Raise your hand if you have a dedicated and beloved pen that you can’t go without! Because of my professional work and side hustle, I am pretty picky about the writing utensils that I like to work with. If you work in the healthcare field, then you already know how crucial a good, rapid drying pen is. It’s taken me a few years of trial and error, but I’ve finally found my favorite pen that I love to use. Allow me to introduce the G-450 Gel Retractable Pen from Zebra Pen! This everyday, affordable, premium pen is durable enough to last through a hectic workday.

With my G-450, I have the confidence and tools to accomplish both my professional and personal goals with ease. Check out more information here on how you can Choose Different.

In my new role as a hospice and compounding pharmacist, the G-450 Gel Retractable Pen is exactly what I need to take emergency orders, write out new formulas for compounded prescriptions, and research solutions for other healthcare providers.

Working in a busy pharmacy means that you must be prepared for anything that comes your way. What I love about the G-450 is that it truly feels like a different writing instrument, from the high-quality metal to the crisp black matte finish. It delivers the same high quality of Zebra Pen’s other metal items while still being stylish, weighted, and balanced. It feels like a luxury writing utensil without the hefty price tag. Plus, when I’m taking orders over the phone, I can easily write them down without running the risk of the ink smudging and getting all over my hands. The ink that this pen has is so quick drying that it’s pretty unbelievable, and it doesn’t bleed through the page either. Choosing Differently with the G-450 was an easy decision to make and one that I will gladly keep making.

Once I clock out for the day, I head straight home and start working on my side hustle, aka my lifestyle blog. I love using the G-450 to write down my to-do list, plan out content ideas, and piece together my content calendar. With managing two big time commitments, it’s important for me to write down everything in my planner, such as deadlines, meetings, and my to-do list. What I like to say is that if it isn’t written down, it doesn’t exist because I won’t remember it when I need to.

Despite living in a digital age, it just makes more sense for me to keep a good quality pen on me at all times for this reason. By writing everything down in my agenda, I’m able to be more productive with my time. The main reason is that I no longer have to waste time scratching my head trying to figure out what I should be doing. I can get straight to work once I get home and get more done in my limited amount of time, which is only possible because of Zebra Pen.

The post My Favorite Pen for Work, Life, and Business appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Why You Need a Self Care Routine

As cliché as it sounds, self care is important for your personal wellbeing. As healthcare providers, it’s easy for us to work, work, and work until we are burned out, frustrated, and depressed. It happens all of the time, and the only way to prevent yourself from burning out is to spend time taking care of yourself. You can’t expect to be able to do your job at the best of your ability when your energy bank is at 20%. Spending time doing something that you do enjoy will not only make you happier, it’ll also make you more productive and improve your physical and mental health.

Tips on How to Get Started

Now that you know why self care is so important in the pharmacy profession, let’s jump right into how to actually start and maintain a self care routine. Remember the goal is to find your peace and happiness on a daily basis. This process may make you feel uncomfortable because it requires you to take a break, let go, and to reset, which is hard for a busy pharmacist and stressed out pharmacy student.

1. Figure out what makes you feel happy, relaxed, and centered

The first thing that you should on your journey to incorporating self care into your life is to write down as many things that you can think of that makes you happy. It can be as simple as a candle burning, reading a book, a rainy day, or even drinking a frozen hot chocolate (highly recommend the one from Dunkin!)

2. Brainstorm how to add in those things into your daily life

The one thing that stops people from incorporating self care into their daily routine is the fact that it has to take up a significant part of their day to be meaningful. That is definitely not the case and a common misconception. It can be something small that’s in the background that you enjoy like burning your favorite candle or it could be a set time in your schedule for a certain activity. Think about ways that you can add your favorite things to your routine regardless of the time commitment.  

3. Give yourself a goal to stick with on a daily basis

After your done brainstorming your favorite activities and how much time they require, now it’s time to set a goal for yourself on how you incorporate one thing from your list to into your daily routine and how often. With any goal that you set, start off with something small and that is measurable. Maybe your goal is to read for 10 minutes before bed, start there and as you get into the habit of reading increase the time to 20,30 minutes. Give yourself time and patience as you start to develop this new habit. It won’t be an overnight change, but hopefully the activity will bring you so much joy that you won’t want to stop.

4. After two weeks, re-evaluate and adjust your plan if need be

Habits take time to form and that is still true for habits that involve improving your mind, body, and spirit. Once you’ve completed two weeks of your new goal, assess how you feel, anything that you could improve or change, and go from there. It’s okay to adjust your plan now and choose a different activity if you need to. You should also note any mood changes. Do you feel less irritated and anxious after the two weeks trial?

5. Get creative and try new things

Your journey to loving yourself should be fun and exciting! Don’t put yourself into a box when it comes to finding out what brings you joy and what doesn’t. Use this time to try out new things that you wouldn’t have tried otherwise and see what you end up liking. Have you always wanted to try roller skating or testing your skills with calligraphy? Take a chance and see what sticks. 

20 Simple Self Care Ideas

I rounded up a list of simple, practical self care ideas to inspire you to spend time recharging this year. While these ideas are relatively simple, they can make a world of a difference in your mood and mental wellbeing. Remember that the goal is to take care of yourself so you can show up as the best version of yourself.

