Life

The Jen Behind ‘lil’ thoughts with jen’

August 22, 2018
jen behind lil' thoughts with jen
red bag
minimalistic sandals
t-shirt dress
semi-casual look
jen behind lil' thoughts with jen
red bag
minimalistic sandals
t-shirt dress
semi-casual look
jen behind lil' thoughts with jen
red bag
minimalistic sandals
t-shirt dress
semi-casual look
jen behind lil' thoughts with jen
red bag
minimalistic sandals
t-shirt dress
semi-casual look


Hello! Every since I started this journey of blogging, I wanted to connect with my readers on a friend-to-friend basis. Who is the Jen behind lil’ thoughts with jen? As time has gone on, our community has grown and I wanted to re-introduce myself to the newest readers via answering some common questions about myself. I took to Instagram stories (they have too many handy-dandy tools) to have people submit questions they want to know me. I have rounded up my top asked ones and hope that you enjoy getting to learn a little more about me!

how old are you

I am 22 years old! Although mentally I feel like I am still 18…

where are you from

I am originally from upstate New York, near Syracuse — the actual town is named Central Square. It’s a very small town compared to NYC but it’s the place where I called home for so long and my parents are still there! I try to go home as often as I can because there is nothing that beats being with family.

what ethnicity are you

I actually get asked this all the time. I assume I look Chinese myself because both of my parents are, but apparently I look everything BUT Chinese to people. Everyone always assume I am Filipino, Malaysian or mixed. But I am Chinese!

why did you start a blog

I have answered this question a lil’ in my ABOUT ME page, but to sum it up here, writing is one of my life’s passions – I love story-telling, but I didn’t know how to let that aspect of my life flow until I created this blog. Creating a home online for myself and my readers is what I have since been so motivated by. This community has allowed me to be ME all the time and has been with me through the ups and downs of this past year. To be able to freely write, create content that I love and to connect with others has been the best outcomes of this blog.

did you go to college / what college did you attend

Yes I did attend college. I went to New York University and graduated this past May so I have officially entered the adult world haha. I double majored in Economics and Politics and minored in Chinese. It was the best 4 years and I have grown so much through this period. If you want to learn more about my experience, let me know and I will do a post on it!

what do you do for a living

So up until my graduation this May, I have had internships at different companies to help pay the bills and get valuable experiences. After graduating college, I had been on the hunt for the perfect role and one that I would actually enjoy going to work at. It’s been such a long journey in my mind to narrow down to what I wanted and have finally secured a position as a compliance analyst!

why New York City / do you like living in new york city

Attending college in the city with no real campus has made me fall in love with this city more. I think I have talked a lil’ about this before but being amidst the chaos is something I’ve come to love. There is always something going on and there is always something new to be discovered, whether it be a place, person or restaurant. I genuinely do like living here, but as with all good things, there are hidden faults. The bustling and constant rush of life does get tiring and overwhelming at time, which leads me to get out of the city and go home at times.

New York City can be hard to live in – but I was able to carve out my own identity and create my own story within it. Pushing asides others paths to create my own hasn’t been easy when all I am surrounded with are people doing above and beyond. Instead, I have taken these as inspiration to do better and to do more. I think I also got lucky with all the people around me. I seriously think I got the best family, friend and readers! Everyone has been so supportive of my every decision. I would totally tell everyone to live in NYC at some point in their life if they could.

how would you describe your style / what is your style

I would say my style is very feminine. I asked this to people around me and I got answers from chic to everything haha so it’s kinda hard to pinpoint. Like everything else, I don’t like to be confined to one thing and want to be open to trying new trends and work them to my body type. As you guys know, I am quite petite and most trends don’t work. Lately, I have been buying pieces that are more classic and wardrobe staples to make sure that I am investing in quality pieces and ones that can work casually or dressed-up. What do you guys think is my style?

