Being Braylea

Wednesday, August 5, 2020 / TTU 2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA

MY COLLEGE STORY | PICKING A MAJOR

The backstory

Let me start by saying I'm a planner. Every minute of every day is planned down to my next meal. It's just how I function best. That being said, when I was the ripe age of 18 graduating from Graham High School, everyone was asking me what my plan was. Honestly, how is anyone supposed to know exactly what they want to do? I answered that question with "Nursing" and then quickly changed the topic.

In the grand scheme of things, nursing could have been for me. I am very interested in cosmetics. Botox, Juvederm, chemical peels, etc. but that isn't what sets my soul on fire and that was the problem. This was never what I really wanted to do, it was just my plan. It was what I held onto until I couldn't hold onto it anymore.

That being said, summer (2018) I had to make a decision. I had all of my nursing basics completed and it was time to start applying to nursing schools. Even typing that makes my stomach quiver. I was terrified.

I couldn't stand the thought of going to nursing school, drawing blood, I hate needles and blood, giving shots, everything a nurse powers through.

I came to two conclusions:

1. You can fake a lot of things, nursing is not one of them.

2. I would rather do A LOT of things, than be a nurse. I wouldn't want myself as my nurse.

As soon as I admitted these realizations to myself, things began to clear up. Nursing isn't something you can do, just because. You have to have a love for it. I have the utmost respect for those in the Health Professions, it just isn't for me.

My advice to a newly grad

When I graduated High School I wanted to have it all together but the fact of the matter is, I just didn't. So if you're in that place, know it's okay. If I could go back I would have went into my first year of college "Undeclared." Most advisors don't recommend it, but it is an option. I am the first one in my family to graduate from a University, so I had to learn a lot of things on my own. If I would have went in undeclared I would have saved a lot of time and money.

4/25/20

Where I am today

I am currently a senior- Public Relations major at the school of Media and Communications at Texas Tech University. I'm proud of where I am right now. Public relations is a very broad degree and you can do with it what you want, as a creative.

I was explaining it to my mom like this; It's like a subway sandwich. haha, You can either chose one from the menu as is, or you can customize it to what you like. You can get a B.L.T cut the T, add cheese, I do this.. Or you can just order a B.L.T.

In public relations, you tailor it to you. So you could just do the basic degree plan, or you can throw a few minors in there and pick and choose which classes complement you. I've done just that.

My plan going from here

For the next year, or however long until the corona virus subsides I'm going to work as hard as I possibly can on this blog and my online shop Braylea's Bazaar. My brand. My business. I'm going to work to bring content to you that you enjoy. I hope to be able to use my blog and online shop as my main source of income. Now, I'm also going to remind you of the fact that traveling sets my heart on fire.

So, to be broad, I'd like to incorporate the two in my future. Blogging & Traveling.

I appreciate every one of you reading my post. Thank you for being here.

xx, braylea

https://www.beingbraylea.com/2020/04/where-to-buy-books-for-college.html

iPhone Hacks | How to Save a Link to your Home Screen

This post contains affiliate links

On your iPhone

You can practice with Amazon.

№ 01

First click the link here: https://rstyle.me/+CSggXs9uoheK-d6LRruToA

№ 02

At the bottom of the screen there's a square box with an arrow pointing up, click that.

№ 03

Scroll down and look for "Add to Home Screen" & click it. If you're not seeing it, you might need to scroll your finger up.

№ 04

Click "add" top right.
Or here you can change the name of the link. Then you're done!

From then on, it'll be on your home screen and easy to use.

The most commonly asked question to a newly grad is What’s Next? I can only answer that with what I think is next, but I’m still at the age where it could change at anytime haha

So what’s next?

I am going to peruse blogging through my personal blog www.beingbraylea.com. If you’re reading this, well then you’ve found it :) I use my blog as a platform to share about my day to day life and cover topics ranging from fashion to travel and more. Through this platform I am able to work with brands which generates an income. Another way I make money through my blog is by using affiliate links! Now, I’m not going to go in depth but I will leave you with the definition.

“If a visitor clicks the affiliate link and buys the product that an advertiser pays a commission for, the affiliate gets paid.”

In other words, if you shop by using the embedded links on this blog, I will make a tiny commission, tiny, but $0.20 adds up over time! You can support me by using these links when you shop or by saving them as a favorite on your computer, or adding them to your home screen on your phone. When you shop using my links, I GREATLY appreciate it.

