Links to Love

Hello lovelies,

I'm going to keep thing short and sweet today since it's the end of the month and I'm moving this weekend, so I have to get everything packed up and moved out! This should be interesting!

I hope you all have a great weekend, and remember don't do anything you wouldn't want to explain to the paramedics, your friends, or your parents!

Love y'all, here's this week's links to love...

The Punishment for Being Mean to Your Starbucks Barista

Dover Police DashCam Confessional (Shake It Off) (Warning: If you're at work this link is a YouTube video that will be playing music!)

How to: Make Your Blog Footer Work Hard

This Is What The Wedding Night Is Actually Like, According To Married People

(What to Do) When Another Blogger Steals Your Photos

How was your week? What links did you love this week? Let me know below!

XoXo,

Lori

January Goals Update

Hello lovelies,

This month has been great, I feel like 2015 is off to a great start and I'm really excited to see what February has in store for us!

In case you didn't see them earlier this month, here are the goals I set for January, keep reading to see how I did!

New Blog Header

Finish Chemistry Part 1.

Finish Geometry Part 2.
Finish English 2 Part 2.
Start Spanish 2 Part 1.

Try to go take my permit test.
Work out twice a week.
Get more sleep.
Find a new neurologist.
Finish Belmont University application.
Finish WKU application.

Use Instagram more.
Read three books.

File the FAFSA.

Find out when RoadTrip is for UE.

9 out of 15

New Blog Header.

I did it, I made my new blog header, I'm not 100% happy with it, but it will do till I have a little more time to spend designing one that I love.

Finish Chemistry Part 1. 

I have one more quiz left and then I'm done!

Finish Geometry Part 2.

I'm so happy I'm done with this class, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but I still didn't like it.

Finish English 2 Part 2.

Meh, I don't know what happened here. Actually I do, I hate poetry, I love all the other parts in my English classes, but once I get to the poetry parts I procrastinate. Thankfully I've got past that and now all I have left is to read Ethan Frome and Julius Caesar.

Start Spanish 2 Part 1.

Since I haven't got my final grade back on my Geometry class I can't get a new class opened. I should get this class opened next week.

Try to go take my permit test.

I was going to go but honestly I think I'm just gonna wait till my birthday cause then I won't have to deal with the local board of education. If I wait till my birthday then I don't have to deal with them. Plus, there was a 17-year old who was killed in a freak car accident nearby that kind of freaked me out this month.

Work out twice a week.

No. This did not happen at all and I have no excuse for it.

Get more sleep.

I've actually surprised myself this month, I've been trying to get in bed before 3am and I think I've managed to do that about 10 times this month. It's nothing major, but it's a start!

Find a new neurologist.

I did locate a neurologist that I'm interested in seeing and I'm currently waiting to hear back from them so that I can get an appointment scheduled.

Finish Belmont University application.

DONE! I'm really excited about my application, I'm so nervous, I really want to get in, but I'm not sure if I'm good enough, plus I'm applying really late in the application season so that only makes my anxiety even worse. 

Finish WKU application.

I actually decided not to apply to WKU after all. The truth is the only reason I was going to apply was because it was in-state and because of the tuition. I thought about it and I decided that wasn't a good enough reason for me, I'm not going to waste $45 on an application for a school that I don't want to attend, so I didn't and I'm really happy with my decision.

Use Instagram more.

I actually did use Instagram more this month, I still want to post more and get better at using it, but overall I'm happy with this months results.

Read three books.

This month I was in a book slump, I only read two books.

File the FAFSA.
I'm gonna go ahead and mark this one as done even though technically it isn't. I'm planning on doing this tonight, we're moving and I wanted to wait till I knew our new address before filing just to make things a little bit easier and to save a little time.

Find out when RoadTrip is for UE.

RoadTrip is going to be February 20-22, it's closer than I thought it would be, but I'm ready, now I just gotta get signed up!

Did you accomplish your goals this month?

XoXo,

Lori

Liebster Award

Hello lovelies!

I've been nominated for the Liebster Award by Liv at Liv In Progress! If you've never heard of the Liebster Award, the rules are below.

1. Post 11 facts about yourself.

2. Answer the 11 questions created by the person who nominated you, then create your own set for the people who are going to nominate!

3. Choose 11 people (that have under 200 followers) to nominate and link them to your post .

4. Let the people you nominated know they've been tagged. No tag backs!

Since I've been tagged before, I'm only going to answer Liv's questions and nominate 11 blogs, if you want to know facts about me you can take a look at my 25 Things About Your Blogger from last week.

