a u t u m n

With warm coffee in hand, I can't help but notice that the leaves are now set ablaze by that beautiful burnt crimson hue. The sun sinks into the silhouetted earth earlier and earlier each night, leaving a breathtaking array of colors streaked across the dimly lit sky. Pumpkins and squash are arranged on every front porch, surrounded by a blanket of fresh-fallen leaves. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are now in season at Starbucks and the sweet aroma of cinnamon is in the air. We are undoubtedly in the midst of autumn, my friends.

A few reasons why I love autumn:
sweaters. hot cocoa. knee-high socks. boots. guys wearing beanies. pumpkins. baking cookies. scarves. denim. leaves changing colors. crisp air. cinnamon. cuddling. rosy cheeks. seeing your breath on cold days. corn mazes. apple hill. warm pie. white mochas. sunsets. blankets. bonfires. looking at the stars. candy corn. caramel apples. the smell of rain.
:)

Check out my Autumn Playlist on Spotify!

What do you love most about autumn?

xx Kristin

You Never Know

I'm choking back tears. My heart sinks a little more with each post I read on his Facebook page.

"Every time i saw you, you always had a smile on your face."

"You are loved by many, one of the happiest kids I've known, always joking around."
"You were such an amazing guy with a personality that lit up a room."
"Happy thoughts are what cross people's minds when they think of you."
"I've never met anyone like you, always accepted people for who they were."

"You were one of the happiest people I've known, always brought up the mood and brought everyone together."

"He was a brother to me, and I just lost him."

It blows my mind. I am honestly so shocked right now. How could somebody who was so incredibly loved feel compelled to take his own life? He was the light in so many people's lives. This young man had such a good heart, and anyone who spoke to him even for a second would know. I sat next to him in my U.S. History class during my junior year of high school. I remember we shared the same birthday and that he always said "thank you" when the teacher handed out papers and that my friend had a crush on him for two years. He had such an endearing charm and always made the class laugh. It just goes to show that you never know what battles someone is fighting underneath their smiles and laughter. They may seem like the most happy, confident, life-loving person. But that's just on the outside. Everyone has struggles; you never know what someone might be going through at any given moment. You know that kid who always eats lunch by himself? Invite him to sit with you. Lend a hand. Listen to their story. Be there for them, always. Make them realize that they are infinitely loved and, most importantly, they are not alone. You have no idea how much of an impact your words and actions can have on someone; it could be the difference between life and death. If there's even the slightest possibility that my actions can save someone's life, I will do whatever it takes.

Every 13.7 minutes, someone in the United States commits suicide. That is absolutely sickening to me. No one ever deserves to feel so helpless that death is the best option. Ever.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

xx Kristin

Get Out There

It's crazy how fast time flies. Just one month ago, I was hauling boxes up to my new apartment, hugging my parents goodbye, and frantically preparing for WOW week and my second year of college. And boy, let me just say, so much can happen in a month.

I believe people are constantly changing, growing, improving. I am not the same person I was yesterday, nor will I be the same tomorrow. It's a good thing, really. We are all shaped by our daily experiences and encounters, always learning.

We often yearn for comfort in foreign situations, naturally drawn toward people and places that makes us feel at home. It is in these instances, however, that we must push ourselves to face the unknown. To go forth with no fear of unfamiliarity. I'll admit, this is something I've struggled to execute, but I know it's time for a change. There's no room for adventure and excitement if we always cling to our comfort zones. Over the years, I have come to realize that the most spontaneous adventures seem to result in the most cherished memories. No more holding back and sitting on the sidelines, too afraid of what might go wrong. Tell people your secrets. Smile at strangers. Make new friends. Talk to the cute guy you see around school. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. And to all the embarrassing mishaps and rejections and awkward situations to come, I say bring it on. It's time to get out there. Let go. Say yes. Live. Be.

Here's to being spontaneous.

xx Kristin

P.S. What is something you've done in an effort to step outside of your comfort zone? How did it work out for you?

Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. Can't Lose!

