The After-College-Before-Work Lifestyle

At this moment, I am currently in that awkward phase of nothingness between college and work. For those who don't know me, I just graduated two weeks ago from College and is spending a month home until I begin working in February.

In the meantime... I've definitely developed a relaxing lifestyle with daily moments including:

1. FOOD

Homemade breakfast on the left :) This simple and healthy breakfast is helping me train my cooking skills for the real world! Do you know about these delicious and healthy Power Oranges? Read more about them here.

Dimsummmm in NYC on the right. never enough dimsum. 

2. TV

[Insert a gazillion asian dramas] haha.. this is me putting my premium DramaFever subscription to good use finally! I got to watch:

High School Love On - Cute drama, nice pace, would recommend. Read more here.

Vampire Flower - Short mini series-60min total. I love to watch these mini series because it's short but also tells a full stories. Short the story won't be too detailed but I like the pace and this plot since I'm a sucker for the Vampire genre. This one is a bit hard to find with a good quality and eng sub, I watched it ep1-3 on youtube and the rest here.

Also re-watched Sword Art Online!

It's the only Anime I've watched in recent years and will recommend it to anyone because the plot is great! I was and am still not an Anime fan but I absolutely enjoyed it. The plot is basically a futuristic world where players are stuck inside an MMORPG game and death in the game means death in real life. It explores in depth psychological effects of people in virtual reality and brings very interesting concepts. You can watch it here.

3. TRAVEL

New Year's Eve view of NYC! Had an awesome night of dancing and enjoyed a few drinks at The Shannon  sports bar in Hoboken. It had a nice dance floor and atmosphere!

4. Shopping

Shopping in NYC and finding a gem at Kate Spade NY! 

Link Here

Also snagged this Andrew Marc coat!










5. WAY TOO MUCH TSWIFT

Just can't get over her new album... I've never been a big fan of Taylor Swift, but after this new album I've been converteddddd. I just love all the songs on the album and put it on repeat for hours :0

Tis is the lifestyle of a school-less work-less wanderer. 

Life is pretty good just being able to enjoy these simple things :) Check out more photos and ideas on Instagram :) @graceyliu

命运-家家 （兰陵王插曲 冯绍峰林依晨 Lan Ling Wang Ariel Lin Feng Shao Feng)

兰陵王这剧情看得我泪流成河。。。整整两个小时的眼泪。。眼睛肿的象核桃-.-
尤其是这首歌，真催泪
在脑子里挥之不去两个星期了，所以就算感冒也决定做个cover!

Summer life~

Some interesting finds and recent travel pictures from summer!

*recently I've watched a seried of documentaries on Netflix that I think should be incorporated into our education system, I feel that everyone has the right to learn about their health and what damages our lifestyle as a society have done to our own health and the health of our ecosystem. I've found two that I especially liked and taught me a variety of things related to chronic disease and diet.

1. Hungry for Change 

You can watch on Netflix or a trailer here

2.Foodmatters

Watch full on Netflix or trailer here

These videos have really made an impact on me and the way I think about my food. It has taught me way more than nutrition class and a mentally to treat myself better and healthier~ I really highly recommend everyone to even take a glimpse at the trailers, and if possible watch the full videos! I believe it will impact you!


some pics :) I've had a wonderful opportunity to go to Canada over July 4th break. It was awesomeeeeeee~~~

Niagara Falls

Toronto Islands

Center Island -Toronto

Atlantic City 

Edgewater Beach Cleveland

Just a little something extra form summer...

So...recently I've had some pretty random dreams. Perhaps it's because I've been watching too many asian dramas. I had one dream that was specifically interesting, and I decided to write a novel about it, IN CHINESE o.O

I'd never expected my level of Chinese would be sufficient, but I realized that even after growing up in the United States, I still haven't forgotten the Chinese I learned in elementary school. Out of a whim, I decided to submit my ongoing novel to a huge Chinese online novel site readnovel.com, not expecting anything. After a couple of days, however, I received a notice that my writing has passed their inspection and is officially published on their website!

