Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! And for those of you who don't celebrate Christmas, I hope you guys have a wonderful holiday and some much needed time off to spend with your family and friends.

A Berkeley Thanksgiving

My first college Thanksgiving was...interesting to say the least. I didn't go back home to NJ or back to LA, instead I spent it right here in Berkeley which was completely fine by me. I ended up going to a friend's apartment for Thanksgiving and hanging out with a bunch of other guys, literally. I was the only girl there. So we ended up playing video games, watching a bunch of movies, and I learned to play poker! Turns out I'm pretty good at it since I finished second.

There was so much food...We had:

• Ham - amazing!
• Two stuffed chickens - no turkey, but the chicken and stuffing was good; we even went on a mini-adventure to Safeway in search of needles so we could sew the chicken together
• Onion rings
• Udon noodles
• Some kind of chinese vegetable with oyster sauce - yum!
• Soup
• Lots and lots of soda and sparkling apple cider

There's probably some other stuff that I left out of that list since there was SO MUCH FOOD!!! We ended up staying up all night just talking about the most random things and then at 5AM we decided to go to Target for some Black Friday shopping. I ended up getting back to my dorm at 6AM and didn't go to sleep until 7AM...then woke up at 1PM in order to waste the day away by watching more movies and catching up on TV shows.

I would say it was a good Thanksgiving...definitely interesting and kind of spontaneous. But hey, it's Berkeley. What did you expect?

Possible Overhaul?

So...I've been thinking. This blog was originally supposed to focus on my business and jewelry, but now that I'm in college I don't have the time to make anything new nor do I have an oven that can be easily accessed. I did actually bring most of my materials with me, but somewhere in the midst of packing I must have misplaced my clay and so it is currently MIA. There are a few art stores around Berkeley, but they're not easy to access either. Thus I've given up on continuing my polymer clay jewelry business while I'm at college. Don't worry though, if I have time during the summer I will definitely pick up my business again.

In the meantime, I will continue to try and find time for art. Lately, I've just been randomly sketching when I have some free time. In some of my classes, I get a little bored so I also do doodle a little bit. Nothing huge for now. I did pack a small canvas with me, so maybe I'll start painting in a few weeks, probably during Thanksgiving since I won't be going back to LA or New Jersey (they're just too far and there's not enough time).

Going back to the overhaul...I think that it's probably best if I change the focus of this blog since I don't have much business going on lately. The blog will probably be turned into a more personal blog with some of my experiences at Berkeley as well as some fashion and art and I guess anything else that wanders across my mind at the time. There will be more fashion, more art, and I'll get to share with you guys some of my personal favorite styles, clothing, artists, and designers. I don't plan on changing much of the layout for now, but who knows? Bye for now!

Some Bezerkeley Love

Hey guys, I know it's been awhile since I've updated. Berkeley's been really great and lots of fun. There's always some kind of event that's going on so it's never dull around here. Not much homework but it's probably because I took a light load this semester. I did have my second math midterm today; it was my last midterm for this semester so now I'm free!!! Here are some pictures of some crazy stuff around Berkeley so enjoy for now, I'll be back later! =)

Quick Update

I am terribly sorry for the lack of updates lately. Ever since college has started I've been pretty busy meeting new people, going to a bunch of club meetings, and of course, doing homework. So far, it's mainly the social aspect that's been keeping me busy. Lucky for me, not a lot of homework just yet! I've been trying hard to still keep in touch with my friends from high school.

Anyways, right now I'm chilling on the big lawn called Memorial Glade right outside of our campus's main library. It's a really nice day to sit outside, relax, and chill right before I head off to my next class at 11. Here's a view of pretty much what I see, although I found this picture on Flickr. I do have pictures of my own to show you guys some time though! In the mean time, enjoy and I hope everyone's doing great! =)

College, I've Arrived!

So...I'm finally here. At college! UC Berkeley to be exact. I'm writing this at 1:25 AM right before I go to sleep, so I'll keep it short and sweet (no pictures, sorry!).

I moved in yesterday morning. I'm staying in a triple on the 2nd floor of my building. For a triple, the room is hugeeee. It's big enough that we don't have to bunk beds, so that's good. But apparently the triples on the 1st floor are smaller so they do have to bunk beds, which sucks. The building is really nice and it was recently renovated. Everything is clean, spacious, and pretty new. Plus, we have a really nice lounge area on our top floor with a huge flat screen TV. Yay for weekly TV sessions! After I moved in yesterday, I didn't really do much. I had lunch with my mom at Whole Foods (love their soups) and then I went to unpack and organize everything.

I didn't get Internet connection until today and ever since, I've been trying to catch up on all my blog reading and emails. This morning I also got to walk around with my roommates and we went to Caltopia which is this huge thing where businesses set up booths and you get a ton of free stuff and samples. It was pretty cool and I got 3 free t-shirts, a pretty awesome poster of Berkeley, and some other small stuff. Then later tonight we had a building meeting with our RA, a Clark Kerr meeting, and then we just kind of chilled.

