True Confessions

flower: unknown (it's really old) //shirt: Old Navy

My blogger friend Ally recently made a post with a few confessions. I enjoyed reading her list so much, I decided to make my own.

1. During the first few weeks of summer, I slept in until 12pm every day. I only changed my ways because my boyfriend started to nag me when I told him about it. Haha! ...Now I sleep in until 11.

2. At the moment, I refuse to get rid of any of my nail polish. Even if it is old and sticky. Who knows when I'm going to need a neon yellow.

3. I am not a hoarder. OK-- maybe a little bit.

4. I can't wait for school to start, so I can move out of my parents house. I love them, but sometimes they still think I'm 15.

5. I have always wanted to know what it would feel like to be pied in the face. Though, I hope none of my friends read this and decide to actually try it.

6. My roommate/BFF asked me to go skydiving. I kind of really want to go.

By the way, does anyone remember the Disney original movie Tru Confessions? You know, the one where Shia LeBeouf plays the mentally retarded twin of a girl named Tru Walker? Oh, how I miss the good ol' days.

Carmen San Diego

The merry-go-round at Mission Beach that reminded me of my childhood.

As some of you may know, I recently returned from a trip to San Diego. My family and I went to Mission Beach, La Jolla, Sea World, the famous San Diego Zoo, and the Fashion Valley Shopping Center; all of which, I highly recommend going to.

The only unfortunate part was that I didn't get very tan-- probably because I was paranoid, and refused to use any sunscreen below 75 SPF. :\

A chocolate/banana crepe.

Comic Con happened to take place the weekend I was in SD.

Sunglasses in front of a souvenir shop in Mission Beach. 

A sleeping Koala. Before my trip to SD, I didn't really like the idea of zoos and places that held wild animals in captivity. However, after seeing how much each of the exhibits at the SD Zoo had expanded, and learning about how well the animals were taken care of, my views have become somewhat impartial.

A pretty sunset.

Mission Beach on Dwellable

Hanging Around

over-the-door hanger: Marshall's $12

Fashion tip #261: To keep denim and outerwear looking new, minimize the amount of times you wash these items by maximizing the number of times you wear them. For jeans, a minimum of two or three wears before you wash is ideal. For jackets, the more durable, the longer you can go without a wash.

Fashion tip # 262: To prevent the newly washed clothes in your closet from getting dirty, purchase an over-the-door hanger to hang the clothes you have worn 1+ times on.

This week's list for MUSIC MONDAY:

1. 'Falling In' Lifehouse

2. 'Skyscraper' Demi Lovato (recommended by my blogger friend, Ally!)

Mr. Potter

A few nights ago, I went to see the last Harry Potter movie with three of my close friends. Regardless of being occasionally confused (because I've only read the first book), I thought the graphics, effects, and acting were all amazing.

If you haven't seen the movie, I highly recommend it. Even if you are like me, and haven't read the books, you should still see it. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Pictured above is the outfit I wore: my graduation robe from this year, and a witch hat from a previous Halloween. I felt a little embarrassed when I first went into the theatre, but in the end, it was well worth it.

Ever So Swiftly

image: http://heyitsfefa.tumblr.com/page/4

Last night, I had a dream that I met Taylor Swift. It was suddenly the day of her concert, and as I walked into the venue, I was surprised to find it nearly empty. There were approximately 50 people. Considering how popular she is, I automatically assumed I was just... early, and made my way down the aisle to look for a seat. In one of the benches towards the front, I noticed a head of curly blonde hair. It was TAYLOR. The dream version of me began hyperventilating, and naturally, I took a seat next to her.

The only question I could remember asking her after I woke up was, "Do you still have your cat?" haha! It made sense at the time. 

A few weeks back, I mentioned getting a new laptop. A new laptop = a wiped out iTunes. And because of that, I haven't been able to listen to Taylor as much. Sad, I know. This morning, I decided to hop on YouTube to revisit what I used to listen to every day to and from school. It feels good to be home.

image: http://fearlesssharon.hyves.nl/

P.S. For those who don't know, her perfume, named 'Wonderstruck', will be hitting stores this Fall!

