Swimming and the anti bucket list

"When life gets you down do you know what you've gotta do? Just keep swimming, just keep swimming"

Lately I feel like I've been stuck in the 'just keep swimming' mentality coined by everyone's favorite forgetful fish, Dory. In this scene of Finding Nemo Dory is telling Marlin to 'just keep swimming' down through the darkness to the deep depths of the ocean in the hope of finding a diver's mask and Marlin's only hope of finding his son. I'm praying you didn't actually need that mini synopsis because you have seen (and love) the movie, but if you haven't please 1. Reevaluate your priorities and 2. Abandon everything and go watch Finding Nemo.
My life isn't quite as dramatic as swimming across the ocean in search of a lost family member, but I have felt a bit in the dark lately. Just like being underwater, I feel pressure closing in around me and the unknown darkness seems pretty endless. This 'swimming' isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it is also not a peaceful place to be and doesn't inspire me. I blame everything but myself for this; that my computer is broken, my work hours too long, and my exhaustion too great. However the reality is I need to taste my own medicine and reevaluate my priorities just like you fools who haven't seen Finding Nemo.

When I was abroad I came to realize how great I have it at home. I have a wonderful family and friend base, people who missed me and people who make me a better person. Not everyone can say that and I am truly (un-sarcastically) #blessed. I live in a gorgeous part of the world and I have the privilege to explore it and accomplish amazing things because I want to, not because I have to. While abroad I wrote lists of things I was going to do, old friends I was going to see, recipes to try and road trips to take. Yet here I am, 49 days into summer, and I have accomplished almost none of these things. Intervention time.

Fun fact about me: I have a mysterious issue with the term 'bucket list'. It irks me and I couldn't tell you exactly why. Maybe it's an existential annoyance with the idea that people think they need to check of accomplishments before they die to be happy. Maybe it's that the bucket list term gets used for short periods of time like study abroad, summer, or senior year of college where you hopefully don't plan on 'kicking the bucket'. Or maybe it's the fact that some people include ridiculous things like "Eat McDonalds in all 50 states" on their list that get me but it does. Long winded rant over. My point being: I don't want to call this list a 'bucket list' and the word 'resolution' doesn't quite fit so I am going to call this list what it is.

"A list of things that would make me very happy and proud if I accomplished them this summer" 

(A.L.T.T.W.M.M.V.H.P.I.A.T.T.S. for short)

1. Prioritize my workouts: run, hike, play tennis... just get OUTSIDE at least 4 times a week. 

2. Be mindful of my relationship with food: plan, buy and cook with purpose and balance.
3. Plan something to look forward to each week: reach out, connect, explore. 
4. Blog every week: Keep the creative juices flowing, write with dedication and don't forget that you love doing this.
5. Finality always scared me. Goal #5 is TBA

So there you have it. I'm trying awfully hard to find pride in what I am doing, and pride in myself. Hopefully this anti-bucket list will get me to a place of balance and hopefully it inspired some of you. At the very least I hope it inspired you to watch Finding Nemo. 

With love and lists,

Sarah Belle

'From head to toe' Lisbon

My makeup look:

Eyes: created a warm smokey eye effect with Lorac Pro Palette

Face: Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation, Hoola Bronzer, Nars Deep Throat Blush

Lips: Bobbi Brown Pink Beige Lip Gloss

Brows: Lightly filled in and shaped with Maybelline Brow Pencil

 My look:

Pants: from a local designer exhibition in Sevilla, similar here

Belt: handmade in Sevilla, I can't find anything like it!

Shoes: Topshop sandals, similar here

Sweater: Nordstrom Sun & Shadow

Top: Zara Black Basic

Earrings: Anthropologie similar here

Bag: Day a Day (Spanish company) similar here

Cheers to Lisbon, the first stop on my final European trip that ended in London on May 20th 2015.

