dream, plan/plan, dream

Now that I am finally settling into my life in New York City, I have been reflecting about my past and how I got here. I've known I wanted to move to the east coast for years, but I never properly planning for it. Especially financially.

It makes me wonder: why?

Because I wasn't confident in my dream and therefore, I hesitated and avoided it in the present moment. However, I won't allow myself to regret my path and the choices I have made, but it still makes me want to punch my fist through the past and talk some sense into my 20-year-old self.

In honor of my 25th birthday next month, I am out to change a few things and pave the way for my late-twenties. Resolution #1: plan without hear and hesitation.

My goal is to have specific, direct goals and to not fear them. More than anything, my main goal is to save money. My plan is set a chunk of my paycheck aside each month and place it directly into my savings account. I regret all the years I "kinda" knew I wanted to move to New York, and all of the chances I had to set aside a bit of change for my dreams.

Well, that ends now. The regrets of my early twenties will not be that of my late twenties. You just have to know what you want, and HOW to get it.

xo,

Ani

the easiest, yummiest, cheapest, healthiest meal ever

No, I am not exaggerating. After moving to the magical city of New York and currently in the process of looking for a job, I have been busy and on a budget. After several weeks of an empty refrigerator (minus the 6-pack of Budweiser left from my sublet) and eating ice cream for dinner, I finally put my foot down, grabbed my subway pass and ventured to Trader Joe's.

While my experience at a New York version of Trader Joe's is a completely other experience and blog post, I finally had my necessities to eat healthy and happy. So, when I had a quiet night to cook dinner at home, my suppressed cooking magic came out full force and created this AMAZING dish. So easy. So simple. SO GOOD.

I present a low-carb version of Eggplant Parmesan featuring the lovely Kale.

The entire process took 20 minutes max. I placed 3 frozen eggplant cutlets in the oven at 425 degrees for 10 minutes, then mixed a small bowl of kale with pepper and olive oil. When the eggplants finished in the oven, I transferred them hot out of the oven over to the kale. The heat from the eggplant relaxed the kale and gave it salty, soft bite. Then, I poured a little Basil and Tomato sauce over the greens and cutlets and sprinkled Parmesan cheese on top.

Seriously amazing. I highly recommend my own dish.

xo

Ani

pretty little peru

It's hard to imagine my Peruvian experience has come to an end, but it's surely bittersweet. All in all, it was one of the more challenging times of my life thus far. From the incredibly high altitude, to the poverty and extreme flu that stuck with me for six weeks, none of that sticks quite like the feeling of confidence and accomplishment with which I feel so strongly.

I don't exactly remember when I decided I wanted to volunteer in South America, but I do remember making a promise to myself that I would. It seems to me that the things I can't explain yet I am so passionate about achieving are my calling. Next step: New York City.

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My lovely students

One of the sweetest things I've ever walked up to. Seeing my name secretly written on the class schedule by a student.

SelfieZzzz

Sundays were for flying kites at Cristo Blanco. Not to mention the unforgettable view.

My last weekend in Peru done right: horseback riding in the Andes Mountains.

Sun-kissed umbrellas peek over to say hello!

Sunsets and cathedrals. Enough said.

xo

Ani

a tiny bit of california

I can't help but dash in a little bit of California even when I'm thousands of miles away. Today I reveal one of my favorite California clothing boutiques of all time: Ambiance.

If there ever was a store that remained true to it’s name, the quaint yet chic boutique, Ambiance truly epitomizes the essence of what it stands for. 

Those denim flare jeans? I need.

The boutique, nestled in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, exudes an ambiance unique to the surrounding area. The soft neutrals and pink hues brighten Higuera Street and since 1973, the boutique has been welcoming in trendsetters and pedestrians alike. The color palette also serves as the perfect accent for the trendy array of fresh and innovative clothing designers who are making dreams come true for San Luis Obispo fashionistas.

“Ambiance is more than just a store to shop at, it’s a place to get inspired by beautiful pieces and a beautiful surrounding,” said long-time Ambiance customer and San Luis Obispo native, Ariana Afshar. “The creativity on how they present the clothes is like walking into a fairytale or a museum!”

With a new location in Paso Robles, Ambiance is home to household names such as Free People, Juicy Couture, Gypsy05, Show Me Your Mumu, Nightcap, Lavender Brown, and Rebeecca Minkoff, just to name a few. The store locations just recently welcomed in the introduction of bath and body care, home décor and a collection of books. However, it doesn’t stop at the labels or products. Those working behind the magic at Ambiance ensure that there is an art and intention behind it all.

The recent arrival of the fall merchandise has proven just that. Rich embroidered pieces, crème colored blouses, intricate lace dresses and leather boots warmly invite in the transition into the new season, as well as a gaggle of happy shoppers who are already feeling the autumn spirit as they enter through the first level of the store. Shoppers can take a peak upstairs at the second level and find a tasteful array of home décor such as high-waisted aprons, ceramic dishes, and small delicate flags with endearing quotes such as “You are Loved.”

The new fall essentials and home warming décor aren’t the only thing pleasing customers. The staff at Ambiance makes it seem like you found your new best friend who will give you the right amount of space to find what you need, but provide you with helpful and tasteful suggestions.

