Took a quick trip to Montreal for Memorial Day Weekend and it was divine - but also a little cold. Layering my slip dress seemed like the best option so I stole/borrowed my brother's white dress shirt. Tied the outfit together with a vintage woven belt and gold accessories.
I'm Still Learning
You know when you were a kid you couldn’t wait until your next birthday because you were guaranteed presents and attention. Now we’re in our 20s and every year seems like a realization that we are not where we pictured ourselves to be in all aspects of life whether that is relationships, career, or personal goals. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I remember being 13 swimming in my friend's pool as her 23 year-old sister hung out with her friends on the deck. I watched from a distance, honestly thinking they were all so grown-up living that adult life. Only for me to reach the age of 23 and not know wtf is going on most of the time. It’s good to have those goals, and sometimes we (meaning ourselves) are our worst critic. Things never go as planned, but they also may not be as far off as we think.
Some days you may feel like “F**k, I do not have my sh*t together.”
Some days your mood may be: “Just trying to get to the next day”
Nonetheless, we all need comfort and positivity sometimes. There are some things I've been learning and coming to realize over the years.
On Love:
When you have found the one, hold on to him/her. Cherish that connection because that partnership is everlasting. I met my husband back when I was 16 years-old, and contrary to how things worked out, I actually did not plan or envision myself getting married (especially so young). To some that may be a goal, to me it was a life blessing to meet him without even planning it. With your partner, you should feel like your best self, its not always easy but you'll know if its worth it. Let’s remember that we are all about growth and many of us are in that “figuring out phase”, hold onto the one who supports you. pushes you. comforts you. sees your vision at times when you don’t. Don’t get caught up in the “togetherness” of it all, it is okay to have a vision that is separate from theirs, it is also okay to be in a relationship with yourself.
On Career:
The worst thing they can say is no, right? I have a problem hearing "no", but what I've realized is its better to hear a response than nothing at all, so I keep pushing for an answer. Why? Because I believe in myself, even at times when I feel like it'll never work out. Apply for that job that you are totally not qualified for! Because again, the worst thing they can say is no. Most of us are still trying to navigate through and there will be moments where you are saying to yourself “What the hell?!” Trust yourself and stay consistent and persistent. It is going to happen for you, one day you'll look back at these moments wondering why you were so stressed.
On You:
To realize the value of you, ask my mom. Whenever I'd dread my birthday, she'd pray to see her next one. Learn to value those friendships. They are everlasting. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You may never really be fully prepared, but this is life and it is our biggest teacher. Have your priorities together and never settle. Have fun. Be vulnerable. Be spontaneous. Don't be afraid to be open and love. Surround yourself with like minded people. People are who they attract, so if you don’t like someone in your circle look at what was it that drew them to you and take it from there. Don’t get caught up in the social media hole. We are a generation that craves instant gratification. Sometimes we miss the little things in life…we are only in our 20s once. May not always seem like it, but you're doing great.
I have my ups & downs with color in my wardrobe, but I do love a good mustard yellow. My recent trip to Montreal was fun but cloudy and gloomy, bold statements and pops of color is one way to stand out.
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Wearing: J.O.A top
Running errands or going to work in pajamas is probably frowned upon, but a silk pajama esqué top is an exception. Lately with Ramadan its been difficult finding the energy to do things. So here are little ideas to get you out of bed and help your mood:
- get some sunshine
- opening the curtains
- eat a good meal, if you can
- don’t stay up until 3am
- go out for a walk
- get off social media if it’s unhealthy
- take a relaxing shower
- don’t stay in bed the whole day
- plan out your day
- listen to music
- change your clothes
- set yourself small goals
- say yes to fun events
- plan a dinner out
- talk to a close friend
- drink a cup of tea/coffee, if you can
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ECUADOR'S CAPITAL CITY, QUITO, IS LOCATED HIGH IN THE ANDES (2,850M ABOVE SEA LEVEL), SQUEEZED BETWEEN MOUNTAIN PEAKS WITH HILLS OF GREENERY. I LOVED EXPLORING MY MOTHER'S HOME COUNTRY; THE MONUMENTS AND 17TH-CENTURY ARCHITECTURAL FACADES, PICTURESQUE PLAZAS AND MAGNIFICENT CHURCHES. ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CITIES IN SOUTH AMERICA, DEFINITELY A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT!
Where To Stay:
Surrounded by mountains, Quito is comprised of five different zones. Generally, tourism tends to be centralized in the north, around Parque El Ejido and areas such as La Mariscal. However, the historical center is based in the south in the Old Town with the three large squares of Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza San Francisco, and Plaza Santo Domingo.
WHERE I ATE:
Q Restaurant
Zinc Gastro Bar
Urko Cocina Local
WHat I Did:
Teleferiqo: ride up the volcano, see Quito from above
Mitad Del Mundo: Quito's middle of the world
Plaza Foch: hip bar district
La Platea: artsy food truck chill spot
Hop On/Off bus: hit all the historic spots of Quito at once
