Archive: Author: Annalise Zink

Spilling the Tea about Tea!

Posted on by Annalise Zink

Welcome, fall!

‘Tis the season of colorful leaves, crisp air, pumpkin patches, and flannels! It’s time to enjoy the cozier aspects of life!

To fully embrace the season, we must also be prepared for the not-so-cozy things that come with the fall season. While catching some of the crisp air, you may just catch a cold as well. Thankfully, there is no need to fear! We have one of Earth’s best tools for combating sickness! Tea!

Photo from https://ocha-tea.jp/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/thought-catalog-575840-unsplash-1024×683.jpg

Let’s spill the tea about how great tea is, as well as what type will become your armor this fall season!

Lemon

Lemon tea removes toxins from the blood which leads to increased energy. It can be a great remedy for headaches and fatigue. Since lemon is cleansing to the blood, it also helps prevent blood clots, which can help in the long term to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease!

Peppermint

Peppermint tea is one of the quickest ways to naturally relieve your sinuses. This can also be used as a muscle relaxer and to help settle stomach aches. Peppermint can also be used to boost energy throughout the day!

Elderberry

This tea will be your best friend when it comes to fighting off the sniffles. Elderberry tea contains many antioxidants which can significantly help fight off colds, the flu, and boost the immune system! Elderberry tea can even reduce the duration of a cold!

Green

Green tea has actually been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine. Along with elderberry, green tea has many antioxidants to help boost the immune system to keep you healthy this season! In some cases, green tea has been known to help prevent dental cavities and stress, as well as enhance our brain’s cognitive functions.

Echinacea

According to Healthline, drinking echinacea tea has been known to shorten the duration of a cold. The antioxidants in echinacea can also keep your blood sugar stable and keep blood sugar from getting too low leading to fatigue.

Chamomile

This tea might just become part of your nightly routine. Healthline, also suggests that chamomile has special properties that can benefit sleep quality. Chamomile tea contains antioxidants that may promote sleepiness. Improved sleep? YES PLEASE!

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/echinacea-tea-benefits#it-fights-the-flu

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269538.php

https://www.tastingpage.com/cooking/immune-boosting-elderberry-tea

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/peppermint-tea

Fashion With a Passion: Feeding the Hungry

Posted on by Annalise Zink

Happy October, beautiful people!

Did you know that your love for fashion can help feed hungry bellies? Today, I want to share with you a new, interesting way to use your passion for fashion to make a difference in the world.

So, what does hunger look like in Ohio? According to the Feeding America organization, 1,691,910 people are struggling with hunger in Ohio, and 510,030 of them are children. This information was not only shocking to me but it was also heartbreaking. Today, I want to share with you some exciting news! There is a way YOU can help make a difference!

A new friend of mine, and a fellow student here at Ohio University, Mollia Zezzo, is the founder of a Christian apparel company known as Follow the Son. Through her simplistic and trendy clothing company, Mollia started Follow the Son to help individuals grow spiritually while inspiring them to spread the love of God and their faith. Every penny of her sales is donated to non-profit organizations. Mollia said, “I created Follow the Son because I was inspired by Youth Philanthropy to raise money and donate it to organizations in my community in need of help to make in impact in individuals’ lives. I want to inspire others to express their faith while humbly sharing God’s love!” And let me tell you… she is humble!

I just have to say… WOW. Not only is Mollia an entrepreneur but she is a BOSS WOMAN. She is such an inspiration to me. Mollia is using her gifts and abilities to take steps toward changing our world and spreading love to others. The best part is that we can make a difference too! In fact, Mollia needs us to help her change the world!

“We have faith in our supporters that by purchasing any of our products, you are contributing to making a difference in hundreds, potentially thousands of lives.” Follow the Son apparel is feeding the world one shirt at a time, and YOU can help. By making a purchase of just one item, you have taken a huge step in helping change the world. Have I mentioned her apparel is ADORABLE? By making a purchase you are giving back to others and showing love to our less fortunate friends.

I encourage you to check out Follow the Son apparel! You will NOT regret it! I mean seriously though… what is better than helping and loving others, while getting cute clothes at the same time? 😉

Checkout Follow the Son https://followthesononline.com/ and also check out their Instagram @followthesononline

XO Annalise Joy

The Key to a Happier, Healthier FALL! All-Natural Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Posted on by Annalise Zink

Hello, beautiful people! It is officially FALL! It’s time to celebrate the best-smelling, coziest, and most beautiful time of the year. I have to admit, one of my favorite aspects about this amazing season is the flavors. My other favorite thing is coffee. Combine the two and you get a wonderful creation: the pumpkin spice latte. BUT the only parts I dread about buying one of these babies is the price and the sugar content.

