Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Move Your Body






I have a love/hate relationship with working out. I would always find something else to do instead exercising. Work out was not in my vocabulary. But it wasn't until recently that I made working out a priority. If I am going to get back into shape, the time is now. I finally have time to take care of myself and my body.

There are so many ways to exercise. Right now, I'm going to the gym every other morning with my friend, Allison. She is my workout buddy! If it wasn't for her, I don't know if I'd be exercising as much as I am now. She motivates me and keeps me accountable.  Whether it's singing old 90's music or talking about our plans for the weekend together, having a work out buddy makes it fun.

Aside from going to the gym, occasionally I go jogging by myself. I try to run but it's actually like running and walking, running and walking. I am not a runner. The longest distance I used to run was from the end of the gymnastics runway to the vault - about 40 feet (12 meters). That's not very long haha. Even though I don't like to run, I've found other ways to make running more enjoyable: running with music, running with a furry friend or running to a pretty destination.

Whether it's registering for a race buying a new pair of tennis shoes or making a new playlist, I hope you'll find something that motivates you to exercise. In the words of BeyoncĂ©, "everybody just move your body. let's move!"

Top: Lululemon
Jacket: Nike
Pants: Victoria's Secret
Shoes: Nike Frees

Photography by Landon Nagata

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

A New Leaf

 
 
 
It's been exactly a week since I've stopped working and boy has my life changed! I no longer need to wake up early, wear work clothes and drive into Seattle every morning. So what am I doing with my time? Besides applying for jobs, I am focusing on a few things (that I didn't do when I was working): working out and eating healthy. I knew it wasn't going to be easy but man it's hard to break old habits. I didn't expect to pass out every night before midnight. More to come on this new life change.
 
Follow me on Instagram to see what I'm up to these days!

Sweater: Sirens
Shirt: Victoria's Secret
Jeans: Nordstrom Rack
Boots: Target

Photography by Ryan Yanagihara

Monday, October 14, 2013

Monday Blues





Today, I've got the Monday blues. This week, I'm going to close a chapter in my life and start a new one. It hasn't been easy but I'm finally accepting it. I'm ready to say goodbye to my job and move onto bigger and better things. 

Although I'm blue, my faith in God has given me hope. Yesterday, I was reminded of a few things. God knows what's best for you. Even though I can't see it right now, I know that God has a plan for me. All I can do is trust in God and He will take care of me.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to hard you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11

Here's to the past, the present and the future. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me.

Photography by Ryan Yanagihara

Top: Forever 21
Skirt: Sirens
Shoes: Forever 21
Purse: H&M
Necklace: JcPenney



Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Boy Meets Fashion






First off, thank you all for the kind & encouraging words last week. I'm doing better now and trying to stay positive. As I go through this tough time, it has made me realize how blessed I am to have such loving and supportive people in my life. Which leads me to this guy, my boyfriend & best friend, who has been by my side for many years. This handsome young man is quite the catch if I do say so myself. He is smart, caring and will do just about anything for me. Even take outfit pictures for my blog!

If you know my boyfriend and me, we are complete opposites. He's from the country while I'm from the city. He is a man of little words while I am quite the talker. I like chocolate ice cream and he likes vanilla. Even though we are very different, one thing we have in common is fashion.

I may know a thing or two about women's fashion but men's fashion is a whole new world to me. Sadly, I don't know how to tie a tie or properly iron a dress shirt but I can make some observations about my guy's style. When I met this guy 4 years ago, the first thing I noticed was his style and quickly learned that he's got that cool Cali style down to the tee. Everyday, he lived in shorts and a tee. But after many trips to Seattle, I'm proud to say that he is slowly developing a Pacific Northwest style as well. He finally bought a couple warm jackets and a few good pairs of jeans. He's come a long ways from basketball shorts and t-shirts.

Side note: This shoot was by far my favorite! It was so much fun shooting with my boyfriend and playing photographer for the day. He probably won't admit it but I think this guy had fun as well! Who knows... maybe I'll persuade the boy to make this a semi-regular thing :)

Shirt: Zara Men
Jacket: RVCA
Jeans: 7 for All Mankind
Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider
Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Behind These Brown Eyes

 


 
To be honest, I try really hard to be happy or look happy. And for the most part, I am. But right now, I'm at a low point in my life... again. I really wish I wasn't (but I have no control over this one). Behind these brown eyes, I'm trying to stay strong and hold back my tears. Honestly, I don't think I'm strong enough
 
Today, I just want to be someone who is happy. For some reason, getting ready and looking my best makes me feel better about myself. I feel confident and beautiful. So if spending more time in the morning will make me happy, well that's what I'm going to do.

In the words of Plato: "be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle".


Dress: Forever 21
Jacket: Target
Boots: Target
Sunnies: Ray Bans

Photography by Ryan Yanagihara