next step

June 10, 2016 hdoan3

Woah.. so this is a major transition phase. I’m currently at home resetting before my next move, and I am all over the place! It’s crazy to think that my entire life has been shaped by the “next step”: you go to school and work towards the next grade, apply to high school, apply to college, and now what? Sure, I could just keep moving into an entry level job and climb the corporate ladder, but I don’t see any happiness and fulfillment there. So instead, I’m choosing to spend this time discovering more about myself and what kind of impact I want to have on the world.

(To those of you who went straight to work, I’m not totally hating on you.. some of you already knew what you wanted and I respect you for your drive!)

Anyways, this time is not easy. I know it’s not supposed to be. I have so many things I want to do, so many places I want to see, and for some reason feel like there’s not enough time. I can already tell that in the future I will look back and think I was crazy to think I had so little time to see the world. But at the same time, I don’t want to sit back and let time fly.

So for now, I am trying to seek comfort in the chaos. I hope to learn and grow in the next year through new experiences. I want to take on different jobs and discover what drives me the most. My dream would be to be able to travel for my career…how cool would it be to travel with the World Surf League? I am passionate about the action sport industry, so I plan to spend this time finding what works best for me.

But at the same time, I am not locking myself into any commitments yet, as tempting as it is to be comfortable. I long to be in my home base, but have the rest of my life to do that. I want to make sure I experience as much as I can, and believe that these lessons will land me in the right place at the right time. It won’t be easy, but I know it’s right for me!

[ be sure to follow my Instagram for updates! ]

[ You can also see what inspires me on Pinterest! ]

dreamer

1 Comment June 3, 2016 hdoan3

Suluban Beach, Bali

It’s funny, how when people ask me about my tattoo, somehow with a sort of smirk (or so I think). I just smile and say, “it’s my Australian souvenir” or “you know, I really wanted the word dreamer tattooed on my wrist, so I got it.” Sure, it has its moments, I look at it and wonder why I would do that…and hey, maybe I’ll get it removed one day. But sometimes, it reminds me of the mindset I was in, and the phase in my life where the whole thing took place.

After a few days…sorry mom!

I wrote lists of reasons why I’m a dreamer. I was in such a state of bliss-I had traveled across the world and was on my own for six months. I was completely vulnerable, figuring out who I was and how I wanted to be around others. It was messy…there were times I wish I could redo, but I learned so much about myself. There is a power to being vulnerable.

I was enamored by the moon, doing my walk home from yoga at night. I never felt more safe, walking alone down the steep hill on Beach Street. I would just look up, amazed at the glowing moon, and felt so close to home. I remember walking by Coogee Pavilion, with the dull roar of families and friends chatting, laughing and enjoying their time. I would walk out to the railing, watching the moonlight shine over the water-the waves pushing and pulling in the sea. There was so much magic to the whole thing. Such a simple task-getting from Clovelly to Coogee-walking home from yoga somehow became such a meaningful memory.

Leaving Australia was far from easy. I’ll never forget the chaos of leaving Michelle and her kids. I was a wreck! Not to mention the embarrassing amount of luggage that I rolled away with… I was in such a daze, and felt so sad leaving such an incredible place. During my flight, I wrote pages and pages of memories, thoughts and feelings in my journal. At one point, I was just writing these random lines of thoughts that came through my head, almost like a stream of consciousness. I remember reading an article about Cara Delvigne, where she said some moment in her life “lit a fire” in her, and that really resonated with me. I felt like Australia really lit this fire that gave me so much confidence in myself and my direction.

Gordon’s Bay along the coast walk

So you’d think that meant I came home ready to conquer everything and be in the perfect situation? Wrong. Little did I know, the work had just begun. I came home without really realizing the shock it would cause to my system. Here I am with all of these tools, ready to live my new lifestyle, with nobody understanding my progress. I had just spent months with people who watched me grow, and now I was out of my element. I let go of someone I love, all for the chance to learn more about myself and be vulnerable. And boy, was I vulnerable. I connected with these people who in the end hurt me, but I look back now feeling stronger. I was embarrassed, sad, disappointed, and kept coming back for more. I put my feelings on the line, and got what I deserved in the end. I don’t take any of it back, because I am now sure of what I want in someone and the amount of respect I have for myself. Not everyone in the world has the best intentions for you-but I believe that there’s a lesson to be learned in the end.

And now here I am, just a few weeks past graduation. I finished college! I stuck out all four years in Dallas and ended up loving it. It’s incredible to think that there is a new chapter so close to beginning, and I can’t wait. I can feel that there are about to be some beautiful adventures to come. If you’ve made it this far into my post, I applaud you. Sorry for the feelings… I know I have been off my blogging game, but I have struggled to come up with what I want to share. Despite the big changes happening now, I still feel like there is a lull. I know that with what’s to come, I will be sharing a lot with all of you!

