Best Of 2018

his year has gone by so fast! 2017 has created a lot of change, challenges, and growth (I'll touch more on this later). I only hit the publish button 55 times this year, but I am thankful for the content I have to look back on. I had so many fun times this year such as, going to Taylor Swift's stadium tour with my sister, tried squid for the first time (a.k.a. my most adventurous food), finished the whole series of Friends, and explored over five beaches in Orange County.

Okay, here was some top posts of 2018 from the blog!!!

FINDING THE QUIET | TURNING 21 | MY SUMMER HAIR CARE | I CUT SUGAR OUT FOR 31 DAYS, HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED | GROWTH, THE HEART OF IT 

This year my travels were all within California! I've mentioned this before, but nothing compares to exploring new places. It is then when my creative energy just flows.

Since sophomore year of high school, I've traveled to a new state every year (I have one planned for May 2019, eek). But, focusing on Southern California has been the best. Not only did I have the opportunity to visit my hometown in Santa Barbara County, but through living in the dorms at University in Orange County I practically memorized those backroads and local beach spots!

This year I have gained so much appreciate and love for California. It doesn't have to be anywhere fancy to be worth seeing and taking photos to be considered Instagram worthy.

My outfits this year were some of my favorites. My style has really evolved in the way of how comfort and colors have really been my reasons for purchasing such pieces. I have discovered a new brand that I love, Lucky Brand. I have over seven tops from that brand. Working in retail has really given me an eye for not only this brand, but for ideas that I haven't worn since high school, like long cardigans or side tied tops. 

For 2019, I have a lot to learn and go through. I will be graduating with my Bachelor's and hopefully entering a program for my credentials and Master's. This new year will be all about change, something I'm not a fan of, but willing to embrace for hope.

For the blog, I hope to be consistent. I've been discouraged these last few months, because my ideas are few. But, I love writing and sharing my experiences, so I'm not going anywhere. Just going to only be posting on things that I can be proud of.

Thank you for all the love this year, I have gained so many new followers, received such sweet comments on my posts, and truly made some great friends! xoxo.

Mission Inn + 12 Things

1. My mom treated my sister and I to a mini stay at the Mission Inn Hotel. It was the perfect way to begin the holiday spirit.

2. This gray cardigan is my newest piece for the winter. It is so long on me, but I really love the fit.

3. Seriously craving this chocolate cake I ate at the garden restaurant, because it was a chocolate lovers dream.

4. Vlogmas is just the best time of the year for a YouTube follower. I Covet Thee is just killing it this year.

5. Did you hear that Friends was suppose to be taken off Netflix come the first of the year? My sister and I were so sad. But, apparently Netflix took it back. Our Holiday Armadillo has saved us, haha.

6. I packed two scarfs for this trip, and it made me feel like I was in high school again. They were my go-to staple in the winter, but it's been years since I've pulled them out to wear. Let's just say, I am officially obsessed now.

7. My Christmas tree has a theme, Paris! All my ornaments are Eiffel towers, coffee, crowns, or really anything that screams France. I found a store that had an entire tree filled with ornaments with my theme. I bought like five, because they were so unique! 

8. I desperately wish I could drink coffee and never have a migraine. Oh well, I suppose Coffee Bean's hot chocolate will have to do. 

9. Two weeks left of this fall semester and I can't wait for it to end. 

10. Our friends joined us on this getaway, and I was re-introduced to the board game Clue. I want to buy it now, haha. 

11. Right now I'm putting together a roundup of the best blog posts of 2018. I'm loving the way it's turning out. 

12. The Mission Inn was such a special time. Time away to relax and be with my people was so needed. 

I Wrote A Memoir & Here's Why You Should Too

f you have been following my blog for a while, than you'd know that I talk a lot about journaling. Expressing my feeling through the art of pen to paper is just healing for my mental health. I'm that girl who has kept a diary since first grade. They are in a box under my bed, and the first thing I'd reach for if there was a fire. Well, during my junior year of college, I took an English course called Modern Grammar. The concept of the entire course was to write your own personal memoir in order to learn proper modern grammar.

