2013

 
It's a new day & new year. Tonight I head to N.Y.C. I hope my experience is similar to that PBS special "Broadway or Bust".

Okay! here are my new year's resolutions:

*Get a new job, part-time.

* Read more books! I say this to myself every year, I haven't even finished The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer: My Life at Rose Red yet because I'm distracted lately. And I brought that book how many months ago!? I also want to buy Warm Bodies book.

*Get out more! Between school, work, & practice, I must admit I don't have much of a social life. I want to meet new people and go to lots of parties & clubs. And taste my first sip of alcoholic.

* Meet a guy! I'm so not ashamed to say this. But I want a boyfriend!!! I haven't been in a relationship since early 2010!!!  
Not trying to brag but back in the day (when I was in school) I wasn't popular at all but I did do alright in the boyfriend department. But every since school ended...I get NOTHING from guys. Not even a glance. Only guys who want to talk to me are the old drunken bastards I see when I go for a walk. Time to get back in the game girls!!!! 

*Be smart about money! Even if it's just ten dollars every two weeks, I need to learn to save more. I'm deathly afraid of going completely broke O_o

* And of course, eat right, lose weight. I'm a ballet dancer and have manger to go throughout the whole year without my teacher telling me to lose weight. I'd like to keep that up.

October, Thank you.

  Today is the first full month of Autumn. For me it's my last month here in San Diego.  I've been accepted into a private ballet school in New York. I just received my letter this morning! I'm so happy I'm crying now as I type this. All my hard work and patience as finally paid off! But before I move, I need to find a job, hopefully in dancing. But anything will do.

  I cannot believe that I will be living in New York!!!!!! I've been there on occasion but to live there, being able to go to Broadway shows whenever I want, the best ballet performance just steps away from my place.

  THE FOOD! I love New York food! I once had a pizza from there and could never find anything to top it in Boston or San Diego!

 Worst part about all this? moving. I hate moving but will move 1000 times over if it means getting one step closer to my goals.

  This also means I need to shop for Fall/Winter clothes. And I can start wearing my scarf collection!

  The school will pay for all of my classes, I'll be responsible for food & supplies.  I'll be in school Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm. I'll have weekends and holidays off. If I'm late to school I don't go to class. According to the letter they're pretty strict.  I love it already!

Now first thing first, got to find a place to live.

Having Fun!

    I really do love going to fairs. The cool rides, great games, amazing food, and nice entertainment. It's the perfect way to end such a great summer. Since school will start soon I thought it would be a nice treat to go to a fair and have a great time. I love fast rides like roller costers, they are my favorite. I always went to a fair or an amusement park with my friends and always had a great fun time. We would all go on lots of rides then eat til we pass out.  I was always the one to get drag on the most heart pounding rides.


  The best part of amusement parks besides the rides are is the foods. I think that food from the fair taste the best!!!!! I love their pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, and soft drinks. I know I sound greedy but really they are great. As soon as you walk into a amusement park the smell of popcorn hit you and you start to smile cause you already know that you will have a great time. Then as you look around you see all kinds of rides and you can't decide which one to go on first. And that's when all the fun starts.I also think amusement parks bring out the child in everyone.


  So I think going to a amusement park is a great way to end such a perfect summer. It's a good way to relax and forget about your worries for one day.  It is also a great way to spend time with friends and to just get out of the house and get some fresh air.

Memoirs of a Geisha

  Today I decided to stay home and enjoy the peace and quiet in my apartment. I layed on my bed with my  drink of water on my night stand and picked up one of my favorite books to read. I bet you are all wondering " what is the title of this book?" Well the novel I'm talking about is "Memoirs of a Geisha" by the wonderful Arthur Golden. Here is the original cover of this beautiful book.

   This breath taking novel is of the fiction literature and is a must for all book loving folks (like me!) Many people may have heard of Memoirs of a Geisha but only from the film. The film is very lovely but it's nothing compare to the novel its self. You see, in the novel it cover so much more than what the film showed. The novel talks about the main character when she was still living in her village compare to the film, where it shows about half a mintue of her village then it goes right to her training to become a geisha. But the novel gives so much detail that you just can't get from the film. To really understand the film you need to read the book and see for yourself why it's so darn good. This is a picture from the film.....

