ten truths tuesday #15

1. You shouldn't be paying $200 for a pair of birkenstocks.

2. Why are people still romanticizing cigarettes? They're terrible!

3. Summer is not an excuse to walk around basically naked.

4. I know it's really awkward when you're insta-stalking someone and accidentally double tap one of their photos, but it's even more awkward to immediately unlike it.

5. I know I complain about boys/love all the time, but it really is possible to live a happy life WITHOUT thinking of boys/love all the time.

6. Don't let a person's reputation prevent you from getting to know them. I mean, who knows what people might also be saying about you, anyway.

7. A milkshake once a week probably won't make you fat but will definitely improve the quality of your life (unless you're lactose intolerant :/).

8. Polyvore is really cool.

9. Instagram can be really cool.

10. Turning your phone off for a day would DEFINITELY be cool.

monday musing: drunk in love (unrelated to Beyonce)

I think the fact that alcohol ever began to be produced for consumption says something strange about humanity. I mean, am I the only one who thinks it's weird that we felt the need to create something that distracts us from the realities of life? I know humans do a lot of weird shit, but this is something that I find really troubling. Have we really created a society that's so displeasing that we need a method of removing ourselves from it- giving us a "buzz" that we can't feel on a day-to-day basis? It's sort of depressing. Or, maybe, we just use alcohol as an excuse. Something that gives us the courage to do something we've been wanting to but simply can't bring ourselves to do when sober. I guess it could be a vehicle for breaking the ice, apologizing, saying the first "I love you"... And then, there's love. Why is alcohol so often associated with love? Is it because love messes with our heads and brings us into some state totally removed from reality? Does love give us a buzz? Can love be permanent, or is it as short-lived as any other drunken experience? Maybe, love is destined to end in a black night, followed by one of the worst hangovers to be had. Maybe, we'll just all end up haunted by the activities of that love, of "last night, until we eat some breakfast, take a shower, and get back to the daily life. But, then what? Well, then we just go out next weekend and do it all again. Maybe, it's just a series of drunken pursuits, all in hopes of feeling even better than we did the last time. We can't just be drunk forever, though. Reality has to come crashing down at some point or another. Who really knows, though? Maybe being in love isn't like being drunk at all.

ten truths tuesday #14 (on a wednesday)

I should probably just change these to Wednesdays because I never seem to get around to them on Tuesdays, but nonetheless.... Here it is.

1. Don't let anyone give you shit for having a blog

2. Some people are just dumb. Find a way to deal with them instead of hating them.

3. Being attractive is great; but in the end, people aren't going to spend time with you just because you're nice to look at.

4. Don't let life get dull- spice things up.

5. Don't let someone else tell you what weight you should be, how to dress yourself, how to do your makeup, what color your hair should be, etc. Just do whatever makes you happy.

