Chicago, IL, USA

Chicago Independence Day

Dec 11, 2015

I can't possibly imagine the feeling of riding straight into a tornado, but I distinctly remember watching a movie in grade school about a group of tornado chasers. It ripped through the town so gracefully, like a dancing ballerina (thanks to dramatic music effects), while families ran and hid. What amazed me was their decision to drive their car straight into the tornado and there, was where I learned what the "eye of a tornado" was. Besides the fact that it was a movie and that it is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted, I couldn't help but think of how amazing it all seemed. How between all the rush of the wind and the destruction on the outside, there is a beautiful spiral on the inside. And if that is how it feels to go full speed ahead into a tornado, I think that is what I am going to experience in the next months of my life.

As the last days of school are finally coming to a close, I could not stop thinking about the next month I will get to spend at home or the many, many months that are going to follow in a new country. Before arriving in Ireland, it is going to be stressful, a mess, at the same time, a great holiday season. I am going straight toward the tornado. Next Tuesday, after I hand my professor the last of my obligations (a lengthy, tedious research paper), it is going to be a whirlwind of adventure.

 How do I feel? Probably a little nervous, but most definitely excited--beyond excited. I mean, when do you get to drop what you are doing and move to another country for half a year? Only in college. 

To new adventures, full speed ahead! xo, Yours Truly.

P.S.: That reminded me that I never posted all my photos from Chicago. How dare I!? 

Finals Season

Dec 8, 2015

As the school semester comes to a close, you will begin to see students crowd up the libraries and coffee shops. Most of them looking like zombies with bags under their eyes or just trying to catch a power nap in between the many no-sleep-nights. More importantly and probably dangerous to their health, students are seen getting multiple refills of their coffee (usually with extra shots of espresso). And seriously, do not get in the way of a student and their coffee during this time. Welcome to a college finals week, everybody! 

It's the time to stress out, freak out, and any other kind of "out" there is, because this is the last chance. And I am really starting to feel the stress come around! The bags under my eyes strongly concur. So as an attempt to break out of this pressure and the many essays I have been writing, I'll write something a little more lax and fun: a new post on my blog! (Before I have to get back in line for a refill on my coffee..)

When my sister comes to town, there is always a lot of photos being taken! Also, we love to try new coffee shops, eat new restaurants, or check out a new little boutique store. (Psst: Like this cute little florist located in the Mission area in the back of a little garage. Full of hipster vibes oozing from every corner of it! {http://www.ampersandsf.com/}) Some of the places we go to are a hit-or-miss, but we generally have a great time! Even exploring places across the golden gate bridge, but make sure to pay the toll.. seriously.

So I think the message I want to share is: don't stress out over finals too much and try to make time for yourselves. Take a break if you need it! I find that I do best when I am well-rested and relaxed and you might be too. So good luck on all your finals, I know I'll need it! xo, Yours Truly.
Trouble Coffee in Oakland, CA.
I'm seriously in love with the all white, EVERYWHERE.
In Sausolito, search for the swing and find a beautiful view!

AND LASTLY, A little advice from the one and only...

GAP denim jacket
TJ MAXX green cargo skinnys
ALDO dior-inspired sunglasses
FOREVER 21 black crossbody clutch

Holiday Gift Guide 2015

Dec 3, 2015

Yay for messy hair buns, fluffly blarfs (blanket + scarf), and SNOW!

The holidays are just around the corner and there is just so much to be happy about! When we were kids, being able to believe in Santa Claus, baking cookies, spending time with family, and of course, opening presents on Christmas morning! (We all know that is everyone's favorite part…) Getting to open gifts are fun, but when you become the person who buys the gifts, the holidays can become a stressful time. Having to search for just the right gift, hoping that the person will like it, or deciding how much money to drop? The reasons are endless! I know I stress out about this same situation. Every. Single. Year.

Well, luckily for me, I have gotten much better at gift giving over the past couple years. And, lucky for you, I'm going to share some of my favorite gifts and shed some ideas on what to get for the important guys + gals in your life!

*TIP: You can never go wrong by gifting (a girl) either a scarf, beanie, or sweater! You don't have to worry about fit, because the first two are usually one-size fits all and oversized sweaters are totally all the craze!

Take out your notebooks, make your list, and hit the stores! xo, Yours Truly.

