The Graduate

I graduated college.

Weird.

Looking back brings a lot of memories and experiences, both good and bad. Generally speaking, the last 3 1/2 years have been some of the hardest of my short life thus far. I had to ask myself a lot of difficult questions and learn how to just deal and adjust to the unforeseen and unplanned.

I can’t believe that once it was all said and done, I only spent 2 full years living in Davis. I started to love it towards the end. The learning curve for living there was quite high, but I like to think that I finally came around.

Living in London during my third year was a dream come true; cheesy but so true. And I was apprehensive about returning for my last quarter this fall, but it was the best quarter I had. The best house, housemates, friends, and classes (besides stats). 

My housemates challenged me to think of some of the best experiences I had during my time at UC Davis, and I contemplated my answers for quite some time. So here’s the list of the greatest/weirdest/most memorable things that I did while at Davis.

• I’ll always remember how well I got along with my freshman roommate, and how we met in the most serendipitous way. She was the friend and roommate I really needed that first year, she was so creative and silly and fun. And I’ll remember how I let her cut and die my hair multiple times (#diyhaircuts).
• My sophomore year, I ran a half marathon. I have no idea how I actually did that but I did.
• The countless times I drove into the city to be with Emma. San Francisco will always be a special little place for me because of all the time we spent there.
• I took a few dance classes throughout my years, mostly ballet and contemporary, and I’m so glad I did. I got to relive my glory days of high school and it’s the perfect release.
• I acquired the habit of being really hungry (usually after not eating much all day) so I would take myself to In-n-Out and eat in my car in the parking lot. I did this a lot that it became a thing of mine that I just did.
• I went line dancing. At a country music bar. And I had the best time.
• My infamous bike accident: I ran straight into a pole, long story. Embarrassing but quite a silly story now. No permanent damage to my body or the overalls I was wearing when it happened.

Despite all the academic knowledge I acquired, the most essential knowledge I gained during my college years was how to create a balance and how to deal with things I quite frankly did not want to do. I learned to say yes to more things, no to others, and (as Grandma Jane always reminds me) to just keep smiling.

I’m not terribly sad that my college years are behind me now; I enjoyed them the best I could and I came out of it feeling the most assured in who I am and how I’d like to continue to grow. I learned a lot and will cherish that, but I have a lot of new things to look forward to.

As always, thanks a mil to my mother and father. You are both incredibly inspirational and consistently motivate me, and I can’t thank you enough.

Photos by the incredible Hannah Morgan.

Winter is Coming

December is tomorrow…like what? How? Our little house here in Davis was decorated last night with the cutest little Christmas tree, fairy lights around our window sill in the kitchen, and a giant wreath at the door. My heart bursts when I see those twinkling lights and smell the fresh pine. It’s all getting me very much in the mood of the season. Here are some things I’m dreaming of that make my heart warm and cozy during the winter season.

Love this place card idea.

This is on my Christmas list, and I plan to play this record forever and ever.

I refuse to take off this sweater. I can’t find the real one, but this one is close enough.

I want to smell like this always and forever.

The second cutest holiday pup, besides Duke of course.

Such a pretty garland.

Emma showed introduced me to this website, love their holiday cards!

Happy December everyone!

 

all images via Tumblr

Emma Turns 21

This past weekend was Emma’s 21st birthday, so I headed to the city to celebrate my girl.  I got into the city Friday afternoon and met E at her work then we headed to meet some of her other friends to do an ice cream crawl, where we hit up Smitten and Bi-Rite Creamery.

Saturday we headed out downtown, with intentions of going to the Ferry Building’s farmer’s market, but decided against it last minute because Saturday’s are crazy for the farmer’s market. We ended up in Old Navy and went for a walk around before heading to the Marina with enough time to browse the shops before our cooking class at Sur La Table.  The class we took was all about tarts, so we made one autumnal quiche, a mini pumpkin pie with chocolate ganache, and an apple tart. I had so much fun, although we both knew how to make the tarts, it was a really fun experience and renewed our passion to perhaps pursue culinary school and other food-related endeavors.  Cooking classes are always a great place to pick up some tips and tricks from great chefs!

