Things I Cannot Wait To Do Once I'm Employed

Being on a budget isn't easy, especially if you are used to a certain lifestyle. I've learned this the hard way. I never had to budget before so this was a rude awakening. While I was in college I lived at home, and I had a full time job when I first moved out so I never knew what it felt like to constantly worry about money. It's not a fun feeling, and it can cause some serious stress. You never realize how expensive groceries are, or how much a hardcover book is.

In no particular order, here is just a small list of things I cannot wait to do once I'm employed.

I cannot wait to...

1. Renew my Disneyland annual pass. I'm having withdrawals.

2. Take my family and boyfriend out to a celebratory dinner. Putting up with me these past months couldn't have been easy.

3. Update my wardrobe. Do you know how long it's been since I bought any clothes?

4. Go see all the movies I've been wanting to see. It's been a while since I've paid to see a movie.

5. Have a guilt free shopping day. I cannot wait to no longer experience buyer's remorse.

6. Fully stock my fridge. Ever try to eat healthy on a budget? It's not cheap.

7. Buy all the books I've been wanting to read. I never realized how expensive books are.

8. Get health insurance! I've been pretty lucky (knock on wood) that I haven't had any serious health issues these past months.

9. Pamper myself. Manicures, pedicures, and facials, OH MY!

10. See my bank account increase. I'm most excited about that.

Good Reads

So far this year I have read four books. May I remind you that it is the beginning of February? Now, I know I spend a majority of my time at home, but I'm still impressed with myself. I don't remember the last time I flew through four books so quickly. Below you will find the book covers as well as a quick review! Hopefully you will keep them in mind the next time you are looking for a new book.

Enjoy! 

I finally finished this bad boy! You don't know how many times I picked it up and abandoned it (Repeat x3). I love a good period piece book, I do, but for some reason, this was a tough read for me. I don't know whether it was because I already was familiar with the plot, or because it was about 85% of the original text from 1813. But I must admit, throwing zombies into the mix did spice things up a bit for me. 

This one has been my FAVORITE so far. I seriously could not put it down. It's one of the best love stories I have ever read. And believe me, I have read my far share of romance novels (I'm looking at you Nicholas Sparks). It tug at my heartstrings for all 315 pages and left me bawling by the end. It's one of those books that you will honestly sit there afterwards and just reflect on. Although it is considered a Young Adult novel, it's probably one of the best books I've ever read. It's going straight to my top all time favorites. 

After reading The Fault In Our Stars, I needed to read another John Green novel. This definitely was a great one, but didn't live up to my expectations. Don't get me wrong, it's a well written novel about a teenager coming of age and has a touching message, but it just didn't do it for me. I guess I was expecting something spectacular to happen at the end, but was I was just left sad and disappointed. Maybe if I hadn't read it right after The Fault In Our Stars, I would've felt differently. 

I honestly don't know where to start with this one. I usually don't go for thrillers, but after reading the back of this book, I was hooked. Gone Girl starts off with a husband coming home to realize his wife is missing and crazy story unfolds from there. It is told from two points of view, and you are left wondering how the heck it's all going to end. Oh, and the twist! I definitely did not see that coming.  

....

I'm planning on making this a series, writing up a new post every time I finish a handful of new books. So keep an eye out for new Good Reads of 2014! 

One Big Step

Crop Top: Forever21, Skirt & Purse: H&M, Sweater: Line & Dot, Sandals: Target, Bracelets: DIY, 

Rings: LA & Ventura County Fair, Necklace: Gifted

I consider myself a pretty shy, reserved girl. Well, I had a breakthrough! These pictures were taken while we were out in town, overcoming my fear and timidness of taking pictures out in public. I am still completely shocked that I was able to ignore the crowds and stares. I am usually not so out in the open with my blog pictures. Most of the time I am tucked away so no one can witness my awkwardness in front of the camera, or I take them in front of our apartment. So, taking pictures out in a crowded area while people are watching was a pretty big deal for me. It may not seem like a hullabaloo for most people, but this is one big step for this blogger!