Therapist Thoughts

A s we move into a new year I am not as keen on setting resolutions or goals as I am about reflecting on the last year, particularly the good things that happened and the lessons I have learned. This year for me was pretty great, I started a really significant relationship, became more confident in a new role of mentoring students, strengthened friendships and (hopefully) found more focus blogging. Perhaps the most significant difference this year, making it stand out amon

Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver, the other is gold.. . I know, so basic right? But I really think there is something to be said about friendships, especially as I become more of an adult- I am 28 but it’s a work in progress – it has become more and more apparent to me that friendships have been changing since my earlier years. And I think for the most part these have been good, necessary changes. A little history of my friendships to preface; mine really sta

Because the holidays aren’t always merry and bright…  Beyond the mistletoe, classic movies, enticing treats, ornate decorations and overhaul of lofty expectations for happiness, altruism and gratitude, lies the not so jingle worthy reality that holidays can also be hectic, stressful, overindulgent, lonely and expensive. When our friends, families, partners, kids and coworkers can bombard us with unattractive small talk, uncomfortable political discussions, the overconsumption

As  a therapist  who has worked with so many victims of sexual trauma I’m amazed by the outpouring of women AND men who’ve come forward, but unfortunately I am shocked by some of the responses from both men and women as a result. Let’s get one thing straight, sexual violence is not about being a pretty face or dressing suggestively. It’s not about women trying to get ahead or being willing to exploit themselves for the sake of fame. It’s about our society’s belief that some p

Chic-O-Ween in full swing!  Yes, I made that sentence up and I’m proud of it. I think I’m starting to like Halloween more now as an adult then I did as a kid or teenager even. I think maybe because ever since graduating from college I’ve become more, shall I say, creative, with my costumes. My best one yet, here . I’ve already been watching Hocus Pocus, Harry Potter and Gilmore Girls on repeat and started wearing sweaters every day despite the temperatures hitting an average

A walk down memory lane…  If you noticed on Instagram, I was recently back in my hometown of Chicago visiting my family and friends as I tend to do about once a year, preferably during the summer (aka the best time in Chicago) . This year just happened to be my 10 year high school reunion, man how time flies, so it just made sense to make a weekend out of it and let the nostalgia sink in! I still talk to my main group of girlfriends from high school but seeing a bunch of peop

All’s well that ends well, and unfortunately all good things must come to an end. I’m full of literary quotes today apparently. But yes, my favorite season has ended. And instead of being sad to see it go, I am excited for a little bit of change, God willing in Los Angeles. I know, I know, I’m being ridiculous saying these things when I live in never ending summer – but summer is more then just a temperature range. Summer signifies the time we take to relax, enjoy, and have

The Fall season (and others to come)  Who knew how into “seasons” I would be at this age but I guess living in Los Angeles, where there’s really only two seasons, has made me crave the change and tradition of something new and different. It’s funny, I just realized that the movie La La Land divided the plot into seasons, despite portraying life in Los Angeles. I guess we all kind of crave that seasonal change and enjoy the comfort of traditions. And by traditions I don’t jus

1.It ’s my birthdayyyyyy!!!Enough said! Last year I went a little overboard, planning an all white beach soiree . It was lovely but since this month is going to be a whirlwind with work and my upcoming travels I think I am going to lay low this year, perhaps a nice dinner with a few close friends and a special someone. I will be turning 28 so I might as well start planning for a blowout 30th. But for any of you planning any size gathering, check out my pinterest board for som

And if you don’t know, now you know … I realize my blog is about my style and the things I get inspiration from, my creative dream outlet – but I wanted to maybe break down a little bit more about myself and my taste. So here we are, 100 things about me, this was so fun to do, would maybe be a nice dinner game with friends or serve as a fun ice breaker. Here we go! Hope you enjoy and maybe fill one out yourself or with friends! { sunset in santa monica, ca}   favorite color:

Running has always been a small part of my life. In high school I  briefly  ran track and field before making the cheerleading team. I honestly did not enjoy it and I had a lot of stress and anxiety around the mere concept of competing against other athletes in the few 4 x 4’s and 400 meter solos I ran. My track coach was not at all disappointed when I told him I made the varsity cheer squad and would be changing sports  (and yes, cheerleading is a sport to all you haters ou

Politics are personal… And I think we tend to forget that. Politics are about people; they represent the most central and important values we have about ourselves and the world around us. That is why they are so sensitive, emotional, and even painful. Many people will disagree with this statement and many will say oh   I don’t care about politics or I just don’t get involved or people need to stop talking about the election.   The truth is that anyone who has life experien

2016,  it’s been quite the journey… Not quite sure where to begin with this one, but let’s start with endless amount of gratitude I have for the many blessings I’ve been dealt this year – good health, great relationships, a loving and supportive family, a fulfilling career and the development of a great new outlet for stress. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to make some great things happen in my life, as well as build resilience through the times that haven’t

Because sometimes the holidays aren’t merry and bright…  beyond the mistletoe, classic movies, enticing treats, ornate decorations and overhaul of lofty expectations for happiness, altruism and gratitude, is the not so jingle worthy reality that holidays can also be hectic, stressful, overindulgent, lonely and expensive. When our friends, families, partners, kids and coworkers can bombard us with unattractive small talk, uncomfortable political discussions, the overconsumptio

Tis’ the season… It’s December, when the realness of the holiday season really sets in. Amongst the many holiday parties, gift giving mania and deadlines before the celebrations can officially start I have managed to highlight a few wonderful things I am excited to engage in this month. Let’s cheers to the first December weekend! 1. The Holidays   Well, my favorite holiday, Chrismakuh, is finally around the corner and we can officially go all out in celebration of the season

Thankful for … 1.  freedom of speech 2. happy hour 3. family and friends who love and support me 4. the velvet trend 5. the Gilmore Girls revival 6. to live in a beautiful place 7. my new roommate 8. the healing power of time 9. the peanut butter and chocolate combination 10. the right to vote 11. Instagram filters 12. my consistent running (pray it lasts) 13.  the invention of pumpkin spice 14. a fulfilling career 15. to live in a city with so many  interesting & intelligent

And then it was November… Wow, time flies! Here’s what’s on my mind this month, please excuse the delay, I’m already catching the holiday bug. Fun fact, the location  I took this photo at was also where they filmed Rory’s school in Gilmore Girls.  1. Ladurée in LA! Not one, but two locations are underway at the Grove in West Hollywood and on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Ladurée is an internationally recognized pâtisserie as the highest standard for luxury macarons. It’s ab

Host my high school friends for our annual #ChiGirlsinLA Every year my friends from high school come out to Los Angeles for some quality girl time and I am SO EXCITED to have them back in town! We don’t all see each other much during the year but once reunited, it’s as if we are right back where we started; sans the ridiculous highlights and our cheerleading uniforms . It appears some of the best friendships require the least amount of maintenance and yield the biggest reward

My 26th year was the year of fulfillment. At 27, I can honestly say in this exact moment in time I am physically, intellectually and emotionally fulfilled. I don’t know if each category is 100% there, 100% of the time, but enough to be incredibly satisfying and keep me positive about the future. So what exactly does it mean to feel fulfilled? My understanding of fulfillment is fluid, variable by the unexpectedness of life. Fulfillment can come in many formats, and for me it c

This is not another city guide, not that I don’t love them ( LA here , Palm Springs , Hamptons , and Chicago ) but rather a realization I had this past 4 th  of July weekend about what actually makes a fulfilling time spent, in your own city or someone else’s. As an avid planner I actually had no plans, I repeat, NO PLANS… for a holiday weekend! I was invited to a total of two pool party/barbecues on the same day/time, however, had no idea if I was attending. I am not sure