Oh heyyy blog...

I didn't forget about you! But now that summer is here I should be a better blogger. :) Anyways, the reason I posted today is because I saw this AHDORABLE video on Sydney's blog. I think everyone reads her blog, but in case you don't, here is the amazing video!


I could only dream that someone would do this for me one day!

Find Your Style Adjective

It's come to my attention that there are a lot of girls who think they can't wear certain items of fashion. I have a friend who thinks she can't wear patterns. She thinks they just aren't her thing. She feels her style is simple and elegant, and that most patterns just don't fall into that category.
And throughout my life, while shopping with friends I've heard the following too many times:

Friend: Oh my goodness, this top is cute!!!
Me: Try it on!
Friend: Nah, it's not my style.
Me: ?!?

I do not believe in something being "not my style." I like lots of different styles, and I can't imagine just sticking to one. I've been thinking about this and I think my ideas also show on the outside, because other people often say to me "Well I don't think I could wear this, but I can totally see you pulling it off!"
That's very sweet of them although I think they're crazy, because we can all pull it off, trust me!
The reason people think I can "pull something off" is because I act like I can. I'm not saying I'm fake or that I'm snobby, but I never think "Oh this isn't really me." I think "I'm going to make this me."

This is starting to get confusing, but stick with me!
Now, I'm not saying that we shouldn't have a style of our own, a signature look, because that is important! Someone should be able to say "Oh your style is very elegant" or "You have a very sassy style" etc... But sassy could cover a lot of styles. Example: There are sassy elements of city chic, of edgy style, of bohemian, and of preppy style. Why not dress a different style everyday, but keep a cohesive theme of doing the style with a sassy flare?
Do you see what I mean? Have a signature, but explore many styles!

For a quick example I whipped these up:

They're not the best examples but can you see how it's likely that 2 different people would wear each group? But there's still something cohesive about it all.

Also, I don't mean to go ahead and wear that ill-fitting dress that makes you look pregnant simply because you think it's cute. I want you to dress to flatter your body. But sometimes, I do wear that dress that makes me look pregnant, because I think it's cute anyways. That was contradictory, wasn't it? Welcome to my thought process! Don't say no to that Dolman sleeved top because it gives you no shape, maybe you are attracted to it because it looks comfortable, and maybe you want to give off the idea that you are laid-back and casual. Decide what your style adjective should be and run with it! Yes, it's not good to wear ill-fitting clothes, taboo even. And you may think "I can't wear that cheetah print scarf! That's going against my style" (a taboo action according to you). But I would take that gorgeous cheetah scarf and wrap it around you and say "Wear it anyways!"

The most important part is having the right mindset. I think I can wear anything I want, and then I wear it. I make it me.
I think most of us need to try and branch out more, reinvent ourselves even! Figure out whether your adjective is sassy, casual, edgy, classy, etc... And work it!

Peach and mint

Remember way back when I did this post on a wedding color idea? Well it was pretty much just an on-the-whim idea. I was pretty sure I wouldn't like it the next week. But I still love that idea, with a twist: instead of fresh green, make it minty. And since then, it's sort of become a more popular color scheme, so there are better examples than my own.















I'm not the sort of girl who has dreamed about her wedding since she was 7 and had it all planned out. And when I tell people that, I think it surprises them. Especially if you know me, I think it would be surprising. I know exactly what sort of ring I'd want ;) But that's jewelry, it's easy to have a good idea of what you'd want. But I don't really have any ideas for everything else. I figure I probably have a good bit of time before I'll ever need to think about that, so why go planning? When the time comes around all my ideas could be out of date and ugly.

But I will tell you, if I got married right now, I'm certain that my colors would be peach and mint. I think they are so gorgeous, like a dream. And your wedding is your dream. Something you dream about for years, to someone you've dreamt of your whole life. Why shouldn't your wedding look like a dream too?

