Where to Get Bubble Tea in Connecticut

When I lived in NYC, I was absolutely spoiled with the amount of bubble tea options there were in every neighborhood! After moving to Connecticut, it's been quite difficult to find places to satisfy that craving. My go-to drink is mango green tea with bubbles with 30% sugar, or a fruity milk tea. With this list below, I hope you find somewhere near you! Below, I've listed spots that are within driving distance from Fairfield County, CT, but are not in NYC (that's a whole separate list). I tried to give my two cents on opinions of these places - sometimes, even mediocre bubble tea is better than none...

A Day in Mystic (aka a dessert crawl)

Before I start the post, please read "Evolving Beyond Performative Activism: 10 Way to Confront Systematic Oppression" by Gabby - if you have time to read about my day of travels, you have time to learn more. It's a list that everyone can start with. Also, you have time to sign the petition for Breonna Taylor at petitions.whitehouse.gov and visit Black Lives Matter.

Reflecting on Asian Pacific Heritage Month

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Weekend! Thinking about Asian Pacific Heritage month and MDW, I thought it'd be a good time to talk a little bit about my family moving to the USA, and the feelings Memorial Day brings me, knowing how my parents were able to come to the states. Being a daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, I am very thankful to be born in the USA, and am proud of my heritage. My mom came to the US in the late 1980s, and has lived in the Midwest ever since.

My Affordable Morning Skincare Routine For Even + Glowy Skin

Thinking about my past skincare routine, my products and goals have changed so much - in middle school and high school, I used way too many acne specific products, and I didn't really look at ingredients. From acne face wash, to acne toner, to blemish spot treatment moisturizer, my poor skin went through a lot of harsh ingredients. For reference, I used to have super oily and acne prone skin - now, I'm more of a combo skin kind of gal, with some dry patches here and there! Once I stopped using harsh face products my skin was not nearly as oily.
I have noticed a huge difference in texture, even tone, and acne scarring with the following products. Best of all, each product is under $12!! I always thought that investing in skincare was necessary, and I definitely will look into treating myself sometime (staring at you Tatcha), but I'm glad these staples are affordable.

The Easiest No Knead Bread Recipe

Of course I had to hop on the bread making bandwagon during quarantine! The last couple of times I've been to the grocery store, they only have certain types of bread available (that are not outrageous prices), and I love a nice crusty loaf. Before this month, the only breads I've ever made before include: banana, zucchini, and beer bread.

Mother's Day Gift Guide 2020

This year, it really felt like Mother's Day crept up on me - it's already coming up on May 10th! Especially with what is going on, it is very difficult to be so far away from family and friends. To be honest, in my mind I've already decided I would drive the 12 hours home if anything bad happens. For now, my Facetime chats with my parents will do! I have already picked out the gift for my mom (split with my brother!), and I cannot wait for her to receive it. Read below for some ideas on how to make this day a little more special for your loved ones. 

Trying On Every Pair of Jeans I Own - Closet Cleanout!

Welcome to week five of quarantine! I have been realizing how many things I put off pre-shelter in place. One task on my to-do list is to clean out my closet and start buying lasting pieces. The first thing that I wanted to take on were jeans, since that seamed the easiest! For reference I am 5'0" and usually wear a size 6, or 28. Finding jeans that fit me in every way has been...difficult. Each of these jeans I like, but there are none that I love. I hope to get rid of some jeans today, and invest in ones that really fit.

Everything I've Watched So Far During Quarantine

photo from gratisography

With all of this extra time recently, comes opportunity to watch more TV than usual on the weekends and after work hours. My roommate Kate and I have been ~flying through a wide array of tv shoes/movies to keep ourselves busy. From nostalgic childhood shows to some newer content, it's been very nice to be invested in something and be in the know of Tiger King memes!

Comfy + Minimal Room Decor

Whew. I am so very happy that I do not have to move for the next year! After subletting in a smaller down in Connecticut, I've finally moved in with my co-worker and friend and signed a year lease. Goodbye subletting and temporary airbnb living.

⋆Long Term Goals for 2020⋆

A big highlight of 2019 - meeting Dominique Ansel and Joanna Chang. My pastry chef role models.

I first thought I was going to reflect on the past year and go over the highlights, but to be honest, it was very daunting to think about. It is not easy to think back to life a year ago when things were "easier" (when I was still in college and lived in a familiar place). Now that I live in a new part of the country and work full time, I am more excited to look forward to this new place and some new things that I am able to try.