My 2014 Resolutions

Well, 2013 has now gone. I had a feeling at the beginning of the year that 2013 would sweep past in a flash. It always does when you don't want it to. For some reason, I think 2014 won't feel like it's rushing by, at least for me. It will be the first year I'll have to work five days a week once I find a full-time job (whereas before I worked only two or three days), so I'm thinking that's going to make the time go slower. 

Anyway, this time last year I made my 2013 resolutions, so let's see how I did. 

2013 Resolutions

Be braver / tougher ☑

Take risks ☑

Downsize ☑

Finish my novel

I'd say I did very well this year. Even though I only had four goals, they were tough ones. It's hard making yourself something you're not, but I wanted to be braver, speak up for myself more, do more things on my own, and try new things. This summer was spent exploring New York City, going new places, doing things on my own (since one friend moved and another was away), and I met new people here and there. I would say I'm a little braver, or at least a little less scared of the big bad world, but I still have much to learn. 

I got rid of a lot of clothing and I've actually been going through my closet almost every two months. I went through papers and drawers and got rid of random stuff. There are still places I need to go through, but we'll call this a win. 

Did I finish my novel? No. But over the year I wrote quite a bit and during NaNoWriMo, I wrote several chapters, even though I only wrote 13,000 words. I have more revisions I want to make to the beginning, and then I'm going to keep writing!

2014 Resolutions
Get my first full-time job
Set a monthly budget
Finish my novel
Wear heels more often
Wear lipstick more often
Take a trip somewhere
Learn how to use Adobe Photoshop 12
Feel less pressured by my blog

All of the goals above are pretty obvious ones, but I would like to clarify the last one. I LOVE blogging and I LOVE reading your comments and interacting with all of you, but at times I feel a lot of pressure to always come up with really great things and feel pressure to do everything I can for my sponsors. I love doing it, but sometimes it's nice to take a step back. For the last month, I've been staying off my computer all day Saturday and it feels great to take a small break each week. 

Overall, this year has to me more about moving forward and thinking ahead!

What are your 2014 goals?

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My Winter Reading List + 2014 Book Goal

I accomplished my goal of reading 28 books this year! In fact, I surpassed it! I've now read 35 books, so I'm thinking my reading goal for 2014 should be 32 books; something I know is achievable without being too high. 

♥ Cinder is a fairy tale reimagining of Cinderella in the far future, where there are cyborgs, a disease with no cure that has claimed many lives, and Lunars, people that live on the moon who have powers. It's a fast-paced novel with believable characters and a bit of romance. Easily my favorite of the year.

♥ Scarlet is the second novel in the Lunar Chronicles series after Cinder. It continues Cinder's journey and introduces Scarlet, a reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood. You won't be disappointed. 

♥ Fables is a series of graphic novels about fairy tale characters that have relocated to New York City after the Adversary has conquered the fable lands. For a story about the fable characters we know and love, this has a dark tone to it. 

♥ Insurgent is the second book in the Divergent series and while I didn't love it as much as the first, it was still a fun, fast-paced read about a society split into five factions and the consequences of having a society like this. 

♥ The Night Circus is a dark, whimsical story about two magicians trained since childhood who are forced to compete. They slowly fall in love, but unknown to them, only one can live at the end of the competition. 

♥ The School for Good and Evil is about two young women are taken to a school where one will learn to be Good and the other Evil, but when they get there they are taken to the wrong schools, or so they think. 

♥ Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is a novel about Jacob, who travels to a secluded island in Wales after his grandfather was killed by a monster that no one else could see. There he hopes to cast away his nightmares, but finds that there's more to the island than he originally thought. I love that there are vintage photographs throughout the novel. 

♥ The Assassin's Curse is about Ananna, a pirate's daughter, who runs away before her parents can marry her off to an allying pirate clan. After she saves the assassin that was sent after her, she inadvertently sets off a curse. 

Of the eight books I had on my summer reading list, I read five of them. Putting together an immediate to read list helped me remember which ones I really wanted to get to, and helped me not stray when I saw a shiny new book. It's so hard to resist!

This books I want to read this winter are:
♥ Allegiant (Divergent Trilogy #3) by Veronica Roth
♥ The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
♥ Shadow and Bone by (Grisha Trilogy #1) by Leigh Bardugo
♥ The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
♥ Lexicon by Max Barry
♥ Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate #1) by Gail Carriger
♥ Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff
♥ Cinnamon and Gunpowder by Eli Brown

P.S. -- Friend me on Goodreads!

