Oh hi there! You’re on the right page…it’s still me, formerly known as the lost girl diaries. Yep, I’ve changed my name. Because frankly, my other name sucked. Actually it didn’t. I loved it (and I still do). But apparently, so did a lot of other people. I originally chose the name because not only does it play upon the travel theme of being away from home, it described what I was going through at the time. D’s travel plans,…
On Doubt and Moving Forward
If someone had told me a year ago that by spring of 2014, I would have quit my job and flew away to lands far, far away to explore the world with a man who I was not married to… I would have nervously laughed (and then ran away to get away from the crazy). I’m not that girl. I like security. I like roots. I like knowing that I can develop some strange disease and be covered by health…
Travel Makeup Essentials
Packing for travel is no easy task, especially when you are committed to fitting everything you will need (whether for a quick weekend getaway or a months long backpacking trip) into a single carry-on. Luckily, I have no problem going minimalist and pride myself on being a light packer. But, even though I can go without most superfluous travel items, there is still one thing (or several, actually) that is a must-have for me: makeup. I’d like to think that…
Obligatory 2013 Round-Up and Leftover Pictures
2013 has come and gone, and a lot has happened, although not very eventful too at the same time. I’m happy to report that I’ve been able to do a little bit of traveling this year and have gotten slightly more adventurous. I’ve already mentioned that this is the year I found a new dream, and I’m finally taking steps to make sure it happens in 2014. But a lot of this year was also bad. Apparently, I don’t deal with life-changing…
Fishy Jelly, Pierogi, and A Very Polish Christmas
The best part about Christmas is the coming together of family and sharing a meal. Or, in my case this year, it’s being invited into someone else’s family… a hardcore Polish family. D’s grandfather grew up in Poland, survived WWII, and immigrated to the US where he met his wife and raised 8 children. Through all this, he has kept the Polish tradition of a Christmas Eve supper (a Wigilia) alive. D’s dad has assumed the role of chef and…
Once Upon a Christmas Tree
Sometimes, the smallest things make me insanely happy. I hate to sound like a Grinch, but overall, I haven’t been having the most joyful December. In between the unseasonally warm weather, 12-hour work days, and feeling fat (probably due to my mass consumption of chocolate lately), I haven’t had the time to feel Christmas cheer. But this is also the last Christmas D and I will be spending in his house (and for me, also the first) as the house…
Lessons from Hawaii
Spending time in Hawaii is a bit different than spending time in Los Angeles (and I’m not just saying this because I was on vacation). Los Angeles – the land of the superficial – is often consumed by selfies, labels, and smartphones. On Hawaii, there is no room to think of such things. Time slows down in such a way that you are able to notice things you usually take for granted. The locals are friendlier. You just feel happy…
Stop Eating Ice Cream and Other Tips for Saving Money
The beginning of December means that it is now only 4 months to our planned departure date and new lives as nomadic travelers! It also means that it’s time to seriously buckle down and save as much money as possible. We’ve fallen off the wagon recently, starting with our Hawaii trip. While the trip itself wasn’t too bad thanks to a good deal from Expedia, it seems like that we’ve been spending more than usual ever since coming home. Sure,…
I Am Thankful (2013)
Thanksgiving beckons family reunions, home-cooked food, laughter, and warmth of a home. It is also a day to take a moment to reflect over the past year and express gratitude for the blessings of life. And even though my family isn’t from America, over the years, we have adopted Thanksgiving as a beloved holiday to be celebrated. A turkey no less than 16 lbs will be roasted, pies will be baked, the table will be set, and leftovers will be…
Kualoa Ranch Photo Journal
A trip to Kualoa Ranch is like a trip to yesteryear… to a time when the world has not yet fallen victim to modernization. Where the jungle grows wild and free. Where cows leisurely graze on rolling green hills. It is nature so pristine and pure that Jurassic Park comes to mind. Kualoa Ranch is, without a doubt, the most beautiful place I have ever seen. D and I had the pleasure of spending a day at this nature haven…