It’s been a while since I’ve done a more personal post for you guys! I miss the days when I could blog more frequently but these days I’ve been swamped with so many different projects that it’s hard to find time to sit down and write. Even though my living situation is a bit more organized, I’m still trying to sort out my life at the moment. It’s been stressful to balance it all but I’m just taking it a day at a time! But now that I’m settled into my new home, I thought I’d update you on what I’ve been up to lately!
ONE // Living in the desert is SO different from life back in LA. I have no major complaints here though. There is NO traffic, we don’t need to get on a major freeway to get to local places where we need to be (literally feels like our own little world especially now with snowbirds out of Palm Springs for the hotter months), and BEAUTIFUL scenery and lighting for photos. There are some sacrifices living here, however…
TWO // It’s been difficult to make new friends in my age range. To be honest, it’s a predominately retired community which means that I’m practically the only one in my 20’s living in the area… for a homebody like me, it’s not a big issue but it never hurts to have a friend or two, right? Well, to be fair, I’ve just moved here so I’ve got some time to hopefully meet new people soon.
THREE // There is no good Asian food here. And the Asian food that they do have is SO EXPENSIVE! Okay actually, we just discovered a Thai restaurant that’s decent in downtown Palm Springs but it’s still extremely pricey. Literally double the price of what we used to pay when we lived in Hollywood. Which leads to my next point…
FOUR // We’ve been cooking at home A LOT more now. I sort of like it because it’s not only helping us save $$$, it’s also healthier. We’ve been trying new recipes with Hello Fresh and I’ve been learning how to cook more Asian food to satiate my cravings for that. Plus, we’re taking advantage of our 10x upgraded kitchen in this condo (compared to our LA cave ;))
FIVE // I finally joined a gym and it feels SO GOOD! For the 3 years I lived in LA, I never joined a gym because getting to one would always take forever even if it was nearby. I do not miss the city traffic at all. It feels so refreshing to be able to block out a time in my day to dedicate to my body and well-being 🙂
SIX // Starting out at the gym, I mostly participated in the fitness classes but now have moved on to learning how to use more of the equipment. I find that while the classes are fun once in a while they don’t do anything substantial to help me build muscle or add serious definition. As terrible as I am at Zumba though, I do enjoy the idea of working out to music and getting my heart pumping. Yoga is a bit harder to get into for a full hour but I love the body sculpting class (the one that I feel is most hard core and actually works my muscles).
SEVEN // This might be a little TMI, but my underarm hairs have been growing like WEEDS out here. I’m not sure if it’s due to the extreme desert heat or what, but it’s pretty bothersome having to shave just about everyday now. And this is coming from a girl who doesn’t even have much body hair on a general scale. With that said, I finally caved into laser hair removal and have my first appointment this coming Monday… not sure if I should be nervous going in for the first time. If any of you have done it I’d love to hear your experience!
EIGHT // I have probably gotten at least 5 shades darker than I was when I lived in LA. In fact, I’m 100% sure I’ll be having year-round tan lines because I’ve heard that we only get 3 weeks of winter here. I got a pineapple float and thoroughly enjoy bringing it out to our 2 pools to unwind for a bit during the day. It’s been quite the conversation starter!
NINE // I AM NOT BLIND ANYMORE! Those of you who have trusted me driving you in the past year or so are the real MVPs LOL! I hated wearing my glasses despite my horrible vision and was always too scared to use contacts. Then in January of this year, my car got broken into and my expensive Gucci glasses (that were rarely worn to begin with) got stolen. As soon as we moved to Palm Springs I decided to do my eyes a favor and get them checked… and got contacts! OMG, talk about getting out of my comfort zone. It was a huge ordeal for me to put them in and take them out for weeks. Poor David had to hold me down on the bed and pinch them out for me. I’m a huge baby when it comes to this stuff… I know. But I’ve gotten a little better now thankfully 🙂 It’s amazing being able to see clearly again especially when driving.
