I have a very basic taste in music. I like what’s popular on the radio and artists that most people have heard at least a song or two from. Think Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Drake, Ariana Grande, etc. But I do really love music. I think people with musical talent are so cool and I wish I could sing or play an instrument (maybe I’ll try an instrument one day). Over the years, YouTube has helped me figure out that I like when popular music has a twist. Acapella music is fun to listen to, music made with other objects, parodies, and more.
One of my favorite musicians for this is Kurt Hugo Schneider. He collaborates with singers and other musicians to make popular songs unique. One of my favorites is I Don’t Wanna Live Forever by Taylor Swift and Zayn, but made with just singing and cups. The Cup Song was made popular by Pitch Perfect, and he used it in this song really well.
Another one I like is when he used a potato to remake Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish.
I love seeing people being creative and loving what they do, and I think both are true for Kurt.
My mom loves to bake. I remember being a kid and using a kitchen chair as a step stool to help my mom at the stand mixer. As I got older, I slowly stopped helping and just ate the wonderful creations coming out of the kitchen, but during quarantine, I’ve started helping again.
So far, we’ve made sprinkle cupcakes, a shaved chocolate cake, donuts, and cookies. I’ve loved being able to spend more time with my mom during this time. I’m learning more about baking and it’s definitely something I want to continue when I move out.
Here’s one of the cookie recipes in case you want to try as well. Happy baking!🍪
I couldn’t find the original video, but here are some of her friends making the same cookies
I love to travel! All throughout high school, it was what I lived for. I planned my big summer cruise with my extended family all year long and as soon as got home from a trip, I’d start planning the next. I got into college with an essay about travel and adventure. I went to school on the other side of the country and then studied abroad once I transferred to somewhere closer to home.
Quarantine has been especially hard for the travel lover in me. But here are some of the trips I dreamed about before it all went south.
Cruise
The cruise industry has taken a big hit since COVID first started showing up in the news. Some analysts predict that it won’t be able to recover from this. But, cruising holds a special place in my heart, so I hope they’re wrong. Right now, my dream cruise is a stress-free, fun Caribbean trip with my boyfriend on Royal Caribbean. We both love the shows and games onboard, and Caribbean islands make perfect day trips. Sailing the Caribbean Sea with a drink I didn’t make myself in hand.
Asia and Australia
My dream graduation trip, which obviously can’t happen anymore, is a month long trip to the other side of the world. My first stop is Auckland, New Zealand. The pictures show the beautiful scenery this city has to offer. I also want to go zorbing.
Next, Sydney, Australia. Opera House, parks, markets.
Then, up to Asia. China specifically. I was born in Changzhou, China and adopted by my parents at 8 months. I have no memory of China, but I’ve always admired the pictures my parents took on their trip. I am interested in learning more about my Chinese heritage so why not do it there.
Finally, a relaxing trip to the French Polynesia to finish it off. Those picturesque huts on the water look like the most relaxing experience on earth. And after this long trip filled with sightseeing and walking, I’ll need it.
Hawaii
I went to Hawaii for my 18th birthday and it’s one of my favorite trips to this date. Incredible beaches, sunsets, dancing, shave ice, culture, luaus, hikes, and so much more. I went to Maui for a week, but I know that there are other islands and other things on Maui that I’ve yet to experience.
Some Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole to get you in the mood
I can’t wait to see the world some more. To my next adventure: may you happen soon…
A crisis like this either brings out the best or worst in people. There are plenty of people who have decided to be rude and aggressive to others, specifically essential workers, but for each of those people, there’s a handful of lovely humans who are trying to be good. Some of those people are influencers.
I love YouTube and other social media platforms more than traditional media and celebrities so that’s where my focus will be, but I have seen so many famous people showing kindness and positivity throughout this time. It makes me hopeful. Not just hopeful for the end of this, but hopeful for society as a whole.
Some of my favorite influencers have been using their platforms to encourage their audience to support charities and organizations in need.
Rachel Ballinger did a YouTube live stream for her birthday raising money for 3 LA charieties
College Ballinger does a weekly live stream each for a different charity
Grace Helbig, Hannah Hart, and Mamrie Hart do a weekly live stream via Zoom for No Kid Hungry
Many of the British YouTubers I watch did videos under #Youtubers4NHSHeroes where all money made on the video was donated to their healthcare workers
This year has made me really nostalgic. It started with many of the TV shows I loved as a kid being brought back or at least revisited somehow. I loved Fuller House (Full House) and Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life (Gilmore Girls). And the idea of a Lizzie McGuire reboot really excites me.
