Quote of the Day - My Monday Morning Gossip #11

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“We’re all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness—and call it love—true love.”  
Robert Fulghum, True Love

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I'm linking up with Leeann and her weekly Monday Morning Gossip. My gossip for today or this week is that well, love is around. Maybe even for me. However, I don't know what I should think about it and how. It doesn't scare me but surprised me - there's so much more to this it doesn't make it easy. And yet it should be. Just like the quote above. I am confused...but that's part of it all, no?!

Have a brilliant day and week.
October is almost here! WOW.

xoxo

Happy Weekend...finally!

Happy Weekend everyone!

Any fun things planned?
As for me...I may go to Venice Beach with one of my bestie's and then enjoy a girls' weekend just with lots of laughter and fun. Plus, hello? Two movies came out this weekend that we both want to see...so we may want to squeeze in some Don Jon (hello, JGL!!!) and some Cloudy, with a Change of Meatballs 2. ;) 

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No matter how old you are the inner child always comes out. Plus, this film is about food....yes please!

Have a great weekend....enjoy it to the fullest!!! It's the last before October starts. WOW.

xoxo

Thirsty Thursday

It has been a long week.
My bestie's birthday was Monday, my cousin's yesterday.
New TV shows started, and I had a major exam too which I totally passed with flying colors. 

Also, my roommates all left for the East Coast and we were pretty busy dealing with packing, organizing, dropping off and all that jazz. I'm dog sitting so to speak and I'm loving it. 

I have been MIA big time...but to be honest there's not a lot I could have shared...maybe a few "how to" posts on stress, school, flying cross country, or what not. Though I am not sure if it would have been any good. Not much else really is happening here...fall is approaching and I'm getting excited. However, if you know SoCal weather...fall is happening in December or maybe January...not in September or October...but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it'll cool down soon.

So....with that being said....

Happy last days of September...and happy early Spring!!!!!!

xoxo

P.s. and yes I'm currently drinking wine...otherwise my title wouldn't work as much. ;)

I'm a Girl...

I have been MIA for a while.
Cannot believe I only wrote one post this week, well, two adding this one today.
It has been a very hectic week and I am more than just happy to announce that I loved it too.
I am beyond drained and the week isn't even over yet.

I am on schedule though, so I'm not totally freaking out. 

Looking at the above photo I have to say YES, I am a girl and not a toy.
I posted this because a lot has happened this week or even last week that made me think this way.
I am girl, or a woman (technically I am not 22 anymore, or 25 or 27).

I don't think I should be seen as a female that just cleans after people, and takes over the household. Don't get me wrong. I don't mind doing it but I hate doing it when it's expected. I don't want to come home and see a messy kitchen or hear the words "what's for dinner" when I come home after a 12-hour day drained, exhausted and ready to sleep. Neither does my roommate. I am not a toy. I am not a servant. I am not a mother cleaning up after you. I am also not a barbie doll you can toss around or play with. I am me. Busy. Working. Studying. Learning. Living life. Trying to enjoy life. 

I contribute as much as I can. So I expect you to do the same. It's a give and take. It's a friendship, it's a relationship, it's a community. There is just so much we can do, but it needs to be acknowledged. 

We had lots of discussions this week in class and outside of class and it always astonishes me how much our society pushes us to do the right (or wrong thing). Our main discussion was the female and her role in society. Today, back a hundred years ago and who knows when. Today, we are more open-minded or so we think. Though, do we still think the woman does the household only? Do we really think the woman has to cook, clean, organize, grocery shop, and what not? Do we still think it is wrong to date younger men versus older men? Or why is it okay for men to date younger (sometimes much much younger women) but it is not okay for women to do the same thing? Who says it's wrong? Why? When did that even come up? 

So, as for me. I am a girl and not a toy. 

I don't care what people say or think. 

I do what I think fulfills me, makes me happy, makes me feel whole.
If that is not cleaning up after people, or baking for twelve people, or just sleeping in then so be it.
If that involves dating a younger man or an older man, or not cooking, or just sitting in front of the TV waiting for delivery to show up then so be it.

I am me.
Don't treat me as a toy or a tool.
I'm a girl who just deserves some respect and acknowledgment. 

xoxo

P.s. My vent for today is over! Wishing you a great weekend. I miss you all.

Danish Wine Tasting

Happy Monday everyone!

It has been a while I know and I feel bad. The past few days have been enormously long, filled with all kinds of events, homework, and fun. I'm still exhausted. I even dare to say on here that I went to bed by 9.30 last night and slept through till 7.30. I'm still yawning and cannot wait to go back to bed to get some sleep. It's needed. 