TEN // It’s a lot more motivating to go explore your city and do things when there is no traffic. I feel like in just a month, we’ve done a lot more exploring in the Palm Springs area than we ever did living in LA together for 1.5 years. We’ve gone sightseeing up in the mountains (way different terrain, snows up there while it’s 100+ degrees down here in the desert), stargazing in Joshua Tree, and enjoying the gorgeous resort views in the vicinity.
So there you have it — a quick little update on my life! What have you guys been up to? Would love to hear something interesting going on in your life in a comment below! XOXO
Photos by David Potter
102 Responses
Your dog is so cute! I can’t believe that there’s snow so close to where you live which is so hot! Must be interesting being able to experience both worlds so easily haha. My husband has a business trip in Canada next week so I’m tagging along! Can’t wait 🙂
Thanks Miranda! I know, I was really surprised at the drastic changes in scenery just an hour away! Have fun in Canada darling!
I’ve been to Palm Springs before and actually love it there! I had no idea it was mostly old people because when I went I was with a group of friends and of course we just spent our time exploring downtown. Glad you’re loving it there so far!
So glad to hear you like it here! Yeah, I think in the touristy spots there may be some younger crowds but I’m about 10 minutes from downtown in a community that’s a bit older (still Palm Springs but tucked away in a neighborhood sorta).
I am shy so when I moved I was super nervous about making new friends (it is so much harder in your 20’s). I now can truly say that I have met some wonderful people, and even made a best friend in the process!
I know that feeling babe! I’m so glad that you were able to make wonderful friends! 🙂
Awww, I love this update on your life in the desert. I know it’s a big change but there is definitely lots of good out of it. I got my first laser last year and I LOVE it. Totally worth the pain. And I totally know what you mean about being blind. I was totally blind and contacts is life changing. After that go for LASIK which makes life 100x better. =) I love that you are hitting the gym. You have an amazing body regardless but it’s important for us to build muscle and strength as women. Sounds like a great move so far and hopefully you can make some younger friends at the gym. =) Have a great weekend babe! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/hourglass-cosmetics/
Thanks for sharing your experience with laser with me Christine! Omg I hope it won’t be too painful LOL I’m usually a sucker with pain but my underarms can tolerate quite some pain so I am hoping I’ll be okay. Did you get LASIK done?! How was it? My bf is thinking of getting it done hahaha. But for me I think I will stick with contacts for now… 🙂
Your photos in the desert have been so amazing! What a great location for photoshoots! I hope your laser hair removal appointment goes well. Please let us know how it goes. I’ve been wanting to get that done for a while. My underarm hair grows so quickly!
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic,com
Thank you so much Jo! I just got back from my first treatment and it was really painless (good thing). BUT I don’t see any noticeable results yet. I heard that you aren’t really supposed to after just one treatment though so I’m hoping that in a couple months I’ll notice some good results. I’ll keep ya posted!
Moving to a new area can be so lonely but at least you have your boyfriend & your pooch!! Hopefully you meet some people at the gym ❤️ Good thing you have a pool! It’s gonna feel so good when the heat comes! xx Nicole
So true babe! I don’t think I would have moved out here if I was single LOL it’s just such a lonely place otherwise… lol. I am a homebody so I don’t mind being alone most of the time but it’s always nice to have someone else around. It would be nice to have a tanning buddy and friends my age to do fun things with but hopefully with time I’ll meet good people! 🙂
Aww I enjoyed reading this post so much girlie! Its so great that you have so many new great habits in your life! Thanks so much for sharing babe! <3
XO Jessi,
http://www.mywhitet.com/travel-beauty-essentials/
Aw thanks Jessi! Really appreciate your love and support xo
Your photos are amazing . The quality is so clear like I’m looking at it in person.