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, felt like a city of copy cats to me. I don't mean to offend, but everywhere I turned I saw shadows of other cities mirrored in Lisbon. From the nearly identical Golden Gate bridge replica, the large statue of Jesus overlooking the city just like in Rio de Janeiro, the main square that looks so much like Madrid's Plaza Mayor, even to the architecture and narrow streets that remind me of Italy. Each of these elements play an important and purposeful role in Lisbon's history; they are not imitating due to lack of creativity but the familiarity struck me all the same. This little photo shoot was taken right outside the restaurant we ate at for our last night in Lisbon before we moved on to Vienna, hastily trying to capture some pictures before the sun went down and the restaurant canceled our reservation. I think they turned out pretty well, and encompass the laid back and casual feel of both Lisbon and Sevilla. If I were to wear this same outfit again, I think I would fully embrace the 'more is more' attitude and throw on more jewelry, muss up my hair a bit, and overall de-polish my look to a more relaxed vacation vibe. And what a vacation it was. 

I have been home for exactly a week, and am slowly working on a post that ties together my study abroad experience and reflects on everything that happened during those 5 months. However this project may take a while. As you can imagine Netflix is much more appealing than trying to summarize 150 days abroad in one short blog post that demonstrates gratitude, self reflection, and tells some really great anecdotes. Thank you for reading these ramblings and supporting my virtual journey to find my voice and passion. Being abroad solidified some of my priorities and goals, which excites me but also scared me because I learned a lot about accepting things I cannot change, that your friends truly make your world, and that sometimes you have to lose an iPhone in order to find your perspective. 

In the meantime, I just started my internship as a Style Guru for College Fashionista; an website where students write articles and photograph their peers in order to share street style fashion right from their college campus. I will be writing weekly posts and hopefully inspiring creativity for both my own style and for anyone who stumbles across my fashion musings. Check out my Style Guru bio here and #StyleOn. 

With love and 'obligada',

Sarah Belle

"I think I forgot something" Travel essentials

We have all been there, forgetting essential things like socks but remembering to bring 10 shirts and 5 shades of lipstick for a 3 day trip. #priorities. While the struggle is real, I am a firm believer that as long as you have a toothbrush, credit card, and positive attitude you can conquer basically any travel mishap. However, if you have the time to give a bit more thought to your packing, I have made up a little list of travel packing essentials that have helped me have smooth trips for the last 4 months. 

Cleanse, moisturize, protect

Fact: traveling in general is very dehydrating, especially when flying.
If you can, fly without makeup on and slather on the moisturizer before, during, and after the flight. First Aid Beauty has awesome and high quality products without an unbearable price tag, and the juice pack-esk packaging for the cleanser is so thin and easy to slip into travel packs. While sunscreen should be an everyday reality for everyone, it most definitely is a must when on holiday in sunny places.

Cleanse: First Aid Beauty Cleanser: cleanser and cream duo for $15

Moisturize: Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion - $5.00 for .5 oz travel size

Protect: Neutrogena Sunscreen SPF 70- $9.00 for 3.0 fluid oz

Spritz and smell

There is something that makes me feel more put together and ready to face the day if I add a spritz of something lovely to my routine. Smelling good should be a priority, no matter where you are!
 A word on the Sephora perfume samplers: you pay $24 for 6 perfume samples, choose your favorite, and then can redeem a roller ball of it for free! An easy an inexpensive way to discover new scents, a sweet gift, and a great travel companion- I love it.

Chloe Perfume Roller Ball-  Spray of Sunshine Perfume Sampler $24

Elizabeth & James Nirvana (Black and White) Mini Rollerball Set $20

Healthy Brovelli

Traveling means trying new things, and frequently means trying food that might not agree with you. If you get air sick, car sick, or have a sensitive tummy, throw some ginger chews in your purse for immediate and yummy relief. Finally, they don't call me Mama Brovelli for nothing: bring bandaids, Neosporin, Advil, vitamins... hell just bring a mini first aid kit! No one ever regretted being over prepared, and you never know if where you're going will have your favorite remedies.

'Gin Gins' Ginger Chew Candy- around $3 available at Trader Joes & Whole Foods

Safe travels First Aid Kit (found one with Disney Princesses cause why not). $6.50

Huzzah for organization!

