My First Freelance

So far my summer has been filled with online Chemistry, AP U.S. History and AP Language Arts assignments, a trip to Myrtle Beach and college visits. 

 Most importantly, it has been filled with a group of tremendous people who are willing to help me live out my dream as a freelance writer.

During my sophomore year, I worked as a staffer for my high school newspaper.  Part of the newspaper experience at my school includes a Partners in Education program.  The goal of the program is to let students get hands on experience and guidance from professionals within the field, in this case journalism.  

Our Partners in Education mentors were Anna Powers and Sarah Ristorcelli.  Together, the two make up Powers and Ristorcelli Content Agency.  

After numerous workshops and exercises, the two ladies sponsored a writing competition especially for our newspaper staff.  The competition was judged by Shea Glenny, Megan Padilla and Hancel Deaton.  

On the last day of sophomore year I received the incredible news that I had won the contest. Not only did I receive a wonderful cake, an awesome Starbucks gift card and a check, but also the opportunity to write a freelance piece.

LINK TO MY CONTEST PIECE

Shea Glenny, contest judge and Director of weVENTURE, was kind enough to seek me out for this opportunity.  She and her awesome assistant Diana Lawrie helped me get my first published freelance work.

The two are helping me connect with some amazing people.  Through these connections I have been mentored by Marco Santana from Orlando Sentinel, wrote a guest blog post for Orlando Tech Association and a peice for the Canvs newsletter.


LINK TO MY ORLANDO TECH PIECE


LINK TO MY CANVS PIECE


Glenny also awarded me a scholarship to Pam Hoelzle's How to Start Something Workshop.  The event not only provided me with further networking opportunities, but also a clearer vision of what I hope to pursue.

I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me fulfill this much, I feel so blessed. 

For any girl in the Orlando area who hopes to get a jumpstart in her career,  I highly suggest you contact the people at weVENTURE.  You will be amazed by the things you can accomplish.

       

Surviving Wisdom Teeth Removal

This past 2 weeks I have endured the pain, struggle and sacrifice that comes with wisdom teeth removal.  

The truth is that the experience varies from person to person.  For me the pain wasn't so much of a physical pain, but rather an emotional one due to the fact I couldn't eat the foods I wanted.  All in all, it was a humbling experience haha.

Before I went into surgery I was incredibly nervous.  I spent hours looking at wisdom teeth aftermath videos on YouTube and researching articles.  I was also really nervous about how I would react under anesthesia.  

There are three ways a person can react:

Turns out I'm the emotional type.  I don't remember much after the IV was placed under my arm.  My dental surgeon did a good job of relaxing me while I drifted into unconsciousness.  

I do remember waking up and uncontrollably crying.  I just thought to myself, Oh! That's what they mean about being emotional under anesthesia.

My dental surgeon's assistant tried calming me down by saying, "Relax, relax it's just the medication."

 Everything was blurry for a while, I was crying and numb all over my mouth.  I couldn't get up on my own but I had control of my mental faculties, for the most part.

My first three days after the surgery would probably be the worst.  The swelling is what got the better of me.  For a long time I couldn't brush my teeth properly or touch my top and bottom teeth together. 

For the first 24 hours it is recommended to use cold to soothe the swelling and pain. This is what I used, it worked quite effectively:   

After the 24 hours, I transitioned to heat by warming damp towels in the microwave.                  


As for my diet during the past 2 week it has been limited to:

Trader Joe's Carrot Ginger Soup was good. It reminded me of squash soups I have had in the past.

I also doctored up my instant mashed potatoes by adding cheese and cilantro in it.

For a treat I had a taro milk slush from Chewy Boba Company, sadly I couldn't have the boba but it was still delicious! 

* Gnocchi and fish are also good meal choices as you approach the 2nd week.


Although I wouldn't say getting your wisdom teeth removed is an enjoyable experience, it is not unbearable.  Just make sure that you are prepared, that way you will have an easy recovery.  Good luck to any of you who have to get the procedure done yourself!

