Weekend Getaway

Happy Monday Plummies! I know, I know, I have been absent from the blog world for a few days now. I apologize. Like I mentioned early last week, I am about 2 weeks from graduating from my Master's degree program, and I have been focusing on getting all my work DONE. Can you tell my mind is already fixated on the weekend? Once, I get through this week, it will be smooth sailing and I will be carefree. The outfit above definitely resembles my ideal weekend style. Colorful, relaxed, and flowy. Spring is definitely in the air. 

PS. I went to Vegas this past weekend for my good friend's Bachelorette party. So much fun. Check out my twitter for more snapshots. 

Warehouse pink jacket, $80
J Brand slim fit cargo pants, $245
H&M flat leather sandals, £13
Halogen fedora hat, $38

I would rather...

I think I'd rather be enjoying an adventure novel, wearing a bikini and a sarong, on a patio of a resort, nestled on a tropical beach overlooking the gorgeous crystal blue ocean, but NO, I am doing this instead....

Stay positive, stay positive, stay positive. 

;)

La, La, Lavender

Geez, this collage was just too fun to create! Can you guess why?...

Yes, you know me too well...we are focusing on my favorite color. Lavenders and purples are just so fun to look at, don't you think? It has the girly-vibrance of a pink, yet an understated-cool of a blue. Aren't those ombre ankle-strap wedges just killer? And that sheer blouse would be fabulous tucked into a pencil skirt or slacks for work, or with skinny jeans for a relaxed weekend look.

What is your favorite color?

jeans/ scarf/ wedges/ soap/ shadows/ blouse/ bracelet/ polish

Outfit Snapshot: Red & Black

Hi and Happy Monday Plummies! Above is a quick shot of my outfit of the day! Super relaxed and easy to wear red pants, gray tee, black flats, and a patterned scarf to tie everything together. Please bare with me this week. I am swamped with a million deadlines for school and I might be absent from the blogosphere for a couple days. This weekend I will be flying to Vegas for a friend's bachelorette party (This will be a great break from everything!) I will definitely share pictures. Have a great day and fabulous week. I hope you are not as stressed as I have been these days. Xoxo

Insta-KaBoom!

Happy weekend, Plummies! I want to send all my love and appreciation to all my Plummies here in San Diego, all over California, across the U.S., and to my loyal international Plummies! You guys inspire me to keep this blog going from day to day. Above are some Instagram shots I took over the past week. I've been dining out a lot lately due to many April birthdays. And, of course, studying my bum-bum off in an effort to produce a high-quality paper needed in order to graduate from my Master's program. 

Pssst, I will let you guys in on a little secret...I cannot reveal much, but there are some great things happening with this blog. I might be partnering up with a few companies. I wish I could tell you guys more, but I cannot at this point. Please just keep your fingers-crossed and say a lil' prayer that things will work out. I will give you all updates as soon as I know more. 

Love you all, and have an riveting weekend! Xo

Bold Blue Hue

              Fat Face top/ Monsoon skirt/ Pied a Terre pumps/ Jewelry/ J.Crew sunglasses,/ Lipstick

Lately, I've been grabbing for blue hues while getting dressed each morning. I am quickly realizing that cobalt blue is becoming my new favorite color to wear. I think I gravitate towards it because it is bright and playful, yet sophisticated enough to do business. Above is a classic outfit that is easy to wear, yet fun to look at. The blue and white is a crisp combo, and the statement necklace updates the entire ensemble. Don't forget about adding that pop of pink on your pucker in tribute to Spring.

Have a fresh and fabulous day! 

Tech: Google Glasses

Top the the morning to you! My boyfriend is a tech-freak, so naturally, I am learning to be more techie, myself. A couple weeks back he showed me the video above. Wow, it's quite amazing all the things we can accomplish with technology! I like the Google Glasses because they seem like they would create plenty of convenience, but on the other hand, I don't like the idea of constantly being plugged-in. What are some of your thoughts? Would you buy them?

Thoughts on Success

                                                                                             Source: thinspo-exoh.tumblr.com

Happy Tuesday Plummies! I've learned that getting what you want takes plenty of patience, persistence, and courage. I don't know about you all, but no great job (or situation of any kind) just fell in my lap. I don't believe in luck. I do believe that great things come to those who work hard, those who are kind, and those who ASK. Don't ever underestimate the power of a question. Sure, the answer might be "no", but on those rare occasions, it might be "yes". Be courageous enough to ask for things you want. 

Have a wonderful day! 

DIY: Green Cleaning Products

                                                                                               Source: marthastewart.com  

Hi Plummies! Spring time equals, love, pastel colors, blooms, warmer weather, and Spring CLEANING! Honestly, I don't know why "Spring" has been dubbed the cleaning season, I usually like to keep a clean house throughout the year...but whatever. Above is an example of a cleaning bucket that I keep under my kitchen sink. It has everything needed to tackle a dirty house. If you don't have a cleaning kit, I suggest you take a trip to Target and assemble one. Click here for printable cleaning lists and schedules.

Also, make sure to keep the environment in mind when cleaning up. Too many store bought cleaning products have very harmful and toxic ingredients. So, I prefer to buy nature-friendly products, like this one, and this one. Or, you can also create your own!

All-Purpose Cleaner (Watch out for a reaction! It will bubble a lot.)

- 3 Tablespoons vinegar

- 1/2 Teaspoon washing soda

- 1/2 Teaspoon castile soap

- 2 Cups hot water

Lavender Anti-Bacterial Spray

- 1 Cup water

- 20 drops lavender essential oil (Yup, Lavender is an anti-bacterial agent!)