6. I know high school sucks, but try to enjoy your time as a teenager too (you only get to be young once, after all).

7. Color Me Mine is NOT just for little kids.

8. Cultured people= cool people.

9. Work out because onset type II diabetes is really fucking scary.

10. I know the people at Starbucks probably always spell your name wrong, but cut them some slack- they're trying. 

monday musing: feeling lost in the world/ where I've been

I know I've taken a long vacation from this blog, and I could just blame it on stress, but that would be a major over-simplification. There has been a lot going on lately- that's true, but I've never been one to let an overwhelming amount of things to do prevent me from doing any of them. I always get things done, especially the things I like ( like blogging). I've stopped writing, I've stopped painting, I've stopped doing the things I love, and I didn't realize what a toll that's taken on my life until now. I've kind of lost the person I am, I guess- lost my place in the world. I guess you could say that i've just sort of been wandering lately. I drive to school every morning, I aimlessly sit through my classes and then try to complete my assignments when I get home. I go to sleep, and the cycle doesn't stop. Some might say I'm depressed, but I've been depressed before- this is not depression. I think I've lost my path. I know that sounds ridiculously cheesy, but I honestly believe that we all follow some sort of path in life. Yes, there are some forks in the road where we choose the left or right, but there is a path. Maybe we create some of that path, but I'm not creating anything. I've just wandered away from my path and completely forgot I was ever on one. I have not enjoyed my time off my path; I've just felt kind of empty. I guess my sage advice here is to try not to forget what it is you love. When you stop doing those things, the quality of your life may spiral so drastically downward, and what's even more alarming is that you may not even notice. I know we all feel these pressures to do certain things in our life, but don't let those pressures prevent you from living your life. After all, what's life if it's not a happy one? What's life if you don't make it your own? I'm not saying you shouldn't be productive and get things done... You should do those things, but don't make your life this stressful pursuit where happiness is never truly achieved. You need to be you because life is so empty if you lose that. This is your life, so don't let anyone else run it for you.

So, today I said, "fuck this slump," got my paint brushes out, and wrote this blog post: I'm back. 

And, to maybe help you spark your own inspiration, here's a list of 10 simply beautiful things in the world, just in case you've forgotten how beautiful the world really is.

1. natural light

2. succulents

3. music

4. the ocean

5. the smell after it rains

6. rain

7. peonies

8. those sunsets when the sky turns a little pink

9. deer

10. watermelon

outfit/food/fun

Sorry I've been sort of MIA recently, but here's something I've been meaning to post for a while. I went to Joan's on Third, Juice Served Here, and Lady M with a friend a little while ago, and here are the pictures to prove it. In case you're wondering, my dress is from Urban Outfitters, and my shoes are Dr. Martens. On another note, Joan's was delicious as always, and I highly recommend the curried chickpeas (on the left of my plate)- they were absolutely amazing. Pretty much everything at Joan's tastes great, and I am never disappointed whenever I order something new. Juice Served Here is also a great juicery, but I will admit it's way overpriced. If you think the 6.50 price tag at Pressed is outrageous, well Juice Served Here's prices are almost double, and they even have a twenty dollar juice, which is absurd. That being said, I ordered the Pixie (#21), which was a mix of pineapple, strawberry, and orange juice, and it was fantastic. I didn't try my friend's juice, but I'm pretty sure she loved her's too. Last but not least, Lady M. Let me just say that I have no idea who exactly Lady M is, but I would absolutely marry this woman if given the opportunity. First of all, let me just say that aesthetically speaking, the store is so fresh, clean, and beautiful. We ordered both the original and green tea flavored crêpe cakes, and both were out of this world. Heaven IS a place on earth, and that place is Lady M. I haven't tried anything other than the crêpe cakes there (otherwise known as "mille crêpes"), but a slice of that cake alone is enough to keep me coming back. I've really never tried anything like them anywhere else. They are basically just layers of crêpes and frosting, which sounds super simple but is also super delicious. There is no way to describe these in a way that will do them justice, but they are just so utterly satisfying both texturally and flavor-wise. I thought the green tea flavor might be overwhelming, but it was absolutely perfect (however, I would not suggest it if you're not a green tea fan). Ultimately, you're just going to have to go out and try a slice for yourself to understand exactly what I'm raving about, but I do know that I will be returning very soon.

I've been really into doing these restaurant reviews, and I know they must be frustrating if you don't live in the Los Angeles area, but I think I'm going to start posting some recipes soon too, as well as other general lifestyle posts. Let me know what you think! Also, sorry I missed this week's 10 truths-- I'll get back to it next Tuesday!

ten truths tuesday #13 (on a wednesday)

1. If you want to dye your hair purple, do it because (as much as I hate to say this,) yolo (cringe). This is more about the fact that you should stop letting other people's opinions and societal norms dictate the way you live your life.

