PEARLS!

During my life, I have received countless pieces of advice that I will always remember. The advice is usually geared towards relationships, success, and school. But, as a child, I received a piece of advice from my mom, Betsy, that I will always remember, and I can truly say that I will always live by. My mom has always told me that “no pearls, no power.” From that day, I have ALWAYS worn pearls!

Whether it is earrings, or a necklace, I always wear at least one piece of jewelry that is a pearl. It started as a way to please my mom when she bought them for me, but I have grown to LOVE pearls. It is a true statement that I am RARLEY seen without wearing my pearl earrings. The only time I will ever take them off is if I am sleeping or if I switch my earrings to add a little “spice” in my life.

I remember the first time I ever received real pearls, and it is a memory that I will never forget. Growing up in Miami, I realized that all the girls around me in kindergarten had their ears pierced. Everyday for weeks I BEGGED my mom to let me get my ears pierced! But she constantly told me I wasn’t old enough and that I would have to wait till I was 13 years old. My initial excitement of being able to get my ears pierced wore off and I was completely upset having to wait so long. Sweet Betsy did surprise me on day when I was 10 years old. For my birthday, my parents gave me a set of BEAUTIFUL pearl earrings. They said that these earrings would forever be my first pair of earrings…and how ironic they were pearls! I remember constantly opening the box just admiring the pearls and counting down the days till I was 13! Ever since I got my ears pierced, I have ALWAYS worn pearls.

One of my FAVORITE things about pearls is that they are PERFECT for both day and night. They are the perfect accent to wear to class, or wear out to my sorority’s Victory dance. Pearls are the ULTIMATE must have. They simply tie a simple outfit and an extravagant outfit together.

My favorite pair of pearl earrings actually came from one of my FAVORITE places in the world, (which I have already blogged about…hint, hint) THAILAND!!!! To this day, I still haven’t worn another pair of pearls. I know they will last a lifetime and will FOREVER be with me!

Always remember…no PEARLS, no POWER.

Tortilla Soup!

            One of my ULTIMATE favorite things is hands down Tortilla Soup, yummm!!! Whether it is in the middle of winter, or the middle of summer, I can ALWAYS have a cup, or bowl, of tortilla soup…especially if there is chicken mixed in. When I was growing up, my mom use to whip up some of her famous HOMEMADE chicken tortilla soup, and before the night was over the whole entire pot would be gone. Not even a drop would remain. As I have grown up, I still remember those childhood days, and although my mom does not make her soup as often as she used to, every once in a while she will whip up a batch! Those are always the BEST surprises!

            Since I have been in college at TCU, I have been searching for the most delicious tortilla soup, and I have decided on a tie between two. Through multiple cups, and several letdowns, I have found my ULTIMATE favs at Reata, and Lili’s Bistro. Reata’s legendary Texas cuisine is by far one of my fav restaurants in Fort Worth, but they are known for their famous tortilla soup. It is the perfect mix of chicken, spice, and vegetables topped off with cheese, tortilla strips, and a splash of sour cream! Ever time I go to Reata it is a known fact that I will order a bowl of their famous tortilla soup. It is also a known fact that I might not share it, and I will probably not have any left over, so if you are going to dine with me, you MUST order your own!

            Along with Reata, my other ULTIMATE fav tortilla soup is at Lili’s Bistro. It is a small restaurant located in Fort Worth’s South Side neighborhood. Lili’s is known for its delicious burgers and sandwiches and heavenly Gorgonzola waffle fries. My first encounter with Lili’s was about a year ago and as I read through the menu, I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed that they serve a Soup of the Day. When our waitress exposed that the soup was the one and only tortilla soup, I immediately said, “I’ll take it!” Their tortilla soup is warm, smooth, and the definition of delightful. I noticed myself becoming frustrated when I realized I ate the ENTIRE bowl, but thankfully my Three-Cheese Burger was right around the corner! Since that first experience, I have been to Lili’s multiple times and every single time I ALWAYS order a bowl of their tortilla soup!

            Tortilla soup reminds me of my childhood, and whenever it is offered on a menu, I always have to order at least a cup of it…sometimes even a bowl! Go ahead and try Reata and Lili's...I dare you. You will NOT regret it! 

