Rants:

Driving with Sun Glare: 

Picture this: It’s a bright sunny afternoon, and I decide to get in my car and go on a scenic drive. Suddenly, an intense glare blinds me, impairing my vision and immediately sending me into panic mode. I reach for my sunglasses, but they don’t help— my vision is still blurry, and everything turns fuzzy. Every driver has encountered a similar situation, where even a bright, beautiful day can quickly turn into a dangerous hazard. This annoying glare, dipping right below the sun visor, makes it incredibly difficult to see the road ahead and increases the risk of collision with another vehicle, pedestrians, etc. Here’s how I take precaution: always leave extra space between you and the car in front, keep your headlights on, and reduce your speed if needed. 

3-in-1 products:

We’ve all encountered, “one size fits all” labels, whether it’s for clothing, skincare, treatments — you name it, it exists. These products often grab your attention, but let’s be frank here. How can one type of anything cater to all the unique characteristics of every individual? This sounds more like a clever marketing strategy rather than a real solution. The 3-in-1 product concept is often seen in hygiene products like “3-in-1 soap” that claim to serve as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash all in one. While they sound convenient, they never perform as well as products designed for one specific purpose. It’s like that saying: “A jack of all trades, but a master of none.” Unfortunately, I’m not the type of person to prioritize convenience when it comes at the cost of quality. 

Outside clothes on the bed:

I was at a friend’s house when — shockingly — she crawled into bed wearing the same clothes that we wore to school earlier in the day. Immediately, my jaw was on the floor. Honestly, this is on the same level as wearing shoes inside the house, if not worse. The bed is where you go to relax after a long day when you are clean, fresh, and ready to unwind. Key word: clean. Wearing clothes that you wore out in public, and touching unsanitized surfaces, should never come into contact with the place you sleep for hours. Sitting on top of your sheets in outside clothes is one thing, but getting beneath the covers? Absolutely not. Just thinking about the germs…oh my. 

Raves:

Waking Up Right Before Alarm:

There’s something oddly satisfying about waking up just before your alarm jolts you awake, like having your body clock synced perfectly with your schedule (which doesn’t happen as often as I’d like). Many high school students like myself struggle with establishing a routine due to a messed-up sleep schedule, so waking up naturally feels like a victory in itself. Those mornings when my eyes open instinctually seconds before that dreaded ringing sound is the best feeling.

“Hidden gems”:

In today’s society, finding a hidden study spot or a peaceful park is like stumbling upon a treasure chest. Although these places aren’t “flashy” or“trendy,” I’d say they offer far more value. It’s great to find a hidden spot where crowds don’t gather and prices don’t break the bank. Whether it’s a sunset view, a cute boutique, or a restaurant only the locals know of,  discovering these gems (often by accident) is what makes the experience all the more special. One of my favorite study spots is located in a cafe that’s tucked inside a car dealership. It sounds odd, but it has free Wi-Fi, plenty of outlets for charging, inexpensive delicious food, and an aesthetic atmosphere…checks off all my boxes. 

My perfect match(a):

I have to admit, my first matcha experience wasn’t love at first sip, but it has grown on me ever since. Now, I can’t imagine my days without it (currently drinking one right now) — it’s just so delicious (I’m not addicted I swear). Not only is matcha packed with antioxidants, but studies have proven that its caffeine levels boost brain function and may prevent cancer. According to Healthline, the catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is commonly found in matcha, could have significant anti-cancer effects. Aside from its health benefits, I love that it’s also easy to prepare. A teaspoon or two of matcha whisked into hot water, topped with milk, and poured over ice, and voila! You just made perfection. But wait, there’s more! Matcha isn’t just limited to drinks. Its versatility makes it easy to incorporate in all sorts of foods: cookies, brownies, cakes, and mochi are just a few of my favorite recipes to make with matcha. 🙂