1. Why did you start blogging?

When I first started blogging it was to prove to myself that I could keep a blog going for more than just a few weeks. Then it turned into something I love and I've been doing it for over two years now and I couldn't imagine not blogging.

2. What's one thing you love about yourself?

My eyes. I have hazel eyes, and they're constantly changing colors, one minute they're green and then a second later they'll be blue, it's really cool and it really freaks people out.

3. Where do you do most of your writing?

In bed or sitting at my desk.

4. What are three of your favorite books?

Trail of Secrets by Eileen Goudge

The Tycoon's Daughter by Caitlyn Duffy

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

5. What is your most popular post so far?

My most popular post is 3 Things You Should Think About Before Dyeing Blonde Hair Brunette  from back in 2013. Looking back on that I was so naive to think I could get my hair back to being completely blonde by the end of 2013. It's 2015 and I'm still trying to get the dark out of the ends of my hair, which you can see in the sidebar picture.

6. Who would play you in the movie of your life?

I'm not really sure, maybe Jennifer Lawerence, I have a lot of freckles/moles and so does she, plus we're both from Kentucky.

7. Do you have any long-term goals for your blog?

My long-term goals include, buying my URL, continuing to grow my followers, and to continue working with and to work with more authors, companies, and small businesses.

8. Where is somewhere you want to travel one day?

England, Canada, Germany, and Australia.

9. What are some of your hobbies besides blogging?

Writing, reading, sleeping, and baking.

10. What are your favorite kinds of posts to write?

I love to write book reviews and beauty posts, I love sharing things I love with other people.

11. What are a few of your favorite songs?

Road Between by Lucy Hale

Believe in Me by Demi Lovato

Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift

Stand by Rascal Flatts

Home by Ingrid Michaelson

I Nominate:
Natalie @ Finding My Voice

Katie @ Hyperactive Daydream

Haley @ Vest Dressed
Eliza & Eliza's Ramblings
Kaye @ Yellow and Grey
Laura @ Plain Insane & Insanely Plain
Victoria @ Memphis Made
Just Another Teen Reading Books
Megan @ Living Between the Lines
Emma @ Emma's Bookery
Ashlee @ Preperella

My Questions:

1. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? 10 years from now?

2. What are you most excited about in 2015?

3. Are you an early bird or night owl?

4. Who is your inspiration?

5. Why do you blog?

6. What are your top 5 favorite songs?

7. Where do you find your inspiration?

8. What blogs do you check daily?

9. What is your favorite quote?

10. What is your favorite animal?

11. What is your holy grail beauty product?

I just wanna say thank you to Liv for nominating me for this award! 

That's it for today, I hope you all enjoyed it!

XoXo,

Lori

I Confess...

Hello lovelies!
I hope your week is off to a great start, today I have for you six confessions! I got the idea for this post last fall, and I just never got around to posting it!

One

I confess that I'm loving this Winter weather and hating it all at the same time! I love the cold, but my hair is full of static and it's driving me crazy!

Two

I confess that I've been slacking off on my diet and it's making me sad and I'm starting to get anxious. So I have a shopping trip planned for Friday and that means buying healthy foods and healthy snacks! Any recommendations? In the meantime I'm focusing on watching what I'm eating and making better choices.

Three

I confess that I've been thinking of ways to motivate myself to lose weight and I think I've found the perfect motivation. I've decided that I want to lose 40 by the end of the summer so that I can get back into horseback riding! 

Four

I confess that I am super sad that Christmas is over, I want to go back in time to December!

Five

I confess that I'm scared I'm not going to get into any of the other colleges I've applied to, I didn't do as well as I was hoping to on the ACT and I don't think I'm going to get in to at least two of the five I've applied to.

Six
I confess that I actually started this blog post last fall and it's been sitting in my draft box and so I had to re-write pretty much the entire thing!

What are some of your confessions? Let me know below! Have a great day!

XoXo,

lori

January Favorites

Hello lovelies!

Today I will be sharing with you my favorites for the month of January! This month I discovered new favorites and old favorites!

Here's this months favorites!

Favorite Song: Home by Ingrid Michaelson

Honestly I'm not a huge fan of Ingrid, I started listening to her music a few months ago and this is one of my favorites. I've never really been able to explain it to people, but this song explains how I feel about Nashville. I've always loved Nashville since I was a little girl and when I think of home and where I want to spend the rest of my life, I always think of Nashville.

TV Show: Gossip Girl

I starting watching Gossip Girl for the first time ever this month and I'm really loving it, I started watching it two weeks ago and I'm already halfway through season 2!