At the beginning of summer, I finally started watching the TV series Friday Night Lights, starting from the first episode of Season 1. Just this week, I finished the last episode of the fifth and final season; 76 episodes in about 2 months. As cheesy as it sounds, this show has become a part of me. On the surface, it seems like a typical TV show about football, high school, and more football. But let me tell you, it is so much more. Every single character is fighting a long list of struggles: paralysis, drug abuse, prison, jealousy, murder, unrequited love, false accusations, lost family members, long distance relationships, affairs, divorce, budget cuts, college, unexpected pregnancies, you name it. But the thing is, you grow to love each and every character despite their problems. With every episode, you root for their success more and more. At first, I despised Tim Riggins, the long-haired alcoholic football star who slept with everyone and didn't seem to care about anything or anyone. But so much changed. We eventually got to see the loving, sympathetic, selfless Tim Riggins. The guy who voluntarily went to jail for his brother's wrongdoings. The guy who put his life on hold to go to Mexico with Jason for his surgery. The guy who acted like a father figure to little Bo. The guy who saved Julie's life during the hurricane. The guy who helped Becky when she had no one else to turn to. Tim Riggins is now one of my favorite characters. Friday Night Lights depicts the good in everyone. It lets you see the vulnerable, kind-hearted side of people. No matter how harsh or manipulative they may seem, everyone has a good side. Everyone. You just have to be willing to look past their tough skin and give them a chance. This show brought me to tears countless times, and watching the final episode was like reading the last page of your favorite book or eating the last cookie in the jar; I didn't want it to end. My life is forever changed after watching this show. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose. Texas forever.

The following is an excerpt from the Washington Post about the final montage in the last episode. Took the words right outta my mouth:

"I loved every thing about the show’s final moments. 

I loved that we never saw the completion of the play that won the East Dillon Lions its state championship. 

I love the song they used in the montage, Delta Spirit’s "Devil Knows You’re Dead."

I loved that Vince became QB for the Dillon Panthers, Coach Spivey, an African-American, became the coach of the once racially divided team, Billy Riggins got to be an assistant coach, Tinker landed on the team and Buddy Garrity was zooming around the field in a golf cart (suck on that, Joe McCoy), reminding everyone that “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.” All was right with the world on the superteam. 

I loved, even though it broke my heart, that Luke Cafferty joined the service and left his championship ring in the hands of his sweetheart Becky. 

I loved that Matt and Julie found their own Chicago, together. 

I loved that Jess was still working toward her coaching dream, with clipboard in hand. 

I loved that Jason Street’s name remained scrawled on the locker room walls at Dillon High. 

I loved that Tim and Billy Riggins were building a house together even though I have zero faith that it will actually be up to code. 

I loved that Eric was molding men in the home of our Founding Fathers, but not quite ready to rely on familiar catch phrases. “Clear eyes, full hearts ... we’ll deal with that later.” Perfect. 

And I loved that the last shot of this fine, fine series was of Eric and Tami Taylor on a football field, partners, always. Who the hell was watching Gracie Bell? Who cares? 

Out go the lights." 

(http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/friday-night-lights-the-final-farewell-a-champion-finale-in-always/2011/07/15/gIQAcD86GI_blog.html)

 Did you watch Friday Night Lights? Who was your favorite character and why?

xx Kristin

P.S. I aspire to have the relationship that Eric and Tami Taylor had. Epitome of a perfect marriage.

Chartreuse Green Doors

Early this morning, I went to breakfast at Selland's Market-Cafe for the first time. I absolutely loved it from the moment I stepped through those chartreuse green doors. The surprisingly large cafe had a refreshingly modern yet somewhat old-fashioned vibe and decor to die for: menu items handwritten on white-framed chalkboards, hanging mason jar lights, trendy lettering, wooden crates, colorful cupcake displays, walls lined with wine bottles, and so much more. The black, white, and green color scheme couldn't have been pulled off any better. I can't even imagine a more perfect look for a cafe. After studying the menu for quite a bit, I decided on French Toast Casserole along with a slice of cheesecake. The cheesecake was heavenly; definitely the best I've ever tasted. I can't wait to go back and try one of their warm sandwiches or maybe even a pizza! Selland's definitely made it onto my list of favorite places to eat. Delicious food, a great variety of wine and desserts, and a delightful interior. Absolutely divine. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of eating at Selland's, I recommend you make a point to try it in the near future. And they're open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Think of your favorite restaurant/eatery. What makes it so enjoyable...is it the tasty food, the atmosphere, the service? A combination of those?

