Apple Picking Adventures

I am absolutely not kidding when I tell you I am nuts about fall right now. It is still blazing hot outside, but baby, the apples are falling, the leaves are falling, and winter is a-coming! I wouldn't say I am the most adventurous, but every weekend, the creative duo {Sami at The Unexpected Type and my sister}, always find something fun to do and drag me along. Because if not, you know I'd be the girl enjoying a glass of bubbly inside a bubble bath... or just sleeping. Since we have been on the go recently, hopping on-and-off flights, we decided to relax and enjoy California this weekend. We took an early drive out to Willowbrook Apple Farm in Oak Glen, CA. Those two have done this before, but it was my first time. There was a little orientation and models of apples that you should/shouldn't pick, but you know me, when do I ever listen? So there I go, frolicking around the farm, picking the apples that look like the ones in cartoons/grocery stores. To be honest, mine probably tasted the worst, but at least they were pretty!

That basically rounded out our trip. We also pressed apple cider, which was actually really hard. {Sami did all the work...} Aaaaaaand that's where I come in with my apple cider mimosas! Woo woo! I know, I thought I was on an alcohol detox too. Guess not. I used the recipe from www.delish.com linked here. They give you portions, but it's quite simple. I prefer more booze than cider, but hey, to each their own. 

Anywho, the moral of this blog post is: "when there's a chance to make boozy drinks, do it." {I'm only joking.} It's to enjoy fall and everything that comes along with it. Get out there and have fun, look at the leaves, take pretty pictures, and GO APPLE PICKING. I did, it was cool.

8 Tips on Conquering Exams {Even If You Procrastinate}

If you're anything like me, then you're a terrible test-taker who spends a large fraction of their semester procrastinating. Oh! I am also terrible at studying. You're probably thinking: what can you do or how do you even pass school? Beats me. But if college has taught me anything {or will teach those of you going into college} is that the art of "bullshitting" is a real thing and will be very valuable in your college career. Warning: Only listen to my advice if your life motto is "C's get degrees". Also, know that undergrad will teach you nothing about your future career {other than binge-drinking and surviving long day festivals}. 

With midterms right around the corner, {using my superb skills in procrastination} I am sharing eight little things that keep me grounded before midterms and finals:

1. Manage your time wisely.
This one may seem a little cliche, but it is of the utmost importance. Even with my procrastination, I know when to start cramming for midterms/finals. My method is reserving certain study days for certain classes and really devoting that time to teach yourself those 8 weeks you didn't care to study for. It seems stressful {and sometimes it is}, but using this method with these other tips can ease the stress.

2. ASK ASK ASK.
Don't be afraid to bombard your professor with questions. That's literally what they are there for. Your classmates on the other hand? Don't annoy them too much. They're not paid {like our professors are} to answer or share notes. One thing that helps me is knowing exactly what to expect on the exam. Whether it's fifty questions or an essay, get your study guide and ask all of your questions. The worse that can happen is they say they can't answer that, then you already know it'll be on the test. SCORE!

3. Actually open your textbook and read your notes.
Unfortunately even for me, to make up for the time lost, I have to read a ton before the exams. Luckily we have study guides and an idea of what will be on the exam, so you know exactly what to study for! So don't skim. Read it once, twice, maybe even three times and engrave that *bleep* in your brain {and on your paper because writing it is supposed to help you remember it}.

4. Take your breaks {and get caffeinated}.
Now and only now should you check your Instagram, but don't get attached! Get some coffee, tea or just go out for a walk. This is your you time, meant to somehow get your sanity back from marathon studying. As hinted above, I like to use my break time to catch up on the little things and really get caffeinated. But do what works for you. No one knows you like you do.

5. Feed your brain with "brain food".
I guess there is such a thing as "brain food". Huffington Post wrote an article {"12 Superfoods To Boost Your Brainpower"} that describes how certain foods can improve brain function. If it were up to me, I would drive across the freeway and get myself an In-N-Out burger, but these choices are just as good. The point of this point {hehe, yes I laughed} is to feed yourself and stay nourished.

6. Stop scrolling those feeds.
And by feeds I mean: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc... This one is super hard for me too since I am so vulnerable to any and all distractions. Stash these away and take them out again when you're celebrating that passing grade. Yes, it's fun to lurk other people and see what they're doing, but that A is looking super fine too. You have to implement some sort of self-discipline, right?

