Fall in Love

| New Season, New Beginnings |

I have an obsession with Fall….

Now, don’t get me wrong — I am a summer girl through and through (partly because I get cold the minute the weather drops below 70). But there’s something about fall that makes me smile more than usual. The crisp colors, a cozy sweater, the smell of pumpkin in the air, what’s not to love about fall — especially when you’re blessed with the added benefit of really no change in weather. One thing that absolutely makes me tingle with joy is fall fashion. Deep shades of red, knits in every color known to man, a little leather here and there and the ability to play with layers. OBSESSED. My new thing this fall? Hats. Love ’em. Enough said.

What I’m craving:

Faux Leather Jacket

:: Biker Jacket | H&M ::

Nude Ankle Booties

:: Ankle Boots | H&M ::

Velour Pants

:: Staring At Stars Burnout Velvet Flare Pant | Urban Outfitters ::

This Hat Though

:: Alexa Panama Hat | Urban Outfitters ::

Loose Knits

:: Kyla Knit Top | Brandy Melville ::

Over the Knee Anything is Everything

:: Free People ::

Trends to look out for:

1. Mod Revolution
2. Comfy Chic
3. Stripes on Stripes
4. Clean Lines
5. Pastel Perfection
6. Mix and Match
7. Bold Black
8. Velvet Dreams
9. Texturize
10. Lovely Layers

Are you ready for fall fashion?

Lately

| Busy People Make the Time |

Busy is an understatement. I have been so lucky to be abler o experience this city the way it should be experienced — constantly on the go and chasing the fun. I finally feel like a local, and I’m enjoying every moment of it. The sunshine, the people, the endless possibilities — post-grad life ain’t too bad.

Breaking news — I can now ride a bike.

  

Happy birthday to this beautiful blondie! Eight  years strong and counting!

Some of my favorite things? Old friends, best friends, sunny days, sipping mojitos and fried goodies.

Work hard, play hard — because that’s the only way to survive this crazy, beautiful thing called life.

Pinch Me

| This must be a dream |

Hi, I live here.

Sometimes I just have to stop and remind myself just how lucky I am to live in this city that is absolutely nothing shot of amazing. Remember in Sex and the City, the movie, when Carrie walks into the perfectly lit, gorgeous and ultra-chic dream penthouse, and channels an Audrey Hepburn-esque character that says daintily, “Hi, I live here”? Call me crazy, but I find myself chanting this exact phrase almost every day. Don’t believe me? I almost just made it my most recent Intagram’s caption…

Okay, we all know I have some strange inclinations, but I’m not lying when I say I can’t help but think that San Diego is the perfect city. From the young crowd in wild PB, to the always hot a sunny beaches, to the shining lights of downtown at night, this city has everything to offer for every interest and taste. They say most recent college grads find their place in PB first, then make the move to Enci or Del Mar for a more mid-20s vibe. This may have been my chosen path, but I realized something great this weekend on a booze cruise through the harbor — great company, good tunes and one beautiful backdrop.

Downtown San Diego, I love you. I don’t know if it’s because it reminds me of New York, or that it combines the city with beach beauty, but the sheer lifestyle, the passion and the vibes that immerse you when you enter the Gaslamp District is just fascinating. I took a few long looks at the apartment options — some covered in vines, others set above bustling restaurants — and what I saw makes me realize that I can definitely see myself transitioning to this area for my next life chapter.

There’s has always been a special place in my heart for San Diego. My family grew up here and I, myself, grew up exposed to its charm as a result. But until my recent move here, I never fully understood just how unique this city is. There is so much to offer in every aspect of life and so many things to explore in each unique little town, I get excited just thinking about it. I feel so lucky to call this incredible place my home and I just can’t wait to see what comes my way as a result. Who knows, maybe I’ll be blogging from the sophisticated downtown streets within the next couple of years…

Weekend Warrior

| Because everyone needs to stop and smell the flowers |

I must admit…

The fact that I know there is so much to explore and so many fun things to do, helps me get through the stress and labor-ridden week days. I’m still adjusting to having to devote my whole week to specific tasks in a workplace. I mean, I did just spend 4 years of my life completely reliant on my personal needs and desires. Now, I must answer to the wishes of others in order to be successful. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that your work helps multiple people and businesses. In fact, it’s almost mind-boggling knowing what you do on a daily basis effects the outcome of particular goals and happenings in a given industry. For this reason, I take each weekend as a way to reward my working mentality and, mostly, see SD how it should be seen.

