As Spring blooms, it is so lovely to see the once bare trees begin to bloom in color. It's a beautiful reminder of God's provision and promise to provide in our desert moments. Lately, I've felt drained and like there is nothing left to give. But I've been reminded that God provides in amazing ways in those moments of drought.
Music has always been there to lift my spirits throughout the highs and lows of life. After receiving a degree in music and stepped into the medical world, I was told that music would be pushed aside and I wouldn't get the chance to do much musically. Thankfully, God had a different plan for me.
In the midst of the stressful moments of medical school and residency, there have been an overwhelming times of feeling emotionally, physically and mentally poured out. The undercurrent beat and tune to my life is slowed and depressing. However, in those moments, a musical opportunity opens up and brings a new upbeat rhythm and joyful melody to my life.
You can check out some of my recent music projects here if you are curious. There are more projects currently in the works that I cannot wait to share with you!
What is the one thing or the few things that bring(s) you joy in the tough moments of life?
Merry Christmas, friends! I'm so thankful for you and for all the joy your support and sweet encouragement have brought me. Seriously, thanks for following along even though I'm not the greatest at keeping up with all of you and posting regularly. Thanks for showing me so much grace! As a thank you gift, I'd like to share a version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" with you.
You may or may not know that I'm a musician. While I don't get to wear my musician hat as much as I'd like these days, it has always been my way of sharing my heart with people. I hope you enjoy it!
I've been so incredibly lucky to have been able to travel to Hong Kong numerous times throughout my life and it never gets old. You'd think that Hong Kong is a tiny city, but you would be so wrong! Each section of it is worth spending a bit of time to explore and there are small islands and new territories to visit as well!
HAPPY SPRING! Too bad the weather celebrated the first day of Spring with a small blizzard. Perhaps it was winters way of bowing out gracefully. Hopefully.
Since I've been wearing tons of color lately, I thought I'd tone it down a bit. Of course I choose to wear a more "wintery" look when the weather is finally 40 degrees above zero. Basically shorts and a tank top weather around here. Hopefully for a good while. We've had enough of you, Chiberia.
If you follow me on Instagram, you might know that I've been doing a super fun #StyleMeMarch closet remix challenge that the lovely & adorable Hilary of Dean Street Society puts together. Each day there's a theme to give you inspiration to see your closet in a new light and piece together an amazing outfit for your day. At times, I can put together an outfit in no time, while at other times I am in total struggle bus mode. But I love it! It's supposed to be a challenge! Here's this month's challenge:
I've decided to incorporate more music on my blog since music has always been a huge presence in my life. Also, there's so much junk on the radio that I already spend a lot of time finding better music and new artists (or at least new to me), so I figured that every so often I'll share some treasures I unearth. Hope you guys enjoy these music excerpts!
As a student, I understand that the beginning of December means one thing. FINALS. And besides tons of prayer & the knowledge that God is on our side, the big thing that gets me through the stressful season of studying 24/7 is listening to good music. So I thought I'd share some new up-and-coming musicians/artists that I've been listening to recently to help you get through finals, or if you aren't in school, then just to discover & enjoy (or not, but at least you tried).
Happy Friday friends! I can't believe it's already November! Plus, I'm officially halfway done with M3 year! WHAT?! :) *Cue happy dance*! PTL!! God is good!
Again, I'm linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday. Now let's get on with my five recent favorite things!
1. Favorite Quote
I recently read this beautifully written article called "Single and Not Waiting". One of my favorite reminders in the article was, "I’ve been living like I’m waiting for someone to get here. And it isn’t Jesus." It's easy to get caught up in this notion that my life would feel more complete when I'm married & have kids. But my life was already filled & complete when I accepted Jesus in my heart. He is enough.
2. Favorite laugh
Boy talking to himself while pooping. He has such a grown-up palate! "Poutine...chocolate thingies..." Okay well we never grow out of loving chocolate thingies.
3. Favorite sound
Recently Matt Wertz & Elenowen played in Chicago & it was amazing! At the end, Matt and Elenowen and their band jammed IN the crowd! How fun! You can check out a snippet of the awesome-ness on my instagram! And be sure to check out Matt Wertz & Elenowen!
Elenowen
4. Favorite memory
Last weekend my good friends got married & I played the violin for their ceremony. The bride walked down the aisle to Christina Perri's "A Thousand Years" which stirred up tears in everyone's eye, including the groom! Aww!
