My Closet Staples [Winter 2016]

[Pictures do not match the shopping suggestion posted below them. Those are merely there for people to know/purchase exactly what I wear.]

//Peter Pan Collars//

[Shein] Black Peterpan Contrast Lapel High Low Dress: $19.79

//Cardigans//

[ROMWE] Grey Stand Collar Long Sleeve Knit Cardigan: $21.64

 

//Chelsea Boots//

[ASOS] ROOK Chunky Chelsea Ankle Boots: $51

//T-Shirt Dresses//

[Forever21] Mini T-Shirt Dress: $10.90

 

//Chokers//

[Topshop] Engraved Disc Choker: $9.00

 

//Rompers//

[ASOS] 90’s Halter Romper: $34.00

 

//Bowler Hats//

[Abercrombie] Classic Bowler Hat: $18.70

 

//Vintage Button-Down Skirts//

[Nasty Gal] Blank NYC Follow Me Button-Down Skirt: $35.20

 

//Peacoats//

[GUESS] Factory Women’s Aliana Peacoat: $29.00

//Turtlenecks//

[Eddie Bauer] Women’s Knit Turtleneck: $12.99

 

//Faux Leather Jackets//

[Worthington] Faux-Leather Jacket: $36

 

//Trenchcoats//

Basically a peacoat that is geared toward cooler, rainier weather and can withstand exposure to the elements.

[London Fog] Petite All-Weather Hooded Trench Coat: $137.99

Since I live in such a rainy and cold weather I was willing to fork over extra money for this because I knew it would protect me from the rain and that I would be using it a lot. Definitely worth the extra money spent.

 

//Cossack Hats//

 

[Yours Clothing] Faux-Fur Black Cossack Hat: $16

 

 

 

 

 

February Favorites [Lifestyle]

// Makeup

ELF Liquid Eyeliner

NYX Cosmetics lipstick in Snow White

Loreal Paris Lipstick in Raisin Rapture

Bare Minerals Matte Mineral Foundation in Light

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze

Original Beauty Blender

 

// Skincare

Simple Micellar Cleansing Water

Simple exfoliating scrub

Coconut Oil [used as a facial moisturizer]

Biore Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips

Yes to Cucumbers Makeup Removing Wipes

Argan Oil

 

// Fashion

Bolo Ties

Over-the knee Boots [Color Preference: black, cream, tan, camel]

Slouchy Cardigans [Color Preference: black, cream, olive]

Delicate silver hoop earrings

Edith Hats, Floppy Hats, Bowler hats, Fedoras [Color Preference: black]

Doc Martens: Boots and Derby style [Color Preference: black]

Chelsea Boots [Color Preference: black]

Over-the-knee and high socks [Color Preference: black and white]

Button up Shirts [Color Preference: black, white, cranberry]

Peter Pan Collars

My Storm Colored Hair [Ion Titanium Hair Color]

// Movies

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Big Hero 6

Blue Valentine

Inside Llewyn Davis

The Aviator

 

// Music

Badlands | Halsey

Crush | Goshfather & Jinko X JayCode Edition feat. Lauryn Vyce

Monster | Meg & Dia DotEXE Dubstep Remix

Wicked Games | The Weeknd

Derniere Danse | Indila

Zombie | Maitre Gims

Anthem of the Lonely | Nine Lashes

 

// Food

Bagels, Cream Cheese, and Lox

Vodka Pasta Sauce

Sugar Snap Peas

All tomato-based soups

Justin’s Honey Peanut Butter

Pesto Aioli

Brie Cheese

Milk Tea

Druid’s Fluid Red Wine

10 of my Favorite Leading Ladies on the Big Screen

These ladies are surely kick ass. They show independence, cut throat talents, and a brain to match their vast beauty. These women complete the movies that have filled my late nights with happiness, popcorn, and blankets. The inspiration I feel from all of these women has helped me to become more independent and aggressively fearless of what others think of me. While many of them, and the films they were a part of, have problems in themselves, their influence on me has always been a positive one. The stark beauty, talent, and independence of each character makes me want to be my own brand of beauty, complete with the ability to take the world by storm: and that’s pretty cool.

