The Little Things

Sorry things have been a little slow around here. I've just been taking some time off for myself to enjoy the last bit of my winter break. Besides you're not missing much in terms of my outfits. I've really just been living in jeans and boots and sweaters. In between catching up with friends and reconnecting with old ones, I can't help but smile and revel in all the things and people I'm blessed with. And honestly, it's the little things like eating lavender honey ice cream in the middle of winter, or witnessing a gorgeous sunset, or your phone playing the perfect songs during your run, or grabbing pizza with friends at 10:15 at night that make life really worthwhile. I've also been taking some time for myself. I started running again, not necessarily because I want to lose weight (though I do and it'd be a nice side effect), but because I just want to feel better about myself. That resolution goes hand in hand with the others. After a five-hour nap to nurse my first hangover ever from New Year's Eve, I really thought about what I wanted to accomplish this year and ultimately, I just want to be better and happier and that's just what I'm going to do.

My 2013 Resolutions:
1. Be more active: Work out for an hour at least 3 times a week
2. Be more fearless: Change isn't scary, it's necessary. And success isn't so bad either.
3. Be more confident: in my choices, actions, wants, and needs. Speak up more.
4. Be more carefree: Worry less. Don't sweat the small things.
5. Be better: a better friend, daughter, sister, teacher, student, and blogger.

What are your New Year's resolutions?

Until next post,
Jasmine

24 Before 24

  

I turn 23 years old today!

Already, this birthday has just been so amazing. Over the weekend, my parents got me a new Macbook Air. This means more than just getting a new computer for me. I was never that kid who had a long wish list for her birthday; rather, all I really wanted were books. This is the first big present from my parents ever, and for me, it just symbolizes how much growth my family has achieved over this past year. I finally feel like I'm making my parents proud. And then yesterday, my friends in my grad program surprised me by taking me out to lunch in between classes. Tonight, on my actual birthday, a few of my oldest and closest friends and I are going out for a fancy dinner. I'm so excited to dress up and begin this next year in my life with people that I love.

This feeling of new beginnings has been my theme lately, and I am just so high on life right now. The year of being 22 brought my highest of highs and my lowest of lows, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. I can't help but feel everything happened like it was supposed to because I can't imagine my life any other way. I have the best group of friends and with them by my side, I just know that this next year in my life is gonna be an amazing one!

So here's my 24 before 24 list:
1. Get a tattoo.
2. Run/walk a half marathon.
3. Go on a road trip with friends.
4. Cycle through most of my clothes.
5. Read a classic.
6. Be more confident.
7. Visit a drive-in movie theater.
8. Cook dinner for my parents.
9. Overcome a fear.
10. Go to a Lakers game.
11. Make something from scratch.
12. Hang out with Jen and Maggie in real life.
13. Read the news more often.
14. Visit a state I haven't been to yet.
15. Be financially independent.
16. Get better at photography.
17. Learn to play the piano again.
18. Go on a date.
19. Get to know LA better.
20. Ride the Great Park Orange Balloon.
21. Take a picture with a celebrity.
22. Drive less. Bike more.
23. Go to a concert.
24. Worry less.

Until next post,
Jasmine

Blog/Style Resolutions 2012

(source)

I was pretty good about my 2011 style resolutions, so I'm going to make a few for this year...

1. Less skirts and dresses, more shorts and pants...on the blog.
2. Stop being a brand-whore.
3. Be better at layering, and mixing colors/patterns.

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My blog resolutions this year are to...
1. Take it easy more and let the posts and outfits come naturally.
2. Read blogs that inspire me instead of ones that make me feel jealous or inadequate.
3. Take pictures in different locations other than the park and the lake.
4. Be better at commenting back on your blogs!
5. Meet more bloggers from Southern California.

What are your style and/or blog resolutions this year?

Until next post,
Jasmine

2012 Resolutions

I can't believe is 2011 is coming to an end so quickly yet so slowly at the same time. Looking back, I'm actually really surprised that I accomplished all of my resolutions (well as soon as I press submit to my grad school apps, blah). I don't even think I was consciously doing it either. I have definitely adopted a healthier lifestyle: eating less junk and exercising everyday. I made this resolution because I was getting sick a lot last year, but this year I can't recall getting really sick. This year, I have also really spent way less money on clothes than I did last year. After taking a real close look at my bank account in the Summer, I realized that I was an impulsive shopper. I then stopped shopping at Forever 21 and have since started to really think about the pieces I'm buying. In September, I had an amazing couple of days in New Jersey and New York City with Jen. Over the year, I've been a bad blogger in spending less time on my blog/your blogs/on the internet, but I have really enjoyed the "real" world too.

