I Won't Give Up

There's something about a Jason Mraz song that always seems to put me in a better mood.  I just discovered this song and I've already listened to it countless times.  Lovin' the new music..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdN5GyTl8K0

Oh Back To School

After less than two weeks of winter break it is time to return to studying and hard work.  My break consisted of a magical vacation to Mexico, a wonderful Christmas, and an exciting new year celebration with fun friends.  Now it's time to get back to the grind.

Have a magical Monday!

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

I had a wonderful Christmas celebrating with close friends and family.  Our neighbors stopped in and out throughout the night while we sipped on cocktails and listened to cheerful Christmas music.  We had a tasty dinner consisting of honey-baked ham, turkey, mash potatoes & gravy, brussel sprouts, and broccoli.  For dessert, we had pumpkin pie, apple pie, and my family's favorite, grasshopper pie.  Time for a workout after that meal! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

MEXICO

VIVA LA MEJICO! Today, a few friends and I are heading off to Cabo San Lucas! We are traveling in style by flying in a private jet.  The resort we stay at is unreal- I think it is truly paradise.  I'm excited to be in the Mexican sun! Have a wonderful couple of days, do something fun!

Run Away

I feel so refreshed after my morning run.  It is always a great day to start a day. What are you doing for fitness today?

The Help

I finally just got my tears under control after watching the movie, "The Help."  It was such an inspiring movie and I have been dying to see it for so long.  I can't believe how awful some people are treated, it's sickening.  One day I hope our world can move past racism and treat EVERYONE with deserved respect.  Emma Stone was amazing in this movie.  Her story is unbelievable and she has earned her way to the top.  I have a feeling we will be seeing her in the big screens for a long time.

Finals

Spanish & Chemistry down, History, English & Math left.  This week is always so stressful but I just have to stay positive and look forward to break.  

Mirror

One of the easiest ways to brighten up a space is to add mirrors.  When I moved houses, I was finally allowed to redo my room.  I begged for mirrored night stands, but at $1,000 dollars a piece, my mom said no.  With the help of the wonderful and creative designer, Mandy Brown, I turned my unorganized, pink little girl's room into a sophisticated, yet inviting teen space.  As for the night stands, Mrs. Brown had the wonderful idea of reusing my old furniture but spicing it up.  She ordered mirrored cut-outs to place on my night stand.  I took off the black knobs and replaced them with gorgeous crystal knobs.  The new pieces added the glamorous effect I was hoping for but at in inexpensive cost.  Here are a few pictures of my new nightstands that go with my black and white room theme. (I will post pictures of complete room later)

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Stunning

I am taking a hospitality class and we are currently in the lodging unit.  We have been looking at unique hotels and how hotels are given their ratings.  Here a few amazing hotels with mind-blowing architectural structures that I would love to stay in if ever given the chance...

California Here We Come

Over the summer, my family and I took two trips. One to Half Moon Bay in Northern California and the other to Santa Barbara.  Half Moon Bay is a small town with only one high school.  It is the type of town where you can walk everywhere and everybody knows everybody.  My great aunt & uncle's house and my cousin's house is located walking distance to the beach.  Apparently, the weather there is always cloudy, but when we visited it was perfect sunshine all day.  I guess we brought the Arizona sunshine with us!  Half Moon Bay is located about 45 minutes outside San Francisco so we took 2 day trips into San Francisco.  I loved the hustle and bustle of the city.  It truly is the New York of the West coast.  We went to China Town, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Chocolate Store, the Aquarium and USF.  I was also fascinated by the street performers, specifically the "tree man" who would hide behind a branch and scare people.  We also visited Stanford (where my brother was playing baseball at a camp there).  Our next trip was to Santa Barbara.  It is the most charming town.  I love the small town feel of the city and the cute shops and stores.  We had so much fun walking around Santa Barbara, visiting the Santa Barbara Mission and touring UCSB (Isla Vista looks like one big party)! We then drove to Malibu and toured Pepperdine.  We continued our way into Los Angeles (my first time going) and toured USC, UCLA, and Loyola Marymount.  It was a wonderful summer filled with many exciting and new adventures!   

Great Aunt & Uncle's house in Half Moon Bay

My dad's grandparent's house in San Francisco

University of San Francisco

Day trip to Sausalito where my parents got engaged

My mom's grandparent's house in Santa Barbara

One of my favorite shots. My mom with my great aunt & uncle's dog Aj walking back from the beach in Half Moon Bay