Thank you Sondra! Really appreciate that! xo
I practically died seeing your cute pug with the snow flakes! So good you get to have a tan all year round but it sucks to hear that asian foods so pricey there! Maybe time to invest in creating asian restaurant 😉
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/05/20/Honest-Review-of-Romwe-Everything-Wrong-1
Isn’t he so adorable!? We got so lucky rescuing him at a local shelter in LA before moving here haha! YES I was totally thinking about starting an Asian restaurant here lol I’d make a killing!
What an adorable pug! Glad you’re settling in and enjoying your new place, even with the few issues that show it isn’t all perfect!
Hope you have a lovely weekend ahead of you 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
Thank you Mica! I love my S’mores! 🙂 xx
It’s good that you are able to cook more at home. it’s definitely more practical. Dining out often can be tough on your budget!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
So true babe! Dining out every once in a while is nice but not good to do everyday.
There are always good and bad things where you’re moving from a city to another! But you it seems that you are happy and glad you do so! Can’t wait to see more pictures!
http://violettedaily.com
So true babe! No such thing as a perfect place but this is pretty close so I feel really lucky!
I love your pug! We used to have one, and I miss her so much! Glad you are getting settled into your new home and hope you enjoy it there!
Thanks Brittany! We rescued him from a local shelter in LA earlier this year before we relocated to Palm Springs. He’s been such a sweetie and I’ve definitely grown to LOVE pugs. I get so excited when I see another pug LOL! Sorry to hear that you lost yours! I can’t imagine losing my precious S’mores!
I totally agree with you about making friends. I mean, the more I grow up, the less friends I have due to the different of life perspective. Also, yesss to the Asian food! I am from thailand. So, thai food abroad always pricey!!!!
http://www.thequinoxfashion.com
I know! I totally relate about the friends thing. OMG you’re from Thailand!? So you know what legit Thai food tastes like lol! You’d probably hate the Thai food here then. HAHA.
Awe what a fun new chapter you’re in!! Your pictures have been even more beautiful than they usually are with Arizonas landscape 😍 Sending you lots of positive vibes that you find a new little friend💖 The universe is pretty good at delivering us what we need🔮🌌 Jealous of that Natty tan you have 😍💁🏻 I need to get on your level💁🏼💖
Thank you so much darling! It’s on my bucketlist to visit Arizona soon — I passed through it briefly on my road trip to the east coast last year but didn’t really get to spend that much time there. I’m sure there’s plenty to see. Thanks for the love! xo
Getting contacts changed my life haha! Sad to hear there’s not great Asian restaurants near you-we need an Asian fix haha.
-Alix
I know! It’s really life changing for me too! I can see now LOL
That is awesome!! Being tan all year round definitely sounds amazing 😊 I actually just started doing laser hair removal half a year ago! I’m a little over halfway done with my treatment. It does hurt to me but it’s over within minutes so it’s worth the pain! I’ve already noticed my hair growing back thinner and slower which is good and lots has fallen out already! Hope it works well for you! 😘
It really is amazing! Thanks for sharing your experience with laser hair removal. You’re so right — it doesn’t really hurt and hopefully it will be worth it. I had my first session today and don’t see any noticeable difference but I heard you’re not supposed to anyway on the first time haha. Glad to hear that you are seeing results though! Hopefully I will too… 🙂
Our lives are basically twinning it seems. Only one fact differs and that’s you moving to somewhere a bit more quiet, whereas I moved straight into the buzz. I am ever so grateful for signing up for a gym membership too and just having began an IPL-treatment (what I didn’t mention in my blog post is that I do my arms too) I can tell you it works, doesn’t hurt as much as you’d think and having done it twice, I haven’t shaved a single time since which is such a relief. We need to take time and catch up on each other’s lives some day, babe!
