Holiday Season!

Before I moved to LA, I hated the fall (although I probably hated the winter even more). Now, I have to admit, that I kind of miss it. I like the coldness of the air and the colorful, pretty fall days. BUT, we actually have seasons in LA. I know that was something I didn't believe before I moved here. Unfortunately, the people who built the apartments in LA probably didn't know this. If they knew, I can't imagine why they wouldn't insulate any buildings?!

Anyways, enough rambling. What I wanted to say is this: I LOVE the fall fashion. So much nicer than summer clothes. I love layers, scarves, big sweaters and boots. You can do so much more with your outfits than during the summer. I have a ton of warm scarves and jackets that I'm dying to put to use. If you took a look in my wardrobe, you would probably guess I lived in like... Chicago instead of LA, haha.

Sweater from Anthropologie, shoes from Steve Madden, knee socks and skirt from H&M, watch from Michael Kors, and bag from the Rose Bowl flea market

Tonight, my friend J and I celebrated the holiday season by going to Starbucks and order hot skinny peppermint mochas with whipped cream. J. introduced me to the drink last fall/winter, and I was hooked the entire holiday season last year. It's one of those holiday drinks (or so we thought. When J. called in today, they told her that they actually do serve it all year long, it's just not on the menu. It's kind of like animal fries on In'n'out... only the special ones know about it :))

After that we met up with J's fiance (getting married next weekend, whoot whoot, although I still need to buy a dress!) and we went to an art show in Culver City. I really liked the art, as well as the wine and food! 

All in all, a very nice evening. Tomorrow: Back on working on apps, and volunteering in my UCLA lab.

One of those days...

A couple of days ago, I had one of those amazing days you don't get to experience that often. Nothing really extraordinary happened, but I just felt relaxed and happy the entire day. The day started with me being able to sleep in a little bit (just that is worth a celebration in my opinion!). After that, I went to the beach with a friend. It was perfect beach weather, and we just tanned and chatted for hours. After that, we went to a nice restaurant on 3rd street promenade for a late lunch.

In the evening, I met up with some other friends, and we went to see a Dodgers game. For all you Swedes that might not know what kind of sport the team is famous for; it's baseball. It was my first baseball game ever and I enjoyed it a lot. Granted, it's very different from when you go to sports games in Sweden where people are 100% focused on the game and cheering their team on. Baseball is more like a relaxing evening with your friends, and the game is more like a background noise ;). Either way, we had lots of fun, and it was great to be able to learn more about the rules etc. I actually think I understand most of the game now... pretty impressive, huh? I also have to say that Baseball = fat ball (?). I think people go there more for all the nachos, fries, and candy that they can stuff their mouths full with than for the actual game... I think baseball even more so than other sport games I've been to. It was insane. And as someone culturally sensitive, we had to follow tradition and I ate way too much! Fries, hamburger, ice cream... Oh my! :)

In the end, it was a stuffed, and fried, but happy Me that went to bed that night (fried from the beach - it was painful, and stuffed from all the food)

Happy Birthday

Ok, so I was looking forward to the long weekend (my first full weekend after the GRE), and what happens? I go and get sick! And I never get sick. I tried to not let it get to me too much though. Friday I went to Cabo Cantina with two friends for a margarita (you gotta love the margaritas... and as a true Swede, I always ask for extra salt!). Saturday, I was pretty wiped out, but Sunday I went to go dress shopping for the upcoming wedding that I, and many of my friends are about to attend... did I find a dress?! No, but in true me-style, I randomly bought one more Michael Kors watch on Nordstrom once I discovered it was on sale (why am I not like most people and randomly buy cheap stuff instead of stuff like that, that should require some more contemplation before buying it? Granted, I had been thinking about buying a golden watch since I bought the white one). After that, we went to an Asian restaurant where I ate curry with coconut milk. My favorite.

On Sunday night, I met up with  my old roommate for dinner. He made me his world-famous, delicious salad. It was a great night with great conversation. I love talking to really smart, interesting and knowledgeable people (although I sometimes get embarrassed by my lack of world knowledge).

And today was Independence day, and I felt shittier than ever. I still managed to get my butt down to Venice to watch the fireworks with some friends, but that was about it.

Well, let me say this: HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA! I know I backtalk you a lot, but there is love in my heart for you beneath all the ridicule. ;)

My Rebirth

So for those who know me, you know that the last couple of months, I've literally been locked up at Starbucks, Barnes&Noble, and my own apartment, studying for the General GRE test 24/7. So after finally taking the test yesterday I am officially  a free woman again. It feels SO good. I don't think I have even realized how depressed I really was sitting inside staring at those words and math problems these months.

Today I celebrated by having a really relaxing and wonderful day. First me and two friends (Linda & Helle) went to a vintage store on La Brea in Hollywood. Every Sunday they have a sale where every item is only one dollar. Crazy! We have been there before and you can really find some amazing stuff there. Today I bought lots of dresses!

After that, we went to Primo Café on Sunset Blvd for lunch. It really reminded me of last summer (which was utterly amazing!). Every Sunday last summer, me and my friends went to Drais Pool Party on Sundays, and then we ate at Primo Café on our way home. Their Summer Berry Salad is heavenly.

Later today I and another friend (Ellen) took her convertable down to the beach. I got my daily fix of Starbucks' Skinny Vanilla Latte and we just sat on the beach and talked about life.

It truly was a refreshing day.

A New Beginning

Yes, I have been a blogger on and off for years now, but I have decided to start fresh. We all need a fresh start every now and then, don't we?

I have lately come to the realization that I need to start appreciating my life more. I have a great life. I live in a city I chose myself - moved from Sweden to Los Angeles for college and I'm still here, more than five years later. I have great friends, and a great family. I have a fulfilling job. I'm financially stable. And yet, I can't help but always wanting more, or doubting the choices I make. I think the plethora of choices one have as a young person today is as much a curse as it is a blessing. For example, I sometimes wish that I had not been able to make the choice to move to Los Angeles. If I had not, I would never have missed it when I go back to Sweden, and I would never miss Sweden because I am here.

I know that I am in a down period right now, but I am going to try very hard to not make this into a blog filled with complaining, but instead, make this an outlet to tell about all the things I am thankful for, all the great things I get to experience, and all the opportunities I have. I will write about my opinions, thoughts about life,  my everyday experiences, and probably a lot about psychology too, since it is one of my passions in life.