The Sunday Six vol. 3

I'm posting this from NYC! I'm here for the orientation for my new job.

So the six things I am grateful for this week are:
1) having gainful employment at a place that gives me the opportunity to explore an amazing city.
2) having the ability and energy to decide to refocus my energies. I think it's way too easy to get stuck into a rut thinking you want something simply because that is what everyone else wants, then to get really down when that doesn't work out for you. For me that thing has been dating - to put it bluntly, dating in Los Angeles has been a complete mess. So I've decided to just completely place my dating efforts on indefinite hiatus and instead focus on getting in amazing shape and kick starting my awesome new career. So look forward to some more health and career posts soon! I am just exhausted with trying to date and don't even want to think about it for a while.
3) living in downtown la! I just moved in and it is awesome. I love being close to so many awesome bars and restaurants, and there's always something to do.
4) Dior rouge lipstick in 169. The perfect nudish MLBB shade that also happens to be moisturizing and have the perfect balmy texture.
5) urban decay eyeliner in zero. The perfect creamy black liner.
6) urban decay all nighter spray - it keeps my face looking flawless for hours.

Magical night

Got to get all dressed up last night an go to the magic castle. Had an absolute blast there having my mind blown by some of the best magicians in the world. Also enjoyed some wonderful company.

I take any and all opportunities to get dressed up!

Autumn Resolutions

Source: cleanandscentsible.blogspot.com via Soo on Pinterest

Autumn is my favorite season.  I know resolutions are meant for the new year, but autumn is so closely tied with new beginnings for me because it has historically marked the start of school.  So in celebration of autumn, I thought I'd post some of my fall resolutions.

My fitness routine generally comes and goes, but in light of the fact that I'm finally settling down into my own place (no roommates for the first time, ever!) and starting my first "real" job, I figured I should get started on a routine fitness regimen that fits into my life.  I generally prefer morning workouts, as they allow me the freedom to spend my evenings as I wish.

I'm still working out what time I'll have to get up to work out and get ready for work, but I think my regimen will consist mostly of cardio for approximately 30 minutes, some stretching, and some weights.

To kickstart the fun, I've decided to force myself into a little bootcamp of sorts to really get my butt into gear.  I leave for NYC next week for work, so I figured this would be the perfect time to do it.

I'm also trying to become a responsible adult about my budget.  This past weekend was spent moving into my new apartment, and it made me beyond excited, but also made me realize that I'm solely and fully responsible for my life now.  That feeling was (is) exhilarating but also a little frightening, so I've developed a budget that I'll be trying very hard to stick to.

I really cannot wait to start sharing more photos of my life with you guys on here.  The apartment is still a mess but I hope to have some more furniture in there soon!

The Sunday Six Vol. 2

I've been totally MIA lately - I placed TSS on hiatus while I was in Europe, and my life has been a zoo for the last two weeks while I've been trying to get all the pieces in place for my move and my new job.  

The six things that have me loving life this week:

1.  My amazing family and friends helping me with my move.  
2.  The wonderful memories that I made in Europe.  
3.  The fact that aforementioned family and friends have been helping me deal with the boy from hell that seemed so nice in the beginning (but don't they all?)  Seriously, people - be happy with your OWN life before you throw yourself out into the dating world!  
4.  IKEA furniture!!  Cute and cheap (but the putting together part... not so much!)
5.  The weather in LA finally cooling down enough so that I don't feel completely out of place or foolish rocking some darker nail polishes.  
6.  The beginning of a new season!  I love fall - with its gorgeous foliage, crisp weather, the suggestion of winter, the piling on of scarves... pumpkin scented everything.  It's going to be a gorgeous season - can you feel it?

Nuremberg!

Beautiful Cesky Krumlove

Just a few hours away from Prague... Feels like you're in a fairy tale!

Day in Prague

Prague

Boo! It's our first day here and it's raining like crazy! Oh well... Time to make the most of it!

Gorgeous sunset in Fethiye

Went paragliding over the Turkish coast today. Absolutely mind blowing experience. I'd recommend it to anyone!!

Pamukkale

That's all volcanic rock! It was 88 degrees!

Hot air balloon ride over cappadoccia

The Haghia Sophia

Breathtaking.

Hello from Istanbul

At the airport!

The Sunday Six

Obviously a day late, but figured it kind of counts since this is a holiday weekend.

The six things that have me loving life this week:

1.  Signed the lease on a beautiful new apartment that I'll be moving into next month.
2.  My parents graciously offered to get me a new car as a congratulations gift of sorts for starting my new career.
3.  Confirmed that I'll be working on DREAM Act applications for several months as pro bono work... could not be more excited to start.  The people I'll be working with seem really intelligent and passionate about their work, which is huge.
4.  In less than 12 hours, I'll be on a nonstop flight to Turkey, and I'll be spending my next three weeks in Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Germany.
5.  Having the free time to finally get caught up on my fashion magazines and to enjoy reading just for the sake of reading again.
6.  My amazing friends and family who are always there to help celebrate the ups and downs of my life.  

Restart

I've decided to seriously start investing some time into blogging now.

I've said this to myself on several occasions, but I think the timing couldn't be any better at this point.  I am finally seriously settling down into my first grown-up apartment (where I won't have any roommates and I'll be in charge of all the decor) and I've finally finished my graduate degree and will be starting my career.  Also, I was in great shape at the end of last year, but I've gradually gained about 15 pounds as the stresses of wrapping up my final semester of law school and studying for the bar took their toll.  I'm determined to lose the weight and to find a healthy way to balance a healthy lifestyle with a stressful life.