After the class, we headed back to Emma’s apartment for some R&R, before grabbing some snacks (including pumpkin seeds) to get snuggled in for our Halloween movie night. Then once the clock struck 12am, Emma turned 21! We luckily got to sleep in the next morning (thanks daylight savings!) then got ready to go to brunch at Plow.  The length of the wait didn’t scare us off, and we ended up enjoying a very yummy (and farm fresh) brunch, where Emma ordered her first mimosa.

We spent the rest of the afternoon chatting and hanging out, before I left to go back to Davis in the evening.  It was such a fun weekend celebrating my best girl and we certainly celebrated in our typical fashion.

State of the Union

And by the Union, I mean me.  Week 3 of the quarter ended yesterday, and so far I’ve been able to keep my head above water, despite taking 21 units.  People are usually shocked I’m taking so many units, and I have to admit it’s very reading heavy, but I am taking interesting classes and have 4 units that’s fully up to my creative discretion. I can’t really complain, I’m really enjoying all my classes and the work load is a lot but I’m doing my best to relish in it as long as I can.  It also doesn’t hurt that 21 is one of my lucky numbers.

For those who don’t know, I’ll be graduating two quarters early this December.  I think with a lot of big life changes, they don’t seem real. I’m not necessarily scared about my impending graduation, I’ve found that student life doesn’t really suit me, although I’m a total nerd and love learning. I feel like I’m being really thorough in my life here in Davis, from school to taking moments to enjoy my surroundings as often as possible. I don’t have a plan for life afterwards, but for once in my life I’m not entirely scared of this idea. This TedTalk made me feel better about my potential.  I am actually feeling my youth more than I have before; usually I associate myself with a granny, but in actuality I’m amazed at how much I can do, and that is actually pretty dang exciting. I’m also v blessed to have those opportunities and I don’t want to waste that.

Let’s take a sec to talk about classes, but I’ll keep it brief so my nerdiness doesn’t get too out of hand. I’m taking a history seminar on U.S. colonialism, a history class on the U.S. in the 1960s, an introductory statistics class, journalism, and my art independent study.  The two history classes are very interesting and I don’t mind the reading (which includes a book a week for my seminar). I’ve realized what it is about history I love so much; it’s extremely nostalgic, which means sometimes it’s melancholy, but I love reflecting on the past and being inspired by it. Statistics is okay, and I do enjoy finding the exact answers for math and I honestly love charts (weird I know), so I’m not hating it! Journalism is really cool so far, I think it’s the most applicable to a future career with its focus on freelance writing. I’m working on a few assignments that I’m excited to write and possibly share on the blog! And lastly, my independent study project is something I’m really excited about; I’ve collected film and images from my year abroad and I’m compiling them in a photographic book.

School aside, life doesn’t look too bad for me.  I’ve felt a lot calmer and very organized.  There’s a lot ahead of me, but my personal motto for this time in life is one step at a time.

And because I haven’t posted in weeks, enjoy the plethora of photos. Thanks for tuning in and let’s cross our fingers the next post will be sooner rather than later. As always, you can follow on Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest.

This One Time in San Francisco

It’s been about a month since I decided a needed a quick getaway, so I escaped away to San Francisco for some quality girl time with Emma and Natalie.  It was quite an active filled couple days, so I’ll try my best to recreate what I did!

I’m wearing: Jumpsuit, available here | Hat (similar) | Shoes | Bag

I arrived early Sunday morning, where Natalie picked me up from the airport (Nat, you really have a knack for picking me up from airports). We headed to Emma’s so I could drop off my stuff, then we grabbed some lattes and massive almond croissants at a cute lil coffee shop just steps away from Emma’s apartment.  We then headed down towards to stadium for a pre-game beer at 21st Amendment, but not just any beer, a watermelon beer.  Next it was onto the Giants game where we had Club Level seats, thanks to a family friend of Nat’s.  There was obviously hot dogs and peanuts involved.  The game ended around mid-afternoon (sidetone: I LOVE day games, they’re just the best!) so we headed to the Dogpatch to meet up with Natalie’s friends for a food truck festival. The location was very industrial, quite a cool background in my opinion. By the time we had eaten our way through the festival, it was almost 5pm and I was ready for a shower, so I headed back to Emma’s for some R&R for the night.

