June

It's June, which means summer is in full swing! I can't express how happy I am to be home for the summer, after what was an absolutely insane semester. Yesterday I reflected on just a few of the amazing things that have happened in just a few short months, and now that I've looked into the past I'm looking at the future!

So to start off this month, I've gathered a few things I'm looking forward to this summer and beyond.

1. Korea
I am so, so, SO excited for Korea! I talked to Lydia yesterday and every time I think about it I get more excited. I never even thought about visiting Korea, and as a result I have no idea what we are going to do, so Lydia is in charge. This will be a whole new adventure and I'm ready for it! You can expect a flurry of blog posts while I'm there and once I return, as well as a few posts on The College Tourist.

via Wikipedia

2. Reading
During the semester, I rarely have time to read for pleasure (the major downside to being a political science major), so breaks mean I can actually read what I want to. Unfortunately, I have always had a terrible habit of reading multiple books at once. I just can't wait to finish one before picking up another! Right now, I'm currently making my way through Argo and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (Number 3 in the Millenium Trilogy). But I have a very, very large stack of books waiting to be cracked open. Stay tuned for my summer reading list!

3. Amsterdam
I'm still getting used to saying, "I'll be in Amsterdam next spring...for the whole semester." I've known for two weeks and it still hasn't quite set in. Thank goodness I'm going in the spring and not the fall, I would go crazy with the stress of planning it all! I have 7 months and 26 days until I move in, and while that may seem like a long time I have a feeling this summer and the fall semester will fly by until I find myself at Schiphol Airport in January. I have a lot of details to work out, like my housing, class schedule, and, most importantly, everything that I want to do and see while I'm there! I already have an Amsterdam board on Pinterest, as my Travel board just wasn't enough.

via Pinterest

4. Spending time with friends
Going to school in New York is amazing, but it also means I can't see my old friends as often as I want. A lot of people I know at Hofstra always say things like, "I'm not friends with people from high school," or, "I don't have any friends when I go home," and this amazes me. Sure, there are people I don't talk to anymore, but the people I was really, really close with in high school are the people I still hang out with now! My two best friends have been close with me since 6th grade, and my entire high school group still hangs out on a regular basis when we're all at least in the same state. Being apart from the whole group is hard, as we're spread out all across Texas, New York, California, and, in the case of one of my friends, Peru for two years. But we've made it work and exactly two years after graduation (which is insane!!!), we all still love to see each other!

All the girls...

And one with Reece!

These are just the major things I'm looking forward to, but I'm sure this is going to be a great summer!

Time to Review

This semester was a lot of things: crazy, fun, jam-packed, and full of amazing people and memories. There is no way I could document every single thing that happened that made this semester what it was, especially in one blog post, so here's a highlight reel of Spring '14.

1. Dancing on Broadway
It is hard to put into words what it feels like to dance in a real theatre on Broadway, with not only an amazing company of dancers but some of my best friends. I have always loved dancing, and while I'm not the best, I feel so good doing it. I really don't think I could have survived this semester without being able to retreat to the studio a few times a week and dance out all my feelings.

2. Working as a Pride Guide
I started out this semester with a job as a campus tour guide, or Pride Guide, leading tours for prospective students and working in the office of admissions. And I love it. This, along with being a French tutor, was my first real job and I had a blast! Having a fun job (with great perks like going to Gala) helped the semester fly by.

#Applyto Hofstra 

3. Editing at The College Tourist
I'm so thankful for the opportunity to work on my editing skills this summer, as well as continuing to work for The College Tourist. I have gone from virtual intern to freelancer to editor in a matter of months! Make sure to follow my weekly roundups of our Global Writer's Network and watch out for a few posts from Korea!

4. Friends Forever
I have grown so close to my group of best friends this year, but this semester we grew even closer. Maybe it was all those late nights in the dance studio or late night pizza parties watching 'Frozen,' but there is no way I could have made it through this semester without the support of these crazy people!

