Decking the Halls

Finals are over! Christmas is here! I'm thrilled. I love everything about this time of year - the crowded malls, the bursts of red and green glitter and lights everywhere, the scents of peppermint and gingerbread, the air cold with the promise of snow, and the feeling that everyone wants to be a little bit better, this time of year. A little cheerier, a little kinder, a little warmer.

I was super excited to decorate the tree this year, since last year I was so sick with mono I could barely take part in any yuletide festivities before I'd need to go lie down for a nap. But this year I insisted on watching Elf and eating Christmas cookies while we trimmed the tree (just me and my parents, as my brother currently lives in New York).

My Christmas tree has a definite theme - New York Giants ornaments for my dad, ballet ornaments for me, and lots of Disney ornaments, since my whole family loves Disney! Of course, we all have our favorites, like the Pinocchio ornament from one of our trips to Disney (my mom adores Pinocchio!) and the Power Rangers ornament that's been on our tree since my brother way a toddler.

Also, this skirt. Can I just talk about how I've been looking for a nice plaid skirt since August? I wanted something I could style through the fall and winter, something without pleats so I didn't look like a schoolgirl, and something in a more muted color so I didn't look like I was trying to revive the red plaid, Avril Lavigne-esque look of the early 2000s. Then I found this gem at Forever 21, took the plunge, brought it to the register, and found out it was on sale for $13. Crazy, right? I've already planned so many outfits with it in my head, and I love this wintery look (even though today I had to add tights for warmth!).

Are you super excited for the holidays, like I am?

Happy Birthday, Miss Swift!

This is a picture of me headed to my second Taylor Swift concert - only 16 years old here!

I remember when I was in middle school, headed to my first Taylor Swift concert. I was wearing a sundress, cowgirl boots and, of course, I had painted a 13 on the back of my hand. Every true Taylor Swift fan knows, of course, that 13 is her lucky number! Today, on her birthday, December 13, I want to celebrate my reentry into the Taylor Swift fandom by wishing the superstar a happy birthday and counting down my top ten favorite Taylor songs (you know, the ones that don't always get music videos or make it to the radio - the underdog songs).

10. Crazier (The Hannah Montana Movie Soundtrack) - Because it was such a pretty, sweet, slow song and I adored the Hannah Montana movie on its own, but throw in my favorite singer making a cameo as herself? I was hooked.

9. Clean (1989) - Because there's nothing quite as difficult or refreshing as getting over your ex, and Taylor proudly celebrates that in this pretty melody.
8. Sparks Fly (Speak Now) - Because when I was a sophomore in high school, my crush had green eyes, and that made this catchy, upbeat song super relatable.
7. I'd Lie (Taylor Swift) - Because this was the first song I'd heard by Taylor and, subsequently, the first song I taught myself to play on the guitar (back when I knew I was going to be the next Taylor Swift).
6. Change (Fearless) - Because it's often forgotten in the wake of her countless hits, but nonetheless inspiring (especially to hear as a middle school girl, which is one of life's most difficult phases).

5. Haunted (Speak Now) - Because there's a version with just piano as the background and it's hauntingly (no pun intended) beautiful.
4. Treacherous (Red) - Because I heard this song when I was on the brink of my first relationship, and nothing captures those early butterflies like this song.
3. Style (1989) - Because it's totally different from her early works, and it's so blatantly written about Harry Styles, and Taylor is unashamed to name a song after her ex, and it's so darn catchy.
2. The Last Time (Red) - I might claim that Red is my least favorite Taylor Swift album, but the few songs I do like really resonate with me. The passion and power in this melancholy song make it truly unforgettable, and Gary Lightbody is truly phenomenal.
1. All Too Well (Red) - One of my favorite songs (of all time!?), this song is soft and sad until it builds to its powerful, aching bridge. This is the poetry that makes me love Taylor Swift, people. These lyrics ("You call me up again just to break me like a promise") are what I'm here for.

Of course, as an artist with a repertoire as enormous as Taylor's (at only 25!), it's impossible to pick just ten favorite songs. Other notable tracks include Long Live (which is probably number 11 on my top 10 list), The Other Side of the Door, Invisible, Last Kiss, Dear John, Wildest Dreams, Mary's Song...you get the idea. I could have a top 20 list and still not name all my favorite songs, especially since my musical choices really depend on my mood. Luckily, there's a Taylor Swift song for every occasion!

