Goodbye November, Hello December....

Hello Loves,

Just finished homework that is due tomorrow, after attempting it multiple times, and finally getting it right. Stoked.. The TV was off, headphones were in, and a Redbull was in hand.. Turned out to be a magical combination.

So I am so ready for December at this point. November has been a rollercoaster of things, and I am ready to drop the dead weight, leave the past at what it is, and move forward.. I am actually really excited for this upcoming month. I have a lot of big things coming up... and I'm determined to just go for it.  I love fresh starts, and changes of scenery.. and I am going to get both.

This month I had to relearn a lesson I seem to always come back to... Don't stress so much, things will ALWAYS work out.. in whatever timing and in whatever way that they do, they do work out.. It sucks being stuck in the temporary stress of where you are at and dealing with rough situations.. but if you can get yourself to the point where you just step back, force yourself to breathe... you will start to relax, and it will do wonders for the world around you.


Currently Drinking: EmergenC
Currently Listening to: 3oh!#
Latest Obsessions: My polka dot dress, cowboy boots, and sweaters
I'm reading: Harry Potter - Moving onto the 3rd book. :)
Recently Watched Movie: Ratatouille
New TV Obsessions: New Girl & Modern Family


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N.

That's what your 20's are for, right?!

1. To drink, legally, and see if it's still as fun.
2. To have your heart broken, and break a few hearts.
3. To heal from the broken hearts, and find what you really want.
4. To make the kind of big mistakes you really learn from.
5. To go through your last round of sharing a room or a place until you get married.
6. To bounce through a few jobs, and maybe even change a career.
7. To blow a large chunk of money on a random trip somewhere, that you'll never forget.
8. To eat whatever you want, and have a great way to justify it, even if that reason is because it tastes great.
9. To go to, through, college, or multiple.
10. To love going home partly because you get fed home cooked meals.
11. To see old friends from highschool, and catch up on what's gone on since then.
12. To still watch animated/cartoon movies and it passes as acceptable.
13. To try somethings that you swore you never would.
14. To dress slightly scandalous, questionable, or just a little too funky.
15. To decorate your apartment like an Urban Outfitters Magazine.
16. To drive on E for days and pray your car doesn't randomly stop.
17. To sign for a house or an apartment on your own.
18. To get a job that's exciting and you can buy a round of drinks for your friends in celebration.
19. To learn to say you're sorry when you've really messed up.
20. To not take things so seriously, and enjoy what life has to offer..


That's what your 20's are for, right?!

Life is a cycle of continual change....

I think I learn this lesson more and more as time goes by...
I feel a lot of people might not "like change" but I have tried to learn to embrace it..
It is inevitable, so why not take it for what it is, and make the best of each situation..

Managing stress I feel is key to any person's sanity.. I used to be one of those people who was constantly stressed, always flustered over homework I had to get done.. I've in the past 6 months or so tried to change that.. Read a book that I highly recommend to just about anyone.. "Don't sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff..." Helped me reset my mentality.. and now I might freak out for a second, or have to vent.. but I have learned to try and just remember.. it all gets done, it works itself out, it may suck a little... but stressing does nothing to resolve the situation.. Currently, I have ALOT on my plate.. but I am trying to be like.. yeah, it's not ideal.. but it's going to work out somehow, it has to.. There's no other options.. 


To all those on their grind, sucking down caffeine, running to class, work, appointments and more.. Take some time to prioritize, and destress.. Keep your sanity.. it's kind of crucial. :)



Random Facts:
Currently can't stop eating: Veggie Footlongs from Subway
Music: Adele, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry
Movies: Harry Potter - New convert.. (Dare I say, I might like it better than Twilight?!)
What's on my mind, as Facebook would ask.. TECHNICAL PACKS. Homework I should be doing right now...
Current Read: Magical Thinking.. So far so good.

Videos to watch... & Enjoy

Here are a couple links, and hopefully I will add a few more in the next couple days.. so check back!

Hope you get a good laugh somewhere in here...

International Translator -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxWbhCAdNus 

Hello, Siri.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/16/siri-argument-college-humor-video_n_1097062.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003 

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N.

