Here's to you, kid.

I spent close to an hour on the phone with a dear friend yesterday; however, the circumstances were slightly different from our usual phone catch-up sessions - it was a "see ya later" of sorts. As we were swapping stories from the last couple of weekends, laughing, and sharing our plans for the immediate future, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmingly proud of the young lady on the other side of the phone. Proud, and also envious (in the best way possible).

You see, this friend, she's following her dreams. Born a traveler in every sense of the word, she is jet-setting to Spain today where she will spend the next 10 months teaching English to students in Madrid. In my opinion, that is scary. And that fear is what held me back from doing something similar - from leaving the people and places that I know to go on a short adventure while I'm young and without major responsibilities. I may have wasted my chance, but Stephanie is taking full advantage of hers and for that I am so proud of her!

I'm making 23 cooler than 21

In honor of my BFF Brooke coming to Atlanta to celebrate my birthday with me and some of my closest friends:

I can't wait to ring in 23 tomorrow night like Katy Perry. 

And I am certain that I will say something like...

"I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure I'm in a dance-off." -Andy, The Office

Online Shopping Obsession

So last week, I went a liiittle crazy with some online shopping. And while it may have been a bit impulsive, I did some serious budget shopping. I completely stayed away from sites where I tend to go overboard, and limited myself to $40.00 per item. Luckily for me it was the Anniversary Sale at Nordstrom, and some of my purchases were just plan cheap. I even got some free shipping! Here are 3 of my favorites...

Saw this on Pinterest and I could not resist.
ModCloth, $34.99

Perfect day-to-night summer dress.

Nordstrom, $31.90

Totally digging the tribal print on this crop top.
Forever21, $17.80

Anxiously awaiting their arrival in the mail!

Time Flies....

It is absolutely amazing to be able to look back at where I was this time a year ago, and see what a transformation I've made! And honestly, a year ago feels like yesterday.

Mid-July 2010, I was a mess. A break-up left me empty and devastated. I was taking my very last undergrad class with graduation just around the corner. I had absolutely no plans for my post-grad future. And I let all of that define me. Mid-July 2010 (and many months after) was a tough time. 

And here I am, Mid-July 2011 and I feel like a completely different version of me. I've become a goal-setter. I am incredibly ambitious. I look forward to the future, but not too far forward. I have changed some of my outlooks to be more positive and more self-centered (and I don't think that's a bad thing). I have a job that I absolutely love (even if I am just an intern)! I go to church more. And I pray A LOT more. I have decided to start running again, with a goal of running a half marathon this November. I am about to move out of my parent's home and be truly independent for the first time in my life. I have accepted and learned to appreciate that it's not imperative to marry your college love. I read more. And watch less of the mindless television shows that consumed many days and nights in college. But don't get me wrong...I'm still the same Ansley...I haven't rid myself of all of my flaws. I'm still stubborn and I do still procrastinate. I'm still a bit irresponsible. I still sometimes get upset and bothered by trivial matters. And yes, I do still let my laundry and the mess in my bedroom pile up.

But I think the biggest change that has occurred from last July to now, is that I am happy. And while I can attribute many of the changes and my happiness to just a change in the way I see things now, I honestly do not know where I would be or who I would be if I didn't have the support system that I do. I have the most amazing family who has been there for the ups and the many downs, the celebrations and the cry-fests. And my friends have been so gracious to always listen to me drag on about the past and download my feelings, and also share in the triumphs and the joys that I am so excited about. I truly am blessed with such wonderful people in my life that make me want to be better, but love and support me when I'm at my worst. 

So here's to now, the future, and appreciating the past! Not letting the negative things that happen to me define me. And to seeing how things continue to unfold.

07.01.2011

a.k.a., the half-way point of 2011. My goodness, how time flies! It seems like just a couple of months ago I was writing about my resolutions for 2011. Like I said in the original post, I have never stuck to the resolutions I have made, but this year has been different. I haven't been the best at keeping up with the 4 things I set out to do this year. But, I am working on it! And so.....a recap. Perhaps seeing what I have excelled at and what I have failed at will keep me going strong for the remainder of the year!

Read at least one book each month: Check!

