Articles Worth Reading

Kids Halloween Costumes for the Fashion Conscious / Brain Detox 

Dancer Style / Apple's New Retail Chief (she's from Indiana!)

Rise and Shine / Oscar Wilde's Witt 

From Halloween to reasons not to sleep in, 

here's what I found interesting this week

21 Before 21

I've been inspired by Mackenzie's "1001 in 1001" and Carly's "25 before 25" lists.

Enough for me to make my own list of 21 things I want to do or see before I turn 21. Yes, I do realize that it's only two years. And yes, I understand that most of my life will be spent in school, working, or internships. That being said, I think having a deadline and a few major things to do will be really fun to do and see how it works out. 

So, before I turn 21 I'd like to...

1. attend the Kentucky Derby

2. Go on a vacation where I unplug and just read books on the beach

3. Attend the Macy's Day Parade in New York City

4. Run a Half Marathon... and maybe a Full?

5. Go on a legitimate blind date set up by a friend

6. Watch all 8 Harry Potter films in a 36 hour time span

7. Spend a ridiculous amount of money on concert tickets 

8. Give a 100% tip on a bill of $50 or more

9. Go to the CMA festival

10. Move in with some of my best friends

11. Learn how to accessorize with jewelry

12. Buy random gifts and give them out to the homeless on the street

13. Find an international pen pal

14. Take a class that I don't really need, but just want to take

15. Go a month without sweets (Sept 10 - Oct 10, 2013)

16. Pick a campaign, cause, event and dive into it whole-heartedly

17. Unplug in daily life (as much as possible) for two weeks

18. Go on a road trip with my best friend(s)

19. Spend a weekend with my Grandparents doing whatever they want to do

20. Apply for a study abroad program or to an international school

21. Become conversational in a foreign language (Francais?)

As you can tell, none of these items tempt fate or have me simply thinking wishfully. These are all things that I can and will accomplish by the time I turn 21. Why 21? Well I think that it's a good time frame for me to enjoy my youth and have fun. While I'm technically an adult, you're not really and adult until you're 21. So I'm taking these years of having some independence but still a kid to go and have fun. I'm also a planner, and I think that having a time frame and a bunch of random things to do is such a fun thing for someone who plans and works without much free time. In a way it's "forced fun", but it's necessary.

Because, let's face it
Life isn't life if you aren't living.

25 Random Facts

One of my most watched YouTube subscriptions, Sarah belle, recently did a 50 random facts video.

I thought that it seemed kinda fun, but since I don't do videos...

here we go!

and I shortened it to only 25 facts because I'm not that interesting.......

1. I was born and raised in the suburbs

2. My Meyers Briggs Type is ISTJ

3. I tend to gravitate towards Navy and hot pinks when I shop

4. I hardly ever wear eyeshadow

5. I have a HUGE sweet-tooth and my biggest weakness is ice cream :)

6. I love to read

7. If I could live any other life, it'd be the life of Blair Waldorf

8. I have always loved dogs and got my dog for my 10th birthday (and we share a birthday- October 11)

9. I've never been a hug fan of jewelry, but I love my Marc Jacobs watch

10. The last time I got stung, it was 4 wasps at the same time. They got tangled in my hair while I was laying out- I will never lay out with my hair down again.

11. I love sweet tea, but I have to limit my intake......

12. I was in a building that got hit by a tornado, but I still love storms!

13. Sometimes I'll spend money like it grows on trees but other times I've got to really think about spending any money

14. My last relationship was 3 years ago. I've been very single since then.

15. I love my parents and family

16. I am one of 10+ family members who went to Purdue

17. I don't really believe in luck, but I do believe in destiny

18. I am very very organized with all aspects of my life

19. My strictest budget is for Starbucks.....

20. I'd much rather speak in person than texting or on the phone

21. I love running and working out, especially at night

22. If I could buy only bags the rest of my life, I probably would

23. I really love Italian food- like a lot.

24. I love to travel and hope to make it to every continent before I'm 30

25. I use a seasoning called "Slap Yo Momma" on just about all of my food

Summer Reading List

If you're anything like me, summer is super exciting because it allows for more time to sit down and read!

Naturally, I spend the weeks leading up to summer picking out which books were the top books on my "to read" list. I am really enjoying F. Scott Fitzgerald lately, so his books will come in here and there. But for beach or poolside reading, I was able to narrow it down to the first three books that I plan to read. 

I had heard of The Paris Wife on GoodReads and it sounded intriguing. Then, as I was grocery shopping with my mom one weekend, I saw that it was on sale! Not that the price has ever stopped me from purchasing a book... but I just couldn't turn it down! The content is right up my ally- it's about the life and love of Ernest Hemingway and Hadley. It looks to be a pretty interesting read so I'm excited to start it!

A Hundred Summers is a book that is coming out in June. I read about it in People's Summer Book Picks and it sounded interesting. It takes place in the '20s and is a story of luck, love, and wealth. Plus, it takes place during the summer and I'm a sucker for any kind of beach or summer love stories! 