Photographs

These photographs may not be my original works. Many are pulled from sites I visit from time to time.. or things I happened to stumble upon..

They might be funny, eclectic, stupid, or funny.. just some random things, from the corners of my mind.

Enjoy.

Sorry I have been lagging on blogging.. Going to try to put some more posts soon.. Been on the grind lately.. life's been busy.. Hopefully I can share some of the stories and experiences with you soon..

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N.

Walking the streets of Los Angeles..

I've decided to add some of the lovely and by lovely I mean ridiculous things I encounter on the daily in Los Angeles.

I have dating, pick up lines, creeper stories to go on for days...

But today was just one of those days.. That everyone was out and ready to creep.. I really don't know what it is.. I really think I have a sign on me somewhere that guys can see that says.. please be obnoxious.. because things often times get out of hand.. 

I wasn't even trying to be cute today.. I promise.. I was going to work... nothing special.. I had a few errands to run this morning and got:

Mmmm'd at.
Honked at.
A creep yelling Heyyy out the window.
The typical and uncomfortable eye undressing..
and a funny guy trying at a stop on the corner.

So I walk up to this corner and there was a guy in a very nice car... who was very attractive... and then he proceeded with a generic, "Hey Cutie.." I have this horrible reflex.. of laughing at guys like that and let out a nice laugh and a smirk of - Really?! That's the best you got? I also happened to run into one of the security guards from my college who I acknowledged and he so kindly waited right behind me until the light turned and the guy left.. Thank you FIDM Security...

But this occurrence reminded me of another situation.. A guy on another stopped corner in a nice.. Maserati.. very attractive guy and his friend and he proceeded to throw out the line.. "Where's the party at?!" - Again.. let out a laugh.. and was like.. that is the line you think is going to get a response from me?! It was like noon and I just finished a yoga class and looked like a hot mess.. I wanted to turn to his friend and be like.. really, you let your buddy go down like that?! 

As promised.. This blog is for you guys.. Some tips..

1. Never honk at a girl.. It's stupid, and derogatory.. and makes you look like a douchetool.
2. If you are going to try to hit on a girl while you are in your car.. Think of something original.. Or we will just think you are an idiot.
3. I know you might think you are being sly in checking us out.. but I promise.. we notice.. control yourselves.. just a little more. 
4. We appreciate your compliments.
5. But when you say you like our eyes when we are wearing sunglasses.. again.. just makes you look silly.
6. Whistling is a no-no..


Hope this was somewhat enlightening..
Haha


Happy Friday.
<333
N

Friendzone...

I am surprised I haven't blogged about the never ending topic yet... dating and relationships...


I should be doing homework right now.. but I am taking a few minutes to do this blog.. I am watching a new show on MTV called Friendzone..
Where friends act like they need their friend's advice planning a blind date, and then end up asking their friend on that date...


One poor guy just got hardcore... FRIENDZONED.. I don't know about you.. but when I am watching something on TV and the scene is awkward I get realllyyyyy uncomfortable.. Like I bashfully look away or have to change the channel.. I know.. LAME.. But I can't deny it. Haha.


But this show made me think of one basic premise.. Sorry guys, this is written more for girls.. I promise to have some info for you guys soon too..


Dear Girls,
If a guy likes you.. HE WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN!! If you are a more visual learner.. Purchase the movie "He's just not that into you.." , If you consider yourself more of an intellectual.. Feel free to get the book.. But it's really sometimes that simple.. all the crazy hormonal theories and formulas most girl's come up with are crazy. Legitimately slightly off the rocker crazy.. Try out the concept of letting him make it happen.. If he's really interested.. He will.. Now I know it might suck, if he doesn't like you and nothing happens.. and sometimes it is a little blow to the ego.. but really.. Put your big girl pants on.. and brace the real fact that.. dare I say it?! Not everyone is going to like you, or want to date you and you will be FRIENDZONED sometime in your life.. Now so I don't sound like an ultra pessimist.. the good news to that is a lot of guys WILL like you, and put in the effort to date you... Date those guys.. not the douchebags that make you cry, and feel like crap about yourself.. When a guy likes a girl he will pull out all the stops.. cute, thoughtful stuff.. Not all the time.. but it will happen usually in the beginning.. Enjoy it while it lasts.. Haha.. Also know the difference between trying to get in your pants, and wanting to date you.. Clear sign of douchebaggeryyy and pantsrobberyyy is when a guy just does things that cost a lot of money.. Don't bite onto that.. it's making you a dinner hooker.. literally.. Nice dinner, maybe a movie, and dessert if you're lucky, and then they expect to get some.. Making girls.. Dinner hookers.. Hold yourselves to a higher standard... Read the body language and take note to the conversation.. and you should easily be able to tell the good guys.. from the panty nabbers..