Then, I started to love music from my childhood again. Not only the top pop songs from then, but also the iconic music from Disney Channel (Hannah Montana, HSM, Camp Rock, etc.) and Nickelodeon (Victorious, iCarly, etc.). The music makes me happy and energetic. I know it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it brings me back to good times.
Most recently, I’ve been playing games I used to love. The only current games I play right now are iPhone games with far too many ads and Fortnite. But during quarantine, I’ve started to play a bit of Minecraft, some Sims, and even a rebooted Club Penguin, which officially shut down in 2017.
Add me!
I’m not totally sure why I’ve started to love these things again, but I know I’m not the only one. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, maybe it’s because we all have time now, or maybe it’s just because trends tend to come back around. No matter the reason…
Something we could all use in our lives right now is humor. Each of us has a different take on it, but I think we can all agree that laughter is the best medicine (But if you have COIVD, maybe put a hold on the laughing and go to a doctor…). A lot of the humor I consumed at school was from the people around me. Whether it’s a professor who is extremely good at lecturing, a dining staff member who’s always cracking jokes, or just me and my friends laughing over nothing at 2AM. Coming home has defeinlty changed that, so here are a few things that brought joy to my life. Enjoy!
I’ve never been an auditory learner. I found it very hard to focus on something I’m hearing for a long period of time, so podcasts have never been a favorite of mine. Since quarantine, I’ve been looking for more ways to entertain myself. I love board and card games, music, and puzzles, but recently, I discovered a podcast I love.
This Might Get Weird is a comedy podcast from two YouTubers I’ve been following for years. I think these ladies are absolutely hilarious and it is the perfect escape from my reality. They are best friends and just get together once a week to talk about their lives. It’s like getting weekly coffee with friends. The newer ones do discuss COVID a bit, but it’s not the “I’m bored,” “Go outside,” “Stay 6-feet away from people,” “The world sucks” type of commentary I’ve been hearing everywhere else.
This podcast is not for everyone. It can definitely get weird, like the title suggests, and it can also be a bit crude at times. I think this podcast has not only helped me escape, but also made me a better listener. Plus, they even put out a video version for when the plain audio isn’t enough for me.
During this time of self-isolation and social distancing, I’ve been loving trying different face masks. I wash my face, put a face mask on, listen to some relaxing music, and turn off my phone. It is a great opportunity for some time away from all the news and noise I constantly see online.
Wei Two-in-One Mask
I got this face mask set from my FabFitFun box (use this link for $10 off!) and I love it. The set comes with a brush, which makes applying it a much fmore pleasent experience. My face feels refreshed and soft afterwards. Bonus: I was able to get two uses out of each pod!
Music
I love looking for covers of songs that I like and/or are popular. It allows me to discover and support lesser known artists as well as get the vibe I want. Ocean Eyes is already a pretty relaxing song to listen to, but this version takes me to a different place, a happier place.
I’ve always loved to travel and up until this trip, I always had at least one travel buddy. I’ve been on trips with my parents, my aunt and cousin, various friends, and when I studied abroad, strangers who became friends. At the end of my semester abroad, I decided I wanted to take a solo trip. Somewhere fun where I could do what ever I wanted, whenever I wanted.
I went to Edinburgh, Scotland. Easy flight and convenient hotel that was within walking distance of everything I wanted to see.
A few minutes from my hotel were these adorable giraffe statues. Edinburgh has some great artwork amongst it’s beautiful architecture.
Up next, a punny sign outside of a small cafe on a hill.
On one of my day’s there, I decided to take a bus tour to see the Scottish Highlands. What an amazing area. The scenery is unreal. Next time I go, I want to rent a car and go at my own pace with a camera and some friends. (Also, I was very lucky with weather on this trip. Turns out May is the perfect time to go!)
It’s hard for me to describe exactly what the beauty of solo travel is, but it was amazing. Easily one of my top 5 trips. Possibly because I had a lot of freedom. Maybe because there was no drama. Or maybe because Edinburgh is a great place and I would’ve felt the same way with a travel buddy. Whatever it may be, I will definitely be doing more solo travel and I really hope to go back to Scotland.
Roses. Golden roses with some partially red petals. Dark stems with sharp spikes to keep enemies away. Pink chrysanthemums about to fully bloom incased in a green stem. White daisies with green and yellow centers to keep them alive. Pink lilies. Decorated with maroon dashes accompanied by perfect, green leaves. And finally, a denim heart. Three smaller hearts in red, pink, and white sewn on its top right. Individually, they are nice, but together they are spectacular.
Wonderful Wanderlust 