Online Dating?

Online dating. Oh yeah, a jungle for those who are creepy and looking to find someone, anyone, to prey on. It's also an oasis for those who are shy, and meeting people is sometimes intimidating. 
It  took me about 5 years to realize that life isn't an episode of Sex and the City. Nor is it a romantic comedy, where the love of your life is discovered while ordering Starbucks. Sometimes, online dating is the new and realistic way to find someone that you really want to be with. But, then you'll always wonder if someone will ever be who they say that they are. 
Online dating has the connotation of having creepy people around, and the only people who are on are completely desperate. Who else judges someone when they say 'I'm talking to a guy online.' Of course, nowadays it's more common to connect to make connections. It seems like more and more singles are going to Tinder or OK Cupid nowadays because the statistics of finding someone is dismal. Also, there's the whole worrying about if you'll die alone thing. 
I have a friend that constantly goes on dates with people met via Tinder. I also have a friend who met her current boyfriend through Facebook. These stories are the good ones. The Internet can sometimes work in our favor-no?
At the same time, there's those stories when people on the Internet who are just in it for one thing-you all know what it is. The concept of online dating makes it so much easier for them to get their fix, which is kind of scary. 
While doing the Tinder Project last year, I learned one thing. Havng a Tinder is similar to going shopping at TJ Maxx. Sometimes, you'll find something that truly knocks your socks off. Other times however, you'll walk out feeling sorely disappointed. 
So...tell me. What do you think about online dating?

Flower Power

                                   Dooney and Bourke bag and Wallet; Lilly Pulitzer Phone Case
Lately, it seems like I've been really into florals. Flower bags, phone cases, and wallets. As I prepare for spring, it's the perfect thing to brighten up every day. Even though the weather may not comply with you.
Whenever I wear florals, I instantly feel ten times better. Since spring has been taking a lot longer than usual to get here, having some flowers in my daily routine really help with chasing away the winter blues.

                                                         My first Lilly Purchase! 
Sometimes, it can be a bit much to wear florals, and some may think that the patterns may be too busy for them. However,  as much as I gravitate towards darker colors, I let my accessories be a little more fun.
My favorites? A Lilly Pulzter phone case, thanks to TJ Maxx, which was my first Lilly item! I definately will be back for more! Also, a Dooney and Bourke wallet with flowers(a TJ Maxx find, notice a trend here), which is my favorite because it has a pocket for my phone. Of course, a Dooney and Bourke Nylon Shopper totes with yellow flowers, which has enough room for everything that I need and much more. (thank you QVC). I also have my eye on a few LC Lauren Conrad pieces, because floral tops are perfect for spring.
What is your favorite spring trend? 

That Topic I Shouldn't Be Blogging About.

I probably am breaking every rule in the blogging book by even talking about it. However, I am a blogger and a young woman and since these issues are important to me they will be discussed here.

Let me tell you all a bit about my relationship with sex. I am not sexually active, and I am a virgin. I am unsure where I stand on the whole waiting until I'm married thing to be honest. On one hand, I am unsure whether or not I am going to even be married. On the other, I know that I am not ready to have sex now and it's not in my immediate plans. 

I do have standards for sex, and what my level of comfort is for me. In relationships, I plan not to have sex with someone at least for the first six months of our relationship. Once six months have passed, I want to bring the topic of sex to the table as discussion only. When I feel ready enough, I want my partner and I to be tested for STDs, have all of the protection possible, and of course have steady communication with each other. 

I am writing this entry because I feel like we as a society shame people for having sex, yet at the same time we exploit it in our culture. We teach children that sex is bad, when in reality it is a part of nature. I hate that some use the excuse that it's not their religion as a free pass to judge someone for having sex. Yes, abstence is important, but for some it's not the case. 

And it needs to stop.

What bothers me the most is when people shame others for simply taking charge of their sexual health. Those who are comfortable enough to talk about getting protection should be appluaded  Call me crazy, but those who often hide behind closed doors about sex are the ones that aren't getting informed. I'm lucky that if I have a question that I have someone to confide in, but not many are fortunate enough to have that. 

It may not be the easiest topic on my blog, but I believe that it's going to be the most important. For those who have questions, talk. I hate that we live in a society that is surronded by the 'shoulds' because it makes people really feel bad about about themselves if it's not right. Everyone is different and shouldn't be hidden behind the standards that society sets. 

Whether you're deciding to wait or you've already had many partners, make that decision based on what's best for you. Be proud of it, and truly own it.  Be responsible about it, and make sure that if you're not planning to have children you are taking the necessary measures such as birth control and condoms. 

