My humble abode

 

 I moved into a new apartment earlier this month with Keith! About finished settling in and I am so excited to start this new chapter, and most especially live in a space with modern appliances after living in a tiny studio that had little to no kitchen :) 

As for my 2019 resolutions, here they are:

1. create more

2. exercise

3. be mindful 

4. live healthy 

I figure I would keep it short, because any longer it will be hard to stick to it.

Muddled Insomniac Thoughts

So I spent the last two hours reading through my entire blog which I started on and off back in 2012 - can't believe that was six years ago. I noticed as time progressed I had less and less to say. Life caught up to me — and pretty much became so routine that I didn't think I had anything interesting to say but when I look back at old entries I didn't have much going on either ... just a bunch of random, emo thoughts - ha! What's nice though is that memories I've forgotten came flooding back clear as day and it's nice to have it stored for when I feel like looking back and remembering what I did and when.

Just a few days ago I was thinking to myself that I could barely remember what I did two weeks ago. Anyway, this whole thing started because I was having insomnia and decided to look at my blog, which then motivated me to write a post about how I should record everything I do so I can remember it later on. I find it funny that in one of my posts I talk about blogging about my 30th birthday which isn't too far away (ugh).  

Today at work we had a lesson about blue light factor and how we are over exposed to it from all the technology we're using everyday ... especially me since I work in social media and I'm on my phone/computer almost 24 hours a day. The blue light factor is the reason why I am still awake — I need to stop sleeping with my phone. Blue light factor also causes accelerated aging but luckily I still look like I could pass as a high schooler ... I still get away with using my college i.d. for discounts. 

Some highlights + thoughts that are top of mind: 

1. An interesting Instagram masterclass I went to. I'll save what I learned for another post. That same day I accidentally got off the elevator and landed in Yahoo's office - which looks amazing. Does anyone even use Yahoo ... how do they have such a sick office space. 

2. This past weekend I went to PA for Keith's sister's going away party. She's moving to Boston. Her fiance made the best ribs I have ever tasted. We watched Hereditary. It's not as good as it's hyped up to be but it's good enough that I recommend seeing it at the movies. 

3. I bought discounted candles at Bath & Bodyworks for half the price. 

4. I signed up for unlimited New York Pilates all summer. My heart is broken though because my coworker told me you can't lose weight from doing only pilates. I hate cardio. I'm coming to terms with I'll just never lose weight and I should throw out my scale.

5. I am obsessed with Odd Fellows iced oat latte which is the place pictured above w/ the blue couches. If you have a chance, try it. The milk tastes like ice cream. 

—

It's 2 AM - I need to go to bed! Thank god I do not have a Pilates class scheduled for tomorrow morning. I'm sad I do not have an avocado for breakfast in a few hours. I've been trying to eat breakfast every morning.

Italy

Went to Italy recently to celebrate my Mom's birthday. We went to Rome, Tuscany, and Positano. So much beauty and delicious food in Italy. Next time I want to explore Venice and Florence. A lot of walking to be done in Rome.

Beauty Haul

Kosas Lipstick in Fringe

Kosas in Tropic Equinox

Diorskin Nude Air Luminizer in Pink Glow

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Chantecaille Rose de Mai Cream

I recently went on a beauty shopping spree. I'm definitely loving this new indie brand, Kosas Cosmetics - literally want to buy their whole lipstick collection.

My day-to-day makeup has switched up recently. I use to over use eye liner on my upper and bottom lids, not realizing I looked like a panda. Since working at french beauty brand, I've acquired a taste for a more natural, barely any makeup look: highlighter and red lips.

Also, I came across a skincare brand while browsing at Sephora called Laneige. I'm testing out their Lip Sleeping Mask. I have really dry lips - and for a few nights I've been sleeping in this lip mask. My lips are still dry but it feels really nice on, and smells good ... I'm not sure it works or maybe I haven't used it long enough or consistently. I like it though. 

Random Recent Purchases

Uniqlo had a swweeeeet holiday sale last month, and so I purchased a cute polka dot pajama set! It was only 19.99, and so far, it's my most comfortable pair. As one of my new year resolutions, I vow to buy more cute pajamas. Since I don't like to go out any more, I might as well glam up my home wear...

Not really something I purchased. Keith bought me this for Christmas. I begged him to death for it. I kept trying to tell myself that $200 for a suitcase is dumb ... but the pink cuteness won me over. I'm going to Italy in April, and I can't wait to use it! 

Urban Outfitters had a buy one, get one 50% off. So I bought this candle and the phone case below. The candle smells delicious - I've been lighting it almost every day since I bought it 2 weeks ago, so it's already almost finished. I want another one. I also just bought a new wallet from CDG as a gift to myself at the MOMA store. I love it, but was it worth $300? No. 

The phone case I bought at Urban Outfitters. The flowers are real! Keith dropped my phone and broke it already though (annoyed). He owes me a new phone case. 

Trying out a new shampoo and conditioner set, called 'Not Your Mothers' from the drug store. So far, so good! I really want to try Ouai's hairline next though but I can't decide if it's worth spending $28 dollars for that. Also, just want to say I LOVE DR.BRONNER'S body wash. Best body wash ever. 

I was in a fancy mood, and thought it was a good idea to buy a fancy fabulous cleanser. I meant for it to be my cleanser to use in the shower, but I'm finding that the packaging makes it difficult for it to be. Also, Keith sneakily tries to use it when he stays over, so I've now hidden it in my vanity. I probably won't purchase this again, but it's an amazing product. 

Bought this serum two months ago. OBSESSED. I feel like a dewy, glowing goddess when I wear it (at least in my head I do, I'm not so sure if it seems that way externally). 

Insomniac Playlist

For nights you can't sleep, here's a little playlist ... 


1. Honey by Marianne



2. Cover of Redbone



3. Da-P & theMIND - Ms.Communication feat.SUN



4. Young by Vallis Alps

JAPAN

Its been a little over a month since Keith and I took a trip to Japan for my 27th birthday. We went to Tokyo, Niigata, Osaka, and Kyoto. Japan is such a beautiful country with amazing food and tons of interesting sights to see. I stayed in a hostel for the first time - definitely my last! Although the hostels we stayed in were interesting and cute, I like having my privacy and luxury of a private bathroom. 

I have to go back - I want to see the cherry blossoms next time I go. 7 days was definitely not enough for all that we packed in. I want to spend more time in Kyoto - the food in Kyoto (especially this one Izakaya we came across) was to die for. 

We went camping in Niigata, where me and Keith had a traditional Japanese meal and ryo-kan experience. We also spent a night in a private outdoor onsen. As I type this, I'm feeling really major withdrawals, and miss Japan so much!

On my birthday Keith took me to see the Yayoi Kusama exhibit and Fish bank Tokyo. The food was so delicious, and felt like a 10 course meal. I wore the wrong sweater, and had lint shedding all over the place (embarrassing). When we got to Osaka, Keith got me a tattoo as my birthday gift. I was going back and forth on getting a tiny wave but last minute decided to get a infinity sign with simple flowers. 

Anyway I'm sad to be back home. Maybe one day I can be a nomad (with Keith).