Tis the season to be jolly... right?

Tis the season to be jolly, stressed, grumpy, drunky, and oh yeah completely on top of everything while attempting to look your best at all times. This is a lot to deal with ladies, here are a few tricks I have picked up over the years.

Rules for makeup and hair
1. keep it simple
2. black eye-liner and red lips work wonders this time of year
3. keep powder, lip balm, and concealer with you at all times
4. dry shampoo and de-frizz products are your best friend
5. wash your hair with dandruff shampoo, you may not think you have a dry scalp but its winter and its cold... everything is dry, just because you cannot see it doesnt mean that it's not there.
6. if you style your hair daily attempt to go a couple of days without washing your hair. You may think it is dirty, but it is most likely just your scalp. throw on some baby powder over night, sleep with a scarf around your hair and wake up oil free. the baby powder will absorb the oil and you will save your hair some pain by keeping the heat off for at least a day
7. do not take long hot showers, it will dry out your skin
8. moisturize right after you get out of the shower when your skin is still wet. the lotion will lock in the moisture that is still on your skin.
9. use eye cream
10. now is the time to use cream blush, it will enhance your natural rosy wintery flush and hey rosy cheeks are cute right?

Rules for clothing
1. light layers
2. if you're like me then your coats are more for fashion and less for function, accessorize with scarves, hats, and gloves. less may be more but more is warmer...
3. if you CANNOT hoof it in heals please DO NOT try. Clomping around is bad for your ankles and hard on everyone else's ears and eyes. flats are super cute and easier to handle in bad weather.
4. step away from the pant hose, shave your legs, throw on some lotion and if you really think you need to wear flesh colored rights under that dress find some that are invisible or buy some Sally Hansen spray on hose. It is basically sunless tanner but it does the job. (TRUST ME)
5. ugly christmas sweaters are for kindergarten teachers, old ladies and ugly christmas sweater parties

Staying happy
1. smile
2. do not feel like you have to accept every invitation
3. buy yourself a little something, you worked hard this year and you deserve it!
4. set a spending limit on gifts and if you are at a complete loss go with old standbys because they work for a reason.
5. I find that the best gifts given are ones that you are tempted to keep for yourself or that you hope someone would give you.
6. work out daily and eat fruits and veggies
7. sleep is your friend, it will keep you from snapping at family members
8. keep the heavy drinking to a minimum. here is a link to healthy and not so naughty christmas cocktails! http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-drinks/best-and-worst-holiday-cocktails
Its time for me to hit the gym and then do some more studying! I will post Christmas decorations this week and look out for a Daily Method post. I have my first day tomorrow!

And remember when all else fails: grab some friends, go ice skating and come back to make cookies, drink coco and watch Christmas movies.

The Aly Way: I'm Back! And I have a big day tomorrow...

My lovely friend Aly has officially graduated!!!! I am so proud of her! She is my blog-spiration!

The Aly Way: I'm Back! And I have a big day tomorrow...: Tomorrow, December 16, 2011, I become a college graduate! It is hard to believe. These past 3.5 years  have literally flown by. Today I turn...

Airports and 5:30 AM wakeup calls

Hello All,
It is wedding weekend in the middle of finals... Trust me I am not complaining, the worst is behind me when it comes to finals. I am finally finished with sustainable energy, journalism, media and society, and french. All I have left is one final on tuesday and a presentation monday morning and then it is sweet freedom!!!
Last night as I repacked for the second time, I was informed that if I was not ready to walk out the door by 6:15 that my parents would be leaving without me. I very intelligently decided to lay out all facets of my ensemble to make the morning a tad less hectic. Here is what I came up with.

My favorite banana republic leopard print camel hair headband

Etienne Aigner black riding boots

H&M grey sweater tunic, so comfy and so warm! Underneath the tunic I wore Hue Leggings, I must say ladies these are super warm and do not pill in the wash! 

Gap bow belt, mine is in black of course, but the picture only showed brown... 

I would say I did a pretty good job for 5:30 in the morning. I find wearing sweatpants to the airport appalling. I think it is a tad rude and very crass unless you are on a red-eye or are heading abroad, but please stash a change of clothes in your carry-on, I beg of you! I have only done it once and I was going to Europe. I was juvenile and let's just say a tad challenged in the fashion department. Juicy Couture sweats were all the rage and I found a knockoff outfit at Express. I thank the lord that my mother did not document that moment of our trip.