Would do you think of her new album? Are you a fan of her former country tunes? Do you love her transformation from country princess to pop queen? Are you thrilled that there's now a Taylor Swift song for just about every genre you could think of? I know I am!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Now that classes are winding down and I have some time to breathe (and maybe even write some more posts! What a concept!), December is going to be the month of "how many overused Christmas lyrics can I recycle into post titles?" I can feel it.

Early in November I caught one of the earliest Christmas commercials on Youtube completely by accident. I was listening to a playlist when suddenly an advertisement came up, and the song was so beautiful I didn't even  realize I was listening to a commercial! Eventually I learned it was the Burberry commercial, "From London With Love," starring the adorable Romeo Beckham. The song accompanies a fantastical winter wonderland filled with stunning ballgowns, beautiful choreography, and of course the classic Burberry scarves. It's such a classy brand with a classy commercial to match, but let me stop talking about Burberry and show you the actual video I'm talking about:

Christmas has unfortunately become a time of commercialism, of course, but a lot of advertisements for merchandise are actually bringing with them a wake-up call about the real values of the holiday season. This iPhone commercial, for instance, always made me tear up when I saw it last year:

How beautiful was that? Am I the only one who gets a little choked up when I watch it? I know a lot of advertising during the holiday season is just directed at getting people to buy products, but it's nice to see a commercial that actually shows the important things about this time of year, like family.

TwentySomething

On Saturday, I turned 20. I celebrated my birthday with my parents, my brother, his girlfriend, and both sets of my grandparents, eating cake and opening gifts. Later at night, I was reunited with my best friend, Joanna, who left for Auburn University in August. I hadn't seen her in nearly four months, and it was wonderful to catch up with her and Catherine, another of my closest friends who I don't hang out with nearly enough.

Two of my best friends from high school, Joanna (middle) and Cat

Being twenty years old feels so much different than being 19! Last year, I was struggling to adjust to college life and was showing the early symptoms of what would turn out to be mono, so turning 19 years old wasn't the most pressing matter on my mind. This year, though, I'm hyperaware of the fact that I'm not a teenager anymore, that I am a real-life adult. But even though it scares me a little to lose that safety net, I'm extremely comfortable about where I am in life and eager to accept whatever challenges come my way this year!

I've comprised a list entitled "20 Before 21," which includes 20 different things I'd like to accomplish before I turn 21. I'm so excited to start crossing things off the list! Some of my goals are just for fun or things I wouldn't do if I didn't give myself a deadline (for instance, I've been meaning to read Paradise Lost for years and just haven't gotten around to it), but some of them involve finding a job or internship, things that will prepare me for the "real world" that will inevitably arrive after college.

Excitingly, I'll be able to cross something off my list - write for CollegeFashion.net! I've read the articles on this website religiously since I was a freshman in high school, and I was honored that they accepted my application and offered me a position as a contributing writer next semester! So far my 20 Before 21 is off to a good start, I'm still enjoying my birthday chocolate-covered strawberries, and 20 in general seems like it's going to be a good year.

Wish List

It is autumn, the excitement of the holidays is in the air, and my twentieth birthday is fast approaching. Fast approaching. As in, before I even know it I’ll be heading home for the weekend to reunite with my hometown friends and celebrate with my family. Unfortunately I’ve been so busy lately I haven’t even had time to think of what I want for my birthday! That being said, below I’ve comprised the ultimate wish list of birthday gift ideas – even if some items on the list are a little unrealistic. Hey, a girl can dream.

photo source; minneonkamoccasin.com

Elizabeth from my favorite blog, Delightfully Tacky, rocks her Minnetonka moccasins in all seasons and can make them work with virtually every outfit. She's got me craving my own pair of Minnetonka Thunderbirds. Moccasins seem to be that perfect transition shoe, because I don't think I own anything between sandals and boots.

photo source; alexandani.com

I'm very in love with my Alex and Ani compass bangle, which I bought on a sort of impulse over the summer but has definitely inspired me to start focusing on my direction in life. Not surprisingly, now that I have one of these bangles, I want more! I'm a little superstitious, so I like jewelry that feels like it has a meaning behind it. While there are lots of beautiful bangles to choose from, I think the Alex and Ani Nautical Charm bangle will remind me of my recently-found love of the beach and also remind me to stay grounded.