I’m wearing: Overalls | Flats (similar)

Monday I met up with my friend Megan, who I met in London last year and lives in the Bay Area. We went to Fillmore Street for some brunch at the Grove, then walked our way to Alta Loma Park. After a good few hours of catching up, she was off and I walked back to Emma’s, enjoying the unusually warm and sunny summer weather in the city. I then waited for Emma to return so that we could head down to the Ferry Building to catch the ferry to Marin. Tuesday we planned on hitching a ride with Natalie to Davis, so we headed to her house the night before. Once we were in Marin, we had to go to Sol Food, the best (and only) Puerto Rican restaurant I’ve been to. This time I had the limeade, and it did not disappoint.

I’m wearing: Dress (similar) | Shoes

The next day we headed out to Davis, where I got some internship work done, saw a few people, and stopped by a house that I was potentially subletting (update: I am currently living there). We headed back to Natalie’s in the late afternoon, only to stop for happy hour and Old Navy, where I got black overalls! I am seriously in love with Old Navy, more on that later. Emma and I hopped straight on the ferry back to the city, and enjoyed a night in.

I’m wearing: Overalls | Top (similar)

Emma is wearing: Overalls | Top (similar)

The next morning, we had a lie in and took a long walk to Whole Food’s, just walkin and talkin. I honestly don’t really remember what else we did, but I know I braided Emma’s hair and then we proceeded to dress unintentionally similar for our dinner date with Natalie at Techo de Lolinda in the Mission. What can I say, we just both love overalls and stripes.

Thursday, we met Natalie at the park in the morning, then spent the afternoon doing whatever it is that we do, before we headed downtown so I could catch BART to the airport.  I tried my best to vlog during this trip, but only seemed to remember to whip out my camera when I was sitting down, traveling. Check out my quick lil video I put together of the traveling I did.

Thanks so much for stopping by, hope you enjoyed reminiscing with me! Have a great week! xx

New-In at Lush

Near the end of my San Francisco trip, I swore that I would not buy anything beauty or style related for a week. Well within that week, I found myself with two new face masks.  As soon as Emma told me she bought the new fresh face mask, Rosy Cheeks, and I popped into the Lush near work and bought it for myself. Now the new Cup o’ Coffee Mask I technically didn’t buy recently, I just exchanged the self preserving version of the Mask of Magnaminty (not a fan, too much honey in it).  Anyway, I am a major fan of pampering my skin, so these two new-in face masks have been the perfect addition to my indulgent routine.

The Rosy Cheeks fresh face mask smells like, yep you guessed it, roses. But seriously magical roses, and my favorite part about the scent is that it lingers on my skin; it is packed with rose petals and rose oil. I could smell the rose for at least another hour or two after I washed it off. The texture is super smooth and calming, as it has calamine powder as its main ingredient.  As with all fresh face masks, they are to be kept in the fridge, and the chilly temperature is extra soothing on the skin.  It’s a little on the pricey side compared to the other fresh face masks, but it was worth the splurge!

Next up is the Cup o’ Coffee mask.  I got this one when I exchanged the new self-preserving version of the Mask of Mag, and although I love to keep to the classics, I thought I’d step out and try this new coffee mask.  Similar to Mask of Mag, the coffee mask has an exfoliating factor to it due to the coffee grinds. Something unique about this mask is the fact that because it is coffee, the caffeine in it gives a similar effect to the skin externally as it would internally from drinking caffeine.  For that reason, I’ve only used this mask in the morning as a little treat to my skin before I start my day, but I’m sure it would be just as wonderful in the evenings. Coffee enthusiasts rejoice over this caffeine packed, gentle exfoliating, refreshing mask!

If you ever find yourself in Lush, give these new masks a go! I know I’m constantly adding to my Lush shopping list, so maybe these will make it onto yours.

