Final post before Peru!!!

Happy Thursday to you all. In a matter of 12 or so hours I will be on my plane to Peru. I wanted to make one last post prior to leaving just to be like ‘hey, I’m leaving’ and so on and so forth.

For those of you who are new or simply don’t pay attention to my blog posts… I will be in Lima, Peru for the next 4 weeks volunteering in an orphanage(s). Basically, in regards to posting, I am hoping to post 10 posts at the most over the next 4 weeks (but expect a ton of Peru related posts when I get back home). I am not going to say that I will have any consistency in my posting whatsoever (and I really don’t care) and I just really wanted to get that out there.

Yes, I will have down time, however, I may want to nap or explore and do other things besides blogging. I’m not gone, I’m not dead, I’m just out here, enjoying life.

I am super excited for this experience and the next 4 weeks of my life. Until I get to Peru (or my plane) I must logoff because I have to shove this computer into my backpack, along with so many other things. So, hasta pronto mis personas favoritas y hasta pronto Lima

Alicia

Blogger Recognition Award

Hi everyone. The other day, Kate, nominated me for the Blogger Recognition Award. Thank you so much to Kate for this nomination. I would definitely recommend everyone goes and checks out her blog. Let’s get started with the award.


Rules

* Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.

* Give a brief story of how your blog started.

* Give two pieces of advice to new bloggers.

* Select 10 other bloggers you want to give this award to.

* Comment on each blog and let them know you have nominated them and provide the link to the post you created.

How I started blogging

I have been blogging since I was 14. I stumbled upon someone’s summer bucket list blog and I decided that I wanted to make one as well. So, that summer and the summer after, my friend Molly and I made a summer bucket list blog. We are no longer friends, however, I wanted to continue blogging so I have made a few blogs over my lifetime to continue blogging, mainly just random writings and a bit of food tracking. However, last October, I decided that I wanted to document my time in college so that’s how I started this blog 🙂

Advice

  1. Write about what you want- This one may seem pretty self-explanatory, however, it may not be. With so many lifestyle blogs about fashion and the latest hair hack, you may seem pressured to post about these. Yes, it may get you some traffic but if you don’t necessarily like what you’re posting… why blog? I will post a review here and there because I want to and I think other people might want to see it. I post things for me, because I like them, not to get a certain amount of views in a day and I recommend you all do the same.
  2. Don’t stress- I’m all about trying to be consistent, it’s what readers like and it gets views. However, if I’m sick or had a long day or was out with friends, I’m not going to worry about my blog. Blogging can wait, your life can’t. I blog during downtime, on plane rides, in bed, etc. I make sure I love my life how I want to and make sure that blogging comes second. Make sure you do that as well.

I nominate

I have done this award quite a bit and I don’t want to nominate the same 10 people over and over. So, if you want to do this award, by all means, go for it. 🙂

Alicia

P.S. One more sleep until PERU

Vision board

Hi everyone. 3 days until I leave for Peru!! A few weeks ago, Alana made a vision board out of magazines, newspaper clippings, and other written media. After reading the story behind hers (and seeing the process of making her vision board), I flashbacked to middle school and high school when I would clip pictures of Harry Styles, and quotes saying ‘you’re beautiful’ and would litter them on my closet door. I realized that it had been so long since I’d done that and how fun they were to make, so I decided to make my own.

After scouring my entire house for magazines, and only ending up with a few minor ones and a Target catalogue, I got to work on my vision board. I paged through all of them, ripping out pages with cool and warm colors, long quote, short quotes, photographs, etc and laid them aside to cut up.

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All of my pages ready to be cut up

After that, I began cutting all of the quotes and photos out from the pages and aligning them on my bulletin board. I had quotes ranging from “happy” to “bitch it out” and photos of kids running up stairs and greenery on tables. After i complied them all together on the board, I put my push pins in each clipping and hung it on my bedroom wall, so whenever I need a bit of motivation or just to know I’m worth it, I can check that board.

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Alicia

Spring mixtape

Hi everyone! I made a fall mixtape in September and had planned on making one for winter and never did. However, after making a playlist for my long plane rides in the coming days, I have decided to make another for Spring. Let’s get started.