xx Kristin

GOOD Finds

At the beginning of the month, I ventured out to Sacramento for the GOOD: Street Food + Design Market. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I ended up absolutely loving it. If you're a sucker for vintage clothes, food trucks, stylish typography, and innovative artwork, this is the place to be. It was wildly inspiring to an art enthusiast like myself. I wound up with a banana split popsicle, a vintage 1971 Led Zeppelin crop top, a handful of pin-back buttons, and a mind filled with endless creative ideas. :)

Also, I seem to be especially fortunate this week, at least when it comes to thrift stores. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of finding something you've been looking for...at a thrift store; there really are some true treasures in there. Thrift stores seem to be the place where you find the random things you've always wanted but didn't necessarily know you wanted, if that makes sense. After leafing through a great deal of used clothing and musty antiques, I ended up with a pair of worn-out brown combat boots, an adorable seafoam green tin pail, an old Beatles album on vinyl, and last but certainly not least...a record player. If you didn't already know, I have been searching for a moderately priced functioning record player for years now. And now I am the proud owner of an Ion Profile LP USB Turntable, which also converts records to MP3s. What a gem. One of the best purchases I've ever made. Ever. The second I got home, I whipped out my Abbey Road album, listened as the needle gently grazed the record, and soaked it all in. Sensational, really.

Do you listen to music on vinyl? Why or why not?

xx Kristin

Caribbean Cruise

My family and I took a 7-day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean at the end of June. This was my 5th cruise, and I don't think I'll ever get tired of them! We stopped in the beautiful islands of Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Grand Turk (Turks and Caicos Islands). Everything was absolutely breathtaking and the ocean water was always so turquoise and clear. And let's not forget the cute guys, dance parties, nightly shows, unlimited food, delicious three-course meals, and 24/7 pizza and ice cream. This vacation was exactly what I needed to take a break from reality. :)

Parasailing in Half Moon Cay!! Unbelievable view of the island from 500 feet in the air. So much fun.

Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach! So many colorful fish and coral. I was really hoping to find a sea turtle too, but no luck this time. Our tour guides on the boat were wonderful and hilarious...and quite cute as well. ;) "Don't try to tell me that a sea urchin chased after you and attacked you because they move about 2 inches a day..."

 

Here's our ship, the Carnival Liberty, docked at Grand Turk. Grand Turk was definitely my favorite port of the cruise. White sand beach, palm trees, coconuts, Hermie the hermit crab, and mango daiquiri. Paradise.

Spent a few extra days in Miami, Florida after the cruise. Miami Beach is filled with stunning seashells and a gorgeous view of the skyline. Miami kind of reminds me of a mix between Los Angeles and Las Vegas for some reason. Ocean Drive was crowded with people every single night, and people were still partying at the clubs at 5am. Miami goes hard, I guess.

On our second day in Miami, we decided to take a trip to the Everglades National Park. We took an airboat tour in Gator Park and even got to hold a living alligator named Larry. Quite the experience!

Have you ever been on a cruise? If so, what is your most memorable cruise experience?

Xx Kristin

God Bless America ✞✞✞

July 4th is one of my favorite holidays. I love the patriotic outfits, barbecues, warm weather, fireworks, sparklers, starry nights, long exposure photos, rodeos, and overall celebrations. I feel like everyone is happy on the 4th of July. :)

For this year's 4th of July outfit, I cut up an old XX-Large Disneyland t-shirt from the 90s. I cut off the sleeves and about six or seven inches from the bottom. I stretched out the bottom so that the edges would roll up a little. Pretty satisfied with how it turned out! I then paired that with my faded cyan frayed shorts and black cross earrings, complete with a messy bun on top of my head. We even dressed up my dog Junior with an American flag bandana. :)

We definitely had quite the feast this year! My sister and I tossed together some raspberries and blueberries to make a patriotic berry salad. Meanwhile, my dad barbecued bacon shrimp wraps, chicken, sausage, and delicious garlic bread.

