What's in My Bag

Happy Tuesday, Plummies! I don't know why it is so fun to sort through my friends' purses, but it is! It's kinda fascinating to see what people perceive they cannot go without throughout the course of the day. Plus, finding out about new beauty products is always great! Above are some of the things that I always carry with me. I didn't realize how many techie devices I usually have on me until now...kindle to kill time whenever and wherever, an iPhone to do just about anything, and a camera to capture just about anything.

I'm interested, what must you carry with you on a daily basis?

Alexander Wang black bag (mine is not real, I'm cheap like that.)
1. Harajuku lovers perfume, $45
2. Canon PowerShot SD940IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle..., $249
3. Body moisturizer, $11
4. MARC BY MARC JACOBS iPhone Case - Batik Print, $38
5. Kindle
6. Eos lip treatment, $2.99
7. Mac cosmetic, $23

Memorial Weekend Festivities

Happy Memorial Day! This past Saturday my sissy and I took a road trip up to Northern California to celebrate the weekend with some of our best friends from childhood. Our friend Patty obtained her  communication's degree, and we attended her BBQ to honor all of her hard work. 

It's a trip to realize how many milestones we have accomplished since we graduated high school! Marriages, graduations, becoming home owners...life keeps moving. One thing that I have learned is that each of these milestones need to be cherished and celebrated, because it is these very moments that make life so special. If we don't take time to pause our busy lives to celebrate joyful moments with friends and family, then what's the point of it all? 

A wise friend once told me, "No matter what, make time for those that are important in your life. No one has ever laid on their death bed wishing they had worked more, instead they wished they had spent more time with those they hold dear."

Work hard, and play harder, Plummies! Xoxo

Neutral Wedges Under $100

Happy Friday, Plummies! Wedges are great because they give you massive height without sacrificing comfort (usually). They are great for Summer because they are casual enough to wear with shorts or little sun dresses, yet you can dress them up for an evening out. Above I have selected a batch of neutral wedges that will work with nearly any outfit. And of course, if you know me by now, you know I always keep my budget in mind...so the shoes above are all $100 or less.

Below are instagram snapshots of a pair I bought at F21 for only $28!!!
What's your go to Summer shoe?

ALDO platform wedge sandals, $100
Seychelles cork wedge, $90
Zara wedge heel sandals, $90
Steve Madden summer sandals, $89
Audrey Brooke high heel sandals, $75
G by Guess wedge heel sandals, $69
Shoes, $50
beige caged wedges, £50

Leisurely Reads

Happy Thursday Morning, Plummies! It's a bit overcast here in San Diego, but I am sure the coastal fog will lift around 10 or 11 am. 

While in school, it seemed as though there were not enough hours in the day to read all the articles and textbook chapters that were assigned each week. Now, I get to read for leisure, not because I have to. It's a great feeling to just pick up a book, head to the park, and get lost for hours without having to feel guilty about neglecting homework or assigned readings. 

Here are the books I am currently reading: Mindfulness and Hypnosis, 50 Shades of Gray, and Emotional Intelligence. It's funny, like drawing or painting, I cannot just commit to 1 project at a time, I need to have at least 3 things going on. I like the feeling of interchanging between many things depending on my mood, I guess I feel as though I have options that way. Is anyone else like that?

What are you currently reading? Are there any books I should know about?

Click here to see what books I have loved and live by. 

Minty Bits

Happy Wednesday afternoon, Plummies! Lately I have been running around in between jobs getting random tasks done. If you've been following me since December, you might recall I have been attempting to re-do my entire home office. I want to make my desk function as both a work place and cosmetic counter (I do my makeup there every morning due to the fabulously positioned window). Above is a great example of a casual outfit I would throw on before running around town with my list of errands to accomplish. The mint hues have the ability to calm me down, and brighten my mood. Off to Home Depot I go...

What's on your To-Do List today? 

Mango knit sweater
IRO stretch denim shorts, $85
Oasis flat leather sandals, $38
Over the shoulder bag, $120
Citizen chronograph watch
J Crew j crew jewelry, $28
TOMS gold shades, $139
Linea Pelle Collection hip belt, $121
NARS Cosmetics bronze makeup, $55
Fresh lip treatment, $23

You can now call me "Master"!

