It was only right before the pandemic that I purchased my iPad Mini 5. I was feeling sorry for myself because my boyfriend was breaking up with me and I had gotten my tax return so why not treat yourself? It was a great purchase because who knew just a few weeks later we would be locked in the house for months?

That iPad kept me sane and really opened my eyes to what a good iPad can be used for. I raved about it over the past *almost* two years but I had been contemplating getting an additional or a different iPad. I wanted something bigger, but I'm not really sure why? I was just kind of bored I guess.

I wrestled with the idea of a new iPad for a while but then when I found out Apple was holding a September event for their new launches and new iPad were part of it, I knew I had to wait it out. I watched that event live and when I saw the new iPad Mini 6 and how upgraded it actually was, I knew that that was the way to go.

The Apple event made it look too good to pass up and I had to have it immediately. 

I ordered the iPad Mini 6 in 'Pink' the moment it was available for purchase and received it on September 24th. I was giddy with excitement and honestly do not remember the last time I loved a tech purchase so much... I guess it was my Macbook Air I purchased in January 2021. Man, Apple products just speak to my soul! 

Anyways, as soon as my iPad arrived in the mail, I was obsessed. It is really sleek, very fast and so lightweight. It feels so different from the other iPads also, because of the very rectangular design. The corners are sharp and it feels much more tech-like than anything else I have.

The iPad Design and Technology

 This iPad also comes with iOS15 already installed so you have the most up-to-date Apple technology which I think makes a huge difference. I love iOS15 and think on the iPad it looks and runs even better. I mean, the iPad is also fast because it's brand new but I just think it's a big difference. 

Another big difference is also the size; this iPad mini is slightly bigger than the iPad Mini 5 but there is no home button, therefore, the screen is so much bigger, which I love! I think having a bigger screen makes using the iPad a lot easier and more user-friendly. Having everything be slightly bigger gives the illusion that the iPad itself is bigger. 

The home button is not removed completely, it's now located on the top right of the iPad, and Touch ID is now enabled, which I love. It makes everything so much more convenient.

As for the color, I got the shade Pink but it's hardly a color at all; it's super light and very reflective. That doesn't necessarily bother me but I wish it was a touch darker so you can actually see the fact that it's pink. Though

I think all of the colors in this launch were very light and a little techy. 

How I Use It

I am still using my iPad the same way that I have in the past but I think I use it more than my other iPads, solely because of the weight and size. This iPad feels so different in your hand and in a way, it makes using it a lot easier. 

There are days where I use my iPad more than my phone. I have my messages hooked up to it for now (I might change this in the future) so I can be laying on my living room couch, my phone charging in my bedroom, and be fine. 

I have been reading a lot on my iPad; I have both a Kindle and Nook and stick to reading exclusively on those. I usually hate reading on an iPad because of the screen but now, I can adjust brightness and coloring on both apps and my iPad is faster than both. Also, for certain books I like that there is a bit of color in the screen; I like reading self-help books on the iPad because it feels more like a regular book to me. Because of the large screen, the nature of the fast processing, and the fact that it's so easy to get to, I like to be able to reference things in these books faster than I would be able to on a normal e-reader.

In addition to reading books, I use my iPad to read articles and blogs, a lot! I like reading on here more versus my computer or phone because it feels more natural. 

Another way I use this, and probably my favorite way is to use it as a double screen for my work computer. I couldn't do this with my old iPad because of the outdated tech but with this one, ah it's so nice! I use a software called 'Duet' that allows me to hook up the iPad to my work computer and viola, double screen! It's such a huge help when it comes to managing a heavy workload and it makes me feel super professional, which I love.

Worth It or Not? 

All in all, I definitely think if you just want a simple iPad and aren't someone with a business, someone who's in school or is an artist, I think an iPad mini will suit you just fine. I think iPad pros and regular iPads are better for those who utilize an iPad more than a computer, or who need a bigger screen for creative purposes. 

There are enough differences between the iPad Mini 6 and the older models to make a case for upgrading; it feels totally different from the other iPad minis I've had and I'm simply obsessed!

What are your thoughts on iPads?
xoxo
B

I had this idea for a blog post a while ago but now, in the midst of quarantine, I feel like it's more appropriate than ever. There is nothing to do but be inside and therefore, we are probably using more of our possessions than ever before.

Whether it's food, beauty, self-care, technology... we are using everything to pass the time. I figured it would be interesting to talk about the items that I've been using more that I'm in my house 24/7 and what I'm using as I work from home. I've always loved my stuff and I've talked about that a lot but being home during the day allows me to use my 'stuff' even more.

iPad Mini 5

Right before all of this started, I treated myself to a new iPad Mini. Mine was a few years old, didn't have enough memory, and was a little too slow for my liking. My new iPad is pretty much exactly the same and I love it so much. I use it for reading (I use the Kindle & Nook apps), social media, and even use it as a second screen if I need another browser window while working or blogging. It's my sidekick - my partner in crime. I hooked up my iMessage to it so some days I can leave my phone in another room and just have my iPad. I purchased this Apple Pencil dupe from Amazon and download a coloring book app called 'Pigment' and have been coloring to pass the time. Having a tablet really unleashes a world of possibilities.

