Friday, November 30, 2012

THE BIG 100

Hey y'all,

It is officiall, after six months of wonderful blogging over here I am officially writing my 100th post! I am thankful to all my readers for being a part of this crazy journey of my life and all of my fellow bloggers who inspire me as I continue to get a glimpse into their lives and call them all my fellow friends.

Now since it is Friday I thought I would share some of my recent reads as a part of Book Club Friday!

So I have read a lot since my last post on books so settle in(synopsis information and images were all found on GoodReads):

Shiver
For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again. Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

I thought the book was ok but not my favorite paranormal teen story. I will probably continue with the rest of the series to see what happens but they are not my top reccomended books.

Divergent
In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

LOVE THIS BOOK! This is a wonderful dystopian series and if you loved the Hunger Games Triology or need something to hold you over while waiting to get a copy of Reached I highly suggest this series.

Insurgent
One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.
Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

A great sequel to DIVERGENT, this novel continues the journey and choices of Tris in regards to the community and world around her. I must say that this was a page turner, but the ending is INSANE!

Fairest
In the kingdom of Ayortha, who is the fairest of them all? Certainly not Aza. She is thoroughly convinced that she is ugly. What she may lack in looks, though, she makes up for with a kind heart, and with something no one else has-a magical voice. Her vocal talents captivate all who hear them, and in Ontio Castle they attract the attention of a handsome prince - and a dangerous new queen. In this masterful novel filled with humour, adventure, romance, and song, Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine invites you to join Aza as she discovers how exquisite she truly is.
Fairest does include a bit of the magic of Ella Enchanted, however, I was not over the moon about the book. It is a nice story but not something I have to have on my bookshelf.

Need
Pain shoots through my head. Fireworks. Explosions. All inside my brain. The white world goes dark and I know what's about to happen.
Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.
She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.
In this creepy, compelling breakout novel, Carrie Jones delivers romance, suspense, and a creature you never thought you'd have to fear.

An interesting novel about Fairies and other parnormal creatures. I plan on continuing the series but not a whole lot of attention grabbing.
Unearthly
In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.
HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK! I seriously would have read this book in one day if I didn't have to work. I was immediately captivated by this novel and I am so glad I already have my hands on the second book. A story about being an angel but not like the book, Fallen took the situation. It is worth the look.

What are you currently reading?



Thursday, November 29, 2012

WILW: Delayed


Hey y'all,

I know that today is Thursday but I was finishing up my blog awards I didn't have time to make a WILW post.

I am loving....

...my job! I am still transitioning into my position but I love my co-workers and I am getting more comfortable with my position and being back at Carolina. I just can't wait to decorate my desk in less than two weeks when it officially becomes mine!

...my family! It was great to be home this past weekend with my ENTIRE family. Being a family of four kids and three of us having full time jobs around the country it can take a bit to get us all together. Let me tell you though, we are a hysterical bunch and I loved being back with them surrounded by great food. We watched lots of movies and hung around my parent's house for the majority of the weekend. NO BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING FOR ME!

...Rise of the Guardians. I went and saw this movie with my family (and jCm who I took home for the holiday). It is such a cute kids movie and yes the youngest in my family is 20 but we all enjoyed the film and I highly suggest it if you enjoy kids movies.

...these shoes from Ralph Lauren. I am waiting for a sale before I splurge on them as a Birthday present for myself in January.
Adelisa Jeweled Velvet Flat


...reading. I am back in the swing of things reading constantly (it helps to only have 15 channels of TV and no internet) so I am always on the hunt for a great read! SUGGEST AWAY!

...that I am almost unpacked! It has taken forever but I am down to three boxes and my goal this weekend is to have a completely unpacked apartment!

What have you been loving this week?

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Blog Awards!

Hey y'all,

I have recently been blessed with some Blog awards while I was out and celebrating Thanksgiving with my Family. So here are my awards and the rules regarding them. I nominate ALL of my followers to choose one of the awards and leave a comment with their post so I can read all of their answers.

Versatile Blogger Award thanks to The S Chronicles

The Rules
If you are nominated, you've been awarded the Versatile Blogger award.
Thank the person who gave you this award and include a link to their blog.