Actually take a lunch break

It’s common practice for pharmacists in the retail setting to not take a lunch break, but I promise you that you need to start taking it for a necessary mental break and a fuel recharge. Try to clear out your queues as much as possible, let your techs know ahead of time, and take your 30 minutes to sit down, eat some food, and relax for a little bit. You need that break from checking prescriptions, dealing with customers complaints, and the constant ring of the phone in the pharmacy. 

Get lost in a good book 

When you can’t escape from reality, you can most definitely escape into the pages of a good book in a world that only exists on those crisp white pages. Even if you only have time for 10-20 minutes to read, use it. The good thing about reading is that it helps decompress you because you’re not concerned about your own life. You are highly invested in the one that you are reading about.

Soak in a bubble bath

As cliché as taking a bubble bath sounds, there’s a reason why it’s on every single self care list. It’s because it actually works to help you relax so light a candle, throw on your favorite playlist, and enjoy the soapy water. Take your bubble bath up a notch by adding in a bath bomb (these are my favorite on Etsy!).

Jot down three things that you are grateful for today

Before you rush into work or school, take a second to start of your day by writing down three things that you are grateful for today. It could be as simple as enjoying your bomb coffee that morning, waking up this morning, or whatever it is that made you smile. By writing down a few things that you are grateful for regularly, it brings our everyday life back into perceptive and begins our day with a positive note.

Spend 15-20 minutes decluttering your space

Nothing says a reset than a clean home and a clean car. Something about the mundane task of cleaning your house makes you feel like a whole new person. A new habit that I’ve been doing lately is to set 10-15 minutes every few days to clean my space, whether it be cleaning the dishes or putting away the clutter that is always on the dining table. It’s easier to keep your space clean if you are proactively keeping it clean throughout the week. 

Try that new workout class

With more things opening back up, there’s no more excuses as to why you don’t go try that new workout class. Self care is supposed to be fun, but it’s also meant to get yourself out of your comfort zone. If you don’t feel comfortable going alone, turn into a date with a friend or a significant other. You’ll get to spend time with someone you care about and get your blood pumping.

Start your day with something pleasant

Nothing is better than starting your day out with something that you enjoy such as a warm cup of coffee, patio time reading a good book, or a morning soak in the bath tub. Start your day with a positive note and spend a few minutes enjoying a few minutes of bliss.

Plan a date with a friend 

Go ahead and plan that date with a friend (even if it’s only a virtual girls’ night in). Having a solid social life keeps you busy, balanced, and more productive later. When I plan my dates with friends, I make sure to find something that we’ll both enjoy. The date could include a movie, shopping, checking out a new event in town, or going on a mini adventure. 

Move your body for 30 minutes daily

Exercise isn’t just for losing weight; it’s also a great mental tool to decrease depression and anxiety. As I’m sure that you already know as a pharmacist, you should be getting around 150 minutes of exercise a week, which translates to 30 minutes for 5 days. To keep your exercise journey spicy, switch up your workout routine and add in new elements that you might end up enjoying, such as yoga, weight lifting or boxing.

Just say no

Saying “no” is a lot harder than it looks, but it’s something that has to be done if you want to take care of yourself in this new season of life. You simply can’t do everything in life and you shouldn’t have to. Say yes only if you brings you joy or peace because I promise you more money won’t make your life better. 

Unplug from the world

It can be easy to get overwhelmed and feel burden by the curated feed on social media and the disaster stories on the news. Instead of tuning into the chaos, turn off the news, delete the apps, and shut off your emails for a little bit. Don’t feel bad about doing so either! It’s is totally necessary for your mental peace and well-being.

Go to therapy

If you’ve never been to therapy before, now is the time to add it into your self care routine. It’s such an underrated activity, which I don’t know why. Therapy helps you improve as a person and actively deal with the trauma from your past, present, and future. Talking to someone about your inner thoughts will be difficult at first, but once you find a person that you click with, the process gets easier over time.

Make a playlist

Everyone needs a go-to playlist filled with songs that makes them want to get up and dance. Make a playlist for this season in life and that inspire you to move. Bonus points if you make a playlist that inspires you for the next phase in your life, almost like vision board playlist.

Open up the blinds and let in the morning sunshine

As soon as you wake up for the day, go ahead and open up your blinds to let in the glorious sunshine. It’s been shown that people who are exposed to the morning light fall asleep faster, which means you’ll be more likely to get more quality sleep at night. Getting enough sleep (6-8 hours a night) not only curbs your crankiness but also lessens your chance of heart disease.

Cook your favorite recipe

Tired of ordering take out or are you just stuck in a kitchen rut? I can’t be the only one sick of cooking and tired of overpaying in food delivery fees. Carve out time in your busy day to make and try a new recipe. Enjoy the process, add in your own twists, and hope for the best! You might even find a new recipe that you can add to your go-to cooking meals. If you need a new cookbook to find some bomb recipes, check out this one by Gabrielle McBay called “You Have Food At Home”. I mean the name says it all honestly.  

Go to a farmer’s market

Not only will you be supporting small local businesses, but you’ll also get to grab some fresh produce, unique items, and a glorious bouquet of flowers. I love adding a trip to the farmer’s market to my self care routine in the spring and summer time because I always find the coolest stuff that I wouldn’t have found otherwise.

Create a vision board

A great way to show yourself some self care and to create the life that you want is to create a vision board. You can buy a bunch of magazines and create a physical vision board or you can create one using Canva, both options are easy to do. The goal of a vision board is to help you visualize where you want to go in life. When life gets hard or you feel like quitting, you’ll be reminded of what actually matters to you.

