Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Monthly Budget: July


Hi!
I am still alive! I'm really trying to get back into the routine of blogging after more than a week break. Since I've become quite the cliche poor grad student, I set aside a monthly budget of $50 to spend on unnecessary things--aka things that enrich my life and makes survival more enjoyable. I'll admit, with this being the first month I had to enforce such a budget on myself, it was really hard. Until now, I've consistently worked since high school, and so I was able to buy pretty much whatever I liked, but now I've become really cautious about spending money. I even hesitated on the 50-cents used book. I was too busy with school during July to be concerned with my inability to shop freely, but now that I have a three week break, it'll be harder--especially since I have to find appropriate clothes for fieldwork and student teaching. Luckily, I have a $50 Visa gift card, and $50 in Gap rewards, so hopefully that will be enough to buy some back-to-school and work basics. I did buy the striped flats from J. Crew with the upcoming year in mind. I know I can wear these to school and to student teaching, but still maintaining a little bit of my style. And the polaroid film was truly just for fun. Robert gifted me an Instax Mini camera for my birthday three years ago, and I haven't used it since I ran out of film.

Here's the breakdown of how I spent my fun money in July:
(1) Used book: "The Big love" -- $0.50
(1) Pack of Two Instax Mini Film -- $15.20
(1) Pair of shoes from J. Crew -- $28.50

Total: $44.20
$5.80 gets rolled over for August!

Outfit post to come tomorrow so stay tuned!

Until next post,
Jasmine

Friday, July 20, 2012

Lately







It's been really quiet here on the blog this week, and I'm sorry to say that this might continue for another week. It's the final stretch of my Summer classes, and there are so many loose ends to tie up before the end--a project, presentations, quizzes, papers, and a test. I'll admit--I had a bit of a freak out earlier this week about all the assignments looming ahead, but I've broken them down to easy and more manageable tasks. Despite it all, I'm still taking a break today. I can feel the toll of all the stress on my body: I had a few dizzy attacks this past week, and so I just need to rest a little before I take everything on. Hopefully, I can get around to taking outfit pictures sometime today, even though I've been living in simple outfits this past week. Robert and I are going to see "The Dark Knight Rises," shop at Fashion Island, and go to the beach. I cannot wait to turn in my last paper next Friday because then I'll have three weeks of a real Summer before resuming school. Gotta get to work on my Summer Bucket List

Until next post,
Jasmine

Monday, July 16, 2012

Carry On






I wore this last week for a date outing before my four o'clock class. Robert and I grabbed breakfast, watched Spiderman (which was really good!), and did a bit of window-shopping. I've been a little mopey lately. Even though I'm really enjoying school, I hate being unemployed. I just feel so useless not making any money. I must've inherited my parents' workaholic ways. I probably don't even have time to work, but if I could just find a (really) part time job, I think I'd be a lot calmer. It is silly right? To be so uneasy about not working while going being a full-time grad student? I can't help it though. I've worked since I was in high school, and I love having my own money to spend as I wish. The monthly fun money budget I've set for myself is hard--either I want to spend all of it or none of it at all. So far I've spent less than $10 total on a used book and some Polaroid film. The budget is doing its job though of making me really think about what I buy. It's just a lifestyle I'm going to have to adapt to, and hopefully soon. I just keep telling myself that it could be a lot worse and to be grateful for what I do have--a supportive family, wonderful friends, gorgeous weather, and easy access to the beach. That's all I really need anyway!

Until next post,
Jasmine
top - gap
belt - charlotte russe
skirt - urban outfitters
bag - madewell
shoes - aldo
watch - nordstroms

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Sleeveless in California










One of the perks of being a student right now is that every weekend is a three-day weekend. I only have classes Monday thru Thursdays; albeit those days are pretty hectic, but getting a three-day weekend makes it worth it. Fridays are usually the days where I rest and relax since every other day of the week is devoted to school, even the real weekend days like Saturday and Sunday. Last Friday, I spent the day with my friend, Andrea. I've known her since middle school! We ate In-N-Out; went to the Newport Beach library where I bought a used book for 50 cents; got Sprinkles cupcakes; and lounged at the beach. The beach is always the perfect medicine after a long week of school.

