dead week

i've already stated about a million times to everyone that this next two weeks are uber busy. with finals and my new job, i am completely overwhelmed but i have managed to come out with one tidbit of advice for dead week before finals.

a venti iced coffee and morning bun from starbucks have been my breakfast and will continue to be for the rest of the week. getting showered and dressed for the day first thing at 6:45 am will make you feel more productive. so far these two things have gotten me to feel somewhat accomplished with my day.

sadly, i will not be able to blog for the rest of the week, but am hoping to be back and running on may 20th. until then follow me on twitter. my status updates on facebook and my tweets will be live proof of how insanely busy i am.

best,
alyssa

p.s. dave matthews playlist on pandora is my life right now. strongly recommended :)

the top 10 birthday wish list

with my birthday less than a month a way, i have quite the wish list that has built up.


1. Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer, a great baking cook book to go with it, a cake stand, other baking tools!
2. Nikon Camera, i need to do further research on what would be a great professional beginner camera that is digital.. i am thinking of a Nikon COOLPIX p500
3. Michal Kors Large Hamilton Bag in luggage
4. a spa day, but of course... who wouldn't want a spa day.
5. Kate Spade Daycation Medium Leila
6. Kate Spade "say yes 'smile' necklace"
7. Steve Madden Westii in black
8. Steve Madden Caryssa in blush pat
8. essie nailpolish  in French Affair
9. mac cosmetics lipstick in speak louder
10. victoria's secret gift card.. an amazing idea, no one can ever have enough undies:)

i would also enjoy a breakfast brunch including omelets, waffles, fresh fruit and mimosas. for dinner i would like mexican food of course, with a giant strawberry margarita. oh, i can't wait to celebrate.


best,
alyssa

p.s. oh, a weekend get-a-way would  be nice too! of course i hope i am not asking for too much. i just want everything.

typical cali girl beauty

sometimes we think of the stereotypical "cali girl" of having perfect sun kissed blonde hair, tan skin, white teeth, perfect body, etc., etc. this can make any girl a bit angry and bitter on the inside. i notice so much diversity here on the csu sacramento campus, and oh, how i love it. however, i also notice so many girls going for the typical look as summer approaches. but how do we find time for keeping up with all these standards?

making time to shower and do my hair is already something i have to pencil into my schedule. i know when i wake up that if i don't drag myself to the gym first thing, i will find myself in sweats until the very hour before i have to head off to work. luckily, as students of csu sacramento, us college girls are blessed with a free gym membership (if free is tuition). college girls are constantly on a budget of balancing their wants and needs. one criteria of beauty for myself that i have been trying to meet, is that i have been trying to find the time to tan at a low price. a healthy glow is a faux glow, which usually costs more money. so before i go on a whole other tangent on why i feel more beautiful with a sun kissed look, i do just want to make the point that fitting all this beauty into a time constraint and a tighter budget is not completely unrealistic. taking the time to compare prices, prioritizing our spending and

at a solid 17 units this spring semester, a job and the need for a social life, how am i supposed to make time for all of the extracurricular activities in life to make me "beautiful"? time management and budgeting my money is the only way. beauty is pain, a common quote. i have a love/hate relationship with my busy schedule, yet it keeps me feeling beautiful. i am constantly making time and prioritizing my schedule based on beauty, schoolwork, work and life experiences. now i realize many jaws most likely are dropped at this point. one may be thinking, "whatever happened to the 'beauty within?"

i'm a firm believer in beauty coming from confidence. it makes perfect sense. my way of gaining confidence within myself is by not only sticking to my moral values and working my hardest, but looking good can only embellish on the "feel good." working out, tanning, and getting my hair or nails done makes me feel good, they are things i want. so people out there, feel free to judge. i choose my own lifestyle and have my own wants, as well as needs to have great confidence.


best,
alyssa

p.s. a great thing to be in life, is to be yourself.

