Merry Christmas to All

Merry Christmas, beautiful people!
This holiday was the best one I've had in a while, spent with great food, loving family and amazing conversation.
It's been a while since I've been excited for Christmas, but this month I blasted enough Christmas carols to last me the next few years.
As far as gifts go, there wasn't much to exchange this year - just some goodies for my close friends. My own mother didn't even want anything (surprisingly), but I'll still end up picking out a trinket or two for her this weekend.
On the other hand, I was fortunate enough to get things I didn't even know I wanted! The candle above is from Bath & Body Works, and I'm already obsessed with the scent. My whole apartment smells like happiness.

My sister from another mister got me this little baby...

Ah, she knows me so well!
I've had my Pandora charm bracelet for a couple years now, and nobody has gotten me the music note charm until now. I suppose everyone assumes I already have it. Well, now I do!
After taking a second look at my bracelet, I realized I couldn't put my shiny new charm on the tarnished chain.

You may or may not be able to tell from the photos, but some of the charms has also started to turn colors.
NO bueno.

The DIYer deep within me started to surface, and I remembered an home remedy for my problem.
1. Boiling Water
2. Aluminum Foil
3. Baking Soda
So, I decided to try it out.

I dropped the charms in the pot one at a time, and it only took a couple seconds for the original shine to emerge.

Now, my bracelet looks brand new again, and the music note is like icing on the silver cake.
I hope everybody had a great Christmas!
I'm heading out to the movies for the evening.
¡Próspero Año y Felicidad!


♥

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Decisions, Decisions.

I was recently informed that we, as individuals, make about 5,000 decisions every day.
Five thousand.
Being the avid knowledge seeker that I am, I did a little Google search research to verify those numbers, and honestly, I couldn't find someone credible to back it up.
One analyst says we make an average of 600 decisions within a 24 hour period, and I even came across a source that suggests we make upwards of 35,000.
Thirty five thousand.
That's a lot of decision making.
Granted, they're probably factoring in those small, mindless choices (which shoes to wear, which toothpaste to use, what to have for lunch), but still, those seemingly thoughtless decisions do add up.
What's even more noteworthy is how they tend to affect our bigger picture. It's crazy how the simplest choices can have the biggest consequences.

Different options and new opportunities are perpetually being thrown our way, and as a twenty-something young woman in today's world, I hear the phrase "you've got your whole life ahead of you" quite often.
Settle into a career? Ahhh, you've got your whole life ahead of you!
Marriage on the mind? Slow down, you've got plenty of time for that.
House? Kids? Family? Wait until you've lived a little.
You get the gist of it.
Whether they decide to share or not, everyone has an opinion about your life, and those who've "lived a little" seem inclined to share the most. While the wisdom is always appreciated and sometimes much needed, I've also got people in my ear shouting how short life is.
You never know what could happen; life is short.
Don't be afraid to take chances; life is short!
Let's not forget... YOLO.
Even the Bible tells us that tomorrow isn't promised, so what's really going on? I'm all for living it up and making the most of my time here on Earth, but where's the balance?
Can we ever find a happy medium between realizing the road ahead while making the most of where we're at?

What's Goin' On

I felt it was time for an update, but there's not really anything fun & exciting to show. December's been laid back on my end, and I must admit, it's quite nice.

Since I've been trying to get back in my musical groove, I dusted off the old guitar and started playing with chord progressions. You know how they say "if you don't use it, you lose it"? It's true. It's been years since I've played, and I've forgotten everything I used to know about this instrument. Sad story.

Other than that, my time has been spent in the office & on the couch with a good book.
Now reading:
1. Music For Torching by A. M. Homes
2. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
3. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (movie is coming out next year!)

Yes, I'm reading all three of these at the same time. I have a bad habit of starting another book before finishing my current one. The Night Circus is already overdue at the library...
 

♥

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PicFX

I may be a little late to the party on this one, but PicFX is my answered prayer to those old, tired Instagram filters.

That's all.

♥

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Wishing & Listing

What is it about the holiday season that makes you discover everything you'd like for YOURSELF?

I've spotting more things to add to my closet than things to buy as gifts for my people.
In case any of my people are reading this, allow me to present my wishlist.

Michael Kors Hamilton Large Tote in Claret

Rachel Roy Friendship Bracelet

I just might make these as Christmas gifts for my girls. Let's see if I'm as crafty as I hope.

Hunter Rain Boots

It may be time for a tablet. Nexus 7

It's definitely time to upgrade my Mac.

Looks like we'll never outgrow wanting new toys for Christmas!

**Update** I'm adding this baby to the list:

♥

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