1. Daenerys Targaryen [Game of Thrones]

 

2. Princess Mononoke [Princess Mononoke]

 

3. Chihiro [Spirited Away]

 

4. Maggie Fitzgerald [Million Dollar Baby]

 

5. Lisbeth Salander [Girl With The Dragon Tattoo]

 

6. Amelie [Amelie]

 

7. Mathilda [Leon the Professional]

 

8. Elizabeth Swan [Pirates of The Caribbean]

 

9. Clarice Starling [The Silence of The Lambs]

 

10. Princess Leia Organa [Star Wars]

What I Eat In A Day [Gluten Free&Vegetarian]

Note: This is not me on an everyday basis. I eat like like when I actually have time to think about what I want to eat and if I have the time to. While these are my ideal meals, and my weekend meals, I don’t always have time to eat like this during the week. I am also aware of how absurdly healthy my usual meals are. I consume very healthy and energy-packed meals. I have never been one to love McDonalds or Wendy’s. If healthier meals are not your thing, I do suggest you continue reading this post.

Breakfast (8:00 A.M.): Coconut Flour Crepes

Ingredients:

Yield: 8-10 crepes

• 2 tablespoons coconut flour
• 1 tablespoon tapioca starch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl whisk together coconut flour, tapioca starch and salt. In another bowl combine eggs, water, coconut oil and vanilla extract.
2. Slowly add the wet to the dry mixture while whisking. Keep whisking vigorously until well mixed and no lumps remain.
3. Let batter stand for at least 10 minutes. This will allow the coconut flour to absorb more of the liquid (the batter will get thicker).
4. Brush or spray a little coconut oil into an 8-inch pan and heat on medium-low.
5. Once heated, add about 3 tablespoons of batter and swirl the pan to spread it out evenly.
6. Cook for a few minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
7. Flip the crepe and cook a few more minutes.
8. Repeat with the remaining batter. Re-grease the pan as needed.
9. Serve crepes with your favorite fillings, like whipped (coconut) cream and berries.

 

 

 

Lunch (12:00 P.M.): Three Bean Salad

Ingredients:

• ½ lb. frozen garbanzo beans 
• ½ lb. frozen purple hull or field peas 
• 1 (15 oz. can) kidney beans
• ½ small Vidalia onion 
• ¼ bunch fresh parsley 
• 3 Tbsp olive oil 
• 1½ Tbsp red wine vinegar 
• ¼ tsp garlic powder 
• ¾ tsp salt 
• freshly cracked pepper 
• 1/4 bundle Cilantro

Directions:

1. Bring a 2 quart sauce pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the frozen peas. Allow the pot to return to a boil then reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the peas to simmer for 45 minutes. Either allow the frozen green beans to thaw during this time, or for a softer green bean, add the green beans to the boiling water with the peas for the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain the peas in a colander and allow them to cool slightly.
2. Meanwhile, finely dice the onion and roughly chop the parsley. Add both to a large bowl. Briefly rinse the kidney beans under cool water, allow the excess water to drain away, and then add them to the bowl with the onion and parsley.
3. To make the dressing, stir together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and a generous amount of freshly cracked pepper in a small bowl.
4. Once the peas have been boiled and cooled, add the peas and green beans to the bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Pour the dressing over top, and stir until everything is well combined. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

 

 

 

Snack (3:00): Roasted Vegetable Toast

Ingredients:

ROASTED VEGETABLES

• 1 small eggplant
• 8oz. mushrooms
• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 carrots
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• Salt and Pepper

BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

• 1 clove garlic
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp canola oil
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

TOAST

• Choice of Gluten Free Bread (I use Udis 7 Grain)
• 4 oz. goat cheese (chevre)