what is your favorite food / cuisine

I am definitely someone who strays more towards the salty than sweet side! So snack-wise, I would definitely say I reach for those hot cheetos and salt & vinegar chips. I also am someone who is constantly snacking. Cuisine-wise, it has to be Chinese! From xiao-long-bao to hand pulled noodles, I eat it all and can do so everyday. Everyone also knows that I am obsessed with rice and will go crazy if I go too long without eating it. Other honorable mentions would be: ice cream, fried chicken, watermelon, sour candies and ramen!

what are your favorite restaurants in nyc

I have a dedicated section on this blog for all the restaurant reviews I have created. Check out those and I will soon be creating a post that outlines my all-time favorite spots! As of now, to give you a lil’ taste, my faves have been Lombardi’s, Empanada Mama, Bonchon….the rest you will have to wait and see hehe

what inspires you

So many things inspire me! My family has always inspired me in more ways than I can count – from showing me the power of determination and hard work to realizing the importance and power of love and being united. My parents immigrated here with nothing and were able to build a living and become as successful as they could be. My siblings who are far older than their age and give the best advice and tips to better myself and everything I do. They are all inspirations behind the work I put into my blog.

Alex, my boyfriend, inspires me to go after what I want. He is always inspiring to do more. He believes in me like no other and always pushes us both to be the best that we can be. From establishing new habits to mundane activities like taiga a walk, he absolutely loves taking in every moment.

I also seek so much inspiration from my readers, which means you! I see photos that other bloggers create and my readers and I am always in awe at all the pure talent being shown. This community has allowed me to push beyond my limits and get out of my comfort zone. Even when I am idea-less, you guys always come to my aid and give me amazing suggestion on content you wish to see or what you guys would do in my place.

Lastly, I am inspired by the people that surrounds me. Like I said, NYC is filled with so many talented people and people who are always achieving above and beyond. Just taking a simple walk puts so many news ideas into my mind. Exploring the endless amount of streets to explore really inspires me to constantly create more!

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

jen behind lil' thoughts with jen
red bag
minimalistic sandals
t-shirt dress
semi-casual look
jen behind lil' thoughts with jen
red bag
minimalistic sandals
t-shirt dress
semi-casual look

If you want to know some random facts about me, I had previously written a blog posts on the top five randomest facts about me. I hope you enjoyed this blog post and if you have any more questions about me, let me know! Let me know one fact about you in the comments below!

SHOP THE POST

A million and one thanks for reading — until my next lil’ thought then!

xx jen

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50 Comments

  • Reply Danielle Alexa August 22, 2018 at 3:44 pm

    It was so lovely getting to know you a little more, such a great blog post!

    Danielle xx
    https://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 22, 2018 at 10:11 pm

      aw thank you so much danielle!
      xx jen

  • Reply Janet August 23, 2018 at 12:05 am

    It’s very nice to meet you Jen! You look fantastic in these photos. Congratulations on finishing college and getting a great job! I look forward to reading more posts from you!

    Janet xx
    http://www.rediscoveringmystyle.com

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 23, 2018 at 12:56 am

      thank you so much janet!
      xx jen

  • Reply Ivana Split August 23, 2018 at 1:29 am

    It was very interesting to get to know more about you. I’m happy to hear that you’ve fallen in love with NY. It must be an fascinating city to live in, surely a bit chaotic- but you say that you learned to love the chaos, so it’s all good.
    Finding a good job after University can take a while, I also did internships before I have found the one.

    I really like that grey dress on you. So pretty!!!!

    https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 23, 2018 at 10:22 am

      thank you so much for all of your sweet words and for reading! i’m so excited to live in nyc and continue experiencing everything it has to offer!
      xx jen

  • Reply STYLECOME August 23, 2018 at 2:33 am

    Some people say that loneliness is shameful, but fashion is a means of resistance alone, this is fashion realm。

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 23, 2018 at 10:22 am

      ahh thank you so much!
      xx jen

  • Reply Mademoiselle Coconath August 23, 2018 at 3:17 am

    Cute tips! Love the pop of red
    xx
    Mademoiselle Coconath
    http://mllecoconath.com

