i’m just doing what i love…

May 15, 2014 hdoan3

The best part about summer–wake up, take your time, go on pinterest, and then some yoga or pilates–well, at least that’s what I’m doing for now! Lauren made these amazing coconut buckwheat oat jars yesterday, which go great with my favorite green fiend juice from 3 Natives.

I absolutely love my tassel necklace from Bohemian Summer Boutique. Not to mention, the owner is one of my best friends (new website coming soon)! And of course, I can’t go without mentioning my iPhone case from evoncase.

I’ll just be here, pretending this is what I do everyday… enjoying the moment!

druzy dreaming

1 Comment May 13, 2014 hdoan3

What’s more exciting than getting a package in the mail? When it’s a beautifully wrapped handmade gift! I recently ordered these green druzy studs from Meredith Brooke on Etsy and love them! She has the cutest handmade products, I can’t wait to buy some more for friends. I just love the cute pom pom wrapping and her colorful logo–I just had to share with you all : )

I love to support local businesses whenever I can, I’m actually working with a carpenter through Etsy to make a new media console in my room! Details to come!

fashion staple

1 Comment May 12, 2014 hdoan3

Ever looking for the perfect silk top to throw on over your jeans or skirt? Cami NYC provides the best layer to accommodate any style. My sister introduced me to these amazing camis this past Christmas, and once it was time for me to get my own and stop borrowing hers, I finally got the Racer Black and White lace tops.

Samantha Steen was in search for the perfect silk cami, and so she reached out to the city. She created these tops for versatility, giving her customers the ability to integrate them into their wardrobe from day to night.

I absolutely love these tops, they are worth every penny. I’m already looking to expand my Cami NYC collection with the new spring colors! Oh, and if you sign up for their newsletter, you get 20% off your first order!

happy mothers day!

May 11, 2014 hdoan3

It’s so nice to be home and celebrate a special day! Lauren and I made these delicious pancakes with berries and chocolate chips (she made the “mom” since I’m not as artistic). My dad used to make “names” pancakes when we were little and it’s been a tradition ever since. Maybe someday I’ll post the old video of him making them when we were little–my mom sent in home videos to iMemories and we have so many old videos to watch!

I hope you all have a wonderful day celebrating your mothers and grandmothers!

Me and momma back in the day : )

the wait is over

May 8, 2014 hdoan3

It’s been a long year of college for me, and I am so happy to finally say that it’s summer! I can’t wait to head home tomorrow night and enjoy every second in the sun. In just a couple of months, I’m going to be on a flight to Sydney for 5 months! There is so much to look forward to and I can’t wait to enjoy every second of my trip.

As for now, I’ll be packing up and moving out of my apartment here in Dallas, but I will be back soon! I can’t wait to fill you all in on my adventures this summer and fall (well, this summer and winter technically, since I’ll be in Australia! Weird, right?)

Happy summer to those of you starting your vacation! And good luck to all of my friends finishing up their finals. I’m meeting some of my friends for a last girls dinner at Saint Ann, I’m going to miss all my friends here!

I’m going to miss this place…

May 6, 2014 hdoan3

Although I spend most of my time wishing I was home, at the beach with my friends and family, I really will miss Dallas! I just realized that I won’t be back until January, which means I’ll be gone for eight months! I can’t believe it… Here are a few things I’m going to miss about this place:

My favorite almond milk lattes at Number One Cafe in Highland Park. The atmosphere is so relaxing, and the people who work there are so fun to talk to. Not to mention, Chapter Two has the best coffee table books next door!

Adventures with my roommate, Kate. She’s always finding new places to go explore! This was our latest brunch trip to Oddfellows. You could say we were pretty hungry!

Roots. Juices. I don’t know what I’ll do without you! They always have the best Seasonal Smash, and the Go Green is the best green juice that won’t make you cringe! These are my all-time favorite cold pressed juices. You can sample as many flavors as you want!

The gluten free mushroom pizza from True Food Kitchen–the ultimate comfort food. This picture doesn’t do it justice, but it is a must try! Also, be sure to try the chia seed pudding, it will become your newest obsession.

Forty Five Ten’s restaurant, T-Room is a great lunch experience! The seasonal veggie quiche with the pecan-crusted chicken salad is the best. The restaurant and boutique make for a fun lunching date with friends. Make sure you make a reservation, and if its a beautiful day, definitely opt for the covered patio!

quote of the week

April 28, 2014 hdoan3

Happy Monday!

I’m always repinning quotes onto my the way we get by board, looking over the positive reinforcement and quickly moving on. However, this quote really stood out. Loving yourself before you love others is a constant encouragement, making its way through clichés and creative quotes (I really love clichés, don’t I?) The thing about clichés though, is that they are so true!

Being in my 20’s is just beginning, leaving an open and daunting path. I have been doing things on my own, but of course turning to my family and close friends for advice. I’ve learned that it is so important to learn what I want from life, what inspires me, and who is worth being around. I encourage you to really look at this quote and try to apply it, because it is so important to find your purpose before you find someone that can share their joy with you.

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

friday bulletin

April 25, 2014 hdoan3

Happy Friday everyone!

Only one more week of classes, then finals, and then I’m home to sunny South Florida! It’s been a challenging year, but I am so excited for what lies ahead! It’s easy to dwell on everything that goes wrong. Believe me, it felt like I was constantly being pushed down this semester. But when I look back, it was all a learning experience. I’m continuing to grow and learn what’s best for me, and am so excited to keep finding out more about myself. Instead of worrying about the future, I am focusing on what’s right in front of me–how cliche of me, but it’s true!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Easter everyone! I’m enjoying being home with my family and best friend Clara. The weather finally cleared up in Florida and we are enjoying a beautiful, cool, sunny day at the beach! We’re having my grandmother, aunt and uncle, and cousins over for an early Easter dinner and I’ll be making this vegan zucchini gratin from Minimalist Baker (don’t tell Gran it’s not real cheese!).

Even though it’s a quick weekend, I’m so happy to be with my family and friends at home. Not to mention, I’ll be home for summer in less than 3 weeks!!

Wishing you all have a wonderful Easter with your family! : )

Aside April 20, 2014 hdoan3

California has my heart

April 16, 2014 hdoan3

My weekend trip to California with my mom and sister was unreal. I have always liked California, but this time was different–I now love California. I haven’t felt more content, present, and genuinely happy in a while, and this beautiful place revived me. There is something positive about California, and I want to totally immerse myself in it. Hopefully I can visit again soon, or live there even sooner!

Here are a few shots from the trip, from San Diego to Newport Beach!

Swamis Beach, Encinitas

Hotel La Jolla–beautifully decorated Kimpton Hotel (with amazing s’mores!)

Cheers! Wine time with mom and Lauren at Herringbone in San Diego. (Lauren gracefully got her heel caught in a grate, had the whole restaurant laughing!)