Resolutions

Well, this is the second year in a row I did not document the previous year's resolutions so I can't say whether or not I accomplished any of them. This won't happen again next year, because here they are!

I think these are all totally manageable. And yes, I am ashamed to say it, but I rarely wash my face before bed. I know it's bad, I know Helen is cringing right now, but I am so lazy. I think my health habits have definitely improved this past year (I lost 20 pounds somewhere along the way!) but I'd like to keep up with them a bit better. I have periods that are really awful, and periods that are great. I'd like to be more consistent. 

 

The 5k? That one's probably a pipe dream, since I really don't like running. I recently discovered I can (slowly) jog over a mile without stopping though, which made me feel damn good about myself. I'm gonna try it out, and even if I just prove to myself I can run the 3 or so miles, I'll be satisfied.

 

I think my biggest goal for 2012 is the last one: simplify. I've been getting rid of things left and right lately. I'm trying to focus on the things that I love rather than things I just like.  Quality over quantity. I want more organization and less clutter. I also think this one might be the most difficult for me.

What are your goals for the new year?

Ten Day Challenge: Four Books

Okay, this one is gonna be hard because I love to read and have so many favorite books! Here goes nothing...

 

1. Rebecca - This is hands down my very favorite book ever. My grandmother told me for years and years to read it and I was all "Yeah Grammy, that book is old, it's probably boring." Then I finally read it. It's so, so amazing people. Read it, love it.

 

2. Harry Potter - Yes, all seven. I don't care if that's cheating. If you made me pick, I'd say Prisoner of Azkaban was my favorite, though. Or the first one. That one still gives me chills every time I read it. I can remember what it felt like before all the books came out and you had no idea what was coming next, but you knew it would be magical (pun intended).

3. Catcher in the Rye - Oh Holden. I want to name my son after you but I worry he'll end up troubled. Plus, we'll never be able to afford all those boarding schools. You're the boy all the girls want to "fix."

 

4. Practical Magic - I am an Alice Hoffman fan, mainly because my mother is an Alice Hoffman fan, and also because she is a really spectacular writer. This one is my favorite though. I also love the movie even though it's not really like the book.

That was painful. First, I had so many books I wanted to include, and then I got really strict with myself and couldn't pick just four I liked the best. I tried to pick something somewhat representative of all the genres I like. But I can't help myself:

Honorable Mentions:

Jane Eyre - crazy woman living in attic, hello.
Great Expectations - an old lady who stopped time on her wedding day catches fire, hello.
Shopaholic series - Obviously.
Hunger Games - It pained me to leave this off. I really love them, so much.
Unbroken - Seriously one of the best books I've read in awhile.
Water for Elephants - They made a movie so I felt the need to read the book. The book was great, haven't seen the movie yet.
The Help - Same as above, only the book was far better (still love you though, Emma Stone!).

Okay, I'll stop now, because this is a slippery slope.

2011 Review

Time to round up the past year! I'm just going to choose one post or moment from each month of 2011 that was my favorite, and try not go too crazy here.

January

To this day, this is one of my favorite sets of photos of me.

February

Had a romantic Valentine's Day weekend away in Cape Elizabeth, ME. Also did my first 30 for 30 Challenge this month.

March

My birthday month! I finally managed to get a cake that wasn't a complete disaster. Hoodie + dress = comfy outfit.

April

Boyfriend and I took yet another trip to the Portland area (one of MANY in 2011). We went out to a delicious dinner. I really love this outfit. I should rock it (or variants of it) more often.

May

May. Kind of uneventful, apparently. Tried out a retro look with high waist flares and big sunnies. Of course, I took an amazing trip at the end of the month, but that went into June and so...

June

Savannah! Jamie and I visited Savannah, GA and loved every minute of it. Such a beautiful city. I can't wait to get back there.

July

July, I was too busy being on summer blog hiatus to do much posting. Fourth of July happened. My BFFs birthday happened.

August

I posted twice in August. The dog days of summer got to me, they got to me real good.