Movie: Safe Haven

This was another first for me this month, I had wanted to watch this for a while and once I found it on Netflix I had to watch it and I loved it!

Fashion:

I have two of these shirts, one in a beautiful purple and one in a tan shade and I love them! I bought them in October and they've been my go to for Fall and Winter, I love them so much I can see myself wearing these into the spring!

Skin Products:

I actually have two skin products that I've been loving this month.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

I love this hand cream I use it every night before I go to bed, I use it on my hands and it also works amazing on chapped lips, words cannot explain how much I love this product.

Simple Kind to Skin Moisturizing Face Wash

My skin has been acting up a little this month, it's mainly my cheeks right below my eyes, that area tends to get red and dry easily, so I've been using this face wash two or three nights a week and it really helps.

Hair Product: OGX Morrocan Argan Oil

I've been using this oil for about two years now, I go in phases with it where I love it and then I can go months without using it at all. Right now I'm REALLY loving it! I've actually been replacing my conditioner and using this instead. On nights when I wash my hair I only shampoo, and when I get out of the shower I run this through my hair, and I cannot believe how much my hair has changed since I started doing this about three weeks ago!

That's it for today, don't forget to check back tomorrow to see a new blog post!

XoXo,

Lori

Weekly Inspiration

"You cannot save people, you can only love them."-Anais Nin

No matter how hard you try you will never be able to save someone, all you can do is show them love, and hope that that love is enough for them to hold on till things get better.

Goal:

 The next time someone you know is struggling show them that you love them and let them know that if they want help you're there and you'll be there for as long as they need.

XoXo,

Lori

Links to Love

Hello lovelies,

Today I wanna give you an update on my doctors appointment that I mentioned in last weeks Links to Love. I was right and I had to get blood work, but strangely what I thought was causing me to feel bad lately was actually better than it was six months ago.

It turns out the reason I'd been feeling so crappy lately is because my Vitamin D levels were low, so now I get to take 1000 units of Vitamin D a day and I'll get re-checked in 3-6 months!

Now that I now whats wrong it all makes sense, I knew it had to be one of three things, and the third thing on that list was Vitamin D, so it wasn't that big of a surprise. It's happened before and in a few weeks I'll be feeling better, till then I just gotta take care of myself!

Anyway, I'll stop rambling now, here's this weeks links to love!

12 Proven Habits of Healthy People

A Guide to Making the Most of Social Media

What No One Tells You About Achieving Your Goals.

Top 18 Ways to Get Your Blog Out There

The Foolproof Way to Learn How to Code

How was your week?

XoXo,

Lori

25 Things About Your Blogger

Hello lovelies,
I hope you're having a great week so far, I decided today that I wanted to share 25 things about me! It's been a while since I've done one of these, and if you're new here you just might learn something new about me!

Let's get started!

1. I'm 5'7".

2. I HATE when people write 'Merica, it's not 'Merica, it's America. 

3. My biggest pet peeve is water bottle sweat.

4. I've never been to a concert.

5. I love Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift

6. My favorite time of year is Winter.

7. I can't wait till Once Upon A Time comes back from it's winter break I'm having withdrawals.

8. I own way to many cardigans!

9. I really need to clean out my closet.

10. I have severe test anxiety.

11. I'm a dog person.

12. I almost drowned once in the Holiday World water park.

13. I will never read all the books on my to-be-read list, there's too many.

14. I will continue adding books to my reading list, even though I may never read them.

15. I'm allergic to everything, except dogs.

16. I can go from listening to classical music to country music to metal in a matter of minutes.

17. My doctor says I drink too much water.

18. I have no filter and it gets me in trouble sometimes.

19. I'm allergic to cats.

20. I love history.

21. I HATE math.

22. I've never had Starbucks coffee!

23. I prefer Google Documents over Microsoft Word.

24. I have six Tumblr blogs.

25. I have two Pinterest accounts.

That's it for today! I hope you enjoyed learning 25 new things about me! What should I know about you? Let me know below!
XoXo,
Lori

Book Review: Marie Ferrarella - Carrying His Secret

Today I will be reviewing 'Carrying His Secret' by Marie Ferrarella, copy received from Netgalley via Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

'Carrying His Secret' is a romantic suspense novel, it is 288 pages long and it took me about four hours to read. It is available at Amazon (Kindle) for $4.74, and at Barnes & Noble (NOOKBook) for $4.99.

