Stylish in Sneakers

Classic Plimsoll / Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top / Superga Cotu

The gym isn’t the only place where you can wear sneakers. You can also sport fun printed, patterned, or solid sneakers out on the town. They go great with a laid back jeans and a tee or even create a more relaxed feel to a skirt or dress ensemble. Check out some of these stylish sneakers that you can wear this Super Bowl weekend!

Stay Snuggly in Slippers

Whether I’m walking around my dorm room or bedroom, I love the soft and snuggly feel of slippers. They add the perfect touch to the cozy look of wool socks, black leggings, and an oversized sweater. Not only can the right pair polish of your staying in outfit, but also they keep your feet extra toasty and warm. I usually wear my L.L. bean pair, but I’ve found a couple other slippers online that I’m sure will look and feel great too! 

 

Dakota / Wicked Good / Scuffette II /

Alena / Ansley

Backpack, Backpack

Patagonia / Will Leather Goods / JanSport / Herschel 

For school, I’m a backpack girl. Don’t get me wrong; I love wearing totes when I’m traveling or crossbodies to concerts, but for my day-to-day academic life, I need my trusty backpack. Not only does it fits my laptop, notebooks, and textbooks, but it also has what seems like an infinite number of pockets and extra compartments to keep the rest of my things organized and in place. My Nalgene water bottle is always snug in one of the side pockets, while my Chap Stick and headphones have their own place too! There’s also room for my camera, snacks, chargers, and whatever else I may need. Also, when I’m carry all these school essentials, I don’t feel uncomfortable or imbalanced with the weight on one side if I was carrying a tote or other side bag because everything is balanced right behind me. So, check out some of these cool backpacks!

Venice

This past November, my family and I began our Italian adventure in Venice, the city of water. Made up of 117 small islands formed by canals and linked by bridges, Venice is unlike any other city I’ve ever seen and definitely worth the visit. On our first day, my mother and I got an early morning start at St. Mark’s Basilica. Luckily, there was a free admission and no wait! Then, we walked the cobblestone streets towards the iconic Rialto Bridge. There, we met up with my dad and brother for a gondola ride. Although it is slightly expensive, you can negotiate the price or duration of the ride to decrease the price.

After gliding through the city’s waterways, the four of us sat down for lunch. Then we parted ways again since my mom and I wanted to go to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, but my brother and dad were not big fans of that idea. At the small gallery, we saw a collection of modern art including works by Alexander Calder and Pablo Picasso. Even though, we didn’t do everything together, I still had fun with whomever I was with. Although we’re all vacationing together, not everyone wants to do the same things and that’s okay. If people are tired they should be free to nap in the hotel, but if others are still energized they should be equally free to explore the city. That way, everyone wins and gets the most out of his or her vacation.

On our second day, I finally rode the main form of Venetian transport, the waterbus or vaporetti. My mother and I took the waterbus to visit the San Rocco church. I also went to the next-door Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a guild house with the masterful pictorial decorations of Tintoretto. Later that night, I met up with my brother for a relaxing night in. We brought tiramisu and gelato back to the hotel and caught up with Steve Carrel and the rest of The Office gang. Overall, I’m happy with my Venice trip. I got to see and do everything that I wanted to do, while still making time to relax with my family. The following morning, we took a water taxi to get to the train station for our next stop on our Italian journey, Florence.

Raise those Wristlets

When you’re on the go, sometimes you don’t feel like lugging around a giant hobo bag or tote. You still, however, need something to carry around your phone, money, and miscellaneous cards. This is where the wristlet comes in. You can wear it strapped to your wrist, hold it in your hand, or even place it inside a large bag. It’s useful in its versatility and it’s a stylish way to keep your things organized. There are so many wristlets to choose from. Buy one that adds a pop of color to your ensemble or one with a neutral shade to go with everything outfit. Start your search by taking a look at some of my favorite finds!

 Tory Burch / Coach / Kate Spade

SAG Awards Red Carpet 2015

 

Sarah Hyland / Paula Patton / Camilla Alves

Last night, the Screen Actor’s Guild Awards was held in Los Angeles, California. The ceremony honored outstanding achievements in film and television performances of the past year. Not only should we celebrate the actors’ best on-screen performances, but also their off-screen ones at the Red Carpet. Sarah Hyland stunned the crowd in a moss green custom-made Vera Wang dress. She not only looked polished with her up-do, but she showed a more relaxed side when she scarfed down a slice of pizza on the Red Carpet! Paula Patton embodied elegance in a white Aiisha Ramadan dress. The light green earrings worked well with the white hot dress, which also complemented her skin tone. Camila Alves sparkled in a purple jewel colored gown by Donna Karan Atelier. She looked absolutely regal in the form fitting dress. These were some of my favorite looks of the evening, and there will be even more breathtaking gowns with the Grammys two weeks away!

