Showing posts with label Miscellaneous. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miscellaneous. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Looking Back and 2016 Resolutions!


January is the month when everyone makes a list of goals they want to achieve by the end of the year, many of which tend to be the same. Many people don't make resolutions, because they don't see themselves following those resolutions past week one. However, I tend to like to set goals, since I often (or sometimes) find motivation to at least try to achieve some of those goals. I also tend to write these posts more for myself as an easy way to look back to see how I did throughout the year. If you are for any reason curious to see what I hope to achieve this year, read ahead!


∙ LOOKING BACK ON 2014 ∙ 
Name 4 things you did in this past year that you're proud of.
         ∙ Saying "Yes" more. During the second half of the year, I learned that often times you can only benefit from saying yes to opportunities and miss out on the chances that you don't take. Saying yes and pushing myself helped me step out of my comfort zone and progress.
         ∙ Getting into shape. One of my goals at the beginning of the year was to be more healthy, and over the summer I pushed myself to eat better and workout more. In the end, I noticed change and felt better about myself as a whole.
         ∙ Learning to accept but not settle. Well, it's more like learning to learn how to accept parts of myself, whether it's physical or related to my personality. With that, I have also learned the importance of not settling and improving myself. Learning, acceptance, and growing is an ongoing process that I still have yet a lot to work on.
         ∙ Traveling by myself. I have never really traveled for a longer period of time by myself. Most of the trips I took while abroad were with other people, however, during my last week in France, I traveled by myself to two different cities, which was thrilling and something I have wanted to accomplish before going abroad.

Name 1 thing you wish you'd have done differently. To be honest, many of things that I wished that I had done differently in the beginning of the year I was able to change in the fall. However, I do wish that I would have had my future figured out more by the end of the year.

What was your biggest highlight this past year? Study abroad. I met some great and different people that I would have never met apart from that experience. I also had experiences that I would have never thought I would be able to do and fell in love with a language and city along the way.

Who do you want to thank for being amazing this year? The friends that I have made this year. I have learned that friendships don't necessarily last forever, but I have also learned that it's about the quality of the time, rather than the quantity. Although they may not know that they have made an impact, they are some of the people I have to thank for this being a good year.


∙ 2016 RESOLUTIONS ∙
What are your personal resolutions for next year?
          ∙ Have a permanent plan for the remaining years of college and after. I always had a future plan, but it is a matter of committing to a plan that I need to accomplish.
          ∙ Get healthy again and find a routine. After getting into a routine over the summer, but then four months of bread and cheese got the best of me. I'm not very happy with my body now, but after seeing where a healthy routine can take me, I am motived to get back into working out.
          ∙ Worry a little less about others and start putting myself first. I have a habit of putting others and their happiness before myself. Although this isn't necessarily a bad trait, I realized that it is also important to be a little selfish from time to time and sometimes put myself before others.
          ∙ Be Happy. This was my resolution last year, which I think I achieved, but being happy is an ongoing process that I hope I can continue throughout 2016.
          ∙ Make the most of the year, because your only 20/21 once.

Name 1 thing you want to check off your bucket list next year. Road trip. Doesn't matter when, where, or how long. I think that going on a road trip would be a great way to see different places and bond with friends or family. I would particularly want to road trip down the Pacific coast or through several states. Also applying to grad school as a more serious goal.


What's a resolution of yours?

I would love to read your responses below!


Friday, January 1, 2016

Reflecting On 2015 Resolutions


For the past few years I have posted resolutions for myself, and now it's time to review my 2015 resolutions (post here). I had honestly forgotten that I had even written down my resolutions by the middle of the year, but looking back I have realized that I have accomplished many (but not all) of my goals. Here's a look back on the resolutions.


∙ 2015 RESOLUTIONS∙
What are your personal resolutions for next year?
     ∙ Find out my passion. This was on of my resolutions last year, but I unfortunately didn't accomplish it. I know that finding a passion isn't something that can be forced, but I am hoping to be closer to finding it this year.
     ∙ Finally declare a major. This falls along the lines of my previous resolution, but since I am a sophomore in college, I need to pick a major I'm passionate about and stick with it.
     ∙ Take risks. Whether it's with school, travel, or life in general. I need to push myself more than I have already have and hope that it will lead to great learning experiences. Even if it's something like study abroad.
     ∙ Eat healthier and work out more. I know, this is on everyone's resolution list. Even though I kind of accomplished this last year, I definitely still need to try to eat healthier and work out more.
     ∙ Be happy by December 2015. I hope that by the end of the year, I have moved forward from a restricting past, have taken risks, and lastly, find a way to be in a place where I'm happy.