Book Stats

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length: 288 Pages

Publisher: Harlequin

Release Date: February 3, 2015





Book Synopsis
When Elizabeth Shelton finds her boss murdered, her life is thrown into turmoil. But nothing shocks her more than learning she's pregnant by the man's son. She kept her attraction to Whit Adair hidden for years before their one-night tryst and now she must keep another secret.

When the killer targets her next, Whit goes from her one-time lover to her full-time bodyguard. Taking her to his ranch for safekeeping, Whit discovers the truth about the baby. He offers his protection, but Elizabeth wants more, his love. For his child and its mother, he'll do anything, even take down a murderer.

What did I think? 4 Stars

Would I recommend it?
Yes, I would recommend this book if you have the time to read the other books in the series, if not, then you should probably pass on it Don't get me wrong, I really did like the book, but I feel like there's something missing, I just didn't enjoy it enough to give it 5 stars.

I think I'll go ahead and give the second book in the series a shot, but I'm not getting my hopes up.Honestly,  I just wanna see what happens in the search for the murderer and the missing heir.

Overall it was a good book, it was something to pass the time when I couldn't sleep. I liked the books plot, but for me to give it a 5 I needed more details and answers.

Thank you Harlequin via Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review!

Will you be buying this book? Let me know below!

XoXo,
Lori

January Playlist

Hello lovelies,
I hope you all had a great weekend! Today I have for you my January Playlist!

Honestly I haven't really been listening to music that much over the past week. At the moment I just feel like everything I'm listening to is old, I want new music, but none of my favorite artists are releasing anything new for a few more months. So, if you have any recommendations I would love to hear them, I'm in desperate need of new music!

Olly Murs ft. Demi Lovato - Up

Taylor Swift - All You Had To Do Was Stay
Lee Brice - That's When You Know It's Over
Kelly Clarkson - Heartbeat Song
Maddie & Tae - Girl In A Country Song
Francesca Battistelli - It's Your Life
Bethany Dillon - Beautiful

Bomshel - Fight Like A Girl
Ingrid Michaelson - Home
Carrie Underwood - Play On

That's it for today, I hope you enjoyed this months playlist and if you have any music recommendations please leave them below, I would love to check them out!

XoXo,

Lori

Weekly Inspiration

"We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are."-Max DePree

In order to be become who we're supposed to be we have to change, change isn't easy, but it's something that you have to accept and be open to in order to move forward in life.

 Accept the change in your life this week!

XoXo,

Lori

Links to Love

Hello lovelies,

This week has been full of ups and downs, school this week was great, I accomplished so much! I'm really excited to see what next next week holds!

Today I will be going to the doctor, it's time for my 6-month check-up and full blood work panel to be done, I really hope everything goes okay. Honestly, I haven't been feeling all that great over the past few weeks, I try not to let on about it here on the blog, but it's the truth. I'll let y'all know how it goes at a later date!

Here are a few fun links to spend your weekend looking over!

16 Rules of Blog Writing and Layout. Which Ones Are You Breaking?

Jadelynn Brooke Signature Logo in Nautical Navy-Tank

Grover the Pug pup dings a bell for snacks.

10 Affordable Makeup Brands You Didn't Know About

How to Manage Time as a Blogger

What are your weekend plans?

XoXo,

Lori

Book Review: Andrea Laurence - Thirty Days to Win His Wife (Brides & Belles #2)

Today I will be reviewing 'Thirty Days to Win His Wife (Brides &Belles #2)' by Andrea Laurence, copy received from Netgalley via Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

'Thirty Days to Win His Wife' is a romance novel, it is 192 pages long and since I was sick it took me about five hours to read. It is available at Amazon (Kindle) for $4.74, and at Barnes & Noble (NOOKBook) for $4.99.

Book Stats

Genre: Romance

Length: 182 pages

Publisher: Harlequin

Release Date: February 3, 2015





Book Synopsis
Even with a baby on the way, Amelia's holding out for the perfect husband. Tyler has thirty days to prove he's the one.

Best friends Tyler Dixon and Amelia Kennedy eloped to Vegas on a whim.But before they can deal with their quickie divorce, she confesses: she's pregnant. Now there's no way Tyler will agree to go their separate ways. He wants them to stay married, raise their child together, share a house and a bed.

Yet Amelia has always dreamed of a perfect marriage and she doesn't think this self-made millionaire is lifetime material despite their friendship. She's given him just one month to prove her wrong.

What did I think? 5 Stars

Like: The epilogue.
Dislike: Nothing.

Would I recommend it?
Yes, I would 100% recommend this book, I loved reading it, and I couldn't put my phone down till I finished reading it!

