Fixing Relationships

Our society has become such a consumer society with an attitude of ‘if it’s broken throw it away’ rather than trying to fix it.

This idea has seemed to transgress into other parts of our lives including our relationships with people.

So many relationships end simply because there was a problem and one or both parties walked away from the problem rather than spending time to fix it.
This happens with friendships, significant others, and family. When the going gets tough, then were outta there.
I’m not saying that all problems are equal and that they should be treated the same.

Of course, if your significant other cheats on, you then by all means walk away. I’m not expecting anyone to stay in any situation that emotionally hurts you.
These “problems” that I speak of are slight disagreements.
The ended relationships that you look back on and think “why did we ever stop talking.”

But we look at relationships as disposable, just like objects in our lives. If this ones broken then I can just get a new one.

So the nasty cycle just continues and relationships end and divorces reoccur until what? So we continue on to the next one and the next one.

What if instead of always throwing away these relationships, we worked on trying to fix them? What if we treated people like human beings rather than objects?
My parents always taught me growing up that if I took care of things that they would last longer. How is it that we don’t seem to do this with people or relationships?

Is it that were too lazy, we don’t have time or that it’s hard?

Life was never meant to be easy. People are not perfect. Disagreements are a part of life.

People have become so accustomed to running whenever things get tough never knowing what could have happened if they stayed.
I’m not arguing that there are not valued reasons for ending relationships, there are

I’m arguing that if we spent more time nourishing and working on the relationships in our lives rather than neglecting them that they would last longer, be stronger and deeper, and more fulfilling.

Our relationships with people are a reflection of our own health. It’s been proven that people who have a good core group of friends and relationships will live longer.
We need friends and we need people.
Our relationships with people help us to grow. Challenges in life help us to grow.

No one said it would be easy but I guarantee it will be rewarding.

So I challenge you;
Maybe you haven’t been a very good friend to someone?
Maybe you haven’t talked to someone in a long time and it’s been over due?
Maybe you stopped talking to someone and you could have fixed it?
Whatever the case is, let’s start fixing things instead of leaving them broken.

Palm Springs 101

Sometimes a girl just needs to get away. Palm Springs for me has always been a little vacation to help me to unwind and relax. Being from San Diego it’s only about 2 and a half hours which makes it a great getaway location. 

On my most recent trip, I was able to get a few touristy things in while also kicking back. 

The biggest thing to know when coming to Palm Springs is that it is extremely hot, therefore expect a lot of pool time. 

It’s always important for me to pack lots of sunblock, a couple of bikinis and a floatie to lay on. This will be the focus of your trip so make yourself as comfortable by the pool as you can. 

Depending on where you stay, some hotels have bars by the pool which is great for keeping cool. 

One hotel I recommend staying at is the Saguro. This colorful hotel has a cool, hip vibe to it. What I love about this trendy hotel is the fun atmosphere, providing ping pong, cornhole or bike rentals in the lobby for it’s guests. It also has a great little Mexican restaurant that serves up some yummy margaritas. 

At night, I recommend heading to downtown and checking out all the shops and restaurants. Peabody’s is a good time if you are looking for a little bar with Karaoke. 

On my most recent trip we headed to the nearby casino, Aqua caliente to do some light gambling. Being first time club members we took advantage of our free play! Palm Springs is filled with casinos so we did a little bit of casino hopping. $5 drinks and 5 cent kino, count me in! 

If you’ve never done it before then I recommend checking out Moorten Botanical Garden. If you are a fan of Cacti then you’ll love it here. $5 per person gives you a self guided tour with a map of the grounds. The Cactarium is pretty cool and worth checking out. 

A cool lunch spot that we enjoyed was the Draughtsman. Beer and burgers, what more could you ask for. Oh yeah! A side patio with some fooseball and cornhole. Can you tell I love cornhole? 

If you are into the cheesy touristy stuff like I am then you will have to stop by the house that is Instagram famous, for the main fact that it has a pink door! It’s located really close to the downtown area. If you google the pink door Palm Springs you can find the address. Take a picture and hashtag #thatpinkdoor

On our way back home from our little getaway we stopped at an attraction by the side of the freeway called Cabazon Dinosaurs. We just stopped to take pictures with the life-sized dinosaur structures but for $12 there is a tour that allows you to see much more. 

 I love playing tourist and checking out all the cool little things that Palm Springs has to offer. It’s definitely a great place to escape to for the weekend when you are looking for a calm and relaxing getaway!

Piece by Piece

One thing that I’ve learned about fashion, is that it’s kind of like a puzzle. You take these different pieces and you put them together to create a bigger picture.

I’m not at all a whiz when it comes to fashion, I put my pants on one pant leg at a time. So I come across moments when the pieces just don’t seem to be fitting.

Those are the days where we like to think “I have nothing to wear”

when in reality we have tons to wear we’re just not piecing it together correctly in that moment.

But when you piece things together it’s very satisfying.

Today was one of those days for me. When finally the pieces seemed to fit perfectly.

