ADDO Art Gala

Last Tuesday (5/31), in the East Ballroom of Price Center, ADDO-- a multi-functional/purposed venue that accommodates all mediums of art-- threw a social called, “ADDO Art Gala.”
Open to submissions from UCSD students (both grad and undergrad), faculty, and staff, the event featured a cross-pollination of artistic disciples- including paintings, sculptures, installations, a clothing swap, films, and performances.
The music (including artists 'Pense', 'The Monster Inside Me', and 'Yeti DJ') combined with the exquisite artwork set a killer ambiance- and the limitless buffet with sparkling cider and hors d'oeuvres added a nice touch. Samara Rice threw an amazing clothing swap for all the shopping addicts out there (you know who you are) that featured some great items for sprucing up any summer wardrobe.
In case you didn't get a chance to make it down, here are a few of our artistic selections-- the model with the antlers looks eerily like Kelly Framel from 'The Glamourai,' no?

Home Sweet Home

 Europe Trip has come to a close...


I'm home! In the 4 years that I've lived in South Florida, every time I would return by plane flying into Fort Lauderdale after visiting Mom, Dad, or other vacations, returning always felt temporary. But this time, as the evening sun was shining over the Everglades and city, I finally had the feeling that I was home.

Grand Trianon - Versailles, France.

It felt surreal all day yesterday as I left Nice, France. I couldn't believe I'd really been away as long as I had, and that I'd really experienced this whole trip. Even relaxing at home this morning as my cat cuddled in my lap, it felt like a mirage, like it could slip away at any moment. I never really knew what being homesick felt like growing up. To me, it wasn't the feeling of "I want to go home" but more like something was missing or very out of place, which happened in week 4, it was a feeling I couldn't kick. I wasn't excited about exploring anymore on my own. I tried to be and I did make the most of my time as best I could, though some days I needed down days, even if partially because I was to nervous to venture out (& watched 5 seasons of Will & Grace to comfort myself in the Chateau), and justly so after some of the experiences I had. I missed familiarity, stability, and slightly worried about my health and safety at moments wondering if I took on too much on my own. I worried about the hives being in a foreign country, and turned on the news finally this morning and discovered the E. Coli breakout in Europe that has killed 18 so far - hitting women especially, and wonder if I may have had a touch of something to worry about. My body was really in need of fruits and veggies, so I purchased salad ingredients a few days after the hives showed up, but noticed a few spiders in the lettuce. My gut told me to stay away from produce, especially since I wasn't sure if it was a pesticide or apricot allergy, but grew worried after still the 10th day and they did not clear up. All gone now after 2 weeks!

Pizza - my safe food in Europe, though adventurous!

Yes, fried egg and hot dogs, with potatoes.

No, I had no idea what I ordered.

Yes, it was good.

The day after I made a $30 call to Delta to change my flight, I had moments where I wondered if I'd made the right decision, but logically there were many reasons I came home earlier than planned. I was burning out, missing family life at home, not sharing the special moments with the someone, and the obvious that money would not last forever. There are a few things I would do differently next time, but I'm so glad to be able to say I've done the things like I did.

 

 A doorway in Candes-Saint-Martin.

Before I left, I wasn't really sure where home was to me. The town I grew up in, where my parents no longer live? Where my parents live now? Where I live now, but was ready to move on? I felt as if I was on the lookout for a new place to call home, a place I'd obsessed about for a long time. I'm grateful to learn I'm quite happy exactly where I am... and relieved South Florida is home for now.

Have a good weekend!

Friday Muse: U.S. Open Sand Castle Competition

Writer: Lavanya
Located in Imperial Beach, California, the official U.S. Open Sandcastle competition occurs annually, typically during the heat of the summer. Coming up around mid July, the event is catered towards professional sand- carvers who strive for the title of Master's Champion. While featuring amazing works of art, the competition also hosts musicians and vendors hoping to publicize at this popular occasion.

Thursday Designer Spotlight: Marc Jacobs Swim

As we approach the FINAL week of school, there is really only one thing on our minds. Getting our booties in some gorgeous swimsuits and jumping into a pool of refreshingly cool H2O. To help all of you fashionistas prepare, we've compiled photos of some of the prettiest suits of the season. Mr. Marc Jacobs wins our hearts all over again by including adorable ruffles, bold prints, and bright colors to make a simply devine collection. He even has you covered with adorable cover-ups and functional and classic style beach totes. The time to enjoy all these goodies is almost here, promise!

There is No Place Like Home

Travel Thursday




Heading home today! If all goes according to plan... don't want to jinx it. Although when I checked in online, they were already offering vouchers for another flight. Not a good sign. Though this time I may not reject a $800 flight voucher if they put me up in a nice hotel, though I am anxious to get home. What's one more night, not at my expense?

Gabarre boat in Le Roque Gageac, France.

Village of Le Roque Gageac, France.

But if all goes smoothly, I'll be in the states this evening with somewhat of a tan!

More photos and detailed posts to come.

Bon voyage!

Shy Swag

Name: Jon

College: Sixth

Year: 1st
Spotted At: Cognitive Science Building

Outfit:
Letterman Hoodie: Forever 21
Beige Levi Khakis: Urban Outfitters
Plain White T: Hanes
Converse: Converse

Glasses: Ray Bans

Q: How would you describe your fashion?
A: I would describe my style as chill and casual.

Q: What do you like about your outfit?

A: I like that my outfit is casual and comfortable but it is very chill. It's simple but still making a statement because I don’t like being flashy and layering like crazy.

Q: What is your ideal outfit for going to class?

A: My ideal outfit would be wearing shorts, high socks with vans, and a plain tee. I like being comfortable when I walk to class.

Jon's outfit is the epitome of most men's fashion here on campus at UCSD. He knows how to make a statement with a well fitted jacket while still being casual and comfortable.

Boulangeries & Village Markets

Good Eats Wednesday

 
Well I managed to lose quite a bit of weight in France eating things like this apricot pastry. Great huh? Actually I didn't eat all that much on this trip because when the average lunch price is 15 euro it equals about 25 US dollars just for lunch. I noticed many people in France walking around the streets picking off pieces of baguettes, and quickly learned to do the same. Unfortunately, this particular pastry above though so good was the culprit of hives, as I mentioned a couple weeks ago, which are just now clearing up. It was horrible. Even Benadryl and cream didn't work, and heat such as showers or laying in the sun made them itch like crazy. Discovering a new food allergy in a foreign country was not fun, and even made me too nervous to enjoy any of the fresh fruits and veggies at even the most tempting of fresh village markets like my favorite one in Sarlat. 

But I did allow myself to enjoy all kinds of wonderful countless pizzas and wonderful French pastries.
Can't wait to share that collage with you... and my guide to hot chocolate in Paris!

Bon appetit!