It took an entire semester to write nearly 35 pages of my life, starting from my earliest memory. To be honest, it was the hardest yet fulfilling project I've ever completed. And even though I say 'completed,' this is a piece of work that I hope to always be adding to. I cannot begin to explain the motions I went through while drafting my memoir, but as a whole it was an experience that I believe everyone should feel once in their life.

Created personal growth. 
Of course, you can not write about your life without learning a piece of who you are. This is a given. It is the reason why I encourage you to spend time writing even a little bit about something in your life. For me, it was eye-opening to see that I am not that different than my 5-year-old self.

Improved my writing habits.
By writing 'chapters' in my memoir, I wrote a lot of content to fill the pages. Well, I have never been so self conscience of the structure of all my sentences. As an English major, this concept challenged my writing in the best way possible.

Write it down for memory.
Keeping a journal or sharing photos daily on social media is not the same as writing a memoir. The way you can capture memories and feelings is more in-depth and personal. I love that I have stories from my childhood, personal struggles, and an overall timeline of my family.

You realize what means the most to you. 
When writing and answering certain prompts, it stretches your memory and feelings like never before. While choosing how to answer my prompts in class, it was neat to see how I focused on all the things that mattered most in my life.

      
                  

Side tip: choose a theme in your life that has been constant. It can be a personal trait, friendship, personal struggle, or true passion. Then, allow your creative thoughts and past memories reflect only that theme throughout your memoir. This will help the flow and overall layout while writing! Here are some prompts to spark some ideas...

1. Write about your earliest memory.
2. Use present tense.
3. Describe a photograph.
4. Free write the last fifteen years of your life in fifteen minutes.
5. Use your favorite song for a past story.
6. Talk about a childhood location.
7. Choose a personal experience.
8. Write your own obituary.

Pumpkin Spice

ello everyone! I am so excited to share my latest outfit photos, as I have been obsessed with this plaid top. I have recently discovered my love for Lucky Brand, as it fits my style so well. A touch of causal yet classy staple pieces is what I'm all about. I took these photos in the wine country, and I loved how they turned out. Well, one wouldn't exactly know that by the location, but I found this white barn and loved it. 

To be honest, I have been very uninspired with my blog. Exploring new places is what sparks my creativity. And when I've lived 12 years in the same town, it is rare to find new locations to shoot, unless I'm willing to drive over an hour to San Diego or Orange County. So, hence my excitement!! Where do you go to gain inspiration? 

Self Care | The Heart Of It

elf care has honestly become such a trendy word. So much so, I believe it has lost it's meaning and purpose all together. Yet, lately in my life it has been such an important one for me to recognize and practice. I am not talking about a spa day, watching a special movie, or spending time with my girlfriends. No, that would fall under "me-time." I'm talking about self care. Things that I must do for myself, even when it's difficult.

One way I can do this for myself is by saying the word no. I am sure you know what it's like to have too much piled up in your weekly schedule. It is exhausting. Sometimes it is nice to busy, constantly on the go. That way I don't have to focus on myself. But after a while, nothing is more desired than saying the word no.

I struggle with this concept, because saying no has always meant a lack of productivity. And as a three on the Enneagram test (the achiever), it is how I gain acceptance.

But, I am slowly learning how unhealthy it is to constantly worry about my list of achievements. Every season is a reflection of something new, such as growth, rest, or creation. Well, mine right now is a mixture of all three. In order to not lose myself in this process, an understanding of true self care is needed more than ever. After all, how can I be accepted by others if I haven't taken the time to truly accept myself?

You see, saying no means saying yes to myself.

Saying yes to myself more often means listening to my body and mental health, as that is the essence of self care. Indulge in self care in such a way that it creates personal growth in a more powerful and deeper way, than what any bubble bath could do.


 p.s. this is my 500th post published on the blog! Thank you for your support all these years by reading A Beautiful Heart. 