Many of my amazing cohort.

"Most influential Professor of the Year"

My Loving Family

 

Man, I was so exhausted by the end of the night. But very grateful.

Plummies, I am so sorry for my near-week of absence. However, it was for good reason...I graduated this past Sunday! I now hold my Master's of Science Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy. And the kicker is, I began my internship the very next day! 

After 3 years of grad school, it was such a lovely feeling of accomplishment to have my loving family witness and cheer as I made my way across the stage to receive my hard earned degree. Honestly, plenty of work, tears, and dedication went into that baby! And I am grateful to wake up each morning excited to go to work! 

When you find your passion, make it work for you; Fit it in your life any way you can, and each day make sure you practice gratitude for finding it.

What are you passionate about? And how can you incorporate it into your life on a daily or weekly basis?  

Packing for Spain

Happy Wednesday, Plummies! Wow, what an amazingly gorgeous day it it outside. I just got back from a lovely brunch at Crest Cafe in Hillcrest with my wonderful therapy friends/ colleagues. It is going to be sad saying good bye to many of them as we transition from Marriage and Family Therapy graduate students to interns. 

Above is a bunch of similar items I will be packing in my suitcase to Spain! Ugh, can June 18 get here already?! If any of you guys have already traveled to Spain, I would love to hear some recommendations on places to eat, shop, lounge, sight see. 

LAST NIGHT:  I had an amazing opportunity to have dinner with Youtube's LuxyHair team: Mimi, Leyla, and Alex. Thank you guys for great conversation, food, and laughter <3 Check out the evening's Instagram snapshots here and here. 

Below is a youtube clip of Mimi and Leyla's outfit of the evening. They were so stunning (inside and out).

I Be Rollin'

Wow, I'm actually pleased with the outcome!

Previously: Waiting in skepticism for a brief 10 mins...

Happy Monday, Plummies! I hope everyone was able to celebrate mother's day in some fashion yesterday. LOVE YOU MOM!

This morning's topic: Hot rollers. Yup, those ancient things that our mothers and grandmothers used to use. Well, as they say, "Mother knows best!" Yesterday I wondered into Ulta and found myself a rather affordable set. Only $26 for a set of 20 rollers. It is dummy-proof! All you do is plug it in, wait 2-3 mins, roll away, wait 10-30 mins (depending on hair texture and thickness) and voila! 

I waited only 10 minutes to achieve the look above. But I would probably wait another 5 minutes next time. My hair is naturally wavy and holds curls pretty well. Those of you who have pin-straight hair may need to wait the full 30. Watch the link below to learn how to get great curls and volume.

OH! PS, I found this set, which would be great for traveling! I might have to go back and grab it. 

Happy Rolling!

                                                                                       Source: a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net

The Sheer Maxi

Happy late Friday afternoon, Plummies! TGIF! Wow, today felt extra long at work. I am so glad to jump into bed for a quick blog break and nap before seeing clients later on this evening. Speaking of long days, our San Diego days will be getting longer and WARMER very soon because Summer is just a few weeks away.

In anticipation for summer, I will be on the look out for comfy dresses. The ones above are sheer maxi dresses, which can be spotted all over runways and nearly ever store. They are fun because they truly are the best of both worlds;  a short and long dress all in one! Pretty clever.

Ladies, would you rock the Sheer Maxi? Men, are they hot, or not?

There are also some rather affordable ones at Forever21 and Gloss Boutique.

Miss Selfridge maxi dress, $95
Miss Selfridge maxi dress, $90
Miss Selfridge maxi dress, $82
Miss Selfridge black maxi dress, $80
Miss Selfridge maxi dress, $80
Maxi dress, £50

Avocado Milkshake

1 Large Avocado

2 tablespoons organic raw sugar

2 scoops vanilla protein powder

ice, ice baby.

1 1/2 cups milk

blend that thang!

Enjoy your delicious, quick, protein-filled Pinoy-style Avocado Milkshake. It may seem odd, but trust me, your taste buds will be ever-so-grateful.

 A nutritious alternative to ice cream and milkshakes on warm days.

Have a smoooooooooth Thursday, Plummies!

