{Quote of the Week} 1/27/2014

"There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing."

-Aristotle

Life is all about the messy parts - it is the ups and downs of life that keeps it so interesting. Criticism from others does not feel good, but it is also a part of life, and unless you do what Aristotle said - do, say, and therefore be nothing - you cannot avoid criticism. And if you do nothing, you fail by default because you have not lived your life. 

So today I am telling you to take chances. Make mistakes. You may get some criticism along the way, but you will have lived a better life and hopefully become a better person for it.

xoxo

p.s. I start my night classes tonight! I won't be out of class until 10pm three nights a week- gah! Wish me luck!

Book Review: {Peaches}

Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Synopsis: Peaches, a young adult novel written by Jodi Anderson, is a refreshing new story about friendship, relationships, hard work, and loss. Three girls who have nothing in common find themselves stuck together for the summer, working on a peach orchard in the hot Georgia sun. Birdie, whose whole world is turning upside down, finds herself pining for a boy named Enrico almost as much as she pines for girl scout cookies. Leeda, Birdie's cousin, is at the orchard in order to avoid her family and spent more time with her boyfriend, Rex. Murphy is a rebel, sentenced to work in the orchard, who is also enjoying Rex' company. When these girls' worlds collide, interesting antics ensue and the girls learn the true meaning of friendship.

My review: This book was slow to start, but I found that these girls were genuine - they had both virtues and flaws, making them very realistic. They each make mistakes, learning and growing. There's a bit of romance along the way, but the story really focuses on the tests of friendship and the growth of the girls. It's a wonderful book for teens, and a nice, light beach read.

My rating: 3/5

xoxo

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Announcements! - {January 2014}

With the new year comes new adventures, and so here are a few announcements as to what's going to happen in 2014 for me:

• I have the privilege of being the maid of honor at one of my closest friend's wedding in September, so I'm sure there will be lots of wedding-related posts to come!
• I will be taking a few more Early Childhood Education classes; they're all at night, though. I will try to keep updating this blog, but I'm going to be very busy until May! 
• One of these classes is curriculum planning, so expect a lot of posts about preschool crafts and curriculum!

That's all for now - my schedule is going to be super busy!

I will try to post regularly but with such a busy schedule, I'm going to have to take extra time to do so!

xoxo

Quote of the Week 1/13/2014

"It's always summer somewhere."

-Lilly Pulitzer

I'm enjoying what I've nicknamed "June"-uary here in Northern California - it's been 70 degrees and sunny for most of this year! Pictured above is a photo I took on a jog Thursday evening  - such a beautiful sunset, no? So, while the weather or your mindset may not be the best, just remember what the great Lilly Pulitzer once said,
"It's always summer somewhere."

It will be your summer at some point, too!

Enjoy the day, whatever the weather!

xoxo

P.S. Announcements to follow!

Quote of the Week 1/6/2014

 

"You are the piece of the puzzle of someone else's life. You may never know where you fit, but others will fill the holes in their lives with pieces of you."

-Bonnie Arbon

 

I love my friends and family, but despite all of their love, I am in a new place and I'm looking for a new friend group to fit into. Sometimes I need to remind myself that someone will come into my life when they are meant to - I will make more friends and find people who will become part of my family. And even when I feel unnecessary, I remind myself of this quote - I may not know how important I am in the lives of those around me.

 

Even if you are feeling unimportant, think of this quote and remember that others may see the beauty and importance of your soul, even if you are blind to it.

You are important.

 

xoxo,

Caryn

New Year's {Resolutions}

This year, I have only three resolutions:

1. Lose 40 pounds by eating healthy and exercising 5x/week.

2. Complete at least 30 more items in my 101 in 1,001 challenge.

3. Travel to at least one new place.

I know that I can accomplish these things. I have a few things already planned, but I know that I will find a way to complete all of this. I am filled with hope for 2014, and I am confident in myself and my abilities.

I already began my weight loss journey in 2013, and while I lost only a few pounds (only to regain them over Christmas... whoops) I have been losing again since then. I have been walking at least 10,000 steps per day and plan to continue to do so. I plan on incorporating running, strength training, dance, and hopefully some yoga/pilates in order to achieve my goal and become a healthier, happier person.

I made a list of 101 in 1,001 - 101 things to complete in 1,001 days - last September and I plan to continue working on that list. I have many things that are half-way or almost complete, and many things yet to do. I hope to knock out at least 30 of my goals in the upcoming year.

Lastly, I would like to travel somewhere new. Even if it's in California. I've been itching to travel but not having the time or money, but I will find a way because there is so much that I long to see and do.

I will find my way to happiness in the upcoming year.

What are your resolutions for 2014?

xoxo