Last week

1. Begin the Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge. I didn't start yet, but I did go through and cross off the books that I have already read as well as the ones that I have at least attempted to read in the past (here's looking to you Anna Karenina...) Sometimes I feel like I don't have anything to read so this list will be great to go back to for ideas. There's no timeline for this like the author of the Buzzfeed article. If you read a book every two weeks, it would take over two years to complete. That's a little too intense for me.

2. Not eat out for an entire week. I succeeded! (sort of) I did get a hamburger at the fair and a sundae afterwards, but there were no "I don't have time to pack a lunch so I will just go out and grab something" moments. I count this as a win in my book.

3. Make a list of all of the furniture that I'm missing. Check. I even prioritized the list. For example, I need a dresser/TV stand, but I can wait for an ottoman for a little while. Before I moved, I had zero furniture and within two weeks I had to find an apartment and pick out all of the essentials, preferably from one furniture store so I wouldn't have to pay for delivery and set up. It's nice to take my time on the finishing touches.

This week

1. Decide on a Halloween costume. The theme is "favorite board game/character." Any ideas? 

2. Buy/decorate a pumpkin. It may feel like summer, but that doesn't mean that I'm going to miss out on all my favorite season has to offer. 

3. Patiently wait for all of my online shopping purchases to come in. I did some major damage on the J Crew Factory sale yesterday. And this sweater just arrived from Asos. Sometimes I love shopping from the comfort of my couch. I have a system down now. While browsing, I put everything that I like into my cart and then go back and edit down my purchases. I usually make myself take a step back for a few hours before I actually hit "place order" to make sure that it isn't an impulse purchase. When shopping in the store, sometimes you don't have that luxury. And many times you have pesky salespeople working on commission following you around.

This weekend was perfect. I spent more time on my porch than I did indoors and that is a win in my opinion. I also went shoe shopping and ended up stocking up for quite some time. I may or may not have bought the same pair of flats in three colors. When you find a good thing, don't question it.

It has been quite a long time since I wrote a Weekly Wishes post. I got tired of setting goals that I knew I would most likely not follow through with. Also, for a while I was simply taking everything one day at a time and didn't have the energy to think multiple days into the future of what I would like to accomplish. 

But here I am. Sitting down, writing goals and determining to complete them within the next seven days. 

1. A few days ago, I came across the complete Rory Gilmore Reading Guide with every book Rory ever read or referenced on the show. 339 in all. I am contemplating tackling the list, of course not in the next week, more like the next few years. It's time to make a game plan. 

2. Not eat out for an entire week. What starts at buying lunch one day because I don't have time to pack anything, then turns into eating out every meal for a weekend even though my freezer is full. It's time to make use of my Recipe board on Pinterest. 

3. Make a list of all of the furniture that I'm missing. It's time to begin to finish decorating my apartment. I had two weeks to pick out the necessary pieces in order to move and now it's time to decide on the finishing touches. 

Happy Monday after a long weekend! I'm writing this from DFW because in true fashion I arrived 1.5 hours before my flight departs. Better to be early to snag a seat by an outlet than to be that person running for the final boarding call, I guess. 

In typical fashion, Samantha, Emily and I had a foodcation for my visit filled with lots of tex mex, falafel and down home cooking. The weekend was filled with a visit to the Kimbell art museum, the Fort Worth food truck park and the drive-in movie. 

It's so nice being able to catch up for the first time since graduation day in December. Somehow we're able to pick up right where we left off.

Last Week 

While lots of fun was had, an equal amount of sleep and naps commenced this weekend. I thought I would dread having to get up on Monday morning, but it's looking like it won't be such a dreaded experience. 

And the whole invest in self tanner didn't happen. I'm still the palest person in the sunshine state. Ironic, yes?

This Week

Begin going through my old posts to check for broken links, photos that aren't sized correctly and adjusting categories and tags. I've been putting off this tedious process for the longest time. I just need to sit down and actually start doing it. 

Any bloggers/ readers in Tallahassee or north Florida? Let me know! I still very much feel like I'm new to town. Maybe I should also take up a hobby to meet more people? 