photo source; nordstrom.com

Just for the record, I own way too many (3) pairs of brown/tan boots. Cognac is sort of my signature shoe color, and it's taking over my closet. That said, I've never met a Steve Madden creation I didn't like, and these stacked-heel suede booties caught my eye immediately. Aren't they adorable?

photo source, amazon.com

As an English major and a lover of literature, I'm particularly fascinated in the Lost Generation, the American expatriates who made their home in Paris and lamented the disillusionment felt by the era's youth. As you can imagine, when I found this book, I was thrilled. Americans in Paris: A Literary Anthology contains the writings of not just my favorite writers, but Americans from Thomas Jefferson to Jack Kerouac and countless others in between as they describe their Parisian adventures. 

photo source, amazon.com 

Okay, no, I don't yet have the courage to use a camera tripod in public. I still get pretty embarrassed when people see my friend taking pictures of me for my "fashion" posts. But it would be pretty great to be able to take outfit pictures whenever I want, without needing to drag my roommate outside with me. Plus I'd get more use out of the great Nikon camera I got for Christmas last year. 

photo source; Nordstrom.com

Every girl needs a little black dress, and this one from Nordstrom seems to be ideal. It's not too short, tight, or low-cut, but it has a flattering v-neck and cinched waist. Plus, the sleeves are a fun length, and this looks like it can easily be dressed up or down for any occasion.

photo source; tiffany.com

Has anyone seen the beautiful holiday advertisement on the Tiffany website? It's adorable. I've been a Tiffany girl ever since I first caught a glimpse of the brand's iconic blue box, and while I'm personally holding out for a Tiffany engagement ring, these initial necklaces are gorgeous. It's my fantasy wish list, so I can throw a piece of Tiffany jewelry on here, can't I? If you're buying into the materialistic, commercial side of the holiday season, nothing shines as brightly as Tiffany & Co. in New York City during Christmastime. 

My birthday will be here (November 22!) before I know it, but Christmas won't be far behind! What's on your wishlist as the holiday season approaches? 

Book Club: The God of Small Things

"Never again will a single story be told

as though it's the only one."

- John Berger

My Cultures and Canons class has been one of my favorite literature classes so far in college, partially because its purpose is to stray away from the typical Eurocentric literary canon (which includes Shakespeare, Dickens, authors we’ve all read before) and focus on mostly postcolonial novels. I just finished reading The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy for this class, and it was one of the most unique, captivating, and emotional books I’ve read in a long time.

The story is complex, mostly because the book’s events do not unfold chronologically. Within the first few chapters, readers know the outcome of the novel without knowing how exactly these situations arise. We’re introduced to Rahel and Estha, twins, at the age of 31 in 1993, but know they have been separated (and Estha has been silent) since 1969, when the main events of the novel occur. 

The novel is beautifully crafted linguistically and allows readers to see the world mainly through the eyes of a child, whose innocence casts a heartbreaking shadow over the tragedies that unfold. My professor also mentioned that this novel could be categorized as a piece of “ecocriticism,” meaning it focuses widely on the environment’s role in the storyline and, specifically in The God of Small Things, India’s environment  and its role in a post-British Imperialist setting. The story that unravels in the village of Ayemenem is one of loss and despair, and there are definitely some parts that are difficult, emotionally, to read. Still, I highly recommend this novel. It’s the first book I’ve read for a college class that has actually brought me to tears and, if you don’t mind taking a ride on an emotional roller coaster, I suggest you pick up The God of Small Things today. 

Oh Deer! What a Halloween

Remember my post about how I wasn't much a fan of Halloween anymore? I take it back! I had a blast on Halloween. I didn't spend a penny on my costume, but I loved the way the makeup turned out. Usually I struggle with even my daily eyeliner routine but on Friday night, I managed to pull off the deer makeup look I found on Pinterest pretty well. I think I even perfected the deer-in-headlights look! 

My roommate went as a friendly space alien. Isn't she adorable? Like my costume, hers was made of pieces she already had in her closet and some cool makeup ideas found on Pinterest. 

We had fun posing in our room for pictures before the party we went to. Even the party was more fun than I anticipated; we sipped apple cider and danced to fun music and, on a night with more parties on campus than I could keep track of, saw a lot more friends in one place than we expected! Did your Halloween live up to (or surpass) your expectations? Did you dress up or at least eat some candy in honor of the holiday? I know I did.

