Guess Who’s Back

Hello Strangers!

I can’t believe it’s been 6 months since my last blog post. Shame on me! You’re probably wondering where I’ve been, or not; I’m going to let you know anyways. As many of you know in May I graduated college. Last semester kicked. my. butt. On top of final projects and enjoying every last moment I had with my friends everything else was lost in the mix. Let me tell you though, we had some fun! Then in June it was back to business with work and since then I’ve been focused on that. Then of course me being me, I’m making a few pretty huge changes (which I’ll let you guys in on soon). So in a nutshell I’m still everyone’s favorite hot mess. 

So now why am I back? Well, I had a reality check the other day when my best friend texted me asking me why I stopped blogging. Honestly, I didn’t have an answer for her. I didn’t even realize people would notice. Since then I’ve been determined to get back to it. I don’t have anything specific to write about today other than my messy life but I figured some writing is better than no writing, right? At the end of the day I’m just a 22 year old girl fitting the pieces of her life together, and I’m having fun doing it. So here’s to that! 

Talk to you soon (for real this time).  

xo Rickie 

Life Update | Change of Mindset

Well it’s fair to say that 2017 has gotten off to a fast start. Already I have a new job, new goals, and new motivation! A big focus of mine for this year is mental health. I’ve said it a million times but last semester was really difficult for me in a variety of ways. I’ve made some positive changes that have lead to where I am now. I am getting comfortable with my lifestyle and spending more time doing the things that I enjoy. I just want to share some actions I’ve taken to change my mindset for the semester.

Find a hobby and stick to it

For the past 5 weeks or so I’ve gotten back into fitness. This is not long at all, I know but it’s something new and exciting. It gives me confidence when I see self-improvement. I also look forward to this part of the day. I know it sounds cheesy but I really changed my routine and have had incredible support from my roommates. Which leads me to my next point.

04433e4b7642d0c982dd396d7143653a

Share that hobby with someone you love

My roommates, man I love them. Being able to share something with people who are just as excited as you is so incredible. It’s motivating, reassuring, and such a great place to push each other. We’ve taken boxing classes, yoga classes, done workout plans and more. It’s just nice to share something with someone you love, and in this case its my friends.

Make sure to schedule some time for yourself

Spend time alone!!! I’ve been learning a bit about mediation and just clearing my head, and it makes a world of a difference. I use the app Headspace for meditation and it’s a great tool for beginners. Sleeping does not count (although you should be getting plenty). Put your phone away and just free yourself from the world for a few minutes. It’s harder than it sounds, but it pays off.

Read a book- one that can help you grow

I’ve tried to make it a point to replace binge watching Netflix with reading a good book. Personally I enjoy psychological, business, and self-help books. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll watch Netflix here and there but I just want to feed my brain with more positivity, rather than obsessing over these dramatic shows. Right now I’m reading You are a Badass by Jen Sincero and I highly recommend it.

dbf82cc83196cff4178d594b99e3bf2e

As for beauty, don’t worry I’m still obsessed. I’m still buying makeup and will hopefully be getting some reviews up for you guys. I’m just working on getting this new schedule down.    Until then thanks for reading and I’ll talk to you soon!

xo Rickie

How to be an Effective Hire

There are articles on articles on how to get your dream job. This is not one of them. It is however, a compilation of tips in order for you to excel in your position. Getting hired can be difficult but once you are there it is important to stay on top. I’m someone who is constantly looking at the next step. I aspire to be the best at whatever I do, even if the job is a small one. Because of this, I have seen a lot of success in my college career and work life. Here are some tips I suggest for you to be indispensable to your company!

Ask Questions… but only when necessary

Asking questions is something many people don’t take the opportunity to do. By asking questions, it shows that you want to be sure of your work. It also shows a higher level of care. As a new hire, you will have many questions. However, you do not want to run to your boss with every question you have. Your boss is busy and does not need to be asked questions like “where do we keep the stapler?”

As a new hire, try to figure out things on your own, it is how you learn best. You would not have been hired if you were not capable to do the job, so trust yourself. If you tried everything/everywhere, then ask a colleague. Figure out the chain of command, so to speak. Only ask your boss when absolutely necessary.

Be the “go-to” man/woman

Once you are settled in, figure out what you’re best at, then use it to your advantage. Will you be the techy that fixes everyone’s computer issues? Whatever it is, be dependable. This means doing more than you signed up for, yes, but no one gets promoted by doing less than they’re asked.

Act/Dress for the job you want, not the job you have

Let’s say you’re finally working for your dream company, but you’re only an intern, or entry-level. Hold yourself to a high standard. You can never be overdressed. Always be professional. The way you walk, talk, and even dress says a lot about you (for better or for worse).