It kinda gave me a whole new sense of accomplishment that's greater than a lot of things, such as the job I worked all summer, the classes I've taken in school, etc :) 我好开心！

In case anyone is interested in taking a glance, here's the link :) 《冰终化》'ice melts eventually'

Cheers~

March Madness: The Fun&Laughter

Yet another month swings by, so much fun and laughter, living the life~ 

Those are flavored marshmallows!
From Bubo Patisserie 

In just a month, I feel like I've aged a decade. I've become more mature, more focused, and more motivated after figuring what I want to do with life. To reach this conclusion, it was a long and difficult journey, with internal conflicts, moving on from an important stage of my college life, and building up courage to pursue my aspirations. To blog this development, I've split this March Madness into different themed posts: 

First: The fun&laugher, Spring break in Europe~

Icebarcelona!

Santa Maria Del Mar

Magic Fountain of Montjuic

SO much fun and excitement! This has definitely been the best spring break of my life. Though the idea of studying abroad sounds appealing, I'd rather visit individual places on my own, plan trips according to my schedule, and not be burdened in any way by schoolwork~

On top of Park Guell
AXO, ZY REPRESENT!

Everything about this trip has been so extraordinary, from spending time with the boyfriend who's studying abroad, to hiking all over Barcelona, to cheering a sister on at the Barcelona 26.2mile Marathon. 

Growing up and and no longer traveling with the family is a great feeling. 

Not that I don't want to travel with my family ever again, but independency gives the most rewarding and blissful kind of freedom. 

Seeing the different cultures that exist in this world is liberating. Recognizing there are so many wonderful things out there and so many possibilities make even my most farfetched dreams seem within reach. 

AXOXO,

Grace

Winter Edition: Turkey feast, NYC, NBA, Beyonce and beyond

This is a way overdue post :P Just realized I saved it as a draft and never published! 

If you've ever watched an extensive action filled movie, you've only experienced a fraction of what I feltloft my 4 days of my Thanksgiving break--that's how crazy and amazing it was.

In a nutshell:

1. 8 hour roadtrip from Cleveland to Jersey and back with boyfriend, and our friends Effie and Darius.
2. Feasted for 3 days. Feasted the entire Turkey Day from the moment we woke up. (Effie stayed at my house for break)
3. NYC shopping from Thursday night
4. Dave&Buster's at midnight
5. NBA game front row seats, LA Clippers vs. Brooklyn Nets, AND SEEING BEYONCE!

Reuniting with high school bestie Kevin, shopping at Times Square Black Friday~

College bestie, she's an international student, coming home with meee for thanksgiving~

Baumgart's Cafe NOM NOMS

My baby is growing up :( It's a Lexus RX 300

Just being big kids at Dave&Busters

Boyfriend's family overfeeding us at their restaurant Baumgart's :P

Waited two hours for this Totto's Ramen! Get their tuna don, so amazinggg~

LA Clippers vs Brooklyn Nets! AND I SEE BEYONCE O.O

those small blissful moments in life

Baumgart's homemade icecream is just TOO GOOD

Words cannot describe this adventure~

Though I ended being more exhausted than I was before I left campus for Thanksgiving at "home", this adventure was one of the best outings ever and I'm so glad I got to sharing it with all the amazing people in my life :)

AXOXO,

Grace

我的歌声里 You Exist In My Song- 曲婉婷 (Grace Liu & Dan Park)

I know I haven't blogged foreverrrr! (Even though I think about it allll the time and wish I had time to keep it up weekly, but here's something exciting and up to date with life! Preparing for AAA's upcoming show!)

Gtimes in Gtown: partners in crime, DC style

Oh it's that time of the year when school and exams are suffocating and there never seems to be enough time to do anything...until FALL BREAK

Georgetown <3

What an awesome 4 days in DC with my best (and worst) partner in crime Tammy :D During the day we sleep, eat, and shop. The weather was gorgeous, like true fall weather with the sunshine and slight breeze and autumn leaves falling. 