I don’t know if it’s because I’m a planner, but I have been making lists since I can remember — specifically, buckets lists. I’m almost positive I have made 5 just this year. From New York to senior year to SLO shenanigans, I have always wanted to do whatever possible that a given situation, or city for the matter, has to offer. Life chapters happen so quickly and we are blessed with so many that bucket lists just make sense to me. I don’t want to go somewhere that is known for something, even something small, and not do that something. What if you never had the chance to return?

I may sound ridiculous to some, given I don’t plan to leave my current city anytime soon, but I love looking forward to things. So, yes, I have made another bucket list. Although I won’t be sharing the exact list as I have in the past, I am so very excited to see where each experience takes me and what post I can muster up as a result 🙂 This weekend was a relaxing one, but one spend with fabulous company. I love summer in San Diego because most of the days are spent outside in the hot sun, the ultimate way to soak in rays, have some fun and wear cute summer outfits. I finally made it to a farmer’s market in Hillcrest and absolutely LOVED it. From the delicious farm-to-table food samples, sweet flowers and inspired handmade pieces, it was perfect. Let’s be real, any time I can be exposed to something as genius as a cheesecake in a cup…sign me up!

So here’s to the weekends, exploring every given moment and interest, and falling in love with new experiences. It’s almost time to get back to work, but having something to look forward to is what life is all about!

This Special Day

 | 08.17 |

The day this earth was blessed with a sensational man…

A man who happens to be my daddy, and I can’t even begin to express just how blessed I am for this reason. I have been a family girl since birth — from vacations, to sporting events to school functions, you name it. My family was always in attendance and I felt complete knowing my parents devoted themselves completely to mine and my sister’s desires as young girls and now, as adults. I find that my family is my backbone, my comfort and the driving forces behind every life decision I make. But I’d be lying if I said one man’s influence didn’t factor in the most.

I have always been a daddy’s girl…I mean, I played softball for crying out loud. But besides my taking on my dad’s favorite sport even as a female, I looked, and continue to look, to my dad for everything. He has been a huge factor in so many major life decisions and more importantly, the small decisions that I consistently run into. I know in my heart that I wouldn’t have any of the positive traits I have accumulated had he not been there as he was, and is, now.

He pushes me to be the best I can possibly be while still making me feel like a million bucks if I don’t exactly achieve what was anticipated. He has cheered me on in every aspect of every organization I have been part of. I hear his voice in my head, saying the same uplifting words of wisdom I have heard since my youngest of years, when encouragement is exactly what I need. I look to him when I’m broken, when I’m happy and when I just need a friend. As I tear up writing about his sincere impact on my life, I am welcome my an overwhelming sense of admiration, gratitude and love for this amazing man who truly is my hero.

If you’re reading this, daddy, thank you for being you and for being the person that I have leaned on for 22 years now. I couldn’t have done any of it without you and know I have so much to look forward to because of the valuable lessons you have passed to me. You are the brightest light, the warmest of hearts and the most loving man I have ever come across, making me the luckiest (well, one of two) girl in the world to call you daddy. Happy birthday to you daddy! Just know this world has been a better place for the past 60 years you have graced it with your presence. And let’s face it, 60 never looked better 🙂 I love you to the moon and back, and back again, forever and always.

(your Little One)

Sky Full of Stars

 | Shoot for the stars, settle for the moon |

It’s not every day you feel like a VIP…

But when those moments arrive, they are some of the most fun and exciting events. This last weekend, I went out for the first time in downtown San Diego and it just so happened to be for a fabulous club opening. A friend of a friend invited me and some of my girls to AD, a new and trendy club in the Gaslamp. Let’s just say my night consisted of champagne showers, men on stilts, women dancing from the ceilings, and Lamborghini’s roaming the outside streets. To say I felt like a celeb is a complete understatement. What a beautiful facility to bring together beautifully dressed and rather classy individuals for a night of unique entertainment and flowing drinks.