Tough Coral

Morning Plummies! I really think that Coral is my color of the moment. Something about it just puts me in a good mood. Above I have put together a rather casual outfit that mixes my love for dainty pieces with tougher ones. The skulls and distressed boyfriend jeans offset the girly heels and demure lipstick. What do you think?

Equipment blouse, $209
Alexander McQueen loose tank top, £155
True Religion straight jeans, €419
Diane von Furstenberg suede wedge, $278
Dean Harris agate jewelry, $725
Alexander McQueen skull jewelry, $350
Gold stone jewelry, $225
Lancôme lip makeup, $30

IPhone Personalities

Would you just look at these adorbskie iPhone cases! I have been on the market for a new case since Vegas. I have learned that dance floors and cell phones do not mix. I am kinda in love with all of the cases above, but I am leaning more towards the "lounge-y" Kate Spade one simply because Summer is around the corner and just looking at it makes me think I am on vacation in Palm Springs.
But, I am a chocolate freak, so the candy bar case does look rather enticing.

Have a beautiful day!

Cassette Tape iPhone 4 Case
Iphone Case. "Spring Things". Blossoms. Flowers. Girly. Floral. Pink...., $35
Zero Gravity Chocolate Bar iPhone 4 or 4S Case by ZERO GRAVITY, $25
Tory Burch Bengal Small iPhone 4 Case, $48
kate spade new york iPhone Case - Resin All in Days Work, $40
Loungefly The Hello Kitty Nerd Silicone Case for iPhone 4, $21

Bold Brows

                     
                                                             acceptable.tumblr.com

Morning Plummies! I've been trying to grow out my eyebrows as of late. I want them nice and bushy! Well, not crazy bushy, but full. Back in high school, I started tweezing my brows, and yes, I went through the skinny-mini eyebrow phase (It was not cute.) I have been recovering ever since.

Now, thick, bold brows are in. They are natural and seem to bring a youthfulness to any face shape. I have found an amazing threading salon here in San Diego called Beauty By Dolly. They specialize in threading and shaping eyebrows. You can walk in with gnarly caterpillars and walk out with beautifully groomed brows for a mere $12. 

*** One of the aestheticians there gave me a great tip to expediting the growth process of my brows. She recommended I apply Castor Oil (found at many drugstores) to my brows and eyelashes every night. It works!  

If you are in San Diego area and want awesome brows, check out Beauty By Dolly! 

If threading scares you, and you just want to slightly define your brows, watch the video below to see how using a brow pencil can do the trick!                               

                                                   

Chronicles of Me

Have you ever kept a diary or journal? I did when I was little. Now, it currently resides within a box in my mom's garage. Lately I've been curious about reading it. I guess one tends to  reflect back on life with age, and as one chapter of life closes. Right now, I am at a turning point, saying good bye to my identity as a student (something I have been for about 21 years), and accepting my new identity as a "professional" woman.

Parts of me are completely exhausted with school and have been yearning to reach the finish line, and other parts of me are content right where I am. The idea of "growing up" seemed so enticing when I was younger, yet now, I don't know if I ever want to stop being a carefree kid. Maybe it's all in my head? Well, of course it is...because who says I need to be anything more than what I am anyway?

As an adult, with my long list of responsibilities, I will put being childish at the top of my priorities.

Have fun today people!     

Sun Protection 101

The sun intensifies as Spring time flutters by and Summer draws near...Which makes me as happy as a clam! I love Summer and the warmth it brings. I guess that's why I have moved from Northern California to sunny San Diego.

If you love the sun, being knowledgable about sun protection products is essential. Lets age gracefully, and without those avoidable wrinkles, right?

SUN PROTECTION MUSTS:
-hat
-hair protection spray (Tresemme)
-tinted face lotion (Nars)
-sunglasses
-lips (Clinique)
-body (Jergens) 

Viva Las Vegas

As promised, here are some snappyshots of the weekend in Vegas. It was so nice to eat great food (highly recommend dinner at Lavo), unwind by the pool (Ceasar's Palace), and let lose on the dance floor with the gals (One Oak in Mirage Hotel for top 40 and Haze at Aria for techno beats). Melissa was such a trooper over the weekend and she was stunning as always. I cannot wait to see her in her wedding dress this July *tear*. Now, back to reality...

Have an amazing Tuesday, Plummies!