   I fell in love with the film when I first saw it on the big screen. It was so beautiful that I was mesmerized. I went to see the film with my friends at a theater in Boston. Anyway, since my friends all read the book they were thinking that the film will be crappy. Seconds into the film we were all pulled in, I myself think that I only blinked five times in the whole film so I was not to miss a second of it. At the end of the film I started to cry but I felt happy inside knowing SPOILERS! (highlight to see) that the main character founded what she was looking for.  Here are some eye candy from the film.....

   The next day I went to a Goodwill store to donate some old shoes, clothes and sheets I no longer needed. The store had a book selection and because I love books I had to see what they had. I looked on the bottom shelf and saw "Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden" it was $ 1.50 so I brought it. I read the book five times already and each time I read it I can never put it down. The book is really amazing and I recommend it to all. This is a 5 star novel and should be treated as one. So please stop by your local bookstore, library, or goodwill store and pick up a copy.

My 2012 New Year Resolutions!

*Drink more Water! I'm not into that eight glasses a day that many people talk about. I just need to start drink more water.

*Simplify my skincare regime! I don't need a lot of products on my skin. Just a cleanser, moisturizer and sunblock.

*Take my vitamins daily! Up to now I just took them whenever I remember to take take them. But I need to start taking them daily, in the morning!

*Do more ballet footwork whenever I'm not moving. Like when I'm washing clothes, watching TV, playing a game or just nothing at all!

*Watch more PBS and less crap on TV! I love PBS, everything on that station is educational! I learn something new every time I tune in. I'm not saying I want to stop watching fun TV but stuff like 16 & Pregnant or any MTV reality show has got to go!

*Eating more green apples! I love green apples and I need to eat more!

*Save more money! I am very careful of what I spend my money on but I want a bigger safety net should anything big happens that I can't afford.

*Buy a bed and a car! Right now I'm sleeping on a futon mattress and the Metro is really starting to piss me off!

*Eat in more and eat out less!

*Stop buying so many skincare products! I have wayyyyyyy too many as is and really need to stop!

*Blog more about ballet and rant more! That was what this place was really about but somehow it changed into skincare review site with little fragments of myself......

*Take lots of pictures. I want to remember even the little things when I'm older. I want to remember my youth.

* Travel outside the USA! I want to visit to Canada & Europe!

*Find a Tokidoki bag for everyday use.

*Start shopping at Victoria's Secret.

* Finish at least half of the video games I own now.

*Smile more and offer a helping hand to more people.

*Accept the good with the bad and Welcome this new year with open arms.

A Little Princess

 

  As you may know by now, "A Little Princess (1995)" is my favorite film of all time. I mean, I named my female dog after the main character; "Sara Crewe". The characters, costumes, the acting, soundtrack and of course, the story line all captured my heart. A childhood classic that I carried with me into my adulthood.  The film's tag line is "All girls are a Princess".


  And I think the reason why I've fallen in love with this film, other that the ones I already listed is because I saw a lot of myself in the main character. My Dad called me Princess when I was a child and still does even to this day. We have a close and loving relationship just like the main character and her farther. Also my mother passed away when I was young again, just like in the film. So I always watched this film when I was feel down because believe it or not after I watched it I felt so understood. And inspired to do only good in my heart.....

                             

Feeling the Love!

  What can I say? I am loving life right now! I was a little down for awhile, but I cheered my own self up over the weekend. I saw some sites, indulged in a at-home-Spa and wrote a lot in my journal. I realized how blessed I am. With a lot of people looking for work, losing their homes, trying to pay bills, and support a family, I have is kinda easy. I'm not a young single mother trying to raise a child and further my education like some of the people I was friends with in school. It's just my doggy and I.

  I was upset that my career in Ballet hasn't really taken off yet. That I wouldn't get to live out my dream but I thought about it and saw what I do have and am happy about it. As long as I can keep dancing on or off stage I will be fine.

  Since I didn't get the part in "The Nutcracker"  I'm travailing back to Boston, Massachusetts for the holidays. I'll be back in San Diego next year in 2012. Looking forward to all the quality family time I'll be getting during the holidays.

   I'm glad I'm over my little dark cloud period, I am now focus and thinking clearly. Working hard to achieve my goals and enjoying my young life.

 Happy Holidays, everyone!

I Love My Breasts, Don't You?

