Bye July

The last week of July has been an interesting one. I've finally settled into my new apartment for the fall semester. The place still doesn't have WiFi, which has posed a curious struggle for me as I live without the convenience and entertainment of the internet. Let's just say that I've been spending a lot time browsing the web and writing this post in coffee shops. Also, I'm truly thankful that BBC America consistently plays reruns of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Near the end of this month, I also had a revival in my love of thrifting, which probably peaked circa 2013. I'm pretty sure the boredom of retail store clothing just struck me again as it did when I was in my awkward high school years. I realized that I find so much more joy in finding an interesting piece on a Goodwill rack than picking out something predictable at retail chain. This isn't to say that I will never set foot in mall again or spend endless hours browsing online stores, but that the activity of buying consignment goods is something that I'd like to reincorporate into my life. I think the repeating theme in many of these recent posts really revolves around the idea of balance. Finding it, and living by it in all aspects of being. 

In the near future, you can expect another three-part set of travel posts-- this one covering last year's trip to Peru. And in the very near future, my monthly faves!

IKEA notes

The last time I visited an IKEA was at least 10-12 years ago when I eagerly chose several items to go with my preteen bedroom's bright blue, neon green, and highlighter yellow color scheme... Yeah, those were questionable times. I've been wanted to return for a while now, but never got around to making the trip, since a visit to IKEA practically occupies an entire day. Last week, I decided I was up for it. After proceeding to immediately eat some Swedish meatballs, I went to browse around and pick up a few pieces to fill up my new living space. I didn't really shop with anything in mind, but here's what I ended up getting.


A CLOTHING RACK | Super functional, and it includes a shelf for some of my shoes!
A FLOOR LAMP | Slightly retro design and it gives off the warmest, coziest glow.
A DECORATIVE PILLOW | For some reason I'm loving pink these days, so naturally I was automatically drawn towards this pillow.
A TERRACOTTA PLANTER | I've been getting pretty bored with the standard terracotta planter shape, and so I enjoy this one's simple, minimal design. Also, my ficus elastica has been steadily growing bigger and taller, so this will be it's future home.
A DRAWER UNIT | I plan to keep this right next to or under my desk for all of my miscellaneous things.
A RUG | An eggplant colored rug. You know, kinda like a strangely cool one that you'd find at Goodwill, minus the mystery stains and funky smell.
SOME DISHWARE | I decided it was time to stop relying on just one plate and one bowl.

Mexico City, pt. iii

The last bunch of my Mexico City images, including more food, some art, and Teotihuacan. 

June '16 Faves

Y A Y for my very first set of monthly favorites! It's a bit on the wordier side, but I'm still playing around with the format for these posts, so bear with me. I've included links for most of the things I talk about below.


WEAR

When it comes to buying clothes nowadays, I can't help but ask myself "Would this be something that I could wear in a school?" As an art education major who is nearing (and partially dreading) my semester of student teaching, I've begun to consider my clothing choices a bit more. That being said, I've pretty much been buying clothes that are either a bit more on the professional side, or comfy clothing that I can bum around the house in. Another factor that I'm starting to consider more and more is the origin of my clothing. After watching the documentary 'The True Cost' on Netflix, I couldn't help but immediately feel guilty about the large pile of cheaply made F21 and H&M garments sitting in boxes waiting to be donated. I'm trying to make more aware choices about buying clothes from sustainable, ethical retailers, and just buying less clothing in general!

After doing more research, I've found several online retailers that I plan to purchase from in the future. One of these brands is Everlane which emphasizes buying with complete transparency. This month, I decided it was finally time to get a versatile tote bag that I could use both during and after college. I found Everlane's Twill Zip Tote in black cotton twill with a black leather double strap, and it's the perfect size for the amount of stuff I tend to carry with me to class.

OK, so I've also been forever searching for a cute but affordable pair of sunglasses. I would totally buy some beautiful Zanzan frames, but I always have to consider the extra expense of putting my prescription in them. Because I'm not at the point yet where I'm willing to sacrifice my ability to see for amazing frames, I discovered a pretty great compromise. EyeBuyDirect has a lot of eyeglasses styles that I like, and their sunglasses aren't too shabby either. This month I've been wearing their 'Divine' frames in the color 'Grey Tortoise' on a daily basis, and I especially appreciate them during my hour long morning commute.