Learn how to save a link to your home screen on THIS blog post

You can save any of these links below

Nordstrom

The other platform I am currently working on is my online store Braylea’s Bazaar. I created this online store to be unlike any other. My main focus is to bring people together, on one platform, to share the things they love. Though the website is not quite finished, I’m still working with a web developer to make it perfect- it can be found at www.shopbrayleasbazaar.com. I am hoping to have this website finished no later than July!

Not only will I be selling clothes, jewelry and home decor through Braylea’s Bazaar, I am also going to be offering personal styling and other products. I am excited for what the future holds for this small business!

The last thing I wanted to tell you is that I appreciate you. If you’re on this post, I appreciate your support and just know you have probably helped me along the way in some form or fashion.

xoxo, Bray

Other post you might like

Graduation Photos

How to save a link to your phone

Instagram page: @brayleasbazaar | Facebook Page: Being Braylea | Sign up for my email newsletter here | YouTube

TEXAS TECH GRADUATION PHOTOS

Texas Tech University Class of 2020

Braylea + Connor Graduation Photos

Thank you so much Danielle for these gorgeous graduation photos!

WHERE TO LIVE IN LUBBOCK | LUBBOCK APARTMENTS

If you're looking for a place to live in Lubbock your options are pretty broad. I'm mostly going to go over apartments in Lubbock but there are a ton of options for houses as well!

As far as houses go, the popular area to live is Tech Terrace. I rented a room in a house my first year and loved it.

Here's where I have lived

1. Home in Tech Terrace- it was a great experience and I loved it.

2. Capstone Cottages- Also a great experience and loved the complex itself. It's a little far from campus but busses do run from the complex to TTU. They are individual cottages which is nice. The units start at 3 bedrooms. linked

3. The Holly kind of?- I had a bad experience with The Holly... therefore I would not recommend it to ~~a friend~~ anyone. Long story short the model unit they let me tour before signing a lease agreement did not look like the unit I received and I broke the lease on move in day. IF you're wanting a cheap place to stay and you're not picky, maybe consider it but I wouldn't. It's also far from TTU campus.

4. I currently live at Park East Student Living. It is close to campus but has its pros and cons. I love the interior. I am in a 2 bed 2 bath unit and it's very spacious. The closet is huge, it's modern, and a pretty space. The downfall- it sits on Avenue Q which is a not a great street, I have very noisy neighbors, live on the 4th floor which is a headache when bringing groceries up, taking the dogs down 3+ times a day, etc. There is a pretty large homeless community behind the apartment complex. In my experience the apartment itself hasn't been awful, but it could be better. linked

Where I have not lived but either a friend has or I looked at it previously

Non-student living/Further from TTU

19West- I have toured these new apartments and to what I could tell they were nice! I looked at a one bed one bath apartment and really liked it. Each unit has small "backyard" areas too. If I were to stay in Lubbock, this is where I would live. It is the most budget friendly for a 1x1.

Calais at Elm Park- These are newish and very nice. They are pricey but if you're coming to Lubbock to get a job they'd be great! When I asked a friend she said pros: 1 story, attached garage, open concept, pretty features, large dog park, quiet and management is good. Her cons were "not much besides pricy, thin walls & no backyard.

The Cottages at Abby Glen view website

Close to Texas Tech University

21Hundred- I have heard it's very nice from multiple people. Check here first!

The Suites (3.7 star) at Overton Park & The Centre at Overton Park(3.9 star)- They are essentially the same complex. Similar floor plans, amenities, prices. They're across the street from one another and very close to campus. They are also both enclosed student living.

Where to avoid

Avoid

The Ranch- google it...

The Bloc

The Cottages (this is different from Capstone Cottages) - I've heard they get broken into frequently

25twenty- friends cars have gotten broken into

Final thoughts

All reviews simply come down to personal preference. All content in this post are simply my opinions. There could be an apartment that one person loves & another person hates. Take a tour, ask around, read reviews, email with management, etc.

Good luck finding somewhere in Lubbock!

If there is somewhere I didn't mention you're curious about, feel free to reach out to me and I can ask around for you!

WHERE TO BUY BOOKS FOR COLLEGE

First of all, let me spill some tea. You don't need every book your professors recommend. Now, I'm not trying to set you up for failure but that's one of the key things I've learned in my four years of college.

One mistake I made as a freshman AND sophomore was buying every single book on the syllabus before classes even started. I like to be ahead and I like to be prepared, so that's one of the things I thought would set me up for success.

However, 98% of your classmates aren't going to order the book beforehand, so assignments will be postponed a little, more than likely while the professor allows your peers time to get their book. All of this to say, just wait that time and figure out what you REALLY need.