Stress Gummies + Supplements

This one goes without saying but it's been a struggle and a battle the past few weeks. It's not just me, as someone with anxiety who is feeling the stress but everyone in the world. I would be nowhere without my favorite supplements that help take the edge off and allow me to think and process things more clearly. I use these interchangeably: Olly Stress Gummies, HUM Nutrition Big Chill, Sunday Scaries CBD Gummies.

Zella Leggings + Graphic Sweatshirts

It shouldn't be a surprise that I haven't worn anything but my Zella Live In High Waisted leggings for the past three weeks. I've been pairing that with any and all sweatshirts. These are the ones I've been wearing the most: Frozen (similar) Cinderella from Box Lunch, BP, and BBX Collection (use code BRIANA15 for 15% off!). There is a definite Disney theme happening to me right now but let's just go with it. I just want to be comfortable. I do my hair & my makeup to feel like a human and look decent on video meetings but comfort is key.

May Designs Priority Planner

The Priority Planner is one of, if not my all-time favorite layout that May Designs has ever released. I purchased it a few months ago and used it for exceptionally busy weekend days but mostly used it when I was working from home. Well now that I'm working from home every day, I found it to be extremely useful and a key part of my sanity. It helps me organize my day into sections, think about the tasks that really need to get done and really stay on top of everything. It's been a lifesaver!

Belle and Park Starbucks Cold Cup

As I mentioned before, I have been on a huge Disney kick. It makes me happy and provides a great distraction. With that being said, I purchased this cold cup from my favorite Etsy shop, Belle and Park last month and have not stopped using it. It adds a bit of magic to an otherwise scary time and it's just a nice, lightweight cup for water and/or iced coffee!

Honorable Mention: Foods I've been eating like they're going out of style this quarantine: Queso Blanco, Tortilla Chips, Mickey Ice Cream Bars and Eggo Waffles. Someone stop me.

What are the items you cannot stop using right now?
xoxo
B

I really really love alliterations and I always hate just writing "_____ Favorites", so let's call this the Monthly Muse. UGH I love the way that sounds!

Mostly I always write about beauty products because those are the items I always see in monthly roundups and they're the thing I use most during the month. I always try to throw a random non beauty item in there and this month, I have a few. It's definitely a nice change of pace.

This month was wonderful for one reason: my move. I've talked it to death on the blog but I can't help it. It's a huge deal to me. I've shared a room with my sister for 2.5 years, ever since graduating college, and it's been a nightmare. We are polar opposites and it was taking a toll on my sanity, and our relationship. I finally have my own space, that I can decorate as I please and relish in.

I've been so happy pretty much every day since moving because I get to come home to my room. I've always been the type to stay in my room -- my mom used to say that she wouldn't see me for days when I was little because I would just be in my room, content as could be, and entertaining myself. Well, 23 years later and not much has changed.



That brings to me to my favorites:

1. THE MOVE: I love my new house (I still live with my mom and sister) and it's perfect. It's nice and spacious, we all have our own little space, and it just feels like home. There's tons of light and it feels very open and airy. I will post a room tour this week -- the one thing I'm waiting on is my gallery wall and dresser, but I'll address that in the post.

2. iPad Mini: I've definitely mentioned this in my favorites before but I've rediscovered it. That sounds so silly but I go through stages with the things that I enjoy and I decided to remove my iPad from it's case and just hold it as it and I love it so much better. I ordered a sleeve for it, and I just love toting it around with me. I love how tiny it is but how I can actually get stuff done. I'm obsessed!

3. Mercari: I don't think I've ever used an app as much as I've used this. Mercari is a shopping app where you can buy and sell pretty much anything and everything. I've talked about Poshmark in the past but this in my opinion, is better than Poshmark. There are more options for sellers, there's more information needed to sell an item, and the best part? They don't take a commission from your sales. I've purchased a BUNCH of stuff from the app over the past month and I've SOLD even more stuff! Everything I've received is perfect and I haven't had an issue. I know there has been some scandal with this in the past, mostly with fake cosmetics, but if you're a smart buyer, you'll have no issue!

4. Caudalie Beauty Elixir: I was in need of a new refreshing spray and I knew it would be this one. I've been wanting to try it for months so I finally picked it up from Sephora. It has a peppermint scent and feels slightly tingly on the skin. It's perfect for a morning pick me up, or a mid afternoon refresher. I usually use this before my makeup application, as an extra priming step and I just love the way it makes my skin feel.

5. Laura Mercier Baked Bronzer: I received this item in a 500 point perk from Sephora and I'm so glad I did. Laura Mercier is a brand I've been wanting to experiment with for a while and I'm finally getting a feel for her products. This bronzer is the perfect everyday bronzer; it's warm but not orange toned and it doesn't kick up too much product. It distributes the perfect amount of product onto your brush and gives the most gorgeous sunkissed look.

What were your monthly favorites this month?