I do not know how anyone else feels but I thoroughly enjoy watching people at airports. There are many people who are airport security neophytes or just plain stupid when it comes to traveling. This morning a woman and her husband were walking through the metal detector so slowly that it looked like they were walking backwards. Let's just say that people were less than pleased. I was saddened by the fact that I did not see any children on leashes. I always find that amusing.

Alright, I must be off. It is time to nap before I have to start getting myself ready for this evenings festivities!

Merry Christmas!
~Annie

Words

Lately I find myself wanting to get back into recreational writing. For those of you who are not familiar with this type of writing, I generally define it as any form of personal prose that is not school related. I used to do this all the time in high school, but when I got to college that hobby (like many others) fell to the wayside as school, boys, friends, and cough cough going out got in the way. During Christmas break I will hopefully start this again. I have been told that I am a genuinely good writer, but I find myself full of anxiety when turning in papers and asking people to edit my work. Writing is very personal to me. It truly is an expression of the soul. Sex and the City makes it look so easy. My eventual goal in life is to start my own magazine. It has been a dream of mine for a long time. The written word moves me in many ways. It is where I find a lot of my inspiration. Writing is eternal, it never dies. Classic authors are still around because their work was important and is continuously passed on. There is so much beauty in that because the written word keeps us grounded. We are brought back to our primitive roots. Sure the art form has technically and commercially, but it is still at its core simple and pure in nature. As I was perusing some of my favorite websites I found some great quotes that I thought I would share.

Enjoy the crisp, sunny day! 

Affectionately,

Annie

Elizabeth and James and The Row

Hello All,
Just a quick post today before I get back to the grind to prepare for a presentation.
Two of my favorite celebrity fashion lines are Elizabeth and James and The Row. Both lines are designed by the Olsen Twins. I grew up with these ladies, I wanted to be them in every possible way. When Mary-Kate dealt with her eating disorder, I wished for her quick recovery. Watching both girls deal with this humanized them and made them relatable rather than aspirational.
Here are a few of my favorite pieces from each line's most recent collection. The style is young, beautiful, and very simple. The bits of flashy details do not feel like ornamentation but rather an organic part of the garments.

First we have Elizabeth and James

And now for The Row- they did the entire 2012 resort collection in different shades and textures of white!

Gorgeous right?! I cannot get enough of either collection!!

Enjoy the snow flurries today, they are making everything sparkle!

Affectionately,
Annie

Dressing for a Winter Wedding

Sorry it has been a while, Thanksgiving break was great and incredibly busy! I recently found out that due to a miracle I will be able to attend my cousin's wedding this December. I am having the hardest time figuring out what to wear. I have never been to a winter wedding before. I also think that children have it easier seeing as they do not have nearly as many choices and issues that go along with those choices. For the wedding itself I have decided on this black sheath from Ann Taylor Loft with festive tights and black pumps. 

I plan on wearing my kelley green coat over the ensemble to complete the look for the ceremony. Jewelry will be minimal, crystal stud earrings and my trademark Juicy Couture watch. I am at a loss for what to wear to the reception. It is in the evening and I am not a satin girl. That fabric even with the best of Spanx shows every nook and cranny that one does not want seen. There is a reason why only models and a few slender friends of mine can get away with it. 

Here are a few options I plan to try on friday when my mom and I go shopping. Opinions are welcome!

I would like to stay away from black if at all possible, but it always seems like the most viable option. 

Sadly it is back to the salt mines of education, enjoy your week!

Affectionately,

Annie

Friday friday friday

By the title of this post, you are probably thinking that I have HUGE weekend plans right? Well you are sadly mistaken. I plan on spending the weekend catching up on things. This is the first Thanksgiving in a long time that my family is not going out of town. We tend to head to Youngstown Ohio to visit my dad's family. As sad as I am to be missing the cousins, aunts, uncles, etc... I plan on actually having a real break for the first time in a long time. Hence why I plan on cleaning, studying, and hitting the gym everyday. Sunday afternoon is my reward for all of this hard work. I am finally getting a haircut (much needed), I will upload a picture sometime on Monday.