Merry Christmas!

What's currently on your reading list?

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Movies I Want To See (December 2013) + Sponsor: Dream Mo(o)re

Can you believe it's already December? Every year I'm surprised by how fast the months go by! I'm convinced that each year is passing faster and faster. Am I the only one? 

Anyway, last month I saw Frozen and Catching Fire. I would highly recommend both. Frozen was a cute, heartwarming adventure about a princess trying to save her sister and her kingdom, and Catching Fire was just plain amazing. 

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

The second film after last year's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a continuation of Bilbo Baggins' (Martin Freeman) journey with Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen), the dwarf Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and his twelve companions. They enter the Mirkwood, where they encounter a skin-changer, giant spiders, and Wood-elves. I'll definitely be seeing this with my brothers. (December 13)

Saving Mr. Banks

This biographical comedy-drama centers around the creation of Walt Disney Studio's film Mary Poppins in 1961. Pamela "P.L." Travers (Emma Thompson), author of Mary Poppins, has negotions with Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) about the making of the beloved movie Mary Poppins. It brings back memories of her difficult childhood in Australia and her father, who was the inspiration for the character Mr. Banks. This film looks so great! It's like getting a behind the scenes look of one of my favorite movies. (December 20)

47 Ronin

Based on the real-life group of samurai in 18th century Japan, who avenged the murder of their master, this fantasy adventure film follows Kai (Keanu Reeves), an outcast, who joins the ronin. The ronin are led by Kuranosuke Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), who want revenge on Lord Kira (Tadanobu Asano), and along the way encounter warriors with powers. (December 25)

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) is a Life magazine worker and daydreamer, who lives inside fantasy worlds of romance, heroism, and action, sets off on a journey to find a missing picture, which is needed for the final issue. Also starring Kristin Wiig, Adam Scott, and Sean Penn. Check out the trailer. This comedy-fantasy adventure looks fun and heartwarming. (December 25)

One Chance  

Once Chance is based on the true story of Paul Potts (James Corden) who grows up wanting to sing opera, but is bullied and told he'll never be able to because he lacks confidence. With the help of his friends, his dreams slowly start to come true, and one day he enters "Britain's Got Talent" and his life is changed forever. Watch the amazing trailer. (December 27)

Other movies coming out in December:

• Crave (Dec. 6)
• Out of the Furnace (Dec. 6)
• The Last Days on Mars (Dec. 6)
• American Hustle (Dec. 13)
• The Past (Dec. 20)
• August: Osage Count (Dec. 25)
• Grudge Match (Dec. 25)
• The Invisible Woman (Dec. 25)
• The Wolf of Wall Street (Dec. 25)

♥ ♥ ♥ 

Welcome Jessica of Dream Mo(o)re as a sponsor this month!

Hi there! I’m Jessica and I blog over at Dream Mo(o)re! I’m engaged and planning our wedding for June! I blog about my life, from wedding planning to family functions, to the occasional linkup, and anything in between. I love meeting new people and making new friends. Follow along as I navigate the road to wedded bliss and newlywedness! 

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What movies do you want to see this month?

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Movies I Want To See (November 2013)

Guys, there are so many blockbuster movies coming out that I can hardly contain my excitement! If you're the type of person that likes to see your favorite novels on the big screen, then this is the month for you; three of the novels below are based on novels and one is based on comic books.

Also, today starts National Novel Writing Month (#NaNoWriMo)! Since I'm currently working on my thesis, which is also my novel, I figured this might help me write the last half of it. Any words of encouragement might help! Are you joining in?

