Tuesday, December 30, 2014

14 Things I Learned in 2014



Here we go again, guys! It's that time of year where we all take a breather and look back on all the memories that were made in 2014 (which went by ridiculously fast, might I add!!) and make new resolutions we hope will stick for more than just the first few weeks of the new year ahead, because I mean, doesn't that happen every year?

I'm writing this post just a few minutes past midnight making it officially New Year's Eve - the last 24 hours of 2014. I spent the last hour putting together a list of all the things I learned and discovered about myself over the last 364 days and of course, I wanted to share it with you guys! :)

1) If there's one thing I learned this year it's that I am in NO way near ready to have a child of my own! I did a lot of babysitting for my nephew this past year and despite the enjoyment I got out of it, it did prove to be quite the challenge!

2) Flossing is SO important! Going into the dental field for the first time this year, I learned a ton of new things but I truly learned how important it is to floss! Take it from me, your teeth (and over all health) will thank you in the long run! :)

3) You don't have to say yes to everything. I love helping people out whenever I can but this past year, I learned that some people can take advantage of that. If you don't enjoy doing something, don't do it. It's okay to say no sometimes.

4) On the contrary, it's okay to say yes to things you normally wouldn't agree to do! There's a question I once saw in a commercial - "When was the last time you did something for the first time?" and it stuck by me since then. I tried out a lot of things this year that I didn't think I was capable of doing and it honestly felt great to challenge myself to do that.

5) Don't half-ass anything. Hard work shows and it truly pays off. Don't start something if you know you can't be 100% committed to it. 

6) No job is beneath you. Whatever social status you reach, you'll never be "too good" to not do something. We all started somewhere and it's important to never forget that.

7) Sometimes the best way to overcome fear is to face it. Most of the time, the things we're scared of the most are just inside our heads. There were numerous times this year where I was sort of just forced to face my own fears and although it was involuntary, I'm still thankful because I came out a stronger person.

8) People will tell you anything you want to hear to get what they want. This is honestly so sad because sometimes those people will be the people you thought you could trust.

9) If you want something, just ask for it. It's that simple.

10) By losing yourself, you can find yourself. 2014 has been quite the journey for me and sometimes you can only find who you're meant to be when you stop allowing yourself to be who you think you're supposed to be. I hope that made sense!

11) Books are the best companions. One of my patients actually told me this! She was well over 60 years old which proves that no matter what stage of life you may be in, you can always find solace in a book!

12) Worrying about something doesn't change anything! And most of the time, the things we worry about so much end up not even happening!

13) "I may not be where I need to be, but thank God I'm not where I used to be". My favorite quote I stumbled upon this year! Whenever I felt like I wasn't progressing in my life, I think of this line and it's helped keep me in check.

14) Finally, the best thing I learned this year is that it is because of YOU that someone else is alive. No one really understands their importance in this world and we all struggle in finding our own place but whether we're aware of it or not, each action or choice we make every day, affects someone else. You may not know it just yet, but someone is very thankful you're alive because they wouldn't be if it weren't for you.


Now I want to know! What's one thing you learned in 2014? Did you learn to pilot a plane? Perhaps you mastered the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe? Whatever it is, please share it in the comments below and I'd love to read it!

From a tiny human cuddled under a giant blanket, I wish you all a very happy new year! ♡


Kisses,

S


Last year's post: 13 Things 2013 Has Taught Me



Sunday, December 14, 2014

Qout Market Photo Diary



Last weekend, my siblings and I decided to take a trip to check out the Qout Market. For anyone who doesn't know what the Qout Market is (I don't blame you, I had no idea this even existed until my sister told me!), it's a monthly artisanal farmers market that takes place every first Saturday of the month from November through April. It was my first time going to anything like this so I thought I'd share my experience with you guys!


This month, the Qout Market was held on the rooftop of Arraya Center's parking lot. If you look closely in the picture above, you can spot it! It's that little brown building in the center.


Since I still needed to go to work that afternoon, we decided to go around the time that they opened (around 10am). There weren't a lot of people just yet so we were able to roam around comfortably. The weather was ridiculously beautiful that day as well!



There were a ton of pop up stalls that were selling various things! This particular one above was one of my favorites. It had so many cute little knick-knacks.



They were also selling Dogeared jewelry!! I'm eyeing that balance necklace so hopefully I can save up enough to get it next month!



Dreamcatchers galore!








Everyone working there was accommodating and they were very pleasant to talk to. Most of the people were actually selling things that they handcrafted themselves.


Can you believe that these are candles?! They're almost too pretty to burn!


I talked to the lady who makes these and you would think it would take hours of work but she said that since she's working with wax, she actually has to work quite fast. One candle takes her about an hour to carve from start to finish!



Hello from me and my sister! This was the time we spotted a photo booth so naturally, we had to take pictures...



Look at that bunny!! It's a hot water bottle cover! ♡




This was another one of my favorite stalls! I had a really nice conversation with the guy who designs all these terrariums and he explained to me the concept behind them. Did you know that there are things called air plants? They thrive on the humidity from the air so they don't need to be watered aka the perfect plant for lazy people! ;)


This is the little succulent I ended up getting! It's so tiny and cute and I'm in love with it!




Click and Grow herb garden, anyone?






WE FOUND THE FOOOOD!





And this place, ladies and gentlemen, is where my life changed (*cue dramatic music*). I tried Horchata for the first time and I'm obsessed! Like where has this drink been all my life?! It tastes like an adult version of the milk you remember drinking when you were younger, creamy but a little more spicy and just so delicious - AH! Plus, it has a fun name that I can't stop repeating! :P


This was the burger I ended up getting for lunch. I always hear a lot of people raving about R.V. Burger on Instagram and I see what the hype is about now. I got the chicken burger and it tastes like spot on chicken, nothing artificial added. I would say that their burgers are a little overpriced but I guess you get what you pay for!














Chocolate heaven! All the chocolate here is preservative-free so that made me feel a little less guilty while I stuffed my face with brownies.



OMG the matcha almond milk from here is easily one of the yummiest things I've ever tried! I'd definitely recommend checking this stall out if you visit next month (hopefully they're still there!).




A little petting zoo if you feel like, you know, hanging out with some animals and what not.




We were just leaving when they started setting up the area for live music. I wish I could've stuck around longer though!


Overall, the Qout Market it was a very refreshing experience and I'm really happy I went! The next market will take place on the 3rd of January if any of you are interested in going! I would definitely recommend that you do! :)

P.S. Bring cash if you plan on buying things because only a few stalls accept cards! 



Kisses,

S