Change your sheets

So simple but oh so sweet. When is the last time that you swapped out your sheets? More than likely you aren’t doing it often enough. There’s something so refreshing about sinking into a fresh set of sheets that makes you feel ready to start a new day. 

Donate your clutter to a local charity

A quote that I’ve always been taught was that a clean space equals a clear mind. Add a decluttering session to your self care routine and pend some time decluttering your home. You can then go donate whatever you don’t need anymore. You’ll be surprised how much stuff you have that you don’t even use or wear anymore. I like to declutter my closet every quarter so that I’m not hoarding items that I’ll never wear again.

Enroll in a fun class that you’ve always wanted to do

Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn calligraphy, take better photos, or learn how to roller skate. Use the quality time with yourself learning something new and exciting. It’ll keep your brain active and give you the opportunity to meet some new friends, which we already know is much harder to do as an adult.

I hope this blog post was helpful for you as a pharmacist or pharmacy student. I know it’s hard for us as healthcare professionals to set aside time for ourselves, but it’s a necessary requirement if you want to be our best selves for our patients. Which activity are you thinking about adding to your routine?

You may also like: 11 Ways to Invest in Yourself this Year, 30 Day Self- Care Challenge to Decrease Anxiety, and Chatbooks: The Perfect Photo App for Millennials

The post How to Kickstart Your Self Care Routine for Burnt Out Pharmacists appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Unfortunately, we’ve all been taught that these items are normal and safe to use our entire lives. I definitely don’t remember getting taught in school about greenhouse gases (okay maybe a little), BPA, and how destructive plastic can be on our environment. But now that I’ve done a little bit of research of my own (which I encourage you to do so too), I wanted to share with you today a few simple ways that you can start incorporating eco-friendliness into your lifestyle.  

Use Canvas Bags over Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are notorious for getting blown into the ocean and causing problems for the marine life and other animals in the wild. Even if you throw them on into the trash can, there’s no telling where that 1 plastic bag might land up in a matter of minutes after being thrown out. Instead swap out plastic bags by using reusable canvas bags. I typically get around 5 or 6 in my car so even if I make a quick run to the grocery store on my way home, I’ll always have them with me. Plus they only cost a $1 per bag at your local grocery store and sometimes I even get them for free at different events that I attend around my city.

Shop local farmer markets for groceries

Shopping at your local farmer markets is a super easy way to become more eco-conscious. It takes a lot of fossil fuel to transport and ship the produce that you see in stores that are from multiple different countries and states. Plus by shopping local, you’ll also be supporting local business which is always a plus in my book.

Use glass or wood glasses and bowels, instead of plastic ones

One of the simplest ways that you can live a more eco-conscious lifestyle is to do away with single-use plastic items, like plastic forks, spoons, bags, and plates. Those items easily fill up local landfills and can take up to 1000 years to decompose, which is actually insane! Instead invest in items that you can utilize for years to come. I recently added these white porcelain bowls to my dining collection. They are the perfect size for cereal or salads, but I personally use them to eat my favorite Trader Joe’s ice cream (shhh!). I love the texture on the sides too!

Buy a reusable water bottle and travel coffee mug

Did you know that many of your favorite coffee shops (including Starbucks) will actually give you a discount for using a reusable coffee mug? Talk about a score! If you’re obsessed with coffee or hot drinks, then this change is super simple for you to do. Also, don’t forget about using a reusable water bottle! Whenever I’m running around town, I always carry with me my Starbucks travel cup. I have the matte black one that came out last year. It’s stylish, cute, and keeps my drinks ice-cold throughout the day.  

Recycle, recycle, recycle

Recycling is the easiest way for you to start making a difference. You can easily add a second trash can to your household that is dedicated to plastics and paper. Some cities will even have road side pick-up that make it even easier to recycle without the hassle. But if that’s not an option in your town, you can download the app RecycleNation to find recycling centers in your area, especially for those items that you may not know what to do with such as batteries and electronics.

Donate

Before you throw out your old clothes, furniture, books, bedding, etc, consider donating it to a local charity or donation center. It’s a simple way to get rid of your items from your home and giving it a second chance in someone else’s (aka bypassing the landfill dilemma). You never know your trash may be another person’s treasure.

Buy Pre-Loved Items

One of the biggest destructive industries to the environment is the textile industry. This industry creates and uses a great deal of water, greenhouses gases, pollution, and chemical run-off. So instead of buying everything new from the store, consider shopping at local thrift stores and second-hand shops for clothing pieces. I’ve found some great gems over the years from thrifting and I’m sure you’ll be able to too if you give it a chance. My mom has even found designer pieces at thrift stores! You just have to know where and how to look for those hidden gems. 

Reduce your energy waste

I’m terrible at leaving my computer on all night, usually because I need to charge it overnight. The problem is that if something is plugged in, it’s still using energy regardless of its on or not. The fix for this is that I try to only leave items plugged in if I’m actively using them. Anything else gets unplugged until I need to use it next. Another way to reduce your energy waste is by condensing your laundry schedule to once a week. This way you’re not wasting a full load of energy for a few pieces every couple of days. There are a ton of ways to reduce your energy waste, but those are just a few that I try to do regularly.

