4 of the best "in your 20s" articles

There are so many "in your 20s" articles these days, ranging on everything from self-reflection to being young and careless. Here are four of my favorites from four of my favorite sites:

5 'Mistakes' That You Should Never Apologize For In Your 20s (Elite Daily)

This one resonates with me, especially numbers 3 and 4. Don't settle, don't settle, don't settle.

The Biggest Money Mistakes To Avoid In Your 20s (Lifehacker)

Anything involving money and finance often goes over my head. That kind of stuff is just not how I'm wired. This article is helpful to start planning now to avoid money issues later.

20 Things To Let Go Of In Your 20s (Thought Catalog)

A more self-reflective look at little tweaks you can make to improve your approach to things.

How You Spend Your 20s Will Define You (Forbes)

Critical moves that shape and define your career now.

I'm guest posting today!

Make sure to head over to my friend Aryn's blog, Giraffes + Garlic + Glamour, to read my post on what to wear to work. Whether you're doing interviews, need to build a wear-to-work wardrobe, or just want some inspiration for your work outfits, then this post is sure to help you out!

xo-ally

last week [photos]

It was a nice week indeed in good ol' DC! Here are some photos to recap the past few days:

I was beyond excited to get my new pink Hunter boots in the mail!

Love the view of DC out my window. There's the Washington Monument, the Capitol building, Pentagon, and Air Force Memorial. :) 

 So, I've been waiting a while to get a 2014 agenda. So long to the point that it became February, and then March, and most stores had stopped selling them. Even the Jonathan Adler store didn't have their agendas! However, I went to this cute little boutique in Alexandria called 3 Sisters, and they had a few left! I picked this one up. The above photo is the July 2014 divider, isn't it cute?

I visited the Botanical Gardens for the first time. It was gorgeous and made me forget about the cold, windy day outside.

My other purchase that I got the same time as the the Hunters. A spirit jersey! I had my eye on a similar one for a while, and then finally decided to take the plunge. I love it. It is so cozy. I've already worn it out once with skinny jeans for a casual look, as well as to bed a couple times.

It came personalized with an adorable, silver monogram. :)

Working 15-17 hour days means multiple coffees. For me, it's usually 2-3 per day. You gotta do what you gotta do.

 This eggs benedict for brunch during our break at Graffiato, Mike Isabella's (of Top Chef) restaurant in Chinatown. I really enjoyed it. I mean...look at how thick that slice of ham is!

While I normally don't enjoy waking up at 6am, seeing a different sunrise every morning makes it so much better. Photos cannot capture the beauty of these sunrises. Some days it looks more red, some days more orange, and one day it looked like the opening scene of The Lion King. So pretty.

Andddd we got hit with another snowstorm...boo.

xo-ally

back to this place for a little bit :)

Today I'm going back to DC and I could not be more excited. I was working in the city for the first time last summer. I didn't think I would really like the city all that much, but I happened to fall in love with it. Hopefully I'll still enjoy it just as much even in the (freezing cold) winter!

xo-ally

"always do what you love. never settle."

This post is going to be much deeper and longer than most. In 2013 I've been beyond excited to share new things happening in my life, all the "next steps" and the good things. I'm going to really expand on my post-college journey so far, and how I followed my heart (as corny as that sounds).

2013 was already a huge year for me with graduation. Along with graduation came the "real world" - something I was excited for pre-graduation, yet also dreading at the same time. I loved college. There are still plenty of moments where I wish I could go back. Going back and visiting Gonzaga will always be amazing, filled with bittersweet happiness and nostalgia.

However, this post on Thought Catalog really resonated with me. After graduation, I spent the next five days on campus staying at friends' houses (my on campus apartment move-out deadline was the morning after graduation) because I wasn't quite ready to leave. While the two weeks leading up to graduation were sunny, blissful, and filled with that similar bittersweet happiness feeling, those five days post-graduation felt the exact opposite. It began to thunderstorm the next morning, and I remember running back and forth in the rain from the apartment doors to the parking lot to load my car up with boxes. My room was empty. The kitchen was empty. The bathroom was scrubbed clean, the walls were bare, and all the decorations were gone. It felt sad, and the rain was unfortunately fitting to my mood.

Luckily, my best friends were still there, so we went to the cafe we frequented for lunch. Even though our conversation was filled with laughter and fun, there was this gloomy, overhanging feeling. Gonzaga University, which was our home for four years, was no longer our home anymore. And as much as we tried to resist it, we had to move on.