        It's the first of October, and while we of all ages are getting ready for Halloween, costumes and candy we should also plan a trip to the doctor's for a routine breast exam. I have already made a appointment, and will be going in for my breast exam on October 14, 2011. It may be embarrassing for you especially if it's your first time but it is important and can also save your life. 

Took this picture on my way home. Even the heavens are participating in Breast Cancer Awareness Month... beautiful.  

Casual Chic Kiss

  

   Trying something new on my blog. Posting inspiring everyday looks on my site to give you ideas of new & fun styles you can try at home.

What My Dad Taught Me: Money Secrets

   I spend so much time talking about beauty, what I brought, and what skincare products are good that I should talk about money and being young. My dad is a wise, smart man. When he was 18 he started saving money whenever possible. He always saved just incase there was an unannounced bill or some loved one was in troble. My dad is 40 years old and has be saving all his adult life. Because of that he was able to buy a nice home for his new family (a.k.a. my mother and baby me lol) a car and put me through private school. Even though my dad doesn't need to save as much, that he should enjoy his life, he still does. Why? Because my dad said "It's better to be safe than sorry" he has seen some of his high school friends just get by and that to him is not good enough.

   My dad taught my about money at the age of 10 years old. He opened up a bank account when I was 13 years old. I had an allowance of $10.00 per week, $5.00 was put into my account and the other half I could do with as I wish. There were times that I BEGGED my dad to give me just $15.00 for a cute shirt or a CD. It was MY money and I wanted to spend it. But he didn't let me And told me when I'm older I'll understand. Well I am older and I do understand. Because of his discipline I am a smart girl ^^! I buy on sale, I really think about if this is a WANT or a NEED.

    

  My dad is a lover of a TV news show called FRONTLINE, we were watching an episode of babyboomers still living with their aging parents because of debt. After watching that I started saving for my retirement, pension, and emergency saving. You may laugh at that a young girl is worrying about her retirement but look out side your window. The unemployment line gets longer eveyday. I do not want to be part of that and simply am doing the smart thing now that will pay off later. I had a friend who went to the same dance school as I do but couldn't continue because she can not affort school and a baby. I want to start my future off on the right foot. And because of my dad's advice and guidance I am and will continue to do so.

   I hope that you all will be/continue to be smart with money and I wish you the best with your furture =)

                      In the words of my dad "Do it early and NEVER rely on the goverment".

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

I love "The Sound of Music", I actually watched the movie last night and was inspired by a certain song to take this picture of my favorite things....in my jewelry box. What are your favorite things, big or small?

It's the 1000th Summer!!

    The first day of June is upon us!! At last it's Summer. The month that starts off our summer vacations, cookouts, family & friends get-togethers, water parks and out-of-state trips and so much more.

 Gosh, what are you doing to do this summer?! This is the final week of my ballet class and then I'm offically on summer break! I'm going to hit ALL the water parks and pools with my friends. Ofcouse I'm going to still practice on my ballet dancing but my main focus is having some fun. Enjoying my youth, family and friends.

 Because of summer break starting real soon for me, I'll have more time to blog. Though...they'll consist of pictures of my summer lol. I'll still blog about ballet and beauty but mostly about F-U-N!!!!!!

 I seriously cannot wait to trade up my ballet flats for flip-flops and cute heels. I hope all of you have a wonderful summer and wear plenty of sunblock!!!

                                        Sara Crewe and I are going to hit the pool after ballet class :P

                  Keeping my entry short and sweet much like my last week of classes.

                    Have a great summer guys and congrats to the class of 2011!!!!! ^___^

My Slight Skincare Obsession....

  I have a slight obsession with Skincare procducts. Ever sense I developed acne I brought/read every book about keeping your skin clear and free of damage. Right now, I'm with mostly Biore products. They work very well for my skin type (oily skin with dry spaces on my nose and chin). 

  When I first started out on my "Skincare Jouney" I was with Clean & Clear. I had no skin problems then just washed my face and apply sunblock everyday. Then I was with Neutrogena and Oxy (The Acne)......*I hated thoses days* But I got through it by using the right products and most importantly giving it time.
    I had acne BAD, it was all over my face, chest and arms. It got so bad that I didn't even bother to looking in the mirror when it's time for school. Oddly enough I wasn't pick on or bullied for my acne. I guess they were having to much fun with the fact of my shyness and "nerdy lifestyle" (I read A LOT of books mostly Fantasy) that they didn't notice. So alot of my insecurities didn't come from others but only myself and the occasional fashion magazine. But anyway I decided that I was going to take control of my skin and my life. So I went to my doctor beacuse the beauty books where not helping me. And my doctor reccomend me four products, one being a prescription.

