Steph's Obsessions

Lately I have been completely focused on what brings me happiness and what makes me feel my best. Year of Steph is all about enjoying the little pleasures of life. I thought I would share what is currently on my obsessions list.

1. Plants I can actually keep alive (aka succulents and cacti)
And look how cute they are! I am notorious for having the opposite of a green thumb. To be completely honest, I've killed a few succulents in my time. But I love the look of plants in the home. For some reason it feels more cozy and lived-in. I have one more pot open for a medium-sized succulent. Maybe I can move on to herbs or ferns/grasses one day!

2. RX bars - all real ingredients and no BS
Lately I've been on a bit of a health kick. I love the way I feel when I treat my body to delicious, plant-based foods. While I want to focus more on eating real whole foods, sometimes I'm in a pinch and need a quick snack. That's where RX bars come in. They're made with all real ingredients and no preservatives. I can pronounce all of the ingredients, which I love. My favorite flavor so far is blueberry.

3. All things French
Since visiting Paris this summer, I've become such a francophile, so much so that I've taken up learning French at a local French school. In addition to learning the language, I'm trying to adopt a French women way of life. The air of cool confidence and the way French women never look like they're trying too hard is something to aspire to.

What have you been obsessed with lately? Have you tried RX bars? What's your favorite flavor?

xx.
Steph

Welcome to Year of Steph!

Snapshot of the Financial District in New York while in a taxi heading to Brooklyn on the Manhattan Bridge. #NewYorkThings

On my 24th birthday, I decided this year was going to be my year. I had made it to my mid-twenties and I wanted to make the most of it. While I sit here six months into "my year" (and on my half birthday!), I wanted to take time to reflect on what I've accomplished.

1. I traveled out of the United States for the first time ever! 
Ok, so it was to Montreal, Canada but it was still exciting and quite the culture shock. I didn't realize how prominent French was in Montreal. Thankfully my travel partner and good friend, Lisette, is fairly fluent in French, which helped navigation a lot. It also prepared me for...

2. My first trip to Europe (and I did it solo.)

Every year my company flies us out to London for a global gathering and I decided to tack on a trip to Paris because I've always wanted to go. I ended up spending half of my time at Disneyland Paris (I'm a huge Disney fan!) and half in the city. Traveling alone taught me so much about my sense of survival, how strong I am and how important independence is to me. It was honestly one of the most challenging things I've ever done in my life, especially because I don't speak French. So...

3. I started French lessons!

Of course I did this after traveling to France, but I fell in love with the city and the people and want to live in Paris one day. I found a school in DC dedicated to teaching French and signed up. I'm almost done with the first level of class and can't wait to start the next level. 

4. Traveling to New York for work and finding inspiration

This is totally cliche but between traveling to Montreal, Paris, London and New York, I've completely fallen in love with all of the different elements of each city. New York was especially inspiring because I was there for work. I was able to re-invigorate my love for my work while in a city that is so full of life and energy. I ended up going to a tarot card reader after winning a reading from a work competition and she mentioned the next 12 months will be full of travel and changes. 

What have you accomplished so far this year? What are you plans for the rest of 2017?

xx.

Steph