This month has been one of growth and new beginnings. I moved to Italy, began college, living for the first time on my own and in a new place. Though much personal learning has been made through my experiences this month, I never neglect to take notice of the things I do, eat, watch, listen to, and otherwise consume, that shape my experience. Here is a list of things that have shaped the past month for me. I hope you find them useful and enjoy them as a supplement to your own journey.
To Do:
Contact your Senator or Congressperson-
It’s easy! All you have to do is go to https://whoismyrepresentative.com/ and send your state’s Senator an email, fax, or give a phone call to let your opinions be heard about a multitude of issues. I recently sent Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R) an email to speak my mind about tightening the gun control laws in the U.S. Here are some good issues to cause a stir about: gun control, birth control, the wage gap, abortion laws, LGBTQ adoption rights, planned parenthood funding, and more. In the wise words of the Lorax: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not.”
Take a class-
It’s always a good time to learn something new. Expand your mind and challenge yourself. Find something that you are interested in and take a class or a lesson on it. If you don’t know where to start, here are a few ideas: art class, cooking class, piano lessons, photography class, learn a new language, sports lessons, crafting class, yoga or pilates class, a class on a topic you are interested in (science, litterature, history, ext.) Never stop growing.
Book a trip-
You’ve been thinking about it forever and working like you will go “one day”. Today is the day. Pick it, book it, and go! Your typical, everyday life will be just the same as it always is when you return. The world is waiting!
Go on a walk-
One of my favorite things to do is to put on my tennis shoes, put in my headphones, and take a walk outside. Take a break from the stresses and mundaneness of your everyday life and explore a new place, people watch and get out in nature. I would also recommend listening to a podcast to add some entertainment and knowledge to your experience. Try any of the ones I’ve recommended below and you will not be disappointed.
Have a picnic-
I love picnics. Make a yummy homemade vegan meal and grab a blanket. Go to an open park, beside a river, the beach, or anyplace that you can get some nature. It’s simple, cost-effective, and always a good time with friends and loved ones.
To Eat:
Figs-
I can’t seem to get enough figs lately. They are like candy to me. So sweet and delicious all in the perfect little handheld fruit. Grab a basket of them for the perfect “anywhere” snack.
Vegan Chilli-
Chilli is one of the things I love about home. It’s warm and hearty and reminds me of sitting around with my family with the windows open to let in the cool fall air. Since being away from home this, making homemade chili has been a real comfort. It’s delicious and (when done right) can be the perfect healthy comfort food.
Rice cakes-
My cheap college staple. Everyone has their easy go-to snack and lately rice cakes with razzberry jam have been mine. It’s like my version of the classic college student Ramen noodle diet.
Green Lentils-
Also been a staple of my diet lately. They are cheap, easy to make, and the perfect brain food. They make me feel so good and satisfied all the same. Love Love Love
Green tea-
Warm, simple, and good for the soul. I like to drink it plain or add some lemon to make it even more cleansing.
To Listen:
The Tony Robbins Podcast-
Tony Robbins is so great and inspirational. He covers topics relating to self-growth, business, and more whilst interviewing some of the Nations top professionals.
Pod save America-
A political podcast that in informative and entertaining regarding our nations biggest political topics and current events.
Ted Talks Daily-
It’s like a Ted Talk, but it’s a podcast! I love Ted Talks, especially when I can listen to them on the go. Put it on in the background of any daily activity and gain some good knowledge without even moving.
Another Round-
A Buzzfeed podcast hosted by two hilarious African- American women who banter about our countries political climate and a whole host of social issues while giving a perspective through the lens of the African- American community.
These Spotify Playlists-
70’s Road Trip Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWWiDhnQ2IIru
My Morning Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/user/bellabogle/playlist/0iISTpqp6KeLjtBOAoQbBY
This is: Taylor Swift:
https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX5KpP2LN299J
To Watch:
1o things I hate about you-
I love this movie. A 90’s rom-com with a powerhouse female lead who tests the limits and social norms of a typical teenage girl. A 90’s twist on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”. A perfect choice for movie night.
The Sound of Music-
An absolute classic and personal favorite. Makes me nostalgic to my younger years when I would watch it with my brothers on long road trips. If you haven’t seen this movie at least twice, you better get watching.
Tales by light-
A super cool docu-series on Netflix that follows several Professional adventure photographers as they test the limits for the perfect shot.
The Blue Lagoon-
When I was younger I wanted to be Brooke Sheilds in this movie. Timeless and entertaining. This coming-of-age movie about a girl and boy stranded at sea will warm your heart with the simple human nature of discovery and love.
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver-
John Oliver tells it like it is. Every video containing commentary from political to economic to social is spot on and hilarious. I highly recommend if you are looking for something to watch while cooking up a yummy plant-based meal 🙂
This Ted Talk-
https://youtu.be/YMyofREc5Jk – A funny perspective of cultural differences told by someone who possesses many cultural identities himself.
To Read:
“Daisy Miller” By Henry James-
I recently had to read the story of curious Daisy Miller, an American girl living in Florence (just like me!) for my “Women in Litterature” class. I was thoroughly entertained by its depiction of a 20th-century feminist to be, Daisy, and her curious adventures in Florence.
“Flush” by Virginia Woolf-
I only read a few excerpts from this book but I loved all of what I read. Set from the perspective of Elizabeth Barret Browning’s dog named Flush, a self-proclaimed aristocrat of Florence, this story will entertain you in a funny way through an unfamiliar point of view.
“Rappaccini’s Daughter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne-
Also a story I had to read for my “Women in Literature” class that I loved. This story tales of Beatrice, a sort of “mad scientists” daughter, who was birthed and bread as one of his mad experiments herself. Almost like a 20th-century twist on Frankenstein. I loved it so much that I am doing my mid-term paper focusing on the symbolism of “flowers” as they appear in the story.
These Articles-
https://www.richroll.com/blog/10-reasons-to-consider-a-plant-based-diet/
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/03/opinion/stephen-paddock-las-vegas-terrorism.html
To Follow:
@earthyandy – Vegan mom of two adorable boys from Hawaii. I love to see their plant-based recipes and fairytale-like lifestyle.
@runningvegannyc – A page I always look at for food inspo and recipes!
@vgpatisserie – A vegan pastry shop in Paris that I actually visited! Their Instagram feed is filled with mouth-watering cakes and pastry’s, and all vegan.
@livealittlegelato – Vegan gelato shop in Australia. Yum!
@sue_elizabeth – A cool small business artist from Australia that I found on Instagram. Colorful paintings with a cool abstract style.
@michelleobama – The most amazing former First Lady. Such an incredible activist and an inspiration to women everywhere <3
