Manual Overdrive

Reaching the threshold of set molds and going solo is one of the most unique borders a person can encounter. The journey over definitely will be hard, maybe even with a little dash of confusion thrown in with frustration, but believe me, shifting to manual overdrive will always be worth it. 
Besides, the moon looked so pretty that day. 

Rishita

Music Moments of 2013

Hey guys! It's Rishita again, except with music favorites instead of camera tips. I'm basically going to give my favorite albums from 2013, so they don't necessarily have to be released in 2013; I just had to have fallen in love with it within the past year. I think that's fairly straight forward, so let's get to it. 

AM - Arctic Monkeys

This is hands down my favorite album of 2013. The blend of different music style resonates through the entire tracklist with no two songs sounding outwardly the same, but yet every single song just kind of strings together perfectly. Legitimately speaking, if you were only to listen to one album from this entire list, I'd recommend this one. 

Favorite songs on the album: I Wanna Be Yours / Why'd You Only Call Me When You're Drunk

Modern Vampires of the City - Vampire Weekend

After their last album from 2010, Contra, I was actually kind of anticipating this NOW GRAMMY AWARD WINNING ALBUM (congratulations to Vampire City)! The indie rock feel to the album definitely resonates through and through and is a great to listen to when you're just relaxing or feeling sentimental (believe me as I've felt inspired to make super sentimental videos with their songs as bg music. You'll get what I'm talking about when you listen to it) 

Favorite songs on the album: Step / Obvious Bicycle / Young Lion

When It Was Now - Atlas Genius

I don't actually remember how I found out about Atlas Genius but whatever it was, I'm pretty glad I found them. The Australian band's first album is definitely a must listen for any alternative lovers.

Favorite songs on the album: If So / Back Seat 

Pure Heroine - Lorde

LORDE. It's not new news that she's gotten immensely popular within like the past six months, but it's all well deserved. Pure Heroine is definitely a unique alternative album with pretty thought provoking lyrics and ridiculously catchy beats. 10/10 would recommend to everyone. (side note: definitely recommend her EP, The Love Club too.) 

Favorite Songs on the album: Tennis Court / Team 

The vs. EP - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

I actually fell in love with this EP after The Heist came out, surprisingly. I pretty much instantly fell in love with the songs. Actually I fell in love with the brass ensemble theme throughout, but the entire EP is pretty great anyway. 

Favorite song on the EP: The End 

Native - OneRepublic

Pretty much since I was a kid, I've been hearing OneRepublic, from the radio to the mall to the elevator, EVERYWHERE. It was no surprise that when Native came out, I was pretty much anticipating it for my entire life. The album has pretty much gone through five renaissances since its release, but it's so catchy and beautiful it's all worth the radio takeovers.

Favorite songs on the album: Life in Color (the acoustic version on youtube is really good too) / Something's Gotta Give 

Random Access Memories - Daft Punk

DAFT PUNK!!11!!!11 Okay I am just too many feels about this just listen you will understand 

Favorite songs on the album: the entire album friend, the entire album 

El Camino - The Black Keys

Some Favorites.

Hi. Please enjoy this picture of some pictures I recently took. In other words, please admire what I was doing when I was supposed to be studying for finals. 

Featuring: Sperry Topsiders, Anthropologie milk glass, Anthropologie mini latte bowl, Anthropologie farmer's market basket 

Yes, I like the kitchen items from Anthropologie :) 

Love, 
Vanessa

A Touch of Nonsense

I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities.

-Dr. Seuss

Talenti Gelato

An all-time Coffeestrokes frozen favorite is Talenti Gelato. Just trust us-- take a trip to Vons, pick up a tub, and you will be set for anything from a movie night to a late night study cram. Oh, and forget about bowls as well-- just take a spoon and dig in! 

Enjoy!

