Life With Leila • "Your only limit is your mind."

First Thoughts of Barcelona

September 17, 2019 No Comments

I recently wrote a post discussing my next big step in life: living in a foreign country. At the time of starting this post, I am in Barcelona, Spain. Saying that I’ll be living here still feels surreal. I’ve wanted to go to (and live in) Spain for so long. I joke that the Cheetah Girls 2 movie is what introduced Spain to me, but honestly that may not be far off. Of course I’ve heard of the country before then, but I was introduced to Barcelona and Spain due to that movie.

Thirteen years later, here I am in Barcelona. Crazy, right? Here are my first impressions of the city as well as venting about a stressful day of travel.

writeupmyalley, writing

Writing Update (Sep. 2019) #WriteUpMyAlley

September 10, 2019 No Comments

The past year I began getting back into one of my first passions: writing. It started in 2018 when I decided to jump the gun and participate in Nanowrimo. I fell off a bit after winning and then proceeded with writing again during the summer. Particularly, I participated in Camp Nanowrimo and also succeeded in this. Now, after a lot of reading, outlining, researching, I’m beginning to take this more seriously. Writing is fun, but I’d also like it to be my job.

If you’d like to know about where I am with my writing, keep reading this writing update.

personal

Being an Expat: The Next Chapter

September 3, 2019 No Comments

Had this photo taken during my time in Lisbon! Perhaps my favorite city I’ve visited so far in Portugal.

A little over a year ago I wrote this post which talked about a new chapter in my life, one centered on traveling. That was in the midst of one of my hardest years I’ve had and unknowingly before a year that could possible transform my life. Okay, that’s a tad dramatic. But after that post, I really did take to heart my aspirations of seeing the world. Since my solo trip to Canada, I’ve been to Denver as well as a two week trip to Portugal.

Sure, it may not seem super extensive, but it has been amazing. I’ve also been on a few small solo trips, including seeing Ariana Grande perform on her Sweetener tour opener. All is this to say that I am ready for the next step, a new stage. What does that include? Moving abroad.

books

My Month in Books: What I Read (or didn’t) in August 2019

August 27, 2019 No Comments

When tackling reading this month I had one goal in mind: finish all or most of my unread physical books before I move. Gearing up to move abroad is stressful, especially for an overpacker like me. I knew I didn’t want a bunch of books weighing down my suitcases or taking up valuable space. Thus, I tried to read as much as I could and did not hesitate to DNF (did-not-finish) a book I wasn’t enjoying. Want to know about the books in August I read (or didn’t) this month? Continue reading.

languages

How to Choose a Language Tutor

August 20, 2019 No Comments

As a language learner, I am constantly looking for more efficient and fun ways to learn a language. There are several apps and websites to use in order to supplement your language learning. One goal of mine is to continue to take lessons in the language I’m learning. So, it was essential that I choose a language tutor who fits my needs and can help me reach my goals.

But it’s not so easy choosing a language tutor. Some aren’t that great and others are overpriced. It can seem daunting to choose a language tutor that’s right for you, but don’t give up. I’ll list my top tips on what to look for as you choose a language tutor that’s great for you.

packing, travel

Packing for Portugal – What I’m Glad I Brought

August 13, 2019 No Comments

Before reading this post, check out my vlog as I prepared packing for Portugal by buying some new travel goodies!

If you are a chronic over packer, please raise your hand! For even small 3-day trips I have trouble not stuffing an entire suitcase. So when packing for Portugal a few months ago on my first trip to Europe, I tried to go easy on what I brought with me. Traveling carry-on only is becoming more popular and people often say what they could have done without. However, I thought I’d mention what I am glad I brought with me when packing for Portugal.

So if you’d like to find out the travel items that I think deserve a spot in your duffel bag, carry-on or checked luggage, keep reading.

writeupmyalley, writing

Camp Nanowrimo: July 2019

August 6, 2019 No Comments

Last winter I participated in Nanowrimo for the first time. Surprisingly, I won Nanowrimo early. Now, I didn’t finish the project until months later. But I did enjoy having a challenge to hold me accountable. There’s also a mini-version of this challenge called Camp Nanowrimo. So in July, I decided I wanted something else to hold me accountable with my new writing project. Camp Nanowrimo was different from the November challenge in a couple ways, but ultimately with the same goal: get writers to write.

If you are curious to know more about my Camp Nanowrimo experience, continue reading.