A few months ago I began asking myself, “As a kid, what did I truly love doing for the sake of doing it?” In addition to ‘recording myself reading excerpts from Reader’s Digest‘ – acting came to mind. Plus, I am basically living in Hollywood, so I figured the time would never be more right!
I recently read the book Quiet – The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. Typically when I read something that gets all the wires in my head crackling and popping, my entire world starts being seen through its lens; this book was no exception.
Most people close to me would say I’m extroverted, but the truth is, I’ve worked hard to become this way. This book made me question just how much I’ve conformed and molded because of the ‘extroverted ideal’ and which introverted aspects of myself I haven’t allowed space for.
Fall is my absolute favorite season. I love the coziness, the sweaters, the leaves, and the weatherly encouragement of indoor activities. Unfortunately, LA in October is HOT – I mean shorts, tank tops, and constant sweating hot. So this year, I decided to book a ‘fall-cation’ to Portland, Oregon with my friend Ella.
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During my unplanned year, I’ve decided to go on a shopping cleanse, meaning I won’t shop for an entire year. My goals are to a) appreciate what I already have, b) break the cycle of “I see/I want/I buy”, and c) save money. Continue reading
One of my goals this year was to cook 50 new recipes using the Oh She Glows Every Day cookbook. The recipes are SO delicious and fun to make, that I ended up changing my goal to 75 recipes… and then to 100 recipes.
Making new things every week has helped me become a much more confident and comfortable cook. I’ve also dramatically broadened the range of meals I know how to make, and no longer feel panicked when invited to a potluck. I guess it’s true when they say practicing doesn’t need to ‘make perfect,’ but it inevitably makes progress!
You know the expression, “you live, you learn”? Well I started thinking about it a few months ago. I realized that I spend A LOT of energy trying to “learn” so I can frantically avoid making mistakes while “living.” I avoid situations that I can’t prepare for. I like predictable situations because they make me feel in control.
This year I want to take more chances. Stretch myself into the unknown. Set up camp outside of my comfort zone. So here are my goals for my unplanned year… Continue reading
When you move to LA, people eagerly start asking you, “Have you done the coast drive?”and now I know why. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of the most scenic drives in the world, extending from San Diego to San Francisco. It winds precariously along a cliff – mountains on one side, ocean on the other. In light of my recent car accident, I’ve been focusing on gratitude. In terms of the car, I’m grateful that it protected me in the accident, and for all the experiences it allowed us to have in California. So, as a tribute to our beloved Kia Soul, here is a post about the epic PCH road trip Greg and I took this past July. Kia Soul – thank you. Continue reading
This is hard to write about. But it’s all I have to say right now. I feel like if I try and write around it, I won’t be telling the truth. So here we go.
I am a planner. I have been goal-setting since elementary school. I write down “shower” on my to-do list so I can check it off. I make day planners FOR FUN.
But this year, I am trying something different. This will be my unplanned year.
Our wedding has been described as “unconventional.” I think this is because we only incorporated traditions we liked. When we had to make a decision about something, we asked ourselves, “What feels like us?” instead of, “What are we supposed to do?” It’s fun thinking back to that day; I felt like I was being spooned by the gentlest bear – everything was incredibly warm, fuzzy and surreal.
young, wild, and tidy. 