Moral of the story.. Girls.. stop being so ridiculous - that's the reason guy's think girls are crazy and don't end up liking you.. if a guy likes you, he'll make some effort... :) 




Until next time...


<333 N.

Embracing the ways of the Buddhists...

The past few days I have encountered a few situations where I was just baffled, slightly thrown off, and to be honest a little upset... by other's actions.. Ones dealing quite directly with me... and I am the type of person who is naturally easy going, disliker of drama, and a go with the flow, person.. and I will always be nice.. until you really do something stupid... Then it seems to go downhill - Though I have been getting better..

But I found myself in a few situations, where I was just a little peeved.. And those moments we all have where you kind of just want to roll your eyes and be like "Really?!" or the other side of things where you kinda just wanna slap someone and be like "Stop acting so stupid.." & this is more of the reason to embrace the ways of the Buddhists.. 

Now please don't take my word as 100% accurate truth.. I am by no means a Buddhist expert.. but from my friends that I have met and asked questions about their religion.. this is some of what I have pulled.. It's all about balance between your actions and the actions that come back to you.. to not get mad or upset by things because there is a cause/effect sort of cosmic balance that happens.. and search for a deeper understanding, selflessness, and "enlightenment"... I feel that I embraced more of this while being quite active in yoga.. it's not just a Buddhist practice... but it deals with finding the inner peace, and love and sharing those with the world around you..

Sign me up... PLEASE! I think one can always use a little more patience, compassion, or understanding of the human psychology and behavior...

I heard this saying in the past week that I think applies.. "Remember that life made her this way..." And feel free to make it him, if you're a guy.. but it's going off the premise of life's trials, tribulations, experiences are what mold a person into who they are, how they treat and interact with others.. etc.. It's so easy to get caught up in how we feel, and why we do what WE do.. but then fail to ever try to see the other side of the story.. or in the cliche line, "walk in someone else's shoes.." 

I've learned when I can take a step back, breathe, and then logically analyze a situation.. even if that situation happens to be a person of dislike.. you see the cause/effect.. Most of the time.. It helps one see the explanation.. but that explanation is not always, or is rarely an excuse.. The more you learn about people and the more one can observe.. the more one can find inner peace of not letting others effect their own self and decisions...

Advice of the day: Try it next time.. you are irritated with how someone treated you, said something, handled a situation.. try to see their side.. and maybe why..

Namaste.  
<333 N

Either you run the day, or the day runs you...

Some of you may, or may not know... I try to be up early..

It has been a process of training my body for months now, of going to bed at a certain time and waking up earlier and earlier little by little..

To be honest sometimes I hate the actual process of waking up, but I absolutely love the benefits of doing it..

Kind of like working out.. You may hate pushing yourself to run that extra 5 minutes, or those last 10 crunches.. whatever it might be.. but when you start to see the muscle definition and you see yourself doing more reps than ever and running easier.. there's a sense of accomplishment...

Same thing applies to waking up in the morning for me.. I have made it a morning routine that I have come to love.. and kind of motivates me to get up.. I wake up and either go work out then grab my cup of coffee and watch the morning news.. I know, I know.. I sound like a 40 year old women.. But whatever.. I like it.. So many people are like oh my gosh.. why do you do it, that's insane.. blah blah blah.. and I have just gotten to this point of saying screw off.. I am doing positive and beneficial things for my life.. sorry you're not. Don't criticize me just because you're secretly a little jealous... But I have come to love waking myself up at (what I so kindly call the a** crack of dawn) Haha.. I am currently trying to wake up slightly earlier than I have been.. just to give myself more time to work on stuff, read, relax in the morning... and because I have been working out in the morning opposed to at night.. I always have been a night work out person, but I have in the past few weeks have flip flopped and I have been digging it. It gets you up and motivated for the day.. Try it out.. Let me know how it goes. I am proof that you can change and train your body to do what you want it to.. It's all if you really want it...

