Some Of My Favorite Things...

I was going to write a post about my adventures lately, but apparently it takes over 8 hours to send a picture from my cell phone to my gmail account.  Who knew?  I feel like the laziest person because my camera battery has been dead for over two weeks and I haven't taken the effort to actually dig out my charger.  Hence the lack of posts and personal pictures in post.

Instead of waiting another day to write a blog post (so much for that vow in my Mini Happiness Project), I thought I'd write about some of the things I've been enjoying lately.

Tiny Tower

Hello Sims wannabee.  Tiny Tower is a free game (yes, free!!) on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad that lets you build a tiny tower and manage the businesses and bitizens that inhabit it!  The style is 8 bit, which makes it feel like an old-school video game.  The type of businesses range from a tea house to a laundromat to a tattoo parlor.  I've been addicted to it since I downloaded it (but that's probably because I was addicted to the Sims).  

Scarves

I really, really like scarves. All kinds of scarves.  I own at least 10, ranging from hand-knitted to light and airy to thick and warm for winter.  There is a reason girls everywhere are wearing scarves, even in the warm summer weather.  They're just so fashionable!  They can complete any outfit.  I actually purchased a second Vinyasa Scarf from Lululemon (more on that later) because I was lusting for a second one.  My first one comes with me to school every day in my backpack since it doubles as a scarf and a blanket.

Reading on the Bus

The one part of my commute I like in the morning is that I have an uninterrupted 20 minute period to (and from) campus to read.  I normally only read late at night, so it's nice to use these 20 minutes for some me time.  I just started reading Water For Elephants, and I finished Mini Shopaholic and Further Adventures of a London Call Girl  in the last two weeks.  I'm a huge reader anyways, and it's nice to start working down my list of books I want to read.

Wraps and Cardigans

I've become a total wrap and cardigan addict.  I recently ordered some more cardigans from J. Crew (well my mom did), and I've been wearing them steady the past few months.  My personal favorites are:

J. Crew Jackie Cardigan

Dynamite 3/4 Sleeve Hanging Sweater

Wilfred Diderot Sweater

Clinique Toner and Makeup Remover

My skin is normally really clear, but when it has problems Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 takes care of all of them.  The bottle costs around $20, but if I use it every day my skin becomes nice and clear. 

As for the make-up remover, I only really wear eyeliner and mascara, and nothing takes it off better than Clinique Rinse Off Eye Makeup Solvent.  One swipe and most of it come right off.  Only the stubborn stuff needs a second swipe, and that's because I wear waterproof mascara.

Outfit Envy

I've been suffering from some major outfit envy lately.  Now that I'm on campus, I see lots of girls in super cute outfits that I wish were in my closet.  I've been doing some organic synthesis this week, and according to safety guidelines I have to wear closed toed shoes and long pants.  I can't really argue with that, because I really don't want any chemicals burns on my skin (I touched something that penetrated my glove over two months ago and my hand still isn't healed). 

Anyways, here are some of the basics I absolutely wish were in my closet:

Flower Print Skirt (such as the Springtime Floral Skirt from Forever 21):

North Face Rosanova Hoodie in Black (A girl that works in my lab has one and it looks absolutely amazing on her):

Gladiator Style Sandals (even though I'm sure they would cause major blisters before they are broken in):

Wilfred Charlotte Shawl Top (and other Wilfred wraps):

Marc by Marc Jacobs Nylon Pretty Little Tote:

Instead of being jealous, maybe I should go through my wardrobe and see if I can make some cute outfits.  With so many clothes, there has to be some possibilities :)

Pleased to meet you!

My name is Martina.  I am a 20-something chemist who enjoys fashion, celebrity gossip, yoga, running, and a good book.  I decided to start this blog for two reasons.  The first reason is because in all honesty I am not the most confident person, and having a blog is the best place where I can openly share my opinions.  The second reason is because I spend an incredible amount of time on my laptop reading other blogs and websites, so it was about time I started my own blog.

There are a few things you should know about me:

1.  My favorite magazines are Vogue, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan.  Tim Gunn, Clinton Kelly, and Trinny and Susannah are my style icons.  My favorite celebrity gossip websites are Celebitchy, Lainey Gossip, and Perez Hilton.  I can’t stand the tabloid magazines and refuse to spend money on them, but I will happily read gossip on the web.

2.  I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry (with first class honors) in 2010.  My specialty is bioanalytical chemistry, with a strong background in separations.  I decided to get a chemistry degree because I really enjoy learning how things work, and it is a great way to get involved in the cosmetics industry, which is my dream.

Wearing my convocation gown.  The shoes I am wearing are Jimmy Choo Quiet Peep Toe Sandals, and were a present from my dad for graduating with honors.

3.  I am addicted to Lululemon.  I bought my first remix hoodie and pair of yoga pants in 2007, and ever since I have been hooked.  The addiction intensified in 2008 when I joined a yoga class that was hosted in my apartment building.  Currently, I own at least 30 items of clothing, along with 5 headbands, a black manduka yoga mat and a namaste yoga tote.  I can honestly say I have worn every item many times, so at least I’m not spending money on something that just sits in my closet.  I was very excited to visit the Lululemon Lab a few weeks ago in Vancouver, and now that I will be living there in a few months I’m sure my Lululemon collection will continue to grow.

Standing in front of the Lululemon Lab in Vancouver, BC.  I am wearing my Lululemon movement jacket.

4.  I am actively working on my fitness, and my goal is to be able to run a 10K race next year.  I got serious about my fitness a year ago, and I make a strong effort to attend a yoga class and go for a run outside every week (running on a treadmill doesn’t even compare).  Ideally I would like to work out 5 times/week, but I will admit that goal does not always happen.

I hope you enjoy my blog!