Try the desktop zero practice. Similar to keeping your email inbox empty, desktop zero is all about keeping your desktop free of clutter. I'm sort of decent about keeping icons off of my desktop, but I constantly have dozens of tabs open and applications running that I may or may not use immediately. Just like keeping your actual desk clear, I guess keeping your computer desktop organized helps keep you focused? I'll let you know how it goes. 

Last Week

Get a crash course on soccer/football/futbol terminology to sound like I know what I'm talking about during the World Cup. Team USA has survived to see another round of play tomorrow. Chants of "I believe that we will win" will be echoing from coast to coast.

Plant flowers. My mom brought a plant over last weekend and it is healthy and growing still! Let's see how long I can continue to keep it alive.

From last week, I want to organize my computer files. My desktop is now completely clear finally! Which obviously calls for a new desktop background. 

This Week

Pack for my #jessdoestexas weekend. It's great to be able to catch up with Samantha and Emily after graduation. Google hangouts and iMessage just aren't the same. How do you keep in touch with your friends after graduation or moving away?

Catch up on sleep. I've realized that it is getting harder to function on a typical college sleep schedule. Saturday was spent in bed with coffee and the Brazil vs. Chile game. I'm hoping to not repeat last week's mistake again. 

Invest in self tanner. I'm starting to think that I am the palest person in Florida. But for real. I've tried the mindset of "think of all the Hollywood stars that rock the flawless milky white complexion"but it's not working out too much.  

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you enjoyed your weekend and treated your dad to a great Father's Day, even if it was letting him have control of the remote to watch his favorite sporting event and not HGTV or something with a housewife. 

Last week

The DIY project list didn't happen and is on the back burner, which means that there are no trips to Hobby Lobby or the flea market in my near future. 

I wanted to not go out to eat, which I succeed at. So much so that I had to go to the grocery store on my way back into town last night because I had nothing for breakfast or lunch today. 

Finally, I wanted to organize the files on my computer. Which also didn't happen. 

This week

1. Get a crash course on soccer/football/futbol terminology to sound like I know what I'm talking about during the World Cup. I don't know what it is about international sporting events that get me really excited, but between the Olympics and the World Cup, I condense all of my sport-watching into those events. Perhaps it's because they only come around every two-four years? Also watching the World Cup makes me wish it was more like Quidditch. Anyone else with me on that?

2. Plant flowers. My porch is in need of a little more color. Plus, I want to prove to myself that I don't have a brown thumb.

3. From last week, I want to organize my computer files. It is going to happen. This weekly series helps hold me accountable to get things done because I would hate to come back here next week and admit that I spent all of my time on the couch with nothing to show for it.

Thank you for all of your encouraging words last week! It's nice to know that I'm not alone in questioning why I spend my time writing about my life and random thoughts on the Internet for all of the world to potentially read. In a perfect world this would be my space to share all of the amazing travels that I go on. But I haven't quite worked that out yet. So in the meantime I will write about my other hobbies and passions: books, organizing and decorating. I hope that's ok with you :)

And as for #jessdoestexas...there is now fondue, food trucks a drive-in movie and an art museum featuring lots of impressionists thrown in for good measure.

You all also had wonderful suggestions for summer nail colors! I didn't have a chance to purchase any of them, but it's happening. And soon.

This week's wishes

1. Make an organized list of DIY projects that are in my skill level. Remember my DIY world map canvas? Well, that may be pushing my abilities. Are there any craft projects that you have tried and succeeded  at?

2. Not go out to eat. My freezer and fridge are full, yet there is something about getting take out that is so appealing at lunch or on my way home after dinner. Perhaps it's the fact that I can eat in the container that it comes in so not only do I not have to cook, but I also don't have to do dishes. Bonus points if they include plastic silverware as well.

3. Organize my pictures and files on my computer. While my desktop is fairly clean, the initial folders are a hot mess express. If it weren't for the ah-mazing search feature on finder or the fact that I usually take the time to name my files, I would be completely lost and overwhelmed.

Happy Monday! I hope your weekend has been swell and you are easing back into the requirements and demands of everyday life slowly.