Hidden Treasure

Yesterday, I cleaned my room; and within the black hole I call my closet, I found many things I had attempted to look for (and obviously failed to retrieve) during the school year: a pair of leggings I had only worn once, sunglasses, a few summer tops (OK-- way more than a few), an old Taylor Swift concert ticket that now resides on my bulletin board, a brand new loofa... the list goes on.

Something else I discovered: a few pairs of old jeans that still fit around the waist, but weren't so flattering down by the feet. I decided it was time for a DIY project.

{ingredients: jeans and scissors}

{decide what length you want your shorts to be, and make the cut a few inches below}

{fold your jeans in half to see how much you need to cut off the other side.}

{fold the bottom of each pant leg up twice. optional: iron the fold.}

Summer Fish Tacos

Last week, my mom made fish tacos. I'm usually not a big fan of fish, but there is just something about eating it with homemade guacamole, freshly chopped tomato/mango, and a splash of lemon juice that makes it that much more appealing.

(Wild Rockfish used here.)

{chopped tomato/mango with a pinch of sea salt}

{guacamole: one avocado + lemon juice + sea salt}

Summer Suit

blazer: Banana Republic Outlet //dress: Lush via Nordstrom B.P. $40 //necklace: F21 (really old) //turquoise ring: a kiosk in Hawaii

As I have mentioned before, my mom is probably one of the most fashionable people I know. That said, what better place to shop for clothes than her closet, right? After all, we are the same size. She got this beige blazer a while back at the Banana Republic Outlet. It's neutral colored fabric and lightweight material makes for a perfect summer date jacket.

{a necklace I used to wear all the time in high school}

White Stripes

striped shirt: J. Crew outlet $15 //shorts: Old Navy $15 SALE //sandals: Kenneth Cole outlet $25 //nail polish: Milani 'Gems' via Walgreens //statement necklace: Nordstrom B.P. $12

Obsession #7836: Striped shirts... wrinkled ones at that. Just kidding. But really, you can never go wrong with a striped shirt. Though they are mostly considered casual, you can easily dress one up for a night on the town by pairing it with a little black skirt and your favorite statement necklace. I prefer to wear mine with a good pair of denim shorts.

Wise Words

Tip #1265: Rather than purchasing flowers from a florist or the grocery store, first seek out your own garden. By doing so, you can save money, gas, and time!

Tip #1266: Don't have a garden? Start planning for one during the winter by deciding what type of flowers you want to grow. Purchase the seeds, plant them in the spring, and come summer, you will have the garden of your dreams.

Hair Tutorial: The Dutch Fish

Summertime is when I like to experiment with different hairstyles. Pictured here, is one I came up with the other day. As you may come to find, this hairstyle is a bit more complicated than the other ones I have posted (here and here). But if you are a pro at braiding inside out (google: "How to Dutch braid") and fishtail braiding (tutorial here), then this will be a cinch for you. Please post any questions in the comments below.

Steps:

1. Split hair into two separate sections, vertically.

2. Inside-out french braid (Dutch braid) each section, and secure with an elastic. Optional: gently pull the sides of the braid for a more loose, boho, natural look.

3. Undo one section and begin twisting hair that is towards nape of neck to prep for the fishtail braid. Do the same with the other section, while making sure the first section does not come undone.

4. Combine the two sections by fishtail braiding.

5. Use bobby pins to secure any unwanted loose sections.

Red, White and Blue Smoothie

Happy 4th of July weekend, Everyone! I hope you are all getting to enjoy time off with barbecues, sunshine, and loved ones. I know I am. :)

In honor of Independence Day, I wanted to share this simple Strawberry-Blueberry Smoothie recipe. The only ingredients you will need are soy milk, strawberries, and blueberries (the berries can be fresh or frozen, it doesn't matter). After adding a small amount of soy into a blender, continue to add berries until you reach a desired consistency. Optional: add half a banana.

Enjoy!