So to come full circle with this, the term dreamer continues to add new meanings. It’s a reminder of my experience abroad, what it represented for me at that time, to continue exploring, stay true to myself, and always be open to something new–with all the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Call it a list of cliches, but it’s become a symbol of my identity, and I’m proud of it

[ be sure to follow my Instagram for updates! ]

if i had 24 hours in sydney…

November 3, 2015 hdoan3

It’s been a year since I’ve been in Sydney and (go figure) I miss it so much! I can’t wait to visit again soon, but when I daydream all I think about are the top things I would do if I had one day to spend in Australia again….
First, I would go for my morning swim in Coogee. I lived right across the street from the beach and couldn’t go about my day without a fresh dip in the cool water.One day, a girl who worked at Love Juice in Coogee Pavillion told me she was very jealous of my morning routine, seeing as I would show up wrapped in a towel, with wet salty hair and sandy feet. I’ll never forget when she told me “you never regret a swim”…which takes me back to a time that I told myself that as I jumped into the rough, sea-weedy water on a stormy day… might have regretted that one.

Wrapped in my towel and barefoot, I’d make my way over to Coogee Pavillion. I’d get an almond flat white and chat with my favorite people working there. Coogee Pavillion was one of my favorite Marivale restaurants–I’d do anything to go back for some pizza there too! I found myself sitting at he high tops for hours on end working on school work and my blog. It was peaceful to watch all of the people coming and going, and seeing people walk along the beach sidewalk.

I wouldn’t think twice about doing the coast walk! I love going on walks with friends or sometimes alone to clear my head. Each bay throughout the hike was so special and beautiful. The picture above is Gordon’s Bay, just at the beginning of my coast walk….

…and at the end are the Bondi Icebergs! I never went for a swim in any of the ocean pools, but I was so fascinated by them! The water from the ocean would flow right into the pools.

And then there was brekky at Porch and Parlour at the very end of the walk! I could eat there for breakfast, lunch and dinner if I had my way!
At some point in the day, I’d be sure to pay a visit to my Aussie family! Michelle is like my second mom (I love you too, mom!!) And her kids are like my younger sisters and brother. This was when we went to Opera Bar to see the sunset before seeing a show at the Opera House. It was such a beautiful night!And OF COURSE, I would go to Messina for the best ice cream in the entire world. I’m pretty sure Messina was the leading cause of my weight gain in Sydney, but it was so worth it! They have a list of specials every week, and the line is always down the block!

Dinner would 100% be at Three Blue Ducks. I love sitting up at the bar and having hand made cocktails with kangaroo tartare and their pork belly! Yeah, you probably just read that and thought those both sounded equally disgusting, but don’t knock it till you try it! They also just opened The Farm at Byron Bay, which I will definitely be visiting next time I am there!

So there you go…I’ve hopefully sold you on Sydney, and successfully made myself want to cry after making this post. It is such an incredible place, I can’t wait to go back and explore more!

let’s not keep this on the DL

1 Comment October 23, 2015 hdoan3

[image from @dirtylemondetox]

Who here hates cleanses? I do! I feel like every time I try to do a detox cleanse, I want to eat everything I’m not supposed to eat even more! I even tried a 2 week cleanse that had a whole list of foods I couldn’t eat, and one was red bell peppers…guess what I craved? Red bell peppers! So bizarre… anyways…

Dirty Lemon Detox is the light at the end of the dark tunnel of cleanses and detoxes. It goes in line with my eating lifestyle: everything in moderation. I eat a healthy diet, but there are times where oreos or a few extra tacos are essential to a happy day.

This detox drink contains activated charcoal, cold pressed lemon juice, dandelion root and ginger. Charcoal drinks have been making an appearance lately, however, most contain pure cane sugar to add sweetness.

Charcoal has been around in the wellness world for some time. It is used in extreme cases to extract poison and even help patients who overdose on drugs. In our case, the amount of charcoal added to the drink is just enough to help you feel less guilty about that late-night pizza order (or in my case, an extra side of bacon with my avo toast!)

11927475_10156292794565107_4178105060790641030_o

I enjoyed sipping on DL in the late afternoon or even after dinner. It helped ease digestion and went to work on my daily food intake. I even enjoyed it in the bubble bath, instead of a glass of merlot!

I also follow their Instagram and love their cheeky posts!

You can order Dirty Lemon on their website, where you can add your phone number to coordinate your next purchase (because you will want to buy another detox!) You get six bottles of DL for a one week detox for $65, which is worth the price! I already have my next order on its way after all the continuous birthday celebrations (and sweets!)

[you can also see this post on bondtwenty.com, sign up today!]

never let go of your summer glow

September 17, 2015 hdoan3

At last! I’ve finally found the best self tanning product out there. Yes, I use self tanning lotion..but hey, at least I’m not at the tanning bed!