Love,
Thomas
http://thomasfalkenstedt.com
Awww haha it seems to always be this way Thomas! Hope you are loving your new home and I’m glad that you joined the gym too. So it turns out the laser hair removal I signed up for is an IPL treatment too. Today was the first session and no noticeable results but hopefully in time I will start seeing results like you are! It didn’t hurt at all which is great news hehe 🙂 Let’s chat soon! xo
Stunning shots!! Good luck in the new city! Looking forward to future updates!
Adi xx
fancycorrectitude.com
instagram.com/fancycorrectitude
Thank you darling! xo
Although it may not be perfect, it seems like a move to Palm Springs was just what the doctor ordered! I’m sure you’ll have some more trying moments, but it sounds like it will all work for the better!
Jordan xx
http://thehatlogic.com
It was definitely a good decision moving out there! I love it!
I love making thai curries at home too – you should share a recipe sometime!
I wish I was good at making Thai food so I could share a recipe but maybe I’ll learn soon!
It sounds like you’re adjusting pretty well to Palm Springs! I’ve never lived in the desert so it was an interesting read. And you’ll get used to the contacts, I’ve been wearing them for years now and touching my eye feels as natural as brushing my teeth by now. But I want to get laser eye surgery, my boyfriend recently got it and he can’t stop raving about it.
Thanks Maria! Glad I was able to give you a glimpse of desert life. I hope that I’ll get used to contacts just like how you have… haha still feels a bit foreign to me but it’s definitely been getting better. My bf wants to get laser eye surgery too!
I really want to make it out to Palm Springs this year. We live in San Diego so it’s not terribly far for us and I’ve seen so much beautiful photography. Also, I love Thai food too, one of my favorites 🙂
Gennifer Rose | http://www.GenniferRose.com
You totally should! Come before it gets tooooo hot though — it’s already 110 here! LOL
I am getting ready to head to LA for school. The traffic is my hometown is picking up but nothing like LA. I know I will miss some things in my hometown like my family mostly. My grandparents were in the desert for 3 years and they loved it. Your photos are incredible – just beautiful, What a backdrop!
Xxgracie
snappedbygracie.com
Ohhh! How cool you’re moving to LA for school! Hopefully you’ll love it there 🙂 xx
Aww, this was a very nice blog. It looks like you are adjusting well to your new surrounding. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Selma! Glad you enjoyed the update xo
Yayyy team contacts! I cannot live without them haha. And I had to chuckle at number 7 🙂 It must be so different living out in the desert after living in LA! But there are always pros and cons wherever you are, right? Wishing you all the best<3
http://www.samanthamariko.com
I know! I still have some trouble taking them out but getting really good at putting them in at least lol! Thanks darling! xo
I love this update! first of all how gorgeous is that view?? and second, laser is something that has been on my mind too, I may just take the plunge too!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
Thank you Yuka! I had my first appointment today and while the results from the first session wasn’t substantial (couldn’t see a difference actually) I have heard that it’s supposed to get better after a few treatments. It wasn’t painful though which was great!
No worries, the hair under my armpits also grows really fast, haha! My fiancé and I are actually moving next month, so I’m looking forward to experimenting with Hello Fresh more. Their recipes are just so convenient and healthy!
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
LOL! Phew, finally someone out there who can be open/honest about it, and relate to me! Lol. Where are you moving babe?! Good luck with the move and I hope you love your new home as much as I do! xx
Thank you for sharing those amazing updates in your life! I’ve been living into a elders zone for a couple of years and I know exactly how you feel. Don’t give up! There, somewhere is hidden a son or a nephew your age. Visiting his fox every week! Just ask!
Aw thanks for the encouragement darling! I really needed that and appreciate it! xx
Your pictures are breathtaking! I truly enjoyed your article!
Adela
http://www.hautespark.com/
Thank you Adela!
I feel like we’ve just sat down to drink some coffee and catch up! I’m glad I finally feel like I know what you’ve been up to. I try to keep up on Instagram, but sometimes I definitely miss things! I’m glad you’re enjoying your new home in the desert (I gotta get that rose gold luggage and get my butt out to see you hehe) and I’m so happy you’ve found a gym you like and you’re finally getting used to contacts (I don’t think I could ever wear contacts – they scare the daylights out of me haha). Thanks for filling us in on your life!