My Holy Grail Makeup Palettes

akeup is truly my favorite thing to purchase. Now, I don't wear anything but mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, so my wishlist or knowledge on other products are slim. I've never been one to use foundation or even lipstick for that matter. So, my eyeshadow palette collection has grown immensely over the years. When I was thirteen, first wearing makeup, I only purchased single powdered eyeshadow from BareMinerals. Then I discovered the beauty of palettes. I love how easy they are to use, plus travel with.

For today's post, I thought it would be fun to introduce my collection through the perfect palette tag!

Favorite "Naked" palette?
Naked2 has some beautiful glitter shadows. I love that it has a wide range of neutrals and pinks! 

Best packaging
The very first Naked palette is so beautiful with it's velvet packaging!

Best color names
The Naked Smokey palette has a few fun names, like whisky, high, & dirty-sweet.

Most versatile
BareMinerals is the brand I go-to the most for a classy eye look. This palette is a dream and the large mirror is like any other.

Least used
I was so excited over the Naked Heat palette, but once I tried to play around with it, the colors are very pigmented. I feel very intimidated while using these colors.

Biggest regret
Honestly, I don't have one! Sorry.

Best for traveling
Mac has always been on my list, and I just purchased my first palette from this brand! I love it so much. It's small, best for travel, and has 9 different colors. The pigment is beautiful.

Most used
BareMinerals has beautiful compact palettes, and this one was a favorite for a long time. I've even hit pan!

Wishlist palette 
Ahh, I just saw this new palette on Urban Decay's site! Isn't this gorgeous? I love those rich pinks! The name for the palette is perfect, cherry!

Notes To My Younger Self

his little type of post is one I've seen going around, and I couldn't help thinking about all the things I could tell my younger self. Hence, today's blog article. Looking back, I don't regret many things. They have made me who I am. But, of course there are always a few things I wish I would have known to save me the trouble or heartache. I couldn't really write myself an entire note, rather a few things I've since learned along the way. What type of things would say like to tell your younger self? 

1. // Just because someone pays attention to you, doesn't mean they genuinely care about you. Not everyone has great intentions. So, don't always wear your heart on your sleeve. Let the most important people discover who you are.

2. // Don't quit piano. I know voice was the priority, but nothing felt so right once you learned to play those jazz songs.

3. // Journal through the hard stuff. As easy as it is to let time pass in order to get through a rough patch, grab a pen and write. It's better to let go than to stuff it deep down inside.

4. // Give yourself permission to do nothing. You don't always have to have a resume filled with accomplishments. Learn to do nothing of significant importance, and rest in where you are.

5. // Quality over quantity, always. Remember that sunflower tank top from O'Neil that ripped after one wear? Stop spending money on such cheap quality only, because it is brand clothing.

6. // You were cuter than you once thought. Embrace who you are, because you cannot be anyone else, without staying true to yourself. So, stop worrying about size numbers. They don't mean anything when it comes to worth.

7. // Say yes more often. Don't let the opinions of others keep you from trying new things.

Life Lately

kay, so it's been a hot minute since I've put out a meaningful blog post (in my opinion). I haven't been absent, but I've been trying to not hit publish for quantity, only quality. So, to get the ball rolling I figured it was time for an update in my life happenings. October is over and that makes me so sad, because I've spent most of this month in bed. I came down with the hand-foot-virus and it has been dreadful. Sleeping, crying, watching Gilmore Girls, drinking lots of smoothies, and wishing to be well again has been my daily routine for three weeks now. I truly cannot believe how bad these sores broke out all over my body, hence the lack of photos of me anywhere!

Waiting for these sores to vanish is like watching paint dry. Ugh, being sick is the worst, however, I must admit it has been an eye-opener. It is amazing that the little things I take for granted, like being able to go to work, workout, and curl my hair, were things I use to complain about doing on the daily. Plus, I know I have it so easy compared to others, and my compassion level is now higher than before! Thankfully, I am on the mend and back to work!

Watching: I finished the entire season of Friends. I know I'm like a decade late, but this show is hilarious. Do you have a favorite character? Joey is mine. His "acting" voice is just the best. But, I have to admit I can't stand Monica. Her cleaning phobia drives me insane, and I could never be that competitive. I do love her and Chandler together so I guess it's all fine in the end, haha.

