You know… there’s something about NYC that just seems to ignite a new and “improved” me. Maybe it’s the hustle… or the humidity. Either way, my wheels are turning, and I’m ready to manifest.

So first things first, I hope everyone has been LIVING life to the fullest this summer. Whether it’s just spending more time outdoors (yes to longer days!!) or just being eventful or simply doing things you’ve put a hold on the rest of the year, I truly hope you are living.

If not, here are some tips on what you can do for yourself this summer!

Get active

Summer only means one thing: OUTDOOR WORKOUTS (unless you’re in SoCal and have nice weather year round LOL). Since summer began, I’ve been on the lookout for outdoor workouts because a) the weather is great and b) most of them are free. LOL. If you’re in the NYC area, check out my post here on how you can work out for FREE.

Treat Yourself

I don’t just mean “treat/cheat meals.” In fact, I vow to eliminate those very words from my vocabulary. I just recently started a healthy relationship with food again. At some point during Spring semester, I had a love/hate relationship with food… to a point where I would literally be sad for eating Hot Cheetos WHILE eating Hot Cheetos. I was a mess, but here I am — happily eating anything and everything. I don’t mean going out and getting ice cream all the time (okay maybe…?); I just mean learning to love yourself is key. Food is GOOD for you. It’s time to adopt a healthy relationship with it this summer. Ready, set, GO!

Make Every Minute Count

Speaking of GO, living in NYC has honestly shaped me to become a better person.. aka being on time to everything. I wasn’t always the kind to be late, BUT now, I value every minute to the core. Maybe it’s because I know my time in the city is limited? Or maybe it’s just one of the many perks of living here. Either way, make every minute count.

Here’s a quick story: I grew up wearing watches. From a Minnie Mouse watch, a Marc Jacobs one, to even those Simpsons watches from McD’s happy meals (remember those?), I collected them all and wore a different one every day. I mean, we change our underwear each day; why not change our watch too?

I remember a horrible decision I once made; I decided to wear a Marc by Marc Jacobs watch to the gym one day and it so happened that I passed out at the gym (a story for a different day?). Upon falling gracefully, my watch broke and cut me a little. Looking back, it was pretty sad, but what was I thinking wearing a nice watch to the gym?!

Moral of the story is: I’ve always been one to sport a watch. In fact, my mom would never let me leave the house without one! (Thanks Mom!) And this summer, I found a new one to wear. Ladies (& maybe gents if you’re reading), I present to you JORD Watches. My favorite part of this particular collection is the fact that it’s wooden. I feel like the wood pretty much adds to the summer vibes/aesthetic, and I’m all for it. Plus you know me and my budget.

If you’re shopping around for an affordable cool watch, I highly recommend JORD. You can personalize it to make it your very own, AND it is perfect for those wanting to adopt a minimalist style this summer. I chose the Cassia Ebony and Sable, and can’t get enough of it! JORD offers unique men’s watches for that special guy in your life, and gorgeous watches for yourself! I’m all for a cute classic timeless piece.

Also, you should know I am hosting a giveaway with JORD! Enter to get $100 credit towards a watch of your choice… AND every entrant will receive a little something too 😉 Good luck!!