Mat

Dumbell set: Balance Form

Depending on how advanced you are in your exercises there is an array of weights you can get on organized racks. Many of them can be delivered right to your front door, here is the rack that I currently own.  I’ve since added a few heavier weights that can be purchased individually as you build up your muscle strength. (Unfortunately these are sold out, I will keep an eye out for a restock when it happens.)

Work Out Clothes

Fabletics not only has cute styles but excellent support at affordable prices- two leggings for $24, such a great deal! I am all about high-waisted pants. Fabletics has some very cute high-waisted styles that give you the tuck you need and the slim you crave.

Hypervolt: Massage Device

I am obsessed with my hypervolt. This post-workout tool acts as a deep tissue massage and helps alleviate muscle pain and stiffness through quick and rapid vibrations.  Unfortunately, this does come at a hefty price tag ($350), so I have a more affordable massage alternative for you, keep reading.

Foam Roller: TriggerPoint

This is another affordable way to roll out muscles and ease stiffness in the body. I keep this one in my bedroom and use it twice a week to roll out my back and legs.

Foam Roller

CBD : CYTO CBD

There is a multitude of ways to engage in recovery post-workout. CBD is a natural way to alleviate sleep issues, anxiety, and pain. I have been using CYTOCBD for months and have found many benefits in pain recovery. As one of the only CBD companies to offer a product with ZERO THC, I recommend using the 1500mg Full Spectrum tincture sublingually at the same time every day for one week to see how it works for you.

CYTO CBD COUPON

What tools do you have at home that you can’t live without? Comment below!

Your Chick,

Sonia

Just Do It – Stay Motivated!