2. Sofia Coppola, Wes Anderson, and Spike Jonze. That is all.

3. We live in a horrible world, so go out and do something to make it a better place.

4. Pursue your passions (you'll be happier).

5. Money is awesome, but happiness is what'll really get you through life.

6. Sneakers are cool, wedges are cool, but do we really need sneaker wedges? I don't care how chic Isabel Marant is.

7. Find friends who will listen to you when you pour your heart out to them.

8. You get what you give.

9. Using fancy vocabulary words is actually cool- learn some.

10. Please stop complaining about the weather. We know it's cold outside, but there are greater issues to deal with than the fact that your Ugg boots do not sufficiently warm your feet.

MEGA POST (ten truths tuesday #12)

So basically, I did some cool stuff today; and not only will I be doing the usual ten truths tuesday, but I have some other things to share.

 

dress- Brandy Melville, shoes- Dr. Martens, sunglasses- Urban Outfitters

I thought I would just share my outfit today because my motto is: if you don't know what to wear, wear a dress, and that is exactly what I've done. It is so easy to just throw on a dress with a pair of matching shoes, because it looks way better than the whole "I was too lazy to pick out an outfit, so I'm wearing my pajamas" look, and it's just as easy (and comfy!). On another note, I went to one of my favorite cafés today, which is Sweet Butter in Sherman Oaks. This place has the ultimate café vibe, and the food is amazing. It's so nice to spend a warm, LA day sitting out on their patio, people watching, eating a delicious salad (or sandwich/ wrap), drinking a fun drink, and relaxing with friends. I shared the kale chopped salad with my friend, and it was one of the best kale salads I've ever had. Kale can be a weird green because the texture is really different than what most people are used to when it comes to salad, but it worked perfectly here. There were cucumbers and red onions in the salad which added a really nice, fresh, textural element, which went perfectly with the kale because it kept the salad crunchier (like the typical chopped salad lettuce texture) and kept the kale from seeming kind of rubbery, like it often can. The citrusy salad dressing was really nice to tone down the kale's strong flavor, and the garbanzo beans added great earthy flavor that complimented the acidity of the dressing really nicely. If you can't tell, I'm obsessed with food and could honestly talk about kale forever. We also had four macarons: pistachio, raspberry, violet (or was it lavender?), and strawberry- champagne. They were all delicious, and I especially loved the strawberry- champagne, which to my surprise, actually had a very strong champagne flavor. All in all, I absolutely love Sweet Butter and would absolutely recommend eating there some time. If you have the chance to try it out, my favorites are the "South of the Boulevard" Salad, the grilled veggie salad, and now the kale salad!

Now for the ten truths:
1. Lost in Translation is an absolutely beautiful movie about human connection/relationships, and I HIGHLY suggest you go watch it (it's on Netflix!).

2. Drop the vanity for a sec, and go donate your super long hair. If I can do it, you can do it; it will grow back, I promise.

3. The flea market is such a rad place.

4. Don't give people shit for their piercings/tattoos. It's THEIR body, let them do what they want with it. Plus, they're not giving YOU shit for not having piercings/tattoos.

5. Phrases like "no uterus, no opinion" are giving feminism its bad reputation. Anyone is entitled to an opinion, whether you agree with it or not. Fight for your OWN opinions instead of bringing OTHER opinions down.

6. It's kind of weird that you can think about people as much as you want, and they have no idea.

7. You shouldn't have to put up with people who say they love you but don't treat you like they do.

8. It's great to love yourself, but you shouldn't make every conversation about you.

9. Don't let anyone give you shit about doing what you love (unless it's harmful to others, in which case- NOT COOL).

10. Spring is in the air- go out and spread the love.

an ode to the soft bra

(Wow! Two posts in one day? Go me!)

