Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Almond Shaped Nails


It finally happened and I am really excited and happy with them :D

I've been itching for almond shaped nails for some time now. I knew for sure I did not want to get acrylics or tips.

I grew out my nails and had my nail lady shape them and apply gel polish.

Color is Melody by DND. 

AHHH. 

I LOVE IT.

I can't stop staring.

There is just something about them that screams feminine and fierce at the same time. 


Xoxox

Thursday, November 10, 2016

TBT: Nails of the Week

Aloha everyone!

I wanted to do a quick throwback to a few weeks ago when I did my nails. I have not done a nail design on my nails in a really longtime as I spent the majority of 2016 studying for two board exams. It was so liberating and comforting. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know doing my nails is one of my biggest hobbies, passions and methods of self-care

These were my nails in early October in honor of fall. I only wore them for a few days because I ended up getting my nails done with girlfriends on a mini trip to Ventura.


The nails were inspired by the teal and black design in +cutepolish No Tool Nail Art: 5 Easy & Cute Designs. I shared the video below:




Hope you enjoyed <3


Xoxoxoxoxo

Monday, November 7, 2016

Monday Sayings: HealthIER Living

( from Thea.Livewell on IG )

As you may know from a previous post, I am on this trek to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. 

I know I've for sure gained some weight when my fiance noticed. LOL. 

He did not notice when my hair went from this dark to...

...this light

In early October, a few friends and I drove up to Ventura to visit and surprise a friend who was just rediagnosed with ovarian cancer (a major f*ck you to cancer!). Of  course, we took pictures. When my fiance saw them, he said, "Hey, did you gain some weight?"

That was totally a reality check for me. I knew I had been gaining weight, but once my boo notices, then dang, it has gotten out of hand. 

I started my journey of losing weight. I started watching what I ate, but often fell off the bandwagon. I take Zumba classes about 3 - 5 days week. The difficult part was controlling what I ate when I got home from Zumba. I would eat double what I usually ate. I always felt shitty about myself afterwards. 

I attended a case management conference in early October where Dr. Mark Hyman presented. He was an amazing speaker and I must shamelessly admit, my new doctor crush. LOL <3 Before I entered his workshop, I texted a friend something along the lines of "Here I go. Another boring workshop. Daydreaming time." I was proven wrong.

The lecture turned out to be phenomenal. He was inspiring, motivating and so freaking hilarious. There was never a dull moment. 

From Dr. Hyman's talk, I took on a greater lesson. It is not just about losing weight. It's about being healthy all around, about being mindful of what we put into our bodies and knowing where our food comes from. I don't just want to look "good" but I also want to feel good and be healthy. 

Dr. Hyman recommended a documentary he worked on called "Fed Up." I was really happy to find it on Netflix so definitely get on it if you can. 

The film was really inspiring. It showed me how much bad stuff I put into my body including processed foods, sugar, and fat. "Reduced fat" means nothing really. It barely makes a change. And to alter food, it has to be processed. So an already processed food has to be reprocessed to be made healthier? It just does not sound right. He also talked about solutions to living healthier lives. Just being more conscious of what we put into our body is key. 

One of the greatest takeaways is when he said, "Junk is still junk even if it is less junky."

I would be lying to myself if I were to say I am never going to eat processed foods again. Xxtra Hot Cheetos are my winter weakness but they are soooo bad for you. I eat a bag about 2x/mo. How about I just have them 1x/mo? I can deal with that. Eating less cookies, less chips, less things that were not naturally made to be such. 

There was a woman in the film who said something along the lines of  "If there is a food with an expiration date that exceeds my lifetime then I know it can't be good for me." 

AHHH I just went on a long excited rant about health. 

I am really looking forward to healthier lifestyle. Just like everyone says, it's not about deprivation but moderation. Also, getting active.

I am so happy my coworkers and I are on the same train. Six of us with Fitbits have started a challenge to get healthier and fitter!

I have the Fitbit Charge 2 which I named "Fitty Wap" after Fetty Wap. LOL. I know. I'm a goon. 

( credit : www.macys.com )

So far, I am really digging it. The app allows me to track my water as well. Since it is a competition, it has motivated me to actually drink more water. I have met my water goal once. I know that does not seem like a lot, but I am the worst water drinker. A cup of coffee in the morning and water to take my meds at night. Zumba definitely helps me drink water.

ANYWAYS! I babbled throughout this whole post only because I am so excited about my life to come. Healthy living. Healthy me. Win win.

( credit : I can't remember. Sorry. Facebook? )


Xoxoxo

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

UCLA Homecoming 2016

Hello everyone,

I am not sure if I have mentioned this already, but October 1 was my last day at my second job. I worked every Saturday night in a hospital ER from 3:30pm - midnight. I did this every Saturday for one year with the exception of 3 Saturdays. 

In that year, I have missed so many events and opportunities for social events, birthdays, adventures and of course, relaxation.

After my last day, I felt like I emerged from social hibernation.

On October 22, I went to my alma mater's UCLA Homecoming game tailgate with friends. That day, UCLA played the Utah Utes. Unfortunately, we lost 52 to 45. But that's okay! I love love love my Bruins win or lose!

And you know what! I HAD THE BEST TIME! 

It felt so good to not have to worry about going to work.

Also, if anyone went to college where football was a big deal, you would understand the culture of tailgates, especially a homecoming game.

Kickoff was at 1pm. I was up at 4:20am to be able to leave my house at 5am to meet my friend by 6am to arrive at the Rosebowl Stadium by 7am. You think that's early? Well, there was a long looooong line ahead of us!

My friends and I had the best time sipping on mimosas, having burgers, and chips and cookies. This was definitely not a day to be watching what we eat!

I am so happy I work just one job now. I look forward to enjoying my life again.  I look forward to being less tired and making more memories outside work. 

I am still living on the adrenaline of that day that I wanted to share some pictures. And sorry they are awkwardly cropped. I wanted to respect my friends' choice to not be published online. 

Mimosas



I wish I took a picture of my eye makeup. Definitely had some blue liner in honor of my school colors.

  
Found some Filipino Bruins two tailgates away! 

Special thanks to my sorority sister Michelle for the invite! And for making sure I always had shade due to Lupus.

It was such a great day! Still living in the moment <3


Xoxoxox