Mini Rant.

   Recently, I have gone through a pretty rough situation. The rough situation I speak of is a break-up. Normally, I wouldn't post about something so personal but I feel like I need to let out my thoughts. I feel like I have bottled up my thoughts and feelings too long because I've been afraid to step on someone's toes. I'm not writing to hurt someone, but to simply let you in on my thought process. Through this situation, I have learned a few things including standards/expectations, myself, good/bad friends, and real/fake church people.
  Let's start off with standards and expectations. Throughout every breakup I've had I have learned what I want in someone and what I don't. I also learned that I cannot make exceptions and settle for less. I need to stand by what I believe in and what I want. If you just settle, you will soon become miserable because you will spend more time resenting the person because they don't meet your standards. Always stay true to your standards and expectations. Back when I was younger, my friends and I would make lists of things we wanted in a future significant other. Though it may seem silly but actually,  I have found that physically writing down the qualities I want in someone to be incredibly helpful. It's almost like a check-list to see if you are "dateable".
   Secondly, I've learned about myself through this situation. Back in high school, I was pretty insecure about myself mainly because I had braces and HORRIBLE acne. I felt like people only saw my flaws. But now that I'm in college I've realized that most people don't pick out my every flaw and if they do then I don't need to have those people in my life. Many people seem to think that I'm insecure and that I NEED to have a boyfriend to feel secure. That is false; my first 3 years of college were spent single and happy. For a while, I was not looking to even date anyone. I decided that if God wanted me to date someone, he would put them in front of my face. What do you know? I ended up dating someone but then it ended and that is okay. Honestly, someone has to be pretty darn amazing to make me want to date them because I enjoy the single life. I'm not one that likes to be tied down. I live for adventure and activity. If someone wants to join me on that, then they are worth my time.
   Third, I have learned who my real friends are and who the fake friends are. It's kind of comical because in the times you really need someone, very few, if any, are there for you. But when you don't need someone, everyone wants to be in your business. Break-ups suck regardless of what side you are on and you need a support system to help you get through it. Some people heal faster than others and that's okay. Some people take longer to heal and that's okay too. Either way, both parties need a support system. Now, sometimes that means just being there to listen and not give your opinion. Sometimes it requires you to give advice. Every person and situation are different. The main point is to comfort the person who is hurting. In my experience, very few people were there when I needed them the most and then after I was through my healing process, everyone decided to involve themselves in my business whether I wanted them there or not. Real friends are those who stick beside you in the darkest hours. Fake friends are the ones who only want to be around during the fun times then try to get involved in your business because they just want to be in the loop because they are nosey.
   Lastly, this will be the part that might offend people but I stand by what I'm about to say. I love church and I love Jesus. But one thing I ABSOLUTELY HATE is fake church people. I'm not saying I'm perfect because no one is. I have faults just like everyone else. I actively try to work on them to better myself and become closer to God. But there are people who are just plain awful. The people who use the phrase "we are praying for you" to disguise their gossip. Just because you are telling someone you are praying for a certain person because of whatever they are doing doesn't make it right. You are still gossiping. Gossip travels fast and tends to get twisted as it keeps going which is so much worse for the person that it's about. Also, the church people who decide they are going to be your personal holy spirit to "save you"...ridiculous. Yes, there are times when God calls specific people to help others but it's not all the time. If you don't have a personal deep relationship with a person, you probably shouldn't bombard them with your advice. ESPECIALLY if you barely talk to them. I cannot tell you how many people (most that I barely know) have contacted me trying to give me advice on how to run my life. I did not ask for your opinion so please leave me be.
   Sorry, this turned into a rant but I needed to let this out somehow and writing seemed like the best way to release it.

Griffith Observatory

   

   To start this post off, I would like to inform you all that I have never been to the Griffith Observatory in my life. In my 21 and a half year life, I never had the idea to go here. I'm so glad I finally decided to go! The view was breath-taking. So, out of everyone in the group that went, I was the only one from California. Our group consisted of 2 people from Indiana and 3 people from Massachusets. We all met up at the observatory around 5 PM. Even though this has been the only time I've ever gone, I have to say this is the best time to go because the lighting is perfect for pictures and the sunset is absolutely breath-taking. 5 PM is a great time for pictures because it's considered the "golden hour," which essentially means that the lighting casts a golden tone to the pictures creating a beautiful "filter" on the picture. Anyways, the observatory is free if you are just going to walk around outside and take in the views. They do have other things you can pay to do like the telescope and the star show (featured in La La Land). Speaking of La La Land, parts of this film were filmed at the Griffith Observatory. There is a scene filmed inside the observatory where you have to pay to get in. Also, (we couldn't find it) there is a bench that the filmed one of the musical scenes at. A number of photo opportunities

was unreal. I walked around in awe the entire time I was there. I couldn't help but take tons of photos. From my friends to the building, to the sunset. Each and every picture was covered in perfection. Aso, speaking of sunsets, after talking with friends from Massachusetts, I learned that they do not have consistent sunsets. I have lived in California my entire life so sunsets have become a part of my everyday life. It was really cool to watch my other friends be amazed by the incredible sunset. Then I got to thinking, what would I do without watching the sunset every evening? I cannot answer that. I love sunsets and I don't think I could live without them.