I was in class and one of my colleagues was like I have been trying for months to get on a similar schedule, basically waking up very early, and getting productive.. But I can't seem to do it.. and he simply replied.. "How much do you really want it?!" (If you're trying to do this, I suggest having something as a goal.. as humans we work better when there is a reason, incentive or end result...)

That really struck me hard.. It wasn't oh.. you do this, you do this, coddling her with a nice answer.. he gave the honest truth.. It was sort of a wake up for me too.. I keep saying oh I wish I was reading more, or planning this, or doing this.. but I don't have time.. And the reality that a mentor of mine told me.. is that's just a bullsh*t excuse.. We all have the same hours in a day... from the bum on the street, to the President of the United States... Again... another wake up call, smelling the coffee, and a nice loving smack in the face with reality.. Some of you might be thinking.. well that's a little mean.. but I love it.. I love having people in my life that care enough to push me.. that don't just tell me what I would like to hear.. but tell me what is going to make me better.. So many people get really butthurt when people critique or criticize them in any way.. and yeah given it's not always fun to hear, but you can either get stuck in your bad ways, or accept the truth and change it.

My advice of the day.. Surround yourself with people who make you better.. 

If you look back at history, and any really successful people they surrounded themselves with people they aspired to be like, and that pushed them to surpass their limits.. 

Randomness of Today:
Current Reading: Freakonomics
Recently watched Movie: The Ugly Truth
New Finding: HULU Documentaries.. (I am falling in love)

Thanks for stopping by. :)

<333 N

Hablo en español un pequito..

As time goes along.. you will probably see I am one always down for a random adventure..

This past weekend's happened to be a trip to Mexico!!! :) Went with one of my good friend's and her boyfriend....

I absolutely loved being back in a country that doesn't speak English.. I know that might sound a little weird.. but I enjoy it... I love having to observe things, and push myself out of the norm box. Also reminds me and motivates me to really push to learn more Spanish.. It is the one language that I want to eventually be fluent in... (Though if I could learn every language.. I would love it.)

Went for a Halloween Party.. and it ended up being a lot of fun... It's just interesting to see the difference in cultures, how things work.. and still just doing your thing..

Met a handful of people and it was cool talking to them, reminded me of some things I often times forget in the mix of life and running around..


It was a little weird, at points I got a little shy.. which is funny, because I actually do understand and speak a little Spanish... I just got a little self conscious?
I had a couple times where people realized I spoke English and then of course had me say something in Spanish.. with me having no clue what I was saying.. and followed by smiles, and laughter.. but hey.. no harm right?!


Mexico knows how to throw a party though that's for sure.. It was at a gorgeous house with a good amount of people, music, and drinks.. Though surprisingly in the beginning no one was dancing.. but me and my girlfriend.. We love dancing, and other people not, wasn't going to stop us..


Another spontaneous part of the trip was getting a new piercing.. I know, I know.. So far just about everyone has flipped their lids over it.. But.. it honestly was better than a good number of places I have seen in the States.. Got my tragus pierced.. Turned out great.. :)

Got to meet a lot of my friend's boyfriend's family over the short trip.. I absolutely fell in love.. A group of interesting, funny, and good people. All his little siblings made me miss mine though.. His little sister is the same age as mine and it really made me wish I got to see her more..

I wasn't expecting to get so sentimental, but there was just something about all the little things that fed into the trip that made me a tad bit homesick.. I can't wait to go home in a couple months. :)

I definitely feel this was a bunch of rambling.. Sorry if it was a hard read. 


Until next time..

Adios.
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N.

The little boy named Mohammed.