We were forced to focus on the "real world" and get a job or at least figure out something to do with our lives. This was another punch in the gut for me. I didn't have a job before graduation. The night before graduation I was filled with so many mixed emotions; beyond satisfied with the past four years, happy with all the amazing friends I made and the experiences I had, but also sad that it was ending and feeling like a failure because I wasn't employed. I had an emotional breakdown and remember my friend Abbie, who graduated a year prior, comforting me and telling me everything was going to be okay. (Little did I know at the time, that yes, I was going to be okay.)

I felt like a failure. Which was honestly SO ridiculous. There is so much pressure for seniors to find a job right away and jump right into the workforce after graduation. Of course it is smart to be on top of things, to look for careers, have internships, and be prepared. If you get a job before graduation, then that's amazing! Good for you! I was genuinely proud of my friends and peers who were employed pre-graduation, especially those who were excited to begin working. I will admit that I had a couple of offers, but I didn't take them. They weren't the right fit. I had also been very close to getting two other jobs that sounded great. However...they weren't exactly perfect (and I got rejected).

One of the jobs I was in the running for was in Spokane (the same city I went to college in). The job's duties sounded fantastic and were exactly what I wanted to do. But I didn't get it...which, I would find out later, was a blessing in disguise. It was in God's plan that I didn't get that job. Why? There are plenty of reasons, but here are a few:

1. I would not have enjoyed staying in Spokane after graduation.

2. I would have been working full-time, and wouldn't have had time to travel.

3. I would not have had the amazing experiences from the two jobs I had post-graduation, if I had taken that job.

After college, I moved back in with my parents. I was afraid that I'd have to live in the Seattle suburbs for a long time. I was afraid that I'd settle for a job in Seattle just so I'd feel "accomplished" and "not lazy" and not a "failure." I almost took a job being a summer nanny (again), because I knew the exact amount of money I would make, and then at the end of the summer I could travel, and then figure out career options from there.

However, my parents kept pushing me to keep looking for jobs. It was only one week after being home that I was contacted for an interview for a summer position at the Global Young Leaders Conference in Washington, DC. The interview went well and I was notified two days later that I got it! There was a catch, though: training started in five days.

I had never been to DC, but I participated in a similar program as a student in high school and really, really enjoyed it. In the back of my mind I had always wanted to be a group leader and pass on the invaluable skills I learned in high school to a whole new generation of high school students. Of course I was nervous, but I accepted the job and left only a few days later. Summer 2013 was one of the most rewarding summers of my life so far, because I not only had a great time exploring a new city, but also meeting and inspiring high school kids from around the world. I fell in love with DC and want to move back there. In addition, I also got to explore a little more of the east coast as our conferences went back and forth from DC and New York.

Mid-summer, I got some more exciting news: I was offered a fall position at Euroadventures, the travel company I currently work for. Beyond ecstatic that I was going to go back to Italy, I couldn't believe how everything just fell into place. My job in DC ended in mid-July. The job in Italy began in mid-August. It was perfect timing.

When I thought I was a "failure" for not getting a job back in May, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. If I hadn't been turned down for those jobs, I wouldn't have spent the summer on the east coast doing a job I love, and then moving to Europe for a travel job.

It's funny how the universe works that way...

One thing I will say is that no one should ever feel like a failure at graduation if their post-college plan isn't quite set up yet. Countless people told me that, but I didn't really listen to them. Yes, I was proud of myself for coming so far, but with so much pressure to get a job...I don't know. It was a really weird time period. A college degree is already a huge achievement in itself. I am so lucky to have gotten to go to college and go to an amazing school. I am so lucky to have had an amazing four years at that school and to have grown so much in every way possible.

Graduating college is already an achievement. The whole "real world" thing is not as cool as it seems, and it can wait a little bit. (And, if you're like me and wanted to take a little time to travel after college, read this blog post I wrote for our company blog. There are plenty of ways to travel after college, and if that's what you want to do, you should just do it.)

Anyways, I'm not quite sure what is next for me in 2014. I'm really into doing what makes you happy. If you're doing something you're questioning, then give it a little time to decide what you want. Then, ultimately, if you're not happy, don't settle. There are plenty of other things that you could be doing that would make you happy. Just do what makes you happy. Do what you love to do. And never settle.

xo-ally

italy.