My blog is going to be mostly musings about my life as I embark on this new chapter, my efforts to furnish my new apartment, random beauty and fashion purchases, and a little Sunday feature that I've decided to title The Sunday Six.  The Sunday Six will just be six things that I'm grateful for each week - it's so easy to get caught up in life that it's important to remind yourself constantly of all the wonderful things in life that you're grateful for.

I'm leaving for Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Germany for three weeks today!  I'll be updating soon with photos!

Hair Product Rave

I'd always been a bit of a hair care snob because my experiences with drugstore brands had left my hair a bit of a frizzy mess. However, as I get older, I've stopped dying/processing my hair and cut down on the frequency with which I use hot tools. Since then, I read some rave reviews by various bloggers/youtubers about Tresemme and figured I'd give it a shot.

I've almost used up this enormous bottle of Tresemme Moisture Rich conditioner now, and I love it! It's one of the cheapest products on the market and has a light scent. But my favorite part about it is that it leaves my hair super soft. And because it's so cheap, I don't feel bad using gobs and gobs of it (which I like to do since my hair is long).

You can read my rave review of the Tresemme volumizing shampoo here as well.

Knicks vs Wizards

I went to the Verizon Center last night to watch some basketball because the Knicks came to town to play against the Wizards. I mainly went to support Jeremy Lin since he's been killing it lately. I ended up having a great time!

Me and my friend (I'm on the left):

NOTD

OPI Samoan Sand topped with one coat SOPI only gold for me and one coat SOPI flurry up.

I'm obsessed with these SOPI glitter topcoats because they not only add a bit of sparkle to your nails, but they also make your mani last FOREVER. I can't stop using them!

Etsy Love

I placed my very first order on Etsy for a couple rings and I'm so pleased with my order that I wanted to share it with you guys.

I'm an October baby and so my birthstone is an opal. I've always wanted some ornate opal jewelry but most of the stuff I find is very old-fashioned, and not in the style that I like. So I was ecstatic to find this contemporary gorgeous ring on Etsy for only $25.

I couldn't be happier with my purchase and I can't WAIT to wear it out.

And look at the adorable packaging it came in!

(There are two boxes because I also ordered another ring, but I couldn't get any good pics of it today so I'll save that for another day.)

If you're interested her etsy username is pursesonalstyle.

Sbux valentines cups are here!

<333

What's your drink of choice at Starbucks? Mine's a cafe americano with splenda or a skinny vanilla latte. Yum!

Downton Abbey

I, like so many others, am absolutely obsessed with this show. It's a Masterpiece Classic miniseries that I watch on pbs.com, which is fabulous because it has no commercials. It's written by the same writer who did Gosford Park, and you can really feel the similarities as you watch the show - the same intrigue and hint of scandal that wafts through the upper and lower floors of this massive estate amongst the household and its staff. The main difference (and downside) is that there's no Clive Owen in Downton!

If you haven't gotten into this show, I highly recommend it. I watched the entire first season in one weekend months ago, and I'm watching the second season now. It's over in the UK but it's still coming out here in the US.

Packing

Not doing a very good job!

Notd

SOPI aha! Moment topped with SOPI only gold for me glitter topcoat. Can you tell I'm obsessed with these glitter topcoats??

Vegas manicure

Opi I'm not really a waitress with SOPI gold glitter topcoat on just the tips.

Vegas!

Went to Vegas for a quick little getaway with my girls. Had an absolute blast. We dined on delicious sushi at Nobu and then partied at Vanity nightclub at the Hard Rock. The AVN (porn convention, essentially) had just happened there that day, so there were lots of pornstars around (they were constantly pointed out to me but I didn't recognize any of them.)

Today we had lunch at the patisserie at the Aria, which is where we spent the night. Aren't the desserts gorgeous?? And they tasted as good as they look!

I absolutely adore Vegas and had a wonderful time there. I can't wait to go back!

New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year! I'm sorry my blog has been so terribly neglected but I *finally* got a smartphone so I am looking forward to posting a lot more this year! Last year was a big year for me - I got an offer at my dream job and ended a 2.5 year relationship that had to be ended. Now I'm on a mission to make 2012 the best year ever.

I turn 28 this year, graduate law school, take the bar, start work ... all kinds of big things are in store for me!

I recently realized that during law school I completely neglected myself and let my priorities for who *I* am fall to the wayside ... so this year I'm all about reclaiming them and getting back in touch with myself. So my New Year's resolutions are the following:

1) get back in touch with my love of movies and books (I'm determined to get through some Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Kerouac in the next few months)

2) pay attention to current events again (I started a subscription to the Economist and I've been plowing through it)

3) be a productive person (in every sense of the word)

4) stop cursing (this is a big one for me)

5) limit my spending (more on this later)

6) get really really fit while I have the time (always, right?)

7) get back in touch with my love of languages... read more in French, Spanish, and study more Mandarin!

As far as my spending goes, I've decided to force myself to go on a shopping moratorium for beauty products and figured this blog would be the best way of keeping myself accountable. I'm starting my own little Project 10 Pan and I won't be allowed to make any "fun" purchases until I use up 10 makeup or skincare products. "Fun" products are ANY skincare/makeup products that are NOT replacements. Wish me luck!

I've also set this image as the wallpaper for my phone:

It's been very inspirational and helpful for me lately... keeping me motivated!

Will post more very soon.

XOXO