WHERE YOU GO

some wise words from someone i admire and look up to. this is so important and something i fully believe in. i love traveling because i feel enriched, lost, and anonymous. i am always left hungry for more. i want to continue to explore different cultures and ways of life. 

LOS ANGELES IS PRETTY

sometimes we feel like we need to travel somewhere new to find beauty (i'm guilty of this), but truth be told, there is beauty everywhere and anywhere. i took so many photos while in europe. i was that annoying girl snapping pictures of the street signs, street art, everything i found beautiful (which was basically everything). when i arrived back in the states i was quickly hit with the realization that i take los angeles' beauty for granted.

that's when i decided to start a little project. it's simply to shoot all the beauty i come across here in los angeles. the blue house that stood out from the rest, the shadows of palm trees, the cool street art, a pch sunset, anything that stops me in my tracks and pulls me in. every city is full of extravagant or simple beauty, but nonetheless it's still beauty. so, fall in love with your city all over again. i know i am.

i'm using the hashtag #losangelesispretty on instagram if you ever want to check it out.

AMSTERDAM IN ABOUT 40 HOURS

my stay in amsterdam was quite short, but it was still fun. it's such a beautiful city. everywhere you turn you are met by some cool looking building. i definitely did not expect it to be so trendy. the fashion there is pretty on point, the boutiques are great, and the cafes are definitely instagram worthy. overall amsterdam is a city based around art and i love that.

since i have been starting every post with a few tips on each city here are a few for amsterdam:

- be careful of the cyclist. they're not going to stop if you're in their way. they're kings of the road.

- walk everywhere. ride the bus as little as possible, it's not cheap and walking will allow you to find cool like alleyways, cute cafes, and just get a better look of the city.

- ride a bike at least once. i was not able to because of how insanely windy and rainy it was, but we were told by a local that it's really easy to bike there. 

- take a hop on, hop off boat ride. you'll get to learn some cool things you never would've learned by just walking around.
- check out the covered flower market.
- look up, you'll be surprised by all the cool details you will see. 

- coffee shops are where you go to smoke weed, cafes are bars and actual coffee drinking and food eating cafes. 

- stay out late. that's when you meet the most interesting characters and be amongst the locals.

PARIS VIDEO

before leaving for europe my friend emily and i decided we would take videos throughout our whole trip using the 8mm app. we shot a few hours worth of footage and turned it into an almost 8 minute video. 

we danced everywhere, ate tasty food, and drank a lot. i hope you fall even a little bit in love with paris via this video. enjoy. 

MY LOVE FOR PARIS

so, somehow i managed to get myself back to europe all in the same year. i landed in paris first and even though i was in paris a few months before it felt like it had been years since i had last visited that magical city. i will be completely honest and say that the last time i was in paris i was left with a bitter taste in my mouth. i didn't have the greatest time and left pretty disappointed. 

man am i glad that i went back. i get it. i completely understand the paris hype. i fell madly in love with the city. it's colors, it's smells, it's cafes lined with parisians drinking café crème...i could go on and on. 

i can't wait to go back to paris. i definitely want to explore the city when it's warm and sunny every day! i can already picture all the simple and tasty picnics i would have at their parks. some wine, cheese, baguettes and some seasonal fruit..oh man, what a good time.

here are a few suggestions for visiting paris:
- if you want to visit paris and and really experience it you need to go for a minimum of a week. why? because i don't think you'll be able to really experience paris in a short amount of time. this was my third time in paris and i feel like i am just beginning to experience paris. (yes this means i am already planning on going back). 
- don't go with an strict agenda. have a list of a few things you would like to see and do, but keep it short. plan on getting lost. like really lost. my friend and i lost each other while riding their city bikes and it was a beautiful experience.
- riding the city bike is much scarier than you would imagine. they're crazy out there so if you are riding to just ride around you are good, but don't try getting to a location if you are new at riding. it was a fright fest. worth it though. 
- pack light. simple as that. some good comfortable shoes (major), a few basic pieces, and cameras.
- walk as much as you can. yes, the metro is great and helpful but the best way to see and explore the city is by foot. see above suggestion. 
- you will still need to take the metro so buy the metro ticket book instead of individual tickets. it will save you money and time. 
- check out their grocery stores. you can find some great things there and stocking up on some snacks is always a money saver.
- always have smaller bills on you and loose change. much needed.
- take a lot of photos and keep a journal. you'll forget some of these moments and all their beautiful details one day. so you'll be glad you captured them to keep forever.
- take it all in. all of it. every single meal, every metro ride, every person you come across. they make up the beautiful city of paris and it'll all inspire you.