I have been absolutely successful in doing this. In fact, I don't even think of it as a goal that I want to achieve each month. I just finish one book and move on to another. I was never a big reader in school (I think one of the only required reading I ever finished was Catcher in the Rye) but I can honestly say I am a reader now! {Books I have read so far in 2011}

Go to the gym, 4 times a week, without complaining: 75%-check

I really don't like to workout. Rephrase: I really don't like getting off my lazy behind and going to the gym. But once I'm there, I can workout and feel great afterwards! Overall, I'm going probably 2 or 3 times a week, and complaining about it only once in a while. And since it's summertime now I'm swimming laps at the pool on the days I can't work up the motivation to get sweaty and do squats. For now, that is good enough for me!

Become better at keeping up with friends and family: Semi-check

This is something that I've never been great at. I always think if something big or exciting or horrible or scary or wonderful is happening with my friends or family, they'll call and let me know. And vice-versa. But what a horrible way to think! So while I may not be engaging in a weekly phone update with my BFFs, I do try to reach out via phone call, text, e-mail, Facebook, and dinner dates as often as I can. This is one of those things that will become more important as time goes on, and I intend to master it. Stay tuned. 

Cook or bake something new once every week: Pretty Much Fail

I started out this year like a champ on this one. I was baking cupcakes, breakfast bars, fruity treats and cookies. And I was trying new dinner recipes all the time. But come March, it all went downhill. I can't even remember the last time I cooked a meal for me and my roommates. So this category could use some major improvement! Please send any quick and easy dinner recipes my way, I'd love to try them out.

I hope the remaining 6 months of 2011 are as great and full of new adventures and surprises as these have been. Come December, I will be excited to be able to say that I stuck to my resolutions for the entire year....I hope! :)

Southern Girl

I am obsessed with this song lately. I can't explain it. I just am.

I just want to grab the closest fella and dance. And sing along. 

Amos Lee - Southern Girl

I'll bring dessert.

Tonight I went to a dinner party at a friend's house. She prepared a tasty entrée consisting of  arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette topping a breaded chicken breast, pasta, & a-mazing garlic parmesan bread rolls.  Someone else brought the wine. And I brought a dessert. 
I saw these white cupcakes with strawberry icing and fruit garnishing on one of my favorite blogs and thought it was the perfect summer treat! Plus, who doesn't love cupcakes? I was really looking forward to trying out a new recipe, and of course sharing these at dinner. My buttercream icing did not come out exactly  right (No wonder they always say never to try cooking something new before bringing it to share with others!) but luckily for me (and everyone who ate one), they still tasted good and the strawberry flavoring was light and tasty. It was a fun dinner party (especially meal preparation!) with old and some new friends, over a delicious meal and great conversation.

Martha Stewart's recipe for cupcakes with strawberry buttercream icing.

Random Thought

I've just decided that I NEED to create a recipe book. I have cut-outs and print-outs and rip-outs scattered all over the house and my room, stuck in random books and in several drawers. By the end of July I am determined to create a cute booklet to put my random recipes, my favorite recipes from my Mom and Grandmother, and leave room for recipes to come! 
I'm excited.

Books

I've been reading like a mad woman lately! I have turned into a girl who prefers to curl up in bed with a good book over watching whatever is on TV. I've read at least one book each month so far this year, and I would recommend all of them! So go to your nearest Barnes & Noble, library, or Amazon.com and get to reading!


Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner  --  I read the majority of this on my flight to Orlando for the Capital One Bowl in Orlando in January. A light and quick read. Not my favorite book ever but still interesting enough to keep you hooked. So save this one for a long car ride or when you're laying by the pool.  

Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea and Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler  --  February was a month where I needed a few laughs. And Chelsea did the trick. I was seen on more than one occasion laughing out loud in public. Hey, it happens.

The Go-Getter Girls Guide by Debra Shigley  --  I swear by this book. I think every young female twenty-something should read this how-to on how to become successful at being successful in anything you tackle in life. Thank you, Ashley, for this wonderful gift!

Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez and The Next Thing On My List by Jill Smolinski  --  I spent a good amount of time in April laying poolside, riding in the car to Hilton Head, and getting in bed early, which gave me a lot of time to read. If you like fictional books with some good ol' American history, Wench is a good read for you. Based in the mid-1800s, this book tells a different tale about slavery and the moral complexities of that era. On a different note, The Next Thing On My List is a light, quick, fun read about a woman in her twenties searching for purpose. And it has inspired me to make a list of my own to complete before I'm 25.

The Lion by Nelson DeMille  --  As part of a two book series, DeMille writes about a psychotic terrorist who is taking revenge on the United States. I could not put these books down (the first is The Lion's Game) and I highly recommend both!  

