My 2013 Resolutions

I actually completed most of my 2012 resolutions! Although I did a better job on some more than others (drank lots of water and took fashion risks, but did an okay job at utilizing what I have already in my closet), I think 2012 was a pretty good year.

You can see which resolutions I finished and which I didn't...

2012 Resolutions

Life

Blog daily  ☑

Finish my novel

Hang out with friends more often  ☑

Read at least one novel a month ☑

Laugh more ☑

Smile more ☑

Dance more

Talk to people more ☑

Take more risks ☑
 

Money

Stop wasting money

Continue saving to repay loan ☑
 

Health

Drink more tea and water ☑

Eat healthier ☑

Exercise more ☑
 

Fashion

Take more fashion risks ☑

Wear dresses more often ☑

Wear heels more often ☑

Learn to use what I have in my closet ☑
 

Beauty

Exfoliate more often

Find the perfect red shade of lipstick ☑

Clean my make up brushes every week

Wear my hair down more often ☑

Book Goals

Read 25 books this year ☑

 

I only have a few resolutions this year, but for me they're pretty significant:

2013 Resolutions

Be braver / tougher

I'm a shy girl, so I need to stand up for myself more.

I need to learn to not back down so easily.

 

Take risks

Go places I've never gone before, do things on my own,

talk to people more, and in general try new things.

 

Downsize

I would like to keep only the things I use often / really, really love.

It will help for when I move to my own place (hopefully at the beginning of 2014).

 

Finish my novel

This thing needs to be written. Now.

Especially since it's my thesis. And I want it to be published one day.

 

What are your 2013 resolutions?
 

P.S. -- I'll be doing the January Photo A Day Challenge! I'm going to post my pictures on Instagram, so follow me if you want to see my pictures!

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Inspired By: December Best Selling Book Covers

It's the last Inspired By post of the year! I haven't read the books below, but Insurgent is definitely at the top of my list since I read Divergent (the first in the series) in only three days! I would also like to read The Age of Miracles; if you can't tell, I'm a sucker for anything fantasy / sci-fi.

Insurgent

{Click above for item info}

Written by Veronica Roth, this dystopian novel is the second in the series, after Divergent, which follows Tris Prior, who lives in a city divided into five factions. Tris grew up in the Abnegation faction, but in the previous novel chose to join a new faction, knowing that it would forever change her life. Now Tris is on the run and must accept the fact that she is Divergent. To dress like Tris, wear a green sweater dress with tights and black booties, or a gray slouchy sweater, green jeans, and knee-high gray boots.

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

The Round House

Written by Louise Erdrich, The Round House is a family drama about life on a reservation in North Dakota in 1988. When Geraldine Coutts is attacked, she is reluctant to reveal the details of what happened to the police, her husband, or her 13-year-old son, Joe. As his mother becomes increasingly traumatized, Joe sets out to find answers with his friends at the Round House, a sacred place of worship. Dress like the cover, by sticking to a gray striped shirt with orange jeans, patterned scarf, and gray flats, or an orange blouse with a gray sweater, gray skirt, and oxfords.  

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

The Age of Miracles

Written by Karen Thompson Walker, Julia, a teenager in California, and her family wake up to find out that the Earth's rotation has begun to slow. Days and nights get longer, gravity is affected, and the environment changes, and yet Julia's normal, everyday life continues as the world is thrown into disarray. To look like the cover, put on a navy polka dot dress, orange bow belt, and colorful oxfords, or for a more casual day don a polka dot sheer blouse, loose green sweater, jeans, and bright polka dot flats.

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

The End of Your Life Book Club

Written by Will Schwalbe, The End of Your Life Book Club is a true story about him and his mother, who start a book club (though they are the only two members) after his mother is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which is almost always fatal. Over the next two years, Will and his mother, Mary Ann, read books and delve into all sorts of topics, which brings them closer together.  Dress like the simple cover by wearing all black with a red sweater and nude flats, or a red dress with a nude sweater and nude heels. And don't forget your book clutch!

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

P.S. -- Check out November's Best Selling Books!

Which is your fave?

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Movies I Want To See (December 2012)

Last month of the year already? 2012 went by so fast! If we make it to 2013 (you know, considering the world is supposed to end December 21st), I think it will be a great year! Last month, I saw Skyfall, which I would recommend if you're a Bond and/or action fan, and Breaking Dawn, which I don't recommend unless you want to make fun of it or are a tween girl.

 

This month there are so many amazing movies coming out that it was so hard to pick just six! Read on to see which ones I can't wait to get a movie ticket for...

