ONE // How to pack: the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 guide

In a month I’ll be flying back to the States, but for those of you who are leaving for vacation a little earlier, here’s a packing guide. Meanwhile, I’ll be trying to survive wanderlust while stuck in one place. Something you can do no matter where you are is have a picnic. Don’t forget to pack a light lunch, some lemonade, and every occasion calls for champagne. Most importantly, don’t forget the ice-cream. You can make your own even without an ice-cream machine, and if you’re in LA, you should check out Salt & Straw. Other fun summer links are how to have the absolute best road trip ever, quick summer makeup, MuMu beach club, and summer blog post ideas. And I want pink hair.

TWO // Break free

This is “a short film about gender roles, trans, and what it’s like to have an identity that deviates from the status quo” written, produced, and starring Ruby Rose. Break free from the expectations of society and be you. Forget about being likeable. You’re wasting your likeable on the wrong people. People will try to put a label on you, but you are much more. In Vogue’s July issue, Cara Delevigne opens up about her childhood, love life, and why modeling just isn’t enough. In Elle Australia’s July issue, or rather, on Elle Australia’s July issue is Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper. “This marks the first time a digital influencer has appeared on the cover of a major Australian fashion magazine.”

THREE // Mary

“Happy Father’s Day to the best mom I know.” Claire made this video for her mother, Mary. You might want to grab a tissue box. I’m so fortunate to have two loving parents, but I know that the same cannot be said for everyone, and days like Father’s Day or Mother’s Day can be an unpleasant reminder of that. In that case, you might find comfort in this article about finding heart. Let’s lighten the mood a bit and move onto this fun I love you Dad experiment, in which people tell their dad’s they love them and record their reaction; it’s not every day a dad hears those words. For more smiles and laughs, check out these comedians on fatherhood. And finally, a note from a father about the parent he aspires to be.

Did you catch my Father’s Day post from last week?

FOUR // How to take a productive blogging hiatus

For some people, bloggers included, summer means taking a break from the computer; it means going out, traveling, and living life. Everyone needs to disconnect a little. I’ve actually posted more this month of summer than any other month yet, but hopefully your summer has seen more adventures. Even though you’re away from your computer, that doesn’t mean blogging has to come to a full stop for you. You can grow your blog offline and schedule social media, or you can simply write less. That last tip is also helpful if you just don’t like writing in general but still want to blog.

FIVE // Taylor Swift – We Are Never Ever Getting Bad Blood (Mashup) by Nigel Brian Carpio

I don’t often listen to Taylor Swift and don’t particularly love or hate her music, but I must admit that her songs are hella catchy (and also her talent is undeniable). Put two of her songs together… I can’t get it out of my head. This mashup has seen the news and was posted on YouTube but taken down due to copyright issues. I get that the mashup was using her songs, but the person who made it was also creating something of his own, so I think it kinda sucks that he’s getting copyright strikes. Just in case anything else is taken down, here are two other places he’s uploaded his mashup: (x) (x). In other Taylor Swift mashup news, if you haven’t heard Blank Space x Style, you should definitely check it out.

How has your week been?

PS: 05. 04. 03. 02. 01.

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ONE // Enjoying the in-between

Summer is the best season to lose track of time. It’s the season of perpetual weekends. Who cares what day it is? I’m surprised I even realized that today was Friday. When you’re given this much time and freedom, you’re going to want to use it. So many places to be, people to meet, projects to start. So much planning to do… Perhaps your excitement begins to wane there. The truth of the matter is that you don’t have to be excited to stay committed. But why not enjoy this moment? After all, you’re here.

TWO // 24 hours in Istanbul

It’s finally summer, when wanderlust is at its peak. Some of us are off chasing adventures, and some of us (me) are living life vicariously through the Internet. JacksGap‘s 24 Hours In… vlog series will take you away, and on his blog you can see all the behind the scenes action. His camera is rad. Another 24 hour adventure to check out is Ghost Parties‘ in Iceland, which was actually a stopover on her way to NYC–for no extra cost. Speaking of bargains, this man has figured out how to fly for free. There are still a few months left before summer break is over so it’s not too late to look for ways to get abroad.