What are some other ways that you utilize to live a more eco-conscious lifestyle? Has the transition been easy for you or surprising more difficult that you thought? I hope this post encourages you to make small changes in your routine so hopefully our children will live in a healthy, green world that is full of life.  

You may also enjoy: Repurposing My Old T-Shirts with MemoryStitch, 7 Simple Tips to Boost Your Self-Confidence, and How I Saved $2,000 in My 20s 

The post 8 Easy Ways to Live a More Eco-Conscious Lifestyle appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Lesson #1: Prioritize your time and your sanity

When I first got into pharmacy school, I tried my hardest to be involved in everything from multiple organizations, volunteer events, and even attending all of the conferences in the area. I was literally going to events and meetings just because. There was no rhyme or reason other than to beef up my resume and to put myself out there in the profession. Not a terrible plan for a P1 student, but in my third year, I knew I needed to reel it back in and prioritize my time a lot better. This year I really focused on developing my passions, learning about myself, and learning how to manage my busy lifestyle.  The result? I passed all of my classes with stellar grades and even though I was stressed, I was happy. I was happy in my relationship, happy with my school work, and even happier at work.

Pro tip: Put yourself first and learn how to manage your time from the get-go. Your mental health should be your number one priority outside of passing your classes.

Lesson #2: Learn how you study and stick with it

My P3 year was really the year that I finally learned how to study effectively for myself. During my first two years of pharmacy school, I was attempting to study like my classmates and friends, and it just wasn’t working out for me. I would study all night and flip through Quizlets until I was so tired the next morning my brain hurt. This year, I tried a few different study techniques until I found one that really worked for me and my schedule. For those that are wondering, I do really well when I write my own homemade notes to review as well as re-reading the material over and over again until it becomes second nature. The consistent review of the material every day really suits me, and it’s been working pretty well for me so far.

It takes time to find out what studying method works for you so make the time to re-learn how you study. The way that you studied in high school or during your undergrad years won’t be the same as in pharmacy school. Pharmacy school is just a totally different beast and it takes a different way of studying to conquer it. Check out this post on some of my favorite study tips!

Lesson #3: Find your passions and develop them

I mentioned earlier that this year that I focused on developing my passions, and this is even more important during your third year in pharmacy school. You’re almost done with school, and it’s getting closer to graduation time, where you’ll have to decide what career path you’ll go down. You have to start preparing for the finale now! This year I dove head first into compounding, my first love, and business, my second love.  I attended a few compounding and entrepreneurial-type courses, some in my city and others that had to travel for, and I really just enjoyed all of my experiences this year. By doing these experiences, I was able to grow my knowledge and network with my fellow students and pharmacists at the events.

P3 year is all about finding yourself and figuring out what your interests are, even if you aren’t positive on your career path. Find the time in your busy schedule to do just that. Try new things, take new adventures, and be open to new situations to find your passions. Because once you do, you can then develop them.

Lesson #4: Develop your professional network

You’ve probably heard this before, but pharmacy is a small world. Everyone knows everyone so it’s super important to start developing your professional network while you’re in school. When I first started out, I carried around business cards to hand out to anyone that I met during a conference, meetings, and even on my rotations. I would then also try to keep the connections alive by regularly stopping by the person’s office or checking in through email. It’s the small chats you had over breakfast that could later land you your first job.

Step out of your comfort zone, especially if you haven’t already in your first two years and meet new faces. You can also create a Linkedin profile and start making connections through that platform. But only add people that you actually know or have spoked with before otherwise it’s a little creepy to be adding random strangers on the app.

Photos by Brailey Johnson Photography

Lesson #5: Make time for yourself

Your number one priority in pharmacy school, outside of your school work, is your mental health. My first year I literally spent every waking moment studying, doing school work, or making Quizlets study guides. This year I knew I couldn’t live my life like that anymore. I was burning myself out, and I didn’t even realize it until now. Instead I would take an hour or two each day to do something that I enjoyed, either watching my favorite shows on Hulu or going for a walk with Ava or something else. I even made time each week for date nights, which definitely helped keep my relationship strong.

Even when your schedule is jammed packed, remember to carve out some time for yourself every single day. It could be just fifteen minutes or even two hours. Then spend that time doing something that you enjoy and that brings you some peace of mind. Do a face mask or dance in your bedroom to your favorite song. Just take a break whenever you can.

My third year in pharmacy school was definitely a learning year for me. I learned so much about myself in terms of how I study, what I needed for my mental health, and what I needed in my relationships.  Hopefully you can learn from my stories and the lessons that I’ve learned over the year to help prepare you for whatever year that you are in pharmacy school.

You might also like: 5 Tips to Help You Stay Motivated While in Pharmacy School, The Millennial’s Guide to Time Management, and What to Do if You Fail a Class in Pharmacy School

The post 5 Lessons I Learned in My Third Year of Pharmacy School appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

As this summer kicks off, I finally get a chance to breathe a little after a long semester of studying and cramming for exams. Who else can relate? I wanted to start this new season off with a bucket list! I’m putting my bucket list out there to the world in hopes that I’ll be more accountable and more motivated to achieve my goals this summer. 

A lot of the items on my bucket list are things that I’ve been wanting to do for a while but have consistently been put on the backburner when it comes to school, work, and this blog. This summer I want to put my happiness first in everything that I do. If it doesn’t bring a smile or bring me joy, then it’s not happening!  Check out my bucket list below and tell me what’s on yours!