SNAP, EDIT, AND POST

let's take a moment to talk about how great instagram is. i've come across so many cool brands, photographer, artists...etc. via instagram. if you are a professional of some sort i think we can both agree that instagram is such an awesome way to really expand your brand/business. i also love seeing what my friends and family are up to. sometimes having so many different sites is pretty overwhelming, but staying in touch with old friends and family is a major perk.

these are some of my recent instagram posts. you can check out the rest of my photos here!

  

WANDERLUST

it's back. my itch to travel that is. to be honest it never left, but as of late i have been really desiring adventure and travel. my mind starts to wander and i catch myself daydreaming of beautiful places like bali, turkey, morocco, barcelona...ok i'll save you some time and stop there. 

traveling isn't for everyone. some people are more comfortable staying in one place and they are content with that. i personally could never see myself not traveling. the adventure that lies ahead excites me.

click through for full post

THE CITY OF ANGELS

jared leto directed this short film about the city of hopes and dreams, los angeles. it's beautiful and tragic. it reminded of me of why i decided to make the move from orange county to los angeles. los angeles means hope, dreams, and endless opportunities .

here is what leto had to say about this film, "City Of Angels is a short film about this wild, weird, and wonderful land, Los Angeles, California. A place that has left its mark on the world’s imagination and a place where dreams can actually come true,” the band’s front man Jared Leto said in a statement. “I made this short film so I could share my thoughts on this incredibly special place and talk to others about theirs. It’s not so much about this particular city but more about the people who inhabit it. This is for the dreamers who know that sometimes the impossible is indeed possible.

GROWING PAINS

i seem to come back to this place whenever i am in need of clearing my mind. i've deemed september as the month of change, hardship, and most importantly...growth. we are barely a week in and i'm already feeling the growing pains. some months fly by so smoothly and others require you to try your hardest to stay sane and not kill those around you. this month is definitely the latter.

change is a wonderful and difficult thing, but i delight in change. i'm excited and hopeful. 
life is funny in that nothing is for certain. one moment things are going one way and the next thing you know everything has changed. i'm okay with that. yes, it's hard and you are left feeling wrecked, but if you stay even the slightest bit optimistic then you are bound to be okay. i'm sure of it.

this month two of my goals are to find new ways to stay inspired (that's been hard to do lately) and to be more loving. 

this quote describes what i am currently going through: 

experience: that most brutal of teachers. but you learn, my God do you learn. - C.S. Lewis

currently listening to The 1975 

MOMENTS

the unknown has never felt so magical. so full of secrets and power. 

if i've learned anything in the past month and a half of living in los angeles it's that you are given one life and you must embrace the moments that surround you. the quiet moments, the hectic moments, even the stressful and painful moments. you take them in and you let them be. they are what make you up. i've grown to love them all. walking downtown has never felt so beautiful. waiting for the light to change. watching the people that walk by me. i'm taking it all in. those moments fill me. sitting on the side of the street at 3 in the morning in who knows where talking about heartbreak, ambitions, and traveling. those moments fill me. they change me. they are what inspire me. i've even grown to embrace the moments when i am driving in mad los angeles traffic stressed and with eyes full of tears. i'll look back and know that all of those moments changed me. 

it's not always about trying to fill your time with all these events and parties and so on. it's also about creating moments out of thin air. go outside more. meet new people. listen to people's stories. share your stories. don't be afraid to be anyone but yourself. don't be afraid of the judgment. there is freedom in not caring. say yes more. say no more. do what you are too afraid to do. remember that we are given one life and no one is responsible for your happiness but yourself.  embrace the tiny "insignificant" moments because those will change you just as much as the huge "important" moments will. i can promise you that. 

photographs by martina kovacevic

SAY YES & MUSIC MONDAY NO.22

i'm back, people! i'll probably go mia again, but hey at least i try?

