Identity Checkpoint.

I think there are times in our lives when things happen to give us a reality check. I'm a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. That we learn little lessons from every mistake, every person, and every little instance that may seem minuscule thing that happens. You may hurt worse that you ever have, crying in bed, feeling lost and not knowing what to do when you think your heart is too heavy to get out of the fetal position in your bed. You could be on cloud 9 with the job of your dreams, family that loves you unconditionally, great friends in every social circle, and your heart is so full of happiness you almost think it's unfair to have it this great. It could take one night, a single text, 30 seconds or 30 days, but things change. These highs and lows make you stop for a second and evaluate things. Who am I really right now? Is this who I want to be? How do other people see me? Why did I get here? What am I doing at this point in my life? We go through our day to day lives and it seems like things just all of a sudden fall into our laps. You have to stop and take a look around at what is causing these things, and who is that person inside that is making it happen.


It hurts, it sucks, you ask yourself why? Well, chances are there is a lesson behind it, and there is a reason. So stop and ask yourself, how did I wind up in this position? It had to be external, like the universe is plotting revenge on all of your happiness. But maybe it's something else. What I like to call an identity checkpoint. Once a month, once a year, every few years. Whenever you stop and think about the direction your life is going and the person that you're becoming, like really stop and think about it.

I'm graduating in May, where did college go? Things happen so fast you rarely stop to think how and why and who is behind the steering wheel driving your life. I had some time to reflect where I'm going and who I am, and if it was really what I wanted or if I just was living and it happened to me and I accepted it. The great thing is, if you don't like what's happening, or who you are, you can change it! What a concept.

So it may take a really hard decision, a lot of tears, or a moment of bliss, but take a minute, or quite a few and think about it. Stop at that checkpoint and use it to evaluate you as a person, to make sure you're going to like the person you become and be proud of who you are today.

Sometimes I write whole things like this and I'm not sure if they even make sense except to me. But at least I got it out.

Take care, and choose to be happy today.
Alex

Taco Time.

So, I had an amazing dinner party a couple weeks ago with my co-workers who also happen to be some of my best friends. It was a potluck style dinner, so I thought I'd share what I made!

I made mini taco salads, or taco muffins- whatever you want to call them! I took unbaked tortillas, baked them in muffin tins so they came out in mini bowl shapes. I then filled it with taco filling. I used tofu, just because that's my preference, but feel free to use ground beef! After baking that with some cheese, I topped it with shredded lettuce and salsa for bite-sized taco deliciousness!

My friends seemed to enjoy them, and they're perfect for party snacks, or a meal! Let me know if you give them a shot!

I'd love to hear what you've been cooking!

Alex

Tunesday.

I heard this song in a commercial, and it's also in the soundtrack of Away We Go, which i want to see! I hope you enjoy!



As the days keep turning into nights. Couldn't be more true, I wake up and work and go to class and work again and then get home to make dinner and it's night again. Then at night, I just think about how quickly time is going by. Just trying to soak up every last minute of life as I know it. Enjoying it with good music makes it that much better.

Happy Tuesday!
Alex

Do Something: Phoenix

So my awesome sister is a member of an amazing group of Phoenicians that are working together to bring local artists, stylists, and bloggers together through events in the Phoenix area. The group is called the Phoenix Style Collective, and they are always planning something for locals to get together, collaborate, and just hang out. I love the idea and I'm so glad I have gotten to be a part of most of the events they've held.

My mom, sister, and I at the event!

About a week and a half ago I attended the Phoenix Puppy Love event that the PSC held at the amazing Co+Hoots. There were raffle prizes, a silent auction, and plenty of treats - all to benefit the Humane Society. So great!

I made a DIY headband with the girls from Hearts, a fashion line that advocates world awareness and change and uses recycled materials. They were so cute- check them out!

I ate way too many of these amazing treats, but got to spend some time with my sister and some cool new friends! I also tried the coffee at Greater Than Coffee which is inside Cohoots, super delicious! Check out their website and maybe I'll see you at one of their future events!

Take care,

Alex

Tunesday.

Inspired by the awesome Sasquatch line up, here's an awesome jam by a band that will be at the music festival I so badly want to go to!

Drink some tea, relax, and turn this on.



Love it!
Alex

Day of Love.

So it was Valentines Day. This fact usually makes people cringe or sing with happiness about the cute date plans they have with their significant other. I'd say I'm somewhere in the middle ground. 

I do appreciate today, as a holiday, though. Even though it's another reason to jack up the prices of candy and flowers and all things pink and red, hey- that's life! I think some people get too caught up in the fact they don't have a boyfriend or a girlfriend or someone to take them out for a romantic dinner. Today is about love, and that can come from so many different places. I spent today working, going to class, and working again at my second job... and I'm happy as can be right now. Of course I'm not saying the box of chocolates and dinner plans wouldn't be appreciated, but I have so many other things to be happy about. 

Today I chose to be grateful for all of the love I receive from all over. The amazing family that showers me with love, friends, a roommate, and coworkers who make me smile every day, and a pretty fantastic life that I get to wake up to everyday. 

So celebrate Valentines Day, or Satisfied Being Single Day, or heck... just celebrate Arizona's Birthday! But remember, today's about feeling the love no matter where it comes from.

xo, 

Alex

Tunesday.

Because this song has been stuck in my head since the moment I heard it… months ago. I love The Lumineers so so much, and I’m still devastated I missed them while they were here in the Fall.

Check this song out, and be prepared to have it on repeat as well as the rest of the album, really.

Happy Tuesday!

Alex