The History of Hats

Let’s start off this post with a little story. See that hat below? Well that little hat had quite the journey. Way back in November in London, Mom, Grandma and I went to Borough Market and on the way to Tate Modern, I stopped by Oliver Bonas and spotted this hat, in all its felt, flat brimmed glory. I wore that hat all day, feeling super confident and loving my new hat. At the end of the day, I got off at my tube station, the train started to depart, and wind whipped through platform like never before. Before I could grab it, my hat flew off and landed in the tracks. And it was never found again. I could have easily bought a new one, but I thought maybe it was a sign to put that hat to rest.

Since then, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect hat. If you follow my tumblr, you’ll know I’m sort of obsessed.  I have a few contenders in my closet, in a dusty pink, a black, and a dark green. I love how they are all so casual with wide, floppy brims. But ever since the hat incident last fall, I’ve been on the hunt for a wide brimmed yet flat brimmed hat. It wasn’t until last week when I found it; the perfect one from Urban Outfitters, seen in the first picture.  I’ve been wearing it almost every day since.

I love how a simple hat can transform an outfit, giving it a little spice and a certain level of cool. That’s my little history of hats, and knowing myself, I’m sure the collection will continue to grow.
Old but similar hereOld but similar hereOld but similar here

#PFPartyCo

I can’t believe a few weeks have passed since the P.F. Candle Co studio opening party! I’ve been a big fan of PF for a long time, always taking a whiff of them whenever I saw them in stores. Teakwood and Tobacco as well as Amber Moss are my favorites! Anyways, so a few weeks ago, Emma and I headed up to their new LA studio to check out their space, meet the peeps behind the brand, and (of course) smell some candles.  Once we got there, we enjoyed some delicious tacos, snacks, and cookies, all while chatting with the lovely employees. They just rolled out some new scents for summer, Mojave and Golden Coast, so of course I picked up one of each.  It was such an inspiring experience to see where my candles come from and the meet the people who actually make them, by hand. PF Candle Co is such a genuine brand, and it was the ultimate treat to invade their creative space and to celebrate their tremendous triumphs over the past few years! Em and I couldn’t stop talking about what a fun night it was and looking back at the photos is reminding me of that great night!

Be sure to check out PF Candle Co’s website and scroll through the hashtag #pfpartyco on instagram to look at more snaps from the night.

Emma is wearing: Top | Jeans | Shoes (similar) | Bag | Hat (similar)

I am wearing: Overalls | Top| Shoes (similar) | Sunglasses | Lipstick

Thanks to PF Candle Co for such an awesome party! Be sure to follow me along on Instagram to see more posts from the night!

May Favorites

It may be halfway into June, but none the less, here is a quick round up of stuff I’ve been particularly loving in the month of May.  Last month was pretty full to the brim with change and travel, so my favorites are a little random. Here are the products I’ve been consistently using:   The Body Shop Vitamin E Hand and Nail Treatment: I found this in my room when I returned home, and once I reorganized my bathroom cabinet, I’ve been reaching for this after I finish my nighttime skincare routine. I love slapping it on before bed to give my hands and nails a little extra TLC. This Soap and Glory Beauty Sleep Accelerator is a dream: I used it on my long flight back to LA and it kept my face moisturized and smelling peachy. Being back home caused me to change up my skincare routine, because Southern California weather isn’t as drying as London weather. I’ve switched out my day time moisturizer for this serum combined with this SPF. I love the packaging, because it reminds me of the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation and it’s smooth and not greasy.

Another thing I rediscovered once returning home was this iPad case I got from West Elm about a year and a half ago. When I saw it in store, I knew I wanted it because I love the envelope shape with the leather, and I was able to pick it up on sale during Christmastime.  I love it so much and I rediscovered it when I cleaned out my room.Lastly, I picked up this Moleskin notebook at Barnes and Noble to replace my old notebook. I love this grey beige color and Moleskins are my favorite because they are such high quality!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great week! Be sure to follow along on Instagram, Tumblr, Bloglovin, and Pinterest.