New Hair + Blogtober!

Hi everybody!

Today we're kicking off the third year of Blogtober! This is technically my fourth year doing this, as the first year was on a previous blog, and I've always looked forward to doing it. Essentially, I'll have a new post up every day for the month of October. It's a really fun challenge for me, and it pushes me to be a bit more creative with my content. I'm really looking forward to it!

Also, I cut my hair. I've been a bit more daring with my hair in the past few years. I realized that, hey, it actually grows back! So last summer, I chopped off over a foot and donated it. I loved the change. The summer before that, I tried my hand at cutting my own hair, and I chopped in some bangs. I also really loved that as well. So, I started cutting my hair some more. A few weeks ago, I snipped off a few inches, and today, I cut my bangs back in. I'm really digging the combo of shorter hair, and bangs. I'd forgotten just how much cuter ponytails and other hairstyles are with a fringe!


Before:

After: 

I hope you enjoyed!
<3 Lucero

Song of the Day: Hideaway by Kiesza 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Hi everybody!

This weekend my family and I had a little "staycation." We essentially spent the night at a hotel in Abu Dhabi [only an hour's drive from Dubai] and enjoyed what the hotel had to offer. This morning, we toured the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is something I've wanted to do for years. It's an architectural wonder, and I had a blast taking photos and learning a little about the history.

Construction began in 1996, and the mosque was opened eleven years later, in 2007. The outer architecture is inspired by the Mughal Empire. That's why the domes look very similar to the Taj Mahal. 

We had a very funny and charismatic tour guide who wasn't afraid to add personal anecdotes into his tour! He made the experience lively.

This is a crystal chandelier imported from Germany. In total, there are seven throughout the entire mosque - and this one is the smallest!

This carpet is the largest hand-made tapestry in the world. It's 5,700 square meters and took just a year to complete. 

This wall is filled with words that describe or name Allah, such as "The Almighty One," "The First," "The Last," and so on. 

 

This is the largest chandelier in the mosque, weighing in at around 12 tons. 

There are a total of eighty-two domes of various sizes.

Floral patterns were prevalent throughout the mosque, including in this colorful mosaic!

The Grand Mosque is one of the largest in the world, and can hold up to 50,000 worshipers at a time. It certainly lives up to its name!

I hope you enjoyed!
<3 Lucero

Rompin' Around

Hi everybody!

I'm back in Dubai again, just in time for the new school year. These photos are from a fun mini-shoot I had with my best friend Daniela just a few weeks before I left. I almost forgot to put them up! What a tragedy that would have been. We trekked out into the wilderness [by the pool] in order to get some nice, nature photos. I really love this floral romper, and I thought it'd be more functional than a dress. It turns out that I was mistaken, and it's still difficult to get around in a romper and sandals. Either way, we both managed to get really awesome shots, and I'm pleased with how the photos turned out.

This is Daniela! She's pretty awesome.

I hope you enjoyed!
<3 Lucero

floral romper - Urban Outfitters || golden necklace - Anthropologie || black sandals - The Gap || watch - Tag Heuer || bracelet - ACTS retreat

Song of the Day: Rather Be by Clean Bandit

Busy In Boston

Hey everybody!

So I went to Boston this week. I went with my mom and little brother, and we were there for five days and four nights. I took lots of photos while we were there, which makes for the longest blog post I've published to date. Grab a drink or snack, this is going to be a long one.

EAFL Desert Bowl 2014

Hi everybody!

Yesterday was the EAFL Desert Bowl 2014. I normally don't do very many personal posts, but this was an exciting day for my family and I. My brother (#82) is on the junior varsity Barracuda team and he's a center and defensive end.  They day was really sunny and filled with enthusiastic fans.

Black to the Fuschia

Hi everybody!

Today's outfit, besides being pun riddled, makes for a nice transitional autumn ensemble. It's not quite cool enough yet to really need a sweater, but a scarf can now be added as a complementary piece. I really like this scarf, because the bright hue means the rest of my outfit can be laidback and muted. It also pairs perfectly with my favorite messenger bag!

I hope you enjoyed!
<3 Lucero

gray V-neck shirt - Target | black pants - American Eagle Outfitters | black flats - Zara | fuchsia scarf - Armani Exchange | pink bag - Rebecca Minkoff

Song of the Day: Bruises by Chairlift