Piper

When we got the absolutely lovely experience to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle this summer, I didn't really know what to expect. All I knew that I was going to spend my sixteenth birthday at this popular tourist destination, which also doubled as the inspiration for the renowned Disneyland castles. 
What I did end up figuring out, however, was that: 

1. Do not visit ANY tourist location in the summer that has very minimal shade, the result of which can be observed in the corner of the picture where hoards of people hide under the shade of the most pathetic trees ever.
2. Do not stand even an inch on the road off the pathway–the bus driver will not hesitate to run you over. 
3. Do not not look at the downward trail path from the castle while walking back–horses also walk back on them. And by walk I mean excrete.

But hats off to you, Mr. Piper, for playing something BESIDES Scotland the Brave, in 100 degree weather, not even under the skimpy shade. And for enjoying it too. 

Rishita

Netherlands

Leaving Brussels, Belgium in the dust, the next destination was the Dutch-speaking Netherlands (Holland)! We were lucky enough to be able to visit a few of the major cities-- starting off with the Hague. An hour bus tour afforded us only a glimpse of the beauty and importance of this city. 

The Hague

Simple Cafe Decor (Hague)

Next stop in the Netherlands was the capital city of Amsterdam. What struck me was the modern vibe of the city-- as proven by the endless rows of contemporary restaurants and shops. Perhaps the greatest highlight of our afternoon in Amsterdam was the tour we took of the Anne Frank Museum-- a museum in the exact location where the Franks were sheltered during World War II.

Fair and Fair (Amsterdam)

Jewish Gold Star (Anne Frank Museum, Amsterdam)

The last city we visited during our stay was the small fishing village of Volendam. It was a much-needed change of scenery from all the large buildings and busy city-life to a quiet village spotted with beautiful boats on the still waters surrounding the main road. 

Lydia & Pugs

The second brand we will be sharing with you on our "Brand Focus" series is another paper goods brand called Lydia & Pugs. 

But first, a background story about how I (Eileen) was first introduced to this particular brand...

Maybe its the bulging eyes, maybe its the tightly curled tail, or maybe it's the squished-in nose that makes pugs the most adorable breed of dogs in my opinion. Whatever it is, anything pug instantly finds its way into my shopping cart (sadly, I don't have one...).  By the way, is it just me who thinks just the name "pug" is super cute?!

Can you really resist this face?!

Anyways, for my birthday a few days ago, an amazing group of friends threw a surprise birthday party for me and one of the things they bought me was a pug notepad from Lydia & Co. Ever since, I've kept an eye out for products from this company-- and here's a few of my favorites!

Pug Notes Notepad

Holiday Dogs Greeting Card

Tandem Pugs Thank You Postcards

Christmas Bao

On Christmas day, my grandma has made it a tradition to make these bread things called "bao" in Chinese. As the oldest of her grandkids, I was always forced to help. This year I took a break from kitchen work and became the photographer for the day. Please enjoy this picture of grandma scolding the second oldest as he kneads the dough. Merry Christmas friends! 

Love, 
Vanessa

DIY : Penguin Felt Ornaments

 I've made these penguins before and they are my go-to christmas gifts because who doesn't like penguins? These penguins were adapted from a bird tutorial i came across years ago. Check out the original blog here! Petite Purls. 

You will need : 

- bird template 

- felt 

- embroidery floss

- fabric scissors

- pins

- a needle

- glue

- twine

- a jingle bell

- stuffing

* the size and color of your penguin is up to you!

1. prep your templates onto felt and pin together

2. cut! you should have a body, a face, two wings, a beak, and a bow tie, but that's optional

3. sew on eyes and glue on a beak

4. this next step was meant to be sewn on, but because the sun was going down i had to glue on the pieces. the wings should go on the bottom two section of the body.

5. sew the body together 

6. stuff your penguin and finish sewing to close

7. add a bell to twine, sew through the top, and knot the top

Now you have a penguin to add to your christmas tree or give to your friends and family! I recently made a set of four as a christmas gift to a super cute family. Thanks for reading!