My beautiful friends!
5. Favorite eat
In an attempt to make me eat healthier, my sister made a delicious hummus-based pesto. It was so delicious!!
What are some of your favorite things? Have a wonderful weekend!
So thankful that this week has been so much better than last week. Still working with a crazy schedule of commuting back & forth, but I've enjoyed getting the chance to work downtown & people watch. Creepy? Please, you know you do it too.
It's so much fun looking at people's unique sense of style. But it makes my day when I spot adorable little children with the most impeccable style that I get green with envy. Okay, so it's the mothers' doing obviously. I can't wait to make my kids look good! But probably not in Burberry. Sorry future child(ren), I refuse to put you in expensive clothes you'll spill juice on & won't appreciate. Oh wait, but I still spill on myself.
While I am thankful for the smiles that those adorable kids put on my face, I'm most thankful for the life God has blessed me. I'm imperfect & I grumble more than I should, yet He's given me a beautiful life with clothes on my back, food on my table, a roof over my head & the most amazing family & friends. So I just need to step away from it all & spend time to thank God for His mercies that are new everyday.
Today I'm linking up again with Lauren for High Five for Friday! Here's to looking up to greater things to come!
1. Favorite New Show
Masterchef Junior is the cutest cooking show ever! Not only do they make me feel even more inadequate in my cooking and baking skills, but they also blow me away by their maturity at ages 8-13. I absolutely recommend this show not only to watch their skills in the kitchen, but also to see how they interact with each other. They're competing against each other, but through the first 2 episodes I have seen nothing but encouragement and positive words for one another! HOW BEAUTIFUL. Watch it.
2. Favorite Outfit
This past week I made it a goal to hold my chin up & face the week boldly. Aka. in style & my most important accessory, my smile. You can check out my looks on my Instagram. If you're an Ig-er, please follow me! Here's my favorite look from this week:
Dress: Old Navy | Cardigan: LOFT | leggings: Old Navy | Boots: Steve Madden | Necklace: ILY Couture
3. Favorite Smile
I love most musicians you find in subway stations. It makes me take my headphones out of my ears & actually listen to live music that's all around us. This adorable man put the biggest smile on my face. How cute does he look with his instruments on all 4 extremities??
4. Favorite Food
I've been so bad these past two weeks. While working downtown is great, there's food everywhere. EVERYWHERE. As some of you know, I already eat a lot. But this takes the cake. I've been eating SO much that I've actually gained weight. What. M3 fifteen! Here are two of my favorite things that I've indulged in:
Potbelly's Oreo Shake
Chipotle. Obviously.
5. Favorite New Music
I came across The Saint Johns on iTunes radio last week & fell in love with their song Your Head and Your Heart which was featured on one of my favorite shows, Nashville! Super cool! Their debut EP Open Water is incredible. They're also on tour with Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors and Stephen Kellogg, so check them out & see if they'll be visiting a town near you.
Thanks for reading friends! Have a beautiful weekend :) Don't forget to show a little love to someone because we all need to reminded that we are loved from time to time.
Psst...Sorry about leaving you hanging if you're following my Maize & Blue style series! I promise more looks to come soon! :)
I don't think I've complained this much in one week in a long time. So to avoid that ugliness, let's focus on the good things that make us smile. Today I'm linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday! This edition is a summary of September favorites.
1. Favorite Eat
Vora is hands-down my new favorite restaurant in Chicago for authentic Taiwanese food, one of my favorite cuisines. The restaurant is modern and the food is served with a modern twist, but once you bite into their food it's like being transported to Taiwan. I can't find all the food pictures I took, but that just means I'll have to go back asap! Here's a photo from my Instagram with my pretty foodie friends who introduced me to the place:
2. Favorite Sounds
Everything Pentatonix creates is nothing short of amazing. Their cover of Lorde's "Royals" gives me the chills every time I listen to it. And it's been on repeat since it was uploaded. Listen & be prepared to rub away those goosebumps.
I'm also obsessed with New Heights' cover of Avicii's "Wake Me Up". I love any artist who recreates a hit and makes it another hit in and of itself. Breathtakingly beautiful. More chills.