Pay Attention

The biggest successes can come from simply paying attention to the world around you. Pay attention to the office culture. Pay attention when your boss talks about their hobbies/family/etc. You never know what connections you may draw from a conversation.

Never stop learning

You got the job, great. You still have a long way to go! Every day you should go into work with the intent of learning something new. It could be about the company, your position, a client, etc. Working does not mean you stop learning. Everything you learn here may help you in your future.

Think Ahead

The actions you take today will effect your life tomorrow, and so on. Ask yourself: how can this help me in the long run? By doing this you will not only get the most out of this experience but also make sense of how what you’re doing now can get you to that next step.

Following these tips will give you a head start at making a great impression at work. It is up to you to apply them. Take note that these tips alone will not make you indispensable. There is always work to be done and if you are not doing your job, forget the rest. If you want to keep moving up the ladder, I suggest following the tips above. Please share any other tips in the comments!

xo Rickie

Finals Week | You Can Do This

It’s the end of the semester. Should I cheer or continue to drown in the amount of work I have left to do. The happiest time of the year is right around the corner but it’s so hard to see through all the work that needs to be done. Finals are no doubt the most stressful point in the semester but you can do this.

I have this conversation with myself every single year. After four years you would think I would be able to manage the stress that comes with finals week and yet here I am not knowing what to do first. I know I’m not alone. I know there are others struggling just as much if not more than I am. You can do this.

I’m writing today to free my mind of everything that stressing me out. I’m writing to tell myself that I can get through this next week. I’m writing for everyone who thinks that they can’t accomplish what needs to be done. There are enough hours in the day. Everything will get done. We can do this.

The amount of stress a college student experiences throughout the semester is unlike anything we’ve experienced thus far in our lives. I’m partially writing to motivate others, and I’m partially writing to motivate myself. While everyone is saying everything will work out it’s hard to believe. For the past week or so we’ve been living off coffee and most likely junk food. We haven’t been sleeping nearly enough hours. And our minds are already home with our families for the holidays.

I know I speak for many college students as I write this but most importantly I speak for myself. I can do this, you can do this, we can do this.

Good luck on finals everybody. Take the next month for yourself for your family for your loved ones and relax. The end is near. Now let’s finish strong.

Monthly Goals | December 2016

Ahhhhh! What a year it has been! The best month of them all is just beginning however 🙂 December is my favorite month for many reasons: it’s my birthday month; the holidays are here; Christmas music; family; and of course BREAK FROM SCHOOL (much needed). As I explained in my Let’s Play Catch-Up post, I’m feeling motivated so I’m going to set some goals for the month.

1. Blog Regularly

Throughout December my goal is to blog at the very least once a week. Blogging is a big stress reliever for me. I can just sit and write whatever is on my mind. This semester has been extremely challenging for me and I’ve put blogging aside. I want to finish the year strong and have a blogging schedule for the new year.

2. Apply for at least 5 jobs of interest to me

Some time off from school allows me to focus on what is ahead. Graduation is right around the corner and although I prefer to avoid the topic at all costs, I need to be prepared. I’ve begun applying and interviewing for jobs that are safe and in my comfort zone but my goal is to reach outside that zone. Doing this over vacation will allow me to perfect my cover letter, resume, and really get thinking on where I want to be.

3. Recuperate

This is pretty self explanatory. I’m not sure what my method for recuperation will be yet (spa day possibly?) but I know I need it. My stress levels are through the roof with finals coming up and I plan to take the second half of the month to relax.

4. Read a book (or two)

Reading is one of my favorite things to do. I would love to just stay in bed all day cozied up with a good book, a delicious candle, and some tea. Reading is another thing that relaxes my mind and I really don’t do it enough. I have two books lined up for break and I plan to get through them.

5. Clean my room at home

For the past four years, I’ve been bouncing back between school and my house. Throughout this time I’ve accumulated so many items that I’m running out of space. I’ll be moving back home in the spring and it’d be really nice if I could make some room for my stuff. I have a hard time parting ways with everything: clothes, books, greeting cards; you name it. I’m counting on my mom to help me with this one because if I do it alone I’ll keep everything.

These are my goals for December. I wish you all a wonderful month full of love and cheer!

xo Rickie

 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Summer 2016

Hi loves!

I’m so happy to be back to blogging. I thought I would have a chance here and there to blog in Brazil but we were extremely busy and the wifi was very spotty. Either way I had the time of my life and I was so sad to leave. If you didn’t know, I had the opportunity to travel to Rio de Janeiro for 12 days as part of a seminar abroad for school. What a way to kick off my senior year! We went to 6 Olympic events, volunteered at one the the city’s largest favelas, staffed a high-profile event for the United States Truce Foundation, and of course did all of the fun touristy things in Rio!

