Bright - Orange

October means orange. No?! To me it does.

Honestly, I am not a huge orange lover. The fruit or color. Yes, I don't like oranges. I have to admit when I end up eating a juicy and sweet orange I love it but the citrus acid sting...yeah, not my thing. However, the color is amazing. It's bright. It's fresh. It's just so October! Plus, hello....I love pumpkins. For decoration and carving purposes only!

shoes / KS handbag / handbag / triple row necklace / earrings / polka dotted jug / ceramic pumpkin

Oh yes, so getting this jug. So getting this...maybe even in orange, maybe in another color. I'm so excited October is here and I have finally an excuse to wear my orange nail polish again. I hope it's still okay. Haven't used it in months...well, one full year to be exact. It will still be fantastic on my nails. I can feel it.

Have an amazing day!
Feeling orange inspired as well?!

xoxo

Happy Birthday to me!

Today is my birthday. I don't feel my age at all even though friends remind me that my clock is ticking. I don't know if I have to be happy or sad about this. Really. Either way, today is my day and I will make it my very best day. Last year I moved on my birthday and it felt awful. Luckily, we celebrated beforehand as part of a graduation/moving/birthday celebration.

I believe in celebrating life and birthdays are part of that celebration.

So today, I am going out and I am celebrating. I may even sneak in a cupcake or just a slice of pie even though I am on a no-sugar month food challenge. I do not care. It is okay to slip once, and when it is one's birthday it should be mandatory to cheat for once. Today is my day and I will make it a wonderful one. Mom would have loved seeing me go out, enjoy some sweets, walk around and love life. I wish she's be walking next to me and in a way she is. I know she is.

Happy Birthday to me, and thank you mom for teaching me to love life and believing in me. I miss you. I'll be drinking a glass in your honor, because well, my birthday in a way is always a day to celebrate you.

xoxo

images via style me pretty and Jillian Harris 

Yeah, Maybe

Blogging opened up doors for so many of us. It helped us find new friends, jobs, explore our passion, write more, read more, heck even shop more. Blogging is not just a place for our daily whereabouts and ideas or issues, it's about so much more - it's a fantastic community.

As a supporter of this great community I would like to tell you about Joey. I don't remember when I started reading her blog. All I remember is that it made me smile, come back and read on. Plus, her love for nail polish fits perfectly with mine. So when I learned her e-book was out and on sale I agreed to share the news with my lovely readers; with you!

Joey's e-book - Yeah, Maybe - will be on sale starting tomorrow until the 28th of this month; it's only $1.99 and it's available on Amazon. I believe that's an awesome deal.

Here's the blurb for the book:

For quiet, reserved, and focused 15 year old Annie Mackey, school was a sanctuary. 

 But when her bubbly and beautiful neighborhood best friend joins her at Willow Point High for freshmen year, her world is turned upside down.

Everything Annie could count on for stability is shattered, 

and she's left feeling more alone than ever before.

Just when she's about to lose all hope, 

someone unexpected swoops in and gives her a much needed lesson in perspective.

The e-book is available on amazon: http://amzn.to/1DiZ2nV

I never blog on Sundays but for Joey I thought I would make an exception. That is what this blogger community is all about y'all. Thought I'd share the love and support for a fellow blogger.

Hope your weekend has been great, and I'll be reading you soon again.

xoxo

One Day in Napa

Napa Valley. 

What can I say? If you have been here you know it, if you haven't you might as well know it. Yet, in the end you still never fully know this place. I have been here a few times and every time it is a new experience. Napa Valley is special to me and my man. It is only an hour away from where we live, and makes us happy every time we visit. It brings back memories, reminds us of our special day, and also brings joy to our current life. As if this wine region can magically brighten our days; or maybe it can. I would say the different wines one can actually try and buy makes this place special; and the great restaurants and breathtaking views of course!

When we go to Napa besides the wine tasting {if we end up doing that, it varies} we always stop by Kara's Cupcakes and get a few yummy ones. Their gluten free cupcakes are to die for. I kid you not. I have tried so many and they were all okay, but Kara's? Yes, please! 

Cannot wait to go back soon. A trip to the wine country is always fun. Wish next time our friends can come visit and we can all go again. There's hope. Fingers crossed.