5. Zeta Phi Eta
Probably the biggest event of the year for me was joining Zeta Phi Eta. I had never even heard of Zeta, a pre-professional co-ed fraternity for communications majors, but I am unbelievably thankful that I joined! I love being a part of the Travel Tree, and I can't wait to continue with my position as Merchandising Chair!

I know this is a pretty sappy post and I've used one too many exclamation points, but I really had an incredible semester. There are so many incredible things that happened, and while there were some downsides, as always, they were completely overshadowed by amazing people and amazing memories. I'm excited to see what the fall will bring!

Fort Worth

I always say I'm from Dallas, even though I live in the suburbs (I don't want to get New Yorkers too confused), but I often forget about Fort Worth, a big city all its own that is just as close. I once had a professor who, when I said I lived in the suburbs, asked, "Fort Worth?" and I slowly had to explain that Fort Worth is definitely not a suburb, it's a city completely separate from Dallas.

One of my friends is interning in Fort Worth over the summer, so I found myself there for the second time in 2 weeks for lunch and a little exploring.

Our first stop, same as last week, was the amazing Velvet Taco. If you didn't already know I am obsessed with Mexican food and I gorge myself on it before I go back to New York, where I am deprived all semester. Velvet Taco has the craziest combinations with every kind of meat or topping you could want.

I had to stop and pose for a few pictures in front of this taco-themed mural that runs along the side of the building. I didn't even notice it last time!

I went with the rotisserie chicken (left) and the bacon frittata (right), which has an egg layered inside the tortilla, with all the toppings (which included bacon, potatoes, and peppers) inside the egg!

Our next stop after lunch was the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. I don't really care for modern art but I always love the buildings they're housed in. The museum is built of huge, steel-and-glass boxes that look out on a pond and garden with more sculptures and a view that makes you forget you're in the middle of the city.

Isn't this view incredible? I was more interested in the grounds than the art itself. 

With more time to kill, we crossed the street to visit the Kimbell Art Museum, which is more my style (think Van Gogh and Goya as opposed to Pollack and Warhol). Confession: last week when I was in Fort Worth I went to the Kimbell by myself and it was perfect. What else was I supposed to do? I had driven all the way there I might as well do something! There's something about going to a museum by yourself- you can look at what you want to, skip exhibits you don't care about, and move at your own pace without worrying about anyone else. But I also love going with friends!

For anyone in DFW this summer I highly recommend checking out the new addition to the Kimbell which currently houses their new Samurai exhibit. I went last week and loved it- they have a huge room full of complete samurai armor, individual helmets, and other artifacts from the period. I will definitely be back this winter when the Kimbell hosts another Impressionist exhibit!

I'm not sure what this massive metal, spiraled tower is supposed to be but our voices echoed inside!

The Kimbell also has a courtyard that connects both buildings, with a little orchard, two long reflecting pools and a huge lawn. It was a beautiful day just made for taking pictures!

Most of the photo credits go to Lidia- we've been friends since the 6th grade!

Outfit details: Shirt, Ross. Skirt, Francesca's (old, here in red and navy). Shoes, Antonio Melani (old, similar). Necklace, Francesca's (old). Earrings, Vintage. Bag, vintage Coach- you can now buy it as part of the Coach Classics collection! My dad bought it for my mom years ago, and she passed it down to me.

I hope everyone enjoyed the post, I know I enjoyed my day exploring Fort Worth! 

New Orleans: Part 2

Saturday night in New Orleans- it just conjures up images of partying on Bourbon street, doesn't it? My Saturday night consisted of the wedding and boy, was it a blast. We Southerners really know how to throw a party, and weddings are our specialty.

The ceremony was held at St. Mary's, a beautiful old church in the French Quarter. It's an old Ursuline convent that has been around since 1845! The church has served various communities, particularly Italian immigrants, within New Orleans and has been perfectly preserved.

St. Mary's in the French Quarter.

The courtyard of the hotel where we all stayed, decorated for the reception. Look at all those candles! I'm in love. 

