Life Discoveries 22

• Never go to bed with a dirty kitchen
• Never look in a magnifying mirror
• If you don't mind looking in a magnifying mirror, then you are a beautiful, confident person. 
• Be concise when emailing busy people and get to your point right away. 
• It's a law of nature that contact lens malfunctions only occur when you're running late.
• Always fill up the whole gas tank.
• Only shoot pictures from upward angles.
• Figure out exactly what you need from IKEA before entering.
• Always carry a sweater.
• The key to creative productivity is the right amount of imbibing met with the right amount of chill techno music. 
• Wear a black bra whenever possible.
• The only acceptable preparation of meat in an omelet is shredded or ground.
• Seriously. NEVER cubed.
• Get copious napkins
• Never drink wine out of anything but glass. 
• (Unless you have to, in which case drink wine however you've got to.)
• Take a class. I promise you'll feel good about it. 
• Like whatever the fuck you want to like.
• SEND YOUR ELDERLY RELATIVES MAIL. 
• Take a whole day now & then to not wear a spec of makeup.
• Write things down immediately or they'll fall out of your head.
• Eat pizza with your hands.
• Don't let boredom or vanity dictate your life.

 

(Pieces by Hsiao Ron Cheng)

Life Discoveries 21

• Everything is a process, give it time. Day by day. 
• Miller Light cures stomach aches
• The second you start relying on other people for validation is the second you start being disappointed
• Want a faster, cheaper spruce? Skip the full manicure & get a polish change
• FTD is the bomb for flowers. 
• Get flowers for people. 
• Always keep backup birthday candles in the house
• When working in photoshop, name your layers
• If you're looking for something specific, always call the store in advance to see if they have it in stock
• "One who fears failure limits his activities. Failure is only the opportunity to more intelligently begin again." ~ Henry Ford
• Get Outside!  
• Spend time with your family
• Don't be embarrassed to get baked beans at a party. They're delicious.
• Don't be embarrassed to do things in general. If you want to do it - do it.
• You don't have a choice about what happens, but you can choose how to respond to it.
• Always carry at least a little bit of cash on you
• In business, run 5 minutes early - In social settings, run 5 minutes late
• Alkaseltzer is a hangover's best friend 
• Not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck
• Girls compete with each other, women empower each other
• You can fail at anything, so you might as well "take a chance and do what you love." ~ Jim Carrey
• Don't hang out at bars with TVs. Go somewhere and talk to each other. 
• Accept compliments - don't shy away from them or underplay, just accept it. 
• Always get cake to go
• Dwelling on negative people wastes energy of yours they don't deserve
• "Love is what we are born with, fear is what we learn" ~ Marianne Williamson
• Take your B12, y'all. B12. 
• Don't apologize for yourself. 
• When ordering In n Out, get the car tray
• Personalized Stationary is the shit
• "Never love anyone who treats you like you're ordinary" ~ Oscar Wilde
• Use the qualities you dislike the most in other people to help inform you about yourself 
• Focus on being thankful as opposed to being happy

(Image & advice from Aunt Peaches) 

What have you guys been discovering lately??

Life Discoveries 20!

• Doubt Kills More Dreams Than Failure Ever Will
• Always eat breakfast
• Karma. Fucking. Exists. 
• Forgetting Passwords makes us human.
• A little bit of something every day makes a big difference.
• We all have a short-term and a long-term self. Make choices for your long-term self. 
• There are way too many different kinds of light bulbs 
• Looking at Pinterest too long WILL make you feel bad about yourself. 
• Buffalo Exchange will never give you as much trade as you think you deserve.
• We ALL re-take the BuzzFeed quizzes until we get the answer we want. 
• Lemon Juice and Hot Sauce make all cooking better.
• Always be sure to get glass coverage with your car insurance.
• When you get frustrated with how slow the internet is, remember dial-up. 
• Being a conscious car parker is one of the best personality traits.
• There is usually little to no reason for group emails. 
• Peanut M&M's. Never Plain.
• People will always give you unsolicited advice and grief about your life decisions. Don't give a damn. 
• We are ALL Liz Lemon.
• The people who complain about things the most are often the ones most guilty of whatever they're bemoaning.
• Be the type of person You want to meet. 
• "To Live a Creative Life, we must Lose our fear of Being Wrong."
• Your Goal for Tomorrow: Wear that thing you bought that one time when you were feeling courageous but have never worn in public! 
• Being an adult simply means a steady stream of alcohol and juggling credit card bills. 
• Topics that will always be boring: The Weather, What You Ate and How Tired You Are. 
• Do what the doctor says. 
• Don't prioritize your life or projects over others. Everyone's situation is valid. 
• The outfit lies in the shoes. 
• The Universe is telling you what it wants from you. Listen. 
• Tattoos are Forever, Guys. 
• You will never be that (insert adjective here) like that other person that you want to be, but you're something else amazing. 
• Doritos may just be Man's Greatest Invention. 