Answer the 15 questions the nominator left for you.
Next, select 15 blogs/bloggers that you've recently discovered or follow regularly.
Nominate those 15 bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award with a link to their blog.
Ask those bloggers 15 questions.
1. What are your beauty must-haves?
Hairspray (unruly hair), my GHD flat iron, nail polish to brighten my day, and I am sure a million other things as seen my my bathroom cabinet.
2. If you could go anywhere for a holiday, where would you go?
I would still go to my paren't house. No doubt about it. There just means family and food and fun to me. Yes I would love to visit NY around Christmas time but I would love to experience that for maybe one holiday the rest I enjoy my parent' cooking to much to miss out. :)
3. What's on the top of your Christmas wish list?
Well, thanks to my parent's I already have my "big" christmas gifts. There was some early Christmas going on during my Move-In day to my first "big-girl" apartment. I was blessed with a TV as my big ticket item and it has been wonderful to have something to make my apartment a bit less quiet and lonely.
4. Why did you choose to start your blog?
I originally began my blog as a way to continue my Tumblr account in a format where I could write a little more and document my final year as a Carolina student. Well, it became more of an online picture scrapbook so I decided to transform and begin a blog on the adventures of life after college. This is more my style, random things in my life and the adjustment of not knowing what comes next is scary and interesting.
5. Name one class you wish you would have had taken or want to take in college/university.
There were a few classes I wanted to take at UNC before I graduated including an Art History course on Irish Art and Cultures and an English course focusing on the works and adaptations of Jane Austen.
6. What's your favourite way to relax after a busy day?
I would say that I love either a nice long bath or curling up with a great book. Add a candle and some music and I will be very content. Either way is the best way to wind down after a busy day.
7. Which part of the holiday season are you most looking forward to?
I love the holiday season especially getting to see my family and friends. Not to mention the great food. My family are hysterical and I love being near having lots of laughs, eating wonderful food and not worrying about anything. This year for Christmas it will just be my little sister and I at my parent's house but I can't wait to decorate the tree, drive around and see people's Christmas lights, and baking lots of yummy Christmas cookies.
8. If you could go to any game, which sports team would you see & who would they be playing against?
UNC! I would want to go to any football game in Kenan Stadium or I would love to go to a Duke/Carolina basketball game at the Dean Dome since the one my Senior year ended with a Duke win thanks to a last second shot. It was very painful as my last basketball game in the Dean Dome as a student.
9. What is your favourite quote?
This is probably the hardest question for me since I am in LOVE with quotes. I have a large Pinterest board devoted to them and I think a small quote can make a whole difference on a bad day. I am in the process of planning out a quote wall for my dining room in my new apartment.
10. Which blog(s) do you make a point of reading every day?
This is really hard now that I do not have internet at my apartment, but I do have a list on the top of my Blog with some of my favorite reads (however I do need to update that list.)
11. Who would you have lunch with if you could choose absolutely anyone?
Hmm. This is really hard. I would probably say a wonderful author (English nerd), or most likely my best friend, aMl or my sorority Big, sCa, since we barely get to see each other and we always have lots of fun together.
12. What's your usual order at Starbucks?
Iced Hot Chocolate. I don't drink coffee so I either have hot chocolate or chocolate milk labeled as iced hot chocolate.
13. If you've volunteered before, what was your favourite volunteer experience?
I taught Pre-K and nursery school children Sunday School for three years. Teaching little kids about God, Jesus and all the wonderful stories of the Bible was so rewarding especially since there was usually a craft or Veggie Tale movie involved.
14. Where do you order stationery from?
 I order from all over. There is a store in my hometown that I tend to drift towards if I need something formal but I also love finding notecards at Marshall's & T.J. Maxx, or even Michael's dollar bins.
15. iPhone, Android, or Blackberry?
I am still in the dark ages without a smart phone so I can't pick one. In June though I am taking over my cell phone plan and will probably make the large leap into this century.

Liebster Blog Award thanks to Sweet Peach Couture
If you receive this award, there are a few rules that you must follow:
1. Each blogger nominated must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Then answer the 11 questions the tagger has asked.
3. Create 11 questions of their own to ask the bloggers they nominate.
4. Choose 11 nominees with less than 200 followers and link them on their blog post.
5. Finally, the bloggers must be notified of their award!
6. Oh, and there are no tag backs.
1. What is your favorite place to travel?
EUROPE! I loved living in Germany for three years and I am dying to travel over there again. The food and culture are great plus this Irish girl will not burn constantly compared to if I traveled South to a beautiful island.
2. Who is your favorite fashion designer?
I love a lot of different designers but currently I am obsessed with Ralph Lauren and Kate Spade NY.
3. Diamonds or pearls?
Pearls. I tend to wear them constantly. But I would never be opposed to a diamond ring in the future.
4. Are you in a sorority? If so, which one?
I am an alum of Phi Beta Chi! We were actually mentioned today in USA Today College!
5. Which season is your favorite?
I am too indecisive to answer that. I would probably split between spring and fall.
6. What is your #1 most played song on your iPod?
This varies constantly since I will have a song stuck in my head and will need to play it about a hundred times. Currently, it is probably Taylor Swift's song 22 from her album RED
7. If you could change your first name, what would you change it to?
When I was little I constantly wanted to change my name since it is so common but now I love my name and my perfectly balanced monogram. :)
8. Sky dive or bungee jump?
I am super afraid of heights so neither. I didn't even go to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
9. What are your hobbies?
Reading, crafting, shopping, blogging, and a bit of yoga/jogging.
10. What is at the top of your Christmas List?
I have already received a TV, microwave, and pots and pans for Christmas so currently my list is things like the DVD of Disney's Brave, flannel sheets, a clock for my living room, and liquid measuring cups. Exciting I know.
11. Favorite current fashion trend?      
I am a big fan of nail art currently going. Other than that, I love the prevelence of monograms and preppy touches going on right now. Not to mention lots of bold colors to mix in with all the winter neutrals.
For my random facts feel free to read my past blog award posts or my about me section!
My Questions
1.What does your blog name mean?
2. If you could attend any college or university where would you attend?
3. If you were a kitchen appliance what would you be?
4. If you could name a crayon or nail polish color what would it be?
5. What kind of sandwich do you make for lunch?
6. If you could have any item for Christmas what would it be?
7. What are your go to jewlery pieces?
8. What did you major/are planning to major in, in college?
9. What is one thing that people reading your blog would be suprised to learn about you if they met you in real life?
10. What is your favorite thing to cook/bake?
11. One thing you suggest I should get for my new apartment?
12. Favorite Pin on Pinterest?
13. Least favorite food?
14. One book suggestion?
15. Dream car?
I can't wait to read all of your responses and I hope that you are all having a wonderful week recovering from the mass amount of food you ate last week (I still need to find some time today to hit that gym!)