Neutrogena Body Wash: Every night before bed Itake a bath using this stuff. Yes it did dry my skin BUT was part of the reason why I have no more acne on my arms and chest.

Oxy Acne Wash, Maximum Strength: This was my face wash for four years. Again it did dry my face out. Slowly but surely my face was becoming more clear.

Oxy Daily Cleansing Pads: I used these on my chest and arms only. I used one pad for each area. One for my left arm, one for my right arm and another for my chest area. Using both side of the pad swip from side to side, left to right.

  My doctor also prescribed a retinol for me that I still use to this day twice a week. But when I started this skin care routine my skin didn't magically get better over night, it took months to see a big improvment. And years (for me four) to see clear skin. Now, I'm all about maintanining my skin. I do still get breakouts every now & then because I'm imperfect and not some human Barbie doll. But my Biore face wash takes care of that for me. I'm all about sunblock, sunglasses and keeping oily skin to a minimum.

  Yes, eating right is also important. It is also right that you can slap on any kind of cream on your face but without a proper diet in place you won't get the full benefit of that cream. I would go deeper on this issue but......I did just eat a pizza >.< and I don't wanna be a hypocrite LOL.


    The moral of the story is to just go ask your doctor and please be patient.

Mean Stinks!

 Two of my friends and I were walking home with a group of girls from our Ballet class. When one of the girls brought up another girl from our class, talking about how bad she is at dancing and that the only reason she's in the class is because her mom and dad are rich. They just kept going into details about how bad she is at dancing, how rich she is, how much better they are at dancing etc... It got me to thinking why do we Gossip? I'm no angel when it comes to gossip myself but I do try to reframe from it. For example; I don't watch shows like TMZ because shows like that make a living off of  gossiping.

   I guess gossiping is just soooo juicy that we just can't get enough of it. Is it horrible?, yes but I guess it makes us feel so much better about ourselves that we are willing to throw someone else under the bus to get that feeling.

  When I was in Middle School, I remember walking down the hallway, walking pass people, then hearing whispers about me and my personal life being spread all over school. In school I held my head high, ignored it and went on with class but at home, in my room I broke down and cried each night. So I know that people who say that gossip doesn't hurt them or they just don't care are really hurt the most.  

  It's kinda funny that even though I been through the gossiping/bulling thing....I STILL catch myself gossiping to this very day. It's crazy but now I try to help out others who seem to have trouble with dance moves instead of laughing. I try to improve my own dance moves or ask for help instead of feeling jealous or envy. It has helped alot and turn me into a better person.

  While reading my "Teen Vouge" issue I came across an AD that talks about a FaceBook page called "Mean Stinks (click)". It's where people post their stories about how they went through bullying either physically, mentally, or emotionally. It can actually help and inspire you or someone you know that's going thourgh bullying.

                                          Gossiping about not gossiping is great gossip!

Earth Hour 2011

 Earth Hour is a global event organized by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature, also known as World Wildlife Fund) and is held on the last Saturday of March annually, asking households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and other electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change. -Wiki

 I started Earth Hour last year with a few friends of mine and we all enjoyed it very much. And we are all going to do it again this year, and I ask that you all join us. What my friends and I do is turn everything off, grab some flashlighs and tell very lame & corny stories. It only last for an hour but is the best hour in the world. So grab a friend and join in with Earth Hour. And guess what?, you are not alone in this. MILLIONS of people all over the world are doing the same thing. So, join us!

                

2011

    I've been gone for months now because of sickness and family affairs. And for that, I am very sorry for neglecting my blog and Twitter. But I'm back, inspired, and ready to write like there's no tomorrow! lol. This is my new year's resolution; always write and when you don't feel like writing, write some more. I still will write about skin care, traveling, video games (I brought some good ones), food and of course Ballet. Along with other writings. I hope you all will join me as we start the new year, with smiles, laughter, hopes & dreams.


                                                      I welcome 2011 with open arms and a warm heart.