Two weeks ago I wanted to give an update on the apartment settling in process (check) and try at least one new restaurant (check...sort of). You can find the apartment update here, in case you missed it last week. And I have now found my new favorite coffeeshop to work at. Redeye coffee is the perfect mix of great coffee, a spirit of giving back to the community and a place that is perfect to set up shop for the afternoon. The fact that I'm writing this post here on Saturday is proof enough that it's a perfect productive atmosphere. 

On the agenda for this week: 

1. Some serious blog soul searching. If I'm being honest here, my heart hasn't been really into blogging for the past few months. Call it a lack of inspiration, a lack of direction, or a lack of time, I want to rediscover the joy that came from sharing bits of my life on the internet for all the world to read. 

2. It's now a month until I go to Texas to celebrate America's birthday. Be prepared for #jessdoestexas to fill your Twitter and Instagram feeds. I'm going to be in Ft. Worth for the weekend. Any suggestions?

3. I'm on the hunt for a go-to summer nail color. What are you wearing these days?

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend. Mine was spent back at home making use of my birthday gift to get my nails done. Best two hours I have spent in a while. I also went to the new Mexican restaurant by my parent's house, ordered the tortilla soup, and was unpleasantly surprised when they brought out a watery-brothy soup that was like the evil twin of tortilla soup, which I just assumed was tomato based. Wrong. So wrong. Note to the chefs, broth and tortilla chips do not mix well. It was a mushy hot mess. But the fish tacos were spot on, so they made up for the horrible soup. 

Last week I had a lot of things that I wanted to check off my list, such as read this month's book club selection. And well, last night when I went to download it on my Kindle I discovered that it is the only book not available as an ebook, so I'm off to pick it up after work tomorrow. I also wanted to go to bed earlier, and besides Thursday night when I just had to watch the Scandal finale, I think I did a good job with that. I also made an appointment to get my haircut next weekend and worked on editing some of my older posts to make sure the formatting and links are all up to speed. 

And on to this week: 

Find a dentist. And sign up for dental insurance.

Thankfully I can stay on my parent's primary care plan, and just have to get dental. But the whole insurance process kind of baffles me. So I'll be calling around hoping that someone on one of the cheaper plans is currently accepting new patients. 

Find out where the nearest hospital/ER is to my apartment. 

After a brief stomach pain, that in my mind just had to be an appendicitis (for the record, I wasn't sick, I just had one too many spoonfuls of cookie butter), made me realize that I'm not 100% sure where the nearest hospital is. I know it has to be close because there are a lot of doctors and nurses in my building leaving at 4:30 a.m. for work. But I thought about it, and in a state of emergency, I don't think I would be able to navigate myself using my phone's GPS. And I don't know my neighbors well enough to ask them to drive me. So I should probably work on this.

Happy Monday! I've started to realize that I only do Weekly Wishes posts when I can tell you that I successfully completed everything that I set out to do. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I'm not sure.

Two weeks ago, I wanted to walk every night and free up space on my phone. And although that pesky red notification circle is still on my phone telling me to update my software, I did enjoy the spring nights. 

This week: 

Read this month's book club selection. 

I slacked last month, and I think I may be on a probationary period with Samantha and am on the verge of being kicked out of book club if I don't start taking it seriously haha. Duly noted. Need something to read, too? Join in with this month's pick "How to lose friends and alienate people."

Go to bed earlier. 

Last week was spent flying through the Divergent series (all three books) and since they are so fast paced, I could never quite find a good nightly stopping point. After telling myself it's no big deal, by 3 p.m. I am regretting my decision. 

Find a hair stylist in town.

My long bob has grown out and is at that awkward length of flipping out on my shoulders. I've held out for two months to get it trimmed, but it's time to get it back under control. Cross my fingers I'll find someone who can handle a basic trim. I thought that was a guarantee, but after a very bad experience at school, I am very hesitant to let anyone new touch my hair.

Begin cleaning up my older posts. 

In the beginning I thought it was clever and interesting to center all of my text, but now it's just hard on the eyes to read. So cleaning up the formatting, making sure all photos are linked, and adding SEO when possible. My goal is three posts per week, so this is definitely an ongoing project.

Add categories to my sidebar. 