   One funny thing that happened while at the Griffith Observatory was when we all accidently walked through a wedding photo shoot. At first, I didn't put two and two together. I was just walking thinking, "Aw! her long white dress is so pretty!" Then I realized... "Oh no! I photobombed a wedding photo shoot. I tried to escape as quickly as I could without falling down the stairs. 

   Overall, I have to say I absolutely loved the Griffith Observatory and I cannot wait to go again and either bring my dog, Douglas or go inside to see the other cool things! Also, I noticed many hiking trails while driving up and when we were looking out from the second level of the observatory so I would be interested in hiking those trails too! One of the best parts about the observatory (besides the view) is that parking is free but the downside to this is the parking because the lot that is right across from the observatory is extremely small and fills up fast. The only other available parking is down the mountain road which can be a pain because sometimes you have to park really far away. My friend Diana and I got lucky because a large car left and because we both have small cars we were able to fit both of them in the parking spot. I highly recommend going to the Griffith Observatory! 

Friend Dates!

   So on Monday, March 13, 2017, I finally got to see my good friend Morgan. She goes to school in Texas but she comes home for every break. On this day, we decided to take Douglas with us and drive to upland to go to this popular coffee shop called Rad Coffee. Rad Coffee is a punk rock themed coffee shop in the downtown area of Upland. They are known for their specialty drinks such as Dracula, Cookies and Scream, and Frankenstein. Morgan got the Cookies and Scream, while I just got a blackberry iced tea. We sat outside and chatted for awhile then decided to walk around and take a few pictures of Douglas for his Instagram. After walking around downtown Upland, we headed to Cal Poly Pomona to show her the campus and to turn in my final paper for one of my classes. I gave her a mini tour of the campus! Of course, people flocked around us to see Douglas. It was such a fun relaxing day! 

Rad Coffee: https://www.facebook.com/radcoffeeco/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf

Yelp for Rad Coffee: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rad-coffee-upland

(Photos are taken with an iPhone 7 by Isaiah.)

Adventures With Douglas: Balboa Island and Newport Beach

   On Sunday, March 12, 2017, I took Douglas to Balboa Island and Fashion Island in Newport Beach, California. This was his second time to both places. He totally enjoyed himself to the fullest out there! Whenever we go out, people will flock around to pet him and take pictures of him. Sometimes people will even chase us down to say hi to him. He loves all the attention from everyone. On this day, everyone had their dogs with them so Douglas got to make a few friends. Also, we even saw a few corgis! Balboa Island has a beautiful walkway that goes around the entire island. You get to see the cute beach houses, the downtown, and of course, the little cove that separates Balboa from Newport Beach. There is a ferry ride across the cove that is only $1. Although, I'm not sure if you can take your furry friend on the ferry. Anyways, downtown Balboa is absolutely adorable with cute shops and dining places. There are a few places that allow dogs to go inside but then there are places that don't. We just walked around today and didn't go into any stores. After spending a while in Balboa, we decided to head over to Fashion Island in Newport Beach. 

   Fashion Island is a very upscale outdoor shopping mall. Stores include Bloomingdales and Louis Vitton but also including stores like Forever 21 and Victoria Secret. We walked though many stores there and once again people, including employee, were flocking around Douglas. After walking around we decided to grab a bite to eat at Yardhouse. We were seated next to other dogs so naturally, Douglas made more new friends. He also noticed the people next to us were eating chicken so he decided to be rude and stare them down while they ate. He is so funny. After an early dinner, we decided to head back home. On the way home, he curled up in the back seat and fell fast asleep. I guess our little adventure made him tired!