Decision Points by George W. Bush -- I am currently in the middle of W.'s memoir, and I love it. No matter if you loved/hated/or were indifferent towards our 43rd President, it's a wonderful insight into his life, political journey, and time in office.

Alice

What an incredible girl! 
I am absolutely inspired by her courage, strength, and positive outlook. 

Alice

Countdown

In just 15 short days I will be spending a long weekend in Perdido Key. Laying in a beach chair, soaking up the sun. Reading a good book. 

I. Cannot. Wait.

via, weheartit.com

Just 15 more days.....

Uhhh, I have to pay for that?

Here it is folks, a huge surprise....I have lived a pretty sheltered life. 

Whew, it feels good to get that off my chest.

But seriously. 

Here is today's dialogue between my roommate (aka my mother) and myself:


Roommate: "Oooh, you got some mail! Oh this is great that you got this!"


Me: {Thinking to myself what wedding/shindig/engagement party/baby shower do I have coming up?} "What is it?"


Roommate: {Ripping open my mail with a mischievous grin.} 
"It's your license plate payment!"


Me: "Uhhh, I have to pay for that?"


Roommate: "$81.00 to be exact."
-----
I have come to realize that while I have recently taken over any and all payments that have anything to with me (excluding rent, bills, groceries - the joys of living at home, thanks mom & dad!) every time I start to feel a sense of self-pride that I'm on a great track, something new comes out of thin air. Who knew you get a bill in the mail for your license plate?!...Not me!...And $81.00?! ARE. YOU. KIDDING.


I took this sweet little surprise as today's reminder that just when I start to think I've got things pretty figured out, I get a random notice in the mail that tells me that I don't.

Do you wear the pants?

I love my job for several reasons. Coming into an agency from the corporate world was a much better fit for me in so many ways.  And I hate to admit it, but one of the more minute reasons is the freedom to dress casually. Which brings me to the point of this post...jeans! Or maybe, an alternative to jeans. I've got plenty of skirts and dresses that are all work appropriate (and cute!). And I have a ton of jeans - skinnies, flares, dark, light, bootcut, boyfriend and jeggings. What I have really been itching for is jeans.....in a different color! So here are some pants that I have actually purchased, and some that I would like to.

ZARA, $59.90
I love these. Considering getting a pair in red too!

Gap, $59.95
Perfect just as they are pictured: with a tucked-in tee and wedges!
 (A fun and bright pair of flats would be cute too!)

Anthropologie, $98.00
I like that this pair can be dressed up and down.
The unique front pockets and illusion of a belt - wonderful!

I'm baaaack

I was sitting at dinner last week with my dear friend and fellow blogger Stephanie trying to explain why I had not touched my blog in a month. And then I realized the only explanation I had was that I have been uninspired lately. Furthermore, I have no clue why I have been uninspired. Because, in the last month so much has happened and I have been partaking in ALL of the things that inspire me! I have been shopping an awful lot lately (my bank account is not happy about this), but still no fashion inspiration. A horrible tornado wiped out a good bit of my college town, which was devastating. And no post about that. Weddings have consumed my mind lately, and yet I have nothing to say about love. And I love love! I've been cooking and baking and reading.....Nada. I've had the unbelievable pleasure of traveling. And seeing my best friends from college. WHAT IS GOING ON WITH ME?!


So....here's to me being back and finding some inspiration. My sincerest apologies for my absence. 

Parents.

They are the people I take for granted the most. The people who I snap at when I've had a bad day. The ones who get "the pleasure" of hearing about a fight with friend or a bad day at work. The people who love me too much for my own good. The adults that I feel I can relate to the most. The ones I currently call my roommates, but are far more than that. The ones who I use to scream at when I got grounded. The ones I am so thankful for for grounding me. And trying their best to teach me right and wrong, even though they knew I would figure it out on my own. The people who instill confidence in me when I feel insignificant and self conscious. The Dad who would drive 3 hours to Tuscaloosa to have lunch with me....on his birthday. The Mom who drops everything she is doing to comfort me during a break-up.  The people I want to be exactly like when I grow up. My support system. The people I consult on every life changing decision I make. And the people I consult on many small and trivial decisions that feel life changing at the time. The ones who have taken me and my friends on too many beach trips to count. And who truly enjoy every moment of that. The father who gives in too easily when I find a handbag that I "really need." The mother who gave up a job that she loved because I hated going to After School Program when I was 5. The people who can take one look at me and know that something is wrong. But let me come to them when I'm ready. The ones who I want to kick back and have a beer with. And the people I want to sit in church with. The ones who never cease to amaze me with their strength, courage, confidence, ambitions, decisions, and ability to laugh and cry and admit when they're wrong. The people who try their hardest to treat me like an adult, even though I'm still their little girl. The people I know I can count on, no matter what.