∙ END OF 2014 REFLECTIONS∙
Find my passion: Although I didn't accomplish this resolution, I did learn that for some people, finding your passion is a process rather than a distinct moment. I am in the process of finding my passion and confident that I will reach that point.

Finally declare a major: This I have done. Kind of. I have declared one major, but in the process of possibility adding another major, which is a little nerve-racking.

Take Risks: This I can proudly say I have accomplished! I definitely took a lot of risks this year, particularly with travel and life in general. I have learned that there is a lot to benefit from saying yes more and taking more chances. Now I think it's time to take more chances with school.

Eat healthier and work out more: I have accomplished this as well (kind of)! Over the summer, I pushed myself to eat healthier and work out almost everyday, and I felt better and was in the best shape in my life (which isn't really saying much). However, this all went to waste over study abroad where I stopped working out and the bread and cheese got the best of me. But I'm excited to get back into a routine in 2016.

Be happy by December 2015: I honestly didn't think I would say this, but I think that I have achieved this! By December, I was definitely the happiest I had been in a very long time. A lot of this though was from being abroad and I'm a little worried that I'm going to go back to my old self, so I'm going to try my best to be happy this next year.

Happy New Year!


Monday, July 20, 2015

Beautiful: A Response To "You Look Disgusting"


This post is different from what is typically on my blog, but recently I felt a need to write this post after watching a video by My Pale Skin called "You Look Disgusting", which touched on the unrealistic expectations of beauty. Since its upload, the video has received millions of views and rightfully so. The video is linked here and is on the bottom of this post, but as a quick summary, the video opens with Em Ford, the creator of the video wearing no makeup. Several hate comments about her appearance are displayed next to her bare face, but as she starts applying makeup, positive comments begin to appear. Em Ford, however, then also displays hate comments regarding her makeup. After then removing her makeup, she leaves the video with a positive message stating, "you look beautiful."

According to Em Ford's description, the purpose of the video was to show the unrealistic standards of beauty in a world dominated by social media. She further explains that no one should ever feel ugly because of these standards. I could not agree more with Em Ford. We are unfairly judged by how we look based upon expectations that are far from the truth. I had actually written a whole post about society's standards on beauty, however for some reason it has remained as a draft as I have not gotten myself to post it. Em Ford's video, though, makes me feel silly that I haven't yet posted one of the most serious posts I have ever written. After I edit the post one final time, I will be sure to post it on my blog soon.

Not only was Em Ford effective with showing the hate comments regarding her face without makeup, but also the hate comments she received when she had put makeup on. For some, makeup is to cover areas that society has deemed as imperfect. However, for many, makeup is also simply a form of expression. Writing a degrading comment about someone's appearance based on their makeup is just as hateful as writing a comment about someone's bare face. The comment may not hate on the person's actual features, but it does hate on the makeup work done by the person and their creative effort. It is as if there is a very fine line between too little makeup and too much makeup. A fine line that is molded and shaped by society, in which if you don't stand on that line, you are viewed as imperfect or ugly.

This video left me frustrated and sad with not only the current standards of beauty set by society, but also with those leaving such nasty comments about whether or not someone is considered beautiful. The hate comments show the power of social media and how society can greatly influence your view on someone you barely know by making a quick judgment about their appearance. A quick judgment that is based on unrealistic standards that we all become victim to and further strengthens the power social media has on our view of others. Hate comments not only cause pain, but also continue the cycle that we were successfully reeled in by both our society and social media. The only way that we can weaken and break the cycle is by making a conscious effort to remove ourselves from the cycle. This does not require any great act, but it does require one to think twice before judging a new face through the screen. It requires just a few seconds to rethink about writing a surface-level comment that could potentially cause someone pain.