In a world where the public's fascination with breasts is absolutely absurd, it is nice to know that there is hope for the "itty bitty titty committee" (yeah, I said it) in the soft bra (aka bralette). Okay, so maybe I'm being dramatic. But, let's be real here- society's opinion of the female body is both disheartening and intangible. Will someone please explain to me just HOW I am supposed to be a size zero, a D cup, 5'10 with long legs, and have a teeny-tiny waist all at once? So far, I have not figured out a way to live up to the mass market's standards. As a very average teenage girl, I feel both disgusted and disgusting when I am shopping for bathing suits/bras, and I am forced to compare my normal body to the fantasy bodies of supermodels that have been airbrushed/ photoshopped to an ideal image conceived by whoever it is that runs the advertising of mass retailers. However, there is hope yet. The popularization of the soft bra/bralette has made me feel okay about the fact that I may NEVER exceed an A cup, and increased imagery/advertising of BEAUTIFUL girls with SMALL boobs that HAVEN'T been technologically augmented helps me feel good about my body. Yes, many of these models are stick thin (which is probably part of the reason why they have small boobs, but that's a whole other issue for later discussion), but this is a start. The amazing soft bra, otherwise known as the glorified training bra, makes me feel so much better because I can wear pretty underthings (that my boobs actually fill), just like my big-boobed female counterparts! So, what does this all mean? I think it means that there IS hope for society. We have lived in a world where the image of the female body in the media/advertising is so digitally altered that us NORMAL girls feel like total shit, but awareness IS being raised and society IS starting to accept us just as we are. Things are going up. Not only that, but soft bras are just so unbelievably COMFORTABLE! I can be comfy AND beautiful? Who knew?! To end my rant about society and boobs, I present to you a few links to some great bralettes (aka my boobs' best friends) for you to try out yourself!


(from cheap to ridiculously expensive)
Forever 21
Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters
Free People
Free People
Free People
Fleur of England
La Perla

ten truths tuesday #11 (on a wednesday)

1. Even if you hate everyone, don’t let it show.

2. Execution isn't always more important than intention.

3. Stop using "my body hasn't adjusted to daylight savings time" as an excuse for being lazy.

4. There's no use trying to figure out the meaning of life, so just step back and LIVE for once.

5. God is punishing you for your sins by making you procrastinate. (I'm an atheist, but I think you see my point)

6. Keep your mind open to new experiences- something great might happen.

7. I know there's a whole "anti-juice" movement going on, but in all honesty, I will never stop drinking Greens 2 from Pressed Juicery no matter how unhealthy people say it is (and sorry for being ignorant, but I mean it's GREEN! How unhealthy could it really be?).

8. Speaking of which... Grow up, and eat your veggies already!

9. I may seem smart, but I'm a 16 year old girl with a blog... What do I know?!

10. Don't reveal everything you know.

ten truths tuesday #10

1. Embellish your texts with emojis.

2. Stop trying to "fit in," and be yourself for once! You'll be happier; I swear.

3. If you didn't eat pancakes today for National Pancake Day, eat them tomorrow.

4. Making simple things fancy (your soap, your tweezers, your cereal) is one little way to treat yourself, liven your spirits, and make you feel classy.

5. Don't let anyone make you feel bad just because you don't drive a fancy German car.

6. If you live near the beach, take advantage of it. I know this sounds like crazy voodoo, but salt water is totally a spiritual healer.

7. Shop on Etsy because the sellers are just normal people like you trying to make their crafty dreams come true.

8. Plant a (mini) garden- it'll be good for you AND the environment.

9. Yes, humans ARE killing the environment in which we live, so doing your part to help is totally awesome!

10. Go to an old fashioned diner because it will remind you of happier days (unless you had some traumatic experience in a diner...)

ten truths tuesday #9

1. Listening to music is the ultimate remedy for just about anything.

2. Put a lot of time into planning what the space you live in looks like. You have to spend a lot of time there, so make sure it's somewhere comfortable that you're happy to be in.

3. Write everything down. Thoughts are fleeting, and you don't want to lose some great idea.

4. Mix patterns.

5. If someone tells you a secret, please keep it secret. They are giving you the ultimate compliment by putting their trust in you, and you should prove you're worth it.

