My Holiday Dress Picks

grey dots | cream | feathery | tartan | black lace

I can't believe it- Christmas is two weeks away! Hopefully, you've been invited to some super fun parties and you need a festive dress; I'm loving the dresses pictured above. Unfortunately, it seems like I will only be attending ugly sweater parties, but I can still shop for dresses- right? 

xoxo,

Alyssa

Outfit Bloopers

For some reason, I find these posts super funny. It just goes to show that not every picture comes out perfect the first time. It definitely takes a few tries to get the picture that makes it on the blog!

"Do you feel the breeze, too?"

"Dad, get ready- I'm gonna jump!"

"Dad, there's people watching!"

"Hold on, it's dirty"

I hope you enjoyed this post! I will definitely do a part 2 as bloopers appear!

xoxo,

Alyssa

What Winter in SoCal Is Like

{via}

California is a pretty big tourist state (shout-out to the Hollywood sign, Disneyland, and the Golden-Gate Bridge) but most people who travel to California do so in the summer and don't ever get to see what California is like in the "winter". I have lived in Southern California my whole life, and I have never experienced a winter that is not like the one I'm about to describe!

Going to the beach in December is normal.

Last year, I went to the beach with my parents on December 27th, and I actually wore my bathing suit the whole time. The water may have been a bit cold (that's where my wet-suit comes in), but besides that, the beach is great in the winter. Some of the best beach days I've ever had have been in January!

Rain freaks people out.

Whenever the forecast mentions rain, people get excited. The roads and parts of schools flood because they aren't designed for rain. My school doesn't have a covered place to eat lunch (we eat on the grass) because it barely rains and never snows so we all have to awkwardly stand under the covered doorways of classrooms when it rains during lunch.

I have never seen snow fall.

This probably sounds crazy to some people who have seen snow fall too many times to count, but I have honestly never seen snow fall in person. I was around 7 when I first saw snow on the ground and I was so excited. A few years ago I went skiing, but I haven't seen snow since. In fact, when I was 8, all I asked Santa for was for it to snow at my house on Christmas, which of course didn't happen (but I did get some snow mittens and a hat). Where I live, going to the snow is a thing. You will take a few hours out of your Saturday afternoon to drive to the mountains and  "go to the snow". Weird, I know. 

50 degrees is cold. 

People reading this probably think that I'm exaggerating, but 50 degrees is cold (don't even get me started on 40 degrees). During the rest of the year, it rarely drops below 70 degrees (which is considered cool). When it hits below 65 degrees, get ready to see people break out the boots, rain coats, and scarves. I actually can't even imagine how cold 20 degrees is. 

Ice skating is indoors.
There is a place to go ice skating near my house, but due to the "not exactly freezing" temperatures, it's an inside ice skating rink. It's super fun to go, but also funny because it's colder inside than out!

High school ski team? 
I read online that some high schools have ski teams which is so cool. We obviously don't have a ski team at my high school, but a few of my friends' high school's have surf teams, which is pretty sweet as well.

What is winter like where you live?
xoxo,
Alyssa

Gift Guide: $25 and Under

Okay, so you spent a bit too much money on Black Friday and now you're short money to buy everyone gifts... fear not! Here are some gifts/stocking stuffers that are sure to please without breaking the bank.

perfume | mug | lip balm | nail polish | earrings | bracelet | stationary | tee | keychain | candle | socks

xoxo,

Alyssa

Outfit: Simple Stripes

tee | cardigan (similar) | jeans | shoes (vintage)

Recently I have realized the importance of basics in my wardrobe. I always find myself wearing basics more than pieces that are more limiting in what I can wear with them. Seriously, I have worn this shirt six times in two weeks- no shame. This is one of my favorite outfits to wear when it seems like I don't have anything to wear. I purchased this tee and sweater a few weeks ago, and I got both pieces for under $20! I know that I will get a lot of use out of both items. My mom has had these Ralph Lauren Polo boat shoes for forever (literally- like 20+ years), and I have since adopted them. I threw on my glasses for a bit of accessorization (look at me, inventing new words). 

xoxo,

Alyssa

Fifteen

Today is my 15th birthday! While 15 certainly sounds older than 14, it feels exactly the same. 15 is kind of a strange, in-between age. I have been a teenager for a few years, but have not been granted the responsibilities that come with growing old. During my enjoyable time as a 14 year old, I did a lot. I moved from junior high to high school, started a blog, switched soccer teams,  made new friends, and traveled! Today marks the first day of being 15, and all of the new adventures that will come with it (eek- driving!). I'm so excited to bring you guys with me, and see all that will happen while I am 15. 

xoxo,

Alyssa

Sick Day Essentials

Unfortunately, it seems like many people I know have been sick lately- what a bummer! Sometimes we need a day off to get healthy again, and when I have a sick day, there are some things that I simply need. 

pajamas

Being cozy and comfortable when sick is one of the most important things, in my opinion. Fun pajama pants and a simple t-shirt will do.

slippers

Okay, who doesn't want to walk on pillows even when they're not sick? Keeping feet warm is essential when sick.

lip balm

Having chapped lips is the worst, especially when you're sick. Keep your lips moisturized and maybe even add a bit of a tint.

nail polish

When you're bored at home with a fever, it's the perfect time to paint your nails. Pick a color that will brighten your mood-perhaps a hot pink!

magazines (or a book)

I love gaining inspo from magazines on the daily, but they are a perfect way to keep you occupied when sick. If you're feeling adventurous, dive into that one book that you've been wanting to read for a while, or catch up on that book for English class and yes, I know it's boring.

candles

For some reason I love burning candles when sick, even though I can't smell it (ha!).

tea

Whenever I have a sore throat, I drink tea to soothe it. Find a tea you like (add some sugar) and drink away. 

water

When you're sick, drinking a ton of water is a must. It's so important to stay hydrated, and while drinking tea is good, it dehydrates you. If you're tired of plain water, try adding some fresh lemon juice to give your immune system a kick-start.

facial wipes

Having clean skin is essential. When you're sick you may not feel like hopping in the shower, but you can still refresh and cleanse your face using wipes. These have grapefruit in them and will leave your skin feeling rejuvenated

What are your sick day essentials?

xoxo,

Alyssa.