  1. Machine-Misterwives: You all know my love for this band and this song is no different. Off of their second studio album (released May 19th), machine is an alternative jam that I listen to almost every day. It has such great vibes going along with it and has a bit of a political hidden message in it and when they played it at the concert, I sobbed. Give it a listen.
  2. Where Does the Good Go-Tegan and Sara: This song is over 10 years old but I just discovered it within the last month while watching Grey’s Anatomy. It sort of reminds me of leaving and new beginnings which is what I will be having in a week so I felt it needed to be here.
  3. Paris-Chainsmokers: I know this is a ‘basic’ band or whatever but this song sort of screams wanderlust to me and since basically half of my spring I will be in Peru, I felt it needed to have a place on this playlist.
  4. Midnight Movies-Saint Motel: I was listening to this song when I decided I wanted to make a Spring mixtape. This was never one of my favorite Saint Motel songs but it has a weird tempo, not too fast paced for a summer feel but not slow enough for a fall song. I have learned to appreciate this song more recently and I definitely recommend it.
  5. Girls like Girls- Haley Kiyoko: This song was just released and I love this song. It is quite a catchy tune and I find myself humming it even when it isn’t on.
  6. Ophelia- The Lumineers: This song has a more fall vibey tempo (it could just be the album cover) but it is a beautiful song sung by an amazingly talented person. This is a song I love to listen to with my windows rolled down when it’s late and no one is speaking, just enjoying music and each other’s company.
  7. What a Feeling-One Direction: Harry Styles is releasing his first ever single on April 7th so that song would make this playlist (even if it was just him playing the triangle for 5 minutes), however, it isn’t out, so I thought I would give one of my favorite One Direction songs a place on this playlist.
  8. Work this Body-Walk the Moon: This song always makes me feel very confident in myself and like I can do anything. I am living my dream next month so this song is being put to life for me.
  9. Art Exhibit-Young the Giant: I don’t really know to describe this song. It’s sort of magical and it isn’t a very well-known song by the band. Nevertheless, it is a wonderfully elegant and beautiful song.
  10. Fire Escape-Andrew McMahon: This song is another song like Machine, an alternative jam. It has a weird beat so it’s upbeat but not super upbeat… if that makes any sense. It has become one of my favorite songs as of late and I listen to it all the time. I had never heard of the artist before this song but I have started to listen to more of his music besides this song, and I really like the sound he puts out.


What would be some songs on your Spring playlist?

Alicia

10 free things to do in Chicago

Hello friends. I will have no money when I get back from Peru so I have decided to make a list of some things I will be able to do in Chicago. So, if you are like me and have no money to your name, you can also do these super duper fun things with me. Also I leave for Peru in 5 days LIKE WHATTTT. Anyways, let’s get started.


  1. Lake Michigan- There are so many different beaches you can go to enjoy Lake Michigan. From North Avenue to Oak Street there is a beach for everyone! No matter the season you can walk, run, or lay out on the beach and have a day full of fun.IMG_4546
  2. Lincoln Park- Situated on Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park is home to numerous statues, an abundance of grass for walking, laying, playing, etc. sanctuaries, a rowing canal, and so many other fun options. You can spend an entire day at Lincoln Park and still be yearning for more time hereIMG_6046
  3. DePaul University Art Museum- What better way to support your own school than by admiring the art of your peers? This museum is open year round (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) and always has new and interesting exhibits for any art taste.
  4. Lincoln Park Zoo- Home to over 1200 animals, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest and last remaining free zoos in the entire country. Enjoy a day of gazing at flamingos wading in water, to giraffes and zebras munching on some hay.IMG_3580
  5. Millennium Park- Take a picture in front of the infamous ‘Bean,’ take a walk around Maggie Daley Park and in the winter go ice skating. No matter the season or day of the week, Millennium Park is full of fun adventures.IMG_5621.jpg
  6. Lincoln Park Conservatory- While winter in Chicago is a sight to see, sometimes the best thing to do is spend the day indoors. At the Lincoln Park Conservatory (situated amongst Lincoln Park) you can admire greenery, flowers, and trees of all sizes and biomes all in one place.
  7. The ‘Mag’ Mile- Chicago is a hub for upscale retail. And, even if you don’t want (or can’t afford) anything, simply walking the Mag Mile is a trip in itself. From Ulta to Chanel, there is a store (or a few) for any shopper.
  8. Oz Park- Named after the Wizard of Oz, here you will find statues of the Wizard of Oz characters, an abundance of trees, critters, and so many dogs who would love a petting or a game of fetch.
  9. Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool- If you are looking for a calm place to relax in the midst of finals season, the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is the place for you. The only sounds you’ll hear here are the quiet chirp of the ample bird species and the ripple of relaxing waterfalls. It’s a refreshing venue filled with wildlife, stones, and trees, and will make any stressed person feel zen (at least for a while)
  10. Museums (free days)- Chicago is a city known for some of the most amazing museums in the country. While these museums can be a bit pricey (students get discounts), most Chicago museums offer free days on multiple occasions throughout the year. Simply look up the museum you want to visit and search ‘free day’ alongside of it and you’ll be ready for a day full of art or science… or both!Screen Shot 2017-03-26 at 2.17.26 AM.png