Prior to going to the beach, I tweeted about whether that day was going to be the day I finally went sleeveless without covering up. And it was. I absolutely adore this top. I wouldn't have debuted my flabby arms any other way. It was the perfect beach cover-up that day, but I know it'll work well for school too. It has taken me a long while to get to this point--to be comfortable with my arms. Now I still have a long ways to go in the self-confidence department, but for me, this is a pretty big step. It sounds kinda funny reading what I just wrote, but we all have body parts that we dislike (though for me, I have more dislikes than likes, but I'm working on it!). Except for all the junk I ate on this particular day, I'm really trying to continue my weight loss journey whenever I'm not buried in articles: swimming laps at night, bringing fruit and nuts to class, etc. Losing 25 pounds was easily the hardest, yet best thing to happen last year. Now that I'm in this new chapter of my life being a single, grad student, I just want to leave more of the old me behind.

Until next post,
Jasmine
top - brandy melville
belt - h&m
shorts - gap
sunglasses - raybans 
hair pin - etsy
watch - nordstroms
bikini (underneath) - forever 21

photos by andrea

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Mixing Patterns







Robert and I took these pictures after I went to visit my old workplace to return my set of keys. When I still worked there, I would always pass by this park but never could stop by. I don't really like these pictures. My shirt is not tucked in properly, but I liked the outfit. Not only have I been too busy to shop, but I've also been really enjoying shopping in my own closet. I have a lot of clothes. I'm relieved that I'm being forced to wear them all because they all cost me money at some point, and at least to me, they're all pretty darn cute! I've kinda been on a roll, and have been really excited to blog recently. It's a nice change to be excited about your routine. I've worn this skirt a lot since I first wore it: I wore it to my grad school orientation, and I've worn it to class. If it's printed, you can bet that I'm going to try and pattern mix with it. The first pairing I always try is with something striped, and that is how I ended up with this outfit. Now you know my little secret to pattern-mixing.

I've been spending a lot of time walking down memory lane lately. With 5 years of memories, it's hard not to think about the past as Robert's last day is quickly approaching. Driving down a certain street. Walking past a bench we once sat at. Hearing a song play on my iTunes. Wearing these rings. They're all triggers to a memory. I remember wanting these rings so badly when I still shopped at almost exclusively at American Eagle. It's a trio set but I wanted to wear only two that day. I remember thinking that these rings would be the ones I wanted to be proposed to with, and so Robert bought them without my knowing. They were supposed to be a surprise when he would propose to me many, many, many years down the line; but I found them in his car, and well the surprise was ruined, but it was still very much a surprise to me. I still love these rings and think fond thoughts when I look at them. There is also that slight pang of uncertainty now--will those dreams that we talked so frequently about of our future ever become a reality? Only time will tell. These rings held so much promise in them, and maybe that's why I've been reaching for them so often lately. 

Until next post,
Jasmine

top - thrifted (via buffalo exchange)
skirt - macy's
belt - gap
shoes - aldo
rings - american eagle

Monday, July 09, 2012

Sweet Escape









On Thursday I was inspired to get out of my neutrals and wear this mint top again after reading Maggie's post on what she wore on the Fourth of July. And I had a presentation for one of my classes that day too, so I wanted to look a little more put together than normal. I've been on a major blouse-kick lately too. This top is one of my favorites in my closet, and yet, I don't wear it nearly as much as I should. Green has been my favorite color since I was in Kindergarten, so I'm glad the whole mint-trend has finally caught on. I remember that I was always the weird girl who didn't like pink or purple (actually I really dislike the color purple). Back in high school, I made it a point to wear green almost everyday. Even though it was rather difficult to find, my winter formal dress was green too. I would never go back to that, but with pretty mint blouses like these, I could wear almost everyday. I actually really love this outfit and will definitely wear it again.