I don't say it enough, but I am so blessed and so thankful for my parents. 

JazzFest Friday

In typical Ansley fashion, I waited until the last minute to figure out what I wanted to do for my JazzFest Friday post. I didn't hardly think about it until today....which is Friday....the day I am supposed to post. And of course, when I got to work this morning I realized that the speakers on my computer are not working. Therefore, it made choosing a song nearly impossible to do on my own. 
Luckily, I have a friend who is somewhat freakishly obsessed when it comes to great artists, great melodies, and great songs. She is the one who introduced me to Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers. And in a span of 3 months she will have gone to Coachella, JazzFest, and Bonnaroo. So basically I trust her judgement on all things music. So when I sent her a text this morning asking for her genius insight, she suggested "Supply and Demand" and "Colors" by Amos Lee, with a side note that "Supply and Demand" is more up-tempo and fun (I would know this if I could hear the song). Since I am planning to have an incredibly fun weekend, I opted for this jam.

I'll be surrounded by old and new friends all weekend at the Braves game! Where will you be? Whatever you do, I hope it's great!

JazzFest Friday

TGIF! It's been quite a week over here in Atlanta. Lots of rain, lots of work, and lots of recovering from an incredibly fun (and slightly wild) weekend. But....we are 1 week closer to JazzFest. Which means I am 1 week closer to seeing these guys live. I chose The Avett Brothers again this week because I felt a pang of jealousy when my JazzFest companions went to go see them in Athens on Tuesday. (Well that, and I just really dig their tunes).

So if you've got some time, hang out and enjoy 16 minutes of pure amazingness.

This little jam sesh just makes me want to put it on repeat and chill out. Luckily I'm heading to Hilton Head Island for a little R & R and quality time with the fam! What are your weekend plans?

Ain't That the Truth

"Let's face it, a nice creamy chocolate cake does a lot for a lot of people; it does for me."
-Audrey Hepburn

Because it's gloomy....

What a rainy week so far. And it doesn't look like the gloom is going away anytime soon. Here is something to brighten your day!

JazzFest Friday

For those of you who aren't as big into some of the folk rock groups as I am - hence the numerous Mumford & Sons (here & here) and Avett Brothers (here) posts - I decided to spice it up with another headliner on April 29th at New Orleans Jazz Fest. And that would be Wyclef Jean.

I thought this song was particularly relevant for today's JazzFest Friday due to the recent disasters in Japan. Wyclef Jean wrote this song right after the earthquake in Haiti last year, and seeing as he is from Haiti, it holds incredible meaning for him. Although the situation in Haiti and the current tragedy in Japan are different, I thought the message in this song was one to hear. Not only that, but Wyclef also used "Hold On" to raise awareness. 

Let us not forget that there are thousands of people in Japan right now who have lost their families, homes, and even more that we cannot even imagine. Do what you can to help.

Counting down the minutes....

Today is Thursday. Which makes tomorrow Friday.

 And I am looking forward to the weekend!

{Sorry for that Rebecca Black moment}

I am extremely excited for this particular weekend because I will finally be reunited with all of my amazing friends from college to CELEBRATE the engagement of Elizabeth & Rusty!

I have been looking forward to this shindig for months now and it is finally right around the corner!

So while I really hate wishing away time, today I just might.

Photos from this great website. 

And thanks to Leigh for sharing that site with fellow bloggers and readers!

Hilarious Baby

I LOVE this video. In fact, I love it so much that I watched it 4 times in a row and laughed out loud every time.

His mother is blowing her nose and it scares him silly. Literally. 

You need to watch this.

Click here to see "Emerson - Mommy's Nose is Scary!"

And bookmark this for days when you just need to laugh.

JazzFest Friday

Happy Friday! I leave you with Mumford & Sons Lover of the Light. 
Have a great weekend! Dance or something.

JazzFest Friday

It's been an exciting week, and hopefully it will be an exciting weekend. If this song doesn't remind of you of one college party or another, there is something wrong with you. Have a good weekend, folks!