A-Z Tag

Hi everyone. Happy Spring! A little bit ago I saw Tabi do the A-Z Tag and I thought it seemed fun, so I have decided to give it a go. Basically, you just put whatever pops into your head for each letter of the alphabet (pertaining to you)


A– Aesthetic

B– Bees are dying at an alarming rate

C– Chicago

D– Dogs

E– Energetic

F– Feminism

G– Goats

H– Hats

I– Indecisive

J– Jeans hater

K– Kid at heart

L– Lipstick

M– Memes

N– Naps

O– Outdoors

P– Pancakes

Q– a Queen

R– Reading

S– Sunrises/Sunsets

T– Tidy

U– Um

V– Vegan

W– Wanderlust

X– Xenodochial

Y– Yellow

Z– Zealous


Since Tabi tagged everyone, I’m also tagging everyone! I would love to see what you guys choose!

Alicia

Liebster Award

Hi everyone and happy Sunday. I was nominated for the Liebster award again by the lovely Jannin at the Book Nerd Dragon. Thank you so so much for the nomination. Definitely go check out her blog, especially if you love reading!! Let’s get started with the award.


Rules

  1. Thank the person who nominated you and answer the 11 questions they’ve written for you.
  2. Nominate 11 people and give them 11 different questions to answer.

My answers

  1. Who is your favorite booktuber? I can honestly say that I didn’t know booktubers were a thing so I don’t have a favorite.
  2. What are you currently reading? How are you liking it so far? I just started Smilla’s Sense of Snow. I don’t really know how to feel about it yet but we’ll see.
  3. Have you read a book that is not your usual genre and ended up liking it? What book was it?  I don’t really have like a set genre I like. I’ll read anything so I’ve liked almost every book I’ve read from most genres.
  4. Where are you from? What country, nationality and stuff?  I’m from The United States. And I’m German, Irish, Scottish, and English,
  5. How old are you? 19
  6. Underrated books and authors you want everyone to know or discover? Emma Cline. I read her book The Girls this past summer and I loved her!
  7. A character you want to have as a boyfriend but not a lead character in their book. SaGoodede from I Am Number Four.
  8. Most hated lead character.  All of the mean kids in Lord of the Flies. I felt so bad for Piggy after they killed him. I cried.
  9. Hardest subject for you? Social Studies
  10. A personality you do not like from a person. When people are pretentious
  11. One character you wanna be friends with forever. Idgie Threadgoode from Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.

My Questions

  1. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
  2. What was the last book you read? Would you recommend it to me?
  3. Do you have any tattoos/piercings?
  4. What is your favorite season?
  5. What is your favorite sport?
  6. What do you look for in a boyfriend/girlfriend?
  7. What is your favorite blog post you’ve written?
  8. What is your favorite color?
  9. Coffee or tea?
  10. Cats or Dogs?
  11. Favorite show as a kid?

I nominate:

Esther      Aspen     Debbie     Alanna     Jenny     Patty     Tabi     Becky     Bea     Jess     Alex


I really enjoyed doing this and I hope everyone nominated enjoys it as well!

Alicia

Winter bucket list update

Hello everyone, one of my Blogmas posts was a Winter bucket list and with winter basically over and spring right around the corner, I decided that I would come back and see how well I did on my little list. Most of the snow ones didn’t really happen because there were about 2 weeks in April where it was above 50 and most times the snow didn’t last long, but the rest of the ones I was able to do 🙂 Let’s get started.


  1. Finish Christmas Shopping
  2. See the Christmas trees at the Museum of Science and Industry: Did this one also. Check out my Blogmas photo set to see some photos from that day!dec-26-biggest-tree
  3. Visit the Christkindlmarket: Check. It was so beautiful and I was able to find vegan candy there as well!! Check out my post about that day here
  4. Drive around and look at Christmas decorations: This happened on more than one occasion. Friends, family, and I drove around and marveled at many houses and did more than critique others.
  5. See the Macy’s tree and windows: The hype of doing this was real. I had never been to Macy’s to see the tree or windows and I did both of those. It was spectacular and the people involved definitely put in a ton of work to make Macy’s beautiful for the holiday season.

