2016.

2016 was def one for the books. To be completely honest, this year flew by but I feel like I say that every year. But it felt extra fast because I was really enjoying myself lolz. 

The beginning of 2016 was fun aye eff like literally, the first day. I ended up shaking my tail feather all of NYE and came home at like 6am. My body was in so much pain it was the craziest thing - I felt like I did an insanity workout but it was just wearing heels for a ridiculous amount of hours. And I never even did insanity but I just image that's how you feel after. Life was then became alright. I was still in university so that's that and was also doing an internship at a fashion magazine, which I ended up dreading unfortunately. The highlight of all that was me getting my degree! It was a long time coming and I couldn't have been more excited especially since PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA was our keynote speaker. It was so surreal like wow Rutgers, you did one thing right lol. 

So fast forward to the good stuff that woke me the hell up and helped me get my mind right. After I graduated, I was having like my third quarter life crisis cause I had no idea what the heck I wanted to do with my life. I mean I did but I wasn't sure of it. I wasn't sure if I wanted to write because I hated my internship - there was nothing wrong with the people, I just couldn't stand being in an office. To make a long story short, all I can say is following my instinct has never paid off so much and I thank the universe for giving me that courage. After traveling, meeting incredible people and listening to their stories, things started to fall into place as to what I wanted to do and I became sure of it. I also met a writer (my brother's friend's girlfriend lol) who helped me get my shit together, opened up a few opportunities and gave me the confidence to keep writing. Like she gets the life I wanna live cause she's doing it which is why I'm doing what I'm doing. 

As per usual, I have no idea where I'm going with this but the moral of my 2016 story is to just do it, like Nike. I don't know what "it" is for you but just get it done. Sometimes I just wanna shake people because they're so afraid of doing whatever gets them going. Trust and believe I was that person too but taking myself out of my comfort zone has allowed me to grow so much more than I could have every imagined. I feel like I'm fearless now, to an extent lol. I honestly don't know what would have happened if I didn't reject the few jobs that offered me positions after graduation. That's another hot mess story lol but hope that gives you a little insight on what I mean by following your gut. I guess it might be hard for some people because everyone's situation is different but I kid you not, if you put your mind and determination to it - it's doable. Personally, I'm not a person who needs easy just possible. As you can see, I'm trying to be motivational here but sometimes that's what people need. I've learned to become patient with my timing and from what I've been told, I'm not doing as bad as I thought lol. 

Not too sure what your goals are for 2017 but whatever they are, do it with all that you got. Seriously. The other day I read on Twitter that humans are the only mammals that are conscious that they will die. If that doesn't get you moving to follow your dream, I have no idea what will. It's pathetic that we know that one day we will die but still decide to live a mediocre life. I'm getting to deep into this so let me wrap this up lol. 

As a human living on Earth, shit hit the fan in 2016. There were many deaths, disturbing bombing i.e. Aleppo, and ridiculous political outcomes especially living in the US. We all wanted 2016 to be over and it is basically coming to an end. Personally, I found a silver lining in my cloud of confusion but hopefully we find that silver lining in humanity too. I have tons of hope for this next year and look forward to what it brings. 

Italy Photo Diary: Cinque Terre.

Italy Photo Diary: Pisa, Florence, Rome.

Pisa, Italy

Italy Photo Diary: Venezia.

The Bridge of Sighs

The Hardest Part of Traveling.