6. Indian food is so good. Give tikka masala a chance!

7. It's okay (and refreshing) to be alone.

8. Thrifting is awesome; and no, you're not too good to shop in a thrift store.

9. Don't treat waiters/valets/retail employees like shit! Their jobs are not easy, and they're doing what they can to make your life EASIER!

10. Think before you complain.

monday musing: spring-cleaning and how to let go of things you love

Personally, I think spring-cleaning is an essential part of every year. Sure, we all make resolutions at the beginning of a new year, but I think we all really need a time where we can force ourselves to just let go. Yes, it’s hard, but it’s worth it. Sometimes, it’s hard to see how old stuff is dragging us down- whether it’s old clothes clogging your closet or old thoughts and feelings bogging your mind down. Breakups, death, abandonment- there’s a wide range of shitty things that can happen in a year. But, before spring has officially sprung, let’s brainstorm ways on how to stop dwelling and start living. Whether you’re cleaning your mind, heart, or closet, spring is always a good time to move on from the old and make room for everything new the year has to bring. Spring is a time of rebirth, not only for nature, but for any aspect of your life that you feel could be improved, as well. While literal spring-cleaning is much easier than mental cleaning, it is equally important. The organization of your space and the way you feel in it has a huge impact on your life. You will most likely feel a lot better in a space that is open, airy, and free of unnecessary junk than in a space that is so crowded that navigating it is a task in and of itself. Sometimes, though, cleaning and clearing can be hard. Not just because it can be boring, but because it’s often hard to let things go, even if they’re just material. This part of life, letting go of things you love, is something we constantly have to deal with. So, my suggestion is start small. When faced with the arduous task of just getting rid of things, start with what you know is unimportant- toss out old scraps of paper and file away old receipts (the season of cleaning is also the season of taxes, unfortunately). Slowly make your way towards the harder decisions: your childhood teddy bear, for example. While you may not really want to part with it, do you really need it sitting out in the open? Probably not. Find a place for it that’s out of sight but not out of mind. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that every object should have a place it belongs. So, if there are things out not in their place, put them there. If there are things out that don’t have a place, find one. The goal is really to de-clutter. A de-cluttered space can be congruous with a de-cluttered mind, or at least help you get there. Keep your short term and long-term goals in mind. If you’re cleaning your closet, think about what your style is now, what you like and don’t like about it, and what you want to change. That way, you have a clearer vision of what exactly it is that you want to keep or get rid of.  Another example is cleaning your pantry. If you want to lose weight, get rid of your junk food. If you’re not trying to adjust your diet, just get rid of things that are expired or you don’t like. It’s important to be thinking about what exactly it is you’re trying to achieve with your spring cleaning, so that there’s a sort of method to the madness. Now, spring-cleaning of the mind is a subject completely different, yet at the same time, conveniently similar. Again, think about what you’re trying to achieve here. What is it that you think is holding you back in your life? Laziness? Memories? Old emotions? Whatever it is, you have to remember that all of these are things that comprise your being. They are a part of you. So while you may not be able to get rid of them in the same way you can that old pair of jeans or expired food, there are ways to move on from them and make room for all the new ideas, emotions, or habits to come. Keep a practical goal of moving forward instead of forgetting. Chances are, you can’t just completely wipe that great romance out of your memory, nor will you be able to root an old habit completely out of your system. The key is to find newness to focus on and to think about why you’re trying to move on. If it’s about a person/group of people, think about who they are, how they affected your life, and why you’re trying to move away from them. Once you figure out all the why’s, it will be easier to pinpoint exactly what it is you’re looking for. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good and you genuinely want to be around. If you’re trying to separate yourself from someone, think: is this person an asshole? If yes, then you’re already half way there. You know that they’re not worth your time, nor are they worth spending time feeling hatred towards. Separate yourself from the negativity, and move on to spending time with people who are worthwhile. If no, then maybe this is a signal that you should learn how to accept criticism and use it to be the best you can be. However, don’t accept animosity as criticism. If something is flat-out mean, then they probably ARE an asshole, or making some serious mistakes, and you need to give them space to deal with their own issues. Getting rid of old habits can be harder, but don’t let that scare you. Picture what you believe the antithesis is of whatever habit it is you’re trying to break, and start working towards that. This is definitely easier said than done, but you can do it- just take baby steps! For example, if you’re trying to be less lazy, start by doing an hour of whatever it is you have to do before you spend an hour on Facebook. Little by little, you can build up from here to keep yourself on track. I also recommend writing schedules, reminders, and helpful notes to yourself that you know you’ll see throughout the day. For some reason, seeing something written down (especially in my own handwriting) helps me stick to my goals. Emotions are going to be the hardest thing to move on from, by far. The most important thing is to start by distracting yourself. Keep yourself happy. Happiness is always the best distraction. Go out into the world and do whatever it is that makes you happy! Go to a concert, bake cupcakes, read a book! Yes, it’s important to please those around you, but you won’t be able to live your life with a clear head unless you’re happy. The goal here is that your happiness, which starts as a distraction, will become the primary emotion you feel. Once you’re happy, it’s a lot easier to gain some perspective on what is important versus what’s not, especially when it comes to dwelling on your past emotions and feelings. I know this is cheesy, but happiness is and always will be key. From there, you can better organize your feelings, see light where there was pain, and hopefully carry that with you into the future. A little hard work and determination can go a long way, and hopefully this spring will be the beginning of keeping your space, mind and heart clean. Good luck!