On another note, today is the anniversary of my mom's mom's death. She died 36 years ago when my mom was only 19. I never met her which is why I do not call her grandma, for some reason it sounds weird to give someone an affectionate nickname when you never met them. Ever since I became aware of the actual day that she died, it has always been a bit weird. I end up in a melancholy, emotional, I need to be with one person or just on my own for the day kind of state. I wish so much that I would have had the chance to meet her. I ask my mom about her all the time. I should have asked my Aunt Dodo (her youngest sister) before she died 3 years ago, but I never thought to do such a thing. I carry so much of a woman that I never met, she is very much a part of me. I have her eyes, her hands, her smile, her love of cooking and baking, and her love of shoes (somehow that is an inherited quality). I am also her namesake. Her name was Anita but everybody called her Annie. My given name is Anne, but few people call me that because if you ask my friends, my personality is very far from an Anne. I find myself missing a woman who is so much a part of my person without knowing who she is. I remember how I personally felt triumphant when I hit my 20th birthday and my mom was still alive. It sounds stupid, but ever since I was a kid the age of 20 was a big deal because I was acutely aware of how old my own mother was when she lost her. I look at my mother and see so much strength in her because she has lived a life of grace, poise, courage, drive, desire, love, and so much more. She had everything against her yet she still made a life for herself that is full in every way. At 21 my mother was an orphan. I hold my relationship with her so close to my heart because I do not know what I would do if I lost her. Our relationship is strong and has always been. I cannot remember a time when I felt like I could not go to her for something. Sure we fight, but I cannot go to bed upset with her. Even if nothing is resolved I always make a point to say 'I love you'. I will call her back if I do not think she said it. I am like this with my whole family. I fear losing the people who are close to me because that amount of pain scares me. To my mother, so much of me is because of you. To my mom's mom, you are missed by those who never had the pleasure of meeting you and even more by those you left behind. You are loved and you are beloved. I carry you with me everyday, but today especially.

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather!
Affectionately,
Annie

Food for thought

It is a two post kind of day, mainly because one post was planned and the other fell upon me. Late last night I received a text message from JBird (the cutie in the previous post), I half read it in my groggy state of mind and decided to shove my phone back under my pillow (yes I am that girl) and drift off to dream land. On my way to french lab, I finally responded. Here is what her text said, "Can you ever not fathom that you'll find that all-consuming unconditional love so many speak of?" At first my response was typical and cynical. I tend to think that if we say it, it won't happen. Our conversation continued and the more I thought about it, the more I questioned the possibility of a love like that even existing in today's world. It was a journey from cynicism to skepticism (moving up the ladder). This was my final response, "I think all consuming love sounds like a movie or a book, like Jane Eyre or Atonement. I think it's possible, but I do not think it's realistic." 

I know plenty of people who have fallen in love (JBird included) and all of those "loves" are so uniquely different yet somehow innately similar. I find myself still contemplating this very large and all-consuming question. I want to believe that it is out there, I want to believe that romantic comedy, Audrey Hepburn, Hollywood, and storybook endings exist in real life, but does that take the magic out of the industries that through the written and spoken word can make such things happen? 

It is time to get back to the grind of my homework and procrastinating of course! 

Affectionately,

Annie

Simple Things

It is finally starting to get cold!! I cannot tell you how happy this makes me. As I was walking back from an excruciating run at the gym I received a text message from one of my best friends. 

Isn't she just gorgeous?! I would have used a picture of the two of us but I couldn't find one. The text read, pretty city scape. This is the picture that accompanied it. 

It was just what I needed to see after my run. I responded with how stunning the photo was and she sent me this little ditty. "Few things in life are cooler than seeing the pitch black city scape in your rearview mirror as you drive towards the sun setting... It's like the twilight is engulfing you in a hug as you move west." She is quite profound! 

Enjoy the quietness of the night, I know I will! 

Affectionately, 

Annie

Winter is Upon Us!

Hello! I hope everyone had a lovely weekend and did not suffer from a case of the "mondays"! It is official, winter is coming. There are definite pros and cons to these frosty days.
I like to end on positive notes so here come the cons.
- dry skin
- dry hair
- slushy/ dirty snow
- lack of motivation to go to the gym
- over-crowded malls
- people without christmas spirit
There are a few things on that list that can be fixed. The first is dry skin. Ladies the winter is harsh on skin. Moisturize with anything you can get your hands on. I prefer the Vaseline body lotion with shea butter. It works wonders and smells great. For delicate areas like hands and feet I slather on aquafor. Once a week I will wear crummy socks to bed and slather my feet in aquafor. For the face, my dermatologist recommends neutrogena daily facial moisturizer for sensitive skin. It comes with an spf of 15 and lasts all day. The next con to be fixed is dry hair. I love my flat iron and it's usage grows in the winter. I use aveda smooth infusion to protect my hair from heat damage. At night I use L'Oreal EverStrong overnight hair repair treatment. This product is only to be used on dry hair, but going to sleep with wet hair in the winter is asking for an instant cold. The next item that can be fixed is the lack of motivation for the gym. Just think of how you will look compared to someone who did not work out, you will be less bloated, you will feel better and your skin will glow. Also, we are seen more often by people we want to look good in front of during the holidays... that should be motivation enough. The final thing on the con list that can be remedied is people without Christmas spirit. All you have to do is give a smile and be polite to everyone around you. Remember the holidays are stressful for everyone and a smile can brighten someone's day!