Music Festivals 2015

At a concert, you're standing next to hundreds of other music lovers in a tightly packed room, watching your favorite band play. If dancing and singing along to one band makes for a great night, than imagine yourself at a music festival, surrounded by multiple stages with all of your favorite bands. You’ll have an even grander time! I’ve only been to a few festivals myself, but there are many more I want to check out. Look at what’s coming up in 2015!

Coachella

Coachella is the music festival of the West Coast. It’s popular amongst everyone, even known to attract tons of celebrities in past years like Vanessa Hudgens, Katy Perry, and Kirsten Stewart.  It will span over two weekends, April 10-12 and April 17-19, in Indio, California. Drake, Jack White, and AC/DC are headlining.

Ultra

If you’re searching for a place to rock the neon rave look, dance for hours, and swing glow sticks in the air, than look no further than Ultra Music Festival.  You’ll catch some of the world’s best DJ’s, enjoying headliners Afrojack, Avicii, Skrillex, Tiesto, and David Guetta. The music festival goes from March 27^th to the 29^th in Miami, Florida.

Boston Calling

On May 22^nd to the 24^th, watch headliners Beck, Pixies, and My Morning Jacket take the stage at the Boston Calling Music Festival. The lineup includes some of the best indie bands of all time along with some of the hottest acts that are making waves in the music scene. It’s every indie music fan’s dream!

Governor’s Ball

This New York outdoor festival starts on June 5^th and goes on until the 7^th. Drake, The Black Keys, Deadmau5, Lana Del Rey, Florence + The Machine, Bjork,  and My Morning Jacket will be headlining. The party doesn’t end on Randall’s Island, but goes on well into the morning with late night shows in Manhattan and Brooklyn!

Warped Tour

If you can’t make it to an out of state festival, wait for Warped tour to come to you! With over 40 tour dates, it hits nearly every part of the U.S. Headliners include Boy Meets World, Candy Hearts, Youth in Revolt, I Killed The Prom Queen, and Sirens and Sailors. Catch the pop-punk action from June 17^th to August 8^th.

Bonnaroo

If you love camping out with your friends, then you should hit the four-day Bonnaroo music festival. From June 11^th to the 14^th, watch Billy Joel, Mumford & Sons, Deadmau5, Kendrick Lamar, and Florence + The Machine as they take the stage, headlining Manchester, Tennessee festival.  

Cross Body Couture

 

Kate Spade / Marc by Marc Jacobs / Tory Burch

My favorite type of bag is a cross body. You never have to deal with annoying straps falling down your shoulder because you can just swing it over your head and arms, letting it sit nicely on the side of your body. It’s also not as big and bulky as a tote or backpack, but it’s still roomy enough to fit the essentials such as a wallet and a phone. You can also rock them on many different occasions. Wear it during the day while shopping at the mall and watch it easily transition to a nighttime accessory while dancing at the club. The cross body is the perfect type of bag and here are some of my favorites!

Mittens and Gloves

Leather and Suede Angled Gloves / The North Face Etip Gloves / Marbled Cable Mittens

In the middle of this winter weather, one of the must have accessories is a good pair of gloves or mittens. Today, it started to hail and I was stuck outside without a hat or gloves. Tomorrow, it’s supposed to snow. When I venture outside, I won’t make that same mistake again, especially with so many different options to choose from. If you’re an avid texter or don’t like removing your gloves to send a snap chat or email, then you should invest in a touch-screen compatible pair. If you want something slicker, then try black leather gloves. If you’re more of a traditional gal, then buy a cozy pair of mittens in a warm, neutral color. With all these choices and more, you can’t go wrong!

Outreach 360 Nicaragua

Whether you’re traveling with your family, school, or by yourself, you’re welcome to join Outreach 360, a service program and fundraising organization.  During the winter break of my junior year, my mom and I volunteered in Jinotega, Nicaragua through Outreach 360. After learning that Nicaragua is considered the poorest country in Central America, I wanted to fly down and offer any assistance I could. Not only did I want to volunteer, but I also wanted to explore a new country and believed that a service trip was the perfect way to do so.