The culture of Ambiance expands past the store walls and into their impressive social media platforms. The Ambiance blog, is updated on a weekly basis to cover current events going on in the store, as well as fun fashion tips for followers.

If you find yourself in the area, or are a local fashion lover, Ambiance is truly the environment to surround yourself with for inspiration and beauty as well as anything and everything fashion.

xo

Ani

the magic of machu picchu

Machu Picchu. Where do I even begin?

It was an adventure unlike any other. My new friend, Maggie, and I took off by ourselves to the small pueblo of Aguas Calientes, the town located below Machu Picchu. We had no plans, place to stay, tickets, or expectations.  The adrenaline, stress and excitement were all in equal parts.

First, we hopped on the Inca Rail at Ottomalatoma for an hour and a half train ride through the Peru country and a fantastic view of the Andes Mountains.

It was like magic. Aguas Calientes was a gorgeous town nestled in the heart of lucious green mountains. The next morning, we woke up at 4 a.m. to join the brave ones who wanted to climb up the mountain to Machu Picchu instead of taking the bus.

The. Hardest. Thing. I've. Ever. Done. 2,500 stairs later...

Machu Picchu at sunrise. It was better than a dream.

xo

Ani

welcome to peru

Today marks exactly one week since I took off from LAX and began my adventure to South America. It's only been one week, but it's already been full of new friends, new tastes, sights, and experiences that have been both frightening and amazing.

My travels started with a bang with a huge lighting storm in San Salvador upon my arrival by plane, which caused a massive delay in my travel plans. But thankfully, I met an amazing group of people with a final destination to Cuzco. An added night in Guatemala City wasn't apart of my original itinerary, but that's the thing about traveling. It's purely all about the adventure.

When I finally arrived to Cuzco, it was a surreal moment. I couldn't believe I was finally in South America. I was introduced to my house, roommates, and volunteer placement. I am to work at a convent teaching English to the group of girls who caretake for the elderly whom live there. I have a feeling this will be the most challenging, yet rewarding experience of my life.

xo

Ani

the road packing (lightly?!)

To piggyback off of my last post, I finally committed to volunteering in South America after almost 10 years of writing it on my 'Things to do Before 30' list. I must say, checking it off my list feels remarkable.

However, since my last big trip to study abroad in Spain for six months, I have forgotten how overwhelming the pre-travel process is. Especially my least favorite part: packing.

I am a a self-confessed over packer. When I travel, I imagine myself at the beautiful sites and monuments and immediately dream of the outfit I'd be wearing plus three or four backup ensembles. Bad, I know. However, when I signed up to teach English in Peru, I made the conscious decision this trip wasn't a fashion show. Therefore, I am only allowed to bring a backpacking backpack and a carry-on for the plan. Necessities only. That's it.

Where is this list? I need it.

Cheers to simplicity and a few bare necessities to allow you to appreciate the world and not your suitcase.

xo

Ani

real talk: being 20-something is not easy

Since graduating from college, my journey has been quite a challenge filled with a moving back home with my mother, failed jobs, broken hearts and lots of confusion. I've never been this type of person before. I prided myself on my confidence and motivation throughout my teenage years and early twenties. I loved the path I was on, the people in my life and the direction I was going. However, the minute I stepped out of my university's doors, I was hit with the reality of I had no idea what I wanted or where to begin.

Thankfully, I came to realize I was not alone. Through my research and discussions I was having with my peers, 20-somethings all of the world are experiencing the same realization. These years are proven to be filled with anxiety, doubt, fear, and confusion. There is no longer an academic plan, or a set schedule of balancing class, work, and play. It is purely up to the individual, which is a daunting skill to master.

Personally, I find it extremely difficult to know what I want and be 100 percent confident in my decision. I fear rejection and failure, and it frightens me to put all of myself into something with a chance of it not working out.

When my worst fear came true and I found myself unemployed and dumped by my serious boyfriend, I was slapped hard by ultimate rejection. After a few weeks of grieving, it suddenly clicked. Here I was at a low point and I was still alive. In a way, I started to see the light of rejection and that it wasn't the end. Instead, it was a force or energy pushing me towards the direction I wanted. I had survived, and I still had passion and drive to pursue what I really wanted to do. It was time to take action because my fear of not living out my dreams and settling for less was worst than my fear of failing.

Thanks to the help from the brilliant Dr. Meg Jay and her life-changing book, "The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter And How to Make the Most of Them Now," I made my decision to commit. I signed up to teach English in Cusco, Peru for six weeks and then move to New York City to pursue my dream job of being an editor. I made a promise to myself to stop being passive, and I began a solid plan to reach my dreams. I created a helpful guideline to ensure clarity and to hold myself accountable:

1. Clearly write your goals and set a timeline for when you want to accomplish them.

2. Build a dream board via Pinterest or a collage out of magazine clippings/internet images.

2. Commit.

3. There is a high chance you will feel regret and develop cold feet, but look back at your dream board/goal list and remember what you are working towards.

4. Avoid negativity like the plague and GO FOR IT!

xo

Ani