I've been meaning to organize my posts for ages. Most importantly, grouping all of my travel, life lesson, recipe and design posts so they are easily found. I've started writing a little bit of everything, which I like because I don't just have one passion or focus, but depending on what you are interested reading, I want them to be easier to search through.

Happy Monday! I hope you all enjoyed your weekend. Mine was filled with more unpacking and settling in, grocery shopping and laundry. Exciting, no? On a side note, I think I'm going to start calling this "bi-weekly wishes" because I typically check in every couple weeks. Especially when I didn't get around to doing what I said I wanted to. Working on online classes and reading didn't quite get completed. And that's ok.

To be added to last week's goals:

1. Take a walk in my neighborhood every night. If you are from the South, you know that whatever "spring" you are granted is short-lived and should be enjoyed while it lasts before the humidity sets in. I plan to take full advantage of the time between the non-existent seasons here.

2. Free up over 1GB of space on my phone to make room for the new iOS update. Tell me, is it worth it? Is it life changing? Because I don't want to take the time to make sure my photos are backed up on my computer before deleting them for minor bug fixes.

Also, can we talk about the fact that I finally figured out how to create transparent text in Photoshop? I think I'm the last one to the party, but thanks to Youtube, maybe I can just say that I'm fashionably late. Be prepared while I now overuse this element on all my photos. 

Have a wonderful week!

Thank you all so much for your tips on packing and moving. While I'm not quite moved in yet, there are only a few more car loads left. The best thing about not moving too far from home is that I really have a second closet to leave all of my out of season clothes in. And although I will be sleeping on just a mattress and box spring for several weeks, it could be worse. Like sleeping on an air mattress with a slow leak.

And for this week: 

1. Finish my SEO class. One of the things I have fallen in love with about Skillshare is that you can work on the lessons at your own pace and there is no time limit. The downside is I am so excited about classes, complete the first couple sections right away, and then never quite follow through. Hopefully that will change this week and I can move this class and project off my to-do list and start optimizing this site for search engines.

2. Read this month's book club pick, Gone Girl, and Divergent just in time for the premier on Friday. I read Gone Girl a couple of years ago on the drive from Searcy to Chicago and couldn't put the book down, so I'd imagine that it would be a page turner the second time as well.

P.S. all ad spots are 25% off this week with code TWENTYFIVE!

If you missed my post on Saturday, then you might not know that I'm moving! After being offered my first full-time job, I started scouring the Internet for apartments since I will be moving about an hour and a half away. Saturday was spent in my own version of a House Hunters episode (complete with a lunch to discuss all the options), and that afternoon I signed a lease. So in the next week or two I need to: 

1. Buy an entire apartment's worth of furniture and kitchen supplies. The positives of living in campus housing in school is I didn't have to deal with moving furniture or signing a lease throughout the summer. So I am starting from scratch, with is both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. As someone who has a difficult time deciding which restaurant to eat dinner at, you can only imagine me in a furniture store with rows of sofas, tables and beds to choose from.

2. Pack up all of my clothes items that I moved into my parents house not too long ago. Remember when hanging pictures in my room was on my to-do list a few weeks ago? Yes, well now those are coming down along with everything in my closet that I just took time organizing.

3. Try and transport all of said clothes and items in my small hatchback. When it comes time to move (or when tall people have to sit in my backseat) I always wish that I had rethought getting a small car. Thankfully I have become an expert on getting as much as possible into the trunk/backseat area.

4. And finally, unpack and settle in. Hopefully all before my first day on the job. My Pinterest boards are finally going to be put to good use and eventually an apartment tour will be posted in the future.

Any helpful tips on moving/relocating are much appreciated, as well as decorating on a budget. 

Happy Monday everyone. Did anyone else watch the Nancy Kerrigan/Tonya Harding piece on NBC last night? I was 2 when the spectacle occured and so it was all news to me, but I was more amazed by how high everyone's hair was teased. I think all of the hairspray in the 80s and 90s played a major role in whatever damage has been done to the ozone layer.

Moving on... 