On day one your professor is going to go over the syllabus and tell you what you need. They'll also tell you what's mandatory and what's optional. I never buy the optional material for the simple fact that someone else in the class will buy it and I can meet up with them to read. Take a photo of the extra reading. Etc.

So now that you know what you need, here is where I would recommend getting them. Any campusconnect codes, or McGraw Hill online programs you'll have to get directly from the source or your campus book store. There's really no way of saving money or getting around this. :(

For hardcopy books or MY FAV, e-books, I always check Amazon or Chegg. These are the two places where they're going to be the cheapest. The easiest way to find your book is to find out the ISBN# for the book- your prof will usually provide it, then plug that number into the search bar on both Chegg and Amazon.

When an e-book is an option, I always opt for it. For one, you can look up the answers easier- think smarter not harder & don't tell your momma I told you and two you can print out copies of the book if you like having a hard copy, so in that case, you have access to both.

Anyways, check Chegg, check Amazon, last resort your bookstore. The college bookstore is almost always more expensive.

x, bray

ps. please send this to any college kid you know!! & pin the photos below to your Pinterest for later :)

I'M WORKING ON MY FACE WHILE PRACTICING SELF-DISTANCING

Right now I'm trying to even out my skin tone and smooth the texture, so I've started using retinol.

First, I'll get you caught up to speed. What the heck is Retinol??

"Retinoids (AKA retinol and retin-A) are derived from vitamin A and the #1 anti-aging ingredient on the market. They also fight acne, fade hyperpigmentation, and resurface the skin’s texture for a smooth, even-toned complexion. they boost your cell turnover by stimulating the production of fresh, new skin cells and encourage aging/damaged cells to speed up their renewal process" - House of Preservation

Here are a few more articles/blogs to learn more about retinol

1. Surviving Retinol’s Brutal Adjustment Period

2. what is retinol? everything you’ve wanted to know explained

3. Here’s Exactly How to Use Retinol Without Killing Your Face

Some say to start incorporating a retinol into your routine around 24/25 years old. I am starting at 22, but I feel like it can't hurt starting very slowly. I plan to use it once a week for 12ish weeks, three times a year. Even though it can be used all year around.

Note your skin is going to go through a phase called retinization which is when your skin peels, is dry and is extremely delicate and sensitive. It is so important to add SPF to your daily routine.

I am choosing to start it now during self quarantine / self distancing because

1. I'm not seeing anyone with a red peeling face

2. I'm not going outside too much

3. I'm kind of bored, might as well come out of this with clear bouncy skin

Key Takeaways

Use retinol at NIGHT.

Take caution when using it by wearing SPF during the day & a hat when in direct sun.

Start with a pea size amount & low %.

My Skincare Routine

Tula Purifying Cleanser linked here

Tula Resurfacing Toner linked here

Retinol linked here

SPF 30+ I use this setting spray, this sunscreen until Tula releases their new sunscreen

Moisturizer linked here

SHOP MY ROUTINE

BUDGET FRIENDLY RETINOL

IF YOU WANT TO SPLURGE

BRAYLEA'S AT HOME WORKOUT 1

EVERYTHING YOU NEED

1. Yoga Mat

2. Resistance Bands

3. Ankle/Wrist Weights

THE WORKOUT

CARDIO/WARM UP

20 X JUMPS

20 JUMPING JACKS

LEGS Right Leg

10 Banded Squat with Lateral Leg Lift

10 Standing Banded leg abductions

10 Standing Banded Glute Kickbacks

10 Standing Banded Leg Lifts

LEGS Left Leg

10 Banded Squat with Lateral Leg Lift

10 Standing Banded leg abductions

10 Standing Banded Glute Kickbacks

10 Standing Banded Leg Lifts

Rest & Repeat

ABS

20 Bicycles
20 Plank Hip Dips

10 Right Side Plank Lifts

10 Left Side Plank Lifts

Rest & Repeat

ARMS

20 Pushups *Modify to knees*

10 Pushup to Downward Dog *Modify to knees*

Repeat the entire workout until you've reached your desired tiredness or time limit. I do this for 35-40 minutes.

Photography by Danielle E Villarreal

PLANT BASED RECIPES I LOVE

For anyone who wants to try a plant based diet, I wanted to share a few of the meals I make frequently. I don't typically use a recipe but I'll link recipes for you if you need one! Pinterest is also an amazing tool for recipes just search what you're looking for in the search bar.

