Hey! We are so happy that you're here!  We're two medical students, doing our residency in two different cities, trying to keep sane.  While medicine is our life, we still love style, decor and all things pretty, and figured this is a great outlet to some of the things we love to do! So please take  a look a round.  Our site is still a work in progress, so if you have any suggestions, we'd love to know!

Talk About It ~ Anxiety                                                            
​4.24.17

Let’s talk about something that each and every one of us experience from time to time; Anxiety.  Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and even physical changes (like rapid heart rate and shortness of breath). Whether we want to admit it or not, we all worry. It might be over career choices, relationships, or simply crossing everything off our never ending to do list. Life can be overwhelming. It’s filled with deadlines, emotions, and responsibilities. And often times, these can lead to a state of restlessness, irritability, or pure exhaustion.

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and at times it can even be a good thing. Feeling anxious about a deadline or a big project coming up usually helps motivates you to accomplish them on time. For me, like so many others, I get anxious with test-taking, so this drives me to study harder so I can be well prepared. However, anxiety can also be consuming. We can often find ourselves fixated on past events--”Why did I agree to go to that event?” “I did terrible on that job interview” or thinking obsessively about the future--”What if I don’t get a job?” or “What if I fail my big exam.” rather than focusing on the present and things you can control.

Each one of us handles stressful situations in different ways. So, it is important to identify what situations usually trigger the anxiety in order to help manage it. There are many ways our body can respond to anxiety, and often times it is by using our defense mechanisms. It is much easier to avoid things that cause us anxiety like checking your credit card bills, meeting new people or new situations, and even struggles in the work environment. The frustrating part is that the longer you avoid your fears, the more the anxiety builds up. So instead, why not just address these anxiety provoking situations from the very beginning. Think about it this way, the more you deal with things that stress you out, the more control you will have over them.

So when can having too much anxiety become a problem?  Normally anxiety occurs in response to a stressor like an exam, upcoming job interview, or fight with a boyfriend or spouse. However, people that struggle with an anxiety disorder, such as with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), you can feel anxious all the time and it generally lasts weeks to months.  Some people may also experience other symptoms besides excess worry such as palpitations, headache, nausea, dizziness, or sweating. If the anxiety gets so bad, it’s almost hard to breathe! Also, some people may experience racing or intrusive negative thoughts and often find it difficult to concentration on daily tasks.

If you notice the anxiety, worried thoughts, or any associated symptoms make it hard to carry your day to day activities and responsibilities, then it is time to address it. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders affect approximately 40 million American adults per year, which is about 18 percent of the country’s population. So don’t hesitate to seek help! It’s important to know that anxiety disorders are a treatable. One great way to start is to practice relaxation and mindfulness. We spend a lot of time in our heads dwelling on what happened in the past or dreading what could happen in the future. Mindfulness helps keep us focused on the present and create awareness of emotions. When trying to overcome anxiety, it is better to develop coping mechanisms to deal with the stressful moments. Having the ability to cope with anxious thought is the key to overcoming anxiety.

Stay tuned for more on the topic. What are some tips you use to calm your nerves? 

<3 Dee & R

​Lokai X NAMI                                                                     3.31.17

I was very excited to see Lokai partner with the National Alliance of Mental Health (NAMI) to support mental health awareness through their orange lokai bracelet. Lokai is a great brand that supports various causes through their Himalayan water filled bracelets. I love just love what they stand for. The white bead serves as a reminder to stay humble at high points in your life and the black bead represents the importance of staying hopeful even when you hit low points in life. Life is marked by both highs and lows and lows and without one, we would not appreciate the other. But it is important to find a balance no matter which way the scale tips. 
Together Lokai and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) want to stop the stigma and stand with the millions who live with mental health conditions. The National Alliance On Mental Illness is a nationwide organization that serve as an advocate for families and people affected by mental illness.  Be sure to check out your local NAMI chapter for resources and ways to get involved.
Be sure to check out the Lokai page soon because the orange bracelets are limited edition and the campaign ends TODAY (3/31). Check it out here. You can also find them at select retailers here  and here and here. So lets stand together and break the stigma against mental health!
<3 Dee & R

Journey to Psychiatry                                                               3.30.17

Happy National Doctor’s Day to all MDs/DOs out there. Being in the medical profession, most people are grateful for their medical service but a “thank you” is not expected since caring for the sick is the oath we take. So, as my first year as an MD, it was nice to see that patients and staff were thankful for their care. This made me want to share why I wanted to become a psychiatrist.

Photo Diary-Puerto Rico                                                           3.29.17

It's supposed to be spring but I don't think NYC got the memo. As I wish for warmer days, I have been living through pictures from my recent trip to Puerto Rico. Check out the last post for a travel guide. I just wanted to give a visual diary of my time in this beautiful country. 

Travel Diaries- Puerto Rico                                                
3.24.17

Hey there friends, who’s ready for the weekend!? I just took the second leg to my last trip for the [calendar] year to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. I have been wanting to visit this US territory for some time now and who can say no to the tropical sun.

It’s amazing that this country, so colorful and with a culture so different from the US is so easily accessible. It's a quick flight (3 hours direct from JFK), easy—no passport required, no currency exchange, and no language barriers (although it's a great way to practice your spanish).

