I am loving this series because I’m getting to know so many of YOU! So keep the fun facts coming– you all are such interesting and amazing people. And if you’d like to catch up on previous posts in this series, click here.
Our favorite patisserie in Paris.
1) One of my “back-burner” dreams is to open a nonprofit cafe that benefits the community and serves French pastries. I call it a “back-burner” dream because it’s not what I am pursuing right now (currently my goals are teaching and working with children in crisis). However, I love feeding people–as you know from Monday’s post about Thanksgiving— and I think cafes are such neat places to gather and meet others in the community. And once I master the eclair, nothing can stop me! Do you have any dreams that you’d like to pursue one day?
I traveled to New Hampshire to do some archival research for my history thesis!
2) My best subject in high school was English, but I ended up studying History in college. During freshman fall, I took a course in American history and immediately fell in love (admittedly, with the professor… enamoured is probably a better word). I went on to study American history almost exclusively and did not end up taking an English class at all! Have your academic interests changed over time? What have been your best or favorite subjects?
[Image via]
3) I went through a fashion identity crisis in high school. It was bad. I had shifted from Abercrombie in middle school (yuck, really?) to a sort of hippie-inspired 60s look. For some reason, I just adored Robin Wright’s character, Jenny, in Forrest Gump. Thankfully, I ended up purchasing some quality pieces that I can still wear today, but to be honest I could never really adopt the laid-back hippie “vibe”. I’m too anxious for that! Did you go through any fashion phases? What were they?
Thanks again for letting me share a bit more about myself. I truly have loved reading your responses and learning more about you!
Thanks girl! I really do hope to… perhaps when I turn 40 😉
I love your dream to open a coffee shop someday! Go for it, girl! 🙂
Thank you Anna! Oh wow– I want to go into special ed 🙂 And that’s a neat switch– glad you still get to work with kids!
I love this!! When I started college I was studying Early Childhood Education with Special Needs concentration after about a year I decided that wasn’t for me and I switched to Marketing and Fashion Merchandising and completely switched schools. I still love fashion and I work with kids on a weekly basis, just not in a school setting! 🙂
That’s amazing! I commend your husband for his hard work and diligence. Enjoy a wonderful weekend, Daisy 🙂
Wow, that is a really wide range of interests– but all of them are so promising and important 🙂 Can’t wait to see where life leads you Sarah!
Oh wow, Megan! I’m impressed! I knew somewhere in my heart that I could never pull off the whole skater thing 😉
Thank you friend!! That’s so neat that you studied clinical Psych! Have I told you that my husband is completing a clinical psych Ph.D.? And health care ethics– what an important topic too!
Thank you Heidi! Glad you’ve enjoyed these posts! 🙂
Thank you so much Rebecca! Your encouragement means a ton to me 🙂
Thank you Olivia! That is so cool that teachers inspired you to love their subjects– you’re so fortunate to have such great teachers!!
Oh my goodness I actually went through a tomboy phase at the end of 5th grade… ahahaha those were NOT good days. But I didn’t hold out on that for quite as long; halfway through 6th grade and I was back on the “girly-girl” train. And let’s be honest, I loved lace and chiffon ever since I was a toddler. Thanks for sharing more about yourself Olivia!
Hahaha “certain styles just aren’t made for people.” That made me laugh, it is so true. We all need to figure out what styles fit us best and be glad in those!
That’s hilarious! I did actually dye a streak of my hair turquoise in high school. It quickly became a disgusting green color! haha
Thank you Hannah! A coffee shop/book store sounds so fun– you’d be able to fill it with just all the things you love 🙂 And I would love to be a mom too. And I agree it is so neat to find little similarities here and there!
That’s so funny, Rockettes are gorgeous and talented so I get it! And business and science are basically two arenas I stayed away from, so you have my admiration! Thanks for stopping by Annie 🙂
Hahaha right, Jenny went through a number of interesting phases. And that’s neat that you love English too 🙂 I love finding out more and more things we have in common!
I know right?! I just couldn’t ever recreate the look well enough. And Katie, you find the cutest things at garage sales– I’m so jealous!
Thanks girl! You are so sweet, I really appreciate it:)
Haha thanks Brooke. And opening a boutique sounds like a fantastic dream; I’m rooting for you!
Oh wow Shannon I didn’t realize you went to a medical school! That’s really neat. And I’m glad I’m not alone in my little abercrombie obsession back in middle school!