Get the Look: Tank (Exact)| Necklace (Exact)

SUMMER BUCKET LIST 

Travel More in My Area

I talk so much about how I’ve traveled the world, but let’s be real, all of my traveling experiences have been with my parents. I haven’t actually traveled that much in my adult life, and that’s mainly due to cost. But what’s stopping me from enjoying the local beauties around my area? Absolutely nothing! South Carolina is a beautiful state, and I have a few ideas brewing of some things I want to show you all on my journeys.

This summer, I want to travel to Greenville, Hilton Head Island, and Beaufort, all of which are within 3 hours from my home base in Soda City. If my big plans happen, you’ll be seeing some travel guides on the blog soon.

Spend More Time Outside

For most of my summers, I usually end up working 40 hours a week and spending most of my time indoors. Then I spend the remaining time working on my blog or having a social life off-screen. But this summer, I want to make sure I take some time to myself and step outside for a change. I want to take a hike in the mountains, suntan by the pool, and maybe even dig my toes into the ocean. Life is too short for me to be spending most of my time inside so this summer I’m stepping outside and living my best life.

Be More Active

I’ve been super slack on the physical activity department, especially since I started pharmacy school. This summer, I’m dedicated to being more active this summer, whether it be hitting my apartment gym or taking Ava for a walk down the river. I’m not going to be super strict on myself, but I definitely need to create a routine that I can maintain and be more active.

Read At Least 2 Books

I used to love reading as a kid all the way until I graduated high school. Then college happened, and I just never had the same free time as I did in middle school and high school. And when I say I used to love reading, I’m talking I use to read 5-10 books a week on a regular basis. Now there’s no way I can do that anymore, but I’m hoping I can read at least 2 books this summer. Seems pretty attainable to me. I’m going out of town in June for a compounding course so I’m hoping during my travels, I can make some headway on my goal.

The post My Summer Bucket List appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Photos by Brailey Johnson Photography

1.) I’ve shaved my head twice to donate my hair to cancer patients. The first time was for my senior project where I organized an entire hair drive at my high school and got people to donate their hair to the cause. The second time was because I had dyed my hair such a bright red color that it was starting to really damage my hair so I decided to start over.

2.) I’ve traveled all over the world…I think I am at 50 countries now, but I am working on a specific post that lists all of my travels. My dad was a military soldier, and we moved all over the world for his work as well as for pleasure.

3.) I hate snakes and insects. To be honest, they are just creepy and nasty to look at so I rather not to see them!

4.) I’ve dyed my hair a few times, including a red Mohawk, red afro, and a blue afro. Let’s just say after I shaved my head the first time I took the chance to experiment with different hairstyles and haircuts.

5.) I hate roller coasters and theme parks. I guess it’s about being scared of the thrill or the height, but I’m not a fan of either of them. I would rather just stay on the ground.

6.) I used to dance hip-hop all the time when I was younger. Think of a mini Chris Brown or Ciara. At all of the middle school dance or the youth club dances, I was the main star when my favorite song came on. You couldn’t tell me anything!

7.) My favorite sport is soccer. When I was smaller, I used to play all the time in my backyard. Then when I got to high school, I was a part of the Junior Varsity and Varsity Women’s soccer team and actually did pretty well.

8.) My favorite animal is a white tiger. Since I’m mixed with black and white, I feel like the white tiger represents the exact feeling I had about being biracial and not looking like everyone else in my class.

9.) I knew I wanted to go into pharmacy since I was in high school (2014). My high school had a program that allowed me to become a certified pharmacy technician right out of school, so there’s where I knew.

10.) I used to want to be an oceanographer. I still love the ocean, but I feel like there wasn’t a lot of job options to be an oceanographer and that it was a dying field, which is super sad! We have to protect the oceans and the lands that we were given so kindly.

11.) My favorite food is chicken and cheese…yes together! If you’ve never tried a Chick-fil-a chicken sandwich with cheese, then you need to NOW! It’s so good.

12.) I took piano lessons for a few years when I was younger. I swear my parents wanted me to be Alicia Keys and become a stellar piano player. I did enjoy playing the piano, but I didn’t like the practice time and the quiet time to really focus on the craft.

13.) I used to always have braids in my hair until I got into high school. Then I started to learn how to take control of my hair and have fun with haircuts. Imagine a mini Alicia Keys at the beginning of her career, that was in my throughout elementary school all the way to the end of middle school. My braids were always poppin’ though!

14.) I didn’t start learning to drive until my senior year in high school. For most of high school, I was living in Germany on a military base, and there wasn’t a real good reason for me to learn how to drive. The driving laws aren’t the same in Germany as they are in America. So I didn’t learn to drive until I came back to live in the United States again.

15.) I tried to become a lifeguard, but I couldn’t pass the last test for the qualifications. The last test that I couldn’t pass was the one that they dropped a brick into the deep end. You have to then get the brick from the bottom and carry to the shallow end above the water’s surface.

I hoped that you enjoyed getting to know me better in this post! What is one fun fact about yourself that nobody knows?

The post 15 Random Facts About Me appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

With this backpack necessities guide, hopefully you can get set for school and not miss a beat!

