A Few Of My Favorite Things

1. Arroz y Frijoles Negros (Black Beans and Rice) - One of the things I miss the most when up at school is my mom's cooking, and especially her Cuban black beans and rice. This semester, she sent me back with a giant frozen tub of her black beans and a bag of frozen white rice. It's my comfort food and one of my favorite dishes and it makes me feel connected to my heritage. 

2. Maroon Journal - I started journaling when I was in early elementary school and it's a practice that has stuck with me since. Examining my thoughts and everything happening in and around me has helped shape who I am. I usually type my entries on my phone or computer, but when my little fingers have the energy, I love writing in a tangible blank journal. The satisfaction is much greater when I write with a pen and paper.

3. Ring - When I was younger, my older brother would always find little, random things he thought I'd like and he'd give them to me. When we were in middle school, he found this ring in the grass when he was walking to class. I've been wearing it everyday since 6th grade and it's my favorite piece of jewelry I own. 

4. Carthusia Terra Mia Perfume - I got this perfume when I went to Italy with my mom when I was 17 years old. I only started wearing it when we came back to the U.S. but every time I smell it, it takes me back to that trip and the people there. It's sensual, warm, and unique scent makes me feel like an absolute goddess when I wear it. I'm on my second bottle, and although it's authentic, the bottle from Amazon doesn't quite compare to the one I got in Italy.

5. Busted Sneakers - When I was a sophomore in high school, I was in a medical program and I had to buy these sneakers to wear with my teal scrubs. They were a pair of brand-less white nonslip sneakers from Walmart and I grew to love them so, so much. They were comfy and kind of ugly and they made me feel like me. In the past couple months, they started falling apart and I bought some nicer sneakers to replace them, but I don't think I'll ever throw them out. 

6. Pink Dress - Like most of my clothes, this dress belonged to someone else before me, either my mom or my grandma. It's oversized and makes me look like an abuelita but I love it.