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

Country Chic

I've always dreamed of owning a country style home filled with white walls and furniture.  I am in love with the crisp and clean white style.  I would decorate with feminine and elegant touches, such as crystal knobs and crystal chandeliers.

Rockin'

While both Kendall and Kylie Jenner are drop dead gorgeous, I love Kylie's rocker style.  Her outfits are rocker, edgy, and simple.  

I am also obsessed with her ear piercings (2nd picture).  I have been begging my mom to let me get my cartilage pierced.  I love how a cartilage piercing is simple and cute with a stud but edgy and hardcore with a hoop. Fingers crossed..

Secret Santa

Last night, about 20 friends and I went to Buca Di Beppo to do a Secret Santa Exchange.  My gift, given to me by my friend Shawna, was absolutely adorable.  I could't wait to get home and put on the earrings and necklace.  I love the glamorous simplicity of the jewelry.  Shawna always picks out the cutest and most interesting little gifts.  I've already worn the earrings today to a luncheon and received multiple compliments.  Secret Santa is always so fun because you never know what to expect!    

The Big Apple

This picture below was sent to me by my friend, Maddie, who has decided to take a spontaneous trip to NYC with her two sisters and dad.  I have spent a lot of time in New York over the years, but never in the city.  My cousins moved a few years ago from the city to Rye, which is about 30 minutes outside of the city, but even before they moved they always lived in Rye during the summer, when we could come to visit.  Long story short, I've only been to the actual city a few times on day trips.  One of my favorite memories is traveling to the top floor of the Empire State Building a few years back.  I've been begging my mom (who hates the cold) for us to travel to New York during the winter so I can experience a "White Christmas," which I've obviously never had living in Arizona.  When Maddie sent me this picture her caption was ironically "No Snow! :)" To me, I would love for it to be snowing.  One of these years we will make it back for Christmas..

Christmas Spirit

With the holidays just around the corner, I have been trying to get into the Christmas spirit (although it is hard when you live in Arizona) and to do so, I've spiced up my room with these necessities below.  Hot Coco makes any room smell inviting and delicious, not to mention it is extremely tasty.  I purchased the Winter Candy Apple bath&body set at Bath and Body Works and I absolutely love it.  It is just the perfect holiday touch to make me smell Christmasy.  The socks, which I've had since Kindergarden, continually remind me of how the holiday season is supposed to be filled with coziness and warmth.