I hope that gives you some insight on what my life had been consisting of the last year! It doesn’t really feel like it on a day to day basis, but looking back now, I did grow up a lot this past year :) I did some new things that pushed me out of my comfort zone and learned some new skills

I went into work on a Monday morning in March feeling like a complete and total failure, not only as an employee, but as a daughter, a friend, and a girlfriend. I know it sounds crazy how you can just waltz into work feeling like horrible when your day has barely even started. I know I shouldn’t be so hard on myself, and I knew a large part of my bad mood was attributed to a lack of sleep and the fact that my hormones were probably going all out of whack, as my period was due to start at any time. That’s what frustrated me the most: the fact that I knew all of this, but I couldn’t seem to snap myself out of it!








2. Make a bomb azz playlist

3. Be Kind to Yourself

1. I love shoes, but you will NEVER catch me wearing a pair of flats. Ever since I was introduced to flats as a little girl, I resented them! You can’t run around effectively in them while on the playground, and as an adult, walking in flats just feels super dirty and sweaty. (GROSS). I pretty much live in sneakers and boots (:

2. I love planning events! Whether it be a casual brunch hangout with friends or a corporate team bonding experience with my coworkers, I like watching my ideas come to life and seeing everyone enjoy themselves! Currently, I’m in the process of researching and planning my first international vacation with my boyfriend and friends! We’re going to Hong Kong together and hopefully Tokyo and Osaka as well.

3. I find music to be one of the easiest ways to bond with people. I go to a lot of concerts and shows, and I’m hoping I can find a way to showcase those experiences on my blog :) I’m always super excited when I meet someone who likes the same type of music or events that I do, and since I’m blessed to live in the Bay Area, there’s never a shortage of amazing talent stopping by! My favorite genres consist of R&B, hip-hop, trap, chill-step, and house.

4. Journaling is one of my favorite hobbies! As a deeply introspective person, journaling helps me to really reflect and unwind after a long day. My favorite day to write is on Sunday, as it’s kind of a symbolic fresh start to each week for myself. I write about what I did over the weekend and what I hope to accomplish for the upcoming week, and I decorate the pages with fun little doodles after words.

1. Peppermint Hot Cocoa

• Words cannot express how much I LOVE hot cocoa!! A barista at Starbucks once told me that they actually carry peppermint syrup all year round, but I always wait until December to order my beloved Peppermint Hot Cocoa! There’s something so warm and comforting about holding a hot drink while holiday shopping through the city. <3

2. Baking

• I love the warmth that radiates from the kitchen oven, as well as the sweet sweet smell of baked goods! My favorite cookies to bake and share in the winter have to be Snickerdoodles and Fudge Brownies.

3. Christmas Music

• My personal favorite Christmas albums come from Justin Bieber, Pentatonix, Mariah Carey, and Michael Buble! If you live in the Bay Area like I do, another favorite is KOIT 96.5FM’s radio station, since they play Christmas music 24/7! The music always puts in me in a happy and festive mood :)

4. Glitter & Sparkles

• Everything is so bright and shiny during the holidays! This includes everything from holiday decor to shiny glittery New Year’s Eve ensembles. In the past, I’ve always let people talk me out of buying sparkly clothes. “When are you EVER going to wear this again, Christie?!” WHELP, this year I put my foot down and bought myself a shiny gold midi skirt, and no one was there to talk me out of it, lulz.

5. Christmas Lights

• One of my favorite places in the Bay Area to check out is Chestnut Street in South San Francisco. You definitely won’t regret going out there! The residents put so much time and effort into making their houses beautiful. Another great place to go to during Christmas season is downtown San Francisco. My sister and I will be heading down there at the end of the month so expect lots of photos :)

6. Gift Shopping

• I absolutely love gift shopping for my friends and family! I pride myself on being able to read people very well and am always really excited to see how much they love their presents.

7. Gift Wrapping

• My mom is the KWEEN of gift wrapping! Although I’m not as talented as her, I find gift wrapping to my strangely therapeutic. I blast my favorite jams, and all time seems to cease to exist. It’s just me, my music, and festive wrapping paper!

8. Holiday Dinners

• Growing up, my parents have always had a love of entertaining people in our home. This year is no exception. Our family will be hosting a couple of different dinners, and I have a bunch of games ready to go! I’m also so ready for the holiday feasts!

9. Video Games

• I usually don’t play video games often, but for some reason whenever December rolls around I tend to play a lot of “party games” with guests that come over to our house. I’m no hardcore gamer, but I love playing any “party” type games such as Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart, or simple games that involve multiple players. I love the fun and competitive spirit! My sister and I are hoping to start a Christmas video game tradition at our house.

• December is also my birthday month so it means lots of meals shared with friends and family, and with meals, comes pretty champagne and bubbly drinks!

Wow, can you believe it's almost September?! This summer definitely flew by!

Although i don't feel like I've had quite as adventurous of a summer this year, due to the fact that I am now a "big girl" with adult responsibilities (aka a full time job), here is a quick snippet of things that I have enjoyed these past few months:

1. Exercise: The Great Outdoors

I'll be the first to admit, I used to hate running outdoors just because it was just so damn hard! Running on a treadmill is physically easier (or at least it is for me :) ), but this summer, I decided to take advantage of the beautiful SF weather.



LOL SIKE. San Francisco knows no summer weather, but it is important to take advantage of the city's beautiful landscape. After all, we are paying a pretty penny to live here. Moving my running outdoors has proved to be beneficial in different ways. One, it's given me a break from fighting over the gym's hopeless parking situation. Two, I am no longer having to wait for a treadmill to open up :) Lastly, it's given me a greater appreciation for SF's foggy nature. Who knew there were so many different plants planted along the lake?



2. Music: The Chainsmokers

Oh man, oh man. Where do I even begin? I'll have to admit, I used to think the Chainsmokers were THEE most obnoxious duo to ever grace the EDM/festival stage. That all changed when I first heard their song "roses" a few months back. Fast forward to 2016 after their early year hit "Don't Let Me Down," came their summer closing song "Closer."

"Closer" is an infectiously catchy song that reminds me of lost love that is found again. Also, their lyric video has major summer vibes. Agh, this is such a cute song to close out the summer. Check out their lyric video below! 




3. Anime: Psycho-Pass

"Hold up, whaaa?!" Yes folks, you read that correctly, ya girl does like to indulge in the occasional anime series, haha.

This series follows the protagonist Akane Tsunemori as she starts her career as an Inspector. In a futuristic dystopian Japan, where the government is constantly watching and evaluating your thoughts, emotions, and personality, is it possible to still hold on to your sense of individuality, autonomy, and morals? Will you be brutally executed by the government issued Dominators?

This series is interesting as it makes you question how a society operates, and just how much or how little control a government should have when it comes to leading and protecting their citizens. It



What are some of things you've enjoyed the most this summer? Also a big shout out to my sister for taking my opening photo :)