I really liked the part near the end, we'll call it "the hospital part", I like that author didn't try to make everything all right. What happened is something that happens quite often and it's not something you see in books, so I like that she included that and didn't try to make it out as no big deal.

Overall, I really loved this book, my favorite part was the ending. I'm a huge fan of epilogue's, and the epilogue in this book was a brilliant touch and I'm really glad that the author decided to include it!

Thank you Harlequin via Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review!

Will you be buying this book? Let me know below!

XoXo,
Lori

Winter Essentials

Hello lovelies,

I had been planning on doing this post last month during Blogmas, but it just didn't feel right cause it wasn't that cold. Honestly, I feel like November was colder than December here in Kentucky! 

However, that has definitely changed, the new year brought with it bone chilling winds and freezing temperatures! Last week my moms car wouldn't even run, my uncle had to take her to work because everything had froze up in the car!

Now I love Winter, but even I gotta admit that these temperatures are a little too much. Today I thought that I would share with you a few of my essential items for the winter months!

So here's my must haves for winter!

OGX Extra Strength Moroccan Argan Penetrating Oil $7.99

I've been using this oil for about two years and I can honestly stay that it's one of my top 3 products. Recently I've been blow drying my hair more than usual so my hair has been getting dry, last week I popped this on and now my hair is feeling soft again. I go in phases with this oil, sometimes I use it all the time and sometimes I go months without using it, but I always go back to it and I would highly recommend it!

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream $5.29

This is my favorite lotion in the world! I have eczema on my hands, I deal with it year-round, but it gets worse during the winter. I started using this lotion a few years ago and I love it! It also works great on chapped lips!

My advice is that you shop around for this, the price at Ulta is $5.29, but I can buy it at my local Walmart for $2.98, so just be careful about where you buy it from. Sometimes if I feel like I need something more I'll add some hydro-cortisone cream to it and it keeps my hands from getting worse.

EOS Lip Balm $3.49

I don't notice a huge difference with this lip balm, but I do like it and I usually alternate between this and the Nivea Milk & Honey.

Fingerless Gloves $12.00

I couldn't live without my gloves during the winter, my hands are always cold, so I always have a pair of gloves in my bag or in my coat pocket. I really love fingerless gloves because they protect my hands from the cold wind, but I can still do everyday tasks without having to take them off.

Infinity Scarfs $36.00

I LOVE my infinity scarfs, they're so cozy and warm! This year I've completely fallen in love with scarfs, I used to hate them, but now I love them!

So, there's my Winter Essentials! What are your winter essentials? Do you have any recommendations? If so, leave them below in the comments, I would love to hear from you!

XoXo,

Lori

Pinterest Finds

Hello lovelies,

I know normally I would post this next week, but I decided to switch things around! So from now on this is how my Monday's will be scheduled, I only changed the second & third!

The first Monday of the month is still my monthly goals,
The second Monday of the month will now be my Pinterest Finds,
The third Monday will be my monthly playlist,
The fourth Monday is my Favorites of the month!

Anyway, that's the only changes I've made, and I don't really have much to tell you today, so let's get into this months Pinterest Finds!

1. Modcloth I Love Your Dress in Colbalt
 I'm in love with this color, I haven't decided for sure yet if I'm going to buy it, but I really do love it and couldn't resist sharing it with you!

2. 10 Tips to a Better Closet
This year I really need to get my closet in order, I think next month I'll probably work on that since I'll have to start changing things out as Spring approaches! I know it seems early to be talking about that, but here in Kentucky it goes from Winter to Spring to Summer in a matter of a few days, by March we'll probably be walking around without jackets!

3. No-Bake Vegan Brownies

I found this brownie recipe and I really want to try it! I've been trying to make healthier choices, but I do have a sweet tooth, so I'm trying to find healthier alternatives because I don't believe you have to give up what you love to be healthy, you just have to make healthy choices.

4. New Things I Want Pinterest Board
This isn't a pin, but I thought I would share with you my new Pinterest board! I'm always pinning things I want, but I never can find them, so I decided to make a board that way I can find them when I have the money to make the purchase!

So that's what I've been loving on Pinterest lately? What about you? Are there any new pins or boards you think I should take a look at? Let me know below!

XoXo,

Lori

Weekly Inspiration

"You'll always know more in the future than you know now." - Taylor Swift

I love this quote so much, it's so true, you think you know so much, and then a year later you look back and you realize just how little you really did know. And then you look back and think the same thing every day, every week, and every month of every year you spend on this earth.