Have a fantastic day.

xoxo

Time to be Christmas Creative

Christmas has always been a big deal in my family. I grew up in a culturally mixed family though. I grew up learning what it meant to be Catholic, Muslim, and even Jewish. Yes, believe it or not. It is not something we would talk about but something we just knew and accepted. My grandfather didn't fully know what to believe in, so he made sure we all grew up open-minded, tolerant, and not tight to just one thing. You can call me or my family crazy. Today, I love the holiday season. I love it mainly because to me it means to get together with family and celebrate life. It is not about what was once written down, said, believed, celebrated and what not. This is all good, it is not me. To me, the holiday time {especially during the winter months} is a time for families. 

Also, it is time to be creative and enjoy seasonal traditions.

Christmas cookies have always been my favorite. Swiss Christmas cookies are definitely my favorites. Unfortunately I will not go home this holiday and I will miss out on all those yummy sugar treats. My gut will love me for that because they are all made out of regular wheat flour and that will hurt my tummy big time. Yet, a girl can dream. Right? 

Cookies aren't everything though. The sheer happiness I feel when I put together holiday decoration is something I cannot describe. Going out and looking for the right colors, shapes, and lights makes me warm and fuzzy. Wish we had more space to put stuff up this year. However, we both agreed on enjoying what we can put up even if it less and once we have more space we will go out and crazy with decorations. Here's a few ideas I came across or actually always wanted to do.   

 

Gifts should be wrapped. This year I want it all simple yet colorful and with a touch of gold. I'm a little obsessed with gold lately. Not sure what hit me but it could be that the super girlie in me appeared and decided to stay. I am not complaining. So, simple, unique, colorful wrapping will be done this holiday season...what do you think?

I am planning on being creative for Christmas. Are you getting ready for this holiday season?

What are you planning on doing differently? Me? Just the wrapping. Also, I had to put together a Christmas wish list for the first time ever. I had never done that before. I felt I was demanding, haha. Let's see what I get this year. But I better be getting my shopping done soon. I cannot come up with gifts, even when there is a list in front of me. It just feels weird. 

xoxo

images via 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |

Confetti Nails

I while ago I really wanted Confetti Nails.

I was too lazy to do them. I have no patience when it comes to nail. Yet, I want them done correctly. No smudged edges and all. As we all know that is hardly possible. Ever. So I got my Confetti Nails as well as smudged edges and color all over my right thumb. Just what I wanted.

I got this idea from But First, Coffee.

Her directions were simple. All you need is a white base, and colors and a toothpick/bobby pin/paperclip and a topcoat. It's easy, and it doesn't have to be perfect. That is the most fun. Imperfection is key here. Confettis aren't perfect either. They are scattered around, in all colors and sizes.

I think I kind of succeeded. 

I learned that all you need to have fun with this nail art done easy is patience, and lots of nail colors. Fortunately for me I have enough. So I created my own confetti nails. For my first attempt I think I did well. No?

It is fall, so I decided to go for warmer and darker colors with a hint of light pink. After all we are still having temps in the 80s, and lower 90s, so I cannot think of fall as much as I would like to. So, if you are in the mood to change your nail polish and have some fun with it...go for Confetti nails. It's fun, and so easy.

xoxo

Raspberry Monday

It has been a tough weekend. Not only did my favorite person get sick {who knows why; I blame the stress}, he was also called in to work on Sunday and got himself a sick fiancee. Yes, I am sick. Come on!! Give him a break. However, lucky him, this whole week he got off. He can and will enjoy his last few days before big changes in his life start to happen. School for him starts back in a week. Back to school or as I call it back to life and reality will begin sooner than later.

The plans we had for Sunday we decided to fulfill today, depending on how I feel and how the situation is. There was a major earthquake in the Napa Valley area yesterday morning, so before we head on out to breathe some fresh air {needed for me as I am slightly feeling better and yes, can even blog} we have to call in and see how things look. Either way, it is Monday, it is a new day, and a new week, so what is better than doing a fun trip to the wine country, or another region depending on the situation? Sleeping in until 2pm maybe but no one does this anymore. Life is too short to waste it in bed; you got to go out and explore.

Happy Monday everyone.
Whatever you are doing I hope it is marvelous {even when you go to work or go to school}, and whatever you wish you could be doing instead I am sure is also wonderful.

xoxo

I got my First Fix!

 

Have you heard of Stitch Fix? 

I did not until a few weeks ago. I couldn't sleep one night and browsed around on my phone {yes, I know, not at all good for my precious eyes} and stumbled upon Stitch Fix. I don't remember how I found this but I did. I desperately needed to update my wardrobe, so I was interested from the beginning. 