Ender's Game

Based on a novel, in the near future hostile aliens have attacked Earth. In preparation for the next attack, the esteemed Colonel Hyrum Graff (Harrison Ford)  and the International Military are training the best young minds to find the future Commander. Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield), a brilliant boy, is recruited and quickly masters the simulations, which leads to him being trained by Commander Mazer Racham himself (Ben Kinsley) to save the human race. (November 1)

About Time

This romantic comedy follows Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson), who at 21 is told by his father (Bill Nighy) that all the men in their family have the ability to travel through time. Tim can change what has happened in his own life, so he constantly changes things in his life to make the moments better. Also starring Rachel McAdams. Doesn't this movie look so cute? (November 1)

Thor: The Dark World

In the sequel to Thor, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) must work with Loki (Tom Hiddleston) when an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith wants to plunge the Earth and all the Nine Realms into darkness. I loved the first one, so I'm excited to see this one! (November 8)

The Book Thief

Based on the bestselling novel by Markus Zusak, The Book Thief follows book-lover Liesel Meminger (Sophie Nelisse), who is sent to live with foster parents, Hans and Rosa (Geoffry Rush and Emily Watson), when World War II breaks out. Her foster parents shelter a Jewish refugee named Max (Ben Schnetzer). I'll definitely be reading the book before seeing this movie. (November 15)

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Based on the book by Suzanne Collins, in the sequel Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) returns home after winning the 74th Hunger Games with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), but winning comes with a price when they must leave to do the Victor's Tour. Meanwhile, the rebellion is gaining momentum as President Snow (Donald Sutherland) prepares for the 75th Hunger Games. I'll be seeing this one asap! (November 22)

Frozen 

Fearless optimist Anna (Kristen Bell) goes on an epic journey with moutain man Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and a hilarious snowman (Josh Gad) to find Anna's sister Elsa (Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arandelle in an eternal winter. Yay for a new Disney princess movie! (November 27)

Other movies coming out in November:

• Dallas Buyer's Club (Nov. 1)
• Diana (Nov. 1)
• Last Love (Nov. 1)
• Last Vegas (Nov. 1)
• Narco Cultura (Nov. 4)
• Best Man Down (Nov. 8)
• How I Live Now (Nov. 8)
• Charlie Countryman (Nov. 15)
• Geography Club (Nov. 15)
• The Wolf of Wall Street (Nov. 15)
• Black Nativity (Nov. 27)
• Mandella (Nov. 29)

Which movies do you want to see?
P.S. -- Tomorrow is my bestie's birthday! Happy almost birthday, Jackie!

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Movies I Want To See (October 2013)

I saw one movie last month: Austenland! It was so charming, and so funny, and put me in a good mood for the rest of the day! When it comes on Netflix, I would recommend everyone see it! This coming month, I especially want to see Romeo & Juliet. Doesn't it look amazing?!

A.C.O.D. 

A man (Adam Scott) becomes aware that he was an unknowing participate in a study about children of divorce, and now years later they want to do a follow-up study. Meanwhile, his brother (Clark Duke) is getting married, which brings their parents back together. Also starring Amy Poehler, Jessica Alba, and Jane Lynch. The title stands of Adult Children of Divorce. Check out the trailer. (October 4)

Gravity 

Medical engineer Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is on her first space shuttle mission with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney), who is on his final mission. While on a spacewalk, debris crashes into their space shuttle, mostly destroying it and leaving them stranded without communication back to Earth. The trailer is so terrifying that you can't look away. (October 4)

Romeo & Juliet 

The classic tale of love, loss, and family drama is coming back to the big screen. While set in Renaissance Verona, the film will not be using Shakespeare's traditional dialogue and only follows the play's plot. I'm interested to see how this works out and to see if they lose any of the original charm of the play. The trailer looks amazing though. (October 11)

12 Years A Slave

Based on the 1853 autobiography of Solomon Northup, this film chronicles the tale of a free black man kidnapped in Washington, D.C. after being after being lured from New York and sold into slavery. He worked on a plantation in Louisiana for 12 years before being freed. The trailer is so emotional and raw, and this film will no doubt get some Oscars. (October 18)

Other movies coming out in October:

• Grace Unplugged (October 4)
• Runner Runner (October 4)
• The Summit (October 4)
• Captain Phillips (October 11)
• Escape from Tomorrow (October 11)
• All Is Lost (October 18)
• Carrie (October 18)
• Escape Plan (October 18)
• Blue is the Warmest Color (October 25)
• The Counselor (October 25)

What movies do you want to see this month?

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Fall TV Guide

Today I'm taking a break from my inspiration posts to show you what I'm most excited to see on the small screen this fall! If you didn't know already, I'm a huge TV watcher. Like reading a novel, I love getting invested in the story and connecting with the characters. If you can't tell from this post, I'm most looking forward to watching shows of the fantasy/sci-fi variety. It's a weakness of mine. 