Bless the Pack Family

Have you heard of the Pack Family? They are a sweet family who had a terrible horrible tragedy happen to them on Christmas Eve. They were driving home from their family's house when an oncoming car jumped the median and hit them straight on. There was her husband Ryan, Kelly, their son Finn and their other son Colum. All survived except their youngest son Colum. My sister told me about this dear family weeks ago and I was crying 3 seconds after she began telling me their story. Forgetfulness has kept me from reading Kelly's blog, until tonight. I read her 10-part post on the accident and the events afterwards. She is very honest and brings you to tears countless times. When I finished, my heart just felt like it needed to wail as though it had been ripped into a thousand pieces. I can't even begin to imagine what Kelly and her family feels. So many people have come together and held numerous fundraisers for this family and you can even donate to them through Paypal. Please take a moment and read her story, it will change you and make you want to pull those you love close to you.
Pack of Fixations This page contains all 10 parts, just scroll down to the bottom to start with part 1.

Glory

Let us take a moment and swell with joy in the glory that is Ryan Gosling.

Anthropologie is where it's at!

If you know me, you know I love Anthropologie! But sometimes I can't really find things I like there, and other times there's waaay too many things I want!
Well today, there are so many lovely things, let me share:







And maybe it's just me but the following tops remind me of the clothes on Downton Abbey:








By the way, have I ever talked about Downton Abbey? It's an amazing show from Masterpiece!


Here are a few snippets of the fashion from the show:





Their costumes are sooo gorgeous! I would love to have lived in the Edwardian Era!

Blue and Orange

I don't like it when you put two true colors together but these orange and blue colors are a little dusty and burnt, and I think the two colors work well together.

I was in class the other day and there was this girl who was seriously dressed as the essence of my soul. Every single part of her outfit went perfectly with my ideals. And I realized in that moment that I need to try harder with my outfits.
My style has really changed since high school and I miss those days. I put a lot more effort into things back then.
I'm hoping that I will get it together this year so that I can look at myself and feel like I am embodying my own style.

A New Year

Did anyone see the movie New Year's Eve? I did and I really enjoyed it. I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed the story line of Ashton Kutcher and Lea Michele. I just thought they had a fun chemistry together.
But anyway, I liked the hope that the movie had for the new year. And speaking of the new year, that reminds me that some where in my room is a resolution list I made before I left for the Christmas break. Now I just have to find the list...

I have a feeling that a lot of things will change for me in 2012.
I hope I will figure out what to major in. I hope to lose some weight. I hope to commit myself to a good cause. I hope to become a generally healthier person. I hope to become a friendlier person. I hope to get my style back. Etc...

Spending the break at my home in Georgia made me realize how much I love the South. I mean, I've always known that I love it but for some reason, over the break, my love for the South grew 10 times. And if you can remember, I once wrote about how I never thought I would return to live in the South, but after the break I can't imagine not coming back to live. But I really have to figure out what to major in and then perhaps I can figure what path to take and how it might be able to take me to Georgia.

Currently I'm trying to decide between majoring in Family Life (and then try for a master in interior design) or majoring in English Language and go teach people in other countries how to speak English. I'm pretty set on Family Life but that is only because I don't know much about English Language. So I am taking the beginning class at school right now, to see if I like it.
That sounds silly "I don't know much about English Language" and you're probably thinking "How do you not know anything? English is your language!!!" This major is different than studying English to be a high school teacher and teach about Shakespeare and things. This major is about learning how to teach foreigners the English language. And I don't know if I'd be good at that, or if I even like English. I haven't taken an English class in almost 3 years, and I've changed a lot in that time so I don't know if I feel better about English now.

So, I'm taking the beginning class and if I like it then I will continue taking the other introductory course and see how it goes. I'm slightly worried because I think that means I will have to start using correct grammar and punctuation here.
But... I won't I'm a Southern and the rules are what we make them. :)

I was in Church one Sunday a week ago and was talking with an adult who asked what I was studying. I told her what my options were and she said "What are you going to do with those? They're liberal studies that you can't do anything with!" I was a little taken aback but she was sweet about it. I understand where she is coming from. But I was saddened by her comment.
And then an hour later another adult asked me what I was majoring in and I just said "I don't know yet." And what did this blessed woman say? "That's alright! You have time! And even if you pick a major that you don't end up using when you graduate it's okay. Everything will work out!"
Heaven knew that was exactly what I needed to hear at this moment!

Well 2012 will see Anjelica pick her major, even if it is on Dec 31st :)

This is pretty cool

I love stuff like this.