A real roasted Cuban pig- it may look gross but it tasted sooo good.

My first time trying oysters! This guy spent all night shucking oysters, and they were surprisingly better than I expected. 

The beautiful bride and groom. 

Dancing with the mother of the bride; her moves put me to shame!

I loved that the bride switched into a short Anthropologie dress for the reception, but still kept the bridal feel. 

Three generations; I'm glad I was able to spend so much time with my mom and grandmother!

Dress, Antonio Melani. Heels, Calvin Klein. 

Yeah you make we wanna shout! Nothing gets 50+ people out on the dance floor like a classic. Nashville-based Ocean Street performed all the songs for the reception, and they were great! 

All photos with watermark via Austin Scott Photography. 

I had a blast in New Orleans, between the rehearsal dinner, exploring the Garden District and the French Quarter, an amazing wedding ceremony and reception, and getting to finally return to the city where I spent so much of my childhood. This last picture pretty much sums up my weekend; spending time with amazing people that I haven't seen in forever and dancing the night away to all the perfect wedding songs (I actually love going to weddings, it's an excuse to dress up and act a little silly where no one can judge your dance moves!). I can't wait to go back to New Orleans! 

New Orleans: Part 1

I'm delving into the past for blog posts, as I'm feeling very uninspired lately. So, now is the perfect time to blog about my trip to New Orleans!

I spent a lot of time in New Orleans growing up, as my grandparents were living there and we made the short flight from Dallas to see them several times a year. I have always loved the city, but I hadn't been back since my grandparents moved when I was in the third grade, just a few months before Katrina, save for a cruise we took out of New Orleans a couple years ago, but we were only there for a few hours after we docked. So, this was my first real trip back to NOLA in almost ten years.

The purpose of my weekend jaunt was to attend the wedding of a family friend. Her parents are very good friends with my grandparents, and actually lived across the street from them. Although she's a few years older we spent a lot of time together when I was younger. So, when we received the invitation for her wedding, I knew I wanted to go. I'll always take an excuse to travel!

My mom, grandmother, and I all met up in Dallas, then flew to New Orleans the next day (LGA to DFW, DFW to NOLA, NOLA to DFW, and DFW to LGA all in 5 days!). We checked into our hotel on Bourbon, where the reception would be held, and immediately had to get ready for the rehearsal dinner.

The view from our hotel room.

Dress, Prabal Gurung for Target. Shoes, Betsey Johnson. Necklace, Sam Moon. 

I didn't get any pictures of the dinner, but it was held at a fabulous French restaurant in the quarter, where I was served a full plate of crème brûlée for desert! If your'e wondering how I could get away with no tights and short sleeves in November, it's because NOLA was still hovering around 75 degrees at night. Much, much better than New York at the time.

Saturday was for exploring, as we had plenty of time to kill before the ceremony and reception. First stop, of course, was breakfast and beignets. The famous Cafe du Monde was PACKED as usual, but we found a more delicious and significantly less crowded beignet spot down the street.

New Orleans Famous Beignets and Cafe, check it out if you're ever in the city!

Part 2 featuring the wedding will come tomorrow, stay tuned and laissez les bon temps rouler!! 

April 1st

There are so many things going on this month, and I wanted to take the time to sit down and reflect on this month and what it means. I'm turning the big 2-0 this month (that's a little scary!), so in honor of my birthday here are a few things I'm grateful for, proud of, or just amazed that they are happening!

1. I am turning 20. I will officially be two decades old. Being 20 seems like a useless birthday because I still can't drink or rent a car or gamble, but it's a big deal. I will finally stop being a teenager, yet I'm still in a weird limbo of not being a kid but not being an adult. However, a new decade means new beginnings!

2. I am performing on Broadway. I am so honored to be a part of Spacefroot Dance Company, and the fact that we are dancing at a theatre on Broadway in New York City (on my birthday) is unreal. I never, ever, ever thought that this would happen to me. Sure, every girl who takes a ballet class dreams on being that beautiful ballerina in all white on the NYC stage, but I'm pretty darn close to that dream.

