new york

Anti-Bucket List: A Look Back At The Decade

- Sarah Leave a comment

A couple weeks ago, some of my Philly friends and I went to New York for a day trip. I went to college in the Bronx, and a lot of my college friends still live in and around the city. For work, I also commuted from Philly to New York pretty frequently. So it had been a long time since I had gone to New York without any obligations — just to walk around and explore with friends.

The day was good for the soul. It’s always nice to have some quality, offline time with girlfriends.  It also reminded me what I love about New York, and brought back a ton of memories from my early 20s.

It’s easy to feel sentimental and nostalgic at the end of the year, and even more so at the end of an entire decade. The 2010s also coincided with my 20s — I was 19 at the start of 2010, and I’ll be turning 30 in the fall. So much has happened over the last 10 years.

Taking cues from some of my blogger friends, I thought this was a good time to share an “anti-bucket list” — basically a look back at what I did accomplish over the last decade:

  • Started this blog! (2010)
  • Went on two Global Outreach trips (2011, 2013)
  • Visited Italy & France with my family (2012)
  • Graduated Fordham (2013)

  • Moved to Philadelphia (2013)
  • Adopted two dogs: Zamboni (2013) and Arya (2015)
  • Was a bridesmaid for high school friends (2015, 2016)
  • Switched jobs three times (at least)
  • Visited my mom in Colombia (2015)

  • Went to Canada and the PNW for the first time (2016)
  • Visited my dad in Costa Rica (2017)
  • Lived by myself for the first time (2017)
  • Started therapy (2017)
  • Helped plan the PHLblogger’s Blog Connect Conference (2017, 2018)

  • Went to the Home Run Derby (2017)
  • Fostered senior dogs (2017, 2018, 2019)
  • Got my first tattoo (2018)
  • Bought a house! (2018)
  • Saw Dwyane Wade’s last game (2019)
  • Did a reading at my friends’ wedding (2019)

It’s crazy to think about how much has changed, how much hasn’t and what stands out years later. Not every year was great — like, I’m sure cool stuff happened in 2014 (I just can’t remember what) and 2016 and 2017 were particularly hard years as well. The last decade had its share of highlights and lowlights, but I can confidently say I’m happier now than I was ten years ago. I’m grateful for that, for the lessons I’ve learned and friends I’ve gained along the way.

Cheers to a happy and healthy 2020!

~ Sarah

Emerald City

- Sarah Leave a comment

Emerald Lace Dress

I had so much fun exploring Manhattan while I was in town for Her Conference. Even though I went to school in the city for four years, I rarely ventured down to Lower Manhattan. Thankfully my sense of direction kicked in when Ana, Erica, Morgan and I made our way to Battery Park after the first day of the conference, Starbucks in hand.

I wanted to keep my outfits as simple but stylish as possible, so I packed two fit-and-flare dresses and a pair of leopard flats that went with both. Considering I purchased my pair at the Fordham Road Conway (RIP), I was surprised by how well they held up!

Silver Bar Necklace
Geometric Triangel Necklace

I also kept my accessories simple, but sophisticated for both days: my new bar necklace (an anniversary gift from Nick) and a fun ring from one of my favorite Philly boutiques. They kept the focus on my pretty lace dress, although I think it has shrunk a bit in the last couple of years since I bought it. Still the texture is too fun for me to retire it just yet!

~ Sarah

P.S. Thanks for the photos, Morgan!
———————
Dress: Ross (similar)
Necklace: Gift (similar)
Ring: Smak Parlour (similar)
Tote: Nordstrom
Leopard Flats: Conway (similar)

Ahora Amo: Her Conference

- Sarah 3 Comments

This post is sponsored by Amtrak and Her Campus Media. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Shades of Sarah possible!

Just a final Her Conference 2015 recap! Can’t believe it’s been a week already!

Amtrak Instameet

♡ Train ride into New York — Amtrak is easily my favorite way to travel in the Northeast region! It makes the trip from Philly to New York a breeze!

♡ Pizza and wine with my freshman roommate, the best way to unwind before a jam-packed Conference

Her Conference

♡ Soaking up amazing career advice from some incredible women

♡ Recharging with lunchtime tacos

Primo Cappuccino

♡ Serious exploring of lower Manhattan. So. much. walking.

♡ Consuming my weight in iced Chai lattes — even tried a raspberry one waiting for my Amtrak at Penn Station

Amtrak Instameet

♡ Blurry selfies with my new blogging friend Erica from Coming Up Roses

♡ Another inspiring Her Conference!

~ Sarah

P.S. If you’re still a student, lucky duck! You can save 10% on Amtrak when booking with the Student Advantage card. You never know when it can come in handy!