i just wanted to take the time to talk about something i've come to truly realize and live out. 
taking big risks isn't easy. it's scary, you don't know what the hell is going to happen. it could end terribly or wonderfully, but you will never know until that risks is taken...until you say yes to what you want. 

moving to los angeles was a massive risk i questioned for a while. would it be worth it? would this city eat me up? would i not feel at home? would i even find a job? the list went on and on.  a week or two ago i was telling my roommate how i was feeling out of place and was still slightly questioning the move. i told her i was aware it would take some time to settle down and feel fully at home, but i was scared i wouldn't be good enough. but is anyone ever really good enough?

let me tell you though, if i had never said yes to moving and had i never sent out resumes to people i admire artistically or decided to go after what i wanted then i sure as hell wouldn't be where i am right now. i've never been so excited and inspired in my life. i've got a job with a great photographer and even greater person. i've gotten to meet so many great people who have been nothing but kind to me. my job makes truly fulfills me and i still cannot believe i am doing what i am doing. i get to travel, come up with ideas, do things i've always wanted to do and i get paid...is that even considered a job? my boss keeps me inspired and she pushes me to be better. we have huge goals and i honestly can tell you i think we will achieve greatness.

say yes to your dreams. take risks. let yourself fall in love. put yourself first. forget the past or at least try let go of it. forgive people. let go of whatever your holding on to that is hurting you. let go of grudges. be free. be happy. cry if you need to. most importantly; love yourself. you are worth it all. i promise. the risks and dreams you are too afraid to say out loud are worth it. go for it. you have one life, just one. 

happy monday! and here's a playlist for you to listen to this week! it's just a random collection of songs i've been currently listening to. i'm continually adding to it so it'll probably get really long!

LIFE HAPPENS

it's been a while! woah! life has been keeping me busy lately.
two life updates: i officially reside in los angeles. los feliz to be exact. i love it. i really feel at home here. my roommate and i are always saying to each other how we can't believe we live here. mostly because we live next to some really great shops and places to eat. it's pretty fun to have so much within walking distance. i've also got a job. i work for heather gildroy, a killer photographer. that happened really fast and it was super unexpected, but i am loving every second of it. i truly think i have the best boss ever. i love having a boss that is fun and who is willing to help me achieve my goals and dreams. i've been busy and i think i will be for quite a while. i don't mind it one bit!

i think this blog may turn into more of a place to write about al my adventures. who knows though!

OUR HOME

i kept it a secret for a few months, but the cat's out of the bag...i am currently apartment hunting in los angeles with one of my best friends. it's fun and stressful, but we are loving every single second of it. we randomly text each other things like, "i'm so excited to cook dinner with you!" and "fancy dinner parties are a must". i don't want to reveal too much because i am afraid i'll jinx it, but let me just say that we have viewed some terrible apartments and one that has stolen our hearts. it's small, but in the greatest location and i keep dreaming about it. 

we are having so much fun buying items for our future apartment. we even created a pinterest board where both of us can pin photos of things we love for our place. seeing photos of other people's places is really great because we have gotten so many ideas. these are a few places i am loving! 

how great is all the art work up on the walls?! we are definitely going to have our prints all framed up and displayed. we are taking the less expensive route and looking for an old mid century style couch on craigslist to get reupholstered! reupholstering is the thing to do haven't you heard?

i'm excited and nervous, but mostly excited!

EMAIL LOVE

occasionally i abandon my blog for a little bit (you might have noticed this) and trying to get back to blogging can sometimes be difficult because you don't wanna put out crappy posts. there are tons of posts in my draft pile because well, they weren't exactly what i wanted them to be. 

occasionally, i get great feedback from people. either they liked a post or my music monday playlists. it's nice. it makes me feel like i'm not just blogging for myself. people actually care. i recently received an email from a reader telling me that she loved my blog and how i inspired her to create her own. let me tell you right now that that is probably one of the best things ever. it made me feel bad for abandoning my blog so often and it excited me. 

that being said, i promise to not abandon my blog as often. (because let's be honest, life is crazy and sometimes you just can't blog.) 

and yes, i realize i didn't post a new music monday playlist, but that is because my playlist was only half done. oops. sorry, next week it'll be extra long i promise.

