I Worked at Walt Disney World

I moved from the very northwest to the very southeast of the country, from Washington to Florida to work at Walt Disney World.

It's been just about one month since I returned from my Disney College Program, Fall 2014. The application process began for me just about a year ago. The application process consists of receiving a web-based interview, then a phone interview, and then paying the fees associated with acceptance. My best advice that I've scrounged out during that time period is to be honest, answer the extreme ends of the spectrum for the WBI, look up the common phone interview questions beforehand and prepare your answers, and rehearse them with a smile. Here and here are some good PI resources that I used.

I remember getting that acceptance email while sitting in my college cafeteria, and contemplating whether I should really go. For nearly half a year. But a month before the actual start date, I knew I wouldn't really have the chance to do this again without interfering with school and the people I cared about supported me.

My ODV costume, sans floppy hat.

My chosen arrival date of September 2nd was the latest one I could pick, and thus was the shortest program for nationals. I'd never been to the east coast before, let alone WDW. Just about 4 months I worked in Disney's Animal Kingdom as an Outdoor Vendor (ODV). I worked all over the park, opened, closed, worked 12+ hour days standing outside, sold hundreds of ice creams a day, made falafel sandwiches, burnt myself making Mickey pretzels, interacted with thousands and thousands of people, had a lot of fun, and experienced a lot of stress. All in all, I ended up being grateful for my role, and had some good times with the people I worked with. Even though I was very ready to leave by the end of the program, I still cried the last day of work. I could never do what I was doing there forever, but you get a little attached to the work and the people, and I'll miss it.

My last scheduled day of work, with just a fraction of my fellow cast members.

While working in the place "Where Dreams Come True", I learned a lot of things, including by non-magical means. I learned that people will give you shit, but you can't take it personally. I learned that you have to make your own fun at work, and taking a genuine interest in learning about people is part of that. I learned how to live on my own, and while it wasn't hard or overwhelming, you can miss home and some clean things.

I learned it's hard to get sick of Disney. I tried.

It was a childhood dream of mine to work for Disney, and I didn't think I'd be living on my own for the first time across the country while doing it. It was quite an experience working for the mouse, and I hope I can return to it someday.

My First Job: Chipotle

During my teen years, beginning the time I turned 16 years of age, I started applying for work. I sent out a round of applications every year after that, and never got an interview, to my avail. It's the silly cycle of needing work experience to get work, but not being able to get work for that experience. I didn't think I had many connections to boost my chances, either.

In my third year of college, when I was 19, I was encouraged by my boyfriend to apply for a job. With that push, after applying to many places via Craigslist and home sites, I got an interview. I studied Chipotle's history and what they were about, but I didn't need that info to get the job, apparently. The interview was quick and easy (granted I didn't have much job experience to discuss) and was told to go do onboarding right after.

I'd been to Chipotle maybe three times before over the course of several years, and it felt like a treat each visit. I think it's a good thing to work in locations you have enjoyed before, because you can remember the experience you had as a customer and use that to make the job fun and motivating.

I look back at this job, and it was awesome. The pros included:

• They were accommodating with my school schedule, then volunteering schedule, so I was able to transition between my other activities without trouble.
• I didn't have to open or close if I didn't want to (I closed one time because I was asked), and the schedule was in regular chunks of time, either afternoon or evening.
• I worked in a great city. There weren't many uncooperative people, if any.
• The free food. 'Nuff said. I could eventually scarf down most of a burrito in my 10-minute break. Although white rice + corn burritos became my go-to. It's weird, I know.

I guess I also served a state football star, though I didn't know it at the time. Saw him in the restaurant again another time. Kinda cool in theory to interact with an athlete some of my family goes crazy over, haha.

I learned how to yell because the place can get loud, when taking orders and placing orders for more rice, beans, etc. I learned basic customer service skills. I learned how to work in general. I learned how to make a quesarito. (Please don't order them when we're busy, haha.) 

My Chipotle uniform. I also became a hair-bun pro.

It was apparently one of the, if not the busiest branch in the state, and though we could have the line wrap around the dining room, it wasn't too bad. It was fun and challenging trying to get things down quickly and efficiently, rather than anything too stressful. The only parts I didn't enjoy was being in the heat and commuting quite a bit. Quite minuscule factors compared to other job-related issues that can possibly occur.

I worked there for a total of just shy of three months. (I had to leave due to the internship I was starting across the country.) The GM said I could come back if I wanted to, which I appreciated, and I've considered going back. I decided though I learned a lot and enjoyed my time working as crew at Chipotle, I wanted to try a new experience. So continues my journey. (I just accepted a job offer today, and I look forward to starting in a new environment and to learn new things!)

Tutorial: Daily Dolly Eyes For Monolids

Here is a simple dolly eye look for monolids/Asian eyelids that's not too overbearing so that it can be worn daily. It makes the eyes look round and cute like dolls :3

If you would like to find out how I did this look, keep reading! Prodcuts I used at the end!

Step 1: Line the upper lid.