take time to smell the flowers

so even with my jam packed schedule, i had such an amazing night last night. being motivated and inspired is not only something i choose to be, it is something we all need. i went to the American Marketing Association Round Table Event at sac state, and met some of the most inspiring and motivating people i have ever met. besides wanting to be more involved in my marketing major, i am realizing we all need to find the passion within the careers we are looking for. there are so many people i want to thank for helping open doors to opportunities that await for me.
i found many commonalities with my friend chelsie at the event. it's so neat to find a common ground of motivation and want for a career in a field we are passionate about. chelsie and her mother make beautiful flower arrangements for weddings and have opened my eyes to a lost hobby of mine i would love to take up. check out and follow chelsie's blog here: jackie's flowers

i am choosing to focus on school and career opportunities this week.
i need to borrow my mother's camera to take some great picture's of different styles i have seen lately.
i want to get a camera like my mother's and conquer the world. no big deal.


best,
alyssa

rainy day tunes

music and style go hand in hand. i definitely feel like i dress my mood, as anyone else should. with your mood comes your preference of music choice as well as your choice in clothing. here are some songs that make a rainy day better. a play list of some over popular, and under played songs. this is play list songs that would be a perfect mix for myself to listen to on those rainy days. keep in mind, this is no particular order, just the order it popped into my head.

Adele- Rolling in the Deep

Kanye West- Runaway (a great song that makes me feel like i am venting my life as a whole)

The Cataracs feat. DEV- Top of the World (viewer/ listener's discretion)... more party music later, basically dev and the cataracs make my life :)

Brad Paisley- I'm Still a Guy (only because it's a country song every "guy" can appreciate, even if he doesn't like country music)

Brett Dennen- Ain't No Reason

Pete Murrary- Opportunity

The Beautiful Girls- La Mar

Florence and the Machine- The Dog Days are Over


as of right now.. i do have to say, i like being unpredictable. the songs i chose are still not enough to describe everything i am feeling and going through in life. just a beginning, a new one.

best,
alyssa

p.s. i wish i had video links with captions to all the songs!

well needed



i basically have the best mother in the world. i love quality time with family and friends, and when it comes to a trip to the nail salon, no one can be a better date than my mommy. we chose to go on a great morning walk, as well as doing some easy stretches and workouts all while the sun was still shining. the hail and rain hit us pretty hard today as we proceeded on with our day. no matter rain or shine, we wanted our starbucks and, oh my it was amazing. we headed out to brookside nails in our matching juicy velour track pants. i don't care how cheesy one may think we are, mother- daughter quality time is well needed.

my beautiful mama- tank: jockey at kohls, hoodie and pant: juicy couture velour tacksuit in black
me- tank: basically juicy by juicy couture, off the shoulder top: american eagle (NEW!), pants: juicy couture velour in black, headband: claires

 

my newest purchase of sunglasses: "romance" by juicy couture

perfect for hiding freshly waxed eyebrows.



overall, today was well needed. this past weekend was fun filled and relaxing, even with work conflicting my schedule. i was able to eat more sushi than i ever thought i could handle, as well as topping the weekend off with my favorite candy, milkduds and in and out burger for dinner. (yes, with a neapolitan shake.) definitely treated myself all weekend with things i want, yet tomorrow i focus on the needs. oil change and target, here i come.

also, looking forward to a hair color change. we'll see if i go for a dramatic change or something that will be hardly noticeable.

best,

alyssa

comfort and bliss

lately i have been out on my own mental vacation. i have resorted to dedicating my life to being completely busy and wrapped up in everything besides the worries in my life. a mental escape is all that one really needs when things are really weighing down heavy on his or her shoulders. i've been able to take my free time to focus on exerting my energy into the positive.  i'm not gandhi, and i definitely am not one to be advising everyone on how to achieve pure and utter bliss; however, i do feel that quality time with the ones you love and or are getting to know for the first time can definitely get you closer to bliss than any material thing could.

i escaped to capitola, ca with a friend of mine and was able to feel disconnected from all that has been weighing down on me. for someone to understand my choosing to just want to get away and feel free for once, was new and refreshing for me. i thank that person for doing that for me.

capitola, ca
march 5th, 2011
via camera phone

the amazing "mexi burger" from betty's burgers in downtown capitola.  no produce, sub regular beef for ground turkey :)
that way i am somewhat healthy, since i wanted the sweet potato fries.
via camera phone

i have been neglecting choose,want & need for too long, and i am making a promise to myself that i will not be forgetting to do what i love.


