21 Before 21 Update

I promised I'd periodically give updates on how my "bucket list" is progressing...

After completing a month without sweets, I'm proud to say that my sweet tooth has indeed diminished! I hardly feel the need for dessert and I don't really snack all that much. So, to everyone with a sweet tooth as bad as mine- go for a month off and see where you end up! 

Feeding off these healthier eating habits, I have been trying to live a healthier lifestyle and working out regularly. My goal is to run the Indianapolis Mini Marathon this coming May- something that I've wanted to do for the past few years but have always chickened out on. I have a short race lined up for Thanksgiving that will hopefully propel my training into the cold winter. 

Last update, I mentioned that I was working on accessorizing... and I think I've reached my goal! I've come to accept that I will never be a "jewelry girl", but I have definitely progressed. Instead of jewelry, belts, etc. being after-thoughts, they are defining thoughts in my outfit process. When I pick out what I plan to wear, I mentally go through my jewelry and what pieces I can wear. I recently bought a monogrammed ring that I have yet to wear- but plan to very soon! My mom bought me a lovely statement necklace for my birthday that I wish I could wear every day but it just would be too repetitive. While I may not have the most extensive jewelry selection, I'm slowly building my choices and really embracing the freshness that I new piece can bring to an "old" outfit... another goal crossed off! 

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This weekend I will be crossing off my #16- get into a cause! I will be participating in an 18 hour dance marathon at Purdue that benefits Riley. Yes, there will be dancing, but there will be games, theme contests, Riley stories, and so much more. Thousands of students come to the PUDM to have a great weekend and benefit an even better hospital! Our goal is to raise $1 Million, and I believe that it is possible. This Sunday we'll find out the total, which will be so exciting!

possibly even more exciting? going to sleep after 18 hours on my feet! 

Another goal that I might be reaching in the near future is to take a class for fun! I have 13 credit hours that I am required to take next semester, so it's a great time to take a class that I find to be purely entertainment. One of my best friends is going to take a ballet class. I was thinking a foreign language (francaise?) but I've been looking at all kinds of classes that I never would have imagined would even be offered! 

All-in-all, I have been keeping these goals in the front of my mind so that I can achieve them all on time! Because I've been loving reading so much, I'm thinking about adding a #20.5 (so it'll still be a total of 21 things) that is to read 100 books! A huge goal, yes. But it's one that I am always doing and will give me the motivation to read read read! 

When I think of the 21 things that I plan to get done, it can seem overwhelming... a lot of my goals take time and energy, and planning. But, that's the beauty of having such a long time limit. A little under two years at this point, but I have so much to do that I can't take a break. I am constantly working towards at least one goal, but I don't get overwhelmed because of the long time limit. For a planning perfectionist like myself, this is working swimmingly! 

how are your goals going?

Fall Accessories

Fall is coming!!

 Channelling Jackie Oh

...or at least that's what I keep telling myself. I'm dying for warm coffee and brisk morning walks. You've heard it before and you know just what I'm talking about. Since I'm still wearing summer clothes, I enjoy summer through online shopping (or browsing, since I'm trying not to buy much). I've been really excited about the animal prints that seem to be a fashion staple this fall. LEM would be so proud, since I used to tease her about her love of animal prints. I still don't understand the zebra phase, but cheetah and tortoise shell I've really become obsessed with.

I'm not a huge jewelry person. But I'm working on it (check out #11 in yesterday's post). I recently had my mom pick up not this exact bracelet, but a similar one from J. Crew and I'm so glad I had her do it because they're all sold out of this style of jewelry now. I think it'll look awesome with plaid or hunter green- one of my favorites for the fall. Of course, I'm a lover of all things Ray-Bans. I have almost every style they offer, but I'm still missing a pair of Jackie Ohh's... and this tortoise shell pair is perfection.

It wouldn't be fall without a patterned frat-hat. 

Southern Proper has the best hats and I'm loving this and the green one for fall. Not exactly animal print, but it channels fall nonetheless. Only a couple of weeks until it's officially fall, and I really can't wait!

What are you loving this fall?