While in Paris, France me and two other of my colleagues sat at the little breakfast nook, and the patio was just a closed door away...
There was this little boy who I had seen maybe once before and he had tightly curled light brown hair and a smile I won't soon forget...

The girls and I were chatting away and we kept turning and looking at this precious little boy, he started to stare back and I decided to play a little game of peek a boo.. The game went on for a good little bit.. and he started to run to the huge window and smile and run back to his mom and dad...

This little game took an interesting twist.. the little boy ran to the door.. confidently opened it up.. walked straight up to me, grabbed my face and pulled it down to his, and ever so gently gave me a kiss upon my cheek.. I melted.. It was one of the most adorable things I have ever had happen in the most random of times and places.. He then proceeded to run back out the glass door and shut it going back onto the patio and into the arms of his dad... A few more moments go by.. and he runs back to the door.. grabs my other friend's face and gives her a kiss on the cheek as well.. again he runs back out the door and then towards his mom.... Our little game of charades came to an end.. and my girlfriend's and I start talking again... completely enamored by this little boy... we started to wonder why in the world he didn't come back out again and give my other friend a kiss.. We comically came to the conclusion that he didn't like blonde's.. as he gave the 2 brunettes a kiss, and left out the blonde... Him and his mother come in shortly.. and we immediately start gushing about how cute he is, unfortunately in English, and we realized she only spoke French.. We tried to understand what she was saying.. and started pointing at the little boy's eyes and said something that sounded like "cone-sear"... We kept racking our brains for what that meant, as we knew very little French, and sadly had to leave it at that..

A few nights later, I ran into his father with another friend this time.. we were all sharing a late night smoke.. and he spoke English.. I was elated.. I spoke my broken French, and his fair English.. come to find out they are in France because his son who was turning 3 years old later that week has cancer in his eyes.. and is undergoing another round of chemo and treatment.. the word "cone-sear" which we thought was in French was her actually saying it in English, and we were just so unaware.. this precious little boy who had the most memorable smile.. and happiest spirit.. has already endured so much.. My heart nearly broke... The reason he only kissed the girls with black hair was because he was going blind, and can't see light colors, so our hair was how he could find our faces... 

The situation made me become so reflective of my life, and so thankful for what I have.. and so amazed by this little boy with so much heart and energy through his hard situation.. He was going the next day to spend it at Euro Disney before he had to go through a few days of treatment.. and I got to see him just one more time before we left...

I went to Europe with the joke of finding a boy and falling in love.. who knew it would be a little 3 year old boy with cancer named Mohammed...

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N.

Humanity.

I have been a little MIA the past few days.. 
I am kind of excited because I actually missed blogging a little...
& because I am the nerd that I am I started jotting down different things I can blog about..
 

I am actually on a short break from class.. The past few days have been a blurrrrr... Literally just ran around like a dog on crack.. I don't know what that actually looks like.. but I feel like it suffices for the situation...

Random, Random Thought of the Day...
Have been reading about, watching, and seeing posts about the little Chinese girl who was ran over and no one helped her, the dog who pulled the dog who was hit by a car off the highway, the brutal beatings from Occupy Wallstreet and the Exposition... 
But it hit me.... Why do humans care so little about other humans...
It literally leaves my jaw dropped and unbelievably baffled how cruel some humans can be to others...
Verbally, Physically, Financially, and Emotionally..
People are more prone to get emotional over a inhumane treatment of animals commercial than a homeless man or woman on the street...
I can't lie and say that I haven't ignored a homeless person on the street.. (They are more frequent than Starbucks out here in LA..) Small girl, slightly crazy men... I try not to put myself in too many unsafe, unnecessary situations..
But I can also say I have given out some money over the years as well.. Honestly.. if someone has the right energy.. I am down to lend a few bucks to someone, who needs it more than I do.. I am extremely blessed to have everything I do.. and it won't kill me to give a person a few bucks instead of getting a latte one day out of the week.. But when some yell at me and act entitled to me giving them money, that's when I say no thanks..


So... Enough of that tangent.. but what makes us so selfish? So uncaring? Or.. Inconsiderate?


& How do we do something to change it?



Until later...