I believe that it is not entirely our fault that society and social media has skillfully influenced our opinions based their greed for money and power. However, once we become aware of this influence and see that it is causing more pain than good, we become responsible for distancing ourselves from the influence of social media. Although the power of our society has made it difficult to change our view of beauty, it is important to rethink writing a negative comment and to prevent society's unrealistic expectations from making you think that are less than beautiful.



Friday, July 17, 2015

Friday Favorites!

Another week has gone by, which means it is time for another Friday favorites post. The past several days were filled with work, but it was still a fun and good week. I'm a little bummed out that the week's almost over, but it's also about time for the weekend to start. Here are some of my favorites from this week!

Favorite Fashion Inspirations


Favorite Nail Inspiration


Food Inspiration: Savory and Sweet


Favorite Escape Inspiration


What is your favorite quote?

I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Friday, July 10, 2015

Friday Favorites!

I realized that it has been a while I have done a normal Friday Favorites with no theme. I would like to think that I have I would have a lot to say since my last favorites post, which was posted during finals week. I'm almost a month into my summer break, but it definitely does not feel that long by any means. It wouldn't be a true summer if it didn't seem like it was flying by! Anyways, here are some of my favorites that I have stumbled upon this week.

Favorite Fashion Inspirations

Clockwise from top left: The Style Bungalow / The Fashionistas Diary / Bows and Sequins / Classy Girls Wear Pearls

Favorite Nail Inspiration


Favorite Food Inspiration: Sweet Treats

Favorite Quote

What is your favorite quote?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Monday, July 6, 2015

Flamingo Fun | Summer 2015


Flamingos are no longer just for cheesy front lawns and are instead a growing trend this summer. It seems like every year there's a new "it" print and flamingo is the new popular trend. Flamingo is a fun way to add a lot of detail and a pop of pink to any summer ensemble!

Although flamingo prints may seem childish, when paired with more sophisticated pieces, like crisp shorts or a pair of wedges, the print becomes a fun statement piece. The flamingo trend looks especially cute when worn at the the beach or at a daytime party, since it's a unique way to style a summer outfit. So if you're looking for something new and bold this summer, then the flamingo trend may be up your alley!

Also, here's a relevant bonus pic that was too cute not to show:

Will you be trying out the flamingo trend this season?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Friday, July 3, 2015

Friday Favorites: Fourth of July Edition

I can't believe it's already the time of the year to pull out the red, white, and blue. From the good grilled food to the fireworks, nothing says summer like the Fourth of July! Here are some of my favorite pieces of inspiration for the fourth tomorrow, from ensembles to food to decor.

Favorite Fashion Inspiration


Favorite Decor Inspiration

Source: Style Me Pretty

Favorite Food Inspiration


Favorite Nail Inspiration

Photo Credit: Lulu's

What are looking forward to this Fourth of July
?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

My 5 Reminders Of Summer

Photo credits: Watermelon / Sunscreen / Shorts / Blueberries / Porch Swing

There are always those things that bring us back or remind us of a certain feelings. For me, there are a few things that can remind me of summer in an instant, whether it's part of my annual summer routine or brings me back to past summers. This post will feature five of the small things that remind me that it is summer.

1. Watermelon

There's something about biting into a crisp slice of watermelon that brings me back to sitting on the deck during a hot day. Nothings as refreshing as cold watermelon, and I am always surprised with how much I can eat in one sitting. Plus it's a great way to help stay hydrated!

2. Sunscreen

Nothing smells like summer like the smell of sunscreen. Since it's applied everyday when the sun's out, it's no wonder that it always reminds me of just not summer, but also when my parents applied heaps of it on me before I headed off to summer camp.

3. Shorts

Since I live in a place where the only time that you can wear shorts is in the late spring and summer, it is not a surprise that bring out the shorts reminds me of summer.

4. Blueberries

Blueberries remind of summer particularly because when I little, my mom would always take my sister and I blueberry picking in near-by "U-Pick" farms. Nothing tasted better than blueberries fresh off the tree!

5. Porch Swing

When I'm in school, I don't get the pleasure of sitting on a porch swing right out on the deck. When I come back home though in the summer, the porch swing is my go-to spot, whether it's for reading, napping, or writing blog posts (which is where I am right now).


Extras: The summer is always the perfect opportunity to get into a classic book or good beach read!


What things remind of you that it's summer?

