Beauty inside + out

There are a bunch of half-written entries that I can't seem to finish, but I'm forcing myself to write this one because a) that's how I get most things done and b) this article is awesome.

via Fancy

Anya Strzemien from Huffington Post recently wrote about how often people (especially women) put down their appearances and is trying to put a damper on this by donating $1 to Girls Inc. for every kind comment posted on her article. She's hoping for 5,000 comments by April 10th, so hurry and say something nice about yourself!

I should be posting regularly again soon so look out for my experience with the Midwest and East Coast, more book reviews, personal thoughts, and of course, some very pretty pictures. Thanks for sticking around! ♥

New + Newer

Resolution #4: Cut back on the old and try the new.

Embarking on a new adventure is like unwrapping a present, no? via Hellovina

Trying new things has never been a problem for me, but I definitely want to up my game this year. Now that we have technology at our fingertips, looking up a novel place has never been easier. I don't want to visit the same old fast-food joint for the sake of convenience or do the same old things just because it's familiar. I want to develop new hobbies and try different activities. I want to meet new people and visit unexplored grounds.

Even if the subject at hand is as simple as a restaurant, I would rather try one I haven't been to before. I know I've already mentioned this place, but La Descarga sounds so interesting to me. Entering a bar thru a wardrobe? It's like a grown-up Narnia. Plus, Brangelina has graced the dance floor with their moves. What other shallow reason do I need?

And since I've been taking way to long on these resolutions, I'll include my last one too.

Resolution #5: Better posture! So I can look more confident, burn more calories, and act less like a turtle. Win win win.

via someecards

The difference between confidence + arrogance

via Male Minded

Resolution #2: Work out. Flaunt it. Repeat.

I rolled my eyes when I read this. This buys into the idea that Manic Dream Pixie Girls exist or that the Zooey Deschanels (sorry fans) of the world honestly don't know how pretty they are. I'm even going to have to call Tina Fey out on this (even though I will love her forever and ever). Do you really believe they don't know how attractive they are?

Please.

I'm sure anyone who was brought up normally (and we'll debate the definition of normal next time), is aware to a degree of how good-looking he or she is. Besides, this doesn't address the ugly girls who are unaware of just how disgusting they are, or the gorgeous girls who don't show it all off. But now I'm just being nitpicky.

My point is that even though I understand this little saying is promoting the idea that we're all beautiful and that our soulmates will see that under layers of fat and acne, the truth is that most people have to work to be beautiful. And I don't necessarily mean plastic work. I mean working out, plucking those eyebrows, and getting clothes that fit. I mean eating right, going after what really interests us, and then embracing that some things about us just aren't going to change. In real life, confidence is hot.

What's wrong with flaunting what you've worked so hard for, as long as you stay humble and grateful? This is a very long way of saying that my resolution is to work out, stay fit, and be confident. It's on everyone's list, but it's on there for a reason. There will be setbacks, of course, and then there's the fact that I'm a lazy bum, but hey...I'm working on Resolution #1 too.☺

via Fancy

Wednesday wishes + Kate's confidence

Kate7 by greggory

Say what you will about her lifestyle choices and beliefs (she's obviously never tasted a donut), the lady has confidence and style in spades.

Style Icon: Kate Middleton by ashleypetrova

To be scrutinized so heavily, Kate Middleton must have a good amount of confidence and poise as well. It's admirable we haven't seen her without her smile yet.

I feel like confidence is one of the most important traits to have.
What do you value most in a person?