Outreach360 requires volunteers to fulfill a minimum program donation that covers meals, housing, ground transportation, insurance, and professional team leadership. I raised funds through the sponsorship of family and friends along with contributing some of my personal savings. With the donation paid for and plane tickets purchased, my mom and I flew down to the rural, central highland town of Jinotega. Since our winter volunteer group was only the second in Nicaragua for the organization, we stayed in a hotel for the week. Now, volunteers stay at the Outreach360 volunteer facility, that we actually helped paint and clean up during our stay.

We started our week with an orientation, where we got to meet our fellow volunteers. During the week, we spent our mornings at a nearby community center where we served the elementary school aged children breakfast and lunch and taught them English and Spanish literacy. By teaching them to read and write, I also improved my Spanish! During our free time, we explored local Nicaraguan culture. We walked through the town’s cobbled streets, strolled through the outside markets, and played cards and board games with the other volunteers.

During our last day at the learning center, we celebrated with presents and a piñata in a post-Christmas and Pre- New Years party. I had gotten so close to the kids in such a short amount of time and they had grown attached to us too; some of them even started crying as we said our good-byes. The following day, we hiked through the cloud forest and then got a taste of the popular Nicaraguan coffee industry. Ultimately, I loved my service trip experience and took the volunteer route again when I traveled to Peru.  Not only will the place you’re traveling to benefit, but you’ll find yourself transformed as well.

Pug Life

Let me introduce you to Mason and Darcy, my two adorable pugs! They joined the family in the spring of 2012 and I honestly cannot picture my life without them. I also can’t believe I used to hate dogs and wasn’t a big animal lover in general. Now, when people want to show me pictures of their lab or want to talk endlessly about their corgi, I get it. Pets are more than just animals; they’re like your friends, your family even, and you want to share them with the world. Also, I know some people think pugs are hideous, or qualify that they’re an ugly kind of cute, but I’ll always love them, in spite of and because of their smushed up faces and triple chins. The pug life is the only life for me.

Adults Love Children's Books Too

You’re never too old to revisit your favorite childhood books. I remember the excitement of going to the library to check out my very fist book. Arthur reminded me “Having fun isn’t hard when you got your library card.” And I finally had one, signed on the back with a mix of capital and lower case letters because I had yet to learn how to write them all. At bedtime, I would read the adventures of Junie B. Jones to my mother, asking only for help on the words I didn’t know. Now, the whimsical rhymes of Dr. Seuss still bounce around my head and the colorful illustrations in “A Very Hungry Caterpillar” are forever emblazoned in my memory. My parents even bought me “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” and “Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?” as high school graduation presents. As a young adult, I still crack open my favorite children’s books and smile as I read them, feeling as though I'm a kid again.

Thai Square

A few days ago, my brother and I wanted to have lunch together, but couldn’t decide where to go. Since he wanted burgers and fries and I was craving Thai food, we agreed to bring the food home and stay in for a lovely meal together. We drove to Thai Square first to pick up my take-out. Walking inside, I noticed that the small Arlington restaurant was quiet and relatively empty, but that may be due to the fact that the doors opened about 20 minutes before we arrived. The dining room also felt extremely open thanks to the bright light streaming in from the large windows that spanned across an entire wall.

At home, my brother and I took our seats at the dining room table before digging into our respective meals. With my chopsticks, I ate the classic Chicken Pad Thai. The portion size was slightly larger than I was used too, which is good news for those who want to get their money’s worth. There was also a little too much chicken stir-fried into the noodles for my liking, but the amount of ground-roasted peanuts, scallions, and bean sprouts complemented the dish well. Even though, my meal was both yummy and filling, Thai Square didn’t top Bangkok 54 as my favorite Thai place in town. It was, however, a close second, beating out Sawatdee Thai Restaurant, and I would definitely order from here again!

Sunday Fun Day

Every Sunday, my family gathers at the dining room table for our weekly lunch. With everyone’s separate, busy schedules, we aim to enjoy at least one meal together during the week. Growing up, my parents said they always dined with their families. During my term abroad, I also always ate lunch with my host sister and dinner with my host family. I thought it would be nice to bring back some of the traditional, family value into our life, giving us the chance to catch up over the week’s events and look forward to future ones. So, while a weekly lunch may not be a lot, it’s a start. Someday, we may even do more!

Sunday’s at the Vasquez household are actually very family-oriented. Last week, my mother and I checked out the El Greco exhibit at the National Gallery of Art. Then, we rejoined my brother and dad for lunch and played a game of Monopoly. This morning, my mother and I visited the Holocaust Museum, before meeting up with the rest of the family for lunch. What makes these get-togethers that much more enjoyable is the freedom of choice. We’re not obliged to hang out with each other, but genuinely want to spend time together. While you shouldn’t force family bonding, you can work your way up to that with something as small as a nice, simple Sunday lunch.

