​When the clean skincare brand Summer Fridays first released its now iconic Jet Lag Mask, beauty influencers and Instagram were quick to share how much they loved this multi-use moisturizer. Since its initial launch, Summer Fridays continues to grow with new products filling up our skincare fridges and our Instagrammable shelves. The brand recently launched a brand-new product. I got to try Summer Fridays new Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution ($54) after ordering it on its launch day. After just a few uses, I'm glad to report that the Summer Fridays Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution has quickly become the crown jewel of my nighttime skincare routine.

​Founded by beauty and lifestyle influencers Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Ireland, Summer Fridays remains one of Instagram’s favorite skincare brands- and with good reason. Upon opening the package, which like all Summer Fridays products feels and looks luxurious, I implemented the solution into my nighttime skincare routine. Because of my oily-combination skin, I’m always looking for products that exfoliate my skin while tackling my skin concerns include mild acne and some scarring. And Soft Reset by Summer Fridays is that AHA solution that has not only cleared my skin but proved gentle enough to use every night this past week.

​As a skincare enthusiast, I had to try out this brand-new Summer Fridays product and give my honest first impressions on this nighttime skincare solution. In my opinion, the Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution is a perfect nighttime AHA solution for many, if not all, skin types and concerns. Used after I cleanse my skin with the Summer Fridays Super Gel Amino Cleanser, I swipe Soft Reset across my face with reusable cotton rounds. I’ll finish off my nighttime skincare routine by moisturizing with a staple Summer Fridays product, the Jet Lag Mask. I also finish my skincare routine with a swipe of the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm for a sweet and non-sticky overnight lip mask

​This review of Summer Fridays Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution comes a week after using the product and posting my updated nighttime skincare routine on my Instagram. It’s worth noting that the same night I used Soft Reset for the first time I came home after traveling by plane. This AHA exfoliating solution had a lot it had to smooth out.

From wearing face masks for hours at a time to the constant reapplying of products like sunscreen and make up, Soft Reset by Summer Fridays not only worked while I slept, but it did more work than any skincare product in my fridge could! The next morning, I woke up with visibly smaller pores and a natural glow! And this was all before I used my favorite vitamin C serum, the Summer Fridays CC me serum. Like all my Summer Fridays products, the brand-new Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution did not disappoint. As the product's tagline says, Summer Fridays Soft Reset is truly, "your only solution." 

​I’m currently writing from my Southwest Airlines terminal, with heavy bags under my eyes and a heavier heart as I wrap up a reunion with my college best friends in Boston, MA. When people learned I was traveling to Boston during the coronavirus pandemic, it was an equal level of concern at both my decision and travel destination.
 
I know that my decision to travel during quarantine included a lot of risk. As I’ll get to in a bit, I felt comfortable with the risk that came with traveling thanks to the procedures implemented by Southwest to make my time on a plane as safe as possible. From the open middle seats, to the request to properly wear and secure face masks on the plane, I felt comfortable in my experience being on a plane during quarantine. When I landed in Boston, I was ready to follow the Massachusetts coronavirus travel restrictions and I was glad that some of my best friends were at the ready to pick me up.

​I wanted to write from my perspective of what it was like going through an airport and flying in the hopes of educating others. Whether you have considered traveling this summer, or planning a staycation, wear your face masks in public settings, get tested for COVID-19, and practice social distancing. With that said, welcome to my travel blog on flying Southwest during coronavirus travel restrictions from Los Angeles, CA to Boston, MA.

The first step in planning my trip was researching the Massachusetts travel restrictions. How did I go about this you may ask? Google! With the knowledge of COVID-19 constantly developing, it’s paramount to know travel restrictions for any place you may travel during quarantine. Consider how I was not coming from a low-risk state. I was coming in from California and many state’s coronavirus travel restrictions require a 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
 
Current Massachusetts travel restrictions allowed me to skip the quarantine period if I could submit a negative coronavirus test taken within 72-hours of arrival. This meant that as long as my test result was negative, and I had proof upon request, I could return to California and avoid a $500 fine for not following travel guidelines. I highly stress that even if you imagine, or know someone, planning to travel that you see the travel restrictions for the state, city, place that you’re going to. 