Here's what I'm most excited about:

DRAMA: 

The Blacklist 

The world's most wanted criminal (James Spader) turns himself in and offers to give up everyone he's done business with, but has only one condition: work with a new FBI agent (Megan Boone) he seemingly has no connection with. (NBC, Mondays at 10/9c starting on Sept. 23rd)

Hostages 

The surgeon (Toni Collette) who is going to operate on the president (James Naughton) is given an ultimatum by a rogue FBI agent (Dylan McDermott): kill the present or her family dies. (CBS, Mondays at 10/9c starting on Sept. 23rd)

Reign 

Fifteen-year-old Queen of Scots (Adelaide Kane), a passionate and poised monarch, arrives in France, betrothed to Prince Frances (Toby Regbo), and must survive fierce foes and sexual intrigue. (CW, Thursdays at 9/8c starting on Oct. 17th)

COMEDY:

Brooklyn Nine-Nine 

A group of detectives in Brooklyn -- including Andy Samburg, Andre Braugher, Terry Crews, and Melissa Fumero -- form an oddball family. (FOX, Tuesdays at 8:30/7:30c starting on Sept. 17th)

Super Fun Night 

For the past 13 years, Kimmie (Rebel Wilson) and her two best friends (Lauren Ash and Liza Lapira) have stayed in on Friday nights, but that all changes when Kimmie gets a big promotion. (ABC, Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30c starting on Oct. 2nd)

The Crazy Ones 

This is about a father-daughter-team in the world of advertising, but the father (Robin Williams) is an unpredictable genius, while the daughter (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is more reasonable. (CBS, Thursdays at 9/8c starting on Sept. 26th)

FANTASY / SCI-FI:

Almost Human 

This buddy cop show is set in the future in which LAPD officer John Kennex (Karl Urban) is partnered with a human-like android named Dorian (Michael Ealy). (FOX, Mondays at 8/7c starting on Nov. 4th)

Dracula 

Inspired by Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula is found in Victorian London posing as an American entrepreneur, but whose true goal is to seek revenge on those who ruined his life centuries earlier. (NBC, Fridays at 10/9c starting on Oct. 25th)

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 

Based on Marvel's fictional law enforcement agency, Agent Phil Coulson (Clarg Gregg) assembles a new team to handle strange cases. (ABC, Tuesdays at 8/7c starting on Sept. 24th)

Once Upon a Time in Wonderland 

The Once Upon a Time spin-off is about Alice (Sophie Lowe), who visited a strange land called Wonderland, but her Victorian-era doctors say it's impossible. She wants to put it all behind her, but then she's whisked back into this fantastic land. (ABC, Thursday at 8/7c starting on Oct. 10th)

Sleepy Hollow 

Based on the haunting tale, Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison) awakens in 2040 in Sleepy Hollow, but so does the Headless Horsman. He partners with the sheriff (Nicole Bahrie) to solve the mysteries of the town. (FOX, Mondays at 9/8c starting on Sept. 16th)

The Originals 

This Vampire Diaries spin-off focuses on the original vampires -- Klaus (Jospeph Morgan), Rebekah (Claire Holt), and Elijah (Daniel Gillies) --  as they try to re-take New Orleans, the city they built centuries earlier. (CW, Tuesdays at 8/7c starting on Oct. 3rd)

The Tomorrow People

This story focuses on several young people (Peyton List, Robbie Amell, Luke Mitchell, and Aaron Yoo), who represent the next stage of human evolution because they possess special powers. They use these powers by going against forces of evil. (CW, Wednesdays at 9/8c starting on Oct. 9th)

For info on all the new shows coming this fall, check out TV Guide's photo gallery!

(P.S. -- If you live outside the U.S., then I have no idea when these shows are premiering for you. Sorry.)

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Which shows sound interesting to you?

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(Posters via Film-Book) 

Photo A Day Challenge (August 2013) + Fall Into Place Giveaway! [CLOSED]

These pictures capture all my adventures in New York City with friends and family. During the course of the month, I went to the Met with my family, went to the Strand bookstore with my brothers, walked around Central Park and visited Alice's Teacup (yes, again) with Rachel, and then again visited the Strand but this time with Rachel. This whole summer I visited the city more times than any other summer before and it was wonderful! I knew I had to take advantage of the fact that I wasn't working because now that I'm back in school and looking for a full-time job, I won't be able to go gallivanting into the city on a weekday whenever I want. Well, maybe some days I will. 

