Chasing the Sun: My Sunlit Sky

Hello everyone!
Today's post is kicking off my summer series! I have officially set the countdowns for my summer adventures and this year, I'm calling my summer series: "Chasing the Sun." On Saturday, June 25th, I held my annual welcome summer bonfire. This bonfire was a celebration not only to welcome summer, as well as a delayed graduation celebration.
Last year, I held the bonfire at Bolsa Chica. I liked it so much I decided to host it there again this year. When my friends and I arrived, there were no pits left. Instead of wasting more time in hope of finding an unsaved pit, we set up in the middle of the beach, and spent time frolicking in the water. By sun down, my friends and I were able to find a pit! We were able to roast marshmallows and make s'mores, listen to music, and just be.






One of my greatest treasure is being around water. Whether it's taking a bath, being at the beach, going swimming in a pool... I love water. I grew up with a pool and spent my summer swimming every day. I grew up with trips to the beach and swimming in the ocean. I've always called the beach home because I love being by the ocean. It has always had the power to calm me and bring me peace. 'Till today, I carry the same appreciation for water as I did as a child. 

I've always loved having summer bonfires since it allows me to be around water and spend time with my friends. When I was in high school, my friends and I always had one for our end of the year celebration. I decided to continue it into college. I usually host my bonfires with a specific set of friends. This year, I invited people from different groups of my social circles and loved being around the company of people that bring me so much joy. Last year, I had an amazing summer. I can't wait to see what this summer brings.

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” —F. Scott Fitzgerald

It's Summertime!

   

Hello everyone!

My last post was a letter to my fellow CSULA Eagles a few days before graduation. And guess what? I am now officially a college graduate! It rained during my graduation and my parents ended up throwing a grad party for me. I had an amazing day. Last week, I went camping with my family. The picture above captures the sunset from Lake Casitas, CA. Now, It's officially summertime! I'm excited for what this summer holds. My anticipation for summer started way too early, nonetheless, I'm still excited for the days to come. I always create a seasonal playlist, so of course I created one for this summer.

This summer playlist is a random compilation of songs I happen to like last summer and some I've always liked for summertime. I was so excited for this summer I actually created two playlists. One of them I'll be sharing later on in the summer. The one I'm sharing with you today, I must admit, is definitely centralized on pop songs. Confession: dying my hair blonde has made me wear color more than ever and listening to pop songs. HA! It's given me a different vibe. New hair, new me... I suppose. Anyways, time for the music!

Check it out:



Thanks for reading and listening!

xoxo

-Mira

With a Grateful Heart: A Letter to My Fellow Eagles

Dear Eagle,


In September 2012, a few days before my very first day of college, I wrote a letter to my future self. I sealed the envelope and titled it, "Do not read until you've graduated college." After four years, that letter currently sits on my bedside table waiting one more day to be opened.

Today's post is me expressing my gratitude to people who I've met throughout college, people who have supported me, encouraged me, and loved me these past four years. I've personally thanked individual people to say my thank you, but today, I'm writing to personally acknowledge these people. Without any of them, I wouldn't have enjoyed college and be the (soon to be) college graduate that I am.

COHORT

The girl who is right next to me wearing glasses and" is always on my snapchat"? That's my day one. Her name's Heidi. The guy wearing the keys around his neck? And my OOTD partner? His name is Kyle. They are the first two people I ever met during my very first day of school, in our very first class together. Our cohort were the set of friends I hung out with for my first quarter ever at Cal State LA. You all made me feel welcomed. After all, we were just a bunch of kids going to college for the first time. 

Kenny, Vanessa A., Joey, Eliana, Kyle, Michelle, Michelle, Heidi, Christian, Noeli, Vanessa H. Thank you for being the best cohort to start off my first ten weeks of college with.

CSULA KIDS

I wouldn't have met these people if it weren't for one of my long-time childhood friend, Jenilee. Jenilee, Kyle, Jessica, Tammy, Mel, Eileen, Megan, Robin, Andrew, Bridget, Jeffrey, and Misty, you all adopted me into your group and welcomed me in with open arms. I spent a lot of my second and third year of college at the Student Union because one of us was always there. From our Spring Break adventures, karaoke nights, and fun food runs, you guys gave me so much to be thankful for.


 COMM/LPE

When I declared my majors, I was Business Admin (marketing) and Communication (Public Relations). After hearing it'd take me six years to finish with a double, I changed my mind. I didn't want to stay for that long! So I chose COMM as my major and Marketing as my minor. I don't regret that decision. Being part of Lambda Pi Eta and knowing people who had the same major as me made me enjoy the last two years of college. This group has some of the smartest, kindest, beautiful, and hard-working people I'm blessed to know. Without any of you, I wouldn't be as confident with my self as I am today.

Here's a list of things I learned being part of this beautiful family:
- Don't try arguing with us cause I'm pretty sure we can argue for hours.
- We can talk, but we also know when to stop talking.
- If we want something, I'm pretty sure we can persuade you.
- We can present just about anything. After all, our PR classes were all about presenting.
- We can write. PR strategic plans, rhetoric papers, and 25 page thesis proved that... but please don't ask us to proofread your papers, we're not English majors.
- Try your hardest to keep us away from math. We like words, not numbers.
- COMM people are the best and nicest people you'll ever meet.