Hat: $4 Goodwill

Jean jacket: $25 Forever21

Top: $24 Urban Outfitters

Leggings $12 Victoria’s Secret

Purse: $8 Platos Closet

My 6 tips to Happiness

I know it isn’t always easy, being happy that is. We all have those days. The days we don’t want to get out of bed. The days where not enough caffeine in the world will help you get through your day or even week.

I have had these days. Quite often. Often enough that I’ve created a list of things that help me when I’m in this funk.

1. Set an Alarm: I know what your thinking, that sounds awful! Beauty sleep is essential but sleeping too long can make you even more tired. Whenever I set an alarm I am forced to wake up and get my day started and I feel a lot better. That is after my morning cup of coffee!

2. Workout: Some of you may be thinking I’m crazy but like Elle Woods said in Legally Blonde “working out gives you endorphins and endorphins make you happy.” True statement. Find out what works for you. I start each morning with a quick 30 minuet workout video. There are other options that include running or yoga. Choose whatever makes you happy!

3. Dress up: I don’t mean this literally or maybe I do. For me, that’s wearing clothes I feel cute in, curling my hair, and wearing some light makeup. It’s proven that when you look good, you feel good. Confidence is key, so wear whatever you feel confident in to get your day going!

4. Get outside: It doesn’t really matter where you go just as long as you go somewhere. I am more likely to get into a funk when I am lying around the house. So head to the mall, go watch a movie, or go on a hike. Do something! You will feel like your day is more accomplished.

5. Make plans: Sometimes we just need something to look forward to, whether that’s short term or long term, big or small. I love planning vacations even if it’s a year away and in the meanwhile making plans with friends or date nights with my husband will get me through the week.

6. Treat yo self!: Even if you are on a tight budget, in financial classes they always talk about taking care of yourself. So treat yourself to something that makes you happy. Whether that’s a cute dress, a mani and pedi or even just a latte from your local coffee shop. Hey! If your wallet allows for it you can do all 3. You work hard and deserve to treat yourself. Otherwise you’ll just drive yourself crazy!

We’re all human and reality can suck sometimes, which is why it can be hard to be happy because there are so many reasons not to be.

I don’t always feel happy but step by step I can get there.

What are your tips to being happy?

Dear Mom

Dear mom,

I wish that I could go back

To 13 or 15, or 17

When I didn’t understand life all that well

When smiling for a picture was the hardest thing to do

and being right was more important than loving you

I wish that I could go back

And spend more time with you

Rather then spending so much time in my room

I wish that I could go back

Just to say I love you more

Rather than mumbling so many I love you too’s

And if I could go back

I would tell myself

That loving you was easy to do

And how you would be the best friend I never knew

And how lucky I am to have you

 

 

 

Animal Kingdom

This week I am sharing with you all my top favorite things to do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! This park came in as my #1 and for many reasons.

The first thing on our agenda was Kilamanjaro Safari. From my experience it is better to get a Fastpass for early in the morning because the animals are up and about.

This is similar to the Jungle Cruise except your on land and the animals are real! This is the closest I have ever gotten to a giraffe.

My favorite ride here is Expedition Everest. If you are a fan of roller coasters then you will want to get on this ride. Going backwards is the best part! We got on this ride so many times on this trip and had such a great time. Try riding during the day and at night. They also offer single rider if you don’t mind going it alone.

At this point you’ll probably be hungry, I know we were. So we headed to the best restaurant in the park, Yaki and Yeti. If you do decide to dine at this place you must try the poke nachos. These are the best I have ever had and they are a pretty decent size. Everything I have tried at this restaurant has been delicious so I don’t think you could go wrong with whatever you order. But this is definitely a must do at this park, trust me!

After lunch we checked out another ride that I enjoy which is Dinosaur. If you are familiar with Indiana Jones at Disneyland then this ride is the equivalent but with dinosaurs. Maybe it’s just me but I thought this ride was scary but hey this is coming from the girl who gets scared at some of the fantasyland rides at Disneyland.

If you are able to make it to the end of the night then I recommend staying to watch their new show ‘Rivers of Light’, a show that includes light, sound, and water. It’s a beautiful show. They offer two showings but you’ll have to get there early because it fills up fast. We arrived an hour and a half early and were lucky to get a spot. They do offer fast pass for this show but again we didn’t have any luck on getting one and when getting your fast passes in advance you can only choose 3 in a day so sacrifices must be made.

I think the reason I love this park so much is because it’s a combination of an amusement park and a zoo. It’s such a fun and different concept and you will definitely enjoy all the animal habits while walking around the park.

You’ll also want to make sure to take a picture with the tree of life, a 145-foot tree covered with animal carvings.

My EPCOT recommendations

After my recent trip to Walt Disney World I wanted to share with you all my recommendations of things to do at each of the parks for those of you that have never been and are wanting to go or even if you have been and need some recommendations for when you go back!

 Epcot was one of my favorite Parks. I would rank it as my #2. This park doesn’t have as many rides as some of the other parks but the World Show Case is amazing and definitely something to check out.

 Being that last year when I went the Frozen ride was not up and running, that was on our list to do for this year so we made sure to get to the park early and head straight there. This ride is a cute water ride and with it being new I think it’s a must. But only if you are planning on getting to the park early and heading over right away. I have heard the lines can get up to 2-hour waits. Or if you are lucky enough to get a fast pass then you don’t have to worry.