​Even if you are granted permission to avoid the quarantine period, that does not mean that you can then ignore CDC safety guidelines. Something that I wanted to stress is that before you travel, it’s imperative to practice social distancing and following safety guidelines to ensure that you are not posing a risk to others. Before I left for Boston, I spent about 2 weeks preparing for the trip by securing PPE, limiting my time outside, and as always, wearing a face mask in public settings.

My everyday carry items in 2020 include: car keys; phone; wallet; gum; hand sanitizer; antibacterial wipes; and at least two face masks. After receiving my negative COVID-19 test, I made sure that I multiple copies of my exam in all of my luggage. I also made sure that my travel bags had plenty of PPE and face coverings for my trip to Massachusetts. Just like I act like a facemask wearing citizen back in L.A., I made sure that in Boston I did my part to protect myself and others.
 
As for my experience flying, again kudos to Southwest Airlines for implementing multiple safety procedures from waiting to board to being on the plane. In the many airports I stopped at, the terminals included seats blocked off for social distancing. We then boarded our Southwest planes in groups of 10. Before boarding each plane, I changed into a new face mask. On each flight the middle seats were open to continue social distancing. And it was comforting to see many passengers also wiping down their seats and trays. The practice of added disinfecting was even encouraged as the Southwest stewardess went through the aisles collecting used sanitizing wipes. 

​Overall, I felt that my Southwest flight experience during a period of coronavirus travel restrictions was as safe as it could be given this unprecedented situation. Well, I’m going to board in a few minutes, so let me go wash my hands and put on a fresh face mask!

Since the days of “Just Dance” back in the golden era of the mid-2000s, I have been a proud Little Monster, aka a fan of Lady Gaga. I’ve never failed to digest a Lady Gaga album on the day of its release, and when Chromatica arrived I already ordered multiple copies. (Yes, I even bought the Target Exclusive version that includes 3 additional tracks.) I share this because I don’t know that many know of my fandom for Lady Gaga to the same degree that people know I am the loudest Ariana Grande fan, Arianator, in the room.

I quite literally majored in the rhetoric of Ariana Grande at my undergrad. My senior thesis included a dedication to Ariana Grande and her seminal album thank u, next that got me through the turmoil of my last year in college. That is all to say that earlier this summer when “Rain on Me” was announced by Lady Gaga featuring Ariana Grande, I could not contain my excitement. This dance track was quite literally a cultural reset during quarantine.
 
Tonight, another cultural landmark has been reached as Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande united for the 2020 MTV VMAs to deliver the first TV performance of “Rain on Me.” As soon as the performance went live, I have relished in this culmination of pop artistry. Whether you have yet to or you saw it, these are my top 5 moments from Gaga & Grande’s performance of “Rain on Me” at the 2020 MTV VMAs.

​Lady Gaga’s name is synonymous with the VMAs after the many jaw-dropping stunts she’s pulled. From ending The Fame era with an artful and gory critic of fame culture to the meat dresses, Gaga has cemented herself as a VMA icon. But what I’ve always loved Lady Gaga’s artistry because of how she pays homage to pop history. The opening bit on the television, inside of our TV, includes footage from the 1999 MTV VMAs and announces a lineup of Diana Ross, Britney Spears, and NSYNC. A blast from pop’s past.

Leave it to Lady Gaga to not only deliver a perfect socially distant performance but do it with some of the most stylish face masks and PPE ever. "I was wearing face shields before it was a thing," Gaga said on Twitter  Sunday night (Aug. 30). Honestly, Gaga has always been a style icon. I would not be surprised, or upset, if she released some more Chromatica inspired helmets. (I missed getting a mask!)

​Even though there was no way I could be witnessing these queens performing in person, I’m sure they heard me screaming when the “Rain on Me” united on stage. When Ariana Grande coolly slides in from the back of the stage, and with pony tails, you heard the nation scream, “Yas!”