I could write about this experience for ever and ever but we all know pictures are worth 1000 words. Here are some highlights from my trip.

Day One: We volunteered at Project Favela. Here we donated school supplies and brought candy to all of the kids in the neighborhood. We also installed mosquito nets. 

Day 2: Sugarloaf Mountain and Escalaria Selaron

img_7052

Day 3: Rowing, Corcovado, Copacabana 

img_7041

Day 4: United States Truce Foundation event 

img_7046

Day 5: Olympic Tennis and Churros

Day 6: Indoor Volleyball and International Broadcast Center

Day 7: Fencing

Day 8: Table Tennis and Copacabana

img_7300

Day 9: Athletics and Japan House to preview the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Day 10: Petropolis & Brewery Tour

img_7458

Day 11: Hike and Goodbyes


I had the most incredible time in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I definitely plan to return in the future. This experience however, my first Olympic Games, can never be topped! Thanks for bearing with me through this summer of travels. Like always, thank you for reading and talk to you soon!

xo Rickie

August Goals

Happy August!

What a summer it’s been, and the best is yet to come! For new subscribers and readers, it’s important that you know how I set monthly goals for my self to help achieve my larger goals for the year. These are things that may seem small but keep me on track and focused on the big picture. With that being said lets jump right in.

1. Declutter my room

I can hear my mom laughing as she read this. I’m what some may call a “pack-rat”. I keep things for way too long and find it impossible to let items go. I’ve been really great this summer in doing this so far but I can definitely do more. I’m trying to live less cluttered but it’s so difficult! We all gotta start somewhere.

2. Get back in school mode

While you’re reading this I’m probably off in Brazil having the time of my life but soon after I will have to flip on the school switch. I can’t believe I’m going into my senior year!

3. Let down my guard a little..only a little

As I said I’m going to be a senior in college. I can’t believe how fast the time has gone by. These really have been the best years of my life but I’m often known as the one who’ll stay in and study on a Saturday night. Usually I’m okay with that but because it’s my last year I want to spend as much time as possible with the friends I’ve become so close with over the years.

4. Think about the big picture

In college it’s so easy to live day by day with no worries. Going into my last year I need to start understanding my place in the world. Where I belong and what I want to be/do is a decision that has crept up so fast and I really need to start putting more thought into that.

5. Don’t let anxiety get the best of me

Some of my readers may know I am a very anxious person. My biggest fear is being underprepared. However, I’ve come to cope with anxiety pretty well over the past month and would like to continue doing so. I don’t want anxiety to be the reason I miss out on opportunities of a lifetime!

These are my goals for the month of August. I know some of these seem vague but they make sense in my head and that’s all that matters. I wish you all have an amazing month and enjoy the last of summer!

xo Rickie

**P.S. I’m headed to Brazil tomorrow so I may be absent for a week or so. To keep up with me follow me on Instagram or on my blog for Brazil.

Blog Update & Upcoming Giveaway!

Hi everyone!

I mentioned in my last post that I will be posting a lot more when summer arrives and I just wanted to give a few updates regarding the direction of my blog! Don’t panic, it’s nothing major but I started this blog with no idea what I wanted to do and the more I write the more I realize what I enjoy. I wanted to share some thoughts with my followers before making any major changes!

For starters, I’m think of changing my site name. FAR are my initials which is how I originally came up with the name but I really want my blog to grow and this name feels like its holding me back. I want it to be more focused on the content of my writing. I’m thinking something regarding school and beauty or like lifestyle related but I can’t think of anything catchy enough yet! If you have any ideas feel free to share them below :).

When I started my blog, I wasn’t a fan of hosting giveaways as I thought people would just follow me because of this. What I didn’t realize is how much I would connect with my followers. I’m VERY close to 100 followers and I want to say thank you to everyone who is a part of that. I’ve decided that once I hit 100 followers I will host my first giveaway! I’m actually pretty excited about it!

Finally, I want to incorporate more of my life into my blog. By this I mean experiences I have, places I go, feelings I express and so on. I have a few things in mind but I wanted to introduce the idea first! Some of my favorite posts to read are those that get personal because they are so relatable.

Be on the lookout for all of these changes but know it’s still me just enjoying blogging and living my life!

Also, while we’re talking updates. I started a new blog last week that is surrounded around my trip to Rio de Janeiro this summer for the Olympic Games. I will be posting from now until we come back in August! This is going to be such an incredible journey and if you’d like to follow along check it out here.

That’s all I have for now! Talk soon!

xo Rickie

Follow me on Instagram: @asfarasiknowit

May Goals | 2016

HOW IS IT MAY?!?!

