what’s got me loving life rn

Hey, hello, how’s it going. It’s been a minute since I’ve checked into my blog — a minute meaning over a year. But, I’ve decided to break that streak for one main reason: I’m totally in love with my life, and I wanted to share some little pieces of it with you. My recipe for avocado toast (How millennial of me, I know.), everything about Nick that makes my heart explode (Truly, I can’t put everything I love about him into words. He’s my soulmate, and I’m the luckiest girl on the planet.), the latest roll of film I got developed (I’m getting better at it, you guys!), and the podcasts I’m really loving. I thought it was about time to tell you that I’m a freelance writer now, and I recently was published on InStyle dot com which would make high school-me feel damn proud. And to write down on the all-knowing Internet that I’m unbelievably grateful for it all. Seriously, I don’t take a second of this bliss, or the occasional moments when it’s interrupted by anxiety, for granted.

With that being said, how are you? Not to sound like one of my work emails, but I hope you’re doing well and healthy, and staying sane in this wild world. This planet really doesn’t slow down, like, ever. One day, it’s 2008 and you’re jamming to Akon and President Obama just got elected. The next, you’re deep into Tiger King — which I haven’t watched and promise I never will — and deeply panicked about climate change and whether the world’s leaders are going to do anything about it, or not. I’m proud of you for keeping up with it the best you can, and taking a break when you need to.

TBH, I think that’s what this season of life has been about: taking a break, slowing down, and ultimately living better for it. If and when the world chills out a bit, I hope it’s because we’ve all learned to live at the speed of an Italian dinner and with a grateful mindset as bold as an ocean wave that’ll knock you down. I hope everyone takes their time, says “thank you” and “I love you,” and continues to make time for the people, places, and things that cue reactions like, “Oh, heck yeah.”

I’ve been rightly accused of being an optimist or an idealist to a fault. But, I truly don’t believe my hopes are too far off. Every day when I log onto Instagram, I see people enjoying their unexpected routines, embracing their emotions (which make them the most human), and finding new things to be excited about like baking bread or putting on jeans. From my perspective, the forced reset has been the truest blessing in disguise for some: a genuine opportunity to fall in love with the life they live, however it’s presenting itself.

So friends, here are the things that are making my days particularly amazing right now. Maybe some will bring you joy as well, or keep you searching for your own “oh heck yeahs” in the world. Your reasons to be totally and completely in love with life. Let’s find out.

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ONE: ‘what we said’ podcast

First up, What We Said is my jam. It’s hosted by two of my favorite people on Instagram — Jaci Marie Smith and Chelsey Jade Curtis — and it literally makes me laugh alone, in my home office, like the dork that I am. It’s also taught me lessons I never new I needed to learn: how to attract positive things into your life (As someone who considers herself an optimist you can imagine why this came out of left field.), how to not compare yourself to others, and how to incorporate wellness into every aspect of your life. Truth be told, this podcast helped me finally discover balance in my life and makes me feel like I have a few long-distance BFFs to hang with on Tuesday mornings.

two: a mini jade roller

Let me be (maybe) the first to tell you that a jade roller is worth buying. It’s not just a trend on Instagram. I use Mei Apothecary’s Mini Jade Facial Roller. It’s tiny and perfect for rubbing in the coconut oil I gently moisturize with in the morning and at night. It’s also a really great introduction to facial massage and the benefits of working the stress out of your system. (Just make sure your hands are washed first, pls.)

three: OPI ‘gelato on my mind’ polish

It seems I’ve officially entered the “obsessed with blue nail polish” phase of my life, because the past two times I’ve painted my nails, it’s been with OPI’s “Gelato On My Mind” polish. Teal is one of my favorite colors, just ask Nick and our Keurig, so it makes sense. The fact that this polish has sweet ties to my summer travels in Italy may be why it brightens my days so much, too.

four: videos of corgis running

Corgis. Running. There’s nothing that’ll make me cry laughing like a video of one of these chubs dashing through the snow, down a hallway, or on a city street. If you’re new to this kind of bliss or want to smile for the simplest reason, here are three videos you should watch right now: this little guy that’s going SO fast, this cinnamon roll that’s walking in the snow, and this nugget who’s ready for bed. A special thanks to their owners for the quality content.

five: avocado toast for breakfast

Making avocado toast for breakfast? How original! (That’s a Forgetting Sarah Marshall reference if you didn’t know.) But seriously, to blatantly call myself out, there’s nothing too insanely special about my go-to breakfast. It’s part of many millennials’ routines, but here’s my recipe for avocado toast nonetheless. You’ll need: one slice of freshly-baked country bread that’s been cut in half, one avocado, half a lemon, and — of course — Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel seasoning. Toast the bread to your liking, while slicing open the avocado and smashing about 3/4 of it on a cutting board with a fork. Once it’s the consistency of a thick spread, squeeze some of the fresh lemon juice into it, and mix it up. Put the avocado and lemon spread onto the toasted bread, making sure it’s layered fairly thick. Sprinkle the seasoning on top and enjoy while drinking coffee out of a corgi mug from Urban Outfitters.