Also, I just wanted to let you know that this will be the last Photo A Day Challenge I do until January. I want to be able to focus on writing and not have to remember to take a photo everyday. 

1. Something beginning with N {notebooks} // 2. Incomplete {my novel} // 3. Skyline {NYC}

4. Fresh // 5. Early {still in my pj's} // 6. This means a lot to me {my necklace}

7. A sign {where my novel takes place} // 8. Peek-a-boo // 9. 2 o'clock 

10. Beverage {mango smoothie} // 11. I love doing this! {relaxing by the pool} // 12. Macro

13. Fast {cyclists on Park Ave.} // 14. Trash 

15. The best {getting new goodies via giveaway -- all items are from Lulu & Georgia}

16. Cooking {my version at least lol} 

17. Exercise {Central Park} // 18. Someone you spoke to today // 19. Lost {among these books} 

20. Stairs // 21. Slow // 22. A room {at work}

23. Yellow // 24. In the background  {at the mall} // 25. Culture {American birthday party}

26. Entrance // 27. 10 minutes from home {movie theater} // 28. Corridor

29. Lucky {to have two awesome little bros} // 30. Cluttered {my desk} // 31. Dangerous

♥♥♥

Amy / Dani / Janelle / Jenn / Katie / Nathalie / Sara / Seun / Tiffany / Vicki

These lovely ladies have teamed up with me to present Style Honestly’s First Annual “Fall Into Place” Giveaway!

Fall is a time where the colors change and the desire to shop grows stronger. Who wouldn't want a little extra pocket change to help with the shopping!?

Just because we love our readers so much, we wanted to offer the opportunity for you to win a little extra from us!

This giveaway is open to all and ends 9/11 at 11:59 PM. Good luck!

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Have a great weekend!

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Five Fall 2013 Fashion Trends + Jewelissima Necklace Giveaway! [CLOSED]

Every year at the end of summer, there's a moment where I'm sick of wearing my summer clothing and annoyed that the heat is preventing me from wearing cardigans. That moment has happened a few times now. I just want to wear cozy sweaters without sweating! When this moment happens, I start looking into the new fall trends. 

A few of them are trends I can really get behind and see myself wearing, but two of them will most likely be watched from afar (camo and white overload). A trend has to fit my style for me to wear it. I generally don't mold my style to trends unless I'm really interested in it. 

ONE | Suit Up

{Click here for item info}

Tailored pieces are perfect for women who have a classic style, but even if you don't you can still wear this trend. It would be fun to match tailored clothing (like trousers, tuxedo shirts, button up blouses, blazers) with casual pieces, like a blazer with jeans or trousers with a sweatshirt. Also, try wearing professional clothing in bright colors and bold prints to make it feel more modern. 

TWO | 90's Grunge

Yep, the 90's are back in a big way! Since I don't remember much of it from the first time around (born in 1989!), I'm excited to look for grunge-inspired pieces, like lots of plaid, ditsy floral, beanies, studs, and edgy stripes. I'm not one for Doc Martens, but if you do definitely go for it. 

THREE | Camo Print

Camo is the next big print, so if you're loving it you can go bold with a camo jacket or pants, or go small with a purse, scarf, or hat. It's a tough print to wear, so try pairing it with jeans to tone it down, or a girly top or dress to make it more feminine. 

FOUR | Denim Everything

This popular spring and summer trend is continuing into autumn. Bring chambray dresses and overalls into fall by wearing it with darker colors, or use denim as a layering piece when it gets cold by piling a denim jacket or vest over a sweater. Colored jeans have been popular for a few years now, so try denim in jewel tones for fall. 

FIVE | White Overload

No doubt about it, white was the color of the summer. White on white was so popular and, despite old fashion rules that say you can't wear it past Labor Day, white in the fall is refreshing. Besides, rules were made to be broken. Continue pairing white with more white, or white with quintessential fall colors, like mustard, olive green, navy, or plum. 

P.S. -- Burgundy is still a popular color for fall!

♥♥♥

Win this Boat Stone Link Chain Necklace from Jewelissima!
My lovely sponsor Jewelissima is giving away this beautiful necklace
to one lucky girl!

Don't forget to check out the website because Jewelissima now has dresses available!

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