hello 2014.

Cheers to you and a fabulous New Year ahead of us! I can't believe time has flown by so quickly and that it really is 2-0-1-4. 

With family, great friends and my main squeeze - I'm looking forward to another year of adventure, accomplishments and unforgettable moments. 

This year, I'm focusing on three things:

being present :: Making time for friends and family and being present in the moment (not on my phone, Twitter, Instagram or etc.) - taking the convo offline  - maybe even some snail mail here and there. More weekend brunches and frequent coffee dates so that "catching up" isn't a recap of the past month but rather what happened during the week.

simple moments :: Whether it's a hot mug of tea in bed on a weekend or smelling flowers at the farmers' market, I want to do more of it... None of this commercialized, high-tech stuff... more days of sketchpads, pencils, visiting friends in-person and quiet, reading time. iPads, cell phones and TV is unneeded - just a warm blanket, smiles and puddle jumping. My life has been just absolutely consumed by technology, and I've forgotten how fun it is to just stroll around the neighborhood for an adventure - the wonderful smell of an old book - and what it's like to really unplug. No need for formality either... just come on over in your loungewear, I'll put the kettle on and we'll have ourselves a casual tea party with homemade gluten free scones.

love :: Love itself, and love for others. I'm not just speaking of the romantic, mushy cupid and head-over-heels love... it's the appreciation for those around me, God, my job and the world outside my bubble. It's the love for everything I have and not to take anything for granted. It's being passionate and excited - a thirst for more... and whether that's in a new hobby (crossfit), my faith or a good book - it's great feeling to love and be loved. 

With these three things, I hope for a fruitful and rewarding New Year and many more to come. It's always this time of the year that reflection, goal-setting and excitement fills the air for me.. and with that, I'm more than determined and motivated to make the year even better than the next. I'm so thankful for all of the amazing moments I had this past year, and with these three focuses for the new year, I know that it will be even better!

Ringing in the New Year with my Main Squeeze! We wish you the best in 2014.

What's keeping you grounded this New Year? 

xoxo

resolutions.

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As we rang in the New Year and embraced 2013 with open arms, high expectations and the clinking of champagne glasses - we began to focus on those little promises we had made to ourselves. our resolutions.

Some people make resolutions they don't intend to keep - because sometimes after about day four... they lead astray from their list of to-dos. Unlike last year, I'm not letting myself get distracted in 2013... or at least I'll try.

This year, I hope to focus on crossing off the baby steps towards reaching bigger goals and plans. They say that writing goals down helps you stay motivated. A friend recently told me that sharing your goals with others helps you stay on track - because now you've made them public, and the fear of disappointing others or losing face is a pressure that can, at times, be more powerful than the fear of disappointing yourself. So here I am... sharing with you my goals. shit just got real.

step one: take the GRE. That's right folks... the recent graduate is planning on hitting the books again. As I begin preparing for the big test, come April, I'm relearning the importance of time management, focus and patience. Balancing work, life, grad school and the other variables is going to be quite the task. BUT I'm up for the challenge.

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step two: run a 5K (the color run). As my main squeeze begins his paleo-diet and marathon training, I'm thinking it's about time I hit the 'ole treadmill again and get my butt into gear. A simple 5K can't be that bad... I mean... the girl's gotta prepare for that SeaWheeze - a half marathon sponsored by Lululemon. IDK if I can really train in time for that... but you never know... patience and determination may help this sistah-friend work even harder.

step three: explore. My main squeeze and I got to talking and realized that although we lived in the beautiful emerald city for so long (about 5ish years now), I still have yet to venture through all the neighborhoods. As much as I love the iconic Pikes Place and all the pretty lights in downtown... I'm thinking of finally crossing borders and paying the other hipsta places a try. Aside from the UDistrict, which I'm well familiar with during my college years, we'll be trying out eats and drinks in Ballard, Fremont, Wallingford, the East side (Bellevue) and possibly even a little day trip to Bainbridge Island (ferry trip!) or a little wine country in Woodinville. With this step, I hope to feed my innate cravings for adventure.

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So those are steps one through three... we'll start with them and see how that goes. Check-in mid year, perhaps to document progress? I think, YES. Hopefully, I'll have more to cross off than write down!

What are your big goals in 2013? 

What steps are you taking towards reaching them?

cheers.

As the countdown to 2013 draws near, I'm beginning to reflect on the many happenings of this past year. 2012 was a whirlwind.... a whirlwind of many wins. I accepted my first post-grad job offer, just after a mere three weeks of interning. Wound up on the Executive Board of my sorority's local alumnae chapter. Made new friends and enjoyed countless nights out on the town. Spent cinco de mayo day drinking at Poquitos with my closest friends and grubbed on delicious ceviche at my favorite tequila bar, Barrio. Celebrated my 22nd Birthday with pink mini-cupcakes and gerbera daisies - courtesy of my sweet, wonderful team. Walked hand in hand with my best friend, Robert (@JustRobs) and my sorority sisters on Commencement Day across a big' ole stage and grabbed my diploma  - evidence of four years earned of hard work. And when summer came around, I wished my bestie a bittersweet farewell as he embarked on a new journey to NYC. As the days of sunshine, long runs in the park and endless happy hours passed - I discovered a new person in my life - my main squeeze. After many awkward dates later - I'm happy to say that summer ended on a good note. Embraced fall with open arms - including a trip to the pumpkin patch and the beautiful, picturesque Leavenworth. Met up with a fellow fashion blogger - Linnie at Large! Then, even went shooting for the first time... and may have enjoyed it. Kicked off the holidays with my favorite macarones, cupcakes and a surprise visit to the Nutcracker. Last but not least, enjoyed Christmas with Mama Nguyen and the family... and now we're back to where we started.. well sort of, right? Counting down the days and soon to be seconds until another year... another year of firsts, adventures, new friends and wins. 

Reveling in the many accomplishments and exciting new "firsts" that have happened in my life this past year, I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for 2013. I sense big things coming up. The Accessory's getting a new makeover for starters, and I may save up for some fun traveling this summer... who knows... maybe I'll pay NYC a little visit.

Cheers to you my friends. I hoped you had a wonderful year, and I look forward to celebrating 2013 with you!