Talk to your mothers, your friends, or even just someone that you can talk to comfortably. It doesn't matter, but having these kinds of conversations are the best thing we can do. Talk to your partner because communication, I've learned is important. The best thing that we can do about this ambigous topic is to simply make it less about shame, and more a topic of comfort. 

Pearls Are A Girl's Best Friend

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Move over, diamonds. There's another classic in town. And that my friend is pearls.
I've worn pearl earrings since I was in seventh grade. My mom bought them for me as a Christmas gift, and they've been the perfect addition to several of my outfits. However, nowadays, my love for pearls has grown, which expanded my collection. In addition to my mom's gift, I now own at least four pairs of earrings (in a wide range of colors) as well as bracelets that I've either made or purchased.
Pearls go with everything. One of the things that I really like about them was that they were timeless. In my opinion, buying something with pearls in it is really a true investment. You'll be wearing them for years, as I clearly said in my example earlier.
Many people often compare them to Audrey's necklace in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. Although the necklace is beautiful to say the least, it's a little too much for everyday wear if you ask me. My way of wearing this classic is simple. Either a pair of studs to add some class to an outfit, or a little dainty bracelet. With pearls, a little goes a long way.
Some of my favorites? The lovely and affordable QVC-they have a wonderful pearl bracelet available for $17! Plus, in some of the colors are perfect for summer. Or, of course the simple white?
And of course, you can't go wrong with the simple pearl stud earring. Get one in white, and I guarantee that you'll have a piece that lasts for years to come. 

LA Day Four

Hey everyone! It's been a while since I've caught you up with my LA travels, so I wanted to finally tell you about my last day in LA.
On my last day, my roommates Monica, Jene and Jessica and I went across the state. We got a tour from Monica's friend Jessica around Beverly Hills area. Sadly, we didn't see any famous celebrities.

The Grove sign.
We went to the Grove, where many celebrities would hang out and have coffee. I had my first crepe, and honestly, it was delicious. We also got to walk around a bit, and they had a lot of really cute shops.

Me with the Beverly Hills sign.
After the Grove, we went to Rodeo Drive where we saw the Beverly Hills sign. (and took a TON of pictures) We then walked around a bit, and I even got a picture with the Tiffany's sign. (Dream job, honestly.)


Me with the Tiffany's sign. 
After that, we met the rest of the newspaper staff for dinner at a Mexican restaurant to end our final day in LA. I had such a great time there, and the opportunity was amazing. I am so glad that I got to spend it with some amazing people, such as Monica, Jene, and Jess. Since coming back, we actually have been hanging out, and will be doing the Big Event at our campus together at the end of the month.



Me with Monica, Jess, and Jene! 
So, I hope you enjoyed my LA recaps! :)

How Do You Define A Relationship?

DTR is one of those things that confuse many of us. However, it's important because otherwise it's like you are wandering around like a helpless little chicken with no hope into what's going to happen to you or most importantly where you're going. It's something that perhaps no one wants to do like pulling off a band aid or plucking their eyebrows but once it's done you feel better about yourself.
The question is-how do you measure or define a relationship? Feelings are really confusing. There is no science that is behind how you feel about someone. Although sometimes, I wish that there was so I didn't have to wander around confused about what I was feeling. Everyone's defination of a relationship is different.
I remember when I was casually dating someone last year. We were hanging out, but everything was unclear about how he felt about me, and eventually it came down to how he felt about a friend of mine. Honestly, that wasn't ok. 
But the real reason to have the conversation of  'define the relationship' is to get one thing-clarity. This whole ordeal can be awkward, especially since you don't know what the other person is going to say. However, it's needed because if you avoid it too long it could lead to a broken heart.
So, here's some advice for the wallflower girls out there who are too scared to make the move. It doesn't matter if you're the girl doing it. It's something that is necesary and needed to have an honest conversation with someone about what they are feeling. Be cool, and just remember that the odds may either in your favor or not.
You all will thank me or think that I am crazy. One of the two.

Ceramic's Night

                                             Verenized, Theresa and Elisia painting

Friends and I painting.

Finally, I spent a Friday night away from the Netflix and with actual people instead of my dog. (No offense, Maggie!) And, it was with none other than my awesome friends, Elisia, Verenized and Theresa.

                                                               bowl and cupcake.

We decided to go to the Clay Date, which is were you basically go and paint things. I painted a jewelry dish, and had some time so I painted a cupcake. Theresa painted a ballet slipper, Verenized did an elephant (I might do it next time), and Elisia did a beautiful bowl!

Secret and not so secret photos of people painting!

After ceramics, we went to Blue State Coffee, and then did a mini-photo shoot at my house. Hanging out with them was honestly well needed because lately all I've been doing is school and work related. Its important to have fun and see your friends! I hope to see my girls more frequently!

Elisia and I! 

Theresa, Me, Verenized

Elisia and I!