On to the pros!
- christmas music
- family gatherings
- christmas decorations
- thanksgiving pies
- christmas eve mass
- snow
- snow boots and winter coats!
- seeing santa at the mall
- the salvation army santas
This list could go on forever because there are so many amazing reasons to be happy during this time of the year!
I love this time of the year, everything just sparkles and even though its cloudy and gray there is something nostalgic and calming about it. Finals end on the 21st this year which sucks, my usual routine is to avoid anything Christmas or holiday related until all my school work is complete. Because they are so late that will not be happening this year. I am slowly starting to think about what I want from Santa (mom and dad) and I cannot get inspired. When I was a kid, my list could be pages long and now I prefer to be surprised. Anyone have any ideas?

Happy Tuesday! I promise to be better this week!
Affectionately,
Annie

A few little updates

Sorry I have been a way for a few days, it has been quite busy. I am currently house sitting for my parents on top of my brother being in town, my best friend Caroline who missed school for 4 weeks with a one week hospital stay is finally out and about, and on top of that school is nutty busy.

Here is a picture of Peter a.k.a the bro and I in our old condo in Colorado, and his current FB profile picture. I love my bro, he is one of those people who knows how to make their dreams come true without being selfish like many are in that process. He is currently working for a music booking agency as an assistant agent in NYC, I love when he comes home because it is rare. I wont see him again until Christmas.

Lady Like by Essie

School is just plain busy, I am overwhelmed with a project in every class but 2 along with papers and trying to keep up my running regimen. Basically I do not have a life right now. My spare time has been full of pondering Thanksgiving recipes and trying not to over-schedule my life. I have needed a haircut for about a month and my eyebrows until yesterday were nearing those of bushmen (thankfully I have baby blond hair that grows in there). We all have stylists and other people who are cosmetically important to us. Joy is my eyebrow woman and facialist. She is a genius!! She works at the Solace Spa at Wellbridge in Clayton. The spa is open to the public and amazing. I highly recommend it. While I was there I decided to spend the rest of my gift certificate on products and charge the brow job because guess which one was cheaper? I am a nail polish junkie, I truly believe that you cannot have too many colors. I hate not being able to touch up my nails after a manicure so most of the time I will buy the color. Yesterday I had a bit too much fun and bought 3 new colors. Enjoy your Sunday, it is time for this nail polish junkie to be productive!

Lady Like 

OPI Road House Blue with Essie Carnival on my ring finger

Essie Carnival

OPI Road House Blues

The Simple Things

I am currently house sitting for my lovely parents because someone had to watch our beloved yellow lab Lily or Munchkin as I like to call her. My mom texted me and asked if I would take the pooch for a walk after class. I have never been one to enjoy doing this on my own. I always found walking alone to be boring or too thought inducing. Yesterday I walked the lovely lady for an hour and found myself at such peace when we returned home. I do not know whether my high from running two miles before was kicking in or what, but I cannot explain the amount of bliss I felt. I did the same thing today and felt the same amount of joy. There is something about being outside hearing the leaves crunch underneath my feet and watching my dog prance through neighborhoods with a wagging tail that is somehow enlightening. I consider my dogs to be almost as emotionally mature as most humans. My black lab passed away this past May and the house will forever be a tad somber. The first night we brought her home when I was 7, I decided to lay down on the floor with my blankie on my back. Agnus promptly came over and curled up into a ball on top of my back. I knew in that moment that she felt at home with us. This dog would sleep with my brother and I when we were kids. Like me, Agnus was scared of storms to the point where she would lay under our feet while we sat on the couch. If she was sleeping in one of our beds her head would be right there on the pillow seeking the same comfort from me that I sought from her. It was the same way if I was home sick from school or if someone was sad. Dogs have this innate ability to sense emotions good and bad. Lily does the same thing, she has always been a very lovey dovey puppy. Agnus was a bit more independent, Lily latched on to her and I like to think that she truly learned from the best. I still tell my mom that coming home to two wagging tails is something I will never stop missing because even on the worst days, my no longer plural pets make me feel so much better. I have read plenty of articles about how dogs relieve stress, dog owners are statistically healthier than non dog owners, and walking your dog daily has proven mental and obviously physical health benefits. As was approached the house at the end of our walk today the sun finished setting and the night quickly grew quiet. It was beautiful and the perfect way to end a day that started chaotically. 

