2012 New Year's Resolutions

Source: brentfosterphotography.com via Jeanne on Pinterest

One of the most important rules in keeping up with your resolutions each year is to tell other people. I hate letting people down so this is definitely going to make me more accountable. I always make a lot of resolutions for the year; sometimes I keep them and sometimes I don't. But I have a feeling (with all the growing and maturing I've done in the past 2 years) that this year is going to be a great one. Here are my resolutions for the new year:

Stay organized and clean.
This means making sure my room is cleaned every week. Put things back when I am done using them instead of piling them on my bed, floor, desk. Cleaning out my closet every month or two. Throwing away trash. Keeping my planner up to date and color organized at all times.

Be patient.
I have a problem with being patient. I don't mean that I just can't wait for things, although that's hard for me too. But my biggest problem is being patient with other people. I tend to get annoyed very easily, and I have improved so much on this bad habit the past couple years! I need to learn to accept people's flaws, not care about them, and be patient with problems that come out of it!

Be healthier.
I want to be able to do some sort of working out at least 4 days a week, whether that be at the gym, doing work out videos, etc. I also really want to eat better. Less fast food (if any!), less desserts/chocolate, and I would love to lose 10 pounds!

Read more.
I got a Kindle. I know you all know.. haha. But I have already read 3 books on it in one week. I'm obsessed. I love reading!! I used to play library when I was little.. and I used to go to the library at least once a week. I started a book club when I was in 2nd grade. So I would love to read more for fun this year!

Get a job - that I like.
I'll be graduating in May and I would love to have a job before I graduate. And it's extremely important to me that this job is one of my "dream" jobs and that I LOVE it. That doesn't mean it has to be a job that I have been wanting forever, my dream job is just a job that I know I will love. This may be my most important resolution of the year.

Be a better friend.
I have a lot of work to do on this one. It's not that I am a bad friend at all.. I am very loyal and would do almost anything for almost any of my friends. I care about all of my friends and love hanging out with them. But I don't think they know that because it's sometimes hard for me to show how much I care.

I'm also going to keep a list of life goals and my progress on these goals as I complete them. There will be a link in my navigation bar so you all can join in on the fun!

Source: blackeiffel.blogspot.com via Kirby on Pinterest

Cover2Cover Book Club Post #1

I don't think I could talk about my Kindle enough, but since I got it for Christmas I've been SUPER into reading and I thought that was just perfect since today starts the cover2cover Book Club over at Everyday AEM and Coffee at Nordstrom! The first book was:

1. What do you think is the most important piece of advice that Jordan Christy gave in this book?

I think the most important piece of advice was that being a strong, smart, independent girl will ultimately be the best route in the long term. "Stupid girls" (as she calls them) will come and go, be fashionable for like a month and then fizzle out into some embarrassing exit from popularity. 

2. What do you think is the most obnoxious “Stupid Girl” characteristic?

Definitely when girls will do ANYTHING to get attention. They will compromise who they are, their reputation, their beliefs, and embarrass themselves and everyone around them just so a guy will pay attention to them or even so other girls will notice them and think they're "cool" or whatever the reason is.

3. There were SO many great quotes in this book. Do you have a favorite?

I love quotes. Love them. Can't wait to read everyone else's!!

"The only thing that every sat it's way to success was a hen." - Sarah Brown

"The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you're willing to work." - Oprah

4. What do you hate most about how our modern day media portrays women? Which celebrity do you dislike the most?

I hate how modern day media portrays women as attention seeking, "skanky", and dependent on men! I find that we are portrayed as people who will do anything for a guy's attention. I would say that the majority of girls I know are not skanky, yet the one's I do know that are or come close to crossing the line, probably only act like that because the media says it's okay. Also, girls can have important careers and can have better jobs than men. Just saying! :)

5. Jordan Christy said that one of the best ways to cultivate a healthy self-image is by celebrating your positive and unique qualities. If you have the time, take the “9 Types” Personality Test here: http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/dis_sample_36.asp Did you discover anything new about yourself? Which type are you? Which traits do you feel are most representative of you?

I was actually tied for two different personality types:

Achiever

The adaptable, success-oriented type. Threes are self-assured, attractive, and charming. Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement. They are diplomatic and poised, but can also be overly concerned with their image and what others think of them. They typically have problems with workaholism and competitiveness. At their Best:: self-accepting, authentic, everything they seem to be—role models who inspire others.

Investigator

The perceptive, cerebral type. Fives are alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills. Independent, innovative, and inventive, they can also become preoccupied with their thoughts and imaginary constructs. They become detached, yet high-strung and intense. They typically have problems with eccentricity, nihilism, and isolation. At their Best: visionary pioneers, often ahead of their time, and able to see the world in an entirely new way.

As far as Achiever goes, I can definitely see ambitious, competent, energetic, but I usually don't consider myself to be status-conscious or concerned with my image any more than the average person. But maybe because I don't want to consider myself that. :) I also don't think I have a problem with competitiveness because, although I am with certain things, I am not the most competitive person I know. As for Investigator, I am very independent and innovative and can get caught up in my own world sometimes. I don't think I'm high-strung or intense, but maybe I should try to pay attention to that some more!