six: ‘you’re a badass at making money’ by jen sincero

Finally breaking into the freelance world has me wanting to learn more about making money, fast. I read You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero a while back and loved it. She’s hilarious, inspiring, and a guru all at the same time. Downloading this book for like $3 (A perfectly-timed sale.) was a no-brainer. Currently, I’m about four chapters in and have learned so much. Taking notes is crucial to getting the most out of this book, even if you feel dumb or greedy writing why you’re grateful to money down. Those notes are what I’m finding will propel you to think better when it comes to moola.

seven: this high-waisted cheetah bathing suit

I’ve been getting my bathing suits from Aerie for years. They fit me the best and the styles are always so cute and comfy. So, last month, I placed an order for the high-waisted cheeky bikini bottoms (I’ve linked a similar color of the same style.) and a matching bikini top. It could be the much-needed vitamin D, but laying out feels so good in this suit. And it’s ridiculously photogenic, which is why you’ll be seeing it on my Instagram this summer a lot.

eight: national park documentaries

If you didn’t already know, I freaking love the Earth. Last spring, I did a low-key Instagram challenge in hopes of getting people to live more sustainably and open their eyes to the powerful effects of climate change on our one and only planet. Currently, my love is manifesting in a national park documentary series from National Geographic on Disney+. Titled “America’s National Parks,” each episode dives into a different park and the animals, rocks, and plants in it. Dad jokes are abundant. Cool shots of cacti come up every once in a while. Ideally, you’ll watch the episodes on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

nine: animal crossing pocket camp

I haven’t gotten my hands on a Nintendo Switch yet, but that’s okay. Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp lets me befriend cute animals and only invite the ones I like the most to hang at my campsite. It’s totally free to download and play, and if you’re lucky, gives you a chance to eat fortune cookies and win fun prizes like a veggie omelette bar. It’ll also make you feel nothing like scrolling through Twitter does, when the world is having a particularly wild, stupid, and ignorant day.

ten: taking photos on my film camera

Like eating Ben & Jerry’s at 10 p.m. while snuggled up with Nick, I’m saving the best thing for last: taking photos on my film camera. Wow, what an experience it is. It’s a weird rush to turn the focus ring, click the capture button, and have zero idea what the final product is going to look like until you get the roll developed. My most recent roll of Kodak Ektar 100 film had photos on it from October 2019 when Ang and I went into New York City, and from February 2020, when Paige and I went to my favorite diner.

ten point two: nick

It also had a few photos I took of Nick in his Los Angeles Dodgers hat, sitting on our front steps looking as perfect as ever. I’ll never stop falling in love with him and his natural ability to be the most sweet, funny, kind, and attractive person in a room. He continues to make all my days a dream to live, just by being himself. I love listening to him talk about the things he’s passionate about, watching him write new music, and crack up over Schmidt in New Girl. The way he makes me feel calm and excited all at once is something that’ll stick with me for forever, and I’ll never get tired of his stories, ocean eyes, hugs, morning kisses, and ability to knock me off my feet in the sweetest of ways. Here’s those pictures I took of him. They’re worth a thousand words and then some. Since I know you’re reading this: Hey, babe! I love you.

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Well, friends. That’s all I got for ya. Go love your life. I’ll blog again soon.

Love always, Marisa.

finding balance in the new year with jane

This content was sponsored by Jane.

So, 2019. I’ve thought a lot about what I want out of you — what I want to focus on when it comes to myself, love always marisa, and life as a whole in the new year. I’ve dodged writing down “travel more” or “love yourself,” knowing that those things will come in their own time and way. (After draining my wanderlust, and body, during my trip to Italy in Sept. 2018, I think it’s almost time to hop back on a plane, and I will.) And I’ve spent hot shower after hot shower — the kind that you take in the winter when you really just want to warm up — circling back to one word. Balance.

As long as I can remember, balance has never been my strong suit. Fourteen years of ballet made me pretty good on my feet, and taking yoga classes made me believe that my dream of being an Olympic gymnast wasn’t too far off. (Nobody break the truth to the second grade version of me, please.) But, in this current moment, I’m still a work in progress. I’m still trying to find equal space for relaxation and stress, for what I want to happen and what will inevitably happen.

I’ve always wanted everything to feel whole, complete, and straight-up perfect. Like a movie that was colored and edited in tones of teal and orange, so that the characters continuously appear in golden hour. I’ve wanted to stick the landing every single time, and recreate the ideas and concepts in my mind exactly how I imagined them. I’ve never given myself much room for growing and making mistakes, and slowly have learned that not reaching that level of “perfect” is very possible and very okay.

Truth is, at some point, it just became the time to take the leap and find comfort in the unknown, find bliss in the unorganized or non-aesthetically pleasing parts of life. To give up on the “supposed to’s” and “should be’s.” To live, love and create with the mindset that nothing is perfect, and that that’s a beautiful thing in itself.

Enter Jane, a boutique marketplace that is helping me find that much-needed balance in the new year, starting with my closet and ending with a much happier and carefree version of me.