I understand that simply getting money to travel is hard in itself (and I thank my parents whole-heartedly for believing in my life plan and allowing me to travel, as I always say). Not only that but getting accustomed to a different culture, not being able to communicate and just being a stranger to a completely different place. Trust me, throughout this year, I've never felt so small sometimes cause it can become isolating, especially while solo-traveling.
Usually, my posts are to show you what I've seen throughout my travels but I'm here to take it to a personal level which is completely out of my comfort zone. I recently came back from a three-week long EuroTrip with my line sister and I never been so happy to be back home. It was the constant moving that got me tired but I enjoyed the experience nonetheless. While I was unpacking my things this morning, I was by myself and just thinking about everything, a self-reflection per say. I was thinking about what I went through the previous weeks whether it was dragging luggages up 89 steps, being homeless in Germany or being out of breath every time we had to catch a train since we always thought we had enough time.
As cliché and corny as it sounds, it's crazy how much being exposed to a different culture shifts your mentality. To be honest, when I was in Ecuador, that's when it hit me like a bus. The people there live with much less than what I have here and live the happiest life - it was beautiful to see. I'm starting to go off topic here but what I'm trying to say is, the hardest part of traveling is coming home. Of course, I miss home because home is where my fambam is but it's difficult and frustrating to explain to someone the drastic change within you when everything you come back to is the same. Like I just witnessed all this beauty but we're raised to remain in one spot! It kind of feels like you don't belong anymore.
It's similar to going to another country and trying to communicate but you can't because of the language barrier. I can talk to someone and ramble on about how huge the world is and they can see how intense I talk about it but I know they still don't understand. I've talked to a few friends about what I've been doing and some are inspired, which makes my heart so full, but it's so hard cause I want them to understand what I'm saying. When I was younger, I always heard how people (aka Anthony Bourdain) never come back the same and sheesh, it's true. Setting your feet on other grounds can work magic. Sometimes I think people think I'm a nut-job cause I'm just going off into the world head first but that's none of their business *insert upside down smiley face emoji*. I don't know what will make you, whoever is reading this, go off into the world for a bit, I'm not talking about for a long time, and see something that impacts you and takes you out of your comfort zone. 

Munich Photo Diary.

We're Going to the Champions League!

Paris Photo Diary.

Ballin' On A Budget.

I've been asked multiple times how I'm able to travel and since I'm tired of answering the same question - here's my secret. It's not even a secret, just researching and getting the scoop from the right sources. I'm not super rich, or rich to even begin with lol, but I do have a job that gives me the monies to see the world. And the most important thing that comes with that is saving, obviously.
Anyway, the website I use is called skyscanner.com - the holy grail to my traveling life. It allows me to see when is the cheapest time to go ANYWHERE in the world. Or if you want to go to a specific place, you can even research when is the cheapest month to go there. You can even see how much tickets are each day. But of course, if you have a specific place you want to go to at a specific time then it will give you the cheapest flights. I swear, it's the best website I've ever found out about.
Also if you're traveling within a country, don't be afraid of public transportation. You can get to different cities simply by train. Well, at least with countries that have a metro system built in it. Or even by bus. When I'm in Europe, I go through train and when I was in Ecuador - all I did was travel to different regions by bus. It's also a nice way to see the landscape of whatever country. Oh, and ferries if you're traveling across water, of course.
Now for places to stay, I never do hotels now. Ever since last year, I found the glory of bnbs (bed and breakfasts, in case you were wondering). The friends I made while studying abroad last summer showed me how great these bnbs were when we rented a DOPE apartment in Barcelona. From there on, I just use airbnb.com to find my accommodations. I haven't tried hostels yet cause I like space but I'll eventually see how they are. You can filter what you want specifically when using airbnb.com to fit the kind of space you want. I honestly think it's better too cause you get a feeling of actually living in the area that you are and sometimes you meet cool people. Like I met these cool Germans while in Greece cause they were in the same house as me.
So... taaadaaa , these are the ways I travel - you're welcome lolz. 

Greece 2016.

It's been about a week since I came back from Greece and I'm still heartbroken lol but my tan is still in tack so I'm chillin'. As per usual, this was a great trip but it was different cause I did a lot of things for the first time. It's crazy cause I wasn't even supposed to go to Greece but the universe happened to work in my favor. 

So what can I say about Greece? Hmmm. Maybe that it's MAGICAL, literally. Speaking specifically about Europe, I have been to a few cities in other countries and I never had so many jaw-dropping moments in my life. You know how Greece is portrayed in movies? Whelp, they're not lying to you. The clearest and the bluest of waters, white and blue houses (on some islands), friendly people and a beautiful culture. I honestly couldn't believe what I was seeing with my eyes. It made my heart so happy. 