Monday, November 19, 2012

My First Place: Kitchen

Hey y'all,

I hope your Monday is off to a great start! For most of us in the US I hope that you are excited for a shorter work week! I am headed back home on Wednesday so I only have a few days of work until some amazing food for Thanksgiving. In the spirit of the holiday I thought that I should reveal part of my first place. So without further adieu, here is the kitchen.

I am going with a pink and green theme for my kitchen, dining room and living room so I have a few touches here and there but I am always on the lookout for adding some more pink and green items (HomeGoods is my weakness).
Overview
 



My parent's gave me my microwave for (early) Christmas!
You can find the printables HERE




Now to only find a paper towel holder, a utensil caddy, and I wouldn't hate to get these magnets from Lifeguard Press...
Jonathan Adler Magnets
Lilly Dress Magnets
So that is my kitchen. I hope you all have lovely Mondays!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Sunday Sayings...

Hey y'all,

We all need some inspiration to start our weeks off on the right foot! Here is to hoping that this week's weather is much better than last weeks few days of freezing cold temperatures and windy days. I don't mind the cold but I want to enjoy gorgeous fall weather with the beautiful leaves all around not winter temperatures keeping me indoors.


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I hope that you have a wonderful Sunday!

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Gone to Carolina In My Mind

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Hey y'all,

I have officially finished my first week at my new job. For those of you that have not figured it out from the title or the image of the Old Well above, I am back at my Alma Mater, the University of North Carolina!

It was so exciting when I interviewed for this position, not only the happy dance I did when I received the offer. I love the department I am working for and even though I have a few more weeks for training I am blessed to be an employed post-grad! Let's just say it was great to finally announce my job to my friends and sorority sisters after my first day was complete.

To celebrate my return to Chapel Hill, one of my best friends jCm and I met up on Tuesday to go to Wine & Design to paint the Old Well. It was great to catch up and a lot of fun painting and making something so iconic to remind us of UNC especially since jCm will be graduating in a few weeks!!
My masterpiece. I'm pretty proud.
Now it is time to adjust to working a normal schedule of Monday-Friday compared to the times I worked in retail at Target. Yep, after over three years I hung up my red and khaki and am now in a permanent position. Target was a great company to work for but I am happy to be back in the Triangle area, decorating a new apartment and learning to navigate life at Carolina as a staff person rather than an undergraduate student. 
My Bullseye Plush.
And last but not least. Here is what I wore for my first day!
Cardigan: Target Merona Embellished Cardigan (Summer '12)
Top: Kirna Zabete for Target (The Shops 2 Fall '12)
Pants: Part of a Kasper Suit set (Spring '12)
Shoes: Pink Jeweled Flats from Jessica Simpson (From Marshalls Summer'12)
Longchamp Large Le Pilage in Black
Monogram Ring, Pearl Ring & Pearl Earrings (Gifts)

I am back to regular posting this week. Pinky-promise! YAY for internet! 



Tuesday, November 6, 2012

I've Moved!

Hey y'all,

Sorry for the absence. On Thursday I picked up the keys to my APARTMENT! It is so exciting! 

I have since moved in everything and I must just say that my parents are the best EVER. I am really blessed to have them in my life, truly. From my mom helping me find the perfect apartment to them delivering some of my furniture while I was still in my hometown working at my retail job, to helping me move and unpack Saturday, and my Mom just left my apartment today since she stayed over a few extra days to get me settled. Oh and did I mention that Christmas came early. Yep, I seriously have the best parents ever. My large item Christmas presents are now in my apartment. I will reveal what they are later but they are a huge help to making my place feel like home.

Now the downfall of my place is that I have yet to get internet so it might take a little bit to get in the swing of things as far as blogging. I  am almost done unpacking...just waiting for the paint to dry on my bookcase and then I will officially call this place home. 

I just wanted to give y'all an update and I promise pictures will come soon after everything is unpacked!

I hope you are having a wonderful day and if you are of age in the USA GO VOTE! I voted early in my hometown last week. And remember you can't complain unless you voted and made your voice heard.

Have a lovely Tuesday!