Deadfall

Addison (Eric Bana) and Liza (Olivia Wilde) are siblings on the run from a casino heist gone wrong. After a car accident, they split up to make a run for the Canadian border during a whiteout blizzard. While Addison goes cross-country, Liza is picked up by ex-boxer Jay (Charlie Hunnam) on his way to his parents; his father is a retired sheriff (Kris Kristofferson). While there, the siblings are reunited in a tense showdown. Though family drama isn't my usual thing, this movie looks so dramatic and suspensful. (December 7)

 

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

A prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, this adventure follows Bilbo Baggins, who is approached by Gandalf the Grey to join a company of thirteen dwarves and go on an epic quest to save the lost Dwarf kingdom of Erebor from the dragon, Smaug. On their journey, they will encounter goblins, orcs, sorcerers, and of course Gollum and the "precious" ring. I'll definitely be seeing this movie with my family. (December 14)

 

Zero Dark Thirty

 

After collecting information and working in secret for a decade, an elite team of intelligence and military operatives are finally close to their goal: finding and eliminating Osama bin Laden. Director Kathryn Bigelow and writer Mark Boal (The Hurt Locker) reunited to capture the manhunt for the world's most dangerous man on film. Starring Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton, Mark Strong, Jennifer Ehle, Kyle Chandler, and Edgar Ramirez. This film on counterterrorism digs deep into the truth since Bigelow and Boal spent years talking to U.S. intelligence. (December 19)

 

On the Road

Jack Kerouac's novel tells the story of Sal Paradise (Sam Riley), a young writer whose life is changed by Dean Moriarty (Garrett Hedlund), a free-spirited and fearless Westerner, and his girl, Marylou (Kristen Stewart). As they travel cross-country, Sal and Dean seek "it," the pure essence of experience, and freedom from conformity. Since I read the book, I'm interested to see how this young man's thoughts on life and love translates to the screen. (December 21)

 

Django Unchained

Set in the South two years before the Civil War, Quentin Taratino's new film follows Django (Jamie Foxx) a slave who will be freed by bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Christopher Waltz) if he helps Shultz find the murderous Brittle brothers. In addition to his freedom, Schultz will help Django free his wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington) from the brutal Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). I love Tarantino's mix of twisted history, blood and gore, and dark humor. (December 25)
 

Les Miserables

Based on the novel by Victor Hugo and the musical, this film is set in 19th century France during the French Revolution and follows the story of an ex-prisoner Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) who has made a name for himself but who has been hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Russell Crowe). Valjean cares for Fantine's (Anne Hathaway) daughter, Cosette (Amanda Seyfried). I can't wait to see this; the acting looks superb and the singing sounds amazing. (December 25)

 

Other films coming out in December:

• Hyde Park on Hudson (December 7)
• In Our Nature (December 7)
• Playing for Keeps (December 7)
• Black Air: The Buick Grand National Documentary (December 11)
• Any Day Now (December 14)
• Save the Date (December 14)
• Amour (December 19)
• Monsters, Inc. 3D (December 19)
• Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away 3D (December 21)
• Jack Reacher (December 21)
• The Impossible (December 21)
• This Is 40 (December 21)
• Parental Guidance (December 25)
• Promised Land (December 28)
   

Which movies do you want to see this month?

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(Posters via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6)

Movies I Want To See (November 2012)

In October, I saw Perks of Being A Wallflower (so good I cried at the end, and I never cry during movies) and Pitch Perfect (absolutely hilarious). I would recommend seeing both movies as soon as possible! Now that November has arrived, there are several movies I really want to see.

Wreck It Ralph

This family comedy follows Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly), who is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix (Jack McBrayer), "the good guy" in their videogame, so after decades of having to be the bad guy over and over, he decides to game-hop to prove that he can also be a hero. This movie looks like something adults would enjoy just as much as kids. (November 2)

 

Skyfall

Daniel Craig returns as 007 in the next James Bond installment, where Bond's loyalty to M (Judi Dench) is tested as her past returns to haunt her, meanwhile Bond must destroy a threat to M16. I wouldn't miss this movie; it looks well done and you can't go wrong with Bond. (November 9)

 

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2

I know, I know, but I have to see it just to make fun of it during and after it with my friends. I'm going to be cringing and laughing at the bad acting and tortured love affair the whole time. This movie really needs no plot synopsis because we all know what it's about. (November 16)

 

The Life of Pi

Based on the book by Yann Martel, this film follows a young man named Pi Patel (Suraj Sharma) who survives the sinking of a cargo ship and finds himself on a lifeboat with a hyena, orangutan, zebra, and a Bengal tiger. Soon the tiger has eaten all the other animals, so Pi must get the tiger to trust and befriend him or he might be it's next meal. This film by Ang Lee looks absolutely stunning. (November 21)

Other films coming out in November:

• Flight (November 2)
• The Man with the Iron Fists (November 2)
• 28 Hotel Rooms (November 9)
• Citadel (November 9)
• Lincoln (November 9)
• Anna Karenina (November 16)
• Red Dawn (November 21)
• Silver Linings Playbook (November 21)
• Hitchcock (November 23)
• Killing Them Softly (November 30)
• The Collection (November 30)

What movies are you going to see this month?