I can't believe I am actually writing this from my apartment in Italy. It feels so surreal to be back in Europe in a different country. It is beautiful here - just like I remember it. With such a long day of traveling, major jet lag, and doing some actual work, I am so ready to go to bed! I think it's in the afternoon on the west coast of the US right now, but it's 10pm here. With the time-change and the long flight, I basically pulled an all-nighter and I can feel it - I'm wiped! I will definitely update more and hopefully post some pics as soon as I can :)

xo-ally

the BIG NEWS!

I'm so excited to finally share with you all what's next in life for me. I hinted that I would announce something soon, and now the time has come. My summer job in DC is over and I am preparing for my next job that begins in a few weeks...in Italy.

I'm moving to Italy!

Summer 2011 in Florence, my first time in Europe

I'll be working for a student travel company doing marketing and guiding until next spring. So technically I'm not moving to Italy permanently, just temporarily. O.M.G. I'm so nervous. But excited. This will be so fun to blog about not only because I'll be based in Florence but also because I will get to travel around Europe for my job. 

All throughout my senior year of college I was trying to plan my future, to see where I wanted to settle down, until I realized that I don't quite want to settle down yet. I want to travel and see the world and just do what I want to do. You can always settle down later, but right after college is the time to just do what you want to do.

At the end of my study abroad experience in Italy two years ago I wrote in my last blog post, "Can't wait to go back to Florence one day." And I can't believe it's going to happen again, and so soon. (You can read vintage posts about my study abroad experience here, here, here, here, here, and here.)

In the meantime, if you have any travel tips, must-sees, etc., please share!

xo-ally

from new york...

Good morning! Yesterday I recapped my time in DC so far in this post, and today is all about New York. We spent a few days with the scholars there before heading back to DC for this past weekend. I loved it!

First we had a quick lunch in Chinatown:

 Saw Matilda on Broadway: 

The campus we stayed at has a distant view of the NY skyline (it doesn't seem quite as far away in person):

We found the minions from Despicable Me! Can't wait for the second movie to come out (and hopefully will find time to see it): 

Went to John's for dinner. There was a Gilmore Girls episode (season 4, episode 1) where Loreli reads "pizza at John's" off the to-do list -- maybe this was what they were talking about? 

Times Square 

 Went on an evening cruise that boated around the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline:

 I took a video of the view from the top deck, it's always easier to "get the feel" for the view that way!

I'm excited to be back in New York next weekend. Not sure how regular posting will be this week as I start another busy session today, but be sure to follow on Bloglovin', Instagram, and Twitter for updates!

xo-ally

playing catch-up

These past two weeks have been a whirlwind. Seriously, such a whirlwind. I love my job, however, it is very exhausting. At the end of the day it is definitely rewarding, but being "on" all day for 10 days straight can get a little tiring. I've loved all the new people I've met, the places I've gotten to go, and the experiences that have occurred these past couple of weeks! After the first session of 10 days, we had a few days off before the next one starts (which is tomorrow morning). Since I've had very little access to wifi, and the wifi is slow when it's there, I've been playing catch-up this evening on my last day off. It's nice to finally get a chance to upload photos to the blog :) without further ado, here's what I've been up to in DC:

The first day of summer was glorious. It was the best, sunny day, we went to the jazz festival in DC, and had our feet in the water while sipping sangria.

I wish I had time to do "real" outfit posts! Most days all I get is a quick chance to do mirror selfies ;) haha. Lots of pencil skirts, button-downs, blazers. Basically lots of J. Crew and accessorizing with piled-on bracelets and a necklace or two! Hoping I get to do an outfit post outside in normal clothes sometime soon :)

I've also been doing a little exploring:

Love the street packed with food trucks! There were so many options for lunch one day.

The students (we call them "scholars") are great. I really liked my first group, and hoping the second and third batches are just as good! My group of scholars was hilarious, one of them wrote the series of events on the board when we they were coming up with ideas for a skit:

 (By the way, I wasn't actually angry, I was just getting attention in a mock-angry way...) Maybe you had to be there, but I just found it so funny.

 The first day off was devoted to shopping! I got four things: all pink and/or striped. Maybe the next shopping trip needs to include more diverse items...haha.

Went to a Vineyard Vines store for the first time :) (there aren't any of the west coast) and got that bow tank above and a pink tshirt. I also couldn't resist the J. Crew sale (the pink and lime striped cardi), and exchanged something at Forever 21 and for the adorable pink striped dress (which I believe may be inspired by this Kate Spade dress?)

 I spotted the Capitol Building at sunset. It was so gorgeous.

