2017 RESOLUTIONS

It's that time of year again.  On the threshold of one year closing and another opening, we observe our past actions in order to form blueprints for our future selves to follow. Not everyone is a fan of making resolutions, but I've always thought that making them allowed me to engage my brain and gave me a new set of goals to aspire to.  In that light, I've rounded up a few resolutions that can be broadly applied to anyone's daily life in the hopes that you can reflect upon your hopes and desires for the new year; perhaps they can even help you create your own.

Personally, I'd like to focus on numbers three, six, and eleven during 2017.  Hopefully doing so will make my daily life run a bit more smoothly than it did this year.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Hello, all!  Today I'm going to take a short and sweet opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous New Year, and Happy Holiday Season.  I hope that this time of year allows you to focus on what is truly important:  loved ones, unforgettable moments, a sense of community.  Embrace your traditions, and look forward to the dawning year with anticipation.

A BRIEF HIATUS

Hello, lovely readers!  This post is going to be rather short and, as you might have guessed, will explain why I'm going to be taking a very brief break from publishing posts here on Prep For A Day.

This week I have my midterm exams;  as always, education is my top priority, so the majority of my time will be devoted to studying and (hopefully) making top scores on all of those exams.  Infinitely more exciting than finishing up the semester is the fact that I'll be embarking on a little vacation right after my last midterm:  this blogger is heading to Disney World!

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GIFT GUIDE: THE CHRISTMAS FANATIC

I think we can all find a place within ourselves that loves the holidays, especially when we're in the midst of them.  Beyond having a typical fondness for Christmastime, however, there are a special few in the world who love this time of year more than anything.  They start listening to holiday music in July, they dream about white Christmases and ugly holiday party sweaters.  They are the die-hard Christmas fans, and fortunately, buying presents for them is as enjoyable and hassle-free as decking the halls.

Michael Bublé Album -- "Fleece Navidad" Sweater -- Boxed Mug Set -- Phone Case
-- Christmas Cookie Shampoo -- Holiday Socks Set

BEING A PREP FOR A WEEK: 11/27/16 -- 12/2/16

Ah, it's finally December:  the month when we celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, and National Chocolate Day.  It's already starting to sound like a wonderful thirty-one days.

Getting back to the daily educational grind was a little difficult after Thanksgiving break, but thankfully most of my educators also felt a bit winded and adjusted their lessons plans accordingly.  In terms of the weather here, I'm also pretty ecstatic;  I've actually been able to wear a jacket every morning without feeling ridiculously hot or overdressed.  Only a few weeks left until midterms, and then I'll be off to a new semester!  How time flies!

Now, on to some of my favorite links from the past week:
This is, without a doubt, the best blogger gift guide I've seen--you'll understand when you reach the very end...
Looking for a gift for a technology-loving friend?  Try this pretty floral phone case or this unique laptop sleeve (also perfect for the travel-lover in your life).

NOVEMBER FAVES

I don't know which fact is more terrifying:  I have two weeks left until midterms, or tomorrow is December 1.  Each of those realities is pretty frightening--but that's life, right?

November seemed to fly by, particularly because the first few weeks were absolute chaos (in many ways), and I put more energy than I'd care to admit into wishing Thanksgiving break to the present.  The break was lovely, but now it's back to reality for us all.  At least November was a good sport and ended on a better note than it started with.  Now, on to some of my favorite things from the past few weeks:

1. Cozy Sweaters:  Nothing screams winter fashion like a good sweater.  I've probably written about the assets of sweaters at least five times this month, if that fact proves my previous point.  If you're in the market for a good sweater, I recommend popping into J. Crew (check out this chic turtleneck) and Old Navy (I know I'm excited to wear this stitched number).

BEING A PREP FOR A WEEK: 11/20/16 -- 11/26/16

Happy belated Thanksgiving, everyone!  I sincerely hope your day was filled with loved ones' visits, lots of laughter, and entirely too much food.

Now that that particular holiday is behind us, you all know what's coming:  the most wonderful time of the year!  Although I believe that some of our society goes a bit overboard with Christmas preparations and marketing, I can't deny that it's also my favorite holiday.  Let's just say that the Christmas music station may be blasting in my house for the next several weeks...

Now, on to some of my favorite links from the past week:
Somehow Abercrombie has mastered the art of creating lovely ugly Christmas sweaters: I love the vintage vibes on this one and the classic fairisle pattern on this one...
In the midst of preparing yesterday's post, I stumbled upon The Literary Gift Company, which has quickly become one of my favorite retailers--I mean, they sell literary-themed wrapping paper...