Last week my goals were to begin my Skillshare class on SEO and to finally hang up all my pictures in my room. Glad to check those two things off my list, even if they both were quite late in the week. Thankfully for the class we are supposed to make a practice website in Weebly to learn the basics, and that was the platform I used for my digital portfolio in senior seminar so I was able to breeze right on through the steps on how to set up the site. Don't worry, I'll share whatever helpful hints I learn with you when I'm done and maybe we can both know a little bit more about how to land at the top of search results. 

And as for my room, I finally feel like I've moved back in and don't look like I will be packing my bags again at any moment. Pictures to come soon, I promise. 

And for this week, my main focus is polishing my interviewing skills. You know, like finding the perfect "weaknesses that I have actually turned into positives" and how to answer the question "tell me about yourself" without rambling off on a tangent about Paris. 

And to end things today, I'd like to share a photo of the five (5) active Starbucks gift cards I found in my wallet. Needless to say, I will be stopping by for an afternoon coffee today without feeling the least bit guilty. Plus, it won't be too much longer until I'm bona fide and have received my gold card. It's the little things, right? 

Happy Monday? If you are one of the lucky ones who is enjoying time off for President's Day, enjoy it and think of the rest of us who are waking up early to face another Monday.

Last week I wanted to get ahead in blogging, and well as I'm writing this on Sunday afternoon, I am going to feverishly write several posts to schedule, so let's say this goal will be finished before you read this...hopefully. I also tried a new recipe, apple oatmeal muffins, which I will share later. And finally I wanted to start going back to spinning class and I went twice this week. I go at 8:30 a.m. and this week it was just me and three retired men, so I felt an added pressure to keep up the pace with them. I can't have them out-peddling me.

Goals for this week: 

1. Submit the first part of my calligraphy project. I've been practicing on my own for several weeks and I think I am finally ready to begin submitting my project for critique. 

2. Along those same lines, I have absolutely fallen in love with Skillshare classes. Maybe it is because I am not quite out of the routine of learning and classes quite yet, but I just started one on learning SEO. This will help with not just blogging, but with future jobs too. I have a decent background working with web content management, but I've always wanted to learn a little bit more about SEO, hopefully this class will simplify the subject!

3. Decorate my walls. I just got the most perfect print of a doxie staring out the window looking at the Eiffel Tower framed and it needs a home in my room. Actually all of the prints I had hanging in my apartment at school are still in a box sitting on my floor waiting to be put up still two months later.

Happy Monday, everyone. This weekend was spent tuned in to NBC and contemplating what all I actually accomplished as a child, while all of these athletes were training on the mountain. I think I was spending my time hanging out in the outfield at t-ball (because the majority of six-year-olds can't hit the ball that far.) And that was the beginning and ending of my athletic career. But I digress.

So last week I wanted to carry my camera around with me more. And that didn't really happen. But going to the office and hanging around the house aren't necessarily photo-worthy moments. I also wanted to apply to five jobs, which I did. And I also had an interview Wednesday. Fingers crossed!

Goals for this week: 

1. Get ahead in blogging. Every Sunday afternoon I say that I am going to write the posts for this week, but then I decide that a nap is more important. And I would be right in that. But this week, I want to knock out the rest of this week's posts and get a head start on next week. Any tips for organizing and feeling inspired to think ahead in your editorial calendar? 

2. Try out a few new recipes. And if they turn out amazing, of course I'll share them with you.

3. Get back into spinning. I went to spinning class every Monday night this summer, but haven't gotten back into it since I've been back home. But now there is one on Tuesday/Thursday mornings that I can go to. And I'm hoping that the morning class doesn't have a line out the door like the 5:30 class did. It was like children cutting in line and telling teacher in there. (There was even a number/sign in system.)

Happy Monday! And if you are one of the 6% of Americans who called in sick today after throwing the perfect Super Bowl (or puppy bowl) party, then I hope you are enjoying your long weekend. I tuned out at 9 to watch Downton Abbey because someone has to try and keep PBS's ratings up.

Last week I wanted to complete all my readings for the first section of my social media class. Success! It was all interesting except both authors come from a Fortune 500 corporate background, which isn't something I am necessarily interested in. 