My recent downtown experience has made me fall in love with the city vibes. The sparkling restaurants, the sound of music blasting through club and bar windows, the fancy cars and clothes and the sheer excitement of what may be around the corner, it reminds me of just one thing — New York. I can’t help but think that I will always yearn for the city. Even if just every once and a while, I realized that I need this lifestyle around me. It keeps me excited, wondering and feeling similar to that New York-inspired fantasy. Who knows — maybe I should pursue a flat in the Gaslamp and relive my city glory days! But one thing that I love about my city that you can’t find in New York is looking up and seeing the stars — the stars that have continued to guide me since I first heard my dad utter that beautiful phrase.

I like to believe I have aimed for the stars since day one and I plan to do so until the day I die. Being here and recognizing that I have so much to explore and accomplish makes me see the light where there is darkness and truly love where I am in this moment. I never want to settle, but I know that there is much more to life than an ultimate goal. As much as I plan my life, it’s so beneficial to welcome what may have been otherwise looked over without consideration. I would have never guessed that crowded streets and flashing lights would entice me, yet now, it just may be the next star I shoot for.

Inspiration Wednesday

| What’s meant to be is just that |

I’m a firm believer in fate…

From the politeness of a complete stranger, to landing your dream job, to meeting your soulmate in the most surprising manner, I truly believe that fate is a guiding source for all life events. Granted hard word and perseverance always somehow come into play, fate has a funny way of creating those meaningful moments. Which brings me to this quote. I have always been taught to shoot for the stars, that anything I may desire can be accomplished so long as I make the effort. For this reason, I find value knowing that the best is yet to come. But I never want to feel stuck or that things could be better, and at the same time, I don’t want to rush through those experiences that may eventually lead to greatness. There is a double-edged sword in with this complex perception. I have recently entered this new chapter in my life where my weeks are dedicated to other individuals and their goals and my weekends are consumed with me trying to set and reach personal ones. But I find comfort knowing fate will come into play and place me exactly where I need to be and who I need to be surrounded by. In fact, without fate, I wouldn’t be in this beautiful city surrounded by my favorite people from the past and already forming lasting relationships for the future. One thing I am still working on is allowing fate to have more control instead of thinking I must control each and every outcome. Fate is real. Destiny is a blessing. So let fate take it’s course and be exactly who you want to be, do what you want to do. Because what is life without reaching your goals and feeling as though things are truly meant to be?

When All Else Fails

| You craft. |

I am very disappointed in the recent weather, San Diego.

But it did give my sister and I the opportunity to run some much-needed errands over the weekend. First stop, the local TJ Maxx for some affordable apartment decor. I was in major need of some candle action — there’s just something about a delicate piece of art that makes a room smell delightful. Pair candles with a gorgeous bouquet — nothing beats it. We have been continuing the theme of our vintage kitchen floors (black and white tile…I’m still unsure about it) with black, white and vibrant red in the living room. I love the combination of a stand-out color with the chic-ness of black and white together — glam. But something I didn’t realize until this weekend’s rainy Saturday in, I love crafting.

My sister and I saw these beautiful necklaces which featured a beaded strand and dainty tassel at the end, in a combination of colors and textures. I completely fell in love with the design…until I saw the price. “Forty dollars for a necklace I can make myself?!” And then it hit me, I can totally make this myself! Next stop, Michael’s.

After some browsing and brainstorming we picked up 3 items — rubber string, beads, and thin yarn (to make tassels). A grand total of around $8. Now the question is, can I actually make something cute enough to wear? Turn’s out, my perfectionism, steady hand and focused eyes led to some adorable new pieces to add to my jewelry collection. This project made me extremely happy. I just felt so accomplished and productive.

Sometimes you need a little time to release, especially a creative person like myself. This was a wonderful way to channel my creativity and even better considering the price difference between the original piece. Maybe I’ll have some other pieces to share in the near future. But I’m really hoping this won’t be because of continued, unfortunate weather….