4. I work two jobs, and being a Pride Guide and a French tutor has made me realize how important it is to manage your time. Creating a schedule for work, class, and extra curricular activities (can you still call them that in college?), has made me even more organized than I was before.

5. I have the opportunity to study abroad. While I wait for the University of Amsterdam to let me know whether or not they have accepted me, I think about all the things I plan on doing if I go- all the travel, sightseeing, and experiences I plan on having.

5. I am literally living my dream. I spent my whole life saying that I wanted to move to New York, and I did. I packed my little car up and headed here for college, fulfilling my dream of someday living in New York. Even if I don't end up living in New York forever after I graduate, I'm here now!

6. I just took an awesome trip to California with great friends, one of whom I have been friends with since the 7th grade! I am so thankful to be able to go across the country to see her at least once a year and spend some time in such a beautiful place!

7. I will officially welcome my lovely little, 'Geneva' into Zeta Phi Eta next weekend, bringing her into the Travel Tree!

8. I am acting in a friend's film project this weekend! While acting has never been my number one talent, I miss doing it in high school and I'm excited to help out with their shoot!

9. I have had 2 amazing internships, one in person and one virtual, and I have learned so much from both of them, more than I ever could learn in a classroom, even with all the opportunities Hofstra offers.

10. Finally, I have the honor to be on the Digital Team for the Women in the World Summit this weekend! One of my former editors from The Daily Beast e-mailed me over spring break and asked me to be a part of the team, to which I quickly said yes! I am so honored to be able to watch so many amazing women speak and have the opportunity to work on this summit! I am also super excited to be reunited with Kelsey, my best friend/co-intern when I was at Newsweek/The Daily Beast!

There are a million things I could list that I am excited or grateful for, but these are just a few of the amazing things happening in my life right now! I can't wait to post about the summit and later my show, so stay tuned!

What's In My Bag? School Edition

I've seen quite a few "What's In My Bag?" posts over the last few days (specifically these from The Chelsea Way and College Prepster), so I was inspired to post my own! Today is the School Edition, aka what I always, always, always have in my bag before I leave my dorm room.

Lilly Pulitzer Large Agenda//Kate Spade Tote (similar)//Target Notebook//Earbuds with case//Juicy Phone Case//Sunglasses//Wristlet//Laptop

I bought my first Lilly agenda last summer and I LOVE it. I chose the Large Agenda in Lucky Charm and it has been perfect. I like being able to write down everything I need to do for class, all my reading, and important dates! Plus it's the most adorable agenda you could possibly buy, and it'll never got lost in the bottom of the bag.

This Kate Spade Sophie Tote (scored at an outlet for $50!) is my favorite bag right now- it's super light so I can fill it until it overflows (which is pretty hard) and it's still manageable to carry around all day. Right now I'm coveting these two Beau bags (ugh, if only.) 

I never leave my room without my phone, and I certainly never leave without headphones! If I'm walking around campus by myself all day I have to listen to music. I just got a pair that comes with a bright chevron case that keeps them from getting tangled in my backpack.

I always have sunglasses with me, even if it's not sunny when I leave- you never know! 

This little Steve Madden wristlet (which I also have in purple) holds my phone, keys, and ID card. I can't get into my room without either of these, and this little wristlet makes it easy to run to dinner or the gym without bringing a purse.

My new love/obsession/favorite item ever is my MacBook Air. I never carried my laptop to class because it was inconvenient, but my Air now comes with me everywhere. While I still love handwritten things, and I always carry a notebook with me to jot down notes, to-do lists, or blog ideas, it is beyond convenient to have all of my class notes and textbooks in a few apps on my computer. 

These are just a few of the things I carry with me everyday- my bag is always full, especially lately when I find myself heading out the door at 9 or 10 and not returning for 12 or more hours. You never know what you're going to need!

What do you always carry in your bag, either to class or just everyday?