And the Oscar goes to....

For the most part I watch the Oscars to see what everyone is wearing. Because honestly, I usually don't even see most of the nominated films until after the Academy Awards show. From what I hear from the peanut gallery, all of the Award winners were well deserved and I'm really looking forward to seeing The King's Speech. 


But onto the good stuff....the fashion. I decided to choose a best dressed lady and gentleman from the 83rd Academy Awards. 


There was a lot of purple on the Red Carpet this year, but my absolute favorite look of the night was Scarlett Johansson, in an amethyst, lace Dolce & Gabbana dress. She looked stunning! And the contrast between the beautiful gown and her effortless-looking wavy hair was perfect. 

Andrew Garfield has my vote for best dressed man. In a Louis Vuitton tux, he is looking awfully handsome. I am a sucker for a man in a bow tie, and pairing it with a single-button jacket was a great way to set himself apart. 

Who had your favorite look of the night??

JazzFest Friday

We're going old school today. This song takes me right back to my awkward middle school years. I first heard of Jason Mraz through my group of friends in 8th grade, and we listened to his debut album Waiting for My Rocket to Come quite often. "The Remedy (I Won't Worry)" was one of my favorite songs from that album. I really like the message in this song, and I basically love Mraz's voice. So...listen, think about the awkward things you were doing/saying when this was on the radio back in '02, and smile. And please, Don't worry your life away.

What They Don't Teach You in School...

          You spend 4 (or more) years in college preparing for the "real world." You attend countless hours of classes, take tests, and are required to turn in meaningless homework assignments. You sweat the small stuff, and later realize you could have gone to that party and missed that 8 am quiz and it wouldn't have even mattered! Teachers, advisors, parents and even your peers tell you that grades are important.  
          BUT what they don't tell you is how to actually prepare for the real world. I mean, getting a 4.0 GPA one semester after the other is quite a feat (I wouldn't quite know the feeling), but it is not going to guarantee you a job post-graduation. If college truly prepared us for the frustrating adventure many of us call the "Job Search" our professors would just constantly remind us how important is to:
                                          NETWORK & Be patient
          I have found that these two things are crucial parts of the job search. There are some people who do luck out and get chosen out of thousands to come in to interview for a job posting they found online. But that, my friends, is rare. Networking and making connections is the key. More importantly, use your parents to your advantage. Do you know why our parents have friends? So that we can meet them, get to know them, and use them as a connection in our job seeking endeavors. Duh. Our parents and their friends have been in the working world since before we were born. They know a lot of people. And those people know a lot of people. And so on. So while you may rather go to a holiday party with your friends instead of your parents, think again. Those parties are sure to connect you with some really great people.
          And as with anything in life, be patient. You may become frustrated that you are getting interviews for jobs that you don't really want. Look on the bright side: use that interview to practice your interviewing skills so when the "big one" comes along--you're more confident than ever! And if the calls aren't even coming in, you make the calls. Be persistent! Call the folks that you sent your resume to, call your Uncle and tell him to put in a good word at the company you just applied at, and keep calling and e-mailing until you hear back from someone. I used to think by doing this that I was really just being annoying. Wrong. You're actually showing how much you really want it.
          So to all of the current and future job seekers, take my advice. I've been there and I know what it's like. The right thing will come along at just the right time. Take your experiences and share it with others. I know that it would have helped if I had fully understood what I was getting into! 

JazzFest Friday

The Avett Brothers are pretty cool. I would know since Scott Avett is my boyfriend and is teaching me to play the banjo....(jokes)...But, I digress...I had a really hard time choosing which song of theirs I wanted to share with y'all. I wanted to go beyond the obvious ones, so I chose this lovely little number. A little more upbeat than some of their more popular tunes and the lyrics kindof make me giggle.

I cannot wait to see these guys! 10 weeks to go....

And without further adieu, The Avett Brothers. Paranoia in B Flat Major.

TGIJF -- Thank Goodness It's JazzFest Friday

Just in case you live in a cave....

....and missed this performance, I thought I'd share it. Because it's awesome. Plus, it's a little teaser to tomorrow's JazzFest Friday.

Sweet Tooth, Beware!

In keeping with my New Year's Resolutions, I have been doing quite a bit of cooking and baking. And I found that I really love it! I have also found that I can cook (nudge to all of my friends who use to ruthlessly mock what they interpreted to be epic failure in the kitchen). Anyway, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen over the weekend and I wanted to share the recipes I used with y'all.