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(Posters via 1, 2, 3 & 4)

Inspiration: Halloween

Don't you just love Halloween?! It's one of my favorite holidays! I wish I had a party to go to, but on Halloween I'm going to take my little sister trick or treating and we're both dressing up at Little Red Riding Hood. I'm excited about getting lots of candy!

Did you do any fun Halloween crafts?

 

P.S. -- I made a new Holidays board on Pinterest! Check it out!

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(All via Pinterest)

Movies I Want To See (October 2012)

Are you excited that it's October? Although I feel like September went by unusually fast, I'm looking forward to seeing Halloween decorations everywhere! My bestie, Jackie, and her dad always have the best decorations on their house -- jeans stuffed with straw sticking out of the ground, tombstones, and a giant cat. What decorations do you put on your house or apartment?

 

Anyway, on to the movies! There's a whole slew of interesting films coming out this month alongside the usual October horror movies. This month, I'm most interested in seeing Pitch Perfect and Cloud Atlas.

 

Frankenweenie

From the mind of Tim Burton comes this unusual tale about Victor and his dog. After his dog Sparky dies, Victor does everything he can to revive him using the powers of science, but eventually it gets out that Sparky was reanimated. Featuring the voices of Winona Ryder, Martin Short, Catherine O'Hara, and Martin Landau. (October 5)

 

Pitch Perfect

This comedy is about Beca (Anna Kendrick) who ends up joining the a cappella group at her new college because she feels she doesn't fit in anywhere else. Just watch the trailer and you'll see how hilarious it looks. Starring Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson, Alexis Knapp, Adam DeVine and Freddie Stroma. (Otober 5)

 

Seven Psychopaths

This unusual comedy follows a struggling screenwriter (Colin Farrell) who inadvertantly gets caught up in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his friends (Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell) kidnap a gangster's (Woody Harrelson) Shih Tzu. Watch the trailer here. (October 12)

 

Alex Cross

From the best-selling novels by James Patterson, this movie follows Alex Cross (Tyler Perry), a young homocide detective / psychologist as he plays a game of cat and mouse with a serial killer (Mathew Fox). (October 19)

 

Cloud Atlas

This interwoven story, based on the novel of the same name by David Mitchell, follows several people's lives through the past, present and future, and explores how our actions and the consequences of those actions impact other people's lives. Starring Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae. Ben Whishaw, James D'Arcy, Xun Zhou, and more. (October 26)

 

Other films coming out in October:

• Taken 2 (October 5)
• The Oranges (October 5)
• The Paperboy (October 5)
• 3, 2, 1...Frankie Go Boom (October 12)
• Argo (October 12)
• Gayby (October 12)
• Smashed (October 12)
• Led Zeppelin: Celebration Day (October 17)
• Paranormal Activity 4 (October 19)
• Butter (October 26)
• Fun Size (October 26)
• The Lonliest Planet (October 26)

 

What movies are you going to see this month?
 

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(Posters via 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5)

Five Fall 2012 Fashion Trends

ONE | Burgandy / Oxblood

{Click for item info}

This is my favorite trend of the season because I absolutely adore this color. There's so many ways you can wear it -- clothing, accessories, shoes, nail polish, you name it. It's a color that goes with any style. Plus, it's an easy trend to DIY with some clothing dye. This fall and winter, I'll be breaking out my wine-colored clothing.

TWO | Leather Details

Leather and of course faux leather has been everywhere lately. It can be sophisticated with small details like leather peplum or cap toe flats, or it can have a rocker vibe with a moto jacket and a leather tank. I've never been into leather before, but I'm willing to try something new.


THREE | Studs Galore

Studs certainly have a grunge and punk rock allure, so studded boots and black bags are perfect, but they can also be sweetened up with chiffon, bows, and pastel colors. It's easily incorporated into everyday wear with tough jewelry and studded flats. Definitely wearing my studded leopard flats when the weather cools.

FOUR | Luxe Jewels

Wearing outrageously large and luxe jewelry has come back into style. Go glam with showy necklaces, big watches, and anything that sparkles. And don't be afraid to wear it for the daytime either -- just keep the rest of your outfit more simple. Though I usually keep it simple, my most dazzling gems will be making an appearance at work and school.

