How Well Do You Know Me?

Happy New Year's Eve everyone!! Wow, this year just FLEW by! While one year is ending, another one is beginning. This transition period is usually the time for looking back and reflecting on the past year. {Oh, and time to enter the Tookies Pinterest contest!} It's also a time to remember the good, the bad, and the ugly and then think about what you can do to improve for the next year.

I've seen some really great posts this week where bloggers did a short review of their year and outlined their goals for 2013. The first two or three posts I read were great, but after seeing so many of them I eventually just stopped reading. It really got me thinking that instead of making resolutions that will be forgotten in two weeks, I'd like to celebrate the New Year a little differently. You may have noticed that I reached 1,300 followers and this blog has had some amazing growth throughout the year.

I've gained a lot of new followers, but how many of them are actually taking the time to get to know me? I may have 1,300 readers but there certainly aren't that many leaving comments or interacting with me through social media. Now, I know my About Me page isn't the greatest but it got me thinking...How many readers really KNOW me?! Whether it be something school-related or my fave TV shows, it's something that allows you to get to know me better.

So here it goes...a short list of things you may or may not know about me. Who knows, maybe this will be fun! {For those of you who are new here, please read on to get to know the REAL me!}

I'm a full-time college student, but how many of you actually know my major?

I may wear blazers and polka dots when I'm feeling spiffy, but what's my go-to-look?

My gallery wall features a print of my teddy bear, but do you know the story behind him?

My girl Erin is a mac n' cheese addict, but do you know what food I'm addicted to?

I enjoy a few TV shows on a weekly basis, but do you know which ones?

I'm a huge fan of Starbucks, but what's my usual drink order?

So, how many do you know the answers to?

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WIWW: How to Style Jeggings

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense. All opinions are 100% mine. No nonsense tights and leggings can be found at food and drug stores as well as mass retail stores.
 
A few weeks ago, I received a fabulous pair of denim leggings {also known as jeggings} and a pair of grey tights from No nonsense. Jeggings were on my shopping list but I hadn't found that perfect pair yet. As soon as I tried on these though, I knew they were THE ones.

They weren't too tight. They weren't see through because of the thick material. And the denim looked just like jeans, minus the zipper and back pockets. They were perfect. However, these jeggings from No nonsense were a completely new fashion style for me. 

 

{Top: XXI | Tank top: XXI | Vest: JC Penney's | Cardigan: American Eagle

Watch: Fossil | Leggings c/o No nonsense | Boots: Target}

When trying a new fashion style, it's important to remember a few things...

1. Keep your "usual" style in mind. Don't be afraid to mix in a little of what you normally wear when trying something new. One of your usual pieces is the key to making you feel comfortable and confident! For me, a cardigan and a pair of brown boots is all I need to feel like myself!

2. Don't go too crazy with patterns! When trying something new, like mixing patterns, it's important to remember not to go overboard. For example, in my first look I decided to try mixing different stripes. Instead of going with something bold & bright, I went with a striped neutral top.

3. Choose simple accessories. While accessories can make an outfit pop, they can also distract away from the other unique pieces you're wearing, like my puffer vest in the second outfit. So I kept the accessories simple. A pair of pearl stud earrings and my Fossil watch was all I needed for a little sparkle!

Now here's where it gets fun...the only dresses I own are my prom dresses from high school, and those aren't getting pulled out anytime soon. So I thought I'd offer up the pair of grey tights (size small) so that one of you lucky gals have the chance to win them for yourself! Open to US residents ONLY.

{Psst: If you could please VOTE for my photo in the Chicnova photo contest, I would really appreciate it!}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And if you're intersted in finding out more about No nonsense, please watch the video below.



Disclaimer: I was sponsored by No nonsense for this opportunity, however all opinions are my own. You can find your pair of affordable No nonsense tights and leggings here.

Today I'm linking up here.

{This month's advertisement}

A Tookies New Year

As you all know, the holidays are in full swing and before you know it we'll be welcoming the year 2013. Can you believe the new year is approaching that quickly? You better start thinking about which resolution you'll be making this year. {Do resolutions actually work for you? Or are they always a bust after the first few weeks?}

To celebrate the New Year in style, I'm partnering up with Tookies to host an amazing Pinterest contest. So, put your thinking caps on and get planning your PERFECT New Year's Eve party.

For me, what the perfect party would look like is easy! I've always had a thing for black & gold color combinations. There's just something about them that always catches my eye. Or maybe it's my inner Kate Spade fashionista. Anyways, if I was planning the perfect New Year's Party, it would look a lot like this...Elegant, classy, and a touch of gold glitter!

{all pins from my board: A Tookies New Year}

1 // 2 // 3 {Tookies} // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

So now I want to know...what would YOUR perfect New Year's Eve Party look like? 

Please join us by entering the "Pin It to Win It" contest below!!

{A shop perfect for anyone on your holiday shopping list!}

Highs and Lows

 

 Sweater: J. Crew Factory | Tank Top: XXI | Jeans: Rock n Republic

  Triple layer necklace c/o Outfit Additions | Earrings: BaubleBar | Shoes: Kohl's

It's officially the worst week of the semester...finals week.
My week is about to be filled with lots of studying and very little sleep.
I have four finals to take and two of those are going to be very challenging.
Needless to say, I am not looking forward to this Wednesday and Thursday.

Although finals week completely sucks, I thought I'd give it a positive spin.
Instead of making this dreadful week even worse, why not make myself feel better?
So I've compiled a list over the past few days and am continuing to add to it.
My goal is to have more highs than lows by the time Friday comes around.

HIGHS
- There's a pint of Häagen-Dazs Caramel Cone ice cream in my freezer waiting to be eaten.
- Saying hello to my newest sponsors, Tookies and Shay Designs! Go visit them.
- I won a $100 gift card during last night's Melting Pot Twitter party!
- I'm a new owner of this gorgeous necklace c/o Outfit Additions.
- For one of my finals, I only need a 65% on it to keep my A!
- Updating my wish list with more and more items every day.

- Starbucks White Chocolate Peppermint mochas. Enough said.
- Finding QJ on the Shelf helping my roommate study for her organic chem final.
- Starting Friday I'll be on winter break for 39 days! WOO HOO!
- My Victoria's Secret PJ's shipped out today! 

LOWS
- Professors who schedule 7:30 AM finals. Boo.
- Missing out on so much blog reading because of studying.
- Not having any more LUSH bath bombs left to use this week.
- Going through a semester's worth of notes. I hate comprehensive finals. 
- Mob Doctor isn't on tonight and neither was Once Upon a Time on Sunday. 

- Noodles & Co. buy one, get one free coupons expire at the end of the month.
- I'll be missing Grey's Anatomy this week because I have a final at the same time.

What has been your HIGH and LOW of the week? 

I'd love for you to share in the comments below!

Today I'm linking up here.

{This month's advertisement}

One Sparkly Friday

Happy Friday ladies!
I don't know about you, but I've had an exhausting week!
With finals soon approaching, I am so happy to have today and the weekend off.
I'll be studying my butt of this weekend, but at least I get to relax a little.

What better way to celebrate the weekend than with a fabulous giveaway?
The sweet people at Chicnova are offering up this sequin embellished sweater today.

 

Personally, I'd pair it with a pair of dark skinny jeans, brown boots, and some gold jewelry! What about you? How would you style this top?

Today I'm mixing it up and trying my hand at PunchTab. I'd love for you to e-mail me with 
whether or not you prefer this over the usual Rafflecopter widget!

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