music mania

The playlist for tonight's broadcast was one of my favorites so far.

Enjoy:

my polyvore

I felt like sharing my polyvore profile for absolutely no reason at all. Click through and (hopefully) enjoy.

(click here or the photo above)

ten truths tuesday #8

1. Go out into your community and HELP people. Reach out. Give what you've got to give. Yes, it is time consuming and no, it's not always exactly fun in the midst of it. But, the feeling you get when you're through is one of the most rewarding in the WORLD.

2. You can't win all the time. Let your failures make you stronger.

3. If you have bad vision (like me), don't immediately reach for a box of contacts. Go out and find a great pair of glasses; they absolutely have the potential to make you look fun/quirky/smart/sexy.

4. Finding some sort of outlet for your stress (other than watching reality television (guilty)) will definitely make you feel better.

5. Kids are OUR future. Teach them important stuff.

6. I'm all for tattoos, but PLEASE put a decent amount of thought into getting one (you would think this is common sense!).

7. Please don't kill chivalry (it's not dead yet!).

8. Stop being embarrassed to call yourself a feminist! Misogyny is overabundant; let's stop it together! Let's end this culture where feminist seems to be synonymous with man-hater.

9. You ARE the change you want to see! I know being one person in a big world can make you feel insignificant, but go out and be an activist anyway! "Insignificance" simply DOES NOT exist when it comes to fighting for a cause you believe in!

10. Speaking of that, don't let ANYONE make you feel insignificant! Just because you are 1/ 7 billion does not make you any less important! Even Obama was a "nobody" once!

ten truths tuesday #7

1. Being single on Valentine's Day can be just as fun as having a Valentine; go out with all your single friends and have a great time!

2. Become a tourist in your own city for a day.

3. Don't be embarrassed to let your inner health-nut shine. Eating foods like kale, chia seeds, açai, and quinoa doesn't make you a typical "white girl" cliché, it makes you HEALTHY!

4. Accepting yourself as you are is one of the first steps to happiness- stop beating yourself up!

5. If you complain about having a lot of things you need to get done after you've procrastinated and left them all for the last minute, no one will have sympathy for you, so please just stop and get your life together.

6. Being an impatient driver is scary and dangerous! Swerving in and out of traffic lanes (and making everyone else's commute that much more annoying) isn't going to get you where you need to go any faster.