In a grande pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks, there are 50 grams of sugar, 14 grams of fat, and 240 milligrams of sodium. There are 380 calories in total. I am not a nutritionist whatsoever, but I did take one basic level nutrition class freshman year; to say the least, I know that amount of added sugar probably isn’t the healthiest for your body. Now, I am not trying to scare you or steer you away from treating yourself every now and then, BUT I do want to offer you a healthier, cheaper option that will have your body thanking you. It’s a win-win! Introducing the game-changing healthy, all-natural pumpkin spice latte! ENJOY!

Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of strong coffee
  • 1/2 cup of canned coconut (or almond, cashew, or low fat) milk
  • 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • A drizzle of maple syrup

Directions

  • Heat the milk and pumpkin on the stove over medium-low heat (or put it in the microwave for about two minutes).
  • Add in the pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and maple syrup to the pumpkin and milk mixture.
  • Pour the mixture into a blender. Blend until it’s foamy and evenly mixed together.
  • Pour into a mug, add coffee, and stir.
  • Heat in the microwave for another 30 seconds, if necessary.
  • Add more cinnamon on top if you’d like!
  • E N J O Y !

XO,

Annalise Joy

Recipe inspired by the Natural Paleo Family Blog

Saving Our Earth Just Got Affordable!

Posted on by Annalise Zink

Hello, wonderful and beautiful people! Today I want to talk about our Earth. Since the world was created, we humans were given the responsibility of taking care of this planet. To say the least, we aren’t doing a very good job. With countless industries moving as fast as lightning, there isn’t a whole lot of time to stop and look at what is happening to our precious Earth. The fashion industry alone is one of the leading causes of pollution on our planet (and as fashion lovers, this not great news).

According to The True Cost movie, “The world now consumes about 80 billion new pieces of clothing every year. This is 400% more than the amount we consumed just two decades ago.”

“The average American now generates 82 pounds of textile waste each year. That adds up to more than 11 million tons of textile waste from the U.S. alone.”

This is a little unsettling to realize, BUT did you know there is a way that YOU can make a difference? Sustainable fashion is here to save our precious planet! I have been doing a lot of research lately on where to find affordable, sustainable, eco-friendly (and cute) clothing. I found many reliable, free-trade clothing companies that I wanted to share with you. Now, I am not saying to go throw all of your clothes away (but if you’re going to get rid of them, donate them and don’t throw them away). BUT what I am suggesting is to start thinking. Little changes can make big differences. Many times I’ve found myself feeling as though I NEED that $9 top from Forever21… but at what cost? It just may end up costing a lot more than $9.

Now that the gears in your head are turning, relax, take a deep breath, and enjoy some of these affordable and sustainable fashion brands!

PACT

KOTN

Krochet Kids

Everlane

Able

xo,

Annalise Joy

All the “Essentials” You NEED for FALL!

Posted on by Annalise Zink

Hello, beautiful and wonderful people! Is it too early to start welcoming in the most captivating season of all? I think not! Fall, I am so ready for you and all you have to bring! Football games, bonfires, caramel apples, and crisp, cool air… the list goes on and on!

Photo from https://unsplash.com/photos/2v9cepqbNaU

Ever since starting this new semester I have been very interested in essential oils. I have a diffuser in my room, and it has been amazing. The fresh aroma it creates is truly refreshing and therapeutic. With my love for essential oils and the best smelling season being around the corner, I decided to combine the two! I want to share with you my FAVORITE fall essential oil blends! These blends will have your room naturally smelling like pumpkin spice and crisp fall days in a matter of minutes. Though I may not be a doctor, I know that the smells of fall will make your heart happy. I hope you enjoy!

Photo from https://unsplash.com/photos/2v9cepqbNaU

Pumpkin Spice

  • 5 drops cinnamon
  • 2 drops nutmeg
  • 2 drops clove
  • 1 drop ginger

Chai Latte

  • 3 drops clove
  • 3 drops cinnamon
  • 3 drops ginger

Crunchy Leaves

  • 4 drops frankincense
  • 2 drops pine
  • 2 drops cedarwood

Crisp Autumn Air

  • 5 drops Christmas spirit oil
  • 2 drops clove
  • 1 drop lemon

Spiced Cider

  • 4 drops orange
  • 2 drops nutmeg
  • 1 drop cinnamon
  • 1 drop clove

Snickerdoodle

  • 5 drops stress away
  • 3 drops cinnamon
  • 2 drops nutmeg

Remember, you are unique, you are loved, and you have a purpose.

