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?

Passion at it's Finest

So, music is a huge part of my life. Not only did I participate in show choir for most of my high school career, but I rarely am found without headphones in or on my person at the very least. Like a watch keeps time, music keeps me going! Not in a depressed way, but in a "music brings out the best of life" way. I'm the person who bought the iPhone not because everyone else had it, or it had good apps, but because of the convenience with iTunes and my music library. I always have my extensive music library on me!

As I believe I've mentioned before, I like music that has meaning and true talent behind it. Artists who sing songs with meaning get big points with me; those who write their own music get huge props from me! And this is where I talk about maybe one of the most talented people in the musical world right now: Ryan Tedder.

Ryan is most known as the frontman for the band OneRepublic, but he doesn't get near the credit that is owed him. In fact, the band is very underrated, in my opinion. Not only does Ryan sing for OR, he is their main writer and producer. On top of that, he is possibly the greatest writer right now! He writes for Beyonce, Gavin DeGraw, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood.. he's probably written for every major artist in the pop world right now. Amazing.

People like Ryan Tedder inspire me with their music. Just listening to their work demonstrates the passion that is behind the music. OneRepublic just released their newest album, Native, and I seriously recommend giving it a listen. I've always heard that artists can hardly ever top their first album, but OR keeps getting better! Not only is the music catchy, but the lyrics are meaningful and so much original, hard work has gone into this album. If you don't listen now, I assure you that you'll be hearing about this one at the awards shows. 

I can only hope that I'll have equal passion for my career that Ryan has. Until that point, I'll continue soaking up the passion flowing from the work of others. 

Cinderella

I'm just as guilty as the next person about looking back and reminiscing. Of course, I always end up kicking myself because I've really made it a goal to live in the here and now. For me, I can starting thinking about the past because of a dream, a song, a place... we all have thoughts and memories associated with almost all aspects of life. More than just "looking back," I'm guilty of the classic "what if?" questioning. I'll think about my life if I hadn't taken this class, ended that relationship, turned down that offer; the opposite happens to... what if I had taken that job? I spend so much time pondering this romanticized life that would have been mine had I chosen the other choice. I know that I'm not the only one who struggles with this.. If this wasn't a struggle, the world would be a completely happy place! Nobody would regret their choices. But, what I need to remember is this:

Maybe looking back may be appealing now, but who knows where this choice will take my life in the future? How do I know that this "bad decision" won't really be the greatest choice of my life?

I spend a lot of time reminding myself this, and I found this image on Pinterest . It sums up my feelings and explains everything I've been trying to explain to myself in such a happy ending, fairytale way. 

Live now to love your life today and tomorrow!

How Old Am I Again?

Whenever I don't have school, I spend my days like someone twice my age would. I think it's because I love my momma and spend so much time with her, but I seriously get up and turn on the Today Show. I make a cup of coffee, some eggs, and I settle into my spot on the couch for the next couple of hours.

...yes, I am watching right now :)

I think I love it so much because my typical week is go-go-go, but my days off can have relaxed mornings. While I know much more productive ways to start my day, it's a day off! I enjoy the time to think and gather my thoughts for the day. I make lists for what needs to get done, check emails, make phone calls, etc., all while catching up on what's going on in the hollywood world. Possibly the reason I NEED the Today Show is this: it's hard enough to get out of bed when I have no reason to, but since I don't have a tv in my bedroom, this pulls me out of bed and gets me up and going! I guess maybe this "unproductive" start to my day is actually better in the long run! 

What wakes you up on your day off?

Winter Wonder...what?!!

It is March 25 and my house is covered in snow. 

This is not okay. In less than 48 hours I will be on my way south, but for now this needs to end. Luckily, this weather gives me a reason to sit inside, pack, and watch Gossip Girl all day. The only reason that this is okay is that I'll be in Sanibel in a few short days. 

With the approaching road trip, what have I been doing to make sure that I have everything ready?

Yesterday I laid out my clothes and went shopping for any toiletries I'm needing. Can I just express how impressed I am for my ability to pack light this trip?! Seriously only 4 pairs of shorts and 5 shirts... well and my norts & tees. But, I'm telling you, this is a major step in the right direction for me. Today I'm packing my "carry on" bag, buying snacks, and buying lost of new music! (Florida Georgia Line, anything country!)

Tomorrow my plan is to make red velvet puppy chow and banana bread muffins for the road- yum! I'll do anything last minute, pack my bags, and pull an all nighter because I'll be way too excited about leaving to sleep! 

5k is for Wimps: Week 3

I am on it this week!

Who's with me?!