And, of course, what's the fun in dressing up as a deer without one picture of road kill?

New Horizons to Pursue

I feel stuck in the doldrums right now. Work has been piling up in all of my classes, and though I’m ahead of schedule on most assignments, getting ahead has meant nonstop work for the past few weeks. Normally I have a busy few days, and then a few days free for Netflix and tea and sleeping in. October hasn’t been like that, and it’s got me down in the dumps. I blame the weather, too, which turned nasty and gray and rainy yesterday. Sometimes I want to just bypass October all together and head straight into November – Thanksgiving, my birthday month, and the time of year when it becomes socially acceptable to listen to Christmas music nonstop. Once I passed the trick-or-treating age, Halloween suddenly got a lot less fun. I don’t like scary movies (or being scared at all), there’s a lot of pressure to wear a revealing costume or think of a clever one, and this year I’ve had a surprisingly difficult time even finding plans for the holiday. I’ll be a lot happier when I can spend Thanksgiving break at home with my family, eating leftovers and watching football and not thinking about school for a while. Plus, my best friend will be coming home from Alabama for the first time since she left for school in August. So exciting!

Ignore the rusty bridge - the trees and lake are beautiful in the sun

Today was the first day all week that felt like the pick-me-up I needed. Well, the surprise Halloween candy care package my parents mailed to me arrived yesterday, and that was a pick-me-up too. But today, the sun was shining, even if it was pretty cold. My friend and I took a walk to the lake on campus and crossed a small wooden bridge we usually ignore. I grabbed some beautiful pictures of the sun lighting up the autumnal trees on campus, and I was reminded of how beautiful Upstate New York must look this time of year. I always think of how close I was to going to Ithaca or Syracuse for college and wonder how things would have been different. I would have been much colder, and probably much more homesick. I’ve been lucky to have fantastic professors so far here at TCNJ and wonder if I would have missed out on those experiences somewhere else. Still, autumn always makes me wish I could spend more time out in nature, exploring lakes or hiking mountains or wandering through forests. I guess the little slice of nature TCNJ can offer me will have to do for now until I can pursue new horizons. (I may be listening to the Aladdin OBC recording as I write this post. So it goes. Who doesn’t sometimes dream about seeing A Whole New World or being A Million Miles Away?) 

Out of the Woods

Today was unusually warm for late October, with temperatures hovering around the high 60's. Of course I had to seize the opportunity and wear a skirt. I hate wearing dresses or skirts when it's so cold even a pair of tights won't keep me warm, or it's so windy I have Marilyn Monroe moments every time I step outside. Today was perfect skirt weather. I usually don't wear this shirt with skirts, but today I liked the effect of the loose top and all the neutral colors.

The trees here aren't quite as picturesque and fall-ish as I'd hoped, but the scenery allows me to borrow the title of one of my favorite songs Taylor Swift's new album 1989. My roommate/photographer had a lot of fun bossing me around in these pictures, telling me where to stand and how to pose. I was trying to break out of my typical hand-on-hip pose, since it doesn't make me look like a "real fashion blogger." My roommate and I tried to look up typical fashion blogger poses, but I really couldn't pull off the coy head-down, toes-turned-in look. And I don't like my profile in most pictures. And Tyra Banks would be ashamed of my "smizing."It turns out I'm a terrible poser for photos, so most of the time I just fidgeted in place and walked around in place and my roommate took a continuous stream of pictures. Usually I hate candids, but today most of my favorite shots were the natural, unposed ones. Go figure. 

I was so giggly in most of these pictures. My roommate is ridiculous sometimes.

In one of these pictures, I'm posing like a normal human, and in one of them I'm tap dancing. Can you tell which is which? I want to continue with more "fashion," outfit-based posts because I feel like if I know I'm going to take pictures that day, I'll make more of an effort to dress well! Makes sense, right? 

Here's a picture of me and my best Quasimodo impression (or, you know, me hunched over laughing), and an attempt at...staring off into the sunset? Something like that.

Usually I'm not a fan of the way I look in pictures, but sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself and all the strange things you can do with your body and face. And on a day as beautiful today, with a tree as beautiful as that red one behind me, it was fun just to be goofy and not worry about looking "pretty" in these photos. Being camera-shy is like having stage fright; sometimes to get over it, you have to throw yourself into it without thinking about it too hard. I can't wait to make more (shorter) posts like this in the future!