Anyway, below are some pictures and you can watch my video here.

A Lil Brooklyn Guide.

Hello! The title is pretty self-explanatory, hope you enjoy!

Ecuador 2016.

It's been two weeks since I came back from Ecuador and I've just been too lazy to put this post together BUT, here you have it. I found out I was going on this trip literally like three weeks before I actually went. My parents asked me if I wanted to go so that was an instant yes. I thought it was the perfect time since I just graduated university and I going to take advantage of my free time before I become a real adult. Anyway, I was super duper excited because I was finally going to Latin America and throughout college, that was one of my minors and I absolutely loved it with a passion. It was incredible to finally see what I've been reading and studying about for the past three years. The Andes left me in awe, the food lived up to its standard (and didn't mess up my stomach), the people were so genuine and humble and the culture left its mark in my heart. I love how simple everything was and I finally felt in touch with my soul - that's super deep lol but it's the truth. I've only been to Europe before and it never had that impact on me. Maybe because going to Ecuador literally is apart of who I am since my dad is from there. I now understand the slogan "All you need is Ecuador.'

Now to where I went:
Ecuador is divided into four regions: the Galapagos, the coast, the Andes and the Amazon. I went to 3/4 of those within 16 days - I didn't get to see the Galapagos :(.  Most of the place I went were for outdoorsy people so if you're tryna chill in a resort, you won't find anything like it in this post lol. And I didn't go out partying because 1. Most of the places I went to were so small there weren't club 2. I wasn't gonna go out with my dad 3. It was too dangerous for me to go out - so that explains that situation. But I didn't mind not going out because I wanted a different scene (I was basically Eliza Thronberry the whole time). It's crazy how relaxing and peaceful it is just to be with nature. Being away from the hustle and bustle is something everyone needs to do in their lifetime to just hear the river flow when you're sleeping, to look up at night and see SO MANY stars and be surrounded by the friendliest people who always offer to help or just want to talk even if you're a stranger.

So, here's a little recap video of my time in Ecuador and you can see pictures below:

Side note: you know what totally sucked? I forgot my Nikon battery charger at home so all these pictures are from my iPhone lol. I wanted to DIE #shoutouttotheHDtho.

First Generation.

My 2015.

I can't believe 2015 is super duper close to being over. Where did the time go cause I definitely don't know where it went. But hello everyone! Here I am again after going ghost for a while... again. I'm really excited to write this post cause 2015 was a great year for me, like when I say it was a #blessed year I mean it to the fullest. So here's a recap as to why it was so great.

Let me start off with the first chunk of the year, like from February to April. I made a lifetime decision, literally. I became a sister! And no, my parents didn't have another child but I became a sister of one the greatest organizations ever. It's so crazy to think of my timing when I became a sister like you really do need to trust the timing of your life. I'm so grateful for my sisterhood cause I became close to amazing women and got line sister who I wouldn't trade for anything. They are legit my ride or dies. I love them so much it's disgusting lol. 

Then after having fun and meeting new people, the summer came and my semester was over. Just kidding. It wasn't. And that wasn't even a bad thing cause *drum rolls* I was studying abroad in Spain! I don't think anyone will EVER understand how eye-opening it was. I can go on forever and reminisce on how it was one of the greatest times of my life. I still think of how amazing it was being there and hanging out with the funniest and dopest people. #bendiciones1738 

