Celebrating yourself - The Reverse Bucket List

I'm really guilty of being too hard on myself guys - I don't cut myself slack...ever. Eventually, I end up breaking and crying because of everything that I have bottled up. However, as I am getting older and as yet another birthday approaches (yikes haha), I am learning to take a moment to appreciate all the things that I have accomplished. Just taking a look at myself last year and comparing that to now, I can declare with full confidence that I have grown and have accomplished more than I thought I would. In honor of that, I wanted to do a reverse bucket list - a list that gives recognition to the things that I have accomplished in one way or another.

I love myself - I do. I love myself. I can't tell you long it has taken me to tell myself that I am important and that I am someone who is full of worth. I literally woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and said "I love myself." Saying those words out loud immediately lifted a burden off of my shoulders and suddenly everything seemed just a tad bit brighter. I won't lie and say that there aren't days where I berate and criticize everything I do but it's not nearly as bad as it once was. My standards for friendships and relationships have soared as well and I have never been happier. Knowing that I am full of worth has made me put up with less crap so I've cut out people who drain me of positive energy because ain't nobody got time for that.

I'm a senior in college - I'm less than 20 credits away from a degree!! College has kicked my ass and I've fallen down more than I can even count but I've gotten back up every single time through the help of my family, a few select friends, and my own willpower to keep going. Through deaths of people I loved, loss of people I thought would be my friends forever, being rejected over and over, I've remained standing. I've carried on. I'm on track to graduate with high honors and I'm looking forward to continuing my education so that I can help those in need. I've grounded myself and I now know that you have to keep moving. Life does not stop moving even when you are trying to not fall apart. 

I've become a leader - These past couple years I've heard a lot of things about myself, some good and some bad. Recently, I heard that I'm not "firm enough" and that "I'm too nice" to possibly lead a team effectively even though I am highly qualified. I was so hurt but then I walked in to a meeting at the UN where they asked me to lead and facilitate the discussion. After that, I was chosen by an incredible researcher to train and lead the graduate students in their training at the lab. Then, a government official asked me to come in and be in charge of a group of much older policy makers to bring forth real change. I was told that I am able to take a step back and let people work but that I step in when needed which indicates true leadership. My heart soared and suddenly I wasn't feeling so hurt anymore. I was a leader not because I was the loudest, but because I was the one that listened.

I've hardened - This probably sounds so weird but let me explain. I am sensitive you guys. I am sensitive and emotional and I am proud. However, I've come to a point where I am able to control my emotions with such efficiency because in training therapy sessions or at my internship, I've gone through some awful cases that have made me want to cry. Obviously, you cannot be falling apart when you are trying to help people who need you to emulate strength and so I've learned to bottle my reactions and stay composed in the face of tragedy. I've been able to be a source of comfort for friends and family going through hell because I can keep it together. Sometimes, I'm in a room and everyone is sobbing and I am just standing there trying to comfort others and for me that is a sign of growth. I would have fallen apart and any and every tear before. 

Phew - these are just some of things I am proud of. I would have never imagined myself writing this a year ago but a lot has happened. I would love to hear about things you are proud of because we should all apologetically celebrate our accomplishments. Sending lots of love, as always.

xx

A Little Lifesaver Called Findation

I just wanted to let you all know about a website that has changed my life! Recently, I've become a bit of a makeup junkie (my best friend and I call each other makeup trash with great pride) but I am always afraid of two things: the makeup will break me out or it will be the wrong color. Thankfully, I come to you after finding a solution for one of those things. Color matching is an issue that so many people face but ladies and gentlemen, it's about to get a whole lot easier for those of us who use makeup because I would like to present Findation. 

The website Findation matches you to all different types of foundations and concealers depending on shades you enter that have worked for you. The process is super simple.

1. Enter a product or two that you know is a good match for you - They suggest you put two but I only put one. However, two will give you an even more accurate match.

   

2. A Plethora of liquid, mineral, loose, pressed foundations, various concealers, and Tinted Moisturizers will be presented as possible matches for your skin. That's it! It's also important to note that drugstore items are also included - not only high end products.

These are only some of the many, many matched products for me

Talk about a complete lifesaver! Just wanted to share a website that I found extremely helpful. Let me know if this works for you!

xx

 

What to do - Summer 2016 in NYC

I've been lucky enough to live about 20 minutes (with good traffic!) away from New York City pretty much my entire life and every summer, I really look forward to spending a good chunk of my time in the place that never sleeps. Here are a few things that I am personally looking forward to as the weather gets warmer:

PsychoBarn

The Met's Rooftop Garden - I've always been a fan of movies and this exhibition spoke to my heat. Every year, certain artworks are commissioned for the Met's rooftop garden and this particular exhibition is called PsychoBarn which is an ode to the large-scale replica of the home featured in Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 horror film Psycho. To me personally, this is fascinating and I can't wait.

Panorama

Randall's Island Park- Panorama has got me screaming out of excitement!!! This Coachella-like music festival features some of my favorite artists (Kendrick Lamar, Daughter, Sia, Jai Wolf, A$AP Rocky to name a few) and it's so underrated. I can't wait to get my groove on and hopefully get blessed by some sweat from Kendrick (can you tell I'm a little in love). 

The Cloisters

Upper Manhattan- Surprisingly, this beautiful place is an extension of The Met and is a getaway in the city. This gorgeous garden area is especially known for it's European architecture, sculpture, and decorative art. In addition, the Cloisters also offer special program and really fantastic views of the Hudson. European getaway here I come.

New World Mall

Flushing, Queens-  Okay so I'm cheating a little bit on this one because it isn't technically in New York City but instead in Queens. However, this is something that I definitely wanted to put on this list because I love food and I love good prices. New World Mall is the largest East Asian mall on the East Coast and it consists of a 30,000 sq. feet supermarket, an amazing food court, and even clothing stores. What I am looking forward to the most is the authentic Asian cuisine at fantastic prices.

What are some of your anticipated summer plans?

xx 

And I'm Back!

I am a little ashamed of how delayed this is! I've had a crazy year full of so many ups and downs and I had to put blogging on the side. The last few months have really tested my patience and my willingness to be around certain people but I have come through that test stronger, kinder, and more patient than ever. Growing from those experiences and coming back refreshed has allowed me to put some energy back into blogging :)

So keep an eye out for new posts consisting of the various parts of my life. I'm so grateful for all the support and the love you all showed even while I was gone.

(I have so many posts coming up that you'll be sick of me)

xx

J.Crew Fall Collection

About two years ago, I stumbled into a J.Crew to help my brother pick out chinos and my mind was like "What the heck are chinos? Why am I going with my brother???" Little did I know, that I would fall head over heels for everything in the store and spend way more money than planned. I took a look at the recent Fall collection when I went to the store and I am really loving the whole collection. I will say, however, that J.Crew hasn't changed much in many years so it's almost the same style over and over again. I personally love that style, so I love what they put out every season. I also liked the shift back to more simple pieces rather than the busy ones I saw before. I wanted to share some of my favorites :)

And let's not forget shoes that I am swooning over

 

Ugh I want everything but alas my wallet says otherwise haha. As you can see, I'm a huge fan of simple and clean things and I really love that J.Crew has been working on just those types of designs this Fall. 

What are some of your favorite Fall collections?

xx