Favorite Podcasts

"Words mean things." - Crissle West

I absolutely love listening to podcasts! They are perfect for my commute to and from the office, as well as during the work day. The Read was the very first podcast I ever started listening to. Over the years I've explored and listened to several shows. Below are my top eight podcasts, that I never miss each week!

  1. The Read | Kid Fury & Crissle West are a dynamic duo, who tell it like it is, and do so hilariously. Each week they cover hot topics in entertainment and current events. Their wit and impeccable "reads" make their show absolutely flawless as well as a joy to listen to.

  2. Gettin' Grown | Jade & Keia are two best friends who are figuring out the whole "adulting" thing. They discuss what it's like to be hard-working Black Women in today's society. Their humor and honesty make them absolutely so much fun to listen to.

  3. The Friend Zone | These three friends: Assante, Fran, and Dustin talk about everything from health and wellness, music, and entertainment. Their segments are phenomenal and they are super hilarious! The chemistry between the three friends is undeniable and so genuine.

  4. The Brilliant Idiots | Charlamagne Tha God & Andrew Schultz literally are brilliant idiots. They discuss current events and pop culture, even if their opinion are slightly problematic. The two guys are comical and so much fun to listen to.

  5. Oprah's Super Soul Conversations | Oprah's interviews are wonderful and her show helps the listener to discover and connect with the world on a deeper level. She selects amazing guests for her listeners to discover. After I listen to an episode, I'm feeling energized to take on the world - every show is so inspirational.

  6. Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen | I am a Bravo addict, and this show is the perfect remedy. Andy and his guests talk about any and everything in pop culture, politics, and entertainment.

What are some of your favorite podcasts?

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

Unwind

"My key to dealing with stress is simple: just stay cool and stay focused." - Ashton Eaton

Life can get so busy and a little overwhelming! It's very important to make time for yourself and get some much needed relaxation.

Below are a few ways I like to unwind and clear my head during stressful moments.

  • Unplug. The best way for me to decrease my stress quickly is by ditching the phone, TV, laptop, or tablet. Personally, my phone can be a great distraction. All of the alerts and messages can be so intense. Try to limit "screen time" when you can in those busy moments.

Tip: Utilize the "do not disturb" feature on your phone. I turn the feature on between the hours of 9 PM and 6 AM. Also, I've made a modification so that a few people can bypass that in a case of emergency. This helps me wind down in the evenings and get a good night's sleep.

  • Go for a walk. This is something that I do during the work week a lot. It can be so hard breaking away from meetings and your co-workers. I try to go for a 30 minute walk each day to clear my head. It's a fantastic way to relieve some stress and knock out the second half of the day!

Tip: Pack a pair of sneakers and put them on for walk during your lunch break!

  • Breathe. Whenever I get overwhelmed, I'll take a moment to collect my thoughts and slow down. This is a bit challenging for me since I'm constantly on the go. For me, it is super important to pump the breaks a bit and smell the roses.

Tip: Find a quiet spot to collect your thoughts. Essential oils and candles help me out a lot during this moment.

  • Play music. Music is one of many things that I love. It also reduces my stress greatly! I make my own playlists for different moods and situations. Music is a great outlet and always helps me feel a lot better.

Tip: Spotify has the best playlists to decompress and relax.

What are some ways you unwind?

XO, Analise

Tech Support

"Computers themselves, and software yet to be developed, will revolutionize the way we learn." - Steve Jobs

I absolutely love anything tech! My undergraduate degree in college was Computer Science, and I absolutely enjoyed it. The major really challenged me to expand and grow my knowledge within the tech field. I've always been interested in new gadgets and the latest news. Technology is constantly evolving and changing, so it's always fun to see what's new on the market!

Today I am sharing my favorite mobile device, app, and a few accessories! 

Favorite Mobile Device: Google Pixel 2

I recently left my beloved iPhone, and switched back to Android. Although I was very apprehensive, the Google Pixel 2 is the perfect phone for me! It has similar features that the iPhone has but includes some amazing specs!

Fave Feature: Camera

Favorite Smart Watch: Skagen Falster

I'm a huge fan of the Skagen brand! This watch is absolutely stunning and so easy to use. The smart watch is powered by Android, and syncs perfectly with my phone!

Fave Feature: Customizable Watch Faces

Favorite Mobile App: Vivino

As you all know I love wine! This app is perfect for the wine lover who is always on the go. Not only can you shop for wine in the app, but rate other bottles as well! Also, you can scan bottles into the app and keep a catalog of your favorite wines.

Fave Feature: Taste Profile Tracker

Favorite Wireless Earbuds: Jaybird x3

These earbuds are spectacular! They do not slip in and out of my ears like most buds do. The earbuds come with three wings, silicone buds and memory foam tips to ensure the fit is absolutely perfect! Also, you are able to customize your sound in their mobile app.

Fave Feature: Jaybird MySound App

Favorite Security Camera: Arlo

G bought a camera for our front porch over the holiday season - mainly so we knew when our packages were delivered. We loved the camera so much that we got several more for our home! The camera is easy to install and the app that goes with the camera is great!

Fave Feature: Motion Detection Alert

Media Streamer: Google Chromecast

We love this device and put one in our Master Bedroom. It is perfect because it syncs up with our Google Home seamlessly. Also, we are able to do voice commands or use a television network app from our phones to play content.

Fave Feature: Google Home Integration

What are some of your favorite devices and mobile apps?