DC CUPCAKES YUM

Watching DC CUPCAKES on TLC always made my mouth water; I finally got to taste its deliciousness after an hour long wait! I tried Maple Walnut, Red Velvet, and Key Lime Pie. Can't decide a favorite because all three were absolutely amazing :D 











M Street is definitely a place you'll not want to miss. The liveliness is incredible between the good food and awesome shopping, that's one thing Case Western cannot compete with. (We're gettin there with uptown developing!) And one thing I realized about DC is the time you spend on waiting, for EVERYTHINGGG. 

Pentagon City Mall!, VA

We Also took a little detour to Virginia to the Pentagon City Mall. My wallet definitely took a blow at this 170 store, 5 story premier shopping center. Especially at one of my favorite stores Francesca's Collections :D Now that's what I call a real mall. 






And when it gets dark... well let's just say chandeliers ain't all that fancy and Case girls aren't just talk either, we bring the game. Call it what you want Gtown peeps, we'll still knock it out and backwards pass till the table's clear. Our mentors have trained us well, all day every day over summer. BOOM

FYI, it was worth totes worth the $280 speeding ticket, damn pennsylvania construction zones..you can build another great wall with all that construction (oops.. still need to mail that check!)

Cheers~ 

Something charming, something yummy (Heck's Cafe)

     September is a festive month (as every other month it seems haha); as my friends' birthdays come one by one, of course we'd be out for some good foood :D

     Though a bit far from campus and requires a car, Heck's Cafe was well worth the drive, even in ridiculous Cleveland downpours. The 18th century brick stonehouse hosts an unique and welcoming atmosphere. The food was delicious, and the service was even better! No matter if you want to go for classiness and fine dining or a good hearty burger, the menu will have a variety for what you'd like.

Even with people like me.. who managed to do this with strange and extraordinary elbow skills, the staff was extremely friendly :)




Cheers~

AXOXO, A Sorority Girl After All

Life has been...busy, exhausting, exciting, but most importantly: GOOD :D

Though I feel like I never have enough time, I'm pretty sure that feeling will never change whether I have one thing going on or a million things going on, haha. I'm glad in a way that I don't have enough time to post more frequently. I like being busy, running around all the time, and seeing the liveliness around campus; it's very fulfilling!

One of my favorite quotes of all time goes: "If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then begin by realizing that you are the author and everyday you have the opportunity to write a new page." 
~Mark Houlahan~

My newest page: ALPHA CHI OMEGA

I am so happy and grateful to be a part of the Zeta Upsilon chapter of AXO at Case Western Reserve University. I have met an extraordinary, sweet, and down to earth group of girls who have welcomed me with the utmost sincerity and happiness. 
I look forward to getting to know everyone, you bet I'll be at the house to study, hang out, and of courseee to eat chef Ron's amazinggg dinners!

At AXO, I am not afraid to be myself, the quirky, strange, hyper, and spontaneous self that I am. 

Proud to be an Alpha Chi sister!

Together let us seek the heights,

AXOXO <3

New priorities. New look. New lifestyle.

Starting off the new semester fresh and re-energized!

New Priorities
1. Academics. *yes I am actually going to all my classes!
2. Health/Fitness *workout at least 4 days a week
3. Clubs/Activities/Social life
4. Work/Webstore/stock investments
5. Others *Layin low on the weekend ventures and the bad boys


New Look

Totes reenergized from home! <3 my besties

So I got a real  backpack (from adidas) and a pair of Cole Haan Nike Air flats that I can trudge around campus with without being destroyed by rain (which by the way has already started, what a great welcome back Cleveland). I finally feel like a student.

So I am really in love with my new hairstyle :) I've cut off 8 inches and it feels so fresh and light. I also got it colored to a light brownish shade and I think it's a good reflection of my personal growth and changes in personality.

New Lifestyle
My new motto is: focus on myself, care less about what people think of me, be less passive, justify my decisions only to myself and be clear on my priorities!

*Also, new fashion. I have been soooo obsessed with vintage/retro style lately (will do a post on vintage and work style later). Francesca's Collections is my new favorite store :D

I AM SO READY, FALL 2012 LEGGGO!