Both of these were things my Mom forced me to get before leaving for Europe.... and I proudly admit that she was right (as usual). The makeup organizer has been a godsend of organization, I love the tri fold format and that it can hang up for easy access or fold down to a slim pouch for storage. The travel bottles are kind of a no brainer, but I never anticipated how much I would like having the clear pouch and different sized containers. Yay for airport liquid restrictions!

Makeup Organizer: Orla Kiely for Target- around $25, similar here

Travel Bottles and Bag: $8, similar here

Misc importance

Sometimes it's the random bits and bobs that you throw in last minute that can make or break a packing list. If you are going to be out for hours on end, using your phone for directions, snapping pictures, and Instagraming your adventures, odds are you are going to need some extra battery juice. It gives me such peace of mind to have my portable phone charger on trips, and I have been so grateful to have it many times (thanks Auntie Kim!) I always thought I was real book kind of person, until I was united with the beauty that is the Kindle. I love love LOVE it. I have the Kindle Fire so I can download books, stream movies and shows, play games, and it even has a built in camera so #selfie. 

Jackery Bar Portable External Battery Charger (in gold): on sale for $24 on Amazon

Kindle Fire HD: $99

No explanation needed, just love, random importance, and helpfulness: Nail clippers, Hobo 'Euro slide' wallet, nail polish removing wipes, extra razor heads, and of course- my neck pillow.
 

Me, the clearly overjoyed neck pillow model 

With love and wanderlust,

Sarah Belle

'From head to toe' - Salir de marcha

Go out on the town. Salir de marcha. 

Besides 'no pasa nada', 'salir de marcha' is one of my favorite Spanish expressions and is a definite part of the culture. The infamous and wise Pilar, my host mother, is the definition of a cool Mom and loves to encourage what I would lovingly call recklessness. Whenever I get ready to leave for a night of such shenanigans she always whistles and says "Aye que rubia, que guapa eres, ooo los chicos atención!" which more or less translates to: "watch out Sevilla, here comes Sarah". This shirt/cape combo is one of her favorites, and says it will bring me luck in finding un novio en España... buena suerte indeed.

This mini lookbook goes out to Pilar- cheers!

I can't wear this shirt without having to spin in circles and smile. With it's open back and attached cape, the tank is a stylish and eye catching piece without being attention seeking in the wrong way.
Top: Zara similar here $20 

I was completely anti-jegging until I got tricked into loving them by this gorgeous pair at Zara. These are yoga pants that want to grow up and be jeans some day, but so far only have grown a button. Dream on. 

Jeans: Zara High Waisted Jeggings $20

Makeup look:

Eyes: Lorac Pro Palette 

Lips: Kiko Lip Stain in 107/Plum

  

The 'front to back' earring trend caught my eye the second these babies came onto the market. The modern design adds some edge to any outfit while the pearls keep it classy! Always keep it classy ladies and gents. 

Ring: boutique in Paris

Earrings: Corte Ingles in Sevilla, but similar here $15

These boots have seen a lot- 6 countries to be exact! After a lot of love, they are starting to show some damage but I still love them and find the deep red color surprisingly easy to wear!

Shoes: Steve Madden 'Gilte' Boot in Burgundy $100

Spaniard equation: jamón ibérico, beer, potatoes, and a leather jacket. My jacket, half faux-leather and half cloth, is a lightweight alternative to the real deal, and layers with ease. I always get compliments on this and will be a closet staple for years to come!

Jacket: BlankNYC 'Private Practice' $98

A recent impulse purchase turned true love; this purse from Stradivarius. It pays homage to the current fringe trend and adds a pop of color that I can never do without. 

Bag: Stradivarius, no longer available but similar here $28

My many thanks to Miss Olivia for chasing the sunset with me to get these shots, and for traveling across the world to spend your Spring break eating ice-cream and pesto gouda cheese with me. ILY mucho.

With love and shenanigans,

Sarah Belle