If you can believe it, this is my first time playing at the beach in years. I've gone once before to watch the sunset, but I don't really count that. This also means that I haven't worn a bathing suit in a long time. I'm glad I decided to wear this retro polka dot one-piece as I did feel a little self conscious. I bought it many years ago (on sale so it was quite cheap) with the intention of wearing it, but I never got around to going. So, although it's an old thing, it's the first time I've worn it out to the beach!

 We ended up at the area designated for owners with dogs. We were fine with that as it was less crowded than the other popular spot further down. We had decided to make a picnic out of our beach day as well. My friends brought homemade kimbap and mochi dessert while I brought sandwich rolls and figs. Sadly, I forgot to take pictures of our cute picnic. We devoured it with the hunger of a thousand hungry men. Our day turned into night as we roamed all over the city, talking over fresh juice/tea and strolling around the park. All in all, it made for a very nice and relaxing outing.

As part of the study abroad program, we were given the opportunity to stay for the weekend (or a month) at an assigned host family's home. Most opted for the weekend home-stay as did I. Pictured above is my host-mother, Yoko Nakayama, with her sleeping daughter, Tomomi-chan. The first night we had homemade curry, which was sweeter than I was used to. Yoko-san said it was because of the sweet potatoes she made them with, which appeals more to a younger child's taste. It was still very delicious. And I must say, the Japanese take their baths seriously! I loved using the bath. It was so relaxing. While Tomomi slept, Yoko-san and I stayed up talking late into the night. The next day we went to visit a beautiful temple.

Though not pictured, Yoko-san at the time was attending lessons to learn the art of tea ceremony. She took me there and it was great fun just watching everyone practice. I really like the way a tatami room looks. Yoko-san's home is quite modernized but she still had a formal tatami room. I remember her saying that she and Tomomi-chan prefer to sleep in it. By the way, our dorms were all tatami and we each had a futon with the most comfortable pillow I'd ever slept on. It was really nice!

Tomomi-chan finally woke up. She was so cute. I fondly recall when Yoko-san took me a kaiten sushi (sushi served on a conveyor belt) restaurant and Tomomi-chan, whose hands were full of rice and natto, playing gleefully with me and my hair. She's grown up a lot now, but she still looks like the Tomomi-chan I remember.

P.S. Looking through all these photos reminds me of why I love taking pictures. Although they aren't professional, to me they're special. At times, I'd rather be the photographer than be photographed. Sentiments!

Until next time...!

 We had always passed by the Santa Anita Arboretum on our way to the mall, and always wondered what was inside. Naturally, being that admission is free every third Tuesday of each month, we decided to pay a visit. We were unprepared the first time we went for the amount of walking we would be doing. We didn't think it would be so enormous. There are so many things to see and everything is gorgeous. I highly recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes. One could easily spend all day here. 

I used to think it was impossible to be comfortable while still looking nice or cute, and sometimes it is. I've learned over the years that a wardrobe should be cohesive in a way that can be suited for any occasion, but still exclusive to one's own style. It's definitely a learning process. While my wardrobe has been in the making for over five years, it still isn't perfect yet. Though I'm all for sandals, these Superga shoes are definitely my go-to for its casualness and comfort. I love its soft cornflower blue.

I had to really restrain myself while working on this post. I wanted to include many more pictures but the amount would have been ridiculous. Please bear with me. We've almost reached the end!

 And last but not least, the infamous peacocks said to freely roam the streets of Arcadia. I was surprised we didn't run into more of them this time. Probably hiding in the shade like this one and wondering why us humans are foolishly walking around in this awful heat.

 With the temperature reaching over 100 degrees this weekend, I thought cooling myself with a nice big cup of frozen yogurt at Yogurtland would be a fantastic idea. And silly me, of course I was not the only one. Little did I know that my favorite flavor, plain tart, would be greedily stolen by the lady in front of me. There would be none left by the time I got to it. Her giant mound of plain tart stared at me, tantalizing and tormenting me with what could have been. I felt myself melting with despair like the Wicked Witch of the West. Oh, but wait!

When I reached to the toppings, my beloved fresh blueberries were nowhere to be seen. Surely, they would bring out more! Sadly, it was not meant to be. I would have given up if I hadn't filled my cup some other second-rate flavor. Unfortunately, the family in front of me took so long that by the time I got to sit down and eat my frozen yogurt, it was half melted. But hey, I managed to stay as cool as possible in this outfit. I used to hate halter tops because I thought it made my shoulders look really broad, but they're not so bad. Also, if you haven't already noticed, I'll say it myself. I do, and will, wear these shorts very often. They are my favorite, after all.