The bridge on “Rain on Me” remains one of my favorites in all of pop music because we get a flavor of both signature Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande. Lady Gaga gives us some sultry delivery lyrics taking us to the climax of this song. “Rain on me, tsunami” coos Gaga. And then Ariana Grande delivers perhaps one of her greatest whistle tones ever! Lady Gaga even turns to her, for a spit second of silence, as she cheers on her fellow singer. We have no choice but to stan legends supporting legends!  

​Back to my point of legends stanning legends, the beauty of “Rain on Me” exists in how organic Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande’s artistry works. From the song where the two vocalists carry their weight to the video and its stunning visuals, this performance is the culmination of pop perfection. In re watching the video, I caught a glimpse of Gaga and Grande walking away hand in hand. This subtle sign of support and friendship is the cure my heart and soul needed for my quarantine blues.

I am a firm believer in speaking, or in this case writing, your dreams into existence. A new dream I’ve had is growing my authority and presence in the realm of lifestyle and fitness blogging. Thanks to the help of friends, personal trainers, and group fitness, I lost a life changing amount of weight in one year. Starting my fitness journey helped me overall improve my quality and perspective on life. I’m sure many can relate to feeling uninspired and unproductive doing home workouts during quarantine. Luckily, I finally found an open gym near me.
 
This past week I finally returned to group fitness at an open gym near me here in Los Angeles, CA, specifically in the San Fernando Valley. Reconnecting with my inner athlete feels like a homecoming. Because health and fitness changed my life, I’ve started sharing my story in the hopes of inspiring and connecting with others. I’m back in my preferred, of course following current CDC guidelines like frequently washing my hands, maintaining social distance, and wearing a face mask.
 
Now that I’m feeling creative, productive, and inspired again – feeling like myself – I want to share my experience of going to an open gym near me during quarantine. And I’d also like to share a new vision I have; this new goal is growing my lifestyle and fitness voice to gain the attention and possible invitation to become a Gymshark athlete.

​Before I talk about my experience returning to group fitness, I think I should care my reasoning for joining an open gym near me. As a young person who lives with his family, I have made it a priority to practice social distancing during quarantine. I regularly get tested for the virus and I have been cautious when I leave my house. My everyday carry items include hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and extra face masks. Because of the stress of this moment I -like many other – have felt myself falling into a depression. It comes in waves, that cold absence of drive to wake-up sometimes. I knew that I missed fitness because activating my body was that thing that helped me reconnect with my body and sense of purpose.
 
In case you didn’t know, I am a marketer by profession and a writer by passion. Creating lifestyle content comes naturally to me. However, I was in a lull where I could not push creativity out. I needed something for me- and that something was going to an open gym again here in L.A. Again, I believe that depending on your comfort only return to a gym or group fitness during quarantine if you are comfortable with that level of risk. In my case, my personal coach is a nurse and she trust this gym and its staff. I have been there, and I too trust the safety measures like wearing masks, wiping down surfaces and equipment frequently, and practicing social distance.

Thanks to the team at Uplifted Athletics gym, a local gym here in San Fernando, CA for welcoming me into a rich community of athletes of all levels. In the few days I worked out there during quarantine I felt like I was reconnected with an old friend. The old friend I reconnected with was my body. From the sweat beads collecting on my head to that pump running up my arms doing a push up, the sensation of working out in a gym again was electric.
 
Thanks to the Uplifted coaches Vanessa and Annysa for cheering on every single person in that room. And a huge thanks to my coach Andrea who not only introduced me to this gym and its staff, but also worked out alongside me. I will say, I loved going to Uplifted Athletics. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I signed up for a membership at the gym!

Now that I’m back in my desired fitness space, I’m back to posting content sharing my fitness journey! In case you’re new, in this last year I lost a life changing amount of weight, almost 65 pounds in one year. In trying to inspire others, the same way I was inspired through coaches and social media, I’m eager to start sharing again my fitness journey. Fingers crossed that Gymshark sees me in their gear too!

