A Reason to Smile
January 11, 2013 · By · 21 Comments
Stylish Carry-On Bags
January 10, 2013 · By · 20 Comments
It might still be the first part of January, but after booking a trip to Vegas in March, all I can think about is traveling! I got a sequin tote from Gap a couple years ago, but after taking my first business trip this past November, I am looking for something a bit more functional (something with a zipper and more room) and professional (looking at the last ones as options). I found some other fun options along the way and thought I’d share for anyone else looking for some new carry-on luggage!
Shades of Pink
January 9, 2013 · By · 50 Comments
When I was contacted by eShakti to do a review on one of their products, I was thrilled! I have seen lots of blogger buddies posting outfits in their beautiful dresses, skirts, tops and jackets and couldn’t wait to try something out for myself.
Picking out something from eShakti was not an easy task though… there are tons of gorgeous options from staple jackets, to unique patterns and retro style dresses. Since the holidays were coming up, I opted for a dress that had an embellished bodice full of sparkle. This silver sparkle sheath dress arrived at my apartment the day before a fancy dinner with my boyfriend’s boss, so I immediately decided to dazzle in this dress!
Layered Reflections
January 7, 2013 · By · 56 Comments
Layers, layers, layers. I haven’t ever been that great at layering, even though I attempt it a lot. This outfit somehow just seemed to work, even though when I first put it together without trying it on I thought it might look bulky! That’s the thing that’s hard for me, I can make a lot of layers look great off, but when it comes to putting all the layers on it doesn’t always look right. I guess that’s why I have to keep experimenting! Thanks to some amazing inspiration from fellow bloggers, I am getting a little bit better at it. I wore this outfit on Friday for casual Friday and added a pair of mirrored sunnies. Made me feel a bit more BA 
A Month of Outfits: December
January 4, 2013 · By · 11 Comments
Looks like I forgot to do an outfit recap for November, so I didn’t want to get to much further in the New Year without a recap of December’s outfits!
December Budget
January 4, 2013 · By · 18 Comments
Although I’ve been trying to do a better job of budgeting, I just can’t help myself around the holidays! Thanks to Santa, I had a bit more spending money and thanks to the awesome sales, I ended up with three new pairs of boots, a new pair of neutral heels for work, a lovely pair of emerald earrings and a faux leather navy skirt (both on my Christmas Wishlist seen here)
Insta-New in the New Year
January 2, 2013 · By · 19 Comments
2012: A Year in Review
December 31, 2012 · By · 17 Comments
The Loss (of.loved.ones)
Loss was a big part of 2012. As much as I would like to focus on the positive aspects of 2012, I just feel like you can’t fully reflect on a year without recognizing those events that have affected you and caused so much emotion. I lost two grandparents this year both on my mom and dad’s side, so it has been a difficult year for my family. Although death is a part of life and we knew both were going downhill, it still wasn’t easy. My boyfriend also lost a grandparent this year, as well as an uncle and a friend. We believe they are all in a better place now and will remember them forever. Love you all.
The Truth (about.money)
Adulthood has hit me in the face with full force. Choosing between being social and saving money has been a big thing for me this year and it is hard to tell my friends no. There are times to splurge and there are times to save and it has been hard for me to find a middle ground on this. I also realized this year I have a big problem with shopping. Not saying I haven’t realized this in the past, but it is a HUGE problem and it MUST change next year. I have set myself a budget for each month January through July to help me out on this New Year’s resolution to save money.
The Joy (of.simple.things)
I feel like I’m still transitioning from college into the real world… is that possible since I graduated over 2 years ago? Perhaps, perhaps not, but I finally feel like I am coming to terms with the fact that sometimes all I want to do is be with myself or hang out with the bf without getting dolled up and going out somewhere. I LOVE going out and having a good time with friends, but I am finally comfortable with just sitting around and being content with myself. I still struggle a bit with feeling “lame” for staying in so much, but I hope I continue to grow up next year. I don’t need to hang out with large groups of people to make me feel happy and make me feel like I have friends. I just need my true friends and enjoy the simple things.
Without further a do… My New Year’s Resolutions:
- Stick to a budget. I have worked out a budget for the upcoming months and I want to challenge myself to stick to it as close as possible. It is going to be tough, but I’m determined to do it!
- Physical activity every day. I’ve given up on working out every day, because I’ve realized it just isn’t going to happen. But I do aim to work out 3-4 times a week and do some type of physical activity on my days off… walk the dog, take her to the dog park, walk to a restaurant with the bf, walk to the mall, walk to get coffee, swim, play basketball, biking, etc. There is so much to do and I always talk about wanting to do more activities, so this year is the year to go out and do them!
- Research my future. If this sounds weird to you, it is okay, it sounds weird to me too! What I mean is figuring out what I want to go back to school for. I love school, going to class and learning new things… it excites me more than anything else (okay maybe amazing shoes excite me just as much) but I can’t wait to get back to class and learn some new skills! I have some ideas and would like to meet up with some professors, friends and peers to learn more about what I might want to go back to do.
- Network. Thanks to the blog I have been able to network with lots of people (love all you fellow MN bloggers, can’t wait to meet up again!) with similar interests and I love it! I want to continue to network, network, network and build more fun relationships over the next year! Can’t wait to see what’s in store!
- Dream Big. Because a dreamer just has to keep dreaming and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I recommend you do it too
Snow Leopard Booties in the Snow
December 31, 2012 · By · 39 Comments
Last year I noticed my lack of color throughout my winter wardrobe, so it has been a goal this year to incorporate bright colors. It seems to help cheer me up when I walk outside and freeze my butt off! I wore this to go shopping on Saturday with my boyfriend. I ended up finding my NYE dress along with jewelry for the occasion. He walked out with a new pair of boots, two pairs of jeans and a Kenneth Cole watch all for under $70 (he had a pretty nice gift card there). It was fun to go shopping together, which we used to do a lot more often, but have been trying to save and spend money on more practical things. Considering we call the week between Christmas and New Years Christmas week, I think we justify our spending habits by assuring ourselves it is still Christmas time, and thus still okay to buy gifts for ourselves. How was your weekend? What is your plan for tonight?! No matter your plans, I hope you have a fun and safe New Year! Talk to you in 2013
New Year’s Outfits Past
December 28, 2012 · By · 12 Comments
2009
I decided to stay warm with all the walking I would be doing and wear a white sequin tunic over faux leather leggings with a blazer and some pearls!
2010
I really wanted to make a statement by wearing something bright rather than wearing sequins. This bright pink dress with a J.Crew embellished belt did just the trick!
2012
I really loved my pink dress in 2010 so I decided to get another colorful dress last year in green with some sparkles on it! You can see my New Year’s post from last year here.
You may notice that 2011 is missing and well that’s because we didn’t get a SINGLE picture that night. But it’s okay, it was one FUN night and I’m looking forward to this year! You can see what I’m wearing this year on January 1st! What are you planning on wearing, or do you have any fun plans?