here are some lovely pictures of inspiration that give me comfort and bring a smile to my face.

a bedroom for serenity.
via pintrest

to be so prim and proper, then at the end of the day, all i want to do is this.
via pintrest

enjoying some milk and cookies, and not caring if you make a mess.
via pintrest

blissfully yours and wishing the best,
alyssa

the needs

after all day yesterday, i realized i was having such a hard time coming up with my true "needs" in life. no one person can say they want nothing else in life, and that they truly are satisfied with everything they have. choosing between the wants and needs made me realize how important it is to make myself step back every once in awhile to reevaluate the things you may want  but can definitely live without.

the needs:
- a haircut.. it's been well over two months.
-face moisturizer.. i've come to the point where i have dug up all of my sample face lotions, and now those too are all empty. yet, i still hold on to all the empty bottles with the hope of maybe just a dollop of lotion will escape the emptiness of the dried out half of a travel size bottle.
- sunglasses.. this is when i start thinking to myself about whether or not i am actually making a needs list.
- manicure & pedicure.. i like my feet healthy, clean and cute... so this is where i stop, because  i can give myself a perfectly fine mani and pedi.

overall, it was a good last two days. just like every other working college girl, i am just waiting for the next check so i can prepare my own budget for treating myself as well as taking care of my needs.

best,
alyssa

p.s. sorry for the boring "no picture" posts... pictures to come once the lousy weather and busy schedule go away.

i want

it has come time to make a want list. it really is getting out of hand. i want too many things. i am going to just list all of the things i want at this moment of time. i am going to sound like a spoiled little brat that just always says "but daddy, i want, i want, i want..." and i do not at all want to be that girl. so here is my list, and follow it, i will be putting a list of my current needs (i.e. things i feel weird living without). then my job throughout this week is to narrow down this want list by choosing the things i could actually use and afford on my  want list.

the want list:
- concert tickets: glee, kenny chesney, josh turner, josh thompson, brad paisley, justin bieber, taylor swift ( yes, i am a total chick.)
- nike free women's running shoe, black and hot pink.. so cute.
- nude colored platform sandals... like a wedge, but fat :) michale kors and juicy couture have so many cute ones right now.. the cognac color is also beautiful!
- a floppy hat.. preferably straw
- a new bathing suit
- a nautical maxi dress
- cute big tote, almost passable for a beach bag, but small enough to use as a book bag or purse!
- and most of all a pair of sunglasses, i am so picky and i feel like nothing can fit my face accurately.

the need list will be prepared by tomorrow. i would love to hear what everyone else's "want"s are right now, so let me know :)

best,
alyssa

if it glitters it must be...

gold? silver? platinum? yes... platinum. continuously i am looking for styles that are timeless, luxurious and well of course... beautiful. i have discovered style.com. this consists of all of the above.

of course i watch e!'s fashion police, oh how i love guliana rancic, joan rivers and kelly osbourne. (the guy on there is pretty cool too) anyways, kelly osbourne had slyly mentioned how she had seen the dress rhianna wore to the grammy's on style.com. so immediately, i had to see if there really was such a miraculous thing. not only does this site capture my full attention and interest, it has a platinum level of advice. it definitely is hard to not feel like a vip with advice that the stars follow. style.com has an infinite amount of inspiration and advice, unlike a magazine.  however, i do like a magazine because having a hard copy of an article or picture that inspires you lasts a lifetime.

so prepare yourself, and browse like crazy. there's beauty advice as well!

choose to explore what interests you, want to strive for success, and need to not always believe that if it "glitters" it must be gold.

best,
alyssa

interested in pintrest

my new found love.. pintrest.com. i was recently asked what inspires my style, and many mental images appeared. browsing the pages of magazines, fashion documentaries, or even old books of the history of fashion. there are so many things that inspire me on a daily basis, it actually bothers me to not have a direct answer to that question. the beautiful, the ugly, the interesting, anything that captures my eye really does inspire me. and whether its my style or just simply something that gets the wheels turning in my head, i love the idea of a website that can help me organize my inspirations.