 We unfortunately were not lucky enough. If you are staying at the resorts you get to choose your fast passes 60 days in advance and this year we stayed off site and so we were only able to pick them 30 days before.

 My favorite ride at this park is Test Track. It’s a great concept and It’s super fun! You get to customize your own vehicle then test out the vehicle you created, ending with a speed test. This is a must do! This is another ride that I recommend you get a fast pass for

 The other ride I really enjoyed was Soarin Over the World. It’s a nice relaxing ride that takes you on a journey to different parts of the world.

 Something that I think is pretty cool and doesn’t take too much time is to walk through the butterfly exhibit. A ton of butterflies flying all over the place, how is that not cool? You can even come into contact with some friendly Butterflies that will land on your finger if you just hold it out.

 Now to the World Show Case

 We started in Mexico on our adventure and had Tacos De Barbacoa, Chips and Guacamole and a frozen Margarita at ‘La Catina de San Angel’. This place was great and was my favorite place to eat at all the showcase food options and that margarita, yum!

 Inside the Mexican Pavilion is a little water ride, which is not listed as a ride on the map but more of a tour. I think a lot of people miss this for that reason but its something cool to try out and there was no wait when we went.

 Two Words: Grapefruit Beer! If you are going to drink alcohol at all on this trip Germany is the place to do so. I kid you not, you will not want to miss out on this deliciousness.

 The next worthwhile stop you should check out is in Japan. If you are a fan of shaved ice like I am then you will love the shaved ice from Kabuki. I ordered the Rainbow shaved ice with condensed milk and some sushi because it is japan and I love sushi!

Either option is great and yummy!

 I have always wanted to Visit Paris and so of course I had to stop by Paris for some macaroons and a Mimosa. At Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie you can get desserts, sandwiches, flat breads and alcohol! They have a wide variety so there’s something for everyone.

 Now that’s enough for food although I could go on for days when it comes to food, especially at Epcot because there is a lot to choose from but these were my favorite.

 If you are a fan of Fireworks which I’m sure you are then you will want to stick around for Illuminations. With the whole park surrounding the water I can’t see there really being a bad spot to watch but if you were looking for a great spot we watched in Mexico.

 I loved all the little details that Disney put into this park with the rides and especially the world showcase. This was park was phenomenal and I wouldn’t expect any less from Disney.

 

 

 

 

 

13 reasons

I recently finished watching The Netflix Original 13 reasons why

If you were like me it only took you 2-3 days to finish. After watching I was instantly hooked.

Since this show has become so popular there has been so much controversy regarding the content of the show. If you are not familiar with the show just yet, the show is about a teenage girl that commits suicide, but before doing so she leaves behind 13 tapes that reveal the 13 reasons why she killed herself and leaves them for all the people involved.

I personally loved the show. It made me feel many different emotions while watching it and I think that if a show can capture its audience and make them feel something then that’s a sign of a good show.

Now from what I have been reading the show has been receiving some criticism for portraying suicide as something “glamorous”

How could that be you may ask?

By having Hannah, the character that commits suicide, narrate the show, it’s as if she is still aware of the aftermath of her tapes and able to witness how they have affected the people in them, which in a way grants satisfaction.

This is one person’s outlook on it.

Another view on the subject is that when they do finally show the scene where she kills herself, which they do, one person said that it is almost viewed as if her passing away is “peaceful”

You know after she screams and heavy breathes.

I think that if you are someone that has gone through something like this or knows someone who has then this show might be a difficult show to watch.

The way I saw this show was more of a rude awakening for the people on the tapes and how bullying and slut shaming can have a very negative affect on peoples lives and how we should be aware of the way we treat others. This was more of my outlook on the show rather than the actual suicide because the whole point is that if these random events never happened then Hannah would still be alive.

It is a very emotional and thought provoking show to watch and I think if people are in a good position to watch it that It’s a great show to watch.

Did I mention Selena Gomez was an executive producer?

What are your thoughts on the show?

 

Purple rain

Lately with all this rain I have been getting many opportunities to sport my hunter rain boots. 

I’ve bought rain boots in the past and I haven’t cared for them very much but when I found these at a thrift store for $35 I had to take advantage. 

For those of you who are aware of hunters, they are retailed for over $100 

They are so comfortable and I definitely recommend them to anyone who are contemplating purchasing them. 

You can also try searching on postmark or mercardi for used ones. Mine are used and you can’t really tell too much which is great! 

You never know what you’ll find in your thrift shopping adventures! 

Outfit of the day!

This outfit was an absolute favorite of mine because it has so many cute details to it, yet it’s very simple at the same time

I love the coloring on this shirt from urban outfitters and the layering of it. Since it hangs a little low around my chest area, I wore a bralette also from urban outfitters that peeks through a little. This looks a lot better than an actual bra peeking through.

My hollister jeans with the tears in them give more detail and I paired the outfit with my urbanog boots.

Then added a cute necklace from charming Charlie. All of it tied together gives it a simple kind of Boho look. Perfect transition into fall.