*update: It's been 2 days and it already feels like a yearrr! Every day is so busy running around all over campus. Of course Cleveland welcomed us back by a horrendous thunderstorm Monday, what else is new? Though I am exhausted all the time, it feels great to be out and about all the time, seeing people, and being productive! Life has indeed been fulfilling. My birthday tomorrow, so excited! Definitely throwing a rager this weekend and its gonna be crazyayyy. 

Cheers~

American Doctors vs Asian Doctors

Sighs... it seems that the short few days that I visit home are inevitably always time for doctor appointments (-_-) and I'm no fan of needles and test tubes. There are just so many things to check on... getting a physical, eye check up, teeth check up, ob/gyn, etc

And what is all this weird office hours shit with all you American doctors? This is not meant to be racist at all, just what the facts tell me. Okay, I get it, doctors are important to society and blah blah but seriously, why is it acceptable for doctors to take random days off when the rest of the world functions on a regular Mon-Fri 9am-5pm schedule? 

Here goes my phone ventures to make appointments with American doctors : 

Dentist: Beep, Beep, Beep, No Answer. "Hi Thanks for calling xyz dental office, the office is closed Aug 20th and will reopen on Tuesday Aug 21st. Please leave a message or call back when the office reopens." Really? Oh yea, just pick a random Monday and close the office. NBD

Ophthalmologist: Beep, Beep, Hello this is xyz's office. 
Me: Hi I'd like to make an appointment for an eye check. 
Receptionist: What's your first name, last name, phone #. Do you have your insurance? 
Me: Blah blah. Oh my family's been here for years, there should be insurance information in the system.
Receptionist: We don't keep a system or files. 
Me(mentally): o.O... what kind of doctor's office doesn't keep patient files?
Me: Oh, okay I'll check with my parents and bring the info when I come in. 
Receptionist: What time do you want?
Me: Is there anytime today or tomorrow?
Receptionist: Not today. Doctor's not in on tuesdays or Thursdays.
Me(mentally): why?!? 
Me: okay... what about Wed then (last day I'm home)

.... you get the idea

Here goes the call to my Chinese pediatrician: 
Pediatrics: Beep, Beep, Hello this is xyz's pediatrics office. 
me: Hi, I'd like to schedule and appointment for a physical. 
Receptionist: Okay, can I have your first and last name and what time?
me: blah blah, is there any time today or tomorrow?
Receptionist: Today there's 2 o'clock. 
me: great, I'll take it! Thanks, see you soon

I love my pediatrician! She's nice and awesome and SERIOUSLY. NEVER. AGES. (think my mom gets a hit mentally every time we go cuz I've been with her for 7 years and she looks exactly the same like she's 30 every. single. time. lolss

So there goes a morning of unproductive phone calls... and I probably won't be able to go to the beach because apparently no doctors are in the office on the same day. 

Family time :D

If you're looking for a place to spend some family time, sesame place is a great option! It has a good mix of water slides for all ages, kids rides, boardwalk games, and entertainment in general. The theme park in located in Langhorne, PA and offers a lot of fun for the whole family, especially in the summer :)

Let me just tell you, having a 5 year old brother makes very few family events fun. But even I, who has generally stopped joining in on family outings, enjoyed a great day here. The water slides were fun, the rollercoaster isn't kingda ka or dragster, but it's better than I expected for a children's theme park, and I'm pretty exhausted by now and taking a break while my brother is climbing some obstacle course.

And just look at how happy my brother's smiling :D great chill day after a crazy night at the 2NE1 concert!

Cheers~

2NE1 2012 NJ CONCERT (photos and videos)

If you’re a music freak like me, you’d have been amazed just as I was at Korean girl band 2NE1’s New Evolution concert just now at Newark, NJ. This is their first global tour, and it was well worth the wait and excitement! Here are some photos and videos to capture a fraction of this remarkable night J

Opening- I AM THE BEST

SCREAM

I DON'T CARE

You and I - Park Bom

LONELY

Their unconventional style and perpetual strive for uniqueness is what appeals to me.