Thank you Rachel! And that sounds like a fantastic dream– writing your own cookbook is such a cool idea! And I’d never want to be on the Food Network either… I’d have to cook *and* put on a show. Too much pressure!
That’s so awesome, I hope you pursue that Ash! Photo skills are so useful now.
Hahaha I won’t tell 🙂 I hear it’s better than Hollister…
Thank you so much Jenny! Wow, your sister sounds like a real pro! I’ve had no training… and yes, I’ve always sort of hoped that the hard labor in baking would offset the calories, but that’s probably too good to be true. Thanks so much for stopping by Jenny!
Ooh that’s so cool! What food would you serve?! And I know you’re a good cook so it sounds like you totally could pull it off. And that’s really funny about your clothes; guess it builds an inner sense of confidence to not be able to agonize over what to wear every morning!
Haha I actually did the tomboy thing for about half a year as well! Can’t really believe it… those are some photos I never want to look back on. Thanks for stopping by Norkor!
Thank you so much Jen! Oh I will definitely let you know– probably won’t be a while though 😉 And that’s neat we had similar academic interests. I love finding out things I have in common with people.
Thank you Lauren! 🙂 French pastries are amazing.
Oh, my town was too small for Abercrombie so AE was the closest we could get!
Aw thank you Kelsey!
Thank you Elmira! And wow, that is quite a professional shift! And I agree, it’s still fun to try on different looks 🙂
Wow, those are quite extreme! I guess I always liked everything to be fitted and tight especially in middle school, because I think that’s what was in during the early 2000s… but I definitely prefer looser fitting clothes now 🙂
Haha a colorful goth phase– I’m sure that made you stand out 🙂 and I actually dyed bits of my hair a few times too!! Once it was turquoise (which quickly became green)…
That’s funny! I liked math but I was never the best at it… and eventually I lost confidence in my math skills in Calc BC. And I realized even back then that not everyone who was “good at English” was a good writer, or vise versa. I love that you’re pursuing writing. Hope nanowrimo is going well by the way 🙂 Oh, I didn’t actually shop at AE for whatever reason– I was fully devoted to abercrombie.
Thank you Erica!! 🙂
Thank you so much Shannon!! You are so kind. And oh, a bright pink fishnet tank top sounds like a smash 😉 And I’m glad I’ve found a sense of style now… hopefully I won’t look back on my 20s and be confused or embarrassed!
Oh a pet shop sounds wonderful!! I would buy my dream puppy from you! 😉 And I know… petco and petsmart are kind of gross.
And that is SO cool that you’ve written so much. Why don’t you show it to someone?! I’m sure they’d be blown away!
Oooh that sounds wonderful! I love all of those things too– especially handmade chocolates infused with different flavors. YUM! I’m rooting for you Jaelan!
Thank you so much Joanna! It’s so neat that you wanted to be an author– that sounds like something you could still pursue eventually. 🙂
Thank you so much Hayley!! 🙂 Oh yes, I will invite you to the opening of that cafe; and that’s exactly how I feel about our city too! There are Starbucks and a few hipster places, but nothing that is super homey. And I almost went the punk route too, but my mom wasn’t happy with all the dark eyeliner!
Haha thanks Anne! Ooh, opening a coffee shop in an older home sounds fantastic! It’s like an inn but just for the day 🙂 And yes once I figure out how to franchise my eclair business I’ll ship them all over the US 😉
Thank you so much Miriam!! You are so sweet. And I’m glad I’m not alone in having had strange fashion taste once upon a time 😉
Haha minimal drama sounds like a good plan. And I’m so glad I wasn’t alive in the 80s… I would have fallen hard for the puffy sleeves and big hair! And thank you Charity 🙂
That’s amazing that you majored in Mandarin– you must be great! Do you speak like a local where you live? My best friend in high school majored in Chinese and political philosophy; it was an interesting combo for her.
When I first started college, I went into Early Childhood Education. Then I went into Hospitality Management and finished with a degree in Business Management! My interests have changed quite a bit throughout the years. However, I still have no idea what I want to be when I grow up! 😉
haha I went through a skater fashion phase and a jock phase in high school!
I love this segment of your website! My strongest subject was English; however, I love science (which led me to study clinical Psychology for undergrad and Health Care Ethics for grad school). Happy Thursday, Daisy 🙂
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud/2014/11/9/11914
I love your community service oriented mind! Thank you for these lovely posts, girl!
