Monthly Archives: August 2015

Travel

The Essentials: Labor Day California Road Trip

August 30, 2015

The Essentials: Labor Day California Road Trip on TheDailyMonarch.com

It is truly a treat to be born and raised in California.  The state is filled with beautiful locales to explore on weekend trips – Big Sur, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, Big Bear.  The list is endless. Whatever adventure you choose, it is  bound to be nothing short of epic with plenty of activity. There is still so many places I have not visited and looking forward to what is in store for this year’s Labor Day.  I’m leaning towards Catalina Island, as it would be my first time!

The temperature is definitely reaching its climax, and for those of us hitting the California roads to embark on our last trip of the summer, I’ve provided some necessary essentials to pack for the upcoming holiday weekend.   read more

Me

JOMO: The Beautiful Joy of Missing Out

August 27, 2015

JOMO: The Beautiful Joy of Missing Out on TheDailyMonarch.com

I love being home.  Being surrounded by scented candles, my iPad mini, and a great home cooked meal cooked by yours truly is a perfect day to me.  And did I forget to mention undisturbed?  I am sure it seems quite odd because if you follow me on social media, it seems as though I love to be the life of the party, and am always out and about.  And sometimes, my life is definitely non-stop – I am an ambivert.  BUT, most of the time I prefer saying no to social obligations and being home doing the things I love and that bring me joy.  So if you feel the same way I do, I am here to tell you there is nothing wrong with that. read more

Living

How To Style Carpets with Area Rugs

August 22, 2015

How To Style Area Rugs on Carpets - TheDailyMonarch.com

As you know, home decorating has been my number one creative priority right now.  Of course, I am still shopping for clothes and shoes.  Sigh.  What!!?  Fall is coming and I must keep the wardrobe on fleek.  Cut a chick some slack.  Lately, I have been eyeing area rugs that will fit not only within my space’s theme, but also within my budget.  I do have one confession to make however; I am breaking the rules.  I have carpeted floors in the living room and bedroom.   And guess what?  I plan to slap those rugs right on the carpet.   read more

Fashion

Hair: How To Achieve The Perfect Twist-Out

August 16, 2015

Hair: How To Achieve The Perfect Twist-out

Yay!  My first natural hair blog post.  I get so many people asking me about my hair, products I use and techniques; so I thought this would be a great place to share photos, my faves and fails.

I finally figured out the best way for me to get the perfect twist-out that lasts five days or more!  I am THRILLED.  Typically, I am a wash and go girl, but I like different looks and decided to take on the task. Prior to doing a bit of research, it never looked that great.  I wanted my curls to look like my favorite blogger’s perfect and luscious twist-out that, of course, looks freaking effortless. read more

Travel

Instantly Inspired: Palm Springs

August 12, 2015

Elle swim

With summer Friday only days away and heading to Palm Springs for the weekend with my bestie, I was instantly inspired by the above shot in this month’s issue of ELLE Magazine. read more

Food

Pinterest to Plate: My Journey to Loving Guacamole

August 7, 2015

Guacamole

Don’t gasp, but I fell in love with guacamole this year.  Yes, 2015. I know, I know.  Whatever you are going to say, I’ve already heard it.  I was just never into the taste. It was always something so off about the taste to me. And I would try it time and time again at various restaurants trying to find the guacamole that would change my mind. But to no avail.  Le sigh.  Then one day, the spark awakened in me as I dipped my chip into the guacamole at Gracias Madre. Eureka! I instantly fell in love. read more