This American Apparel Wrap Skirt in black is the perfect length and style for all seasons, and can be paired with most of my tops. I find that wearing black spandex underneath is a good idea on windier days, especially when I'm in Flagstaff. Also, because it's a wrap skirt, I can adjust it if I decide to eat dessert. ;)

Lastly: Topshop's DART Sandals in the color nude. First of all, you should know that I absolutely love any shoe with a block heel. Also, I love light, neutral colored sandals for the summer and springtime as a wardrobe staple. After my previous pair of tan block-heeled sandals began showing some serious signs of wear, I decided it was time to pick up some new ones. These Topshop sandals are really similar to my old pair, minus a t-bar strap and some white accents, and the heel is a perfect casual height.

TL;DR? Look below!

Everlane | Twill Zip Tote - Black + Black Leather
EyeBuyDirect | 'Divine' Sunglasses - Grey Tortoise
American Apparel | Demi Wrap Skirt - Black (on sale rn!)
Topshop | DART Two-Part Sandal - Nude

SKINCARE // HAIR

It's officially summer now, which means lots of sun. I've only recently decided to put more effort into my skincare, and that includes consistently wearing sunscreen (every single day!). For the longest time I was opposed to sunscreen because of the oily, unpleasant feel of it on my skin. This month, I've been using Missha's Waterproof SPF 50 Sun Milk, which goes on very light and creamy, and doesn't leave a white cast. Because it's from a Korean brand, I think it really caters well to my half-Asian skin.

After showering at night, I like to spray in a hair mist for some extra texture and hydration. I'm currently loving The Gnarly Whale's Thai Coconut Beach Waves mist. If salt sprays/beachy hair isn't your thing, I'd recommend this just for the delicious coconut scent alone!

I have to say, Glossier's Haloscope Highlighters are just plain magical. And this is coming from someone who wears absolutely no face makeup. I've known about Glossier and their products for a while now, but never had any strong impulse to try them out. Like I said previously I've become much more invested in my skincare recently, and Glossier is all about prioritizing healthy skin, so I decided to give it a go. I bought the highlighter in the shade 'Quartz,' and I was worried it would be a bit too light for my skin tone, but it adds just the perfect amount of natural shine. It's super easy to apply, moisturizing, and gives my skin that dewy, glowy look that I love.

Lastly, Herbivore Botanicals! I bought three of their products at the beginning of the month (or was it May?): The Coco Rose Lip Conditioner, Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist, & their Coconut Milk Bath Soak. I'll typically apply the lip conditioner at night, which keeps my lips hydrated until the morning without feeling sticky. The face mist is definitely my favorite of the three, and it smells amazing, since I absolutely love the scent of anything rosy and floral. I'll use this after my morning skincare routine, or just randomly throughout the day for freshness. I've only used the Coconut Milk Bath Soak once so far, but as you probably know by now, I only have positive things to say about all things coconut.


TL;DR? Look below!

Missha Sun Milk SPF 50 Waterproof
The Gnarly Whale Beach Waves Hair Mist - Thai Coconut 
Glossier | Haloscope Highlighter - Quartz
Herbivore Botanicals | Coco Rose Lip Conditioner, Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist, & Coconut Milk Bath Soak

EAT // DRINK

For a simple but delicious summer snack I've been loving oranges with shredded coconut.

Sushi bowls. Enough said. I don't really follow any specific recipes, but rather just throw together whatever I have in the fridge and pantry at the time. My usual go-to veggie sushi bowl will have sushi rice mixed in with a bit of wasabi, a sliced avocado, edamame, green onions, cucumber slices, strips of nori, and topped with a sweet soy sauce and sesame seeds.

If you're in the Phoenix area, I highly recommend visiting Welcome Chicken + Donuts for delicious freshly made donuts and Asian inspired chicken and food. For my first visit, I ordered the Japanese BBQ chicken with a cucumber side salad, and paired it with a peach apple pear butter donut. SO good.

WATCH // LISTEN

I recently realized that binge-listening is a serious thing when I found Megan Tan's Millennial podcast.

Jessy Lanza | Oh No



OTHER 

The fresh, cleansing scent of Aura Cacia's Peaceful Patchouli and Sweet Orange Aromatherapy Room & Body Mist is heavenly, and I like to spray it in my room before I practice yoga.