I took these photos by myself before class, and it felt so good to get away from the books and channel a bit of creativity. I think I've gotten the hang of taking my blog pictures on my own. All of last week, Robert was out of town and it gave me a taste of what it's going to be like when he really leaves for school in Hawaii. As sad as I get sometimes at the though of him leaving and the more I progress in my grad program, the more I realize that it was the right decision to make. I'm just so busy already. I also feel with every passing day that I spend in grad school, learning about what I love, I'm developing a new identity. I don't think I've ever been so active in class before. It feels good. As much as I complain about being busy and having to read so many articles, I'm truly happy that I'm in this program. I can't imagine myself doing anything else. What I love most is that all of this is my own. I'm doing this for me, and I'm focused. I realized that while I wasn't happy that Robert was gone, I was happy being alone. I needed to realize this--that I am more than capable of being alone--before he leaves in a few weeks; but I never expected to actually find myself enjoying it.

Until next post,
Jasmine
top - francesca's collections
shorts - gap
belt - gap
shoes - aldo
watch - nordstroms
purse - madewell

Sunday, July 08, 2012

Summer Bucket List


I'm quite the day dreamer. I spend a lot of time, probably too much time, thinking about things that just may never happen, but this is a list of things that I want to happen in real life. Summer has just begun and I want to make the most of my favorite season!

I want to build a grand castle with a wall, a moat, and towers. I want to spend a day getting lost in a museum. I want to wear something orange, because I remember a while ago I read an interview with Drew Barrymore and she said that everyone should wear something orange at least once in their life. I've seen many sunsets but never have I seen a sunrise. I want to ride a ferris wheel and go to a concert. I want to help a stranger. I want to make s'mores at a bonfire at the beach. I want to go to Disneyland, but any amusement park will do. And I want to bake a cake.

Outfit post to come tomorrow! But in the mean time, what's on your summer bucket list?

Until next post,
Jasmine

Thursday, July 05, 2012

Out of Time









I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July yesterday. I spent mine doing typical festivities: BBQ-ing and beer pong with friends in the afternoon, and watching fireworks from my bedroom window at night. No Fourth of July is complete without friends, a bit of beer, a hot dog, and fireworks right? It was great seeing my friends again. I've been so busy with school that I've had little time for myself, let alone to see other people. This isn't what I wore yesterday though. I wore this earlier in the week. I wore this top on my first day of grad school last week, but with a pair of high-waisted shorts. I bought it when I went shopping with my brother a little while back. I have already gotten so much wear out of this top.

While doing laundry last week, I've noticed that I've been wearing a lot of grey lately. It's just so easy to wear, but since I'm usually not the one for neutral outfits, I tried countering it with a bright skirt. It could be because I spend most of my days in my grey Education building. But it must also be a reflection of how I've been feeling lately, which is "blah" for a lack of a better word. I feel like all I ever do is read, read, and read some more. I fall asleep reading. I wake up and read some more. I read while I eat. I read before class, during class, and after class. As enlightening as the articles we're assigned to read are, they have been painting such a dreary picture of the education world that I'm entering. I didn't realize how bad it was out there since I've lived in this Orange County bubble for the majority of my life, where the quality of education is so high. While it does motivate me to be the best teacher I can be, it's also discouraging to read about how educational reforms rarely stick. All we can really do is, as Ghandi once said, "Be the change you wish to see in this world."