Cafe 21

 | Trendy dining makes me smile |

This Friday started with some great food and even better company….

Happy weekend! One of my favorite things to do is find fabulous restaurants with unique ambiances and the added benefit of a delicious meal. My best friend and I decided it was about time to venture outside of our little PB bubble and dine out the right way — in Downtown San Diego. Being that I spent last summer in the city of all cities, I tend to recognize both the positive and negative aspects of each and every “city” atmosphere I encounter. And let’s just say, I ADORE San Diego’s downtown area — the old-fashion lighting, trendy restaurants and bars, sincere cleanliness and simply the fact that it’s a new city for me to explore.

Courtesy of a little help from local San Diego bloggers and Yelp, of course, we came across Cafe 21 — a shabby chic gem featuring all-American meals with a definite twist. I fell in love withe the colorful, patterned benches, the antique-inspired chairs and the overall presence of each decoration and each plate. My best friend couldn’t be any more adorable with her hot pink blouse in front of the beautiful blue paisley. Like I said, I can’t help but smile when I find beautiful eateries. Dining should be fun and memorable, and Cafe 21 is the perfect place to accomplish just that.

We chose to split a few appetizers, and we couldn’t leave Cafe 21 without ordering their avocado fries. These melt-in-your mouth, healthier version of traditional fried goodness were absolutely to die for. And dish #2 — a crepe filled with melting cheese and pieces of tender chicken to be dipped in strawberry and apricot puree. Can you say holy deliciousness? It was quite the interested blend of flavors, but I’d go back to Cafe 21 in a heartbeat just to have either dish again. All-in-all I give Cafe 21 twenty-one stars, and then some, for the perfect dining environment combined with unique, mouth-watering food.

I have come to learn that simple pleasures like splurging on a decadent meal are necessary for adults in the working world. Any time you can be excited about something and look forward to something, no matter how big or small — that is what makes life absolutely incredible. I love the weekends and I am so very excited for my plans for yet another perfect weekend in beautiful San Diego! Cheers to the weekend, good food, great friends and smiling every step of the way!

Change of Pace

| Slow Down. Just Breathe. |

Sometimes all it takes is a little change of pace…

As I slowly adjust to the working world and this new (rather amazing) home, I have come to realize that a change of pace is something often taken for granted. I went from the insanity that is college life — where a break from class and work turned into finishing homework or studying for a test while still managing my sanity and being somewhat social — to the anxiety of the unexpected that comes with this new, adult chapter in life. But it finally hit me — taking the time to regroup and relax (if that’s ever even possible) is all it takes for a stressful situation to turn a new leaf.You’ll read it again and again, but I tend to not allow myself to relax and truly appreciate what it is I am doing at a given moment. But when given those sincere moments of solitude and reflection, I am able to improve my imperfections and smile at the life I am blessed with.

Today, a Monday, was actually a great one. I am trying to create a scheduled routine and this week, I’m attempting to get in my three workouts prior to work. So yes, that means getting up at the crack of dawn to RUN. It was on this run that I was able to snap this gorgeous photo, so gorgeous it was a must for multiple profiles. Some people get lost in a schedule, but I seem to thrive with one. And this trial resulted in my being energized, happy and productive at work. We’ll see how long this lasts, but for now, the added little cases of excitement that this specific day brought make me crave more. One of these excitements — officially being recognized as an Account Coordinator at RKPR! What a beautiful, talented, savvy group of women I am so blessed to be associated with. Look out world, we’re one unstoppable team.

Tonight is the finale to the Bachelorette, and I am so excited to connect my best friend with a new friend I’ve met here is sunny SD. I constantly think about how my intuition really came into play in my final choice of San Diego as my desired place to live. I was given the opportunity to transfer my college life into a comfortable environment with the same scene I had been exposed to for years. However, I chose the alternative and because of that, I now feel a personal strength to continue to put myself out there and explore the opportunities that arise — something I truly didn’t feel capable of a few months ago.

I’m no expert in new experiences and life in general, but that’s the beauty of being  young and coming into your own — life is about figuring things out and taking those moments to just breathe.