1. Veggie Pad Thai linked here & here

2. Enchilada Bake here my go-to

3. Veggie Enchiladas

4. Veggie Stir Fry w Rice here

5. Green Riot Verde: A bake with roasted bell peppers, cauliflower, quinoa, spinach with a cilantro lime sauce inspo came from here

6. Spaghetti with Meatless meatballs + blistered shishito peppers or edamame is great on the side

7. Strawberry & Spinach Salad here

8. Indian cuisine inspired Veggies + Butter Masala sauce see my Instagram story titled #meatlessdiaries

9. Grilled Veggies - Get inspo here or search "grilled veggies" on pinterest

10. Meatless Burrito Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice (great to make after grilled veggies the night before)

After eating vegetarian/plant based for the past 10 weeks (see blog post here) I've found some amazing recipes. So, those are a few! Hope this helps :)

You might remember at the beginning of January I posted a blog post about starting a plant based diet. After 9 weeks, I'm here to share my thoughts about it- the good, bad, ~~gassy~~ ugly.

Going into this I wasn’t sure how I would like it or if I could even make it six weeks which was originally my goal.

Week one was a little rocky... Most vegetables are extremely high is fiber which is amazing considering most Americans don't get enough fiber in their diet.

Being one of those Americans, and making a sudden change to a plant based diet I had a lot of gas and bloating. After researching, I learned this is very normal especially if you make a sudden change or if you're eating foods you didn't typically eat which was semi- my case.

After that first week of adjusting, the bloating went away and throughout the rest of the weeks I've felt so much lighter, my digestion system has improved significantly and I've grown a new respect for eating.

Figuring out what to eat really wasn't too hard for me. I made foods that I wanted and recreated foods that are classics in my kitchen. I'll share what my favorite plant based recipes are in THIS blog post.

Here’s where I'm going from here.

I’m going to continue with a plant based diet. To this point, I haven’t truly wanted or craved a piece of steak, chicken, pork or any other land animal. However, I have wanted sushi & fish. So I want to keep an 80/20 mindset. If I want sushi on the weekends I’ll get it but as far as eating land animals- who knows when I'll eat one.

The main point I want to make is I'm not doing this for any other reason but to

1. Challenge myself to learn a new way of eating

2. Invest in organic, non-processed, high quality food

Because here's the thing. Every single thing you buy at the store has outcomes. When you buy junk you are ultimately supporting the companies who produce junk. When you buy organic, Non GMO, etc you're telling the businesses that's what you want and when you buy meat you’re VOTING for how that animal or fish was fed, caught, slaughtered and packaged.

That is ultimately what I stand behind. Not being a vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, paleo, or KETO but being mindful about what you’re eating and what you’re “voting” for.

TINTED EYEBROWS AT HOME

Dying my eyebrows has become a recent obsession.

It's beyond easy and is way cheaper than going to the salon. When I do them I use this hair dye- get the color closest to your hair color, tweezers to shape my eyebrows beforehand and then after, I trim them with scissors. Other than those three things you'll just need an eyebrow brush (I use this one by Anastasia Beverly Hills) and you're set.

Here are the products below

Watch my video tutorial for a little more of the step by step process!

Little Life Update

Seems like a good time to round up some thoughts.

First of all, TTU has completely canceled on campus classes for the remainder of the semester- which technically means I’ll never go to class again. 😳 Ever. That, I’m still trying to accept because I wasn’t quite ready for it to be over😭

Next, I am trying to be as positive as possible about being quarantined. I have so much more time on my hands so I’m going get my @brayleasbazaar website completed and plan a ton of content for my blog.

Lastly, I want to share things on my profiles and that actually help you so I thought I could round up a few of my favorite podcast, books, or other things I’m doing during the time being to actually stay productive. Look forward to that soon!

x, bray

Braylea's #Meatlessdiaries

For the past few months I have ate nothing but junk. Between the holidays, two weeks in Colorado and a wild semester last semester, I gave myself every excuse to eat all the food. I'm officially ready to get it together and give my body to food it deserves.

For the next 6 weeks I am cutting meat out of my diet. Going to see how being a Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian taste and feels. And to be honest, meat has been making me squeamish. A few weeks ago, Connor and I went to Texas Roadhouse for a steak and I ate maybe 4 bites of it and I was done. So I want to cut it completely out of my diet for a minute- do a little reset, you know? I also want to see if I enjoy a meatless diet, how it works for me, etc. You never know until you try!

I'm sharing every recipe I plan to cook so that if you want to do this with me you can! Or just try one of these recipes, you don't have to go vegetarian ;)

Oh, I can't for get to mention- none of these recipes or images of the food are mine! All of the original websites are linked!