Until next post,
Jasmine
top - urban outfitters
skirt - francesca's collections
belt - h&m
loafers - aldo
bracelets - jewel mint
sunflower hair pin - etsy

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Teaching Tuesday 07.03.12




The 21st of June was a really bittersweet day for me. I would say more bitter than sweet. It was my last day at work, and also hopefully my last day as an after-school teacher. I miss my kinder-boys and my girls who had names that rhymed. I miss hanging out with them, and talking with them about anything and everything. I miss my coworkers, who were equally as awesome to be around. I can't believe I've worked at after-school programs for two years now. Time has gone by so quickly, and everything's a little blurry. I remember my first day at my first real job, post undergrad. I was so inexperienced and nervous. There I was, given a group of kids and a classroom, and the director wasn't even there for my first week. Looking back, it's kind of funny how chaotic my first month (even year) was because I really didn't know what I was doing. I learned everything as I went on day by day. I remember after some really rough days, I would just sit in my car after clocking out, crying out of frustration. I hate to admit it, but I tend to have quitter tendencies. I don't get going when the going gets tough. I complain, sometimes cry, and usually just give up and wallow in self pity. But every passing day that I didn't quit my job was an increasing affirmation that this is what I want to do with my life. At the same time, that's what I love about working with kids: no day is the same--the day before could be really terrible, but the next one could be the best one yet. I continued to make mistakes at my second job: I remember my first day there, I left the room without checking the room for kids and a kid was still in the bathroom. From my very first day until now, I've grown so much as a teacher and as a person. I've learned so much about people, about children, and about myself. 

I think the biggest lesson I learned was not to underestimate kids. We really don't give them enough credit. They're smart, honest, observant, impulsive, curious, resilient, funny, and overall just amazing and adorable little people. And that's how I've learned to treat them--as people, not as children. If you don't respect them, they won't respect you back. Set high standards, encourage and guide them to meet those standards, and eventually they will. Time-outs do not work. Give them choices so they feel empowered, independent, and included in the decision process. I suppose this can be applied to people in general actually. Something I've always been bad at is discipline. I'm such a softie, but I think I've gotten better with being "firm, yet warm" as my textbooks kept reiterating. I've also realized how much patience I do possess, because there's nothing that tests your patience more than children. I've also realized that I don't need to be artsy to be creative: as a teacher, you have to be spontaneous and improvise activities. With budget, you need to be resourceful too. I've found that teaching brings out the best sides of me: creativity, resourcefulness, organization, etc., but especially going-with-the-flow-ness. I'm such a control freak with everything else about my life: everything has to have a time and a place, but at work, it's so hard to predict how the day will go or what mood the kids are in, so there, I've learned to go with the flow. I need to apply this outside of work to my life.

Work was so cathartic for me: It was like entering Neverland every time. I got to be a kid again. I truly miss it. I'm so thankful for all that I got to experience, and I'm really looking forward to the future.

Until next post,
Jasmine

Sunday, July 01, 2012

Not Over You





After a week of wearing t-shirts and high-waisted shorts and of being stuck in a classroom with no windows, it felt so good to be outside in the gorgeous sunshine in a breezy dress. I forgot how many dresses I actually do own, and how easy they are to wear and to style. I wore this out for a quick studying break with Robert on Friday. I had spent most of the late morning and early afternoon studying for the GREs (which I just took yesterday), so Robert picked me up from Starbucks and we headed for the beach. But we never made it to there. We made a permanent detour at Fashion Island, where we both walked away with a little less money in our wallets and each with a new top. I'm a little nervous about shopping now that my monthly fun money of $50 begins today, but after the hectic first week of grad school, it doesn't seem like I'll have too much time to spend on wishlists anyways. I'm pretty sure this month's allocated money is going towards a pair of sandals. As comfy as these sandals are, they're aren't the chicest so hopefully I can find a cheap, but good quality pair for the Summer. I've been wearing my hair like this all week: a braid and a hair accessory. I love this ice cream one that I got from Etsy a long while ago.

Until next post,
Jasmine
dress - forever 21
cardigan - gap
purse - madewell
sandals - cotton on
ice cream hair pin - etsy
belt - forever 21 (gift from jen)