Snacks

Imagine having to sit in a cold classroom for hours on end and your stomach starts growling. Yea, it’s not a fun picture to imagine and it’s definitely not fun in real life. For me, I have to have snacks in my backpack for those emergency situations where I’m hungry in class or when I have to quickly run out of my apartment before class. I can’t sit still and pay attention to the professor if my stomach is aching from hunger.

My favorite snacks to bring to class:

• Cheez-its
• Poptarts
• Granola Bars
• Chips

Planner

If you’re a student, then a planner is an absolute must. My personal favorite is the Erin Condren Life Planner. It’s a little pricier but it’s totally worth it in my opinion and you get to have fun with decorating with unique stickers. You can pick from a few different layout formats including horizontal, vertical, and time. By having a good planner that works for you, you’ll be able to stay organized, keep up with all of your assignments, and never overbook yourself.  

Here’s my planner so you can get a look inside! You can get a free $10 coupon for your order if you want to purchase this great planner from Erin Condren!

If you love my cover as much as I do, you can get it  or other cute covers from this great Etsy shop called StylishPlanner!

Lotion

I never thought this was a necessity, until I needed lotion one day and I didn’t have any on me. As the seasons start to change, our skin starts to need a little more TLC than before and can easily become scaly. Keep those alligator hands or white, ashy feet away by keeping some lotion in your backpack. I also get the trial size or travel size just so that I’m not lugging around a 16 oz. bottle of lotion.

Tylenol

Sometimes you never know when you might need some Tylenol or aspirin on you. From headaches, menstrual pains, to accidently knocking your toe into a corner of a desk, you’ll never know when you or a friend might need a pain reliever on the fly. They have travel size Tylenol that is perfect to stash in your backpack or purse for those emergencies.

Female products

When I first started having a period, I always was taught to keep a few pads or tampons in my backpack as well as in any purse that I carried around. It’s just a safe precaution to do just in case shark week takes you by surprise one day! Plus you never know when you’re in the bathroom and someone else’s needs a pad because they didn’t think of carrying them on them too.  True story, this has totally happened to me and the girl was so thankful that had a backup in my backpack to give her.

Chapstick

Nobody wants to kiss someone with crusty lips nor does anyone want to look at your dry lips, so keep some chapstick in your backpack, just in case your lips need a little TLC on the go. My favorite chapstick by far is the original chapstick brand in the cupcake flavor. It smells like heaven and is super moisturizing on the lips.

Tide to go pen

This is a recent add-on to my backpack essentials. When you’re clumsy like me, I’m always getting stuff on my clothes that I desperately don’t want to stay there forever. A tide-to-go pen will be your best friend for battling stains while in class or during lunch hour. It’s small and compact size so it won’t take too much space in your backpack nor weight you down.

Headphones

I don’t think I need to explain this one for us millennials. I personally love playing music between classes or while I’m waiting for class to start. If you’re interested to see what songs I’ve been loving for the summer, then you can check out my playlist here on my blog. When you’re deciding on what pair of headphones you should store in your bag, keep you mind that you want comfort and accessibility. I wouldn’t recommend lugging around your big Beats headphones, but if you like to, then do you boo!

Computer & Charger

Once you go to college, your computer and charger will literally be the life of your college career. It’s the most important piece of information that you can carry around with you so it’s a definitely must have for your backpack essentials. I would recommend keep your laptop dimensions small and compact so it’s not too heavy, especially for those long walks across campus.

Water bottle

Staying hydrated while working hard on campus is an absolute must, if you want to get the full benefits of all of your work efforts. Keeping a water bottle on you while in class will leave you with no excuse not to drink water throughout the day.

Umbrella

You never you want to get caught on campus in a drenching down pour! Talk about ruining your computer or any textbooks you’re carrying around so keeping an umbrella on hand is a must-have for a college backpack. Keep it small and compact and you’ll never get stuck in thundering rain on campus again. Okay, maybe you will, but at least you won’t be soaking wet once you arrive to class or back home to your dorm room apartment.

Fluffy socks

Yes, fluffy socks are totally a must have, at least for me. I’m always getting stuck in a really cold room in the library or in a long lecture class that’ll actually take off my shoes and put on my fluffy socks. They keep warm and are super comfy so I can easily stay focus while in class or cramming in the library. For me, I just can’t hardcore study in shoes like I need to be comfortable.

Thanks for reading everyone! If you enjoyed this post and think that others would to, then please share this post on your social media accounts. It only takes a few minutes of your time and it helps me out tremendously!

What are your backpack essentials that you can’t live without?

The post Backpack Essentials For the On-The-Go Student appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Fun fact: I also love music because I used to hip hop dance all the time in middle school throughout the middle of college, before I started pharmacy school. Imagine Ciara and Chris Brown, but obviously not as great or as cool as them, but still decent I would say haha (: . I have really bad stage fright, but I did attempt to dance in public at talent shows, school dances, and with a dance team. While I don’t dance anymore, I still love music so if you do too then just keep on reading… 

My Summer Music Playlist 2017

• Lonely by August Alsina
• Shape of You by Ed Sheeran
• Play by SoMo
• Your Number by Ayo Jay
• Drowning by A Boogie with da Hoodie
• Not Nice by PARTYNEXTDOOR
• T-Shirt by Migos
• Slippery by Migos
• Party by Chris Brown
• Impatient by Jeremih
• Wavy by Ty Dolla Sign
• Issues by Julia Michaels
• I’m the One by DJ Khaled
• What You Want by Symphani Soto
• Some Way by NAV
• Erbody But Me by Tech N9ne
• Run Up by Major Lazer
• Tunnel Vision by Kodak Black
• How does it feel by Kamaiyah
• Now or Never by Halsey

There you have it! My entire playlist that I will definitely have on repeat all summer until I get sick and tired of listening them. Does this happen to any of you? Where you play a song over and over again, even though you know you’re going to get tired of it, but you love the song so much, you just can’t stop. Well that’s the story of my life and I’m totally okay with it.