XO, Analise

Triple Threat

“I have very personally felt the overwhelming loneliness, self-doubt, and frustration that often comes with the minority status of a woman in engineering. As much as I can help others get through or avoid those difficult stretches that I myself had to weather, I’d like to. As a bonus, the more women (and minorities) that enter and don’t leave the field, the better it all gets for everyone, including me!” - Tracy Chou, Software Engineer at Pinterest

I was seven years old when my parents gave me my first set of science and technology books. Soon after receiving the books I quickly immersed myself in them. My parents knew at an early age that I enjoyed to be challenged and loved to learn. A few years later, my Mom decided to get a home desktop for the family, and I quickly became infatuated with technology. I soon taught myself how to build a website from scratch and learned the in's and out's of web design. It was absolutely something I loved and I'm more than fortunate my parents encouraged me to learn and grow.

While I had a super supportive system at home, it wasn't always like that outside of my safe space. I quickly learned at an early age not everyone would be supporting of my dreams. There were many teachers I had growing up who pushed and challenged me. I'm forever grateful to the educators who allowed me to be creative and design.

In the 8th grade, one of my teachers informed my parents that I should apply for a Technology Academy for high school. I submitted my application packet, and was 1 of 100 students to be accepted into the program. This opportunity completely changed my life and set the stage for my career now. For, four years I worked and learned beside other like-minded individuals. The academy was one of the greatest opportunities that happened to me. 

During my last two years in the academy, I had the opportunity to take courses at a local community college. This opportunity, helped me hone in on my tech skills. During this time, I absolutely knew that majoring in Computer Science was a must for me. I was so fortunate that the two main tech influences in my pre-college career were women. They were strong, and informed me that I could do absolutely anything. Yet, they began to prepare me for the struggles that would arise, especially in the collegiate space.

When I arrived to my university and quickly declared Computer Science as my major in my first year ... there was a lot of discouragement. Being one of the few women majoring in and being an African-American woman, it was extremely tough. I remember a few professors telling me very early on that I should switch my major. They indicated that I wasn't good enough for the program. I constantly had to show and prove, which made my academic journey much harder. Not only did I have to combat prejudice frequently, but the expectations to still keep up with my white male peers were daunting. 

My college experience quickly prepared me for my post-graduate career in Information Technology. I knew that I'd have to fight for a seat at the table, and be strong as well as confident in my many roles to come throughout my career. The experiences I learned over many years have made me a well rounded individual. I have been able to mentor many young women in IT, and it has been one of the most fulfilling endeavors I've ever done.

There are so many things I've learned throughout my journey, and below are a few tips.

  1. You are more than good enough. I've been told many times that I would fail, and not be successful in the technical field. There were many times I had to tell myself that this was false, and I'm more than good enough. Like I have said previously, my family is very supportive, and they never limited me in any capacity, especially when it came to education. There were many times when I had to fight through self-doubt and depression, because of the negativity from peers. Yet, I powered through and showed everyone that I was more than capable and absolutely good enough.
  2. There is strength in numbers. My two best friends are engineers. They are smart and brilliant, and so amazing. There were many days where I had to really push and fight to ensure my voice was heard. Lucky for me, I surrounded myself with women who challenged and pushed me. We supported and fought for the women and minorities whose voices weren't heard. I had to learn to not only fight for myself, but for the women who would come after me. 
  3. Work smarter, not harder. This was something one of my favorite Computer Science professors taught me. He always challenged me. One day in his office, I was crying uncontrollably, and exclaimed, "I'm working so hard!" I'll never forget his tone and sincerity, as he said, "Work smarter, not harder. Sometimes you have to take a new approach to the things you are working on, in order for it to be successful. If the way you are working on things isn't working, it's time to change the process." That statement forever changed my work ethic ... and it's something I preach to this day.

Nothing in this life will come easy, but if you are absolutely passionate about something, never give up and keep pushing. Also, always know that you are not alone.

XO, Analise

Take Care

"Nourishing yourself in a way that helps you blossom in the direction you want to go is attainable, and you are worth the effort." – Deborah Day

Self-care is something I take very seriously and try to practice. Life can be so busy and overwhelming, it's important to make moments just for you.

Today I'm sharing a few ways I take care of myself on a consistent basis.

  1. Massage therapy. I've been getting massages for seven years now, and it done wonders for me. I see my therapist at least once a month, and it's so worth it. Getting a massage regularly helps reduce my headaches and stress levels. It also increases blood flow throughout the body!
  2. Workout consistently. I workout 3-4 times a week at minimum. Cycle, running, yoga, a regular gym routine are my preferred ways to burn off steam. It is so nice to have some downtime in the gym. It is important for me to really focus on myself and the goals I've set in my fitness journey.
  3. Reading. One of my favorite things to do is to curl up on the couch with a great book. I've enjoyed reading since I was kid, and continue to now as an adult. Lately I've been enjoying autobiographies. I really love to learn about other people and their life experiences. This activity really helps me to expand my knowledge and to grow as an individual. 
  4. Eating healthy and mindfully. It is true what they say, abs are made in the kitchen. I try to ensure that I'm eating a balanced diet. Of course have a cheat meal every now and then, but make it a habit to eat veggies and fruit each day. 
  5. Celebrate successes. Whether it is a small or big milestone, it's important to recognize special moments. I'm making an effort to try and find the good in every situation while being positive. G and I even keep a bottle of champagne in the fridge just in case we need to celebrate something!

What are some ways you take care of yourself?

XO, Analise