Fighting a Case of the Mondays

I generally try to keep a pretty positive attitude about the school week. I try not to rely on the weekend for fun and relaxation, but sometimes I just can't help it. Today I woke up completely exhausted, headache-y, and wanting to do anything but get ready and head to class. I'm attributing this unsavory morning to the fact that I had a wonderful Thanksgiving vacation and wasn't really ready to face classes again. Thank goodness I am skilled in finding the silver lining. I found that these few things helped to make my Monday feel a lot more manageable and enjoyable.

- I went to my classes and then indulged in a nice, long, well-deserved nap.

- I made a wonderful sandwich for lunch today that included: Marble swirled bread, cucumber, carrot ribbons, romaine, and a garlic and herb Laughing Cow wedge. Needless to say it was delicious. I polished it off with a piece of Birthday cake my roommate gave me. It was leftover from her festivities and it was delicious.

- We put Christmas decorations up in our room! We actually did this last night, but it was heartwarming to wake up to.

- And tonight I'm going to see Fantastic Mr. Fox with my boyfriend, which I've already seen once, but it was good enough to see again. Definitely a wonderful movie to add to the 'Feel Good Flicks' list.

These few, simple things have made my Monday feel not-so-bad!

xo

50 Things I Believe In.

1. I believe in the simplicity of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
2. I believe that every girl should own a night gown.
3. I believe I can change someone's life.
4. I believe in freckles.
5. I believe that it's necessary to treat yourself every now and then.
6. I believe that self-confidence is sexy.
7. I believe in eating a pint of your favorite ice cream and not sharing.
8. I believe that art is provocative. And that it's meant to be that way.
9. I believe that fashion does not define a person, but a person defines their fashion.
10. I believe that blondes are smart.
11. I believe in eating dessert first.
12. I believe that religion is beautiful.
13. I believe that chalkboards are better than whiteboards.
14. I believe that with the right amount of drive and ambition almost anything can be achieved.
15. I believe that giving someone a compliment can and will brighten his or her ay.
16. I believe that walking places makes you realize the small, amazing things in life that you may not notice otherwise.
17. I believe that clumsy is cute.
18. I believe that someday the health benefits of cheesecake will be discovered.
19. I believe in watching Breakfast at Tiffany's when I've had an especially disappointing day.
20. I believe that most good conversation is though provoking.
21. I believe that optimism is quite possibly the most effective weapon in life.
22. I believe that laughter really is the best medicine.
23. I believe in taking vitamins.
24. I believe that you can tell a lot about a person by the kind of ice cream they like best.
25. I believe that grocery shopping is therapeutic.
26. I believe in home-cooked meals.
27. I believe that intelligence is attractive.
28. I believe that awkwardness is attractive.
29. I believe in the little black dress.
30. I believe that everyone deserves a theme song.
31. I believe in reinventing yourself every now and then.
32. I believe that baking is good for the soul.
33. I believe in Santa Claus.
34. I believe that Abraham Lincoln was incredibly brilliant.
35. I believe that perfume is the most wonderful accessory.
36. I believe that my boyfriend made me a better person.
37. I believe in being happy for those who are happy.
38. I believe in fried food.
39. I believe in love letters.
40. I believe that true romantics still exist. I'm in love with one.
41. I believe that quirky personality traits are fabulous.
42. I believe that my best friends are absolutely beautiful.
43. I believe that candy has the power to make any day seem a little better.
44. I believe that tree forts are both good and necessary.
45. I believe in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
46. I believe that soul mates exist. For everyone.
47. I believe that people have good hearts.
48. I believe that someday the cure for cancer will be discovered. I hope I'm alive to see that day.
49. I believe that you're never too old to have an imagination.
50. I believe that a simple smile can make the worst day seem not-so-bad.

xo

The Forgotten Holiday

It always seems that the moment after Halloween ends stores across the country feel the immediate need to break out the Christmas decorations. Black and orange is replaced by red and green, witch hats are replaced by Santa hats, and Halloween costumes are replaced by glowing Christmas trees. I love Christmas just as much as the next person - probably more - but it has always really bothered me (and my entire family and close friends) that every store (excluding Publix) seems to skip over Thanksgiving.