Heidi D.
http://www.wishesandreality.com
It is so nice to hear what others are thinking and what their dreams are! Love that you think of owning a non profit cafe one day! What a sweet dream!
Rebecca
http://www.winnipegstyle.ca
Oh what a fun post! I love learning more about my readers and their thoughts too 🙂 Hmm I had many different kinds of favorite subjects through out my school career. I think it depended on the teacher and if I felt I learned a lot from the class. One year it was English (like you!), then science, and then social studies, and then European history, and then art! I had a huge assortment of favorite school subjects throughout the years and I give thanks to those teachers who made me like the subject! And yesss I had weird fashion phases in my life. At the end of my elementary schooling, I went through a phase where I wanted to be a tomboy. (And if you’ve seen my fashion blog then you know I’m nothing like a tomboy. I think it was because I wanted a guy best friend or something really strange :0). So I never wore skirts or dresses for a long time! Then high school happened and I did the opposite and wore skirts and dresses all the time! Now, I’m a mix!
Olivia | http://www.hernamewascelebration.com
It’s amazing to look at how our fashion evolves. I also think there are certain styles that just aren’t made for people. I could never pull of the hippie look and always felt odd when I tried pieces on.
I loved Jenny’s style too! I had red hair dye in my hair for a long part of my middle school days. I thought it was a great idea to use Kool-aid as hair coloring (haha!!)
20somethingfashion.blogspot.com
Loved this post! It really is fun to learn more about you! My back burner dream is to own my own little coffee shop/book store! …and my “someday” dream is to be a stay-at-home mom 🙂 Another fun tidbit – my husband majored in 5-12 Social Studies Education. He now teaches middle school U.S. history and absolutely loves talking history with anyone! I just love finding all these fun little connections! 🙂
Soooo I don’t know if it’s a background dream or not, but I have allllways wanted to be a Rockette – but who doesn’t?! My academic interests been all over the place – in college I switched my major 4 times, between business and science. Still love them both, though!
Annie Reeves
Jenny had the sweetest sense of style in her bohemian wear…maybe not in her little “singing show” at the men’s bar… but I always thought she looked sweet in her long skirts and peasant-like tops. I share a passion for English with you! I love it. History…not so much. That would be my fiance. I cannot retain all those facts! That’s so neat about the”back burner” cafe! Ya never know…maybe one day!
xo Erin
http://www.winkandatiwirl.com
I love Jenny’s outfit in that picture! So cute!! I feel like I fluctuate between styles!!
So glad you’re continuing the series, Daisy. I love your café dream, that’s fantastic, and it was cool to learn of #2 as well. You just become more and more awesome to get to know! 🙂
Girl I was right there with you on the Abercrombie phase and mostly their graphic tees, lol. You should totally open up that cafe one day, that sounds so amazing!! I have a dream of owning my own boutique, I am currently working towards it but don’t want to jinx anything! Hopefully someday soon it will become a reality!
Brooke
http://www.pumpsandpushups.com
I love history but never studied it in college since I went to a medical school. I always loved Jenny’s style in Forrest Gump too and I defibitely went through the Abercrombie phase haha!
<3 Shannon
Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com
I love learning more about you! A couple of my dreams, since I’ve had since I was eight actually, are to open a cafe and write my own cookbook. I also love Food Network, but I would never want to be on TV. 😉
<3
It’s nice to have a back-burner dream. Mine is to learn my camera and editing tools well enough to become a photographer, part-time at least. 🙂
I worked at Abercrombie (shhhh don’t tell) so don’t worry! Love this series!
xx Cara
http://www.carascliche.com
This is great! I love ‘about me’ posts. My sister has a desire to open her own French pastry bakery. She went to the French Pastry School in Chicago, and worked at Sweet Mandy B’s for several years and now is in Brooklyn looking for a bakery to work in. I think your idea is great, but wow would I gain some major lbs. if I worked in a bakery! My sister said her remedy for this is to wear a belt a couple notches too tight so she feels her pants are too tight and won’t be tempted to eat all the sweets, ha!
xx
Jenny // Mish Mosh Makeup
My dream is close to yours, I’ve always wanted to open a food truck. Of all the things, I know. LOL! I love food, love cooking and I like making people happy through my dishes. As for style, wow, I never really have an identity…believe it or not, my mum picked out my clothes until high school. Yea, so you can imagine the clothes I wear…I looked 60 when I was 16.