Ok, so I mentioned it in a previous post but April is the absolute worst month for college students. I feel like a have not had a half hour to myself in weeks. I did accomplish most of last month’s goals regardless of all the stress, but it’s a new month and I’m ready to start fresh. Here are my goals for the month of May.

Keep it together

I have two weeks of school left. That’s it, two weeks. I need to manage not to have a meltdown every day because I am so ready to be done! I’m trying to just take it day by day so hopefully that helps but it is not easy. I just need to stay positive a little bit longer!

Continue with my healthier eating habits

If you saw my April Goals you would know that I wanted to change my eating habits as I was not feeling well. I began a gluten free diet and I have been feeling SO much better! I took a complete 180. I’m not one to diet or anything. I love pizza and I live off junk food. This was something that was extremely hard for me to do and I am really proud of myself for sticking to it. I plan to stick to this through May! (Side note fir those curious  I do plan on getting tested for gluten intolerance/allergy but for now I’m self diagnosed lol)

Start working out again

Eating healthier has made me feel so much better and therefore have energy to do more. Now that I have this energy I want to use it to my benefit. Over the summer, or at least for now, I want to start getting out and jogging at least just for the fun of it. I always feel great after I work out but it’s getting to do it that’s the struggle. Hopefully with more free time I’ll be motivated.

Be more outgoing/creative with my time

Too often my summers pass by and when someone asks what I did I can’t really think of anything. While I want to relax, I want even more to do the things I say I’ve always wanted to. For example I want to go hiking, fishing, take a road trip, and other things my introverted self usually turns away from. While I love Netflix, I want to do more with my time. I really want to focus on getting outside and just enjoying the days.

Hit 100 blog followers

I believe I’m around 90 followers and I’d love to hit 100 before the end of the month. My posts have been scattered lately but once the semester ends I will be posting much more. As soon as I hit 100 I would love to do a giveaway of some sort so let me know if you have any ideas! Blogging is something I’ve truly fallen in love with over the past year and I can’t believe I’m so close to 100!

Read!!!!!

My favorite part about summer is all the time I have to read. I know it’s not summer yet but finals are next week and as far as I’m concerned that means summer is here! I really enjoy reading and I already have some books lined up. For those of you who don’t know I’m taking a seminar abroad course this summer and heading to Rio for the Olympic Games! While it’s super exciting, there is coursework to be done including two book reports so I’d like to get those done asap so I can look froward to the trip!

I’m so relieved that May is here. I’m a bit nervous because that means my junior year is over and I need to mentally prepare to be a senior but that can wait a few months. For now I want to focus on these smaller scale goals and just enjoy myself. Thanks for reading and be ready for a lot more  posts!!

xo Rickie

April Goals | 2016

Happy April!

Apparently we’re supposed to get snow here in Massachusetts this week so it’s hard to even think it’s April! March was a bit rough for me as the semester winds down but I’m looking forward to a new month. With that being said it’s time to set some monthly goals!

1. Stay Positive 

This goal is a bit vague but I’ve been really struggling with my anxiety lately and I’m looking at April as a fresh start. For those who struggle with anxiety I’m sure you know how I feel. Stressful times like the semester’s end can take a huge toll. I’m really appreciative of my friends and family for all the support lately and am doing my best to stay positive and avoid this cycle:images.jpeg

 

2.  Better Eating Habits

This isn’t really a healthier eating goal but rather a get myself together goal. With everything being hectic lately my eating patterns are all over the place. I’ve been skipping meals some days, eating at 11pm others and I really just need to get back to a normal diet.

3. Go on more dates

This may sound silly but Bryan and I have been focusing on saving rather than spending but I’m in need of a good ole date. Nothing crazy, maybe just a movie night here and there but I want to spend some quality time with my best friend (which is apparently easier said than done). Time with him is a breath of fresh air.

married-date-night-ideas.jpg

4. Come up with original/new blog ideas

I’ve been really trying to be more creative when brainstorming blog posts. I like my monthly posts such as goals, favorites, etc. but I’m looking to incorporate more original content. With summer right around the corner, I’ll have much more free time to write so I want to have ideas ready

5. Finish Strong

Even with everything going on my first priority is school. There ikeep-calm-and-finish-strong.jpg
s about a month and a half of the semester and I really want to finish strong. I’m trying to avoid distractions and stay motivated but it can be really difficult.
I think if I really focus and work hard I can keep my grades high and head into my senior year stronger than ever. (Yes, saying senior year may or may not have just made me tear up).

These are my goals for April! I think they’re all attainable and I’m really looking forward to working at them all month. Thanks for reading!

xo Rickie