3. Favorite Outfit
Even though Fall weather is not in full swing yet (why is it 80 degrees out?!), I am still wishing it was here & brought out the boots last weekend. Because that will make Fall weather come sooner, obviously. I think another reason I love boots is the fact that I usually pair them with leggings and a dress especially the shorter ones that I don't feel comfortable wearing without opaque tights/leggings; my dresses tend to get more mileage in this season.
Dress: old | Cardigan: Mango | Leggings:Old Navy | Necklace:ILY Couture*** | Bag: Asos | Boots: GoJane
4. Favorite Memory
My birthday was one of the simplest birthdays I've had, but one of my favorites. We had a rough shift at the hospital and my amazing team brought in cupcakes to surprise me & made the day so much sweeter! Plus, I made it home in time (in the torrential rainstorm) to spend a quick but special half hour with my sister for a birthday dinner consisting of delicious Vietnamese food before she had to leave for night call. I love my friends & family! You guys are the best & know how to make a girl happy :)
5. Favorite Emmy 2013 Looks
Allison William's Ralph Lauren gown was by far my favorite. I love how the dress is so simple yet so stunning. It fits her like a glove, the color is perfect & so is her minimalist gold jewelry.
My favorite outfit out of the guys was won by the adorable & brilliant Nolan Gould. It was the tiny details of his look that won me over. Just check out that snazzy white tie with black trim and the texture of his suit. Obsessed. Plus I just want to pinch his cheeks.
Happy Friday! Hope all your weeks were not as awkward as mine! Does anyone else feel like every first few days in a new setting is super awkward & the days pass disjointedly as you try to get your bearings? Anyway, the week is almost over so hopefully the awkwardness will pass like a storm we can easily forget about.
I'm linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday for the second time! This time I'm capturing the 5 best moments from my too short but amazing Nashville getaway. Let's do this:
1. Favorite Outfit: I'm obsessed with this girly chambray floral dress you may have seen in my last post. And of course I girlyfied it further with a bubble gum pink cardigan & bow-topped heels. But I love that I can easily transition it into fall with a darker jewel toned cardigan, scarf, tights & boots.
2. Favorite Buy: Adorable $3 bird rings from Pangaea. Okay, and also the Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream sandwich I'm holding.
3. Favorite/Funniest Sight: What's better than a scrumptious typo on a restaurant menu? I do love my burgers on bums. I've heard Brioche bums locally made in Nashville are the most delicious.
4. Favorite Eats: Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream v. Las Paletas. I can't decide. My favorite Jeni's flavor was Loveless Biscuit + Peach Jam & at Las Paletas I tried the Canteloupe flavor which I could eat 24/7.
5. Favorite Sound: Matt Wertz released his new album "Heatwave" which is a fun 80s-esque album. One of my favorites off his album is "Get To You" since it's catchy & makes you want to get up and dance. We all need those kinds of songs. It doesn't hurt that his music video is hilarious. Love him.
Thanks for reading! What were your 5 favorite things this past week?
Please follow me with Google connect for more stories! I also just joined Bloglovin', so if you'd like, please follow me through that media! :)
Normal people love Fridays. I used to, but I'd say today is more "bittersweet". The bitterness stems from the fact that it's the last day of blissful electives month and I'm back to 3.5 months straight of actual rotations (exams? yuck).
The sweetness rises from all the memories I've made this past month. I'm so thankful for all the time outside of school I've had to meet up with friends, new and old, and try new things while not have a nagging voice in my head telling me I should be studying instead.
I'm linking up with Lauren for High Five For Friday for the first time to highlight my favorite 5 things this past week! Although it's supposed to be this past week, I'm going to make this 5 highlights from this past month instead, just to make it more challenging for myself...Here we go:
1. Favorite Eat
Au Cheval's burger. I'd give it a 15/10. It's that good. Oh, and I also ran into Andrew Belle while I was there (no big.) and he carried on a conversation with me.
2. Favorite Sounds
My first favorite transitions me nicely into this topic. I'm loving Andrew Belle's new album Black Bear! It's so good even when you consider it follows his last full album, The Ladder, which was stellar. If you haven't bought it, get it now. I mean it. My favorite song of his at the moment is "Pieces".
Ben Rector's new album, The Walking in Between, came out the same day and charted top 5 on iTunes for a while! Well deserved, Ben! Take a listen to a snippet of one of my favorite songs from his album and you'll know why I'm obsessed with this guy's music and voice!
