BEACH WAVES

I'M BAAACK

It's the beginning of April and SO many things have happened since I've last posted. I'd like to tell you every little detail of what's been going on with my life, but I don't know if I have the patience to do so. So to make everything a tiny bit bearable, I have enlisted the trusty technology of digital photographs to tell a choppy story of my life...so far.

About the time when you last heard from me, I lived with this adorable creature.

Then I moved to a house with 3 awesome people. And we had a Halloween party.

I would take advantage of my Disneyland Annual Passport as much as I could.

I made some baked chicken with zucchini and tomatoes for a dinner date at the house.

I went to Disneyland with some Urban friends.

I landed my first big girl job working for a recycling company.

And because I wanted to start anew, I chopped off my hair and went for some mod look (that I ended up not liking).

I went to Disneyland with more friends.

I attended my company's annual Christmas party with my new friends (aka newbs).

My new job offered an all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas for a recycling event we hosted. Partied with my new coworkers, VIP status.

I went to my first basketball game: LA Clippers versus Oklahoma City Thunder. We lost.

I would chat with my family via Google Hangouts.

I got asked out to a fancy dinner on my 6 year anniversary by the boyfriend.

I got to catch up with some veteran Urbanites at the bars...

...and at Disneyland, of course.

I would designate some time for roommate bonding.


And then together, we would designate some time for lightsaber battles in our room.


I got to see my cutie godson Gabe who came to visit (I gifted him with some Star Wars apparel being the awesome godmother I am).

I also added a little addition to my family.


I went on dates with my little brother at an awesome grilled cheese sandwich place...

...I went on dates with my roommates (we watched Spring Breakers that night)...

...and I went on dates with my best friend since 2005 where we would catch up at hipster places.

And fast forward to today, where I am currently freaking out about my job. Time to find a new one? Let's see where this journey takes me...
 

FALL DARKNESS

I've been bitten by the nail polish bug. Well, I've always had a knack for finding some unique colors. But dark nail polish is truly the way to go. Farewell to the neon and bright colors that summer brought, and hello to the deep hues autumn has bestowed upon us.

I've added 4 new nail polishes to my ever-so-abundant collection, and I am very pleased they are in my possession. The first was a great $2 find produced by the wallet-friendly E.L.F. cosmetics. It is a black nail polish with the tiniest flecks of green glitter. It was an impulse buy, but it was dark enough to calm my oh-so-dark soul. -__- I can't wait to use this when it comes closer to the holiday season! Sonia Kashuk has made an impression on me with the color "All Vamped"--a creamy dark red color that almost looks like a mauve-purple when you apply a good 2-3 coats. It's so gloomy and for $5, this will look great when wearing a plain white tee and distressed denim. "Haute Couture Red" from Loreal's new and improved line of nail polishes is an even deeper blood red, also at $5. I feel like it would look amazeballs with the layered outfits I have planned out for winter! The last color is the $7.50 "Stylenomics" from Essie's new fall 2012 collection. This dark teal will add something new to my nail polish collection, as I have no other colors similar to it. It's still dark enough for fall, and I'm excited to flaunt this baby on an autumn date night!

I'm a happy camper. Hooray for dark nail polish fever!

- marissa vanilla.

GRUNGE & GOD

I apologize for the lack of blogging, but there has been so much going on. I have recently moved into a new city and am still getting used to it. I have also graduated from college and have begun the nervous search for a full-time job. I have three new roommates, two of whom I have worked with at Urban Outfitters, and the other is a new friend. Honestly, I haven't really finished unpacking due to my lack of hangers. But nevertheless, I am determined to start somewhere.

I think moving here has opened my eyes to financial responsibility. I can't really spend money anymore for things that I want. My money goes towards rent, bills, and most recently parking tickets (I told you, I'm still getting used to this place -__-). I don't have any more money to spend on leisure things like clothes and makeup. I'd have to say a big chunk of it goes towards food. I've also noticed that because of these financial burdens, my heart rate has increased. Maybe it's true, maybe I do have high blood pressure.

I have made it an effort to start going to church more often. When I was away at college, I admit, I had so much freedom that church wasn't really on top of my list of priorities. But I know that God has been beside me all this time. And I think it's time for me to pay Him a visit. I don't like feeling this way; I don't like thinking about money all of the time. I know that it's a part of life, but the thing is, it truly stresses me out. So God will be seeing a lot of me and my heavy heart in prayers.

- marissa vanilla.

OUTFIT:

SHIRT: Obey Killer Quality Tee

FLANNEL: Obey Growler Button Down Shirt--boy roommate's shirt LOL (I'm going to steal it.)

SHORTS: Classic shorts from Abercrombie & Fitch

SHOES: Nepal Espadrille Sandal (in neutral) by Jeffrey Campbell--roommate's shoes ;)

UNRULY HAIRZZZ

It's week 10 and I have one more week left of my undergraduate career. It is at this time in the quarter when my hair decides to not cooperate. Oh well.

Summer begins exactly one week from today at 6 pm. Finals, here I come.

- marissa vanilla.