So far, college has been pretty cool. A little overwhelming meeting a bunch of new people, but I'll learn all the names eventually!

2 Daysss!!!

First of all, AHHHHHH!!!! 2 days until college!

Today's my last day in LA enjoying the summer heat before I head up tomorrow to Berkeley where the weather has only been 60's-70's. I'm so excited, but not for the 6 hour drive tomorrow. I don't move in until Saturday but we're getting there a day early so we can move in nice and early, and hopefully avoid the long lines that always plague move-in days. I can also finally say that I have all my stuff, yay! I'm looking at 6 boxes (2 cardboard, 2 storage, and 2 plastic crates) filled with school supplies, food, toiletries, and some other personal stuff PLUS a hugeeee suitcase filled with all my clothes PLUS 3 small bags (a backpack, computer case, and tote) also filled with stuff. Too much? Maybe...=\ Oh well! I'm afraid that I did over-pack, especially if my roommates both bring like nothing-then I'll feel really bad. It is my freshman year though so over-packing should be forgiven.

Anyways, I probably won't be able to blog until Monday when we finally go to orientation for learning how to connect to the Internet in the dorm rooms. We do have WiFi but apparently they're only in the lobbies and common rooms, and they don't reach the dorm rooms.

So wish me luck on my freshman year in college! I'll be sure to keep you posted, bye for now. =]

How I Love IKEA

Is it sad that I love IKEA more for its food than its furniture? I mean, don't get me wrong...their furniture is great. However....their food is absolutely amazing!

Today, my mom and I took a trip to IKEA to just look around and finish up my college shopping. I ended up buying this really cute blue blanket with white flowers on it, a lamp (finally!), and lightbulbs for the lamp. I still need a few more little things, but I think I'm pretty much set! I can't believe college starts in 4 days, ahhh! We got to IKEA super early today just to get their breakfast and free coffee, haha. And of course, it was delicious. Afterwards we looked around and shopped. Then we went back for lunch...Swedish meatballs!

On another note, I am dying in this California heat wave. 90 degrees-what happened to the nice 80 degree weather we had before?

Photospiration

But you can do something big.

10 Days!!!

...till college! I've gotten my sheets and still debating with my mom whether I should get a full out comforter or just get a blanket. I've brought a ton of clothes with me from New Jersey, but I don't have really anything heavy for the cold weather up in Northern Cali so I guess I'll be looking for some heavier coats soon. And boots. Perhaps rainboots? =)

Here's how my checklist is looking so far:

• Twin XL sheets
• Bed risers
• Water filter
• Water heater
• Ethernet cables
• Desk lamp
• Comforter/blanket
• Surge protector/extension cords
• Safe/lock?
• Hamper/laundry bag
• Shower tote

Yep, still have quite a lot of things to get and I have yet to start organizing all my things and start packing. -sigh- There's a lot to do still and there's only 10 days left! Yikes!

I did finally find out who my roommates are. They're both residents of California and they both seem pretty cool! We've started talking about who's going to bring what when it comes to the bigger things. Things are looking up...except for my financial aid which still hasn't arrived yet, rawr.

Go Bears!

Work In Progress

Here's a little peek at what I've been working on and off on!

I've been trying to work on more digital art and this will be my third piece. It's maybe 50% done so far? No plans as to when it will be completed, but it's looking good so far and I'm really happy with how it's been going.

As a newbie to the world of digital art and Adobe Illustrator, trying to learn the pen tool has been quite an adventure. Simple things like straight lines are easy enough, but oh boy...curves are a completely different story. Even working with the pen tool for a few weeks, I still have to fiddle with it a few times before I get my lines right. It does get frustrating sometimes but it's completely worth it and I think that the end product doesn't look too shabby.

And by the way, only 13 days left until college Move-In Day! I'm so excited!

Friday Finds: Pandas Galore!

Get ready for...Friday Finds! Every/every other Friday, I'll show off some of the amazing things that I find anywhere on the Web. Here's the first set of Friday Finds featuring pandas, enjoy!



1. FIMO-Little Panda Bracelet
2. Ear Buds
3. Panda Star Keychain
4. Deluxe Panda Pillow
5. Kid Vinyl Wall Sticker Decal Art-Lovely Pandas Having Fun in Cherry Blossom Field
6. Bao Bao

Makemechic.com

So yesterday I happened to stumble upon makemechic.com. It is exactly what it's web address suggests. It's an online clothing store that carries chic, affordable pieces. And yes, they are legit (did some Google research)!

