Lessons Learned in 2018

1. You’ve to be open to receiving love just as much as giving it.  I’ve learned that receiving love means being vulnerable to the limitless love that you have from your parents, family, friends and significant other. It’s okay to accept their affection and acts of service.  When you receive love, you realize how much  happiness there is in giving it.

2. I’ve realized that living alone I’ve developed scheduleless independent existence that lacks structure. I’ve got to get back on a schedule, and I need to learn to work together with my significant other and bring more structure into our lives. 

3.  Saving money requires a lot of patience. Not buying something the second I want it is a game of patience. I’m working on it everyday. 

4. My parents are not going to live forever. That scares the heck out of me. After losing all my grandparents, I’m scared of it all. I need to spend as much time with them as possible, but continue to live my independent life. 

5.  I’ve got to let go of some friendships. I’ve realized that some people are there for certain seasons of your life and a handful (if you’re lucky) are there for you forever. Those are the ones to focus on. Screw the rest. Prioritize friendship. If people don’t make you a priority, then put them in the basic economy airline seat of your life, not first class. That friend that comes to the emergency room, is there for every happy moment in your life, and helps you emotionally and/or financially is WAY more valuable then your friend that you just go to social events with. 

6. I need to prioritize my health. Prior to 2015, 2014 actually I was pretty skinny. I took a look at my Fitbit scale log record online, and I gained 25 pounds during my masters in 2015. I guess working and school full time does that to you. After getting into a relationship and my crazy new job, I wasn’t able to get that weight off.  I’m at a point where I’m ready to say no to social events, get togethers and everything else if my health is not a priority. For me, working out gives me life and energy. I used to be a person who would workout 5 times a week and would especially prioritize working out longer before a social event. I need to get there again, because not only will it be helpful in losing weight, it makes me feel SO DAMN good.  

7. Confidence is SEXY. At almost 31 in a month, I am pretty sure I know who I am and I’ve learned that I’ve got one body and one soul. While my body may not be up to the standards I want it to be, my soul and personality are still a shining light. I am confident with WHO I am, body and soul. I’ve accepted my flaws and strengths. I’ve taken that confidence in every factor of my life. 

8. Some people like you. Some don’t. Who cares? Focus on your tribe. That’s all that matters. Don’t let the insecurity of who doesn’t like you or who you can’t build a connection with fester up inside you. This world is huge. There are tons of people. You will find your tribe. 

9. Life is a battle between technology and being present. I need to be MORE present. Parts of me have become a phone zombie. I’ve realized that every time my phone dies, I pay attention to my friends more and have more meaningful conversation. I have always been attached to my phone thinking that I need something to do when chatting with people. That’s simply not true. Try it. Go to a party, take your pictures and Snapchats the first half hour, and then just keep your phone in your jacket until your ready to leave. You’ll be surprised on how engaged you can be.  

10. My body is a TEMPLE, not a TRASH can. I’m capitalizing it to remind myself. I got to start treating it that way. American food is super processed, and I need to eat food with the least chemicals as possible. The same goes with my shampoos and makeup products. I will be eliminating cancer causing products from my makeup, food, and shampoos from my house in 2019. 

11. I’m obsessed with white. My best friend says I always have been. Thanks mom! I get that from you. Also, I’m obsessed with home decor, and I have to walk away from it sometimes. 

12. Vitamins need to be my new best friend. Vitamin D especially. I feel an instant mood change for the better when I have vitamin D consistently.

 13.   Being a blogger is hardwork! I’ve a ton of respect for all other bloggers that consistently create new content.

14. I’ve got to go strongly after my passions! Whether it is music or blogging. I just got to believe it’ll work! 

Detroit Travel Guide

Hi All

This holiday I spent a ton of time in Detroit. I was born and raised in Detroit, but I really hadn’t “toured” it.  I had gone away to Purdue for college and moved to Chicago.  Also, I had this negative perception of Detroit that there was nothing to do! This time, I was surprised at all the fun things I did over the weekends!  Here’s my Detroit travel guide for general and holiday (for next year) to dos:

Museums:

• The Henry Ford Museum and Mansion is a must to do on my list. If you’re here you must visit. You’re in the big three auto state, so why not?

• Greenfield Village is next to the Henry Ford Museum and it is these set of historic houses, and such that are fun and interactive. I went there both as a child and adult, and I loved it both times. It is especially fun when decorated for the holidays.

• The Detroit Institute of Arts: The DIA is regarded as of the top 6 museums in the US and the Egyptian artwork is amazing.

Cool Architecture

• Guardian Building: I don’t want to give too much away, but this old financial building has some beautiful orange and yellow decor. I decided this is going to be an engagement shoot area for me.

• Fox Theater: This old movie theater has been restored and it is just stunning. If you can’t go inside, at least take a picture at the stunning sign! My sister got married here!

• Masonic Temple: One of a kind place for music and concerts!

• Fisher Building: This is another stunner that is made almost exclusively of granite and marble!

Things to Do:

• Eastern Market: This market has everything from flowers to groceries, to fresh foods. It is massive and very cool.

• Rainbow City Rink: If you want to go back to your child hood, go to the Rainbow City Rink in downtown Detroit  and have some roller skating fun!

• Detroit Riverfront: Capture an image and walk along the riverfront. Wave hello to Canada on the other side, literally!

Holiday Exclusive Activities:

Here are some holiday activities that you can do next year!

• Campus Martius: Check out the tallest Christmas tree in the city all lit up and surrounding Detroit.  Then ice skate at Campus Martius and go grab some local hot chocolate after that

• Holiday Markets at Cadillac Square and Shain Park: These are cute little greenhouse glass huts, each filled with a different store that you can walk to and shop at. I was absolutely in love with this market. At the end of the market in Cadillac Square there is a room you can go to play games and have drinks that is so beautifully decorated. It kind of reminds me of Chriskindlemarket in Chicago, but WAY better.

• Park Bar: This bar is all decked out for the holidays. Enjoy a drink there and bask your self in holiday decor.

Dinner and Drink Spots

• Bakersfield Detroit: This place has delicious tacos and small plates, and my family is addicted!

• Takoi: This is a thai experimental cuisine place that has an over 2 hour wait on the weekends. My advice is to get there early and get your name down

• Bad Luck Bar: This is an experimental cocktail place, and they have two bar tenders who will make you anything you want or you can try some of their amazing cocktails yourself! I had a lavender drink non-alcoholic and it was amazing! I can’t imagine how good the alcoholic one is!

• Buddy’s Pizza: Grab Detroit style pizza here! Did you even know that Detroit has it’s own type of pizza? It’s know for the crispy crust!

That’s all for now! I’ll be adding more as I discover more of Detroit.

PS: Thank you for going to so many places with me mom, dad and BF!