7. Referring back to my first point; it's totally okay to be alone on Valentine's day. Make it a fun night for yourself- I'm thinking mani-pedi, bubble bath, and old movie marathon (plus, you don't even have to dress up for anyone)!

8. Please don't be that girl who buys the clearance Valentine's candy for herself.

9. I don't understand what everyone's issue with Instagram is. My philosophy: Instagram whatever the fuck you want, whenever the fuck you want! You should probably avoid being a feed-clogger, though.

10. NEVER let a boy tell you who you are (or anyone else, for that matter)!

monday musing: growing up in los angeles

One common question out-of-towners always ask me is, "What's it like growing up in LA?" I can't say that I ever really have an answer. I can't really define what it's been like, considering it's all I've ever known. People come to Los Angeles to chase their dreams, yet I've been living in this city of angels- city of dreams- for my entire existence. That must have affected me in some way, right? Growing up in any big city has it's pros and cons. I think I've really learned how to be independent, self reliant, and navigate through the world as a small fish in a big pond; but maybe I've lacked some quintessential life experience of being a big fish in a small pond. Here in Los Angeles, everybody is somebody, and it's hard not to get lost in that sea of somebodies. I think one of the greatest successes anyone could have in this city is self-expression. Finding a way to be yourself without getting trapped among the money-hungry wannabe's is a great accomplishment. I think that's my greatest quality that can be attributed to growing up here. I've learned, more than anything else, how to be myself. I have grown up tough enough to resist the magnetic pull of making yourself into a Californian clone. The problem with LA is everyone comes here to attain the same dream, and what's more important is figuring out how to attain your own dream. In a city filled with so much excess, the most important thing to do is dig down, find the roots- the heart and soul of the city, and build yourself up from there. Make the city your own, and find your own way. A geographic location can't change or shape you, but the way of life about it can. The most important thing I've learned from Los Angeles is not to pine over conforming to some idyllic lifestyle, but to create my own way of life using all of the wonderful things this wonderful city has to offer. Coming to LA for the romanticized Hollywood image leaves most people hopeless, but coming to LA and creating a unique image is how one can find happiness in the La La Land.

music mania

For some reason the embed code wasn't working, so here's a link to tonight's radio playlist.
Enjoy!

ten truths tuesday #6

1. American Horror Story is a great (read addicting) show, AND it's not even too scary to watch before bed!

2. Don't let one heartbreak make you give up on love.

3. DIYing is a great release of negative energy.

4. Fancy Starbucks drinks are just secret hideaways for calories.

5. The fact that someone looks/acts/dresses differently than you do does not mean you have the right to judge them.

6. Texting at social gatherings is rude. Instead of pulling your phone out during an awkward silence, use your WORDS to make it LESS awkward!

7. Just because something's "mainstream" doesn't make it bad. (ehem, I'm looking at you, hipsters!)

8. Eating or shopping should not be used as a form of therapy. Actual THERAPY is the best way to deal with your issues if you have them.

9. That does not mean, however, that eating and shopping aren't therapeutic. They're quick fixes for bumps in the road. Just remember: moderation, moderation, moderation.

10. If you want to be in a band, pick up that guitar. If you want to be a painter, buy a canvas. Don't let fear stop you from doing what you really love to do.

ten truths tuesday #5 (on a wednesday)

Sorry I went on a little unannounced hiatus, but I'm back.

1. Traveling is one of the best way to expand your intelligence, whether you go 50 or 500 miles away from home.

2. Do your best not to borrow; there's nothing worse than being labeled as someone who never gives things back.

3. Instead of thinking of yourself as alone, think of yourself as independent.

4. Your great idea now could be somebody else's great idea in a year- be productive and do something about it!

5. If you want to piss off a hipster, tell them you knew about something they like before they did while they're telling you how much they like said thing.