Anyways, lots going on in my life, and by that I mean nothing much is going on in my life. Mostly I'm just thinking about what I want to do with it. I would probably write more, but it's really late at night and I'm tired. So I'll catch you up later.

Am I seeing myself clearly?

I was recently told by two separate people that they think I have an addiction to my computer and/or internet. I was quite taken aback by this both times. I feel like I use it just as everyone else does, at least everyone my age and in the similar situation (student) as me.

I use it for contact- email, facebook
I use it for school- homework, readings, papers
I use it for entertainment- movies, tv shows, music
I use it for a creative outlet- pinterest, blogging
I use it for convenience- shopping, craigslist for furniture, finding new housing
I use it for fun- reading random articles about secret bunkers millionaires have built for end-of-world scenarios, or to read a best-broccoli-ever recipe

This is normal right????
I'm doing exactly what everyone else is doing, aren't I?

Now, the first time I was told this I believe my friend, and roommate, made the comment because I had fixed lunch and fetched my laptop to use while I ate. I sat at the dining table and ate my lunch while I browsed Pinterest and read "news" articles on Yahoo's opening page. Is that bad? (It's similar to reading a newspaper)
She was also eating her lunch at the same time at the same table. And I was not ignoring her, we are besties, we talked while I ate and browsed the web. But she was completely satisfied by sitting there just with her food.

I can sit just with my food too, and especially if I have company. But I really enjoy Pinterest for the inspiration and humor it provides me. And I simply felt like it was a fine thing to do at that moment.

And just tonight, another friend remarked "You're addicted to the internet". She said this to me, while I sat at my computer at the dining table at around midnight or 12:30. Yes that may seem late, but I'm 20 - we live for late nights. It's not unusual.
I did not take offense, but I asked her to elaborate. And she said "Well you're just on it all the time"
And this is true, I am on my computer a lot. Here is an average day: I turn it on in the morning to check my email, I will see if any close friends have declared anything important on facebook, and I will usually browse some news and society articles. Then I decide to shower and get ready. I will use my computer to play music while I get ready. Then throughout the day whenever I am home I may be doing my rounds on my favorite blogs, catching up on yesterday's TV shows, or searching through Pinterest for a gift idea or a new recipe. And as the day gets longer I will continue to check my email, maybe write a blog post if I was inspired by anything that day, and do some studying if need be. And I really like to end my day with a movie, so I put one in my laptop and fall asleep to Little Women perhaps.

Now please insert bathroom breaks and meals and leaving-the-house-events such as school, friends-time, and family-time, or occasional shopping.
Even then, I do spend a lot of time on my computer.

BUT consider this:
I don't have cable TV, so I watch my favorite TV shows the following day on Hulu. SO instead of sitting in front of a TV all day like many Americans, I must take my TV time to my computer.
Instead of using a TV to watch a movie, I play it on my computer because then I don't disturb anyone.
Instead of playing music on a stereo or an Ipod, I simply keep it confined to my computer.
I have also been guilty on a couple occasions of getting e-books on my computer. I LOVE TO READ! And I can't go to the bookstore on a whim, so e-books every once in a while are very convenient for me.
And why stick to the one Good Housekeeping Recipe book we have, when I can find endless recipes online?
Do you understand how I simply take activities that others do in many places, and move them to one place for me? It's happened out of necessity and convenience.

I mean, I love to hold and read a real book. I like taking walks. I like taking naps. I like doing crafts. I really enjoy spending time with others just talking. I love sitting outside at night just starring up at the stars in the sky, while I think to myself and ponder my life and those around me. I enjoy peace and quiet and solitude, And I also enjoy fun and friends and laughter. I don't feel like a person who NEEDS the internet. When I go on vacation I can completely put it all behind me and just enjoy life. Do I sound like I'm addicted?

I'm a college student who owns her room and the things inside of it. It's not like I have a whole home in which to cook many meals a day, and sew things, and crochet, and read at my leisure. I can't garden. I don't have a family to take care of.

Is it bad that I spend my spare time on my computer?
I don't think so...
But hey! You tell me!
I think I would like to try spending a little less time on my computer, not because I need to, but so others will see me do other things.


*Update- I've been thinking about this more, and I think I certainly look addicted when people see me. I do use my computer a lot. But I know that it is not a necessity for me. And as long as I know that I'm not addicted, then that's all that matters because who cares what other people think!