XO, Annalise Joy

Something to make you smile during finals week!

Posted on by Annalise Zink

Hello Threadies! Happy finals week. I wanted to share some pictures with you that make me smile and hopefully they will make you smile, too! I know finals week is stressful and can really drain you, but do not worry, you can do it! Keep pushing forward, but also take a few moments to rest your mind and take a deep breathe. Here are some pictures to make you smile.

Don’t buy the “it bag”! Design YOUR OWN!

Posted on by Annalise Zink

Hello lovely, wonderful people! Lately, I have been obsessed with altering my purses and clothing, added my own unique touches to them to give them some one of a kind PIZZAZZ! (Is that really a word? Let’s just go with it because it is a fun word) Anyway, I really enjoy reading up on what the iconic fashion experts are saying about style to get my inspiration! The number one advice given from any fashion expert is this: “The biggest mistake you can make in fashion is not dressing to reflect who you are.” I always try to take this into consideration when I am getting dressed each morning. Plus, when I am dressing as ME it makes me feel more confident and free to be ME, rather than acting like someone I am not. So to my point…When I buy a piece of clothing or an accessory that I like, but it needs a little more pizzazz to really be me, then I will simply add a little of my own unique sprinkle of pizzazz.

My current obsession: PURSES! Rather than spending money on buying the latest “it bag”, I want to share with you how to make a simple bag into your own “IT BAG”!

Disclaimer: I do not know how to sew…so if I can manage to do this so can you! 😉

Purse #1

For this creation, I took a purse I bought from Goodwill and an old gingham belt from a vintage store. I removed the leather strap from the purse, cut the two ends off of the belt and sewed the belt on as the handle of the purse!

I am obsessed with the way this turned out! It was such a simple way to add a little uniqueness to my purse. See…now it’s one of a kind! I love it!

Purse #2

For this one, I took a piece of burlap string and tied a bunch of little strips of fabric on it. I wanted to make the fabric look like tassels hanging.

I flipped the flap of the purse back and stitched the string along the original seam of the purse…and voila! We have another one of a kind purse! This was is perfect for Spring!

I encourage you to get crafty! Channel your inner uniqueness and style! Make something that is so YOU!!

The Backbones of Style you NEED to have in your Closet!

Posted on by Annalise Zink

Hello stylin’ people! Lately, I have been diving deep into what fashion experts have to stay about true style. Fads are born, then they die all too quickly. We drop hundreds of dollars on the latest and hottest trends only to find ourselves buying into a new trend 3 weeks later. I want to share the 10 BONES of style to invest in (that doesn’t always mean spending a lot of money). An elite boss woman in the fashion industry, Nina Garcia, best known as being a judge on Project Runway, shares in her book, “The Little Black Book of Style” these top 10 essentials (aka the bones of your closet) for any stylish individual. Take a look! After reading through these, my closet is about to get a solid makeover and lose about 10 pounds of unnecessary clothing. Enjoy xo

The Little Black Dress

The ultimate black canvas. It is mysterious a chic. In the simplicity of the little black dress, you look effortlessly stylish, sophisticated, and elegant. This is an absolute must for your closet.

A Classic Men’s White Shirt

Nina says, “The classic white shirt is as key to American style as blue jeans. It is chic and simple.” Enough said. We all need one.

Cashmere Cardigan or Turtleneck

A cashmere cardigan is perfect over anything- a dress, a t-shirt, a button-down shirt. A turtleneck is also perfectly paired with almost anything. These pieces are absolutely timeless. Neither of them will go out of style.

A Trench Coat

A classic trench can work in any kind of weather and goes well with almost anything! The best part is you look instantly stylish, classy, and mysterious.

Denim

Nina says, “there is something about jeans that gives a girl an aura on instant style.” I agree! Rebellious and elegant. They are the most versatile, most perfect item. The most alluring part of denim is that it can dress anything down!

A Man’s Classic Watch

This is an item I definitely need to purchase. Women’s watching tend to go with the trends. But a man’s watch is simple, timeless, and looks amazing with almost any look.

Diamonds

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend amirite? Fake ones are too if you’re like me! 😉 They are perfect for day or night, casual or dressy…and any and every season!