On a primed eye, outline your upper lid with gel eyeliner in a slightly rounded shape while your eyes are open, and extend the end following the curve of your eye. Avoid putting any liner near the inner corner.

Then fill it in.

Step 2: Apply lower mascara as a guideline.

Here, I applied a tiny bit of mascara to the center of the lower lashline, which we will use as a guide for the lower shadow/liner. It will also serve as the continuation of the liner we will use later, because we don't want to fully line the bottom lid!

Step 4: Apply shadow to the lower lashline.

Using an angle brush, apply a light brown eyeshadow from the edge of the eyeliner to the beginning of where we applied the mascara.

This doesn't have to be perfect, as it also serve as a guideline/we will go over it again later.

Step 4: Apply the bottom liner.

Using a tiny stiff brush and a teensy bit of gel eyeliner on the tip, go over the eyeshadow you just applied in a neat (as possible :P), thin line, extending from the beginning of the mascara to the upper liner. (Go around and not in the waterline, as this will make the eyes appear rounder.)

You want to leave a space between the liner and your waterline, but you want it to not look too unnatural, so don't make it too straight or harsh!

Step 5: Reapply eyeshadow.

Using the angle brush, apply the light brown eyeshadow to the upper lid and lower lid lightly.

Step 6: Apply mascara.

Mascara on your natural lashes adds a sweet touch, just don't put too much! Find out how I apply mascara here.

Done!

Products used:

Small angle brush

Small hard brush (came w/ gel liner)

Maybelline Eyestudio Gel Liner in Blackest Black

NYX Eyeshadow Single in ES06 Dark Brown (like light brown)

NYX 10 Color Eyeshadow Palette in Champagne and Caviar (just used for shimmery flesh tone)

Eyelash curlers (Revlon & Daiso)

Maybelline Define A Lash Mascara Lengthening in waterproof

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara in waterproof

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer

Boost Your Confidence By Changing 1 Thing In Your House

As a kid, I wasn't the prettiest. But looking back, I saw myself as worse than I could have. Recently, I've realized one thing that greatly contributed to it...

Lighting.

That's right. Every time I looked at my reflection, I could see every imperfection in that bathroom mirror highlighted - parts of myself that most likely weren't even visible when going to the school building or even just after stepping out of the bathroom!

My current bathroom had a couple bulbs go out, and one of them were replaced with a super bright fluorescent bulb. That's when a lightbulb went off (ha, ha) and I realized, if you want good light when you're taking photos, why not have good light where you see yourself daily?

Mirror pics are usually closer to the way we see ourselves, aren't they?

Your bathroom lighting could be affected by a number of things: type, number of bulbs, location, and amount of outdoor light seeping in. We should be accepting of our superficial imperfections because you're beautiful the way you are. My suggestion would be to adjust the lighting of your mirror in a way that feels flattering to you. By no means does it have to be glamorous movie lighting, but you deserve to see yourself as pretty as you look at your reflection every morning! :)

xo San

Pink Lipstick Comparison & Swatches

A couple years ago, I was on the hunt for the perfect pink lipstick when I was super into gyaru makeup, which is the reason I bought all these lipsticks in the first place ><. These are the ones I have accumulated and I have gathered them for your comparison :)

Listed in order from left to right:

Revlon Color Burst 080 Strawberry Shortcake

Sephora Lip Attitude Glamour G05 Pink Caress

Rimmel London Moisture Renew 220 Pink Chic

NYX Lip Smacking Fun Colors 504 Harmonica

Revlon Matte 002 Pink Pout

Revlon Color Burst 080 Strawberry Shortcake, Sephora Lip Attitude Glamour G05 Pink Caress, Rimmel London Moisture Renew 220 Pink Chic, NYX Lip Smacking Fun Colors 504 Harmonica, Revlon Matte 002 Pink Pout

swatches, respectively

And here they are!

Revlon Color Burst 080 Strawberry Shortcake

I like these quite a lot, because they give a slightly opaque tint of pink! The only downside is that your lips have to be well-moisturized or it will be a bit flaky-looking, and its lasting power is so-so.

 Sephora Lip Attitude Glamour G05 Pink Caress

My first impression of these wasn't too great, because I felt it was too sheer to have an effect, but I do enjoy it's slight tight and moisturizing feel and look!

 Rimmel London Moisture Renew 220 Pink Chic

One of the first ones I got, which I fell in love with right away! It's another one of those that doesn't look too great unless you have well-moisturized lips, but it has a quite opaque, albeit quite glossy, finish.

NYX Lip Smacking Fun Colors 504 Harmonica

When I got this, I didn't realize how frosty the color was. It is meant to be shiny and it comes off as a bit metallic, and it's a bit too light and sparkly for my tastes.

