Hi all! It’s been a while since my last post. If it’s looking like I’m hiding, actually I’m not. I didn’t go anywhere but you know, my shallow idea that a blog post should contain nice pictures has become the major restraint from writing. haha. So, that’s to why. But my fingers and my brain urge me to write again, plus I have a few pictures to share…. So, now is the best timing, indeed.

- I’m creating another blog. Nope, this one I’ve had for years won’t be left behind or abandoned. Here is my virtual home and we’re emotionally connected (haha). It’s just that the new one contains more comprehensive thoughts on a particular topic I’m not telling you yet. I’m in amidst working on the content bit by bit and will share the link as I’m feeling ready! sooner as possible.

- Finally signed up for a Pilates Class. I’ve been long contemplating whether to join the class or not to, and finally decided after going through a little bit of survey. A bundle of excitement washes over me upon stepping into the first session which will take place this Saturday morning. I simply can’t wait. Hopefully, both of us (Pilates and I) are going to hit it off. But, I have the feeling we will, anyway.. We’ll see how it goes not too long enough.

- Most of my days I have spent together with my little cousins lately. That’s me and my 9 year old cousin (her name is Naomi) in the pictures above. She’s really funny. There’s certainly something in little kids that I really love. The way they express themselves innocently is too endearing, I could die in happiness. Nothing tops such cuteness, aw! Naomi is very active, chatty and brave (probably because she is the only daughter in her family, she has three brothers). And sisterhood is really my thing.

- Yesterday, I watched Coco Chanel movie for the third time already and quite surprised that it never ceased to make me fall in love over and over again. First, the vintage tone of the movie (I’m a sucker to vintage thingy as you know). Second, her brilliant ideas on designing and producing impeccable and subtle pieces. Third and the most important as fact, her life story and character. She had a very strong character. She believed in her dreams, she was very passionate and worked really hard to realise her dreams, despite the ups and downs along the way. I’m an absolute big fan of her, definitely yes.

So, how’s life on your end? I hope life’s treating you good, no hassles you have to face. Off to bed now, before this post grows as long as a thousands words essay. Good night!

Uploading the pictures above reminds me, back in Birmingham, my friend once caught me sit by a junk-food restaurant with a large amount of junk-food on the table, on my both hands, and inside my mouth. Ok, it’s not that creepy. I remember him telling me “What?? you are eating all these, seriously? I thought you’re a gym-nut. So, you’re putting all the gym sessions in vain, aren’t you?!” How dare he say so. However, his saying didn’t get my nerves, I was still cool (because I had plenty of food at that time, obviously!) and replied to him “well, to make things clear.. all the gym sessions I’ve taken and I will take, are meant for this kind of food.” I know, it was a little misleading kind of motivation/way of thinking. I might be misled, but it’s the truest and most honest answer from me. The whole point is: I exercise more to eat more, as to eat more fatty food.

So, junk-food. I wonder if loving junk-food is actually a gene trait, or no? Given the fact that everyone in my family loves junk-food, it might just be (insufficient justification, I know). Since junk-food lover is in my blood, on my jaunt to the land of junk-food (especially burger and hotdog), the U.S., my sister and I stopped by some restaurants serving food of that kind after reading some recommendations from several blogs I favoured. Of all junk-food restaurants we went to, my favourites were: Eat DC-3 for the hotdog, and Five Guys for the burger and fries (the meals weren’t pictured, my apology). I’ve never tasted such tasty hotdog and burger before! and the truth is, I’m salivating now. So I better go, or else..

Toodles! x

p.s. don’t you think I made too many repetitions of “junk-food” in this post?! I’m really sorry about that.

It was 6-hour length of stopover but we were only able to spend 3 hours to meet up. I was so glad and happy and grateful to meet my best friend in her city, despite being a really  quick one. Selin took me to the area of a close proximity to the airport because it wouldn’t be funny at all if I missed my flight back home (though, somehow, the thought of staying a night in the city sneaked into  my sneaky mind, but no! I was very thoughtful that time, thank God!). I love Istanbul, though the pictures above don’t suffice to be called as Istanbul-at-a-glance. There’s a unique vibe I perceived during the 3-hour stay. And as travel-nut that I am, I whimsically craved to explore every corner of this city! Since then, I’ve decided to put Turkey at the very top of my next-destinations-list and I promise to give it another round of trip. Turkish-holiday sounds appealing, hmmm..

Before I caught my flight back to Jakarta, my sister and I spent 3 days in Chicago. As lame as it is, having street style snaps appeared to be our most favourite thing to do, haha! It was so much fun to play dress-up-and-snap with my sister and even beyond that, I’m really happy that my thirst of having self-street-style captures was fully-satisfied during the whole trip.

Anywayyy.. I threw the outfits as seen in the pictures during 3 day stay in Chicago. The weather was at its best or in better words, it was super hot! But I didn’t mind at all. It felt good to be washed by intense sunshine and heatwave after some days of harsh wind, thunderstorm and tornado warning.

So, I hope you have a fabulous day! I’m off for the day! Toodles.

I’d like to start off this post by pointing out that this particular journey is the epitome of epic! Here’s to why.. First, I hadn’t realised until 2 days before departure that I had opted wrong airport destination during the online-booking. Our flight was Baltimore-bound from NYC, instead of DC-bound. Well, it was only an hour cab drive between those two cities, but still… Second, we were very closed to being late to board the aircraft, there was the scene where we arrived at the wrong terminal at last minutes. Third, it was a very small aircraft (only 28 passengers) and frankly, it scared me to some extent (given that it was my very first experience) An hour full of anxiety, we finally arrived in the D.C, hallelujah! We couldn’t be more ready to explore this capital city in a day and the jaunt should be made as effectively and efficiently. Pictures below have things to say!

Capitol Hill Building

Capitol Hill houses

Capitol Hill neighbourhood

The White House

Strolling down the Capitol Hill area was the top-notch, my favourite! So chilling and relaxing. I love the neighbourhood, and the view of pretty and colourful houses very much pleased my eyes! (dreamt on having and living in one of those pretty houses, aw! so dreamy and magical, those houses!) The city is not as bustling as New York City, obviously! But, still, it exuded liveliness. People looked dapper in their suits and dresses (work-suits and work-dresses), I could feel the formality ambiance of governmental city that the DC is famous of. However, if you’re more into a vibrant and bustling area, head over to the Georgetown area to serve your needs. We did! Shopping centres, entertainments, and eateries (and cupcakes shops) lie in this area. I love the area!

Washington DC is well-known for the museums yet we missed a visit to any of them since we’re – unfortunately – not so much of a museum-person (my boyfriend is, by the way! I believe he would drag me to any museums if he were there, gah!). However, that doesn’t say I couldn’t turn into one… if only we stayed a bit longer. All in all, it was a day well-spent in the DC and we made quite a good trip. At this moment, our short trip reached its finale and it was about time to go back home, by home it referred to Urbana. We’re sad and happy in equal measure, as per usual at the end of holiday. But, that’s just the whole gist: travelling – go back home – travelling again – go back home again … then it goes on and on. One thing that remains over years, I’m a traveller and I love travelling.

Peeked into my sister’s blog to see her thoughts.