7. Leave your sweatpants at home.
Don't wear your sweatpants to take your exams. I used to do this all the time {and believe me, I love my sweats and leggings}, but those are things that you lounge and relax in. Wearing them might put you in the same atmosphere and alter your mood. Look your best to perform your best! Leave your sweatpants for TV time {and that free anything-feed scrolling time}.

8. Be confident!
Lastly, wake up in the morning feeling good. Fuel your body with good food and think positive thoughts. Leave the stress at home and don't try to cram those last minute chapters. What's done is done and be confident that you will rock the exam. Trust yourself, your gut, and good luck!

*If these photos don't make you want to study, then you're going to have to look at more here -- which is where I got the first photo. {other image borrowed from here}

Home

Song of the Day: Home by Chris Brochu

I stumbled upon 'Home' by Chris Brochu on Spotify yesterday and finally let myself wallow in the homesickness. Thank goodness it's an upbeat song or I'd be balled up in a corner crying. I am currently counting down the minutes until I can be soaking in the southern California sun and heat. Going to the beach and sinking my toes in the sand. Running or biking for miles from beach to beach. Chomping down on an In-N-Out burger and devouring some drool-worthy animal fries. Zooming around in my car, not having to rely on public transport. {Yeah, I know. So LA of me.} Catching up with my family over a good, warm bowl of Pho and some boba milk tea. Dorothy nailed it: there's no place like home.

Right now, to say I am homesick is an extreme understatement. Being in another country that is the complete polar opposite of what you're used to can be exhausting and energy-draining. {You try living in California, then moving to Ireland. People here think 50 degrees is outdoor picnic weather. Yeah, weird.} It was hard, especially for me. I have always, and will always be, a big homebody. I love the familiarity and the comfort that my home brings. Being in close proximity with my parents and sister. Looking around and being able to know exactly where everything is. Nothing is unknown and surprises don't lurk around the corner. I love routine--and that's exactly what home is. Don't get me wrong! I love to travel and experience the unknown as well; but sometimes, it gets old and you just crave the familiarity. So now, it's time to go home.

As my time in Dublin comes to a close and my exams are rounding up, I decided it's the appropriate time to allow myself truly miss home. So here it is, the many things I miss about sunny, sunny California:

1. The infamous one-season weather.

We always complain about how LA has absolutely no seasons and are always pinning away {on Pinterest} the gorgeous photos of fall foliage, but really, we love this season-less city. After experiencing Ireland's weather and what they think is summer, I truly appreciate our bland and humid-less 75 degree weather. I mean, it's beach weather all the time!

2. Not being asked if I see celebrities on a daily basis.

One thing I realized about leaving LA is that people really do think that we experience celebrity run-ins often. Answer? No, we really don't see them all the time. Los Angeles is a giant, giant city. Definitely small enough where you meet people and they probably know your cousin's brother's best friend's sister or something, but no. We don't brunch with KimYe, North, and whatever their other kid's name is.

3. Complaining about traffic in my car.

So many people rave about the benefits of public transportation and how it saves the environment, {and you can blame the Californian in me} but I love my car. Yeah, you get used to planning around the traffic, but it's totally worth it. Having control of where you want to go and when is real freedom! Complaining about traffic and sitting through is just another skill we can put on our resume.

4. Being two hours away from the mountains, the desert, and the beach.

THIS has got to be my favorite qualities of LA {where others would probably agree}. Here in southern California, we really have everything. On the west, we have miles of beaches with amazing summer life. On all the other sides, we have mountains {with snow in the winters} and vast, bare deserts. We surf all year long, ski/snowboard during the winters and camp during the summers. We really are a jack of all trades!

5. Obviously, IN-N-OUT.

It's better than Shake-Shack. That's all.

6. Weekend hikes that end with brunch.

Hollywood sign hikes, waterfall hikes, or exploring abandoned bridges and buildings. There is much to see and in such close proximity. Oh, and brunch? We invented brunch. {Or at least I like to think we did.} We have the best cafes, the most instagram-worthy food spreads, and don't get me started on the food culture. We simply just kill the hiking and food game. Google it!

7. A V O C A D O S.

This drives my world crazy. We love avocado on everything! {Yeah, we pay an extra dollar for this stuff.} On our salads, on our toast, and maybe in our shakes. It's the best topping and the best snack. Really, this stuff is like crack.