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
Aw babe! I would love to actually meet you in person and having some coffee while catching up. Maybe one day 🙂 You’re always welcome to come visit me! We live in a much bigger place than our old LA apartment so I feel more comfortable hosting people now LOL. So, go for that rose gold luggage and get your booty over here! xoxo
Love this post and learning more about you! It sounds like you are adjusting quite well and it looks so beautiful from the photos!
xo, Jennifer
http://www.publicistinpearls.com
Thanks Jennifer! Yes, I’m loving my life here so far! xo
Umm excuse me.. you have 2 pools?!?! I’m packing my bags and heading over right now! I’m glad you’re settling into the new location and wish I was there so we could be neighbours – can you imagine how much fun we’d have?! Also loving the TMI on your underarm forrest too 😉 haha! love ya
Helen xx
http://helenchik.com
Yes!! One’s more like a party-appropriate pool while the other is more of a lap pool. But since it’s mostly old people living here the party-appropriate pool is more like just a cool shaped pool that old people (and me) go out to tan and enjoy the sun at haha. I would LOVE you as a neighbor! We would have so much to talk about and do everything together. Please do let me know if you’re in the area though as I’d love to meet! And I really do hope I can make it out to Sydney soon maybe after you get back from Europe 😉 xoxo
Life in Palm Springs sounds so lovely though! I’m sure you’ll make new friends soon. And so good to skip the LA traffic!! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Thank you so much! Hopefully soon! 🙂 xx
I love the personal posts from you. This seemed like a real awakening. It made me remember what it was like when I first moved to the edges of greater LA after being in Santa Monica Beach for just a few months. I’m glad you’re making the most ofnit. Saving money is great when you find a great space though. It’ll give you a chance to splurge when you travel 💕 I’m glad the contacts worked out and hopefully you’ll make some good friends who live only a short drive away very soon!
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Thanks Miki! Life here is definitely a big change for me but a good one for sure! I love it here so far and am definitely making the most of it. My pineapple float would agree 😉 haha! Come visit me soon <3 xx
Loved your life update babe, its always nice to do one and glad to hear you have settled in and trust me you will make friends your age soon, you are a sweetheart , for now enjoy what you have 🙂 I need to do another life lately post too next week, I have quite a few updates..hope you have a awesome Monday mwah xx
Thanks darling! I hope I can make some new friends soon. I’m not exactly desperate for new friends but as I said it wouldn’t hurt 🙂 hehe I’d love to read a life update from you!
You’re living in Paradise!! Wow! Gorgeous photos I would love to live in a secluded desert in the future
Thank you babe!
I love Palm Springs!! So pretty there! And I’ve done laser hair removal several times on my underarms and it only hurts for like 5 min. It’s so worth it though!
I’m glad you like it here in the desert! I had my first appointment today and surprisingly it wasn’t painful at all! But that might just be because my arm pits aren’t as sensitive haha. If this goes well I might go for the brazilian too!
I love reading personal posts about you Sharon!! haha, I love the openness about your point 7, We do feel closer to you after reading all ten things about you <3 I should totally do something similar like this in the near future. Thanks for keep us inspired!
xx, Jessie
Aww thanks Jessie! I’m glad you enjoy the personal posts — I’ll try to do them more often hopefully in the near future. I’d love to read one from you too babe! I’ll be looking forward to it xo
Yesssssss girl! Welcome to the laser hair removal club! You are going to love it! I know what it’s like to move to a new city and have a hard time meeting new people. I hope you make some new friends soon! Or I can always come to visit!