One thing that I have always considered “imperfect” in my life was my closet. Growing up, I wanted to have all the latest items from the brand names, and I’d get frustrated and feel stuck when I was getting dressed in the morning. My sweaters felt one season behind, and my personal style was never quite what I wanted it to be. I assumed that once I got older, had more money in my bank account to spend on clothes, and could own everything from Urban Outfitters or Madewell, that I’d feel complete and totally on top of my game.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m still obsessed with and inspired by those brands and their collections. But, I’ve realized that the long sleeves with the large logos across the front, comfortable bralettes, and cute weekender bags can be found elsewhere — that my personal style and aesthetic doesn’t depend on having a wardrobe worth thousands of dollars, or from one and only one brand.

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THE LOOK: Teal sweater (Jane, Shop for something similar in the women’s clothing shop.); Rainbow-striped pullover (Jane); Long stone and gold necklace (Jane, Find something similar in the jewerly shop.)

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The sweet thing about Jane, that sets it apart from any other shopping experience I’ve had thus far, is that it offers daily deals for 72 hours and for up to 65 percent off. So, you can get those trendy items and shop an entire online mall (Essentially.) of carefully-selected brands, without breaking the bank. You can get a oversized, super comfy sweater for $25 instead of nearly $100, all while supporting a smaller designer or shop that was sourced by this company for their talent, quality, and expertise. Now, combine that sweater with a long stone and gold necklace, and you have an outfit that’s ready for a dreamy photo shoot. Coffee, lantern lights, or a knit blanket required.

Changes don’t necessarily happen overnight, I know that. But, finding this balance in my closet (and bank account) has significantly helped me to find balance in my life. It has radiated into aspects of my lifestyle, that I didn’t know needed balance, like the design of my room and the things I use to entertain my passions — with a focus on art, photography, and cooking. Those items, can also be found on Jane, and I picked up an art print and a glass cocktail shaker with a rose gold top for that very reason.

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THE OTHER DETAILS: Gold and white art print (Jane, Shop for something similar in the home shop.)

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Going into the new year, I don’t think I’m the only one looking for some balance. Next to traveling and wanting to focus on self-care, it might be on the top of your list, too. Like me, you’re trying to find your personal style and aesthetic, or ways to make your life feel “whole.” It can be overwhelming — and it’s key to remember it’s about making progress, not reaching the top of your game, and waiting to love your life until you do.

That’s the thing about perfection and ditching balance in your life. You forget about how much you’ve grown and bloomed, and don’t allow yourself to explore your options. There are mindsets different than your own, ways to create and love that you don’t even know about yet, and brands beyond the ones that you love. And when you open yourself up to those options and avenues, you’re inevitably going to fall in love with your life a little more.

So, in 2019, leave behind the idea of “perfect” and find balance instead. Shopping Jane while you’re at it? Well, of course. It’s going to be a good one.

Love always, Marisa.

it was all a dream

The funny thing about this video, and the entire shoot that follows, is that it came to me in a dream. I woke up, poured myself a cup of coffee, and then decided to just take my camera out and see if I could create what I saw, in just glimpses of my subconscious. 

I knew exactly what I wanted to wear: a pair of Brandy Melville jeans, and a top that my best friend had given me the day before, from the same brand. (If you follow me on Instagram, you know I can't get enough of Brandy. Maybe it's because it's so naturally aesthetically pleasing? I should probably note this post isn't sponsored. Just a girl, in love with her pastel, earthy and — dare I say, trendy — clothes.) The look got topped off with my pair of white Vans, that somehow have made an appearance in almost all of my content this summer. And that was that.

I hopped in my beat-up 2001 Honda Accord and drove around my town, scoping out locations. The East Coast is interesting, sometimes, because there are no huge mountains in the middle of Connecticut, or bright red canyons at the end of the road. You have to search for backdrops, and turn them into your own. It's a challenge that I think I'll miss, if and when I do move somewhere else. 

I ended up spending the whole afternoon in a field of flowers about fifteen minutes from my house. It was just me, my tripod, and the beating sun. (And some iced tea and snacks, 'cause well — ya know.) At the time, I couldn't have been more content. People passed by my "set" every once in a while, but otherwise it was fairly quiet. For once, I wasn't rushing to the next thing, and tried to stay open-minded about using just my self-timer. To say I'm endlessly stoked about the content that came out of these few hours, is a swift understatement.

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THE LOOK:  Mom jeans (Brandy Melville, $38); Plaid cropped tank top (Brandy Melville, $24, Something similar here.); Seed Bead Ice Cream Anklet (Pura Vida Bracelets, $24); White sneakers (Vans, $50)

DON'T FORGET: Use my rep code if you shop at Pura Vida Bracelets for 20% off your order! Just put in 'MARISATAYLOR20' at check out.

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When you're creative, sometimes you have visions, but just can't bring them to life. The amount of times I've had an image in my head and ended up staring at my sketchbook, not being able to get my hand to do what I needed it to do — I can't even count. So, the moments when the pieces just fall together is kind of like bliss. You get this adrenaline rush, and need to just create and create and create. Do you know what I mean?

This was all just a dream, but it's real now. Thank goodness for that.

Love always, Marisa