Rainbow Goodies

Cookie Dough Cups: @mdoughw in collaboration with @cheatdayeats
Romper: Wildfox
Booties: Sam Edelman 
Sunglasses: Gucci (similar)
Outfit photos by Dan Tran

In San Francisco, we have Stow Lake. In Los Angeles, there’s Echo Park Lake (the location for this shoot). You know what the two have in common? PADDLE BOATS! That used to be one of my favorite things to do when I was a kid growing up in San Francisco. However, the older I got, the slower the boat would go and the more boring the ride would be. Maybe it’s because I got heavier, but it could also be that life got heavier. The world around me was going so much faster. As a kid, you’re in the moment, you live for the game you’re playing, the dirt you’re rolling in, the friends and family you’re talking to, or the bug you’re looking at.

Growing up is hard. Who’s with me?? Life starts to get more complicated, more cluttered, more stressful and we forget to live as life is happening. Our minds go to places like bills, work, deadlines, etc. Our hands and eyes move to our phones instead of to the people we’re with. I’m guilty of it all. With social media constantly “on,” how do we truly live in the present? If anyone has answers, let me know. For me, I try to keep a balance, but am absolutely guilty of getting tempted into an iPhone focused existence. With my work, I juggle instagram, blog, emails, snapchat, twitter, facebook, and youtube to name just a few. Sometimes it can be difficult to just enjoy a meal out with Dan or my friends because I’m snapping photos, vlogging, snapping and doing whatever else I’m doing other than just being present.

Here’s the method I’ve developed- I get it all done first and then put it all away, which allows me to be fully present but also get my work done. I could take pictures of food all day long, so the important part is to know when I’m done. If I know I have a good photo, I no longer feel the need to take 10 more just in case. I have learned to trust myself and my judgment. It’s okay if you need to use your phone or camera, do what you do, but then put it away. My phone is always on silent because I just can’t stand the noise of it. I’ve actually also turned off my text notifications because it distracts me from living in the now. Once I finish taking my photos, vlogging, and snapping, I’ll put it all away (either turn my phone facing down or put it away completely in my bag). I guess what I’m trying to say is that paddle boating should be fun. If you’re in the moment, enjoying your company, and embracing the experience, you’ll live a fuller life filled with memories in your heart and not in your phone. (Disclaimer: I’m still working on this everyday. Should we start a support group?!)

Now, let’s move on to our Stir and Style!

STIR
These are funfetti cookie dough cups stuffed with a rainbow cookie! @Cheatdayeats teamed up with @mdoughw to create these colorful rainbow goodies. Mdoughw is based out of Miami but ship all over the US. My friend, Jessica, from @cheatdayeats generously asked if I wanted to try her collaboration cookie dough cups and my obvious answer was “YES!” They arrived in a kit with 4 cookie dough cups, fudge, buttercream, and sprinkles. They looked like a funfetti cupcake from the outside, which is already a winner, but I broke it open to find a vibrant rainbow cookie inside! Did I mention they’re delicious? Well, they’re delicious. They have the perfect amount of chew and the sweetness level is right on point with what I like (not too too sweet). Go ahead, give it a try for yourself!

STYLE
Rompers are 100% a go-to style for me. They’re girly, flowy, practical, and so comfortable! Some people don’t like patterns, but me, I can dig a great pattern. This Wildfox floral romper caught my eye right away with its bright colors. I really like the cut of this romper. It’s actually loose, but with the tie, you can adjust how fitted you’d like it. You can also tie it in the front OR the back. I also really love the sleeves of this romper. The adorable short bell sleeves give the outfit shape and an extra feminine touch.

As always, thank you so much for reading. Live a life you love and love each moment of your life. Take the time to spend with people you love doing the things you love. Remember to live in the moment. Challenge yourself to put your phone away and breathe in a breath of relief that you can be free of your screen for however long you set for yourself. Be strong. It’ll be worth it. Take care and please never hesitate to reach out to me.

If you’re wondering what else I’m up to-
Stir and Style YouTube Channel
Instagram: @stirandstyle
Snapchat: stirandstyle