In Philadelphia, we celebrate the New Year with an entire day-long parade of fantastical productions (as opposed to other cities with their 10-second ball drop). Go big or go home #amirite? This will be my first time watching the Mummers Parade. Inaugurated in 1901, the parade consists of local clubs competing in categories like comics, fancies, string bands, and brigades. With ostentatious costumes and performances along Broad Street, it's going to be a New Year to remember. I'm so glad it wasn't canceled despite the frigid weather reports.

Of course with a new year comes lots of new goals and the R word. Yes, that's right, Resolutions. Although I prefer to break it down like Re-Solutions (and since alcohol is a solution I suppose you could argue it's just a fancy way of encouraging those midnight champagne toasts). But for real, if you're looking to come up with your New Year's Resolution, maybe this post can help you out.



One of my top goals this year is to find ways to save money while still enjoying things like going out with my friends, traveling, and of course, hitting up all the great restaurants in Center City. I'm challenging myself to expand on that - making some money by spending money:



My friend showed me this app called Seated. It's perfect for anyone living in or visiting major cities. You sign up and book a reservation at one of their restaurants that vary from inexpensive ($) to ritzy ($$$$) with a variety of food genres. My favorite spot so far is Vintage Wine Bar and Bistro. We also visited this delightful vegan restaurant called Bar Bombón. Depending on the number of guests, you spend a minimum amount and can get money back in Amazon, Uber, or Starbucks credit. I've already been able to pay for half of my holiday gifts just by eating delicious food! Use my Referral Code: DOCTORCOLE and get an extra $5. Click here to learn more.



Another of my go-to apps is Mint, which is run by Intuit. I can control all my accounts, create a budget, and keep up to date on when all my bills are due - for free. I check it at least once a day to make sure I'm on track and also analyze where my money is going.
 


If you're trying to figure out how to create a budget I recommend listening to some of the Millenial Money podcasts. There's a great book too that helps you evaluate your relationship with money and how to approach financing for your future. It's called "The Broke Millenial" and it's kind of written in a fun "Choose Your Own Adventure" style starting off with the 5 steps to #GYFLT.

Happy holidays everyone! It's a beautiful day in Philadelphia, there's even a dusting of snow coating the sidewalks.

I wanted to post this earlier but didn't want to ruin the surprise for all the gifts I sent my friends and family. I've found that the best kind of holiday gifts are homemade ones, whether they're greeting cards, jewelry, or even handmade scarves. It means so much more when you know someone put time and thought into creating something especially for you.
This year, I got my friends involved in making holiday cards! We used water color pencils and Pinterest for inspiration.

This has become one of my favorite hobbies too - especially when I'm on call at the hospital. I can pick up in between answering pages right where I left off. At the end, I feel like I've accomplished something extra on top of treating my patients!

Happy Sunday! What better way to celebrate a beautiful fall Sunday and get to know a new community than through yoga? It brings people together from all walks of life to destress and re-center. This is especially important when you're in residency. I've been on a yoga marathon after finally replacing my old mat a few weeks ago with this perfect one from Athleta: the Manduka mat.




In fact, on my way back from picking up my new mat, I discovered CorePower Yoga was promoting a free trial week for newbies. Wanting to give my Manduka a test drive, I signed up. Talk about holding yourself accountable. I went every day to trial their classes from Yoga Sculpt to Levels 1 and 2. It was tough because I wasn't used to the heated yoga but I felt so rejuvenated afterward. Plus, when you're on a budget (thank you student loans), the best kind of yoga class is a free yoga class.


Looking for more fun activities in the area, I decided to check out Athleta's upcoming events. They host free weekly yoga classes often accompanied by a tutorial on eating healthy and taking care of your body.




I registered for today's Be Gentle to Your Body class and my favorite instructor from CorePower Yoga, Melissa, turned out to be leading it! They cleared the store so we had plenty of room to stretch out. Melissa led us through a gentle early morning flow with lots of downward dogs, warrior ones and twos, and an amazing Shavasana complete with a lavender oil aroma. Not to mention you're surrounded by Athleta's beautiful activewear. They even give you an Athleta goodie bag at the end filled with coupons and treats like chocolate covered Date Truffles. I was ready to buy the whole store.



Afterward we had a discussion about healthy eating with a focus on yogurt parfaits. Melissa, a certified nutritionist, explained how important it is to focus on consuming all-natural ingredients. Your body is better equipped to digest and extract the necessary nutrients from whole foods. It doesn't know how to metabolize processed foods appropriately, which is why you may not feel well after, say, a fast-food binge or ice cream indulgence (Halo Top excluded).


She cautioned us about parfaits that have too much sugar, which can be hidden in granola and yogurt. She also emphasized the importance of bulking up breakfast with protein. Tricks to do this include using Greek Yogurt as a base and adding toppings like hemp seed, peanut butter, and pumpkin seeds. We learned simple ways to add sweetness using honey, raw cacao nibs, and fresh blueberries (fun fact: these are also loaded with tons of antioxidants). You can even flavor with cinnamon and throw in chia seeds to provide extra fiber. We got to make our own yogurt parfaits using her recommendations with fantastic ingredients compliments of Trader Joe's.