That's all for now! Tomorrow I'll be recapping my time in New York with some more photos. Love you all, thanks for being patient with my posting, and please follow on Instagram and Twitter for updates in the meantime!

xo-ally

pool outfit, and like salad and stuff

I can't believe it's already Wednesday night! Monday was the first day officially on the job with the conference, and I'm already exhausted on day three. My work hours are 7am-midnight with very few breaks! The breaks are actually spent prepping for the next meeting or activity....haha. Even though I'm exhausted, I'm really liking this job and being in DC so far!

Anyways, last weekend I wore this outfit, and even threw it on to go to the pool:

Okay, Georgetown is THE cutest part of DC I've seen yet. I loved it.

I had a reaaaally good salad at Sweetgreen.

Also, the wifi is limited to one small area (not my room, ugh). Sooooo I will do my absolute best to keep up with posting :) love you all!

xo-ally

"relaxed professional" outfit

Hello, hello! Today is my first day off after training for my new job in DC. I can't believe training is over so quickly! We have a couple days off before starting the real thing next week, and I am really excited to begin. After brunch at a little nearby diner, I went shopping with a few other girls. I really need more "professional clothes" because I've already mixed and matched quite a few of my pieces! Haha. Luckily I found a J. Crew and picked up a few things ;) AND everything is 25% off, including sale items! Love a good sale.

Here is what I wore one of the days - pencil skirt, my favorite white top, a watch, and statement jewelry:

I also wore my swimsuit to the pool after training ended. It was nice to be outside in the sun after spending the days inside! The one I got was a recent purchase from Victoria's Secret (great swimsuit selection, always):

swimsuit (it just went on clearance!)

Hope you're having a wonderful week!

xo-ally

I'm going to the other Washington for a bit

[photo]

Hello all! Tomorrow I'm leaving bright and early to start a summer job in Washington DC! I'll be working with an organization where I lead groups of students during conferences. If that makes sense. Haha. I'm really excited to be there till mid-July. My work days are all day - think 8am - 11pm - so I'll blog as much as I can when I find the time! I'm working on scheduling some posts now so the blog doesn't go silent :) though follow me on Twitter and (my new! finally!) Instagram in the meantime!

Also, if you have any tips about DC or places I should go on my days off I'd love to hear them. I've never been there so I'd love to hear about it from someone who lives or has been there!

xo-ally

currently...

With the end of the school year, moving out of my apartment, and so many other things going on, I haven't had time to blog regularly! Right now I'm back in Seattle to figure things out and do lots of job searching. I've had a few offers, but am waiting to find the right fit instead of taking the first thing that comes my way.

Currently I've....

Driven back to Seattle. There's a "scenic view" stop on 90 on the Columbia River. It is gorgeous!

My outfit that day

instagram

Looking at cars. I'm getting a car for a graduation present :)

Researching for jobs. Applying for jobs. Sending out resumes and cover letters. Tailoring all my resumes and cover letters. Preparing for some interviews I have coming up!

Exercising. After sitting around on my laptop doing job stuff all day, it is so nice to do something active. I haven't had much of a chance to run outside (don't enjoy running in the rain. And this time in Seattle it's always raining), but have been going to the gym or doing blogilates videos. This one is one of my favorites:

xo-ally

keep calm and elevator pitch

I just got my first set of business cards ever. I feel way too grown-up. But. I really like them. Since I plan/hope on moving out of state post-graduation, networking is a little trickier. I'm hoping I'll find time to take short trips to Southern California and possibly other various places (Charleston, SC anyone? Who knows!) before graduation so I can go to networking events and job shadows.

This whole graduation-is-coming-you're-about-to-enter-the-real-world thing is scary. I absolutely love college. I feel so at home at Gonzaga and I couldn't imagine spending these four years somewhere else. However, I know I need to think practically and realistically and recognize that these four years are almost up. Before this blog post gets too sentimental and I start crying on my keyboard (ahh!) I'll get back to the actual subject of this post: the business cards I got!

This is what they look like:

Of course I added some social media info! (I smudged out my contact info and portfolio link for privacy reasons, of course)

I got these from Moo I was really pleased with the fast shipping, easy setup, and number of design choices. I chose this design because it defines "Elevator Pitch," an essential networking skill. I think it's a quirky/fun way to use these cards, seeing as they will be used for networking purposes!

When I explained the business cards to some of my non-PR-major friends, they were like, "Uhh, those are cute but...why?"

Must be some nerdy PR thing.

xo-ally