2016.

Looking back is an important part of life. Looking at the mistakes, the memories, the chances you took, etc. They make you who you are. Whether 2016 was your year, there are moments that you can look back on and be thankful for. Those good days where you just smiled because everything was going right (finally); and they may have only lasted for a day, but they happened. Maybe it's because I'm riding one of those life highs right now or maybe I'm just an optimistic person, but I like to reflect. Talking about my firsts and favorite moments make me smile ear to ear. So I made a list. Mostly it's for me, a reflection of my year and proof I didn't spend 2016 just watching Netflix and drinking coffee.

Traveled to Europe

Experienced all different cultures, foods, art all around Europe. This is number one because I believe it had the biggest influence in my life. Traveling gives you a whole new perspective

Studied abroad in London

Need I say more? Studying abroad is not only about what you learn in the classroom. 

Was featured in Marie Claire Magazine

Starting the year off right. I was featured in the February issue of Marie Claire. This copy will always have a place on my nightstand.

Attended Camp PINK for College Fashionista

Last summer I was sent by College Fashionista and Victorias Secret PINK to attend Camp PINK in New York. My job; have fun and take lots of Instagrams. 

Guest blogged for Meijer and attended a Meijer Style Event in Grand Rapids

Had the opportunity to blog for Meijer Style throughout 2016. Then was invited to attend an event in Grand Rapids to promote their Fall fashion line. 

Modeled in Threads Fashion Show (As well as ran their Instagram)

Modeled in CMU's very own Threads Fashion show. Pretty self explanatory. Such an awesome experience wearing clothes made by my peers.

Insta-worthy Moments

Went to Lollapalooza

Thank God for music festivals.

Got my first apartment. (with a walk-in closet; lemme tell you it's great.)

Became an Editorial intern for College Fashionista

I write weekly for College Fashionista; last semester I covered beauty. 

Got my first tattoo

Finally became brave enough to get a tattoo. 

Thanks 2016 for some good memories.

New Year. New Resolutions. 2013.

 New year resolutions 2013

This year will be different than most, I'm going to put more effort into the things I love and waste less time dwelling on the little things. And by little things I mean the stuff that I waste time with, that stress me out to the full extreme. I just want to be focused on things I really do enjoy. That's why this year making resolutions seemed so important to me... hopefully I can keep them. I realize one of the last resolutions is more like a goal, but I figured if I wrote it down I'd be one step closer to it. :) By the way this picture above is my journal, it's where I wrote down my thoughts and ideas and just random things I feel I should remember.

1. Live a healthier lifestyle.
-Eat better. (Less sweets and more veggies)
-Exercise a few days a week (Preferably running/walking)
-Stop being lazy (Wasting hours on end on twitter... NO MORE)
-Do yoga every Sunday morning. If possible a few times a week.

I actually proud of myself, today, (which is Sunday) I went to this little yoga place in my town, I signed up and took a class. The class was called Slow Flow and was supposedly for beginners, I however thought differently. Yoga is a lot harder than it looks, I did enjoy it though.

2. Pursue what I want to do. Don't let the fear of others interfere.

In the past, I let others opinions shape what I did and didn't do. This year I will be doing more for myself. I don't mean that in a selfish way, but you can't live off of someone else's happiness. Sometimes you have to do what you want. For instance, I was always afraid to make a blog or a Youtube channel  because I worried if people at my school saw. What would they think? This past year 2012 I grew and let opinions not effect me too much. This year they won't effect me at all.

3. Further educate myself on things I want to continue; like blogging, design, photography, Youtube, etc. Take a class on things I'd love to learn about, cooking, cake decorating, DIY, etc.

I think education is extremely important. When I say that I don't mean pre-calc or chemistry. Personally I'd be happier without having to take those two classes. I think everyone should be educated on things they love to do, it only makes them better.

4. Attend Teen Vogue Fashion University

Like I said before this resolution is more of a goal. Last year I was accepted into Teen Vogue Fashion U, it's basically a big conference that's held for a few days in New Year City. They accept students, 16-20 (something) who are interested in the Fashion world. When you arrive you take a few classes with speakers like Michael Kors, Amy Astley, etc. who teach you about fashion and it's different aspects. Anyways when I recieved my acceptance letter last fall, it got mixed in with my spam mall and I didn't see it until a little bit later. When I tried to register for classes it said that they were all full. :( I was pretty upset but I plan on applying this year and making sure I check my email and spam EVERYDAY! Hopefully I get accepted!

These are my 2013 resolutions, what are yours? I'd love to hear what you chose! :)

-xoxo Lex