I’d love to read or hear any of your favorite songs at the moment. Just leave them in the comments below so I can check them out! I can always update my summer playlist later on.

Also if you’ve enjoyed reading this post and would love to continue reading my posts from me, then please share, subscribe, and leave a comment to join the squad!

The post My Summer 2017 Music Playlist appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

The whole point of a resume is to show the employer the skills you have that are valuable to the job that you’re applying for. In this post, I want to show you some things that you can add to your resume to showcase the skills you have that you may not have thought were important.

#1: Volunteer

Volunteering is one of the easiest ways to make great connections – which may be the perfect person to use as a reference later on– and learn valuable life skills that can later be used for your first job.  In high school, I mainly used to volunteer at my local thrift store and with a club that volunteered all the time. When you go to volunteer, make sure you document your hours, people that you interacted with, and what you did while volunteering. That way if you do need to fluff up your resume, you’ll have a working list to pull that information from later and can talk about your experience in your interview.

#2: Babysit, or start a side business

Starting a side business, such as babysitting or dog walking, is an easy way to make money when you aren’t old enough for a real job or you just need some extra money on the side. Plus it’s a great addition to your resume that shows you can handle responsibility and that you take initiative to start your own little business! Or you could always start a blog, but I might be a little bias on that suggestion. But truly, a business is a great way to learn first hand customer service, business relationships, and how to deal with issues that may rise.

#3: Be Active in an Organization

Not only does being active in a club allow you to meet new friends, it also allows you to get involved in your community or school and show your employer what you truly care about. When choosing what organization to be a part of, choose quality over quantity. You can’t put your best effort into every project or an event that a club has to offer if you sign up to every club that your school offers! And your future employer knows that. So it’s best to pick a few that you truly enjoy and gain a leadership position in your favorite one. I used to be on the soccer team, the Yearbook campaign, the historian for my local Keystone Club, and I used to volunteer all over the community on the weekends.

Being active in a club for a few years shows that you have loyalty and that you aren’t going to quit after a week of working. Employers want someone that is committed to the company. By being committed to an organization, you get the chance to show employer that mindset that you have and prove that you aren’t going to ditch on them.

#4: Attend conferences & summer camps

Being the introvert that I am, conferences and summer camps were scary at first and fun at the end. What I mean by this is that I was always scared of meeting new people and putting myself out there until I get to really know a person. But at camps and conferences, you usually don’t have time to know someone’s whole life story in a matter of few days. So for me, those extracurricular events made me grow as a person because I was thrust into events that made me get out of my comfort zone.

Getting out of your comfort zone is exactly what you want to do to expand your knowledge and experience that could one day land you your dream job! I usually went to language camps, volunteer camps, and leadership conferences that I am able to talk about in my interviews to show that I take initiative and that I’m always willing to tackle new challenges.

I would recommend having an extracurricular section to showcase all of the activities that you are involved, how long you’ve been involved with the activity, and any leadership positions that you’ve held. You can also list camps and conferences here!

#5: Highlight your skills & talents

A good way to improve your resume is by adding a skills section to showcase your talents that you already have. And trust me, you’ll have plenty before you even start college so this should be the easiest section to write! An example of what I mean is that I used to be in Spanish 3 in high school so I can understand and speak Spanish. So in my skill section, I wrote that I was an intermediate Spanish speaker, because it’s true and it looks great on my resume! Whether it be that you were a captain on your high school soccer team or that you were the photographer for the yearbook, you’ll have skills that employers want so you just have to write them down.

Here are some examples to give you a better idea of what I mean by skills and talents:

• head publisher for the yearbook -> Proficient in Microsoft Word, Adobe, Photoshop
• language class -> Proficient in what language you’re good at
• typing speed if you had to take a typing class (like I did!)
• member of a club or athletic team -> team player & communication

#6: Have Great References

Having great references and connections can make or break an interview, truly and honestly. For one, the world can be such a small social circle that you never know who knows who. Saying that, you could easily get the job because your interviewer knows one of your references or your reference has nothing, but outstanding words to say about you. Before choosing someone to be a reference for your resume, you’ll want to make sure you pick a person that knows your work ethic really well and that is willing to vouch for you for the job.

At the bottom of your resume, I would recommend having a small list of 2 to 3 people that you list as a reference. You’ll want to include the name, a way to reach them, and how you know the person (i.e. such as the manage of the thrift store that you volunteered at)

#7: Grades  

By keeping your grades up, you can show your future employer that you’re A) smart and B) that you can handle responsibility on top of your normal day life activities. Now I’m not saying that you have to have a 4.0 GPA, the highest SAT score in your school, and be the star athlete to keep your interviewer interested in hiring you. But you want to give them a good first impression of who you are and keeping your grades up will definitely help you in the long run! Plus let’s be honest, grades are important anyways and sometimes it might be the only factor that could tilt the decision in another person’s way – and I’m not just talking about a job, but for scholarships for college too!