​The first half of the trip exploring the historic Old San Juan. There are many accommodations available near the Old San Juan are, however the best way to travel is with airbnb! It's a great way to live like a local and get a real feel of the culture of the city.  At first glance, I immediately fell in love with the colorful buildings that lined the city streets. Keep reading for a glimpse into the beauty of Old San Juan!

Stress Free Travel Guide                                                              3.21.17

The American culture is so fixed on the “go go go” mentality that we forget to to take a step back and explore all there is around us. Visiting another location is not only an eye-opener into the history and culture of another country, but it also serves as a release from the daily grind. I’ve always loved exploring new places and experiencing new cultures. I just finished my last vacation on the [calendar] year and I am feeling recharged and ready to finish the year strong.  Not that we need an excuse to travel but, many studies have shown that traveling can lead to mental well being. However, it can also be a little stressful to visit a new place for the first time. There are definitely ways to manage the anxiety with some easy tips.

Live in the Moment                                                                                      2.27.17

We need to live more in the moment. As I am about to take off on my last vacation of intern year, I found myself having a hard time preparing for this trip mentally because there was just so much going on around me. The distractions are just out there in the form of cell phones, IPad’s, social media, and whatever else distracts you from reality. We're always doing something, and we allow little time to practice stillness and calm. When were at work, we fantasize about being on vacation and on vacation we worry about all the work that will be waiting. We over think about intrusive memories of the past or worry about what may or may not happen in the future. So now as I wait at my gate to board my trip to Norway, I realized that I need to take advantage of this time to live in the moment. 

Medical Monday's - Night Float Tips                                                                      2.20.17

This week's MHM goes out to those in the medical field (or curious about it). As we all know, the hospital never sleeps so that means the staff doesn’t either. I just completed my first month stint as a night shift resident in the CPEP (stands for Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program - I can discuss more about that in another post). It has definitely been an interesting experience seeing how the other shift lives. I have picked up a few tips that might help other students/residents who will be in this role. 

Obsessed with Everything [Faux] Fur                                                                     2.15.17

One of my favorite parts of winter is bundling up in fur! I'm obsessed. It's a great statement piece and makes for a quick and chic. I just paired his beautiful grey coat with a black turtleneck sweater and black jeans. Keep reading for some similar items!!

Medical Monday's - Balancing Game: Your Life, Your Job, And Your Stresses    2.13.17

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Going into intern year of residency, you always hear people talk about how they won’t have a life for a year. This is what I was most nervous about; however I was determined to give my 100% at work while still managing to find time to have a life outside medicine! Trust me this task has not been easy and can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Keep reading for a few steps to help manage that stress!

<3 Dee and R

Medical Monday's - SAD                                                   2.6.17
With the ground hog predicting 6 more weeks of winter, I figured this is a topic we would all benefit from. I am clearly affected by the weather — especially when it is gloomy outside or when it rains consistently for weeks. People with Season Affective Disorder (SAD) or the winter blues aren’t the only ones who struggle with the shorter days, colder weather, and the general blah of the winter season.

The symptoms are similar to depression: feelings of hopelessness, despair, difficulty keeping up with daily responsibility, weird sleep habits, and a lack of motivation. What sets it apart from depression is the fact that it only lasts during the winter months and gradually dissipates as the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer.
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Marbled Clay Jewelry Tray                                              2.4.17

Hey Y'all
We have a super fun DIY for ya, and just in time for mother's day. If you need a last minute gift for those special women in your life these are so quick and easy! I am always having my jewels laying around (which is how I've lost some of my favorite earrings!!), so these were fun trinket dishes that I could place in my bathroom and bedroom. 

Check out the step by step instructions below. They are very easy to make and will be a quick DIY just in time for Valentine's day. The supplies will also make a dozen of little dishes, so you can have them laying around!

Medical Monday's - Mental Health                                   1.30.17

Hi y'all. I wanted to talk about a topic that is very important to me, and that is mental health. I'm not sure if all of you know, but I am doing my currently doing my medical training in psychiatry. I have always been passionate about the human psyche and am glad that I have a job where I can help people live happier lives.

Best of Brunch- NYC                                                         1.25.17

What better way to start your weekend off than with a fun brunch? I've lived in Brooklyn (now Long Island) for 3 years now so here are some of my go to places to brunch! Check them out, you wont regret it!

Travel Diaries- Jamaica                                                                                              1.19.17

Intern year of residency has been pretty hectic so far, so I knew it was time for some serious R&R! Staying on a budget<that resident salary> and a preferably a direct flight from JFK., So where else but the Caribbean!
The Caribbean has a special place in my heart and Expedia Travel had such great vacation packages to Jamaica and the flight was a little less than 4 hours! So, I settled on the Luxury Bahia Principe in Montego bay.aka Mo Bay and 5 day 4 night trip was BOOKED!

Chambray + Off the Shoulder                                         06.15.16

This chambray off the shoulder was so inexpensive and one of my favorite purchases of the season.
These jeans by Topshop are an absolute must.  The petite sizes and high rise make it ideal for shorter girls like myself.  They are so so comfy, but chic at the same time.  

Spring Time in New York

I just love spring time in New York! Although its not at warm as I would like, it is still so nice to see the city bloom back to life.  Come March I am always inching to see the cherry blossoms bloom. The whole city is covered in pink which inspired this look!
Dee + R
Behind the blog
We are two best friends that are absolutely obsessed with shopping, sparkles, and fun!
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