The Colors of Fall

Today may have been rainy, cold, and gray, but yesterday was the ideal fall weather. The sun was shining crisply on the swiftly-changing leaves, sending reds and browns and golds bursting into focus against the cerulean sky. (Ignore how pretentious that sentence sounds - I LOVE the colors of fall SO MUCH!) While I'm hesitant to call this a "fashion post" (and even more reluctant to name an outfit this simple as my first fashion post), I really liked the way my gold shoes and burnt-orange top looked against the backdrop of the foliage on my campus. Don't you just love college campuses in the fall? There's something so picturesque and lovely about strolling through a quad and being surrounded by the colors of autumn, sipping a pumpkin spice latte, wearing sweaters and boots, and dreaming of fall holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, and my birthday!) While snowstorms are cozy and summer beach trips are the height of relaxation, there's something about fall that no other season can match.

My beautiful campus (TCNJ!)

My roommate/photographer liked my "doughnut" sock bun

Feeling like a kid again, playing in the leaves

My roommate/photographer/best friend doesn't smile for pictures...

...unless she doesn't know I'm taking them, hehe ;)

I can't wait for more perfect fall weather! 

Book Club: Gone Girl

Does the picture look ominous? Good.

I’d been hearing a lot about Gone Girl lately, mostly due to the release of the movie adaptation of the novel starring Ben Affleck. I wasn’t sure if I’d be rushing out to see the film in theaters, but I was still curious and hadn’t picked up a book (outside of all the novels I read for my two literature classes) in a really long time. So I bought Gillian Flynn’s novel, started reading it on a Thursday night, and spent the entirety of Friday on my bed, switching from reading position to reading position (leaning on my side, lying on my stomach, sitting upright with my nose nearly touching the pages) until the book was finished. I devoured it. 

The premise for the novel is fairly simple, at first. We’re introduced to Nick Dunne on the morning of his fifth wedding anniversary in the opening chapter; the next chapter turns out to be a diary entry from his wife, describing the night the pair met. The narration returns to Nick, who encounters a mysterious scene at his house: The front door is wide open, the iron is on, things are overturned in the living room, and his wife is nowhere to be found.

Now the mystery really begins. Nick tells his side of the story, while his wife’s diary entries recount their experiences as husband and wife and the increasing tensions in their relationship. The search for Amy Dunne is on, and I was practically breathless as I followed the clues leading to a twist I couldn't see coming until it hit me in the face. I haven’t seen the movie, but I recommend this novel five times over. If I could erase my memory of the novel so I could read it a second time, I would. Gillian Flynn does a remarkable job of creating extremely well-developed, emotionally complex characters not only in Nick and Amy Dunne, but in their family and friends too. Grab this book and read it before it’s Gone. Ha, ha. That didn't even sound funny as I was typing it. But really, if you’re looking for a book you won’t want to put down, read Gone Girl. I was clinging on every word until the final page. 

Real Talk: Rejection

Looking at my college experience so far, I could say there have been more misses than hits, so to speak. Since my first month as a freshman here, I've tried out for musicals, dance companies, poetry readings, creative writing awards, and a tutoring job, all to no avail. I entered every audition and sent out every application full of hope, only to face disappointment upon reading that rejection email. I will admit that I first handled these setbacks less than gracefully, usually crying and thinking back to my seemingly more successful high school career. Rejection is an ugly burden to deal with, as it causes us to do something most people hate doing - reflect on our own flaws. Why didn't I get that job, or get a part in the musical, or win that creative writing award? Where did I go wrong?

This year, I can say I've definitely matured to the point of being able to handle rejection. Of course it's always disappointing to lose out on something you were hoping to win. But honestly, every person is different, and so is every situation. You may be a terrific writer, but just not what the judges are looking for at that moment in time. Maybe you're a fantastic singer and there just isn't a role for you in the musical you auditioned for. I think it is important to deal with rejection every now and then, not so we criticize our weaknesses, but so that we can reevaluate our strengths and emphasize those in our next endeavors. Maybe my resume was impressive, but my interviewing skills left a little to be desired. Once you can pinpoint where you succeed and where you may fall short, you can feel more confident the next time you try something new. 

