21 Things I'd Like To Accomplish Before I Turn 22

So, as you may know, I turned 21, two weeks ago. I decided to make a list of 21 things I'd like to accomplish before I turn 22. 


These are in no particular order and everything is of course subject to change. 


1. Learn how to sew  

Studying fashion and having an interest in design, learning how to sew is a valuable skill to have.


2. Learn how to drive

There are a lot of reasons why I have not gotten my license yet. When most teenagers turn 16, that is usually the first thing on their mind. For me, it was my health. I also was later in a severe auto accident that further impacted my well-being. I studied and got my permit and now I just need to go back in there and get my license. 

3. Hit 200 email subscribers on my blog

4. Start selling essential oils 

This is something I have been planning for a while. I know they say there is no time like the present, but I really wanted to wait for the right time...and I know that is coming.  

5. Write for a publication

I'd like to be published in a magazine or newspaper. I think covering a local event is where I'd like to start.

6. Fill up a sketchbook

To continue my pursuit in improving my sketching, I want to be sure to fill up a full sketchbook. 

7. Keep up with my health goals

8. Take a drawing class

9. Be a vendor at an art fair/event

10. Visit NYC

New York is one of the places I want to explore. I haven't been to the east coast, except for a five day convention in Washington DC a few years ago. 

11. Wake up earlier

I am a person who is definitely more productive during the night time. I also love to stay up late and sleep in. I want to work on my sleeping habits in the coming year.

12. Karaoke

I mean this one is pretty self explanatory. I have wanted to do this for years, but you always had to be 21 in order to sing. 

13. Publish my book

This will happen and I can't wait!

14. Drink more water and get healthier

Water helps with inflammation and there are countless reasons to drink more of it. I also want to get to the root cause of why I haven't been feeling as healthy as I know I can be.

15. Have new headshots taken

16. Get a LinkedIn 

In the next few months and in the time before I turn 22, I'll have some credentials and skills that would look nice on a LinkedIn profile. I know how important it is to have one in the business world and I feel I'll be ready to register and create my "resume."

17. Wear my glasses more often

:O This picture is from two years ago. 

I started wearing glasses in the first grade and wore them every day until high school. I can definitely see without them, but when I wear them it makes seeing a concert or attending a lecture more enjoyable. The world truly is much clearer with them on.

18. Take a train to Chicago

I've never been on a train before and it's something I've always thought would be fun to do. I was supposed to take a train to Chicago almost two years ago, but ended up driving with a friend instead. 

19. See Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

I can't wait to see this! I already own the soundtrack and I have heard from friends who saw it in New York how fabulous it is.

20. Journal more

When I was younger, I kept a diary. Over the years, I've stopped and then started again numerous times. I want to start documenting my days in a journal again. Maybe even make it more of a scrapbook diary. I think that would be great to have when I am older. 

21. Continue to be mindful and grateful and do what I can to help others

What are some things you want to accomplish before your next birthday?

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com 

To subscribe to my blog, you can click the subscribe tab at the top of this page, comment, or give it to me personally. I really appreciate it!

Until next time,

XOXOTheZenFashionista

My 21st Birthday - A Psychedelic Mad Hatter Tea Party

Happy Monday everyone! Sorry for not posting a blog last week...It was my 21st birthday! I hosted a psychedelic mad hatter tea party and thought I'd share some pictures with you. 

Some of the decor made for my party! 

Aren't the tablecloths amazing? Mandala's for the psychedelic theme! 

I set the tables with pixie sticks, tea cups, tea lights, and bubbles! 

    

Some of the food made for my party:

    Tuna and Turkey tea sandwiches

    Smoked Salmon dip with bruschetta

    Vegan Lentil and Hummus pitas

Clotted Cream and Crumpets

    Veggie bites

    Egg Salad tea sandwiches 

    Cucumber and cream cheese tea sandwiches 

Chicken pasta salad

    Quinoa salad

    

    I bought tea cup and saucer planters & lady bug boxes for everyone to paint.

   

                 

     Some of the Psychedelic Mad Hatter themed party plates, cups, and napkins.

    Tea Bag sugar cookies! They were so delicious! 

  Egg salad tea sandwiches that a friend of mine made! 

Vegan hummus and lentil pitas!

Coconut Lavender Lemonade!

I also had iced peach tea, virgin mimosa's, and various hot teas. 

   

        My friend Adrienne painted this! Doesn't it look like something you could buy at Hallmark? 

How cool was my cake? I didn't want to eat it because it was so pretty. :P

I also had scones, french macarons, and a lemon vegan cake with pink roses.

