Guest Post: Realistic New Year's Resolutions: 2012

Hi everyone! My name is Hannah, hailing from my blog Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget. A big thank you to Julia for having me today! Julia and I are sorority sisters from halfway across the country…add our love for blogging and you get an insta-friendship! We felt it was perfect timing to go over some New Years Resolutions, but not the same old resolutions that everyone makes EVERY year…

“I wanna lose 5 pounds.” “I’m gonna eat really healthy.” “I’m gonna find my future husband.” “I’m going to only drink on Fridays.”

No one ever keeps those resolutions up past February…let’s get real. So here are some resolutions you can ACTUALLY keep.

1.     Stop overspending.  If you buy one thing, you should make a rule that you need to get rid of something else. I always pay with cash, never a credit card. Save the credit card for big-purchase necessity items that you KNOW you will pay off. 

2.     Play outdoors.  Get outside, no matter where you live.  I know I don’t spend enough time with mother nature.

3.     Pay it forward.  Pay someone else a compliment every.single.day. and see how it makes you feel. 

4.     Quit tanning beds for GOOD.  I am guilty of a fake bake every now and then…but with one of my best friends just getting skin cancer, I’m quitting for good. Here is my favorite sunless tanner that doesn’t make you look like an oompa loompa:

5.     Eat breakfast.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for a reason. I find that when I eat a healthy breakfast, I’m less hungry at lunchtime. I keep a box of oatmeal at my work desk at all times. No excuses!

6.     Take more bubble baths.  Don’t knock it til you try it. Your favorite magazine, Mr. Bubble, candles, and a glass of red wine is the BEST way to spend some alone time, and my favorite way to unwind after work. You deserve it girl. 

Thanks again Julia! And I love new friends, so don't be a stranger everyone!

xoxo,

Hannah


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Thanks Hannah!! I love all of these -- especially to take more bubble baths. Be sure to check out my list of resolutions on her blog today! xo

life catch-up

Hello my lovelies! I know I've been M.I.A from the blogosphere lately, but I've been home in Chicago partaking in some much needed R&R. I've spent my days playing with the puppy, drinking too much wine, shopping, and sleeping in way too late.

Perfection.

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas Holiday, and took the time to enjoy your family and friends -- and some delicious food.

I took it upon myself to do the most intense wrapping I've ever done. I have a bit of OCD when it comes to wrapping presents, as I believe presentation is everything. I'm pretty excited with how my gifts turned out this year. What do you think?

On another note, I've consumed enough carbs and sweets to feed a small country. It's a serious issue. I'm writing this sitting on my bed in my Lululemon's because they still fit. HA. Time to go for a run.

However, I need a NYE outift. I'm taking it low key this year and spending it with my brother and his fiancee at their apartment. They're having a dinner party for some couples, and I know it will be the perfect evening. They weren't in town for Christmas this year, so I'm super excited to spend some time with them.

I hope they have tons of champagne flowing, and hors d'oeuvres. Maybe something like this...

Stay tuned for a guest post from Hannah tomorrow on realistic New Years Resolutions! She is such a sweetheart, and I know she'll have tons of great ideas for 2012. I'll be posting my realistic resolutions on her blog as well.

xoxo

P.S. I've also been listening to this song on repeat. Flashback to The O.C. Anyone?? Random, I know. But I miss Ryan and Marissa. So perfect.

guest post: new year's eve fashion {liz}

Hi there! It's Liz from the fashion and style blog Sequins & Stripes and I am super excited to be taking over Julia's blog today.  The blog world has been buzzing over the holidays these past few weeks, so when Julia asked me to do a post on the perfect NYE outfit I was super excited to put together some sparkly ensembles. New Year's is the perfect excuse to purchase a shiny new dress, festive accessories and ring in the new year with sparklers, confetti, hats, and horns. Here are a few ideas for this magical night...

1  Tibi Metallic Jacquard Dress  2  Halston Heritage Silk Georgette Dress  3  Topshop Circle Bead Playsuit  4  Valentino Jewelry Couture Satin Pumps  5  Topshop Pointed Metallic Wedges  6  DKNY Quinn Metallic Patent and Suede Pump  7  J.Crew Satin Double Bow Clutch  8  Zara Fringed Wallet with Chain  9  Felix Rey Serpentine Clutch  10  Kate Spade Lady Marmalade Earrings  11  Kate Spade Chandelier Earrings

Whether you are looking for something embellished, something colorful, something feminine, or something bold, these three outfits cover it all. What will you be wearing for New Years Eve? I think I would prefer the first dress and the bow accessories, chic and sweet!

A huge thank you to Julia for having me today! Make sure to stop by Sequins & Stripes to find daily information for a styled life! Happy holidays! xo

Thanks so much for this amazing spread, Liz! Isn't she just perfection?! I must get my hands on #2 and #11 - stat!