Everyday Makeup

 Benefit Porefessional Matte Rescue:

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/us/en/product/the-porefessional-matte-rescue?gclid=CMepyLGJstICFYhqfgod5bYGqw

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer:

http://www.clinique.com/product/1599/34817/Makeup/Foundations/Beyond-Perfecting-Foundation-Concealer%3Fcm_mmc%3DPaid_Search-_-Google-_-Google_Shopping-_-Foundation+-+Best+Sellers

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer: For under eyes

https://www.maybelline.com/face-makeup/concealer/fit-me-concealer

Revlon Photoready Concealer: For blemishes

http://www.ulta.com/photoready-concealer?productId=xlsImpprod2940201

Laura Mercier Translucent Powder:

http://www.lauramercier.com/set-with-powder/translucent-loose-setting-powder-12321001.html?gclid=COiW4IOLstICFUlNfgodSJcAWQ&cm_mmc=PPC-_-Google-_-SEM-_-Branded-_-laura%20mercier%20translucent%20powder

Benefit Brow Shaping Kit:

http://www.sephora.com/brow-zings-P409238

CoverGirl Clear Mascara: Used for brow gel

http://www.ulta.com/professional-natural-lash-mascara?productId=xlsImpprod10821046

NARS Orgasm and Laguna Duo:

http://www.sephora.com/blush-bronzer-duo-P104006?skuId=832642&publisher_id=255779&sub_publisher=g&is_mobile=&sub1=&sub_keyword=&sub_campaign=381463959&sub_placement=&gdevice=c&gclid=COjcmOGLstICFZeXfgodKiUL0A&site=_search&om_mmc=ppc-GG_381463959_27499876239_pla-178165971399_832642_97594835319_9031224_c&gmodel=&country_switch=&lang=en&sub_ad=97594835319

BECCA Champagne Pop by Jaclyn Hill

http://www.sephora.com/shimmering-skin-perfector-pressed-P381176?skuId=1721240&icid2=becca_lp_bestsellers_carousel2_us:p381176

CoverGirl Hydrofuge Lash Bloom: I actually don't like this product, I'm just waiting to use it up before I buy a new one. I use this on my bottom lashes only.

http://www.target.com/p/covergirl-full-lash-bloom-mascara-800-very-black-44fl-oz/-/A-16200531?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Health+Beauty+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Health+Beauty&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9031224&gclid=COSF65iNstICFUaNfgodSrEJFg&gclsrc=aw.ds

Benefit They're Real Mascara: LOVE LOVE LOVE this!

http://www.sephora.com/they-re-real-lengthening-volumizing-mascara-P289307?skuId=1343938&publisher_id=255779&sub_publisher=g&is_mobile=&sub1=&sub_keyword=&sub_campaign=194585799&sub_placement=&gdevice=c&gclid=CIfX18GNstICFUuTfgodkc8Obg&site=_search&om_mmc=ppc-GG_194585799_15762231519_pla-83842464039_1343938_50233217079_9031224_c&gmodel=&country_switch=&lang=en&sub_ad=50233217079

*** On a normal day I don't wear eyeliner or eyeshadow which is why I did not include any of my other eye makeup products. This is what I wear if I say "natural." I hope you enjoy! Please let me know if you would like to see a review on a certain product.

OOTD Lazy Girl Part Two

Hair: Dutch braided space buns (Tutorial listed in 1st Lazy Girl OOTD)

Makeup: Natural

Top: Grey cropped sweatshirt

Jeans: Dark wash high waisted skinny jeans

Shoes: High top Converse

Handbag: Kate Spade New York

Corgi: Douglas (check out his insta --> hi_imdoug)

Photographer: Monica

Editing: Isaiah

Location: Victoria Gardens, Rancho Cucamonga, California

(All products will be listed at the end)

  

   I am absolutely in love with the cropped sweatshirt look right now. It's so comfortable yet it's also fashionable. This outfit is perfect for going to the mall with your friends, walking your dog, or even going out for a game night. Comfy and casual but still cute!

Products:

Sweatshirt: http://www.target.com/p/women-s-cropped-hoodie-mossimo-supply-co/-/A-51667859

Jeans: http://www.aeropostale.com/seriously-stretchy-dark-wash-high-waisted-jegging/product.jsp?productId=59471516&cp=3534618.3534619.3534623.3541050.3536152.4330109.4401830

Converse: http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/converse-chuck-taylor-all-star-unisex-high-top-unisex-shoe/pid-11214176/pgid-11593146

Handbag: 

This bag is no longer available but here are some other options: 

--> http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kate-spade-new-york-cobble-hill-mini-toddy-leather-crossbody-bag/4416807?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BLACK

--> http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kate-spade-new-york-leewood-place-joley-leather-crossbody-bag/4470361?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=SOFT%20PORCINI

Make-up: Please stay tuned for an upcoming post on my everyday makeup products/routine. That post will have every product I use daily listed along with links to the websites to buy them.

Quick and Easy Hairstyles

   Due to finals approaching quickly, I decided to post some of my favorite easy hair tutorials. Lately, I have been doing a lot of heat-less hairstyles to help heal my hair from the heat damage. I choose to only style it once a week or once every other week. I hope you enjoy!