A Week of Favorites

Background:

After a break from school, I've had the wonderful opportunity to focus on what I like to do. And boy, I cannot tell you how much that means to me! Frustratingly, my life as a student has taken priorities over my outside interests ever since I entered high school. I've been forced to cut back on numerous things: my amount of skating lessons, yoga classes, television shows, etc. While I can rant endlessly on how infuriating this sometimes is, I'd rather not. Instead, I'd like to focus on the best parts of this break and how I did not take one thing for granted.

Here's my list of favorites from this Thanksgiving break:

Favorite Song: Keep Breathing by Ingrid Michaelson

Favorite Movie: Pay It Forward

via http://www.youtube.com/user/helenhuntorg

Favorite Activity: Yoga at CorePower

Favorite Purchase: Sweater from J. Crew

via dustyburrito.blogspot.com

Favorite Quote: "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." -Winston Churchill

Favorite Food: Turkey, duh! (and pie, and mashed potatoes, and... the list goes on!)

Favorite Book: If I Am Missing Or Dead by Janine Latus

All in all, I'm so so so thankful for this break! I hope that my readers enjoyed a relaxing, fun-filled break too! It's so great to know that stress isn't always associated with life. I know that I can easily get caught up with leading a busy life, but I'm so happy that I didn't feel this way for the past week.

What Are You Thankful For?

As Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays, rolls around the corner, I think it's important that we all take a moment to stop and give thanks. It's amazing how one holiday can capture so many specific feelings, traditions, and moments. This is why I am thankful for Thanksgiving. The holiday brings together a nation, regardless of religious beliefs, political viewpoints, or other various issues. What I find so interesting about this holiday is that even though it is celebrated across the country, it's never celebrated in the same way. In turn, I believe that Thanksgiving can reveal numerous aspects of one's identity.

So, in hopes of building my own identity throughthis blog, I'd like to share my own Thanksgiving traditions. Every year, I spend time with my dad's side of the family. My parents and I travel to Madison, WI to visit my dad's hometown. I look forward to seeing my grandparents, aunt, uncles, and cousins. We bond together over our interests, especially food. From turkey to pie, my family devours the Thanksgiving feast like it is nobody's business. My favorite food of Thanksgiving is my grandmother's fudge bottom pie. I'm not lying when I say it's addictive. Last year, I ate 6 pieces! Hopefully I can control myself more this year.

In addition to food, I also enjoy bonding with my older cousin. Despite us being six years apart, we always find something to chat about...fashion especially. We compare outfits, go shopping on Black Friday, and share our "wish lists" for the winter holidays. I love spending this time with my cousin because Thanksgiving is one of the rare opportunities that I have to see her.

All in all, Thanksgiving is a time for bonding. Whether your family bonds over television, clothes, food, or anything else, take the time to cherish it. I believe that this holiday is the best time to set our priorities straight, and realize that family is one of the most important parts of our life.

My parents, cousin, and I bonding over break in London last year. (via my own camera)

Chicago Edition

Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to spend my day downtown. The streets were packed. From tourists to locals, it was clear that the holiday season is well on its way. Magnificent lights strung high above the buildings and pumpkin scents filled the air. Needless to say, I'm a sucker for this time of the year.

My first stop yesterday was Sprinkles Cupcakes. Sprinkles is an incredible bakery located between Michigan Avenue and Rush Street. Flavors range from red velvet to salty caramel, but I can honestly say that you won't go wrong with any flavor. Don't be intimidated by the long line outside. The workers at Sprinkles keep everything moving and the line moves very quickly. However, if you do have to wait, I believe that it's worth it.

In addition to food, I also shopped. While there were numerous stores that I enjoyed, my favorite was Topshop. It's a store that originated in Britain and now is located throughout the world. Honestly, the store is a bit overwhelming. It has 3 levels and ranges from make-up to men's denim. Loud music and bright lights surround the atmosphere. The clothes are very funky and many of them can be found on "Lookbook," the website mentioned in my last post. The following is what I purchased yesterday:

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my long weekend. I encourage all my readers to check out the downtown scene a.s.a.p. There's so much to see in Chicago! We're very lucky to have access to what I believe as one of the world's greatest cities.

Fashion is My Obsession

via http://lookbook.nu/user/224845-Sophia-B

Ever since I was a child, I've always found fashion fascinating. From the soft material of cashmere to the intricate details of a fine jewelry piece... you could say that I'm a bit obsessed. I'm not really sure why my obsession developed, but what I do know is that I cannot nor will I ever change this. So, this past week when I discovered a website called"Lookbook," it's easy for me to admit that finishing my homework was more challenging than normal.

The mission of "Lookbook" is to provide a fashion community for the world. On the site, you're able to "hype" your favorite looks of others, as well as share your own. What I find so amazing about this is that you can express your identity and become inspired by others. The outfits that I've found through this site are incredible, and I hope that soon I can share my own.

Scrolling through the site, it's challenging for me to choose my favorite outfit. This is probably because once I finally decide on one, another completely different look calls my attention. However, what I've realized about myself after coming across "Lookbook" is how fabulous I find diversity to be. The fact that I can't determine specifics just within a fashion website demonstrates my appreciation for differences. Fashion is how I like to express myself. Yet, I could never see myself labeling what I perceive my style to be. The reason for this is because if I were to put a label on myself, within the next few minutes I'd go against it.

I hope that if any of you check out "Lookbook," you too will be intrigued by our outstandingly creative and diverse world.

via http://lookbook.nu/behindtheseams