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!

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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!

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)

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.

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!

aus-sentials

November 7, 2014 hdoan3

I’ve been loving my new Samudra clutch, it fits everything I need! Here’s a peek inside my daily essentials (with some Aussie products that I hope to get when I’m home!)

1. Papaw Ointment: Chaptstick is the number one necessity in all of my purses–I’d be stranded without it at all hours of the day! This is the best lip balm, cuticle cream, or basically anything you need it for! My aussie sister (did I mention I’ve been ‘adopted’ into a family? I love them!) gave me a spare jar and I am obsessed!

2. NARS coral lip pencil and concealer stick: I just got the coral for summertime, and it goes on perfectly with my lip gloss. A spot concealer is perfect to cover up little blemishes on the go, this one lasts long too!

3. Gypsy Water: thanks to my sister, I’m now addicted to this amazing smelling perfume! I’m starting to see it grow in popularity around here, probably because it’s so amazing! I love how it smells different on everyone, it gives you your own personal scent.

4. Coconut lotion: okay, sunscreen? Yes, it is a necessity to wear daily, especially when Australia is lacking an ozone layer… but this mainstream sunscreen smells amazing! You don’t smell like a tourist going to the beach, you smell like coconuts and vacation. It’s all over the convenience stores, but I hope I can get it when I get home, it smells that good!

5. Card holder: I love my new YSL cardholder. It’s perfect to carry itself when your on the go, or throw in a purse when you only need a few cards and some cash for your night out.

6. Sunnies: the Daddy B sunnies from Oliver Peoples are my absolute favorite. They have the best styles and colors, I’m already saving up for my next pair!

7. Ear-buds: Frends makes the best ear buds and headphones. I love these, but since I’m usually on the go, the ear buds fit perfectly in my Samudra pouch.

8. Last but not least: the Samudra Pouch! I absolutely love the beach designs on these bags. They are such great quality, and fun to even use for a casual purse when you’re out to dinner. It was hard to pick just one–I want them all!

thinking out loud

November 5, 2014 hdoan3

If you told me a year ago where I would be now and what I would experience, I wouldn’t believe a single bit. My adventures abroad have opened new doors, giving me the opportunity to learn and grow as I go along. Now I know your eyes have already glazed over because, who doesn’t say that studying abroad or traveling to another country is life changing? I know I’m not different, however, everyone’s experience is special to him/her in some sort of way. That’s why, I hope that by sharing my adventures with you, you will be inspired to challenge yourself and dig deep to the root of who you really are.

I’ve gained a lot of clarity on this trip. Made new friends, strengthened old relationships, and learned to let go of what doesn’t serve me. It’s been a challenge (and believe me, those who I have complained to are fully aware), but despite my somewhat failed efforts to let everything go, I can say that I am learning to see the silver lining in most situations. If I were to take anything away from this experience, it would be that I have the most incredible support system and I am even more grateful than I was before to have such amazing people to be there for me.

My experience has served me in the best way possible. I am ultimately happy with the person I have become, and look forward to the future that I can make for myself. I can’t wait to keep traveling, learning, and growing to the point where my passion becomes my career. The American mentality is a tough pill to swallow–graduate, get a job, and that’s it for the rest of your youth. How will you know what you really want, when all you’ve been doing is following a path that most people take? If you have the opportunity, even if it’s for a month, travel! There’s so much to learn about yourself and others when you take yourself out of your comfort zone, and if anything it will give you the confidence to go in the direction of your dreams.

simple summer look

July 11, 2014 hdoan3

During the summer, my makeup drawer is usually collecting dust. It’s such a hassle to put on makeup that I usually end up just showing my sunburnt face in public without a care in the world. In an attempt to clean up my look, the first thing I go for is a simple shimmery eyeshadow. I’m currently loving the Bobbi Brown Surf and Sand eyeshadow palette–it’s every beautiful neutral color in a fun case! It’s a great touch for the natural makeup look if you’re looking for something subtle.

Happy weekend everyone! : )

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!