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Dice the eggplant into small cubes. Slice the zucchini into quarter rounds and the red bell pepper into thin strips. Peel the carrot then slice on a bias into very thin rounds. Cut the mushrooms into quarters.
2. Prepare two baking sheets by lining with foil and coating lightly with non-stick spray. Divide the chopped vegetables between the two baking sheets. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over each baking sheet, then season liberally with salt and pepper. Toss the vegetables by hand to distribute the oil, salt, and pepper. Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until soft and slightly browned on the edges.
3. While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the vinaigrette. Mince the clove of garlic and whisk it together with the balsamic vinegar, Dijon, canola oil, olive oil, and honey until smooth. Add salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste (I used about ¼ tsp salt and 10 cranks of a pepper mill).
4. Slice the loaf of bread into at least 8 one-inch slices. Toast lightly in a toaster or in a dry skillet over medium heat. Drizzle a spoonful of balsamic vinaigrette over each piece. Crumble the goat cheese and add a light sprinkle (1/2 oz. or less) to each piece.
5. When the vegetables are finished roasting, pile them onto the prepared toasts. Use any leftover vinaigrette to drizzle over top.

 

 

 

Dinner (6:00 P.M.): Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

Ingredients:

(Serves four)

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes 
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
• freshly cracked pepper to taste
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 oz. cream cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan 
• ½ lb. gluten free penne pasta
• ½ (9 oz.) bag fresh spinach 

 

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender (7-10) minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander.
2. While waiting for the pasta to cook, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Cook both in a large skillet with the olive oil over medium-low heat until softened and transparent (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and some freshly cracked pepper to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine. Add the tomato paste and a ½ cup of water to the skillet and stir until the tomato paste is dissolved into the sauce.
4. Turn the heat down to low. Cut the cream cheese into a few pieces and then add them to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Use a whisk to stir the sauce until the cream cheese has fully melted in and the sauce is creamy. Add half of the Parmesan to the skillet and whisk until it is melted in. Add the remainder of the parmesan and whisk until melted in again.
5. Add the fresh spinach and gently stir it into the sauce until it has wilted (3-5 minutes). Add the pasta and stir until it is well coated in the creamy tomato sauce. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.

 

 

 

Midnight Snack (8:00 P.M.): Tomato Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

DRESSING

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• Freshly cracked pepper

SALAD

• 4 Roma tomatoes (or two medium tomatoes)
• 1 medium cucumber
• ½ small red onion

Directions:

1. Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and some freshly cracked pepper in a bowl, or combine them in a jar and shake until mixed. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to blend.
2. Thinly slice* the tomato, cucumber, and red onion. Place them in a large bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the sliced vegetables and toss to coat. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to eat. The onions will become more mild as they marinate in the dressing.

10 Novels/Series That I Will Never Cease To Love

1. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo // The Girl Who Played With Fire //  The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest // [Ghost Writer] The Girl in the Spider’s Web [Stieg Larsson / David Lagercrantz]

These books honestly changed my life. The writing style, seen through an english translation, flows so smoothly that 100 pages can easily go by in an hour. The story line, which loosely stretches over all four books, is interesting and mysterious all at once. The overarching theme speaks of power, grace, and intelligence. It communicates with my soul and motivates me to live a life that I have control over, just like Lisbeth Salander.

“I’ve had many enemies over the years. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s never engage in a fight you’re sure to lose. On the other hand, never let anyone who has insulted you get away with it. Bide your time and strike back when you’re in a position of strength—even if you no longer need to strike back.”

“Sometimes they were together so often that it felt as though they really were a couple; sometimes weeks and months would go by before they saw each other. But even as alcoholics are drawn to the state liquor store after a stint on the wagon, they always came back to each other.”

“It doesn’t matter how good the enemy’s weapons are. If he can’t see you, he can’t hit you. Cover, cover, cover. Make sure you’re never exposed.”

1. Lolita [Vladimir Nabokov]

Classics are good for the soul, and this dark and somber tale of twisted love will always make me rethink my view of life, love, and “normalcy.”

“You can always count on a murderer for a fancy prose style.”

“She was Lo, plain Lo, in the morning, standing four feet ten in one sock. She was Lola in slacks. She was Dolly at school. She was Dolores on the dotted line. But in my arms she was always Lolita.”