6. What are the top 5 things on your Smart Girl list? (goals to become a more articulate, knowledgeable, and well-rounded person.. see Jordan’s list on page 62)

1. Learn another language or become fluent in Spanish

2. Own a company

3. Become involved in a mentorship/big sister-little sister program

4. Change someone's life

5. Be a best friend

7. One of Jordan’s suggestions for staying out of a rut with your group of friends is to travel together to your “signature cities.” If you have time, take the signature cities quiz here: http://www.testq.com/career/quizzes/84-whats-your-signature-city You will have to make an account to get your results, but it’s definitely worth it. What’s your signature city? Have you ever been there? Do you ever see yourself visiting your signature city in the future? Would you ever consider traveling to your signature city with your group of friends?

My signature city is Savannah, GA! And yes I have been there many times! I absolutely love it and have always said I would love to live there one day. My roommate from Sophomore year (Hi Merritt!) is from there, so a bunch of us stopped by her house for a lunch made by her mother (SO DELICIOUS) so yes I have visited there with friends. I also went there with my Girl Scout troop in elementary school and we wen there for a school trip in 8th grade! So I've been there with all kinds of friends :)

8. Overall, what did you think about the book? What was your favorite part of the book? Least favorite?

Overall, I loved that the book basically wrote out what I have been thinking all along. That the NICE GIRLS will prevail. Being focused, determined, and classy will get you somewhere. I loved that it was an easy read that felt like I was talking with a friend. The only part I didn't like was that I thought there should have been more topics discussed. It also kind of felt like sometimes the author was getting paid to mention certain stores or places. But overall I LOVED it and gave it 5 stars on goodreads.com

I think this cover2cover book club idea is SO great! I actually started a Book Club at my school in 2nd grade and it was really fun! I got an award from the school and almost my entire grade was involved in it! (There were only like 50 kid but still haha)

Thank you Crystal and Ashley!!

362 Days Until Christmas!!

I've been loving all of your posts about how you spent your Christmas! I've loved the outfits, the gifts, the food. I took to Twitter last night to ask my followers a question that I've been wondering for years now. Is posting (on Facebook, Twitter, Blogger) about your Christmas presents bragging? 

I don't like when other people are overly "brag-y" and I especially don't like when anyone thinks I am! I have been very, very, very blessed to have so many of the things I have. I rarely have to go without and I am VERY grateful. I tend to downplay things more often than I brag about them, but when I want to brag I will brag! Especially about good deals I find. So Christmas is usually a touchy subject for me. 

I remember in middle school my friends and I would literally write a list of everything we got and text it to each other. I vaguely remember these lists popping over to our AIM  Away Messages.. but now that I think about that I am pretty embarrassed. Oh well, middle school is all about some low self esteem.

But my Twitter followers have assured me that showing Christmas presents is just a fun way to let your friends know what you have been blessed with! I LOVE reading about what everyone else got.. so why shouldn't I share with my readers? I'm not going to do a present by present list of everything I got, and I'm not going to leave links to where you can buy these items.

Disclaimer: I am NOT bragging. I don't want anyone to feel like I'm trying to be better than anyone else. If any of you have any issues with this post, feel free to send me an e-mail and we can talk about it. :)

Random Stuff:

Shoes/Jewelry

Clothes

Santa was really good to me this year! I got everything on my list and then some! And I am so grateful for everything.

Other random Christmas time pictures:

I got my sweater!!!

And no holiday post is complete without an outfit..

Dress: J.Crew

Necklace: J.Crew

Tights: Nordstrom

Socks: Target

Boots: Goodwill

Belt: Forever 21

Top 5 Tuesday: 2011

Grab your own button!

<div align="center"><a href="http://j-peachy.blogspot.com" title="Just Peachy"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96GRi2d3fzE/TVnKKLZj9cI/AAAAAAAAACc/nf9FgqoiQbU/s1600/Picture+3.png" alt="Just Peachy" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

This will be the last Top 5 Tuesday post of 2011!! How weird does that sound? Feel free to make up your own categories for this. This is just a guideline!

See ya in 2012! Haha

1) Movie: 
Bridesmaids
This movie was definitely my most quoted and funniest movie of 2011.Here's my favorite part:

Honorable Mention: Crazy, Stupid, Love

Image via

Ryan Gosling? Yes. Please. Emma Stone? Yes please. Great movie. With a good ending.

2) TV Show: 
Happy Endings 

If you haven't seen this show before.. you need to go watch an episode. NOW. You WILL be addicted. Might be my favorite TV show of ALL TIME.

Honorable Mention: Revenge

Image via

Not something I thought I was going to like, but I ended up LOVING it. I know a lot of you love it too! So addictive I need to know what happens next! And set in such a beautiful location. I need to go the Hamptons!

3) Song
The Thrill by Wiz Khalifa

This was definitely my favorite song of 2011. I could listen to it a million times and not get tired of it. Blending my rock music with my rap music and adding in my fav Wiz.