Here are a few pictures of my babies and my dear Agnus up in doggie heaven, we miss and love you more than you will ever know! 

Affectionately,

Annie

A little pet peeve

Hello again!
As I was perusing through the blogs I follow I stumbled upon an article on FitPerez and was quite unnerved by it. Most people who know me are very aware that it takes a lot of offend me. There is a company (clearly owned by a man) that is known as an Aphrodisiac Ice Cream Truck. I promise not to be on my Norma Rae soap box for too long. Let's get a few things straight, ice cream trucks are followed by hoards of children during the summer months. They are enjoyed by adults but more often than not children and teenagers are their main consumer targets. I am all for celebrating the female form, but I do not want any of my little cousins or the children I babysit to see the image below when they innocently go up to an ice cream truck. It is appalling that anyone would think to do this. I am not a feminist, I am all for women's rights but there comes a point where society itself stops adapting to change because the issues of the generation have changed. This makes me upset, Las Vegas and Atlantic City are not places for children so why should their entertainment be driven through suburban america by an ice cream truck?

What are your thoughts on this?

My First OOTD!

I have been away for a few days, it was a crazy weekend. I spent thursday and friday at Busch Stadium cheering on my beloved Cardinals and proposing marriage to the one and only David Freese! Then of course on saturday and sunday I was forced to play catch up with school and real life. I was supposed to spend some portion of the week focusing on school, I chose to spend my free time in the gym (sorry mom, but I did get my homework done!).
First thing is first!

How cute is this boy? I mean he is just the whole package! I have begun saving newspapers, he is officially my new home team crush!
I have rambled enough about the adorable boy, on to my OOTD!
I usually dress up for class, today I added a little sass to my ensemble.

Bag- $7 on sale at Target!

Dark Always Skinny Jeans from Gap, forest green (like the crayon) v-neck from JCrew, plaid scarf (also from JCrew) and rose gold Tahari Flats with a rose gold medallion from DSW

It was 75 degrees today, but a tad windy so I added an elbow sleeve length mini trench from Gap, I tied the belt in the back so that my outfit could be seen.

I decided to do a messy bun with a bow headband to keep my hair intact on this windy day. All in all it was comfortable, chic (in my opinion), and a nice change from my usual layering.

I hope everyone had a lovely tuesday!!!

Affectionately,
Annie

Being Health Conscious May be Hard but It Does not have to be BLAND

Good Afternoon friends!
Last weekend was fall break and I spent the weekend traipsing around Chicago with a friend of mine. I run and do strength training daily. For the first time in two months, I gave myself a break. My exercise consisted of walking around the city and I (gasp!) ate dessert and carbs other than cereal or a wrap. As I was driving home I realized how upset I was for giving myself this break. I bought a pair of jeans that were a size 6 and they actually fit. This is a first for me, I have never had a period in my life where I was consistently a single digit size. I monitor what I eat, when I eat, what I drink, and on average can gage how many calories I ingest. Moral of that story: I have basically become a control freak with food and exercise, but what I have LEARNED through this is: you can enjoy healthy food because guess what?! It actually tastes good when done right.

For breakfast:
 I eat fiber rich cereal with almond milk and fruit. Usually a cup (or 3) of coffee is included in this. Eggs and egg-whites make me feel gross all day when I eat them so I usually stay away. If you are someone who must have waffles I suggest a whole wheat option with real maple syrup. (If real maple syrup does not have the desired sweetness, use it but put a little bit of vanilla and almond extract in raw batter)

For lunch:
Lunch is a meal that I skip very easily because of class. If I am in a bind, but need some nutrients I throw a cliff mojo bar in my bag. They have less calories and aren't as "chunky" as the original cliff bars. Today I tried something new for lunch: a whole wheat bagel flat (toasted) with baby bell light swiss cheese, mustard, spinach, oven roasted turkey, and heirloom tomatoes. This was delicious and nutritious! Full of fiber, low in fat, and full of protein pretty much the perfect combination for a middle of the day meal. Usually I eat a multi-grain wrap with turkey, mustard, spinach, mozzarella cheese, and oven roasted turkey. Pretty much the same combination as the bagel flat, and just as tasty!!