FIVE | Pattern Play

Pattern was popular all summer and will continue into be into the fall and winter. Polka dots, tribal, floral, stripes, animal print, and more. Wear it with a neutral to tone it down or mix it with more prints to make it the focus. Anything in my closet that's not a solid color will be in heavy rotation.

Which trends are you excited for?

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Movies I Want To See (September 2012)

In August, I ended up seeing The Odd Life of Timothy Green because my mom won two tickets to a screening. Yay! If you haven't seen it, I would really recommend it. It was beautifully shot and heartwarming. This month there are even more movies I want to see, and most of them are in the category of sci-fi and action/adventure.

 

For A Good Time, Call...

Technically, this movie came out in August, but I forgot to post it for last month (oops). Anyway, this comedy follows two women Lauren (Lauren Anne Miller) and Kate (Ari Graynor) who both need money and used to be enemies. One day Lauren discovers that Katie is working as a phone-sex operator and sees it as a good business opportunity. This movie* looks absolutely hilarious. (August 31)

 

*Warning: I linked it to the red-band trailer.

 

Branded

In this dystopian sci-fi thriller, mega corporations have created a global conspiracy in order to get inside our heads and keep us dependent on them by the use of their ads and products. One man wants to find out the truth about how they corporations are doing it and to stop it. The trailer definitely looks intriguing. Starring Ed Stoppard, Leelee Sobieski, and Max von Sydow. (September 7)

 

The Words

Rory Jansen (Bradley Cooper) has always sought after literary success, so when he finds a beautiful manuscript he publishes it as his own. Soon the past comes back to haunt him and he must confront the fact that his fame comes from stealing another man's work. Also starring Zoe Saldana, Jeremy Irons, and Dennis Quaid. I want to see this movie not just because I'm a writer, but because it looks like a fantastic movie. (September 7)

 

The Perks of Being A Wallflower

This touching coming-of-age story based on the novel by Stephen Chbosky follows a young man and his friends as they grow up, find love, discover loss, and realize that all you need are good friends to help you get through life. (September 14)

 

New Fall TV: If You Like Comedy...

If you love to laugh then you're in luck because there's a whole slew of new comedies that will be airing soon. Because of the success of Modern Family, many shows this year are focused on family and the funny problems that come along with being related. If you like family comedy then this is your year!

FALL:
Ben and Kate

• Plot: A single mom gets help parenting when her older but goofball brother moves in to help.
• Starring: Dakota Johnson, Nat Faxon, and Lucy Punch
• If You Like: Raising Hope
• When It's On: Tuesdays at 8:30 on FOX, or watch the pilot on Hulu RIGHT NOW!

Guys With Kids

• Plot: Three guy friends with kids experience the ups and downs of what it's like to be a parent.
• Starring: Jesse Bradford, Nick Cregger & Anthony Anderson
• If You Like: Raising Hope
• When It's On: Wednesdays at 8:30pm on NBC

Partners

• Plot: Two guys friends who are also business partners have their friendship tested when one of them gets engaged.
• Starring: David Krumholtz (Numb3rs) and Michael Urie (Ugly Betty)
• If You Like: Men At Work, Happy Endings
• When It's On: Mondays at 8:30pm on CBS

New Fall TV: If You Like Sci-Fi, Fantasy, or Horror...

I like to think that sci-fi, fantasy, and horror are really an extension of drama, or maybe a fun sub-section, because these genres are just as dramatic and well-acted as the shows I posted about yesterday. But maybe that's just what I think.

Not as many sci-fi, fantasy, or horror shows, but that's usually how it is every fall.

FALL:

666 Park Ave.

• Plot: A young couple agree to manage an upscale apartment building, but quickly realize that the tenants are hiding dark secrets, as are the owners of the building.
• Starring: Vanessa Williams (Desperate Housewives) & Terry O'Quinn (Lost)
• If You Like: American Horror Story
• When It's On: Sundays at 10pm on ABC

Arrow

• Plot: A billionaire playboy returns home after being shipwrecked on an island and takes on a secret identity to fight crime.
• Starring: Stephen Amell & Katie Cassidy
• If You Like: Smallville, Person of Interest
• When It's On: Wednesdays at 8pm on The CW

Beauty & The Beast

• Plot: A detective befriends the mysterious man who saved her life and discovers that he turns into a beast at night.
• Starring: Kristen Kruek
• If You Like: Once Upon A Time, Grimm
• When It's On: Thursdays at 9pm on The CW