<333
N






Do something good to someone else.. it comes back around.. and gives on to others..
[Karma]

Carpe Diem.

The title speaks enough for itself.

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N

Fall Fashion.

I figured.. because of the fact that my studies & career are in Fashion.. I should definitely try and blog about it.. Only fitting right?! It is basically my life..

Fall is here.. well sort of.. atleast in California.. it was 100 degrees Fahrenheit.. in OCTOBER... I was stuck in an air conditioned classroom for 9 hours.. but I can't complain.. My air conditioning in my apartment broke earlier this month and didn't get fixed for about 3 weeks.. and it was modern day torture.. I am a heat baby.. But back to Fall.. There are some pieces and trends I have been seeing a lot of recently that I am definitely digging.. I am going to try and post some out there pieces that the fashion forward are more down to attempt.. and then some pieces that the average fashion follower might try.. I am going to try and post the websites and links to everything I post.. for credit to whom it is due, as well as for followers to purchase them if they want.. If you end up incorporating anything from this blog into your wardrobe.. I'd love to see pictures! :)


Long See-Through Mesh Skirts

Don't forget the skirt or shorts under... Haha.. Trust me.. on the streets of LA.. You see just about everything..

I am pretty sure I am going to rock one later this week.. A friend of mine gave me one she made as a gift.. If I do.. I'll try to snag a pic and post it later.. Keep an eye out.

http://svpply.com/item/750389/Sparkle__Fade_Long_Mesh_Skirt


Jeffrey Campbell's... Not just the "Lita".
Had a friend who was like, I love the Lita.. but it's just that now everyone has them..
So I did a little research of my own to see the other styles.. Was not disappointed..

http://www.karmaloop.com/product/The-Night-Walk-Shoe-in-Black-Suede/189350

Can't lie.. I think these are dope and love when these are rocked.. I on the other hand... am a slight klutz... Sadly..

In case there are any non believers out there... Here is a photo from a stiletto cobblestone accident in Paris.. Hahaha - I might get bold enough to purchase a pair.. I may suffer a few injuries though.. Not that, that would really stop me.. I rocked the same stilettos I hurt my foot in the same week I fell in them.. Haha.. Basically the day my foot healed.. I decided, what the heck.. Go ahead and possibly injure yourself again.. -Shrug- Can't keep a good girl down.. I guess.

Floppy Hats
Been seeing these - EVERYWHERE.. Big floppy.. Felt or velvet hats.. I only wish I looked good in hats.. (I know my strengths and weaknesses.. unfortunately hats are not one of my strengths.)
Free people had a great example to show...

http://www.freepeople.com/accessories-hats/jenoah-floppy-brim-hat/

Oversized Sweaters
I'm addicted.. I bought a new favorite in Paris at the Flea Market.. Snagged it for like 6Euros.. I was stoked..
Here is one that I like from Bershka.. Which is a brand not sold here in United States that I was introduced to in Europe..

http://www.bershka.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/bershkaes/en/bershka/32012/171760/BSK%2Bcrochet%2Bsweater

Again.. these were only a few.. I've realized.. I am starting to use blogging as a form of my own procrastination.. - Ugh. But I justify it in my head.. because I am being semi-productive right?! Haha

Happy to Report.. Closet Status: Reorganized... & slightly minimized..

It might not look like much, but clothes are hanged, things are folded, and stacked in my OCD liking..and I have two large piles I am down to give away.. Happy camper.

Until next time...

<333
N.

Hungry?

I have never considered myself a "foodie", usually because I eat either Vegan or Vegetarian so it's usually a bit harder to find places I can order an actual entree instead of just a salad or side of vegetables.. but I have somehow become the "go-to girl" when it comes to choosing a place to eat..

The other day I had a girl ask me where do I like to eat in Los Angeles.. and gave her just a few of some of the places I've explored and tried in the city..

Figured I might as well blog a little about it.. why not give a little shout out to some of the places I frequent. All are quite cheap to slightly moderate prices... so if you go try some you shouldn't be breaking bank..