Flats

There are few moments when you have to give up your heels in the name of practicality, or maybe you are more of a flats kind of person. Pointed toe flats are simple, chic, and timeless. They are comfy and practical and add a feminine sprinkle to any look!

A Classic High Heel Pump

It is essential to have one classic high heel that you can rely on at any given time. You can always depend on a classic black heel. There is no going wrong. Find a pair that you love, feels good, and makes you feel like a boss.

A Great Bag

The biggest mistake you can make when it comes to bags is purchasing the “it bag”. Don’t do it. It is a trap and a waste of money. Have fun when accessorizing with a bag. Find a shape, texture, and color you love. You don’t need to purchase the “it-bag”. Rock the bag that best describes YOU! (And don’t spend too much 😉

What is your style? STYLE QUIZ!

Posted on by Annalise Zink

Hey there! Ready to find out your personal style? I have found knowing my personal style to be extremely helpful when shopping for new clothes. Your personal style tells more than what you enjoy wearing, it tells who you are and how you strut your stuff! What style best describes you? Find out by answering these simple questions! Spoiler, my personal style is whimsical. Doesn’t surprise me 😉

1. If we opened your closet, what color palette would we mostly see?

  1. basics, such as navy, white, khaki, charcoal, or brown
  2.  black and neutrals
  3.  a rainbow of colors
  4.  earth tones
  5.  black with touches of bold color

2. How would your friends describe you?

  1. traditional and proper
  2.  sharp and direct
  3.  playful and spirited
  4.  relaxed and liberal
  5.  innovative and forward-thinking

3. Given a chance, which would you rather do?

  1. get comfortable in khakis, a collared shirt, and your cutest loafers
  2.  put on a sleek V-neck top and modern-cut pant
  3.  step out in a fun floral dress or bright mixed prints
  4.  throw on a pair of jeans, T-shirt with funky accessories
  5.  grab your favorite jacket with interesting and unusual details to wear with a black pant

4. If someone gave you $500 for clothes, how would you use it?

  1. buy a couple outfits at J.Crew or Banana Republic
  2.  spend it on a cashmere wrap
  3.  splurge on anything that catches your eye
  4.  add to your accessories collection with a slouchy suede bag 
  5.  buy a dress that makes you feel smart and unique

5. When you walk into a crowded room, what would you prefer to do?

  1. blend in
  2. be in control, exude power
  3.  be animated
  4.  seem natural and easygoing
  5.  make a statement

6. When you have the urge (or need) to go shopping, you are more likely to do which of the following?

  1.  purchase practical basics for all seasons
  2.  buy high-quality, smart pieces that are sure to be in style
  3.  get something with a splash of color to brighten your day
  4.  head to the flea market for some great “lived-in” and funky finds
  5.  find that unusual piece to add to your wardrobe that no one else will have

7. What is your go-to coat like? 

  1. straight and sleek 
  2.  sharp and powerful, perhaps boxy
  3.  romantic with a flared princess cut
  4.  an easy and flowy cape
  5.  edgy and asymmetrical 

8. When you flip through pages of fashion magazines, which is most likely to catch your eye?

  1. a Ralph Lauren lifestyle ad
  2.  that little black dress in the “special occasion” section
  3.  stacked bangles
  4.  wide brim hats and denim
  5.  a story on the new designers from Tokyo and Belgium

9. Which of the following best describes the decor of your home?

  1. comfortable and traditional (think Ralph Lauren)
  2.  streamlined, tonal, with clean surfaces (think Tom Ford)
  3.  fun, kitschy, and unorthodox (think Alice in Wonderland)
  4.  lots of rugs, earth tone, and floral prints (think 70s)
  5.  minimalist, architectural, and sculptural (think modernist, futuristic)

10. What is your favorite handbag like? 

  1. a tote with initials (think Goyard)
  2.  a minimalist tote in neutrals (think Celine)
  3.  a leather tote with studs and embellishments, or a pop of color (think
  4. Alaia) a backpack or a worn-in leather bag, perhaps with fringe (think Balenciaga or Chloe)
  5.  a black statement clutch, perhaps with python or alligator skin (think Margiela or Maiyet)

Results

Score: Add up all of the numbers next to the answers you selected. Whatever your score is will tell us a little bit about your personal style! Click on the links to see a fashion guide tailored to your personal style!

10-17| You are CLASSIC.

If you’re CLASSIC, you like simple, clean, and traditional pieces. You like to go for a timeless look because the silhouette and colors hardly change. It’s always ladylike, and classy. Absolutely timeless.