Revlon Matte 002 Pink Pout

I got this lipstick years ago, when I didn't wear lipstick. I tried it once and was done with it, haha. I do love matte makeup, but this just didn't look great on my then-dry lips, and is a little splotchy even when they are smoother. It's color payoff is alright though.

finally, bare lips for comparison

Have any perfect pink lipsticks you've come across? Feel free to let me know, I'd love to hear your experiences with them! ;*

How To Eat Healthier

People often think I am anorexic or dieting. In reality, I am trying to be health-conscious. As a child, I ate like a child, not knowing any better. Whatever cookies and chips I could get my hands on. Not so bad when you're six-years-old (besides the poor eating habits it may breed), a bit worse when your metabolism slows down and you start realizing that cardiovascular disease is one of the top killers. All in all, teaching us as kids how to read nutrition facts labels was useful!

And to maintain healthier eating with the knowledge of the portions of all sorts of fats and sodium you are consuming, I have gathered these things that I try to follow to be and feel healthier! You literally are what you eat, since your body breaks down the food into its elements, and less of the bad stuff helps you feel less tired thoughout the day. And healthier food gets you more energy! Hoorah~!


Therefore I present to you how I "diet" aka how to eat healthier, and not consume so much junk:

1. Shop consciously.
Most obvious of all, don't buy junk food. If you don't have it stored at home, there's no temptation to eat it. You're more likely to grab a healthier snack if you get hungry if those are what you have on hand. Make a shopping list of the foods you mean to get beforehand so you don't grab things off the shelf that you know you'll regret later.

If you do need to grab some random foods, make sure you look at the labels. Does it have excessive fat? Sugar? If the answer is yes, look for a healthier alternative.

2. Watch your portions.
Make sure that when you eat, don't eat until you're full. Prepare a set amount you know will keep you satisfied and don't overeat, perhaps by using a certain bowl or plate. This is something I have to constantly remind myself about, because I think I need (or want lol) to eat more when I don't have to.

3. Eat to avoid hunger.
Weird concept, right? In essence, don't starve yourself - if you don't ever feel hungry, you're less likely to overeat because you think you need more food. Have a three hour long class? Bring something healthy to eat beforehand to stave off any hunger pangs that might cause you to snack during class or binge later.

Personally, when I had to be at college for the whole day basically, I would eat a granola bar before every lecture, which kept me perfectly satisfied until mealtimes. FiberOne bars are my love.

4. Eat when you're hungry. 
Another strange thought. But just eat a little - hungry before bed? Eat a small snack (and if you've only bought healthy things to store in your pantry as I've mentioned earlier, it shouldn't be too bad either), and not a whole meal. Otherwise, it might imbalance your appetite for following days.

Furthermore, when you're going to have the occasional not-so-great food, fill up on healthier food beforehand so you'll feel more full after having those empty calories that you know would surely leave you hungry for more.

5. Keep track.
If you grew up on the school system I have, you've recorded everything you've eaten for at least a few days as an assignment. I've found that doing this at least a few times a week can be insightful to what you're putting into your body. You know what you should cut down on, and perhaps more importantly, what you are missing. There are a lot of essential vitamins and minerals that I lacked in, and most likely contributed to my perpetual college tiredness.

6. Do things you know makes you want to eat less.
No one wants to eat when their teeth are minty and fresh. If you feel like eating just for the sake of eating, but don't wish to, brush your teeth. Wear a retainer if you have one. Chew some gum.

7. Keep a schedule.
Eat only at times you assign yourself (maybe all mealtimes and a snack between each one), and at all other times, keep yourself busy and away from tempting food.

.8. Stay hydrated.
It's often said that you can mistake thirst for hunger - and drinking water is good for you! I like to carry a water bottle with me at all times so I can grab a drink first, instead of a snack.

9. Inform, therefore condition yourself.
If you know the effects, both negative and positive, of different foods and ingredients, you're more likely to gravitate to foods that you know are healthy and don't have detrimental effects on your health. Read up on your foods, but make sure they're from reliable sources.

10. Be vegetarian.
An extreme, but do you know how much fat is in a regular hamburger versus a vegetarian hamburger? Yeah. It's awesome, and tastes awesome. And you're not eating dead animals. Win-win. Just remember to supplement your nutrients so you don't lack anything your body needs!


These are things I've known before but definitely had to refresh in my mind, as I'm living away from home for the first time and have to make all of my choices, including that of my daily diet.

A healthier lifestyle shift is going to be more beneficial rather than a temporary fix that isn't going to last or make you very happy. If you're going to "diet", make it a change to your diet and eating habits!

Magical Thrift Store Haul

I've been visiting thrift does since I was very small, just looking at knickknacks and abandoned beanie babies. Not until high school (when I slowly began caring about style) did I realize the potential for them to have clothes at a more reasonable price!

One weekend on a trip to the city I felt like I hit gold in terms of cute clothes at low, low prices. I could get 5 coats that hit my fashion sweet spot for the price of one new one at the mall, I was quite pleased as I haven't gone proper shopping in ages! Being a more broke college student does that I suppose, haha.

I thought I'd share what I got. I don't remember the exact prices but these were somewhere around $5 each, and one about $10. (I thought the prices were already low, but everything was apparently half-off that day! Double win!)

This is not including the couple of brand-name hoodies I got, for like, $3. No way I'm paying $50 for an Abercrombie name sewn onto a sweater, but this, I'm more okay with.