Weekend Away.

It was an intense first week back at school, as you can only imagine.

Projects were doled out, work was evermore intense, and I was overwhelmed on first sight.

I needed a distraction.

Well, it came to be that I had made a reservation to LA to visit some long lost FIDM friends- Jordan and Whitney!

It had been a tough couple of months in SF being away from the besties, and to be reunited with my clique was the absolute best. Not only a distraction, but a much needed therapy, for us all!

You ever have those friends that you don't see in awhile, maybe occasionally talk to? And then the second you're reunited, it's like no time had passed at all and friendship resumes its place as naturally as it should.

These girls are those girls, and I have missed them dearly. It's definitely been different this year in SF without them, but the fact that they're only a short flight away is a blessing in disguise.

*speaking of flight away- when I flew here the other day, I just so happened to board a plane alongside an entire college basketball team, and I was brave and sat in the midst of all these tall beautiful athletic men and it was heaven*

Anyhow, we've had the greatest weekend shopping, hiking, jamming in the car, and just enjoying the company of each other...

As always, the day began with a strong cup of coffee; specifically, a honey vanilla latte from Urth Café.

Outfit of the day pics, starting with Whitney!

I proudly held my new Ted Baker shopping bag, as I may have made a purchase at the one on Robertson. As always, I tell myself that it's "for work"...

Giggling all the while because we all know that I am infatuaTED with Ted Baker..

Jordan looking fresh!

Later in the evening, we drove on up to the trailhead to Runyon Canyon in Hollywood Hills. What an evening stroll that was!

And just like that, the sun was down and the city lit before us.

Truly, it's rather easy to get lost in la la land..

West side representin'!

I've got the world on a string..

The next morning began with another cup of coffee- a toasted lavender latte in Santa Monica.

Whitney has some seriously wicked eye color!

Cheers to that!

Lunch was at a wine bar in the third street promenade. We prolly could've sprung for glasses of the bubbly, but instead went for shirleys all around. We sat outside, danced to the music, were heated by the lanterns, and laughed all the while..

I need this in my life.

I also require all of these.

Here, we take a quick pic in the dressing room of the Ted Baker in Santa Monica, where I had the most delightful experience with the sales associate. He was cute, kind, helpful, and full of humour (not to mention British). He reasserted my love for the company and I was so enamored with him that I ended up purchasing just a couple more goodies...

He also gave me the low-lit moody room; you know, to set the mood..

I also popped over to Kate Spade where I again fell victim to the cuteness of Kate. That shirt there on the wall ended up in my wardrobe, alongside another journal..

And just like the first time, Jordan, Whitney, and I walked down to the Santa Monica Pier, where we first got to know each other a year and a half ago. Just like the old times..

The reactions when a guy called out to me: "You pretty for a white girl!"

And the faces when the bae walks by..

I was only there two days, but it was the best two days.

Spike the Punch.

If you were a punchbowl, I'd spike you.

What can I say? I'm whiskey in a teacup! Not all is as it seems...

I finally returned to school this week and let me tell you: I am once more impressed and ready to rumble as I near down on the quarters until graduation.

The classes I am currently taking this quarter are as follows: Brand Management Strategies, Textile Science, Merchandise Presentation, and Contemporary Business Strategies.

They're all rather grand; however, what I'm learning most in this first week is what I'm made of.

I generally work thirty-two hours a week and I am a full-time student. Granted, I only go to school twice a week, but the workload is quite extensive, and the group projects are hefty. In this week alone, I have been tried and tested as to how I work as a human being and how much I can take on. I'm learning that I'm a hard worker, but I'm also learning the act of saying no.

I have this tendency in which I try and appease everyone. I often stretch myself too much and the result is a stressful girl who calls her mom more than usual and one who neglects taking care of herself. That being said, I'm sharing the simple concept of saying no and taking time for yourself. On top of that, it's best to look on the bright side, and instead of seeing a mountain of homework that needs to be done (and therefore an uneventful and stressful attempt at sleeping), I'm looking at what all this is preparing me for, what I'm learning, and the other beautiful things going on in my life.

Homework is temporary! And the stress you go over something that gets graded once in a weeks time is not worth it. Life is too short to worry over those types of things and the best mindset is one of positivity, and the takeaway of what did I learn?

That being said, I'm going into this new school year with an attitude. I'm attacking this whole college mindset punchbowl with a spicy spike of Elan...

What I wore: Tom Ford black sunnies (consignment), red vintage rhinestone earrings (vintage store), pink Kate Spade "spike the punch" tee (consignment), red leather Escada skirt (Mom's), and black Dolce Vita black shoes (vintage store).

Home is Where My Heart Is.

Believably, I'm sitting back in my closet of a room in San Francisco.

I knew the day would come, I just didn't know that it would come this quickly!