James Jeans

           Immediately when I woke up this morning I knew EXACTLY what I was going to write about. Onto week five, and this week I am going to inform y’all on one of the greatest pairs of jeans I have EVER owned. James Jeans…they are ABSOLUTELY FAB and I am in L-O-V-E with these jeans. The first time I tried them on I knew then and there that I was going to buy not one, not two…but three pairs of them. The biggest problem I have with jeans is when they just don’t fit right. I have this belief that jeans are actually suppose to fit like a glove! Not meaning that they have to be skin tight, unless if they are skinnies, but the fact that it should just fit PERFECTLY. Before I started purchasing James Jeans, I had several problems with jeans that become baggy after 30 minutes of wearing them, an uncomfortable fit around my waist, and when the jeans are extremely baggy around my knee but no where else.

            The first time I encountered James Jeans was on one of my usual shopping trips to Dallas. As I walked into one of my favorite stores, Mine, and as I was searching through the store I decided to try on a pair of these jeans. As I put one leg in, and then the other I was AMAZED by the way the jeans looked on me. These jeans describe perfection. It had everything I loved…low-rise, flawless length where I would not have to alter it, and the most unique deep shade of blue. I suddenly imagined myself wearing the jeans everywhere from class to going out at night. It was a boost in confidence that I decided to go back out to the table where the jeans were folded, and grab two other pairs! As I was driving back to the great ol’ Fort Worth, I honestly couldn’t stop thinking about these jeans. When I arrived home I immediately searched online and discovered all of the unique, classic, and variety of jeans that this designer offers. Sad to admit, but I actually ordered a pair online…the Hector Ref. With this purchase, my Saturday turned into buying four pairs of jeans. This is completely out of the ordinary for me because I HATE jean shopping, so I knew that this was just meant to be. One year later, every time I shop at Mine, I ALWAYS look to see what new pair of James Jeans they have…and I usually buy them. I now have too many to count, but I am proud to say that I wear every single one of them. My random collection of jean designers have now turned into just one…yes, you guessed it…James Jeans. The cherry on top is that the price of these jeans is relatively inexpensive compared to other designers. They range from $106 to $207, and I PROMISE they are worth every penny!! Go ahead and try them on…I dare you. PS- they not only carry women’s, but men’s, plus sizes and also maternity!

Bangkok, THAILAND

            One of my ULTIMATE favorite things is actually a place. It’s a location on the other side of the world that takes about 24 hours to travel to. This place is Bangkok, Thailand. Over the past four years, I have traveled to Bangkok two times and have hopes in the future of visiting again. Bangkok is simply amazing. Words cannot describe the love and respect I have for it, one can only travel to experience the trip of a lifetime.

            My first trip to Bangkok was during my senior spring break in high school. This trip was not a spur of the moment deal…it was already planned while I was in eighth grade. Yes…middle school. Betsy, my mother, is quite the planner to say the least! This all started when my mom was invited on one of her best friend’s daughter’s senior spring break to yes you guessed it…Bangkok. Once her return to the U S of A, she decided then and there that instead of the typical senior spring break trip to Mexico with my best friends, she wanted me to experience the world. I’m not going to lie…at first I was extremely upset that I wouldn’t be spending my spring break with friends…but instead my mom, two of my aunts, and two of my mom’s best friends. But, as the weeks and days of our departure came closer, excitement overwhelmed me! The farthest I have ever traveled outside of the US was Mexico, the Bahamas, and Hawaii. I knew right from the start that this was going to be a trip I would never forget. Everyday we immersed ourselves into the unknown culture, traveling to temples, and ate the most DELICIOUS Thai food. During the week, and out of all the places we visited, I have one ULTIMATE favorite spot that EVERYBODY who visits must travel to and experience…the Samphran Elephant Ground Zoo in Nakhon Pathom. We were able to ride elephants and experience the animals in a way different from any other zoo. During this trip, I gained respect for the elephants and they are now one of my favorite animals. By the end of my spring break, the six of us called ourselves the Bangkok B’s.

            I fell in love with Bangkok immediately when I landed, and dreamed of traveling back in the future. To my surprise, my mom planned another trip during my sophomore spring break at TCU! This time it was just the two of us, and was yet again the trip of a lifetime. During this trip, my mom and I became closer, and got to experience more of Bangkok that we didn’t before. Along with Bangkok, I fell more in love with the Thai people. Their manners and outlook on life is gentle, respectful, and sincere.

My LOVES

Inside the Golden Buddha Temple

Thailand LOVES the frogs!

Betsy and me 

            Bangkok, Thailand is the most amazing place in the world. One is only able to experience this by traveling there…so go ahead and book a ticket…you will not regret it!