Panini Cafe
www.mypaninicafe.com
- The nicest staff.. who I have made friends with..
- Great prices.. & for FIDM & USC Students you get a 20% discount.. Which as a college student is a reason in itself to go try it out.
Menu Suggestion: Lentil Soup, with a side Pita & Hummus.


Simply Salad
www.simplysalad.com
I have been going to this place since it opened... no joke.. the week it opened.. I was there, and quickly became what I like to call "healthily-addicted". They recently just passed their 1 year anniversary and continue to get busier and busier.. Go and try it before they blow up and become a huge chain! :)
The guys who work there are a fun group of guys, who I frequently chat it up with while ordering my delicious salad, soup, or order of freshly made hummus.
Menu Suggestion: Downtown Cobb, or the Hipster.. My personal favorite dressing though is the Chipotle Dressing..
http://www.facebook.com/#!/SimplySalad (You should like them..)

Bottega Louie
www.bottegalouie.com
I love this place for the "French-Style" coffee and menu..
It's a very "popular" place, but I just happened to stumble upon it.. not go there for the hype..
The food is delicious, and though I don't personally eat too many of them.. the desserts are phenomenal.. or so I constantly hear.. 
The interior is beautiful.. but the noise level can get quite loud, especially when they are slammed with business.. Which is quite often.. So if you are looking for quiet and intimate.. this might not be the place.. but it is a great time..
Menu Suggestion: Breakfast order of Potatoes


El Cholo
www.elcholo.com
I can't even lie.. I laughed a little when I first heard the name.. but it's known around Los Angeles for it's delicious Mexican food..
It has some great fresh chips and salsa, guacamole, and margaritas.
Has a great selection from tacos, burritos, to enchiladas..
Menu suggestion: Chips & Guacamole

Yard House
www.yardhouse.com
Now I think this is the most "chain" eatery I have mentioned... but I had never even heard about it until I moved to Los Angeles.. The one I frequent is in L.A. Live.. though I don't enjoy the middle-aged men hitting on me.. I do enjoy the long list of vegetarian options.. Even though it is a "sports-bar" it has one of the biggest vegetarian entree and meal selections I have encountered from a "non-vegetarian" place.. Though it's not vegan, I will not complain.. The food looks sometimes so real.. I get a little nervous for the first bite..thinking it might be actual meat.. but so far no mistakes! :) They also have a "cute drink" - I want to say it's their raspberry cider.. It's pink. Try it. For all you guys.. that are too manly and macho for that.. it's a sports bar, they have a good selection of imported beers to give a try..
Menu Suggestion: Chickenless Chicken Fingers

Well I have more clothes to dig through, homework to own, and cleaning to attempt..
I'm sure I'll do another post soon with some other places to try.. I have plenty more..

Europe.. You stole a piece of my heart..

I loved just about everything about you...
I will be back and seeing you as soon as physically possible.

I find when I talk to most, it's always.. I would love to go there.. but I will never have the time.. never have the money.. there is always some excuse of why not.. To be honest it is usually extremely frustrating to me.. because in my head if you really want to do something.. make it happen.. Save for a couple years.. and you'll have more than enough.. go over a Christmas Holiday.. Do what you have to do to make it happen.. To anyone out there with the slight inkling to travel.. DO IT.. It was one of the best experiences to date.. and so many memories I now take with me forever..


Next Destination: Hong Kong, China.

Travel Tip: Wherever you go.. Learn Hello, Goodbye, Please, and Thank You.. You will be worlds ahead of most.. Traveling through Europe was interesting and at times difficult.. because I don't speak fluent French, Germany, or Italian.. but I did my best to pick up as much as I could and if I needed something, to try and ask in the native language.. if not I found Spanish was more accepted than English.. and I know some people get upset and want to be like.. so I just have to learn every language?! No.. but be respectful.. be aware.. and make some conscious effort... It was definitely appreciated by those I encountered.. and when did it become such a bad thing to try and learn new things?! Even though English is the lingua franca.. We often expect when people are in America to speak English.. do other countries not have the same right?! It also just made me more aware to notice people who travel to California from other countries.. I live in Los Angeles so it's a pinnacle spot for tourists.. and I now want to try and go out of my way to help those.. because I now know what it is like to be in their shoes..