I also wanted to find some new lunch ideas. You all had great advice, and the going consensus was to cook extra at dinner to have leftovers the next day. Well, I can do that. I'm also going to make sure I bring snacks as well. Hummus and pita bread, anyone? 

And for this week: 

1. I got a DSLR Saturday as a graduation gift! I can't wait to start capturing all of life's moments. And of course Dixie was my first (semi-willing) subject. Along with a Macbook and Photoshop, I feel like I've now entered into the blogging big leagues. 

2. Apply for five jobs. I've already book-marked the ones I'm interested in. Now I just have to sit down and write the cover letters and go through the process of submitting my application. As a long shot, Edleman PR agency is looking for someone to work on their Starbucks account, so you better believe that position made my list.

What are your goals for the week?

Happy Monday. Whether you used this weekend to do all the things you don't have time for during the week, or if you laid around checking more movies off of your Netflix queue than your to-do list, I hope you are ready to face this week head-on. (head on, apply directly to the forehead, head on) Moving on...

To recap my goals from three weeks ago: 

1. Get settled into a routine. Well I have stopped sleeping in until ten on my days off, so that's about as much progress as I could hope for. 

2. Begin my Skillshare class. Check, check and check. I'll be jumping into the wedding invitation business in no time.

3. Finalize a monthly budget and stick to it. Yeah, this hasn't quite happened. And I would guess that my spree at Loft because I had a birthday discount and it was a double points day, would fall into any real budget. 

For this week: 

1. Complete my first readings for my Social Media for Business online class. I graduated with a degree in PR, but no classes were offered specifically on social media. When I found one offered by UGA's continuing education department, I thought it would be a great addition.

2. Find some new lunch options. While I'm always singing the praises for Healthy Choice steamer meals, I'd love to come up with some new lunches that are easy to prep, pack and heat up. Do you bring your lunch to work? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

P.S. There is still time to participate in Jess from Foreign Room's Blog Birthday giveaway! A $25 Modcloth giftcard is up for grabs. May the odds be ever in your favor!

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How has the first weekend of 2014 treat you? Swell, I hope. As I'm writing this I'm watching the season premier of Downton Abbey. But can I tell you a secret? I already watched the whole season. I couldn't help myself, I hate waiting for shows to air in the U.S. But I solemnly swear that I won't give away any spoilers on this blog. However much that I may want to discuss it with you over a pot of lady grey tea (milk poured in first, obviously.)

1 // Get back into a routine. I'm starting an internship on Wednesday and also continuing to work part-time so needless to say, my schedule of going to sleep at 2 and waking up at 10 can't continue. I'm a creature of habit, especially with my morning routine, so this is much appreciated.

2 // Begin this skillshare class. You may have seen my list of calligraphy tutorials earlier, and I've finally picked one out. Can't wait to begin! I'm sure I will be writing lots of notes to have practice hand addressing envelopes. 

3 // Finalize a monthly budget and stick to it. I've moved back home to save some money and I would love to not blow all of the extra on excessive trips to Target. There are vacation plans to  Scandinavia (whale safaris in matching reindeer sweaters anyone?) floating around in the air, plus an eventual IKEA trip to make this year.

linking up with Melyssa of The Nectar Collective.

2013 has come and gone and what do I have to show for it? Graduation, trips to LA and NYC, reviving this blog and top my list. I am not one for New Year's resolutions, but I do know the value of setting goals and dreams and writing them down. It helps to give you purpose and track your progress. Whether you want to set weekly, monthly or yearly goals is up to you, but it's important to write them down. That way, at the end of the time, you can look back and see if you accomplished them or if they are still a work in progress. 

I am guilty as charged of living for the weekend. Every day I compartmentalize my time and say "well if I can just make it to the end of class/work" or "if I can just make it to Friday" and then all of a sudden, another week is gone. This also applies to the year too. 

So I say all of that to say, whatever your views of New Year's Resolutions, write at least one big picture goal for yourself for 2014 (emphasis on writing down, to hold you more accountable). And then take it one step farther. Figure out the steps you need to take to reach this goal and what the best ways are to go about accomplishing it. 