THREE // How creating a daily schedule helps me get more done

It’s great to be a dreamer and all–it really is a beautiful thing–but you gotta wake up and get sh*t done. First of all, make sure that what you’re pursuing is your dream and not anyone else’s. It’s okay if your dream doesn’t look the same as the people you’re inspired by. Second, you have to realize that following your dreams is nothing but work. And finally it’s time to get out of bed. Try these 8 tricks to make yourself wake up earlier. Working without a professor or classmates to keep you accountable can be difficult. Nevertheless, give everything you’re capable of giving. Be confident. You can do it.

FOUR // Why you should read as often as you blog

The last Friday Favorites I posted was in January. I’ve been spending the last few days catching up on all 700+ blog posts I missed from the hectic last month of school and now I’m finally feeling inspired again. The flow of ideas is back and I couldn’t be more excited! You may have noticed that I’ve been feeling burnt out, in regards to blogging; the 52 project has become my crutch and I haven’t been posting much else. How can I inspire you if I can’t inspire myself first? Reading other blogs stimulates my creativity and reconnects me to the blogosphere. There are so many things I want to do!

FIVE // S’mores donuts

Are you a Krispy Kreme or Dunkin’ Donuts fan? I’m Krispy Kreme all the wayyy. Exactly a week ago was National Donut Day but there’s no such thing as too many donuts, so here are some more. They’re the perfect way to upgrade a plain ol’ glazed donut into a gourmet masterpiece. If you’re craving something a little more savory, try these cheddar donuts. If you find yourself in LA (I will!), here’s the ultimate LA guide to donuts. Had enough? No such thing. Try these donut crafts.

How has your week been?

PS: 04. 03. 02. 01.

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ONE // Winter is back, my dear

Whenever it’s winter, I’m always wishing that it’s summer. Whenever it’s summer, I’m always wishing that it’s winter. Right now it’s winter, and with the unrelenting wind chill, it’s difficult for me to cherish this weather, even though I know that I’ll be wishing for it when summer comes around. So let’s forget about the frostbite and remember the magic. Get cozy in stripes, neutrals, and scarves, flaunt it in cashmere and silk, get crafty by turning an old book into a new purse, and escape to Burberry backstage.

TWO // How I got my start in the creative industry

It takes courage to stray from the conventional career path into the creative industry. If that’s what you want to do, know that it’s possible, but don’t expect it to be easy. It’ll be hard work, but you can do it. There is no better time to start than now. Even high school isn’t too early (check out this interior design installation)! Find and embrace your design style, create a moodboard, play with cool gadgets, utilize Bloglovin’, come up with original content, vary your content, and break out of your creative drought. Don’t be deterred by these myths, and know that it’s okay to earn money from blogging.

THREE // Takoyaki recipe

Part two of my three part winter break was spent in Japan. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to bring food carts back with me to the States, but did you know that you can make your own takoyaki with a Dutch pancake maker (or really any pan with spherical shapes)? What that means to me is that I can make takoyaki from my dorm room! I mean, I probably shouldn’t, but I could. Some other recipes on my radar are homemade butterbeer, wild mushroom and gruyère egg baskets, huggie bear biscuits, coconut macaroons, almond salted caramels, and vanilla cake with vanilla frosting and marzipan succulent.

FOUR // On changing dreams

It’s a new year and the only thing constant is change. Have you written out your resolutions or are you set on having the worst year ever? Well, I guess that’s not totally fair. You don’t have to have resolutions to have a good year, but it doesn’t hurt to get a little organized with a desktop calendar. I myself have set 2015 blogging goals and 2015 personal mantras. Hopefully your holiday break in Brighton or the Bahamas or Iceland or wherever has gotten you refreshed, re-energized, and ready to go. To get us started on the right foot, here are six productivity tips for working at your desk.

FIVE // One less stranger

If you want to walk in the footsteps of HONY, this is your chance. Are there people you always see but never talk to? This is your chance. As a shy introvert, I know that this is easier said than done, but all it takes is a “hello!” Spread the love. Share the happiness. Do a random act of kindness. You don’t have to do something as extravagant as this hairstylist did. It can be something as simple as tipping a little more than you need to. Or even just listening. Because everyone has a story to tell.

How has your week been?

PS: 03. 02. 01.

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