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 23, 2018 at 10:22 am

      thank you!
      xx jen

  • Reply Carmen Jenny August 23, 2018 at 4:26 am

    Oh I loved reading through these facts sweetie – now I wanna come over to NYC too!
    Your outfit is super cute, too! Much love <3
    Carmen – https://carmitive.com

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 23, 2018 at 10:23 am

      hehehe thanks carmen! i wish you can come so I can finally meet you in person!
      xx jen

  • Reply Melody Jacob August 23, 2018 at 5:47 am

    thats a lovely smile. my favorite food happens to be rice
    Latest post
    https://www.melodyjacob.com/2018/08/how-to-look-stylish-everyday.html

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 23, 2018 at 10:23 am

      thanks so much melody — and YESSS girl rice is life!
      xx jen

  • Reply Rach DiMare August 23, 2018 at 8:54 am

    This was a fun post to read. I love reading more about bloggers. And girl, I really did think you were Filipino. Thanks for clearing that up!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 23, 2018 at 10:23 am

      haha I get it a lot lol — thanks so much for reading!
      xx jen

  • Reply Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's August 23, 2018 at 10:53 am

    Oh hey, I’m turning 22 soon, class of 2018, and planning to move to NYC soon! I can totally see how NYC can get overwhelming, and actually, I’m pretty surprised that I decided to move to NYC, because I always harp about how there are too many people in NYC so I never want to go anywhere so I never feel like I have anything to do haha. Except for shows and museums of course. But when it came to the job search, there seemed to be more exciting things happening there than in Philly. And I also got back in touch with many of my close friends from high school and found that they were moving to NYC. So here I am! // Omgg Bonchon is so gooood. I haven’t been to the one in NYC, but I’ve been to the one in Philly manyyy times. -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 23, 2018 at 11:48 am

      Wooo congrats on graduating girl!! this must be such an exciting time for you — NYC will definitely keep you busy all the time haha. I would love to grab coffee/lunch once you’re all settled in!
      xx jen

      • Reply Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's August 31, 2018 at 2:08 pm

        Oh I would love that too! I’m hoping to move within a month, but my plans keep changing, so don’t be too surprised if I reach out much later! But I do plan on making the move eventually haha

        • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 31, 2018 at 9:33 pm

          hahaha no probs girl–life can get so busy at times! let me know if there is anything i can help with!
          xx jen

  • Reply The Exclusive Beauty Diary August 23, 2018 at 3:11 pm

    Such a beautiful outfit! I really love your bag!
    This post is really interesting I really enjoy reading it and it is so informative. Thanks for sharing!

    http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 23, 2018 at 10:05 pm

      thank you so much girl!
      xx jen

  • Reply yuka August 23, 2018 at 5:16 pm

    you look so cute! And I can see why people don’t assume you are Chinese! I would not have been able to tell. I am half Chinese myself and no one ever guessed it either haha

    http://www.prettyinleather.net

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 23, 2018 at 10:12 pm

      haha i get it a lot! and you are so gorgeous! thanks so much for reading!
      xx jen

  • Reply Soph August 23, 2018 at 6:33 pm

    Girl these photos are so cute and I’m in love with your bag! I’ve only been to New York once but fell in love with it immediately so I’m super jealous of you right now!

    Soph – https://sophhearts.com x

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 23, 2018 at 10:11 pm

      aw girl thank you so much! Hope you get to come back super soon!
      xx jen

  • Reply Alexandra August 23, 2018 at 10:41 pm

    One of my favorite looks on you ever!

    Love,
    Alexandra | Chic Ways to Wear Orange Outfit This Summer

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 24, 2018 at 9:44 pm

      thank you so much alexandra!
      xx jen

  • Reply Des August 23, 2018 at 11:00 pm

    I love when bloggers get more personal. It’s part of why I love following on IG because you get to peak into their lives and not just read blog posts that have been carefully planned out. Congratulations on graduating from college, doll! Yay! And I am right there with you on those hot cheetos. I have some right next to me as I’m typing LOL!