pintrest is a place for people to share their photos, as well as browse through the infinite "pins" and albums of others. whether you're a photographer, blogger, or just someone who enjoys a good photograph or two.. pintrest gives you the opportunity to share and organize those photos without the hassle of using all the memory on your computer. the nice thing about this website is that it is almost "exclusive", instead of over populating their site, they want to keep the quality they have a reputation for. anyone is free to browse the site, however to make your own account you must request an invite. this can take anywhere from a day to a couple weeks to get a response. i was lucky enough to have a friend invite me immediately. so please keep in touch with me if you would like an invite. i will be slowly organizing my photos on there as time goes on.

i would also love to share one of my best friends, melissa rose photography. here are her two most prized possessions, and my two all time favorite pictures from her collection of new photos. in spirit of february and her new beautiful baby girl. please "like" her page on facebook, click here!

brandon, the flirt

madison rose, born february 4th, 2011
and i'm already loving her style!

choose to enjoy life at a slower pace, need more down time to enjoy life, and want a new camera, so i can practice with my photography skills.

best,
alyssa

brings a smile to my face

this weekend was jam packed with a busy schedule of work, as well as many highs and lows. as valentine's day approached, i want to admit working in retail (where many girls are asking their boys to go to get them the perfect gift) i wanted to shake all the boys by grabbing them on the shoulders and telling them they were doing too much. one might say, "too much? how can a guy do too much for valentine's day?" well, after helping multiple guys pick out their so called "perfect gifts" i made sure to do my best to give them a slight piece of advice as i wrapped up their transaction. girls want a surprise. yes, we want the designer handbag, fragrance, and jewelry. but most of all, we like when you put some thought into that day.

my valentine's day could not have started off much better. one of my close guy friends knew i was in a down kind of mood and not really oh-so-in-the-spirit off the holiday. he was very adamant of taking me to breakfast and fitting it into my busy schedule of class, work, and class again. it made me giggle a little to think that he was worried about picking me up in what he called a "beater car," when in actuality, the flowers that were hand picked from his neighbors yard and blasting the old school music is what really brought a smile to my face.  now, yes... all of us girls would of swooned for the guy in the amazing sports car or big lifted truck to have come pick us up from school. but the three little flowers on the front seat of the car was way better than any showy kind of guy could have done.




here's a glimpse of how my morning began. and of course, i had to at least show off my own proud purchase from several years ago.



my day ended much better because the little ounce of faith i had in having a "loving" valentine's day came through. and i would of photographed my outfit yesterday for all to see, however i looked like i was going to st. valentine's funeral. i did bring out my wonderful prized possession, the kate spade graphite knightsbridge quinn. it's from over a year ago.. but oh how i love it.

a diy thing i did this weekend was accomplish a cupcake sandwich and help set up a blog for a friend of mine. please check his first post out! chivalry alive, it's perfect for all the boys out there to read. and quite pleasurable for us ladies as well. and the cupcake sandwich is described better on his blog.

choose to enjoy the little things in life. want for the best and for things to work out. need to share love and have confidence.

best,

alyssa

five too many days

i apologize for neglecting everyone! i feel like i have been slacking way too hard on way too many things, yet at the same time i feel like i may be just "burning the candle at both ends." i really hate that saying; but considering the fact that my dentist told me that exact quote and it was like the third time i had heard it this week, i decided to maybe take it more to heart. sharing my clothes and style, and fun findings with all of you is a pleasure of mine. i thoroughly enjoy sitting down and writing about what i have noticed or discovered in the wonderful world when it comes to style. 

this windy weather really has me loving my grey scarf that i bought from some random kiosk in las vegas. i'm obsessed with infinity scarves and this is the next best thing i own, in which i can imitate that look. so here's to choosing to step back, because we all need to do the things in life that we want, because it makes us happy. 

i'm happy for the sunshine the previous last couple days has offered us, now i must take more advantage of it!

tunic: juicy couture printed tunic / leggings: forever21/ riding boots: target/ scarf: random kiosk in las vegas/ lipstick: bare escentuals "italian ice"

mommy cropped my toes off! at least she's learning!

i promise to never neglect any of my followers for more than three days, five was way too many. i love you all and thank you for checking in. more to come tomorrow, or so i hope :)

best,
alyssa

p.s. on days you feel like you are missing that "kick" or "oomph" in your outfit, wear red lipstick.. it makes me feel so much better. and i don't care if boys say they don't like it, (mostly because mine does!)