“I knew I had fallen in love with Lolita forever; but I also knew she would not be forever Lolita.”

1. Vampire Academy // Frostbite // Shadow Kiss // Blood Promise // Spirit Bound // Last Sacrifice [Richelle Mead]

Though this is a pre-teen fantasy romance novel, and the storyline has as many problems as it does good things, I will never not love it. The development from teenage angst in the first book to the real loss and cutthroat decisions in the last is wonderful. Richelle Mead brought this series from the dark depths of teenage romance to the wonderful world of compelling story lines, significant character development, and love. I will never feel guilty for loving this series. I do have a soft spot for teenage romance novels, though. 😉

“You’re beautiful in battle,” said Dimitri. His cold voice carried to me clearly, even above the roar of combat. “Like an avenging angel come to deliver the justice of heaven.” “Funny,” I said, shifting my hold on the stake. “That is kind of why I’m here.” “Angels fall, Rose.”

“Dreams, dreams. I walk them; I live them. I delude myself with them. It’s a wonder I can spot reality anymore.”

“There was a look of woe on his face that was almost comical. Raids, bullets, criminals…no problem. A missing duster? Crisis.”

1. Last Vampire // Black Blood // Red Dice // Phantom // Evil Thirst // Creatures of Forever // The Eternal Dawn // The Shadow of Death // The Sacred Veil [Christopher Pike]

Looking at this series, one would think that it contained a cheesy story about an ancient vampire that battles evil. Instead, though, it questions the reason for existence, the Hindu religion, and the nature of humans. Christopher Pike is a wonderful writer with an affinity for flow and prose. His plot lines are genius, and any book by him, even outside of the Thirst series, is genius. 10/10 for each and every one of his novels. 

“Relationships are mysterious. We doubt the positive qualities in others, seldom the negative. You will say to your partner: do you really love me? Are you sure you love me? You will ask this a dozen times and drive the person nuts. But you never ask: are you really mad at me? Are you sure you’re angry? When someone is angry, you don’t doubt it for a moment. Yet the reverse should be true. We should doubt the negative in life, and have faith in the positive.”

“Sleep is not on good terms with broken hearts. It will have nothing to do with them.”

“Krishna was once asked what was the most miraculous thing in all creation, and he replied, “That a man should wake each morning and believe deep in his heart that he will live forever, even though he knows that he is doomed.”

1. Anna Karenina [Tolstoy]

This novel, though dry in some areas, is one of the most ground-breaking novels of it’s time. It shows a woman fighting the social normans, finding happiness, and escaping a marriage that she had no choice in. While Tolstoy did employ some problems into his plot, and his characters are nowhere near perfect, I really enjoy reading a novel that was completely unique for its time. MORE CLASSICS.

“Respect was invented to cover the empty place where love should be.”

“Rummaging in our souls, we often dig up something that ought to have lain there unnoticed. ”

“But the law of loving others could not be discovered by reason, because it is unreasonable.”

1. The Great Gatsby [Scott Fitzgerald]

Regardless of the recent trend towards the flapper era, this book is a pot of gold. The amount of philosophy present in such a small novel is astounding. The nature of Gatsby, and his obsession of Daisy, will always fascinate me. I have taken hours to speak and think about the implications it all. Daisy, Jordan, Nick, Myrtle, and Tom weave such an intricate web of lies, deceit, propaganda, and social implications in a wonderful string of sentences. This book taught me more about life, the American dream, and the downfall of the 20’s than anything else. I still think about this book on a daily basis. It has truly impacted my life on a large scale. 10/10 would recommend. 

“Angry, and half in love with her, and tremendously sorry, I turned away.”

“I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.”

“There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams — not through her own fault, but because of the colossal vitality of his illusion. It had gone beyond her, beyond everything. He had thrown himself into it with a creative passion, adding to it all the time, decking it out with every bright feather that drifted his way. No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart.”

“In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.”