On Friday night I cooked dinner for myself and the roomies. I saw this recipe for a spicy pork lettuce wrap on a friend's blog and thought it sounded absolutely delicious. Fact: It was! It will definitely be a repeat meal in the house.
Then there was dessert. Let me start by saying that I love cupcakes. Let me finish by saying that I love baking cupcakes.

I found this recipe for Black Bottom Cupcakes online, and boy oh boy are they tasty!

Chocolate cupcakes

Added the cream cheese filling

The finished product.
The presentation is not as great as the taste....A new challenge for next time.

And in the Valentine's Day spirit, I made Red Velvet cupcakes with a delicious cream cheese icing. (And I'm not talking about the cake mix out of the box.) Yummy yummy!

I cut the end off of a Ziploc bag to do the icing.

All of these recipes come highly recommended from a girl who loves food. Let me know if you give any of them a try!

why so serious?

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life's realities." 
-Dr. Seuss

JazzFest Friday

New Orleans JazzFest in April/May will be the first music festival I will ever attend. Needless to say, I am quite excited! To truly show my excitement, every Friday until the festival will be "JazzFest Friday." I'll post a different video/song from some of the artists in the line-up.

This week, I wanted to share Mumford & Sons. I pretty much love them and I cannot wait to see them live! I have heard amazing things (from my friends who introduced me to the group) about their live performance.

Hope you loved it, my dear.

Live Colorfully

Happy Wednesday everyone! I've been seriously loving on all things Kate Spade today (especially this handbag!). I stumbled upon this video and thought it was too cute not to share.

Live colorfully.

Sing it sister

I really love this song.



It is kind of a sad song, but I think a lot of us can relate to what she is singing about. And if you can't relate, then just enjoy Adele's amazing talent.

makes me smile....

"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love."
— Dr. Seuss

skirt-y girl

I am currently obsessed with skirts. Dress it up for a night out, dress it down for a casual day look, and perfect for work. Needless to say, skirts are becoming more and more abundant in my closet. Here are just a few I am gushing over for spring:

Anthropologie, $88

I love the vintage look of this skirt. 

And it is the perfect length to wear to the office!

J Crew $110

Super cute for a day out to lunch with girlfriends.

Club Monaco, via shopbop.com $139

Feminine and flirty, for sure!

Great with flats for day and heels to hit the town.

In the middle of the night

I've been spending a lot of time thinking about songs and the different meanings and memories that they have for people. During my thought process, I decided to think back to the first song that I have a fond memory of. And I came to Billy Joel's "The River of Dreams." My Dad used to play the River of Dreams album all the time--especially in the car. This song was (and always has been) my favorite on that album. Each time it plays on my iPod, the song holds a different meaning pertaining to my life at that very moment. But one thing always remains the same--the memories from my childhood.

Enjoy!

It's Friday Night

And I'm staying warm in the house. In my "lazy clothes." With a glass (or two) of red wine. And there is not a thing I would rather do!

If you love red wine but you're on a budget, you MUST try Zafrika pinotage. I was introduced by a friend, and love it SO much! And since it costs only $4.99 at Trader Joe's, who wouldn't love it!? Next time you're running out to grab a bottle of wine, pick this up. You won't regret it!

Brand New Year

Orlando is where it began. 2011, that is. I rang in the new year with some of my best friends and we had a blast! Not only that, but the first day of the year was spent watching Alabama beat Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl. And for the last two days, the South has been hit with a snow storm which gave me an excuse to lay around, drink hot chocolate, and be lazy. Oh! And what snow day would be right without building a snow man?! A great start to what I hope to be an extremely fulfilling and exciting year.

Which brings me to my goals for 2011. Many people set goals and resolutions on January 1 of each year. I must admit that if I have ever made resolutions, they are generally forgotten by February. I'm hoping, however, that this year I can make it all the way. In an attempt to hold myself accountable I am posting my goals for all to read. Maybe you can help keep me accountable as well :)

Read at least one book each month. (I got this idea from my Dad. He has done this in the past, and I really liked it!)

Go to the gym, work out, and get in shape! And not complain while doing so. (At least 4x a week)

Become better at consistently keeping in touch with friends and family.

Cook or bake something new once every week.

I am hoping that by making a conscious effort to accomplish these goals, they will not only be "those things I did in 2011," but they will become my lifestyle. Only time will tell.