It's totally like me to buy a book as a souvenir, so Portion of the Sea was an awesome find on spring break! We vacationed on Sanibel Island, and the author of this book lives there on the island. I'm not sure how great the writing will be or if the story will be any good, but the fact that it was written on Sanibel was enough to get me to buy.

I'm so looking forward to getting on a real vacation- away from the midwest- and indulge in these books!

What are you favorite summer reads?

Guilty Pleasure: Nicholas Sparks

I'm a reader. 

If that wasn't obvious then I don't know what is.

And I love literature that covers great social and psychological questions. I love a book where you can tell that the author really worked to make the novel a thinker. I don't just read mindless novels. I like symbolism and the confrontation of questions that humans have wondered throughout time.

For example, my favorite authors are Fitzgerald and Hemingway, and I absolutely love the beginner of the women's movement: Jane Austen. But, sometimes I just want a fairy tale. I want mindless reading that fulfills fantasy and hope. That's when I look to Nicholas Sparks. 

The Longest Ride comes out in August

Yes, I know most of his books have similar basic plots and are predictable. I know that they aren't deep and don't really make the reader think or engage them in any pondering of human nature. But, for a beach read, Nicholas Sparks is perfect. For a mindless read, he's perfect. For when you just want to fall in love, pick up one of his books.

Nicholas Sparks novels are 100% a guilty pleasure of mine. I don't really like to admit that I read the books and I often criticize people if his books are the only ones they read. I mean, it's not real literature. He writes for money and movie deals, but sometimes you just need to live vicariously through someone else's love stories. Since his book are usually based in the South, they're especially good for the beach or any fantasy of being south and falling in love.

Yes, I'm ashamed of my love, but I'll keep on reading because I'm a hopeless romantic

A Pat on the Back

I struggle with something that I think most girls struggle with, which is I am way too critical of myself! My personality and absolute need to always be prepared and on time doesn't help, but I definitely find myself constantly feeling disappointed by certain outcomes. And, sometimes, they're even out of my control!

In my recent stint of self-love, I've thought of a few things that I love about myself or that I just absolutely love. Often times, these things are what I get most mad at myself about, but I should really learn to work with it. These "weaknesses" could easily become great strengths!

Firstly, I have the biggest sweet tooth and almost no will power! For someone who is pretty health-conscious, this part of who I am can be really frustrating! I know that, if I didn't eat that candy or cookie or cheesecake, I'd probably progress a lot faster in my diet goals. Being lighter will be easier on my joints, etc. But, you know what? I only have one life. If I want a cookie, I should eat it. In moderation, sweets aren't bad. For guys, it's super easy to get to my heart: always order dessert after dinner. Whenever a friend is breaking down and needs chocolate, I've always got some to share! I've gotten a lot better about moderation and control, but I've also gotten better at not being so hard on myself for indulging... daily. :o

I've never seen myself as graceful or "wonderful". On movies or tv shows, or even at school, there are always those girls who just posses this grace and inner strength. I am completely and utterly the opposite of these girls, and am the awkward one who always seems to have a hair out of place or a shoelace untied. I get so caught up in these girls, but they're so untouchable! They aren't approachable, and their friends aren't really their friends. I, on the other hand, have wonderful, caring friends! I have lots of guy friends and enjoy putting a smile on peoples's faces with my clumsiness. While I may not be full of grace and charm, I'm full of something... Not sure what, but I'll work with it!

Lastly, I've always been one to keep to myself. Whether it's my emotions or thoughts, I'm not very good at expressing them and I like my alone time. My mom always says that, when I was a kid, I'd be content with some crayons and a coloring book for hours! Sometimes I feel kinda dorky at how I like to be in bed early to read or always leave parties early to go to dinner with my family, but then I look at how in touch with my family I am and how much I've learned from reading books and being by myself. I am very independent and very much an individual. While it may seem lame now, my ability to work and grow alone will be a beneficial selling point when it comes to work.

I often feel like society is very much a "me, me, me" society, but looks down on the achievements of others. Those who like who they are a little too much are often looked at as stuck up. It's hard to balance humility with pride and not end up looking like a jerk. I've been searching for this balance as a way to love who I am and who God has made me to be. It's still a work in progress, and I expect it will continue to be. But, I do know one thing:

It starts with loving your little quirks. 

Top 5: March 13

It's that time again! A new month means looking back at what all has happened in my life the last month. Good and bad, March is one month closer to warmer weather so I can't complain. This month I got into a few new habits, as well as rekindling my love for a few new ones! Here it goes, my favorites for the month of March:

1. Lilly Pulitzer

I've been a Lilly fan for a while, but this month has taken my interest to a new level. I love reading the brand blog and looking at new arrivals- either I don't look close enough on a daily basis, or new stuff is added almost daily! I also began reading a biography on the one and only Lilly P., and have gained so much love and respect for the woman that is known so well in American culture! She was such an inspiration in the 20th century, and also seems very humble and kind. I'd absolutely love to meet her.