LONDON FUNDON

i am really missing london today. like on a scale of 1 to 10 it'd be like 1000 today. i miss walking to get breakfast, the beautiful houses and the sidewalks full of cracks. i miss taking the tube everywhere and not knowing what is going to happen that day. i miss the fun things they have over there. london is like really fun, guys. they have shows all the time, parties, and pubs everywhere. it's basically perfect.

it's hard going from two weeks of no responsibilities nothing on the agenda to fully booked days and eating on the go all day long. there are so many things i am stressing over. like, selling my car and purchasing a new one, looking for apartments, and trying to figure out how much longer i have to be in school for (can i just graduate tomorrow). i'm going crazy, people.

i think this is why i am missing london a crazy lot today. i miss the stress-free time.
sorry for this mini rant, but hey you got to see some cool london photos which is always nice, right?

PS how great is that louis vuitton ad!? too good.

SUNDAY BRUNCH

sunday brunch is a must. sunday is my favorite day of the week and brunch is my favorite meal...so it only makes sense that combined it's basically a perfect combination.

three of my best friends and i have started trying to get together on sundays for brunch. we all love going somewhere new or cooking and getting together so it has worked out really well. we all look forward to our brunch outings! 

the first week we went and got bagels and coffee at a local cafe. a few sundays ago we went to Cliff's Edge Cafe in Silverlake. the place is great. it's got a hip vibe and the outdoor seating is set up really nicely. there is a big old giant tree in the middle and it makes it feel like you are in a tree house which is every kids dream, duh. the food there is great. the breakfast patty and waffles are actually out of this world. it was all delicious and if you are ever in the area you need to go eat at cliff's edge. you won't regret it. the sunday before i left for europe we decided to cook our own brunch. we made omelets, pancakes, and of course mimosas. brunch is taken very seriously. it ain't no small thang. 

do you guys do brunch? if so do you like cooking at home or going out and trying new restaurants?

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

i'm back! so, i should warn you that this is being written basically right after getting home so i am jet lagged and i want breakfast from fields (a restaurant in london that i will write about soon).  from the start of my trip i felt very at home in london and i was definitely emotional on the plane ride back. you better believe i am already planning my trip back to london. also, i plan to move there one day. it's perfect.

it feels weird being back home after being abroad for two whole weeks. two weeks felt like forever and not long enough. i'm actually really sad to be back home. i left my heart in london.
i am so in love with everything that is london. i think i can try to explain all the many things i love, but not until someone experiences london firsthand can they really understand.

i plan to have some london related posts up soon. i will share some restaurants to check out, museums, shops, and music (duh).

for now, i sleep...and drink tons of caffeine when awake.

LONDON, I LOVE YOU

i have been in london for a few hours now and I already never want to leave. it's beautiful and strange and it makes me feel at home.

i did lose my iPad and iPhone charger which is stupid and now i am forced to buy a cord to charge them. don't fret, i'm still posting photos on Instagram for you to see. #eliandrygotoeurope

the lighting at 5 in the morning is one of the most beautiful things ever. i definitely had a moment with it and was nearly brought to tears by it.

SNAP SNAP

i love instagram more than a lot of things. judge me it's whatever. i really love it because it is an awesome way to see what people new designers are releasing, behind the scenes of photoshoots, and seeing what friends are up to. i am inspired through instagram photos all day long and i love that.

while i am away i will most likely be not posting as much on the blog, but i will be posting photos on my instagram! so, if you want a taste of london and paris you should just stare at my instagram all day long.

BIRTHDAY GUIDE

i can't believe it is officially my birthday month. birthday months are the best! the other day my friend mentioned she had gotten me a gift and birthday card already and i instantly got excited. it's not about getting tons of gifts and all that, i just love when people know me so well and their gifts (big or small) are perfect. my friends also told me i had to post my birthday gift guide this week.

so, with that being said, here is my birthday gift guide! if i don't get any of these items i won't be upset at all. these are just some things i saw and knew i would eventually want to possess.

most of my favorite things though are pretty posters, anything and everything gold, and new matchbook/matchboxes to add to my collection. fun things like that! my friends know me so well that i know whatever they get me i will love!

i will be spending my birthday in london this year and all i know is that i want to go to brunch that day and at least five bakeries as well as shop a little. 

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