I know getting your first job or applying for a new job can be a scary experience, but guess what? You totally got it! I totally believe in your abilities so just knock it out of the park on your resume. You never know you might get your first job and it’s the best thing you’ve never done!

Adding these simple tips to a basic resume will give your resume a boost that will sure to impress any employer looking to hire. If you use any of the tips that I mentioned in this post or have any cool experiences after using them, please let me know in the comments so I can hear them as well! I truly love writing blog posts that help people. If you haven’t any topics that you want me to cover, you can email me or leave a comment so I know what you guys want to read!

The post 7 Ways To Build Your Resume With No Experience appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Shower Caddy

In the dorms that have community bathroom, its essential to have a shower caddy so you are able to carry everything you need to shower and get ready in one spot. Having a tote that is ready to use is critical especially when you’re running late to class and don’t have time to waste running back and forth to your room. Of course, if you want the exercise in the morning, then by means, go ahead, but I’m lazy morning person so a shower a caddy is the way to go!

Power Strips

One of the biggest issues with dorm rooms is the fact that they are either pretty old or don’t have enough electrical outlets or both. To combat that issue, bring a power strip to your first day of move in so you can have everything you need plugged in. Plus having a power strip helps avoid the problem of overloading the electrical sockets.

Extra Lightening

I hate using the single light that come standard in a bedroom. It usually has an yellow, dingy cast so I opted to bring a desk  lamp that had enough reach that I could do homework at my desk or bed. Bonus points for the convenience! Some of my roommates brought the floor lamps, but be sure that they are allowed in your dorm because sometimes they aren’t.

Water Filter

If you’re living in the standard dorm room style, you’re most likely won’t have a kitchen sink- although I was one of the lucky ones who did. It can be a pain using your bathroom sink or lugging a pack of water bottles up several flights of stairs- because the elevators are always broken in your apartment. Hence why the water filter is a game changer in a dorm because you can have safe, purified water for basically free that you can keep refilling.

Waffle Maker

I can say that I’m lowkey obsessed with waffles, but I recently discovered how much you can cook in a waffle maker that is perfect for dorm living. You can cook hash browns, brownies, waffles, quesadillas, and even more than I can think of! A waffle maker is also easy to store, use, and clean for that quick breakfast in the morning. I bought mine from Target, but Amazon has the exact same one that I enjoy so much.

Duffle Bag

This is definitely an essential, if you plan to make quick mountain road trips or little away adventures that doesn’t require a large packing list. You can easily throw in your toiletries, couple pairs of shoes, and some cute outfits and be on your way! I would recommend one with a long strap so it’s easier to carry up to your hotel room.

Rain Gear

My least favorite weather is rain, unless I’m sitting at home drinking hot chocolate and watching my favorite movies- then its my favorite. But that’s usually not the case on a normal day, I still have to somehow make myself trudge my way through the rain. Rain boots, a rain jacket, and an umbrella are essentials if you want to beat the rain when heading to class. They’ll keep you and your expensive textbooks dry and unharmed by the rain.

Command Strips

Command strips are a college student’s best friend because they are easy to use, cheap, and give you the ability to hang up art work or posters without destroying the walls of your concrete room. I’ve used them for a couple large canvas art work and a few picture frames and each time I’ve never had a problem with them falling off. When you get ready for move out- which who thinks about move out during move in-, they are easy to remove, but be careful of the paint underneath because they can remove paint.

Sewing Kits

I can’t tell you how many times that I’ve had to sew on lost buttons that I’ve either popped off on accident or that just fell off during my every day duties. Luckily, I had a simple sewing kit in my room that I could quickly patch up my favorite shirt. If you don’t know how to sew professionally, that’s totally okay. You just have to learn how to do a simple stitch, especially for a button, and if it’s ugly on the inside, that’s okay since you’re the only one that is going to know.

First Aid Kit/ Medicine Kit

Let’s be honest, everyone needs a kit full of band-aids, Neosporin, and some Tylenol. You never know when you might get a paper cut or cut your self in the kitchen that needs a quick fix of a Band-Aid. I recommend keeping your stash full stocked and up-to-date even if you never have to use it. In my bathroom, I always kept a pack of Zytrec, some Tylenol, benzyl peroxide, different size band-aids, Neosporin, Mucinex, as well as cough drops. During finals week, I always somehow get sick and my medicine kit is what saves me every time.

Small Fan

Chances are you didn’t think that a fan would be important, but it totally is! It’s hard to sleep or study when you’re dripping in sweat, especially if your roommates like to keep the heat on. I got mine from my mom that we had at home, but it was a total lifesaver for me at night.

Air freshener

Whether it’s one of the plug-ins or a spray bottle, you need something to keep your room smelling good. The small space amplifies any type of odor that lingers around in your apartment. So if your roommate has stinky feet, no matter how much you clean that smell will stay around for weeks after.  By using an air freshener, you can combat the stink silently.

Rug

In my first dorm room, my floors were stained with patches of black and red stains. It looked gross and old so to fix that, I bought a rug that fit the space not covered by my bed. By adding a personal touch like a rug, it make my dorm room feel more home-y and that is was my space. I would recommend measuring the size you need first before purchasing and to move all of the included furniture to its final destination.

Are you in college and if so, what was your packing essential? I wanna know in the comments below!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Dorm Room Essentials that Most People Forget appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.