So one of my goals for 2014 is to improve my photography skills. That is all well and good, but if I don't make time in my days to work on it and make it a part of my routine, then the likelihood of sitting in this same spot in 2015 and feeling accomplished is slim to none. Other ways to go about working toward this goal include: making an effort to carry my camera with me at all times and reading all of Rachel's tutorials.

As January rolls in again, you have another theoretical blank slate. While you still have to live with the choices you made in years past, the new year is a great time to try and change your habits. Best of luck making 2014 everything you would like it to be.

And now, back to you originally scheduled programming.

My goals last week were to unpack my car and watch as many Christmas movies as possible. I am pleased to say that I accomplished one of those. Can you guess which one? In my defense, I was out of town most of the week, so I didn't have a lot of time to move the last few boxes from my trunk. As for Christmas movies, I finally sat down and watched A Christmas Story all the way through (and, shamefully, The Sound of Music, which I had never seen the ending to.) Now if only I could say the same about It's A Wonderful Life, which I have had on VHS for years. 

And now for my 2014 goals: 

1// Find a job. And move out of my childhood room.

2// Read more for fun. School put this hobby on the back burner, but I would love to get back in the habit of reading an actual book instead of my Twitter feed before bed. 

3// Put my Pinterest boards to use. I have enough crafty ideas, design ideas and fashion ideas to last well through 2014. 

4// Take lots of trips. Both big and small.

5// My goal for Stamp in my Passport is to redefine it's subject. It started as a travel blog, but time and money get in the way, so it's time to reevaluate what I want to write about. Unless you enjoy the seemingly random assortment of thoughts and ideas that run through my head. If so, please let me know because I would hate to disappoint you. 

linking up with Melyssa for weekly wishes as usual.

Is it possible that Christmas is this week? I had to drive past the mall Saturday afternoon and it was madness. This is why I am a firm believer in online shopping (plus you get to receive lots of mail, which is my favorite.) And don't get me started on the fact that it was 81 degrees on the first two days of winter at home. Friends at school didn't believe me when I told them I wore shorts up until Christmas day, but it's true this year. However, after dealing with the Icepocolypse of 2013 two weeks ago, I'll take all of the warm weather I can get.

My first goal this week is to finish unpacking my car. Moving back into my childhood room is a little strange, but since I had a storage unit at school plus my apartment and room at home almost filled, I had a lot to clean out before merging the two. The final boxes have been riding around with me since last Sunday. I've been treating it as a second closet; when I need something, I grab it out of the trunk instead of bringing all the items inside. Oops.

My second goal is to watch as many Christmas movies as possible. Netflix and AMC will help make this goal a reality. So far I've watched Home Alone, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and Family Man. I'm preparing myself for 24 hours of A Christmas Story. Did you know that I haven't watched it all the way through from start to finish? It's true, I always end up tuning into the movie at different parts, but have never sat down at the beginning. Perhaps this is the year for it.

What are your plans for Christmas? Is your whole family getting together, or are you planning on starting your own traditions this year?

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Now I would like to introduce you to one of my lovely sponsors, Sarah. 

She took a break and traveled the world and

I'm extremely jealous.

Notice the Eiffel Tower in the background of her photo?

It's no surprise why I love her blog :)

Sarah of Sarah's Suitcase

BLOG | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

My blog is a place where I share photos and short tales about my recent and past travels. Story started when I was still in a stroller, traveling around South East Asia thanks to my dad's work benefits. But as they say, all things must come to an end, so as our free flights and in 2005, our family moved to Los Angeles, CA where our expat lives started. In the last 4 years, I have lived in 10 zip codes and been to 17 countries. Come join me while on trip or while exploring my new neighborhood as I move from one place to another and as I live and try different food, culture and life in general. Because the world is too short to stay in one place. 

What is one item you can't travel without?:

I couldn't travel without my iPhone. It keeps me in check with my IT - flight numbers, dates and times, thanks to travel apps. Aside from iBooks, I also installed Kindle app where I download my travel guide books. Maps help me find my way whenever I'm lost. My most favorite feature will definitely be the camera. I love that it records the location where I take my photos and makes me remember exactly where I've been. 

What you should be reading: San Francisco | Amalfi Coast | Uros Islands

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