Your always going to know more in the future, even if you think there's no more surprises left in life, you will be amazed at what can happen in the blink of an eye!

XoXo,

Lori

Links to Love

Hello lovelies,
This week has been crazy and eye opening! This week was full of ups and downs, for the most part it was a very good week!

Sunday was pretty uneventful, I spent the day catching up on sleep, reading, and doing some Chemistry and English homework!

Monday was the complete opposite, it included a trip to the chiropractor, a Walmart trip, and ripping my pants! It was really embarrassing, I'm just thankful I was getting into the car and had already finished in town for the day, so I was able to go home and change immediately. I'm over it, but it's definitely given me the motivation to get back in the gym and to get back in a routine!

Tuesday, I spent cleaning house and I went to visit a family member I hadn't seen in a few months! I also managed to get some reading and homework in!

Wednesday, I was supposed to go to the doctor, but due to car trouble that didn't happen! Thankfully I was able to re-schedule it for Monday;

Thursday was a pretty good day, I got a lot of homework done and I had got two of my three Algebra finals done, one I made a 90 on and the other I'm waiting to hear back on!

Today I have to finish my Belmont University application and send it in so that should be fun! Other than that all I have left to do is homework and I'm gonna try to come up with some fun new blog posts for next week!

25 Blog Post Ideas For The Uninspired

Watch This Amazing Tattoo Artist Conceal A Burn Victim's Scars

How to Build a Loyal Blog Audience

What Anxiety Actually Is, Since It's Certainly Not 'Just Worrying'

Citation Machine-Citations Made Easy. You'll thank me for this later, I promise!

That's it for today, I hope everyone has a fun and safe weekend!

XoXo,

Lori

Book Review: Andrea Laurence - Snowed In With Her Ex (Brides & Belles #1)

Today I will be reviewing 'Snowed In With Her Ex (Brides & Belles #1) by Andrea Laurence, copy received from Netgalley via Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

'Snowed In With Her Ex' is a romance novel, it is 192 pages long and it took me about three hours to read. It is available at Amazon (Kindle) for $4.74, and at Barnes & Noble (NOOKBook) for $4.99.

Book Stats

Genre: Romance

Length: 192 Pages

Publisher: Harlequin

Release Date: January 6, 2015





Book Synopsis
Trapped in a cabin with the man who makes her want what she shouldn't have.

Wedding photographer Briana Harper never expected to run into her ex at an engagement shoot! And when a blizzard strands them alone in a remote mountain cabin, she knows she's in trouble. She's never forgotten Ian Lawson, but none of the reasons they broke up have changed. He's still a workaholic!

But Ian is also still a man who knows what he wants. And what he wants is Briana. Untangling the lies of his current engagement leaves him free to indulge. Yet proving he's changed may be this music mogul's toughest negotiation yet.

What did I think? 5 Stars

Like: Most of the book.
Dislike: Short ending.

Would I recommend it?
 Yes, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, fun read. This is the first book in the Brides & Belles series, but I actually read the second book first. So since I had already read the second book I knew how the first was going to end.

Some little parts of the book that I loved was their time at the cabin, especially their Monopoly game, and I also loved the part with Ian's housekeeper Winnie! The only thing I didn't like was the ending, I feel like it should have been longer, but other than that I loved the book.

Overall I loved this book and I look forward to finishing this series, hopefully in the right order this time!

Thank you Harlequin via Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review!

Will you be buying this book? Let me know below!

XoXo,
Lori

School Essentials

Hello lovelies,

Since most of you are probably starting back to school this week I thought it would be a good idea to share some of my school essentials with you today! I started back to school on the 2nd because I took an early winter break, so far it's going great, I've already had two tests and I have many more coming up!

If y'all don't mind could you comment below and tell me how my picture below looks. I've tried re-uploading it several times but each time it looks really blurry, I'm hoping it just looks that way in editing and that when I publish it, it clears up. If not I apologize, and please let me know below!

Laptop

Because I'm an online student having a laptop is an absolute necessity, without it I couldn't do anything! Right now I have an HP Pavillion TouchSmart Notebook, but I'm looking to upgrade very soon! Because I'm a blogger and I do my schooling online I need something that's going to last, so I'm planning on ordering a Macbook Pro before I leave for college this fall, maybe even sooner, we'll see! 

Kate Spade New York Tackle Box

I really like the idea of having a school "tackle box". I think it's a great idea to have all of your necessary study items in one place, I actually have one myself that I keep my post-it notes, paper clips, and white out in, and I love it!

