Chicago, IL, USA

Chicago Independence Day

Dec 11, 2015 • Travel

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 • Style

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 • Other

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!