ONE // Setting up your bar cart

Or ya know, just have a plain ol’ party, but by myself, with my own bar so that I can drink all I want without having to share being the introvert that I am. Really, all I need is to tune out with a solo pamper evening and some Netflix. Speaking of which, have you seen the cast of Grey’s Anatomy dressed up as Orange is the New Black? Maybe that’s a big enough occasion to garner party invites, and also a perfect excuse to try out these tassel garland invitations, which would also be great for dorm deco.

TWO // How to make stress your friend

Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet? I was shown this video during my Wellness Issues Seminar at Bryn Mawr College and it has changed my perspective on stress. Of course, it’s always preferred to start off on the right foot, so get excited with a back to school party! I’ve been back at it for three weeks trying to conquer chronic procrastination, but it’s been a blur. Perhaps I should take a breather with a DIY like this back to school paint chip calendar.

THREE // Take a flask of hot chocolate along on a walk

Autumn is my absolute favorite season. So yeah school’s coming up and that sucks but you know what else is coming up? Ugly sweaters and scarves and PUMPKIN SPICE LATTES AND HALLOWEEN AND CUDDLING BECAUSE IT’S COLD AND FALL LEAVES AND HIKING IN THE BRISK AIR AND THEN AFTER THAT SNOW AND HOT COCOA AND MALLS DECORATED FOR HOLIDAYS AND FRICK SCHOOL ALL OF THIS IS WORTH IT WOWIE. The weather in Pennsylvania is unstable, switching between freezing cold and burning hot in a single day, so I’m at a loss as to what to wear. All I want is to layer up! Meanwhile I’ll content myself with building forts for cozy mornings like these.

FOUR // Medjool date and vanilla bean cafe au lait de coco

It’s hard to find time/energy to get off campus and get fancy beverages or even just a nice cup of coffee, so I’ve been on withdrawal. I swear that more coffee/tea/fancy drink related posts have been popping up ever since, such as frozen almond spiced chai, cinnamon latte, and chocolate and toasted hazelnut milk. Although Bryn Mawr College is ranked #10 for campus food, it’s not enough to sustain me. I miss having my own kitchen, my own oven, to make delicious things I find on the Internet, such as apple pie baked apples and homemade pocky. Or at least give me an Asian mart!

FIVE // Pretending to be Humans of New York

While Humans of New York photographer Brandon has been going on a world tour, a prankster was messing around back in New York. It was all in good fun, and HONY even shared it on his Facebook page, commenting “In case any of you had a strange conversation with ‘me’ lately…. don’t feel bad if you got tricked, not a bad impression, actually!” I love HONY’s ability to capture glimpses of people’s lives. Tell me your story and I’ll give you $1. On a side note, whenever someone asks me how my life is going, I get a strong urge to tell them to go read my blog.

How has your week been?

Follow

ONE // Earl grey and chocolate tea bag biscuits

Speaking of food, how cute are these biscuits? I’ve always been a sucker for tea time–they make me feel sophisticated in ways nothing else can (because I really am not a sophisticated person haha). Other noteworthy tastes of heaven are mood boosting smoothies and boozy coconut hot fudge milkshakes, because… I’M EIGHTEEN!! (Okay not legal yet, but if I were back in China I would be)

TWO // Beijing from above, and the story of how I was detained by the police

I’ve been in Pennsylvania for approximately two weeks now and enjoying every bit of it at Bryn Mawr College (check out some snapshots of the beautiful campus on my Instagram), but this video sure does make me feel a little homesick! This is Beijing as you’ve never seen it before in all of its beauty. Or maybe I’m just craving a little 煎饼 haha. Read about Trey Ratcliff’s full experience here.

THREE // Why don’t we have an eternal summer

Immortalize your summertime memories with these cute projects, and then get your productivity on, because it’s time for school, hip hip hooray!! Having a hard time getting your butt out of bed? Check out this awesome combination alarm clock and coffee brewer. But don’t forget to give your body a break with these yoga hacks, and then give your mind a break too by hitting the reset button.

Something extra: In one perfect sentence, Amy Poehler schools a guy in what it’s like to be a woman.

FOUR // Freelance journey: noteworthy podcasts

Even though one of my favorite YouTubers, Kingsley, has been talking about his podcasts ever since he made the decision to switch social media platforms, I never knew how to go about it/get into it. Do you listen to podcasts? If not, this is a good place to start, especially if you’re interested in freelancing/blogging. If podcasts aren’t your thing but you’d still like to gain more insights about blogging, check out this interesting article commenting on the fine line between living your life for blogging and blogging while living your life.

FIVE // Buckingham Palace pirouetting guard shows off his funky dance moves

I’ve never been to the Buckingham Palace and so have never seen a Buckingham Palace guard in real life before, but they sure are aesthetically pleasing (check out my adorable iPad stylus)! Unfortunately for this particular Buckingham Palace guard, there is now a hunt to identify pirouetting ‘bearskin’ guardsman who shamed army, though imo, he was quite sensational.

How has your week been?

Follow

ONE // Internet etiquette

The Internet is rampant with opinionated people, which is why I try to refrain from leaving comments on websites, especially YouTube. What I love about the blogosphere is that everyone is so open to new ideas. In fact, it’s often encouraged. In order to maintain this peaceful and intellectual exchange of ideas, there are some things we should consider before hitting the enter button.

TWO // Cafe Waiting Love

The Taiwanese film Cafe Waiting Love was released in Taiwan today! I watched this trailer in theaters while waiting for The Fault in Our Stars, which, for the record, I bawled my eyes out at. I was sitting next to my cousin Shirley, and she was telling me that she really wanted to see this film, and now I do too! You know I can’t resist cafes. Luckily for her, she’s still in Taiwan so she can watch it now, but unluckily for me, I’m in Beijing. Check out the plot summary here.

THREE // Floral drinks

I’m a really lazy person. My water dispenser is really slow at dispensing water, so sometimes I have the urge to just buy a water bottle from the supermarket. Forget about sprucing up my water with strawberries and basil. Who has time for that? (Btw, everyone does. Don’t be like me.) Wait for my green tea packet to boil in water? Next time I’ll bulk buy bottled green tea, despite its sugary contents. But for the past few months, I’ve been pinning gorgeous cocktails and now I kinda wanna make one…

FOUR // Life lessons from summer days

I’ve had close to three months of summer break, the longest I’ve had in awhile. Unfortunately, I didn’t do very much traveling with this time, but I did get to hang out with my friends and see them before we all left for college. As it is with all events in our lives, rules are made, rules are broken, lessons are learned, and memories are made. Alas, the summer days must come to an end, but no fear, autumn is here! (AKA my favorite season)

FIVE // DIY bookmarks

Some people dread autumn, because it marks the beginning of *cue groan* school. But you know what else it marks? Spiced drinks, warm cuddles, crunching leaves, sparkling snow, holiday decorations!! This year, for a change, I’m actually quite excited to start school, because it’s going to be my freshman year of college. I feel smarter already! Jump right into it with some cute stationary.

How has your week been?

Follow