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    The Cubs window
  6. Go to Wisconsin for the weekend: I have done this a couple times. We were up there for New Year’s weekend and then I think another time but I can’t remember.
  7. Put up the Christmas tree: Put up our Christmas tree and took it down successfully.
  8. Have a Christmas movie night: I definitely watched sooooo many Christmas movies. It happened over a few nights (and one even in February) but I watched so many classics.
  9. Go sledding: It never snowed enough to go sledding :/
  10. Read some good books with some wintery drinks: I don’t think I ever did these together but I definitely enjoyed some great books and wintery drinks separately.
  11. See all of my friends while they are home on break: I wasn’t able to see all of my friends because of work, vacations, etc. But I was able to see a lot of my friends and I have been seeing them as well when they’re been home for Spring Break as well.
  12. Dress up on Christmas: Since I was given a Shrek Christmas sweater and was forced to wear that on Christmas Day I wouldn’t really consider myself dressed up, but I wore nice pants so I sort of looked nice
  13. Do a winter photo shoot: Did a mini shoot but nothing too extravagant.dec-10-we-forgot-to-take-a-pic-there-so-this-is-an-empty-cub-and-im-on-a-parking-garage
  14. Try to take a family photo… key word is try: This literally did not happen at all haha.
  15. Shovel some now: My neighbor with a snow blower beat us all to it each time it snowed
  16. Build a snowman: It literally didn’t snow enough to make one and when it did, the snow wasn’t good packing snow.
  17. Eat a candy cane: I didn’t even eat a mini one 😦
  18. Make Christmas cookies
  19. Build a gingerbread house: 2 of my friends and I each made one and they were super cute to be honestdec-22-gingerbread-house-fail-ish

     


    All in all I would I was pretty successful. I just need a damn candycane. 

    Alicia

Renaissance Woman

Hello everyone and happy Thursday to you all. It is currently 12:29 am and I am frivolously typing away on my keyboard, my sleep deprived eyes drooping every few clicks of the keys.

My entire life I have never wanted to do one thing. I have never been that girl who has wanted to be a surgeon or a teacher or an artist since she was 6 years. I wasn’t that girl who applied to two schools because they had the major she wanted and great internship and job opportunities, pertaining to her major, upon graduation.

I was the girl who wanted to be a princess, an artist, an actress, a writer, a  mathematician, an actuary, a business woman, a world traveler, a math teacher, a nutritionist, a marine biologist, an english teacher, and so many more by the time she was 18. I applied to over 15 schools because I couldn’t make up my mind about anything.

I always used to think this was because nothing interested me. I was a depression filled, anxiety ridden teen, who couldn’t be wooed by one thing or another.

It wasn’t that nothing interested me, it’s that everything interests me. There is not one thing I can see myself doing for the rest of my life, not because I want to do nothing, but because I want to do everything. I want to star in a hollywood production, see the aurora borealis, do someone’s taxes, invent something, learn about animals, and help a struggling teenager get into college.

There isn’t one job that fits me. I am a puzzle piece that fits into every puzzle while simultaneously doesn’t fit into any.

I think I keep thinking about this because I don’t want to transfer again. I need to pick Ohio or DePaul and I need to pick one soon. My grandfather keeps pressuring me to visit DePaul, call DePaul, look at DePaul’s website and so on, and it is making me want to rip my hair out.

What happens if I pick DePaul and then want to do something else with my life that DePaul doesn’t offer? Or if the same thing happens at Ohio.

As I lay in my blanket burrito, and as my anxious thoughts completely take over me, I wonder… why does no one else have this problem? Why did every single person I know apply to 5 or less colleges and then just pick one? No one transfered, no one waited until April 30th to make an admission decision, no one is laying in their bed, two years later trying to find a new school so they don’t make the same mistakes they had made two years prior.

The only sounds I hear are of a dog snoring next to me in bed (we are only watching her for a week… unfortunately) but inside my head is like a Final Four March Madness game.

Everyone keeps telling me that it doesn’t matter where you go to school, but let’s be honest… it does. I have to like it, it has to be affordable, and they have to have a major(s) that I like and want to pursue.

I like both schools and  once I get financial aid we will talk about affordability. However, the latter, the majors are what I’m coping with. The difference in majors along with my inability to make a commitment and stand by it are the reasons I am still up at 12:48am with a loud and messy head.

I keep weighing the pros and cons. Both schools have pros. Both have cons. Both pros outweigh the cons and there isn’t one that stands out to me. I think I need to just go to DePaul one day and then see if I can get back to Ohio for a few days to really see if I can picture myself on either campus.

Sorry for all the rambling but writing is my way of thinking.

On the bright side, just about 2 weeks till Peru. I have begun packing, and am talking to a girl about going to Machu Picchu over Easter. Half of my life is stressing about college and the other half is pure joy about going to Peru and volunteering. I guess that’s compromise for you…

Alicia

March Madness

Hi everyone, tonight March Madness starts! I am a huge sports fan, especially basketball, and every year for the past 4 or so years I have filled out a March Madness bracket. This year, I decided to do the same. This bracket on some ends isn’t super practical. I’m not making a bracket for money so I definitely picked some teams I want to win based on interest rather than record.  If any of you have made brackets let me know if we have some similarities and also let me know who you think will win big this year!

I’ll be watching along all of March, and even though I’ll be in Peru for the last 3 games, I’ll definitely make an update post at some point to show how accurate I was!

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Until my update, happy March Madness!

Alicia