I also got to meet two young women from Temple University's Pretty Girls Sweat club at the class. They told me all about their club and how they empower college girls through fitness around the country by promoting free upcoming events and classes. You can follow them on instagram @prettygirlssweattu :)

Check out what the fitness stores and studios are doing in your area and I'll see you on the mat!

When you're given hundreds of pages to read every night, you discover your strengths and weaknesses for consolidating such large amounts of information. Mine was realizing that I am a visual learner. I learn best by seeing and picturing information, whether it's diagrams, tables, or lists. Chalkboards and whiteboards soon became my best friend. The following is a list of online and written resources that helped me through medical school, studying day in and day out for weekly quizzes, monthly tests, quarterly exams, and yearly boards:

1. 
   
   
   Kaplan: This was my go-to for MCAT prep as well as boards prep. My medical school provided us with both on-line material and in-person courses. I found this helpful to supplement my other boards prep material and now contribute to their Step 3 boards prep as a content consultant.
2. 
   
   
   Doctors In Training: I used this for COMLEX Levels 1, 2, and 3 as well as USMLE Step 1. I loved the courses. It was especially helpful for the first board exam. I liked that it gave me structure for studying as well. The best part is my friends used this too and we could compare notes or ask each other questions to help us better understand concepts.
3. 
   
   
   Acland Anatomy: These are great videos that go into detail over anatomic landmarks in case you need a review but don't have a chance to go to the anatomy lab.
4. 
   
   
   Picmonics: As a visual learner, I loved these "picture mnemonics." I still use them today.
5. 
   
   
   
   BRS series: Every single one. They cut through all of the dense material and give you a concise, comprehensive review of each topic. Instead of pouring over books searching for buried answers or explanations, these books have them all upfront and easily accessible.
6. 
   
   
   Dr. Najeeb: He is funny, smart, and a great teacher. I loved watching his courses online. I still refer back to his drawings.
7. 
   
   
   MDCalc: This is a must-have app to have on your phone for clinical rotations (along with Epocrates). Plus it's free.
8. 
   
   First Aid: The Bible of medicine (sorry Grey's).
9. 
   
   COMBANK/COMQUEST/UWorld: Depending on the exam you're studying for, these are great question banks. I used COMBANK for Level 1 and 3, COMQUEST for Level 2, and UWorld for Step 1.
10. 
    
    
    Case Files: These were the best resource I found for in-service exams during my rotations.
    
    And because there really is no such thing as too much board prep, here's one more -
    
    
11. 
    
    
    Quizlet: You'll figure out what works for you, whether that's making flashcards, re-writing notes, or developing your own concept maps. I used to hand-write all of my flashcards in high school and college but in medical school there wasn't enough time and I couldn't handle the cramps. Quizlet made it easy for me. I typed all the material I wanted to study. Having the app on my phone meant I could test myself anywhere. And I still use it today in residency!

Given my recent national TV debut during Miss America (see above) I thought it was a perfect time to post some of my favorite things to watch on TV. It also coincides with a request one of my best friends made for my next blog post.

You see, when you're in medical school and residency, you end up working weird hours. Sure you can have a social life but not everyone wants to hang out at 2am when you finish your shift. You're still reeling from that hospital high and need to decompress. My favorite way to relax and veg out, to let my mind go and give myself a break...Aside from reading and exercising, it has to be watching TV.

When I was little my parents used to limit me to 2 hours of television a night but I would sneak into the back room of our house to catch my favorite Nickelodeon episodes. I love watching TV. I love when I recognize actors and actresses from different shows playing other roles. My parents finally gave in to letting me watch my favorite shows as long as I put in the same amount of time studying and needless to say it paid off - I own pop culture in addition to medicine on trivia nights.



I haven't seen every Netflix show available and there are some that I have yet to watch (Orange is the New Black) or am currently binge-watching (Game of Thrones) but if you're looking for a new show then here is my list separated by categories:

1. Breaking Bad (of course it's number 1...I still have yet to see Better Call Saul)
2. Homeland (Claire Danes is phenomenal)
3. The Americans
4. Sneaky Pete (on Amazon)
5. Queen of the South (adapted from the Spanish version La Reina del Sur) 

Mystery

1. Big Little Lies
2. Sherlock (the Benedict Cumberbatch version of course)
3. The Bletchley Circle
4. Veronica Mars (this basically shaped my teenage years, I looooove this show and they even made a movie out of it because it was cancelled too early)

This is literally the best thing ever! I'm so excited to share with you my new #lifehack - turning Siri into your own personal narrator. It applies to iBooks, PDFs, webpages, e-mails, articles, even text messages on your iPhone or iPad.