Ciao,

       Monique

Tracks of the Month: June

Here are 5 tracks I've loved during the month of June 2015:

1.  Dreams by Beck (Alternative): 

2. Someone New by Hozier (Alternative):

3. Girl Crush by Little Big Town (Country):

4. Cheerleader by OMI (Electronic):

 5. Classic Man by Jidenna (Hip Hop):

 *Links for mobile:
1. Dreams ~ Beck
2. Someone New ~ Hozier
3. Girl Crush ~ Little Big Town
4  Cheerleader ~ OMI
5. Classic Man ~ Jidenna

Ciao,

       Monique

Celebrating Life in Myrtle Beach

I had the pleasure of kick starting my summer vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  The town has a real southern American feel, which is a drastic change from the very diversified culture of Florida.

I could, however, relate to the great touristic influence it has.  The place was heaping with tourist traps, attractions, mini golf courses, museums, water parks and theaters.  

The beaches were filled with people basking in the sunlight and enjoying the Atlantic seawater.  The streets were filled with concert goers headed to the Carolina Country Music Fest.

View of the Sky Wheel on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk

We were blessed enough to stay at the wonderful Embassy Suites Kingston Plantation.  The suite was a spacious, condo style living area with a fantastic view of the oceanfront. 

    

View from one of our balconies

Best continental breakfast I've ever had!

While there, we celebrated my favorite (and only) aunt's birthday. 

My aunt and I chillin in the balcony

Although I greatly enjoyed the trip, I have no real interest in going back.  I am too spoiled and biased with my love for Florida.  There wasn't anything significantly great that Florida did not already have.

Ciao,

       Monique

Tracks of the Month: May

Here are 5 tracks I've loved during the month of May 2015:

1.  When I Found You by Francesco Yates (R&B Pop): 

2. Remember by Feki (Electronic):

3. Some Minds by Flume ft. Andrew Wyatt (Electronic):

4. Kathleen by Catfish and the Bottlemen (Indie Rock):

 5. Need You Now by Hot Chip (Techno):

 *Links for mobile:
1. When I Found You ~ Francesco Yates
2. Remember ~ Feki
3. Some Minds ~ Flume ft. Andrew Wyatt
4  Kathleen ~ Catfish and the Bottlmen
5. Need You Now ~ Hot Chip

Ciao,

       Monique

Light, yet mighty breakfast

I don't normally eat heavy breakfasts, which often leads to me not eating as healthy as I could in the mornings.  However, I recently conjured up a super easy (and healthy) recipe suitable for those of us who like to eat light in the morning:



Avocado + Toast

Ingredients:

• avocado
• powdered cayenne pepper
• salt
• extra virgin olive oil
• whole grain toast

Instructions:

Cut up avocado slices. Sprinkle cayenne pepper and salt to your liking.  Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.  Accompany with whole grain toast.

Health Benefits:

Avocado - filled with potassium, healthy fatty acids, antioxidants and lutein 

Cayenne Pepper - anti-allergen, digestion aid, promotes heart health

Extra Virgin Olive Oil - healthy fatty acids, antioxidants, promotes heart health, can lower cholesterol and blood pressure

Whole Grain Toast - digestive aid, can lower cholesterol and blood pressure

*The tea in the picture is a delicious loose white tea infused with roses, Chelsea Garden Blend.  I picked up the tea at the Whittard in Covent Garden on my trip to London.  Whittard's teas are seriously good!

Ciao,

       Monique

  

Vero Beaching It

I don't go swimming at the beach very often, but after spending a great weekend with my family at Vero Beach I plan on increasing my visits to the Floridian shoreline.

Vero Beach is a quaint little town.  The people are hospitable and the ambiance is inviting.  The town is ideal for those wanting to get away from hectic city life.  During my stay I was very shocked by how quiet the nights are there.  Plazas all about were bare and empty at 9 p.m.  Quite different from most of Florida's cities.

Craving seafood, we devoured a local favorite, Mr. Manatees.  The food was incredible!  The seafood was fresh and flavorful with a slight island twist.  So much so my family was surprised to find a collection Matouk's pepper sauce on the shelves (Trinidadian hot sauce).  

Seafood Gumbo

Cracked Conch Basket

Blackened Salmon

Vero Beach was a great getaway, I hope to be back soon.

Ciao,

       Monique