When I talked to you last, I was very open about my struggle in San Francisco. As we all know, it's a new year, and I plan to make my time in San Francisco a new experience for me, none of this lonely and sad stuff. Course, I'm the most prone woman to cry so I'm not guaranteeing lack of tears, but I'm for sure going into 2016 with a more positive attitude.

Going home was good for me. I was reunited with my family, of whom I love so much, and I was really able to recoup and refocus myself. I've learned that sometimes, your journey will take you off your path; however, it's all part of the same trip. There's no doubt that I'm out of my comfort zone here, but it's the beauty of living. It's about experiencing new things and discovering who you are and what you like (and don't like). In the end though, it's all for the benefit of your journey.

And the most beautiful thing about home is that you can always come back to it. I'll always be able to visit the familiar and wonderful place that is Alaska. Home will always have its door open for me, and my family will always be there to greet me with open arms and fresh Moscow Mules!

Whilst being home, we also experienced the family videos from our childhood, and seeing myself as a three year old dressed in Mom's negligee and big girl pumps just assured me that being in San Francisco, however trying it is at times, is all helping me in following my passion and pursing my dream. The experience of going home and being able to refresh myself has really helped instill a positive outlook for this coming year (and the rest to follow).

I hope you all had a lovely New Year. It's only just begun!

Home sweet home.

A little reminiscing down by the river..

I'll for sure miss the untouched beauty of Alaska and its wildlife!

Off she goes..

As I made it from the airport to my home, I couldn't help but see my surroundings in a whole new and exciting light.. My remaining time here is going to be amazing, I just know it.

New Thoughts in the New Year.

Well hullo there! I haven't seen you since last year.

Haven't heard that one before!

It's still bizarre to think of this as a new year. For me, it's like I just worked a summer shift at the coffee shop!

And I know its been no surprise that I've been slacking as of late. Well, here's the honest truth: I haven't entirely adjusted yet to life in San Francisco. Sure, I've got a pattern of my school, work, and food schedule. But mentally, I've been a bit lost.

I've talked about the loneliness of living in a big city before, and I'm telling you, it's a real thing. I've also struggled a bit with my eating schedule, and I' haven't exercised, besides all the walking I do.

Now I know this is all on my doing and my attitude about it determines a lot. But it's hard sometimes to fight against those wallowing self-pity and lonely thoughts that roll around in my head.

But the fabulous thing about all of this is that I was able to come home and recoup. There is something so incredibly special about coming home to the town that hasn't changed ( maybe a new stoplight) and a home that hasn't changed (maybe some new art on the wall).

Since being home, we've also taken it upon ourselves to partake in a home video marathon, as my dad was very good about keeping records of us as youngins. I don't know what clicked in me, but I realized that there is so much to be happy about in this life. And it all tied back to a conversation I had with a gal in the Anchorage airport. When I told her I was in fashion school, she goes "And you were raised in Alaska?!" It's not about where you were raised honey, only how. A lot of it also has to do with who you are as a person, and looking through these videos, at the big eared girl singing with her Barbie into the fan in Mom's negligée, I knew even at a young age that fashion was my passion. And being at FIDM in San Francisco, where amazing things have already happened to me, I know I'm in the right place.

On top of this, I was on my way to work with my mom, and a High School Musical song came on (All for One) and I heard the line "It's not about the future, it's not about the past, it's making every single day last!" It's like the universe is speaking to me.

I know it takes time to adjust. But I've used that as an excuse to feel sorry for myself and I truly have the power to fix all of those issues. Loneliness? I've got friends in school and in the Residence Club, all I have to do is speak out! Food? Use that money you've been making and treat yourself to meals out. Or, if you don't want to spend the money, simply go downstairs at the opportune time (i.e. when Sebastiano is cooking pasta for everyone). Exercise? Girl, there are a thousand gyms and yoga studios right outside your door. Ask someone from your Residence Hall to go with you!

See? All it takes is a little perspective and some time spent at home to really change your attitude about these things. And now, instead of dreading (okay, not really to that degree) going back and facing these "challenges", I look forward to how I'm going to adopt to them and use them to the best of my advantage. This is an adventure, Elan! Those past months have been amazing, if not a little mentally rough at times.

Let's make this a great year, my friend.

2016, here Fudge and I come. You see, she's my wingman. She's always got my back..

Festivities began with a (couple) shot (s) of this fine stuff..

Then we had some ice cream cake..

As midnight grew near, fireworks went off in every direction. Remember, we live in a place that gets dark at 4:00 pm. Fudge, however, did not enjoy these festivities and instead hid under objects..

NYE and my sister is puzzling.. No, literally.

As the countdown began, my dad brought out an old bottle of the Dom Perignon.

1998, a good year.

I have a beautiful fascination with the bubbly..

3,2,1.. Happy New Year! *clink*

I myself was feeling pretty bubbly after a couple glasses of the good stuff..

Cheers to a fine new year! 2016: let's make this a good one.