Fall Fashion Favorites

...anyone who said I wasn't good at alliteration is lying :)

Anyways, regardless of how anti-fall the weather has been lately, I think that everyone is ready for fall. From the colorful trees to the crisp air to the football. I love hot apple cider and going to the apple orchard. I love that my birthday is in October. I love Thanksgiving and bonfires and scarves. 

I love everything about fall, really. 

I think that Indiana is it's prettiest in the fall. I think that fashion is at it's peak in fall. I seriously can't wait to bring out my Burberry scarves and my riding boots. I love wearing dresses with tights and booties. I could go on and on about what makes me excited for fall. But, being the girl that I am- the fashion stands out. Designers love fall. The colors are so much fun and I think that everyone can make a fashionable, classy fall wardrobe no matter what their budget. 

I've thrown together all of my favorite designer looks this fall and put them into one huge collage-

inspiration for you and me!

Get Dressed Up!

- PurduePrep

Style Obsession: Jewelry

Jewelry is the cherry on top of the outfit.

It is also the part of the outfit that I struggle with the most. I guess it's because I'm very simple with my entire "look" and I worry that jewelry will take away from the overall image that I'm going for. Just recently I've realized that jewelry doesn't have to be a distractor- it can be the element that completes a look.

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I've talked before about my Marc by Marc Jacobs watch that I love oh-so much. That with my Tiffany bracelet from my mom and some fun, colorful bracelets is usually enough for my arms. What I'm really branching out on is the use of necklaces. 

J. Crew Tortoise Shell Necklace

Bauble Bar Anchor Necklace

I am 100% a love of gold and browns, which explains my attraction to these two options. I'm still not a huge fan of bulky statement pieces on me, but I find them beautiful and I hope that I can one day pull them off! But, if I'm not quite sure what to wear as a necklace, 

I know that a girl can't go wrong with pearls.

Wishlist Wednesday: College Bath Edition

Continuing my dorm wishlist series, here are a few things that I need to get for my hygienic needs:

1. shower caddy

2. loofah

3. shower shoes

4. towel racks

5. jewelry storage/ display

6. magnetic makeup holder (DIY)

Here are the things I need to remember to pack that I already have:

1. robe

2. blow dryer

3. curling and flat iron

4. jewelry

5. makeup

6. hair supplies

7. face washes

8. shampoo and body soaps

9. perfume

10. mirror

Does anything jump out that I'm missing?

Fun Find: Diamond Candles

So the last thing I needed was to find even more of a reason to buy more candles!

I stumbled upon this company, Diamond Candles, on Pinterest and was so intrigued by the caption: "Burn the candle and find a ring at the bottom valued at 10, 100, 1000, or 5000 dollars!". Of course, I didn't believe it but I followed the link and it's true! You can read all about the story of the company on the website, but it's so cool! I absolutely love unique yet functional products. This has definitely sucked me in. 

A candle AND jewelry? Can't beat it!

The first thing I thought of is how great are these for gifts?! They're $25- the perfect gift price. Everyone can use a candle, and they might get some payback or just some pretty jewelry at the end. If you buy two, you get free shipping. These are so awesome to stock up on and it looks like they have yummy scents (anywhere from floral to spice to food). 

I know where part of my next paycheck is going...

Back to the Jazz Age

So, it's not a secret that the Great Gatsby movie has been kindof a big deal.

I mean, the cast and classic story have provided the hype. Companies, though, are cashing in big time on this sudden obsession with everything 1920s and I am absolutely in love!

From Brooks Brothers to Tiffany and CO., I am drooling!

Can we just take a moment to admire this beautiful piece of jewelry? If anyone has a spare $50,000... graduation is coming up and I'll gladly accept this wonderful gift :)

But seriously! In a time where it seems like kids are growing up faster and life is getting trashier, this movement back to the Jazz Time, the time of abundance and freedom, is just what we need. The early 1900s is my absolute favorite time period, with all of the carefree agendas and the flapper fashion! I love that people's eyes are being drawn toward that style rather than super short shorts and crop tops. 

The Great Gatsby epitomizes the idea that "classy girls have more fun"