Stitch Fix, basically, is your personal stylist. It is easy, accessible, affordable, and it is also delivered to your doorstep. It is a different shopping experience that is personalized just for you. All I had to do for my first fix was to fill out their Style Profile, and then let their stylists handpick a selection of five clothing items or/and accessories for me that they think would fit my budget, lifestyle and taste. Once delivered I had time to try the items on, mix and match with my own clothes and whatever I didn't like send back within three days. A prepaid envelope is included {awesome!}. I would only pay for what I choose to keep. If I keep all five items, I pay for all five items {and as a thank you get 25% off}. Best part, I can schedule fixes if I feel like "shopping" on a regular basis. Since my budget won't allow this luxury at the moment {I haven't gone shopping in months!!!} I don't do this {yet} - but I had to give Stitch Fix a try and see how it fits my lifestyle. 

Here's what I received:

1) Daniel Rainn - Lara Lace Detail Silk Blouse
2) Kut From The Kloth - Keslie Braided Detail Belted Maxi Dress
3) Bay to Baubles - Marcia Faceted Stone Teardrop Bib
4) Sweet Rain - Azalea Heathered Open Cardigan
5) Pink Martini - Joshua Colored Ankle Jean

While I loved the vibrant summer colors, and the new approach to silk {I don't own a single silk blouse}, I had to send all clothing items back and only kept the bubble necklace. All of my clothes came in small, which normally would be fine but not this time. The dress was way too big {no idea how that happened}, the pants I could not close {I have big hips; after all I have a Turkish figure}, the silk blouse was phenomenal but so see through I just felt like I wasn't wearing a thing, and the cardigan fit perfectly except on my arms. It would not stretch; it would probably rip before it stretched. The necklace...oh the necklace. First big necklace I got, and it feels glamorous. Kept it because it looked and felt good. Once I had sent all unwanted items back I had to give Stitch Fix my feedback on each item. Feedback is necessary because if you choose to use their service again, you want your stylist to improve. Honest feedback is the best way to let your stylist know why you chose not to keep the item{s}.

The lovely necklace...I wasn't sure about the gold-pearl lookalike but it looks awesome on. :) 

Excuse the flash light...it is dark at home due to me having closed off all blinds so the heat won't come in as fast.

Just because my stylist {which I think did a fantastic job} couldn't fully satisfy my size {not my style, I loved every single piece} doesn't mean I will give up on this service. I love the idea of having a stylist help me find new items to add to my wardrobe. I will try it again in the fall, and I know my stylist will succeed. 

You may wonder why I don't just go out and shop on my own, and try it all on in the store. One thing is this: I don't have a car, so always borrowing my favorite person's car just to go shopping isn't my thing. Also, I am kind of tired of the stores available at the mall. You see, since I left Los Angeles/Orange County it is not easy to find a decent, nice-looking store to buy from. I get tired easily by seeing the same stores over and over again. I love J.Crew, Anthropologie, The Gap {yes, even that place}, Nordstrom, and what not...but in the end it is not exactly appealing to me when I only have those options. So, getting new brand or designer names added to my already existing wardrobe spices things up for me, and who knows, I might even fall in love with a new brand and spread the word. 

xoxo

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own. I was NOT asked to write for Stitch Fix and was not gifted anything.

I Left My Heart in San Francisco ~ Again

Last week, on our day off, we decided to drive to San Francisco for a day. We ended up staying two days and stayed overnight with family. The main reason we wanted to do this was our rental car. Over 4th of July a lady literally drove backwards into our car {while we were already out and turning to leave the parking lot - she did not pay attention whatsoever and it was too late for us to react fast enough}, so we had to have our lovely car repaired. No dramatic damage but the total cost came up to $700; it's not just nothing. Anyways, so while our car was undergoing surgery we got a rental - a lovely brand stinking new Toyota Prius. Awesome mileage, and a brand new car...that just goes with San Francisco. No?

Since my favorite person had never been to SF before {a total shocker to me, since this is my absolutely favorite city in the US} I was more than just happy to visit the city with him. After all, I used to live there years ago and I just miss the big city feel. I am a big city girl there is no denying that - so naturally this trip made my month! I took my man for a loooooooong walk around the city. We parked the car, and then walked. I kept asking if he was okay and would love to take public transportation {he's not so much into PT but I will teach/show him over time that the one in SF is brilliant} - he always said he was okay. I could tell he wasn't used to walking up and down hills but kept going. Once we got back to our car we drove around to where we needed to go, so that gave our legs, feet, and hips a break. :)

While walking I tried to snap away a few photos here and there. I hate looking and acting like a tourist in any city. Granted I am not a tourist in this city but stopping and taking photos in the middle of a street automatically makes you look like one. 