September

In September I said I was coming back to blogging with a vengeance! I changed my layout,  I was gonna rock the blogging world! I did not. Maybe next time.

October

I cut my hair! I bought this shirt that I am in love with! I really do love this outfit.

November

It felt like I posted a lot more than I did in November. I started the Ten "Day" Challenge that I made into a Ten Week Challenge.

December

December flew right by in a blur of holiday prepping and general busyness. Now here we are, nearly 2012! A nice, even year. Let's make it a good one!

Ten Day Challenge: Five Foods

Five foods, please. This is a cakewalk.  No food related pun intended. I love food.

 via

1. Pasta - I'm Italian, what can I say? Give me any kind of pasta and I'll gobble it right up. If you have the chance to try homemade, fresh pasta - do it. It will change your life. If you're ever in Portland, ME make reservations at Paciarino. They make the past right there and you can watch through the window!

2. Pizza - Duh, who doesn't like pizza, amiright? Little Italy in Beverly, MA or Fauci's in Lynn, MA are my top picks for local pizza joints.

3. Mac & cheese - Homemade, with Ritz crackers crumbled on top.

4. Steak - I'm a meat and potatoes kind of girl. I like to go out to a fancy place and order a steak. Or sometimes I like to go to a casual place and get steak tips. Or maybe I just have a hankering for a steak and cheese. MEAT: it's what's for dinner. I will never go vegetarian.

5. Brownie sundae - Warm brownie, plus cold vanilla ice cream and all the fixin's on top? Hello, welcome to heaven, population: MY MOUTH.

This list is much more simple foods than I would have thought. I could go even simpler: cheese, bread, water, tomatoes. I could live forever on that.

Collage: Cozy Christmas

Cozy Christmas by sparkleisacolor featuring a cable hat

It's that time of year when I just want to relax and curl up by a fire with a good book and some hot chocolate. Unfortunately it's also that time of year when people are frantic, your house is full of guests, and your to-do list is never ending. I know if I get a quiet moment to myself, I'll be wearing something like this to enjoy it. Even if that quiet moment ends up being at Starbucks instead of at home.

all the leaves are brown

Hey. Remember me? I've been crazy-busy, hence the absence. Other than my Friday Challenge posts. I'm hoping things will calm down slightly after the holidays. Or that I'll at least feel more calmed down after some time off. Work is absolutely killing me right now and it's torture being there all day, so by the time I get home I don't have much motivation for anything else.

I've also been trying to make plans for My Future that will hopefully allow me to leave that horrid place, getting ready for Christmas, and being a good friend and going out and being social. I've also been doing a MAJOR purge of my belongings. I'm trying to set myself up to start the new year nice and fresh and clean. What's new with you guys? Excited for the holidays!?

Sweater: H&M
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Converse
Shades: Forever 21

Ten Day Challenge: Six Places

Sorry for the radio silence over here. Life has been pretty hectic and it doesn't really show any signs of slowing down anytime soon. Hopefully I'll get back on track with regular posting soon, but until then you'll always have these weekly posts to read! At least for a few more weeks until I am done. ;)

Today we have six places. Let's dig right in, shall we?

1. The beach. I'm a huge beach bum. I'm kind of selective about my beaches though. They have to meet my moderate-to-high standards.

2. My bed. It's where I get to sleep. Occasionally I read, eat and watch TV there as well.

3. Cape Cod.

4. Savannah, GA. I visited last spring and it stole my heart.

5. Portland, ME. I can't believe I am even putting this on here since I've never really liked Maine, but I've also never been to Portland and had a bad time. Drinks at Gritty's, pulling the face with Helen & Co., that awesome little Italian place. It's very charming.

6. Home. Even though I live with people who should be committed to a special home.

Ten Day Challenege: Seven Wants

Well this will either be easy or difficult - can I narrow my wants down to just seven? Here it goes...