One of my least favorite things about winter is the steady decline of my natural tan from being home in the summer. I usually just deal with it, and attempt one or two products that leave my sheets orange and make me look like an orange zebra after a sweaty workout. Not to mention, they usually smell bad!

The other day I purchased the new St. Tropez ‘In Shower’ Gradual Tan. So far, after using it for a few days, I’m hooked! It leaves a streak free, minimal odor, summer glow that builds with each use. It takes only three minutes out of your shower routine–how easy! I have always been a fan of the St. Tropez line, especially their original instant tan mousse. The ladies at Sephora said that the shower gel is great for a base tan, and the mousse is good to build on top for that instant tan you might need before an event.

I highly recommend this new product. I’m excited to see how it works out throughout the winter! Although, the thought of winter itself does not sound exciting…especially with summer around the corner in beautiful Sydney!

(my heart breaks a little every time I see this)

so much to learn, so much time

August 5, 2015 hdoan3

Looking back on the first half of 2015, I realize that I have learned so much about myself, others, and life in general. I have been enjoying Dallas, really living in the moment and have grown so grateful for the amazing friends I have there. I have spent quality time at home, as well as ventured out to California, New York, Nashville, and a couple trips to the Bahamas!

I feel so lucky to have the opportunities to get out of my comfort zone and see more of the world. After Australia, I have been plotting my escape out of the states to get back to that amazing place. However, I am learning so much through living in the moment.

Here are some quotes that really stood out to me–they embody the things I have discovered throughout the past seven months. I have experienced good and bad, and through it all I fully believe that everything is part of the experience. Every thing I face makes me stronger and more confident. It’s all a learning lesson-there’s no end result to be happy. It’s all about rolling with the roller coaster, and taking every experience for what it is.

There’s so much to learn, and I will continue to learn throughout my life. Things change, people change, and it’s all about being confident in yourself that life is working out the way it should be.

summertime

July 21, 2015 hdoan3

a million tiny diamonds laughing in the sun

June 16, 2015 hdoan3

Summertime is finally here! Well, I’m actually taking classes in Dallas right now, but I will be back to the beach in a few weeks. In order to keep my beachy, bedhead hair, I use these four products regularly. It is important to maintain your hair in the summer, since the salt water (or salt water spray) can be drying and damaging to your hair. I find that tying my hair into a knot after using these products creates beautiful, natural waves. If theres still not enough texture to hold the knot, I continue to swear by the Goody spin pins!

1. Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo: My sister recommended this product and I have been using it every day. Even after I shower, I spray it on my roots when my hair is dry and it gives just enough texture and volume. It also smells amazing!

2. Bumble and Bumble Salt Spray: This spray has been one of my staples for over a year. It gives the perfect amount of texture that I get from jumping into the ocean and rinsing when I’m by the beach. It can be drying, so be sure to keep your hydrate!

3. Moroccanoil Weightless Hair Mask: Which brings me to this product…this is the best hydrating mask that I use once or twice a week. It leaves your hair smelling amazing for the whole day! I like using the light mask so it doesn’t weigh my hair down too much.

4. Oribe Split End Seal: I just started using this product for the past few months and it is magic! It keeps my ends fresh and healthy, making my haircut visits less frequent. I just apply it to the ends when my hair is damp and let it dry completely.

checking out

1 Comment April 20, 2015 hdoan3

…and checking back in at the Sahana Villas! No, I did not take this picture from Pinterest, I stayed in the room on the left for three amazing nights! We had the entire property (with three villas) with our own cleaning and cooking staff. Bali is incredibly affordable, making this $1 million a night-looking space WAY cheaper.

I would do anything to go back here and see the people we met. The owners are such a special family, who made our visit very memorable. Seminyak was my favorite part of Bali. I can picture walking down the streets to shop, eat at Mamasan, and have a drink on the water at Potato Head.

But…for now I’ll be here in Dallas, daydreaming of being tan and vacationing on the beach…

must be on vacation

April 14, 2015 hdoan3

…clearly! I haven’t posted anything in the longest time! This semester has been hectic, not to mention it’s flown by! It’s crazy to think I was in Australia a few months ago, and that I had all these goals and plans in mind. So much has changed, but I am committed to going back to Australia very soon!

I’m going to NYC this weekend! I’ve only been twice when I was younger, so I’m excited to go on my own and visit friends.

Dallas has been amazing–believe it or not, I’m going to stay in June for classes. Hopefully I can squeeze in a Bahamas trip in May, I’m dying to get to the beach for some summer sun! I’m also excited to say that I signed up to complete my yoga teacher training with Baron Baptiste this summer. I’ll be going to New York for a week-long intensive teacher training. I can’t wait to see some old faces from level one, as well as meet some new people!

I’ll be sure to keep this more up to date, with a NYC post to follow!