We had a fabulous breakfast at Just For You Cafe. They even have wheat free pancakes available {yet, wheat free is not fully gluten free} but I stayed away and ordered eggs, bacon, potatoes, and two slices of gluten free bread. Needless to say I was in heaven!!!

 

Gluten free bakery and all kinds of goods? Yes, please!!!!

We also quickly stopped by Berkeley for lunch and then headed home. Unfortunately, we also had to return our lovely rental car that same day. Ten minutes after we arrived back home and stretched our legs we got a call saying the car woke up from surgery and was ready to be picked up. Boo. We were sad, but also happy to get a familiar car back. Rentals are great, and when insurance pays for it it's even better. Yet, the familiarity of your car will never be there.

 

This is my little gossip of today. Linking up with Leeann for Monday Morning Gossip. I had a blast in San Francisco. I finally felt like myself again. I am rejuvenated. Even though we walked a ton {literally, my legs were sore I have to admit that much} our little trip felt like heaven. We needed a break from hot and to us, boring, Sacramento. We needed cooler air, the ocean, and some things to explore. We got all that and I believe even my favorite person liked it. I might have scarred him though with all the walking, but it was a fabulous getaway. So glad we could stay with family as well - saved us a ton of money, and nerves! 

Happy Monday everyone!

Satisfied

Gosh, I love and miss my hometown.
Luzern will always be in my heart.
I think I took this photo last summer after my friend A and I had a fabulous dinner along this river. :)
Cannot believe it's been almost a year that I was home. Plus, I won't be going home this summer - not even to my beloved Istanbul/Turkey. My heart aches I have to admit that. I can only imagine how my mom feels. Yet, life took a different turn and it's been great so far, so I'm just going with the flow. :) 

Anyways, a while back I came across an article stating the most sexually satisfied countries in the world. There's countries in there that you wouldn't even think of. The U.S. is not among them. This needs to change. Yet, this is not my place and time to change it for this country. Haha. YET, guess which country was number 1!!!????

Switzerland.

Hmmmm, I was a little confused for a second or two. Really? Switzerland? So stubborn, so not flexible and so small Switzerland? But yes it is true. I have to say I'm proud to be Swiss - haha, even with this new fact of being the number one sexually satisfied country in the world. Who would have thought?!

And why exactly Switzerland? Well, with progressive views on sex work, licensed brothels, a liberal stance on porn, sex ed beginning as early as Kindergarten (so true my readers, so true!), and — on top of all that — one of the lowest teen birth rates in the world, Switzerland is both hot and safe. There’s no better combination than that.

We do it the Swiss style apparently!! 

Japan I believe is still number one with the lowest teen birth rates, and the second and third countries that are also pretty satisfied are Spain and Italy.  YAY. 

****

If you were wondering were I got all my info from...then google it. :) It was in the news, on the unicef website, on blogs, on facebook, and I even recall newspaper articles...WOW. Too many to credit for.  Sorry.

I Want Them All! - Monday Morning Gossip

My weekend was relaxing.
I spent it with one of my besties and on Saturday went to the Pet Expo in Costa Mesa.

We did that last year, too.

There's so many birds, dogs, cats, donkeys, reptiles, fish,...you name it.

We loved and pretty much stayed in the dog-cat area just because 

we don't want a yellow snake or a spider as a pet (no offense to those that do).

Once in the adoption area we just wanted to adopt all cats and all doggies.

We wanted them all!
We didn't though. 

Yet, I saw a few people adopting on the spot and it was the cutest thing ever.

Sunday...I spent with my favorite person.

He surprised me by picking me up early.
He took me to his hometown of San Clemente.

There we went into the gluten free store they are having.

Having been gluten free for now over a year doesn't mean I know it all.

I know where I get my GF cereal for cheap, which bread I enjoy most, and 

where I get my GF sauces, dressings, cookies, and what not.
Yet, every day I learn something new.
I find something new I didn't know existed in the GF department, 

or I just find something I think I need.

I wanted it all.

I just got a cake mix, pretzels, and HUGE tortillas to make quesadillas (did I even spell that right?).