    Thanks for sharing Jen; it was enjoyable to read!

    xx, Des | https://www.itsbetterinheels.com/

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 24, 2018 at 9:45 pm

      yesss I feel the same way about Instagram too! And girl…those hot cheetos are my go-to every single time I am craving something crunchy ahaha–wish I had some now. Thanks so much for reading!
      xx jen

  • Reply Elegant Duchess August 24, 2018 at 3:48 am

    Lovely to meet you, I love learning more about other bloggers and what inspires them. You look adorable, what a cute casual look xx

    Much Love,
    Elegant Duchess xx
    https://www.elegantduchess.com/

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 24, 2018 at 9:45 pm

      thank you so much for your kind words and for taking time to read this post!
      xx jen

  • Reply Nancy August 24, 2018 at 10:25 pm

    Love this post! It’s always nice to learn more about the blogger… behind the blog! Hehe, I can totally relate to you about mentally feeling younger. Blogging is a great way to express your creativity. Another big plus is that you learn some skills along the way. Pretty neat that you minored in Chinese and you’re a compliance analyst! Thanks for sharing these facts about yourself :).

    Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 26, 2018 at 10:20 pm

      Thank you so much for your sweet words Nancy! I totally agree that after blogging, I have gained so many new skills that are applicable every where in my life! Also thanks for reading!
      xx jen

  • Reply Kathrin August 25, 2018 at 1:39 am

    This was a great post to read. It’s great finding out more about bloggers.

    I love the pop of red with your neutral look. It looks lovely.

    Kathrin | Polar Bear Style

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 26, 2018 at 10:20 pm

      thank you so much for reading kathrin!
      xx jen

  • Reply Chloe August 25, 2018 at 2:26 am

    Thanks for sharing this Jen, I love getting to know a bit more about the person behind the blog!

    Chloe x
    http://www.softoctobernight.com

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 26, 2018 at 10:20 pm

      thanks so much for reading chloe!
      xx jen

  • Reply Olga August 25, 2018 at 2:31 am

    Such a lovely outfit!That bag looks so cute:-)

    http://www.lostindaydreams.com/

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 26, 2018 at 10:21 pm

      thank you so much olga!
      xx jen

  • Reply mahryska August 26, 2018 at 1:47 am

    seriously loving that bag babe!
    kisses from dubai
    http://www.mahryska.com

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 26, 2018 at 10:21 pm

      thank you so much!
      xx jen

  • Reply Babita August 26, 2018 at 11:31 pm

    It’s such a great post to know you! And congrats, pretty for graduating and getting a job! 😊
    I love your look here, so pretty!

    Xoxo Babita
    http://travelhues.com

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 26, 2018 at 11:36 pm

      thank you so much for your kind words and for reading!!
      xx jen

  • Reply Mira August 27, 2018 at 8:59 am

    Gorgeous photos, I love that dress! It was great getting to you know and I can relate to your feelings towards big cities – I live in London and although it can be overwhelming at times, I just love that there is always something going on and there are so many people that inspire me everyday. Also, yes to salt and vinegar crisps, I could easily have those every day xx

    113thingstosay.com

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 28, 2018 at 10:17 am

      thank you so much for reading!! I visited London once and loved it — I desperately want to go back and see the more residential parts!
      xx jen

  • Reply Cobbler Concierge August 30, 2018 at 10:27 am

    Hi Jen,

    All the photos are adorable. I like your dress style. I must say you have an amazing journey. I can say this post will inspire lots of new fashion blogger & enthusiastic.

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen August 30, 2018 at 12:43 pm

      thank you so much!
      xx jen

  • Reply Emily Hein September 20, 2018 at 8:57 pm

    Ahh, Jen, I’m so glad I finally got to your blog!! I love following you on Instagram!!! I also loved reading more about you! I’m so excited to keep up with your post from now on! Also I am the same way when it comes to snacking!! I’m all about the salty over sweet, I guess this means we’d be the perfect besties :).

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen September 20, 2018 at 10:15 pm

      omg thank you so much emily!! you are always the absolute sweetest and I am so glad I have met someone like you! IF you are ever in nyc, please let me know so we can hang out!!
      xx jen

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