Paperchase Gold Large Diary Planner

I really, really want this planner, I have a small planner already for my blog, but I really want a bigger one to keep track of my schoolwork and deadlines.

Studio C Silicone Valley Small Week/Monthly Planner

I like to keep a small planner like this with me for when I take a study break. Usually during my study breaks I'm writing new blog posts and coming up with new ideas, so having a small planner nearby really makes it easier to plan out my blog calender!

Staples 1 Subject Notebooks, College Ruled
These are my favorite notebooks, I love the way the paper feels, it really smooth and strong, I always wait till August during the Back-To-School sales and I buy them in bulk to last me the year!

BIC Xtra Comfort Round Black Ballpoint Pens
I actually don't like pencils, I'm okay with lead pencils, but I hate wooden pencils! Usually when I'm taking my notes I just write in plain back ink.

BIC Atlantis Pink Ribbon Ballpoint Pens

These are my other favorite pens, I like to use these to underline, and write words that I really want to stand out! Also the ink in these last a REALLY long time!

What are your school essentials? Let me know below! Also if you have any recommendations on what type of laptop you think I should get please let me know below!

XoXo,

Lori

January Goals

Hello lovelies,
I hope your first weekend of 2015 was a great success! I spent the weekend doing Chemistry, Geometry, and English homework. I also spent some time scheduling some blog posts for this month!

Last week I shared with you my goals for 2015, and today I'm going to share with you my goals for January! Honestly, I didn't even realize till after I had typed out all of my goals and goal explanations that I had picked 15 goals, I think that's very fitting considering it's the first month of 2015!

Here's my January goals!

New Blog Header

Finish Chemistry Part 1. 

Finish Geometry Part 2.
Finish English 2 Part 2.
Start Spanish 2 Part 1.

Try to go take my permit test.
Work out twice a week.
Get more sleep.
Find a new neurologist.
Finish Belmont University application.
Finish WKU application.

Use Instagram more.
Read three books.

File the FAFSA.
Find out when RoadTrip is for UE.

New Blog Header.

I need a new blog header because last month I made a themed one with a Santa hat. After Christmas I changed it to a plain white with black text header and now I'm thinking it needs something more. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it, but I need something more, I might just make it bigger, I really don't know, we'll see how it goes!

Finish Chemistry Part 1.
I started this on January 2 and so far I'm really loving it, I've already finished one lesson and I'm almost finished with my second lesson, so only five more to go after that!

Finish Geometry Part 2

I should be finished with this in about a week, I don't have much left, but since I took a two week break for the holidays I didn't finish it last month like I'd planned.

Finish English Part 2.
All I have to do in this is write two papers and read one full book and excerpts from two other books. I'll definitely have it done by the end of the month.

Start Spanish 2 Part 1.
I can start this either later this week or early next week, my Spanish classes really aren't that hard, I should definitely be done by the second week of February.

Try to go take my permit test.
I've talked about this before, but basically because I'm not enrolled in school in the county I live in the I haven't been able to get my permit. I'm going to try again and if I can't get it this time then I guess I'll just wait till my 18th birthday in March and then there's nothing they can do about it to stop me.

Work out twice a week.
It might not seem like much, but I'm starting out slow, I don't want to get burnt out and give up. So I'm starting with twice a week and then I'll work my way up!

Get more sleep.
I have the weirdest sleeping schedule and being an online student doesn't help any. I usually stay up till 3am, then sleep till 7am, eat breakfast, then go back to sleep for a few more hours. I'm a nigh-towl and I love staying up late, but I also love to sleep, and I get my best sleep at night when it's dark outside. So this month I'm going to work on getting more sleep and trying to get into bed before 3am.

Find a new neurologist.
I haven't seen a neurologist since 2011 and I really need a checkup. I never was a fan of my old neurologist and sadly he died last year, so I can't see him anymore, to be honest I don't even know how I'm going to get my medical records since he run a private practice and it's now closed. Anyway I think I'm going to look in Nashville and get a doctor down there, Vanderbilt is the best, so we'll see how that goes!

Finish Belmont University application.
Speaking of Nashville, I decided on New Years eve that I was going to go ahead and apply to Belmont. I can't put my application in till Friday when my mom gets paid and has the money for the app fee, but thankfully I was able to get my essay done, and hopefully I'll have an admissions decision by the middle of next month!

Finish WKU application.
This is another one I have to wait till Friday on, but honestly I haven't even started it, thankfully there's no essay or else I would be in big trouble!