After being the saddest human when I came home from studying aboard my life was pretty ordinary lol. I found a job that I really needed cause Spain sucked every single penny from my bank account and I was back in school starting my senior year. That was exciting though - starting my last first day of school as an undergrad. Life went on for a few months and then it hit me, I needed an internship for the spring. It was the biggest "UGHhHh~" moment cause I hate doing cover letters and cleaning my resume but the deed had to be done. And after the hassle of sending endless emails and all that good stuff, I found myself a fashion internship in NYC *cries*.
Now, something "big" happened each season of the year kinda and some of you guys might be like "dassit?"- lol basically. But the reason why this year was soOoO surreal was cause looking back, I knocked out every single goal I had as a freshman in one year. When I started university, I envisioned every year how my life was going to be and I'm just so proud of myself that I did what I said I was gonna do. This ambition mainly came from the fuel of my parentals though. They always told me I can conquer the world, it was just up to me to make the first move. So I hope you reading this have those people in your life that believe in you and are your #1 fans. If not, let this year be the year you find yourself surrounded by awesome people and great energy. But most importantly, find that oomph within yourself to realize you can steer your life in any direction and it's up to YOU to accomplish your dreams. So I'm done preachin' to the choir and hope you had a great 2015 and bring in the new year with a bang. See ya in 2016!

Here are pictures of some fun/special times.

Summer in Spain.

It's been about seven months since I posted but here I am! As the title says "Summer in Spain" I'm here to tell you about my experience studying abroad last month. But before anything, anyone reading this, if you actually have the chance to go, DO IT. And I'm not talking about having the money cause I definitely didn't have the money instantly. I mean, if your school is offering the chance to study in another country, you have to do it. I remember coming into university and not even declaring my major, I knew that within these four years I was gonna take myself to another part of the world. And I did. 

Anyway, why did I choose Spain? Well, you know how you always have that country that for some strange reason fascinates you because of what you seen from the people and culture, well that was it. My sophomore year in high school, my love for Spain was declared and especially watching the national soccer team play in the World Cup that year, it just put the cherry on top lol (Fernando Torres over everything). The first time I went to Spain in 2011, I went for like a week and it was the greatest tease ever. I didn't really get to see Spain the way I wanted to so I knew that if I were to study in another country, that was the place it was going to happen. 

So fast forward to right now. Aside from getting credit on this trip, I was mainly looking for adventure and it's safe to say, I definitely got it. Not only that but spirituality, education, self-reflection and romance in the oddest way haha. The change this trip has done to me is deep. Like it left a scar on my soul but a beautiful one. Just the perception of going to a foreign land where no one knows you opens so many doors for how you want to be seen. I was able to start with a clean slate and I willingly left my few identities behind to be who I wanted to.
And let me tell you about the people I met. Who knew I went to school with the funniest and most genuine people? We created years of friendship over the past five weeks, it's crazy. The amount of insiders we have is ridiculous. I mean, I guess this is what happens when you see them every single day and have seen each other at our lowest and highest points lol. I literally CANNOT explain how happy I am to have met them and I'm pumped to see them when the semester starts. I truly am #blessed to call them my famz. 
But yeah, travel. It basically is flirting with life and I want more. I think this is why my parents were kinda scared of me going away. They know I'm a wanderlust person and if I'm drawn to a place or feeling, I won't be scared to follow it. So who knows what will happen or where I'll end up after I graduate university this year. 

There are more pictures, just click "read more". 

New York: The High Line

One of the things I have on my New Year Resolution List is to get out more and see different things. This weekend I was out in New York and every time I go, I'm such a tourist lol. It's just that there's always so much to see.

This time I went to see The High Line in Chelsea. *clears throat* History time! The High Line was a railroad in the 1840s, which was around the time of the Industrial Revolution and everything was booming. Although, this railroad was super deadly. The road it's on was known as Death Avenue, literally (that's what I read on a board they had that provided history). But yeah, NYC decided to shut it down and now it's a park/walk way. I'm sure there's much more history between everything I just said but that's my short version of how The High Line has become what it is today. It's super cute and has loads of little pieces of art as you walk down or up. And it's a really "Go Green" environment, you could say, with all its plants. I do recommend you go in the spring/summer when everything is actually green and not dead due to the cold. You also won't have to fight the wind smacking your face either. With that, here are some pictures I snapped when I was there!