Life Discoveries Sweet 16

• If your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough
• Being the bigger person takes a TON of patience
• Self Doubt kills more Dreams than Failure
• You have the same amount of hours in the day as Beyoncé
• Shop Around
• Scientifically, people see you as about 20% more attractive than you see yourself
• Listen to More Music
• Read More Books
• "Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt" ~ Shakespeare
• Don't compare your chapter one to someone else's chapter 20
• Don't go into situations with expectations about how someone should behave
• You really, really do catch more flies with Honey than with Vinegar
• Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it
• "A smart person knows what to say, a wise person knows when to say it." 
• Wash the sheets every week
• Late Birthday Presents and Costumeless Halloweens are totally acceptable
• If you wait until you're totally ready, you'll be waiting your whole life
• Alone time is VITAL
• Be sure to taste your words before you spit them out
• "The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes to everyone else's highlight reel." 
• Cooking at home can actually be enjoyable
• Worry is a misuse of your imagination
• If you look for the flaws in people, you will definitely find them. Look for the best and you'll find that too.
• DON'T DRINK SCOTCH 
• This too shall pass. (Really, it will.)
• Proof Read
• Don't mock people for the things that make them happy
• "Rudeness is the weak person's imitation of strength."
• Your beliefs don't make you a good person, your behavior does.
• "When I look good, I feel good. When I feel good, I play good. When I play good, they pay me good." ~ Terrell Owens 
• Appreciate Silence
• Sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to just stop caring so much about it
• "An arrow can be shot only by pulling it backward. So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that it's going to launch you into something great." 

47 Things I Know to be True

I don't know everything. 

In fact, a lot of the time I feel like I know absolutely nothing and am drowning in self doubt and panic. However - there are certain things in life that I know to be absolutely true. Things that are frighteningly easy to forget sometimes and fulfilling to remember. 

 These are some of them. 

1. Don't take it personally
2. Never marry a man who A) Adjusts himself blatantly in public B) Doesn't buy you flowers C) Ever makes you doubt your amazingness
3. Pick your battles
4. You generally have to suck at something for a while before you get really good. Be patient. And practice. 
5. Tip well & Support local businesses
6. Gas Station donuts always look better than they taste. And that's a metaphor for life. 
7. If you can't say it to their face, do not send it in a text message or email
8. People are awesome. We do amazing things.
9. Pizza is meant to be eaten frequently, and with your hands
10. Do/Buy/Wear fancy things for no reason. 
11. Trust your opinion and your voice. 
12. Two immediate mood boosters are Exercise and Champagne
13. Always be learning
14. Like what you like. Even if it is popular/cliche/cheesy/overdone/bad. It makes you happy!
15. Don't dig for compliments. Earn them. AND be truly happy for others when they receive them.
16. Alone time is very very important. 
17. Applaud loudly
18. Merlot is an uncommitted grape
19. It's only money
20. Don't give a fuck what other people think. You'll be a lot happier. 
    
21. 90% of success is made of discipline & a good attitude
22. Never sigh or groan when asked to do something
23. Drive the way you would want your children to
24. Making out is fun
25. Remember people's birthdays
26. Guilt is not a productive way to get people to want to do things
27. Karma is very, very real. 
28. Every time you think a nice thought about someone - tell them.
29. In every moment, you have a choice
30. Hammocks are the best. 
31. Treat no two people the same way
32. Panic Attacks do eventually pass
33. EAT WITH YOUR MOUTH CLOSED!
34. People can change, but never expect them to 
35. Watch your thoughts - they become your words and then your actions
36. 5 minutes is fashionably late. Anything later requires a text and apology.
37. When you get irritated, remember what you were like at that age
38. Don't fear self-help books! (But it's also ok to buy them only on your kindle so people in public don't see what specific personal element of your life you need help with.)
39. Start your morning with coffee & music, end your day with a nightcap and TV on dvd. 
40. DO NOT LIE! (Unless it's a white lie to spare someone's feelings. That's ok.)
41. If Amy Poehler said it, it's 100% true and awesome. 
42. Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself
43. Sometimes you Need to have the kind of night that makes you fall asleep in all your clothes and makeup. 
44. Take responsibility for yourself and your actions
45. If you're good at something, never do it for free
46. Some Like it Hot is the greatest comedy ever made
47. Lead an intentional life. 

