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Sunset over Hudson River, New York City, taken by me

Sunset over Hudson River, New York City, taken by me

January 2016 Favorites

Joyce Pak February 14, 2016

On January 2nd, I was heading back to New York from the holidays in Europe (Italy and Canary Islands, blogpost to come!). Coming back to reality was a slow ramp up. This past month, I decided to kick-off healthy habits with food and exercise, took my first trip of the year to Los Angeles, and tried to stay warm on the days that I stayed in New York. I got to escape the winter blizzard by flying to Los Angeles, but I missed playing in the fresh Central Park snow with Wrigley (my roommate's cute little Maltese). I guess I'll have to wait for the next snowstorm! In the meantime, here are some of my favorites from January 2016. Enjoy!

 
 

L'OCCITANE ALMOND SKIN OIL I'd heard so  many good things about body oils, so I really wanted to try this L'Occitane one to moisturize my dry winter skin. I'm totally converted. The spray applicator makes it really easy to apply without all the mess. And I love how my skin soaks the oil up quickly and leaves my skin soft and glowing. I can feel the softness of my skin against my sweater throughout the day!

Forever21 scarf (found in store)

Forever21 scarf (found in store)

ASOS oversized plaid scarf

ASOS oversized plaid scarf

BLANKET SCARVES You might've seen blanket scarves all over my Instagram recently. They're so snug & warm & cozy and also perfect for travel. I always take them on the plane as an extra blanket. I like this one and this one.

Dr. Jart Book of Masks (from Sephora, currently unavailable)

Dr. Jart Book of Masks (from Sephora, currently unavailable)

DR. JART SHEET MASKS I got this cute holiday book of sheet masks for myself and my friends during the Sephora sale. I've always loved sheet masks (especially Korean brands!) and believe that proper moisture is one of the most important components of skincare. I use sheet masks 1-2x per week. The Dr. Jart ones work really great and are at a decent price point. 

 
iOS Sweetgreen app

iOS Sweetgreen app

 

SWEETGREEN After feasting and eating nonstop during the holidays, I've been trying to eat healthier. I try to eat salads for lunch everyday and Sweetgreen has quickly become my favorite. If you can find a location in your city, definitely try it out. They also recently redid their entire iOS app, which is beautifully designed and makes it super easy to order. (PS - I always get Guacamole Greens, take out the onions & tortilla chips.)

INSANITY FITNESS PROGRAM In addition to trying to eat healthy, I'm also doing Insanity workouts. I have the videos loaded into my computer, so it's super easy to use while on the road. I like how you don't need any equipment, I usually do these in my hotel rooms. I also like Insanity because it forces me to move my body around everyday with a combo of cardio and strength training.

AMAZON INSTANT VIDEO APP If you have Amazon prime, you definitely need to get the Amazon video app on your phone and tablet. Unlike Netflix, you can actually download the videos to view while offline. It's definitely nice to get to watch TV shows and movies while I'm on the road (especially helpful on planes that don't have entertainment systems!) Some favorites included with your Prime membership: Interstellar, How I Met Your Mother, Sex and the City, Girls, the Wolf of Wall Street.

 

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No matter how touristy, crowded, and sometimes smelly it can be, Venice will always have my heart.  Before study abroad in 2011, I’d never dreamt of traveling to Europe nor fantasized about cities like London, Paris, Rome, etc. but Venice was the one exception. It seemed like a fairytale to imagine houses floating on water and riding gondolas to get from place to place. I hope to never forget the magic I felt the first time I came in 2011 and to always feel as excited to return 💫
After almost missing a transfer at Milan from Cinque Terre (notorious Trenitalia delays 🚂), we finally made it to Venice. Been here a couple times already but never got a chance to stay overnight and explore at dusk 🌝 I love the quieter alleyways and canals at night, it makes me feel like the place is my little secret 💛
A shoutout to bomb Italian lemons 🍋 #cinqueterre
Amazingly fresh and perfectly crispy, probably one of the best fried calamari & shrimp I’ve ever had and it was only 10€ 👌 #cinqueterrre #monterosso
Trying to fit in 🌞🌸
This explosion of color 🤩
Twilight ✨
Not a beer ad, just a neighborly PSA on how awesome open container laws are in Italy 💞🍺


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Characters & Carry-ons is a space for self-expression, travel, photography, inspiration, and creative design.

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INSTAGRAM @THEJPAK

No matter how touristy, crowded, and sometimes smelly it can be, Venice will always have my heart.  Before study abroad in 2011, I’d never dreamt of traveling to Europe nor fantasized about cities like London, Paris, Rome, etc. but Venice was the one exception. It seemed like a fairytale to imagine houses floating on water and riding gondolas to get from place to place. I hope to never forget the magic I felt the first time I came in 2011 and to always feel as excited to return 💫
After almost missing a transfer at Milan from Cinque Terre (notorious Trenitalia delays 🚂), we finally made it to Venice. Been here a couple times already but never got a chance to stay overnight and explore at dusk 🌝 I love the quieter alleyways and canals at night, it makes me feel like the place is my little secret 💛
A shoutout to bomb Italian lemons 🍋 #cinqueterre
Amazingly fresh and perfectly crispy, probably one of the best fried calamari & shrimp I’ve ever had and it was only 10€ 👌 #cinqueterrre #monterosso
Trying to fit in 🌞🌸

characters & carry-ons

Characters & Carry-ons is a space for self-expression, travel, photography, inspiration, and creative design.

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