1. I want to quit my job. It's always been bearable, but lately it's really bringing me down. It's not what I want to be doing and I desperately need a change. I haven't had any luck with any jobs I've applied for (like, not even a call for an interview luck) so I'm feeling pretty discouraged and trapped. Maybe I should just take a leap of faith and quit?

2. Shoes. I always want shoes, they are my weakness. Instead of seeing this as a problem, I prefer to think of myself as a collector. Of shoes.

3. A vacation. Preferably someplace warm and beachy. Or Disney World.

 How many times can I use this picture? Many. Many times.

4. The ability to be thin and healthy while sitting on my couch and eating things covered in cheese! And then fried! With ice cream! Dream big.

5. A MacBook. This is on my ultimate wishlist. I have an iMac, but now I'm tired of being chained to my desk. My bed is so much more comfortable than my desk chair. I am justifying this with the fact that I ma applying to grad school and you totally need a laptop for that. I actually plan on spending my coin jar money and my tax returns on this. Plus my very best friend works at Apple and told me I could use her friends and family discount.

6. My own place. I did have an apartment, but no longer. Sometime this spring I should back in my own place and basking in the peace and quiet of it all!

 via

7. Flannel sheets. Yes, I am adding a completely utilitarian item to this list. I'm also cold right now and wish I was wearing a flannel jumpsuit. Mmm flannel.

Collage: Holiday Style, Take One

Holiday 2011_1 by sparkleisacolor featuring golden jewelry

Since I just can't get enough of making collages, I've decided to make some for the holiday season as well. This is the awesome time of year when we all have an event every weekend and an excuse to wear our most sparkly clothes.In my opinion, the clutch makes this outfit. What I wouldn't give to own that beauty! The sweet dress and glitter clutch pop against the black tights and dancin' shoes.

Unless you're me. I am sadly devoid of holiday plans this year (aside from the usual familial get togethers). My company told us we were too large to fit in one space for a holiday party, so we're getting sweatshirts instead. Yay?

Anyway, if you're one of the lucky ones with places to go and people to see, I'm jealous! Wear something sparkly for me, would ya?

lazy, hazy

Though you can't tell in these pictures due to the sun, I dyed my hair again. It's sort of a dark, reddish-auburn color now. I'm affectionately calling it my "sophisticated Angela Chase" look. I also inadvertently dressed kind of 90s today too. Combat-like boots, patterned dress, chunky knit sweater. Comfy, cozy and easy. Just as good as the Forever Lazy, only so much cuter. Though my outfit doesn't have a butt-flap. Darn.

Sweater: J.Crew
Dress: Forever 21
Socks: H&M
Boots: H&M
Purse: thrifted

Unseasonably Warm

It has been, as the title of this post states, unseasonably warm. I am NOT complaining.  I'll take balmy temps instead of a snowstorm any day. Of course, if this weather continues, it means the majority of the winter sweaters I've bought this year (um, I went a little nuts with sweaters) will go largely unused. This is a sacrifice I am willing to make. I doubt we'll make it through the winter without a few sub-zero days and snowstorms but a girl can dream, right?

Sweater - Target
Dress - Forever 21
Belt - Forever 21
Socks - Uniqlo
Boots - Wanted

Ten Day Challenge: 8 Fears

I forgot to post this on Friday. My bad. Here is my list of Eight Fears! Hope you all had a completely un-fear-filled weekend!

 1. Puking - This is honestly my number one fear. I don't like it. I avoid it at all costs. People may say "How can you avoid puking? What if you get sick?" I just don't. It's all in your minds, people. If you tell yourself you're not gonna throw up, you won't throw up.

2. Killers - Like, duh.

3. Being mauled by farm animals - I got chased by a rogue sheep when I was seven. It was traumatizing.

4. June bugs - I don't know how common these are in other places, but I grew up spending summers on Cape Cod and at night these giant beetles that we called June bugs would come out. They would cling to the screens on the windows and I'd take great enjoyment in flicking them off. They make loud buzzing noises and my grandmother got one caught in her hair when she was a child and that's always been my fear. *shudder*

5. My house burning down - Again, like, duh. When I was little I used to make evacuation plans. My bedroom was on the first floor and I had a giant bin filled with stuffed animals. Fill bin with all stuffed animals and valuables. Drop bin out window. Jump into bin. It was obviously every man for himself, because my plan involved the rest of my family finding their own way out. Sorry, family.