1. Eragon // Eldest // Brisingr // Inheritance [Christopher Paolini]

This series is just great all around. The writing style is beautiful, the characters are lovable, it is high fantasy, and it has an interesting story line. Though nothing really sets this series apart from the other novels concerning dragons and dragon riders it is somehow unique to me. The feeling I get when I read it is not comparable to anything else. It makes me feel like I am in the story and that my life is as exciting as Eragon’s. Though my explanation of my feelings toward this book are unclear in this post, just know that is is strangely special. Maybe it is the magic? xx

“Have I ever told you how glad I am we’re not enemies? Eragon asked.
No, but it’s very sweet of you.”

“Death is part of who we are. It guides us. It shapes us. It drives us to madness. Can you still be human if you have no mortal end”

“I’ve never been helpless, I just have powerful enemies”

1. The Hobbit // The Fellowship of the Ring // The Two Towers // The Return of the King [J.R. Tolkien]

I was raised on these novels. They were my bedtime stories, and references to Mordor or to The Shire were made on a daily basis in my family’s household. Of course this would be one of my favorite series since it has been with me since I was a small child. Besides The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, this novel has affected me and the person that I have grown to become more than any other book. It created my love of high fantasy, LARPING, elves, and all other things nerdy. This series will never not be a large part of my heart and soul. 

“Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky,
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in halls of stone,
Nine for Mortal Men, doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.”

“His old life lay behind in the mists, dark adventure lay in front.”

“Here was one with an air of high nobility such as Aragorn at times revealed, less high perhaps, yet also less incalculable and remote: one of the Kings of Men born into a later time, but touched with the wisdom and sadness of the Eldar Race. He knew now why Beregond spoke his name with love. He was a captain that men would follow, that he would follow, even under the shadow of the black wings.”

 

1. A Farewell to Arms [Ernest Hemingway]

Its Hemingway. Whether you love it, hate it, or don’t know of it, his works greatly shaped American literature and highlighted the problems rampant in America in the 20th century. His novels are created in astounding layers of complex ideas, flow, and prose. The pain he felt during his life is observed in his novels, and a little bit of Hemingway’s soul can be found in each of his novels. That is what fascinates me most about them. 

“Maybe…you’ll fall in love with me all over again.” “Hell,” I said, “I love you enough now. What do you want to do? Ruin me?” “Yes. I want to ruin you.” “Good,” I said. “That’s what I want too.”

“The world breaks every one and afterward many are strong at the broken places.”

“It could be worse,’ Passini said respectfully. “There is nothing worse than war.” Defeat is worse.” I do not believe it,” Passini said still respectfully. “What is defeat? You go home.”

 

1. As I Lay Dying [William Faulkner]

When I was forced to read this in High School I was very upset. It had a mysterious, choppy writing style and the story line was boring. Once I reached the end, though, and saw how Faulkner wrapped it up, I realized how carefully his novels were woven together. His writing style is purposefully set apart from everything else and he seems to not follow the example of grammar. As I Lay Dying has an underlying theme of hopelessness towards life and despair which prompted me to see how fragile humans really are. It made me look at my life compared to the life of the character’s and realize all the privilege I really had. This novel is probably on of the greatest works to pick apart and to examine the themes. 

“My mother is a fish.”

“I could just remember how my father used to say that the reason for living was to get ready to stay dead a long time.”

“People to whom sin is just a matter of words, to them salvation is just words too.”

6 Gifts All Girls Want This Valentines Day- Regardless of their Relationship Status

1.Wine. Do I really have to explain why? Wine is everyone’s best friend. It’s the cure-all for any bad mood and the perfect addition to a night in. Paired nicely with a homemade pasta dish, it will certainly make any girl’s night just that much better.

2. Friends. Regardless of the wonderful romantic evening that has been planned since December, or the chocolate-eating fest that all your friends will be attending, the love felt from a friendship can never be compared to anything else. Showing love for your girls (and boys or those who don’t identify with any gender) is a must for this festive day of love. Just because you don’t have a significant other does not mean that you can’t spread the love this Valentines Day.