Use Instagram more.
Last month I didn't really use Instagram all that much. I want to try to use it more this month because I love discovering new people and because it's pretty much an essential for every blogger.

Read three books.
This should be pretty easy to accomplish, I finished book number one over the weekend, and I have to read Ethan Frome for English class this week, so then I'll only have one more left and my goal for the month will be complete!

File the FAFSA.
Every high school senior and every college students nightmare come January 1st! I'll be doing this one day this week probably tomorrow or Wednesday, it just depends on what day my mom gets off work.

Find out when RoadTrip is for UE.
Road Trip is something that the University of Evansville does every year for high school seniors who have been accepted. We get to spend the weekend in the dorms and experience college life for the weekend!

Whew! That's a lot to do this month, but I can do it! I've made a plan on how I plan to get it all done this month and hopefully I can stick to that plan!

What are your goals for January? Let me know in the comments below!

XoXo,

Lori

Weekly Inspiration

I felt like this is a very fitting quote for starting off the new year, because now is the time to learn from last years failures and to learn from them. It's a new year, don't be embarrassed by last years failures, take what you learned from them and try again!

Goal: Don't beat yourself up over your failures.

XoXo,

Lori

Links to Love

Hello Lovelies,

Welcome to my new series, I'm so happy to finally be starting something new! This week wasn't the greatest and yesterday was the first day in a week that wasn't awful. I mentioned earlier this week I was sick, and so that was a big contributor to this week not being the best.

But I'm finally feeling better, I'm getting my energy back, and I'm ready to start working on some new projects!

I don't want to start rambling so here are some things I'm loving!

3-Minute Eyes (Brows Included)| No Fuss Makeup

How To: Clean Up Your Social Media

International Space Station Celebrates New Year 16 Times

Top 5 Posts About Camera Settings

Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls...So I Will

Happy New Year everyone, I hope your year is off to a great start!

XoXo,

Lori

Happy New Year + Goals for 2015

Hello lovelies, it's crazy to think another year has come to close, but 2014 was a great year for me! I learned a lot, I grew a lot as a person, and overall it was the best year yet!

I believe every year brings a new opportunity to start fresh, this year is the year I learn to take care of myself before others, I'm going to make sure of that! I believe there's always room for change and improvement, and that's what I plan to do, change and improve!

This new year is a chance to 'get it right', I will graduate, I will learn to drive, I will do so many things I've wanted to do for so long, without caring what other people think about me. This is my year, 2015 is going to be my year, and no one's going to get in my way!

I'm letting go of my past, and I'm letting go of the people in my life who can't let go the old me. I'm ready for a new start, and I'm gonna get it, I'm tired of waiting around for someone to save me from myself. I'm going to be my own hero and I'm going to make my dreams come true, this is me, this is who I'm supposed to be!

Today I decided I would share with you my goals for 2015! Usually I make a very vague list and I never accomplish any of it, so this year I decided to make clear goals! I've organized my goals into categories, and I've decided that I'm going to do a few updates on my goals throughout the year, my first update will probably be in March or April!

Here's my goals for 2015!!!!

Blog Related

- Reach 150 blog followers.

-Write five guest posts.

-Buy a new camera and learn how to use it.

- Network, network, network.

-Clean up everything, blog content, blog design, social media profiles, EVERYTHING!

School Related

-Graduate high school.

-Decide where I'm going to college.

-Sign up for at least one class in graphic design or website development.

-Find a tutor for math.

-Stop being so antisocial and make friends!

Health Related

-Lose 60 pounds or more.

-Be in a size 10 by the end of the year (Currently 18)

-Find a doctor willing to do allergy shots.

-Get fitted for a bra for the first time ever.

-Find and see a new neurologist.

Okay, so you've seen my new years resolutions, here's a few more things I want to do this year!

Things I Want to Do:

-Open a savings account.

-Buy a new laptop

-Find a pair of glasses and start wearing them.

-Read 60 books.

-Get a job.

-Get my license.

-Look into buying a car.

-Go to Atlanta for my graduation!

-Nashville (Taylor Swift concert & maybe move there for college).

-Get my hair back to being completely blonde.

-Clean out my closet
-Put more of an effort into finding a church.
-Try Pilates.
-Buy my blog URL.
-Sign up for Google AdSense.

My #1 goal for the year is:

To get my shit together. I'll be 18 on March 13, it's time to get my shit together!

If last year was a terrible year for you, then I hope you're able to leave it in the past where it belongs, it's a new year, you can do anything, you just gotta go out there and do it!

XoXo,

Lori