Life Discoveries 15

• Always buy 2 of everything
• Dreams don't work unless you do
• Love your partner for who they are, not who you think they're going to become
• "Our Anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it." ~ Kahlil Gibran
• Think about what you're about to say - is it kind and or constructive? 
• Don't play games, it only wastes time
• It's called half & half because you're supposed to do half coffee, half cream. right?
• Get Up, Dress Up, Show Up, and Never Give up 
• Sometimes things really are not all they're cracked up to be.
• "Every artist was first an amateur" ~ Ralph Waldo Emmerson
• If you find yourself hurt, mad or offended, ask yourself how many cabernets you've had
• People will ask others for advice until they get the answer they want to hear
• Women always have a Little Black Dress and Men always have a nice Blazer
• Life is never perfect, but it does have perfect moments. Make sure you notice them. 
• Try New Things!!! 
• Champagne. Cocktails.
• It's not that you don't have anything to wear, you just don't know which you you want to be today
• "Do not squander time - it is the stuff life is made of" ~ Gone with the Wind
• Just ask. You might be suuupper rewarded!
• Envy is ugly and incredibly difficult to avoid
• Return your shopping cart! 
• BElieve in YOUrself
• Word on the street is that Linkedin is cool! Who knew?!
• "Success is what happens when you're doing what you love." ~ Tom Kreuger
• DON'T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY
• A lot of the most wonderful things in life don't make sense. 
• It doesn't count as an outfit until you accessorize.
• Don't fall in to the popular habit of justifying your decisions. Do what's right for you and be proud of it. 

Life Discoveries XIV

• Be the type of person you want to meet
• Sometimes part of a wonderful day involves pushing through something difficult 
• Need to learn something? YouTube it.
• Be kind to wait staff
• Not all who wander are lost 
• Not all who have a plan are found
• Accept Responsibility & Never deflect blame
• Do not let the world make you hard
• 'You can never be over dressed or over educated' ~ Oscar Wilde
• Instruments are good for the soul
• There is NO healthy substitute for real ice cream
• Everything in life is tentative
• Only boring people are bored
• What you allow is what will continue
• Stay positive on social media
• It's not about winning, it's about how you play the game
• The only people who knows what happens inside a relationship are the people in it
• Few qualities are more attractive than watching someone make up their mind to do something and doing it
• Being kind is more important than being right
• Girls compete with each other- Women empower each other
• The difference between ordinary & extraordinary is that little extra
• Sometimes you just have to accept they're either gonna see the blemish or see the makeup
• Love and relationships are a journey
• Success doesn't come to you, you go to it
• Never underestimate the influence of the little things

Life Discoveries Lucky 13

• Queen is the perfect size bed
• Over-Crisp cookies
• Pay attention to your gut
• Spa gift cards are the best presents
• Take time for yourself 
• Be constantly learning
• You have more potential than you realize
• The only time success ever comes before work is in the dictionary 
• Pinatas will never not be fun
• Be perpetually on time 
• Holding a baby is good for the soul
• Play tourist in your own town
• It's just a car bumper
• The things you take for granted are probably something someone else is wishing for
• Thrift shopping is a habit that you have to cultivate
• Get your ideas out there
• Friends don't let friends walk around with something on their face
• Chilled white wine or no white wine
• Listen to your body, it's telling you to get a massage
• It's cool to be friends with your parents
• When you do something that scares you it feels so much better because you braved it
• Never blast joy
• Cake trumps pie. Always.
• It's easier to get a job when you have a job
• You're your own problem and your own solution
• Go bowling
• Sweatpants are not appropriate attire
• Bring people coffee

Tarreyn Travel Philosophies

As you know, I just returned from a long trip across the pond. 
When you travel that long, you learn some things, you forget some things, and you definitely develop a certain outlook on traveling.
Here are some finite philosophies I developed:

• Calories don't exist on Vacation
• Hostel Showers fall into the definite DON'T category
• You will never regret taking too many pictures
• Don't take too many pictures so that you're not in the moment
• Don't think about whether something is too "touristy" just think about if it's something YOU want to do
• There are very few things "you HAVE" to see - do things YOU want to do
• PACK. LIGHT. (Carryon's are the way to go)
• Do your best to attempt to speak the language of the country you're in
• Day Drink
• Allow yourself to sleep (Jet Lag's a bitch)
• Don't waste time standing in lines - there are too may back streets and surprises to discover
• Hangovers Happen. Don't give them the power to ruin a minute of your trip
• Try things you wouldn't normally do
• People Watch
• Pack more toothpaste than you think you'll need. Running out sucks.
• Strike a balance between lots of planning and allowing for spontaneity
• Always pack a swimsuit. Seriously. Even when you really don't think you'll need it
• Turn your phone off
• Traveling is stressful - be kind to yourself
• Don't buy souvenirs just for the sake of it. Find something that really means something and helps you remember your trip.
• HYDRATE
• CAFFEINATE
• Ladies always pack a LBD (little black dress), Gents always have a nice shirt
• Send postcards. They don't take that much time and people love receiving them
• Try not to stress too much about money. You can make more. Have the trip you really want.
• Do cheesy things
• When traveling with another person, fights will happen. It's all good. 
• Skype is amazing
• Bloody Mary's were invented for being on airplanes. Take advantage.
• Also take advantage of train dining cars
• Sometimes unfortunate events end up making the funniest/best memories
• Learn about the place you're visiting. It will make it so much more fun and interesting (Watching trip-themed movies is fun too)
• Stop and smell the flowers
• Eat EVERYTHING

Life Discoveries XII

• People will never cease to surprise you - and that can be good and bad
• Sometimes being a good friend or partner means doing things you don't really wanna do
• Calorie Counting is an eye-opening bitch
• Dirty Laundry builds up really fast
• Stay away from Scotch
• Pack Light
• Always be supportive of those around you
• Switch out the filters on your Brita pitcher regularly
• Friends is one of the TOP greatest television shows EVER
• Do your best to not get upset about anything that hasn't actually happened yet
• A Clean Car makes for a Happy Mood
• Tweet more, Facebook Less
• Never eat with your mouth open
• You don't realize how much a toe matters until you break one
• YOLO
• It's a Scientific Fact that pieces of White Clothing are Stain Magnets
• Relationships are wonderful but tricky business
• Wear a Watch
• Having a cocktail (or two) before shopping leads to excellent results
• Receiving a good meme can really brighten up someone's day
• Plants can give you a surprising sense of purpose
• Do Things that Scare You!!!
• Discover unknown bands

Always Remember

"We are reminded how short life really is, and how we are just passing through. So, all the people you haven't told you love lately, tell them, and live your days like you mean it."

 ~ Hal Sutton

• Tell people that you love them. Constantly.
• Go the extra mile
• Ask questions and be willing to learn
• Don't take up two parking spaces or cut in line
• Don't take anything for granted
• Laugh as much and as hard as you can

"Be kind - Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle"

~ Plato

• Believe in yourself and those around you
• Don't scream at flight attendants or nurses
• Follow through with your goals
• Reserve judgment
• Smile
• Trust your instincts and be true to yourself 
• Enjoy every hot shower, every midnight snack, every simple pleasure

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."

~ Henry David Thoreau 

• Don't be afraid of how you feel
• Hug your family
• Embrace your uniqueness
• Do whatever it takes to find your joy
• Eat the cake
• Don't eat the cake
• Forget Regret

"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."
~ Friedrich Nietzsche 

• Push yourself but be good to yourself
• Don't blame
• It is good to fail - it means you're trying
• Dream more, complain less
• Live the way you want to be remembered
• Respect other people's time
• Impossible things can and do happen
• Create
• Contribute

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow."

~ Albert Einstein

• Don't leave anything unsaid
• Everyone needs something different
• Believe in Karma and act accordingly
• Take the plunge
• Get enough sleep, Drink enough Water
• Don't hold grudges
• Forgive. Love. Hope.
• Accept people for the good and the bad

 "As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live."
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 

• Most decisions in life aren't permanent
• Be there for people - especially when it's the hardest
• Don't Drive Drunk. Stay Away from White Powders.
• Believe in Happy Endings and Silver Linings
• Your feelings are justified
• Don't let perfect be the enemy of good
• Do NOT sweat the small stuff
• Stay Strong
• Appreciate every moment we have 

"Where there is love there is life."

