Saturday, June 29, 2013

Watch Obsession- Wrap Watches

One of my favorite things: watches.
One of the seasons hottest trends: an arm full of glorious bracelets.
Add these together and you get awesome all-in-one wrap watches.

This week I'm loving this nautical-themed Portofino Gold Charms watch from La Mer Collections.

http://www.lamercollections.com/shop/Charm-and-Stone-Wraps/

Their whole website is full of great designer quality accessories and watches! Love this look!

Who Is Listening When You Say "I'm Fat"?

As women, we are pretty much all guilty of looking in the mirror at one point or another and thinking, if not saying, "I am so fat."

As I was growing up, discussions about weight were as common as most any other topic. Especially when my mother and aunts would all get together. I can see the desire to talk about such a subject. It is something everyone deals with and everyone gets to share their latest brilliant tips and tricks. But unfortunately, it seems all anyone ever really did was talk about it. And talk about it. And talk about it.

Now, as I'm older, when the women in my family get together, I see the same conversation happening again. I am proud that after a certain extent, my mom is usually the one that will change the topic. Just one of the many things I love about her.

It's just such an easy topic to get stuck on. But as I now have nieces and younger cousins that are entering pre-teen and high school age, I worry about passing all of this on to the next generation.

I have struggled with body issues since I was the first to develop in my class at a very young age. I was also always much taller and just didn't have the same petite body that most of my friends had. By the time I was a freshman in high school, I was dealing with anorexia, depression, and anxiety. When I look back now at photos of those years, instead of seeing that fit high school athlete, I just see a very sick girl. By the time I was a senior in high school, I had taken my food control issues to the opposite extreme and was binging. I also struggled a lot with alcohol, which of course just sped along my weight gain.

Going from one extreme to the other has wreaked havoc on my body over the last ten years. Keeping a happy medium is something I struggle with each and every day.

I'll admit that I do still talk about weight, probably more than I should. Probably because it is indeed something that I have to work hard on constantly. And I will talk about it on here, but that is because I am extremely proud of the hard work I am putting into being healthy, not skinny.

But there is one thing I have been trying to do, and that is to definitely pay attention to who is around when I give myself those looks in the mirror or discuss my weight. It would break my heart to know that one of my nieces, and someday my daughter, felt that she wasn't good enough because the women in her life feel like they aren't good enough.

Those little girls I love, deserve to see women that love themselves.

The inspiration behind this: http://www.rolereboot.org/life/details/2013-06-when-your-mother-says-shes-fat

Monday, June 17, 2013

Hairstyles- The Summer Braid

When it's hot and gross outside, one of the best ways to battle the heat is with a great braid! A good braid is especially necessary for a day at the beach or pool. It keeps you cool, plus when you get out of the water you don't have to worry about how your hair looks! Braids are also great add-ins for the classic summer pony.

Here are just a few of my favorites:

Kendall Jenner rocking the side fishtail.
A low side braid is a great way to go. Just a regular braid works great if you don't know how to or have hair long enough for a fishtail. Side braids are great for beginners because you can see what you are doing.

Small braid with messy pony.
This messy pony gets a bit of glam added with a mini braid. Perfect for poolside.

Sarah Michelle-Gellar
A dutch braid on both sides with a messy bun at the back guarantees cuteness (and hold) all day!


For more must-try summer braid styles, here's Glamour Magazine's list of the latest- Glamour Beach Braids.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Looks I Love- Floral Cardigan

I am just loving this floral cardigan for spring and summer! Here it is paired with French Connection's 'Loving Crochet' Fit & Flare Dress and some cute pumps with a pop of green. Love this look!

Saturday, June 15, 2013

This Week's Shoe Crush

Let's start out "This Week's Shoe Crush" with something at least most of us can agree on.

The classic black pump from Louboutin. The trademark red-on-the-bottom of Louboutin gives these stilettos even more of a sexy and kick-ass feel. Love them and need them in my closet!

What I'm Reading- Witch & Wizard Series

I've been reading the Witch & Wizard Series by James Patterson. The books in this series are Witch & Wizard, The Gift, The Fire, and apparently a fourth book has been released called The Kiss. It is a young adult series.

 
 



My version of the story:
Apparently some government regime called the New Order has taken over. A brother and sister, Whit and Wisty Allgood, are accused of being a wizard and witch. After being imprisoned and tortured and whatnot, they realized that these accusations against them are true. The New Order does a bunch of bad stuff and Whit and Wisty fight against it and its evil leader The One Who Is The One.

What I think:
To be honest, the only thing I've liked about these books was that they are a quick read. The plot and characters are very undeveloped, and I couldn't really get in to the story. Maybe those ten years younger than me might appreciate them more, but I feel like that isn't even fair to them. I'm just one person, but Patterson, and his numerous co-writers, definitely need to strive for books where we might actually establish a connection with the characters or even care about their fates.

Getting Started

First, a little more about me:
So I'm not technically a Librarian... yet. But, I am starting graduate school this fall to begin work on my Masters of Library Science. So that is the goal!
I also work full-time in a public library as the Assistant Director, and I'm sure some of my adventures there will show up here.
I am 24, the youngest of four children of two amazing parents. I also currently have 6 nieces and nephews!
I have so many interests in so many different subject areas, including writing, so I'm hoping using this as a bit of a creative outlet will not only entertain me but also any of you who choose to read!

Second, a little more about this blog:
I have always been a little obsessed with fashion and all the things that fall under that title. I remember designing clothes as a little girl. As I grew up, my interest in this area never really diminished, it just got pushed aside. So now, as an adult, while I may not be able to afford everything that fashion provides us, I can certainly appreciate it. This ranges from nail polish and make up to couture.
Also, there are so many other things going on that I would love to talk about and share with you. These include my journey through weight loss, as well as struggles with depression and anxiety, and many other issues that are impacting our world today.

I really hope you enjoy reading along!

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