To start with, I get articles every day to read on my current Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) rotation. Yes, that's right, doctors have homework too! They're really interesting - the latest one was about how Progesterone and Vitamin D can help the recovery of TBI patients by modulating the immune system and other key regulatory mechanisms. However, sometimes, it's hard to focus at the end of a long shift. I'm so tired that my eyes start to cross or I highlight without completely digesting what I'm reading. Last night, I was wishing there was some way I could listen to the PDF during my commute. A quick Google search and I discovered the answer: there is and it's free! You can turn iBooks, PDFs, almost anything with text into audiobooks with Siri's help. You don't need access to the internet either. Forget the Audible subscription or paying $20 to listen to the next bestseller. Check it out in these quick, simple steps. It takes less than 10 seconds:

Step 1: Go to Settings app on iPhone --> Tap General

Step 2: Tap on Accessibility

Step 3: Tap on Speech (under Vision section)

Step 4: Toggle on the Speak Screen

Step 5: Open whatever item you want read to you, scroll down from the top of the screen with two fingers and the Speak Screen should appear (it might take a couple of tries)

Step 6: Reduce the speed to get a more natural sound of Siri's voice by pressing the turtle that appears on the Speak Screen (if not there, you can also go to Settings --> General --> Accessibility --> Speak Selection)

Soon you'll be off on whatever wild adventure, spy novel, research investigation, or e-mail catchup session you desire as the words echo from your new FREE Audiobook device.


Side note: You can also change Siri's voice to be British, South African, Irish, male, or female.

Go to Settings --> General --> Accessibility --> Voices --> whatever language you want and then select an accent

Turns out my phone's voice has been Samantha all along but I still call her Siri.

Speaking of audiobooks,




Leave a comment below!

More tips to come next week!

It's been a busy few weeks as I officially moved to the birthplace of America - a perfect transition for celebrating July 4th with the liberty bell in my backyard! Since inner city living means a little less space and a little more savvy, I discovered some creative #lifehacks to help with storage. Of course the first part of any step to organization is to clean out what you don't use or want and prioritize what you need. If you haven't used it in the past 6 months, you likely don't need it. Think about your go-to tools for getting ready in the morning and make sure those items are within easy reach.



My bathroom has two cabinets under the sink but no drawers or areas to store cosmetics and toiletries. I didn't want to take up much counter-space so I found this great acrylic makeup organizer on Amazon. It makes getting ready in the morning so much easier, especially when you don't have to dig around for something.



For my toiletries, since I was so used to having shelves behind the mirror at my old place, I wanted something similar. I found a file organizer and used command strips to attach it to the inside of the cabinet under the sink. It took a few extra adhesives but it's holding up well and has saved space as well as frustration when it comes to finding things. In fact, I loved the file organizer so much, I used it for organizing my spices too!


On the other cabinet I added a little hook to hang my hair dryer so it's always in easy reach.

Lastly, there is also a hall closet with limited floor storage space. I ended up hanging an organizer on the back of the door and it was the perfect SHOElution. Pun intended ;)

These are some of my favorite hacks and have saved me both time and energy when it comes to getting ready in the morning. Let me know if you have any other creative ideas!



Take advantage of the extra time you save now that you're an organization guru by exploring your area. If you ever find yourself in Philly, I highly recommend a visit to the Magic Gardens - it's a beautiful art mosaic that spans an entire block of the city.

In a few short weeks, I will be officially relocating to the Big City...well almost. Not New York but still a big city.  I'll give you a hint: it's the birthplace of America. And with that move comes, of course, a smaller space, namely, a smaller closet. Surveying my current apartment I realized 1. I am not a fan of moving (ie packing, unpacking) and 2. I have too much stuff. My wardrobe was the bulk of what would be packed and, since May is just around the corner, I concluded it's time for some hardcore spring cleaning!

To start with, a friend gave me this algorithm from thredUp:


It made my decisions a lot easier knowing what to keep, sell, and give away, from shoes and jackets to jewelry and yoga gear. When it came time to sell, I wanted to try online consignment. I read a great post comparing thredUP and Poshmark, two popular online consignment sites here:



In short, the article summarizes what each site entails along with their pros and cons. Poshmark is more hands-on, leaving it up to the seller to photograph, price, package, and ship each item. In contrast, thredUP, which is more hands-off, leaves you to bundle all your items in a pre-paid bag for one-time shipping. They'll take care of the rest. If you're looking for a convenient way to make a little money, thredUP is your best bet.

I decided, however, to have fun with it and make good use of my photo studio by signing up with Poshmark. Within hours of posting my first item, it sold. I had it packaged and shipped the next day. Since Poshmark e-mails you a pre-paid shipping label, you don't have to spend any money as the seller. Of course, you can always get creative and take the time to ship your item with a little love and thanks!


So, what are you waiting for? Grab some champagne, recruit your friends, and welcome Spring with a closet cleanse! If you made enough room for a few cute new items, feel free to shop my closet on Poshmark by clicking here: @itsalyssacole