3.Chocolate. Although it isn’t my thing, I have observed, first hand, the magical effects of chocolate on people. It cures the cravings, gives a reason to live when the cramps are really hitting hard, and mops up the tears when the day hasn’t been as nice as we wanted it to be. Although it is a wonderful mood lifter, it can also be a nice treat when you are happy as well. It’s true: you can never have too much chocolate. This is a law of physics. 

4. Food. Pizza, quesadillas, tacos, etc. We want it all. On a good day, food is still the number one priority, no matter what. This is no exception on Valentines Day. Bring on the assembly line. We ladies, single and taken, will always be ready to eat.

5. Netflix. Unlimited rom-coms and horror movies galore, Netflix is what is in store. Corny puns aside, though, movies with bae and movies with the ladies are always a must. It might just be my bias, but good, quality movies are a game changer. They can elevate my day from good to spectacular as well as cause me to always nerd out over my favorite directors and screenwriters (Tarantino, anyone?). Movies and Netflix will never lie to you or betray you. They are your friend.

6. Confidence and Love. Self love and the acceptance of who you are is one of the most valuable qualities in today’s world. With the ever-constant presence of happy couples on Valentines day, it is imperative that each and every one of us can realize that happiness is never reliant on the presence of a partner. Realize your worth, spread your magic, and revel in your self love this Valentines Day.

“We are a bizarre but beautiful species. If you believe that human beings need love, and deserve love…then you must someday grow into the belief that YOU also need love and deserve love, and that you must stop being so stingy about giving it to yourself.”

—  // Elizabeth Gilbert

 

10 Things That Can Always Make Me Happy

1. Tattoos. Getting them, having them, admiring them, and admiring them on others. The joy of having something you love on your body forever is something that grounds me in my identity. My dragon tattoo is who I am, and having it gives me the confidence of a warrior.

2. Nail polish: {especially shades of black and grey}. Matching my outfit and my daily aesthetic so perfectly with my nails makes me feel so put together. Dolling up your hands and spoiling yourself with self-indulgence is one of life’s best pick me ups.

3. 9:00  P.M. Pizza. This tradition has helped me finish my homework, study for my midterms, and keep my insanity under check. Gooey cheese coupled with no regrets brings a happiness unlike anything else.

4. Dry weekends. Knowing that I will be having a relaxing time, and that I will remember all of it, brings a special happiness that I rarely feel. Movie nights, buttery popcorn, and sober adventures are thankfully ahead.

5. Speaking French. Seeing myself improving and communicating with others in a way that is unique to my American habits gives my soul a sense of accomplishment. My love of learning is embodied in French, the culture, and the way of life in that wonderful European country. My love for France will never be able to be rightly expressed.

J’aime parle français. Voulez-vous parle avec moi?

6. Kickboxing. This honestly just makes me feel like a straight up bad ass. As a smaller-than-average person, knowing that I can pack a punch, and with impressive power even, shows me that I am indeed capable. Feeling my muscles lengthen and become more lean reveals to me just how powerful I can be and how capable I already am.

 

7. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Everywhere and anywhere you’ll catch me thinking about this enigma. Lisbeth Salander taught me that I can survive anything in my life and come out on top. Her style, attitude, and life inspire me to be a strong and powerful women. Hell, we even share matching tattoos.

8. Quality Espresso. Good coffee is always one of my favorite pick-me-ups. Organic beans, my french press, and my best mug and I are long-time friends that spend too much time together. I can’t explain the feeling that coffee brings me, or the joy of sharing a good Americano with old and new friends, but I know that it can uplift my mood 100% of the time.

8. Classic Cinema. Any film with Audrey Hepburn or Rudolph Valentino. All Tarantino and Del Toro films as well. Quality film can change a person’s life.

9. A Cold Winter Day. The crisp mornings and early onset of night strengthens my soul and my outlook on life. Being in a brooding environment matches my personality and helps me stay grounded to who I am. Winter really is, to me, the ultimate comfort zone.

10. All Black Outfits. This is me sounding like a broken record, I know, but I do have to stay true to myself and blog about the things that genuinely make me happy…. and black never fails to do this. It is the color of my soul and of my individual happiness. Black is love, black is life.