Wear a Watch

Daniel Wellington / Kate Spade / Marc Jacobs

Whether you’re bored in class or at a meeting, you try to sneak a peak at your IPhone or at the clock in the room, wondering when this nightmare will end. Well, there’s an easier and a more stylish way to check the time, like by wearing a watch! And if your phone dies or there is no clock in the room, you’ll be extra glad you bought one. Not only is it practical, but it also adds that extra sparkle to any outfit. Since you can wear it everyday with everything, a watch makes a great investment. So, check out some of my top picks that are both adorable and affordable!  

When in Rome

Save up your money this New Year for an unforgettable trip to Rome! Trust me, you won’t regret it. This past December, I was traipsing through the Eternal City with my family. Starting in Vatican City, we waited about an hour in line that circled St. Peter’s square to enter St. Peter’s Basilica. It was definitely worth the wait and my pictures don’t do it any justice. Later, I strolled through the National Museum of Modern Art, immersed in art by contemporary Italian artists and foreign artists. We closed our night at Trevi Fountain. I pulled a “Lizzie McGuire,” throwing a coin to make a wish.

On our second day, we headed to Ancient Rome. We walked as the gladiators did through the Coliseum before going to the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.  We also managed to see the Pantheon and all before lunch! Afterwards, we relaxed in the hotel for a bit before making our way back into the city for dinner and desert. In true Italian fashion, we indulged in delicious pizza followed by sweet gelato. I also got myself a cannoli because, after all, when in Rome!

On my last full day, I returned to Vatican City. I spent two hours in the Vatican Museums where the main attraction was the Sistine Chapel. The frescoes, especially those by Michelangelo, were overwhelmingly breathtaking. If you’re short on time, visiting the sites of Ancient Rome and Catholic Rome are doable in a day, but it would definitely be less tiring spaced out over two days. Since my mother and brother had different flights and already left that morning, my dad and me had ourselves a lovely dinner date, just the two of us, where I enjoyed a modern twist to the classic carbonara pasta. All in all, I had the best time and cannot wait to return to Rome!

Start your Morning with a Mug

                        Friends Mug          Plum and Bow Reactive Teacup       Laurentide Mug               Reactive Glaze Mug

Every morning, I brew myself hot green tea. As I wrap my hands around my first warm cup of the day, I unwind behind a book or in front of a screen. Each drink after my last is simultaneously soothing and slightly caffeinated, perfect for the most hectic days. Everything goes with green tea too. I can pair it with delicious croissant or take sips in between spoonfuls of cereal. My love of tea may be comparable to your love of coffee or love of whatever else that can fit inside a mug! So, I started browsing around for the best way to start any morning, with a mug in hand.

Cure your Cold

Earlier this week, I woke up feeling sick. I don’t know how it happened, but my body was aching, my nose was running, and my forehead was burning up. While there may not be a cure for the common cold, there are plenty of remedies to speed up your recovery. If you’re under the weather, follow these tips and you’ll feel better in no time!

Rest Up

Your body is fighting a battle against the cold, making you that much more tired. So, to give your body a fighting chance, you need plenty of sleep. If you can, try and stay home from school or work. If that isn't possible, lighten your workload by doing calm and quiet activities like reading or watching television.

Hydrate

Drink plenty of water, tea, and orange juice. Hot liquids especially help alleviate congestion. I’ve been drinking five cups a day and have been carrying a water bottle everywhere I go. Avoid milk and other dairy products, though, because they contribute to a build up of mucus.

Take Medicine

While no cold medication can prevent or treat a cold, medicine can provide relief, especially at night so you can sleep. These past few days, I’ve had an intense fever, but painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin helped reduce my fever and can alleviate pain.

Eat Healthy

Sugar curbs the immune system cells that attack viruses and irritate areas that are already inflamed, so avoid sweets like soda, candy, and ice cream. Instead, eat more brightly colored fruits and veggies. I’ve been snacking on apples and red grapes everyday!

Exercise

Exercise boosts your immune system, which allows your body to fight infections and viruses. A quick yoga session or even a 30 minute walk will do wonders. On Sunday, I couldn’t muster the energy to work out, but on Monday I hopped on the treadmill and felt so much better!