This next year, I hope to continue my weight loss journey and get back to my high school weight. I hope to travel somewhere outside of the U.S. While I have loved going to three NYFW's, I just want to experience something entirely new in a new country. I want to cook more so I can continue saving money so that I can eventually move out. Cooking feature on my blog anyone? To continue with spending less time on the internet, I want to read more because Robert gave me a Kindle for my birthday and because I really do enjoy reading but just can't find the time anymore. Robert's always teasing me how I don't like to try new things (especially food), and it's sort of true. I really don't like change. It freaks me out and I hate not having control/not being able to predict what's going to happen. But life is unpredictable so I'm going to try a new thing every month, whether it be a new food or a new fashion trend.

What are your 2012 resolutions? I am so ready for 2012 to be here already. I just really need a fresh start.

Until next post,
Jasmine

Style Resolutions 2011

I know it's a bit late to be making resolutions now that we're a week into the new year, but I've been reading others' style resolutions and I felt like I should make some too. In 2010, I definitely found my style. I know what I like, what I don't like, what I look good in, and what I can't pull off no matter how hard I try. In 2011, I'd like to see my style become more refined and sophisticated--less cute, and more "teacher-like." I feel like if I dress more adult and less like my students, I'll feel and be more like a teacher. One of the things I struggle most as a teacher is discipline. It's just not in my nature to be mean, strict, or firm; but if I look the part, I may just feel the part, and then become the part.

1. Find a pair of red shoes to wear with anything and everything. I feel like red has become my color over the past few months with my red hair bows, my red bow belt, my red cardigans, etc. It's the perfect accent color to wear. But I just haven't found my red ruby slippers yet. The Repetto ballet flat is definitely on my wish list this year.

2. Buy a pair of jeans and do at least one post styling them. While looking back at some of my Tumblr posts (aka pre-Transient Withdrawal), I came across my 2009 school year resolutions and one of them was to wear more dresses/skirts and less jeans. Now a little over a year later, I own nothing but skirts and dresses. I wear my denim leggings a lot, and they're practically jeans. I just don't know why I can't bring myself to post photos here. But I hope I can one day.

3. Accessorize more. This was on my 2009 school resolutions list too, and I think I've become better about it. It's hard to believe that a year ago, I didn't own a single belt, but now I've accumulated quite a collection. My bows might as well be bunnies at the rate I keep hoarding them. But...I need to use other accessories like necklaces and rings.

And this last one that I'm just gonna throw in: Remix more/Find interesting ways to wear stripes. Notice how none of my resolutions is to wear less stripes. I know I'll always love stripes, but I need to find interesting ways to wear them instead of pairing them with a different skirt, bow, and cardigan. I really don't need to buy anymore clothes, especially striped tops. So remixing is a must this year, especially if I want to get my new camera and lens soon.

What are your style resolutions for 2011?

Until next post,
Jasmine

Ever the Same

outfit: striped top and tights -- j crew; grey dress and bow -- f21; wedges -- uo; belt -- topshop

Hello!
This outfit was inspired by two of my favorite bloggers--Amanda and Jen. Normally, I'm not one to be inspired to dress a different way or try a new look. I just read blogs and think "That's a really great outfit, but I don't think I'd ever really wear that." I just march to the beat of my own drum, but...when Amanda posted this look a few days ago, I immediately wanted to recreate the look with a striped dress and a solid tank dress. That's really the whole point of inspiration isn't it--to take something sensational and make it your own. Jen already got me into buying maroon tights, but when I saw these wedges at UO, I thought of her. They're a hybrid of her Seychelle wedges and UO olive heels. These are now my second pair of heels and they were only $10! I think I've seen the light in what heels can do for your legs. Who knows--maybe now I'll be open to boots too?

So this is it...the last outfit of 2010! I can't believe this year is over: so much has happened this year. I'm kinda sad to see it go, but I love the idea of starting fresh tomorrow. Here are my resolutions for the new year:

1. Eat and be healthier--while this may result in weight loss, it isn't the objective. I've been getting sick way too often now so I really just need to start taking care of myself.
2. Apply to grad school--which includes preparing for and taking the CBEST and CSET exams in the Spring and Summer.
3. Save more money--invest in timeless pieces and quality items, and utilize what I already own.
4. Go to NJ/NYC in September--I miss Jen and all the other bloggers.
5. Spend less time on the internet--do other things like reading and getting back into photography.

What are your resolutions for 2011?

Until next post,
Jasmine