8. The never-ending rows of palm trees.

Now this is Instagram gold: our SoCal Palm Trees. When you think of California, you see palm trees. That's cause we have an overpopulation of them. But we learn to love 'em. And plus, they look good in our sunset photos.

9. Coffee shops galore.

Coffee shops--like our palm trees--are overcrowding LA, but i'm not complaining. There are definitely the staples, like Starbucks and Coffee Bean; but here in LA, we love our "hipster" coffee culture. Like brunch, we take our coffee shops seriously. I mean, we don't notice the difference in taste, but do it for the gram, right? 

10. The California State-Of-Mind.

I kid you not, this is seriously a thing. Going to the beach, eating acai bowls, driving cars, going to brunch, eating california burritos, saying "duuuuuude" or "seriously", and saying "the" before the freeway number. I mean, it really is the best state ever. 

IMAGES C/O PINTEREST

Ringing in 2016.

BABY, YOU'RE A FIREWORK! Katy Perry on repeat every New Years. Fireworks are sign for celebration--and that is exactly what we are doing this new year. Beyond this holiday being a huge excuse to roam around town and party with your gals, it is also a great time to put everything behind you and start fresh. It is time to reflect and of course, watch fireworks. 

I've been so busy with the end of the year plans that I have not had time to put aside for blogging. {That's probably why my sanity level is going off the charts.} I have so much still left to post from last year and so many plans for the upcoming year. But truly, I just want to reflect on what an experience it was being able to create my own blog and share my own style and all my interests. Even though my reader traffic may be low, it is still a great creative outlet for me and allows me to see how I've changed throughout the year. My style begins to change more and more everyday and this "journal" lets me keep track of those little things {as well as lets me be myself}! 

So with my first post of 2016, I want to share some of my New Year's resolutions:

1. Be more confident!

2. Read more, learn more.

3. Adopt a healthy exercise regimen.

4. Learn to be healthy and treat my body right.

5. Travel more and explore the world.

6. Be open to new things.

7. Be POSITIVE.

8. Start on a new project.

Those are just a few of my many resolutions for this new year and hopefully, I am motivated enough to keep on. There is going to be so much going on in the next couple weeks, the only thing I can do is just try to keep a grasp on life and stay grounded. But here's to a new year, new post, and a second year at The Dinh Report! Happy 2016, friends!

{Images c/o Pinterest}

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

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.

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.

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!)

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 

Stuck in Limbo

One day, you'll wake up, look out the window and see a completely different view. The windowpanes are different sizes, the doorframe is another shade of white or the bed is a little less comfortable. Everything you knew is all a little bit off-skew. All the things around you are changing, but you seem to stay constant--or at least the physical part of you does. Humans are naturally unwelcoming of change--we hate the idea of change. But, it all seems a little ironic because we love to buy new things. That ties in the idea of our ever-addicting shopping habit. (i.e. credit cards.) But back on track, your brain just isn't the same when everything you thought you knew is merely a little pod on this big, blue earth. When the world you knew is a tiny spot. (Now we all know what it feels like to be a grain of sand in this vast ocean.) 

When you move away for the first time, you begin to experience new feelings. Questioning everything about this life--specifically, your life. Who you are, what you want, the things you want to accomplish or even all the things back home. What is purpose of being here? When you question things, you begin to feel your personality or self-confidence start to deteriorate. You revert back to your younger years, where you can't feel but become a hopeless child once again. The mind wanders off into an alternate universe, imagining all the possibilities and why things are the way they are. Your heart begins to question the sincerity of others, who you can or cannot trust. Most of all, your soul is lost in a pit of darkness. Your intuition, your gut feeling, it's all back to square one. 

So where do we go from here? Asking questions over and over, but never being able to find the right answers. But are the answers we are looking for too specific? What is truly a right answer? What constitutes a right answer? If so, where can we find the criteria or the map that leads us to the big red "X"? We search and search, jumping through hoops and climbing over ropes, but what is it we are looking for? In this society, being taught and conditioned to grow up and work your way into your future roles, we lose ourselves somewhere along the way. I'm stuck in a limbo and I don't know where to turn. Is it a matter of becoming more independent? Is the outcome worth all the struggle and pain? People will come and go, but will it ever be the same? There are so many questions and a plethora of feelings. The rush of going, but the sadness of being gone. The effects of losing yourself, but the beauty in discovering the world. There is just so much at stake, and the prize is such a long way down the road. So we come back to where we started. 

Where do I go from here?