Sick Days

So today, I woke up with my eye feeling a little irritated, sore and it was difficult to keep open without burning.  Here I am 10 hours later with it bright red and swollen shut.  To top it off I also have a sinus infection and no health insurance.  Thankfully, I found a clinic that wasn't too expensive and I am on my way to a weekend of medicine, rest and healing.  Here are some things that I am sure will keep my spirits up and prevent me from getting cabin fever all cooped up.

Painting My Nails

A Pistachio Cupcake from Magnolia

I had this today and it def. helped ;)

Teaching myself new braids

A french fish-pig tail

Some quality time with Sebastian

Recapping on some 90's favorites thanks to Netflix

Girl Crush: Chopped

For some reason lately, I have been LOVING chopped hair.  No, not just short hair or a bob, but chopped hair.  Hair that looks like it was cut straight across and it's almost awkward, but so beautiful!  I am definitely flirting with the idea but my hair is so long and thick/wavy...it might be difficult to manage and of course, I am too nervous.  So for now, I will just be majorly crushing on chopped hair.

Source

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Invisible Children + Apolis

Last Thursday night, I had the privilege of attending an Invisible Children event hosted by Apolis in the Arts District of Downtown LA.  They showed the film Kony 2012, which went viral last month and has had millions of views and has stirred up some criticism as well.  I had seen the film before and found it moving, but what made it more real and personal was they had an escaped LRA survivor, Gabriel, who was there to tell his story.  He was a few days away from turning 20 and this was his first time in America (He said he loved it so far and especially loved eating Cheeseburgers).  Hearing his story and then talking to him after, was an incredible and touching experience.  It was just another reminder of how blessed I am and that I should not take it for granted.  

These bags were made by women who had been raped or forced into prostitution
by the LRA.  Each bag has the woman's name who made it and her thumb print.

Everyone sat to watch the Kony 2012 video.

After the video, Gabriel shared his experience.

If you still have not seen the video (I don't know if that's even possible), then click here.  Also, sign the pledge if you are moved to help bring justice to Joseph Kony.

Fancy Friday

Today, my husband and I decided to go to the LA Zoo.  He has worked M-Sat for nearly six months now and we needed a day (other than Sunday) to do something together. It was so much fun!!! All of the "cats" (lions, tigers, and yes...even bears) were sleeping in the afternoon so they were boring.  But I was super excited about seeing the zebras, elephants, the monkeys (they're always entertaining) and my favorites, the giraffes!  We had a blast and the weather was perfect. Such a fancy friday!!

{My Zoo Outfit-- Top: Target, Pants: H&M,
Denim: Anthropologie}

{A bright lip--Make-up Forever #40}

{Fun Spring Color-Blocking Nails}

Check out those stems. perfectly posed. 

Have a great weekend!!!

The Weekender. Check.

shorts. Check. 

t-shirt. Check.

cardigan. Check.

casual braid. Check.

market bag. Check.

{shorts and t-shirt: J.Crew,  

cardigan: 7 for All Mankind, market bag: Apolis}

Spring Fling

Happy first day of Spring!!! (On a side note, it is also my uncle and my little brother's birthdays) =)  It's time for floral prints, bright colors, sunny afternoons into later evenings, and fun with friends.

Photo by Kat Amor Robles

Daily Beauty Routines

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a fun, yet safe St. Patrick's Day weekend! I spent Saturday working a 10 hour shift at one of the restaurants I work at (yes, with no break and serving over 10 tables at a time on two floors!!).  I had to be there early that morning so amidst my sleepiness and the rain, I forgot to wear green and was reminded that by every single table. Anyway, I came home, took a long relaxing bath with Lavender and Epsom Salt, felt refreshed, and got ready for our night with friends.  Yesterday, we slept in, made breakfast at home and spent the day cleaning together--perhaps it sounds boring, but it was just what we needed.  It helped us feel relaxed and ready for this new week. 

When it comes to beauty and feeling confident, it is important to have a routine for both the outer (appearance) and the inner (body).  Here are some of my daily routines for both.

Hydration: It is so important to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
These pretty bottles make that possible on the go as well--and they are BPA free.

As much as I love wearing a color on my lips from time to time,
most days I wear chap stick only, and since high school, I have been
wearing Burt's Bees. 

Make sure you get plenty of beauty rest.  Everyone is different,
when I was 20, 6 hours was good. Now I need 7-8 hours in
order to function.

Balance out work with play. Make time for something
you love. For me, that is going for a walk somewhere
pretty--either due to nature or architecture.

Exercise at least 5 times a week and stretch everyday. I am not
even half this flexible, but I will keep trying! =)

St. Ives Apricot Scrub  (used at night only)
Make Up For Ever HD Primer in Neutral
Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer in Nude
Erase Paste by Benefit in No.2 Medium
Loreal True Match Powder in Nude Beige
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess
Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion in Black Brown
Tarte Blush in Blissful 

Weekend Libations

Happy Friday! Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day which for most people means corned beef and hash, green beers and Irish Car Bombs.  However, if you are having a get together at someones home or just making cocktails, here are some other great options--not everything has to be Irish themed, but there is a little green in all of them to assure you won't get pinched ;)

Moscow Mule
1/2 oz. lime juice
2 oz. vodka
4 oz. ginger beer

Black and Blue Mojito
3 blackberries
10 blueberries
7 mint leaves
1 oz. fresh lime juice
1 oz. simple syrup
2 oz. light rum
top with club soda

Strawberry-Jalapeno Margarita (with a sea salt and chile rim)
2 strawberries
2 slices jalapeño
1 oz. fresh lime juice
1/2 oz. agave nectar
1 1/2 oz. silver tequila of your choice
1 oz. Cointreau

Jameson and Pickle Juice

The last one was taken at Casey' Irish Pub downtown and is a MUST TRY. If not there, try it at home--so good!

Oh, and craving a healthy yet delicious green snack this weekend? Then make this easy recipe of Pan Roasted Brussel Sprouts with fresh squeezed lemon, ginger and cracked pepper.