I'm about to send out an application to write for a website. I'm slightly terrified, because I know many people apply for this position and I'm less experienced than some of the other applicants will be. But I'm eager to see if I get the position and, if I don't, how I can improve my writing skills and resume for next time. Good luck if any of you are trying your hand at something new. Don't be afraid to take that risk!

Now Playing: Wish I Was Here

Anyone who knows me well knows that Zach Braff is quite honestly one of my favorite humans alive. I'm in awe of everything from his humor to his acting ability to his directorial and writing skills to his taste in music. Plus, he's a native New Jerseyan, so that immediately makes him seem even cooler to me. Like, we lived in the same state. I'm currently bursting out of my skin with excitement because I have tickets to see Braff give a lecture at my college tomorrow (!!!!!!!!!), so to get even more pumped for seeing my favorite human being in person, I decided to listen to the Wish I Was Here soundtrack. Now, I haven't had the fortune to see Wish I Was Here yet, but I knew I loved the Garden State soundtrack, so I had high hopes for this music.

All I could think upon hearing this soundtrack was, Wow. If you haven't heard any of the songs off the album yet, I suggest you listen to them right away. It features some  incredible artists (some of my favorites!), including the Shins, The Head and the Heart, The Weepies, and Bon Iver. One of the songs that absolutely caught my heart on the first listen was Wish I Was Here, a collaborative song between Cat Power and Coldplay, two more artists I deeply enjoy. I wish I could properly put into words how amazing this song, and the entire soundtrack, really is, but I think where words fail, music speaks. So give it a listen! Buy the soundtrack! Go see Wish I Was Here! And most importantly tell Zach Braff how much I love him.

Real Talk: Changes

One of the last pictures of me with my long hair!

The first picture of me with my new short hair

I think it's significant that I'm writing a post about changes on the last day of what is considered to be a highly transitional month. September has most people scrambling to reorganize themselves into a school-year schedule, and beach-goers kiss the last weekend of summer goodbye as the official start of autumn rolls in. It was in September that I made the biggest personal change of the year so far - I cut my hair! Once long and admittedly a little drab, my hair is now shoulder-length and much healthier-looking. This isn't the first time I'd made a drastic change to my hair (I got blunt, Zooey Deschanel-style bangs my senior year of high school), but it was the first time in a while I'd chosen to do anything other than let my hair grown long and straight. I was a little freaked out to tell my hairdresser I wanted to cut several inches off. What if I looked terrible? What if I hated it? While frightening, the decision to cut my hair was definitely easier than, say, the decision to attend TCNJ. So what is it with changes that can make some frightening and some easier than blinking?

I've often wondered about my past haircut decisions. They seem drastic at the time, and they definitely shock some of my friends and family, but in the long run I always follow the mantra "It's just hair" and realize, yes, my hair will eventually grow back. I wonder if that's what makes some changes more difficult than others - the idea of permanence. Yes, cutting my hair short is a scary concept, but if I decide I hate the look, I can comfort myself with the knowledge that my hair will grow long again, eventually. Choosing to attend a college is a little scarier because of the idea of permanence that comes with it - this school will become your home for the next four years. Even with the knowledge that a great number of students transfer, choosing a college is a decision that should not be taken as lightly as a haircut.

Personally, I'm excited for September to change to October tomorrow, because fall is my favorite season and I'm eager for all the activities that arrive with autumn. What sort of changes are you facing these days? When the time comes to make a big decision, consider the permanence of the change and weigh your options carefully. While bigger decisions often cause more anxiety, they can often lead to bigger, more exciting outcomes! Good luck and enjoy the transition from September to October, and any other changes that are coming your way.

Hello, World

As someone who really enjoys writing, I always struggle a little with developing my own voice. How do I avoid sounding cliche, or pompous, or too formal? I've given up on more diaries and blogs than I can remember, just because I couldn't get the voice right. Nothing sounded like me. But I guess practice makes perfect, right? So hopefully I can keep up with this blog, currently title Blog of Myself (thanks, Whitman), and learn to develop my own personal voice in my writings. I'd like for this blog to include posts about music, books, movies, fashion, things that make me happy, and just the usual musings that cross my mind. And hopefully through all of it I'll be able to write posts that genuinely sound like me and truly feel like they're coming from my own voice. So here goes nothing! Welcome to Blog of Myself, and I hope you stick around.