As the summer slowly winds down and as back-to-school (or in my case, college) shopping commences, I have been looking for a pair(s) of boots perfect for the chillier weather up in San Francisco. My thing with boots though is that I have to absolutely adore them, but they also have to be affordable. Forever21 and Wet Seal have some great boots, but I'm looking for more...and then there was makemechic.com. It has an unbelievably huge selection of boots. The only downfall is that they might not carry your size. Boots cost roughly anywhere from 20 to 30-something dollars, which is perfect for any college girl's budget.

They also have a Sale section, so definitely check that out because the shoes are super cheap there! And they're also offering free shipping on any order over $50. Yay for sales and discounts!

Here are some of my favorite boots:


1. Akemi74 Slouchy Ankle Boots Black ($20.35)
2. Reva2on Slouchy Mid-Calf Boots Ivory ($21.00)
3. Toby Studded Mid-Calf Boot Brown ($26.95)
4. Key44 Studded Over Knee High Boot Brown ($34.00)
5. Candies15 Ruched Buckled Mid-Calf Boot Pearl ($22.00)
6. Kalisa29 Studded Mid-Calf Flat Boot Brown ($25.45)

Even though all I've been talking about are boots, there are other things that they carry like accessories, tops, dresses, and they have some really cute jackets. They also have some amazing sandals! So, check out the website and have fun shopping! ^_^

Bachelorette Season Finale: Recap and Thoughts

So, Ali chose Roberto. Shocker? Ehhh, you could kind of see it coming. I will admit that I'm not the hugest Roberto fan (Chris is so much better), but I'm really happy for them. They seem like a really great couple and I hope that it lasts. After the show, I actually ended up Googling them (gotta love the Internet) and there are rumors out there that Roberto will leave Ali, so let's hope that's not true!

And what about that rainbow? Where in the world did that come from? Seriously, it was like straight out of a sappy romance drama (Charlie St. Cloud comes to mind?). Ughh, it was so sad when Ali let Chris go early, but I do entirely support her decision and Chris took it so well (he's such a good guy!).

The After the Rose was sadly, uneventful. Frank didn't show up, surprise, surprise! You know, I used to like Frank despite his whole Charlie Brown wishy-washiness, but now I think we all know that he's just a coward. Then when Ali came out to talk to Chris, it was of course, extremely sweet with no bad feelings between them. Awww... All in all, it was probably one of the nicer After the Rose shows, but rather boring at the same time. -sigh-

Well, that about raps up another season of the Bachelor/Bachelorette. And just in case you were wondering... Yes, I will be watching the Bachelor Pad! Yay for more trashy reality TV guaranteed to rot your mind! =P

19 Days!

Until college move-in! Whoo! I can definitely say without a doubt that I am pumped for college! Of course there is that small part of me that is a little nervous, but who cares? Let the college count-down begin!

For all those who have been following me on Twitter and DeviantArt probably know that I will be attending UC Berkeley this fall. I'll be dorming in a triple in the building that used to be a school for the deaf and the blind. And according to Wikipedia (who cares about possible false info?), a boy hung himself in one of the underground tunnels there and strange things happened to the patients and that's why they moved the school. Spooky...

I still have a lot of pre-college shopping to do and I have yet to find out my roommates, but we're supposed to find out this week, so I'm really excited about that!

Enjoy the picture of Berkeley that I took in my dorm room where I was staying for orientation (it's not where I'll be staying for the school year)! =]

Digital Art

Here's a little look at what I've been up to. I've been moving away from traditional media (paint, pencil, etc.) and trying to get into more digital work. This was my latest work featuring a cute little chubby penguin! I hope you guys enjoy it and to see more, take a look at my DeviantArt. Right now, I'm working on a new piece (there's a cupcake involved!). I'm not sure when I'll finish, but it might not be for awhile since I'll be going to college in a few weeks and there is much pre-college shopping to be done! I have new flan charms to update my Etsy shop with along with some old items that still need to find a home, so look out for an Etsy update in the next few weeks before I'm off for college.

Summer 2010

Wow, I haven't blogged in literally a year. But now I'm back! I'll keep this short and simple, so here are some updates on my summer:

• I'm currently living in California.
• In less than a month, I'll be attending the University of California-Berkeley. Whoo!
• I made a Tumblr. Check it out here: http://summersmagic.tumblr.com/ It's filled with pretty pictures and some inspirational stuff just for my personal use.
  
• My Etsy shop has been empty for awhile. Since uprooting my entire room and moving it to California, I still haven't settled in plus I'll be moving to college soon, so I think it's pretty useless unpacking everything at this point and then packing it up again in a few weeks.
  
• I've done absolutely nothing productive this summer, and I'm proud of it but apparently, my parents don't agree.
  
• If you follow me on DeviantArt, I've actually updated with some new digital artwork -gasp-! Yep, I've finally decided to explore the digital side of the art world.