Drinking: I've recently discovered chocolate milk from Starbucks. Lame, I know. But, with whipped cream on top it's delicious.

Looking Forward To: Honestly, I am longing for a photoshoot like no other. This season is my favorite and the golden light with the autumn colors are calling my name.

Listening To: A new podcast I've been listening to is Pretty Basic. It's with two YouTubers I love, Alisha and Remi. It's super cute and I like hearing their more candid thoughts. Do you have a favorite podcast?

Favorite Fall Essential: A candle (I bet you saw that coming). I just bought cinnamon donut by Yankee, it's incredible.

Needing To: Be more organized. I am so tired of the clutter. Why is this so difficult to keep up with? I try and then weeks later things are back to the way they were.

3 Reasons Why I Keep A Travel Journal

ove traveling and probably cannot say that enough! I found this travel journal at Anthropology a few years ago, and it was so fun to fill out. I'll use it in a way to remember my favorite go-to places or bucket-list ventures. I've always been a huge advocate for putting thoughts to paper, so why not do so while exploring? You can become really creative and add photos or little souvenirs such as plane tickets, travel map, or receipts. It can become anything you desire, really. Here are three simple reasons why I try to always jot down a few things while traveling.

1. Collection of memories. // Traveling is when I'm most nostalgic. It is when I have the opportunities to try new things and dare to venture out of my comfort zone. I love looking back and reading all the special times I had in different environments.


2. Tool of self discovery. // Experiencing new cultures is so eye opening. I always like to see which ones I could call home. Writing down my loves and dislikes wherever I travel allows me to learn more about myself.


3. Sparks creativity. // Keeping a bucket list is so fun for me mostly, because it is full of my dream travel destinations. Well, this is the place where I keep such dreams of mine!

Autumn Intentions

utumn is my favorite season, and it makes me feel so happy. It is the one season where I allow myself to rest. To feel grounded, and focus on the little areas of my life. It is also the time where I have a lot to prepare for...teachers to shadow, graduate school to apply for, and study for my CBEST test. Yet, the days seem to already be getting shorter, as the sun goes down around 7pm instead of 8:30pm. And come a few more weeks it will be sunset around 5pm. This makes my days go by quicker, leaving me without much time to be productive, because my brain shuts off at night.

So, since this is my favorite time of the year, I am needing to view it in a different way than I have before. I'm all for those caramel apples, chunky knit sweaters, and pumpkin candles, but I need to concentrate on more than just what Starbucks offers for Autumn. Here are seven ways I'm hoping to treat my fall season.

1. Have a spa day. // Perhaps I need to write up a post soon about my struggle of self care, but it is something that I've been working on. I need to take care of my body in a positive way. What better way than to treat myself to a pumpkin facial and manicure?!

2. Read one book for pleasure. // I cannot tell you much reading I have to do on the daily, because I am an English major. A heavy based literature course is not my favorite, as it takes the joy out of reading. I find myself reading for answers, important sentences to highlight, and thesis concepts. So, I want to find one novel to get lost in. Any recommendations?

3. Budget wisely. // This is the time I want to go crazy on everything fall appropriate, but I have so many goals I need to stay on track for.

4. Tackle one autumn inspired bucket list. // I'm not sure where or what yet, but I want to have an afternoon that screams fall. If it's a photoshoot, movies at night, or bake pumpkin bread than so be it!

5. Be more kind to my body. // The weather is slowly getting more crisp in the mornings, and I need to take that as a sign to go walking. For a while it became my source for every emotion, and it would be wonderful to get back in that familiar routine.

6. Just chill. // With everything going on, I want to take some time and just chill. It is okay to have those nights when all I do is watch Netflix and don't do laundry. Just enjoy some quiet moments.

7. Blog more often. // We all have those up and down moments with our blogs, I think, and it's rough. I am on the verge of literally having no content ideas. Anyone want to help a girl out? Anyways, I want to use this season and space to be intentional. I am not going to post just to "post." Yet, at the same time I really want to be creative!!