If the above photo doesn't look familiar...don't worry. It's form Solvang, CA, about 40 minutes from Santa Barbara (give or take). My friend had her Bachelorette Weekend there and well, yes, it was fun. I was dreading the weekend...six girls in one room that are all so very different from one another and already showed signs of huge disagreements weeks before the big event...I wasn't feeling it. However, it turned out better than imagined and I imagined the worse. So it was good. 

The wine of course...what can I say?! I'm biased...so glad I'm not allergic to it.

I blog-failed and didn't take as many photos as I should. Then again you would have seen me or my friends with wine glasses in our hands...I mean, just imagine it. ;)

As cute as Solvang can be it is also quite boring at night. However, there was this fun place we discovered and literally spent the entire night at...so from 8 till 1-ish. It was quite the place to be. The bride-to-be had a blast, got a little more than just tipsy and needed a huge hangover breakfast the next day. Fun thing...whoever we saw that night in that bar we also saw at the breakfast place. It was like "hold on, didn't we dance together yesterday? Or saw you shake something wildly last night?!" - needless to say we all had our sunglasses on and pretty much kept them on all morning long. :) I spare you with detailed photos and info's. ;)

Loved my free shots...that was about all I drank, besides the wine of course!

I'm still so exhausted...because well, driving from Orange County to Solvang isn't just around the corner...and it didn't matter that we stayed a night...the drive itself is just so darn long. However, again, I think we all enjoyed out time and that's what counts. The bride-to-be is still embarrassed from all our stories because apparently someone cannot remember everything that had happened. Score! ;)

Have a fantastic start into this week.
It will a busy but a good one. :)

xoxo

P.s. Linking up with Leeann over at Join The Gossip and her weekly Monday Morning Gossip where any topic goes!!! Thanks Leeann for having such a fun linkup!

 

My Christmas Wishlist

Yes, I know, Christmas is three months away. However, I love Christmas. I cannot wait to decorate again, bake gluten free cookies, hear the songs, and wrap presents. Well, unwrap presents is more like it. ;) Then again I know, that's not what this holiday is all about. Let's be honest here, most of us have long lost the main and major reason behind this wonderful family fest. So I am not ashamed to talk about my holiday wish list. ;) Plus I never fully had a wish list...and now I do...so why not have fun with it?!

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What's on my wish list, you ask?!

Well...there's an iPad mini (yes I know nothing special!), a few gift certificates for my favorite stores, a Kate Spade bag, a MK bag, some more KS stuff (I love her), a nice pair of boots, new pair of earrings, a ticket to Hawaii (ha!), a ticket to Chicago (more manageable), a car (hahahaha!), snow, no drama, and a healthier and happier me. 

I think that's not too much to ask, right?
And the last few wishes are pretty much possible, too.

How about you?
Are you secretly making wish lists as well?
I may just add a few things to mine... ;) 

xoxo

******************

Today we remembered the unthinkable that happened 12 years ago. We shall never forget!!! 

Keep Calm....

I am doing it again. Applying.
Didn't I just do that? Apparently I am in need of more expertise in this field.

I'm college hopping so to speak...then again, I have a feeling it will be good. Better than just good. I am finally doing what I always wanted to do and that is what counts. People have been telling me I am nuts to go back to school and to actually go for another degree but hey, it's either that or I'm all sad at home wallowing in self pity because no one wants to hire me. Then again, that was in Europe...here's that's a different story. I am full of positivity.

This month will be busy.
VERY busy.
Not only am I applying to another college (someone please tell me I am doing the right thing!!), but I am also celebrating one of my friend's wedding month. Plus, there's apartment hunting this month and next included. Also, two of my oldest Swiss friends are in the country (yes, not in town but in the country and even state traveling). I am still in need of a car (darn it! - but I've been saving bank not having one), and life just takes funny turns at times. When you least expect something to happen it actually happens. Life is a funny thing.

I am already busy like a tiny little bee.

And if you were wondering what I have been up to?
Well, school, duh? Some issues with my gluten diet! And constant quick trips to Santa Barbara and surroundings....can I add a few more hours a day please?! That would help tremendously.

What have you been up to?
Do I need to get updated on anything special and important?
If so, do it NOW.

Miss you all.

xoxo

Fall Collection 2013 by eShakti

Hey everyone.

Remember my spring/summer post for eShakti? I can't believe it's been almost four months. Time sure flies. We are in September now and cooler temperatures are on the horizon. So, with that it is logical to either bring out our attire from last year's season or look for something new and fun for this year. I usually add a few new pieces to my already existing wardrobe like a scarf, or a new pair of pants or flats or a dress. Combining old and new makes those cooler days just more fabulous. Well, right this second it actually feels like we are right in the middle of summer but there's always room for imagination and new clothes, right? 

So, eShakti has their new fall collection out. If you are not familiar with eShakti, well, they are known for their retro-modern brand and the fact that you can customize your own dress size and style once you find something online that you love. If you don't want those sleeves, get rid of them or change something else.