This was my first 4th of July without sparklers or fireworks. Didn't have any money on me at all, but I guess that just means I saved a few bucks! We stayed in most of the night and listened to the crackles and pops down the street. With the streetlights turned off for the night, the stars shone brighter than ever in the night sky. Loved it. :) Hope everyone had a spectacular 4th of July!

What's your favorite part about 4th of July? Do you have any interesting family traditions?

Xx Kristin

And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.

“So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be.” ‎The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is my absolute favorite book. I read it for the first time during my Junior year of high school, and it’s just one of those books that you never want to put down. It is the one and only book I brought with me to college, and I find myself reading it quite often; it has become a piece of me. The book captures the anxieties of high school and life in general, and so many of the things that Charlie experiences are parallel to my own experiences. It's really about being alive and embracing every moment of life, despite any and all hardships. With every page, I come to a realization or conclusion about something new in my own life. This book inspires me, gives me hope, and makes me feel like I can conquer anything life throws at me. I think anyone who hasn’t read it is missing out on a huge part of life, seriously. Every single line is pure genius. “Even if we don't have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there.” Now that is a quote to live by. I could not possibly be more excited that this book is being made into a movie. And let's not forget that it basically has the best cast possible, starring Logan Lerman and Emma Watson. It's gonna be magical. Logan Lerman will make a perfect Charlie. I have honestly watched the trailer about 10 times in the past hour, and I can't get enough of it. It makes me wanna cry for some reason; not out of sadness, and not quite happiness, but a feeling I can't really put into words. I can't wait.

What is your favorite book and has it been made into a movie? If so, do you think the movie did the book justice?

xx Kristin

(Update: I have now watched The Perks of Being a Wallflower three times and it is hands down my favorite film ever. Stephen Chbosky did an unbelievable job of directing and producing it, and I definitely bawled my eyes out when I watched it in theaters for the first time. Everything was absolutely flawless, I can't even put it into words.)

Sparkles & Puppy Love

I truly believe that accessories have the power to completely change the look of an outfit, for better or for worse. It's amazing how a simple necklace can turn a casual dress into an elegant night-on-the-town look, or vice versa. My collection of necklaces is endlessly growing, and hopefully this Summer I'll find some must-have statement necklaces for those fancier evenings in life. You can never have too many necklaces. ;) As you may have noticed, the majority of my necklaces are black and gold, but lately I've been into coral, mint, and bright neon colors. Perhaps we'll be seeing more of those colors soon!

Sparkles are always in season. This "Midnight Rodeo" eyeshadow from my roommate's Urban Decay Book of Shadows IV is one of my favorites. Shimmery neutral colors are perfect for an eye-catching, glamorous look, and they truly go well with any eye color!

There's just something about the comfort of printed books that can never be replaced. I love the faint sound of the paper crinkling each time you flip the page. I love the unique smell of old books and yellowed pages. I love how the immensely sad and emotional books are stained with tears. I love the way the spine gets worn and the pages get dog-eared. And how over time, the cover starts to curl and the book no longer closes all the way. I love being able to put sticky notes on my favorite pages so I can go back and reread them over and over again. I love brushing my fingers along the spines of books on a shelf. I love curling up in bed with a good book, or finding a quiet corner of the library to read in. Everything in our society is being taken over by technology and digital media, but personally, I will always prefer to read from a tangible, printed book. Just outside the History department on campus, I discovered a desolate wooden table with stacks and stacks of books accompanied by a handwritten sign that read "FREE BOOKS". Of course I couldn't help but snap a few photos.

Each quarter during finals week, Cal Poly has puppies in the UU Plaza and at Dexter Lawn for students to play with. Earlier this morning, I stopped by to play with the puppies for the first time. I fell in love with an absolutely adorable little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Gracie; it was love at first sight. She was so calm and loved all the attention. And the face she made when people scratched behind her ears was unbearably cute. I wish I could take her home with me. <3 Makes me miss Junior even more. Soon enough, baby boo. I'm coming home.

What is your favorite accessory that you own? And do you prefer printed books or e-books? 

xx Kristin