It was worth the money. :)

How was your weekend?
Relaxing like mine?

xoxo

Linking up with Monday Morning Gossip over at Leeaan's

Travel in Groups

Happy Monday everyone!!

Hope your Easter was fantastic (if you celebrated).

 I supported friends in Hollywood and had a blast - plus the weather was great as well. :)

What I'm sharing with you this morning is the following video.
I'm sure you've seen this before;
 and if not,  you 're welcome.
I fell in love with this the second I saw it. 

Thought it was a good way to start any day.
Here's my contribution for today so please have fun with it.

*linking up with Monday Morning Gossip with Leeann and Kimberlee

I'm sitting on a couch and I'm laughing...

Do you know The People's Couch?!

It's a show showing you people sitting on their couches (or beds) and watching current shows like The Bachelor, Flipping Out, NCIS, The Good Wife, The Walking Dead...you name it. I knew this show existed but forgot about it until I was suddenly reminded of the show by my former speech professor. Rachel is an amazing woman and so inspirational - almost unbelievable. So, when I saw on Facebook that she, her sisters and her dad were participating I had to watch the show. The fun just triples up when you know people.

Guys...it's been hilarious.
The People's Couch is not another reality TV show - it's a show with regular people, just like you and I, watching TV on a Monday or Wednesday night and reacting and commenting to scenes. You know you do react when someone dies, or something weird happens. Everyone does. I wish I had a camera showing my reaction when I watched an episode of House of Cards the other day. Anyways, my point is, this show isn't just ahhhh, let's wait until something happens... That something is never going to happen. It's just watching people watching shows. As simple as that. Sounds lame, yes, but trust me, it's funny!!!!!!

So much fun.

When in need of another show but a completely different one...then watch The People's Couch on Bravo! Let me know what you think! xoxo

Mark Your Calendars - Veronica Mars Is Back!!

I don't what you did years ago but when I was off from school I watched TV - specifically I watched  Veronica Mars. You don't know what or who that is?! This is either a sign that I am old or you are missing out. Or both. 

Either way, this TV show was awesome and so entertaining. No wonder I was beyond sad when it ended. BUT, when I read that they were planning on making a film...I died!! In fact I'm dead. Kidding. I'm so stoked it's not even funny anymore. I think I just turned 19 again. Veronica was my heroine. Literally. Not to mention Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring, and Ryan Hansen all united - again. Perfect. So, mark your calendars...March 14 it is!

Make Sure Your Mouth Smells Exactly Like Your Butt

One more week guys and everything will be over. I cannot even put in words how happy (and also sad - more on that next week) this just makes me. In the meantime I am busy busy busy. I do need breaks though....and my favorite thing to do then is to watch youtube videos. Don't judge. It's what it is. :)

Today, like on many other days...it is the Sad Dog Diary.

If you've seen it and love it as much as I do...you know what I'm talking about.
If you haven't seen it please do. It's beyond adorable, funny and just distracting.
A distraction is needed.




xoxo

Happy Thanksgiving Week!!

Hey everyone,

This week is going to be super short. Not only do I only have classes today and then I'm off (darn if I had known that before!) I can finally relax a little more when it comes to this semester. However, there's still a massive amount of work for me to be done and a lot to be considered regarding my future. When life gives you lemons....you know what I mean.

But for today...and heck for the rest of this week, month, year, and why not life...I'm leaving you with the following video. This totally made my Monday Morning. It made up for a crappy weekend, and it made me smile and feel better.

Here you go...have fun!!

Linking up with the fabulous Leeann over at Join The Gossip. I cannot miss her weekly linkup Monday Morning Gossip - it's too much fun! And my gossip of today is literally....listen to this kid, high five a stranger, and say please and thank you more often!!!

Happy Monday.

Venice

This weekend I went to Venice Beach. My friend M and I felt like we needed to be tourists again and go to Venice. It had been years for the both of us so it was fun to walk around and see all the crazies. In a good way though. I like Venice. It's rawness is enriching so to speak. Plus, getting away from the damn bubble we live in is always a must. :) 

 I am an art lover...not sure what to think of this...but hey, it's colorful and it fit perfectly with Venice.

An obligatory beach picture was needed...including palm trees of course. Blog failure on my side basically occurred because I forgot to be in the picture. But we were smart enough to take a selfie of us... :) 

We are aware of the fact that we were matching...our sunburns later on were matching too. :( HAHAHA.

Have a fabulous day everyone.

xoxo