Reflection of Sanity
Oh dear! I went through a tomboy stage of literally baggy shirts and basketball shorts all day everyday! uuugh so awful! Also, your back-burner passion sounds amazing!
Ok if you open up a cafe with French pastries, let me know and I will definitely be a patron!! 😉 English and History were my favorite subjects in high school too — ended up majoring in English though.
PS. You look beautiful in that blue dress from your previous post!
Jen
http://www.lifeunrefined.com
I love the french pastries part 😉
Great post!
Lauren
Disco Daydream
this is such a fun post! you are amazing!
kelseybang.com
Very nice post! I had a big shift in my academic interest. I graduated as a chemical engineer and then decided to go back to school and study to become an interior designer
I went through an extremely oversized phase in high school…I would wear really big hoodies to cover myself up. ha ha…because I was shy. But I also lived half my life in leotards and tight shorts for gymnastics so 😉
http://www.closet-fashionista.com
Love learning more about you! I loved and still love going to school! I always wore a ton of color. I had a goth phase – but imagine a colorful goth phase? Yep, it was strange. I dyed the ends of my hair BRIGHT RED during that phase and that was awesome 😀
– Deniz
http://www.dressedupdeniz.com
My favorite and best subject was always math. I was that Asian kid who really, really liked doing her math homework. But then I went into culture and languages in college, and now I’m trying to write. Ironically, English was the only subject I never won awards for in grade school. And oh, I had this thankfully relatively short-lived pastel and preppy American Eagle phase back in high school, shudder.
Aww love these posts too. Opening a French bakery for a good cause sounds heavenly. 🙂
Erica
http://www.eggcanvas.me
Great post, Daisy (as always)! Love getting to know more about you…you seriously are such a great person! I wish I would have fallen in love with a specific subject through school, I might have a better idea of what I want to do “when I grow up”. We were just looking through high school pictures the other night and my fashion was all over…I had a bright pink fish net tank top on in one picture and then a bandanna with hoop earrings and a crop top on in another. Neither of which were a good look. Glad that is over! 60’s laid back hippie sounds much better!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
My back burner dream, more like when I retire, is to open a pet store. I’m a huge animal lover and so anti-chain pet stores. Even some smaller ones around this area use puppies from puppy mills and have really sick reptiles and fish. It makes me sick… I’d love to have one that was ethical and educated people on the animal they were interested in rather than just making money. Who knows. When money grows are trees right? (;
I’m extremely passionate about writing. It was always my best subject and I almost (wish I had) pursued it in college. I’ve written 4 books, all of which are piled into storage boxes until I get the courage to show them to someone other than myself. Who knows.
My “back-burner” dream is to open a confectionery. I love making candies and cookies and treats. We visited the sweetest little confectionery last year and I haven’t been able to shake it. Fresh aromatic coffee, truffles, candy by the pound, hand scooped ice cream… that’s my dream.
I love getting to know you better! I went through an Abercrombie phase too which unfortunately! Your cafe dream is so inspiring. My dream as a child was to be an author but now I work in the arts industry and there’s just so little time to do everything I want to do! Thanks for sharing, Daisy! xo
lovejoanna.com
I am really loving these posts too! It’s been so fun getting to know you and your blog is one of my favorites already! 🙂 SO, when you finally do open up that little cafe, can you invite me to the opening? We have a shortage of beautiful little spots like that in my city. Also, I went through a super weird phase, but went the “punk” route. I traded my polos and cable knit sweaters for skinny jeans, vans, and zip up hoodies. Hahahaha
I’m pretty sure you could wear a paper bag and till look gorgeous!! My dream with my fired is to open a coffee shop in an older home that has the laid back, cozy, homey feel. We would love that! Perhaps we can buy your eclairs some day and serve them! 😉
Once again, great post! You have such lovely values! I had a fashion identity crisis too in my teens. I don’t even want to recollect the horrors… *shudders* haha.
DiscoverMe
Right now my dreams are just to get my kids through middle school, high school and off to college with minimal drama! I went through the bad ’80’s stage and it was the worst looking back. Glad those days are over and I hope one day your dream of opening a cafe comes true.
I think this is a great series too! I had a similar experience of completely shifting academic interests in college, also in part due to an incredible professor–I went in as an international business major, but by the end of first semester I was a Mandarin Chinese major. 🙂 I love your cafe dream and I hope you get to pursue it at some stage of your life!