I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Friday, June 19, 2015

Summer Bucket List 2015


This week is my first week of summer and I'm pretty pumped for the sunshine and longer days. Although I'll be working for a lot of the summer, I'm excited to have more time to do activities that you can fully appreciate in the summer. Here is a list of some of activities on my summer bucket list this year, however, it is of course not limited to the ten listed below!

  1. Visit the Zoo
  2. Find a good restaurant (or two) for lunch 
  3. Go to the Rose Garden
  4. Post more often on my blog
  5. Go on a hike
  6. Go to a free summer concert in the park
  7. Cook something new at least once a week
  8. Run more often
  9. Go to a county/state fair
  10. Prep for study abroad

What's on you bucket list this summer?

I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Monday, June 15, 2015

Good Bye Sophomore Year, Hello Summer!



Another year has gone by and I can honestly say that I have no idea where the time went. This year went by incredibly fast, despite many parts of the year seeming to go by ever so slowly. It's hard to believe I'm half way done. That blows my mind.

The strange thing that I'm a little sad to be leaving school for the summer, even though all year I wanted nothing but to leave my school. I'm not sure if I have opened up about my college experience in the past on this blog, but college has not been difficult for me. For some reason it is something that is hard for me to talk about, but in short, this year has been full of confusion and uncertainty. Despite these feelings, I find leaving a little sad, despite knowing that I'll be returning next year. Maybe it's because I'm a creature of habit, even though I know these feelings will disappear a few days after returning home.

I think I'm more sad and worried that I'm halfway down with college than the fact that I'm done for the year and headed back home. There are definitely things I would change when I look back over the year. Chances that I wish I would taken. However, I know that only stress comes from these thoughts, even though it's hard not to think "what if".

All of this being said, I'm sorry if this post seems all over the place. Even in my head I'm confused about the feelings I'm having and I sometimes wish it was five years ago when things seemed so much similar. However, I know that I must move forward and in order to grow we can't remain in the same place all our life, even if I know that the future will never be same as it has been for the past two years.

(Side note: I wrote this a few days ago when my emotions were high, so I apologize if everything was all over the place.)


Friday, May 1, 2015

Friday Favorites!

I wish I had an excuse for not posting frequently for the past few weeks other than school, but honestly, school has been consuming every bit of my life. Unfortunately, according to my planner, I don’t see this changing until the quarter ends. I will try my best to write posts, since I love writing posts and find it the perfect outlet and escape from schoolwork. Anyways, enough about school. It’s been feeling a lot like spring here in the Northwest and I have been definitely awing over spring outfits and other related posts by other bloggers! Here are some of my current favorites!

Favorite Fashion Inspiration


Favorite Hair Inspiration: Chain Braid

Photo above: Lulus.com

Favorite Food Inspirations


Favorite Quote


What is your favorite quote?

I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Friday, February 13, 2015

Friday Favorites | Valentine's Day Edition

You've heard it before. Valentine's day, you love it or you don't. While myself, and many others, may not have a date this Valentine's day, I am personally in between the "love it or don't." I love that Valentine's day is dedicated to showing someone close how much you care. I don't like the pressure behind the day and believe that Valentine's day is much too overhyped and overdone. Regardless, even if I don't have a date, I still like taking some inspiration from heart-shaped everything and the various shades or red and pink of the day!

Favorite Valentine's Decor


Favorite Valentine's Date Night Inspiration


Favorite Simple Makeup Look


Favorite Dessert: Classic Strawberry Shortcake


Favorite DIY Flower Arrangement



What is your favorite Valentine's Day dessert?
Please leave you thoughts in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Friday, January 16, 2015

Friday Favorites | 2015 Inspiration

This has been a very long week and I'm so glad that the weekend is right around the corner! It's only mid-January and I still have some of that "new year new me" feeling, so before the feeling goes away, I decided to milk it by writing some of my favorites that are also my inspirations for this year!

Favorite Fashion Inspiration: Basics with a Twist 


Favorite Hair Inspiration: Loose Curls


Favorite Desk Decor Inspiration(s):


Favorite Makeup (and just overall) Inspiration: Taylor Swift and Bright Lips


Favorite Quote:



What is your favorite motivating quote?
Please leave your thoughts in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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