Honorable Mention: Give Me Everything Tonight by Pitbull, Neyo, Etc.

Great song to dance to.

4) Thing That Happened:
Oxford Study Abroad in England
I made the greatest friends, had the greatest time, saw amazing things, learned so much, and got to travel on my own and have become SO mature and independent because of it. Not to mention, Mumford & Sons outdoor festival concert. It was just simply amazing and I have never experienced anything like it. Need to go back, pronto.

Honorable Mention: Working at J.Crew

Best job I've had so far. I love everyone I work with, I am so passionate about the clothes, and I feel so much closer to possibly working at corporate. (Cross your fingers!) Oh and now buying my wardrobe is 30% cheaper!

5) Christmas Present: 
Kindle Touch

Image via

Obsessed. Must read every book published. Suggestions??? Leave a comment!!

Honorable Mention: Tory Burch Purse

Stacked Logo Small Reva Clutch

Although my boyfriend bought me a black crossbody purse, I also got a Tory Burch crossbody purse. I'm keeping it for now, but may trade it in for a different style or the same style but different color. I love it so much and have been obsessing over getting a Tory Burch purse for a loonnngg time. And it doubles as a clutch! Perfect!

I can't wait to read all of your responses! :)

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all have a great Christmas! :)

Be back soon!

I Got Paid To Make a Polyvore.

This is what I did at work yesterday:

Red Dress How-To: Walk On The Beach Sweater by rachelrx 

Awesome job, huh?! :)
Shop Red Dress Boutique!

How to Wear: Red Jeans

So this weekend I was on a mission to find some colored jeans. After stopping by Neiman Marcus and trying on some awesome J Brand Red jeans, I just knew I had to have some. But, with a product like colored jeans, I thought I should get a cheaper pair in case the fad is over quickly. So, of course, I went to my local TJ Maxx to find 4 different brands of red jeans all under $20.

So then I thought to myself, "what could I possibly wear with red jeans? I'm going to need more than one outfit." After further Pinterest investigation, and some creativity on my part.. I came up with these outfits:

Chambray ShirtStriped ShirtRed JeansBlack PurseMoccasins

Black TankBeaded CardiganRed JeansClutchWedges

Striped TopBlazerRed JeansPurse (similar)Flats

I can't wait to wear mine now that I've actually thought about the options!

Do you own colored jeans? How do you wear them?
And would y'all be interested in some sort of Polyvore contest if I hosted one? I have a few goodies to giveaway and I think that would be a fun way to enter. :) Let me know what you think!

Weekend Recap in Pictures & OOTDs

Some of you have seen these pictures if you follow me on Twitter, but for those who haven't (Follow me!) you can see them here. :)

 1. Tory Burch Pennie Loafers

2. Tiles in Saks Fifth Avenue

3. Christmas Tree in Atlanta

4. J Brand Red Denim

1. Ice Skating

2. Holly Jolly Swap from Turtles and Pearls!

3. Coral Jeans (what do you think??)

4. My Newly Formed Inspiration Book!! (Post on this at a later date)

OOTDs:

Blazer: J.Crew

Striped Shirt: J.Crew (similar)

White Tank: Nordstrom

Leggings: Target

Boots: Coconuts by Matisse

Cardigan: Joie

Shirt: J.Crew

Jeans: Urban Outfitters

Boots: Coconuts by Matisse

What did you do this weekend??

Guest Posting at Coffee at Nordstrom!

Hey guys! I'm over at Coffee at Nordstrom today and I'm REALLY excited about the post!

Go on over and see me!

:)

Newest Obsession: Grelyin & Patterson J Kincaid

Greylin

one   two   three   four   five

Patterson J. Kincaid

one   two   three   four

  

If you don't already follow me on Twitter, you probably don't know that I've started working in the warehouse at a local Boutique, Red Dress. Here I name the clothing, write descriptions for the website, upload products to the website, and package the online orders. The reason I became obsessed with Patterson J. Kincaid is this shirt that just came in:

buy here

We named it after the Pemberley House in Pride and Prejudice! I'm pretty obsessed with this shirt so I'm REALLY hoping I'll get to buy it. :)

Have you heard of these designers before? What're your favorites right now?

Guest Post at Prep In Your Step!

Today I'm guest posting over at Prep In Your Step! My very first guest post ever! :)

Go on over and check it out!

Holiday/Christmas Vlog!

Questions

1. Do you put up a Christmas tree? If so, is it fake or real? 

2. Do you put Christmas lights outside your house? 

3. What do you want for Christmas this year?

4. When do you open your gifts?

5. Can you name all the reindeer?

6. Do you bake cookies?

7. Have you ever gotten a kiss under the mistletoe?

8. Who do you celebrate Christmas with?

9. Have you ever had a white Christmas?

10. What part of Christmas do you look most forward to?

Favorites

Christmas Movie 

Christmas Song 

This or That

Give or Receive? 

Eggnog or Cider? 

Red or Green? 

Ham or Turkey? 

Star or Angel? 

White Lights or Colored Lights?

Let me know if you do one too!! :)