​Luxury fashion meets function in the new trend of utilitarian-inspired designer cross-body bags, and one of the trendiest bags in this vein is the Prada Re-Edition 2005 Nylon Shoulder Bag. This attempt by Prada to break into the intersection of high fashion and practically was a major success for the Italian luxury fashion house.
 
I ended up buying a brand-new Prada Re-Edition 2005 Nylon Shoulder Bag because I loved the hype around this bag. Upon first glance, I had to have this Prada nylon bag because it’s demure, yet classic aesthetic made this bag timeless and above all else practical for everyday wear. This is my bag review of the Prada Re-Edition 2005 Nylon Shoulder Bag; a bag that’s delightfully demure.

Based around Prada’s 2005 Bandoliera Tessuto, this bag is Prada’s interpretation of the Multi-Pochette phenomenon that skyrocketed in popularity thanks to Louis Vuitton. Prada’s version of the Multi-Pochette Accessoires is different because this version of the designer cross-body is more reasonably priced and is made from more durable materials like Prada’s signature nylon.
 
Another significant difference between Prada and Louis Vuitton’s Multi-Pochette bags is that the Prada Re-Edition 2005 Nylon Shoulder Bag has silver hardware and comes in multiple color options. Whereas the Louis Vuitton Multi-Pochette Accessoires demands attention, the Prada Re-Edition 2005 Nylon Shoulder Bag adapts to your outfit adding a subtle bit of sophistication.

When I bought my Prada nylon cross-body bag, I was able to find it directly on Prada’s website without any problem. I purchased the coffee brown color of the Prada Re-Edition 2005 Nylon Shoulder Bag and I received it within 2 weeks of ordering. I mention this because this trendy Prada cross-body bag does exist on the preloved market, at a higher cost as you can imagine. But when I wrote this piece the Prada Re-Edition bag was in stock on Prada’s website with a listing price of $1,290.

If you’ve seen other blogs or YouTube videos on this Prada cross-body bag, you know that’s directly compared to the Louis Vuitton Multi Pochette Accessoires. I too compared this Prada bag and the LV bag earlier; it’s just the nature of these bags to come up in similar conversations. But I bought each bag for a different reason. (If you want to read my full bag review on the Louis Vuitton Multi Pochette Accesoires click here.) I bought the Prada Re-Edition 2005 Nylon Shoulder Bag because I wanted a luxury cross-body bag for practical everyday wear. From its durable nylon-making to the rectangular coin purse on the canvas strap, the Prada cross-body is a perfect bag to carry everyday carry items suited for life in quarantine.

 Because this Prada bag is made from nylon, I felt comfortable carrying my hand sanitizers and other essentials, like sunscreen in it. Being made from nylon also gives this trendy Prada cross-body the advantage of being able to mold its shape to carry everything you need. (For reference, the LV Multi Pochette is made from canvas that warps overtime.)

The bag is also easy to maneuver given its only got the 1 baguette-shaped bag on the outside and the coin purse on the strap. That’s another thing – the rectangular coin purse is perfect for holding cards. When I did essential outings, like grocery shopping, having my cards on the outside of my Prada bag made life much easier.

​In the several weeks since first unboxing the Prada Re-Edition 2005 Nylon Bag I still see this bag as a gem in my luxury fashion experience. Practical and sophisticated, this Prada nylon cross-body bag carries Prada’s bag tradition of exquisite craftsmanship and a luxurious demure identity.
 
Candidly, I admit that I ended up returning this bag. My reasons for returning simply came down to the point I brought up earlier of the silver hardware and its 2005 Bandoliera Tessuto inspiration. I just felt I needed bag that I could combine with my growing neutral style and gold hardware collection. Again, I loved owning The Prada Re-Edition 2005 Nylon Shoulder Bag – and I love seeing it on my friends who own one as well. I firmly believe that the designer cross-body trend is here to stay, as quarantine continues demanding fashion meet function.