Monthly Archives: December 2015

To Hostel or Not to Hostel

So what are hostels anyway? A brilliant way to save $ while exploring another country? Or are they frightening like the horrific thrilling franchise?

Well, if you take the word of movie posters and previews then absolutely stay away. But even director/ producer Eli Roth questions the validity.

I decided to experience hostel life for myself. Now before going into where I stayed, I will tell you that I did my homework. I use tripadvisor.com and hostelworld.com for both reviews and prices. Even after deciding on a hostel, I recheck the reviews as my trip nears.

The first hostel I visited in Thailand was Lupta Hostel Patong in Phuket. A spotless and modern hostel, steps from Patong Beach as well as Bangla Road. Walking in I relaxed instantly, which was welcomed after 21 hours of air travel (no, that’s not including layovers). Reception was quick, painless and in no time I was consumed by jet lag. 5 nights, daily breakfast, fresh towels and a locker was included in the $70 price tag. I can’t tell you about breakfast because I was unable to peel my face off my pillow in time to partake.  Being friendly must be a requirement for lodging there. Soon after checking in, I was invited to dinner. I declined due to heavy eyelids, but took them up on their offer the following night. Group dinners were a nightly occurrence, welcomed to all. No one gave me a serial killer or psychopathic vibe. The bed was comfortable, and the blackout privacy curtain was heaven sent. It encased me in a cocoon to call my own. There are shelves and lockable storage inside of your private space. The restrooms were 5star spotless and the water pressure was glorious. The common area was tidy at all times and usually buzzing with quiet conversations. Again you are invited to join in or you can peacefully sit alone.  I think I covered all bases of Lupta Hostel.


  
  
  

 Not once during my three weeks of travel did I feel as though my life was in danger. Okay that’s a lie, but it had nothing to do with hostel life. Hostel life was mostly enjoyable hahahaha. Well there was this one hostel that had glowing reviews but also had bed bugs. I woke up to an undesirable visitor on my pillow. I checked out that morning.

Will I allow that to tarnish my view on hostels? Not at all, I booked a hostel in Cartagena, Colombia last night. I am more excited than ever to be a wanderlust. Hostels open the door to met people from every corner of the world.

Find Mischief,

Chris Signature

 

Fusion Couture Fashion Show

I love getting unique behind the scenes shots of models and garments before they hit the runway. Friday night was no different. I even had  a chance to catch up with designer Umair Khan of Meru Merus to watch him prepare for the final showing of his fall pieces at the Fashion Couture fashion show.

 

The goal of Jaz Creationz is to build bridges between communities through fashion and culture. Using diverse cultural heritage, the show reflected the vitality of the creative human spirit and showcased the diverse talents of Indo American fashion designers. The amazing designers include Envy Couture by Anil, Hamza Designs, Alexandria Lee, Silks and Satin by Kiran, Meru Merus, Luv xoxo fashion by Malanie Harvey, Tezaria’s Jewelry, Sapna Boutique. Make up and hair was done by  Faces by Priya and Dani B and Hair stylist, Cynthia Gutierrez. Enjoy!

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Runway Fun: Melodrama 

I had an opportunity to walk in a fashion show Saturday for Melodrama Boutique here in Houston. I could not completely cover the event because I was super busy the whole time but I managed to sneak in a few phone pictures (forgive the photo quality). The clothing was awesome and all the girls I got to meet were beautiful and sweet! There was a photographer on staff so I’ll update this post with more pictures as I get them. Enjoy!

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Update | Trash to Treasure

When I first saw this trash I knew it could be treasure, I just had to figure out what it should be. At the beginning of the year I created a pencil chart so that each student could keep 2 pencils in the classroom at all times. Although I made it sturdy, it didn’t stand a chance against 2nd graders who often stuffed 5+ pencils in their pocket. Over stuffing resulted in ripped pockets that could hold no pencils.

It was a full size poster board numbered 1-20.

Over stuffing caused pockets to rip!  

 

Just like my pencil chart, each space is numbered and each student has two pencils. The carton is a sturdy packing cardboard that should last through the rest of the year. You can try this same thing with a shoe box, egg carton, and pretty much anything you can poke a hole in. Enjoy!

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OOTD Knits & Ripped Jeans 

When it comes to my fashion must haves comfort is high up on the list. On this day it was actually a cool 47 degrees in Houston and had the perfect comfy OOTD to match the weather. I took my comfort to the max by sporting a bare face. (Ha ha) My sweater kept me warm with out wearing a jacket (light T-shirt underneath) and the rips in my jeans were just the right amount of ventilation as the day warmed up slightly.

When I will be out and about with my son I always take a cross body bag so that I can be hands free.  I took my little dude to take pictures with Santa, ran errands with my mom and relaxed a little. Did I mention I was so dang comfortable!?!?!?!  Enjoy!

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