I know I'm totally cheating so far in this category with more than one favorite, but this song is too powerful & beautiful to miss. This week I heard an acoustic version of "Oceans" by Hillsong United and since I first heard it it's been on repeat. Such powerful words & a great reminder that "where feet may fail and fear surrounds me, [God has] never failed." And it renews my heart's cry to trust God without borders wherever He has called me and for my faith to be made stronger.
3. Favorite Outfit
Hands down my blue lace Anthropologie dress I wore to my friend's wedding. I think my favorite part was the fact that I got it for $40 when it was originally $328. Score! I paired it with Forever 21 accessories that people always comment on saying that they look more expensive than they actually are (under $10). Now I need to find more occasions to wear this dress!
4. Favorite Memory
If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen the few pictures I posted getting my hair and makeup done. I had a fun opportunity to model for a future feature on The Urbaness, one of my favorite Chicago lifestyle blogs. It was a blast hanging out with the other models and the talented people behind the scenes. For more details you can check out a fellow model Erin's perspective of the fun day.
Behind the scenes: Photographers Katie & Lynn hard at work while The Eventful Life creates the beautiful scene
5. Favorite Quote
"Do small things with great love." - Mother Teresa. A beautiful reminder of my purpose in life and how I should walk everyday. With overflowing love for people no matter what I'm doing. I think the world needs more love, a selfless love that extends mercy & grace to those around us.
Thanks for reading! Please follow me with Google connect for more stories! I also just joined Bloglovin', so if you'd like, please follow me through that media! :)
I have a really fun series of posts starting tomorrow!! I'm excited to share it with you guys!
Last weekend was the craziest weekend of my summer, not because I had two weddings, but because the two weddings were within 24 hours and in two different states! But it was so worth it to get to see my friends get married and to be a part of their wedding day. Weddings are basically reunions. I had such a blast reconnecting with familiar faces that I've missed so much!
Wedding 1 (aka. my high school bffs reunion): An evening wedding
I was debating between a pastel summer look or more evening look with darker hues. Sometimes you don't know if you should wear a lighter color to a summer wedding even if it's in the evening. So like most women, I texted my girlfriends asking what they were wearing. Since they were all wearing deeper shades, I opted for a more evening look. I highly recommend everyone to coordinate outfits with other guests since going to a wedding isn't about sticking out in the crowd, the attention should always be on the bride (& groom).
This wedding was so fun and highlighted the bride's personality so well! My favorite little detail were her purple sequin Toms :) So fun!
I also loved her sweet wedding favors! Such a simple but cute DIY & brilliant wordplay!
Simply remove the outer label of LifeSaver mints or Certs, replace it with a white paper wrapper (or you can use paper that matches your wedding colors!). Print out sheets of "Mint to Be" on cardstock of any color and use a paper puncher of any shape to cut out the label. Punch a small hole at the top and string ribbon/twine of any color and tie it on the roll of mints. Voilà! Happy guests!
Similar Dresses:
Wedding 2 (aka. college InterVarsity reunion): An afternoon wedding
I got ready in 30 minutes for this wedding in the church bathroom after driving 4 long hours all by my lonesome. Thank God for zero traffic on the way! (Getting out of Ann Arbor was a different story...it took me an hour to get out of Ann Arbor since all the ramps to get on the highway were closed! It was like a sign telling me to never leave...haha) For this wedding, I was asked to play in the string quartet during the wedding ceremony, so I opted for a simple pastel look with jewelry that could easily transition from day to night.
Bloomingdales: This sale is offering 25-65% off a huge selection of merch.
I love these shorts! Perfect & fun go-to summer shorts for the weekends. (Sale ends July 7th)
Forever21: Up to 75% off a great selection of clothes!
There are so many pieces I want! But I'm definitely eyeing this Satin Jacket. Adorbs and perfect for layering! They also have it in white which would be perfect for wearing at weddings over your dress when it cools down at night.
Sleeping At Last: One of my favorite songwriters/musicians is having a merch sale! EVERYTHING is 20% off! Use the code OOZMAKAPA. All soon-to-be parents to be should invest in this adorable onesie with a great message! And if you collect Vinyls and/or just love good music with brilliant lyrics, the Keep No Score vinyl is a MUST buy. (Sale ends July 9th)
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