Christmas 2014

Christmas happened and I hope everyone had a great time. I'm just happy the Christmas is over partially cause I work retail and holidays suck so much during this time. But instead of being a Grinch about the holidays, I must say my Christmas Eve/Christmas was awesome. Now, I don't have some extravagant story to tell you about going to a crazy party but my familia and I had the chillest of all chills(?) days. My mom cooked scrumptious food, there were some drinks and we spent the day watching Christmas movies, Anthony Bourdain and TLC lol. We actually slept a lot too.

I don't have much to say since we didn't do much but, I don't know, this Christmas felt super nice. I was extra happy just to be with the people I'm around 24/7 lol. Maybe cause I'm excited for the New Year and all that to come around. I've got tons of things in store for me in 2015. While we're still in 2014, I took some pictures of how Christmas went. 

Enjoy!

Costumes in Your Closet

Hey everyone!

So guess what tomorrow is? Yup, Halloween! Where did the time go? In just a few months it's gonna be the new year which is crazy to think about. Feels like just yesterday we were entering 2014 but now I'm getting off topic.

Since tomorrow is Halloween, it's time to get hashtag cray with the costumes. But then there's those people who wait last minute to get a costume and can't find anything or those people who don't wanna spend moola *coughcoughMEcoughcough* but still wanna be something. I've come up with a few ideas where you can literally wear clothes from your closet and voila you got yourself a costume.

Leather Weather

Hello loves, how are you? 

For this look, I went edgy which has definitely taken over the fashion scene this year (I'm convinced it has to do with Kylie Jenner's stylo). What really makes this is an "edgy" look are two pieces: my jacket and plaid shirt. With the jacket, I feel like every person should have a go-to leather jacket, it adds that right pop to anything. They're like chameleons but since mine has collars, it has a rocker vibe. And as for plaid shirt, I buttoned it up all the way to the top cause that's how it looked best with the necklace. You could also leave it open and have a cool graphic tee under. It's not so hardcore though cause I added some glam to it aka my necklace and my lip color, a vibrant berry color. But yeah, here's some pictures of my outfit in detail. Enjoy!

            

Wearing: 

Jacket: TJMaxx | Flannel: Forever 21 | Necklace: Charlotte Russe | Jeans: Old Navy | Boots: Macy's | Bag: Cynthia Rowley 

Sporty Chic

Hello everyone! It's been a while, like a really long while. Happens when you get caught up with life. So summer is over which means FALL IS HERE! The best season of the year. I'm glad I live in an area where we actually have a fall. You know, the leaves start to change, it gets breezy but not freezing and the highlight, fashion kills it this season. I think it has to do with all the layering we get to do but not over do it like in the winter where you gotta wear a million layers to be warm. 

But I'm here to talk about coats cause I feel like every person needs a go to coat once it starts to get a little chilly. Recently, when I went shopping I found the one. It really sucked though cause I didn't want to buy anything lol but it was just calling my name. 

This is a Michael Kors coat and the reason I adore it is cause of the details. As you can see, the sleeves are leather while the body is wool which is super convenient cause that means I get to use it in the winter too! The length of it would help me stay extra toasty too. I realized I've become a fan of the lengthy jacket these past few years. Anyway, I know leather sleeves are kinda blah since everyone has a jacket with them but the ends are so beautiful with the criss cross effect, it add that oomph. But it looks like the leather sleeves are making a comeback this season too. 

Aside from the detail, this coat is like a chameleon. It's formal but not too formal, depending on how you style it. As you can tell, I played it down (which is the story of my life) with my Nike Roshe's but the coat doesn't make my outfit look too casual. And I wore all black too, shocker! I decided to dress super simple cause I wanted my coat to be the statement piece in this case. Here's a close up of the outfit:

The comfiest shoes on the planet.

Evil eye necklaces are becoming super trendy too. I forgot the brand-name of it
but I got it at TJ Maxx (hashtag maxxinista).

This post was super short but I'm gonna get back on track especially since this is my favorite season for fashion and. I'm probably gonna do a weekly OOTD and I've been trying to come up with other things as well so stay tune!