For dinner:
If you're in college, you know that dinner is difficult because 1. its rare that its at a "good time" 2. it usually needs to be quick and easy 3. getting a full 4 squares is just plain hard 4. eating poorly is easier
Well if I am in a time crunch, I usually eat a frozen meal from Trader Joes or a Healthy Choice steamer and a quick salad of spinach and tomatoes with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. When in a time crunch, but still want to cook I use my trusty George Foreman Grill and make a chicken breast and steam broccoli in the microwave (this is what I do most nights). If I actually have the time to cook I make stir fry with veggies, brown jasmine rice, and chicken, whole wheat pasta with pesto, chicken, and a salad, or I take whatever is in my kitchen and play top chef.

A few staples that I keep in my apartment at all times are:
1. seasonal fruit
2. cliff mojo bars
3. egg beaters
4. veggies
5. the most bland popcorn you can buy (doctor it up with some truvia and cinnamon)
6. hummus
7. veggie turkey burgers from Morning Star
8. peanut butter
9. cereal (great for snacks and dinner if you are really lazy)
10. La Croix sparkling water (drinking water curbs hunger and this stuff has ZERO calories)

This is a long winded post, but I hope it helps! If you truly want to lose weight and keep it off you need to train your body and your brain. I never thought whole wheat pasta and quinoia were good until I learned to like it by learning how to spice it up.

Just remember that it takes effort, but not necessarily a lot of time. Specific grocery lists and a little research also help.

Affectionately,
Annie

HelloGiggles

Clearly I am trying to get back in the game with blogging. I promise that this will be my last post today! My latest obsession and by obsession I mean complete and utter addiction/ devotion. HelloGiggles is a site that is entirely geared towards females. It was started by Sophia Rossi, a former producer of theHills (one of my favorite shows, LOVE LC!), Molly aka Molls McAleer, a writer on the new hit show 2 Broke Girls (so funny and clever!), and Zoey Deschanel, a woman with music and credentials a mile long. The only thing they do not cover is gossip. There are even tween contributors for the site. I end my day perusing the new posts. The men and women who write for the site are genuine people with wit and heart. You can tell that they care about the people reading their site. Everything from music to twitter and back again is covered. I just love love love it! I hope everyone checks it out. Here are a few links to some of my favorite posts.

http://hellogiggles.com/how-to-portray-girls-in-good-ways-on-tv
http://hellogiggles.com/you-got-yo-nails-did
http://hellogiggles.com/category/rants/page/7
http://hellogiggles.com/category/social-studies/page/6

Enjoy!!

and for the last time today...
Affectionately,
Annie

Who do you want to become?

I have noticed that the websites I love are sites I can relate too. Born and raised in St Louis, but as of late I feel as if things are missing. I find myself bored in my hometown because I am slowly outgrowing it. I never thought this would happen. The idea of leaving used to scare me. Now I find myself dreaming of the possibilities because though daunting they seem attainable. I was that kid who changed their mind on who they wanted to become when they "grow up" on a weekly basis. I wanted to be Barbie in the sense that she was every woman of every relatively affluent lifestyle. She was a doctor, lawyer, nanny, scientist, astronaut, mom, horse trainer, fast food worker, athlete and so much more. Yes there are many problems with this, one being that Barbie is not a realistic and necessarily good role model, but the main problem that sticks out is: Who was the real woman behind this doll? I find myself wandering why she was so many things without so much as an education. It sounds weird to spend so much time thinking about this, but most realities start with a dream and a chance. Well what if all we want is to be 'more'? More than the girl who could be anything but settled for a comfortable lifestyle. More than the woman sitting on a stationary bike when all she wants to do is run marathons. More than the doll in the box who changes her profession based on her outfit. Well I want more than my past hardships to define me. I want to expand my horizons because for the first time in a long time I feel like I can and I know if I do not try I will not achieve or succeed in the ways I want to. I look at my older brother who was going to move to New York with a dream, a chance, and no place to stay. A week before he moved he got "the call" and ended up getting a job that most people dream of. I wish I had that innate ability to just know, but right now the unknown is what's constantly pushing me towards wanting more. So I ask you, what are your dreams? Do you believe they can come true?

New School Year, New Blog

Hello, hello!


I am excited to get back into the blogging world. I was out for a while and decided to start a new blog. This will hopefully be something that I can keep up with. I follow quite a few and I decided that my old blog just was not what I wanted. I am excited about this new venture. 


Time to get on with my day, I have a pile of homework, a bunch of errands and a workout awaiting me!


Clearly this was a small post, but I promise there will be more soon! 


Affectionately,
Annie