Grease Cutter (Note that if you have a good eye, I messed up the label on this one for my bottles.)

- 2 Cups water

- 1/4 Cup castile soap

- 10 drops lavender oil

Bath, Sink, Tile Cleaner (Again, watch out for some bubbling.)

NOTE: Ideally, mix this one in a SQUIRT bottle, not a SPRAY bottle. It’s pretty thick and almost a paste.

- 2/3 Cup baking soda

- 1/2 Cup castile soap

- 2 Tablespoons vinegar

- 1/2 Cup water

- A few drops of Tea Tree oil

                                                                                                  Source: macheesmo.com

                                       Check out machismo.com for more cleaning ideas.   

                                                                                    Source: pinterestfreeguccibag.com 

Trendy Bikinis

I will be heading to Vegas in a couple of weeks for a bachelorette party. The best part about Vegas is lounging at the pool! With that in mind, I am now on the prowl for a new bikini. I typically like bandeau ones because they don't leave tan lines.

What do you think of the ones here? 

Missoni bikini, $443
Chloé bikini bathing suit, $410
Chloé triangles swimwear, $305
Mara Hoffman ruched bikini swimwear, $195
High waisted swimwear, $98
Swimwear, $86
Miss Selfridge nylon bikini, $46
Miso hot pink bathing suit, £20

Being Vulnerable...

Hi Plummies! I think embracing discomfort in our lives is what ultimately makes us stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. When we allow ourselves to walk into challenging situations, we let down our guard and become vulnerable...which is super scary! Yet, when we exhibit vulnerability, we draw people nearer to us, thus creating meaningful connections and rewarding relationships. If you're interested, watch the TED talk by Brene Brown. Her research is simply brilliant. 

If you want more, you can watch her speak about shame here.

Risk being vulnerable today people. :)

Pink Peek-A-Boo

Morning Plummies! I have been a busy bee lately. Plenty of my energy has been going towards writing a massive paper needed to graduate from my master's program. Good news though: I am nearly done writing it! And thankfully so, because spending another weekend stressing over it will make me go insane! Other things that have been filling my days: hitting up the gym more frequently (It's definitely been my stress-buster), visiting local bakeries in search of macaroons (my new favorite treat!), and becoming newly addicted to music by Elton John (random, I know). I just cannot seem to get his song "Tiny Dancer" out of my head! Above is a super casual outfit I slipped into after work this passed Saturday. Click here, here, and here to see how I spent more of my weekend. 

Thank you so much for stopping by.

maxi dress: thrifted (similar here)

pink sports bra: Target

flip flops: Havaianas

watch: (similar here) 

Inspired by: Artist, Charmaine Olivia

Source: booooooom.com 

Source: charmaineolivia.com

 

Source: charmaineolivia.com

Hey Plummies! If I had a past-life, I imagine I would have been an artist. I find that sometimes language can be so limiting in terms of expressing emotions, thoughts, and ideas. I believe that expressive art forms such as: dance, music, acting, and painting are often more accurate in portraying feelings than any spoken word could ever attempt. Perhaps, it is because these forms of expression are not confined to words,  therefore allow the creator a wider platform to showcase the concepts that reside within her heart and mind.

Above is the brilliant work of artist, Charmaine Olivia (even her name is amazing!), whom I found while stumbling through Instagram. Her art makes me want to pick up my old paint brushes and roll out some canvas. Bravo!

What inspires you?

No Pastels Here...

Happy Monday, Plummies! This was my Easter get up. I decided to ditch the pastels and go for bold stripes...looks sorta patriotic, huh? It was such a great weekend, my sis came into town, we got mani/ pedis, ate gelato, grabbed some burgers, then went to church with friends. I hope everyone had a great Easter and spent time with loving people. PS. Do you guys like these shots? My sis took them! Thanks Twinkie!

Go out and help someone today. :)

dress: thrifted (kinda, sorta similar here)

shirt: F21

heels: thrifted (similar here)

chevron bracelet: don't remember, sorry.

Affordable Easter Dresses (Under $100)

Hola & Happy Friday! The weekend has arrived! Above are a few outfit ideas that you may want to consider this Easter weekend. Personally, Easter is not complete without a cute little dress and a trip to church of course. 

Good luck hunting down those eggs!

1) Dress, $76
2) Miss Selfridge pink lace dress, $68
3) Dorothy Perkins asymmetrical dress, $55
4) Pleated dress, $100
6 Miss Selfridge polka dot dress, $61

Unwind Ahhhhh....

                                                                                                     Source: flickr.com

1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7

Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in the franticness of life. I've come to realize that I'm unable to excel in anything I do, unless I take care of myself. Whether I hit the gym before a long day, find some time to meditate after a grueling one, or take a weekend to recharge, I have found that I need to put myself first. I come from a family of women who have always put others before themselves; Sure, it sounds like a nobel thing to do, but in the end, you can only give as much as you have. Now, I put myself at the top of the list; and by doing so, I am better able to serve those around me.

Above are some things I use to relax at home.

What do you do to unwind?

Sweet Easter Ideas

                                                                                                Source: kissthegroom.com

                                                                                                      Source: bit.ly

                                                                                                      Source: bit.ly

                                                                             Source: foodfamilyfinds.com

Hi Plummies! Easter is just around the corner and I thought I would share with you a few simple Easter treats that you could make over the weekend. I am thinking of definitely making the Cheeto carrot, but with either Goldfish or Cheese-Its crackers <---Yum! And would you just look at those adorable pastel smores! Ok, enough typing, more baking...

Enjoy your Wednesday :) Xo