My friend Samantha (the one in the middle) drove a few hours to come to my party. It meant so much to me!

Some of the people that came to my party. 

Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with me and made my day so special! 

And thank you to my parents, my best friend Ashley, Stephanie, Kelly, Emma, and Cameron for helping to set up and make some of the food! 

P.S. Both of my dresses that I wore (Yes, I had an outfit change), are from Boohoo!

Have you been to any fun themed parties lately? Let me know in the comments below! 

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com 

To subscribe to my blog, you can click the subscribe tab at the top of this page, comment, or give it to me personally. I really appreciate it!

Until next time,

XOXOTheZenFashionista

My Summer 2016 Playlist

Hi everyone! I hope you had a safe and fun Fourth of July! I'm back from the long weekend with a blog post about the eleven songs I've been listening to the most this summer (in no particular order)! All the links to the songs are below, so you can listen, while you read!  

1. Go Now - The Moody Blues (1964)

My favorite music originated during the decades of the 1960s and 1970s. I truly appreciate the unique sound and harmony of the Moody Blues. It is quite magical and this song is great to listen to outdoors, lounging around in the sun. 

2. Wild Things - Alessia Cara (2015)

Alessia is a newer singer, as this is her first album. I love her voice and this song has a really fun beat... I can listen to it over and over again. :P

3. 7 Years - Lukas Graham (2015)

I saw that this song was consistently making a top spot on the Itunes charts. I listened to it once and then heard it again when Lukas Graham performed it on the Billboard Music Awards (It actually got stuck in my head when I watched a video that Paula Abdul posted with it :P ). I ended up researching the singer to find that he is from Denmark. His music is described as a "pop-soul hybrid" and after listening to a few songs, it is clear that he puts his all into this album. He tells a story based on his life experiences and I have become a fan. 

4. The Long Now - Daphne Guinness (2016)

Daphne's music is honestly like nothing else I've heard lately. Her music is heavily influenced by the 1960s and what's refreshing about her album, is that it's her own....When listening to her songs, it's as if you've taken a trip to another dimension. Other songs I recommend listening to off her new album would be, Subtle Hand of Fate, Hitch Hiking, and Joke. 

5. Carousel - Stevie Nicks (2014)

Who doesn't love Stevie Nicks? This song is the one cover on the album. It was written by Vanessa Carlton and was a favorite of Stevie's mother in her last days. Her niece, Jessica sings it with her and it's such a beautiful rendition.  

6. What The World Needs - Wynonna Judd (2003)

With everything going on in the world, this song is a nice reminder that we all are deserving of love and that a little compassion, goes a long way (Not to be mistaken with the Hal David/Burt Bacharach creation of the 1960's, made popular by Jackie Deshannon).

7. Paper Doll - Gail Swanson (2002)

Gail Swanson, is actually a friend of someone I know, and I found her music completely by accident a few years ago. I loved the rawness in her voice and went on to listen to more of her songs. This album in particular is different than her others. It has an edginess to it. Definitely check her out...She won't disappoint (She also sings a wonderful cover of Sympathy for the Devil by The Rolling Stones and my favorite is an original song called, Beautiful Again - Do Do Song)!

8. You Are - Christine McVie (2004)

Christine McVie, best known for her participation in Fleetwood Mac, released her third solo album in 2004. She has such a beautiful voice, and I really enjoy her song writing. (I quoted this song on my Instagram a few days ago, and everyone thought I wrote it...I'll take the compliment). 

9. Brave Heart - Hilary Duff (2015)

Hilary Duff is someone that I've loved ever since I was very young and I was so excited to hear that she was releasing a new album. Brave Heart has a great message and this album is worthy of checking out!

10. Don't Let Me Down - The Chainsmokers (feat. Daya) (2016)

Don't Let Me Down is such a fun, summer song. It's perfect for a dance party, or just jamming with your headphones. Honestly, when I first heard this song, I didn't even like this it, but it obviously grew on me, if it made the list! 

11. In The Night - The Weeknd (2015)

The Weeknd, is best known for his song, Can't Feel My Face. This is another song off the same album and you have to watch the video when listening to this song. It's like watching a short film and is a cinematic experience. The Weekend's album, Beauty Behind the Madness was inspired by his life, the pain that he's experienced. In The Night is a perfect example of that. 

That's it! These eleven songs are the sounds of my summer. What have you been listening to? Discovered any cool bands? Stuck on a throwback you can't get out of your head? Let me know in the comment section! 

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com 

To subscribe to my blog, you can click the subscribe tab at the top of this page, comment, or give it to me personally. I would really appreciate it!

Until next time,

XOXOTheZenFashionista