~ Mahatma Gandhi

Life Discoveries 1100

• Conflict exists to make us Better, not Bitter
• 'The difference between a good person and a bad person is that when a good person does something wrong they own up to it try to learn something from it' - Ron Swanson
• Having a signature drink is cool
• Drink cherry juice before a workout and/or chocolate milk after to avoid sore muscles
• Most people are related to people they don't relate to
• People who buy cook books & pay for music are good souls
• Always keep a method of writing down ideas next to the bed
• Every noodle is the same, every artichoke is different
• In a couple, make sure you have TV shows that are all your own 
• Looking on Web MD leads to no good
• Never buy reduced calorie orange juice or maple syrup
• Always have bottles of Peptobismol & IB profen at home
• Designate before you celebrate
• Don't sweat stuff you can't control
• Always grab napkins
• Mix 2 parts hydrogen peroxide 1 part dish soap to remove red wine stains
• Invest in a magazine subscription 
• If you want a rainbow you need to make it through the rain
• Staircases are much taller when you're hungover
• Always test your breaks in the rain
• Expectations effect EVERY experience 

Life Discoveries Decagon

• Don't buy cheap razors or cheap tequila
• When in doubt, try it out
• In concert, musicians do not like being told what to play. They'll get to it.
• Sincerely hope for the best success for everyone
• It is what it is
• Wear a hat hiking
• Courage and Confidence are different
• Don't let tomorrow be the enemy of today
• If a song has synthesizer, organ or strings, it's probably good
• Mix 1/3 Gatorade, 2/3 Water to cure a hangover
• Do all the silly traditional holiday activities
• Be kind to your brakes
• Never make an enemy by accident
• Buy people presents that they wouldn't buy themselves
• Try things that scare, surprise and challenge you
• Indulge in some alone time here and there
• Micro-Suede is amazing
• Always remind yourself that what you would want is different from other people
• Find your joy no matter how big or small
• NEVER do more than one shot of absinthe
• Support your local Coffee Shop
• Blast your music
• Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer

Life Discoveries California Edition

• There's always another wave
• Nobody should live in a major city without a smart phone
• Hotel Bars are super duper expensive and super delicious
• People who work at Surf Shops are either super nice or super un-helpful
• Never miss an opportunity to watch a beach sunset
• Toyotas are awesome
• Neil Diamond is the perfect travel companion
• Padded bikini tops are amazing... until the padding fills up with water like a sponge...
• YOU have the choice to ignore the calories listed on menus
• You get what you pay for
• Brixton Apparel is a super cool company
• Cruise Control is a genius invention
• Champagne and Vodka are a surprising, dangerous, and delicious mix
• Save the Cat
• Sometimes you just need a cheeseburger
• Don't let a rainy day dampen your spirits
• Always break in a new pair of shoes before traveling with them
• Arrange for a late check-out whenever possible
• Hydrate
• The iPhone is the best photo tool ever
• When in doubt - OVER PACK
• Get in the water
• When going out in a group agree on how you're gonna split the check in advance and tell the server up front
• Visit Museums!
• Turning off the lap-top for a few days is good for the soul
• Send Post Cards
• Things to always pack: LBD, iPhone, Aquanet & Dry Shampoo, Travel Hat, & a Sweatshirt 
• Take too many pictures
• Freeways don't have to be scary
• Buy yourself thoughtful and nice souvenirs
• Try all the beers
• Take cheap sunglasses to the beach
• Do every day on your own terms

Secrets of Life

With the ringing in of a new year, I've been examining some staple ideas of my life philosophy. I've previously mentioned a lot of these, but I thought I'd compile them into a designated spot. Here is a list of some of my most important life secrets.

• Never turn down a glass of Champagne or a nice Steak
• Tell people you love them 
• Take lots of pictures
• Don't have pre-determined expectations
• See the ocean at least once a year
• LISTEN
• Make the Bed
• Homemade presents are the best
• Not judging is one of THE hardest things ever. But also SUPER rewarding. 
• Write letters and thank you notes
• Be frivolous
• Utilize the frozen food section 
• Turn intimidation into inspiration
• Bring a sweater
• Embrace Irony
• It's easier to be organized
• Accessorize
• Ask for help
• Retail therapy IS effective
• Coffee.
• Never settle 
• Optimism is bravery in a different outfit
• Dance like a dork once in a while
• Most decisions can be undone
• Leave them wanting more
• Buy fresh flowers
• Try something new as often as possible
• Get dressed up and go out on the town
• People rarely change
• You're one hot shower away from a better mood
• Always carry a pen
• Laugh as much as a little kid 
• Take risks - in life and in fashion
• Calories Don't exist on birthdays, holidays or at Disneyland
• Spend the extra money, it's almost always worth it
• Have Hobbies
• Whiskey.