*MOST OF THESE ITEMS ARE UNDER $50!
FOR HER [from top to bottom, left to right]
FRED & FRIENDS / wake up heat-sensitive mug (Affordable and quirky cute!)
BLOOMINGDALES / airport passport case (Under $50 for your travel-obsessed loved ones!)
UGG / fleece-lined socks (Just perfect for the holidays!)
NORTH FACE / 'triple cable pom' beanie (You can never go wrong with a beanie, scarf, or sweater.)
J. CREW / marble phone case ("Marble is the new black," said everyone, ever.)

That 70's Girl.

Nov 11, 2015


There has been so much going on lately, but almost nothing at the same time. You know those days when you just want to Netflix-and-Chill 24/7? Yeah, I am totally in that funk right now. But, I have so much to look forward to this weekend because... MY SISTER IS COMING TO TOWN! Someone asked me if I would live in NorCal permanently, and I said no. I would miss my sister too much. She's my other half and seriously, I mean it when I say she's the only one that gets me. (Refer to Elite Daily's article.) Beyond that, it is just going to be an amazing weekend spent in the city, doing fun things and being crazy. (And of course, lots and lots of food!)

But let's get back to the important part here: this 70's craze! I have been gaga for these button-up skirts since they hit the market--I needed to get my hands on a pair of those. While I notice that these aren't flattering for a lot of people, fortunately, there are many different colors and styles to accommodate almost everyone. (Still looking for black, corduroy ones...) But I love the style and I love the 70's look, so I am welcoming the trend with open arms! Also, making a big comeback is the suede-fringe look. (Aimee Song killed the game here. That jacket is to die for!) 

In this post, we explored the Long Beach Museum of Art. I can't remember who the featured artist was, but you can see how amazing the wall art is. (Psst: perfect for blog photos.) I am super excited to be switching out the wardrobe into winter gear soon! Comment on what your favorite new trends are! xx



These bandana's have also been all the craze!


Mimosas, bellinis and the wonderful Pacific Ocean!

BANANA REPUBLIC white tank top
H&M suede button-up skirt
KENNETH COLE black lace-up sandals
URBAN OUTFITTERS renewal green bandana
FOREVER 21 black chain crossbody bag


10 Fun Things to Make Being Alone Feel Not-So-Lonely.

Oct 25, 2015

Moving away to college as a third-year transfer and deciding to live off-campus can be a pretty lonely experience. Especially when your school is considered a “commuter” school, it is definitely much harder to get involved or make new friends.

Recently, I find myself staying home and opting for a quieter day and night, rather than experiencing college the “party” way. In a way, it is both good and bad, considering I get to do a lot of things on my own and figure out myself, but it can get pretty lonely at times.

So here’s my list of to-do’s when feeling lonely with nothing on the agenda:

1. A little shopping never hurt nobody.
Shopping is always my favorite option since it is my favorite hobby. Even if your wallet is not so flexible, you can go and try the most obnoxious pieces of clothes at the most outrageously expensive stores! And plus, window shopping may be torturous, but it is a great brainstorm for items you WILL want to add to your closet later on.

Softbatch Chocolate Chip Cookies | Life Made Simple:
2. Explore your kitchen and cook away!
What better than to test your cooking skills when you have nothing to do? Look up some healthy recipes or delicious desserts on Pinterest and give it a try. If you don't want to try new things, you can always get a head start and cook up some pre-made meals for the upcoming week. A healthy diet is a planned diet!

3. Take a long, hot bath with bubbles and a bottle of wine.
Take advantage of the bath tub and the fact that (hopefully) no one will come home in the middle of the day! Put on a hot hot bath and obviously, don't forget those foamy bubbles! For those of us who love a little bit of wine, put it on the side and light a candle. That calls for an Instagram-worthy shot.

comfy sweater in bed with my mac pretty much describes my life ~ skyping with my loves, pintrest, and yeah a little hw/mcat prep in there too <3:
4. Binge watch TV shows.
Yay for the invention of Netflix! Now we can Netflix and chill all. day. long. With so many TV shows and so many movie choices, you will never run out of things to watch. (P.S. Last night I watched One Day with Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess. I may or may not have been bawling with my glass of wine.. Scratch that, BOTTLE of wine**)

5. Discover the neighborhood, by foot. (Exercise!)
Take a walk around the block and explore the neighborhood. Sometimes when you walk, you see things you can't while you're in a car. Plus, you can probably start training for a local race with goals of completing the Nike Women's Half-Marathon some day and getting that little blue box! 