Au revoir...

Go explore the world.. It's worth it. 

P.s. For those wondering.. The closet situation.. is midway through.. Bed is covered in clothes, and slowly being sorted through, and put away... 

What do you wake up for?

A handful of weeks ago I had a conversation with a newer but becoming a very good friend of mine.. and we were discussing over coffee.. What we wake up for.. 


Both of us are young, business minded women who are trying to take over the Fashion Industry by storm.. and we both have different backgrounds, different stories, different dramas that enter our lives.. and different reasons for why we wake up..


Though we have different reasons we were in agreement on the fact that one needs a reason to wake up.. The motivation behind waking up, going to work, school, pursuing a career... What is it that you wake up for? Is it a family member, a friend, a dream you can't stop fighting for, a trial in your life you've overcome, that person in your life who told you - you can't... a combination of a few of those?!


Whatever your motivation is.. Don't let it go.. Go for your dreams, and go hard.. Nothing in this life that is worth something is easy, but it's more than worth it.. 


I am a little bit reminiscent while writing this blog.. I have just passed my 2 year mark of moving out here on my own to this vast city called Los Angeles.. already working on my 2nd degree.. and with a multitude of memories I wouldn't give up for the world.. There has been good, bad, ugly.. and the absolutely magnificent.. The best advice and encouragement I can give is.. Go for it... No matter who says you can't, what obstacles arise.. Go for your dreams.. enjoy the journey to the top, stay humble as you go.. and live the life you dream of..

Where to start?!

I was trying to think of something really witty for my - first post - here..
You can tell that worked out well... Haha
I find the more you try - the less it works.. You can't force the words...

To be perfectly honest, I haven't come up with some strategic plan of what this blog will be or the direction that it will go.. so hang with me if you can as I stumble around...

I also would love for this to be interactive.. so feel free to comment, as questions, give feedback, ask me to talk about certain topics.. Whatever makes your heart happy.




Random thought of the day:
Why do we hold on to so many things we don't need?
What are we so afraid of by letting things go?


I have been looking at my closet & around at my room - & I have some serious simplifying to do..

In my defense.. I am a student studying Fashion/Business so my closet is like a normal person's closet on crack.. & I have enough muslin, fabric, & textbooks to last me a life time.. and enough clothes to dress in a different outfit.. for probably a solid 6 months.


But back to the closet.. I have so many clothes that I honestly don't wear... yet, I keep them.. Piles & piles, hanger after hanger.. Things accumulated over the years.. Ones from retail therapy sessions, outings with friends, vintage & thrift store finds.. a plethora of articles.. with little use... I hold onto things because I think in my head.. "Oh, maybe I will wear it for something, maybe I'll fit back into it (if you're a woman, you know exactly what I am talking about), what if I end up needing it.. but in reality if I get rid of things and really need something I can always go and purchase another when the time comes. I am hoping to take on this task this weekend of cleaning out & minimizing my closet. - I'll let you know how it goes.. Hopefully I come out alive. I think when you de-clutter the things that surround you, you can further in finding your center, & direction in many areas of your life. 


If you're anything like me & want to try minimize things in your closet or your life.. I say if you haven't worn it in the past 6 months or more.. It is something you can part with. Also I know there's always the exceptions.. Seasonal pieces, super sentimental pieces.. Don't put too much pressure on it.. but like that tshirt and skirt you haven't worn, get rid of.. It won't kill you. Promise.
Another way to reward yourself and get some new pieces for your closet (Limit the number!!) I have been doing "clothing swaps" with my girlfriends.. You clean your closet, pick all the stuff you can part and get rid of.. Your friend does the same.. you meet up & pick a few pieces from your friend's giveaways and vice versa.. It's shopping & you don't spend a dime.. Which is great. Getting a few "new" pieces can be a reward for getting rid of excess..
Another way I try to keep things to a minimum is now when I shop.. I think of pieces I am actually lacking in my wardrobe.. Classic pieces that can be mixed and matched and will be worn often and utilized.. & not collect dust in my closet. 


Hopefully this was somewhat enjoyable. Thanks for reading. More to come soon.