18-26|You are CHIC.

If you are CHIC, your style is defined by a powerful look and sharp lines that seem to come together in an effortless way. It is often monochromatic and combined with bold accessories. You enjoy simplicity while looking fierce.

27-35|You are WHIMSICAL.

Whimsical style is playful and appears to be “thrown together” but is actually a thoughtful combination of lovely colors and patterns. If you’re whimsical, you’re usually young at heart and your look is free-spirited and romantic.

36-42|You are BOHEMIAN.

BOHEMIAM style is relaxed, funky, and incorporates offbeat accessories and usually lots of denim and suede. You are artsy! This look emphasizes natural fabrics and earthy tones. This is the go-to festival style. You enjoy bringing out your inner hippie.

43-50|You are AVANT-GARDE.

 AVANT-GARDE is an ultramodern style that uses fashion as an extension of your creativity. It often seeks to make a dramatic statement. Hey, we love drama here in the fashion world. You like to stretch the boundaries. Typically, the foundation for this wardrobe is black, black, and more black.

Do you want to have Personal Growth? Focus on These 8 Things

Posted on by Annalise Zink

Get your eyes off yourself.

Wait, this doesn’t make sense? I want to have personal growth, but not focus on myself? YEP! We are way too consumed with ourselves. The first step in personal growth is taking your eyes off of yourself. Stop thinking about all the things you want, the way you wish you looked, and just all that selfish stuff. Write it all down, crumple the paper, and throw it away. Growth start from a clean slate.

What are your goals? Are they realistic?

One of the worst feelings is setting a goal and not achieving it. It’s awful. So, take a step back and reconsider your goals. Are you setting the bar so high that you can’t achieve it? This will only bring us down. Set goals that are small and attainable. No, that doesn’t mean you aren’t pushing yourself. YOU ARE! After reaching a slightly smaller goal, set the bar a tad higher…and higher and higher. Growth comes from a SMALL seed, not a full-grown flower!

Who are you surrounding yourself with?

Think about your friends. Think about the people you spend the most time around. Are they the kind of person you want to be? If yes, then you’ve got some wonderful friends and people to look up to. If not…it’s time to start looking for new influences. No, you don’t need to cut your BFF out of your life, but you may want to consider surrounding yourself with people who inspire you, push you, encourage you, and positively influence you. Your vibe attracts your tribe!

Put away your self-pride & learn from others

Yes, it’s not always easy to ask for help. We never want to admit that we need help. But we do…all the time. The only way to start growing is by admitting you are imperfect and seek guidance. Asking for help should be celebrated not looked down upon! If you want to achieve what someone else has achieved, ask them. Seek help. Asking for help allows you to take two steps forward. Whereas not asking for help keeps you stuck in the mud and stops growth from occurring. You are a seed and you need help from water to grow. It’s essential.

Start loving others first. You will love yourself more.

I am not the biggest advocate for “self love! self love!” There is nothing wrong with it…But when I spend too much trying to love myself, it just puts my focus back on “me me me.” Loving ourselves will never really allow us to fully feel loved. The feeling of being loved will not come from yourself, it will come from others. So, by focusing on loving other people, you are going to receive real, lasting love in return.

Start valuing the lessons you learned from your mistakes

Failing the first time is the best. Well, afterward. Because when you fail or make a mistake the first time, you can learn from it, change your approach and try again. It is truly a beautiful thing. Okay, I have another flower metaphor…When a gardener plants a flower and it doesn’t grow, the gardener doesn’t just sit there and wait, or keep trying the same method over and over again. The gardener starts back at square one and takes a new approach until the flower grows.

Stop trying to make things go “your way”

I think something we are all guilty of is being fussy when things do not go our way. I have realized that growth comes from letting go of control, and fully submitting yourself to the process of growth. Do not go against the process…let things happen on there own. Whatever is always meant to be will be. The gardener has to trust that the sun will come up each morning, not force it to come up each. The gardener lets go of control and trusts that the sun will come up.

Grab an accountability partner.

As humans beings, we are not made to do life on our own. We are made to do life together. We need each other. What I have learned is that when I am trying to grow in a certain area, having someone I trust to hold me accountable and check on me is essential. It helps so much. It’s easy to give up when you are alone. But when you have someone to push you and encourage you is what enhances beautiful growth. Yes, a flower can grow on it own, but it needs a gardener to protect it. and make sure it’s growing in the right direction.