6. Reading the book before seeing the movie is always the best way to go.

7. Gossipping does NOT make you seem cool.

8. Zara is chic.

9. Take pictures often- you'll thank yourself for this later on.

10. Açai is not overrated.

pick of the week: Avi Buffalo

I've been listening to Avi Buffalo a lot this past week as I study for finals, and they're just a great band that I've loved for a while. Every song off of their self-titled album is unique, fun, and catchy.
Enjoy.

 

ten truths tuesday #4

1. If from the moment you wake up you feel an awful day on the rise, put on a matching bra and underwear. It helps. I promise.

2. If you can speak more than one language, keep it up. Multi-lingual people are interesting and intelligent.

3. Be aware when using these phrases in conversation: "Make me," "Prove it," or "What's in it for me?"! They ALWAYS create sexual tension.

4. If you're craving a pastry, have a macaron, not a cupcake. They're classier.

5. Green tea has way too many health benefits NOT to drink it!

6. Bragging about the fact that you're going to Coachella will not make people think you're cool. Repeating that fact over and over will only annoy your friends and make you seem obnoxious.

7. Books are great gifts, very personal, and will make the receiver feel special if you put in the effort to choose a good one.

8. The more you go to museums, the more you'll like them.

9. Saving a dollar a day= $365 a year= a pair of designer shoes/ a new bag/ 3 pairs of jeans/ etc. Save, save, save!

10. Instead of just obsessing over something, create a plan and figure out how to attain it!

monday musing: stress

I don't really know what to say about stress other than it feels like being trapped. I've been under a lot of stress lately, and it is no fun. As the stress gets piled on, it almost feels like I'm digging a hole (against my will), that is harder and harder to climb up and out of. It's as if the rate of things being added to my to-do list is twice as fast the rate I'm actually getting them done. All in all, it's no fun, and if you're struggling with stress right now, I know exactly how you feel. The excitement of the new year is fizzling out, and we all being forced to turn back to face reality. On the other hand, don't let your stress weigh you down. You will get over this hump, get yourself out of this hole, and rise above it all once again. Patience really is a virtue when it comes to things like this. I don't know if I have a real tried and true solution to dealing with stress, but I have a few suggestions:

1. take a break (anywhere from 30 seconds to 30 minutes) at least once every hour you spend doing whatever it is that stresses you out- it's proven that these short diversions will actually help you focus better as a whole!

2. make lists of things you have to do and when you want to do them- set limits! not only is it gratifying to check things off the list, but I notice that lists help me stick to a schedule/ get things done more efficiently.

3. if it won't distract you, listen to music. I find this always soothes me/ keeps my mind from practically exploding!

4. spend as much time as you can (without feeling like you're wasting time) doing something you genuinely enjoy (i.e.: doodling, writing, exercising) to keep yourself from going insane.

Remember that whatever it is you're dealing with right now, you will be successful and make it out on the other side eventually! If you're feeling like giving up, don't because completing a task and seeing your hard work pay off is super satisfying.
Good luck to each and every one of you.

music mania

my playlist from tonight's broadcast:

enjoy!

ten truths tuesday #3

1.  Everybody needs space at one point or another.

2.  Putting yourself out there can be scary, but it’s almost always worth it.

3.  It’s better to be yourself than to be a carbon copy, no matter what society tells you.

4.  Cinnamon is good for you and makes things taste cozy (yes, cozy).

5.  Alfred {Coffee & Kitchen} is the best coffee shop in Los Angeles.

6.  Whether or not someone you like (/lust) likes you back should not make or break your life (or the way you feel about yourself!).

7.  Freaks & Geeks is one of the best “coming of age” TV shows (and it’s on Netflix!).

8.  Curling up with a book is always a better idea than curling up with your laptop.

9.  One should make art even if they don’t consider themselves a great artist.

10.  Donating left over holiday treats (all those cute little candy canes, for example) to children in need is a great idea. You’ll put a smile on someone’s face and save yourself a few extra calories.