6. Myself or a loved one getting a terrible disease - This would just be the worst. I think we can all agree.

7. Going to space - I would never get on a spaceship. Astronauts puke all the time in space. Plus, what a long and boring flight. The only way I would even go to space would be my choice was "stay on Earth and die, or go to space." Even then I'd only go if we were traveling to an uber-cool space station like Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century

8. Zombie apocalypse - I just started watching The Walking Dead, can you tell? Don't worry guys, I have a survival plan. In involves moving into a Wal-Mart.

Photo 1 via we heart it
Photo 2 via Screen Rant

Christmas 2011: Playlist & Wishlist

Thanksgiving is over, which means, in my world, Christmas is here. I freaking love Christmas. Mom decorates our house to capacity. There is no surface that goes undecorated. There's so many things to eat - gotta make Christmas cookies, and have hot cocoa every day, and Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark...yum. But the best part of Christmas is the music...and the gifts. So behold! My Christmas 2011 Playlist and Wishlist. Give it a listen while you shop and wrap!

Christmas 2011 by sparkleisacolor featuring a leopard pajamas

J Crew tailored shirt, $98
Vintage tunic, $15
P J Salvage leopard pajamas, $54
Hunter black socks, $40
ALDO wedge boots, $150
Leopard print pumps, $100
Marc by Marc Jacobs cross body handbag, $138
MICHAEL Michael Kors genuine leather wallet, $98
J Crew j crew jewelry, $30
Earrings, $34
L'Occitane Milk Shea Soap None 8.8 oz, $10
essie nail polish - midnight cami, $8
Tall Glitter Canister by Jonathan Adler - Seltzer Studios - online..., $125
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens, $104
Triple Cluster Ring - Rings - FUNCTION: Shop All, $105

taking care of business

Hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving and relaxing long weekend! My Thanksgiving was lovely and this weekend I did too much shopping for my own good (though some of it was for Christmas!) and spent time with friends.

By next weekend I should be all finished Christmas shopping! Booyah! I like getting it all done early so I can spend the rest of the month enjoying the holiday season rather than scrambling around for last minute gifts. How do you holiday shop? Do you get it done early, or are you the last minute type?

Shirt: J.Crew
Pants: Gap
Belt: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Shoes: Urban Outfitters
Bag: Coach
Jewelry: all gifted, except
Necklace: Target

Ten Day Challenge: Nine Loves

1. My iPhone. Call me superficial, call me a nerd, call me a tech addict - I don't care. I rely on my beloved iPhone for to-do lists, appointments, photography, networking, distractions, communication, calculations...I couldn't live without it.

2. My puppy. She's not a puppy anymore, but she'll always be my little baby Mia. Look at that face!

3. My friends and family. Duh. Who doesn't love their friends and family? Though mine are pretty spectacular. plus, they seem to like me which is both amazing and awesome.

4. Coffee. I can't live without my coffee. I only need one, in the morning, but if I don't have it all hell breaks loose.

5. Yoga. I may not be going as often as I should be, but I love it. It's the only workout I actually enjoy, and I leave the gym feeling like a million bucks instead of a pile of poo.

6. Sleeping. Oh my gosh, I just love to sleep. There is nothing better than going to bed exhausted and sleeping until you can't sleep no more.

 via we heart it

7. My closet. Though I guess, specifically, the clothes in my closet. I just love getting up every morning and putting together an outfit.

8. Food. I love food. I won't deny it. I love trying a new restaurant, I love having dinner at my grandparent's on Fridays, I love eating pizza from my favorite pizza place. Now I'm hungry.



9. Vacations. Who doesn't?