 

Take a Steamy Shower

After exercising, run a hot steamy shower. Taking a shower replenishes your body with necessary moisture, easing cold symptoms. Also, breathing in the steam opens up your clogged nasal passages. If you have a humidifier, use it because it has the same effects.  

Baked and Wired

Walking through Georgetown, you can’t miss the bubblegum pink bike, that let’s you know you’ve arrived at the one and only, Baked and Wired. On Saturday, my brother Boris and I rode the metro into D.C. for a dessert-for-lunch meal. Inside, glass cloches on a marble counter protect over 20 types of cupcakes, with whimsical names like Razmanian Devil and the Unporked Elvis. While this shop is best known for their cupcakes, they sell other baked goods, on the left side of the shop when you walk in, and caffeinated beverages, on the right side of the restaurant.

I ordered a Dirty Chai cupcake, a vanilla cake blended with chai spices and topped with espresso buttercream frosting, and a Strawberry cupcake, a vanilla cake with fresh strawberries folded in the batter finished with a swirl of pink buttercream. Brewed hot and strong, the jasmine green tea perfectly complemented my meal. The shop was crowded, yet cozy. We luckily found seats in the first of the two back rooms, where the couch and armchairs surrounded a rustic table in the center.

I tried to be lady like with a fork, but cupcakes are easily one of the most difficult foods to consume. One cupcake is probably big enough to split between two people, but really who are we kidding? They’re too delicious to share. And they’re too good to pass up because even though my brother and I agreed we looked like monsters devouring those cupcakes, they are totally worth it. Overall, Baked and Wired is easily the area’s best bakery and coffeehouse, so if you’re ever in our nation’s capitol, stop in and enjoy a real treat!

Golden Globes Red Carpet 2015

Reese Witherspoon                          Allison Williams                              Chrissy Teigen

2015’s awards season kicked off last night with the 72^nd Golden Globes Awards. Funny ladies Tina Fey and Amy Poehler hosted for the third and final time. While there’s always talk about the show’s winners and losers, we cannot overlook the stylish red carpet looks. Chrissy Teigen shined in peak-a-boo lace by Zuhair Murad. The blush pink perfectly complemented her skin tone and she finished off the look with a low ponytail. Allison Williams dazzled in a red, strapless ball gown by Armani Prive. Always a bold choice, the color red is a rarity on the Red Carpet, but Williams pulled it off effortlessly. Finally, Reese Witherspoon stole the show in a glimmering column gown by Calvin Klein. The dress was not only extremely flattery, but in combination with her hair off to the side, her ensemble was reminiscent of an old Hollywood glamor. Overall, there were numerous stars that rocked the Red Carpet, along with those that flopped. Either way, I can’t wait to see the rest of the awards season styles!

Concert Tours 2015

As a dedicated fan, you stand in line in the sweltering heat and blistering cold. When you reach the front, you finally hand your ticket and walk through the venue’s doors. Inside, people just like you have gathered to see their favorite artist play live. The lights dims and the opening act music starts playing. When the main act sets foot on stage, you find yourself belting out lyrics and jumping up and down, dancing. One concert is never enough, and you can’t wait until the next best tour rolls into town. I know I’m already looking ahead at the jam-packed concert calendar 2015 has in store for us. Check out these must-see shows!

Taylor Swift

Taylor’s tour kicks off May 5^th in Tokyo, Japan before heading to the U.S. through October. Vance Joy will open on the North American dates. She closes the stateside dates of her 1989 World Tour in Tampa, FL on October 31^st.

One Direction

The North American leg of One Direction’s tour kicks off in San Diego on July 9. The boy band heats up our summer until their last U.S. stop of their On the Road Again tour in Boston, MA on September 12^th.

Arianna Grande

Arianna Grande embarks on her first world tour with special guest Rixton. Her U.S. shows of the Honey Moon Tour run from February 25^th in Independence Missouri to April 14th in Seattle, Washington.

Iggy Azalea

On April 14^th, Iggy Azalea sets off on the Great Escape tour, where Nick Jonas will be joining her. She’ll tour the country from Fresno, CA to Austin, TX, ending her major tour on May 24^th.

Plan Ahead

 

Moleskin / Kikki K / Kate Spade / Lilly Pulitzer

It’s never too early to plan ahead for the New Year. A stylish agenda can help you organize all of your day-to-day activities. I know I can’t get by without writing in my handy planner everyday. While I still occasionally use the convenient iCal, I still love seeing my color-coded academic and social plans laid out on paper. Also, I get a sense of accomplishment when I physically check items off my to-do list. So, shop for some of the most stylish planners and agendas for 2015!