too school for cool

with the first day of school, i never realized how much i enjoy seeing all of the different and unique styles of individuals wandering frantically around campus. i feel college gives so many people that one outlet for their own sense of style. we all see those girls and guys that just try too hard, and the others that just don't try at all. after keeping my eyes open to other's choices of clothing and accessories, i just could not help but share some advice.

disclaimer: i am not perfect, and i did go to my first day of class in workout clothes. i made sure to coordinate carefully and wore cute and comfy tennis shoes. (thank you reebok easytones!) it was freezing this morning and the fog was disgusting, so i bundled up as best i could. considering the fact that i went to my very first yoga class at the awkward time of noon, i felt wearing a cute yoga outfit would keep me positive and motivated for the semester. well, at least for day one.

throughout the day i saw a wide variance of looks that i just cringed at. here's a list of things i feel every girl (or even guy) should "choose to not" for the first day of school. first impressions are much more memorable than we would believe.

choose to not:
- wear your favorite football team's jersey, professors have their preferences and they will call you out if you are rooting for the opposing team. superbowl is a little less than 2 weeks away, think about it.
- wear heels. enough said, if you can't keep them on or switch to flats discreetly... wait, no... just please do not wear heels to your first day of class.. we all know you do not have a "presentation" you have to dress up for, and if you are heading to or from work, keep a change of cute flats in your car. i'm saving you from embarrassment and pain. wear a cute pair of boots or flats to "dress" up your outfit, it's just school.
- wear pajamas, tweedy bird and spiderman can stay in your bed. it just isn't even close to looking presentable. at least throw on some sweats that are meant for running errands or working out!
- wear anything super short or revealing, school is not a nightclub. i saw a girl wearing a cardigan that barely covered her bum, with just a camisole and sheer tights. keyword, sheer tights.. meant for under a dress or skirt! she literally looked like she forgot bottoms. don't be that girl.
-smoke "ciggs" as soon as you exit a class or your car. people are trying to enjoy the clean air and what's left of it, so please wait at least until you get in your car. it's an ugly accessory anyways.


i really want for everyone to take this advice and keep it in a place where it will not be forgotten. however, i know in the real world as much as everyone needs me, i can't save everyone from making major fashion faux pas. haaha. just kidding, kind of.

best,
alyssa

p.s. thank you to the remarkable people that really pushed me today. i'm stretching my limits more and more in trying new things, and i love you all for helping me do that.

p.s.s. yes, my title is quoted from pink's song "raise your glass", that quote alone felt like it described my day perfectly.

motivation

today i was completely unmotivated to do basically anything. besides having somewhat of a headache from a lack of hydrating myself throughout the weekend, nothing sounded more appealing to me than sitting on the couch with the fatty tub of mint choco chip ice cream i found in the freezer. (thanks, mom!)

yesterday, i went on my first adventure to my school's new health and wellness center and basically kicked my own butt. by over working myself yesterday because of my highly motivated spirits, i realized to take other's advice on not wearing myself out. i want working out to be fun and positive, so swimsuit browsing online seemed to make me look forward to tomorrow's trip to the gym. preparing myself for this upcoming week in school is definitely still on my to do list for the night, all while i am trying to find the hottest swimsuit styles for this coming spring.

swimsuit browsing > preparing for school.... not really, don't take that piece of advice :)

i have mentioned singer22.com before, and have found a brand called alexis that has an amazing collection that looks as though it would be ideal for any beach resort vacation. how could any girl not feel like they were off in the tropics while wearing anything from this collection. i am so obsessed and i want it.

as a girl trying to make her way through school and still having a love for fashion, i would love to sign up for every credit card i could get approved for and max it out on designer clothing but that is just not a smart idea. moving away from the bad advice, i choose to research the hottest styles through the designer name brands, and as a student, i need to keep track of those ideas and look at lower cost stores.

for swimsuits, (depending on one's body type and style) i have heard so many opinions on whether or not a swimsuit should be an investment piece. for myself, i am a more average size so it is easier for me to find a fit at any store. i also am one to want to wear a different swimsuit for each day of the week when it comes to summer time. if i plan to invest, i decide to invest in mix and match pieces. keep in mind when shopping where you will be swimming, who you are swimming with, and if it is a  swimsuit you think you will wear next year as well. very important and boring information, i apologize... but i feel it is so crucial!


hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! and wish me luck with my first week of the spring 2011 semester!


best,
alyssa

bittersweet

keeping it short and sweet today. choose to want to spend the time with loved ones because they can leave you all too quickly. we need to treasure the time we have.

i spent the early afternoon with my parents and grandparents on my mom's side. a year ago today, my great papa passed away so we visited his and my great nana's grave. it was a bittersweet day to spend with the family, and remember those who have passed. i feel it is always hard to dress for a funeral or day such as today, i wanted to dress respectfully. my dad and grandpa made it nice for our family to look at life positively and enjoy it while we are all here. live, laugh and love... it's the best advice to live by.



scarf: apt.9, kohls; bracelet: lia sophia (gifted by grandma!); boyfriend blazer: zinc, nordstroms; burnout tee: (worn over black tank from nordstroms bp) pink, victoria's secret; legging: forever21;
riding boot: target (half the online price in store)

it's possible to show your own style and look respectful at a cemetery. i feel confident that i achieved that today.


best,
alyssa


photographs done by: my mama! thank you!

relaxation

relaxation- noun

1. abatement or relief from bodily or mental work, effort, application, etc.

2. an activity or recreation that provides such relief; diversion; entertainment



location: aptos, ca
date: january 12th, 2011

we all need our beauty sleep, and simple relaxation. i was lucky enough to take in this breath-taking view all day yesterday. the nature's beauty can inspire so much within one's sense of style and i know when it comes to going to the coast, i love to wear neutral colors and lightweight, yet cozy sweaters.

my new favorite wine glasses, no stem makes drinking wine much less nerve racking.



i love warm weather, messily cuffed jeans and glitter nail polish.
nail polish: opi "burlesque"



scarf: from some random kiosk in new york new york casino in lv, nv; tank: bp nordstroms;
sweater: juicy couture drape pullover sweater with back cowl ;
jeans: last year's "kate" jean by juicy couture, worn cuffed and more distressed than ever before



cocktail ring: costume jewlery by lia sophia "at last"



the colors of the sunset literally make me so excited for warmer weather!



location: aptos, ca
date: january 12th, 2011

i enjoyed relaxing and playing among the beach. every person that walked by had the cutest dogs, both big and small. i can't wait to go back and possibly bring my dog "chewie" mostly because i think she would not know what to do with herself with that much freedom.

during this little get-a-way, i chose to take lots of pictures, especially of the scenery and food. i wanted to purchase the cutest heels, resisted because the boy pulled me away before i could take off my boots and knee high socks tucked under my skinnies to try them on :( and i need to not only continue to relax a bit more, but run back to the store to pick up those heels! they were for sure on my want list and i haven't stopped thinking about all the stuff i could wear them with. so tomorrow, i shall go to the store.

sorry for the late night blogging! i will have another post tomorrow hopefully earlier in the day. i've got a fun friday night planned, whether i choose to wear my old  worn out boots or go back to the store to purchase those cute heels... well you'll just have to wait and see.

best,

alyssa

beach bummed

currently i am on a mini "get-a-way" trip with the boy. the poor guy is going to have to suffer with taking some pictures because, i mean what's a better back drop for taking pictures than the pacific ocean.  as i should be enthused that i get a couple days off and am spending it at the beach, it seems as though the twilight zone is taking over and trying to bring me down. last night there was a very minimal (4.5) earthquake that just about scared me back home. this scared me mostly because now that i am old enough to realize when there is an earthquake nearby an ocean, there very well could be a tsunami. anyways, as i shake my head in how silly i am being, i am sorry to disappoint you all but i will not be able to share pictures until either thursday night or friday afternoon because of some complications with technology that i do not have any expertise in. i promise a plethora of pictures.

today, i choose to take a long walk on the beach; want to take lots of pictures; and need go to the grocery store to attempt to make a shrimp alfredo pasta, salad, and garlic bread.

promise, promise, promise pictures to come :]

everyone enjoy your day!

best,

alyssa