Here are some elements of Thanksgiving that I think make it particularly special, unique, and unlike any other Holiday.

1. Pumpkins. I always relish the fall months because there are so many different dishes that involve pumpkin. I check the Food Network website on an almost-daily basis and the amount of delicious recipes they have that include pumpkin is totally overwhelming, but I would gladly make every single one of them.

2. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I remember many crisp November mornings that included this very special parade, my family's cozy living room, and my sister and I in our PJ's. There's something so special about seeing all the floats, coining every single one your new favorite, and watching all the elaborate performances. This nostalgic parade is one that I look forward to watching every single year.

3. Cranberry Sauce. What's funny about cranberry sauce is that you could really have it outside of Thanksgiving, but I know my family doesn't. This tart dish is reserved for Thanksgiving only and I wouldn't have it any other way.

4. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Who doesn't love Charlie Brown? Who doesn't love his adorable movies? Everyone knows you can only watch this seasonal film on its resident holiday. Without Thanksgiving there is no Thanksgiving-inspired Charlie Brown film.

5. Day-After-Thanksgiving Sales. I don't usually participate in this Thanksgiving event - too overwhelming for me - but I know many people who look forward to this special day. Heavily discounted clothes? Um, yes please.

6. Family. I recognize that family get-togethers can sometimes be stressful, tiring, overwhelming, and awkward. I think we all have those feelings, but I think it's also really important to remember how special family is. To me, Thanksgiving is really the holiday meant for celebrating family. Its roots come from compromise, acceptance, and humility. If nothing else, Thanksgiving should be regarded as a time to be thankful for your family and the unbreakable bond that comes with it. Set aside stress and anxiety and remember that it means a lot to be able to sit around a table with family members and share a meal. That is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.

xo

*images via flickr.

Feel Good Flicks

I love movies. There's nothing better than a relaxing Saturday night filled with couch time, candy, movie viewings and loved ones. I'm usually a sucker for the typical girl-y movie: charming male leads, adorable leading ladies, cute plotlines, and happy endings. Call it boring or generic or cliché; I don't care. My affinity for Chick Flicks and Disney Classics will never die and so here's a list of some of my top picks. I like to call them Feel Good Flicks because they make me happy.

1. Meet The Robinsons. I had totally forgotten about this movie until it was on TV last night. I'm sure the adorable characters and make-believe plot naturally draw me to this quirky movie. After all, I am still a kid at heart. I love this flick and the memories it brings with it - I saw it with my best friend right after one of us returned from [what seemed like] a never ending vacation. The fact that this is the movie we chose to see can be added to the list of reasons we're best friends.

2. You've Got Mail. I adore this movie. It is one of my all-time favorites. Meg Ryan is an absolute doll in this film - I totally want to steal her wardrobe (and life, for that matter) - and, as always, Tom Hanks is charming and sweet. I've watched this movie with my mom so many times that I can't even count anymore. It never gets old.

3. Breakfast At Tiffany's. I can't even express my adoration for this film. My parents introduced me to Audrey Hepburn at a fairly young age, but it wasn't until I saw this movie that I fell in love with her lovely personality. Holly Golightly is such a darling character. This is always my go-to flick when I'm feeling blue. Audrey Hepburn is a total delight.

4. Lady and the Tramp. I am not even going to try and deny it: I am a dog lover to the fullest extent. I feel the need to pet and exclaim my love for every single dog I see. I can't help it. Those furry friends truly melt my heart. So it's no surprise that Lady and the Tramp is on my list.

5. Amelie. I dare you to see this movie and not fall in love with it. It's spoken entirely in French, which makes my heart swoon, and it reminds me of homemade Valentines - endearing, creative and full of heart! Audrey Tatou is a complete gem and I totally want to be best friends with her after I watch this enchanting film.

6. Mary Poppins. I think every little girl wants a Mary Poppins in her life. The infectious songs, endearing cast and simple plot make this movie a true classic.

7. My Neighbor Totoro. If you've ever cringed at the slight mention of Anime, you've probably never seen this lovable movie. It is so light-hearted and sweet I bet I could watch it twice in a row. It's that good.

Needless to say, this is a partial list, but pair any of these movies with some Junior Mints and Raisinets and you have found the surest route to my heart.

xo