Of course, I want to say a BIG thank you to my parents, brothers, family, Ohana, second fam, Wave group, my favorite advisor Evelyn E., teachers, and friends. You have no idea how grateful I am to have such an amazing support system. It's your kind words, encouragements, guidance, and relentless love that makes me want to aim high to make you all proud.

Just as I wrote in the acknowledgements section of my thesis, "...with every commute I made, each class I took, and every friend I made along the way, I found my place as an eagle in this bird's nest."

Thank you. All of you.

Now it's time to soar like an eagle.

xoxo

-Mira

Bid Adieu

Hey everyone!

Today I'm sharing with you some of my favorite shots of my grad photos. During Memorial Day, I went to campus with my friends Chris and Erika to take my grad photos. My friend Chris took these photos and I give him all the credit cause he did an amazing job. Also, giving a shoutout to my girl, Erika, because without her I wouldn't have looked as good.

Yesterday, I commuted to class for the last time. I cried on my way. haha. Sentimental much? Very. I turned in my senior thesis and finished my last undergrad final. I don't know where the last four years went, but all I know is that it went by too fast. Good thing I have a ton of memories to remember and a bunch of pictures to verify they actually happened.

I've officially finished my last set of finals and I'M DONE WITH COLLEGE. Graduation is only 3 DAYS AWAY. 3 DAYS. I still can't believe I'm graduating. I started this blog my sophomore year of college and now I'm done. What now?

I have no idea. But I'll be smiling, working, and laughing my way there.

Opening with this photo because I laugh at everything and I can never take photoshoots too seriously.



I graduate on Saturday.  I'm super stoked and a handful nervous. I can't wait to share with you my next blog post.

Till next time!
xoxo
- Mira 

2016 Met Gala Favorites

Hey everyone!

So the Met Gala or Met Ball just happened. If you don't know what the Met Gala is, it's an annual gala of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York. This year's theme was Manus x Machina: Fashion in An Age of Technology. Anyone is who is anyone attends, wearing anyone who is worth wearing. Beautiful people wearing beautiful clothes. 


I've always looked forward to seeing all the different and beautiful styles people wear to this event. I remember being in middle school and looking up all the pictures of my favorite celebrities to see what they wore to the event. Here are my favorite looks:



 
Taylor Swift: I'm in love with this whole classy punk-rock look she got going on. The Louis Vuitton dress itself is beautiful, but with those heels and dark lips? LOVE.

Alessandra Ambrosio: Balmain. Balmain. Balmain. This peekaboo dress with that belt is gorgeous!
Olsen twins: These two have been fashion icons to me since I was in elementary school. Classic looks and that tousled hair I always wish I had.

Liberty Ross: This isn't your average black dress. The envelope style in the front of the dress is not something I normally like, but on her I really like it. Especially with that hat. I really like that hat.

Kate Bosworth: This Dolce & Gabbana dress is stunning. Not to mention that her hair accessories totally add to the look. It reminds me of the fashion styles in 1920s. I love it.

 
Blake Lively: Totally Gossip Girl worthy. This Burberry dress is so feminine and girly, yet so classy. It makes her look like a princess. AND SHE'S A MOM NOW. Beautiful Blake. 

Amber Heard: Must admit, I really like this dress because it has the same concept I imagine wearing to my graduation. I'm in love with the simplicity of it, but I love the texture satin adds. Good job Ralph Lauren.

Bee Shaffer: Wearing Alexander McQueen. My favorite designer. Her look is so simple yet so beautiful. I know it's pretty safe for the Met Gala but I actually really like it. I also really like her headband. It completes the overall look for me. The headband and her earrings add the spark just enough.
Emma Watson: OH EM GEE. I couldn't stop staring at this photo. Such a beautiful woman wearing a beautiful dress. The bodice is incredible, especially since off the shoulder are totally in right now. 
Lily Collins: Red dresses are such classic statements, its hard to go wrong. Lately, I've been loving anything the deep v-cut style, and this Valentino dress is incredible. I also cannot dismiss the cool concept of her makeup look. It contributes to the technology theme, which I think is really cool.
 
Elle Fanning: The deep v-cut style. The satin gown. The train. I can't get over this stunning look. She totally pulls it off too. Especially since she keeps it simple with the jewelry. Beautiful. 
Karlie Kloss: This Brandon Maxwell dress is beautiful! Enough to show but not too much to look trashy. I think it's beautiful. Then for the after party she cuts it to turn it into a mini. It looks just as beautiful.
Rose Byrne: The whole Ralph Lauren collection is beautiful. This dress is stunning. Like I said before, I really like the texture the satin adds- it makes her look so golden. I love! Also, I'm in love with her hair and red lips.
Nicole Kidman: GORGEOUS. GORGEOUS. GORGEOUS. Saved this for last because IT'S MY FAVORITE. Have I mentioned that Alexander McQueen is one of my favorite designers? If not, now you know. The dress and headband/crown totally makes Nicole look like a queen. All hail. Plus the picture featuring Keith Urban is just ahhh!! *insert girly scream* Can I please attend an event and wear this look, PLEASE!?
What night full of fashion. I love seeing what who people choose to wear. Moreover, I love being able to pick which ones are my favorites and write about it. Which look was your favorite?
"Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live." —Gianni Versace