The Windy City

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For the last few years, I have been interested in domestic travel. I made a list of cities in the United States that I would like to explore, and last weekend I went to the last city on my list. "And they say Chi-City. " *Kanye Voice*. 

I was only in Chicago for a few days but it was enough to see the city's beauty and to feel "her" spirit. Chicago is a place that the world often tears apart for its crime but please do not let that prevent you from experiencing it, that is only one aspect of the city. While there, I visited The Bean, The Navy Pier, China Town, went on the Architecture Boat Tour, spent some time exploring the Southside, and of course ate at Harold's Chicken. The architecture downtown, the colorful walls on the Southside, and the people make it worth the visit. Even though I didn't run into Chance the Rapper, Chicago is still beautiful to me, I will definitely return.

Let's Talk Spring/Summer Trend's

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"Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking." *insert Miranda Priestly eye roll here*

Florals and bright colors may reign supreme as annual spring/summer trends, but can I share my top 2 favorites with you? For SS17, I am obsessed with all things sporty and metallics! In the look below, I was able to incorporate both of my obsessions into one outfit. A cool, ice-blue, sporty pullover paired with satin, copper-metallic pants. Satin being another hot trend for SS17 *wink wink*. My pullover and pants are both from Zara. I purchased them 2 years ago and waited for the right moment to debut them. Remaining true to the sports trend, this outfit could easily be paired with tennis shoes. Putting my own spin on it, I thought a cute platform would pair just as well... and it did! Scroll through my gallery below to get some more sporty and metallic vibes. Email me and let me know if these trends are something you'll be trying out in the upcoming months!

Photos by Darrin

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I just needed a photographer. I had everything else lined up to begin my blog, except a photographer. Queen of the selfies, but selfies would only get me so far. I had become really good at bribing friends to snap a picture or two but I knew there wasn't anything like working with someone who already had an eye. *sigh* I needed a photographer. That's when I came across Darrin. We had worked together before but for collaborations, none of my personal work. I knew he was talented and skilled in this craft; I knew I needed him.

It was a breath of fresh air the moment we linked for my first solo project. He did an amazing job bringing my vision to life. Whether my posture was professional, sensual, playful, it didn't matter. I was giving many vibes in this particular shoot and Darrin captured every last one. See for yourself in the images below!

So, shoutout to my photographer! If you're in California and need one, I highly recommend Darrin. He can be reached via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/photosbydarrin/ or website http://www.photosbydarrin.com

Darrin (@photosbydarrin) * Instagram photos and videos

25.3k Followers, 2,301 Following, 600 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Darrin (@photosbydarrin)

Nicaragua

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My first big trip of the year was to Nicaragua! Turns out I am not the only person interested in spontaneous travel! One of my friends from work travels often and posted her plans to visit Nicaragua and i took that as an invitation. Several of us end up going on the trip. We rented an SVU and stayed in an Airbnb in Managua. Oscar our Airbnb host, was great! Oscar gave us tips on local cuisine and the last day he gave us a little history lesson on the cultural mask Nicaraguans wear during parades. Beyond that we went paddle boarding in the Marina Cocibolca in Granada, volcano surf boarding at the Volcano Cerro Negro, visited the Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Leon, and to the beach in San Juan del Sur. Volcano surf boarding was the highlight of my trip.