2. Country Music

As I've stated many times before, I've become a huge fan of country music! I love Rascal Flatts, Florida Georgia Line, you name it, I probably like it! On a completely different note, the new OneRepublic album is great too!

3. MacBook

This month, my parents bought me my MacBook- more affectionately called my baby- which could be one of the most convenient presents for the whole family! My stuff stays out of their way and they stay out of mine. perfection. One thing that I haven't quite gotten used to is the function of apps on the computer... I guess I don't have the need for them at this point. I am looking for some apps (preferably free for now) that may be useful! Send them my way!

4. Running

I've been a regular runner for the past couple of years. I run for enjoyment and exercise, but I haven't been running lately because it's been such a cold winter! I have outdoor running clothes, but I just hate being cold. Anyways, being on vacation has given me the opportunity to run in shorts and t-shirts on the beach, barefoot. Can't beat that, and it'll be way too cold when i get home if it's anywhere between 70 degrees! I've ruined myself. But, hopefully I'll get in shape to run a few half marathons this summer!

5. Soda Water

Yes, a bit random, but my dad went shopping and there must have been a great deal on Perrier, because he came home with 10 cases of it! I'm not the person to demand "fancy" water, but it's been enjoyable while we've had it! It reminds me of being in Europe- since water is more expensive than beer and so you might as well get the fancy kind- and it just puts a spin on the ever important staying hydrated. 

So, there we are. These are the top 5 new additions to my life since the beginning of the month. I've had a great month of school, which ended with two weeks of vacation! No room for complaints, and the best part of the year is quickly approaching! 

What will you remember from March?

Beach Reads Review

Earlier, I posted about the books that I was planning to read while on vacation. I have started two of the three that I plan to, and figured I'd give a short review of each of them for anyone who is interested in picking one of them up.

A Farewell to Arms is certainly a great read! It's set in the time of WWI, where the main character works for the Italian army. I'm halfway through the book and love the depth of it! It's got so much substance: there's a love story and a war, as well as some outside conflicts that I will keep to myself so as not to spoil it for you! Most of my peers laugh when I tell them that I read books by Hemingway and Fitzgerald for fun, but I truly enjoy the stories! I have to get past the idea that the book is old and I read these authors in school (so that I don't get bored before I even give it a chance). If I can do that, I really begin to enjoy the humor and symbolism that just isn't there in more current novels. If you're looking for an enjoyable, deep read, I'd recommend this one!

Lilly is captivating! It is such a fantastic read about the woman whose fashion has been so inspirational in America! I just started it today, and have already read almost a quarter of it! Granted, it's not the longest book, but it's definitely worth the purchase. While I'm a huge Lilly fan, I never really knew all of the background on her line or of her family (which is a giant web of million- and billionaires), and have gained so much respect for Lilly and her family just from the initial chapters of this book. It's an easy, informative read that I suspect I will continue to enjoy greatly. 

If you're like me, your list of books that you want to read is a mile long! If you have the opportunity to squeeze a few more in there, give these two a try! They've been great for me so far, and while I'm not the pickiest reader, I wouldn't hesitate to bash a book that I don't find worth the money I spent on it. Of course, I want book recommendations from you too!

Which books are top on your "to read" list?

Beach Reads

So yes, I am officially on the first day of spring intercession!! It's about time! And while I've been obsessing over new swim suits and clothes, my hardest shopping is yet to be done: my beach reads!

Those of you who enjoy reading will understand how instrumental this purchase is to an awesome vacation! Too serious of stories can lead to a loss of the lightness of the season. A read without depth is just... well it's just boring. Nobody wants boring. So, after much deliberation and reading reviews on GoodReads, I've picked my top three!

Perhaps the most fitting read for the season, Lilly: Palm Beach, Tropical Glamour, and the Birth of a Fashion Legend has been on my list of books to read for a while. The reviews spoke quite highly of the authors accuracy and of the biography in general. I think it'll be an interesting read and will certainly be fun while in the car, on the beach, or by the pool.


That Book about Harvard has been on my "To Read" list for a while now... ever since I saw it a Barnes & Noble. The Ivy league - the culture, not just the schools- has always been of huge interest to me. This book looks funny and insightful! Just what I enjoy. I'm really excited to read this one. While it's last on my priority list for spring break, I'm hoping that I'll get to at least start it.


I've been a Hemingway fan ever since I read The Sun Also Rises for a school analysis (I know, I couldn't believe that I liked a school book either!). I actually have to read A Farewell to Arms for my AP Lit class, but it's a good read for spring break. I love Hemingway's writing style, and his stories are not a blatant love story, but still have a romance aspect to them, which is perfect. (I read too much Nicholas Sparks in middle school... no more sappy love stories for this girl!)

There's just something about the beach and a good book. After this strenuous year, I'm so ready to get lost in someone else's world for a couple of weeks while hearing the sound of the ocean. I promised myself that I wouldn't start these books until the trip down to Florida, and it's killing me to wait 4 more days! But the wait will be worth it, I just hope these books aren't a letdown.

What are you reading this spring season?