6. Visit a local café and sip on a latté.
My sister and I love to explore cute little coffee shops we find courtesy of other bloggers on Instagram! Every city these days has one of those cutesy coffee shops with fancy latte art! This is a perfect photo opp for a new Instagram photo! If all else fails, go to Starbucks and get a frappuccino. (and get extra mocha drizzle or caramel sauce!)


Guide to Kulchur describes itself as an “incubator for emerging and marginalized voices within the print medium.” Um, COOL. This bookstore and “cooperative project” not only has a solid collection of art books with a social justice slant; Guide to Kulchur also serves as a gathering spot for Cleveland’s creative scene.:
7. Go to a bookstore and immerse yourself in a good book.
When your life isn't going as planned, a good distraction is to immerse yourself in a great novel and get lost in the story and fall in love with the characters! Grab a book and sit in the corner of the store and don't leave or buy the book unless the employees start to give you the stink eye or it's just something you cannot live without! (This is a great option for broke people. Like me.)

8. Catch the matinee of a really bad movie starring a super-hot guy.
There is nothing wrong with watching a movie alone.. I mean I do it all the time! It's relaxing and you don't have to worry about people whispering all the time. Plus, it's much quieter in the morning since people usually watch movies at night. Plus, you can watch Fifty Shades of Grey or Magic Mike guilt-free without the judging eyes. Teehee!

9. Take a spa day.
WHO DOESN'T LIKE A SPA DAY!? If only we could afford it all the time.. Alone time is the perfect time to get pampered. Whether it's that massage you wanted or just to get your nails done because they are probably super out-of-shape. And maybe you can head down to LUSH or Sephora and pick up some face-masks while you Netflix and chill. (Refer to #4!)

10. Last but not least, BLOG ABOUT IT!
I mean, this is totally self-explanatory. Find your passion and write about it. It is truly an awarding experience and you can look back and see all the great things you've done. Get to blogging!


Photo Credit: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 

San Francisco Sidewalks

Oct 23, 2015


Now that midterms are finally over and I can catch a breath, I can share all my photos that have been piling up in my computer--dating back to the first weeks of my move to NorCal. (Including these photos!) My little cousin and I drove out to the city and went to Tartine bakery, waited in line for almost 45 minutes and decided it was totally worth it. But after all the yummy goodness, we were able to snap some photos.

If you've never been to the city, make your way there ASAP! So much to see! xo


Although it's gloomy, it wasn't freezing! So dresses are a definite go-to.



The buildings are just too gorgeous. Everywhere I turn is a bunch of beautiful houses!

A little bit of what we ate from Tartine. (plus a giant sourdough bread to-go!)

Flowers E V E R Y W H E R E!

GAP denim jacket
FOREVER 21 eyelet button-down dress (similar style here)
SPERRY slip-on boat shoe (original style here & cute ones here)
IRENES STORY black stud-lined tote (similar here - only $17.95)

Flower Child.

Oct 20, 2015

My goodness, it has been a serious long time. It's not like I don't want to sit here and create blog posts all day, but it's just been too crazy around here lately. My birthday in Vegas, midterms and travels to and from SJ and LA; it's all just hectic and energy-draining...

BUT I AM BACK, Y'ALL! 

It's time to stop being lazy and tired and come back. Especially with all the content I have stored from this past month! All my fun adventures, including these super awesome flower crowns I made with my sister and Sami from The Unexpected Type! She is truly so amazing at everything she does.

I went simple with this. Just a white dress and some simple sandals. You can never go wrong with that! But if you're EVER looking for fun stuff to do, DIY flower crowns are an easy and fun way to get crafting. Go to your local market or flower shop, pick up some wires and get to crowning! 

Look forward to more posts! xo
Just loving everything about this dress, shoes and my crown!
Gorgeous flowers from the LA Flower District!
Hang those leftover flowers with washi tape for a little decor!
My amazing girls! They are my life!
H&M dress
JOIE a la plage sandals (also love these)

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