Make it fit for you, and only you!

Best part right now while you are browsing for new items...eShakti's fall line has been launched with a 20% OFF - introductory offer! So what are you waiting for?!

I love their style, and I love that I can actually wear a dress that fits my tiny but feminine body. :) 
Go check them out. 

People

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God knows what is hiding in those weak and drunken hearts
Guess he kissed the girls and made them cry
Those Hard-faced Queens of misadventure

God knows what is hiding in those weak and sunken lives
Fiery thrones of muted angels
Giving love but getting nothing back

God knows what is hiding in this world of little consequence
Behind the tears, inside the lies
A thousand slowly dying sunsets

God knows what is hiding in those weak and drunken hearts
Guess the loneliness came knocking
No one needs to be alone.

Lyrics of "People Help The People" by Birdy

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It's one of those weeks again. I blame it on the heat.
Even though it was a short one I was beyond bored. You could not imagine how bored.
Well...let's hope this weekend is a little more exciting...just a tad bid.

Have a good one.

xoxo

P.s. don't be fooled by the lyrics...I may be sad and lonely (haha) but these actually kinda give me hope...and it's so fitting with fall approaching.

Positivity on my day off

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Have a brilliant day.
Thought I'd share something fun today.

I have another day off today, spending it peacefully with my favorite person.

Since it is another day that is just hot...a coffee frapp will cool me down, too.

How do you keep cool?
Drinks?
Food?
Sleep?
Pool?
Or simply just those expensive AC's?!

Any suggestions besides the aforementioned remedies?

Gluten rant on Labor Day 2013

This weekend was tough.

I wanted to enjoy a long, fun weekend with friend but I ended up sick.
I must have eaten something incredibly wrong a.k.a gluten that simply made me suffer.

I was very careful but apparently not careful enough.
So, while I was in pain and in constant fear I'd either throw up or faint in front of my friends I tried to enjoy life and not ruin it for anyone. I was a good sport until we got home.

Without going into too much detail here (because you really don't want to know details) I have to say I was happy I found pills that may actually help. However, like all kinds of pills...they never work right away so I can't say for sure that they help.

Needless to say, I woke up Sunday to an empty stomach. I was starving.
Glad someone promised to make French Toast.

I was prepared and had my GF bread ready.
And then I get laughed at.
Now, was the whole situation laughed at that I provided my own bread or was the fact that I had one of the worst days of the week the fun factor? I was hurt. 

I mean, I understand if you don't get the fact that something in the food may cause you pain.
I understand that you can eat everything and I cannot.
I get it that you can order fried this and fried that at a sports bar and rub it in like it's no big deal because, yes, it's not to you.
I also understand that it is hard to adjust.
I am still adjusting. And it is isn't easy.
I know all that.

But for crying out loud, don't laugh at me, my bread, and my whole situation.

I didn't choose to be allergic, nor did I choose to feel sick if I happen to eat something bad.
I had eaten something bad before and I only got cramps so this was new to me.
But, like everything else, I need to adjust and I had an awesome friend help me get my bread from Trader Joe's so I could actually enjoy sandwiches and homemade French Toast.

And then I get laughed at.
Maybe whoever laughed me didn't mean it that way.
But heck, it hurt.
I was about to cry.
I think I even did. 

Glad I'm not allergic to wine.
That would be the end of it all.

So, yeah, I know, I should be used to it...and maybe yes, I am.
I shouldn't though...right?

xoxo

Switzerland Update

It's loooooooong overdue. Ridiculous of me to totally forget about it all. I'm appalled. Well, then again, I was busy traveling, re-adjusting, organizing, and realizing that I am indeed not in Europe anymore. So, here I am photo updating you on my lovely trip east so to speak. At this point right now, I don't know if I see my folks again next year. It all depends on my school (yes, almost done!), and opportunities in life. Life does happen wherever you are, so I take it day by day. So here's a little recap - in no particular order ;)

I spent most of my time eating foods I missed. However, I also had the hardest time readjusting my guts and telling my mind that whatever I miss eating I simply can't eat anymore. I substituted most of the time, and learned to love new foods, new ways to build food memories that remind me of home.

I wish I lived in this house. Not sure why they had a stage up front but really, all I care about is to live in that house. :) 

Anyone want some sweets?! Most of them are gluten free in case you were wondering.

Not much more happened when I went over there...I ate, I drank, I slept in, I survived another European heat wave, I also survived summer rain, and I survived not having GF food or menus available. It was a good trip. It was a long trip but it was worth seeing my mom again...and a few close friends and family. However, I'm glad to be back in California. It's home after all.

Happy September 1st everyone!!!! Cannot believe that a month ago I was still in Europe! WOW.

xoxo