On My Radar

It was an emotionally draining week for me… but the victory here is that we have made it to Friday! Right now just making it to Friday is accomplishment enough. I have a long to-do list for next week and I’m slowly making my way through my inbox (if you emailed within the past two weeks, I promise I’m getting to ya!).

One of my goals for my blog this year is to start collecting more “stock” images I can use for posts. My friend Carter and I went out on Sunday and took thousands of photos. Four outfits later (and plenty of sweating in cable knit in 90 degrees), we were just about done when we stumbled on the cutest golden retriever puppy. Every time we got in the car to go to the next location, I’d burst into tears. I was just feeling so overwhelmed and then this puppy pops out of nowhere (followed by two more puppies) and it was just the positive thing I needed at the time.

Okay anyway. Yay! It’s Friday, we’ve made it!

ONE // 12 Rules for Being a Beautiful Human

I’ve been getting so many emails and comments this week. It’s been kind of overwhelming but in a good way. Louisa (who guest posts on Mondays) actually sent me a link to this post and it was just what I needed to read at the right time. I knew I had to share it here because I think it’s an incredible read, especially as everyone is starting a brand new year and setting goals and intentions.

TWO // A Selection of the 30 Most Disappointing Under 30

Shifting gears, this piece from the The New Yorker had me in stitches. It’s such a funny jab at 20-somethings. (The best part is that you definitely know at lease one of these “people” in real life.)

THREE // Character Update from The Overachievers

Did anyone else read The Overachievers. It was such a great examination of high schoolers going through the college process. I didn’t read it until I was in college, thank goodness, but it definitely hit close to home. I’m friends with the author on Facebook and follow along with her posts there. She recently shared a character update (like a “where is she now?”) on her FB page. I hope she continues to do more!!!

FOUR // Travel the USA by Train

I was blown away by how cool this is… you can travel from coast to coast via train, and it’s pretty inexpensive. I’m not sure how I feel about sleeping on the train, but the experience seems like an incredible one. If I ever have a big writing project, I’d consider doing this as an alternative to the “cabin in the woods” cliche.

FIVE // Emma Watson Singing for Beauty and the Beast

On a scale of 1 to 10, I’m at a 15 in terms of excitement over seeing Beauty and the Beast in March. Bah!!! All the teasers they are sharing are simply perfection. The most recent one is a clip of Emma Watson singing. It’s not Disney princess-y at all (which I love)… it’s so very Emma and, as an extension, feels so very Belle. The countdown is ON.