Birthday Q&A

Go shawty, it’s my birthday! This is it folks, the last year in my 20s and here’s to making this year the best one yet! I’m a little nervous about turning 30 TBH… even though 30 is the new 20, right? But… I’ve still got time! I’m so glad I switched my schedule to be off work today because yesterday was crazy (as in 51 patients crazy!!) so a much needed birthday break is needed. Thanks to all of you that sent in questions for this little Q&A post- you can check out the answers below. Now I’m off to sip coffee and catch up on Grey’s!What is your favorite travel spot in the US? And favorite abroad?

Ahh, how can I pick just one? In the US I have to say New York City. I know that’s a typical answer but it’s truly amazing and even though I’ve been several times, there is always a new neighborhood to discover or something new to do. It never gets old!! As far as abroad, I might have to say Positano. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

What is your biggest fear/ what are you most afraid of?

If we’re talking physical things, it would be cockroaches and snakes.. 100%.

What’s your must-have skincare item?

Sunscreen!! It’s the best anti-aging cream out there, y’all. My favorite daily tinted sunscreen is EltaMD UV Elements, it blurs imperfections with light coverage and also has SPF 44. Super moisturizing too!

Would you consider getting paid to help decorate a new apartment?

This is an interesting one! While I do love home decor and decorating our house was SO much fun, it was also a lot of work and stressful at times. I could definitely be open to offering advice, but don’t think I could take on the role of interior designer just yet.

What’s a great gift idea for the hubby for the 1st wedding anniversary?

If you want to go the traditional route, the customary gift is paper. Ryan & I went on a trip to Italy so our plane tickets were our “paper gift.” You could also do tickets to their favorite sporting event or concert. Another great gift idea would be new luggage or a cool art print.

What’s your favorite nail color?

I did a roundup post of some of my favorite nail colors here but I’ll say that my favorite to wear for spring is “I Am What I Amethyst” by OPI.

How do you manage your time between your professional “daytime” career, the creative endeavors of blogging/fashion, and also taking time for rest, family, self care, etc?

It’s hard! I work 12-hour shifts at my urgent care clinic so days that I work I really can’t be blogging or on Instastories. I try to work on most blog stuff on my days off but sometimes I find myself procrastinating on posts or projects and have to stay up late after work to finish. Since I work every other weekend, finding time to take photos can be hard so I decided to give my husband a break and now use a photographer about 50% of the time and schedule shoots on my days off. Balance is definitely hard but I have also scaled back to about 2-3 posts per week so that helps.

What’s the oldest memory you have as a kid?

It’s very vague, but I grew up in Russia and somehow I remember that my mom used to put me in these shoes that would make noise every time I walk so she wouldn’t lose me, lol!

How did you get your hands-on experience for PA school? 

I was a scribe in the ER, shadowed several PAs, did a clinical study with the surgery department of a hospital and worked the front desk at an orthopedic practice. But compared to my classmates I didn’t have a lot and I think schools require more and more these days. Most of my classmates were either MAs, CNAs or EMTs.

Where are you traveling to next?

This summer we are hoping to go to LA/San Diego. I have never been to Southern California and we thought it would be fun to get some touristy city time as well as lounge by the pool. But then again, I’m already trying to plan our next international trip for next year- either Greece or somewhere in the Asian Pacific.