the online guide to avoiding "that"...

CAPES [something empowering]

Hope is frail but it's hard to kill.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction]

Henna hair dye! Lush has made it possible to have beautifully colored hair without covering your hair with harsh chemicals. Hats off to them...and hats off to unveil those gorgeous locks.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy]

I recently googled the probability of solving a rubix cube in under 3 minutes and was directed to a site titled "the online guide to bedding women". Funny. But gross.

Above vs. Upbove

CAPES [something empowering] Being aware of your issues and overcoming your issues are two different stages. Don't get stuck just being self-aware. Overcome.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] I want these and this hoodie (and yes, I'll bedazzle a heart on the sleeve, inspired by you-know-who).

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Why isn't "above" spelled "upbove"?

Thump thump

CAPES [something empowering] If you're not quite ready to give your heart away, give a heart poster away. It's truly the next best thing.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Evernote - I use it for blog ideas as well as grad school stuff. It's awesome and yes, there is an app for it.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Speaking of hearts...I have had a heart murmur since I was younger. The doctor told me that it is caused from my heart being so strong that it pumps extra hard and creates a murmur. If you look up my name (Andrea) you will find that it means "strong-hearted". Coincidence? Maybe. Or maybe not.

"We don't see things as they are. We see them as we are." -Anais Nin

CAPES [something empowering] Your perspective is different than mine. My perspective is different than yours. Respect means understanding what it means to interact with others despite differences. To reject diversity simply means you demand others to see things as you see them, which will never happen.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Jaydiohead. A mash-up of Jay-Z and Radiohead.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Documentation of the first time my nephew took a sip of carbonated water. He thought it was funny. And I think he is funny.

40 days out.

CAPES [something empowering] "The night is darkest just before the dawn." Be patient with your night; wait out the dark. Light will come.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Seattle's got soul? Love this basement band, and the blog Sound on the Sound.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] 40 days until I leave for Kenya. Let the countdown begin!

What's on your dollar menu?

CAPES [something empowering] It's important to know your history because sometimes history can repeat itself. But, don't get hung up on the past because the most important history is the history you make today.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Want a 99-cent meal? Trader Joe's rice noodle soup + a handful of edamame + squirt of sriracha + teaspoon of hoisin sauce + a few basil leaves = a homemade cup of pho. Yum yum yum.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Girl Talk is playing the Tuesday night of finals week. I have a final to take the day of and two to turn in the next morning before I board a plane for Kenya. Worth it? Yes. A hundred times, yes.