Kyla
wanderlustkyla.com
YES! I have a feeling I’m going to love it. It didn’t hurt during my first session today so I guess that’s good news. Now just hoping that it will be effective though LOL. They say no pain no gain, right? I’d love for you to visit me one day! If you’re ever flying in Palm Springs let me know and we can go grab a bite! xo
Firstly, your photos are stunning.
It sounds like you’re having to do a lot of adjusting but it’s great that you’re seeing the positives in your move too. I had to chuckle at the underarms hair thing. I guess our bodies react to their environment as much as we don’t want them to!
Thank you so much Lisa! You’re so sweet! 🙂
Nice recap! Sounds like you are settling into your new home well. PS. love how you set up this post, photos are fab 🙂
Thank you Julie! 🙂 Appreciate it xo
I love your blog! the pictures are sooo nice and your dog is adorable!! thank you for the life update. I need to be like you when it comes to cooking at home and also working out
Thank you Victoria! xoxo
I definitely enjoyed reading your updates Sharon!Your new place looks so amazing. I can always see from your post the beautiful spots where you can get inspo and photo op. Your dog is so adorable btw. Great post! xx
http://www.prettyweirdbombshell.com/weekends-in-la/
Thanks Kandja! xx
Your blog is so pretty! I hope that you find some friends in your age range. And good for you for cooking more meals at home! I love cooking at home. It definitely saves money and is healthier. Good luck! 🙂
http://laceedoeslife.com
Thanks Lacee! I hope so too! 🙂 xx
This was such a great post to read! Your photos are gorgeous, as always! I have trouble making friends my age in the city as well, I think that’s a universal one, but I can imagine it’s harder in a desert community where most people are older. I’ve never been to Palm Springs but it looks beautiful! BTW your dog is the cutest!
Ellie | http://www.scotchandstilettos.com
Thanks Ellie! It does suck that it’s harder to make friends but I think that also comes with age and being out of college and whatnot too. I’m such a homebody, even living in LA I didn’t make many worthwhile friends. But the good thing about that is there’s never any drama 🙂 haha! Looking on the bright side whenever possible!
Ahhh it’s so nice to hear a little update! I’m glad that the move brought along a ton of good things such as no traffic and more freedom to explore! It sucks that there’s no decent asian food around ya and that your armpit hairs are growing super fast. That’s such a weird thing but I hope the laser removal goes well!!! Let me know your thoughts 🙂 Super glad that you’re settled in! Living in the dessert sounds so cool. PS aren’t contacts lifesavers?!
With love, Jenn
https://www.jubilantdose.com
Yes babe! Been loving it here so far despite the little cons hehe. I’ll have to let you know about the laser hair removal, though I think I probably won’t see drastic results for another year since the treatments are so spaced out. Let me know if/when you’re in the area and we’ll explore together. Contacts are amaaazing!
Its very interesting to read this post and see the comparisons from LA to Palm Spring!! Im glad you are liking your new city- home and for sure if I ever come down will let you know. As always love all the pictures
xoxo
Marcy
Yes!! We’d have so much fun babe 🙂
Really enjoyed reading your life updates babe! So glad with less traffic, you’re able to get more things ticked off your list! I’m in the same boat as your on the underarm hair haha need to get laser done too! Hope it goes well for you 🙂 Also, your photos are beautiful as always!x- Mitra
http://www.leopardcouture.com
Thank you for stopping by Mitra! I’m glad you can relate with the underarm thing… lol! I’ll have to update you guys on my laser hair removal in a year (I think that’s how long it’s going to take to see results honestly lol). xx
Aww thank you so much for sharing your personal journey moving to Palm Springs! I sometimes want to live the city as the traffic does drive me crazy! I am sure you will make lots of friends with time and yay for being healthy and tan. Haha
katetik.com
I know right? I can’t deal with traffic everyday and now that I’ve moved here I don’t know how I survived LA for 3 years lol!
Your tan is looking amazing tho, I’m sure you will make a lot of friends soon.
Thanks so much! I hope so 🙂