2015 Reflection

Two nights ago, we all took a moment to think of how we wanted 2015 to be different, or more accurately, how WE wanted to be different in 2015.  For most of us, we wrote these wants down, or typed them up, or made a nice little mental list with the title My New Year's Resolutions.  The majority of these resolutions were the same for everyone - to eat healthier, to workout more, to study harder, to be a nicer person.  We foolishly believed that when the clock changed from 11:59 to 12:00 we would magically gain the resolve and will power to stick to these resolutions, the same thing we'd told ourselves year after year.  Well, how well did that go when the next morning you were faced with the leftover chocolate cake from the night before?  A new year is looked at as a fresh start, a time of change.  But only 2 days in and many of us have already left smudges on the new white canvas of the year.  I know that I could not resist sneaking a few pieces of chocolate today even though I resolved to try and eat clean.  Whether you are trying to curse less, get to the gym every night, cook more, you cannot expect to magically be able to do these things come January 1st.  Resolutions require commitment, and if you are not willing to put in the work, you will not see the results.  So this year, don't beat yourself up over every time you slip up on your resolution.  Don't think of them as things that begin immediately when the year starts, but things you improve throughout the year.  As much as we like to thing of a new year as a fresh start, in reality the only thing that changes is the date.  We need to find the strength in ourselves to change and to become the person we want to be, and that is not something we need to reserve for New Years.

Have a blessed, happy, healthy, safe 2015 everyone

           Love Caroline

Philly Day

Rittenhouse Square

Some fabulous hot chocolate

Street Art

Outfit

Shopping 

Purchases

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Hello Lovelies!

             As November is beginning to come to a close it is important to take full advantage of these last few fall weekends before winter arrives.  This Sunday, my parents and I took a drive up to Philadelphia for the day.  Even though it is only an hour away from my house, it was my very first visit and I was more than pleased with the city!  With only a few hours to spare, our time was short, but it was still the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon!

             Of course knowing us, the first thing we did was get a quick bite to eat.  We parked our car in Rittenhouse Square and stopped at Parc bistro for a yummy snack.  I had what was probably the most amazing hot chocolate I have ever tasted in my life there.  It was super rich and creamy and it practically was like drinking hot, melty chocolate.  Perhaps pairing it with a shrimp cocktail was an odd choice, but they were both delicious... just maybe not at the same time next time.

             The weather had gotten a little chillier than I expected, and walking around in just a vest and a sweater was a little uncomfortable but bearable.  The square itself is a lovely little park and it had a nice little bustle with kids playing games and couples cuddling on benches with cups of coffee.  There was a guy on the street selling some really cool artwork that I got some nice pictures of.  It's so cool when people share there talents like that.

            And then of course... we went SHOPPING!  Is a city trip really a city trip without a little shopping?  Strolling down Walnut street, our first stop (and the only place I bought anything) was Madewell.  I had never really looked at a lot of their stuff before but wow.  Today, I think it may have became one of my favorite stores.  To me, the store kinda feels like a cool mix between J. Crew and Urban Outfitters, trendy but still classy with a kinda woodsy vibe.  Whatever they're going for, it worked.  The store itself was super pretty and it had cute little trinkets and decorations a la Urban.  I ended up spending a liiiitle more than intended (it's a little on the pricey side) but it was well worth it.  I bought a grayish-blue slouchy v-neck shortsleeved tee and a long sleeved brown one.  I absolutely adore slouch tees and these ones are (no pun intended) made very well, so I wont have to worry about them ripping or tearing.  I also bought this adorable "bon voyage" pom pom hat and the COMFIEST sweatpants ever.  But my absolute favorite purchase was this navy lace dress.  It has a high neckline and a mid-thigh hemline, and it is super classy and elegant but still youthful.  It has a very 1920s feel and I cannot wait to wear it with my hair curled and the perfect red lipstick.

           After that, I stopped in Jack Wills and American Apparel.  The Jack Wills there was the prettiest one I'd ever seen with a huge staircase and gran chandelier.  There were so many tempting things in American Apparel, but I stopped myself from spending because the Christmas season is coming up very soon so I couldn't go too crazy!  We also stopped very briefly in Nordstrom Rack but I was very underwhelmed with the selection of pieces there.

           Sadly, our day in the city came to an end after that.  We did take a drive through the suburbs for a little and looked at a few colleges on the way.  The Harverford College campus was absolutely stunning!  It has a big pond and old, New-Englandy buildings.  It felt like the way I'd picture one of those fancy English boarding schools they always have in books.  We ended our day with some yummy Spanish tapas at a restaurant in Wayne.

           It's always nice to take a break from our daily routine and try something new.  Sometimes, it can feel like we're stuck in an endless rut and nothing's exciting anymore.  That's why it's important to to shake things up a bit.  So next Sunday, I'm asking you to go on your own little "getaway".  You don't have to travel anywhere or spend lots of money.  Just taking a drive to the town next door, or spending the day at the park with friends, or even trying out a new restaurant is enough!

(outfit- jeans: American Eagle; sweater: Urban Outfitters; boots: Tory Burch; vest: H&M; purse: Forever 21; necklaces: Pac Sun, Juicy Couture; ring: Forever 21)