Happy Halloween!

How was your Halloween my dear friends?
Mine was pretty boring. I stayed home, hoping for little ones to magically show up at my door. But alas, they never did. Instead I had some of my best friends show up, it was a delightful treat!
And then later 4 hooligans showed up, threw a piece of candy at me and said "trick or treat!"
Ironic?
I think so.This is the piece of candy the male perpetrator threw at me. I said "Thanks guys" in a very disappointed and dejected tone. Then I closed the door in their face.
I hope they felt bad about their actions. I don't think they meant to be mean, maybe I'm just sensitive. But I think the kid who threw the candy was just a little punk.
But it was simply the strangest interaction. I know a couple people who would have ripped out their finest choice words. Or who would have taken the nearest disposable object and chucked it right back. But, I possess neither of these inherent traits. And sometimes I really wish I did.

Like on the movie You've Got Mail when Shopgirl is telling NY152 how badly she wishes that for once in her life when confronted with a horrible and insensitive person she wishes she could know exactly what she wants to say and SAY IT. She is plagued by always thinking of the perfect thing to say when it is already too late, and the opportunity is gone.
I am also tormented by this disease. Not that I would have gone off on the trick or treaters, but they simply reminded me of a quality I have to work on.

But, as I think of how fantastic it would be to be able to say exactly what I want exactly when I want, I realize that maybe I am alright just the way I am. I am not quick to spit out angry words and gestures. Although sometimes I desperately wish I were because I feel as though it is a blockade for me. I feel as though I can never truly express myself. But every time I think about this subject, in the end I realize I am grateful that I am not quick to breath fire. I would rather be frustrated with expressing my feelings, than feel regret and pain over the things I did and said that hurt others. I simply need to find a good balance for myself. I think I'm getting there, in my everyday life. But I've got to work on those certain situations that just spring up on you :)

So, to you hooligans...Happy Halloween. I hope you had a decent night and I hope you didn't hit others. Please be a little nicer next time.

Let's change things up

So recently I have been thinking about and looking at engagement rings for MANY different reasons, just not a reason for myself. Oh well, that day will come! But I've noticed lately that alternative stones are creeping up in the engagement ring world. I feel like it's really a trend to have something other than a diamond. I think because my peers all want to be unique. And I also know a couple gals who want to stay away from diamonds because of the close connection to conflict diamonds and not wanting to support an industry full of such crime.

Anyways, I simply think this generation is steering towards different options! And especially with the newly married Kate Middleton and her gorgeous blue sapphire ring!
So here are some beautiful alternatives to diamonds:

A pearl ring is timeless and very classy. And I imagine it is one of the more affordable options. I love the look but since it is so round the gem would stick out quite far and you would have to be very careful.

An opal ring is a very unique idea, and being white would make it very appropriate for an engagement ring. I don't know if I would rock this stone, as I tend to associate it with older women, but I have seen a couple young women own the look! But the stone is a very soft stone that easily breaks, so it's better suited for necklaces and earrings.

A black diamond ring is an alternative that I would seriously consider for myself. Yes it is a diamond, but it is just so unique that I had to add it to the list. I think some people would consider a black ring to bring bad luck, but that's hogwash! I can't stand superstitions! It's gorgeous! And it would be a great look for a chick who is kinda hardcore (which I am not, but I like to make statements with fashion).

A morganite is probably my top choice for an alternative stone. This darling of a gem is not very well known but it is simply divine! I love its soft peachy pink hue and it looks banging with yellow gold, and I want my ring to be yellow gold. I know, I'm strange. Nobody these days wants yellow gold.

A ruby is a hot stone! People will see it and instantly think you've got loads of money. Not that that is what we are going for... but I'm just saying. It is very elegant and will cause many onlookers to swoon.

Did you guys have a favorite? Or any other suggestions? I really want to hear!
I just love jewelry so much...

Let loose

I've recently felt the urge to just do something crazy. Let me define that. Not mentally insane, but something that I wouldn't normally do. Something that other people would hear about and say "WHOA! You did what?!? That's awesome!". Something that just feels like I'm letting my inhibitions go and feel free. Something that makes my blood pump and my stomach feel like it's falling out of my butt.